The Coming From the Shadows Series
The Growth of the Old Oak
Chapter 1: The Seeds of the Imperium
1887; Wyoming Territory
The flickering gas lamp cast dancing shadows within the private study; Benjamin Mason, was sat behind the expensive mahogany desk, the light illuminated the harsh lines of his face – he was a formidable man, built like an ox, he had a close-cropped mane of dark hair, and eyes that held a piercing glint of polished jade.
He was a man born into privilege; despite that, he never raised himself above anyone – he would work just as any other hard-working man – the only difference was his loyalties, he devoted much of his wealth into the influence of the Imperium; a shadowy organisation who’s tendrils stretched the known world.
The Imperium had been established first in Europe centuries earlier; long before his homeland had ever been discovered by Europeans.
Before him was numerous documents; they spoke of delays and various frustrations; local sheriffs growing too curious about the shipments at the nearest railhead to his Wyoming Estate – of whispers amongst townsfolk regarding strange and secret rituals and late night gatherings – these stories were always the same, spread by those that did not understand – it mattered little, the Imperium’s grand design would bare fruition regardless of what people wanted, all it was, was a matter of time.
A soft knock on the door drew Benjamin’s attention – opening the door was Mrs. Carrol, a housekeeper under his employ, a face etched with a mixture of concern and excitement “Mr. Mason” she said, her voice just barely above a whisper “Mrs. Mason has given birth; a Boy sir, a healthy baby boy”
A flicker of tenderness softened Benjamin’s usual hardened features; he decided to place the troublesome documents aside for now; he moved with a surprising grace of a man his size, footsteps muted against the thick Persian rug “Thank You Mrs. Carrol” he said “I shall go and see my wife” his voice was a low rumble as he made his way past her
He would find Isabelle within the birthing room; pale as a ghost and seemingly drained; her long black hair matted against the white linen pillow; it accentuated the unnatural pallor of her skin, she looked almost ethereal, a creature of the night conjured into the daylight, beside her was a swaddled blanket – their newborn son “Morgan” Isabelle murmured; her voice weak, but filled with an unnerving sense of triumph “Our little Morgan”
Benjamin approached the cradle cautiously – peering down at the infant; Morgan’s eyes where open and examining his surroundings with curiosity, when they landed onto his father, Benjamin couldn’t help but smile at the infant.
Chapter 2:
1899: Wyoming
The crack of the rifle echoed across the valley, momentarily silencing the chirping of crickets and the rustling of the wind through the tall prairie grass.
Morgan; a young replica of his father, with the same imposing build and piercing eyes; lowered the smoking barrel of the Winchester, he had been practising with this new rifle for a week now, and was already landing shots with scary precision.
His younger siblings; Jakob and Erin watched from a safe distance – Jakob, a rather scrawny boy with fair-hair and a more gentle nature than his brother, he was staring at the rifle in Morgan’s hand with admiration that bordered fear.
Erin who was barely nine years old stood with an almost unnerving stillness; her black hair hanging like a silken curtain around her deceptively angelic face.
“Another fine shot Morgan” Jakob said, his voice laced with awe
“It is a fine rifle” Morgan replied; his tone was flat, he broke the rifle open, ejecting the spent casing
Erin however; she was not remotely interested in the rifle, her gaze was fixed on the growing cluster of buildings in the distance; a collection of cabins and workshops that seem to sprout from the earth like grotesque fungi “Why are there so many people living here now Morgan” she asked; her voice was soft, but carried on the breeze “So many new faces”
Morgan shrugged; his attention already drifting back to his weapon “Its father’s business”
Before much more could be said; Benjamin’s voice boomed from behind them “It is the will of the Imperium” he approached, his shadow falling across the dusty ground “We are consolidating our forces here, recent incidents have threatened our exposure to the wider American public; we must be vigilant”
His gaze hardened “The Cultists from the Minotaur have been interfering with our activities, those Europeans seek to establish their own control in our country” his eyes flickered to Erin, a hint of something unreadable in their depths “Remember children; an enemy is closer to you than a possible ally; the Imperium’s unity is fragile while the Cult of the Minotaur controls the reins of power”
As time began to pass by; what started as a Ranch house at the centre of a privately owned land became the heart of a burgeoning community; new buildings were erected with alarming speed – two flags rippled within the wind above the main house; the Stars and Stripes, but also beside it; a banner, crimson in colour bearing the symbol of the Imperium.
Chapter 3:
1905; New York City
The train hissed and screeched into the Grand Central terminal; disgorging a flood of passengers into the bustling heart of New York City – For Morgan, Jakob and Erin, it was their first time away from their isolated sanctuary of their family estate.
The sheer volume of people, the cacophony of sounds and towering skyscrapers were overwhelming “It’s…, magnificent” Jakob breathed, his eyes were wide with wonder as he gazed at the ornate façade of the Waldorf-Astoria; it was were their mother was waiting for them
Erin remained silent; her expression was unreadable as she absorbed the sights and sound of the city; despite her youth, she possessed an unnerving ability to observe without reacting, to absorb information like a sponge.
Morgan, ever the pragmatist simply led the way forwards; through the throngs of people, his hand was resting protectively against revolver holstered beneath his long coat – he trusted no one within this sprawling metropolis.
Waiting within one of the lavish suites of the Waldorf-Astoria was Isabelle – the room was opulent, filled with expensive furniture and adorned with intricate tapestries, but Isabelle herself seemed out of place amongst the luxury, her pale complexion and dark eyes gave her an air of a spectre haunting a grand ballroom.
She was deep in conversation with a taller, physically intimidating man; who’s looks would often draw attention from many women, his eyes, held a deceptive alluring pull yet at the same time were predatory; he wore a finely tailored suit, and he emanated an air of power.
As the siblings entered; the man turned, his lips curved into a smile “Ah; the Mason children” as he spoke, his accent was distinctively British; a hint of a Scottish brogue “I am Victor; It is a pleasure to finally meet you”
He didn’t maintain his focus on them for long though; instead returning his attention to Isabelle “The Smythe Manor; word has reached me that the blaze was devastating, Smythe though has survived; two of his children have escaped him, only one remains loyal to him and his Cult of the Minotaur” he tells her; a hint of irritation was present in how he spoke “He is only weakened for now; but, that allows me to one again assume the role I was elected; I can finally take power that was mine and begin running the Imperium like it was meant to be, we can finally function without George blocking me with threats”
Isabelle nodded slowly; her expression serene “So George is no longer a threat to the Imperium”
Victor chuckled; a dry, rasping sound “Not a direct one; but, I have no doubts he is already plotting to regain what has just been taken from him; the damage is enough for the time being; his Son William has vanished, but the youngest daughter; Lydia, she has fled Britain with her mother, I intend to send word to our French and Spanish allies to begin hunting her down”
He then waved his hand “But enough of all that; I have received information regarding an artefact; somewhere within Southern Europe; I want it recovered”
Turning; Victor departed – he left leaving a scent of expensive cologne and an unspoken menace; Isabelle turned to her children “Victor has a request for you three” her voice while soft, was firm “He requires your help in tracking down what he just spoke of” she eyed her three children carefully “A valuable artefact; I have spoken of how skilled you three are, and I am positive that you can acquire this artefact without issue”
Morgan nodded without hesitation “We are at your service Mother; and the Imperium”
Jakob, though visibly nervous echoed his brother sentiment “Of course Mother; we shall do whatever is necessary”
Erin’s eyes gleam with an unnatural light as she simply smiled; her smile was both beautiful and yet equally terrifying, a glimpse into the darkness that lay hidden beneath her angelic façade.
Written By: Westley H.
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