The Coming From the Shadows Series
Coming From the Shadows: Lydia
The Shadows of Lombardy
Back Story
Since Ancient times; the Imperium has operated, it operated within the shadows of Empire’s, working as the unifying body of competing Cultist groups – acting to maintain peace between different Cultist groups in their objectives and prevent the clashing of plans – it worked well, and allowed for the Imperium’s influence to spread, its grip insidious as Cultists operated in the shadows, though, some would interfere more and more with the political growth of nations; Small Kingdoms to large Empires; from Villages to entire regions; it didn’t matter, were influence could be secured, it would be – though, the Imperium’s reach became global by 1819 with its approach to the British aristocracy – it’s offer of power being too strong to be refused – the Empire upon which the Sun never set became the perfect springboard, New Cultists Groups began to form across the Globe, the Imperium’s reach had never been stronger – and, with new power came new rivalries, the old systems had to change with the times, the Imperium adapted quickly to prevent being torn apart.
With growing power and influence; Kings and Queens would find themselves enthralled and supportive of the main goal of the Imperium – the discovery of Ancient Temple’s and Artefacts, for the Imperium, it was about finding a Prison – a Prison that had been sealed to ensure their Dark Celestial Master wouldn’t be free to cause chaos amongst Humanity – for those they influenced, Kings and Queens, Emperors and Empresses; Anyone of Political Power who’s interest aligned with the Imperium they saw the Imperium’s interest as a possible means to further their own power – they gladly supported, though only those in the know would be aware of the true intention of their objectives – for those that served in the absence of understand and knowledge, they were led to believe they were simply doing their duty for their country.
Amongst the Imperium; Powerful families rose, using their influence and wealth particularly within the 19th Century was the Smythe and Cain Family in Britain and the Mason Family in America – The Smythe Family themselves using their wealth and extreme ruthlessness rose the Cult of the Minotaur to a position of unchallenged power within the Imperium, controlling even smaller Cultist groups for their own agenda – Georger Smythe, used his Political ambitions within the British Empire to secure support not just in Parliament, but within the Criminal Underworld and the British Military – he was left unchallenged until a fateful decision that enraged one of his Son’s; William Smythe – George’s advocation to murder his own Daughter as a Human Sacrifice – William reacted with rebellion, destroyed the Manor by burning it down, it allowed for both William and Lydia to escape in 1905 – the consequences; George felt his once unbreakable position crack – the Cult of the Minotaur fell with his influence, it allowed the elected leader; Victor to claw his way back to power, created a clash of Cultist infighting – it almost destroyed the Smythe Families Business Empire – but even here, George manages to regain some control, becoming more ruthless in how he dealt with trouble – sending his daughter; Elizabeth across the globe to build a new Sect in Japan to rebuild his influence while he focused on reorganising and rebuilding his Business Empire.
Lydia reunited with her mother in London before fleeing to Calais then eventually to Cordoba alongside their protector; the Monk and Cathryn’s old allies.
It wouldn’t be until 1908 Elizabeth would encounter Lydia again were she would attempt to kill her in revenge; and if not for the intervention of a British soldier; Thomas, she may would have succeed – a second encounter in Greece that same year though would lead Elizabeth to discovering her father lied and easily cast Elizabeth aside, allowing Elizabeth to finally flee with her younger twin and reunite with her mother.
Despite tension between the siblings; Cathryn would give them tass forcing them to work together, slowly, it overcame the tension as they began to trust each other; a crucial thing as Lydia’s protective instinct led her to protect Elizabeth in Australia against a vengeful-Japanese woman – Elizabeth though saw glimpses of just what happened to her sister over the years; remembering her once timid state now turned into a dangerous killer, but directly beneath that surface was someone in constant pain.
Force to flee from Australia to Siam – Lydia learned of her fathers intention to force her into marriage after her capture by Cultist Albert Cain – her intended husband, after a struggle and reuniting with a British soldier she had developed feelings for; Thomas, saved her, Albert accepted the outcome of a fight between himself and Thomas, after his defeat, honouring his agreement with Thomas as he left, but hinted at a continued determination to one day force Lydia to submit.
Now; the group have begun their journey back to Europe as the shadow of the Imperium looms large over the continent with a dangerous Internal War brewing, allowing for Cathryn and Allied Anti-Cultists to begin organising a fight back while the Imperium is at a vulnerable position.
Introduction
18th of January, 1909 A.D.
Lombardy, Italy
The cold winds of January howled through the skeletal remains of the grapevines; their twisted branches scraping against the pattering snow like desperate clawing hands against the earth – it had once been a lush verdant and proud expanse of Italian heritage, now though; it was a scorched wasteland, a merciless testament to hatred.
Three figures move deliberately past a weather sign; jagged cracks spidering through faded letters that spelt out ‘Fiorito’ – their silhouettes stark against the fading twilight, casting uneasy shadows on the cracked earth and splintered trunks.
Chapter 1:
19th of January, 1909 A.D.
Genoa, Italy
The tangy taste of salt mingled with the Mediterranean’s wintery sting as an old, battered and worn Steamship arrived into the harbour of the Genoese Port; a buzz of commerce, laughter and the siren call of foreign languages – beneath this though lay an undercurrent of tension that was so thick it clung to the skin like a second layer.
Cathryn followed the passengers disembarking; her long greying-raven dark hair was tied back behind her head; her silvery-grey eyes flickered around at the bustling crowd, calculating, cautious – beside her was her daughter; Elizabeth, the oldest of her twin daughters – Elizabeth’s long Blonde hair and icy-blue eyes, and her similarities to her father George made her a miniature-female version of her father – while Lydia, the Younger twin – her long dark-raven hair and silvery grey eyes made her a miniature-version of their mother.
Lydia, as she followed behind them shifted her gaze, she maintained her usual stoic posture; her bag bouncing against her side gently as the strap crossed over to her opposite shoulder, tied to the bag was her Jian-Sword, its movement limited.
While Lydia’s attention drifted around at the crowds; she was also paying attention to the girl beside her; while not related – Norina, an Italian girl adopted into their family was her physical double – both of them having a similar angelic-beauty, their features being eerily similar, Norina’s long raven-dark hair and her silvery-grey eyes often led people to mistaking Norina as Lydia’s actual twin, and those that encounter Norina alone not knowing who she was would usually mistake her for Lydia.
Being back in her homeland though, for Norina was a painful experience, her memories of events that unfolded three years prior beginning to resurface – Lydia could see Norina’s hands tremble, her brow-knitted.
Norina’s breath was shallow and frequent, a ripple of silent panic barely concealed.
Cathryn also observed, she watched the exchange between Lydia and Norina carefully as Lydia provided what comfort she could in Norina’s moment of need; she crossed her arms as she studied the girls carefully.
Elizabeth though broke the silence, her voice a low murmur laced with careful diplomacy “Mother…, Norina…, is she, part of our family now?, or simply someone clinging to the edges?”
Cathryn’s expression softened as she shifted her eyes, Elziabeth coming under her gaze “She’s ours now; we are her family now Elizabeth”
Elizabeth inclined her head thoughtfully for a moment “What happened; how did she come to travel with you?”
Cathryn’s eyes darkened for a moment as she turned her gaze back to Norina, watching her carefully “Three years ago; Cultists struck her families vineyard in Lombardy; they murdered her entire family, if not for your sister…” she paused as she returned her eyes back to Lydia “Norina would be dead; Lydia rescued her and brought her out from that burning building; we took her with us that day so she would not be left alone”
Elizabeth absorbed the information like a bitter medicine; then for a moment a silence stretched between them; the four though continued to walk, they had not yet decided on a destination aside from their end one; their return to Britain, but, they were uncertain if they intended to travel immediately or to make stops along the way to provide support to some of their allies.
Norina’s voice eventually penetrated the quiet; though her English was limited as she spoke “We go back?” it drew Cathryn’s attention as she looked towards her, the group came to a stop; Norina shifted her attention to Lydia a moment and made a gesture before returning to her native Italian language ~”I would like to return back home; to see if I can salvage something”~
Lydia nodded slowly; she turned her attention to their mother, it was clear Cathryn understood – Elizabeth raised her eyebrow though a little confused.
As Cathryn thought for a moment she slowly nodded “Yes; we can go back”
Lombard Region, Italy
The Cultist Bureau
A few miles away from the ruined vineyard of the Fiorito family a grim building stood out of place.
The nerve-centre of the Italian Cultists; Cult of the Wolf – that were operating within the Lombard region; the building itself stood with peeling paint and barred windows.
It’s large oak doors creaked open revealing within a dimly lit chamber cluttered with maps, symbols and gas-lit lamps.
The Italian Cultists, harsh-featured and fervent greeted three Americans; Morgan Mason, the eldest son of Benjamin and Isabelle, he was tall and austere with piercing green eyes; with his was his younger brother by 2 years; Jakob; lean and restless with brown hair brushing his shoulders – then there was Erin; the youngest of the three.
Erin, with her long black hair which framed a face unnervingly perfect with cold green eyes that seemed far too calm, too knowing – Erin, she was a product of the Imperium’s education, when she entered the atmosphere grew taut; she offered a chilling smile, it had become something of a signature for her; deceptively beautiful but yet, terrifying, it was the kind that stayed long after the moment had passed.
The conversation though turned quickly to strategy.
The Imperium’s leader; Victor had sent word via telegram, the orders were clear – increase influence across Lombardy and secure access to a recently discovered temple that was near Verona “Erin…” Morgan said evenly; his eyes canning the maps “I want you to handle the politicians, to use whatever means necessary” this came as a confusion for some of the Italian Cultists
Erin though, she inclined her head; her eyes intense a her lips curved “It will be done; they will fall in line”
Morgan slowly nodded, then looked to Jakob a moment before returning his gaze to the maps “Jakob and I shall deal with the temple; we’ll find a way to access it, hopefully, it is not one of those strange ones…, I don’t want to get trapped inside with no means of escape”
Jakob chuckled “We’ll deal with it”
Chapter 2:
24th of January, 1909 A.D.
Lombardy, Italy
The Fiorito Vineyard
Snowfall scattered across the land like ash as the quartet neared the shattered boundary of the Fiorito Vineyard – Here, Norina halted, her breath hitching as the remnants of her home came into view, her hands clenched involuntarily, Lydia moved, she stepped forwards before anyone ese did wrapping a slender arm around Norina in a quiet, steady embrace, speaking quietly in Italian ~”You’re not alone”~ she whispered; her voice as steady as the cold wintery air, it stood against the growing storm behind Norina’s eyes
Elizabeth observed the ruins, slowly beginning to move closer to inspect – a cold analysis within her icy-blue eyes “This is the price of opposing the Imperium” her voice was steady but soft “No mercy, no hesitation” she slowly shook her head
“Cathryn’s face tightened, rooted in the bitterness of truth “We fight them because we have too”
It took a moment longer; but, they ventured forwards to begin exploring the surroundings; Norina, she decided to go within the ruin of what was once her home.
Inside the man house – the air was thick with decay, cinders beneath soot and crumbled plaster, an eerie silence on al sides; Norina’s footsteps echoed as she passed though the familiar, yet alien hallways – memories flickered with every step.
Laughter in the kitchen – the scent of ripe grapes, hands intertwined in the garden before the flames.
Reaching one of the backrooms; now a charred husk of broken furniture and shattered dreams, a voice flowed from the shadows “Hmm…, You are as beautiful as Lydia”
Norina span around; her heart hammering against her chest.
There, leaning against the scorched doorway was Erin – her smile sliced through the gloom like a slicing blade, her black hair gleaming even in the muted light, eyes glittering with dark amusement “Just as cute” Erin added, shifting her posture before stepping forwards with the same unnerving calm, she was soon invading Norina’s personal space as the girl tried to retreat backwards; Erin’s steps matching Norina’s until Norina backed up against a wall with no were else to move too – Erin simply moved closer “You and Lydia…, hmm…, twins of fate”
Norina stood frozen; her back pressed against the wall as she stared at Erin.
Erin, she locked eyes with Noria as she stared at her, almost as if staring directly into Norina’s soul; she couldn’t help but lick at her own lips as she maintained her terrifying smile “You need not be afraid; I won’t bite”
The silent room thickened with a sense of dread; Erin laned in closer “Unless you want me too that is” her voice became a whisper, Norina felt her breath against her ear.
Having no clue who the stranger is; Norina was unsure what to do, frozen in place as she stared at Erin – with a hesitant voice, she finally managed to speak “W-What…, What do you want?”
“Mm…” Erin purred her smile seemed to widen “What do I want?” Erin tilted her head a little, her gaze remained intense “I’m simply admiring the scenery; and now, you my dear; you may not be a complex puzzle, but you are so cute, especially right now”
She continued to maintain her physical closeness; her grin unfaltering – Norina was clearly terrified, frozen in place against the wall, she didn’t dare to move; then, there was a blur of blonde that seemed to slam into Erin; Elizabeth.
Elzabeth upon spotting Norina in danger rushed to her defence; she yanked Erin away from Norina with surprising force, spinning her around before slamming ger up against the opposite wall causing it to shake due to its fragile state; then, the light glinted as it reflected from the blade of a knife Elizabeth pressed against Erin’s throat “Stay away from her!” Elizabet stated firmly; her voice icy “Tell me who the hell you are and what you’re doing here!” she demanded as she pressed the blade against Erin’s delicate skin
Erin’s expression though didn’t change; there was no fear, no surprise; only a strange almost perverse amusement “Ooh…, a Blonde with a temper” she murmured, her eyes locking with Elizabeth’s “I like it rough” she whispered; it was enough to surprise Elizabeth though; with a sudden movement, Erin’s hand moved up, her finger and thumb pressing into the pressure point in her elbow – it sent a jolt of pain shooting up Elizabeth’s arm and forcing her hand to spasm; the knife clattered to the ground
Elizabeth felt he knee’s shake as she felt a surge of pain in her arm, quickly moving her left hand in an attempt to get Erin to let go; as Erin simply moved forwards, it force Elizabeth to step backwards, her eyes no longer as playful, adopting a more predatory glint “Though, I am not really sure about blondes” she told Elizabeth; her voice was laced with a theatrical sigh “Too predictable”
Chapter 3
The Road to Verona
Morgan and Jakob had begun their journey from the Bureau alongside several Italian Cultists, venturing in the direction of Verona, it would be a long trip; but, they had plenty of time to organise, as far as they were aware, they had no competition in Italy; the Brothers and Sisters of Liberty from America represented by Morgan, Jakob and Erin and the Cult of the Wolf local to Italy were the only ones acting on the Imperium’s orders.
The air was cold, biting at exposed skin “Do you think it will be like the temple we were warned about in Bulgaria?” Jakob questioned
Morgan thought for a moment; he remembered the encounter in 1905; on the mountain with the Anti-Cultists; Khariton, he had warned them regarding the lies from the Cult of Rila, how they had lied about their discovery, that if they had ventured into that cave to try entering the temple, they would never escape it “I hope not” Morgan finally answered “I do wish that we was taught more about these ancient structures; but it is clear even our great leaders in the Imperium don’t truly understand what kind of power we are actually dealing with”
Jakob listened carefully, shifting his eyes forwards; then an Italian spoke, while his speech was slow, clearly choosing his words carefully, he managed to still speak clearly “The, Temples are not…, strange…” he said, the Italian looked to Morgan and Jakob carefully – this was Adamo “The Temples are…, or were once protected by beings called ‘The Guardians’ they were not like us…, not human, or at least not of our world anyway”
“What?” Jakob raised his eyebrow, though he clearly didn’t believe what they’d just been told “Not human?” he scoffed, amusement now lacing his voice
“Wouldn’t be to far fetched Jakob; the Imperium’s main goal is the discovery of an ancient prison meant to apparently hold some kind of ancient celestial creature that we worship” Morgan shifted his cate to his brother
Lombardy, Italy
The Fiorito Vineyard
Back at the vineyard; Erin watched the pain fill Elizabeth’s face, but her eyes snapped away when she heard a movement, her eyes landing on Lydia just as she enters the doorway, losing interest in Elizabeth, she pushed her out of her way, moving immediately towards Lydia causing Lydia to take a step back before stopping; Erin once again had invaded someone’s personal space “Lydia” Erin breathed, her voice a husky whisper “You have changed…, much more than last time…, you are so much different”
Lydia’s eyebrow raised a moment; she remembered Erin, there was no mistaking her – their last encounter had been in the alleyway in Córdoba all the way back in December 1905; yet, it would seem, Erin had not once forgotten her “How can you tell?” Lydia questioned, her voice like polished steel “We’ve only met twice, and both encoutners were brief”
Erin’s smile curved her lips; Lydia remembered that terrifying and predatory smile – it chilled Norina as she observed “I have a good memory; how do you think I knew who you was after encountering you the first time in Calais” she leaned closer, so close Norina though she was attempting to kiss Lydia “I remember everything Lydia; every word and every gesture you made”
Lydia didn’t flinch; her face was unreadable; just as Erin remembered – Erin maintained her smile, the tension in the air was thick enough that it could be cut with a knife; then, Erin pulled away, gesturing over towards Norina “And she is so cute” she stated, she seemed entirely unthreatening all of a sudden, how Erin could suddenly shift her entire demeanour and tone was jarring, Lydia knew that this was how this strange girl kept managing to unnerve anyone she came across “Just like you; but unlike you, she is no daughter of the shadows”
Erin twisted as she moved away from Lydia her hands moving behind her back as her eyes landed on Elizabeth and she grinned “Who the hell is this?” Elizabeth snapped, questioning Lydia; Lydia simply shrugged
“I don’t know; she knows me, I haven’t even got her name yet” Lydia comments; Erin twisted around her grin once again widened
“I am Erin Mason” she said happily
“Mason?” Elizabeth observed Erin carefully “Your lot are just as brainwashed as everyone else in the Imperium”
Erin twisted around yet again, now looking towards Elizabeth; a chuckle escaped her lips “Says the girl who travelled from Britain to Japan to expand her father’s Cult of the Minotaur; then travelled to Mexico were she caused the deaths of several innocent men and women through sheer ignorance alone” Elizabeth’s expression changed immediately, her anger displaying “Temper-Temper Little girl” Erin added with a mocking tone to her voice
“What are you doing here Erin?” Lydia questioned; Erin’s attention once again being brought back to Lydia
“I saw you and decided to observe what you was doing; I am meant to be forcing the local politicians into submission; but your far more interesting….” Erin answered with a chuckle “I prefer following my own interest, my brothers on the other hand follow blindly to a temple once more; it is boring”
“Not sure what is worse; That you are some kind of twisted monstrosity or the fact you actually don’t demonstrate any real loyalties” Elizabeth states, she wasn’t letting her eyes drift away from Erin
“Aww…, you hurt my feelings” Erin joked; she then shifted her attention towards Norina “If I am a monster; wouldn’t I have harmed her?” her eyes drifted back to Elizabeth “The only person in this room that I have even come close to hurting, is you; and that was self-defence” she grinned
Norina thought for a moment, despite how intimidating it felt; she actually hadn’t done anything to even harm her, if anything, Erin seemed more flirty than aggressive the more she thought about it
Lydia simply observed quietly; her eyes only shifting to the doorway when Cathryn makes her appearance, Cathryn looked at Erin with a rather confused expression; Erin, her eyes now locking onto Cathryn simply waved innocently at her – to Cathryn, the entire scene before her was baffling, she was expecting a possible fight due to previously hearing the thud when Erin had been pushed against the wall by Elizabeth – but in front of her, they all seemed to just be speaking.
The Indian Ocean
Thousands of miles away the steel leviathan cut through the ocean; the Dreadnought had become Wiliam’s key to rebellion since his acquisition through hies allies – typically, the Dreadnought was a symbol of Imperial power and represented the prestige of modern Empires; William, through his connections had acquired the Dreadnought to wage war against the Imperium.
Since the events in Siam and Burma; Smythe had returned back to the ship; rejoining with its crew and acting as a thorn in the side of the Imperium’s various Cultist activities across the area – he and those who crewed the ship organised themselves on what they intended to do next, William simply commented on the intention to travel to Greece, that he had plans set in motion that will finally ring his father down and potentially end the Cult of the Minotaur, all that would be needed then was to strike the right target to begin fracturing the Imperium itself.
Written By: Westley H.
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