The Coming from the Shadows Series
Coming From the Shadows: Lydia
Previous Instalments:
- The Shadows of Lombardy – Shadows of Lombardy: Cults and Power Dynamics
- In the Shadows of Lombardy – Shadows of Lombardy: Mysteries and Cult Dynamics
The Minotaur Strikes: Desperation in Lombardy
Back Story:
From Australia to Siam; Cathryn and her Anti-Cultist group were forced into a retreat after their failure against the Cult of the Minotaur in Australia, fleeing to escape to Siam; there intention to travel further north towards Yangon in Burma.
The Imperium; the Parent organisation of various Cultist movements since ancient times – became aware of Cathryn’s movements towards Burma, word was quickly spread for the Cultists within Siam a mix of Local Siamese Cultists and Cultists from the British-Led Cult of the Minotaur organised an ambush to break up the group; splitting them apart – Cathryn and her eldest Twin Daughter would be captured first, then Damir; a Serbian Ex-Soldier who had reunited with their Ally; Xian and his Siamese aid – Cultists; Bartholomew and Jack organised the efforts, but the arrival of Albert Cain on behalf of George Smythe complicated things – with George Smythe’s determination to recapture his estranged Wife, his twin daughters; Elizabeth and Lydia, he had made plans – To Break Cathryn back into Domestic Slavery, to reinforce Elizabeth’s broken loyalties and to force Lydia, the youngest twin into a marriage with Albert Cain – Had Lydia and Noria’s actions in freeing the group not succeed, then this plan would have been successful – however, Cathryn, Elizabeth, Damir, Xian and his Siamese Ally escaped with Norina’s helped while Lydia herself was captured – Though a Rival Cultist group seeking to undermine George’s Cult of the Minotaur launched an ambush in Burma at the same time as William’s planned action against the Imperium’s Coastal Burmese Facilities creating chaos as British Forces later seized the Imperium coastal facility – in the hills during the ambush, Lydia would fall to a river, nearly drowning until saved by a British soldier; Thomas Davidson, a man she had developed feelings for – Thomas, upon encounter Albert who demanded Lydia’s return accepted a proposal to fight for her, Albert suffering a defeat honoured his defeat.
Parting ways with Thomas; Cathryn’s group eventually split apart to follow their own paths; Cathryn, her twin daughters; Elizabeth and Lydia along with the adopted Norina, travelled back to Europe – accepting a request by Norina to return to her families destroyed Vineyard in Lombardy they would encounter an American Cultist; Erin – her Sultry flirting and intimidation created a terrifying experience for Norina, while Elizabeth herself succumbed to Erin’s self-defence – though Erin’s fascination and obsession for Lydia from a previous encounter with her in 1905 led Erin to completely ignore Elizabeth to turn her focus to Lydia, and, due to her similarities – Norina also became a source of Erin’s focus.
Offering a chance to learn about them and for the group to learn about Erin; Cathryn would invite her to join them – Erin maintained that same flirtatious behaviour mixing it with her predatory approach and moments of genuine softness – while in Venice, Albert Cain on his way to return to Britain discovered Lydia’s presence in Italy, his focus now switched, he demanded transport to Lombardy and the aid of the Cultists to capture her.
Introduction
24th of January, 1909 AD – Late Evening
Lombardy, Italy
The Fiorito Vineyard
Despite being a product of her Cultist upbringing; Erin revealed her disinterest to follow the Imperium’s goals, citing her inclination to do her own thing in preference to what she may have been ordered to do.
As made clear by her discovery of Lydia; she immediately changed her goal from the objective she was told to complete, to instead follow Cathryn’s group – her obsession pushing her to follow Lydia instead, due to Norina’s twin-like similarities with Lydia, Norina drew Erin’s attention as well – While not much was given during their interactions, most was probing from both sides despite Elizabeth’s hostility to Erin, though Erin constantly undermined Elizabeth’s aggression with calm sultry responses, turning everything Elizabeth said into something more intimate and sexual which frustrated Elizabeth more.
Erin would reveal how much she knew though of Lydia; revealing her knowledge of Lydia’s escape from her father in 1905, the 5-Year separation between the twins and Cathryn in 1900 – this information being known to Erin managed to shock Cathryn.
Erin did decide to also reveal little pieces of her on past believing it only fair for them to also know of her due to how much she knows of them, revealing how she is able to learn; likened to being a sponge that soaks up information.
As the evening slowly progresses; Erin continued to observe Lydia and Norina closely.
Chapter 1
25th of January, 1909 – 00:12 A.M.
Lombardy, Italy
Fiorito Vineyard
The skeletal remains of the Fiorito Vineyard clawed towards the twilight sky; winter’s icy grip left gnarled wuthered vines that looked like blackened fingers reaching out across a ravaged landscape; Cathryn, a woman who had spent her life fighting against the Imperium had visible lines etched along her face – her long greying-raven dark hair was tied back, and her silvery-grey eyes surveyed their makeshift camp – the air itself hung heavy with damp as the chill bite at exposed skin, the subtle crackling of the fire as it danced created dancing shadows across the ground as it struggled to fend off the encroaching cold.
Around the fire was her younger twin daughter; Lydia – Lydia was a miniature-version of her mother, she had long-raven dark hair that she had tied into a limp ponytail behind her head, and her silvery-grey eyes stared into the flickering flames of the camp fire.
Beside Lydia was Norina – a year younger at 17; despite being unrelated she was Lydia’s double in appearance; both of them with angelic-innocence in their features, unlike Lydia; Norina’s long raven-dark hair cascaded down along her back, her silvery-grey eyes less battle-hardened, she was the more innocent of the group; she was less of a fighter, and her childhood only became effected by Cultists when they attacked her families Vineyard due to her Father – though unknown to Norina, her father had been an Anti-Cultist interfering in their activities.
Because of her similar appearance, Norina was often mistaken for Lydia’s twin or mistaken as being Lydia if people encountered her without Lydia’s presence, all but Erin however, Erin, due to her obsession with Lydia recognised the differences immediately when she observed before interacting and concerning Norina in the ruined home Norina had once lived in, in 1906.
Then, there was Elizabeth; the older Twin sister of Lydia – Elizabeth was Lydia’s polar-opposite, she was like the miniature-female version of her father; long blonde hair, with the same icy-blue eyes – Elizabeth was previously a loyal daughter before 1908; a direct rival to her younger sibling – while Lydia struggled in their upbringing, Elizabeth thrived – and it left her infuriated when William and Lydia escaped, seeing their act of rebellion as treachery against their father.
Now though; Elizabeth was seeking atonement; and in Erin, she saw the same threat as any other Cultist that they were meant to fight against.
Erin; the American Cultist was a year older than Elizabeth and Lydia; being 19 – she was a ghost within their midst, her pale complexion, almost as white as the falling snow around them was in stark contrast to her long black hair which cascaded freely down her back; her eyes, emerald-green were currently fixed on Norina with an unsettling intensity, like Lydia – Norina had now become a focus of Erin’s obsessive fascination and morbid curiosity.
Elizabeth, noticing Erin’s fixation crossed her arms as she moved near, her icy-blue eyes narrowed “Are you quite finished staring?”
Erin didn’t flinch; she didn’t move even to look at Elizabeth, just fixed her gaze directly on Norina “I am observing…, nothing more” she said, her voice was soft, but there was a hint of curiosity in her tone, it was so far the only time she hadn’t tried to use anything remotely flirtatious or sultry “She is so much like Lydia”
Elizabeth scoffed “And you’re point is?”
Erin didn’t responds; she slowly just moved her gaze towards the crackling fire; Cathryn, who was observing, raised her eyebrow; she wasn’t certain what to exactly make of Erin – she was a mystery, a product of the Imperium’s education, yet she seemed completely separated from it as well, she made it clear she followed her own direction and not the will of the Imperium clearly indicated by her flirting and sultry comments, most of which were directed towards Lydia or Norina, this marked a significant difference between the control of the different Cultist groups operating under the Imperium – her knowledge mostly stemmed from the Cult of the Minotaur – George’s fanatical control, his methods to force Elizabeth and Lydia to observe animal torture and killings to get them use to death, and other horrifying elements of education – but Erin’s traits painted a different education within the Cult she served.
As the group finally began to get themselves ready to turn in for the night; Elizabeth approached her mother “Are you sure it is wise to let her remain free; we should bind her wrists or something so she isn’t a threat” she whispered
“She isn’t a threat” Lydia chimed; her voice soft, a deviation from the usual devoid emotionless way she spoke; Elizabeth looked over towards her sister “She is simply curious; she isn’t a threat, she never threatened me in Calais or Córdoba Four-Years ago in either encounter, and while yes, she may have scared Norina initially…, but…, I don’t see her as a threat”
Elizabeth thought for a moment; it spoke volumes that Lydia would even vouch for Erin – Lydia had gone from being a timid-child that would be so easily targeted to what is now essential a human-weapon, and to hear her sister speak softly for a change was very strange “I still think she’s a danger”
“No; just curious” Lydia slowly moved away; her direction clearly towards the make-shift bedding beneath a protective cover as the snow continued to fall; Elizabeth watched carefully.
Venice, Italy
In the opulent canals of Venice normally shimmering with a reflected light were now seemingly shrouded with a cloak of darkness – in a grimy warehouse; Albert Cain, a man whose face was a was a roadmap of cruelty and ambition, her emerged from the building alongside the Italian cultists; due to Lydia’s presence in Italy, he had made a temporary agreement – despite the Cult of the Minotaur that he served being in the same sphere as the Cult of the Wolf for the Italians – the Minotaur Cult at present had found itself in a precarious situation as a result of the events in 1905.
Due to the history of the Cult of the Minotaur; most Cultist groups have often seen them as far too extreme, too controlling; now, in their time of reorganisation due to George Smythe’s desperate need to claw back his declining influence, its Cultists; like Albert had begun finding themselves cooperating with other Cultists groups once again, the first time since they rose to a position of power in 1870.
They intended to travel to Marghera – It was were Albert needed to go to acquire access to an imported Austin Motor-Car owned by an Italian Cultist, so that he could begin the journey to Lombardy to unite with the Italian Cultists in the region to begin putting his plan to capture Lydia into action.
Chapter 2
25th of January, 1909 A.D.
Lombardy, Italy
The Fiorito Vineyard
As the first rays of sunshine crept over the frost-covered landscape of the Fiorito vineyard, painting it in a shade of grey and pale gold; Elizabeth awake, a nagging sense of unease pulling her from her sleep; quickly, she scanned the camp, her eyes quickly discover what she had feared; Erin was gone, scrambling to her feet, she felt the cold ground against her feet, but, her focus was on the immediate belief of being in danger – her eyes then landed on Lydia.
Lydia, who had clearly been awake some time was practising as she usually did before the others awoke – her graceful and fluid movements as she moved her Jian sword; it whispered through the air, combining swift strikes against invisible opponents, practising balance or flexibility as she made her movements “Lydia!” Elizabeth said with alarm “Where is she; where did Erin go”
Without stopping her practise; or even looking; Lydia shifted her stance yet again “She left last night” she said her voice devoid of emotion as she maintained her focus
“What?” Elizabet voice rose with anger “You let her leave; she is a Cultist representing the very thing we’re fighting again; we shouldn’t have let her leave”
“Why?” Lydia shifted her position again; her head briefly turning in her sisters direction as she swung the sword around with a fluidly graceful swing, cutting through the air with a sharp whisper “She isn’t a threat; besides, I think she’s rather amusing”
“How is she not a threat?” Elizabeth sat on her make-shift bed, pulling her boots onto her feet, needing to get her feet to feel some warmth again before rising back up and slowly moving nearer to her sister; but being wary of the sword
“She is rebellious; she doesn’t really have interest in the Imperium’s plans and goals, she said it herself; she follows her own desires and interests, that she finds the Imperium’s goals boring” Lydia said, her tone flat, she turns quickly, moving her left hand beneath her coat, with a quick movement during her turning motion, her hand flies back out from her jacket; a knife flying from her hand as it lands with a light thud, stabbing into a nearby fence “Besides, before she left, she told me what her brothers were instructed to do”
Cathryn, observing as she sat with Norina; the two quietly enjoying breakfast; Elizabeth raised her eyebrow, she was somewhat confused “What did she tell you?”
“Her brothers; Morgan and Jakob, she said they had been tasked to find an ancient temple near Verona” Lydia said, lowering her sword as she turned to look to her older twin
That piqued Cathryn’s interest “What temple?” there was a hint of concern within her voice; Lydia and Elizabeth both looking over towards their mother
“She told me that the Imperium discovered a temple, similar to the one we had found in the Himalayan mountains two-years ago, that they had been tasked with gaining access to it; to discover if it is the prison holding the long-sought after celestial being the Imperium is desperate to free” Lydia told her “And if not; then they were to see what artefacts or information might be stored within”
Cathryn’s face paled; Ancient Temples – they had been long left behind from a strange culture, from all her years of discovering and interacting with them, her forced learning of their inner-works, she had come to understand they were not made by humanity, but something else, something advanced far beyond human comprehension – her first discovery of one, she had been lucky to be with ‘The Monk’ a man familiar with them who trained her on how to escape – this information that Morgan and Jakob were searching for one right there in Italy demanded intervention “We have to stop them” Cathryn said; her voice now tight with urgency “Whatever that temple may contain; we can’t let them try getting to it, they could end up trapped inside there, and if, in the unlikely chance they could even escape; whatever they bring out, can’t be allowed to fall into the hands of the Imperium”
Elizabeth looked baffled; she had served her father loyally since 1905 when Lydia had escaped when their Older Half-Brother burned down the Estate, the event that triggered George’s fall from his powerful position, but not once had she ever heard about these ancient temples – the only thing that came close to her recollection was the sudden interest that took her to Greece with the Cult of the Minotaur in 1908; the day when her father so easily cast her aside after witnessing Lydia’s deadly skill and his claim he had focused on the wrong daughter, suggesting Lydia had far exceeded his previous belief of her weakness due to her timid-nature as a child “So…, is that what our next move will be?” Elizabeth queried, her tone cautious as she looked at their mother; Cathryn, she simply nodded
Lombardy, Italy
The Cultist Base of Operations
By the late afternoon; an Austin Motor-Car sputtered to a halt by the worn building, it looked dilapidated, its grimy walls and oppressive atmosphere; Guards posted outside of its main doors – their faces obscured by scarves that were deliberately pulled up to hide their faces – upon seeing Albert Cain they pushed open the doors to allow his entry.
Inside; Albert discovered the American Cultist Brothers; Morgan and Jakob, they at present were in discussion with the Italian Cultists who was questioning why they had abandoned their objective to travel to the temple near Verona, the brothers arguing their concern that their younger sister Erin may have abandoned her mission if Lydia was present in the region – the mention of Lydia drew Albert’s attention as he strode up to the table.
The brothers, twisting around with wary expressions looked at him, they were confused by his blend of Eastern and Western styled clothing; but it was enough of a give away to know that this man was the British Cultist; Albert – he was a rising star amidst the Cult of the Minotaur, and close to George Smythe – Jakob’s eyes landed on the Talwar sword strapped across his back, his eyes they drifted towards his older brother Morgan who gave Jakob a wary look. “Ah…, Benvenuto Cain” the Italian Cult Leader said; his voice raspy
Albert simply nodded his own greeting; he had no interest in friendliness or formalities with those he clearly saw as being beneath him; his, this was not solely due to his role as a Cultist from Britain’s Cult of the Minotaur, but from his wealthy background “The Anti-Cultist; Lydia, I am here to capture her, and your going to provide me the resources needed to do that”
The Italian Cultists present exchanged quiet looks; they didn’t like Albert, but, if he was there to deal with Cathryn and her group; they saw him as an opportunity; the Mason siblings themselves though, they grew concerned – they knew that their sister, with her obsessive fascination with Lydia may result in a clash once she learned of Albert.
The next few days would begin to blur into a tense planning session as Albert followed all reports made by Cultists, so far Cathryn’s group hadn’t been reported to have left the Fiorito Vineyard; and Albert wanted them to be along the main roads without anywhere to hide before he organised an ambush – it would prevent Lydia’s potential escape if he could use the country road to split Cathryn’s group apart in the open, unlike Siam, where the brothers Bartholomew and Jack had ambushed the group; the dense jungle provided them a means to disappear – albert hoped to avoid a similar outcome.
During one of these planning sessions; Erin finally returned; as she entered, it was clear she had been travelling by her stained clothing, her eyes though were distracted as she slowly approached, Albert stood by the table, his arms crossed, he regarded Erin with disinterest as his main focus was on the planning table before him – though he did occasionally look towards her, she was deceptively beautiful, it made him understand why they had sent Erin to sway the Lombard Politicians to the Imperium’s cause “I have succeeded in my objective” Erin announced, her tone though displayed her disinterest as she approached the table, she barely even looked at Albert – she knew all she needed just from her brief glance – she recognised his attire, and she could work out who he was and what he represented, all she needed to do now, was listen to whatever was going on before she decided on what action she would be taking
“You didn’t get distracted?” Morgan questioned; his tone suspicious “We know your…, objective of fascination is here in Italy”
That drew Albert’s attention towards Erin, a raised eyebrow of confusion “I have…, seen ‘it’ yes” she purposely avoided information; noting the sudden twitch of movement in Albert’s head as he reacted to her brothers comment, her eyes narrowed as she regarded Albert through the periphery of her vision; Morgan also recognised Erin’s choice of words, and the avoidance of confirming meeting with Lydia openly
An Italian Cultist shifted a little as he drew Albert’s attention back to the map of Lombardy, making gestures to a specific section of the country road that Cathryn’s group would likely need to travel “Get them this way” Albert said; his eyes returning to the map, gesturing to a specific road that leads them deeper into Lombardy “Your reports suggest Cathryn, Elizabeth, Norina and my specific target; Lydia, they have no allies present, so…, we need to use caution”
“Forgive Signore” the Cultist leader said carefully “By the only real threat would be Cathryn, Elizabeth was once a Loyal and devoted daughter, she would likely be conflicted once she encounters us, as for the Seventeen-Year old Girl, she is no fighter, we have seen reports she acts more as a researcher of a kind, or a translator, and as for Lydia…”
“As for Lydia!” Albert cut across “She is much more skilled than you realise; there is a reason her father has a sudden interest in returning her to his estate and the intention of marrying her to me” Erin’s eyes partially lit up with anger as she finally knew what Albert intended; but she needed to be careful in how she played her next move
Chapter 3
1st of February, 1909 A.D.
Lombardy, Italy
The Lombardy countryside that was usually picturesque, was cloaked with the pre-morning gloom, skeletal; the subtle thud of movement against the road as Cathryn, her twin daughters; Elizabeth and Lydia, and the adopted daughter; Norina walked – it would be a long journey – but they needed to reach the city of Pavia to their south, the intention was to acquire transport so they could travel to Verona and prevent the Mason brothers from unlocking whatever secrets lay buried in the ancient temple they sought, but a strange sensation washed over Lydia – her eyes seemed to be drawn all directions as she came to a sudden stop “Lydia?” Elizabeth asked, her voice suggesting concern; she had noticed the strange, erratic look in her eyes, she seemed unable to focus, glancing around rapidly
“Stop…, stop it” Lydia whispered to someone the others couldn’t see, her left hand slipping up to grip at her head; Cathryn, now growing more concerned approached her
“Lydia; what’s wrong” Cathryn questioned meeting her daughters eye-level, but Lydia couldn’t keep her eyes focused
Unheard by the others; voices seemed to be ripping through Lydia’s head; warnings of something about to happen, it completely disorientated her; unable to focus, both of her hands were now against her head, she looked as though she was in pain; then, her eyes fixed towards the bag dangling down along her side – inside was ‘the Box’ a mysterious puzzle box that she had the night of her escape, she knew that was the origin of the female voices rushing through her head, it had happened before – particularly in Egypt in 1908 the night Elizabeth had attempted to kill her before her eventual decision to break away from their father.
Then it happened; the Italian Cultists launched their ambush – they had seen the group stop moving, they were long longer moving directly to the site of their original planned ambush, they decided to strike regardless – chaos soon erupted as the Cultists came rushing from the nearby treeline, further along the road more Cultist were waiting, though they were unaware of what was going on as they sat prepared on horseback for signs of the group.
As the attack began; Cathryn drew the Kukri knife free and quickly moved to defend from a coming strike as a Cultist swung the back of his rifle towards her; she barely had a chance to block; it forced Cathryn backwards.
Elizabeth, drawing her revolver fired her first shot off; gunfire rang out in the chaotic fighting – the men further along the road heard it; they finally realised what was going on and began to move; while within the chaotic fighting, Norna was separated from Lydia and Cathryn completely – the Cultists began moving towards her forcing her into flight – she ran for the nearby treeline.
Lydia; having drawn her Jian sword free from the scabbard along the side of her bag moved with fluid and graceful movements now that she could focus and she was quick to deal with the first Cultist that was too close, before stepping back; it was clear they were being separated – then, she heard Norina’s scream – whirling around she saw her running with Cultists chasing after her, this distraction allowed another Cultist to get close striking Lydia across the side of the face with the butt of his rifle and nearly knocking her off her feet, her response was immediate as she turned her attention with a quick thrust of her sword; spearing him with the tip of the sword.
Cathryn noticing Norina’s flight attempted to go after her, but prevented by Cultists – needing to get clear so she can try and save Norina, she tried to run to the treeline, the Cultists now had two separated; Elizabeth was next to run, and finally; Lydia.
Lombardy, Italy
Treeline along the Ticino River
Norina stumbled through the undergrowth; her breath catching in ragged gasps; fear, cold and paralyzing finally seized her limbs as she hid behind a larger tree and some bushes – she heard them; the shouts from the Cultists closing in, their rushing footsteps crushing against the frozen leaves and foliage, she squeezed her eyes shut pressing herself back against the rough bark of the tree, willing herself to be invisible.
They ran past – their shouts becoming more distant, Norina remained frozen, trapped in the icy grip of terror; she was a rabbit waiting to be caught.
Then; a soft, almost a whisper, yet laced with an unsettling familiarity cut through her fear “Little Dove; over here my dear”
Norina’s head snapped up; her eyes widened with disbelief – standing in the shadows, partially concealed by the gnarled roots was Erin; she was almost ghostly in the subdued lighting with her pale complexion and long black hair, but she recognised her.
Chapter 4
Hours Earlier; 31st of January, 1909 A.D.
The Cultist Base of Operation
Standing by a desk in one of the backrooms; Morgan stood with his arms crossed as he listened to his sister, Jakob too shifted uneasily – Erin displayed a rare moment of anger, it was controlled, but barely “You are going to allow this!” she hissed, her voice dangerously low “You are going to allow Albert to do what he is planning!”
“We’re only here to find the Temple and influence local politicians Erin; we’re not meant to be doing anything else” Morgan responded, his voice flat “Besides, the Imperium wants Lydia captured; it is good for the Imperium if she is”
“For the good of the Imperium!” she spat “Or for Albert’s perverted gratification; you really would allow that…, monster to get what he wants, to allow him to force an innocent young woman into marriage against her will, to force her to carry his offspring; that is not something I will consider as a goal worth fighting for; that is defilement, would you feel the same for myself, or if father had done that to our mother!”
“Erin; I believe your letting your own personal obsessive fascination cloud your judgement” Morgan spoke with a hint of warning to his tone
“I never deny my fascination; I don’t dismiss that I am strange, I won’t even deny that I have strange preferences; but this is not about that!” She snapped; her voice barely controlled, it was unusual for either Morgan or Jakob to see this side of their sister
“He intends to murder the others while forcing Lydia into bondage beneath him; that is against our own Cultist beliefs, or do you hold a new loyalty to the Minotaur’s Cult instead of our own; we represent America; the Brother and Sisters of Liberty, it is within our name; what he intends goes against everything we was raised to believe in” she said, her tone icy “Our father would never allow this!” she specifically chose her wording; she knew using their father would win the argument, Morgan would never deviate from their fathers beliefs
Jakob cleared his throat nervously “He…, uh…, he didn’t say he would kill them though Erin”
“Don’t be naïve” Erin turned her glare towards Jakob “Albert only desires Lydia; he can make excuses for the others being lost; but his only focus is her” she then shifted her gaze back to her elder brother; he had become quiet “I’ll give you a choice Morgan; You either stop me now, or You get out of my way” she threatened before moving past both of her brothers, stalking out from the room leaving them in a stunned silence – Morgan though, had been processing her claim, and she was correct, their father wouldn’t allow it, so, with reluctance he shifted his gaze towards Jakob
Back in the Present: 1st of February, 1909
Lombardy, Italy
Along the Ticino River
Gesturing for Norina to approach, she raised her finger against her lips as she once again whispered, despite the danger, simply unable to help herself as she returns to her usual flirting “Come here my Little Dove; come to me” she said, her voice a soft silky purr as she speaks quietly – unlike at the Vineyard during their initial encounter, Norina finds it less intimidating, almost like a safety net waiting to catch her – Slowly, Norina finally moved, she felt her body trembling with fear as she moved, just as she reached Erin; an Italian Cultist burst through the foliage with a knife glinting as he moved to strike reacting immediately; Erin’s hand flash out to Norina’s grabbing her wrist and pulling her quickly as she moved forwards, their positions quickly changing as Erin was now in front of Norina as a loud bang rang out.
For a moment Norina was stunned by how fast everything seemed to happen, her eyes landing on the revolver Erin was now holding up; Erin observed the Cultist fall, landing against the ground with a thud; she then turned her head to Norina, once again her lips twisting into her usual smile, though less terrifying; it seemed softer “Come” she said, tugging Norina with her as they began to move, knowing that more Cultists would soon come rushing in response to the gunshot.
Within the Forest Elsewhere
While Erin had come to Norina’s rescue; Elizabeth found herself rushing through the trees; her lungs burning as she was pursued by a group of Cultists; unfortunately, she tripped over an exposed branch along the ground, crashing to the ground and sending her revolver disappearing into the bushes out of view; as she slowly pushed herself up, she spotted them getting closer – she was trapped.
Then; a series of shots rang out, there was a brief second with the sound of something akin to a metal ‘clink’ before another shot was fired – but the speed was there, the shots did come in quick succession, each shot found its mark with deadly accuracy as the Cultists each fell – once it was safe, a figure slowly emerged from the shadows; Jakob, he looked down towards Elizabeth, he moved towards her and offered his hand to help her up “Come on” he said, his voice low
With little choice; Elizabeth took his hand, the two then racing off into the bushes to escape more Cultists.
Deeper into the Forest
Cathryn found herself backed up in the forest; wielding her Kukri blade with precision and skill, as she moved with grace and fluid movement; 36 Years of age she proved to be within her prime as she dealt with Cultists coming at her – she struck swiftly, without hesitation.
She was clearly growing tired though; though her attention was drawn to two Cultists that appeared through the treeline; they held rifles directed towards her, she felt a wave of nausea suddenly rise up, as she backed up, she felt her grip around the Kukri loosen, then a shot rang out, Cathryn eyes widened, the shot hadn’t come from the Cultists wielding the rifles – one of them instead collapsed, then a second shot rang out as the confused Cultist soon fell as well; behind her, Morgan approached, his expression unreadable “We need to talk” he told her, his voice devoid of emotion
As Cathryn turned around to face him; Morgan stopped a moment – with a raised eyebrow, Cathryn observed him with a little confusion, his eyes where wandering and he’d clearly just lost his train of thought once she was facing him, clearing her throat he didn’t immediately move so she clicked her fingers at him “Oi” – Morgan’s attention finally settled to her eyes, as if he realised something
“First…, let’s uh…, get you somewhere safe” He stammered; only a second ago, he had a voice devoid of emotion, now though; he seemed to simply struggle with finding words; Cathryn just looked at him with bewilderment before following him
The Ticino Riverbank
Lydia; exhausted and battered stood over a defeated Cultist, her chest heaving from her heavy panting, she shifted her gaze around – ‘Finally; a moment to catch my breath’ she thought, slowly moving her sword, positioning it to return to the scabbard, but stopped; a sound caught her attention – a soft rustling on the undergrowth, she let out a groan as she readied the Jian sword once again; but, as soon as Albert emerged, her face drained of colour; her usual stoicism cracked, replaced by raw, visible fear – she remembered their last encounter “No” she whispered backing up, feeling a splash of water against her ankle
Albert smiled; a chilling predatory expression, he drew is Talwar sword its polished surface glinting; he could see she was exhausted; her hair was no longer tidy, and it had begun to fall loose from the ponytail “Hello again Lydia; no British soldier to save you this time” he said; his voice smooth and menacing “Your protective lover is not here to save you like last time; and I have you exactly where I want you”
He lunged forwards; the Talwar sword flashing in the air; Lydia stood her ground despite her exhaustion, she raised the Jian sword to defend; she met his attack with a desperate parry; the swords clanging heavily against one another, echoing out.
The fight became a clash of styles; Lydia’s movements were graceful, fluid a dance of deadly precision – Albert though; his movement were much stronger, heavier; his attacks relentless – Albert fought with a brutal, aggressive fervour with the occasional weaving of graceful movements which threw Lydia off balance – she remembered their last fight, how he used such movements to beat her last time.
Lydia stumbled back; she raised the sword again to block; the heavy strike forcing her sword down, just barely letting her protect herself; moving back she briefly glanced to the bushes, with a swift movement she swung her sword across on an angle causing bushes to fall between them, landing as Albert was moving forwards; scratching his face as he is caught by them; Lydia then made a move to strike towards him – but he was able to react quickly, blocking her strike before sweeping for her legs, his kick landed, but Lydia just barely managed to maintain her footing as she stumbled towards the river; she turned sharply moving her hand beneath her jacket; as Albert came forwards, he made for a heavy swing – as he raised the sword upwards, Lydia felt the fragile egg-shaped item in her grip crack as she tightened her slender fingers around it, before pulling her hand free from her jacket, in one swift movement she threw her hand forwards.
With the wind; finely grinded glass was blown in a wide arch with Lydia’s hand movement; Albert felt it – something had just hit his eyes, allowing Lydia to dart to the side, barely escaping the swing; though, Lydia did trip as she moved landing with a thud against the bank of the river – shifting her attention back to Albert he stood frantically rubbing his eyes, but it seemed to be making the pain worse “What the hell did you just do!” he roared
Lydia took heavy breaths as she watched him struggle; Albert could barely register anything , a trickle of crimson seemed to escape from his left eyes which had been struck more precisely by the finely grinded glass Lydia had thrown forwards.
Chapter 5
Lydia trying to catch her breath slowly rose to her feet; Albert, in his desperate and frantic actions to rub his eyes moved in a desperate attempt to clear his eyes using water from the river; while it worked, his vision was blurred, and only for his right eye – he was enraged, lunging forwards, Lydia was unprepared for just how heavy his swing came down – it knocked her sword downwards and from her grip landing against the ground.
Before Lydia could react; Albert rushed forwards using his shoulder to barge into her; before bringing his knee upwards against her stomach – in his desperate anger-fuelled rampage he easily subdued Lydia as she landed against the ground gasping; turning the Talwar sword, he stabbed it down into the ground, moving directly over Lydia and coming down at her; gripping her neck with his hands “Whatever you just did to me you little bitch; I am going to make you regret for the rest of your days”
Lydia’s hands flung up against his wrists, desperately trying to get him to let go as she gasped.
“Fight all you want; I have you, your mine, get that through you head” tightening his grip, Lydia felt a more primal desperation building as she struggled to breath
Then she felt it; he’d moved one hand away, but it quickly came down at her, the blow of a fist was disorientating; it knocked her senses completely off, as she lay still; she just stared upwards at him, still struggling to breath with how tight his grip was on her throat; only when he decided to let his hands roam did she respond again, that primal desperation driving her, everything was coming to the surface – panic and terror was overwhelming – he could force her to do anything he wanted, she was not prepared to allow him to process the ideas any further, she could already sense what he was beginning to think; her next act was out of desperation as she threw her hand upwards – her fingers, pointed straight up, stabbed into his throat, she used her fingernails in a desperate move – it worked though, she felt him finally let go of her throat as he adjusted his position completely, his hands reaching up to his throat.
She didn’t wait; reaching into her jacket; she pulled a knife free and bolted upwards into a sitting position, thrusting the knife, she struck him along the ribs; but she didn’t do it once, her act was frantic, a desperate move in fear as she pulled it back before landing it again, she repeated this – nothing else processed in her head until she felt a hand on her shoulder, her hand was covered in blood as the tiny throwing knife was gripped tightly.
When Lydia twisted her head, she saw Norina and Erin; Erin’s hand rested on her shoulder; Albert finally fell backwards, freeing Lydia as he felt pain rippling along his body, each strike Lydia had managed to land was not very deep, but it served to completely disable him for that moment – as he lay on his side, all he could do is observe as Lydia left with Erin and Norina.
Written By: Westley H.
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