The Coming From the Shadows Series
Coming From the Shadows: Lydia
Previous Instalments:
- T.I.C: The Crete Disaster – Surviving the Imperium: Morgan’s Escape and Redemption
- Coming From the Shadows T.I.C: Aftermath – Dreadnought and Betrayal: The War Against the Imperium
- Thomas’ Love – Santorini Secrets: Passion and Pain in 1911
- The Imperium Chronicles: The Scars of Crete – The Rise and Fall of the Cult of the Minotaur in Crete
- T.I.C: The Dying Flame – The Dying Flame: A Tale of the Imperium
- T.I.C: William’s War – The Rise of William Smythe: A Dreadnought’s Fury
The Imperium Chronicles: Trouble and Fury
Back Ground:
Since William’s act of rebellion, his acquisition of a Dreadnought in a volatile region – using it to launch a shore-bombardment within the vicinity of Heraklion, and continued acts of aggression to sin merchant ships owned by powerful families affiliated to the Imperium; it has led to a shift, the Imperium – a once dominant faction that acted as a unifying body for various Cultist Groups, operating within the shadows and pulling the streets of Empires, influencing Kings and Queens, it was now fractured.
While the one powerful; Cult of the Minotaur crumbled, a power-grab ensued as the Imperium’s leading voices each vied to secure a position of influence and power alongside the official elected leader; Victor, though the external threats also persisted.
In 1908; the Imperium had suffered a humiliation by William’s Dreadnought attack, the first such action taken – it cost them a major facility on the Coast of Burma, which subsequently was seized by the British Army mistaking it to be an uprising, at the time; the Dreadnought itself had not been witnessed, striking while the Imperium was unprepared – the second strike by William occurred in 1911; the prolonged attack drew the attention of more than just the Imperium.
While no immediate action had been taken; word had returned to the leading world powers, the attack had drawn more attention than the Imperium realised; while questions where raised by the Imperium’s council how a Dreadnought could be used by a Private-Individual with no political power, the Governments that the Imperium had once manipulated were having discussions of their own over the recent events and the follow up attacks in the Mediterranean.
Introduction:
29th of December, 1911 A.D.
Westminster, England
At the heart of power for the British Empire; there was a swirling vortex of outrage that echoed within the very chamber of the House of Commons – a Portly Member of Parliament, standing from the bench, his face flushed crimson gestured angrily in the direction of the Prime Minsiter who sat silently “…A Dreadnought!” he shouted, clearly repeating “A Vessel that, from reports is from our own Navy; it is a Royal Navy Vessel that has been used and employed in an act of barbarism, a violent act of aggression against the people of Crete” he raged; his voice seething “I demand a full and immediate investigation into the unauthorised bombardment of the mountains near Heraklion!”
There was a roar of agreement that erupted from the benches “Hear, Hear!” one cried, “Justice must be served!” shouted another; a unified voice rose above the din demanding answers, accountability and retribution, the air crackled with political fury, a storm brewing over the distant shores of Crete
It wasn’t only Britain though; the French Government was incandescent with fury, demands for answers; questions needed to be made to Britain – their Imperial neighbour; the German Reich responded differently, within the halls of power of the German Reichstag; a push for naval commitments were made, calls to search out the Dreadnought, despite a potential risk of War being present; the German Politicians were fully aware of their ongoing Naval Arms Race against the Empire of Britain, but the fear of the catastrophic damage unleashed by a lone-operating Dreadnought demanded action be taken.
Chapter 1:
25th of January, 1912 A.D.
The Smythe Estate
The iron gates creaked open – as if reluctantly yielding while sat directly in front of it was a rather elegant looking French-Imported Motor-Vehicle; a Type VC2 Lion-Peugeot; in the drivers-seat was a well dressed man who’s eyes were presently fixed on the two guards pulling the noisy metal gates; beside him in the passenger seat; Elizabeth Smythe – her long blonde hair was neatly coiffed, her icy-blue eyes reflected the very wintry air rushing by, ruffling her shirt collar – once the gate was open, the driver continued forwards.
The protective wall encompassing the Estate ensured its isolation, with its single-gated entrance; it allowed for control on who could come and go; though, in the past, if someone was determined enough, it had been proven; the wall could be scaled, with the trees within the ground acting as a method to gain unauthorised access.
The dense woodland sprawled, creating a natural barrier against prying eyes; and at the very heart of the estate stood the ominously oppressive Smythe Manor; it was a monolith of dark stone and imposing grandeur; it was so different compared to the former building it had replaced, a fire that had once claimed it by Elizabeth’s older half-brother during his first act of rebellion; she remembered the night well; she had betrayed her brother, but she also betrayed her younger twin; Lydia – thinking back to 1905; Elizabeth recognised her naivety in remaining the ‘Loyal’ daughter to the Insane Madman that had once been her father – though, after the events in Crete, he was now dead, and there was no one to lay claim to the Families Estate or Business – at least, there hadn’t been until Elizabeth’s return.
“Home” Elizabeth murmured; her voice carrying the crisp, refined accent of the upper class, the last time she had been at the Estate was 1907, that had only been a brief stay and it was still under reconstruction at the time; this, this was the first she got to see it since its restoration – everything owned by her family would fall into her hands, Lydia had vanished and William was out causing chaos.
Elizabeth was unsure if there were other siblings she was not aware of, but, for now; she was unchallenged.
She would take the time to plan things out; she could resume her mothers original mission, but, she couldn’t follow it the same way – it proved too costly, the events at Crete; it had broken her sister, she however would not succumb, she would take up the fight against the Imperium like her mother her own way.
Within the dimly lit study; Elizabeth began the arduous task of sorting through the papers and documents her father had put away, everything she needed; it was all right there – what had once been a closely guarded secret, was about to become the most effective tool against the Imperium; Elizabeth would use her fathers documents to attack the Imperium, she needn’t worry about the Cult of the Minotaur for the time being; they were fighting themselves, she could use her fathers work to her advantage in her plan to rebuild a new movement to fight the Imperium.
Elizabeth organised everything meticulously; and with the support of a Jacob; a Loyal Assistant and Butler to George Smythe – he easily switched to Elizabeth; providing her the much needed support she needed, reminding her, his loyalty was to the family, not to George himself; this allowed for Elizabeth to stop her worries of the Imperium attempting to seize the property, and provided help in reorganising the property.
27th of January, 1912 A.D.
The Mediterranean
Within the confines of the war room aboard the Steel leviathan; the Dreadnought – William leaned against the mahogany table; recently word had reached them; the British Parliament was outraged at the use of the Dreadnought, the crew and William had been made aware of a potential military response if they continue their current actions and are being requested by the King himself to relocate the Dreadnought back to British waters or risk a potential confrontation they can’t win.
“What do you intend William?” a young officer asks; a concerned tone present as he eyed William with a wary respect
“As asked” William answers simply “Silas shall regain the King’s favour, unfortunately, Britain’s Parliament will have the influences of well-placed Cultists serving the will of the Imperium”
“Or they simply be responding to the aggression we have displayed” an older crewmen points out, his eyes shifting from the map he had been studying and towards William “We have been disrupting maritime merchant routes; and this region is a potential powder keg, simply look towards the Balkans, its going to kick off there soon”
William nodded “I know; the Imperium though needs to crumble.., we was making progress”
“Unfortunately that will be all we can accomplish for now” the older crewmen said “At least with a Dreadnought anyway; you should acquire access to other…, tools of war” William said nothing, slowly nodding his agreement
Chapter 2:
28th of January, 1912 A.D.
Lancaster, England
The sweet aroma of simmering spices wafted through the air; Lydia – her long raven-dark hair pulled back from her face, stirred a boiling pot of something unidentifiable with a wooden spoon – her silvery-grey eyes usually sharp and focused held a softer, almost dreamy quality.
Things had drastically changed for her since the 18th of December; after witnessing the supposed death of her mother, the subsequent need to get away as she experienced a complete mental break, her once contained emotions – usually so thoroughly controlled from all the years of training, stemming from her abusive upbringing by her father, often which involved forced observation of animal torture and killing – to the eventual escape, she went on from the timid, haunted child to a living weapon after being trained by her mother and a man simply known as ‘The Monk’ in 1905 while in Córdoba – but December had changed everything.
Witnessing her mother’s supposed death triggered all of her emotions – from her guilt and shame to horror of losing the one of the most important people in her life; her desperate bid toe scape had led her to Santorini; there, during her most vulnerable state Thomas never left her – he had followed her, stayed at a distance but was always present until she finally released her built up emotions; it would lead to a physically intimate moment between them – and Thomas’ promise to provide her a normal life led her to Lancaster, settling into her first real home.
Here; she had discovered a new hobby; cooking – it had become her primary outlet, it did not involve her killing people, it allowed her to experiment, and to her surprise, as well as Thomas’, Lydia had a knack for it.
Thomas genuinely enjoyed her cooking, and seeing how happy it made Lydia made it all the better.
Thomas Davidson; a British soldier that had entered Lydia’s life during their first encounter in the Himalayan Mountains during the later year of 1907 had gone from someone Lydia initially disliked to her the most important person within her life; with the demands of manual-labour jobs, he had found himself away a little longer than he had intended – it left Lydia to her own devices.
The quiet solitude was something she was use too – though, hearing a knock on her front door caused her to change her attention, frowning a moment; if it had been Thomas, he would have simply let himself in, she wondered if it might be one of his siblings.
Wiping her hands against her apron; she walked from the small kitchen to the front door; opening it, she discovered three young lads on her doorstep, their expressions a mix of bravado and nervousness – as they eyed her carefully, they realised just how close to their own age she was – before she could speak, they surged forwards, pushing her roughly into the hallway, a quick snap against her arm dragged her downwards causing her to wince at a sharp pain; then, one of them kicked the back of her head as she hit the ground – the impact sent a wave of dizziness through her.
Rough hands dragged her to the kitchen, she could barely make out what was being said around her; she didn’t even realise she had been pushed onto a chair; she simply sat quietly with her head lolling forwards; two of the lads would go to ransack her belongings while one lad, he remained to keep a watch over her.
As Lydia’s vision cleared; she narrowed her eyes, her training kicked in – immediately she moved, before the lad could react; he felt a sudden forceful push against his throat – despite how delicate Lydia appeared, she forced the lad backwards, pinning him against the wall, her forearm pressed against his throat – his eyes widened in panic as she applied just enough pressure to cut off the air supply, once he started to go limp after a moment of thrashing about; she released him, his body crumbling to the ground – clearly still alive, but no longer a threat.
Calmly, she retrieved a knife from the countertop before making her way to begin her search of her home.
Lodging house South of Heraklion, Crete
Across the European continent back in Crete; a subtle chill wind whistled along the pathway as Morgan walked carrying a basket with bits and bobs from his recent purchases, his dark hair plastered against his forehead, when he finally reached the front door of the lodging house he smelt the same usual scent of coal smoke and stale bread.
He was about to call out when he noticed the light coming from the small kitchen at the back; raising his eyebrow, he moved forwards; he wasn’t expecting Cathryn to be up; though once he entered the doorway, he did indeed find her, and not in the way he was expecting.
Cathryn, her face etched with bewilderment was rummaging through the meagre contents of the cupboards, pots clattered precariously as she reached for a high shelf “Uh…, Cathryn; what are you doing?” Morgan asked, his voice laced with surprise
Cathryn jumped; startled by his voice turning her head she looked towards him, a look of relief present on her face “Morgan!; you startled me…” she returned her attention to her search “I’m…, looking for flour”
Morgan let out a light chuckle; it was a warm sound that filled the small space “Flour?; what on earth for?”
Cathryn hesitated a moment “I’m getting a little Stir crazy” she answered “I need something to do…, thought I would try baking something”
He knew there was more to it than that; after all, she could go outdoors if she really wanted too; nothing was stopping her, he had been specially trying to prove he had no ill intentions, desperately trying to ensure she did not view him as trying to be controlling – he still felt shame over what he had done in 1909 – when he tried to turn her passively dependent on him, and while se had forgiven him…, he still couldn’t shake off the feeling of shame; he simply smiled at her “Well…, maybe, there might be something in this basket” he smiled, Cathryn turned to look at him, her lips also curved into a smile
Chapter 3:
Lancaster, England
Lydia moved with a quiet grace despite making not actual effort to hide her movement; approaching the second lad to have attacked her, finding him rifling through a draw in the living room – with a light tap on his shoulder to make him turn; her hand flew forwards, with practised precision, Lydia delivered a sharp blow to his throat with a quick stab of the knife against his upper-thigh, he crumbled to the ground gasping for air while clutching at the knife impaling his thigh “I advise you keep that in there” she told him; her tone flat, but unusually polite “If you get any blood on my floor, you are cleaning it up” she told him, maintaining that same polite tone but the firmness of a parent to a child was present
Turning away, she simply walked from the room silently; ascending the stairs – she found the third youth in her and Thomas’ bedroom; he had discovered her Jian Sword and was at present, admiring it with its scabbard carelessly tossed aside.
The Jian Sword had been a gift on her eighteenth birthday from her mentor; ‘The Monk’ it had become a symbol to her, an important reminder and a testament to her skill and deadly precision; approaching him without making a sound, she clapped her hands sharply against both of his ears.
The sudden burst of noise completely disorientated him causing him to stumble and drop the sword; before he could recover though; Lydia had moved around and struck him with her elbow hard against his face; not once, but twice, resulting in him sprawling to the floor.
Lydia collected the Jian sword and pointed the tip against his throat “I would have preferred it if you had asked” she told him; her tone still retaining that same politeness, it sent a shiver up the young lads back as he stared at the face of a woman who looked so deceptively innocent, yet her actions spoke volumes of her capability
“Lydia!” Thomas’ vice thundered up from the floor below; Lydia heard the sudden rushing movement of someone coming up the stairs; turning her head, her eyes met with Thomas’ as he burst into the room, his eyes looked at her with concern, though, when he noticed the young man cowering on the floor he couldn’t help but chuckle “At least they’re alive I guess” he joked, Lydia tilted her head slightly but, she smiled
Lodging House South of Heraklion, Crete
It was the later evening that Morgan had decided to settle onto the chair, it had become a usual spot for him when wanting to get a good look of the sky; he found it helped him with his thoughts, a subtle crackling emanated from the nearby fireplace – Cathryn though, she was sat on a worn chair watching him.
Morgan had already noticed the vacant stare; he was supressing his unease – his own thoughts though drifted to, he was wondering if the staring was her still being uncertain about his trustworthiness, he wouldn’t blame here – Cathryn’s entire life had involved her being manipulated – she had gone from Years living as a domestic slave to George Smythe between 1890 to 1900 and then, when he had overwhelmed her emotional barriers in their initial meeting after saving her from Cultists in Lombardy in 1909; he had allowed his upbringing and training to override his genuine feelings for her – tried turning her into passive dependence.
Finally the silence was broken; Cathryn manage to speak, her voice barely a whisper “Morgan?”
Shifting his attention; he looked towards her; his Green Eyes met her Silvery-Grey “Yes Cathryn?”
“Are…, we making the right decision?” she asked him, her tone filled with uncertainty and worry
He frowned a moment, but didn’t let his gaze shift “What do you mean?”
She shook her head slightly; her brow furrowed “Are you…, are you certain this is the direction you want to go; are you certain you want to…, pursue this…, relationship?”
It clicked – he realised what she had been thinking about, it wasn’t about being stir-crazy or her safety, or a question of if she trusted him; she was…, scared – moving, Morgan got to his feet; his movements were deliberate and purposeful as he approached her; his eyes never left hers, kneeling down, he placed himself at her level, his hands resting gently against her knee;s.
Her eyes; usually intelligent, fierce and focused – they were filled with a mix of apprehension and fragile hope.
Taking her hands in his; she could feel the warmth of his palms envelop her cold fingers “Cathryn; never once have I lied; I only want you; not a single person, never; has made me feel what I feel for you; no one, not once”
Cathryn swallowed; her voice trembled “But…, I am Thirty-Nine Morgan, your twenty-eight; if you choose me, won’t you have regrets; don’t you want someone who could…”
Morgan shook his head quickly and looked at her carefully; drawing one hand upwards, he gently cupped her cheek, her skin was soft but etched with the lines of hardship – to him, it was the most beautiful thing he’d seen, gently tracing the curve of her cheeks with his thumb, he moved up and leaned forwards; pressing a kiss against her forehead “Regrets?; No Cathryn; the only regret I would have, is if I didn’t get to spend every moment that I could with you” he told her
His eyes remained fixed on hers “I made mistakes; I know, but I never lied”
Lowering his head; he kissed her; a tender, lingering kiss that spoke volumes; it was a promise, a declaration; a plea.
Chapter 4:
Lancaster, England
Lowering her sword; Lydia’s gaze returned to the young man on the ground for a moment before moving away from him; her eyes returning to Thomas “Thomas” she said with a smile “Would you be so kind as to take this young man downstairs?; I need to check my cooking hasn’t burnt”
Thomas simply stared at her; there was a mixture of disbelief and amusement in his face; he had grown accustom to Lydia’s unusual ways; that stoic demeanour, the unnerving ability she had begun displaying as she switched between two different personalities; one side being that ruthless and efficient killer she wanted to escape, but on the other; that newly domesticity she had begun enjoying so much “Right” he said shaking his head slightly as he helped the lad to his feet “Come on laddy; let’s get you downstairs”
As Thomas shepherded the third lad to the living room – Lydia returned to the kitchen; the first lad had begun moving, but upon spotting her, he quickly pushed himself back to get some distance his face pale and eyes wide “Go and wait in the living room with your friends” she instructed “My partner will be in there as well”
Thomas, now in the living room was bewildered as the another came into the room as he helped ease the one from upstairs down onto the floor beside his friend; when Lydia came into the room, her eyes swept over the trip “Thomas…” she said; her eyes turning towards him – she now looked the picture of innocence, he couldn’t help but smirk “What would the correct thing to do here?”
“Well…” he had expected this; as he leaned back against the doorway his eyes flicked in the direction of the three for a moment then back to Lydia “I believe the correct thing to do would be to involve the constabulary”
Lydia nodded slowly as she thought about it; her eyes drifting across the three “Okay…, how do I do that?” she inquired, turning her head back to Thomas
“I’ll sort it out love” he chuckled, straightening back up; he leaned down a moment as he cupped her face “Try not to kill any of them while I go see if I can use our neighbours phone” Lydia simply nodded as a smile curved her lips; Thomas kissed her before leaving the room
Lydia, returning her gaze to them point “Kitchen; now” she ordered with a polite tone – she saw no reason to stay standing in the living room, instead, she had them sit at the table while she resumed her cooking, her smile returned as she continued what she enjoyed – the three lads, they sat bewildered at how she had switched from that aggressive person to such a picture of innocence, they exchanged wary looks to one another, but they didn’t dare move even when she paid them little attention – though, she would feed them with the food she made
The Smythe Estate
Sitting at the old, sturdy wooden desk; Elizabeth had found what she had been searching for – a grin curving her lips “Finally” she said quietly – her eyes drifting upwards when she heard the door open, watching as Jacob came inside she quickly held out the document “Can you arrange a meeting for me Jacob?”
“Of course” Jacob said; a warm smile gracing his lips “With whom my dear?” he inquired with some curiosity
“I would like a meeting arranged with the name on this document; a Mister Godwin” Elizabeth smiled; Jacob gave a slight nod as he maintained his warm smile, taking the document, he would leave the room – Elizabeth, she leaned back in the chair “You may have been a man of great power, father…” she said quietly to herself
Elizabeth’s eyes drifted briefly a moment towards a large painting that hung on the wall; her eyes narrowing – the painting was a depiction of her grandfather ‘Elias Smythe’ – she had never met him, he had died long before she had even been born, but; he had started what her father ran with such efficient cruelty “Everything we ever endured; it will be used to erase you and my father from history entirely” she told the painting of her grandfather, her voice becoming icy as her eyes narrowed
Wilhelmshaven, Germany
A strong wintery wind blew across the naval port of Wilhelmshaven – a symphony of clanging metal and shouted orders filled the air – here, the Grey Behemoth, a German Dreadnought dominated the scene surrounded by smaller cruisers like attendants to a queen – steam hissed from the funnels, a promise of power held within.
Heinrich, a lean military officer with eyes that held a disturbing intensity, navigated the busy docks with a practised ease; his greatcoat, impeccably tailored, concealed more than just his slender frame; today he had received the instructions from the Cult of the Black Eagle; the Imperium had begun to take steps with regards to the actions of William Smythe – and luckily, the German Empire was also in the process of organising the very thing the Imperium needed – a task force had been assembled – Heinrich had his mission, he had been tasked to join that taskforce to ensure he could provide confirmation if it was sunk or not.
As Heinrich approached the gangplank, he encountered the Ship’s Captain; a man who’s shoulders were as broad as the ship itself, he was at present overseeing the loading of supplies; Captain Eduard, a man who’s loyalty to the German Empire was as unwavering as the North Star – his face weathered by the sun and sea, he held a permanent expression of stoic command, upon noticing Heinrich he raised his eyebrow with a look of confusion “Officer” Eduard greeted, his voice a deep rumble “Your not of the Navy; what brings you to my ship?”
Heinrich simply reached into his greatcoat, gently pulling free a small silver badge; an intricately carved symbol that simply twisted the eye and hinted at something far darker; the Seal of the Imperium; Eduard narrowed his eyes, but a flicker of understanding replaced his suspicion, he recognised the symbol – even if he didn’t truly understand it “I understand” he said; gesturing for Heinrich to continue “Come; let us discuss this in the wardroom”
Chapter 5:
Lodging House South of Heraklion, Crete
The fire crackled casting dancing shadows across the room; a room filled with a comfortable silence with the subtle sound of rhythmic breathing – Laying intertwined in what had been Cathryn’s bed; a sanctuary during her initial recovery; it had now become a shared space, a haven of intimacy and trust.
Cathryn found herself unable to stop herself as she gently stroked her fingers along Morgan’s face – the tips of her fingers tracing the angles of his jawline, the curves of his cheek – his eye were closed, his expression serene, but, she could sense a tension beneath the surface – she simply stared, there was a mix of longing and apprehension that swirled within her.
The memories of their past wouldn’t leave her; but she recognised how different he was.
The last time, he had used physical intimacy as one of his methods to control her; this time…, he had made no such effort, he had been much more loving, when there had been moments during their act; he would stop upon noticing a pained or terrified look, she accepted he truly had changed, he was showing genuine affection and even revealing his own vulnerabilities to her like she was doing with him.
Leaning down, she gently rested her head against his chest.
It took a moment; but eventually, Morgan moved his arms up and around her as she led atop of him; she had clearly become comfortable in her position; he had no intention of moving if she didn’t; he kept his eyes closed their breath now in sync – but, he would surprise her with an inquiry “When you arm has fully healed; would you like to resume your search for your daughters?” it caused Cathryn to move her head “Because I will support you in searching for them; I know how painful it is that you’ve been separated from them, and I don’t doubt if they discovered you was alive, they would be overjoyed”
Cathryn lifted her head as she kept staring at him; she wasn’t sure how to respond – she hadn’t expected him to even suggest such a thing, she was initially had wanted to approach the subject of her desire to reunite with her daughters with a little caution, uncertain how he would respond – but for him to be the one to broach the subject, it left her speechless.
Opening his eyes, he could see her surprise; gently he stroked his thumb against her cheek “Cathryn?” she just slowly nodded, Morgan smiled, moving his fingers gently across her face “Once your fully recovered?; I mean, if you want to begin the search immediately, I will support you in that effort, just be careful of that shoulder yeah?”
Cathryn smiled “Once my shoulder is healed; I want to begin searching for them” she nodded “I don’t want to damage my shoulder anymore than I have done” Morgan smiled before nodding – they had a their plan, what they intended once Cathryn’s arm had healed – it would take a little more time, but, they would work together to find her daughters.
Written By: Westley H.
Leave a Reply