Facing Darkness: Cathryn’s Journey Through Abuse

Previous Instalments:

T.I.C: The Legacy A Lost War – The Rise of the Imperium: A Dark Legacy Unfolds
T.I C: Jesse – The Imperium Chronicles: A Hunter’s Vengeance
T.I.C: The Seeds of Servitude – The Seeds of Servitude: A Dark Tale of the Imperium
C.F.T.S / T.I.C: The Dying Fire of Resistance – The Imperium’s Dark Chronicles: Dying Fire of Resistance
C.F.T.S / T.I.C: Cathryn – The Imperium’s Dark Secrets: Unveiling Cathryn’s Nightmare

Connected Content:

The Halls of Power – Behind the Curtains of Power: The Dark Game of Political Intrigue
Oppression and Vulnerability – Cathryn’s Struggle: Defiance Against Darkness
Oppression and Vulnerability II – Cathryn’s Struggle: Defiance Against Darkness II
The Seeds of Rebellion – The Journey from Timidity to Rebellion: Lydia
Peace Shattered – A Night of Violence: Shattered Peace
The Journey’s Beginning – Facing the Imperium: A Mother’s Fight for Her Child
The Imperium’s Chronicles: A Tale of Resistance
T.I.C: Struggle between Duty and Fascination – Cult of the Minotaur: Secrets of Betrayal and Rebellion

Coming From the Shadows
The Dark Imperium Chronicles:
Cathryn II

Background:

Since Ancient times; the Imperium operated within the shadows, formed as a unifying voice of various Cultist groups each with their own objectives and missions that had once clashed despite all sharing the same goal; the Freeing of their Ancient Celestial Master from a long lost and ancient prison; the ‘Dark Master’ served as their unifying goal, despite it, they still often clashed due to different approaches, until they formed the first council of the Imperium – it enabled the Cultists to work together despite existing tension.

The Imperium would move from its Greek roots to the East through Persia, and through the West rapidly after the Roman Republic began their expansion and eventual Empire; the Imperium would stretch from Britannia to China, but the dawning of the Age of Discovery began to bring new land, though, the Imperium wouldn’t take full advantage until the birth of the British Empire; using it as a springboard to rapidly expand at a speed never seen even in the days of the Roman Empire – as the Imperium grew; individual Cultist Groups began vying for more influence and power amongst them; the French ‘Roosters’ and Egyptian ‘Scarabs’ but in the 17^th Century; the Cult of the Minotaur rose beneath Alfred Smythe – initially a Cultist Movement built on the idea of Knowledge, it would drastically shift in the 19^th Century beneath Alfred’s descendants; First Elias Smythe, the man responsible for the destruction of the Anti-Cultist Movement ‘The Hunters’ within Britain.

But, George Smythe; he took the reigns of power following his father; Elias’ death with glee in 1887; he would use the Smythe Families Business Empire to propel the Cult to a position unchallenged within the Imperium; his Extreme and Deranged methods went unchallenged, even with the election of the Official Imperium Leader; Victor, George retained his position and power; influencing Politicians and the Criminal underworld, using wealth and prestige.

A Man of no morals; he took pleasure in sadism, took advantage of the greed that often reared its head in society; and when challenged, he could back up his position with physical prowess – George became known as nothing more than a Monster even amongst the Imperium.

Within his own home; George would eventually encounter of the survivors of is fathers Purge of the ‘Hunters’ from Lancashire – at the time, in 1872; Cathryn who had just been born would be raised in isolation with her parents in Kings Langley until they would eventually be murdered by Cultists that discovered them, Cathryn, who had been hiding at the time as instructed observed her parents deaths; she would eventually leave her hiding spot to sit between the bodies of her mother; Evelyn and father; Cyril.

Cathryn would be rescued though; she would be taken in by Anne Smythe who would become her Adoptive Mother – but this exposed Cathryn to George.

Cathryn developed an infatuation for George due to his aura of power and the protection he provided by being present on his Family Private Estate along the mouth of the River Thames; George in turn took interest in Cathryn, seeing an opportunity.

He ‘allowed’ Cathryn to resume her training as a ‘Hunter’ – even her supposed Secret Training with the enigmatic ‘Monk’ within the surrounding woodlands on the Estate had been observed, but George took no action.

Cathryn would become active between the years of 1887 and 1889; eliminating Cultists within London, using her training as a ‘Hunter’ to evade detection, but for George, her actions took out his rivals; and only once he had enough people out of the way did he begin moving his plans forwards with regards to Cathryn.

Cathryn would find herself being proposed to in December the 21^st of 1889 – the date of her birth; while it was proposed as a question, only later did Cathryn realise it was a command; and a rushed marriage would follow in the January of 1890.

Following that marriage; George’s control spiralled, Cathryn found herself being subject to extreme abuse, mentally, physically and emotionally; stepping from beatings whenever she tried to question simple things, if ever she displayed independence or try to engage in sexual activity; it would bring physical violence; he was turning her into a docile doll to do with as he pleased – in the March of 1890 she would suffer a miscarriage as a result of her trying to defend herself as he choked her – her act bringing a physical strike that was devastating and sent her like a rag-doll against the counter striking her stomach, despite a miscarriage; George would force her days later to attend a Cultist meeting in London, despite her inability to move, and her emotional rawness, he paraded her like a trophy while revealing to her past actions enabling him to rise to his position, turning what she once was against her.

But the abuse would continue; violation and physical violence, never allowed rest; she found herself struggling constantly; when Cultists from different Nationalities attended a meeting; Cathryn would encounter the American ‘Brothers and Sisters of Liberty’ pair; a husband and wife; Benjamin and Isabelle Mason – Isabelle, a recent mother of her third child locked onto Cathryn’s state and despite being forced from the Estate, set out to protect Cathryn.

In the July of 1890 Cathryn would discover herself four-months pregnant through the routine Doctor visits she had begun being made to have with the Private Doctor on the Estate.

When George learned of her condition; she was effectively imprisoned, her only solitude coming from her private moments in the Garden, tending to flowers where she would discover new arrivals; invited by George; a former lover, ‘Peggy’ brought onto the Estate to create tension, to make Cathryn jealous; though Cathryn’s emotional state left little room for such a thing, instead, Peggy quietly supported Cathryn upon seeing the dire state the younger girl was in; Cathryn would have an encounter with William; a Seven-Year old Boy that took a curious interest in Cathryn.

By December 20^th; Cathryn had the first of twins; her daughter; Elizabeth and a second twin; Lydia on the same day as her own birth; December the 21^st.

Though, despite the birthing of Twins; George forced her back to work around the manor; and by the 24^th her body, unable to keep going finally collapsed, in her dire state, Cathryn found herself at a ‘Crossroads’; she met a strange that reminded Cathryn who she was calling herself ‘Elpis.

Introduction:

The sky wept a cold harsh rain across the vast open field; each drop was like a tiny shard of despair; lightning ripped the sky asunder like the fractured thoughts of some kind of dying god; it illuminated the a figure; Cathryn Langdon, she was silhouetted against the misery of the world around her, her slender frame shook; her Long Raven-Dark Hair once so well maintained, was now a mess draped down, framing a face f innocence.

Her Silvery-Grey eyes, usually sharp and observant, now clouded with a profound and unyielding grief.

Before the trembling girl stood Elpis; a being of otherworldly ethereal grace that seemed to just materialise not long after Cathryn first discovered herself waking up in this strange world that seemed to respond to her emotional state; Elpis possessed a gentle countenance that seem to belie the ancient power that radiated from her; her long Raven-Black hair reaching as far down as the back of her waist, cascading like a silken waterfall.
Her face a picture that held the look of innocence of a newborn star; and wisdom of aeons; her Violet eyes, pools of ink that met with Cathryn’s as she kneeled down by Cathryn, her fingers gently tracing the girls face a moment “You will not be broken by him Cathryn” Elpis murmured

Cathryn flinched; a hollow chuckle escaped her lips “I’m already broken” she whispered; the words were raw and ragged “What else is left?”

“No child” she said with a gentle tone “You come from a strong like; your stronger than you realise” Cathryn met Elpis’ gaze, staring with the look of something akin to hope; fragile, but not yet extinguished

Chapter 1:

26^th of December, 1890 A.D.
The Smythe Estate, Along the Mouth of the River Thames

The Smythe Manor; a colossal edifice of gothic design stood like a malevolent force along the River Thames, a place shadows clung too and the air heavy with unspoken secrets.

Inside the silence felt oppressive with whimpers of tortured souls often brought within its walls, or simply those that work within the very grounds to their sadistic employer; it was here, Peggy, a woman that had once been the target of George’s advanced many years earlier, had once again found herself – she had been brought back along with her Seven-Year old Son; a son conceived with George, though living in Belfast had once provided the distance she needed, once George re-entered her life, she found herself being brought to the Estate.

Her history laced with abuse and manipulation had developed a hardened exterior to protect herself, and now, within her later-twenties, she was not as easily controlled by George; responding with a fierceness that often ensured George would leave her be; though upon encountering Cathryn earlier in the year, she could see George had become far more sadistic than he had with her, she observed, despite her pregnancy, George would never leave her be, never allow her rest; she tried to ease Cathryn’s burden whenever she could without the younger woman being aware.

When the evening of the twins birth came; she played a role in supporting Cathryn; being present when Cathryn had weakly named the first twin without the needing of someone to prompt her, though on the 21^st of December; her weakening state led Penny to prompt Cathryn with a question when the second infant had been born leading to Cathryn struggling before naming the second child ‘Lydia’ while weakly stroking the newborns face.

Now; Cathryn had collapsed, Penny had taken up most of the jobs Cathryn had been expected to perform around the manor; but she also began tending to the twins, now only Seven-Days old; two tiny bundles of new existence that desperately needed their mother who at present was lost in a deep unresponsive state.

Peggy’s days became a constant juggling act; manging a sprawling estate, her own young son – who was a usual presence at her heels, though, she had noticed the influence George had begun to wield over him; William was a miniature version of his father in terms of appearance.

Though, aside from similarities; sharing the same blonde hair and icy-blue eyes as George, William retained most of the influence of his mother, the moral compass instilled upon him, something George was now trying to break down; he’d begun educating William on the Cult of the Minotaur, introducing William to the torturing of animals.

In the backrooms of the Manor, George stood like a statue as he maintained his watch over William, he didn’t hesitate to physically punish the boy when he saw William hesitate at certain actions, or struggle with small animals; he was overbearing and domineering in everything he told William.

The Mason Homestead, Wyoming

Miles from the shores of Britain; across the Atlantic, a different atmosphere built – Benjamin Mason, a man with a physically imposing presence, usually a staunch devotee of the Imperium that led the rebuilding of the Cultist present within America the ‘Brothers and Sisters’ of Liberty’ leaned against a table, he looked over paperwork, his short, dark hair and meticulously groomed facial hair framed a stern appearance; his eyes an emerald-green were alight with a fierce determination – since being given an ‘Unofficial’ sanctions by Victor, to enable deniability in the event Benjamin and his wife are discovered, Benjamin has been working tirelessly to build a network across the Atlantic to keep track of what was going on within the Smythe Estate.

Beside him was Isabelle; her long black hair in contrast to her pale complexion providing her a ghostly appearance, her dark brown eyes were currently fixed on a different letter from her husband, her anger had reached a boiling point, being aware of Cathryn having twins and her current unconscious condition due to being forced so fast back into working like some kind of slave, she shifted her gaze to her husband “We must help that poor girl” she stated, her voice firm

“We shall” Benjamin said calmly; his gaze drifting towards her “We aren’t the only ones interested in helping Cathryn though, which…, gives me an idea”

Isabelle raised her eyebrow in response “We’re not?”

“No; according to our fellow Cultists in Germany; a woman by the name of Anne approached their rivals; the ‘Hunters’ still present there; she is trying to find allies of her own, this Anne, is the cousin of George; but she claims Cathryn as her adopted daughter” He gently tapped his finger against his chin “Right now, she should be returning back to Britain; perhaps we can reach out” he said, a smile present

The ‘Crossroads’

Shifting her gaze away from the ethereal woman in front of her; Cathryn began looking about the surrounding empty field “What…, is this place” she queried, her voice little more than a whisper; Elpis, eased Cathryn up, steadying her as she maintained a light hold

“I told you; this is a ‘Crossroads’…, you shouldn’t be here, but, in your moment of desperation, this is where you was brought, your lineage is connected this place..” there was a pause as Elpis locked eyes with Cathryn “…,through me”

Cathryn blinked; she now looked confused, her eyes momentarily flicking about before locking back to Elpis “What.., do you mean?” she asked, her tone now incredulous while still little more than a whisper “You previously said…, I couldn’t comprehend what you are….”

Elpis merely smiles; instead o answer, she gestures around “This place is not for you to remain in, right now, it is to help you rest; there is much about this realm of existence you could explore, it responds to emotions, but, it can lead you to answers if you truly want to seek them”

Chapter 2:

Early January, 1891 A.D.
Southampton, England

The salt-laced air of the port was a familiar scent for Anne, but she couldn’t help but feel vulnerable; her movements as she ventured off from the ship and onto the docks was one of caution; the prickle of unease was a constant companion, she was fully aware of her cousin’s spies that infested the various ports across the land.
Any word of her arrival would certainly be relayed back to George, and that would end her hopes in an instant – she needed to travel from Southampton to Croydon, to seek out the Anti-Imperium ‘Hunter’; Jesse.

Croydon, South London

By January the 4^th – Anne finally arranged to meet with Jesse, reaching the new Safehouse that they had been set up in; Anne was greeted by him; as Jesse greeted Anne, a man who’s reputation as a formidable fight was clearly not exaggerated as she looked up him, his physical build indicated a man regularly physical brawling; his stylized attire typical f a working-class man, but blended in with a long jacket that hid away tools from view, in his left hand, a cane, though from his movements, it was clearly not a tool used for mobility, it anything, it reminded Anne of something she had seen George carry, typically, it held a concealed short-sword.

Jesse looked on Anne with a mixture of surprise but wary suspicion; the name ‘Smythe’ was one he knew well, Jesse remembered the night of the Purge back at the ‘Hunters’ safe haven; the Farm East of Lancaster, how Elias Smythe had orchestrated the collapse of their movement, he initially believed he had been the only survivor, until he’d encountered Cathryn briefly with the ‘Devil’s Acre’ – as he looked at Anne, she locked her pale blue eyes onto his, she didn’t even register his wariness; her singular focus remained on Cathryn and Cathryn alone “I need your help” she said, her voice trembling, but firm

It cut through Jesse’ tension; he could see the tiredness in her face hidden by her messy dark blonde hair, she was clearly not maintaining herself at that moment “You need to help me; I need to save my daughter” she told him

“Forgive me; but, why would I help you exactly?, your family has caused me much grief” Jesse questioning, though he maintained an even tone, crossing his arms as he began to pace

“My cousin is torturing her; Cathryn does not deserve what he is doing!” she snaps; Jesse shifted his gaze towards her

“Cathryn?” stopping his movement he faced her properly “Cathryn Langdon?” he queried

“Yes” She said quickly nodding “She might not be mine by blood; but she is my girl, my daughter, I have done everything I could to provide since taking her in, and if I had known what my cousin intended, I would have taken her far from him”

Jesse thought for a moment; turning away, his attention drifting towards the door leading to the back room “Come, lets discuss this further” he gestured for Anne to follow him, as he moved towards the backroom

The Smythe Estate, Along the Mouth of the River Thames

A ripple of shock amongst those within the Smythe Manor stirring them from their usual routines as news of Cathryn finally awakening is spread; Cathryn, shifted, her eyes struggling to open began to push herself up, it was a shock for her, tempered by physical frailty, despite it; a primal instinct took root, her first focus upon getting her bearings was her daughters, she heard their delicate cries.

It sent a surge of urgency through her; forcing herself upwards, once she sat up though, she realised she wasn’t alone; Peggy was sat at the edge of the bed, within her arms were the two delicate bundles, Cathryn’s eyes snapped to her daughters, Peggy knew what she wanted, moving up carefully and remaining close beside her as she helped ease them into Cathryn’s arms – the reunion between Mother and Daughters brought a smile to Peggy’s lips as she remained present beside her, watching her gentle interactions and listening to the loving whispers, though Cathryn’s voice was hoarse and rough, despite a desperate need for water, she was focused on Elizabeth and Lydia.

Peggy, shifting her position briefly reached for greenish-glass containing water, and bringing it for Cathryn “Here, open” Peggy gestured to her mouth as Cathryn shifted her gaze towards her, she was confused for a moment, but did as instructed as Peggy carefully guided the glass to her mouth, tipping carefully to enable Cathryn to finally have a drink.

Peggy would remain a constant companion for Cathryn, ensuring she had nourishment that was desperately needed, providing a comforting presence and aid – it would lead to a bond forming between the two women.

But, whenever Cathryn would sleep, her mind a constant battleground between trauma and hope; she found herself returning to that very same ‘Crossroads’ she encountered Elpis, it became so common, Elpis seemed to always be awaiting her arrival, it became a ‘ritual’ a sanctuary in a similar way to Cathryn’s bond with Peggy had become.

Though Elpis’ position reinforced her connection to her past heritage; the ‘Hunters’ – through Elpis, Cathryn would learn things – be shown things, fleeting as they were, but glimpses of things that had not yet happened, she had short encounters with her own parents, things became a source of confusion at times, but, it was beginning to rebuild Cathryn’s ruined confidence.

Chapter 3:

15^th of August, 1890 A.D.
Shanghai, The Great Qing

A nervous contact arrived into the smoke filled room of a local teahouse; here, Xian, a man who’s heritage was of Manchu origin; in 1887 he had encountered Cathryn Langdon; at the time, she had rescued him during one of her excursions to find and free children from a Cultist operated Prison Ship operating within the Thames; it was during that time, Cathryn encountered and freed Xian; an event that would inspire him to return back to his homeland and employ her secretive tactics to challenge the Imperium within the Great Qing.

Now though, he was being approached by a messenger regarding Cathryn; the message painted a grim picture of Cathryn in a dire state and in complete desperation.

A cold fury rose up from his stomach; he would journey to Britain; to find and liberate Cathryn from the heart of the serpent and return the favour to the same one that had shown him kindness.

5^th of January, 1891 A.D.

It had been months of travelling, but at last; Xian had arrived to Britain; the air was frigid and it tugged at Xian’s lung, it was a sensation he remembered from his past visit, as he stepped on the shores of a foreign land yet again; he knew what his goal was, what his intended end of mission would look like – He would find Cathryn at the Smythe Estate, Free and Liberate her from whatever fate she had gotten herself in and once freed, they could once again work together, perhaps work closer than their first interaction which had only been the involvement of a brief rescue – he could try to impress her this time.

As he set off, he pulled a letter from within the confines of his top; the information, while old and outdated, served enough of a purpose to help him with putting his plans in motion, he simply needed to acquire explosives first, slowly, Xian set out, drawing the occasional curious onlooker due to his eastern attire which made him stand out amongst the typical clothing of the British workers.

The Mason Homestead, Wyoming

Across the Atlantic, in the slowly growing community built around the Mason Homestead see’s many changes, though within the interior of its central home; the atmosphere of conspiracy remained, Benjamin had finally received word; as he studied the telegram, his brow furrowed – it was a response from the ‘Hunter’ Jesse, and the telegram confirmed his interest in the offer Benjamin had put forwards, an offer to provide funding – luckily this coincided with Anne’s recent interaction, now, there was an active communication going on – new plans were in motion.

“I want to bring them here” Isabelle said; approaching the table, her eyes fixed on the map laid out “Once we get Cathryn free from that monster; I want to bring her, her children and that Anne here to our land, provide them safety” Benjamin slowly nodded, acknowledging what she said, he then placed the telegram down, sliding it over towards her to look

“We’ll get her out” Benjamin said with a smile “It will take some planning, but, if Jesse can reorganise his ‘Hunters’ it will allow the perfect opportunity for her adoptive mother to get her and those twins free; I shall send them a letter the closer we get to knowing Cathryn will be free, and I shall send your offer to her to invite her here”

Isabelle smiled as she gave a gentle nod; her eyes scanning the telegram

Croydon, South London

The safehouse within Croydon had become a hive of activity; and with the recent contact with a Cultist faction, initially met with wariness, and mistrust had been accepted; Jesse, approaching Anne, found her seated on her bed, when she shifted her gaze towards him she perked up a little “I received word from the Masons” he began “Benjamin and Isabelle have offered a substantial amount of funding, to provide my movement the opportunity to rebuild and take the fight bac to one of their own Cultist rivals”

Anne thought for a moment “They are good people” Anne said quietly, she recognised the names

“Their motives are…, complicated though…, officially, they aren’t involved with what we’re up too, which is good enough for me, the funding on its own is all I need to rebuild, it is George and his Cultists that is my main priority, and, Cathryn being one of my own, gives me enough of a reason to work with them to free her”

Chapter 4:

20^th of January, 1891 A.D.
The Smythe Estate, Along the Mouth of the River Thames

The wintery winds bit into the exposed skin, a gentle whistling through a partial gap present within Cathryn’s window, it chilled the room she was in more than usual; since regaining consciousness, she has found herself with a sliver of connection through Peggy, though Cathryn’s position as little more that a Domestic Slave has been once again reinforced by her husband during their moments of interaction, and despite her body still trying to recover, he still visits her room for physical interactions – a role she has taken to being little more than some kind of doll, simply to try and avoid violence.

But as of late; Cathryn has noticed a sudden shift; his indifference has finally allowed for longer breaks – George, believing her to be broken, due to the mounting pressures stemming from the lack of process of her first miscarriage, to her constant physical violations, to the births of twins and most recently; her collapse, George’s vigilance has begun waning; he saw Cathryn now as a docile wife, a shadow of what she once was.

Beneath the surface though; Cathryn was beginning to regain confidence; her interactions with ‘Elpis’ in that strange ‘Crossroads’ provided a sanctuary, it enabled her to process things, what felt like days, in reality was only hours, it was having a positive impact, and that connection to Peggy only reinforced things; but, she needed to remain wary, any hint could bring George’s attention back to her – and whispers between the ‘Loyal’ Butler; Jacob and Peggy indicated something was happening, unregulated movements had been noticed by Jacob, regarding a particular member of staff, a young woman; Julia – had begun to act strangely, so far it had not drawn George’s attention though.

It was however during this precarious lull that Xian had arrived to the outskirts of the Estate; he sat atop of the horse, looking towards the protective outer wall that separated the Estate’s grounds from the outside world; it was guarded at its singular gate-entrance; Two Guards stood guard, that at least matched the out of date information he had, and so, he began putting his plan into motion.

The Gate was a formidable symbol of the Smythe dominion and they were his first target; as he led his horse into a run, he draw a sword free from the sheath he had positioned on the saddle; a sword brought with him from his homeland; a Dao Sword, within a flash of movement he struck the first of the Gate’s two guards – dropping from the horse to strike the second while the first had already fallen.

Glancing about, he checked to ensure no one else was present before putting the sword back carefully into its sheath in its position along the saddle – he was soon beginning to set up the distraction he needed.

From within the grounds the Cultists present on the Estate heard the distant sound of explosions as the broke through the oppressive silence of the Estate.

Within an instant they were moving towards the iron sentinels that protected the grounds from intruders; the first of the Cultists discovered the gates creaking uselessly and the two bodies of the guards present, the order was given as the Estate shifted from a organised and oppressive state to a chaotic state of alertness.

Meanwhile; Xian had now gained entrance – and being unaware of the intricate web of rescue attempts already being spin, Xian had begun putting his plans in motion, fuelled by a single blinding purpose; using the chaos he’d wrought he was in the heart of the beast and surged through the grounds.

His gaze locked onto the imposing manor, making a quick movement, he used a nearby tree to climb upwards, having spotted an open window; and using the tree he leapt forwards; crashing his body against the wall, but managed to get a clean grip on the ledge and quickly pulled himself inside – he had no found his way inside, and with so much disarray, he knew he could find Cathryn without too much trouble.

Across the grounds and within the very halls echoed panicked shouts from Cultists; Xian navigated the oppressive yet opulent halls, his eyes scanning for his quarry, forcing doors open to get a look within, startling anyone who might have been inside, most were luckily just staff; then, he finally found her; Cathryn.

Without explanation he rushed over, his fingers wrapping tightly around her wrist, he barely heard her say his name as he simply dragged her with him, his grip was firm; almost brutal as he twisted her with him in his sharp movements.

Cathryn, caught within a nightmare began to panic as she struggled trying to get her wrist free, but her weak frame could barely provide resistance “No!; My children!” she cried her voice was nothing short of a raw plea, desperation clawing at her

She kept trying to stop him only for him to instead yank her forwards “Listen to me!” she screamed desperately; she was desperate in her attempts to alert him to the twins, but he simply ignored everything she said, yanking her roughly that she felt pain.

He was simply focusing on escape, he didn’t even register her attempts to convey anything or the attempts to stop.

Chapter 5:

Outside, the frigid air did little to temper Cathryn’s desperation; Xian, his purpose still unyielding kept dragging her until her legs buckled beneath her causing her to fall to the ground; her cries raw and anguished now filled the estates ground “Stop!; Please just stop!”

Xian spun around, his eyebrow raised slightly “No; we need to escape…” his eyes drifted up a moment

George, who had been a casual observer of the unfolding drama, finally showed himself; his hands clasped behind his back, a predatory stillness about him “Trying to escape Cathryn?” he knew she wasn’t, he could hear it within her voice during her screaming and desperation, but, now he had been provided a perfect reason to use against her; his voice smooth but dripped with venom “You forget your duty to me and our daughters” his gaze then shifted; he looked towards Xian with his icy-blue eyes, a cruel amusement flickering within his gaze “One of her allies come to interfere with what belongs to me?”

George slowly moved forwards again, his presence simply radiating power as he drew closer towards Cathryn as she shifted uncomfortably on her knee’s to look towards George, her tears falling down her face as he stood beside her, his eyes locked onto Xian.

“You appear to be under the impression you are liberating her; but, all you are doing, is tearing a mother from her children” a cruel smile twisted George’s lips as he eyes Xian

Xian, bewildered by George’s comment finally let go of Cathryn’s wrist; looking down towards her “Children?”

“Indeed; she is a mother of our children” Geoge shifted his gaze a moment towards Cathryn then once again back to Xian

Processing carefully for a moment, his eyes flick back and forth between Cathryn and George; then, suddenly, he draws a knife, swinging it towards George; due to the proximity, Xian believes he will be able to take advantage and catch George off-guard.

George however simply leans back a little while raising his left hand up to grab Xian by the wrist; locking his finger and thumb between the joint of Xian’s wrist; forcing him to drop the knife before letting go “If you wish to fight me; then do so without a weapon” he says with a grin – the ensuring fight between the two men though demonstrated George was a creature of brutal efficiency, his physical strength was just monstrous.

The sheer strength displayed was simply something Xian did not anticipate; and the ensuring battle was a brutal slug, Xian mostly being thrown about with little effort on Georg’s part; shifting focus, Xian draws a small, fragile egg shell from within his top, crushing it in his grip before throwing his hand out; a cloud of finely ground glass flew forwards.

George, being fully aware of the symbolic weapon of the ‘Hunters’ recognised Xian’s movement; shifting his position, he raised his hand quickly to protect his face before surging forwards beginning to simply overpower Xian with brutal display of power; swinging his arm out, Xian made a wild attempt to strike George.
Though, this would turn out to be a mistake on Xian’s part; George, intercepting the strike and with casual precision that chilled Xian to the bone, locked his arm before a sickening crack echoed out within the frozen air as the bone simply gave way before George simply shoved Xian aside.

“No” George said; his voice an unnerving calm as his attention finally returned to Cathryn “Your attempt to escape my dear, it will necessitate a rather severe re-education; to remind you of your place”

Cathryn felt terror return; she had experienced so much already, she didn’t want to go through all that again “No” she whimpered “Please…, I didn’t even try…”

George waved her off, moving forwards and grabbing Cathryn by the arm to haul her upwards to her feet; his eyes locking on hers; he ignored Xian as he fled; his lips simply curving as he eyed Cathryn with a sinister look.

Xian; he fled, he clutched at his arm, retreating in agony – the horrifying impact of his actions not yet even dawning on him; he had not only failed to free her, but now, despite not even realising it – he had just amplified Cathryn’s suffering.

Chapter 6:

For Cathryn, the following few days were nothing short of a descent into a dark darker abyss than ever before; George displayed a brutality she didn’t even realise was possible; while he had always been cruel and abusive, with using physical, emotional and psychological abuse – the direct result of Xian’s rescue attempt led to him implementing the more insidious torture tactics employed against his enemies.

His brutality escalated into a visceral symphony of pain, she now found herself retrained in various torturous ‘re-education’ session, and often felt a sting of a whip, often it was within the very confines of her own bedroom, regardless of the presence of the twins presence – for George, he believed that this would ensure complete servitude – it only served to reinforce her growing hatred for him.

Her entire existence simply became filled by torturous misery, and even the ‘sanctuary’ of Elpis’ ‘Crossroads’ it was no longer enough – she needed to escape.

Whitechapel, London

Within a pub, Xian rested; his arm now a constant reminder of his failure; though what surprised him most was the arrival of Jesse; Xian was not even aware of the ‘Hunters’ believing Cathryn had been the only person to be struggling in some kind of solo crusade, but, with Jesse’s revelation of who he is, and even the showing of an Ornate Egg Shell, Xian realised that the non-lethal weapon he adopted from Cathryn had a larger meaning and representation.

Jesse, furious with what Xian had done confronts him on the reckless action “You are a damn fool!” he growled, his tone laced with a mixture of anger and despair “Do you have any idea what you have done?; how much harder you have just made it to get Cathryn out of that Estate!”

Anne, standing beside Jesse couldn’t really contain her emotions, she simply felt the tears falling down her face, she felt an overwhelming sense of dread for her adopted daughter; she knew Cathryn would be in a far worse position now than before.

The Mason Homestead, Wyoming

Back in America; the news of what has happened finally reaches the Mason study in the form of a telegram; Benjamin received the news with a controlled fury, the details of Xian’s attempted rescue and its brutal aftermath as revealed by Julia told of exactly what was happening – the difficulties of freeing Cathryn, he realised, were going to be much harder.

Knowing he needed to inform his wife; he took the grim update with him; leaving the study to find Isabelle within the sun-drenched parlor where she was tending to their youngest daughter; with a sigh, he began to explain the situation, the news itself evidently angering Isabelle as she looked towards him.

Written By: Westley H.