The Devil's Incarnate

The Plan

Cathy showed me the drawing room. I peeked quickly at the rooms of the masters. The schoolroom was charming,i could see the table was scraped with inscriptions, the work of generations of young Holt's. Adjoining this room was Max's room and Cathy's room. I thanked the Holt's for their quick wit. The student must be near the tutor and so should the school room. I detested having Susanna walk from Tudor wing for her lessons. She was young and energetic, yes but the fact that her elder sister would be arriving soon, I knew instantly that Susanna would want to make herself as scarce. She would not have the pleasure of doing so as I was around. Max's room was vast, nothing too stupendous for it was a male's room. Cathy insisted on showing me Magdalene's room. The blue room it was called. It was furthest in the Tudor wing and Cathy told me excitedly that she could get a view of the room while she stayed in hers. She had regained her gaiety ways thankfully after being so mysterious in the gallery.

"I can view it comfortably. It seems well panned out for me. "

"your mystery. "

"no. The fact that I can get a view. If there's so much as a ghost I would be first to see it. "

"I must warn you it's not the vicarage. "

"there's always something somewhere. Think of it who would have known we should catch a thief. "

"where exactly is this treading? "

"who knows dear Victoria. "

She opened the oak door. The room was vast. A four poster bed drapes of blue in the middle with drawers on either side. A study table accompanied with a chair on the opposite. Another room leading to the hip bath and dressing room. I looked at it and thought, it had a feel of desideratum. I couldn't exactly pin it. There wasn't a speck of dust. Everything shone.

"the servants come in to tidy it. But they make sure they left it as it was. "

"what oddity. I should think there should be a little mess here and there. Everything seems to be in order. "

"it's almost like she exactly scheduled her dying. It is odd I agree. Everything was neatly in place. Considering she went missing a night before. The bed should at least be ruffled."

"perhaps the maid who came in thought she was somewhere in the house and went on with her chores. One could be blamed for being a delinquent. It's important to pay attention to your duties. "

"I knew bringing you in flemstead would at least give me a head start of something. I should part with the information that the maid still works in this castle. "

"and? "

"I can not tell. Come we must go see the solarium then my room. "

She was being vague for Lord new whatever reason. The solarium was habitable. Old Sol shone his light delicately. I could picture myself busy with my embroidery enjoying the warmth and the tremendous view of the castle. One could see the main wing and slightly the west wing at an angle ,all the way to the threshold of the castle.

She led me to her room. Nothing grand but exquisite all the same. I was immediately drawn to the latticed windows and I hurried there to sit on the ledge.

"we shall make our way up to the west wings. Do you care for some refreshments?"

"you should have started with that. "

She chuckled and rang her bell. I flung the windows open to let the air fill the room. I tilted my head to the left and saw the blue room. Cathy wasn't lying when she said she had a clear view of it. If a shadow was so much cast on it she would be immediately notified. Looking at it from a distance gave one an eerie feel. I looked away and looked below where activities went on. As casually. A maid by the name Milka brought up our refreshments. Wine with wine biscuits. She briefed us lunch would be served soon but I was too famished to hold till then. If there was space for lunch which I was sure there would be, I would munch it. But I shan't guzzle it no, my prim manners forbade it. As I sat down to partake of it I suddenly remembered I didn't know of Mr Will's or Jeremy's whereabouts.

"relax Victoria. They must be sitting down taking a meal. We are a cordial lot. The servants are kind. Just one Mr Hades. He irritates me so. "

"why is that? "

"I think his quite taken by me. No I don't think it is as I say. Everyone knows of it and I can't stand it. When I see him his eyes are quick to draw me in. If it were seductive and appealing I would have been flattered. But he looks at me like a rabid dog wanting to tear it's victim. It rankles in my mind and I get goose pimples just thinking if it. "

"he sounds dangerous. "

"looks it to. He fills me with absolute disgust. "

"but the others do not condone it, do they? "

"absolutely no. Thank goodness for if he as much as decided to make his morbid imaginations come to light I should have a number to run to. "

"your masters? "

"they as well. "

"as well what? "I knitted my eyebrows.

"I mean my safety Victoria. They'll stand by me. "

"good. It seems you haven't practiced your wanton ways here. "

"oh Victoria your terrible. I have been the dearest little thing. But I must say it seems I may have made some impression on Mr Loft."

"here I was thinking he was a gallant. I should have known he was seeking to make an impression. "

"he hasn't done something significant. His suggestions were pure. They had no sinister reasons. He is a gallant. "

"are you perhaps interested? "

"I can't exactly state my feelings towards him. But it's not romantic that I'm sure. I don't feel that way toward him. However there's something I am guessing fondness as my employer. "

"are you sure? Maybe your acting elusive that I may not condemn you. "

"what nonsense you say. Don't romanticise all of my adventures. "

"his an adventure?"

"no. Only his castle. I'm serious Victoria I do not fancy him. "

"but he does you? "

"just as yours does? "

I nearly chocked. I put the biscuit back down. My defenses suddenly awakening.

"it's only a carriage Cathy. "

"is it? Do tell me of how he lent it to you and I shall judge it on my own. "

"believe me. He only sought my comfort. But it was more than that."

Her brows quirked suddenly,her eyes grew curious.

"what more? "

"I believe he wanted to flaunt his riches to the Holt's. You know the wealthy. How they compete, to show who owns more than the other. "

She snorted. "reminds me of the bastides. Always wanting to outshine others. Tis a pity. Genevieve paid for it with her own life. "

"we in turn paid for it. "

"they just made racing even more exciting you must agree. "

"I can not deny it. "

"it was good then. When we had our heads in the clouds. "

"our best silver years yet. Do you think of pa? "

"he does come to mind every now and so. "

She merely nodded at my response. I knew she had drifted back to the days when uncle Carr was alive and well. When her only worry was which fella she would give the favor of letting him court her. If the man was lucky she would agree to be his partner for just a ball. It was a shame uncle Carr didn't get round to throw a ball for Cathy, to debut her into society. She would have been married to the kinsman of a king. If not the king himself. But I remembered her reluctance to marry and the words she had uttered back at dren village. What was it that made her feel that way. I wish I could probe but how could I if she didn't understand it herself.

"are you done? We can have lunch later. We must see the circuit. "

"what of the dungeon? "

"how forgetful of me. We must see the dungeon first. The circuit will be a sort of rewarding sight after daring to see the spooky dungeon. "

"if you say it like that it gives me goose pimples. Do I easily shaken? "

"no. But the dungeon this I can avouch makes one tense. It makes you question your sanity. "

I shuddered. I shouldn't have asked to see it but I wanted to. Cathy gave me a candle and held hers. She lit them.

"it's pitch dark down there. "

I hadn't noticed the stairs next to the solarium. The solarium was vibrant and the stairs held uncanny. Why on earth didn't they think of renovating these stairs? I pondered. Were they determined to practise the tradition any time soon? Or was it the thrill of displaying it? Showing the guests the path of death and allowing them a chance to walk on it as to have a taste. That seemed plausible. As I held on to the rope and walked on the unsteady steps, I deemed the victims were blockheads. The stairs were a clear indication of where their fate was headed. I stumbled slightly, my candle tilted and went off. I let out a low gasp.

"we're halfway there Vicky and you're already scared? "

"if you would light my candle I would be thankful. "

Even in the darkness I could sense her laughing at my denial. She lit my candle and we went on ahead. We reached the g*n room and I gained my composure. Guns of all sorts displayed on their walls. There was no tapestry but in the ceiling there were inscriptions and I couldn't understand it.

"they say they wrote strategies in the walls. "

I gestured. They should have simply hatched a plan seated in the drawing room comfortably. But they had walked on the stairs tonnes of times and the strategies they made were for war, danger all on its own. It seemed the Holt's liked to live on the edge. As I looked at the guns from the rifle to the revolver ,Cathy called me to a corner. I saw the settee. The murderer had to seat comfortably as he watched his victim fall into the ditch of death,eh? She pointed it out to me and I saw the carvings of a box like feature on the ground. It was hidden and unhidden. Considering the state the prisoners were in when they came in there, none would have noticed that feature. They would be thinking, 'I have been brought to the g*n room'. Then they would look at the guns arranged on the walls and gulp. Then say to themselves, 'one of these guns will bore a hole in my head if not my chest. '

But the master wasn't kind to give them instant death, he or she would lure them to a death of its kind.

"what do you think of it? "

"I say it again. The ancestors had a mean streak. "

Cathy made no response to that but offered me the settee .

"pull up the lever and tell me how you feel about it.

I sat on the settee. It protested slightly. It was tired of the laborious task of being the seat of the murderer and the weapon of death. I pulled the lever. It wasn't Swift. It creaked. It needed oiling. What for though? To revive the wicked ways of the ancestors? It opened and I could only see the darkness. Darkness of death. It slowly snapped back in place. Cathy told me there was a magnet that pulled back the metal and placed the plank back to its position. It was well thought of.

"tell me. "

"I have no exact sentiments to share. I should think this exciting to look at but I'm begrimed when I think of the victims. "

"they must not all be honest. "

"maybe it is so. However Cathy, it's still wrong to snatch someone's life like that. "

She nodded. "shall we go to the next. I feel capable of walking in there. I couldn't alone, I did tell you why. "

I answered that she did. She opened a door. The room was empty. I did feel the mist and the unwelcoming warmth. It was repulsive. There was something ominously stale about the room. She slid open an opening. I helped her tie the ropes of the stairs to the banister. The darkness depressed me. Holding our candles we made our way down stealthily, it was as though we feared we might awaken the ghosts that lived therein. The room was dusty. The servants might have though it best to clean up visible places.

"Mr Loft will be beside himself with fury if he knew they haven't washed this place. But there's not a trace of bones. Thank heavens, for I would take a quick glance. "

I scowled at her. "your a queer bird Cathy. Most would be running up the stairs petrified. "

"you already know I must satisfy my curiosity in everything. "

"at least cease from satisfying some. I've noticed the stair is not stable. Rickety thing it is. "

"it adds to the excitement. "

"I fear you will be visiting the place now that you've gotten over your fright. "

"how well you know me. "

I looked at the entrance anxiously. Suppose someone thought there was no one down there or had a vile reason to lock someone in? If he or she pulled the stairs up and untangled the ropes, that would be it. No matter how much one wailed no one would hear. No one would know.

"Cathy."

"yes. "

"I'm taking another oath from you. "

"ridiculous. Now what? Will you make me not practise my skittish ways. Or forbid me from coming down here. My curiosity and nature will nag my sleep. At least let me have a good nights sleep. "

"no. I can't tell you to stop being yourself. But do promise me when you come down here you'll notify someone. "

"why so? "

"there's only one way up if you haven't noticed. If someone locks you here, you can be sure that will be your end."

Cathy looked startled. Thank goodness I had gotten the message through her.

"I almost overlooked that. I do promise. Now you see why it was a good idea for you to come here. You'll safeguard me from the traps, I might fall in if-"

"if what? "

"if I was reckless that is. "

A silence fell between us, a hushed silence of secrecy. I had to be patient she would tell me in time. I would have preferred she told me that I may deter her from doing any action, if it was a dangerous affair. Maybe she knew I would convince her out of it yet she was determined to do it. Each looked at the walls. The prisoners were desperate to get out. Some had managed to claw out some stones but it was useless. I saw light emitted from the other dungeon and wondered where it's entrance lay. Cathy shrugged, she had no clue. There were inscriptions on the walls. It was horrendous. For I could clearly see they used their blood to write down whatever message they tried to convey. The sight of blood never settled with me, either fresh or stale, it still evoked anxiety and disgust in me. I stepped on something hard beneath and immediately let out a shrill. I couldn't bring myself to look at it. Cathy leapt to my side and knelt to look.

"you should forgive the servants. They decided to leave one bone here. Do you want to look at the skull? "

My stomach churned at the mere thought. To think I had stepped on it. I hurried up the stairs. Enough of the expedition. Cathy lingered longer and I was sure she was studying the skull. I pitied the poor being who didn't get a decent burial done for him. The family must have been overwhelmed with grieve. To have their loved one down there and worse, he didn't get a decent burial. What a pity! Cathy followed minutes later. We made our way up. I felt lighter than when we were coming down. I visibly exhaled when we reached the top.

"I knew the dungeon would take a toll on you. "

"I see why you didn't sleep the first night. "

"I hadn't seen the dungeon. I still hear the noises Vicky. The clop of horse hooves and the rustling of leaves, the snapping of twigs. It's like there's some activity going on. The night comes alive with mysteries. "

"you said so about the vicarage. "

"it did give us results, didn't it? Say if you were to sleep here once maybe you'd agree with me that there's something?"

"I'm not too eager to sleep here. I don't think I'll be able to have decent sleep. "

"don't let the dungeon deter you from coming again. It would be pleasurable to have you around. After all, we haven't started discovering yet. "

"you seem to enjoy being vague today. "

"do promise me you shall come often. "

"if my fright lessens. I shall. "

She laughed mirthfully. It was apparent that though I was scared, my curiosity would take over me and I would find myself here in the castle. But not in the dungeon, unless forced to.

We made our way to the west wings and went up the newel stairs. I felt calm as the gentle wind blew and I breathed in the freshness. The weather was benign. I walked towards the edge and noticed a chair lay there a few feet away. Cathy was keeping her promise. Then I saw it. The circuit. I looked at the cobbled pavement that led from the garden down to the circuit. I was awed by its features. The spirals were fascinating. I looked at both halves and couldn't notice the movement of the half in the water. What craft. The castle was smaller but significant all the same. It had a conical roof and one Tower. White washed walls.

"one can't see that it's actually asymmetrical. Two halves brought together. Its a sight isn't it? "

I cried that it was with an alacrity that stunned me having being shaken by the dungeon a while back.

"do you see any clear path to the castle? "

I looked at the spirals intently. Watching each one and how they connected to each other. I made two or three attempts, I noticed each either led in a trap or nowhere. On the fourth attempt I noticed one leading me back to the start.

"how many people were involved in its making? "

"I'm not sure seven or so. "

"no wonder the never ending traps and dead ends. "

"Now you see my predicament. We shall have to circumspect before we make any attempts to make our way there. "

"I see your counting I'll be there with you when you navigate your way through. "

"I wouldn't explore it with someone else. "

I looked back at the circuit. Mr Loft had only parted with one clue. There was a way out from the castle. She showed me the path and when I thought it was a dead end realised there was a gate.

"there's only one lock. Can you imagine it. You can't get in to the castle through it but you can leave the castle. "

"then we must know of every trap and gate there. "

"I have already done so. "

I raised a brow at that. It was unlike Cathy to think things through to the last detail. It was always I who did that.

"don't give me that look. Do you think I've only being marvelling at the circuit. "

I nearly answered I did so but she went on.

"I think this circuit has cast a spell on me. I have never taken anything so serious. The determination to get into the castle is so insistent. Can you imagine there are three paths to the castle?"

"three? Who told you. "

"Mr Loft."

"so he knows the path? "

"so does his cousin Terrence. They discovered it in their childhood. Terrence found one path, Loft the other. They were silent competitors you see. "

I made a mental note of that. Both Holt's wanted to outshine each other. Of course what would I expect from a family that was so high strung. Apparent from the very portraits.

"and the third? "

"it's the path I've told you. It was told to them by Terrence's parents. Don't think Loft Holt will tell us of one path or the other. He says it will spoil the thrill and I agree. "

"I have to second you Cathy. I have never seen you so serious. "

She clicked her mouth but on a light manner. I shifted my head to the tiny being seated on the grass. His hands scribbling something. Cathy followed my gaze..

"ah, there's my darling student. "

She cried out in delight. I couldn't tell his features. He looked so lone .

"his all by himself? "

"that must be my fault. "

"what do you mean? "

"I found a way to fraternize with Max. "

"what has that to do with anything? "

"we are now on a lukewarm relationship it's better than the chill. He loves mathematics and I managed to coax him to calculate the weight of the planks by the gravitation to determine the force of the fall. "

"you've included the child in your plans. "

"he was more than eager. He also wants to find a way to the circuit. He didn't say it outrightly but I feel he thinks it will draw some attention if he found it. "

"attention from his father. "

She nodded solemnly. I felt my temper flare at the same time sympathised with the dear boy. Must affection be sought. I had three traits of Terrence, a cold being, a competitor and a run away. As for Loft he was a gallant, a competitor and lord of the castle. Against the two, Loft seemed much preferable. I dreaded not seeing them both for I would quickly sum them up and my desire to know them would end. It was strange seeing as the Markham's didn't arouse that kind of feeling in me.

"how did you manage to befriend him? "

"easy. He loves mathematics. I began questioning him about the arithmetics used to make the circuit and he gladly showed me. I applauded him for his wit and all day I watched him walk in the air. He loves his father as well but I don't bring him up. It will depress the child. "

"say if I were to try this approach on Susanna I should have to find something that interests her to make her inclined to me. "

"children are not as complex as us adults. I say try it. If it doesn't work, you shall find another tact. "

Cathy gave me a detailed map of the circuit, she had been given by Mr Loft. For a man who didn't easily betray family secrets he easily betrayed his fondness I noted. Now those were four traits I knew of Loft. A maid came in to call us for lunch. We partook of the meal. Discussed the circuit briefly before I called it a day. Though I wasn't eager to leave the castle I had to. It wouldn't be safe if we departed at dusk. Cathy was seeing me out when she realised she had forgotten to hand me the map so she hurried to fetch it. I was standing at the stairs betwixt east, west and the main wing when I heard something. A sensational euphony. My heart began to hammer so hard. Then I heard it again and immediately recognized the instrument. A sitar. I listened keenly. The tune was familiar. It was the first tune Edward had played. It was played with such vibrancy. It quickly shifted to the melancholic tune he played. It still held the pained emotions. I listened to it trying to decipher from which wing it came from. When I almost had a faint idea where I heard it from, it stopped. I strained my ears to listen but it was silent. The sound had disappeared. I was in such a distress that I didn't hear Cathy's steps.