The Labyris Knight

by Adam Derbyshire

  His host reached out a pale hand, the nails ragged, the skin bitten and rough. Kerian thought he was offering his hand in greeting, only to realise that the man was reaching past him for the tray still perched upon the stool. Facial nerves twitched in irritation, as his host removed the tray, clearly unhappy that Kerian had disobeyed his order to put the tray on the floor. His smile was forced as he turned back towards his chair, his pale, blue-tinged lips parting to reveal brown decayed stubs of teeth set into anaemic gums.

  Kerian suddenly had the strangest sensation he had seen this man before but before he could ask, his host dipped a slender finger into the plate of meat, the slimy viscosity of the blood staining his pale fingers as he traced patterns through its contents. He selected several choice pieces of flesh, then threw them towards his thralls, the meat thudding to the floor, just in front of the creatures and splashing up the side of Kerian’s boot. Eyes filled with longing stared down at the offerings, two beasts whined softly, one shifting itself as if uncomfortable, tilting its snout and staring up towards its master. Not one creature moved to eat, instead they trembled with anticipation, their ears cocked, saliva dripping from their jaws.

  “So, you have ransom for Octavian’s wife and child.” The man began, settling back into his chair before picking up a crystal glass half full with a heavy amber liquid. He took a slow sip, then closed his eyes to savour the experience before gazing intently in Kerian’s direction.

  “Yes.” Kerian replied coolly, not failing to notice the crystal glass was now smeared with the dark crimson residue of his host’s soiled hand. The man stared long and hard through his spectacles, the tension growing between them across the warm room. The empty silence made Kerian want to talk or move but the warped creatures lying at his feet were stopping him from moving anywhere and he knew that talking during a silence was a sign of weakness that he did not want to show at this crucial juncture. Kerian knew he was in trouble, that he did not have the means to pay this ransom but he was not giving up his necklace. He would die rather than lose her again. He watched as his host continued looking Kerian up and down before shaking his head solemnly.

  “Well, I have to confess that a man who doesn’t even have his own means of transport and arrives dressed in such attire, hardly raises my hopes for a suitable payment. You do understand that the fee for the two is quite…” He paused taking another slow sip from his glass before licking his lips. “…substantial.”

  “I can assure you, that you will be satisfactorily rewarded.” Kerian replied, his mind racing for a means to turn this situation to his advantage. Maybe he could bluff the ransom, delay the inevitable conflict until he had a clear plan of escape? Now where did he know this man from? He had never travelled to Glowme castle or even near this region, so how come he had this continuing feeling that their paths had crossed before? What was more, he had a growing belief that they had not parted on amicable terms. The only positive thing positive about this encounter was that the man clearly had no apparent idea who he was. “Anyone who has had dealings with me knows my reputation is sound and my credentials impeccable.”

  “That is reassuring to know.” His host replied, his pale face still portraying his scepticism. “Are you going to sit, or are you expecting to simply stand here all day long? I have to warn you that hounds will be hounds and if you remain standing for too long, they may mistake you for a fence post. It would be a real shame to stain your attire further.”

  Kerian looked at the four twisted monsters drooling and whining about him and realised his host was playing with him. These were not hounds, far from it. They were warped beings, constructed from several creatures. Here was the pelt of a bear, the spots of a snow leopard, the horns of a goat, all of these creatures were chimera’s, experiments that his unsettling host seemed to have been party to. Octavian had warned him of the danger of being bitten by these creatures and how their taint had warped him into what he was today.

  He knew was never going to be allowed to sit down and if he did, it would be a tactical mistake that would lose him his means of movement. There was no mistaking the fact these beasts could rip him apart in moments if they managed to pin him down! He needed a distraction and quickly! Kerian stared about the room, taking in the white mould blooming from the shadowy corners, the faded portraits in chipped gilt frames that hung on the walls and stared at him with solemn, dour expressions. There were no clues here, no answers to the enigma of this man’s identity.

  The cupboards and bookcases were filled with documents and ledgers but the spines were so dusty he was unable to make out any of the titles. He knew from Octavian’s descriptions that the man was a scientist, yet Kerian never knew any scientists! He could not keep the man waiting, he had to introduce himself and try to present at least some semblance of control.

  “My name is Styx.” Kerian replied, watching his host for any tell-tale signs that he recognised him but the response was just an acknowledgement of the fact supplied, followed up with another sip from the crystal glass. It was time to use flattery. “Octavian told me you were a generous host and that you were a renowned scientist.” His host’s eyebrows rose in surprise.

  “Quite a prestigious one in fact.” Kerian continued. “I would love to see around your home and see where you make these scientific advancements. Maybe spend some time in discussion and understand your motivations.” He smiled, waiting to see if his prose would have the desired effect. The scientist placed his glass down and licked his lips, a delighted grin lighting his face and giving Kerian another unwanted glimpse of his atrocious dental state. He turned towards a water clock set upon the dresser beside him and adjusted his glasses.

  “Well, as luck would have it, I do need to go down to my laboratory before I arrange for dinner. One of my experiments is nearing fruition and I feel I am very close to achieving my goal. In some respects, Mr Styx, you are quite honoured to be here on the eve of such a momentous occasion.”

  “Why, what are you attempting to achieve?” Kerian asked, playing along with the ruse.

  “Why, what everyone wants of course.” His host replied, getting to his feet and walking towards the door they had entered through. He clicked his fingers and his creations lunged for the food lying before them, wolfing it down.

  “Control. Absolute control.”

  * * * * * *

  “Glowme castle was originally constructed in 221 and has remained guardian of these mountains for over seven hundred years. Our family have resided within its halls for nine generations. Here within the great hall there are portraits of the founding family members. Lord Thadeus, Lady Elzbeth, even Sir Oliver, quite a tyrant in his time. It was said he once chopped three men in half with one mighty swing of his broad sword. Personally, I have my doubts.”

  “It’s a shame it is so dark in here.” Kerian replied drily, his eyes taking in the faded canvas displaying a rotund man, decked out in heavy plate, his gaze staring down at Kerian with a look that made the knight feel like an intruder. A huge dragon’s head lay at the man’s feet and he was posed with one boot resting upon the gory trophy. He held a massive broadsword in one hand, holding the heavy weapon aloft as if he were about to be blessed by a divine presence for his successful kill.

  Kerian tried to hide his smile. Such a pose was not only ridiculous but with a blade that heavy it was likely impossible to maintain without both hands on the weapon and then only for the shortest of times. His smile died as he turned back towards the enigmatic man who was making his way over to the far side of the hall, a lit candelabra held high, his footsteps echoing loudly across the cavernous space. The twisted results of his experiments escorted him, padding almost silently across the floor in a diamond formation, one in front, one behind, the others side to side.

  Pale ghostly forms of an elderly couple gave off a luminance that barely pushed the shadows away. They writhed in torment, repeatedly trying to touch each other and offer love and support, only to be frustrated by the cruel gl
ass layers of the case between them. The knight swallowed hard, imagining if he and Colette could ever be in such a position; unable to share the love and compassion they held for each other. Kerian licked his lips and tried to push the haunting image from his mind. He needed to focus, needed to gain the advantage they sorely needed if they were to complete this rescue attempt.

  “The daylight fades the paint, so we rarely open the drapes.” His mysterious host replied from across the hall, unaware of Kerian’s dark brooding thoughts. The scientist placed his candelabra down upon a dark low desk and reached up to grab hold of a set of heavy drapes and drag them apart, allowing pale beams of anaemic afternoon sunlight to stream into the chamber through clouds of dust disturbed by his actions.

  Kerian blinked as the light flooded in, his eyes taking in the hall clearly for the first time. This castle was in worse condition than he had thought. Everywhere he looked there were signs of neglect; cobwebs hung densely in the upper corners of the room, furniture riddled with woodworm, gilt peeling from frames, black mould creeping along the walls where damp had seeped into the stonework, displays of halberds and swords arranged upon the walls, were pitted with rust and in much need of oiling. He took in the vaulted ceiling, the faded tapestries, his nose tickled by the disturbed dust and the scent of the mustiness. There was a stench of decay hanging over everything, leaving a sour lingering taste in the back of the knight’s throat. Kerian looked back at the painting, now clearly seeing the cracks in the oils and the grime that had built up overtime.

  “If you don’t mind me saying, everything here appears a little tired.” Kerian commented, trying to keep up his confident act as he reluctantly walked over to the window to stand beside the scientist and stare out into the cheerless light. “The upkeep for such a place must be enormous. I presume keeping such a magnificent stronghold in this condition is quite demanding for someone residing here all by themselves?”

  “Oh, I am not by myself.” His host replied ominously. “I have my hounds and a few select staff that have been kept on after others were unfortunately let go.” He stared out the window through a jagged hole where a piece of glass had fallen away. Kerian followed his gaze, taking in the jumbled rooftops, the crumbling gargoyles and the secret courtyards, where any trace of ornamental gardens had been strangled by voracious weeds. Forlorn statues cried petrified tears of injustice as they silently drowned in seas of brambles, carved limbs raised pleading to an owner that no longer cared.

  “So can you tell me more about your experiments?” Kerian turned back towards the man, only to find to his surprise that his host had already walked away, his candelabra held aloft. “Are you trying to improve the life of those around you, change this world for the better?”

  “What I do, I do for myself.” His host laughed coldly. “What is the point of doing work for the betterment of man, when the only man I want to enrich is myself? Imagine if you were to work on making someone stronger, faster, more intelligent than yourself and you succeed. What happens if they want to keep those advances you have discovered. How can you stop someone who has such a physical advantage over you? Why would I put myself in such a ridiculous predicament? My working practice ensures I have no such worries.”

  Kerian moved to catch up, walking past some large porcelain vases decorated with sinuous mythical creatures. One vase had a large crack running up the side and as Kerian passed he was sure something looked out at him from the darkness. They stopped before two huge doors, whereupon his host extracted a heavy bunch of keys from his pocket and unlocked one door with a heavy clank. He winked at Kerian as he dropped the keys back into his trousers.

  “You can never be too careful.” He whispered. “We would not want just anyone walking in here by mistake. Too many accidents happen that way. Now if you will allow me.” He gestured with his arm, bowing low. “Welcome to my laboratory.”

  The doors swung wide and Kerian found himself instantly wrinkling his nose from the stench that emanated from within. His eyes watered at the chemical irritation, the smell of unwashed flesh, the scent of old blood and the unmistakable tang of salt water. His ears rebelled at the assault of sounds; bubbling, hissing, bells ringing, steam escaping, creatures whimpering and suffering extreme pain. He looked over towards his host and noticed the man seemed to be relishing the knight’s discomfort. Kerian gritted his teeth, forced a smile in response and stepped through the doorway.

  They stood on a balcony overlooking a large split-level cluttered room with a large floor to ceiling window running the entire length of one wall. The view of the snow-covered mountains, kissed cotton pink and auburn by the setting sun had the look of a lost masterpiece that artists would have given their life to paint. Here, in this macabre setting the backdrop was jarringly and glaringly out of place. Nothing artistic would ever be created in this room!

  The walls behind Kerian were lined with shelves that groaned under the weight of archaic books and scrolls. Suits of ancient armour stood solemnly at regular intervals along the wall as the balcony continued around the room’s perimeter with identical staircases on the left and right walls spiralling down to the main laboratory floor.

  Kerian cast his eyes over the handrail, noting the work benches set about the room, their surfaces littered with glass bottles bubbling and steaming, cages of creatures running about and throwing themselves against the bars in what appeared to be signs of madness. One bench had a dissected animal upon it, the assorted implements that had been used to explore the innards of the unfortunate subject scattered haphazardly about the work surface.

  In the centre of the room was another table, this one set with places for dinner. Kerian counted the spaces. There were five in all, silver cutlery framing gold edged plates. Napkins folded into elegant swans that nestled alongside crystal cut glasses. It was beautiful and yet, just like the scenery so alien when considering the overlying ambience of menace about the room. Several pedestals stood before the huge window, glass cloches covering items of apparent value, keeping them free from dust and contaminants. The one to the left appeared to hold an ancient violin that slept upon a bed of crushed velvet.

  Kerian’s host was already descending the left staircase, moving across the room with clear purpose, his passage leading him to a basket on the floor where several mewling sounds arose. Kerian noted that all of the larger beasts had followed their master down to the ground floor, so he placed his hand on his sword hilt and gently freed the blade from the scabbard, exposing a sliver of Aurora’s metal that gleamed brightly, before he clicked the weapon back in place again. He considered drawing Aurora now, knowing that it would change Octavian and these other creatures back into their proper forms. He considered that their combined numbers would easily overpower the man, yet somehow, something held him back. There was more going on here, too many questions and riddles and Kerian was determined to extricate the answers.

  "You know the problem with scientific research is that it’s so damned expensive." Kerian's pale host continued, as the knight descended the stairs towards him. "Funds only go so far, there are peer reviewers to bribe, critics to be silenced, laboratory costs, subjects to be located and experimented on. I mean scientific papers don’t write themselves you know. You have to raise funds any way you can...” He paused, checking his lab notes before tutting loudly and reaching down into the basket to lift out a small puppy covered in dark fur, ridges along its spine and above its eyes reflecting back the light as if they were made of flint.

  “That’s better! See Agnezkia, gaze upon your offspring. Together we have created the future. Undying loyalty, obedience, strength and aggression in a form that is as beautiful as it is deadly.” He gripped the puppy hard by the scruff of its neck and drew out a large syringe, plunging the needle into the wriggling creature, making it yelp loudly, before injecting the red liquid within into the squealing animal. Kerian moved up alongside him and stared down at the basket as his host grabbed the pups one by one and repeated the action. Six
puppies. Six unmistakable creatures from nightmare.

  “You see here we have a classic example of my work. I have been trying to combine animals and humans together for years, with limited success. They are always so unstable, the human part always rebels, always tries to fight back until I have no choice but to put them down. If only they were as predictable as the animal side. I expect Octavian will meet the same fate eventually.” He shook his head, then smiled at the wriggling puppy in his hand. “Now look at this, I have finally managed to breed my own hounds. I no longer need human subjects to experiment upon. I can have litter after litter of totally loyal creatures.”

  The hound in his fist turned and sank its teeth into his hand with a growl, shaking its head violently from side to side. Kerian looked on as his host smiled sadistically, then flicked his wrist sending the pup skidding across the workbench and off the far end, back to the basket with its siblings.

  “So much for loyal.” Kerian replied, noting that the puppy that had fallen from the bench had managed to land outside of the basket and was now wriggling about trying to get back onto its front and clamber back in with the litter, mewling in distress. Another pup moved across the basket and Kerian noticed its back leg was all bent and twisted.

  “Not quite as perfect as you are leading me to believe.” He stated, pointing out the disability.

  The scowl across the scientist’s face bore witness to points scored in Kerian’s favour. However, the smile on Kerian’s lips failed when his host grabbed the puppy and lifted it high poking and prodding at the deformed limb as if horrified such a thing could exist.

  He turned away from the desk, holding the squealing puppy in his hands and marched towards the underside of the balcony, his purpose not apparent but he was definitely under a thunderous cloud. Kerian bent down to retrieve the dropped pup and stroked its head, just as a glass vial of bubbling blue liquid overbalanced as the scientist charged past, knocking it with his arm and sending the glass spinning off the work bench to smash into pieces on the ground.