The Necronists_A Paranormal Steampunk Thriller

by J M Bannon

  "I do know of one situation where a soul has been taken from a mortal form then sent to a vessel, followed by sending it to another mortal form," said Rose. All eyes were on Rose, the interest in her last statement was palpable. Hume was particularly intrigued, "When has such a phenomenon happened?"

  "Preston Gilchrist has been holding two souls in his mortal form for several months now," offered Rose. Hume leaned forward to look at his two brothers of the Guild. Dolly jumped in, "So, this large group of Americans are trapped inside the Crystal, could they be returned to their bodies?" asked Dolly.

  "What do you mean, Crystal?" asked Hume.

  "The object we collected from the crime scene is a complex device, like something you would see in a mechanist workshop, it has an arcane element, however, a large crystal. That is what you would call it, correct Rose?" asked Dolly.

  Rose saw the confusion on Hume, so she pushed forward. "We have it on good authority that the device uses Thanatalic Mystaficatos, a rare alchemical element few outside the Necronist and Alchemy Guilds would have knowledge of its properties," Rose watched for reactions; she had learned from Dolly to look for tells, a sign that more information is available.

  "It is my understanding Guild Master, that we are the sole user of that mixture and I can confirm that our supply is accounted for, but can the Alchemists account for all they make?" Hume reported to Crocus, he then turned to Williamson and spoke, "I would need to see this device to understand what it is capable of and how it could work."

  "Well, that's the sticky part gentleman, after our last interlude I am not inclined to pass over evidence since it is in my care from the US government. I would propose that you join us on the ship for an initial review to understand its origins and determine if we can help those trapped inside," guided Detective Williamson. He then got up. "Gentlemen, thank you for your time, Constable Caldwell and I will be at the airship with an expected departure early tomorrow morning. We can find our own way out." finished Williamson.

  As the two walked out to the carriage Rose spoke in a hushed tone, "Dolly, did you see Saint Yves, he knows something. He kept looking to Hume."

  "Good eye, Caldwell."

  4:30 p.m Necronist Guild House, Ile de la Cité Paris, France

  Hume was going through his journals reviewing his old notes. Most of his working papers were transferred to the monastery, putting him at a disadvantage. He was perplexed; who else could build a device like his vim vitalem cumulus. It was the first object he had created after his return from Haiti and began his work on the science of life force collection and augmentation.

  "Guild Master Hume, the Gendarme are here asking for you," announced Hume's private secretary. "I am finished speaking with the English Policeman," barked Hume.

  "No, Sir they are French," said the secretary.

  "Now what?" he said out loud taking off his spectacles.

  Hume leaped up and stepped out of his office into the lobby to see two Gendarme with another fellow. He approached. "I am Seer Hume. How may I be of help?"

  "Sir, I am Detective Roberts from the Paris Police. I have to ask you to accompany us, we believe your daughter Mademoiselle Lilith Hume was in an accident in the city and we need your cooperation,"

  "You're misguided, my girl lives in Belfort."

  "She is not. We wired the Police in Belfort to locate you. At your Chateau, they were informed by staff neither you nor your daughter were there. We placed the name and this residence to you, once we knew you were the Guild Master Hume. It is imperative you come with us, Sir."

  Hume wondered what game the Englishman was playing with his French counterparts. It seemed strange to bring his daughter into this affair.

  "Give me one moment and I will come with you to sort this matter out," said Hume as he went back to his office to collect his effects.

  6:00 p.m. Necronist Guild House, Ile de la Cité Paris, France

  "I would like your permission to investigate Guild Master Hume's activities at the Monastery," said Guild Master Saint Yves.

  The private office of the Guild Master Crocus was simple, a Zen quality with Egyptian motifs. Its design purposeful, to leave a visitor with knowledge of the Necronist's connection to ancient Egypt and the impression of the leader as a contemplative man.

  "What you ask is unusual, for one Guild Master to distrust and spy on another," said Sebastian.

  "Arno and I are close. We have a long history and I believe he knows more about what the police inquire about than he let on. Sebastian, you and I both know the device they found sounds like the soul magnet Hume worked on upon our return from Haiti. The results are like what we experienced with the first tests."

  "Have you spoken with Arno?"

  "I went to ask him, and his secretary told me he left suddenly and didn't share where he was going."

  "I don't see how meddling in the work at the monastery will help the Guild," said Crocus.

  "I am shocked that you are not more concerned. If he were collecting life energy outside of his experiments at the Monastery, he violates our covenant," challenged Gerrard.

  Crocus looked up. Gerrard saw he had the High Guild Master's attention and had escalated his leaders stress level with the accusation.

  "You think Hume would violate our core principles?" asked Crocus.

  This was a serious allegation, Gerrard needed to choose his words wisely.

  "Sir, I was never in agreement to allow the White Wyrding to draw the life from an animal. As the leader of the Adepts, I see that as our sacred duty and burden. The circle disagreed with my belief that to do so violated the covenant. I accepted the decision of my Brothers, but I still feel it is an infraction. While I understand the work to create artificial life when successful will strengthen our position with the Emperor. Pursuing this research without checks and balances is fraught with peril. The White Witch can see the danger, and only has an inkling of what we have achieved and are capable of with our knowledge of the arcana of life,” said Gerrard.

  "Gerard, the basis of our power is Cenaculum Mortale Rejuvination; it is Napoleon's opium, and we are his only source. Hume's sourcing life energy from beasts does not weaken you and your sect. It strengthens the guild and makes you more powerful. Besides Gerrard, all in the Eternal Circle have enjoyed time in the chamber and are the benefactors of those who lose their lives at the blades of your Adepts,” Replied Crocus.

  The words stung Gerrard not because of the shock of taking a human life, or that his life had been supplemented by those he had taken. Gerrard wondered if all his leader was concerned with was the worldly issues of power and court intrigue; it all was about how Crocus could maintain his status. Was Gerrard’s work to hold the helm of metaphysics purely to serve Sebastian’s political agenda?

  "The collection and dispersing of that sacred energy has been our secret and our strength. Our order has these traditions for our own survival. Is it possible the White Wyrding has been collecting human life by the hundreds outside of the protocol without your knowledge?" said Gerrard.

  Crocus paced as he spoke, "None of this have I seen. I have no premonition of this discord.” Gerrard had little faith in Crocus' portents and vision. The man had no sense he could tap into the Aether, as he did, nor the Metaphysical genius of Hume.

  “What do you make of what the Witch said; could there be others that have mastered the transfer of an intact living soul?“ asked Crocus.

  “Again, It would be nice to have a discourse with Guild Master Hume on that subject but as usual he is gone,”

  “Yes, this is a problem,” mumbled Crocus.

  "High Guild Master, Hume has become distant; spending less and less time here at the Guild House and as much as he can at his dairy farm. I thought it was to ignore his duties and lament over his wife's death. On that, I couldn't care less but if he is pursuing research unsanctioned by the Eternal Circle, or he has not been minding the store and his subordinates are performing unofficial research we must know," said Saint Yves.


  "Ah, I have had concerns of another nature regarding Hume for some time," offered Crocus, "Not that he is conducting perverse experiments but to your other thesis he has been given too much latitude at the Monastery. Look at the results, the Dairy delivers more than the laboratory to our Guild," concluded the High Master.

  "Let me investigate. I will not take any Seers, but go on my own to review the situation; using the utmost discretion for the sake of the Guild and my friendship with Arno," offered Gerrard.

  "Agreed, take your leave, Guild Master. If you discover anything untoward or believe any of our Brothers are part of unsanctioned activities, you are to come to me and me only, to discuss our way forward," instructed the High Guild Master.

  6:30 p.m. Paris City Morgue

  Arno Hume had been surrounded by death his whole life. He knew the stench of the mortuary, the grim appearance of cadavers, none of this made him afraid; it was what he might find in this one that brought the greatest fear he had ever felt. A young man with a bushy head of hair and full beard wearing an apron, the Mortician watched him enter the pathology theatre. The body on the slab was covered with a blood saturated sheet.

  The police detective took a serious tone. "Guild Master Hume, an accident occurred in the late evening yesterday, a young woman stepped off the sidewalk into oncoming traffic and was struck by a steam truck. Witnesses said she did not see the vehicle coming or appear to know what hit her."

  "Why do you believe this might be my daughter?"

  "The contents of her handbag, receipts and a room key from the St. George Hotel." the Officer showed him the evidence with sympathy.

  "That Hotel is near the Guild House."

  "A five block walk once you cross the bridge," affirmed the Detective.

  Lilith's father stood next to the body, looked to the Mortician and nodded to proceed.

  The Mortician glanced quickly to the Detective, then stated, "Guild Master Hume, please affirm if this is your daughter,"

  The sheet went back. Hume did not recognize the clothes but knew from the small stature and resemblance to his Lilith, it was her. "How? I don't understand, what was she doing in Paris?" Hume asked calmly.

  "You affirm that this is your daughter?" asked the Detective again.

  "Detective, this is Lilith Hume, my Daughter. I will have Seers arrive within the hour to bring her home." He turned to the Mortician, "Do not touch her when the Seers come they will know what to do,” said Hume.

  "I am sorry, Monsieur I have an investigation to conduct, and the body is part of that investigation," said the Detective.

  "Guild Master not Monsieur, I am the leader of the White Wyrding, and personal advisor to the Emperor. Without total agreement from both of you to drop this investigation and turn over my daughter's body, I will proceed directly to the Palace. I assure you that instead of Seers, it will be soldiers here to collect her. You decide and do it now," Hume was furious but able to remain stable and that had a far greater effect on the two men.

  "Guild Master I am sorry for your loss I will stay here and wait for your men to collect her remains,"

  19

  Thursday the 28th of March

  The Peregrine

  Rose and Dolly were relaxing in the Peregrine sky lounge at one of the small tables. He puffed on his pipe and she sat across from him enjoying a whiskey on ice.

  "What are the next steps?" asked Rose.

  "Well, first light tomorrow we fly back to London and transport the mysterious contraption to your underground laboratory to test," answered Dolly.

  "I think we do as Lorelei suggested and proceed to Gilchrist Manor for her to examine it in her lab. Maybe Preston will be in the right frame of mind to give his opinion and we go from there?"

  "And you don't think we can... I can't think of another term, bring those people back to life?" queried Dolly.

  "No, and it is abhorrent to fool with this type of energy. What if we did? And everyone ended up in a different body, or insane; now you have a bigger mess. We need to send them on their way to embark on the journey we all eventually will have to take.”

  "Detective, there is a Necronist Seer requesting to speak with you and Ms. Caldwell," the Steward reported, interrupting their debate.

  "What did he say his name was?" Dolly questioned, weary of the irritating Necronists.

  "Saint Yves, Sir,"

  "I expected Hume, given his demeanor during our meeting. All right then, have him brought here please."

  "Right away, Sir."

  Rose laughed.

  "What is so funny?"

  "Just the world we live in. What was it, four years ago, you were afraid to come to my apartment; last year I had never been out of the country and now I'm part owner of an airship with a service staff," said Rose, admiring their accomplishments.

  Dolly stood up, removed his jacket and set it on the chair next to him. He drew his Colt revolver and checked the chamber rotating the cylinder to the first of the three arcane shots he had loaded before putting it back into his shoulder holster.

  "What are you doing?" asked Rose.

  "That Fucker tries anything I will put one of your magic bullets right into his skull. Seeing my pistol here," Dolly said as he patted his holster, "Might remind him he won't be the first Necronist I have taken down." Dolly resumed his seated position, feeling confident. " Why are you worried about him now, but not at the Guild House?"

  The porter brought the Seer into the lounge, the two other crew members stared as he entered and then made their way out.

  "What can we help you with, Guild Master?"

  Gerrard took in the surroundings, surprised by the luxurious interiors, "I have come to inspect this device."

  "We were expecting your Chief Technologist," said Rose, standing up. "Follow me, it is in my workshop. Dolly, would you ask Lorelei to join us," Rose guided Gerrard to the hall and then to the door of her workshop; she took out a keyring and unlatched the door.

  "I have to say, this ship spectacular and a Laboratory this nice in a building would be impressive but, in an airship, it is… "

  "One of a kind, Guild Master Saint Yves," finished Lorelei.

  Rose watched the Seer turn towards Lorelei and Dolly as they entered the workroom.

  "Have we met?"

  "Briefly, when you toured the Königsberg Gas Werks. I was in the receiving line at the formal dinner held by Baron von Traube," Lorelei reminded the Guild Master.

  "Ah yes, the jolly red-haired fellow,” said the Seer. "That fellow is my Father. As for this ship, truly a singular feat of engineering and alchemy. I worked on the gas distribution system; Rose and I designed this space to do our work where ever our hearts and adventure take us,” said Doctor Traube.

  Rose wondered if Lorelei had been indulging in too much French press coffee, she appeared on edge. "Lorelei, we asked the Guild Master to join us and provide his professional opinion on the device." Rose moved over to the Soul Crystal, removing the shroud that covered the contraption.

  She took special attention to watch him as the device was unveiled. His eyes went wide then he quickly regained his composure.

  Gerrard walked closer, peering into the glass dome and deeper through the swirling gas to see the red crystal inside. "What is in the chamber?" "The substance is called, Thanatalic Mystaficatos," injected Lorelei.

  "And human souls," added Rose.

  Attempting to contain his astonishment, the Guild Master posed the question, "Where exactly did you find this?"

  "In the Colorado Territory near the border of the Dakota Territory, in a town called Harpsichord," answered Dolly.

  Gerrard stepped back from the machine resting his hands on the edge of the table as if to steady himself. "I came here to see it for myself. I can't explain why this device is still functioning, I was told it had been dismantled. The answer to these questions rest with Hume; I attempted to speak with him about this subject earlier, but he had left the city."

  Dolly and Rose looked at e
ach other, then Dolly demanded, "Are you saying this is a Necronist machine?"

  Gerrard seemed lost, uncharacteristically confused and distant.

  "Guild Master, is the Order using this device to collect the lives of humans to augment yours and its own?" positioned Rose, as she leaned into him to making eye contact.

  Gerrard stepped back shaking his head as if to clear it. He opened his cloak and drew out a dagger and dropped it on the lab counter. The blade made an eerie clanging sound, like no other metal. Dolly almost drew on Gerrard, but Rose waved him back.

  "No, Ms. Caldwell, that blade is how we take the life of another." Saint Yves reassured them.

  She continued, "and then use it to extend life, playing with immortality."

  "I won't talk about that. I only share this with you because you have seen the act," offered Gerrard, lost in contemplation. His eyes locked on the green-tinted metal knife on the black tabletop.

  "You are referring to when you got away with murder?" pushed Dolly.

  "That's not what happened, I never wanted her to die. My subordinate overreacted, I tried to subdue her she was so powerful. When one of my Wyrding takes a life with the Scorpionis Aculeo, he becomes the steward of that life force and brings it back to the Order to be inventoried and used for a higher purpose. The life energy is collected in the ampule in the handle. We are required to turn them over to the Ex quo Collector, one of our Wyrdings who holds and controls the release of the sacred vials; there are sacrosanct rules for the use of life force to prevent us falling prey to our own power over death. The Covenant between the Wyrdings forbids the White Wyrding from collecting life force."