The Stone of Madness

by Nick Baker

  A face hidden in shadow appeared around the door, but Spydre immediately recognised the unmistakable outline of Lily’s hair silhouetted against the glow rising from the stairwell. ‘Come in, come in,’ he said eagerly. ‘I was wondering when you were going to come and see me,’ he added without reproach.

  ‘I wasn’t sure whether you were resting,’ said Lily in a voice little more than a whisper. ‘Are you sure you’re all right? I hear you’re getting better but you need time to regain your strength,’ she said sheepishly.

  ‘Pah!’ replied Spydre. ‘It sounds like your father has been keeping you from me, the old rogue. I am fine. I will be back on my feet before you know it, and just you watch me then!’

  Lily beamed. ‘I know I haven’t been in to see you, but you were still quite poorly when you arrived, and I was under strict instructions not to disturb you. Let’s get this straight, though; you’re not fine, and there’s no excuse for you to behave irresponsibly, you old rascal,’ she said.

  ‘Now, come in properly,’ Spydre ordered, ignoring the rebuke, ‘and turn on some light, for goodness sake, so that I can see you.’

  Lily switched on the bedside lamp. She sat down on the edge of the bed and Spydre could sense her baulk as she took his limp hand in her own.

  ‘I know I may not look my best,’ he said full of humour, ‘but just look at you. As wonderful as ever, I see.’

  ‘And it’s good to see you looking so well, too,’ she replied.

  Spydre could sense the lie, particularly having just witnessed his haggard face in the mirror.

  ‘You know how I love your company, Cornelius.’ She leant forwards and kissed him on the cheek. ‘I could also do with someone to confide in,’ she whispered conspiratorially in his ear.

  ‘It’s not always easy with my father.’

  Spydre gave her a reassuring smile. ‘You can always come to me, Lily.’

  ‘I know,’ Lily said, nodding.

  They sat together on the bed, enjoying the solitude and one another’s company before Spydre eventually spoke. ‘I believe I have you to thank for a part in my recovery, Lily.’

  ‘Not really. It was my father who saved you. I just did as I was told. I brought the reagents he asked for.’

  ‘Ah, but how magnificently and quickly you responded, my girl. Now, see if you can find me some whisky.’

  Lily shook her head. ‘You don’t expect me to—?’

  ‘Worth a try,’ said the old man, interrupting Lily before she could finish her sentence, ‘but rest assured there will be no one to stop me when I get home. I thought you would be a little more understanding than that irascible old housekeeper of yours.’

  ‘You’re incorrigible,’ she said, laughing at his impertinence. ‘Do you realise how close you were—?’

  ‘Do not waste your breath, Lily,’ Spydre cut in again. ‘All the more reason to enjoy a good drink while I still have some breath left in me. Ah, well, never mind, it will just have to wait. But what of you, my girl, how are you?’

  ‘Me? I’m all right,’ she replied noncommittally.

  ‘It does not sound like it to me. Now, what exactly is the problem?’

  Lily’s smile reappeared but quickly faded. ‘Oh, I don’t know …’ she faltered.

  Spydre had always been perceptive when it came to interpreting Lily’s moods, and he could read her in ways that her father never could. ‘This is to do with your father, I take it?’

  Lily nodded.

  ‘Look, Lily. He has your best interests at heart, whatever you may sometimes think. I know it brings you into conflict, particularly as you are growing up so quickly, but he realises this, and I think it frightens him a little. Never forget that he has been through a lot himself, which is why he could not bear to leave you any more vulnerable than you already are.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I mean that these are dangerous times. Just look at me.’

  ‘I’m not sure I follow, Cornelius.’

  ‘Come now, Lily, surely you realise that what happened to me was because of my association with Henry?’

  ‘What! You mean that’s why you were poisoned?’

  ‘Of course! I take it your father has not spoken to you about this?’

  ‘No, he has not!’ she replied indignantly. ‘Don’t you see? It just proves my point. What actually happened to you?’

  Spydre sighed but managed a wan smile. ‘This should be a matter between you and your father, and not for me to discuss with you, but I believe you have a right to know what has been going on, particularly as you may be under threat yourself.’

  ‘Me, under threat? How come?’

  ‘I shall come on to that presently, but first, let me recount my tale. My recollection of what happened is still a little hazy, you understand, but bear with me. Henry has filled in many of the details relating to my visitation,’ he said dispassionately.

  ‘Come on, Cornelius, spill the beans,’ Lily said eagerly.

  ‘Very well, my dear. It all began with the arrival of a woman I had never met before. I was in the shop, as usual, and ironically enough, I was in the middle of unearthing some information for your father. Call me an old fool, if you will, but this woman bowled me over the moment I laid eyes on her. She was beautiful, but there was something about her that I could not put my finger on. I should have realised something was amiss when she enquired about an ancient book on Pagan magic. A particular interest of mine, you see, but as I said earlier, an old fool …’ Spydre allowed his words to drift as his mind began to wander, but after a brief pause, he continued with the account. ‘We became embroiled in a fascinating discussion on Pagan rituals. She was either well acquainted with the subject or she had done her homework.’

  ‘What did she look like?’ said Lily.

  ‘As I said, she was beautiful, beguiling even. Dark hair, so black, yet it held such lustre, it seemed to radiate a luminescence that lit up the stuffy old place that passes for my bookshop. Her eyes were captivating—so dark and so wide—I felt as if I could see into the depths of her soul. Her skin was smooth and unblemished, and her scent, ah yes, her scent … I should have known better. I wonder now whether she somehow bewitched me.’

  ‘Why? What happened?’

  ‘I invited her to sit down while I searched for the book she had asked about. When I returned with some refreshment, we talked for what seemed like hours, although exactly what about I cannot remember now. It must have been while we were talking that she slipped something into my drink, because, all of a sudden, I began to feel unwell. I am afraid my memory fails me at this point, but I do recall developing an unquenchable thirst, although the more I drank, the worse I felt. I dare say I was drinking more of the poison she had administered,’ he added bitterly.

  ‘My vision became blurred and I was unable to focus on the print in the book. My heart was racing so fast, it felt as if it would explode. After that, I cannot recollect much, except the dreams, of course. I suppose I was hallucinating, but I have never experienced anything that was so terrifyingly vivid before.’

  ‘You don’t have to go on, Cornelius,’ said Lily kindly.

  ‘There is not much more to tell, in truth. I was at a desolate place I have visited in my dreams before, but never so real. My task was to defend the gates of a kingdom from a terrifying manifestation known only as the Raven King. I was with an old friend of mine, Luschka,’ he said, unable to mask an expression of longing on his face.

  ‘Alas, even in my dreams I could sense I was failing. I somehow knew the outcome of the dream was inextricably linked with my fate, and that when the gates fell, as they inevitably would, so my life would also end.’

  ‘What were you poisoned with?’

  ‘An extract from a plant known as deadly nightshade, I believe. Belladonna to some, but I prefer to call it the Devil’s Herb. It contains a mixture of, amongst other things, atropine and hyoscyamine, drugs that are commonly used in medicine, but when taken in excess, are almost invariab
ly fatal. Had it not been for your father’s timely arrival, I am not sure I would still be here with you now.’

  ‘I don’t understand how he knew what this woman had poisoned you with,’ said Lily, looking bemused.

  ‘I cannot help feeling disappointed that he has not discussed this with you. Perhaps he has been meaning to, I do not know, but this is very important,’ said Spydre.

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Because, Lily, as I said earlier, I am concerned for you. Let me explain. Several clues were left for your father alluding to the nature of the poison that this woman administered to me. It is clear that whoever poisoned me not only wanted him to find me but also for him to have a fighting chance of saving my life.’

  ‘But who would do anything like that?’

  ‘Someone who had good reason to want to stop him from travelling to Amsterdam on the day the attack occurred.’

  ‘But I thought he was only going there to see a copy of the manuscript that was stolen.’

  ‘You are right, Lily, but I am afraid that this second manuscript is every bit as important as his own. The night he was due to arrive in Amsterdam, the only other copy of Piotrowski’s manuscript was taken from the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica,’ said Spydre solemnly. ‘Whoever was involved in the theft knew of your father’s travel arrangements. The attack on me was merely a diversion to ensure that he would not set off on the day in question, thus allowing the thief free reign to proceed without fear of being disturbed by someone as powerful as your father.’

  ‘But who would do anything as evil as that, Cornelius? You nearly died.’

  ‘Quite so, Lily, quite so. These people, I am afraid, will not allow anything to stand in their way. They would see the death of an old man as inconsequential compared to the prize they seek.’

  ‘But why on earth would anyone want two copies of the same book? It doesn’t make any sense to me.’

  ‘It appears that the books are not quite the same. Alone and they are useless, but together, they hide a powerful secret, which a group called the Esoteric Brotherhood buried long ago, and, I believe, never wished to see resurface.’

  ‘And now that the books have been reunited …’ Lily let her words trail off as the implications of the news sank in.

  After a few moments’ reflection, Lily queried, ‘Tell me, Cornelius, why are you so worried about me?’

  Spydre hesitated, weighing up exactly how much to divulge. ‘I do not want to make your relationship with your father any worse than it already is.’

  Lily glared at him. ‘Come on, Cornelius. If I’m in danger, I need to know about it.’

  He sighed and then nodded, if a little reluctantly. ‘Have you ever heard the name Aurelia Nightshade mentioned before?’

  Lily nodded tentatively, looking as if she was not sure she wanted to hear what he was about to say. ‘She was a friend, an accomplice, I think, of Pearly Black after … after my mum stopped working with Black,’ she said uneasily.

  ‘That’s right, Lily. She was a very influential member of the Order of Eternal Enlightenment, and central to Black and his plans. When the Order was at its peak, there were some suspicious deaths of prominent people who opposed Black. At the time, the deaths were put down to natural causes. Eventually, though, the Council became suspicious. The bodies were exhumed, and after toxicological tests, I am afraid a grisly pattern began to emerge. We now know for certain that at least two of the individuals had traces of atropine in their body at the time of their death. It was obvious they had been poisoned. Of course, it was all hushed up at the time, but there was no doubt in your father’s mind that the person behind these misdemeanours was Aurelia Nightshade.’

  ‘Why wasn’t she punished?’ said Lily indignantly.

  ‘I am afraid the evidence was circumstantial at best. Nightshade was linked with both of these men around the time they died, but nothing could ever be proved.

  ‘Your father was convinced of her guilt, but he knew there was never a chance that she would be convicted. What made it worse was the way she goaded him. She knew full well that by using an extract of deadly nightshade, suspicion would fall on her by dint of her name and her connection to the men. It was as if she was advertising her involvement, but the only thing your father ever had to go on was his unshakeable conviction of her guilt, and she knew it.’

  ‘Were there any more deaths after that?’

  ‘Yes, but atropine was never used again … up until now, of course.’

  ‘So I assume it was this woman who visited you a few days ago,’ said Lily, aghast.

  ‘Yes, I am afraid so. It all fits. I could kick myself for not recognising her, although, to be fair, I have never met her before. I have seen pictures, of course, but it was all such a long time ago. My eyes are failing, and the light in the shop is poor. It never crossed my mind to suspect this woman, and I am afraid it so very nearly cost me.’

  Lily stroked the back of his hand. ‘Don’t blame yourself, Cornelius. You weren’t to know.’

  ‘Maybe not, though it matters little now. What is important, however, is what happens next.’

  Lily regarded him carefully as if trying to read his thoughts. ‘I thought Nightshade and the rest of the Order disappeared after Black’s death.’

  ‘Quite so, Lily,’ allowed Spydre pensively. ‘What you must realise about the Order, however, is that it consisted of a disparate group of unsavoury individuals united by one particularly charismatic man. When Black died, the bond that united them evaporated. Oh, they tried to regroup, but amidst an atmosphere of mutual suspicion and recrimination, they were doomed to fail. By the time the Council began to flex its muscles, backing for the Order was already on the wane. Eventually, when news of the Order’s nefarious activities emerged, any remaining support vanished overnight, leaving Black’s closest confederates isolated and vulnerable. Not surprisingly, most of them, including Nightshade, went to ground. That was the last we ever heard of her … until now, I’m afraid.’

  ‘How can you be so sure that it was this woman who visited you?’

  ‘Oh, I am sure all right. Although my recollections are vague, there is no doubting it. Your father managed to unearth some old photos of her, and I can assure you it was her.’

  ‘But why now?’

  ‘I only wish I could tell you, Lily. All I can say is that something strange and powerful is afoot. It all points to a resurgence of the Order because of whatever is hidden in Piotrowski’s manuscript.’

  Lily looked baffled. ‘Do you have any idea what it is they’re after?’

  ‘Me, personally, no …’

  ‘But …?’

  ‘I believe your father has recently received some information that has caused him to speculate on this very subject.’

  ‘And what is that, Cornelius?’

  ‘I am afraid, Lily, that I must draw the line at this point. You must put your differences with your father aside and discuss this matter with him.’

  ‘If only I could,’ Lily snorted. ‘Don’t forget that he’s the one who never confides in me. After all, who am I, apart from his daughter?’ she added sarcastically.

  ‘I feel like banging your heads together. You are both so alike. It is hardly surprising you have come to such an impasse. If there is one thing I aim to do before I leave this house, it is to ensure that you talk to one another.’

  ‘I’ll believe it when I see it,’ she said, now smiling, her small, perfectly straight teeth shining like pulsars. ‘Come on, Cornelius, you must be able to tell me something,’ she added pleadingly.

  Spydre’s disfigured face softened. He had never been able to resist Lily no matter what trouble it got him into with her father. ‘Very well,’ he returned, accompanying his words with a defeated sigh. ‘It is not as if I know that much anyway.’

  ‘Tell me what you know!’ Lily said excitedly.

  ‘Your father thinks that this secret has something to do with the quest for immortality.’

  A faint gasp escape
d from Lily’s lips. ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘This time, I really cannot answer you, for the simple reason that I do not know. As I said earlier, it is about time you had a frank discussion with your father.’

  ‘Okay,’ she said with a nod, ‘but you said earlier that the attack on you was a smokescreen to prevent my father from travelling to Amsterdam.’

  ‘Just so,’ Spydre said noncommittally.

  ‘Working on the assumption that the Order has reformed, then how did they know of his plans?’

  ‘A good question, Lily, and the answer explains why I am worried about you.’

  ‘Go on,’ Lily prompted.

  ‘Only a handful of people knew he was planning to travel to Amsterdam. He announced his intentions to the Council just a few hours before he was due to leave. It would not have been possible to get a message out of that meeting and for Nightshade to arrive on my doorstep when she did. No,’ he said, shaking his head. ‘It would appear that the diversion had been planned for some time. I am afraid that the only people who knew of your father’s plans before that meeting, apart from me, of course, are linked with this household. It seems that, sadly, we have a mole in our midst!’

  The colour drained from Lily’s cheeks. ‘I don’t believe it!’ she cried. ‘My father trusts the staff implicitly. They’re almost part of the family. Both Albright and Mrs Brimstork have been around since he was a child and they’re totally loyal to him. The only other people to come and go with any regularity are my tutors, and while I may not always see eye to eye with them, my father has known them for years as well.’

  ‘I would not disagree with you, Lily, but just think about it. How did the thief break into the house so easily? The simplest explanation is that they had help from an insider. It would also explain how Nightshade knew of your father’s trip, and in sufficient detail to arrange a little visit to my shop.’

  ‘I don’t believe it,’ said Lily, shaking her head vehemently.

  ‘Whatever the case, Lily, this is one subject I suggest you do not broach with your father as I know to my cost. No. You must keep it to yourself and be vigilant. Keep your wits about you and, most importantly, trust no one. Do you understand?’