England 2010
Brandon opened his eyes slowly wondering where he was. Suddenly he sat up as his memory kicked in and he remembered his predicament. He looked at his watch. Four hours had elapsed since the Nun had locked him in, and for two of those he had been asleep. At first he had heard various people going back and fore outside the room, and he had waited nervously for one of them to open the door, but nobody did. He stood up from the old dusty mattress where he had finally fallen asleep and walked over to the door, listening to see if there was anything happening.
After a few moments, he heard the faint sound of someone coming up the corridor. This wasn’t the sound of confident footsteps of someone who had a right to be there, but considered steps, careful not to be heard. Brandon considered carefully and when he heard a muffled conversation, being carried out in whispers, he took a calculated gamble. Taking his gun from his belt, he stood to one side of the door, and held his gun in both hands, barrel facing upwards in the ready position.
‘Bernice,’ he said hesitantly, ‘Is that you?’
The voices stopped and silence fell.
‘Bernice,’ said Brandon, ‘If that’s you, you have to let me out. There are lives at risk here.’
The steps came closer and stopped outside the door.
‘Open the door, Bernice,’ said Brandon, ‘Please, don’t make this any worse.’
He heard the sound of the bar being slid back and the door swung inwards, creaking on its rusty hinges. Brandon stepped out into the open and levelled his gun at the person in front of him.
‘Bernice!’ said the woman, ‘Who the hell is Bernice?’
‘India!’ gasped Brandon in astonishment, ‘What are you doing here?’
‘She’s with me,’ said a male voice, as Gatilusi came into view, aiming his own gun at Brandon.
‘Gatilusi,’ gasped Brandon, aiming his own gun at the Greek policeman, ‘What on Earth is going on, here?’
‘Long story,’ said Gatilusi, ‘We can catch up later, suffice to say, there is not much time. Now, I didn’t expect to come across you in these circumstances, but there is an advantage to be gained here. I intend to find what I came for. I can leave you both locked in this cell or we can work together. This place has secrets we both need to solve if we are to retrieve our respective items.’
‘The girl is not an item’ snapped India.
‘Whatever,’ said Gatilusi, ‘The point is, both seem to be intrinsically linked. ‘I want the Palladium. Nothing more, nothing less, and I believe, by finding the whereabouts of the artefact, you have a good chance of finding the girl. Together, we stand a greater chance of not only being successful, but also of getting out of here alive. It makes complete sense. Your call.’
Brandon glanced at India before answering.
‘Okay,’ he said, ‘I will trust you.’ He slowly lowered his gun and reached around his back to place it in the holster on the back of his trouser belt.
‘Good,’ said Gatilusi, and lowered his own gun. ‘Right, let’s see what this is all about.’ He turned and made his way up towards the cavern door, closely followed by India and Brandon.
‘What is going on here?’ asked India as they walked.
‘I’m not sure,’ said Brandon, ‘But Sister Bernice told me about a secret inner order within the convent. I think they have something to do with it.’
‘Sister Bernice?’
‘Yes, a long story but I don’t think she is part of this, whatever this is.’
‘Where is she now?’
‘I have no idea.’
‘What about him?’ asked India, indicating the back of Gatilusi.
‘We have no option but to trust him,’ said Brandon, We are on our own here.’
‘Shouldn’t we just call the police?’ asked India
‘Not possible,’ said Brandon, ‘There are no phone lines here and apparently the only place you can get a signal is at the top of the hill at the end of the valley.’
Gatilusi stopped before the giant door to the cavern.
‘Is this the place?’ he asked
Brandon nodded.
‘Then it’s time find out what this is all about,’ said Gatilusi and, kneeling on the floor to keep a low profile, eased the door inwards, just enough for them to slip through.
Brandon joined Gatilusi behind the protection of the dwarf wall. They had crawled forwards from the door and now sat behind the wall, invisible to any eyes in the cavern. India followed them and, very slowly, they peered over the wall and into the Temple below. There was no sign of Sister Agnes and the cavern seemed to move eerily in the flickering candle light.
‘Can you see anything?’ whispered India
‘The Palladium doesn’t seem to be on display,’ said Gatilusi, ‘But that was to be expected.’
‘Sod the statue,’ hissed India, Is there any sign of the girl?’
‘No,’ said Brandon, ‘Though she may well be in one of those locked cells. If there’s no one here, we can quickly check and get the hell out.’
‘We can’t do that,’ said Gatilusi.
‘Why not?’
‘Because, I need to wait until someone comes. The chances of finding the Palladium by chance are minimal. I need inside information.’
‘But that increases the risk,’ said Brandon, ‘If the girl is there, we can be away in minutes.’
‘And how does that help me, exactly?’ asked Gatilusi, ‘You forget we have a deal. You help me and I help you, remember?’
‘And why should we help you?’ asked India, ‘You intend to steal an ancient artefact and take it to the other side of the world.’
‘I intend to steal nothing,’ hissed Gatilusi, ‘The Palladium is ours by right and was taken from Samothrace a long time ago. For thousands of years its location has remained a mystery until now. We have spent millions on unsuccessful investigations and though we had made the link between the disappearance of Rubria and the placement of the fake Palladium in the Forum, the trail went cold around the time of the great fire of Rome.’
‘So how come you found your way here now?’ asked India.
‘Mortuus Virgo are one of the most secretive organisations in the world,’ said Gatilusi. ‘They enjoy the patronage of some of the most influential people in power, including politicians, royals and clergy. We believe they are funded from the purse of the Vatican itself, though they have always denied it, and knowledge of this place is restricted to those privileged by right of birth only. Despite our best efforts, we could not find out where they were based, until those fools, the Venezelos brothers got lucky and fell in with a well meaning, yet senile old rogue who showed them a carved plank in return for a thousand dollars.’
‘What carved plank?’ asked India, her interest aroused.
‘Nobody thought much of it at first,’ said Gatilusi, ‘It was a very crude drawing, etched into a plank of a Roman cargo vessel, sunk about two thousand years ago. Carved by a bored sailor more than likely, perhaps to pass away the time.’
‘What was it?’ asked India.
‘A picture of a woman kneeling down and kissing the shore of some unknown land,’ answered Gatilusi, ‘But it was what around her neck that was important, a necklace of Vesta.’
Rubria gasped.
‘Are you sure?’ she asked.
‘Yes,’ said Gatilusi, ‘As you know there were only six ever made, and five are spoken for, either in the hands of private collectors or are documented as being buried with various Vestal Virgins.’
‘All except one,’ said India.
‘The necklace of Rubria,’ confirmed Gatilusi.
‘How does that link here?’ asked Brandon.
‘The board was in Rome,’ said Gatilusi, ‘But it was returned there years ago along with many other artefacts. The actual wreck was found in the mud of the river Severn, A river separating England and Wales. It was a very busy route around the time of Rubria as the Romans were busy establishing a fort in a place called Caerleon, further up the river. As soon as that was established we despatched the Venezelos brothers to continue their investigations here in Britain. It didn’t take long before they picked up the trail but after a while they disappeared off the radar.’
‘And that’s where we came,’ in said Brandon.
‘Exactly,’ said Gatilusi, ‘Thanks to you, we managed to find them again and the trail led here.’
‘You know they are both dead?’ asked India.
‘Shame,’ said Gatilusi, ‘But their contribution will be remembered.’ He looked over India’s shoulder.
‘Someone’s coming,’ he whispered urgently, ‘We had better get down’ If I am correct, over the next few minutes you will witness a ceremony of one of the most secretive cults in the world, Mortuus Virgo.’
Six Nuns, each dressed in a grey hooded cape entered the cavern and made their way down to the fire. They walked slowly, in time with a bell that rang gently in the distance, each holding their hands together in prayer. They spaced themselves out around the fire pit and stood awhile in silence before Sister Agnes finally raised her arms and started a litany, her voice echoing around the cavern.
‘Holy mother, hear our prayer,’ she recited.
‘Isis hear our plea’ the others replied.
‘Holy mother guide our will,’ cried Agnes,
‘Isis light our way.’
‘Holy Mother give us strength.’
‘Isis, see our unity.’
Brandon watched the ceremony develop, the chanting raising in volume and intensity.
‘Are they supposed to represent the Virgins of Vesta?’ asked Brandon.
‘I don’t think so,’ said India, ‘It just doesn’t sit right.’
Suddenly the chanting stopped and Sister Agnes climbed up on a small podium and faced the raised pulpit set into the far wall of the cavern.
‘Pontifex Maximus. Come forth and hear our prayers, that they may reach the ears of the Goddess Vesta.’
The room fell silent and all the participants gazed upwards, waiting for something to happen. Slowly, out of the shadows, a male figure emerged onto the pulpit, swathed in a long red cloak, his face covered by a white, featureless face mask, and in his hand he held a wooden mace. He struck the struck the floorboards of the wooden balcony three times ceremoniously.
‘Hail Children of Vesta,’ boomed the male voice.
‘Hail Marcus Vibius,’ they answered in unison.
‘Oh my God,’ whispered India, ‘They have even kept the tradition of the Pontifex Maximus.’
‘Who or what is that?’ asked Brandon.
‘In ancient Rome, the Pontifex Maximus was the high priest of the Temple of Vesta. The only male allowed into the Temple. He was the controlling authority with absolute power over the priestesses. Second only to the Emperor.’
‘So let me get this straight,’ said Brandon, ‘What we have here is a religious cult, mirroring the cult of Vesta from Rome over two thousand years ago.’
‘Exactly that,’ said Gatilusi, ‘Though I fear it is about to get a lot more sinister.’
The Pontifex Maximus had raised his staff and indicated the line of locked doors in the wall of the cavern.
‘Summon those who honour the veil of the Virgin,’ ordered the priest.’
All six Nuns retreated from the fire, each making their way to the cell doors. The Priest struck the floor once more with his staff and each Nun slid back the locking bars and opened their respective doors.What happened next caused Brandon’s jaw to fall open in astonishment and horror.
Out of each door, came a small girl draped in white silk, each no more than ten years old. Each Nun took the hand of a child and led them back to the fire pit, but this time, with the children filling the gaps to complete the whole circle.
‘Holy shit!’ whispered Brandon, as he watched them hold hands again and restart the ceremony.
‘They are using children,’ gasped India, ‘Indoctrinating them in the ways of Vesta.’
‘Just like they did in Rome thousands of years ago,’ said Gatilusi.
‘But how?’ asked India, ‘Who on Earth would allow their daughters to submit to this sort of life in this day and age?’
‘I don’t think any of these are here with parental consent,’ said Brandon, ‘If I am correct, I wouldn’t mind betting these girls have been taken against their will from the streets of London.’
‘I am not so sure,’ said India, ‘Surely they would be missed.’
‘Think about it,’ said Brandon, These Nuns run soup kitchens in the worst parts of London. They get to meet the destitute and the desperate on a daily basis. Stay out there long enough and eventually an ideal candidate would come along. Perhaps a young mother with a child she doesn’t want.’
‘If that’s true,’ said Brandon, ‘Why kidnap a ten year old girl from the streets of London.’
‘Who knows?’ said Gatilusi, ‘Perhaps the supply of babies dried up, or there was a death. It is very important to these people that the number of acolytes is maintained at six, however drastic the measures needed.’
‘But why?’ asked Brandon, ‘I don’t understand the reasoning behind it. Surely they know it is only a matter of time before they are caught.’
Gatilusi smirked.
‘You think this is new?’ he asked sarcastically, ‘Mortuus Virgo bases its religion around the core of six Vestal Virgins and has done for thousands of years. Like I said earlier, some of the most important people in the world are devotees. You think the Masons are secretive, this lot makes them look like modern day celebrities. They have the power to cover up any indiscretions they need to.’
‘But, that’s awful,’ said India, ‘Are you saying that there have always been young girls used in this way?’
‘Exactly that,’ said Gatilusi, ‘Probably since this place was built a couple of thousand years ago.’
‘But surely someone, somewhere over all that time would have found out. What about when they grow up and realise there is a big wide world out there?’
‘Who said they are allowed to grow up?’ asked Gatilusi.
Brandon and India stared at the Greek in horror as the implications sunk in.
‘I’m not certain,’ continued Gatilusi, ‘But in the past they probably grew up in an age of seclusion and devotion. The world was a much more isolated place then. But as society changed, the people in power became corrupt and the meaning of an innocent Pagan religion became more sinister. Eventually, the people in charge could not afford the risk of being discovered. The longer it went on, the more secretive the order became until it became a self perpetuating monster.’
‘So what are you saying?’ asked India
‘Why take the risk that the girls grow up and leave the order?’ asked Gatilusi, ‘When there are plenty of replacements out there. When one of the Virgins gets too old or starts to ask awkward questions, all they need to do is select a replacement from the big wide world.’
‘But what about the original?’ asked India, ‘What happens to her?’
Gatilusi stared at her before answering.
‘The clue is in the name, pretty lady,’ he said, ‘Mortuus Virgo, The dead Virgins!’
‘No, you must be wrong,’ said India, ‘Despite everything, this is a religious order. They would not condone murder.’
‘The Nuns may not,’ said Gatilusi, ‘But don’t underestimate who you are dealing with here. I have devoted half of my life chasing their shadows, yet at every turn they manage to cover their tracks. Their influence extends in to every walk of life, Police, organised crime, politicians and clergy. Their network extends all over the world and they will do everything in their power to ensure the cult continues and their secrets are kept, and if that means some people disappear, then so be it. Corruption follows them like a bad smell.’
‘Do you think Camille is down there?’ asked India.
‘No!’ said Brandon, ‘Those girls look too well versed in their responses. Camille hasn’t been missing long enough to learn the litanies. I think she is probably being held in one of those locked rooms, waiting for the brainwashing that this lot obviously employs.’
‘Shit!’ gasped India, and she threw herself down behind the wall in fear.
‘What’s the matter?’ asked Brandon.
‘I think he saw me,’ she gasped.
‘Are you sure?’
‘No I am not sure,’ she hissed, ‘He’s wearing a mask for fuck sake, but he raised his head and looked in this direction.’
The three of them stared at each other for a few moments before Gatilusi spoke.
‘We have to go down there,’ he said.
‘Bullshit,’ hissed Brandon, ‘If he sees us, he’ll probably call his security.’
‘We have no other option,’ said Gatilusi, drawing his gun, ‘If he saw the girl, then they are probably on their way already.’
Brandon paused.
‘Do you want that girl, or not,’ hissed Gatilusi.
‘Of course,’ said Brandon.
‘Then its now or never,’ said Gatilusi, and raising himself into a crouch, he ran towards the stairs.
‘Fuck,’ cursed Brandon and followed Gatilusi down into the cavern.
The masked figure on the balcony span away from his followers, surprised at the commotion. He lifted his staff and pointed it at to the two men running down the stairs.
‘Unbelievers,’ he roared, as the ceremony came to a stuttering halt.
For a few seconds, nobody moved as they stared in confusion at the approaching men until one of the young girls saw the gun in Gatilusi’s hand and screamed in fright. Each of the Nuns grabbed one of the young girls in a protective embrace, and faced the interlopers.
‘Nobody move,’ shouted Gatilusi, brandishing his gun as he walked towards the nuns, ‘We don’t want to hurt anyone.’ He pointed the gun upwards to the male figure still on the balcony.
‘You, come down here.’
The man moved slightly and pressed a hidden switch with his foot.
‘You will not get away with this,’ he said, the voice muffled slightly by the immobile lips of the mask, ‘You do not know who you are dealing with.’
‘Let me worry about that,’ said Gatilusi, ‘Now, get your arse down here.’ When the man still did not move, Gatilusi grabbed the nearest Nun and held his gun to her head.
‘Stop it,’ shouted India, running down the stairs behind them, ‘Brandon, stop him!’
‘Last chance, weirdo,’ shouted Gatilusi.
‘No need for that,’ hissed Brandon.
‘We don’t have time for games,’ said Gatilusi, ‘I am too close. Now, why don’t you persuade him to come down here, before this trigger finger gets twitchy?’
‘I suggest you do as he says,’ called Brandon, ‘He has already killed more than one man today.’
The masked priest slowly made his way down the stairs from his pulpit and walked towards the Greek police officer, stopping a few paces before him.
‘Take it off,’ said Gatilusi, pointing his gun at the mask.
After a pause, the caped figure raised his hands and lifted the mask, revealing the face of a young man. A quiet gasp escaped the throats of most of the Nuns present, who, until now, were unaware of the identity of their Pontifex Maximus.
‘Jacob!’ said one of the Nuns in astonishment.
‘You know him?’ asked Gatilusi
‘He is the caretaker’s son,’ said the Nun.
India stepped forward and slapped Jacob across the face.
‘Whoa!’ shouted Brandon, ‘What’s all that about?’
‘He’s the man who abducted me from the hotel,’ said India, ‘I have never been so scared in all my life.’
Brandon looked at the man, and recognised the face from the hotel CCTV the previous day.
‘So it is,’ he said.
Jacob rubbed his face slowly.
‘You will regret that,’ he said.
‘I don’t give a shit,’ said India, ‘It feels good right now.’
‘Enough,’ said Gatilusi, ‘You, get down on your knees.’
‘And who are you, exactly,’ answered Jacob.
‘That doesn’t concern you,’ said Gatilusi, ‘Suffice to say you have something I need, and I am not leaving here without it.’
‘And what would that be?’ answered the Priest.
‘The statue of Pallus Athena,’ said Gatilusi.
‘The Palladium?’ said Jacob, ‘You think we have the Palladium here. Oh this is good. If you knew anything about your history you would know it has been buried beneath the pillar of Constantinople for over fifteen hundred years. You have wasted your time friend, the Palladium is a thousand miles and two thousand years away.’
Gatilusi smashed the man across the head with his gun, sending him sprawling to the floor.
‘Enough,’ shouted Brandon, ‘This is getting us nowhere.’
Gatilusi dragged the man back to his feet and placed his pistol under his chin.
‘Okay, Marcus Vibius or Jacob, whatever your name is, I’ll get straight to the point. I know Rubria brought the Palladium here sometime after Nero’s fire. I also know she was the one who founded this cult and based it around the Palladium. Now, if you tell me where it is, no one will get hurt, I will return the Palladium to its rightful home and you can return to your pathetic religious games. However, if you don’t tell me what I want to know, then you or some of your deluded friends are going to meet Vesta rather sooner than you think. Now, it’s very simple. Tell me where the Palladium is.’
‘You think I am afraid to die?’ sneered Jacob, ‘Our existence is ruled by the Pagan Gods and this life is just a stepping stone to the next.’
‘I thought you would say that,’ said Gatilusi, with a false smile, ‘So I came prepared!’ Without any warning he lowered his gun and shot Jacob through the knee.
The Priest fell to the floor, screaming in agony.
‘For fuck sake!’ shouted Brandon and stepped forward to intervene.
‘Stop there,’ shouted Gatilusi and pointed his gun at Brandon’s head. ‘I don’t have the time or inclination to play silly games with this lunatic.’
‘There’s no need for this,’ said Brandon, ‘Let’s just find what we each came for and get out of here. No need for anyone else to get hurt.’
‘Well that’s up to him,’ said Gatilusi.
Brandon looked at the man writhing in agony on the floor. His knee cap had shattered outwards and his lower leg was a mess of blood and cartilage. He had seen injuries like this before in Northern Ireland and knew the man would never walk normally again.
Gatilusi bent down and spoke quietly to Jacob.
‘You see,’ he said, ‘I have met nutters like you before, and when they are reminded that their ideals seldom match up to reality, then they always change their mind. Now, there are no arteries damaged so you will live, but the longer you hold out the greater the pain will be. In one minute, I will destroy the other knee, followed by both elbows, then your balls. I might even smash all your teeth. You probably won’t die but, but almost certainly end up as nothing more than an impotent torso in no control of his limbs. You will need people like these to spoon feed you porridge and wipe your arse. So, think carefully how you wish to proceed, Mr Priest, but, while you do, let me give you a little reminder of the sort of pain you are facing here.’
He stood up and placed his foot into Jacob’s shattered knee and twisted it downwards causing the caretaker’s son to scream in agony once again.
‘Clock is ticking, young man,’ said Gatilusi.
‘It’s not here,’ shouted Jacob through the pain, ‘I don’t know where it is.’
‘Shame,’ said Gatilusi, ‘The doctors may be able to fix what is left of your leg. Oh, you’ll have a severe limp, but if I do the other one, it’s at least a wheelchair job. Thirty seconds to regain your memory.’
India walked over and joined Brandon.
‘There’s no sign of her,’ she said, ‘I’ve checked all the cells and Camille isn’t here.’
‘I don’t understand,’ said Brandon, ‘She must be here somewhere.’
‘Ten seconds,’ said Gatilusi.
‘Don’t do this,’ said Brandon.
‘Shut up,’ said Gatilusi, ‘Time’s up!’ He aimed the gun at Jacob’s other knee
‘Stop!’ shouted Sister Agnes, ‘For the love of God, you have to stop this madness.’
‘And who are you?’ asked Gatilusi.
‘I am Sister Agnes,’ said the Nun. ‘Nothing is worth the death of any individual. Why are you here, what is it you want?’
Gatilusi lifted his gun.
‘At last,’ he said, ‘Someone with a bit of sense. It is very simple, Sister, I want the Palladium and your Master here reckons it’s not here.’
She looked down at the semi conscious man.
‘He is telling the truth,’ she said, ‘It isn’t.’
‘Wrong answer,’ said Gatilusi, and aimed the gun again.
‘Wait!’ shouted the Nun. ‘I am telling the truth. The Palladium is not here and hasn’t been for two thousand years.’
‘That’s not true,’ said Gatilusi, ‘I know it is here. We have evidence that Rubria came to Britain and brought the Palladium with her.’
‘She did,’ said Sister Agnes, ‘But it is not here in this convent.’
‘Do you know where it is?’ asked Gatilusi.
‘In a manner of speaking,’ said Agnes.
‘Then what are we waiting for?’ asked the Greek, ‘Take me to it.’
‘I can’t,’ said Sister Agnes.
‘Oh for Christ’s sake,’ said Gatilusi looking upwards, ‘Will everyone stop playing these fucking games.’ His voice rose in anger. ‘Last chance, Sister!’ he shouted and placed the gun against Jacob’s head, ‘Take me to the Palladium or this man dies right now!’
‘I can’t,’ shouted Sister Agnes in terror, ‘It is buried with Rubria.’
The room fell silent before Gatilusi spoke again.
‘What do you mean?’ he asked.
‘You are correct,’ said Agnes, ‘Rubria did indeed bring the Palladium here and this place stems from her devotion. But she never got to see this Temple. Not long after she arrived she died in childbirth. The following she had already built up, buried the Palladium with her in tribute to her holiness.’
‘In here?’
‘No, this place came later.’
‘Then, where?’
‘Nobody knows. There was probably a tomb at one stage but it has been lost over the centuries. The Palladium, along with the remains of Rubria has been lost forever.’
‘I don’t believe you,’ said Gatilusi eventually.
‘Why would I lie?’ asked Agnes gently, ‘I have nothing to gain.’
‘Except to retain possession of the Palladium,’ said Gatilusi.
‘The Palladium was a piece of wood,’ said Agnes, ‘We worship the Holy Mother. Her aura is of peace, love and family, not pain and death. We do not need a redundant piece of wood to honour her name.’
Gatilusi lowered his gun.
‘This is true?’ he asked.
‘Yes,’ said Agnes, ‘In the name of all that is holy, I give you my word.’
‘And nobody knows where she is buried.’
‘Not that I know of.’
‘You said she had a child,’ said Gatilusi, ‘Are there any descendants?’
‘No records,’ said Agnes, ‘We know she had a girl, but history has forgotten her.’
‘Then who built this?’ he asked, looking around.
‘Her slave,’ said Agnes, ‘The one after whom we take our name. Rose.’
‘Santa Rosa,’ murmured India, as she realised the link.
‘She carried on the message,’ said Agnes, ‘And we base our devotion on hers. She ensured the traditions continued long after Rubria’s death.’
‘Wait a minute,’ said Brandon, ‘There’s a Temple of Vesta less than five miles away. Why build that so close to here?’
‘We are not quite sure but believe it was as a sop to local Roman dignitaries. They focussed on the marble and ceremonies of the typical Roman Temple while the true devotions continued down here out of public view.’
‘Bullshit!’ said India suddenly.
They all turned to face her.
‘What?’ asked Brandon.
‘You heard me,’ said India, ‘She is lying.’
They turned to the Nun.
‘I don’t know who you are, young lady,’ said the Nun ‘But I assure you, I am telling the truth.’
‘I don’t believe you,’ said India, simply.
‘Why would I lie?’ asked the Nun.
‘I’ll tell you why,’ snapped India, ‘To take the focus from what it is you really do here and to ensure that this sick cult of abduction and murder is never opened up to the scrutiny of justice.’
‘Murder?’ gasped Sister Agnes, ‘What on earth are you talking about?’
‘You know exactly what I am talking about,’ said India, ‘I am talking about abducting innocent children and forcing them into your service and them disposing of them brutally when they are past their sell by date.’
Sister Agnes stared at her in horror.
‘I have no idea what you are on about,’ she said.
‘Then look around you,’ shouted India, ‘There are six children here, all forced against their will to serve some defunct deity instead of running around in playgrounds having fun. Heaven knows what torture their parents are going through. They probably think they are already dead.’
‘I think you misunderstand,’ said Agnes.
‘Then why don’t you enlighten me?’
‘The parents of every child here have placed them here voluntarily. All were either destitute or terminally ill and saw our order as the chance for their children to have the best start in life. They are well fed, have daily schooling, and if you had bothered to look around, you would see we have dormitories and even a playground. Yes they are schooled in the ways of Vesta, but there is no difference to any other religion. They are happy, here, and, when the time is right, they have the option to either leave the order and return to the world or stay within the vows of the order and take our message of peace and love across the world.’
‘But the cells…’ started India
‘Ceremonial purposes only,’ said Agnes, ‘Used only on special occasions to recreate the glorious days of Vesta.’
‘I don’t believe you,’ said India, hesitantly.
‘Then ask them yourself,’ said Agnes standing to one side.
India did not move.
‘Then why was India abducted?’ asked Brandon.
‘I have no knowledge of that,’ said Agnes.
Brandon turned his attention to the wounded man at his feet.
‘What about you, Jacob,’ asked Brandon, ‘You must know the answer, why did you abduct India?’
‘Please, I need an ambulance,’ answered Jacob weakly.
‘Answer the question,’ snarled Gatilusi.
‘You heard him,’ said Brandon, ‘Answer the question or I won’t be responsible for his actions.’
‘I was ordered to,’ said Jacob, still staring at the floor.
‘Speak up!’ shouted Gatilusi.
‘I was ordered to, all right!’ shouted Jacob, ‘I was given her name and location from one of the elders over the phone and told to use her as leverage.’
‘But why?’ asked Sister Agnes.
‘Because they were getting too close to the truth, they thought that we could use the girl to make the cop back off.’
‘And if I didn’t?’ asked Brandon
‘Then you would both be disappeared,’ answered Jacob quietly.
‘But to what purpose?’ asked Sister Agnes, ‘We have nothing to hide.’
Jacob laughed sarcastically.
‘You really don’t know, do you?’
‘Know what?’
‘What this place really is, or rather, what it has become.’
‘I don’t understand, tell me.’
‘Have you ever met the parents of these children?’ asked Jacob.
‘No, but…’
‘Exactly, and you never will. The girl is right, most were abducted at an early age and have no memory of their previous lives. When they leave this place, they don’t go back to their families, they spend the rest of their lives in relative slavery for some of the most wealthy people on the planet.’
Sister Agnes gasped.
‘No,’ she said, ‘It is not true. They leave this place at the age of sixteen and join convents all around the world.’
‘They are sent all around the world, all right,’ said Jacob, ‘Shared out between the elders of the cult for their own perverted pleasures. Rich old men pay good money for Virgins these days.’
‘No!’ shouted Agnes, ‘It’s not true, it can’t be.’
‘Why are you telling us this?’ asked Brandon quietly, ‘You must realise you are facing a long time in prison.’
‘I am going nowhere,’ said Jacob,
‘And what makes you think you are safe?’ asked Gatilusi
Jacob looked up at him in derision.
‘You think I came down here without raising the alarm?’ he asked, ‘Even as we speak, my people are probably on their way. You will never get out of here alive.’
‘It was you, wasn’t it,’ gasped Agnes, ‘You killed the Mother Superior.’
‘What if I did? She was dying anyway and I just wanted to wipe that smug look of that self righteous face of hers before she did. Since I was a little boy, she has taken every opportunity to berate me and remind me I am just the caretaker’s son. She has made my family’s lives a misery as long as I can remember, and, when the last Pontifex Maximus died and I was approached to become the eyes and ears of the elders, I jumped at the chance. Only she stood above me in the order. Now the roles are reversed, and I have the control.’
Gatilusi grimaced and pressed his gun at the man’s head once more.
‘Don’t do it,’ said India, quietly, ‘We need him.’
‘Why?’ snarled Gatilusi, barely holding his temper, ‘What’s to stop me putting a bullet in his perverted brain right now.’
‘Because he might know where Camille is,’ said India.
The Nun looked at India
‘Who is Camille?’ she asked.
‘A ten year old girl who was abducted from London by one of your people,’ said India, ‘And I think he had something to do with it.’
‘Why?’
‘Probably because he wanted some of the action himself,’ ventured Brandon. ‘Isn’t that right, Jacob? They may have given you the semblance of power but in reality you are just another pawn in the game. You do all the work and the faceless ones get all the pleasure. I think you used the contacts of the order in London to get young girls of your own.’
Jacob didn’t answer.
‘That’s it, isn’t it, Jacob?’ Everyone else was doing it so why couldn’t you? You enjoyed the protection of this organisation and believed you were untouchable. How many were there Jacob, two, more, perhaps dozens, and where are they now, Jacob, What have you done with them?’
‘You think you know all the answers,’ sneered Jacob, ‘But there are things not even you know. Yes there have been girls, but it was no more than I deserved.’
‘You killed those two poor girls as well, didn’t you?’ said India.
‘What girls?’ asked Sister Agnes.
‘There were two young girls murdered beneath Victoria Station in London. One was flogged to death and one was crucified. She was wearing a necklace with a coin as a pendant. Phillip of Macedonia.’
The Nun’s hand went to her own throat.
‘Like this?’ she asked and pulled out a chain.
‘Exactly the same,’ said India.
‘It was you, wasn’t it?’ said Brandon, turning once again to Jacob, ‘You gave them a similar necklace as a gift before you killed them.’
‘What if it was me?’ asked Jacob, ‘They deserved it.’
‘What girl deserves to be crucified?’ gasped India.
‘Un-pure ones,’ screamed Jacob, I thought they were Virgins but they weren’t. They were harlots. I deserve purity, I am the Pontifex Maximus. The punishment for impurity is clear and she had to be punished.’
‘Oh my God,’ said India, ‘How many others were there?’
‘It doesn’t matter,’ said Jacob.
‘Of course it matters,’ shouted India, ‘How many have you killed?’
‘I don’t know,’ shouted Jacob, holding his head in his hands, ‘I don’t remember.’
‘What about Camille?’ asked Brandon quietly, ‘Did you abduct here as well, Jacob.’
‘The girl from outside the hotel?’ asked Jacob.
‘Yes.’
‘She is so pretty,’ said Jacob, ‘And so young. You would think she would be pure but even she needs to be punished.’
‘Bullshit,’ shouted India, ‘She was only ten, of course she was pure. You are nothing more than a cold blooded murderer, looking for excuses to justify the killings.’
‘What did he say?’ asked Brandon suddenly, interrupting the girl
They all looked at him.
‘Sorry,’ said India, ‘What do you mean?’
‘He said ‘Is,’ not ‘Was.’ Camille is alive.’
They turned back to Jacob.
‘Is she Jacob,’ asked Brandon, ‘Is Camille still alive?’
Jacob stared at the intense look on Brandon’s face and started to giggle.
‘Might be,’ he said, ‘I don’t know really, It’s in the hands of the Goddess.’
The sound of voices and running feet echoed from the entrance passage above.
‘What do you mean, in the hands of the Goddess?’ shouted Brandon, grabbing him by the collar, ‘Where is she you fucking pervert, where is Camille? What have you done with her?’
‘It doesn’t matter,’ laughed Jacob hysterically, ‘It’s too late.’ He looked up as several men burst into the room and spread out along the landing, each pointing a pistol down into the cavern.
Brandon stared up at the six men.
‘Don’t even think about it,’ he said quietly, anticipating Gatilusi’s next move.
Gatilusi lowered his gun back to his side and they stood waiting for someone to speak. A grey suited man in dark glasses followed the rest into the room, and stood at the top of the stairs.
‘You,’ he shouted, ‘Put the gun down.’
Gatilusi crouched slowly and put the gun on the floor.
‘Kick it away from you.’
The gun went spinning across the floor.
‘Right, Caretaker, what is going on here?’
‘They shot me,’ shouted Jacob, hysterically, ‘I need an ambulance.’
The man stared at him derisorily, and turned to Brandon.
‘Mr Walker, we meet at last. I have to say you have caused our organisation a lot of hassle over the last few days. Still, nothing that can’t be resolved.’
‘And who are you?’ asked Brandon.
The man smiled sarcastically.
‘Call me Mr Smith,’ he said, ‘I represent this organisation.
‘Armed division, I assume,’ sneered Brandon.
‘Something like that,’ answered Mr Smith, So, out of curiosity, why have you gone to all this trouble.’
‘To find a missing girl,’ said Brandon, ‘We know she is around here somewhere and I suggest you let her, and the rest of us, go before it is too late.’
‘Really Mr Walker, I don’t think you are in any position to make any demands, do you?’
Brandon looked around, seeking a resolution to their dilemma.
‘Look, Mr Smith, or whatever your real name is, we don’t know what this is all about, but there is an option here where everyone wins.’
‘Oh yes, and what is that exactly?’
‘You just leave us here and go back to wherever you came from.’
‘And why would we do that?’
‘Think about it,’ said Brandon, ’There is no way you are going to get away with this. Within hours, special forces are going to be crawling all over this place, but you still have time to get away and those children can get back to a normal life.’
‘Special forces?'
‘Because I have already made the arrangements,’ said Brandon, ‘Even as we speak they are probably on their way.’
‘Ah yes, the taxi driver,’ said Mr Smith. He fished in his pocket and threw down a phone to shatter at Brandon’s feet. ‘I think we can safely assume that call was never made.’
Brandon’s hopes plummeted as he realised they were isolated. No help was coming.
‘Enough nonsense,’ said Mr Smith, ‘Caretaker, what is the situation here. How much do they know?’
‘Everything,’ said Jacob, grimacing in pain.
‘Everything?’
‘More or less.’
‘How very unfortunate,’ said Mr Smith, ‘Still, at least it makes the solution simple.’
‘What are you going to do?’ asked India.
‘Unfortunately, I have no option but to remove you from the situation,’ he said menacingly.
‘What do you mean, surely you’re not going to…?’
‘Oh, but I am,’ said Mr Smith.
‘You can’t,’ shouted Brandon amongst the commotion.
‘And why not?’ asked Mr Smith.
‘For fuck sake,’ shouted Brandon, ‘You can’t kill us all, what about the children and the nuns?’
‘Nobody knows the children are here, they can be replaced, as can the nuns.’
‘But what about the rest of the order, all the Nuns in the convent, you can’t cover up all their deaths.’
‘You are right,’ said Mr Smith, ‘But fortunately for them, none are aware of the existence of the inner order. They need not be harmed.’
‘You are serious, aren’t you?’ said Brandon, taking a step forward, ‘You really mean to do it.’
‘It is unfortunate, but yes,’ said Mr Smith.
Brandon took a step sideways until he was almost directly in front of Gatilusi.
‘But surely that means the end of Mortuus Virgo,’ said Brandon, ‘Why would you self destruct?’
‘You think this has never happened before,’ laughed Mr Smith, ‘Over the centuries, the acolytes have been wiped out on many occasions, and yes, sometimes at our own hands, but it is not the end of Mortuus Virgo. There are places such as this all over the world. Don’t you worry about us, Mr Walker, we will endure.’
‘What about me?’ shouted Jacob.
‘You are no longer any use to us,’ said Mr Smith.
‘What do you mean?’ shouted Jacob, ‘I am one of you. You can’t kill me, I am the Pontifex Maximus.’
‘Really?’ said Mr Smith, and turned his head to nod at one of his henchmen. A single shot rang out, and a bullet smashed into Jacob’s chest sending him flying backwards. ‘Not any more.’
Gatilusi looked down and saw Brandon’s gun tucked in the rear of Brandon’s trouser belt. Suddenly he realised why Brandon had moved in front of him. He slowly drew the gun as gently as possible from the belt, keeping it low and out of sight.
‘Ready?’ He whispered, ‘After three.’
Brandon nodded. If they were going down, they were going down fighting. He took a deep breath and braced himself.
‘One, two, three.’
Brandon threw himself forward to where Gatilusi had kicked his own gun a few minutes earlier, and Gatilusi opened fire at the men on the landing, catching them by surprise. The noise was deafening in the cavern and two of the men fell wounded to the floor, while the rest dropped down behind the perimeter wall in panic.
Brandon grabbed the gun discarded earlier and sent a few shots upwards to keep their heads down. The Nuns grabbed the screaming children and ushered them down behind the rear of the wall surrounding the fire pit. Brandon raced around the fire and joined them behind the wall.
‘What now?’ gasped Gatilusi, swapping weapons with Brandon.
‘I don’t know,’ said Brandon,’ But I’m not going to just sit back and take it. How many shots have you got?’
‘Two mags,’ said Gatilusi, ‘Forty rounds in total, you?’
‘Eighty,’ said Brandon, ‘Not a lot, but it may keep them away or a while.’
‘Then what?’
‘I don’t know.’ He turned to Sister Agnes.
‘Is there any other exit to this place?’ he asked.
‘Only the chamber of the Pontifex Maximus,’ she said pointing up to the Balcony from where Jacob had descended earlier, ‘But I don’t know where it leads.’
‘Okay,’ he said, ‘This is what we will do. Gatilusi and I will give covering fire while you and your colleagues get everyone up those stairs as fast as you can.’
‘Will we have enough time?’ asked India.
‘We have enough rounds for just under a minute,’ said Brandon, reloading his pistol with a fresh magazine, ‘So when the shooting starts, make sure that everyone knows exactly what they must do. As soon as we run out of ammo, they will pick us off like rats in a barrel.’
Thirty seconds later, India turned to Brandon.
‘Ready,’ she said, ‘They are scared but know what to do.’
Brandon turned to Gatilusi.
‘Okay sharpshooter,’ he said, ‘As soon as the last one is up the stairs, you and I cover each other and follow them up. Agreed?’
‘Agreed,’ said Gatilusi, ‘Ready? Go.’
Once more Brandon and Gatilusi jumped up and started firing at the balcony, only easing off when all the gunmen had dropped once more behind the wall. In his peripheral vision he could see a line of children and the six Nuns climbing the stair as fast as they could. Up above, Mr Smith realised what was happening and shouted an order to his men.
‘Get up,’ he screamed, ‘Their getting away.’
A few of the gunmen took their chances and sprang up to engage the Gatilusi and Brandon. A hail of bullets flew in either direction as the fire fight broke out until at last, Brandon ducked once more behind the wall. He looked up at the doorway above and saw the back of India, disappearing through the archway.
‘Right,’ he said, ‘Our turn, ammo?’
‘Just a couple left,’ said Gatilusi. Brandon threw him his last magazine. ‘One full mag each,’ he said, ‘Make them count. Ready?’
‘Let’s go,’ said Gatilusi and jumped up to run towards the stairs.
Brandon aimed up at the balcony and started to reverse towards the stairs, giving covering fire. Halfway up the steps, Gatilusi stopped and joined in the shooting to allow Brandon to catch up. The continued to cover each other until Brandon’s gun clicked on an empty magazine.
‘Empty,’ he shouted and turned to sprint the last few steps to the balcony, passing Gatilusi on the way.
‘Me too,’ said Gatilusi, as his gun too fell silent. For a few seconds the cavern was silent before the gunmen realised their advantage and jumped up to return the fire. Several shots ricotched off the rocky walls around them, as they raced through the archway and into the space beyond.
A few yards in, both men stopped in confusion. They had expected to find a passage of some sort, but instead the found a small chamber, sealed at one end by a solid looking door, the only other way out. To one side, all the children and Nuns were huddled together in a frightened group.
‘It’s locked,’ said India, a look of terror on her face.
Brandon ran towards the door and examined it closely.
‘Can you break it down?’ asked India.
‘No,’ he said, ‘It’s solid Oak.’
‘Then we are trapped!’
‘Sorry, India,’ he said, ‘It was our only chance.’
She stared at him for a while, before smiling gently and, tiptoeing up to reach him, kissed him gently on the lips.
‘What’s that for?’ he asked.
‘Just wanted to see what it felt like?’ she said, ‘Before it is too late.’
She smiled again and walked over to join the Nuns as they sat the children down, cross legged on the floor. Sister Agnes started a prayer.
Brandon and Gatilusi watched them for a few minutes before Brandon reached down and slid out a knife from within the side of his boot.
‘What are you going to do with that?’ asked Gatilusi, ‘They’ve all got guns.’
‘I am going to try to reason with him,’ he said, ‘And If I can get close enough, perhaps I can take him hostage.’
‘That’s a shit idea,’ said Gatilusi.
‘Maybe it is,’ said Brandon, ‘But it’s the’ only one I got left.’
‘They’ll never fall for it,’ said Gatilusi, You won’t get halfway down the stairs.’
‘Perhaps not,’ said Brandon, ‘But I’m not going to wait here and do nothing.’
Gatilusi stepped forward and offered his hand in friendship.
‘Nice knowing you, Brandon,’ he said, ‘Good luck.’
Brandon hesitated, but took the man’s hand.
‘You almost had it,’ he said.
‘The Palladium?’
‘Yes.’
‘Wasn’t meant to be,’ said Gatilusi, ‘The Goddess had us fooled all along.’
‘Seems like she did,’ said Brandon.
He looked towards India who was busy comforting one of the crying girls. She looked up and, after a moment, sent him a gentle smile.
He nodded and smiled back.
‘Time to go,’ said Brandon and walked back towards the archway, but as he entered the Cavern once more, he was blown backwards by a blinding explosion.