Cardinal Matthias turned sharply as the door to his private chapel burst open, revealing Sister Nefaria and a detail of eight security guards, dressed in black uniforms with purple piping. The sight raised a malevolent laugh from Matthias as he was dragged off his knees by two guards and locked into a set of handcuffs. On the altar in front of him, black candles still burned, while behind them, placed across a 16th century painting of Belial, lay the replica of the North Sword. It gave the impression of glowing with an eerie orange light and Nefaria stared, hoping it was merely the reflection of the candles, but as she watched, the flames flared up half way to the ceiling before snuffing themselves out.
"They finally worked it out, did they? Took them long enough! Well, you're too late!" Matthias announced, trying to pull himself out of the grip of two of the guards without success. He offered a ruthless, even malicious sneer. "As you saw, the Ritual is finished and was acknowledged. Belial will now rise from the Pits, and when Copia dies - and, trust me, he will die - my Lord's power will be greater than anyone could imagine! Lucifer will be condemned to take his place and maybe even Satan Himself! All because you were all too slow and Copia is a trusting fool!"
"Take him to the cells, the lowest level, as near to Hell as possible. I want you to fall quickly, Matthias!" Nefaria spat, furious at the realisation of what he intended.
"You will call me, Your Eminence!" He gave a spiteful growl, scowling at the lack of respect.
"You are no longer a cardinal, Matthias. You are nothing but a malicious and parasitic narcissist and that's all you've ever been. If Papa dies because of you, I will slaughter you myself!"
"On the contrary," Matthias turned a cold eye towards the sister. "When Copia dies, I will be raised up by my Lord and the Ministry will be mine while he reigns in Hell! And then, I will slaughter you!"
"Take this disgrace to the cells," she ordered three of the guards. "The rest of you come with me."
*
Cazrobal returned to the meeting room, for a few moments he remained still with no fluctuation of shape or colour.
"Cazrobal! Please tell me!" Imperator insisted.
Nihil looked on frowning with sadness in his eyes, realising that Cazrobal had nothing to say for a reason. The smoke demon, changed shape and flashed a slow series of colours. His interpreter uncertain whether or not to translate paused as he saw Imperator sink low in her seat, staring into the middle distance, her face ashen.
"You're absolutely certain he's nowhere in the abbey, Cazrobal? How could he have got him out so quickly, secured him somewhere and returned to perform the ritual. Dr Stone confirmed he only discharged him just over an hour and a half ago. Surely that's not long enough?"
Cazrobal displayed a series of colours and intricate shapes, but Nihil was finding it hard to concentrate. Worried and distracted over the fate of Copia and the intended purpose of the ritual. Added to that, his concern for Sister Imperator, silent and dazed at his side, Nihil only caught a few words.
"His Dark Excellency believes that it is possible that a group of Belial worshippers are at work here and not just the witch and the cardinal." The interpreter explained. "It is likely that another person or persons removed Papa Quarto from the abbey."
"Ex-witch and ex-cardinal," Nihil replied, the words emerging bitter and clipped. "There is also the now ex-monk, Hugo, but, yes, we can take no chances. We must find all of them. Belial is no longer a recognised entity of Hell in this Ministry. He will be struck from the Dark Rosary and Year Zero will begin with Baphomet!" He snapped, now raging.
"Nihil," Imperator sighed. "Don't."
"Don't what?" He asked, his voice instantly softened, turning a puzzled glance towards Imperator.
"We can't change it, the flock will want to know why. Besides, Copia and I have already discussed this."
"What was decided?" Nihil asked, unaware of the furious argument that Imperator was now remembering - although it had ended well, it was still the last conversation she had had with him.
"He didn't want to sing it anymore," she replied without elaborating further. "I agreed."
YOU ARE READING
Here Comes The Son (Ghost Band / Papa Emeritus fic)
FanfictionWhen the Ministry receives death threats they task Papa IV's Ghouls with the job of protecting him but when Copia is kidnapped it's a race to find him before he's ritually slaughtered to allow the rise of Belial.
