Sebastian's Mate (Book 1)

Act 22: The Undertaker

The place they went was far removed from the grand crescent where the Phantomhive London residence sat. The narrow streets were watched by watery-eyed children and dirt covered everything. Dank buildings loomed over them on each side, adding to the feeling of being constantly watched by some unseen dark presence. Only the towering figure of Sebastian walking close behind them seemed to keep the ragged masses away from them. Even in human form, he could exude menace that few mortals would risk tangling with.

Louisa found the sights of this side of the city hard to stomach. Her cousin lived in such luxury while people here were barely surviving. As if sensing her discomfort, Ciel remarked, "we employ as many people as we can and pay a living wage that is better than other factories in London. The Phantomhive Foundation was set up to help orphans and those whose parents are beyond our reach."

Louisa nodded, "but there is so much pain here, surely others could do more as well?"

"Few venture into these streets, so they never see, if they do not see, then they can pretend that the problems do not exist," replied Ciel, his face growing sterner the deeper into the dark streets they travelled. As they continued in silence, Louisa vowed to find a way to do more and to hold others accountable, once she was head of the family.

Eventually, they reached their destination. Louisa looked up at the sign above the door. "An undertaker, why? What can we possibly learn here?"

If there is anyone with any information on anything, it is Undertaker." Replied Ciel as Sebastian opened the door and they stepped inside. The room was dark, light only by small dirty windows on the shopfront and a single candle that sat on a table at the far side of the room. A shadowy figure sat behind the table playing with the candle flame.

"I wondered how long it would take you to bring her to me, little Lord," the figure said as he looked up and stared straight at Louisa. He continued, "you have caused quite the commotion, daughter of Typhon."

Louisa looked at him in disbelief, "how?" she asked, feeling Sebastian's presence grow closer to her.

"Undertaker knows all sorts, and right now you want to know where the castle is and how to destroy that pretty little sword, don't you?"

"Yes, but I don't understand."

"You will when the time is right. This is what you need now; all the other answers are already within you. I can do or say no more." As he spoke, he placed a roll of papers on the table.

"And your payment?" Asked Ciel, surprised that Undertaker had not demanded it upfront as usual.

"None, my little Lord. This was paid for many years ago." Undertaker said cryptically.

Sebastian moved around Louisa and went towards the table to take the papers. As he did, Undertaker moved his gaze to him.

"And one free answer for you, demon. It is possible to remove the tattoo; there is enough of you in her to create the connection you need."

Sebastian remained still, his face unreadable, but Louisa sensed a change, almost a fleeting fear passing through him. Undertaker cackled and continued, "now off you go, all of you, your records are not done yet, but I will be seeing you soon demon when you bring one of them back to me."

Undertaker cackled again, and the candle went out. In the dim room, Sebastian made for the door and ushered them both out. Sebastian was unnerved, Louisa could feel it, and Ciel was broodier than normal. No one spoke as they hurried back through the darkening streets.

Reaching the house, Sebastian handed the rolls to Louisa, before heading to the kitchens to prepare dinner. He hadn't spoken a word to her, and his mood still seemed dark. Louisa followed Ciel into the parlour and tried to focus on the task at hand. Spreading the paper out on the table, they realised that what they were looking at was a map. Inside that, was a second smaller one. Studying it, Louisa exclaimed, "I recognise this one, it is where my childhood home is." She pointed to a small area of moorland just outside of Princetown. "What we need is buried here on Dartmoor, under the remains of my home, along with my mother's bones."