Within a dim hallway, I closed and locked the door behind me and we made our way through a narrow space. The semi-cool feeling of dampness in the constricting hallway was accompanied by a slight odor of mold. We ventured into a room that appeared to be an old library of sorts. Thick cobwebs and dust covered most surfaces with the exception of a number of books and trinkets randomly spread about a large wooden desk. It was obvious that Samael was familiar with the room and its occupant as he spoke to someone not visible to me.
'You do realize that you don't have to be here on your own. There's more than enough room...'
'This is my home and I will not be moved.' As a large leather swivel chair rotated to face us, an old, wrinkled face addressed us from behind a long grey and white beard. Sunken eyes focused on us from behind a pair of wire framed reading glasses.
'Besides, it seems you have all the help you need in your fortress across the sea.'
'As stubborn as he is old, I'm afraid.' Samael gestured to the elderly man with a nod of his head as he looked at me. With no hesitation, the elderly one responded.
'I'm sorry, was that an old joke from none other than the immortal himself? Shits cobwebs, this old coot does.' Embracing his cane, he got to his feet with great effort to firmly shake Samael's hand in a familiar and friendly manner.
'I gave you a key to my home in order to collect my body if needs be, not to barge in unannounced, though your visit is most welcome. This must be the young Meric Bishop I've heard so much about. It is an honor to meet you.'
'I'm sorry, do I know you sir?' With this, Samael turned to stand between our host and I.
'Where are my manners? Meric, may I present George MacDonald.'
My jaw simply dropped at the mention of the famous author's name; for I had read a great many of his works in my youth.
'I assume you have heard of me?'
'Of course! Anyone who's been to a library has heard of the great George MacDonald.'
'I like him, Samael!' He laughed with an excited tone.
'You like anyone who kisses your ass, ya ruin.' George shrugged and grinned even wider.
'Well, when you're right — you're right. May I offer you a cup of tea Meric?'
'Oh, no; thank you.'
'Good, because I haven't got any,' He chuckled with a wink. 'Shall we skip the niceties and get down to it then?'
Turning around, he held his glasses in front of his eyes and began to search his bookshelves. As he scanned through his collection, his hand holding the glasses moved at pace with his eyes. He stopped at a familiar hard cover. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was plunked down on top of the many books spread out on the surface of the desk.
'I had an identical one at one point. Lost it, I'm afraid.'
'A bloody shame; it'll be worth something someday, it will.' He stated delightfully with a sense of pride.
'I'm surprised you kept it for so long.' Samael stated as if he knew the origin of the mysterious gift sent to me when I was only a child. I turned in surprise to him.
'It was you? You sent me the book?'
Macdonald interrupted us.
'May we discuss this later? Our friend's life hangs in the balance.'
YOU ARE READING
Order of the Golden Dawn (Neophyte Series 2)
FantasíaMeric is a troubled youth living in England near the turn of the 19th century. Neglected and bitter, he was raised within a wealthy dynasty where family secrets are well kept and shrouded by a dark, mysterious past. He soon learns that his bloodline...
