Order of the Golden Dawn (Neophyte Series 2)

CHAPTER 23 : ULTIMATE VENGEANCE

        Edward and I trudged through the sand. As we moved away from the calming sound of the waves, the leaves on the palm trees were rustled with a gentle breeze. There was a point in my youth when the slightest suggestion of visiting the ocean excited me; now I think only of Thetis and the whirlpool that pulled us into the deep almost a century ago. I wondered then if I would ever see it the same way again.

    Upon reaching a wide concrete sewer drain, concealed by moss and trees, Edward lifted his hand. I felt a slight vibration beneath my feet and the vague sound of mechanisms moving within the earth.

    'What's happening?'

    'You'll see.'

    The concrete structure split down the middle and the remaining water that pooled above rushed onto what looked to be a thick, metallic pipe that could easily fit a large man.

    'Interesting.'

    'I had to build it so it looked enough like a city drain, but off the grid so it wouldn't be altered. This along with the beach remains in the hands of private property, legally owned by a trusted friend in my death, with specific instructions not to alter it any way.'

     Edward placed the palm of his hand over the metallic tube and closed his eyes.

'Argyfer mnelpholau.' Like the concrete structure that concealed it, the pipe split down the middle and opened up like a book. A smooth metallic curve lined the inside of both halves. Stepping into the left side of the contraption, Edward tapped the right side, gesturing to me to sit next to him. Following his lead, I carefully positioned myself in the same fashion as he, with my legs within the darkness of the proceeding pipe.

    'Good, now follow my lead.'

    Pushing himself forward, Edward slid out of sight and after a curious inspection of the pipe, I pushed forward and slid rapidly downwards. Illuminated purple incantations whizzed by in a blur; this entrance was obviously well-protected.

    My feet touched down on a smooth, solid surface. Though intriguing I have to admit that I rather enjoyed the ride. As the light from the tubes seemed to be the only means of illumination, I allowed my eyes to adjust to the blackness.

    'Edward, where are you?' I asked, feeling my way through the darkness.

    'Just looking for the . . . ah, there we are.' Lights began to flicker until there was full brightness and I gazed upon a grand open space. To my left there was what looked to be some sort of indoor green house that was in need of much care as all the plants were wilted or dead; and just before us; what could only be some sort of science laboratory. To my right was a wide open area space with a padded floor and on the wall was mounted the most expansive collection of hand weaponry I had ever seen, many to which I could not identify. Between the two areas laid a long red carpet that led to the rest of the open concept sub-basement.

    'What is this place?'

    'When the Second World War began for the reasons that it did, I began to worry about an attack from the powers that be. I had doubts that I would survive an attack from my aggressors, so I had this bomb shelter built just in case I needed to disappear for a while.'

    'Why would countries want to attack you personally?'

    'Not a country Meric, members of the Order and their associates.'

    'I don't understand. Why would the Order want to attack you? I thought you were part of it all?'

    'I was. What you have to understand, Meric, is that these people are like wolves. When a member of their pack goes rogue . . . well, let's just say that outing some of their secrets wasn't the most intelligent move on my behalf.' We walked side by side down the red carpet as I took in the impressive structure.