The Masked Butler: The Pit and the Pendulum

The Coast of Spain

The boat ride from Italy to Spain was more tumultuous than what Nico was used to, but he still enjoyed it.

"We need to travel the ocean more often," quipped Nico as they walked down the gangplank.

"Definitely, but you do realize there will be a lot of people?"

"I think I can handle the crowd long enough to enjoy the ocean."

"Mm-hmm," was all Erik said, but Nico noticed the gleam in his eyes.

"What's so funny?"

"How can I laugh when I see the little boy emerge, if only for a little bit?" Nico glanced down, feeling a little flustered. That's when Francis Barnard rejoined them.

"I have found a carriage that will take us to the Medina castle. But we must make haste, he needs to be back in town by nightfall." Nico nodded and the two followed Francis to the carriage. The trio climbed in with their luggage, and were off, driving along the coast. The waves crashed on the shore periodically, sending a thrill of excitement through Nico's veins. The carriage rumbled along the dirt path near the sea, finally coming to a pause within sight of a great manor overlooking a cliff. "Is that it?" asked Francis.

"Yes sir."

"Well, go on."

"Oh no sir, this is where I must stop. You three are going to have to get out and walk the rest of the way. My apologies, sirs, but I can't get my carriage up there." Nico glanced at the path ahead, can't, or won't?

"Oh, very well. Nico, Erik." The two climbed out of the carriage after Francis and each grabbed a bag before walking the last few feet up to the house. As they neared the house, a fog thought it was the perfect time to roll in and provide a spooky mood. All it did was send chills of excitement up Nico's spine. Visiting a strange land complete with a haunted house and a trip across the ocean? Yeah, this was turning out to be a much better trip than the one to France already. Upon reaching the door, Francis gave his bag to Erik and knocked on the door. The door was soon opened by a butler.

"Si?"

"I wish to speak to Don Medina. My name is . . ."

"I'm sorry, but Don Medina is not receiving visitors at present," the butler said in fairly good English. Nico realized after his initial surprise that he should be able to speak English if the mistress of the house was English.

"You will announce that Mr. Francis Barnard has come from England to see him." The butler proceeded to close the door, but Francis quickly put out a hand to stop him. "What do you think you're doing?" he asked.

"Remove your hand, sir," stated the butler rather forcefully. Nico was about to step in when another voice could be heard.

"Que esta pasando?" A woman approached the door.

The butler turned to her. "This, uh, gentleman demands to be admitted, Dona, I've told him . . ."

"You are Dona Medina?"

"I am," replied the lady in good English with a faint accent.

"I'm Francis Barnard, Elizabeth's brother." He turned and revealed Nico and Erik. "And this is our, my cousin, Nico, and his valet Erik."

"Oh, I'm sorry, won't you come in." The butler stepped aside to let all three squeeze into the foyer. "Please forgive me, I'm Catherine Medina."

"Dona," replied Francis before raising her hand to his lips. He took off his coat and hat, handing them to the butler.

Nico gave a slight nod, "Pleasure to meet you, Dona." Erik merely bowed.

"Oh, why does your valet wear a mask?"