The Masked Butler: The Pit and the Pendulum

Carvings From Turkey

The Medina's butler took Francis to his room while Erik took Nico to his room. It was elegantly furnished with a four poster bed, a chair by the fireplace, and a nice-sized closet and dresser. The curtains were red velvet and there were ornate designs carved into the wood, classy but not loud.

Erik took off Nico's jacket and draped it over their luggage."Would you prefer that I stay with you, or are you alright with me having my own quarters? I did manage to explain to the butler of the house, Maximilian is his name, that you may wish for my presence to be near you. I think he does not mind it simply because I think he suspects there is more hiding under this mask than Mr. Barnard suggested."

Nico thought for a moment. It would be easier if Erik were to stay with him, it would certainly allow him the chances to shadow-travel to anywhere in the mansion to get some answers. And curiosity was beginning to gnaw at him. Something was definitely going on in the shadows of this castle's corridors. It felt like the walls were watching his every move, and the spirits were not talking. "I, I think you should. Something funny is going on here, and I want to get to the bottom of it."

Erik nodded. "Of course, as you wish." He glanced around the room. "Though, I must say, this is a much better room than Prince Prospero's, is it not?" asked Erik as he took off his mask and glanced at his master curiously. His eyes, though, twinkled with mischief.

'Yes, much better, but still a little too rich for my taste. But it is definitely far more easier on the eyes than Prospero's castle." He gave a little shudder. "Ugh, the mere thought of the place makes me sick."

"But if you do feel queasy, please don't do it all over the Medina's carpet. I don't think the insides of your stomach will go too well with the color scheme of the room," qipped Erik.

Nico's lips twitched. "But I should have at Prospero's?"

Erik stroked his chin as he thought for a moment. "Hmm, you probably should have. If anything, it might have made it look better. It certainly would have given it the smell it deserved."

"Are you saying my queasy stomach smells?"

"Well I should hope so, the insides aren't meant to be outside, after all." A knock came at the door. Erik and Nico glanced at each other before Erik put his mask back on and opened the door. In walked Nicholas Medina and Francis Barnard. Nicholas shot a curious glance at Erik before turning towards Nico with a smile.

"I hope you don't mind the intrusion, but I wanted to see that you were comfortable."

Nico blinked. "Oh, uh, thank you, Don Medina. I think the room is quite nice. I have yet to try the bed."

Nicholas chuckled softly. "Well, I am glad you enjoy the room. And I apologise for interrupting your chat with your butler . . ."

Nico waved his hand. "Your fine, sir."

"Yes, well, I was wondering if you would join me and your cousin for a little bit? I would like to show you something. Your cousin insisted."

Nico glanced at Francis. Francis gave him a quick nod. "Yes, of course," said Nico, "I will join you."

"Thank you," said Nicholas with a slight bow of his head. He turned and walked out of the room. Francis waited at the door for Nico.

"May I have a word with you once he has finished showing us this . . . thing?"

Nico nodded. "Of course. My room or yours?"

Francis glanced around the room before his eyes rested upon Erik for a brief moment. "Maybe yours, mine -"

"Mr. Barnard? Mr. di Angelo?"

Francis let out a huff. "I'll explain later. We should not keep our gracious host waiting."