6
Earth Forastera
Translated by Criss
Edited by ALE10177
We should not see the goblins,
We must not buy their fruits:
Who knows in what land planted
Their roots thirsty and hungry?
- Christina Rossetti, "Goblin Market the"
"You know," said Jem, "this is not at all like I thought that would look like a brothel. "
The two boys were standing at the entrance to what Tessa called the Dark House on Whitechapel High Street. Lucia dirtier and darker than he remembered that Will, as if someone had spent an extra layer of dirt.
"What exactly James imagined? "Ladies of the night dancing on the balconies? "Naked statues decorating the hall?"
"I guess ..." Jem said slowly, "I was expecting something that looked less gray."
Will also had expected something different the first time he was here. The overwhelming feeling you had in the Dark House was it was a place where no one would really like a home. The damaged windows were greasy and unwashed and neglected curtains. Will
sleeves rolled up. "We probably have to break down the door ..."
"O ..." Jem said, taking the knob and turning it, "no."
The door opened onto a rectangle of pure darkness.
"Now, that's just being lazy," said Will taking a hunting knife from his belt, stepped inside and Jem carefully followed, keeping a strong hold on his cane with the head of jade. They would take turns to who would go first in dangerous situations, but Jem rather go in the rear most of the time, Will always forgot to turn back. The door closed behind caught in a half-lit gloom. The entrance looked almost like the first time that Will was there, the same wooden staircase leads upwards, the same elegant marble floor, the same dusty air. Jem
up his hand and magical light went on, scaring a black beetles. They slid along the ground, causing Will make a face. "Nice place to live, right? Hopefully find something in this dump. Some way, some members, a prostitute or two ... "
"Indeed. Perhaps, if we're lucky, we get syphilis even "
" O smallpox demon. "Will suggested cheerfully, trying the door under the stairs. It opened a second, unlocked, and at the entrance. "There's always smallpox demon."
"daemon Smallpox does not exist."
"O ye of little faith," Will said, disappearing into the darkness beneath the stairs. Together they searched the basement and lower floors carefully, finding only debris and dust. Everything had been removed from the room where Will Tessa and had fought against the Dark Sisters, then Will a long search, found something on the wall that looked like a blood stain, but it was the source of it, and Jem said it also could be just a spot of paint.
Leaving the basement, walked up the stairs, and found a long corridor lined with doors that was familiar to Will. Had run by him, following him Tessa. He entered the first room to the right, which was the room where he found it. There was no sign of that wild-eyed girl who was beaten with a floral vase. The room was empty, all the furniture had been taken to the Silent City for review. Four spots on the floor indicated where he had been the bed.
All the rooms were almost equal.
Will was trying to open a window when he heard yelling Jem was to come quickly, was in the fourth quarter on the left. Will was quick and Jem found standing in the center of a large square room, its magical light shining in his hand. He was not alone. Here was a piece of furniture, a rocking chair and a woman sitting on it, I was young, probably no larger than Jessamine, and wore a dress of cheap print, her hair was pulled up to his neck in a messy bun. This was of a dull chestnut brown, and his hands were bare and red. His eyes were staring wide open.
"Gah," said Will, too shocked to say anything more. "She ..."
"She's dead," said Jem.
"Are you sure?" Will could not take his eyes from her face. She was pale, but not with the pallor of a corpse, and his hands were folded on her lap, fingers gently curved, not rigid with the rigor of death. He approached her and put her hand on his arm. Was stiff and cold under her fingers. "Well, is not responding to my advances," observed more cheerful than she felt, "so must be dead. "
" O is a woman of good taste and sensible. "Jem knelt down and looked at the woman's face. His eyes were a pale blue and bulging, was looking beyond him, with a look as dead as if their eyes were painted. "Miss," he said, reaching his wrist with the intention of taking the pulse.
She moved, shaking under his hand, letting out a groan inhumane. Jem
rose quickly. "What the hell ..."
The woman raised her hand. His eyes were still blank, unfocused, but his lips moved with a shriek. "Beware!" he shouted. His voice echoed in the room and Will, with a scream, jumped back. The woman's voice sounded like a gear grinding against another. "Care Nephillim. Just as you kill others, will be killed. Your angel may not protect against something that neither God nor the devil have created an army that was not created either in heaven or hell. Beware of the man's hand. Care. "
His voice began to ring high, the grinding noise like a squeal and leaned back and forth like a puppet which have pulled their invisible strings. "CAUTION CUIDADOCUIDADOCUIDADO ..."
"Good God," muttered Jem.
"CAUTION!" screamed the woman one last time, fell forward, lying on the floor, abruptly silenced. Will stared with his mouth open.
"Is ..." he began.
"Yes," said Jem. "I think it's absolutely dead this time."
But Will was shaking his head. "Dead, you know, do not think so."
"So what do you think?"
Instead of answering Will went and knelt beside the body, put two fingers next to the woman's cheek and gently turned his head until they showed his face. His mouth was open, his right eye looked at the ceiling. The left hanging halfway down her cheek, attached to the basin by a copper cable.
"It is alive," said Will, "but not dead. Maybe ... one of the devices Henry. I think. "She touched his face. "Who could have done something?"
"I can not even guess. But we called Nephilim. So I knew what we are. "
" Or someone knew, "said Will. "I do not think she knows anything, I think it's a machine, like a clock. And it has been exhausted. "He stood up. "Yet I think we should go back to school. Henry will want to take a look. "
Jem
replied no, I was watching the woman on the floor. His foot was bare and dirty under the hem of her dress. His mouth was open and could see the glint of metal in his throat, his eye was hanging ominously from his piece of copper wire while somewhere outside the windows of a church clock was striking noon bells.
Once inside the park, he met Tessa who was beginning to relax. Had not been in a place so green and quiet since he came to London, and found almost down to be amazed by the grass and trees, but still felt that there was no better park to Central Park in New York. The air here was not so misty as was the rest of the city and the sky above their heads had made a color that was almost blue. Thomas
carriage waited with the girls to finish their walk. While walking beside Tessa Jessamine, the other girl kept a constant stream of chatter. They were making their way through a wide avenue, Jessamine informed him, was inexplicably called Rotten Row. Despite the unfavorable name, this was apparently the place to see and be seen. By the middle of it, men and women paraded on horseback, richly dressed, women had their floating veils, their laughter echoing through the summer air. Along the sides of the avenue other pedestrians walking. Chairs and benches were located under the trees and the women sat spinning colorful umbrellas and sipping mint tea, and beside her were gentlemen smoking, filling the air with smell of snuff mixed with the smell of grass and horses.
Although no one had stopped to talk to them, Jessamine knew who they were, who wanted a husband who had affairs with such and such a wife and everyone knew about it. It was a little dizzy, and Tessa was glad when the ride to a narrow road leading to the park. Jessamine
slipped his arm through that of Tessa and gave a gentle squeeze. "I do not know what a relief it is to have another girl around," he said cheerfully. "I mean, Charlotte okay, but it is boring and is married. "
" is Sophie. "
Jessamine
protested. "Sophie is a servant."
"I've known girls who are complicit with their maids," Tessa protested. This was not exactly true. I had read about these girls but had never met any. Anyway, according to the novels, the main obligation was to hear a girl while pouring out of your heart the tragedies of your dating life, and occasionally wear your clothes and pretend to be you, so you can avoid being captured by a villain . Tessa could not imagine doing that Sophie for Jessamine.
"Have you seen her face looks like. Being horrible makes her bitter. A girl should be nice and speak French and Sophie does not handle either. Charlotte told him that the day I brought home, but I listened. I never listen. "
"I can not imagine why," said Tessa, had gone to a narrow road that snaked through the trees. The sparkle of the river was visible through them, and the branches above them is knotted to form a canopy, blocking the sunshine.
"I know! Neither am I! "Jessamine raised his face, letting the sun appeared through canopy dance through your skin.
"Charlotte never listen to anyone. He is always angry at poor Henry. I do not know why he married her. "
" I assume it was because he loved her? "
Jessamine snorted. "Nobody thinks that. Henry wanted access to the Institute so he could work in their small experiments in the basement and not have to fight. And do not think he was ready to marry Charlotte "I do not have anyone else to want to marry, but if there was someone else lead the Institute, had married her instead of Charlotte." Sniffed. "And then there are the boys, Will and Jem. Jem is nice enough but you know how foreigners. Not very reliable and basically selfish and lazy. It is always in his room, pretending to be sick, refuse to do anything to help. "Jessamine continued merrily, apparently forgetting the fact that Jem and Will were out looking at the Dark House right now, as she walked through the park with Tessa. "And Will. Attractive enough, but it behaves like a lunatic half the time, as having been raised by savages. He has no respect for anything or anyone, any idea how to behave like a gentleman. I guess because it's Welsh. "
Tessa was puzzled. "Welsh?" Is it a bad thing to be one? He was about to add, but Jessamine thinking that Tessa was wondering about the origins of Will, followed with enthusiasm.
"Oh, yeah. With that dark hair, so to speak. His mother was the Welsh. Her father loved her and that was it. He left the Nephilim. Perhaps she cast a spell. "Jessamine laughed. "They have all sorts of strange magic and things in Wales, you know."
Tessa did not know "Do you know what happened to the parents of Will? Are they dead? "
" I guess I should be dead, is not it, or else had returned to find him. " Jessamine frowned. "Ugh. Anyway. Do not want to talk more about the Institute. "He turned to look at Tessa" You must be wondering why I have been kind to you. "
" Er ... "Tessa had asked him a lot. In novels like her girls, girls who once had money but had lost in difficult times, were often taken kindly by a wealthy and protector They provided new clothes and education (No, Tessa thought that was something wrong with their education. "Aunt Harriet was as educated as any governess). Jessamine Sure did not look at all those virtuous ladies greater than those stories, which were selfless acts of generosity. "Jessamine, have you ever read The Lamplighter?"
"Of course not. Girls should not read novels, "said Jessamine, in the tone of someone reciting something you've heard elsewhere. "Yet Miss Gray, I have a proposition to make."
"Tessa," he corrected automatically.
"Of course, since we are the best of friends" Jessamine said, "and soon we will be more than that."
Tessa looked at the other girl in bewilderment. "What do you mean?"
"As I'm sure that the despicable Will he say, my parents, my dear father and mother are dead. But I have left a considerable amount of money, but I can not access it until you turn eighteen, who will in a few months. You see the problem, of course. "
Tessa, who did not see the problem, he said, "Do you see?"
"I'm not a Shadow Hunter, Tessa. Disregard everything that has to do with the Nephilim. I never wanted to be one, and my fondest wish is to leave the Institute and not return to speak to anyone there anymore. "
"But her parents thought was Shadow Hunters ..."
"You do not have to be Hunter of Shadows if you wish," said Jessamine. "My parents did not want. Key left when they were young. My mother was always perfectly clear. Hunter never wanted me around. He said that life would never want any girls. I wanted other things for me. That would make my debut, meeting the Queen, finding a good husband, and have beautiful babies. An ordinary life. "He said words with a savage hunger. "There are other girls in this town right now Tessa, others of my age, they are not as pretty as me, who are dancing, flirting, laughing and getting married. Receive lessons in French. I receive negligible demonic language classes. It is not fair. "
" You can still get married, "Tessa was confused" Any man would want .... "
"I could marry a Shadow Hunter" Jessamine spat the words. "To live as Charlotte, having to dress and fight like a man. It's disgusting. Women were not created to behave that way. We were meant to be funny, be in our homes. Decorate so that our husband likes. To feel relaxed and comfortable with our gentle and angelic presence. "
Jessamine not sound at all angelic and gentle, but Tessa decided not to mention any of that.
"No I like me ... "
Jessamine Tessa grabbed his arm fiercely. "You can not? I can leave the Institute, Tessa, but I can not live alone. It would not be respectable. Maybe if a widow, but I'm just a girl. This just is not done. But if I had company, a sister ... "
" Would you pretend to be your sister? "Tessa screamed.
"Why not?" Said Jessamine, like most reasonable request in the world. "Or you could be my cousin in America. Yes, that might work. You see, "she added more practically," it is as if you were to where go is not it, I'm sure we would get married in virtually no time. "
Tessa, who began his head hurt, Jessamine wished to cease to speak of "getting" husbands as if it were as easy as catching a cold or a stray cat.
"I could introduce you to the best people," Jessamine continued, "would have dances and dinners ..." was silent looking around. "But where are we?"
Tessa glanced around, the road was closed. Now it was a dark road that led through twisted trees. Tessa could not see or hear heaven the sound of voices. Behind her, Jessamine had stopped. His face was covered with fear.
"We were wandering along the road," she whispered.
"Well we can find the way back, right?" Tessa turned to all sides, seeking an opening in the trees, some light "I think we were there ..."
Jessamine suddenly grabbed the arm of Tessa, her fingers like claws. Something-no, someone had appeared before them on the road.
The figure was small, so small that for a moment thought Tessa was a child. But as the way he approached light, he saw a man - a man stooped, wrinkled, dressed as a peddler, in tattered clothes with a hat back over his head. His face was wrinkled and white, like an old apple, and his eyes were black in the middle of many layers of wrinkled skin.
He smiled, showing his teeth were sharp as razors. "Beautiful Girls." Tessa
caught a glimpse of Jessamine, the other girl was stiff and staring, her mouth a white line. "We have to go," he whispered and pulled Tessa Jessamine arm. Slowly, as if in a dream Jessamine Tessa allowed to take her turn they had come ...
And the man was in front of them again, blocking the way to the park. Far in the distance, Tessa thought she saw the park, a kind of clarity, full of light. She looked impossibly far away.
"stray from the path," said the stranger. Her voice was lilting, rhythmic. "Beautiful Girls, deviated from the path and you know what happens to girls like you."
took a step forward. Jessamine even rigid, clutching her umbrella like a lifeline "Duende," said "goblin, or whatever you are, we have no quarrel with anyone in the Village of the Fairies. But if we play ... "
" It from the path, "sang the man, steel, and Tessa saw that his shoes were shining shoes after all, but glittering claws. "Stupid Nephilim, by coming here unchecked. This earth is older than any settlement. Here are a stranger land. If your blood angel falls on it, golden vines grow from that point, with diamond tips. And I claim. Claim your blood. "Tessa
arm pulled Jessamine" Jessamine, we should ... "
" Tessa, silence. " Unhooking his arm, pointing to Jessamine pixie with the umbrella. "I do not want to do this. You do not want ... "
The creature jumped. As he rushed toward them, his mouth seemed to expand, splitting the skin, and Tessa saw the face beneath, fanged and evil. She screamed and took a trip back, his foot was stuck in a tree root, fell to the ground while Jessamine raised the umbrella, and with a flick of the wrist of the umbrella Jessamine opened like a flower.
The elf screamed. He screamed and rolled on the floor still crying. Blood out of a wound in his cheek, smearing his ragged coat.
"I told you," said Jessamine. He was breathing heavily and his chest rose and down as if she had been running through the park. "I told you leave us in peace, you, filthy creature ..."
He struck again, and now Tessa could see the edges of the umbrella of Jessamine that glowed in a white gold, and were as sharp as razors. Blood shot from the edge of the instrument in bloom.
Puck howled with pain by raising their arms to protect themselves. It looked like a helpless man now, and although Tessa knew that was an illusion, could not help but feel sorry for him. "Pity, Miss, Piedad.
"Mercy?" Spat Jessamine. "You wanted to grow flowers in my blood! You, filthy goblin! Filthy creature! "I cut it again with the umbrella, and again, and the dwarf shouted and was removed. Tessa sat down, taking off the ground and standing hair. Jessamine still screaming, the umbrella flying, the creature in the soil to shrink with every hit. "I hate you" cried Jessamine, his voice trembling. "I hate you and all ... Underworld filthy, disgusting ..."
"Jessamine!" Tessa ran into the other girl and put her arms around her, holding her arms to her body. Jessamine fought for a moment, and Tessa realized that there was no so that she could hold. He was strong, the muscles under the skin soft and feminine were strained. And then Jessamine turned loose in his arms, leaning on Tessa's chest, his breathing turned to normal when the umbrella fell from his hands. "No," he moaned. "No. I did not want. I did not want to say. No ... "
Tessa glanced down. Elf body was hunched and motionless at his feet. Blood spread across the floor, from where he lay, running through the land as dark veins. Jessamine holding sobbed, Tessa could not help wondering what would grow there now.
was, unsurprisingly, Charlotte the first to be recovered from the shock. "Mr. Mortmain, I think I'm not sure what you might want to say ... "
" Of course I know. "He was smiling from ear to ear, with a playful smile. "Shadow Hunters, the Nephilim, that's how you call them, right?, Hybrids of men and angels. Strange, because in the Bible are considered horrible monsters, right? "
" You know, that's not entirely true ... "Henry said, unable to contain the sarcasm in it. "There is a problem with the translation of the original Aramaic ..."
"Henry," said Charlotte warning.
"really contain the souls of demons to kill in a giant glass sphere?" Continued Mortmain, with eyes wide open. "That's amazing!"
"refers to the Pyxis?" Henry looked confused. "It's not glass, is more like a wooden box, and are not souls that are trapped, the demons have no souls, they have power."
"Silence, Henry" Charlotte replied.
"Mrs. Branwell, "said Mortmain. It sounded terribly happy. "Please do not worry. I know all about your class, you see. You are Charlotte Branwell, is not it? And this is her husband Henry Branwell. You guide the Institute in London where once stood the Church of All Saints. Do you honestly thought that I would not know who would? "Especially when he tried to charm my servant? He can not maintain a glamorous, you know? I get hives. "
Charlotte moved his eyebrows. "And how he got all this information?"
Mortmain quickly straightened up, looking at his hands. "I am a student of the occult. From my time in India when a young man, when I first heard of them, I've been fascinated with the area shadows. For a man in my position with adequate funds and sufficient time, many doors open. There are books that can be purchased, information that can be paid. His knowledge is not as secret as you may think. "
" Maybe, "said Henry, looking deeply unhappy. "But it is dangerous, you know. Killing demons is not like shooting tigers. They can hunt, and you to them. "
Mortmain
click. "My boy, I have no interest in hunting demons disarmed. Of course, this information is dangerous in the hands of capricious, fanatical, but mine is a sound mind and carefully. Just look for an expansion of my knowledge of the world, nothing more. " He looked at the room. "I must say, I never had the honor to speak with a Nephilim before. Clear that its mention in the literature is rare, but read something and experiencing it are two completely different things. I'm sure you agree. There is so much that could teach me ... "
" That, "said Charlotte in an icy tone," we would have enough of that. "
Mortmain
look at it, confused," Excuse me? "
" Since I know both of the Nephilim, Sr . Mortmain, I can ask what is our mandate? "
Mortmain looked cocky. "Destroy demons. Protect humans, worldly, I have understood that and call us. "
" Yes, "said Charlotte," and much of the human is while protecting their own nonsense. I see that you are not the exception to the rule. "
This, Mortmain was really amazed. Henry looked askance. Charlotte knew that look. It was the look that only men were given a look that said, "You can not control your wife, sir? A look that I knew was a waste of Henry, who seemed trying to read maps Mortmain desktop, getting very little attention to the conversation.
"You believe that the has acquired knowledge of the unseen makes it ready, "said Charlotte. "But I've seen my share of mundane deaths of Mr. Mortmain. I can not count all the times we've gone to remove the remains of a human expert who said the magic. I remember as a child, be taken to the house of a lawyer. It was part of a silly group of men who are believed magicians. They spent their time singing, using layers and drawing pentagrams on the floor. One night, he found that his skills were sufficient to control a demon. "
" What was that? "
" Yes it was, "said Charlotte. "He invoked the devil Marax. He proceeded to kill him and his entire family. "His tone was serious. "We found most hanging headless upside down in the garage. The youngest of his sons was roasted on a spit in the fire. Marax never find. "
Mortmain
pale but retained her composure. "There are always some who do not know what the limits of their abilities," said "But I ..."
"But you would never be so foolish," said Charlotte "Beware what it is, at this point is still just as silly. You go to Henry and me and not afraid of us. Are you entertained! A fairy tale alive again! "hit the edge of his desk tightly, making it jump. "The key strength is behind us," he said, in a cold tone as if in a meeting. "Our mandate is to protect human. Such as Nathaniel Gray. He has disappeared and is clearly something hidden behind his disappearance. And here are his former employer, is clearly steeped in matters of the occult. Cuesta believes the two events are connected. "
" I ... he ... Mr. Gray is gone? "Mortmain stammered.
"has disappeared. His sister came to us looking for him; has been informed by a couple of witches that he was in grave danger. While you, sir, this entertaining, he could be dying. And the key is no good to those who interfere with the key and its orders. "
Mortmain ran a hand across his face when he appeared behind the movement was gray. "I, of course," he said, "I'll tell you everything you want to know."
"Excellent," Charlotte's heart beat fast, but his voice betrayed her with anxiety.
"I used to know his father. Nathaniel's father. I gave her job more than twenty years, when it was Mortmain primarily a barge company. Had offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tianjin ... "he stopped when Charlotte began to beat with his fingers impatiently on desk. "Richard Gray worked for me here in London. It was my manager, a kind man and ready. Felt lost when he moved with his family to America. When Nathaniel wrote me and told me who he was, offered him a job here. "
" Mr. Mortmain "Charlotte's voice was like steel. "This is not related ..."
"Oh, but it is," the little man insisted. "You see, my knowledge of the unseen always has been a help to me in business matters. A few years ago, for example, noted Lombard Street bank collapsed, destroying dozens of large companies. My relationship with a wizard helped me not fall into that disaster. I was able to get my bank's shares before it was dissolved and saved my company. But Richard created suspicions. He should have done the research, because soon confronted with the issue of Pandemonium Club. "
" You were a member then, "Charlotte whispered," of course. "
" I offered Richard membership in the club until I took him to a meeting or two, but he was uninterested. Some time later, he moved to America with his family. "Mortmain opened her hands. "The Pandemonium Club is not for everyone. Traveling extensively as I have done, I've heard stories of similar organizations in other cities, groups of men who know the world of shadows and like to share their knowledge and progress, but you pay a high price for the secret of being a member. "
" You pay a much higher price for that. "
" There is an evil, "said Mortmain, his voice almost sounded hurt. "There have been many great strides, great inventions. I saw a wizard to create a ring Silver, which could transport the wearer to another place with just turning on your finger. Or a door that leads to anywhere in the world where you want to go. I have seen men back from the brink of death ... "
" I know what magic can do, Mr. Mortmain. "Charlotte glanced at Henry, who was examining the plans for a metal device, mounted wall. "There is an issue that concerns me. Sorcerers who appear to have kidnapped Mr. Gray are in one way or another, related to the Club. I've always heard that the club was exclusively worldly. Why should there be Underworld? "
's forehead Mortmain wrinkled. "Underworld? Does it refer to supernatural beings such as witches and werewolves and others? There are levels and levels of membership, Ms. Branwell. A mundane as I can be a member of the club. But the presidents, those who handle it are Underworld. Sorcerers, werewolves and vampires. However, the fairy kingdom rejects us. Too many captains of industry, railways, factories and so forth - for them. They hate those things. "He shook his head. "Adorable creatures, fairies, but I fear that progress will be his death."
Charlotte was disinterested about what he thought of the fairies Mortmain, his mind was digress. "Let me guess. Nathaniel Gray introduced you to the club, just like his father. "
Mortmain, which seemed to have gained some confidence last faded again.
"Nathaniel had worked only a few days in my office in London when confronted me. I concluded that he had learned from the experiences his father in the club and gave him a fierce desire to know more. I could not refuse. I took him to a meeting and I thought that would be the end of everything. But it was not. "He shook his head. "Nathaniel entered the club like a duck to water. A few weeks after their first meeting, he left the rooming house. Sent me a letter, resigning and saying he would work to another member of the Club Pandemonium, someone who apparently was willing to pay enough to support his gambling habit. "He sighed. "Needless to say, left no forwarding address."
"And that was it?" Charlotte's voice sounded wary. "He did not try to look?," Bombay where he had gone? To know who his new employer? "
" A man can take a job where he pleases. "Mortmain said, protesting. "There was no reason to suspect"
"What has not seen him since?"
"No. I said ... "Charlotte
interrupted. "You said he entered the Pandemonium Club like a duck to water, however, is not seen him in any meeting since he resigned?"
A look of panic crossed the look of Mortmain. "I ... I have not been any meetings since then. Work has kept me extremely busy. "Reviewed
Charlotte
Mortmain Axel cautiously through his enormous desk. It was good judging people's character, I always thought. It was as if it had never crossed a man like Mortmain before. Men swaggering, friendly, and safe, men who believed that their success in business or other worldly occupation meant that they would have the same success in exercising the magical arts. He thought the lawyer again, and the walls of his house bathed in scarlet red with the blood of his family. He thought of the terror he must have lived in their final moments. I could see a similar fear of peering into the eyes of Axel Mortmain.
"Mr. Mortmain, "he said," I'm not stupid, I know I is hiding something. "He took his shrine one of the gears that Will had picked up from the house of the Sisters Dark, and put it on the desktop. "That seems to something that his factory produces. "
Mortmain With a distracted gaze glanced at the piece of metal on his desk
" Yes ... yes that is one of my pieces produced here. What is that? "
" Two witches who call themselves the Sisters Dark Pandemonium two members of the club, have been killing humans. Young girls. Something a little more than girls. And we find this in the basement of his house. "
" I have nothing to do with any murder, "cried Mortmain. "I never ... I ..." began to sweat.
"What thought? "Charlotte's voice was soft. Mortmain
up the piece of metal with trembling fingers. "You can not imagine ..." slurred speech. "A few months before one of the important members of an underworld, very old and powerful, approached me and asked if I could sell a cheap mechanical equipment. Cogs and gears and the like. I did not ask for wanted, why would I? There seemed nothing suspicious the commission. "
" In a coincidence, "said Charlotte," was the same man who used to Nathaniel after resigning? "
Mortmain dropped the piece. While shooting on the table, suddenly reached down, holding the piece. Although he said nothing, Charlotte could see fear in his eyes, he was right. A tingle of triumph ran through his nerves.
"His name," he said. "Tell me your name."
Mortmain looked intently
desktop. "My life would be the price for telling."
"And what about the life of Nathaniel Gray?" Said Charlotte.
eyes without seeing Mortmain shook his head. "He has no idea how powerful this man. How dangerous. "
Charlotte
straightened. "Henry," said. "Henry, get me the Convenor."
Henry turned to the wall and blinked at her with confusion. "But, my dear ..."
"Bring me the engine!" Charlotte snapped. Henry hated scold it was like kicking a puppy. But sometimes I had to do.
The look of confusion did not leave the face of Henry when he went to join his wife at the desk of Mortmain, and pulled out a device. It was black metal, elongate, with a peculiar series of buttons across its surface. Charlotte took it and showed it to Mortmain.
"This is a Convener," he said. "This will allow me to call the Key. Within three minutes they'll be around his house. The Nephilim dragged this room, kicking and screaming. Torture him until he decides to speak. Do you know what happens to a man when he puts demon blood in his eyes? "
Mortmain gave him a ghastly look, but said nothing.
"Please do not put to the test, Mr. Mortmain." The device in the hand of Charlotte looked innocent, his voice as well. "I would hate to see him die."
"For the love of God, man, tell!" Henry broke. "Seriously, there is no need for that to happen, Mr. Mortmain, just what is making it harder for you. "
Mortmain
covered his face with his hands. He always wanted to know real Shadow Hunters, Charlotte thought, watching. And now he had.
"De Quincey," he said. "I do not know his first name. Only in Quincey. "
For the Angel. Charlotte blew gently, lowering the device at his side. "De Quincey? No way ... "
" Do you know who he is? "Mortmain's voice was off. "Well, I guess he does."
"He is the head of a powerful vampire clan in London, "Charlotte said almost reluctantly," A very powerful underworld, and a key ally. "
" He is the head of the club, "said Mortmain. He looked exhausted, somewhat gray. "All others respond to it."
"The head of the club, do you have title?"
Mortmain looked a bit surprised by the question. "The Maestro."
With a hand that shook only slightly, Charlotte slipped the device he was holding in his sleeve. "Thank you, Lord Mortmain, has been a great help."
Mortmain the look with a sort of resentment exhausted. "In Quincey find out I told them. And kill me. "
" The key that will not happen. And leave his name out of it. He will never know that we have spoken. "
" Would you do that? "Mortmain said softly. "It was a mundane nonsense?"
"I have hope in you, Mr. Mortmain. Seems to have realized their own stupidity. The key will be watching, not only for their own protection, but also to ensure that you stay away from the Pandemonium Club and such organizations. For your own safety, I hope that this meeting has taken as a warning. " Mortmain
nodded. Charlotte went to the door, Henry following her, she had already opened the door and stood in the doorway when Mortmain spoke again. "They were just gearing," he said softly, "just harmless pieces."
was Henry, to the surprise of Charlotte who answered, without turning. "Inanimate objects are indeed harmless, Mr. Mortmain. But one can not always say the same about the men who handle them. "
Mortmain
was silent, while the two Shadow Hunters left the room. Moments later they were in the square, breathing fresh air ... as fresh as the air of London could be. Could be full of dust and smoke, but at least it was full of desperation and fear as it was the office of Mortmain. Making the device
his sleeve, Charlotte offered it to her husband. "I suppose I should ask," he said when he took with a serious expression, "What is this object, Henry?"
"One thing I've been working." Henry looked at carefully. "A device that can sense demonic energy. I would call Sensor. I have not yet operational. But I will! "
" I'm sure it will be splendid. "
Henry moved
his warm expression of the artifact to his wife. A rare event.
"Pure genius, Charlotte. Pretend you could call the key to the place, only to scare the poor man! But how did you know that a device which would use for your own purposes? "
" Well, I had wanted, "said Charlotte," Is not it? "
Henry looked timid. "You are so terrifying and wonderful, dear."
"Thank you Henry."
The trip back to the Institute was in silent, Jessamine was looking out the car window the tangled traffic London, refusing to say a word. She held her umbrella in her lap, looking indifferent to the fact that blood stained his jacket edges taffeta. When they reached the road to the church, allowed Thomas to help her down from the carriage before grabbing the hand of Tessa. Amazed
contact Tessa quedársele could only watch intently. Jessamine's fingers were frozen. "Come with me." Jessamine said impatiently, and pulled his partner to the gates of the Institute, leaving Thomas looking behind them. Tessa
let the other girl drag her down the stairs, inside the institute, and a long corridor, which was almost identical that Tessa went to the room. Jessamine located a door Tessa pushed through it, and followed, closing the door behind them. "I want to show something," he said. Tessa
looked around. It was another great rooms of which the Institute seemed to have an endless number. Jessamine's room was decorated to your liking. Above the paneling, the walls had a pink silk tapestry and the spread of bed was stamped with flowers. There was a white toilet, too, its surface covered with a set of expensive-looking toilet, a support ring, a bottle of water with flowers and a silver brush and a hair mirror.
"Your room is beautiful," said Tessa, the more he looked calm the hysteria of Jessamine evident that because I wanted to say.
"is too small," she said. "But come here." And throwing the bloody umbrella to bed, walked across the room, into a corner by the window. Tessa followed it with some puzzlement. There was nothing in the corner unless a high table and the table was a dollhouse. Not the kind of playhouse two-room Dolly cardboard Tessa had as a child. It was a beautiful miniature reproduction of a real house in London Jessamine and when touched, Tessa was in the front opening with small hinges. Tessa gasped. There were small rooms, perfectly decorated with miniature furniture, all made to scale, from small wooden chairs with cushions point to a metal stove in the kitchen. There were also small dolls with porcelain heads and small oil paintings on the walls.
"This was my home." Jessamine knelt down, catching up to the rooms of the house mulecas and Tessa gesturing to do the same. Tessa did
awkwardly, trying not to kneel at the foot of Jessamine. "You mean that it was your dollhouse as a kid? "
" No. "Jessamine sounded irritated. "This was my home. My father sent me to this house, when he was six years old. Is made exactly like my house, where I lived, for Curzon Street. This was the same carpet we had in the room, "he said," and those the same chairs in my father's study. You see? "
Tessa looked at intensely, so intensely that Tessa was made sure that he must see something there, something beyond the Jessamine expensive toy that should have left long ago. Just did not know was. "It's beautiful," he said finally.
"See, here in the hall's Mom," Jessamine said, touching a small doll with your finger. The wrist is rocked in his chair. "And here in the studio, reading a book, this dad. His hand went to the other figure in porcelain. "And upstairs in the nursery is the baby Jessie." Inside the crib was in effect another small doll, only his head was visible on their little blankets. "Then they will dine here in the dining room. And then mom and dad sit in the room by the fire. Some nights they go to the theater, or dine, or dance. "
His voice sounded as if reciting a litany. "And then Mom Dad kiss goodnight, will go to his room and sleep through the night. No calls the Key at midnight to take them to fight against demons in the dark. No one will be losing blood at home. Nobody is going to lose an arm or an eye by a werewolf, or having to drown in holy water as a vampire's bite. "
Holy God, Tessa thought. Jessamine
As if he could read the minds of Tessa, her face twisted. "When our house burned, I had nowhere else to go. It was as if he had relatives who could accommodate me; all relatives of father and mother were Shadowhunters and had not spoken to them since they were separated from the key. Henry was the one who made me this umbrella. Did you know that? I thought it was quite nice, until I said it was made of electrum, sharp as a razor. It was always intended to be a weapon. "
" You saved us, "said Tessa. "Today, in the park. I could not fight at all. And if you had not done what you did ... "
" I should not have. "Jessamine stared at the doll house with empty eyes. "I will not have this life, Tessa. I will not. I do not care who has to do. I will not live well. Rather die. "
Alarmed, Tessa was about to tell him not to talk so when the door opened behind them. It was Sophie, with her white apron and black dress. His eyes, when posed in Jessamine, were cautious. He said "Miss Tessa, Mr. Branwell would like to see it in his studio. He says it's important. "Tessa
Jessamine again to ask if it would be nice, but the face of Jessamine had closed like a door. The vulnerability and anger were gone, the mask had turned cold.
"Go then, if Henry loves you," he said. "I'm tired of you, and I think give me a headache. Sophie when you return, I need to massage my temples with eau de cologne. "
Sophie's eyes met those of Tessa through the room with something as fun. "As you wish, Miss Jessamine."
The two boys were standing at the entrance to what Tessa called the Dark House on Whitechapel High Street. Lucia dirtier and darker than he remembered that Will, as if someone had spent an extra layer of dirt.
"What exactly James imagined? "Ladies of the night dancing on the balconies? "Naked statues decorating the hall?"
"I guess ..." Jem said slowly, "I was expecting something that looked less gray."
Will also had expected something different the first time he was here. The overwhelming feeling you had in the Dark House was it was a place where no one would really like a home. The damaged windows were greasy and unwashed and neglected curtains. Will
sleeves rolled up. "We probably have to break down the door ..."
"O ..." Jem said, taking the knob and turning it, "no."
The door opened onto a rectangle of pure darkness.
"Now, that's just being lazy," said Will taking a hunting knife from his belt, stepped inside and Jem carefully followed, keeping a strong hold on his cane with the head of jade. They would take turns to who would go first in dangerous situations, but Jem rather go in the rear most of the time, Will always forgot to turn back. The door closed behind caught in a half-lit gloom. The entrance looked almost like the first time that Will was there, the same wooden staircase leads upwards, the same elegant marble floor, the same dusty air. Jem
up his hand and magical light went on, scaring a black beetles. They slid along the ground, causing Will make a face. "Nice place to live, right? Hopefully find something in this dump. Some way, some members, a prostitute or two ... "
"Indeed. Perhaps, if we're lucky, we get syphilis even "
" O smallpox demon. "Will suggested cheerfully, trying the door under the stairs. It opened a second, unlocked, and at the entrance. "There's always smallpox demon."
"daemon Smallpox does not exist."
"O ye of little faith," Will said, disappearing into the darkness beneath the stairs. Together they searched the basement and lower floors carefully, finding only debris and dust. Everything had been removed from the room where Will Tessa and had fought against the Dark Sisters, then Will a long search, found something on the wall that looked like a blood stain, but it was the source of it, and Jem said it also could be just a spot of paint.
Leaving the basement, walked up the stairs, and found a long corridor lined with doors that was familiar to Will. Had run by him, following him Tessa. He entered the first room to the right, which was the room where he found it. There was no sign of that wild-eyed girl who was beaten with a floral vase. The room was empty, all the furniture had been taken to the Silent City for review. Four spots on the floor indicated where he had been the bed.
All the rooms were almost equal.
Will was trying to open a window when he heard yelling Jem was to come quickly, was in the fourth quarter on the left. Will was quick and Jem found standing in the center of a large square room, its magical light shining in his hand. He was not alone. Here was a piece of furniture, a rocking chair and a woman sitting on it, I was young, probably no larger than Jessamine, and wore a dress of cheap print, her hair was pulled up to his neck in a messy bun. This was of a dull chestnut brown, and his hands were bare and red. His eyes were staring wide open.
"Gah," said Will, too shocked to say anything more. "She ..."
"She's dead," said Jem.
"Are you sure?" Will could not take his eyes from her face. She was pale, but not with the pallor of a corpse, and his hands were folded on her lap, fingers gently curved, not rigid with the rigor of death. He approached her and put her hand on his arm. Was stiff and cold under her fingers. "Well, is not responding to my advances," observed more cheerful than she felt, "so must be dead. "
" O is a woman of good taste and sensible. "Jem knelt down and looked at the woman's face. His eyes were a pale blue and bulging, was looking beyond him, with a look as dead as if their eyes were painted. "Miss," he said, reaching his wrist with the intention of taking the pulse.
She moved, shaking under his hand, letting out a groan inhumane. Jem
rose quickly. "What the hell ..."
The woman raised her hand. His eyes were still blank, unfocused, but his lips moved with a shriek. "Beware!" he shouted. His voice echoed in the room and Will, with a scream, jumped back. The woman's voice sounded like a gear grinding against another. "Care Nephillim. Just as you kill others, will be killed. Your angel may not protect against something that neither God nor the devil have created an army that was not created either in heaven or hell. Beware of the man's hand. Care. "
His voice began to ring high, the grinding noise like a squeal and leaned back and forth like a puppet which have pulled their invisible strings. "CAUTION CUIDADOCUIDADOCUIDADO ..."
"Good God," muttered Jem.
"CAUTION!" screamed the woman one last time, fell forward, lying on the floor, abruptly silenced. Will stared with his mouth open.
"Is ..." he began.
"Yes," said Jem. "I think it's absolutely dead this time."
But Will was shaking his head. "Dead, you know, do not think so."
"So what do you think?"
Instead of answering Will went and knelt beside the body, put two fingers next to the woman's cheek and gently turned his head until they showed his face. His mouth was open, his right eye looked at the ceiling. The left hanging halfway down her cheek, attached to the basin by a copper cable.
"It is alive," said Will, "but not dead. Maybe ... one of the devices Henry. I think. "She touched his face. "Who could have done something?"
"I can not even guess. But we called Nephilim. So I knew what we are. "
" Or someone knew, "said Will. "I do not think she knows anything, I think it's a machine, like a clock. And it has been exhausted. "He stood up. "Yet I think we should go back to school. Henry will want to take a look. "
Jem
replied no, I was watching the woman on the floor. His foot was bare and dirty under the hem of her dress. His mouth was open and could see the glint of metal in his throat, his eye was hanging ominously from his piece of copper wire while somewhere outside the windows of a church clock was striking noon bells.
Once inside the park, he met Tessa who was beginning to relax. Had not been in a place so green and quiet since he came to London, and found almost down to be amazed by the grass and trees, but still felt that there was no better park to Central Park in New York. The air here was not so misty as was the rest of the city and the sky above their heads had made a color that was almost blue. Thomas
carriage waited with the girls to finish their walk. While walking beside Tessa Jessamine, the other girl kept a constant stream of chatter. They were making their way through a wide avenue, Jessamine informed him, was inexplicably called Rotten Row. Despite the unfavorable name, this was apparently the place to see and be seen. By the middle of it, men and women paraded on horseback, richly dressed, women had their floating veils, their laughter echoing through the summer air. Along the sides of the avenue other pedestrians walking. Chairs and benches were located under the trees and the women sat spinning colorful umbrellas and sipping mint tea, and beside her were gentlemen smoking, filling the air with smell of snuff mixed with the smell of grass and horses.
Although no one had stopped to talk to them, Jessamine knew who they were, who wanted a husband who had affairs with such and such a wife and everyone knew about it. It was a little dizzy, and Tessa was glad when the ride to a narrow road leading to the park. Jessamine
slipped his arm through that of Tessa and gave a gentle squeeze. "I do not know what a relief it is to have another girl around," he said cheerfully. "I mean, Charlotte okay, but it is boring and is married. "
" is Sophie. "
Jessamine
protested. "Sophie is a servant."
"I've known girls who are complicit with their maids," Tessa protested. This was not exactly true. I had read about these girls but had never met any. Anyway, according to the novels, the main obligation was to hear a girl while pouring out of your heart the tragedies of your dating life, and occasionally wear your clothes and pretend to be you, so you can avoid being captured by a villain . Tessa could not imagine doing that Sophie for Jessamine.
"Have you seen her face looks like. Being horrible makes her bitter. A girl should be nice and speak French and Sophie does not handle either. Charlotte told him that the day I brought home, but I listened. I never listen. "
"I can not imagine why," said Tessa, had gone to a narrow road that snaked through the trees. The sparkle of the river was visible through them, and the branches above them is knotted to form a canopy, blocking the sunshine.
"I know! Neither am I! "Jessamine raised his face, letting the sun appeared through canopy dance through your skin.
"Charlotte never listen to anyone. He is always angry at poor Henry. I do not know why he married her. "
" I assume it was because he loved her? "
Jessamine snorted. "Nobody thinks that. Henry wanted access to the Institute so he could work in their small experiments in the basement and not have to fight. And do not think he was ready to marry Charlotte "I do not have anyone else to want to marry, but if there was someone else lead the Institute, had married her instead of Charlotte." Sniffed. "And then there are the boys, Will and Jem. Jem is nice enough but you know how foreigners. Not very reliable and basically selfish and lazy. It is always in his room, pretending to be sick, refuse to do anything to help. "Jessamine continued merrily, apparently forgetting the fact that Jem and Will were out looking at the Dark House right now, as she walked through the park with Tessa. "And Will. Attractive enough, but it behaves like a lunatic half the time, as having been raised by savages. He has no respect for anything or anyone, any idea how to behave like a gentleman. I guess because it's Welsh. "
Tessa was puzzled. "Welsh?" Is it a bad thing to be one? He was about to add, but Jessamine thinking that Tessa was wondering about the origins of Will, followed with enthusiasm.
"Oh, yeah. With that dark hair, so to speak. His mother was the Welsh. Her father loved her and that was it. He left the Nephilim. Perhaps she cast a spell. "Jessamine laughed. "They have all sorts of strange magic and things in Wales, you know."
Tessa did not know "Do you know what happened to the parents of Will? Are they dead? "
" I guess I should be dead, is not it, or else had returned to find him. " Jessamine frowned. "Ugh. Anyway. Do not want to talk more about the Institute. "He turned to look at Tessa" You must be wondering why I have been kind to you. "
" Er ... "Tessa had asked him a lot. In novels like her girls, girls who once had money but had lost in difficult times, were often taken kindly by a wealthy and protector They provided new clothes and education (No, Tessa thought that was something wrong with their education. "Aunt Harriet was as educated as any governess). Jessamine Sure did not look at all those virtuous ladies greater than those stories, which were selfless acts of generosity. "Jessamine, have you ever read The Lamplighter?"
"Of course not. Girls should not read novels, "said Jessamine, in the tone of someone reciting something you've heard elsewhere. "Yet Miss Gray, I have a proposition to make."
"Tessa," he corrected automatically.
"Of course, since we are the best of friends" Jessamine said, "and soon we will be more than that."
Tessa looked at the other girl in bewilderment. "What do you mean?"
"As I'm sure that the despicable Will he say, my parents, my dear father and mother are dead. But I have left a considerable amount of money, but I can not access it until you turn eighteen, who will in a few months. You see the problem, of course. "
Tessa, who did not see the problem, he said, "Do you see?"
"I'm not a Shadow Hunter, Tessa. Disregard everything that has to do with the Nephilim. I never wanted to be one, and my fondest wish is to leave the Institute and not return to speak to anyone there anymore. "
"But her parents thought was Shadow Hunters ..."
"You do not have to be Hunter of Shadows if you wish," said Jessamine. "My parents did not want. Key left when they were young. My mother was always perfectly clear. Hunter never wanted me around. He said that life would never want any girls. I wanted other things for me. That would make my debut, meeting the Queen, finding a good husband, and have beautiful babies. An ordinary life. "He said words with a savage hunger. "There are other girls in this town right now Tessa, others of my age, they are not as pretty as me, who are dancing, flirting, laughing and getting married. Receive lessons in French. I receive negligible demonic language classes. It is not fair. "
" You can still get married, "Tessa was confused" Any man would want .... "
"I could marry a Shadow Hunter" Jessamine spat the words. "To live as Charlotte, having to dress and fight like a man. It's disgusting. Women were not created to behave that way. We were meant to be funny, be in our homes. Decorate so that our husband likes. To feel relaxed and comfortable with our gentle and angelic presence. "
Jessamine not sound at all angelic and gentle, but Tessa decided not to mention any of that.
"No I like me ... "
Jessamine Tessa grabbed his arm fiercely. "You can not? I can leave the Institute, Tessa, but I can not live alone. It would not be respectable. Maybe if a widow, but I'm just a girl. This just is not done. But if I had company, a sister ... "
" Would you pretend to be your sister? "Tessa screamed.
"Why not?" Said Jessamine, like most reasonable request in the world. "Or you could be my cousin in America. Yes, that might work. You see, "she added more practically," it is as if you were to where go is not it, I'm sure we would get married in virtually no time. "
Tessa, who began his head hurt, Jessamine wished to cease to speak of "getting" husbands as if it were as easy as catching a cold or a stray cat.
"I could introduce you to the best people," Jessamine continued, "would have dances and dinners ..." was silent looking around. "But where are we?"
Tessa glanced around, the road was closed. Now it was a dark road that led through twisted trees. Tessa could not see or hear heaven the sound of voices. Behind her, Jessamine had stopped. His face was covered with fear.
"We were wandering along the road," she whispered.
"Well we can find the way back, right?" Tessa turned to all sides, seeking an opening in the trees, some light "I think we were there ..."
Jessamine suddenly grabbed the arm of Tessa, her fingers like claws. Something-no, someone had appeared before them on the road.
The figure was small, so small that for a moment thought Tessa was a child. But as the way he approached light, he saw a man - a man stooped, wrinkled, dressed as a peddler, in tattered clothes with a hat back over his head. His face was wrinkled and white, like an old apple, and his eyes were black in the middle of many layers of wrinkled skin.
He smiled, showing his teeth were sharp as razors. "Beautiful Girls." Tessa
caught a glimpse of Jessamine, the other girl was stiff and staring, her mouth a white line. "We have to go," he whispered and pulled Tessa Jessamine arm. Slowly, as if in a dream Jessamine Tessa allowed to take her turn they had come ...
And the man was in front of them again, blocking the way to the park. Far in the distance, Tessa thought she saw the park, a kind of clarity, full of light. She looked impossibly far away.
"stray from the path," said the stranger. Her voice was lilting, rhythmic. "Beautiful Girls, deviated from the path and you know what happens to girls like you."
took a step forward. Jessamine even rigid, clutching her umbrella like a lifeline "Duende," said "goblin, or whatever you are, we have no quarrel with anyone in the Village of the Fairies. But if we play ... "
" It from the path, "sang the man, steel, and Tessa saw that his shoes were shining shoes after all, but glittering claws. "Stupid Nephilim, by coming here unchecked. This earth is older than any settlement. Here are a stranger land. If your blood angel falls on it, golden vines grow from that point, with diamond tips. And I claim. Claim your blood. "Tessa
arm pulled Jessamine" Jessamine, we should ... "
" Tessa, silence. " Unhooking his arm, pointing to Jessamine pixie with the umbrella. "I do not want to do this. You do not want ... "
The creature jumped. As he rushed toward them, his mouth seemed to expand, splitting the skin, and Tessa saw the face beneath, fanged and evil. She screamed and took a trip back, his foot was stuck in a tree root, fell to the ground while Jessamine raised the umbrella, and with a flick of the wrist of the umbrella Jessamine opened like a flower.
The elf screamed. He screamed and rolled on the floor still crying. Blood out of a wound in his cheek, smearing his ragged coat.
"I told you," said Jessamine. He was breathing heavily and his chest rose and down as if she had been running through the park. "I told you leave us in peace, you, filthy creature ..."
He struck again, and now Tessa could see the edges of the umbrella of Jessamine that glowed in a white gold, and were as sharp as razors. Blood shot from the edge of the instrument in bloom.
Puck howled with pain by raising their arms to protect themselves. It looked like a helpless man now, and although Tessa knew that was an illusion, could not help but feel sorry for him. "Pity, Miss, Piedad.
"Mercy?" Spat Jessamine. "You wanted to grow flowers in my blood! You, filthy goblin! Filthy creature! "I cut it again with the umbrella, and again, and the dwarf shouted and was removed. Tessa sat down, taking off the ground and standing hair. Jessamine still screaming, the umbrella flying, the creature in the soil to shrink with every hit. "I hate you" cried Jessamine, his voice trembling. "I hate you and all ... Underworld filthy, disgusting ..."
"Jessamine!" Tessa ran into the other girl and put her arms around her, holding her arms to her body. Jessamine fought for a moment, and Tessa realized that there was no so that she could hold. He was strong, the muscles under the skin soft and feminine were strained. And then Jessamine turned loose in his arms, leaning on Tessa's chest, his breathing turned to normal when the umbrella fell from his hands. "No," he moaned. "No. I did not want. I did not want to say. No ... "
Tessa glanced down. Elf body was hunched and motionless at his feet. Blood spread across the floor, from where he lay, running through the land as dark veins. Jessamine holding sobbed, Tessa could not help wondering what would grow there now.
was, unsurprisingly, Charlotte the first to be recovered from the shock. "Mr. Mortmain, I think I'm not sure what you might want to say ... "
" Of course I know. "He was smiling from ear to ear, with a playful smile. "Shadow Hunters, the Nephilim, that's how you call them, right?, Hybrids of men and angels. Strange, because in the Bible are considered horrible monsters, right? "
" You know, that's not entirely true ... "Henry said, unable to contain the sarcasm in it. "There is a problem with the translation of the original Aramaic ..."
"Henry," said Charlotte warning.
"really contain the souls of demons to kill in a giant glass sphere?" Continued Mortmain, with eyes wide open. "That's amazing!"
"refers to the Pyxis?" Henry looked confused. "It's not glass, is more like a wooden box, and are not souls that are trapped, the demons have no souls, they have power."
"Silence, Henry" Charlotte replied.
"Mrs. Branwell, "said Mortmain. It sounded terribly happy. "Please do not worry. I know all about your class, you see. You are Charlotte Branwell, is not it? And this is her husband Henry Branwell. You guide the Institute in London where once stood the Church of All Saints. Do you honestly thought that I would not know who would? "Especially when he tried to charm my servant? He can not maintain a glamorous, you know? I get hives. "
Charlotte moved his eyebrows. "And how he got all this information?"
Mortmain quickly straightened up, looking at his hands. "I am a student of the occult. From my time in India when a young man, when I first heard of them, I've been fascinated with the area shadows. For a man in my position with adequate funds and sufficient time, many doors open. There are books that can be purchased, information that can be paid. His knowledge is not as secret as you may think. "
" Maybe, "said Henry, looking deeply unhappy. "But it is dangerous, you know. Killing demons is not like shooting tigers. They can hunt, and you to them. "
Mortmain
click. "My boy, I have no interest in hunting demons disarmed. Of course, this information is dangerous in the hands of capricious, fanatical, but mine is a sound mind and carefully. Just look for an expansion of my knowledge of the world, nothing more. " He looked at the room. "I must say, I never had the honor to speak with a Nephilim before. Clear that its mention in the literature is rare, but read something and experiencing it are two completely different things. I'm sure you agree. There is so much that could teach me ... "
" That, "said Charlotte in an icy tone," we would have enough of that. "
Mortmain
look at it, confused," Excuse me? "
" Since I know both of the Nephilim, Sr . Mortmain, I can ask what is our mandate? "
Mortmain looked cocky. "Destroy demons. Protect humans, worldly, I have understood that and call us. "
" Yes, "said Charlotte," and much of the human is while protecting their own nonsense. I see that you are not the exception to the rule. "
This, Mortmain was really amazed. Henry looked askance. Charlotte knew that look. It was the look that only men were given a look that said, "You can not control your wife, sir? A look that I knew was a waste of Henry, who seemed trying to read maps Mortmain desktop, getting very little attention to the conversation.
"You believe that the has acquired knowledge of the unseen makes it ready, "said Charlotte. "But I've seen my share of mundane deaths of Mr. Mortmain. I can not count all the times we've gone to remove the remains of a human expert who said the magic. I remember as a child, be taken to the house of a lawyer. It was part of a silly group of men who are believed magicians. They spent their time singing, using layers and drawing pentagrams on the floor. One night, he found that his skills were sufficient to control a demon. "
" What was that? "
" Yes it was, "said Charlotte. "He invoked the devil Marax. He proceeded to kill him and his entire family. "His tone was serious. "We found most hanging headless upside down in the garage. The youngest of his sons was roasted on a spit in the fire. Marax never find. "
Mortmain
pale but retained her composure. "There are always some who do not know what the limits of their abilities," said "But I ..."
"But you would never be so foolish," said Charlotte "Beware what it is, at this point is still just as silly. You go to Henry and me and not afraid of us. Are you entertained! A fairy tale alive again! "hit the edge of his desk tightly, making it jump. "The key strength is behind us," he said, in a cold tone as if in a meeting. "Our mandate is to protect human. Such as Nathaniel Gray. He has disappeared and is clearly something hidden behind his disappearance. And here are his former employer, is clearly steeped in matters of the occult. Cuesta believes the two events are connected. "
" I ... he ... Mr. Gray is gone? "Mortmain stammered.
"has disappeared. His sister came to us looking for him; has been informed by a couple of witches that he was in grave danger. While you, sir, this entertaining, he could be dying. And the key is no good to those who interfere with the key and its orders. "
Mortmain ran a hand across his face when he appeared behind the movement was gray. "I, of course," he said, "I'll tell you everything you want to know."
"Excellent," Charlotte's heart beat fast, but his voice betrayed her with anxiety.
"I used to know his father. Nathaniel's father. I gave her job more than twenty years, when it was Mortmain primarily a barge company. Had offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tianjin ... "he stopped when Charlotte began to beat with his fingers impatiently on desk. "Richard Gray worked for me here in London. It was my manager, a kind man and ready. Felt lost when he moved with his family to America. When Nathaniel wrote me and told me who he was, offered him a job here. "
" Mr. Mortmain "Charlotte's voice was like steel. "This is not related ..."
"Oh, but it is," the little man insisted. "You see, my knowledge of the unseen always has been a help to me in business matters. A few years ago, for example, noted Lombard Street bank collapsed, destroying dozens of large companies. My relationship with a wizard helped me not fall into that disaster. I was able to get my bank's shares before it was dissolved and saved my company. But Richard created suspicions. He should have done the research, because soon confronted with the issue of Pandemonium Club. "
" You were a member then, "Charlotte whispered," of course. "
" I offered Richard membership in the club until I took him to a meeting or two, but he was uninterested. Some time later, he moved to America with his family. "Mortmain opened her hands. "The Pandemonium Club is not for everyone. Traveling extensively as I have done, I've heard stories of similar organizations in other cities, groups of men who know the world of shadows and like to share their knowledge and progress, but you pay a high price for the secret of being a member. "
" You pay a much higher price for that. "
" There is an evil, "said Mortmain, his voice almost sounded hurt. "There have been many great strides, great inventions. I saw a wizard to create a ring Silver, which could transport the wearer to another place with just turning on your finger. Or a door that leads to anywhere in the world where you want to go. I have seen men back from the brink of death ... "
" I know what magic can do, Mr. Mortmain. "Charlotte glanced at Henry, who was examining the plans for a metal device, mounted wall. "There is an issue that concerns me. Sorcerers who appear to have kidnapped Mr. Gray are in one way or another, related to the Club. I've always heard that the club was exclusively worldly. Why should there be Underworld? "
's forehead Mortmain wrinkled. "Underworld? Does it refer to supernatural beings such as witches and werewolves and others? There are levels and levels of membership, Ms. Branwell. A mundane as I can be a member of the club. But the presidents, those who handle it are Underworld. Sorcerers, werewolves and vampires. However, the fairy kingdom rejects us. Too many captains of industry, railways, factories and so forth - for them. They hate those things. "He shook his head. "Adorable creatures, fairies, but I fear that progress will be his death."
Charlotte was disinterested about what he thought of the fairies Mortmain, his mind was digress. "Let me guess. Nathaniel Gray introduced you to the club, just like his father. "
Mortmain, which seemed to have gained some confidence last faded again.
"Nathaniel had worked only a few days in my office in London when confronted me. I concluded that he had learned from the experiences his father in the club and gave him a fierce desire to know more. I could not refuse. I took him to a meeting and I thought that would be the end of everything. But it was not. "He shook his head. "Nathaniel entered the club like a duck to water. A few weeks after their first meeting, he left the rooming house. Sent me a letter, resigning and saying he would work to another member of the Club Pandemonium, someone who apparently was willing to pay enough to support his gambling habit. "He sighed. "Needless to say, left no forwarding address."
"And that was it?" Charlotte's voice sounded wary. "He did not try to look?," Bombay where he had gone? To know who his new employer? "
" A man can take a job where he pleases. "Mortmain said, protesting. "There was no reason to suspect"
"What has not seen him since?"
"No. I said ... "Charlotte
interrupted. "You said he entered the Pandemonium Club like a duck to water, however, is not seen him in any meeting since he resigned?"
A look of panic crossed the look of Mortmain. "I ... I have not been any meetings since then. Work has kept me extremely busy. "Reviewed
Charlotte
Mortmain Axel cautiously through his enormous desk. It was good judging people's character, I always thought. It was as if it had never crossed a man like Mortmain before. Men swaggering, friendly, and safe, men who believed that their success in business or other worldly occupation meant that they would have the same success in exercising the magical arts. He thought the lawyer again, and the walls of his house bathed in scarlet red with the blood of his family. He thought of the terror he must have lived in their final moments. I could see a similar fear of peering into the eyes of Axel Mortmain.
"Mr. Mortmain, "he said," I'm not stupid, I know I is hiding something. "He took his shrine one of the gears that Will had picked up from the house of the Sisters Dark, and put it on the desktop. "That seems to something that his factory produces. "
Mortmain With a distracted gaze glanced at the piece of metal on his desk
" Yes ... yes that is one of my pieces produced here. What is that? "
" Two witches who call themselves the Sisters Dark Pandemonium two members of the club, have been killing humans. Young girls. Something a little more than girls. And we find this in the basement of his house. "
" I have nothing to do with any murder, "cried Mortmain. "I never ... I ..." began to sweat.
"What thought? "Charlotte's voice was soft. Mortmain
up the piece of metal with trembling fingers. "You can not imagine ..." slurred speech. "A few months before one of the important members of an underworld, very old and powerful, approached me and asked if I could sell a cheap mechanical equipment. Cogs and gears and the like. I did not ask for wanted, why would I? There seemed nothing suspicious the commission. "
" In a coincidence, "said Charlotte," was the same man who used to Nathaniel after resigning? "
Mortmain dropped the piece. While shooting on the table, suddenly reached down, holding the piece. Although he said nothing, Charlotte could see fear in his eyes, he was right. A tingle of triumph ran through his nerves.
"His name," he said. "Tell me your name."
Mortmain looked intently
desktop. "My life would be the price for telling."
"And what about the life of Nathaniel Gray?" Said Charlotte.
eyes without seeing Mortmain shook his head. "He has no idea how powerful this man. How dangerous. "
Charlotte
straightened. "Henry," said. "Henry, get me the Convenor."
Henry turned to the wall and blinked at her with confusion. "But, my dear ..."
"Bring me the engine!" Charlotte snapped. Henry hated scold it was like kicking a puppy. But sometimes I had to do.
The look of confusion did not leave the face of Henry when he went to join his wife at the desk of Mortmain, and pulled out a device. It was black metal, elongate, with a peculiar series of buttons across its surface. Charlotte took it and showed it to Mortmain.
"This is a Convener," he said. "This will allow me to call the Key. Within three minutes they'll be around his house. The Nephilim dragged this room, kicking and screaming. Torture him until he decides to speak. Do you know what happens to a man when he puts demon blood in his eyes? "
Mortmain gave him a ghastly look, but said nothing.
"Please do not put to the test, Mr. Mortmain." The device in the hand of Charlotte looked innocent, his voice as well. "I would hate to see him die."
"For the love of God, man, tell!" Henry broke. "Seriously, there is no need for that to happen, Mr. Mortmain, just what is making it harder for you. "
Mortmain
covered his face with his hands. He always wanted to know real Shadow Hunters, Charlotte thought, watching. And now he had.
"De Quincey," he said. "I do not know his first name. Only in Quincey. "
For the Angel. Charlotte blew gently, lowering the device at his side. "De Quincey? No way ... "
" Do you know who he is? "Mortmain's voice was off. "Well, I guess he does."
"He is the head of a powerful vampire clan in London, "Charlotte said almost reluctantly," A very powerful underworld, and a key ally. "
" He is the head of the club, "said Mortmain. He looked exhausted, somewhat gray. "All others respond to it."
"The head of the club, do you have title?"
Mortmain looked a bit surprised by the question. "The Maestro."
With a hand that shook only slightly, Charlotte slipped the device he was holding in his sleeve. "Thank you, Lord Mortmain, has been a great help."
Mortmain the look with a sort of resentment exhausted. "In Quincey find out I told them. And kill me. "
" The key that will not happen. And leave his name out of it. He will never know that we have spoken. "
" Would you do that? "Mortmain said softly. "It was a mundane nonsense?"
"I have hope in you, Mr. Mortmain. Seems to have realized their own stupidity. The key will be watching, not only for their own protection, but also to ensure that you stay away from the Pandemonium Club and such organizations. For your own safety, I hope that this meeting has taken as a warning. " Mortmain
nodded. Charlotte went to the door, Henry following her, she had already opened the door and stood in the doorway when Mortmain spoke again. "They were just gearing," he said softly, "just harmless pieces."
was Henry, to the surprise of Charlotte who answered, without turning. "Inanimate objects are indeed harmless, Mr. Mortmain. But one can not always say the same about the men who handle them. "
Mortmain
was silent, while the two Shadow Hunters left the room. Moments later they were in the square, breathing fresh air ... as fresh as the air of London could be. Could be full of dust and smoke, but at least it was full of desperation and fear as it was the office of Mortmain. Making the device
his sleeve, Charlotte offered it to her husband. "I suppose I should ask," he said when he took with a serious expression, "What is this object, Henry?"
"One thing I've been working." Henry looked at carefully. "A device that can sense demonic energy. I would call Sensor. I have not yet operational. But I will! "
" I'm sure it will be splendid. "
Henry moved
his warm expression of the artifact to his wife. A rare event.
"Pure genius, Charlotte. Pretend you could call the key to the place, only to scare the poor man! But how did you know that a device which would use for your own purposes? "
" Well, I had wanted, "said Charlotte," Is not it? "
Henry looked timid. "You are so terrifying and wonderful, dear."
"Thank you Henry."
The trip back to the Institute was in silent, Jessamine was looking out the car window the tangled traffic London, refusing to say a word. She held her umbrella in her lap, looking indifferent to the fact that blood stained his jacket edges taffeta. When they reached the road to the church, allowed Thomas to help her down from the carriage before grabbing the hand of Tessa. Amazed
contact Tessa quedársele could only watch intently. Jessamine's fingers were frozen. "Come with me." Jessamine said impatiently, and pulled his partner to the gates of the Institute, leaving Thomas looking behind them. Tessa
let the other girl drag her down the stairs, inside the institute, and a long corridor, which was almost identical that Tessa went to the room. Jessamine located a door Tessa pushed through it, and followed, closing the door behind them. "I want to show something," he said. Tessa
looked around. It was another great rooms of which the Institute seemed to have an endless number. Jessamine's room was decorated to your liking. Above the paneling, the walls had a pink silk tapestry and the spread of bed was stamped with flowers. There was a white toilet, too, its surface covered with a set of expensive-looking toilet, a support ring, a bottle of water with flowers and a silver brush and a hair mirror.
"Your room is beautiful," said Tessa, the more he looked calm the hysteria of Jessamine evident that because I wanted to say.
"is too small," she said. "But come here." And throwing the bloody umbrella to bed, walked across the room, into a corner by the window. Tessa followed it with some puzzlement. There was nothing in the corner unless a high table and the table was a dollhouse. Not the kind of playhouse two-room Dolly cardboard Tessa had as a child. It was a beautiful miniature reproduction of a real house in London Jessamine and when touched, Tessa was in the front opening with small hinges. Tessa gasped. There were small rooms, perfectly decorated with miniature furniture, all made to scale, from small wooden chairs with cushions point to a metal stove in the kitchen. There were also small dolls with porcelain heads and small oil paintings on the walls.
"This was my home." Jessamine knelt down, catching up to the rooms of the house mulecas and Tessa gesturing to do the same. Tessa did
awkwardly, trying not to kneel at the foot of Jessamine. "You mean that it was your dollhouse as a kid? "
" No. "Jessamine sounded irritated. "This was my home. My father sent me to this house, when he was six years old. Is made exactly like my house, where I lived, for Curzon Street. This was the same carpet we had in the room, "he said," and those the same chairs in my father's study. You see? "
Tessa looked at intensely, so intensely that Tessa was made sure that he must see something there, something beyond the Jessamine expensive toy that should have left long ago. Just did not know was. "It's beautiful," he said finally.
"See, here in the hall's Mom," Jessamine said, touching a small doll with your finger. The wrist is rocked in his chair. "And here in the studio, reading a book, this dad. His hand went to the other figure in porcelain. "And upstairs in the nursery is the baby Jessie." Inside the crib was in effect another small doll, only his head was visible on their little blankets. "Then they will dine here in the dining room. And then mom and dad sit in the room by the fire. Some nights they go to the theater, or dine, or dance. "
His voice sounded as if reciting a litany. "And then Mom Dad kiss goodnight, will go to his room and sleep through the night. No calls the Key at midnight to take them to fight against demons in the dark. No one will be losing blood at home. Nobody is going to lose an arm or an eye by a werewolf, or having to drown in holy water as a vampire's bite. "
Holy God, Tessa thought. Jessamine
As if he could read the minds of Tessa, her face twisted. "When our house burned, I had nowhere else to go. It was as if he had relatives who could accommodate me; all relatives of father and mother were Shadowhunters and had not spoken to them since they were separated from the key. Henry was the one who made me this umbrella. Did you know that? I thought it was quite nice, until I said it was made of electrum, sharp as a razor. It was always intended to be a weapon. "
" You saved us, "said Tessa. "Today, in the park. I could not fight at all. And if you had not done what you did ... "
" I should not have. "Jessamine stared at the doll house with empty eyes. "I will not have this life, Tessa. I will not. I do not care who has to do. I will not live well. Rather die. "
Alarmed, Tessa was about to tell him not to talk so when the door opened behind them. It was Sophie, with her white apron and black dress. His eyes, when posed in Jessamine, were cautious. He said "Miss Tessa, Mr. Branwell would like to see it in his studio. He says it's important. "Tessa
Jessamine again to ask if it would be nice, but the face of Jessamine had closed like a door. The vulnerability and anger were gone, the mask had turned cold.
"Go then, if Henry loves you," he said. "I'm tired of you, and I think give me a headache. Sophie when you return, I need to massage my temples with eau de cologne. "
Sophie's eyes met those of Tessa through the room with something as fun. "As you wish, Miss Jessamine."
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