Part I
Part II
Part II
Seven
cars were parked outside Braemar castle on the evening of the 9th of
November. Not the sort of cars that attracted attention. As they drove past in
the street it would be unlikely for anyone to stare longingly after them, no boy
racers would rev their engines in challenge, but that was the purpose of these
cars. They camouflaged perfectly into the mundane world through which
they were driven, and nobody would be curious enough to glance through the
windows at the precious cargo they often transported.
The
people who had sat in the backs of these cars were not film stars or royalty,
but they were infamous in their own right. Drug dealers, gang members, the
occasional politician, had all warmed the cheap leather interior and often
filled the door ashtrays. The journeys all ended at this castle, where the cars
would all arrive around 8pm, as if co-ordinated, and the guests would be
greeted by their host, Axel Cerberus. His was a name which few people had heard
and fewer knew the meaning of. He was known by those who know these things as a
philanthropist, but his public appearances were few and far between, appearing
at the occasional concert or ball every few years, but never talking and
refusing any photographs maintained his shadowy persona. The only people who
talked with him freely were the invited guests of his evening gatherings which
he held every few months, just as long as he needed to compile a guest list.
“Welcome,
welcome!” His voice, strong and clear for a man who remained silent in
public, carried across the courtyard to the open car doors and the
approaching guests. “Please come in, dinner will be served shortly.”
The
guests muttered among themselves as they entered the dark stone palace.
After
the main course, Axel raised his glass from his seat in the middle of the table
and addressed his guests.
“Ladies,
gentlemen, it is an honour to have each of you here tonight. I have sat beside
you, dined and drank with you, and can honestly say that I like you all.” he
smiled and there were a small murmur of approval from his small company of
guests. “As such,” he continued, “I should tell you why you are here, aside
from the pleasure of each other’s company. No, my friends, I am here to talk
about life, and charity. You see, we are all placed upon this earth to make a
difference, to help others. And my friends tonight your very being here is
helping others across the world. And so, a toast. To charity!”
A
slightly less enthusiastic murmur from the table as the glasses were lifted to
lips. Before they could take a sip, a sharp crack sounded as a lightbulb exploded, several crossbows were fired After the dull thud of several bolts striking wood, and a few surprised gasps, a gentle silence fell over the room.
Axel took another sip of his wine, "I think we'll skip dessert." He said quietly to the table of lifeless bodies. He gently dabbed the corner of his mouth with a napkin, stood up with such force that his chair fell backwards, and strolled out of the room, laughing.
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