The Portal - XI

Part 1

There is no existence beyond the veil for the normal flesh and bone of life. Only through a transcendence to greater being can sentience prevail into the abyss. Worlds between worlds bridge the gap of life and death. A precipice of…

                “Father what are you writing?” Emily Darrows, voice hollow, no longer holding the same sweet pitch a girl of 8 should have, stood in the doorway of her father’s study. Matthew Darrows put his pen down blowing on the ink he just laid down in the new tome he was scribing.

                “It is for after the ascension. A record must be kept. Explanations put down for eyes to see the truth, even if it is not found or understood for hundreds of years.”

                Emily pushed the door open farther and Matilda King entered behind her, though neither girls soul survived the inclusion of the parasitic shadow fragments. Matthew knew this fact and felt no remorse for the loss of his daughter. He thought back to the last night he saw her alive. Looking past he hollow eyes of the vessel standing before her and seeing once more the eyes of his daughter.

                “I’m afraid father. I swear there is something in here with me. Please.”

                “Emily, I’ve told you countless times there is nothing to fear. No thing exists to harm you.”

                “I could hear a voice.”

                “Yes? What did it say?”

                “It said it was mother. And that she wanted to hold me.”

                “Well see, you aren’t afraid of your mother are you?”

                “No.”

                “Then the next time she appears to you accept her wishes and you’ll feel better.”

                “Yes father.”

                The next morning Emily descended the stairs and gave off a new air. The air of an entity much stronger and older than an eight year old girl. Matthew greeted her and made a place for her at the table. The creature spoke to Matthew in his head and they confirmed their plan.

                Now as the two shards stood in his doorway he could tell they were growing restless.

                “The others are upon us soon. They crossed into London a few hours ago. I don’t have all I need ready yet.” Matthew said returning his attention to his book rewetting his pen and pressing it firmly to the page.

                “We have been waiting…”

                “…years for this, we can wait no longer.”

                Emily began and Matilda finished her sentences.

                “I ask not that you wait years more, merely days at the most. I have a few pages left to pen. Then I will be setting up the ritual proper. I ask your patience in this.” Matthew spoke as if he were simply speaking to children though he knew what lay behind the dark eyes of the ones at his doorstop. His demeanor was cool and collected. He too had spend years waiting for this to come to fruition and he was not going to let the impatience of a soul to impede the plans he had laid out. His carefully laid plans.

                “I will call upon you when the time is right. Just wait patiently my dears.” With that Matthew waved them off and surprisingly they followed his order and left without another word. As the door shut Matthew felt a tension release that he didn’t notice until it was gone and the lights grow a little brighter. He felt his breath catch in his throat and his heart quicken its beat as though his whole body had been frozen in fear while his mind was working as if nothing were amiss. He laid down his pen and retraced the markings on his side table where he made his communion with Reginald and the vessel he carted closer and closer.

                With his mind he sent the words he spoke directly to Reginald and James in the streets of London.

                “You have ten hours to arrive at my door. If you take longer I will send my agents to get you.” Matthew had no agents and his threat was hollow but he hoped that his tone would reveal his intentions as being true.

                It took three minutes for Reginald to respond. A length of time that made the veins on Matthew’s head pulse with anger.

                “We will be there within the hour doctor.” Reginald said in his calm and cool voice.

                Matthew sat back and felt the tension return to the room as his study door closed again. Had Emily or the other girl been at the door listening to me? he thought. He sat back and let out a great sigh.

                “Only a few more hours Matt, and we’ll be beyond the veil.”

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