ch. 5 | you're home

private chauffeur, church and whispers

As soon as my feet touched Arcadia Woods’ ground, I was immediately greeted by a young man wearing a fox mask* made of white wood, with gold lines as if imitating fur. He looked crisp from tailored black suit to snow white gloves and polished leather shoes, and was holding a tablet with my name on it (frankly speaking, I was startled to see him waiting for me right at carriages steps. But I suppose the previous transfer to the first class coach looked more logical now).

The man introduced himself as Dean, a private chauffeur sent by Society. Judging by his voice, he didn’t appear significantly older than me, although it was difficult to tell for sure for Dean wasn’t the most talkative person you see. Although he was a true gentleman. He carefully set my suitcases in the trunk and opened a door of the cab for me (yes, I know, he’s highly likely paid for niceties, but a gentleman he still was).

Earlier, I didn’t feel any sense of anxiety about moving to another city or concern about the peculiar circle of writers suddenly piquing its interest in me. Not even a night before my trip. But that was until Dean closed the door behind me, when I was suddenly struck by an epiphany like a bolt of lightning. Further we drove from the train station, more my heart raced and knees trembled.

What should I expect? What should I say? What if they deem my works unworthy of a seat among their members? What if things won’t go according to plan? Where do I go from then?

“Well, then you’ll get a job at a local bistro or lovely bookstore, rent a small but charming apartment with a view of the river, and continue writing your silly little stories. Who knows, maybe you’ll enjoy your stay in Arcadia Woods enough to settle here permanently.”

“We’ve arrived, Miss,” Dean spoke through whirlwind of my thoughts.

For some reason, I envisioned quarters of secret society to be a dusty antique bookshop or a large mansion, haunted by ghosts of past residents. Imagine my surprise when we stopped in front of a grand cathedral, with spires soaring towards the sky. Its imposing presence loomed over the bright streets of the city, like a storm cloud ready to unleash its raging torrent any second.

“Our Society has taken care of everything. Your belongings will be delivered to the place you’ll be staying, and I’ll be waiting for you here after the presentation,” Dean continued speaking, as I gaped at the church from the window. I couldn’t find proper words. But judging by the look Dean gave me through his fox mask, made me catch the meaning behind his eyes - it’s better to skip the “Are you sure we’re at the right place” type of questions. He clearly had enough of those with previous recruits.

“Uh, don’t forget to put on your fox mask before entering” he reminded, as I was one step out of the car.

Before I could approach cathedral’s steps, Dean immediately left with my things in a cloud of white smoke. Did I trust everything he said at that moment? Absolutely not. But what choice did I have? None. And so I pulled on my auburn-wood fox mask and walked through iron gates towards church’s heavy doors.

I hadn’t even stepped over the threshold when the scent of earth and myrrh brought a sense of security, filling my soul with inexplicable nostalgia. Once inside, I couldn’t help but awe from the sight of high, rib-vaulted ceilings, which reminded me greatly of whales rib cage. Grand stonewalls were illuminated by kaleidoscope of colours from glass stained windows.

I’ve spent many hours in a church close to this one back in Mistfalls, for it was in the place like this where I felt at ease. Where I would sit for an hour or two on a bench either in deep thought or quiet prayer. Sometimes my eyes would trail interior’s complicated designs - stone carvings, scenes rendered on stained glass, heaven’s clouds painted on the ceiling.

But something felt different, yet oddly familiar in this church. Closing my eyes, chancel’s stillness and melancholy reminded me of the place in my dreams, with foggy gardens bathed in iridescence of the Moon. I could hear the gurgle of fountain water and calming, monotonous hum in the air. Wisps of silver mist enveloped me in the feeling of comfort so tangible, it prickled my skin and fluttered my heart as if in recognition of it’s touch. As if my soul had yearned to bring me here all this time.

“You’re home“

My breath caught in my throat, as I opened my eyes, vision returning to the church.

I could swear I heard those two words clearly, their whisper still tingling my ear and sending chill down my spine.

*Grrrrnk*

The sound of grinding stone interrupted the pin-drop silence of the chancel, snapping my attention to the rafters. Something shifted in the shadow. At first, in the light of blinding sun I could not make out the figures sitting up above. But I did notice the slight rise and fall of their bodies, as though they were breathing.

Shielding my eyes with the palm of my hand to see clearly, I stifled a gasp.

Hidden from suns reach on the edge of carved cornices, guarding this sacred place were gargoyles.

*animal masks - every person has a spirit animal that manifests itself in the form of a birthmark in the nape of one’s neck and will resemble a shape of an animal. Spirit animal plays a huge part of future manifestation of Ingenium.

Spirit animal and masks apply only to people, and not to anthropomorphic creatures of any kind, whereas Ingenium works the same for both races.