ULTIMATE POWER
London England 1878
It had been raining heavily and even though the trip from the horse drawn cab had been short, it were still enough for the eminent Professor James Edward Frobisher to curse audibly whilst swiftly removing his hat and cloak.
“Damned rain, in fact does it ever not rain in this confounded city of ours?”
“ Probably not sir.” Frobisher suddenly jumped, “oh my, I wish you wouldn’t do that Carrington, you nearly frightened the very life out of me.”
Joseph Carrington bowed slightly if not subserviently whilst apologising.
“My sincerest apologies Professor Frobisher, may I take your cloak and hat sir?”
Joseph Carrington bowed slightly if not subserviently whilst apologising.
“My sincerest apologies Professor Frobisher, may I take your cloak and hat sir?”
"Yes yes of course,” answered Frobisher, he felt immediate remorse at rebuking his butler Joseph Carrington.
“Oh and Carrington, what about a spot of supper and a large glass of mulled wine by the fire, for both of us eh?”
Carrington, again bowing his head and not showing the slightest bit of emotion, swept away carrying the Professors large hat and equally large black cloak.
Professor James Edward Frobisher taught psychics at Cambridge University, or used to, not anymore. Frobisher had long since retired, but as is tradition in the world of academia, he would always hold the title of Professor.
Frobisher was a widower, Margaret had died two years ago from malaria, which was unfortunately contracted on an expedition for The Royal Geological Society in darkest Africa.. Margaret had also been cursed with the fact she were barren, so bore no children.
Carrington, again bowing his head and not showing the slightest bit of emotion, swept away carrying the Professors large hat and equally large black cloak.
Professor James Edward Frobisher taught psychics at Cambridge University, or used to, not anymore. Frobisher had long since retired, but as is tradition in the world of academia, he would always hold the title of Professor.
Frobisher was a widower, Margaret had died two years ago from malaria, which was unfortunately contracted on an expedition for The Royal Geological Society in darkest Africa.. Margaret had also been cursed with the fact she were barren, so bore no children.
Since then Frobisher chose to live alone apart that is from the ever present Carrington.
Though Frobisher harboured no homosexual tendencies whatsoever and never had, he liked Carrington the same way you would with any other member of your family and was eternally grateful “he” had stayed on after the sad demise of his beloved wife Margaret..
Frobisher after changing into something more comfortable settled down along with Carrington in his favourite spot, in front of a blazing parlour fire..
After polishing off some smoked kippers and toast, as well as quaffing a generous amount of mulled wine, both Professor and Butler sat contentedly by the fireside each smoking a pipe…
It were, as was usually always the case, the Professor who spoke first.
“May I ask you a strange question Carrington?”
Though Frobisher harboured no homosexual tendencies whatsoever and never had, he liked Carrington the same way you would with any other member of your family and was eternally grateful “he” had stayed on after the sad demise of his beloved wife Margaret..
Frobisher after changing into something more comfortable settled down along with Carrington in his favourite spot, in front of a blazing parlour fire..
After polishing off some smoked kippers and toast, as well as quaffing a generous amount of mulled wine, both Professor and Butler sat contentedly by the fireside each smoking a pipe…
It were, as was usually always the case, the Professor who spoke first.
“May I ask you a strange question Carrington?”
“Strange sir?” Carrington replied.
Frobisher paused for a few seconds and then in-between long tokes on his pipe said, “yes, well in the general manner of things I suppose it would be, but have you ever wondered what happens the moment you die?”
For someone who was usually devoid of all emotion like Carrington, even he momentarily raised an eyebrow and after another quick chuff on the ivory bowled pipe replied…
For someone who was usually devoid of all emotion like Carrington, even he momentarily raised an eyebrow and after another quick chuff on the ivory bowled pipe replied…
“Well to be honest I haven’t really given it much thought sir.”
Frobisher glanced across at Carrington and said, “quite, I suppose not many people do, there seems to still be a real fear attached to that word doesn’t there, the word “death.”
Frobisher glanced across at Carrington and said, “quite, I suppose not many people do, there seems to still be a real fear attached to that word doesn’t there, the word “death.”
Carrington wondering where this was going dared to ask the question, Carrington later blamed it on the wine, he wasn’t normally this bold…
“Is this anything to do with Margaret sir?”
Frobisher at first wanted to chastise Carrington, how bloody dare he, how dare “he,” Carrington, the hired help, dare ask a Gentleman a question of such a personal nature..
Frobisher at first wanted to chastise Carrington, how bloody dare he, how dare “he,” Carrington, the hired help, dare ask a Gentleman a question of such a personal nature..
Then suddenly Frobisher had a change of heart and realising Carrington would have had only good intentions calmed down and then began to speak, in a sort of subdued tone..
“Yes Carrington, I think it is, indeed every time I think of Margaret I immediately think of that dreaded five letter word..”
Frobisher paused and Carrington let him, 50 years a Butler taught you that….
A somewhat dewy eyed , and now seemingly melancholic Frobisher continued on the conversation, which to Carrington was beginning to sound more bizarre by the minute..
“What would you say Carrington if that one day man had the means to harness, control shall we say, death itself?
Frobisher paused and Carrington let him, 50 years a Butler taught you that….
A somewhat dewy eyed , and now seemingly melancholic Frobisher continued on the conversation, which to Carrington was beginning to sound more bizarre by the minute..
“What would you say Carrington if that one day man had the means to harness, control shall we say, death itself?
As in being able to decide who should in fact die and who shouldn’t?”
Carrington couldn’t help staring at his boss, even though that were considered to be most impolite, but did nonetheless.
Just as Carrington were about to answer, though he wasn’t sure what to say, Frobisher spoke again.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a long time Carrington, indeed not just myself but some of the chaps at my club have too.”
Frobisher was of course referring to the “Golden Key Club,” so called because the main door to these premises was indeed opened by a 24 carat gold key.
Rumour had it that the key had been fashioned out of Mayan gold when the original founder of this, what was now an exclusive gentlemen’s club had returned back from an expedition to South America.
Frobisher was of course referring to the “Golden Key Club,” so called because the main door to these premises was indeed opened by a 24 carat gold key.
Rumour had it that the key had been fashioned out of Mayan gold when the original founder of this, what was now an exclusive gentlemen’s club had returned back from an expedition to South America.
Both men had finished their pipes and the flames in the fireplace were beginning to wane, however Frobisher hadn‘t.
Looking over earnestly now at Carrington and with the dewy eyed melancholy seemingly vanished, Frobisher had a twinkle in his eyes, and with a new resolve if you like he began to speak..
“Tomorrow Carrington, we, the chaps and I that is, are going to attempt something no one else in the history of humanity has ever dared attempt before…”
Frobisher leaned forward now until he were almost touching Carrington, which in fact did perturb the Butler slightly, however, “he” was in the employ of this man and whether, sober, drunk or just plain crazy, it was a Butler’s duty to “always” pay attention to his master…
“Tomorrow Carrington, we, the chaps and I that is, are going to attempt something no one else in the history of humanity has ever dared attempt before…”
Frobisher leaned forward now until he were almost touching Carrington, which in fact did perturb the Butler slightly, however, “he” was in the employ of this man and whether, sober, drunk or just plain crazy, it was a Butler’s duty to “always” pay attention to his master…
“Yes Carrington, though I shouldn’t really be telling anyone at all about this, but,” Frobisher paused as if for added affect and it was working because Carrington was becoming increasingly uncomfortable watching his master act in this way…
“We, Carrington, are actually going to make contact with death itself, yes that’s right, the Grim Reaper, the Dark Angel himself, THE ULTIMATE POWER, but not just to speak to this infernal creature you understand, oh no no, we.” At this point Frobisher had a wild eyed look about him and if Carrington was being totally honest he really now feared for his masters sanity.” We,” Frobisher repeated, “ are going to control this thing, this creature, or whatever it is, we, The Golden Key fraternity are going to once and for all decide who dies and who doesn’t.”
“We, Carrington, are actually going to make contact with death itself, yes that’s right, the Grim Reaper, the Dark Angel himself, THE ULTIMATE POWER, but not just to speak to this infernal creature you understand, oh no no, we.” At this point Frobisher had a wild eyed look about him and if Carrington was being totally honest he really now feared for his masters sanity.” We,” Frobisher repeated, “ are going to control this thing, this creature, or whatever it is, we, The Golden Key fraternity are going to once and for all decide who dies and who doesn’t.”
Frobisher at that point slumped back into his chair and promptly fell asleep.
A somewhat disturbed Carrington, immediately slipped back into professional Butler mode and after manoeuvring the slumbering professor onto a nearby chaise longue, Carrington covered him up with a heavy wool blanket as well as tucking a pillow under his head..
Carrington, just before he went to sleep that night had a last thought. Was his master telling the truth?
A somewhat disturbed Carrington, immediately slipped back into professional Butler mode and after manoeuvring the slumbering professor onto a nearby chaise longue, Carrington covered him up with a heavy wool blanket as well as tucking a pillow under his head..
Carrington, just before he went to sleep that night had a last thought. Was his master telling the truth?
Was something like what the Professor had said really going to happen at the Golden Key Club?
Carrington suddenly had a another thought, he would accompany his Master tomorrow, if nothing else he could serve drinks and be of service to not just the Professor but his esteemed associates too.
Yes, decided Carrington, that’s what he would do and confound it if his master disagreed, he would attend anyway and then Joseph Carrington too fell asleep…
The Golden Key Club
The Golden Key Club was a grand place, even by Victorian standards..
The Golden Key Club
The Golden Key Club was a grand place, even by Victorian standards..
A huge four story detached building situated right in the centre of London, Westminster to be exact…
Inside this property inhabited a collection of London’s elite. Gentlemen with connections that spanned The British Empire from as far away as Kiribati in the pacific to as near as Buckingham Palace..
Indeed, if you were “anyone” at all in London society then happen as not, you were a member of the Golden Key Club…
Four prominent members of this fine institution were ..1. Dominic Les Qui..
Four prominent members of this fine institution were ..1. Dominic Les Qui..
With a name like the above he had to be French and of course Monsieur Les Qui was in fact French nobility. Who some of his family barely escaped with their heads at the beginning of the French revolution.
Le family Le Qui were now suitably ensconced in the British way of life and though French to the core, things were a lot more comfortable this side of the channel, if not safer..
2. Alexander McDonald…Alexander was a Scotsman and who’s grandfather was a founder member of the British East India Company.
2. Alexander McDonald…Alexander was a Scotsman and who’s grandfather was a founder member of the British East India Company.
Which of course meant that Mr McDonald was a very wealthy man which also meant he wielded a lot of power.
Which in turn again were the reason Alexander was a fixture and fitting of The Golden Key club.
3. Ruben Kaltz.. Or should I say Ruben von Kaltz….
3. Ruben Kaltz.. Or should I say Ruben von Kaltz….
Ruben was from Prussia and with owning most of that part of the world in land or otherwise, meant a first class ticket into that den of testosterone commonly known as, The Golden Key Club….
The fourth prominent member now stood outside this exclusive establishment and after the accompanying Carrington took his cloak cane and hat, Professor Frobisher proceeded to go meet up with his fellow history makers in what would undoubtedly be a momentous occasion ..
On partaking of the time honoured and customary greeting, all four prominent members of the Golden Key Club headed off toward a secluded area of this prestigious gentlemen’s club..
The fourth prominent member now stood outside this exclusive establishment and after the accompanying Carrington took his cloak cane and hat, Professor Frobisher proceeded to go meet up with his fellow history makers in what would undoubtedly be a momentous occasion ..
On partaking of the time honoured and customary greeting, all four prominent members of the Golden Key Club headed off toward a secluded area of this prestigious gentlemen’s club..
Indeed, of what these four were about to attempt no one else could know and absolutely would not be tolerated by shall we say, other more religiously inclined members…
Though Carrington wasn’t supposed to have been there at all, Frobisher somehow managed to convince the other three that he felt Carrington may be of some use attending to their needs if they should need anything, not to mention the fact he would be an independent witness to what was about to happen!!
All four prominent members, along with the ever present Carrington entered into a large and what appeared to be blacked out room..
All four prominent members, along with the ever present Carrington entered into a large and what appeared to be blacked out room..
Heavy dark drapes were in place and not letting the slightest sliver of light anywhere into the room. Placed what appeared to be in a sort of pentangular fashion, where twelve five ft high candle sticks..
Burning brightly atop of these sticks were 12 equally large black coloured candles..
Alexander McDonald took the lead, indeed, Frobisher, Le Qui and Kaltz were totally beholden to McDonald in this bizarre venture. For it were he that was well practised in the black arts, in fact McDonald had been published several times on this somewhat controversial subject..
You are probably wondering at this stage why these men would “want” to summon something so devastatingly terrifying, something older than time itself?
Alexander McDonald took the lead, indeed, Frobisher, Le Qui and Kaltz were totally beholden to McDonald in this bizarre venture. For it were he that was well practised in the black arts, in fact McDonald had been published several times on this somewhat controversial subject..
You are probably wondering at this stage why these men would “want” to summon something so devastatingly terrifying, something older than time itself?
Well, each of these men had their own particular reasons.
In Le Qui’s instance it was to try and see if death itself were able to allow one to speak or form some kind of contact with someone who had been previously taken…
In Le Qui’s instance it was to try and see if death itself were able to allow one to speak or form some kind of contact with someone who had been previously taken…
During the French Revolution Le Qui had lost many members of his family, including both his parents to Madam guillotine.
Only three remaining family members were fortunate enough to smuggle the what was then, a tiny newborn Dominic over the channel to England and relative safety.
Kaltz’s reason for being here was for one reason and one reason only….Power!!!!
Kaltz’s reason for being here was for one reason and one reason only….Power!!!!
Kaltz was I suppose your stereotypical Prussian, power hungry, ruthless, as well as cunning, not to mention filthy rich.
Indeed, it wasn’t by chance that sixty per cent of the German Empire consisted of Prussian origin and just like Kaltz, most Prussians believed it in their destiny to rule.
And if there was a chance that Kaltz could convince the “ultimate power” that was death itself, to join forces with Germany, then surely “nothing could stop them after that….Nothing!!!
Alexander McDonald?
Well Alexander had everything most people would ever want in life, materially that is.
Alexander McDonald?
Well Alexander had everything most people would ever want in life, materially that is.
He was already filthy stinking rich and owned lands and property’s in 20 countries spanning five continents. No, it was simply curiosity that was now the only obstacle facing Alexander McDonald of the clan McDonald.
But aided by his growing fascination with all things pertaining to the occult and in particular death itself, McDonald wanted to really see for himself if it were actually possible to raise, what had to be considered the most malevolent force ever known.....
Frobisher, well Frobisher had been fixated since the death of his wife Margaret and once knowing that McDonald had the possible means to summon the unthinkable, his mind were made up right there and then and he would assist in any way he could….
Alexander motioned everyone to remain silent and then spoke softly and with an air of solemn gravitas.
Frobisher, well Frobisher had been fixated since the death of his wife Margaret and once knowing that McDonald had the possible means to summon the unthinkable, his mind were made up right there and then and he would assist in any way he could….
Alexander motioned everyone to remain silent and then spoke softly and with an air of solemn gravitas.
“If at this point any of you gentlemen have a change of heart then I suggest you leave now, is that understood?”
After the realisation that this was now it, Frobisher did endure a flutter of hesitation, but then decided nothing would probably happen anyway…
After the realisation that this was now it, Frobisher did endure a flutter of hesitation, but then decided nothing would probably happen anyway…
Even though he fully supported this endeavour, he still bore a certain amount of scepticism.
Le Qui and Kaltz however didn’t show any hesitation whatsoever and promptly nodded toward McDonald in a lets get on with it fashion.
Halting for barely a second, Frobisher too then nodded in the affirmative to let these strange proceedings commence.
Carrington? Well Carrington stayed well into the background and watched with it has to be said with a mixture of fear and cynicism.
Carrington? Well Carrington stayed well into the background and watched with it has to be said with a mixture of fear and cynicism.
He just wasn’t sure if what this person calling himself McDonald were able to summon anything at all let alone the Grim Reaper..
However, just before McDonald spoke again, Carrington couldn’t help but feel for a small silver crucifix his Grandmother had once given to him when he were a small child growing up in the slums of East London.
However, just before McDonald spoke again, Carrington couldn’t help but feel for a small silver crucifix his Grandmother had once given to him when he were a small child growing up in the slums of East London.
Carrington wasn’t sure why he did this, but he did nonetheless.
McDonald headed over toward the twelve black burning candles and explained what was about to happen.
McDonald headed over toward the twelve black burning candles and explained what was about to happen.
“Note the twelve candles gentlemen and the way they‘re set out,” said McDonald, he carried on.
“This denotes the twelve wings of the angel of the abyss, the only thing on this planet that was given the power of life and death by the Lord God almighty himself..
McDonald then produced a strange looking piece of tapestry from the tartan uniform he were wearing and proceeded to recite a short incantation….
“ You the Angel of Abbadon, the destroyer of the light and the bringer of dark we four men made of flesh, McDonald, Le Qui, Kalz and Frobisher, summon thee. You the power of dark power of light we summon thee the great reaper to win the life fight, we summon thee…”
Exactly the moment Alexander McDonald had finished those last words all twelve candles blew out!!
McDonald then produced a strange looking piece of tapestry from the tartan uniform he were wearing and proceeded to recite a short incantation….
“ You the Angel of Abbadon, the destroyer of the light and the bringer of dark we four men made of flesh, McDonald, Le Qui, Kalz and Frobisher, summon thee. You the power of dark power of light we summon thee the great reaper to win the life fight, we summon thee…”
Exactly the moment Alexander McDonald had finished those last words all twelve candles blew out!!
“What in the blazes,” cried Frobisher.“ Shush," snapped McDonald, “wait.”
Suddenly the temperature in the room dropped alarmingly and now there were real fear and uncertainty etched on all four men’s faces.
Suddenly the temperature in the room dropped alarmingly and now there were real fear and uncertainty etched on all four men’s faces.
Carrington? Well Carrington was furiously twirling the silver crucifix so much now it’s a wonder it didn’t combust due to the friction from his fingers.
All four men were now rigid as the temperature in that room dropped to what must have been minus 0 Celsius at the very least.
Then it happened!!!
There was a huge bang followed by a hideous moaning sound that surely could have only emanated from the bowels of hell itself…. All five men in that room instinctively crouched to the floor, covering their heads in protective fashion as they did so..Then…Then the twelve candles re burst into life and the temperature inside the room began to rise rapidly, indeed, within a few moments it was back to how it should have been on a normal Summers morning in London Town.
It were Le Qui who spoke first…“ Mon Dieu, what was that bang and why did those candles go out then come back to life?”
Von Kaltz then spoke up, “vot is zis trickery McDonald, loud bangs and candlelight disappearing then reappearing, zis vas supposed to be an historic occasion, not some cheap British sideshow for your personal entertainment.”
Frobisher then had his say.. “Well I have to admit, that scared the devil out of me,” he tittered a little, if somewhat nervously, then looking directly at Alexander McDonald said…“I take it things haven’t exactly gone to plan Alexander my dear chap?”
Alexander McDonald of the clan McDonald was a proud man and didn’t care to be made mock at by a sausage eater, a Frog or and more importantly, a bloody Sassenach…
He immediately answered all queries and in true robust Scottish fashion..
“Are ye calling me a liar Kaltz?” And you wee Frobisher, I dinnae do nothing wrong at all, those are the right words and I followed everything to the letter, in fact I’m as baffled as you are.” Le Qui spoke up next.. “Well monsieur’s, we tried and there is no shame in failure and we could always try again at a later date I suppose..” Le Qui threw his arms out in typical gallic fashion as he said those last words..
At that point Carrington asked if the gentlemen would prefer refreshments, summoning the Grim Reaper had to be at the very least thirsty work. Yes, Carrington had by this time 100 per cent decided that he had good reason to be cynical, in so fact that these gentlemen could ever possibly believe that they could ever pull off something so utterly preposterous..
Whilst all four would be raisers of death mulled over what might have gone wrong and Carrington headed off to find suitable refreshment, a large black stagecoach pulled up outside the Golden Key Club….
Stepping out was an immaculately attired gentleman, six foot plus and resplendent in all the finery befitting a gentleman of class and nobility…
After alighting from the black five seater Hansom cab, the tall dark man, using an elaborately golden tipped cane rapped three times upon the door of the Golden Key Club…
Once inside, the club’s concierge asked if this gentleman would be a member of the Golden Key Club.
“No no no,” answered the immaculately attired gentleman, smiling radiantly as he did so.
“I’m here strictly on business and would wish to meet with Messrs Le Qui, Kaltz, McDonald and Frobisher, they are expecting me.
In fact I‘ve arrived here to pick them up, they’re going on a journey with myself if you like.”
“May I be at liberty to ask your name sir,” requested the concierge, “it is a club tradition that all who enter freely give a name.”
“But of course my good man. My name is…. David Ellory Anthony Tibbs Hoskins.”
At that point, the tall immaculately dressed and devilishly good looking gentleman removed a large black top hat and performed a low sweeping bow then added… “At your service and have been, for a very long time.”
All four men were now rigid as the temperature in that room dropped to what must have been minus 0 Celsius at the very least.
Then it happened!!!
There was a huge bang followed by a hideous moaning sound that surely could have only emanated from the bowels of hell itself…. All five men in that room instinctively crouched to the floor, covering their heads in protective fashion as they did so..Then…Then the twelve candles re burst into life and the temperature inside the room began to rise rapidly, indeed, within a few moments it was back to how it should have been on a normal Summers morning in London Town.
It were Le Qui who spoke first…“ Mon Dieu, what was that bang and why did those candles go out then come back to life?”
Von Kaltz then spoke up, “vot is zis trickery McDonald, loud bangs and candlelight disappearing then reappearing, zis vas supposed to be an historic occasion, not some cheap British sideshow for your personal entertainment.”
Frobisher then had his say.. “Well I have to admit, that scared the devil out of me,” he tittered a little, if somewhat nervously, then looking directly at Alexander McDonald said…“I take it things haven’t exactly gone to plan Alexander my dear chap?”
Alexander McDonald of the clan McDonald was a proud man and didn’t care to be made mock at by a sausage eater, a Frog or and more importantly, a bloody Sassenach…
He immediately answered all queries and in true robust Scottish fashion..
“Are ye calling me a liar Kaltz?” And you wee Frobisher, I dinnae do nothing wrong at all, those are the right words and I followed everything to the letter, in fact I’m as baffled as you are.” Le Qui spoke up next.. “Well monsieur’s, we tried and there is no shame in failure and we could always try again at a later date I suppose..” Le Qui threw his arms out in typical gallic fashion as he said those last words..
At that point Carrington asked if the gentlemen would prefer refreshments, summoning the Grim Reaper had to be at the very least thirsty work. Yes, Carrington had by this time 100 per cent decided that he had good reason to be cynical, in so fact that these gentlemen could ever possibly believe that they could ever pull off something so utterly preposterous..
Whilst all four would be raisers of death mulled over what might have gone wrong and Carrington headed off to find suitable refreshment, a large black stagecoach pulled up outside the Golden Key Club….
Stepping out was an immaculately attired gentleman, six foot plus and resplendent in all the finery befitting a gentleman of class and nobility…
After alighting from the black five seater Hansom cab, the tall dark man, using an elaborately golden tipped cane rapped three times upon the door of the Golden Key Club…
Once inside, the club’s concierge asked if this gentleman would be a member of the Golden Key Club.
“No no no,” answered the immaculately attired gentleman, smiling radiantly as he did so.
“I’m here strictly on business and would wish to meet with Messrs Le Qui, Kaltz, McDonald and Frobisher, they are expecting me.
In fact I‘ve arrived here to pick them up, they’re going on a journey with myself if you like.”
“May I be at liberty to ask your name sir,” requested the concierge, “it is a club tradition that all who enter freely give a name.”
“But of course my good man. My name is…. David Ellory Anthony Tibbs Hoskins.”
At that point, the tall immaculately dressed and devilishly good looking gentleman removed a large black top hat and performed a low sweeping bow then added… “At your service and have been, for a very long time.”
THE END
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