Book 1: Delirium: Chapter 5: The Trunk

The Trunk

            Back in the sitting room, the trio mulled over what Charles’ message meant.

            “Well, the first part is obvious.” Captain Kruler stated.  “Whatever it is he wants us to find is in the attic somewhere.”

            “But, I don’t remember there ever being a trunk in our attic.” Madeline chimed in.

            “I vaguely remember your attic being quite dark, dear.” Doctor Demetrius remarked.

            “You are right, of course, Uncle.  It is rather dark up there.”

            “So, you’re saying there could be something up there.” Kruler stated bluntly.

            “Quite so, Delvin.  That is precisely what the dear girl is saying.”

            “Well, what the devil are we standing around for?  Let’s get into that attic!” Kruler said excitedly.

            “Don’t go and lose your head my friend. Madeline, if you would.”  Demetrius motioned for the girl to lead them out of the room. She complied and soon the three were standing at the foot of the elegant, winding stairs that lead to the attic.  

            They ascended the stairs, slowly, as they were quite steep and old.  Several of the slats broke off under foot as they climbed.  When at last they reached the double doors that barred the way into the attic, Madeline stepped forward with a key.

            “Father always kept it locked after Mother slipped away.” She explained, fitting the key into the padlock around the door handles.

             The chains around the door came loose, dropping with a metallic jingle onto the threshold.  The doors swung wide, revealing an empty room, with only a large, black trunk in the center of the floor.  The trunk was illuminated by a single skylight in the attic ceiling.

            “Where is everything?” Madeline gasped shock.

            Why would Charles lock this room, only to house this trunk?  Doctor Demetrius wondered to himself.  As if reading his mind, Captain Kruler remarked, “Our answers presumably lie within that case.”

            “Agreed. Why don’t we open it and see what it contains?”

            Doctor Demetrius and Captain Kruler fired simultaneously at the dual locks on either side of the lid.  The brass locks glowed white hot and fell to the floor, where they illuminated a set of keys on the floor in front of the trunk. 

            “Well, those would have made this easier.” Kruler remarked.

            “Can’t help that now, can we though.” Demetrius answered back.

            Madeline stepped forward and lifted the lid back, revealing numerous stacks of papers. Thumbing through them, she concluded that each one had the same thing written on it, in her father’s handwriting.  The pages read thusly,

            Madeline,

                        If you are reading this then I am beyond return.  Max and Delvin will know what to do.  Perhaps they can salvage what is left of my consciousness.  If not, then this is goodbye.  However, I believe the key to my cure lies in the catacombs beneath this very house.  Your uncles will know where the entrance is; we used to play there as boys. 

            Much love,

            Father

            “The old catacombs?  Yes, it does seem likely that our quarry could be inside.  It is oft’ said that catacombs hold deep magic within them.  And it is just like your father to have placed his salvation in those old tombs.  He always was fond of the eeriness.” Demetrius recounted.

            “I remember those walls to be haunted.  It could just be my childhood memories are, well, child-like, but I’d sooner take caution than fall victim to whatever resides within.” Kruler said thoughtful.

            “We have to try.  Charles would have wanted us to.  We owe him that much at least.”

            “Well let’s go find that entrance again, shall we?”

            “Do you remember the way?”

            “Certainly, I do Delvin.  The door is in the basement near the old escape tunnel.”

            The three raced off towards the basement.  Beside the broken wooden door to the escape tunnel that had been built to avoid thieves, there lay an equally old stone door.  The door was cracked with age and covered in spider webs.  Stepping forward towards the door, Kruler tugged at the handle.  The heavy grayish door swung forward and with a loud crack, ground to a halt, leaving the opening free of obstructions.

            The smell of rank, putrid remains permeated the stale air of the basement.

            “You’d best stay here, Madeline.  These halls are not for the faint of heart.” Doctor Demetrius said.

            “As you wish, Uncle,” She responded grimly.

            Captain Kruler took hold of a lantern from a nearby hook.  Turning up the flame, he gestured for his friend to follow him. 

            The walls of the catacombs were damp, the air cool.  The smell of rat droppings filled the air, as the distinct taste of salt filled their lungs.  As the pair descended deeper into the halls, they began to notice something very, very strange. 

            Several of the coffins were empty.

            “Something feels off, Delvin.”

            “I feel it too Max.  Those coffins shouldn’t be empty this deep in.”

            “Grave robbers maybe?  There is another entrance in the garden.”

            “Could be possible, but even robbers don’t usually leave the coffin lids in pieces like this.” 

            Traveling deeper still, they came upon the reason for the empty coffers.  Several skeletons blocked the path to the center of the catacombs.  There were twenty in total, rotten flesh still clinging to the bones of the grotesque creatures.  Several held rusted swords, and guns between their bony fingers.  Some still had organs encased behind the bones.  Their eye sockets held a faint blue glow.

             The dead were still very much alive.