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Dark Rituals	By : MarianTheBlackadder Category: S through Z > Sherlock Holmes (2009) > Sherlock Holmes (2009) Views: 3327 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I in no way own any rights to or make any profit from Sherlock Holmes the book, the movie, or any other medium concerning these characters. This is a non-profit story for entertainment purposes only.

Chapter List
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Cat and Mouse
            Blackwood sat across from his young bride at the dinner table, watching her in silence as she simply starred at her plate and made no move to eat it. This was something that had begun this week and had worsened by the day. Her complexion was pale, and her eyes seemed to dim.
            “You haven’t eaten today.” He stated, “Or yesterday.”
            She shook her head slightly, “I’m not hungry.”
            “I find that difficult to believe. Your appetite has been almost ravenous for months.” He pointed out, “Something is preventing you from eating.”
            “Food makes me ill. The smell of it turns my stomach . . . makes me dizzy.” She said expanding on what she had said before.
            “I will send for a doctor.” Blackwood said having been concerned since the first time he’d seen her turn food away. Yet when she was feeling ill, she usually asked for someone. This time seemed different.
            She shook her head slightly, “It will pass.”
            “I’m not so sure. If it was the same as the spells you suffered previously, then it would have already done so.” Blackwood replied. He reached over and rang the small hand bell that summoned one of the servants. He leaned down and Blackwood told him something that Katherine couldn’t quite make out. Then the servant gave a nod and immediately left.
            Katherine leaned back into the chair, resting her head against it for a moment. Blackwood stood from his chair and walked around the table, taking her hand and helping her to her feet before taking her back upstairs to their bedchamber.

Reports
            “There’s nothing physically wrong with her. It must be something in her mind that’s preventing her from eating.” The doctor said to Blackwood as they stood in the hallway. “She can’t go on this way; it’s endangering the child’s health as well as her own. She must be building her strength in these last few weeks. This is doing quite the opposite.”
            ”There is no reason for her to suddenly stop eating. She is just as concerned about the child’s well being as we are.” Blackwood insisted.
            “From a medical standpoint, there is no reason for her behavior.” The doctor said stating there was nothing that he could do. “It looks as though you are going to have to find a way to force her to eat if you can’t convince her to do so on her own.” Blackwood’s eyes moved toward the door before giving a slight gesture indicating the doctor to go.

Unbelievable
            “Holmes!” Watson called immediately upon entering the boarding house. He hurried up the stairs and went directly to his friends room and banged on the door. “Holmes?” He called before turning the door handle and going inside.
            Sherlock sat in his chair plucking away at his violin strings starring at the wall. Most people would think it was strange but Watson was quite used to his friends idiosyncrasies. “Is there something troubling you, darling?” He asked not moving or deviating from his current activity.
            “Do you know, the convent you placed Katherine in, is of a staunchly religious catholic order who has heard everything about Lord Blackwood from a bit before the first time we arrested him, and followed his criminal career rather intently?” Watson said.
            Holmes paused as the strings fell silent beneath his fingers and he turned looking at his colleague. “Do I detect a tone of accusation in your voice?” He inquired knowing full well by the exasperation that was demonstrated by every part of Watson’s being.
            “How could you send her there? How could you send her BACK there after we specifically took her from London to your brother’s country estate to be protected and kept from religious zealots and overly pious clergymen!” He exclaimed.
            “I suppose that this would explain your coming home so late after your morning appointments.” Sherlock said putting down his violin, and giving a sigh. “You know that she’s gone home to live with her husband since his release, why would you even bother going to the convent?” He asked.
            “BECAUSE!” Watson shouted before he took a moment forcing himself to calm down. With a frustrated sigh he began again, “Because I was hoping that perhaps if she wasn’t still there herself, that someone could inform me of her current condition. That was all. I was simply concerned about her well-being.”
            “Hmm. And what did you learn while you were there to set you off into such a violent rage?” He questioned.
            “Those . . . pious clergymen, those so-called men and women of God, spent the entire time she was with them condemning and chastising her for not only the man she was married to but the child which she carries. Apparently the fact that they were properly married in a church, escaped attention due to his notorious status and image as a practitioner of the dark arts who is supposedly in league with the devil!” He said becoming more frustrated as he spoke. Not even at Sherlock really, so much as the people he had the displeasure of meeting with before coming home.
            “It shouldn’t surprise you that forgiveness, even though repeatedly preached and encouraged by the same group of people, is rarely if ever exercised in their own actions towards others.” Holmes admitted.
            “The mother superior who seems to be the only one with compassion towards Katherine herself in that entire complex, says that when she was summoned back to her home with Blackwood, she had lost almost all of her appetite and was hardly eating anything when she left them. It’s been well over a week and if she is still not eating her health will be rapidly declining as her body would attend to the baby first and use every resource to keep it alive and healthy.” Watson stated. “She was already eating a specially formulated diet.”
            “Leading you to suspect that there were other physical or medical problems prior to this that they were attempting to compensate for.” Holmes said.
            “Possibly. Her age is definitely a factor in all of this she is very young to be having a baby already.” Watson said with a sigh rubbing his eyes.
            “Have we decided yet who the doctor is that is treating her?” Holmes asked looking at Watson as he knew his friend had been trying to find that out for quite some time among his peers in the medical profession. “Perhaps if properly motivated, he could help shed some light on this whole dark affair.”
            “I have a few men in mind that fit the profile, and I believe are members of the order.” Watson said. “Secrecy is an art to these people. It’s been difficult to sort out who is actually active and devoted and who just enjoy the privileges of being a part of it. There is one man I believe may be willing to help us out. He was a schoolmate of mine when I studied medicine.”
            “Is he involved with this case?” Sherlock asked.
            “Not certain, but he will tell us if we meet discreetly with him I think. Especially if Katherine’s health and life are in danger.” Watson answered.
            “Well then,” Sherlock said smacking his knees as he rose from his chair, “There isn’t any time to waste. We should visit your old school chum, and let the two of you catch up.”

A Well of Information
            “You are rather cooperating much more than we expected anyone who is involved with Blackwood’s order.” Watson said as he had listened to his friend as did Sherlock who was completely silent after introductions were made. Simply listening and taking in all of the information that the doctor was willing to give them.
            “I’m not exactly a staunch practitioner. I’ve attended a few meetings, a ritual or ceremony here and there. And yes, there are a number of doctors in the order and several have been put in charge of Lady Blackwood’s care.” He said.
            “A whole committee?” Watson said, “It seems as though a single competent doctor would be sufficient.”
            “You’ll find that Lord Blackwood has a tendency to over prepare for any eventuality, and besides, with more than one, they all watch each other like hawks rather then attempting to take matters into their own hands if need be.” The doctor poured tea into each of his guests cups. “Trust, although repeated in oaths and vows, is more of an idea then an actual practice.”
            “The brief time I cared for her, she seemed perfectly strong and healthy.” Watson said taking two lumps of sugar in his tea. “Physically at least. Blackwood has painted her mind into somewhat of a corner however.”
            “Yes, I had a feeling that was the case. She is an incredibly obedient wife, and quiet as a mouse in the presence of others, especially if Lord Blackwood is there as well. She has a beautiful smile, but it seems to have disappeared completely these past few weeks. Since Blackwood’s arrest and conviction if I was to make a guess.” The doctor expanded.
            “What exactly was the thinking with sedating her when he was . . . .well it was attempted to execute him? Why was that believed to be necessary?” Sherlock said breaking his silence for the first time since they had arrived.
            “A number of reasons were given. So she wouldn’t be upset or distraught by his hanging, so she wouldn’t hurt herself, or be overcome with grief and do something foolish. His intention was to keep her asleep until he ‘returned from the grave’ so to speak. When it comes right down to it, it can be rationalized and a million excuses could be made but it is simply his wanting to maintain complete control. Make her feel and think as though he was the only one who could make decisions, and do exactly as he says.” He sighed stirring his tea with the milk and sugar he added. “Turns one stomach really to analyze this all to closely.”
            “Why midnight on October 31^st.” Sherlock said cutting right to the chase. The doctor froze with his lips against his tea cup, as his eyes turned towards Holmes. After a moment he cleared his throat and set the cup back down on the table. “How do you know that?” He asked as nonchalantly as possible.
            “Common sense. You’ll find it’s becoming a rare commodity these days.” Holmes said.
            It seemed as though the well of information suddenly dried up, as they could see the doctors internal struggle in deciding whether or not to divulge such details. “It’s typically, not permitted to speak of the rituals and practices outside of the order.” He said clearing his throat again. “Especially concerning the details of ceremonies.”
            “Ceremonies?” Watson said a bit taken back by his friend’s statement, “Unless medical science has made a huge jump forward and failed to notify everyone, there isn’t exactly a way to predict the child’s arrival.” Watson knew that wasn’t true, and the reality that a cesarean was almost certainly intended to take place. Yet he thought it best not to say everything or lead the doctor if there was something else to be said that Holmes and Watson hadn’t already thought of.
            Another silent moment passed as the internal struggle seemed to continue. Then, it seemed he decided even though it was against his better judgment, “It’s a reenactment.” He said in a low voice almost as if he was afraid someone might hear him. “Lord Blackwood’s birth, took place the same day.”
            Holmes looked at Watson, realizing what was going on now. “And he believes that he can solidify his image and reputation as being the servant of the devil himself if his child is born on the same unholy day.” He looked back at the doctor, “A pattern that only the most evil of bloodlines would follow.”
            The doctor had fallen silent now, almost as if he had broken a vow that he had taken of silence. Watson could see how it affected him and leaned forward slightly, “We have good reason to ask,” He began. “Our concern is for Katherine’s well being. Especially if this is a reenactment, considering his mother died at his birth.”
            “Yes, but how much stronger would his family bloodline be if she were to survive.” Holmes said, “When he has already established that he and his followers are protected, what would be better to prove it if his wife was to give birth to his child and live to tell the tale.”
            “I think perhaps we should reschedule our visit, John.” The doctor said standing from his chair, “Perhaps another time.” Indicating that he wanted them to go now. “I’ve said far too much.” Sherlock arched a brow when he looked at the Doctor almost sensing that there was something more, something darker that he was privy to and had failed to mention.
            “What are you attempting to avoid sharing with us, sir?” he asked seriously before standing and looking into the man’s eyes. “You are a doctor who is part of the order, and if Blackwood is as careful and prepared as you say he is, then you were among the many who were no doubt consulted.”
            “Only in her care during her pregnancy.” He said in a defensive tone. “About steps that would be taken to insure her health and the health of the child. That is all I was made aware of.” He said starting to walk towards the foyer to show the two men out. Holmes and Watson looked at each other, as it was now painfully obvious that there was some important detail being left unsaid. They followed him quickly to attempt extracting information again.
            “Just because you were not invited to help with the ceremony concerning her delivery, doesn’t mean you aren’t privy to details about it.” Holmes said quickly getting ahead of the doctor and standing in front of him to halt his retreat. “Is Katherine Blackwood’s life in danger?” He said directly, insisting on a direct answer.
            The man was quiet for several moments, before reaching out and turning the handle of his door, but paused before opening it. “No, not hers.” Was all he said before opening the door and insisting they depart immediately.

Clueless
            “There’s no point beating a dead horse, Watson. I’ve read that book of spells from cover to cover backwards and forwards and it says nothing of Blackwood’s intentions involving someone’s life.” He said.
            Watson flipped through a few more pages before slamming it shut and tossing it down in frustration. “This is insanity. We haven’t had any luck at all in finding out what my colleague meant in his comment, and he refuses to see me again. Obviously he’s concerned about his own safety.”
            “Considering the order was concerned with the good of mankind until Blackwood took over as head of the order and an evil darkness followed with him, I’ve no doubt that the fear of hell and the devil are very much a part of their vowing and oaths.” Sherlock said understanding that fear was Blackwood’s strongest tool. One that he wielded with deadly accuracy to meet his ends.
            “I wonder how many others have attempted to leave the order, or are uncomfortable with his methods.” Watson said.
            “His first priority was to insure that anyone who opposed him was immediately and quickly disposed of. Indicating that the only way to leave the order was feet first, most likely meant as a warning to everyone else.” Sherlock sighed and slouched in his chair slightly, throwing a leg over the arm of it and chewed on the end of his pipe lost in thought.
            After a few moments Watson spoke, “The ones who are involved with the ceremony itself are Katherine and Blackwood.” He said.
            “And of course, the child.” Sherlock pointed out that he had forgotten one other. “The crux of this entire endeavor.”
            “How on earth would the child’s life be in danger? Blackwood has painstakingly seen to Katherine’s health, her care, and now we are almost certain that a cesarean is to be performed. It seems to me that Katherine is the only one of the three in danger. Blackwood will no doubt be overseeing and directing the entire event.” Watson countered.
            Sherlock put down his pipe and leaned forward pressing his fingertips together. “The five and a half ‘sacrifices’ as he put it when he was first arrested, were all young women.”
            “Yes. All virgins as the families indicated and the police report confirmed.” Watson agreed.
            “And the late Sir Thomas Rotheram indicated that they were not the first, but the most recent in a long line of ‘sacrifices’ made by Blackwood to enhance his so called ‘powers’.” He thought for another moment, “He only hesitated for a moment when he pushed Adler over the bridge and that was to see my reaction.”
            “It doesn’t seem he places much value on the female sex, other then tools to be used as a means to an end.” Watson observed.
            “Precisely.” He said, “If he wants Katherine to live as a sign of how powerful he has become, and how protected and favored he is by his master . . . then he cannot use her as a sacrifice like he did the others. Not to mention she is obviously no longer a virgin by his doing.” Holmes said picking up his pipe and chewing on the end again, “This is going to take some thought.”

Secret Whispers
            Katherine had regained her strength somewhat, as Blackwood had been forcing her to eat. Convincing her that there was no greater sin in her beliefs then the murder of another, and her refusing to eat was doing just that. Of course, she was horrified and immediately started to eat again but every time she didn’t finish what was on her plate, Blackwood would once again speak of the unimaginable torment she would suffer from his master as well as her God if the baby was harmed in anyway by her actions or inactions.
            She was still very exhausted, and she cried often when she was left alone or in the darkness during the night hours. Being locked away during the day, the only thing she had to do to keep herself occupied was to read. Of course, Blackwood saw that the only reading material she had, was of his choosing. She didn’t even have a complete copy of the bible she grew up reading. Only that of the final book of revelation, a book that he used and quoted from to give the illusion and put the thought in people’s minds that he was the Anti-Christ even though it was never said directly.
            One evening, Katherine thought she would die if she spent another moment in the bedchamber that had also become her prison. It was insisted that her being locked away was for her safety and for the safety of the child, as there were many out there who would harm them. Yet Katherine was no fool, and she knew that it was simply to keep her inside and out of ‘trouble’ or even an attempt to escape.
            She rubbed her hands over her eyes before standing from the table and walking over to the double doors of the bedchamber. Reaching up, she gently touched the handle and pressed it slightly. Surprisingly, there didn’t seem to be any resistance. Katherine started to take the handle but stopped, as a fear shot through her heart that she could get caught and punished if she left the room without permission. Yet, she couldn’t stop herself from wanting to leave that small room just for a short walk. Her back was aching from how large she had become, but walking did seem to ease it somewhat.
            Closing her eyes, she grasped the handle and turned it hearing the latch pull back and the door open. A shutter went down her spine as she had second and third thoughts about this, but at the same time she felt a bit entitled to be able to walk about her own home.
            Biting her lip, she gathered all of her courage and opened the door a bit more so she could survey the hallway, to make sure she wouldn’t run into anyone, most of all Blackwood himself. Then, she slipped out quietly and closed the door as gently as she could behind her.
            In another part of the house, in Blackwood’s study, a meeting was taking place between Blackwood and several of highest ranking members of the order. The doctors who had been attending Katherine, and who would be attending her were present.
            “She’s perfectly healthy and strong.” One man reported, “I saw her only this morning, and aside from not getting nearly enough sleep, and the black circles around her eyes indicating her exhaustion I believe she’ll be ready.”
            “Everything must go as planned.” He said. “My wife’s safety in this matter is the most important. I don’t want anything to go wrong that might result in her death or her sterilization from neglect or incompetence.” He warned. “The dark powers will oversee the birth of my child, human error and mistakes is unacceptable . . . and punishable by immediate death. The powers I was given, was given to me with purpose. If you hinder me in my purpose, it is very likely that you will be made accountable for your actions.”
            There was an uneasy feeling in the room, and it seemed almost all of the men were unable to breathe normally being smothered by the overwhelming fear. The threat of death if anything was to go wrong was obvious. Then, Blackwood turned and walked to another part of the study indicating the meeting had come to an end. The men took the opportunity to exit quickly, trying not to look as though they were fleeing in panic.
            Only one man remained, Lord Coward who had been imprisoned after the incident at parliament. But all charges were dropped and he was set free. When everyone else was gone, he turned and walked closer to Blackwood. “They are worried.”
            “The promise of death for stupidity has always been a powerful motivator I have found.” Blackwood answered.
            “The concern is her youth.” Coward said, “It could mean complications.”
            “One of the many factors that has been taken into account already.” Blackwood said picking up his glass of wine and taking a drink. “The stars were aligned perfectly when she was born, there is no other that could fulfill her purpose. She was meant to be my wife and the vessel through which my children will enter this world.” He moved to sit down in the large chair of his study as he looked at Coward, “When my son is born for all to see on Samhain, and Katherine survives where both her mother and mine did not, it will insure the uniting of the sects of our order. For two long have we been divided. Our strength has been limited for decades because of it.”
            Coward was quiet for a moment, before he spoke. “There is no guarantee that the baby will be a boy. What if Katherine gives birth to daughter . . . not a son.”
            Blackwood was quiet for a moment before answering, “Sacrifices are always required to pay allegiance and homage to the dark powers.” His eyes moved towards Coward, “I can think of no greater sacrifice then the first born.” Coward was uneasy with this, but he would follow Blackwood’s direction through hell and back. Blackwood indicated that he should leave, and the man turned exiting the study.
            When he walked out of the doors, and to the foyer he did not notice the shadow hidden behind the door itself. The young woman stepped from the shadows watching the man disappear before looking back at Henry’s study.
            Katherine’s eyes were wide having heard the exchange that had just taken place. She felt light headed and her stomach turned, having to quickly cover her mouth to muffle a cry of despair and terror. She heard Blackwood moving about in his study, realizing he was preparing to retire and quietly moved away to quickly return to their bed chamber.
            She closed the doors when she returned, and leaned on them a moment as she was overcome with panic and dread not knowing what to do.

Strange Invitations
            “What time is it?” Holmes asked looking at Watson trying on the different hats that they seemed to own in the mirror. Most of which belonged to Watson.
            “You’re not seriously contemplating meeting this person, by yourself.” Watson said in disbelief.
            “What could be more intriguing then a dark stranger, wanting to meet at a set time and location.” Holmes said trading the hat up for a different one. “How could I possibly resist such an invitation?”
            “How about the fact that there are people in London who would love nothing more than to kill you or hire someone to do the job for them.” Watson argued.
            “Doubtful. I haven’t done anything recently to warrant a death sentence.” He said walking over and picking up the letter opening it, “Besides, this wasn’t written with a malicious intent, but with desperation.”
            Watson took it and read it aloud, “Mr. Holmes, it is imperative that we meet. Tonight, 11:45pm at the alley way at the end of 92^nd street. Please come alone.” He furrowed a brow, “And where in this is the cry of desperation?”
            “If you look at the writing itself, you’ll see the hurried manner in which the message was scribbled. And of course words like ‘imperative’ and ‘please’ indicate that need and urgency of the matter.” Holmes pointed out. “Even with the swiftness in which this was written it is still beautiful penmanship and everything is spelled correctly. This is definitely the work of an educated hand.”
            “If you insist on keeping this meeting, then I insist that I come along. I won’t follow to closely, but I won’t be far either in case there is trouble and you need assistance.” Watson said.
            “Or, your presence will be detected and the author of this note will be driven away for not adhering to the conditions that were set.” Sherlock said. “I think I can handle myself. Consider, for instance, that my ability to fend of attacks has made you quite a sum of money.”
            “Certainly, but you do tend to have trouble when there are a number of opponents. It’s better if I am close by to watch your back.” Watson said.
            Holmes arched a brow just studying his friend for a moment, seeing his resolve to accompany him regardless of any protests he made.
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Dark Rituals