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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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Silver Knives
            Katherine walked a few steps behind Blackwood and one of his underlings as they discussed the preparations that need to be seen to. She wore a black long sleeved dress with one or two dark crimson accents, her hair done beautifully with roses, and a silver pendent tied around her neck with a black silk ribbon. The figure of two tear shaped rubies simulating blood dripping from a rose.
            “Good. It seems we’ve done quite well this year.” Blackwood said in approval looking over the orders finances. “Only seven of the applications are to be admitted, and their trials must begin on the full moon of this month. Make the necessary arrangements to accommodate the events.”
            “Yes My Lord.” The man said with a slight bow before turning and hurrying off to see to his task. Blackwood turned seeing Katherine looking at one of the many objects on display in the hallway of their headquarters. She did look quite lovely today. Her pale milky white skin complemented by the blood red roses and onyx black garb she wore.
            She could feel eyes on her and turned to see Blackwood looking at her. He motioned for her to come to him, and she immediately did so. He wrapped his arm around her waist as they turned and continued walking down the corridor. “You’ve hardly spoken since I returned to London.” He said. “Something bothering you?” He questioned.
            “There hasn’t been much to say.” She answered simply.
            Blackwood’s steps slowed brining them to a stop as he turned towards her. “It has occurred to me that I’ve lost your trust, after the incident that occurred before our son was born. You’ve been acting differently, more distant and detached since then.” He said.
            Katherine’s eyes turned downward, as she could feel a tightness in her throat that this was coming up. She’d hoped to forget about it somehow, starting by never intending to speak of it again. Each time she thought about it, it was like a slap in the face. “As you said . . . it had to be done.” She said in a soft voice repeating the words he had spoken to her that night.
            “Perhaps, but you don’t believe that was the only instance I engaged in such behavior. Do you.” He said looking directly at her even though her eyes were still turned away. “You think it is a regular occurrence with me, with other women having nothing to do with our traditions and ceremonies. Don’t you.” She didn’t answer and continued to look away, a tightness in her chest joining the knot in her throat now. Her silence did, however, answer his query as he could clearly see her feelings in her face.
            He sighed slightly, reaching up and touching her neck with his gloved hand, before touching her chin to turn her face towards him. “I am a lot of things, Katherine. The epitome and sum of all things evil on this earth, in a human form. But I am not a traitor. I would not betray my vows I took the day we were married. I have and always will keep my word, and the promises I made to you.”
            “Why.” She said in a quiet voice, not seeing any reason for him to at this point.
            “Because.” Blackwood began, “You are my wife, Katherine. I would have no other woman wear my name, or bare my children, nor share my bed and my home. You are my only true ally in this world. The only one I can put my trust and my faith in. No one else in the order, or London, or anywhere has been or ever will be as close to me as you are.”
            Slowly, as he spoke, Katherine’s eyes turned up towards his listening to his words. Words and sentiment that only confused her. Especially with what she had been asked to do and the information she had been asked to gather.
            Blackwood kissed her forehead wrapping his arms around her and embraced her tightly against him. “You must put all your trust in me once again. That I know what I am doing, and that I have only you and our children’s best interests in mind.” He whispered into her ear.
            Her eyes closed as she found herself hugging him back in turn. There were times when they were alone when he seemed so human, so incredibly warm towards her, and open. But other times and in the presence of others, he was cold. A cloud of gloom hung around him and the entire room whenever he entered. It was all so incredibly confusing.

Sacrifices
            Katherine sat on the steps that led down into the catacombs and crypts where many of their meetings often took place. In the quiet dimly lit hallway a small lamb just barely learning how to walk, perhaps not born more than a week ago lay across her lap. It was contentedly snuggled tight in her arm as she gently pet his head and run her hand down his back with comforting strokes. He was almost asleep now, just happy to have a warm body to cuddle against.
            The door at the other end of the hallway that led into an open chamber of the crypts unlocked and crept open as Blackwood stepped inside. The torches that were burning gave off only a dim light, but he could make out Katherine’s figure. He could also hear the sound of the small thing that slept in her arms, answering one question that he had.
            Pushing the door open further he motioned for one of the men who was in attendance to come and get the small creature. Blackwood watched as the man walked down the hallway and reached for the lamb finding Katherine a bit reluctant to give him up. “He’s sleeping, please leave him be.” She said.
            “Katherine.” Blackwood’s voice came in a stern tone that filled the hallway. Katherine’s eyes turned down a moment knowing she had to give him up. She carefully picked him up in her arms giving him one last pet and gently passed him into the mans arms. He wasn’t a complete idiot and took the lamb just as gently as it was handed to him. The lamb woke and protested loudly at being moved from his warm spot, and instantly the man turned and exited the hall.
            Katherine frowned and lowered her head crossing her arms across her knees and leaning forward a little bit. Blackwood, after having watched the scene, approached the young woman sitting on the stone staircase. “Come, we are ready to begin.” He said offering her his hand.
            She stayed still continuing to look away from him. He lowered his hand and watched her almost feeling the dilemma she was in. “Why did you let yourself get attached to it, Katherine.” He asked, having seen her do this before.
            “It’s bad enough his life is going to be stolen away, without his not finding a moments warmth or kindness.” She said folding her arms around her.
            Blackwood crouched down before her looking towards her face, ”Sacrifices must be made. You know this.” He said softly. “It will be over quickly, you have my word.” He promised.
            “What about its mother,” She said softly. “Isn’t she going to go insane with grief not being able to find him?”
            He half smiled as he saw a bit of that innocence she came to him with peeking out from behind all of the changes she had gone through. Only more proof at how difficult pure innocence is hard to corrupt. “In so many ways . . . you’re still very much a child.” He said touching her chin. “And your compassion, is still one of your strongest features.”
            “I can’t . . . do this, my lord.” Her eyes turned up towards his, “He’s just a baby.”
            Blackwood gave a nod considering what she said before taking her hands leaning closer to her. “I think you may be confusing that lamb, with our children. You’re thinking as a mother, not as a priestess.” He said.
            “I’m a mother first, always.” She whispered. “How would I feel if someone stole my child away, and killed him. I would never know what happened to him, and he would be so frightened . . .”
            “It’s an animal, Katherine.” Blackwood said cutting off her sentence. “And no one is going to go near our children, much less lay a hand on them. They are well looked after, well protected and have the best of care. Comparing yourself to mutton . . . seems a little extreme to say the least.”
            “My Lord.” Another voice came from the door way. One of the other members that were assisting with the rites this evening indicating it was time and they should begin. Blackwood turned his head and gave a slight nod that he heard and the other man disappeared again.
            His eyes turned back to Katherine, “You don’t have to do it.” He said, “You don’t even have to watch. You can close your eyes if you need to, but I want you there with me tonight.” He kissed the back of her hand and looked up at her. “It is important.”
            When she looked into his eyes, she couldn’t help but give into him. With a slight nod from Katherine, Blackwood stood and helped her to her feet. She took his arm and they walked together back into the open chamber to begin.

Unreliable Sources
            “That’s twice now.” Holmes said as he and Watson walked back down the street going home. “Twice she’s stood us up. Left no word, sent no message, and left no sign that she was even interested in keeping the appointment. Face it, she’s bolted on us.”
            “She gave us all the information we wanted and more for almost two months. You would think you could cut the poor girl some slack. She’s not exactly living in the ideal family situation at the moment.” Watson said.
            “And for some reason, she has quit helping us find a way to get Blackwood off the streets. Either he’s caught on and she’s received strict and extreme punishment, or she decided she no longer wishes to aid us in our task.” Holmes said a bit annoyed at this. He felt as though they were leading up to something that would put the finger on him for certain.
            “She has more responsibility now as well. She’s been made a priestess of the temple of the four orders. Getting away or finding a way to send a message might have gotten more difficult. We don’t know the circumstances.” He insisted.
            Holmes came to a stop and glared at the doctor. “There you are again, defending her like some sort of cunning lawyer. What on earth is this strange urge to protect and defend someone you hardly even know?” Holmes asked.
            “You have a tendency to forget her situation from time to time and the circumstances under which she was forced into all of this. It wasn’t her decision.” The doctor replied, “I think it best that you are reminded of it from time to time so you don’t confuse her for the monster her husband is.”
            “Yet we are offering her help and she refuses to cooperate with us. The more time goes by, her complicity in his murderous actions and deeds only grows.” He explained.
            “She’s not taking part in the murders or abductions.” Watson countered.
            “But she is aware of them. She hasn’t reported him to anyone, and she does as she’s told. Which includes participating in the rituals that led to this ghastly crimes in the first place. She is becoming his accomplice just by staying silent.” Holmes said.
            “She has no choice!” Watson’s voice raised a bit.
            “She does!” Holmes answered his own voice raising a bit as well.
            “No, Holmes. Before it was only her life that was on the line, her head on the chopping block if she was caught trying to escape or put the finger on him in anyway. Now she has children and she has to try and protect them. Lord Blackwood, I have no doubt would put himself before everyone and everything. But Katherine won’t do that, it’s not in her nature. She won’t risk her children’s welfare.” Watson argued.
            “Watson.” Holmes began, “You are invaluable to me as a companion, knowledgeable in the medical profession almost to a fault, and are my best friend. However, your empathy with this young woman is starting to get in the way of our work, and it is beginning to irritate me.”
            The doctor just looked at his friend, before relenting and giving a nod in agreement. “Perhaps my compassion for the girl is distracting from our goal a bit.” He said. “But there has to be another way to apprehend Blackwood. Even if she did help us, no court is going to make a wife testify against her husband and the father of her children.”
            “I assure you that I have been trying to find one, but since Blackwood took over the order as the leader, security and secrecy is at an all time high.” He sighed thinking for a moment, “Alright, Watson. We will continue to wait at our appointed meeting place and time twice more before we completely abandon her as a path to Blackwood.”
            Watson gave a nod, satisfied with the compromise, and they turned the corner and continued on their way to Baker’s street.

Passionate Embraces
            Blackwood lie beneath Katherine, as she worked hard riding him with vigorous yet steady pace. His hands on her hips as he watched her hair fall around her shoulders, guiding her body as she kept at it without stopping, her head throwing back every now and again and a shutter going through her body.
            At last, both he and she reached their climax and just shuttered as their bodies entwined together and he pulled her down against him into a ferocious kiss. Wrapping his arms around her in the final throws of passion, they turned over so he lay over her, kissing her yet again, both of them still breathing hard from their passionate activities. He rolled off of her onto his back pulling her close not wanting to get to far from her. She rested her head on his shoulder as he wrapped an arm around her more than satisfied.
            “That is the only reason I don’t mind our arguing every now and again.” He said into her ear before kissing her forehead. “But lets not make a habit out of it, hmm.” His voice was gentle but it also held a warning.
            “Why were we arguing, My Lord?” She asked, honestly not remembering.
            “It doesn’t matter.” He said stroking her shoulder with his fingertips. “It’s over, and we needn’t discuss it again.”
            Katherine wrapped her arm around him and sighed contentedly closing her eyes as he continued to stroke her arm. “The new members have completed the trials, haven’t they.” She said softly.
            “Yes.” He confirmed.
            “You’ll be initiating them and granting them membership Saturday night then.” She said softly.
            “Yes, and no you will not be in attendance.” He said answering her question before she answered it. “You needn’t be there, and may stay at home with the children.” He said. Katherine was quiet now and didn’t say anything else, causing Blackwood to arch a brow looking down at her. “What is it.” He said knowing there was something on her mind.
            “Could . . . you stay with us?” She asked in a meek and quiet voice.
            “You know I can’t. I have to be at the ceremony.” He said. She fell silent again. “Come now, tell me what’s troubling you.” He said wondering what was going on in that head of hers.
            “The boys hardly know you.” She said. “I thought . . . perhaps it would be good to have to chance to spend some time with them.”
            Blackwood knew what this was about. She had a tendency to dance around the subject and go every which way other than the one where she told him directly what she was feeling and why. He moved to sit her up, before he sat up himself and looked into her eyes. “You think that if I spend time with our children, that I will decide that two is quite enough. Isn’t that it?” He said.
            “We have a good sized family.” She said her eyes not looking towards his, almost feeling as though she was going to be struck for her hopefulness. “Two healthy boys, and a home of our own. I thought maybe . . . . you could . . . see . . .”
            “You are still wary about baring another child.” He said cutting her off getting to the point. “Because of how sick you feel when you’re with child.” That wasn’t the reason, but she thought it best to latch onto it and not let her true reasons come up.
            “It was horrible last time, My Lord.” She said softly. “Please, must I bare another?”
            “Yes.” He said simply without even hesitating or thinking about it. “Katherine . . . you are my wife. Children are simply part of the marital contract. I take good care of you don’t I? See that you are well looked after, given the best of care, and the best medical minds in all of England watch over you, and make sure that both you and the children are healthy.”
            “You do.” She answered, knowing all of those things to be true. “But if you only knew what it was like . . . feeling sick all of the time, my body growing and distorting, being restricted to my bed for weeks at a time . . . . it’s maddening.”
            “I’m sorry.” He said. “But there is nothing to be done about that. You simply have to endure the pain and discomfort, even the inevitable boredom that comes and continue to bring my children into this world.” He leaned forward starting to kiss her, but she turned her face away denying him access. He paused and his look darkened somewhat, “Let me give you some warning before you do something quite foolish.” He leaned closer to her face, “Don’t test me, Katherine. I would like to keep our intimacies pleasant for us both. But neither that or even your cooperation is required.”
            “So you would force it upon me if I refused you then.” She said softly still keeping her eyes turned away.
            “Let’s not press the issue and end up with your finding out.” He said warning her that he was losing his patience with her resistance. She thought about things for a moment, before finally turning her face towards him again in submission. He smiled, “There’s a good girl.” Reaching up he slid his hand into her hair pulling her into a deep kiss, before laying her back and rolling over her.

Nightmares
            “Henry, Henry!” Katherine said shaking him almost violently trying to wake him.
            “Good God woman,” He said turning over towards her as he opened his eyes. However the look of utter panic and fear in her face was enough to snap him awake. “What is it?” He said taking her hand.
            “The boys, the boys are gone!” She said with tears in her eyes.
            Instantly Blackwood sprang up from the bed and headed for the nursery, Katherine following close on his heels. He threw the doors open to find two things missing. The boys, and their nanny. He walked to each bed throwing the covers off finding no one lying in them. Katherine stood by the door trying to hold back the tears.
            Two of the house guards ran to the door hearing the commotion, as Blackwood turned. “Wake everyone, search the grounds immediately!” He roared, storming out of the nursery past Katherine as the two men ran to do as they had been ordered.
            Katherine shivered as she turned back to the room her arms wrapped around herself, tears filling her eyes.

Early Morning Visits
            A thunderous knock came to the door downstairs, it was loud enough to wake the dead and everyone in the house was pulled from their slumber. Holmes and Watson came out of their room walking to the banner, seeing their landlady standing on the bottom of the steps holding a candle. It was obvious that she was nervous about answering the door.
            Watson and Holmes looked at each other before going down the stairs. Watson stood with the landlady trying to make her feel safer as Holmes went to the door and unlocked it. As soon as he turned the handle, the door burst open and Katherine’s cloaked figure that had been running through the rain entered like a lioness.
            “Was it you! Did you do this! Did you take them from me!” She cried her hands coming towards Holmes face, ready to scratch his eyes out. Holmes quickly seized her wrists in midair keeping them from reaching his face.
            “Calm down!” He said trying to hold her at bay but it was quite difficult. Watson could see that he was needed and told the land lady they would see to it. She gratefully turned leaving the matter to them returning to her bedroom.
            Watson immediately hurried over and helped Holmes restrain her as they moved to sit her down on a nearby sofa. “KATHERINE! Katherine!” Watson said as the two men were struggling to keep her still. “What’s going on? What are you talking about?”
            “My boys are gone! They’re just gone!” She cried. “Did you do it? Did you take them!” She demanded.
            “Of course not, Katherine. We wouldn’t do such a thing.” Holmes said still holding her hands tightly not wishing to be struck or scratched. “Calm down, take a breath.” He said seeing her start to stop struggling.
            “What do you mean they’re gone?” Watson asked. “What’s happened?”
            Worry and fear replaced the anger in her face as she breathed deeply, trying to keep from crying anymore. “I check on the boys, at night. I always tuck them in, and tell them good night before I retire for the evening.” She shook her head, “But when I did tonight, the room was empty. The coals in the fire were almost burned out, and there was no trace of them or the nanny.”
            “When did you last see them?” Holmes asked.
            “I checked on them when dinner was announced, and they were playing a game in the nursery, happy and laughing.” She said as tears started to well. “But when I went there tonight, . . . . they were gone. I ran back to our room and woke Henry. He woke up everyone in the house, and has already begun searching the city to try and find them. He’s furious,” She paused a moment before looking at the two men. “And so am I!” She said.
            Watson and Holmes listened to the details she gave them. “Blackwood had nothing to do with their disappearance?” Holmes asked.
            “Didn’t I just say he is as upset and angry as I am!?” She shouted in frustration. “Our children have disappeared!”
            “Tell us about the nanny. Who is she?” Holmes asked wanting to know more and let Katherine talk it out a bit.
            “We hired her last month, when the previous nanny was called away to take care of an ill relative. She came on high recommendations, and she was so good with the children.” Katherine explained.
            “Who recommended her?” Watson asked.
            “Some of Henry’s colleagues.” She said. “Of course we asked questions and checked her references before hiring her.” She looked at the two men, “You think this was her? That she could have done this??” She asked worriedly.
            “I’m not about to rule out the possibility.” Holmes said rolling over the facts in his mind. “I would ask the obvious question of who would try to hurt you by doing this, but your husband’s reputation and religious beliefs only narrows it down to half the country.” He admitted. “Disappearing without a trace indicates that this wasn’t done alone. Traveling with two young boys would be difficult for just one person much less covering tracts.” Holmes picked up a pen and paper and handed it to Katherine, “Write down the names of the ones who recommended her to you. It’ll give us a starting place to begin from.”
            Katherine took the paper and pen and instantly wrote down the four names of the families who had been contacted and gave her such glowing reports. Watson stood looking at Holmes, “They’ve been on the move between four and six hours, who knows where they could be.”
            “There isn’t a moment to lose.” Holmes said taking the paper from, Katherine before taking her hands and helping her to her feet. “We’ll try and find out more, and narrow down the possibilities further of who might have abducted your children. You need to return home and keep a sharp eye and a close ear to anything that may be helpful. Make a list of things that are missing from the boys’ room, and anything out of place and have it sent to me immediately.” He told her escorting her to the door. She nodded taking her hood and covering her head once again.
            “I’ll send word if we find out anything.” She promised. He gave a nod as he opened the door and she hurried outside and down the stairs. He closed the door and looked at Watson.
            “I think we can comment on the Irony later, but we’d better get going if there is any hope of recovering those two children.” He said as both men hurried up the stairs to get dressed and whatever equipment they could carry that they might need.

Grisly Discoveries
            Holmes, Watson and LaStrade all stood over the mangled body in the alleyway. “Well, I think it’s safe to say that the nanny no longer has them.” He said as he crouched down beside the woman and moved the blood matted hair away from her face. “Involved or not, she was a lose end someone tied up.”
            “She must have been the means to get them out of the Blackwood manor, but they didn’t need her services beyond that.” Watson said.
            Holmes checked the pockets in her apron and her coat as well, but found nothing. He picked up her hands looking at her nails, finding them incredibly clean and well groomed. “Certainly looked after herself didn’t she.”
            “Rigamortis hasn’t set in, although the blood has started to congeal.” Watson told him. “Perhaps two or three hours.” He reported.
            “No defensive wounds on her hands, she wasn’t expecting this.” Holmes said. “I would be amazed if she even saw this coming.” He sighed, “Someone who moves with incredible stealth that is just as lethal and deadly as Blackwood and his followers, perhaps just as clever.”
            “Everything’s been documented, recorded and photographed.” Lastrade told them. “Were just waiting for you to show up and have a look. We can move the body to the morgue now.”
            “Don’t bother with that quite yet.” Holmes said. Watson sighed knowing what was coming next. As much as he hated to do it, and bring his work home so to speak, it was the only way they could inspect the body well enough to get a good read on any hidden clues.
            “Take her to my office if you would.” Watson said. It didn’t make a difference to LaStrade one way or the other and he motioned for his men to move her into the back of the wagon so she could be transported.
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Dark Rituals