1917

Such a beautiful house. It was only five years old and it already had evil. Its appearance was even more foreboding on this foggy night as lightning flashed in the distance warning of the oncoming storm.

Outside across the road hidden amongst the trees a lone figure in a dark hooded robe stood waiting. They were motionless even when the rain began. They watched the house intently waiting.

Inside a bearded man sat in his favorite chair staring into t he fire that was keeping the room warm. The look on his face showed that strange emotions were at play in his mind. Lightning flashed as the wind began to pick up outside. The rusty haired man took no notice of it. He looked up at the clock on the mantel and saw that it was just after three and then realized that it was now dark enough to be called night outside. He slowly stood up and walked to the window and stood deathly still.

His mind was a jumble of questions that he didn’t have answers for. He was very unsure about this night. But he knew that what had to be done, had to be done or his soul was truly lost. He wished that it was already over. He took in a deep breath and it out slowly. Peering into the glass of the window he saw his reflection. Were his eyes a little bloodshot? It must be from being nervous.

Nervous. He was know to have nerves of steel. Or so his followers thought. He stroked his reddish beard as in thought. Tomorrow the beard and most of his hair would be gone. He tried to imagine what he would look like. He could not seem to do it.

An hour passed before the silence was broken, “Sir!” A voice came from behind him.

He turned to his servant, “Yes?”

“Are you sure that you will be able to do the meeting tonight? You do not look well.”

He began to feel calmer, “Thank you for your concern, but I shall be alright.” He paused, “Are my brother and sister here?”

“They are waiting upstairs out of the way as planned.”

The bearded man looked at the clock again and tapped it as if he could make the second hand move faster, “As the guests arrive, put them in the parlor. I don’t need to see them until the set time.”