Chapter 20
Theabbeyrosebeforeus like a wounded sentinel, its silhouette jagged against the night sky where German shells had torn away sections of the ancient stonework.We arrived under cover of perfect darkness, the moon hidden behind thick clouds that promised rain by morning.I stepped from the transport vehicle, my boots crunching on debris that had once been sacred sculptures and stained glass.The air carried the acrid scent of spent gunpowder mixed with the mustier perfume of centuries-old stone, a fitting metaphor for our own existence—the ancient and holy, violated by modern warfare’s brutality.
“Welcome to Saint Mathieu’s Abbey,” Captain Mercer announced without ceremony.“Our forward operating base for the duration.”
My flock gathered around me, their faces pale ovals in the darkness as they surveyed what remained of the structure.One wall of the north transept had been reduced to rubble, exposing the interior to the elements.The bell tower listed precariously to one side, its uppermost section sheared away by artillery.Yet the main chapel still stood, its roof mostly intact despite several gaping holes that revealed the night sky beyond.
“It’s a ruin,” Thomas whispered beside me.
“It’s perfect,” Desiderius countered.“Thick stone walls.Extensive underground chambers.Multiple egress points.And the Germans have already shelled it—they’re unlikely to waste ammunition on a target they believe destroyed.”
I moved toward the chapel entrance, stepping carefully over fallen masonry and shattered wood.The heavy oak doors hung askew on their hinges, as though they’d tried valiantly to protect the sanctuary within but had ultimately failed.Beyond them lay the nave, its stone floor littered with debris, the altar at the far end partially collapsed.Moonlight spilled through a hole in the roof, illuminating a stone crucifix that had somehow remained intact amidst the destruction.
“This will be our sanctuary.”My voice echoed in the cavernous space.I turned to Ruth and Rebecca.“Help me clear the debris from around the altar.”
While they set to work, I opened the wooden box Bishop Harkins had entrusted to me.The gold-lined chalice caught what little light penetrated the gloom, gleaming with promise.I arranged the sacred items carefully on the least damaged portion of the altar.A sanctuary within ruins, hope amidst desolation.
Outside, I could hear Mercer barking orders as military equipment was unloaded from the transport vehicles.
Desiderius appeared in the chapel doorway.“I’ve assessed the underground chambers,” he reported.“The crypt and storage cellars will serve our purpose well.They’re cool, dark, and easily defensible.I’ve assigned Vincent to organize sleeping arrangements.”
I nodded, grateful for his efficiency.“Thank you.”
“The monks who built this place must have been guided by providence.”His gaze traveled over the ancient stonework.“Many of these passageways offer perfect sanctuary.They could not have known they would one day shelter creatures like us.”
A commotion at the abbey entrance interrupted our conversation—voices speaking rapid French, boots on stone, the metallic clatter of equipment.I moved toward the sound, emerging into what had once been the abbey’s courtyard to find a French officer directing several soldiers who carried maps and communication equipment.
“Lieutenant Dupont,” Mercer introduced him.“Our liaison with French Intelligence.”
The lieutenant turned at my approach.He was younger than I expected, perhaps thirty, with a neatly trimmed mustache and intelligent eyes that evaluated me with practiced neutrality.“Mademoiselle Bladewell,” he greeted me, offering a crisp bow.“Captain Mercer has spoken of your...unique abilities.”
“Has he indeed?”I glanced at Mercer, wondering exactly what the captain had revealed about our true nature.
“The French High Command has been briefed on the special nature of your unit,” Dupont continued, his accent thick but his English precise.“They are most interested in your nocturnal capabilities.”
So they knew something of what we were, if not the full truth.I nodded, accepting this partial revelation as necessary under the circumstances.
“I bring intelligence,” Dupont continued, gesturing to the maps his men were now spreading across a makeshift table assembled from fallen beams.“And confirmation that your presence is no longer a complete secret.”
We gathered around the table as Dupont pointed to various locations marked in red.“German communications from these positions mention unusual occurrences during the submarine incident.They speak of shadows that move without sound, of men attacked by forces they could not see.”
“The survivors,” Mercer said, his voice tight with accusation as his gaze flicked to me.“They’ve been talking.”
“Oui,” Dupont confirmed, unaware of the tension beneath Mercer’s words.“The Germans speak of ‘night demons’ operating in Allied waters.They are...disturbed by these reports.”
I noticed Dr.Gallow standing at the edge of our circle, his pen moving rapidly across his ever-present clipboard as he documented this exchange.His spectacles caught the light from a nearby lantern, hiding his eyes behind twin reflections that made his expression unreadable.
“But they do not yet understand what they face,” Dupont continued.“This gives us an advantage we must exploit quickly.My superiors believe we should strike now—while the Germans still whisper about shadows and demons instead of understanding what truly hunts them.”
The meeting continued as Dupont outlined potential targets and tactical considerations.I contributed where appropriate, but found my attention repeatedly drawn to Dr.Gallow, whose note-taking seemed excessive even for his meticulous standards.
Later, as my flock worked to transform the abbey into our operational base, I discovered why.I had descended to the crypts to ensure our daytime resting places would be properly secured when I heard Gallow’s voice emanating from a small side chamber originally used for private devotions.
“The evidence suggests their capabilities exceed our initial estimates, General,” Gallow was saying, his voice carrying the clipped precision of a scientific report.“The Ypres location provides optimal conditions for expanded testing protocols.”
I moved silently closer, vampire hearing allowing me to detect every word despite the heavy wooden door between us.
“Yes, sir.I believe greater operational authority would facilitate more comprehensive data collection.”A pause.“I understand your concerns, but these subjects represent an unprecedented opportunity.”
