The Templar Detective and the Satanic Whisper by J. Robert Kennedy

Author:J. Robert Kennedy [Kennedy, J. Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Action & Adventure
Publisher: UnderMill Press
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

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Enclos du Temple, Templar Fortress

Paris, Kingdom of France

David stood in front of Sir Matthew’s desk, his heart pounding, his palms sweating. He was a mere squire, and despite having been in the man’s presence before, this was the most senior Templar in the kingdom, and it always made him nervous. Their return home late in the night had been slow but uneventful as he described to everyone else what he had seen in as much detail as possible, so should they need to tell the story to someone else, they could deliver more than generalities.

At the crack of dawn, he and Jeremy had woken and readied themselves to meet with the Templar commander. They arrived at the fortress early and partook of the facilities, bathing themselves and getting fresh uniforms for the meeting rather than arriving just in time with the stink of last night’s efforts still on their person.

Matthew finally looked up from the stack of messages he had been reading. “I take it you completed your reconnaissance mission?”

“Yes, sir,” replied David.

“And was it a success?”

David shifted uncomfortably. “I suppose that’s a matter of perspective, sir. We accomplished our goals, confirming the boy’s story.”

Matthew paused as the implications of David’s words sank in. “So, children are being held prisoner there?”

“Yes, sir. In quite inhumane conditions. I saw entire barns that I believe to be filled with children. Four to a stall, all locked in small boxes. They appeared terrified, and when I asked them who their master was, one of the children replied, ‘Satan is my master, and I pledge my soul to him.’”

Matthew made the sign of the cross then leaned back. “And the estate in question belongs to Lord Archambaud?”

“Yes, sir, if Sir Denys isn’t mistaken.”

“I’m certain he isn’t. Now, you said the guards within the compound were wearing black robes with hoods, as were the two men on horseback who confronted your companions?”

“Yes, sir.”

Matthew held up one of the messages in front of him. “This came this morning from Sir Marcus. He reached our commandery in Montereau late last night and was able to interview one of the messengers that had been refused entry into the town of Montargis. Apparently, those manning a roadblock appeared to be local ruffians, but throughout the area, the messenger saw horsemen wearing robes much as you described. Sir Marcus and Sergeant Simon will be attempting to sneak into the town today to assess the enemy’s numbers.”

David exchanged a worried glance with Jeremy. “Are you saying these two things are related?”

“It would be quite the coincidence if they weren’t, don’t you think?”

“What are we going to do? If Satan is indeed involved, then his influence has spread almost all the way to the capital.”

Matthew regarded him. “Why do you believe the source isn’t Lord Archambaud’s estate?”

“Because of what the boy said. He said he first heard Satan’s voice in a cave near his village where he grew up. Then he was taken on a journey that lasted several days before he was imprisoned at Lord Archambaud’s estate.

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