Sahara Dawn by David F. Berens & John Hopton

Author:David F. Berens & John Hopton [Berens, David F.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tropical Thrillers Press
Published: 2021-02-11T16:00:00+00:00

18 Hall Of Mirrors

A footman guided Haley through a maze of corridors and through three small but highly decorative rooms, most of which did not seem to be in use. The footman said nothing and did not smile. Haley missed the maid.

Eventually, the man reached a door that was trimmed with gold and was so heavy he had to use both hands to open it. Haley gasped when she saw the enormous hall before her. It reminded her of Europe’s great palaces, of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg or Versailles outside of Paris, France. It was glistening with mirrors and gold.

At the far end of the room, she could see a solitary figure In a white military uniform. He was facing away, looking into one of the mirrors. She felt like someone had grabbed hold of her guts and twisted them. Somehow, she just knew it was The Butcher.

The footman placed his hand at the bottom of Haley’s back and gently pushed her across the long room. She was no longer admiring its beauty.

When they approached The Butcher, he still had his back to them.

“Kneel,” the footman instructed. Haley did not think. She didn’t go through the usual process of trying to decide whether to be defiant or submissive, or trying to figure what would be the best course of action. She just did as she was told and was down on one knee before she knew it. There was no movement and no sound. Haley felt her heart beating hard. Very slowly, The Butcher turned.

He was smiling. To Haley, it was a smile that said, I’m going to hurt you and I am looking forward to it. But she had no idea what his intentions were. She dared not let her mind race.

“You are Haley,” he said. It was not a question.

Haley nodded.

“Answer,” the footman demanded.

“Yes, I am Haley.”

“You are very beautiful,” The Butcher told her.

“Thank you,” Haley replied. Reluctantly.

“We call this room the Hall of Mirrors.”

Haley took a look around without taking in any of the details.

“It is where we receive special guests for wondrous events. Balls and banquets. But you are more than a special guest. You belong in a different room.”

Something about The Butcher’s words sent a shiver right through Haley‘s body.

“Come with me,” The Butcher instructed. He held out his hand. Haley did not know if she was expected to take it. When she started walking towards him, he moved away without taking her hand and guided her along the Hall of Mirrors. She was very relieved not to be in physical contact with him.

Through another set of enormous doors, they entered a room that was smaller but no less opulent. At the far end of the room were two thrones, one very large and the other slightly smaller. Both were covered with red velvet and gold leaf.

“This way,” the footman said. The Butcher was already heading for the larger throne. When he reached it, he did not sit down. He waited for Haley to follow him and, with an open-palm he gestured towards the smaller throne.

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