Rejuvination

[sandmartin]

Helen looked up as Liz walked into the kitchen with Ray in accompaniment. Her eyes took in the sight of the creamy goo running down her belly leaving a slick trail in its wake.
“Finished?” Helen enquired.
Liz nodded her head silently, her gaze averted.
“So soon!” Helen glanced at Ray and back again. “What about Ray?”
She shook her head, taking a small side step away from the big man.
“Blow job Ray?” Helen cocked her eyebrow at him and he smiled briefly. “Yes I think Ray needs a blow job – carry on.”

Liz chocked back a sob as she half turned toward him. Ray stood nonchalantly, making no effort to move or undress himself. She glanced nervously at Helen, hoping she would instruct further. Helen started to drum her fingers on the table impatiently and Liz knelt of the floor before Ray, giving way to the intimidating drum.

Her hands shook unsteadily as she reached for the front of his trousers and undid them. With a little tug, his trousers slipped down his legs to glide to the floor at his ankles. Helen could see him straining against the front of his underwear and watched as Liz carefully uncovered him. His cock leapt forward to hang in the air, pointing directly at her. Liz dragged his underwear down to his ankles and then sat up, her finger tips reaching up to hold him as she leaned forward and opened her mouth, closing it about him.

Helen got up and left. Leaving the red faced young woman to attend Ray who had now clamped his shovel-like hands around her head to guide the pace. She went upstairs, taking a key from her pocket she unlocked the door to the room where Richie was held.

He lay on the bed, arms behind his head, one leg crossed over the raised knee of his other leg and every bit as bored as he looked. He swung his feet off the bed and sat up as Helen entered his room. Helen noticed how he closed his thighs together, he was still naked and hadn’t got use to the idea of going without clothes.
“Stand up Richie.” Helen said, crossing the room to sit on his bed.
“Why?”
“Don’t be so rude – because I said so.”

Richie got up off the bed reluctantly. Feigning casualness, he joined his hands together in front of himself, shielding his shaven nether regions from her gaze.
“Take your hands away.”
“Why?” He said again with an edge of insolence creeping into his tone.
“I want to look at you – are you ashamed of yourself?”
“No!”
“Then let me see.”

He dropped his hands with a sigh, glancing away from her. Helen’s hand brushed past his limp cock to gently cup his smooth balls.
“When was the last time you were with a woman?”
“You – the other night.” Richie shifted awkwardly.
“I don’t mean then, I mean properly?”
“Don’t know – can’t remember.”
“What – a big strapping young chap like yourself. I should have thought you were pretty popular with the ladies.”
“Not really.” He replied, feeling himself begin to stir down below and wondering where this was heading.
“Why’s that?”
“Most of ‘em think they are too good for the likes of me.”
“Is that right.” Helen waited for an answer, her gaze fixed on his stiffening rod. When he didn’t respond, she continued… “If I sent Liz up here would that make you happy?”

She could tell by the way his cock hardened up that it would indeed make him very happy.
“S’pose so.”
“But I don’t want you to be nice to her.” She spoke quietly, yet there was force behind her words. “I want you to be rough with her, very rough! If you’re nice to her then I won’t send her again and Ray can have her.”
He looked down at her, not certain he understood properly. “You want me to rape her?”
“Oh I want you to do much more than that. I want you to do everything you had ever dreamed of doing to a woman. I want her to walk out of this room terrified of having to come back in here.”
“So she’ll learn to do as she’s told?” He was beginning to comprehend exactly what Helen wanted. “But if I do that, then she’ll always be good and won’t have to come back.”

He was gaining confidence, Helen thought. “Ahh but she will, and regularly. I just want her to know what will happen if she misbehaves again. Can you do that?”
“Yeah!” He nodded. “I think so.”
“No – don’t think. I’m depending on you. The moment she walks through that door you’ve got to shout at her and get nasty.”
“How nasty.”
“As nasty as you like, just don’t maim her.” Helen let go of him and stood up. “Shall I fetch her for you?”
“Okay.”

Helen unlocked the door and let herself out, locking the door behind her again before she returned downstairs. Liz and Ray were still in the kitchen, Ray was busy preparing lunch, Liz was washing up at the sink.
“Come with me young lady.” Helen said harshly. “It’s time for you to learn your lesson”

Liz looked at her frightened. She dried her hands quickly and walked after Liz, following her upstairs. She watched Helen nervously as she went through the ritual of unlocking the door. Helen stood to one side, holding the door open and jerking her head toward the room. Liz took a step forward and then froze as a voice yelled at her.
“Get yourself in here bitch, and take those hands away from your precious little pussy.”

Liz’s eyes widened, taking in the sight of the naked youth waiting for her. Helen gave her a little push and closed the door behind her, locking it. She stood listening at the door.
“Bend over… go on…”
Slap! There was a squeal, followed by another slap and another screech.{i]
“Right over I want to see your pussy… That’s better. Now spread y’legs…”[/i]
Slap!
“Wider you whore – what are you?”
“A whore!”
“Now hold your ass cheeks open and tell me where you want me to fuck you?”
“What – Owww.”
“In the ass or up your pussy?”
“In my pussy!”
“Beg then…”

Helen walked away. He was doing fine. She went back down stairs and told Ray that she didn’t think Liz would be any trouble in future. Two hours later she went and released Liz. She practically ran out of the room, her body littered with bruises, even a set of teeth marks on her breast. Helen let her shower, but not dress. She took her back downstairs and surrendered her into Ray’s company to help in the kitchen.

The next day Theo shared his plans with her. He waved the crude looking teabag at her, telling her it would be their first chance to see if there really was anything to this witchcraft. That evening Helen attended the ritual, she watched for the most part without taking an active role, and was content to do so. Theo was the master here, the expert, it was more his domain after spending years of study.

When the demon appeared it scared her half to death. He – it, well she supposed it must be a he, was not a tangible thing in the real sense, yet neither was it some kind of misty substance. It looked oddly transparent without being so, like it was difficult to define. But it must have had substances because when it entered Liz it was a very real scream of pain, and not surprising really given the size of the monster.

Afterwards Theo presented her with a scroll. In a dream like state she rolled onto her hands and knees to sign the scroll with her own blood, resting the scroll on the ground as she scribbled her mark. Theo whispered in her ear. Helen muttered something intangible, settling her weight down on her elbows. It wasn’t quite right, the angle not correct. Liz dipped her back, lifting her haunches to present her mare-like rump higher in invitation.

Theo nodded to Richie, and told him to take her in the pussy. What happened next spooked all of them. Richie licked his lips in anticipation, eyeing the spectacle Liz presented as he stroked his hardened member. He approached her from behind and knealt down behind her, his hands gripping waist as he he prepared to mount her. Lining himself up, he suddenly thrust his hips forward intending to bury himself deep into her and in so doing, suddenly let out a blood curling scream of agony, hastily pulling himself free to fall back on the ground kicking his legs wildly as he clutched his groin making the most horrible noise.

For several heartbeats nothing happened. It was if everyone were frozen, caught in a time trap. Liz lay hunched up on the floor, her backside pointing high in the air, a stupid lost smile fixed to her face as Richie curled squealing on the ground behind her. Helen suddenly propelled into action, moving quickly to Richie. She called to Ray, telling him to hold the younger man still. Theo approached Liz warily.

It was quite a struggle as Ray pinned Richie to the ground so Helen could prise his hands away from his groin. She stared in disbelief at the sight that greeted her. A shrivelled blackened piece of gristle was all that remained of his cock. She looked aghast, her face pale as she turned back to look at Liz’s openly displayed buttocks. Everything looked perfectly normal as far as she could tell with the young woman, apart from a small trickle of blood seeping out of her widely splayed vagina, mixed with whatever demonic semen the monster had injected into her. Richie’s appendage testified to the contrary.
“Take him inside.” Helen told Ray, getting up to join Theo.

Theo was talking calmly to Liz. She looked like she was way out of it, kind of spaced out, like she didn’t know he was there.
“His cock has been frozen right off!” Helen blurted out as she crouched down beside her husband. “Did you know that would happen?”
Theo nodded his head solemnly
“Do we kill her now?”
Theo shook his head again. “She has not recovered yet. When she’s more coherent we can put her out of her misery.”
“I suppose we should do the same with Richie. He’s not much use now is he?”
“We’ll do the two of them together – you kill Richie and I’ll kill her.” He nodded to Liz before glancing at his watch. “The witching hour is at midnight, that gives her a couple of hours to come to her senses – do you think you can do it?”
Helen thought for a moment. “I want him drunk, so he doesn’t suffer too much.”

Theo nodded his head in understanding, then turned back to Liz and pulled her up to her feet. He led her in a zombie like state back to the house.

 

[chris2c4u]

Theo tried to concentrate; he manouvered Liz into the house, sat her in the kitchen. He watched her eyes, knowing that as a scholar of the black arts he should be more fascinated than he was.

A demon had appeared; he had done that. He couldn't quite remember the details. Why not? He rubbed his temples. Liz's eyes kept alternating; human and something reptilean. Surely that was worth noting.

Slowly, he realised that he was waiting for just one thing. The chance to kill her. Blood lust. Murder. It was washing over him, swallowing his soul, eroding the dregs of his humanity.

Along side it his intellect was impaired. He was changing already; but into what?

He went to check on Richie. They had found some cooling anaesthetic spray but it hardly dented his agony. Understandable, he thought as he caught sight of what remained of his cock. He was guzzling brandy, begging for a doctor.

Theo's lip curled and he offered this parody of a smile to his wife. She would doctor him soon, he thought. He tried not to laugh in Richie's contorted face.

Liz began to gasp, to clutch her pussy as if feeling the remnants of the icy cold the demon ejaculated into her. As Theo looked into her eyes he began to see the shrivelled remains of her frightened humanity start to resume control. He bent close.

"What was it like?" He whispered. "Possession. Soon you will be his forever. You'll feel that freezing cock every day I should think. I hope you please him."

Her eyes hardly changed but he knew somewhere in her head she had heard his prophesy.

As the time past she began to retch and then to recover her voice, asking what had happened. Theo had sought out the knife he wanted by then and instructed Ray to take her outside to the barn, to tie her to a post. Stil weak she was half dragged outside.

Theo went to Helen as she sat with Richie. "get Ray to help you. You want him outside also?"

She nodded and he left her to go to the barn where Liz was slumped, her hands and feet roped to the post. A couple of lights illuminated the scene. He lifted up her chin. The demon had almost left her; she was pale, frightened and nearly human.

He smiled. "I'm going to send you to hell," he said simply.

Behind them, Richie's groans could be heard as he was brought in. He reeked of brandy. Suddenly, on seeing Richie, Liz gave a growl; her eyes glowed a luminous green and a smile revealed a mouth full of incisors before she slumped forward, gasping. It was as if she had known what she had done - what her possessor had done.

Theo went to her and pulled her head up by her hair. "Please," she croaked. A helpless look.

The blade opened her carotid artery; blood shot high, splattering all of them. Her body twitched against the beam that held her, her mouth opening and closing for a few moments.. A final surge of blood left her neck to fall with a steady dripping to the floor, until she slumped, lifeless, held by the ropes to the post. A cold wind swirled around her, spiralling up. A scream seemed to follow it high, high into the rafters.

 

[sandmartin]

Helen could be a hard faced cow, no doubt about it, but the sight of the knife, the blood, and there was some much of it, jetting everywhere – over her – drenching her. She found the whole experience traumatic and repugnant. She steeled herself, taking the sticky handle of the knife off Theo with a shaky hand and turned to face Richie who was similarly bound to Liz.

He was drunk, almost completely incoherent and that was a blessing as she approached him. His head lolled to one side listlessly. There should be nothing to it, it should be easy. She followed Theo’s example, grasping his hair and pulling his head back to expose his throat. He groaned, his eyes flicked open and met hers. Recognition, but it was more than mere identification of Helen, she saw in his eyes the recognition of his fate. He tensed and Helen didn’t wait fearing that she would baulk from the task at hand.

The blade moved across his throat, but it wasn’t enough, barely splitting the skin. Richie howled a beseeching. Helen pressed the knife deeper, her small fist trembling with the effort, and drew the evil looking blade across his throat, his cry drowning in the blood, a great fountain of which burst forth, erupting directly into Helen’s face.

Helen turned away, avoiding the fountain of hot blood, her own face a picture of shock mixed with horror, an expression which her husband and Ray might have witnessed had it not been for the red blood covering her face.

As Richie’s life force ebbed and faded they once again witnessed the strange phenomenon of the ice wind swirling around Richie, but there was no scream, it seemed to be a horrible macabre laughter that reverberated through the air. Helen shuddered, dropping the knife she turned to the door and left, anxious to get out of the blood soaked clothes and into a shower.

Two hours later, fortified with a stiff brandy, she sat in the kitchen with Theo. Ray was outside still cleaning the mess up and by all accounts he was likely to be there for some time.
“You made a good choice with Ray.” Theo complimented her.
“I know, he’s proved very valuable. When this is done, he’s not to be harmed. I think he should either join us and enjoy immortality, or we should pay him off very handsomely.”
“A pay-off might be risky.”
“So he joins us – if that’s his wish. If not, we set him up for life, I’ll think of something, but he is not to come to any harm, we owe him that much.”
Theo nodded his head thoughtfully.
“I was going to return to London tomorrow, but not now, I think I’ll sleep half the day a way. Besides I expect Ray will be sleeping most of the day by the time he’s finished.”
“Will you bring her here?”
“Claire – yes, of course. I need to spend some time with her, gain her confidence before inviting her on a little holiday. You will keep the door to your study locked when she’s here won’t you?”
“Yes dear.” Theo yawned, he was tired despite the evenings excitement. Tomorrow he would analysis precisely what had transpired this night. He got up, “I’m going to bed.”
Helen nodded. “I’ll take Ray a cup of tea and make sure he’s all right.”

 

[chris2c4u]

Theo's sleep was dreamless; peaceful even. When he awoke he lay still, reflecting on what should give any ordinary man nightmares. The things he had seen - more, the things he had done.

There was no remorse. It had to be done; the more important end was the thing. He had served his master well, getting Liz to sign; now he was getting his reward. Peace. Soon - rejuvination and then? He would see.

He rose from his empty bed; at some point in the night Helen had left him for Ray's charms. As he prepared for the day he began to wonder more about the demon he had called.

His study held information on the spell that Almann had given him; eventually he could have put it together himself. He busied himself in his study. His mind had cleared and quite quickly he saw the type of demon that had been brought forth, found traces of the spell.

On he went from there, via the internet, to slowly see the history of this demon. A sevant of a higher power; something that had been searching now for many centuries for - what?

He came to a frustrating halt, saving his workbefore joining the others in the kitchen.

"Hello dear," Helen said, waving a kiss briefly near his cheek.

"Mr. Almann called. He wondered if you could accompany us back to town - he says that he would like to see you."

Theo poured coffee. Curiouser and curiouser.

"I'll keep out of your way," he said eventually. "With Claire. I'll take the other car and come back here when I've met him. While I don't want you to have to hurry things along, we do need to get her back here. There will be some rites we need to perform prior to her sacrifice."

Helen nodded. "She'll be here in plenty of time." They both smiled; cold, greedy smiles.

Helen assured him all would be well.

 

[sandmartin]

Helen lay wide awake in bed beside Ray. It was unusual for her to remain with him after their love making, but she was distracted and if she were honest with herself she would admit to being afraid. Theo had changed somehow, and that made her nervous. Theo, the man she had married, would never hurt a fly. Today that same man had murdered two people, not only had he murdered them, but had appeared to actually enjoy it and that was the part that Helen found hard to accept.

Sacrificing someone was a means to an end and that, no matter how distasteful or morally unacceptable was nonetheless acceptable. Killing someone who might get in the way of that or jeopardise that ultimate goal was also an acceptable risk, but there was killing and there was killing, and Helen thought that Theo was becoming obsessed with some kind of blood lust that was changing him.

Ray stirred beside her, she kissed him on the cheek and watched him climb from the bed enjoying the sight of his nudity as he paddled across the room. She waited until he had departed before getting out of bed herself and going to shower and dress.

Going downstairs she noticed the light on in Theo’s study and knew that he was up, pouring over his ancient manuscripts and doing whatever it was that he did. The phone rang, she answered the call from Mr Almann and chatted briefly on the phone, telling him what had transpired the previous night, including the details of Richie’s maiming.

When Theo joined them for breakfast Helen told him of Mr Almann’s request to see him. Theo elected to drive to London on his own and return back to the farmhouse rather than meet Claire at the house in London. On the journey south Helen started to wonder about the significance and importance of the meeting between Theo and Mr Almann. Why had she not been invited to attend such a meeting, after all they were supposed to be partners?

She continued to mull over the dilemma throughout the journey to no obvious conclusion. When she arrived at the house Claire was there to greet them, proudly announcing that she had prepared them a meal. Claire was obviously proud of her efforts and Helen’s praise was not ungenerous. After lunch she took Claire on the promised shopping trip.

For the first time she got to see Claire in her underwear as she changed into the various outfits Helen suggested. Claire at first was extremely shy and prudish even in the company of Helen, another woman. Helen had to admit Claire was a little small in the bust size, she had slim boyish hips, but a firm tummy and a delightfully pert little bottom that remaindered her of two tear drops in shape. She took all these into account in selecting the cut of the outfits she recommended to Claire.

By the end of the afternoon Helen was worn out from their visits to a number of shops. Claire looked absolutely radiant her new outfit, and as pleased as punch. The following evening, Helen promised, they would visit the theatre and take in one of the many shows London had to offer.

Helen was sitting quietly in the lounge that evening when Ray appeared to announce the arrival of a visitor, a vicar Ray suggested from the gentleman’s attire. Helen stood up, checking herself in the mirror before nodding to Ray that he should show the gentleman in.
“Good evening Mrs Southey, please forgive me for calling on you at such a late hour.”
“Good evening Father…?”
“Oh Father will do.” He smiled disarmingly.

Helen offered him a seat and a drink. He accepted both invitations and chatted sociably until Ray had served them and departed. His mood became very sober and whilst not unfriendly, quite dark. He told her he knew of Mr Almann and his activities and that Mr Almann had recruited both Helen and Theo to his cause, that they knew about Claire and suspected the reason for her being befriended. Helen was startled by the man’s apparent knowledge despite trying to disguise her surprise it was plainly obvious to them both that Helen knew exactly what he was talking about. She remained silent throughout, neither agreeing nor disputing anything that he said. When he finished, he folded his hands in his lap and looked at her waiting.
“Excuse me Father, but which Church did you say you were from?”
“I am a member of an ancient order, a most secret branch of the church, preceding the Knights Templar who, shall we say, were our military guardians.”
“I see, The Knights Templar you say…” Helen made a mental note to look up the Knights Templar. “Now Mr… I mean Father, I have listened to all that you have told me, might I ask what it is precisely that you want of me?”

They talked for another couple of hours before Helen finally agreed to meet with another member of their organisation. Eventually Helen summoned Ray to show the Father out as she sat digesting all that he had told her. He had convinced her that her soul was a very real entity, indeed the events she had witnessed two nights previous when both Liz and Richie had been killed were more than enough evidence to convince her that there was something left after the body had died. Combine that with the fact that Almann had convinced her to sign away her soul, a soul she had never believed existed.

Almann had tricked her, she was certain of it. Even at the time of signing she had suspected all was not as it seemed – hadn’t she raised the very question at the time of signing to Almann himself, Why would you ask for something that you can never have? What had she done, what had they both done – to what unearthly fate had Theo and herself signed away their souls?

 

[chris2c4u]

"Theo, good to see you again. Come in, come in." Almann glanced both ways in the street after Theo walked into the shop before he came in and locked the door securely.

"So, your recalcitrant woman was successfully dealt with?"

Theo smiled. "Most pleasingly, yes. She now serves her new masters well I imagine."

Almann smiled. "You have done well. Soon, you will obtain the reward you have worked for all this time. Your virgin's preparation is going well?"

Theo explained how Helen had been working on her and that they were about to begin the preliminary rituals soon.

Almann nodded, asking Theo, "do you - trust Helen?"

Theo shrugged, fingering an old manuscript on the table in the back room of the shop. "I believe she has a great need for youth. It drives her. She was able to kill also; I think she will help with Claire. Why? Do you know something I don't?"

Almann shrugged. "Not as such. Her focus simply on rejuvination may well be enough to drive her on. However, as you well know, there are forces that work against us in our search. Those who would not have us take what is rightfully ours - regular blood for our continual recovery."

Theo nodded then realised, "do you mean there are some nearby?"

"It is possible, yes. We must be assured that our project is secure. I, for one, am not prepared to let go of my grip on life after 500 years." He smiled and they both laughed.

"However, it is particularly important that you - and Helen - manage to go through the ceremony."

Theo glanced his way.

"With your knowledge of the manuscripts, you will help in the search for still more ancient, still more powerful magic. Helen too, as a young woman would be helpful in - persuading - gentlemen to tell secrets. We could be on the brink of great discoveries. Come."

Almann led Theo further into the house. He unlocked a safe, put on surgical gloves to protect the document from his sweat and extracted papyrii. He placed them on a table.

Theo was trembling; he could hardly get his gloves on.

"Where did you get this?" He whispered, placing a magnifying lens over the document.

"The court of Rudolph II of Prague. When I was a lad. It was one of my tasks after I signed."

Theo looked at the drawings, the Aramaic, the Greek letters.

He looked over at Cornelius, his eyes wide.

"It caused - quite a stink when it disappeared from his library."

Theo glanced back; he could only guess at the meaning of a few sentences, he longed for more time to study it.

"This - and others like it that I have accumulated over the centuries - will all be yours to study, after rejuvination. You will also be able to go, to discover more." Almann stood close to Theo.

He whispered, "we could know so much. You would like that wouldn't you Theo?"

Staring at the document, Theo nodded.

"Then make sure that nothing jeopardises our project. Those who would stop us will try to take these precious things from us."

"No!" Theo snarled.

Almann patted him on the back. "They are safe; protected by a spell of telekinesis. Should they gain access here they will be spirited away to a safe place for the search to continue at some future date. But we must make sure that doesn't happen. That you get your chance at rejuvination. Do you agree?"

Theo nodded. "I'll do everything I can. Claire will be on her way back. I will begin the preparations immediately."

 

[sandmartin]

Helen didn’t sleep well that night, too many thoughts chased around her mind in endless circles. She wanted rejuvenation, she wanted it so desperately, but at what cost? She certainly was not use to being a pawn in a larger game. She was use to having her own way, to others serving her, not falling into the service of another.

The father had asked her if she had signed away her soul, or been asked to sign anything in her own blood. Helen had neither denied nor confirmed his question. He had told her that they could save her soul if she had; and if she hadn’t yet done so, she would be asked. She faced a stark choice. Either she continued with her planned Rite of Rejuvenation, when – if – it ever came to pass, or she turned Judas, saved her soul and died of old age. Not much of a choice all things considered, but that was precisely her problem.

Almann and Theo were conspiring against her, she was sure of it. She was the one running around taking all the risks, kidnapping Liz, preparing to take sweet little innocent Claire to her death so Theo could benefit, while Theo and Almann were holding meetings that she was not invited to – had she not all ready become their lackey? And what if they decided to exclude her from the Rite of Rejuvenation altogether?

It was with these doubts and questions whirling around her head that Helen finally succumbed to sleep. The following morning she slept in late and even when she did eventually rise, her eyes were heavy and dark with lack of sleep. Claire had gone to her day’s lectures. Thinking her unwell, Ray fussed around her, tending to her needs with extra vigilance.

It was with the clouds of the previous nights dilemmas still hanging over her mind that Helen sat Ray down and told him everything. She poured her heart out, confiding in him everything, all her woes and concerns. Helen told him everything she wanted to tell Theo but no longer felt sure she could trust him. Ray sat impassively, as was his way. He said nothing in either judgement or advice. When she had finished and looked to him with expectancy, he simply told her that he would follow her to the ends of the world whatever decision she made, and he would do all that he could to protect her from whoever and whatever, even if it would cost him his life.

They made love later, with the curtains closed, naturally. And Helen prepared to take Claire to the theatre and readied herself to extend the invitation to take Claire north to the farmhouse. Claire arrived home full of excitement at the prospect of going to the theatre and it was over dinner that Helen broached the subject of a holiday for Claire.

 

[chris2c4u]

Theo strode out onto the hills that surrounded the farmhouse. The day was bright, crisp, good for walking. He felt alive, breathing the cool air as he explored the undergrowth carefully, patiently.

He was exhilarated with the thought that he would be able to study the manuscripts Almann had collected, perhaps be of value in the search for what mysteries they contained. He was sure, once he had undergone the ceremony, he would share more with Cornelius about the groups who opposed them to.

Reflecting on it he wasn't too surprised there would be such people. Almann did seem a little worried. He had to remember to tell Helen about them but not to worry her; he was still concerned that she was unpredictable. The sooner they could get on the better. And now, time was short.

"Ahh!" he smiled as he spied in a tuft of grass one of the things he was looking for. Fly agaric, its red and white cap bright in the sun. He picked the mushroom and carefully packed it away.

After a couple more hours he also found liberty cap. He chortled as he stowed them. Perfect; they would make Claire very pliant, suggestible, when she comsumed them in the hours before her death. He too would take some; they would help him believe in the fangs that he needed to suck her blood from her dying body.

On returning to the house he busied himself drying the fungi he had collected, reading about what he had to do after the ceremony as his body changed.

He then went happily to prepare the guest room for Claire's - brief - visit.

 

[sandmartin]

The visit to the theatre was perfect, and Claire looked absolutely radiant in her new dress. The transformation was quite amazing. A modestly cut neckline preserved her sense of dignity whilst giving a hint of her hidden cleavage. The trim, tight waist allowed for the maximum flare of her slim hips to exaggerate her figure and a simple shawl was all that was needed to finish the picture.

After the show had finished Ray drove them straight up north without stopping by the house to change. The drive was tedious, but Helen was anxious to get back and learn what Theo had been up to at his meeting with Almann. Besides, in her new outfit, Claire was a picture of young, vibrant innocence and Helen wanted to present Claire to Theo in such a manner.

Ray kept a look out in his mirror for any possibility that they might being followed, but as the hour drew late and few cars were on the road, he was satisfied that their journey passed without a tail. They arrived shortly after one in the morning and Helen was pleased to note from the lights that Theo was still up to greet their guest.

 

[chris2c4u]

The sound of the car on the drive woke Theo with a start. He had
dozed, the book on Hermes Trismagistus slipping to the floor.

There was a sound of laughter and Helen led the way.
"Theo, this is Claire." Smiling, he shook hands with the young lady who, it seemed had just woken herself from the long drive.

"I've heard a lot about you from my wife. I'm glad you both have hit it off so well. It will be a great pleasure to have you here."

Claire murmured her thanks and apologised for being sleepy and Helen showed her to her room.

On her return Theo smiled. "You've certainly spruced her up a
little," he said lasciviously. "A pity she's got a higher purpose, I
wouldn't mind taking her virginity."

Helen gave a wan smile. theo poured her a nightcap. "Something
wrong?" he was very aware of his conversation with Almann.

He handed her a glass. "We're close now Helen. You've come this far - you've kidnapped and murdered, you know the powers were dealing with. Don't let slip your chance to be young again."

He eyed her carefully as they talked and then explained that he had to see Almann again and that he might come for the ceremony itself.

"There are still a couple of things I need from him for the correct
procedure."

He made small talk as they prepared for bed, telling her of his walk in the fields around the house, describing the beautiful day, as if they were a normal retired couple. He wondered - did she wish they were?

 

[sandmartin]

“Theo?” Helen said pointedly. “What did you have to see Almann about and why did that meeting exclude me?”
He looked at her, startled for a moment by her forth right manner. He chuckled disarmingly, “You weren’t excluded Helen, you were seeing to Claire and preparing to bring her here!”
“But I wasn’t invited either was I Theo – am I invited to your next meeting with Mr Almann?”
“What about Claire, we can’t leave her on her own…”
“So I’m not invited – what’s going on Theo? Upstairs, sleeping, lies the female sacrifice for your own rite of passage. Where, might I ask is her male equivalent for my own rite? Does he exist anywhere in the overall scheme of things, or is he merely a figment of imagination while you conveniently use me to provide you with a means to complete your own rite that ultimately leaves me high and dry, a fall guy perhaps?”

Helen paused to control her anger, before continuing in a more measured tone. “What are the two of you discussing that is so secret that you can’t even share it with me. Am I not a full partner to this exclusive little club of yours – or is it that I am some pawn in a bigger game? Answer me all of these points Theo, answer me honestly, and then tell me about The Knight’s Templar Theo?”

That shook him. She saw his eyes flash quickly with fear at the mention of the ancient order. “What do you want to know about The Knight’s Templar for?”
“Answer my questions straight Theo and then I’ll tell you.”

 

[chris2c4u]

"Theo?" Helen said pointedly. "What did you have to see Almann about and why did that meeting exclude me?"

He looked at her, startled for a moment by her forth right manner. He chuckled disarmingly, "You weren't excluded Helen, you were seeing to Claire and preparing to bring her here!" She was tense, needing to speak. Theo sensed she was troubled.

"But I wasn't invited either was I Theo? am I invited to your next meeting with Mr Almann?"

Theo was unnerved; he tried to stay calm. "What about Claire, we can't leave her on her own?"

"So I'm not invited? what's going on Theo? Upstairs, sleeping, lies the female sacrifice for your own rite of passage. Where, might I ask is her male equivalent for my own rite? Does he exist anywhere in the overall scheme of things, or is he merely a figment of imagination while you conveniently use me to provide you with a means to complete your own rite that ultimately leaves me high and dry, a fall guy perhaps?"

"Of course not," Theo realised her worry, saw their mutual mistrust bubbling up - but what would she do about it? Surely she couldn't walk away from it now. Even if she tried, he thought - they couldn't let her. Times were dangerous enough; even Almann was worried. Theo wanted - needed - craved - the study of the documents. She wouldn't stop him.

Helen paused to control her anger, before continuing in a more measured tone. "What are the two of you discussing that is so secret that you can't even share it with me? Am I not a full partner to this exclusive little club of yours? Or is it that I am some pawn in a bigger game? Answer me all of these points Theo, answer me honestly, and then tell me about The Knight's Templar Theo?"

Theo was visibly shaken. He tried to control himself.

He gave a smile then turned away, trying to collect his thoughts. He went to the drinks cabinet, feeling more in control he turned and raised his eyes to hers in a question. She said a brandy. He took the same and sat with her on the sofa.

He explained that Almann had wanted to go over some things about the ceremony. "Without his help it would never have worked. There were things that were needed that he has explained now. He has offered to help. Whatever happens I have to see him again to get the shavings of the philosopher's stone for the ceremony. There's no secret, you're not excluded. And you will get your sacrifice. It's just - what's the point of us doing it together when it could go - dangerously - wrong."

He took her hand in what he hoped was a reassuring gesture and then explained about the documents. "I know you've never shared my passion for those. But what he showed me -" his eyes lit up and he was about to go on but then he remembered.

"What do you want to know about The Knight's Templar for?"

"Answer my questions straight Theo and then I'll tell you."

He shrugged. "That's all there is about Almann." He looked at her and took a drink of the Armangac.

"The Knights. An ancient order of fighters for God. Very much opposed to what we do." He laughed. "They would be, of course. Still around, still a threat. Helen. It's very important. Why did you ask about them?"

 

[sandmartin]

Helen looked at him sideways. How much did she tell him, how honest had he been with her? Taking a deep breath, she said. “From what little I know Theo, the Knights Templar are widely believed to be associated with Mason’s, you know, The Mason’s, Masonic Lodge’s and all that. The Knight’s Templar were also the guardian’s to a secret, a secret so profound that Rome tried to have them wiped out back in the middle ages I think. Many believe the secret to which they were the custodians was nothing less than the Holy Grail itself!
“Now everyone knows that the Mason’s are an openly secret society today. Historians believe that Rome was unsuccessful in wiping The Knights Templar out, and that the Knights themselves were the strong arm of another secret group, a religious order, whose power and influence is far greater than many believed that of the Mason’s was at their height.”

She looked at him hard, calculating her next words. “I believe that The Knights Templar, and whoever it is that they protect, or runs them, are alive and very active today…” Theo opened his mouth to speak, but Helen waved her hand to hush him. “I also believe Theo, that these are the people that we are going up against. Almann may think he is all knowing and powerful, and I don’t doubt that he is powerful Theo, but we are talking about an organisation far more powerful, whose roots stretch back to, and maybe beyond for all I know, the birth of Christ.”

 

[chris2c4u]

"Almann may think he is all knowing and powerful, and I don't doubt that he is powerful Theo, but we are talking about an organisation far more powerful, whose roots stretch back to, and maybe beyond for all I know, the birth of Christ."

Theo looked at his wife. "What are you saying?"

She shook her head. "I don't know - it's confusing - are they stronger than us? Than Almann? After what they said.."

"What they said?" Theo blurted out, "you mean you've spoken to them?"

She hadn't meant to give so much away but now she suddenly unburdened herself of her experiences, especially the visit from the mysterious cleric.

Theo was pacing by the time she had finished, his hands running through his thinning hair nervously. "Well what exactly did you say? Were you convinced by them?" He went to the window and looked out on the blackness as if he expected to see figures closing in on the house.

"Nothing, I didn't say anything. Look." She took a deep breath. "I want to go on with this. I..I want to be young again. I want to live."

He looked at her and sighed before going over and embracing her. The sudden closeness took them both by surprise. "We're doing this for ourselves. Once we have done this we get a new lease of life." He looked at her. "We'll be all right."

She nodded and gave a slight smile.

****

Almann was quiet for many minutes after Theo told him what Helen had said. They stood in the bookshop; on the table in front of them was a small wooden box containing shavings from the philosopher's stone. A parchment with the correct incantation. A rough lump of chalk for the pentangle.

"All of this may now be at risk Theo, you know that don't you? What if she has turned against us?"

"I still believe her. I've known her a long time. I know she wants this ceremony for herself."

Almann studied Theo. "You may believe her but the Templars have tricks. If they have got to her - and they have been close enough - she could well be working for them." He sighed. "It is best to take no risks. She should be eliminated."

Theo swallowed. "Eliminated? You mean?"

It's easy enough to do. I can do it for you. Or a demon would no doubt enjoy the job."

Theo shook his head. "No. No leave it to me. I mean. I don't know."

"You must be sure. If the Templars find you during the ceremony or in the day after when you are rejuvinating, you will be slain."

Theo nodded. Almann paused in thought.

"It isn't safe for me to come to the ceremony," he said bluntly. "Even if you dispose of Helen they may well be waiting and watching. You would be advised not to undertake the ceremony at your house. Go outside. Make sure that you can be brought to a safe place quickly afterwards as you start to change. It is up to you what you decide."

Theo nodded, fearful, thoughtful but determined.

 

[sandmartin]

Helen remained at the farmhouse while Theo travelled to meet with Almann. She felt constantly on edge, wondering what Theo would tell Almann, and what Almann’s response would be. She spoke with Ray, softly, trying to disguise the very real concern she felt. Ray watched her quietly, taking in the tenseness of her demeanour.

When Helen took Claire into town shopping, Ray kept a watchful eye as he drove, and then again as he followed them faithfully. His eyes alert, missing nothing. The afternoon passed without incident and Helen retired to her room, making her excuses that the long journey from London the night before had taken its toll.

She waited alone, only stirring at the sound of Theo’s car heading up the drive. She stood in her darkened room, watching the car. Ray appeared outside to meet whoever might be arriving. When Theo stopped the car, she watched, noting with approval, that Ray discreetly checked the car once her husband had disappeared indoors. She finally moved to go down and meet him, to hear his news.

 

[chris2c4u]

Theo went into the house where Helen was waiting.

"Eliminated."

Almann's words surfaced and he closed his eyes for a moment. No; she wouldn't be killed. Instead, he went with his instincts. He had to trust her.

He explained that Almann wasn't going to come to the ceremony but that now he had everything that was needed. He also explained that Almann had suggested that they don't do it at their house.

"I have an idea. The hills above here - there's a site - a stone circle. You could feel the energy there - feel the ancient sacrifices that were offered there. I noticed it in my walk the other day. There's a track that we can take a car most of the way. With the stuff I'm going to give Claire to drink she won't object. Afterwards you have to get me back here or if it's not safe somewhere to stay for a day until the rejuvination has worked. I'm relying on you Helen." He looked into her eyes, still a lingering doubt about how much he should trust her.

With a deep breath he went over what was going to happen. They worked out how Claire was to be tied and coldly, calculatingly, they plotted her death.

 

[sandmartin]

Helen considered everything Theo had told her and knew instinctively that he wasn’t telling her everything. She had known Theo far too long not to notice when he was hiding something from her, and Theo was hiding something, but what – that was the crucial question. She suspected Almann was behind it, which might explain why he was not attending the ceremony. Theo needed her to help him after the ceremony and if Almann wasn’t going to be present, Theo really did need her help. She stayed her tongue. Theo appeared to be troubled and obviously had a lot on his mind, now was not the time to start questioning him.

Two nights later, Helen helped Claire to dress, telling her that they were going out for the evening. She wore a long shimmering gown of white, most suiting a virginal bride Helen thought. They went downstairs, Claire was full of excitement at the prospect of attending a theatre again and quickly drank the glass of wine Ray served to them. Helen watched her eyes glaze over before she passed out. Ray gathered her in his strong arms and carried her out to the car.

Time was ticking against them, they had to hurry before the brew wore off and Helen regained consciousness. The full moon shone brightly as they were jostled by the car travelling the uneven terrain, picking its way carefully along the old dirt track to the stone circle where Theo would be waiting, preparing for the ceremony.

They reached the end of the road, at least as far as the car could go. Once again ray took Claire in his arms and they journeyed the rest of the way on foot, the wind howling as if in protest, trying to thwart their efforts as they climbed the hill. At the top they looked down into a shallow bowl, ringed with large stones. In its centre Helen could see Theo standing beside the large centre altar stone, lost to whatever incantations of rite he was performing.

Helen took a moment to survey the surrounding area for signs of life. Ray wheezed beside her from the effort of the climb with the girl’s weigh his burden. They moved down to the circle and the wind abated in the shelter of the bowl.

Ray carried Claire across to the altar stone and set her down. Theo barely acknowledging him as he went to light the torches mounted on the stone pillars that formed the circle. Helen hoisted Claire’s dress and removed her panties ready for Theo’s copulation at the time of sacrifice. Ray turned Claire onto her side so that Helen could open the back of her dress in order that it could easily be removed and expose her body when the time came.

Claire stirred, groaning groggily as Helen and Ray bound her limbs, spread eagle to the altar and then Theo was at Helen’s side. They exchanged looks, her hand slipped to his and gave him a reassuring squeeze before moving to one side as Theo began the Rite of Passage…

 

[chris2c4u]

Theo had intoned the first part of the incantation at home, over the wine in which he had mixed the dried hallucinogenic mushrooms. Some of this he had left for Claire to drink, the rest he consumed when he was told they were on their way.

He had prepared the ancient circle for the rite. The pentagram was drawn with the chalk Almann had given him around the slab. Now this was done he must not leave its confines until the awful night's work was over.

Ragged clouds ran over the face of the moon, its light enough to cast eerie shadows. The wind blustered around anxiously as he patrolled the edges of the chalk prison. As the hallucinogens began to take effect he felt like a mime artist, pushing at invisible walls rising from the white lines; were they just in his mind? He hands pressed against the air but it resisted more and more completely, sealing him in an invisible dome.

Over the edge of the lanscape approached figures. Theo went to light the torches; caught in the wind the flames danced and lapped eagerly in all directions, the pale light flickering, adding to the moonlight.

At last they arrived and Claire was placed on the slab, stripped and secured. She was moaning, coming round as the wind caressed her body.

"What is this place," she slurred, "are we at the theatre?"

Theo reached out and lifted her head, forcing her to drink another concoction of spirits. She swallowed, coughed, her head falling back to the stone. Theo finished it off. Inside them both, now, was the philosopher's stone.

He had written down the rest of the incantation but knew it, finding it seared on his brain. The words of ancient languages echoed out. Theo's voice was no longer the rather meek, reedy one he had usually. The hills seemed to reverberate with his words. From each of the four torches the flames suddenly burned a brilliant blue. The light, the flame, arched over them joining in a point directly over Claire's body. She smiled at the light.

"Stand back," Theo said to Helen and Ray. "Over there." As he stood next to his wife she saw in the blue light that his smile had changed; his face a little contorted. He smiled - his mouth full of evil incisor like teeth. He hadn't explained the full horror of what was about to happen to Helen. He turned away and prowled around the naked woman tied to the slab.

He glanced to the heavens. as he did so the focus of the light from the torches formed itself into a ball and the torches became normal flame. The ball floated down towards the prone figure of Claire who watched it with seeming unconcerned curiosity. As it touched her belly the light coated her; she began to writhe, her mouth contorted in a scream that was unheard by any mortal ear. The light, like a second skin, broke up into sparks that danced around her, fading, leaving her gasping, tugging at the bindings that held her.

Theo stood on the slab, naked, the moon behind him. He knelt between her legs and made some gesture over her body before dropping, his hands either side of her torso.

She looked into his face and frowned. "Im your lover," his voice floated through her mind. "You want me to be your first."

Slowly she nodded. He bent his face to her breast. And bit.

The demonic lovers teeth sank easily through the flesh and he took his first gulps of virgin blood. Claire writhed. "Oh yes," she cried, "suckle me like that." She pushed her breast against his mouth, the blood flowing around his lips. He raised his face, the dark stain of her life upon it.

"More," she gasped.

The other breast was punctured. Again she writhed as her life blood was suckled eagerly from her body. Again he lifted his head as rivulets of blood began to drip from her chest.

He bent forward, marking her neck with his wet lips before he sank his teeth again into her. The force of her life slid down his throat as he eagerly opened her veins. For long moments he suckled her, feeling her life slipping away her movements becoming less and less.

Quickly he stood and watched her before moving back, off the slab. Now, his mouth was between her legs. Again, the awful teeth closed on her sex. She writhed, pushing up to him as his face, his mouth, his tongue changed. A red glow suffused his body, like a mosquito fattening on blood. There would be no
copulation, as he had told Helen. Instead, a demonic tongue uncurled from within the body that used to be Theo. It slid into Claire's sex, on up, forcing its way into her womb, sucking on the very place life is nurtured, taking the virgin's blood from her most intimate femininity.

Theo's body pulled away, sated, slavering blood. With a last shudder, Claire's soul left her body, it's Christianity saving it from the clutches of the gathered demons. Again the torchlights flashed blue, the beams coalesced.

Theo staggered back and fell spreadeagled on the ground.

As the light fell this time, Claire's remains burnt with an unnatural fury; her skeleton outlined for a moment in the flames before the ashes scattered in a sudden wind as The torchlight faded. The slab was cold and clean. The moonlight shone as the torches sputtered and died.

A voice came from the circle.

"Helen," it cried. "Help me."

 

[sandmartin]

Helen clutched Ray’s arm, finding reassurance in his strong muscular presence at her side as she watched with a fascination that was both tinged with horror and hope.
“Helen… Help me!”

The words broke her trance, her gaze shifting from the now bare and clean altar stone to that of her husband lying prone on the ground. She moved, cautiously at first, approaching Theo as he lay naked and spread eagle on the ground. Outwardly he appeared no different than he had before the rite and this lack of transformation clouded her mind with doubt – had it failed?

When Helen knelt beside him she suddenly realised that Theo was so weak he could barely move. As she looked into his face, her eyes were drawn to his and it was there, in his eyes that she saw the first signs of change. The greying of his pupils held a spark, a spark of youthfulness. Quickly Helen gathered Theo’s gown and asked Ray to carry him as she wrapped his gown around his limp body.

Ray bore Theo back to the car as Helen hurriedly collected everything they had used in the ritual together and set off after Ray and her husband. The journey back to the house in the car was made with less haste. Theo slept on the backseat as Helen sat beside Ray in the front, although she maintained a constant vigil on Theo from her seat.

At the house, Ray carried Theo inside and set him down on his bed. Theo stirred as Helen covered him with the bed clothes and as he did, Helen watched him carefully. His eyes opened and Helen’s pulse quickened with excitement – his eyes were now blue instead of the washed out grey that they used to be. Change was definitely taking place. In twenty-four hours the transformation should be complete.

In her excitement Helen rushed down stairs to telephone Almann and deliver the good news. The surprise in his tone at hearing Helen’s voice was indisputable, tempering Helen’s excitement as she told Almann of the success. She hung up the phone and thought carefully for a moment. He wasn’t expecting to hear me… it was like he never expected to hear from me again! Helen’s mind raced. What was going on – why should he be surprised to hear from me?

Ray entered the house and distracted her. “Ray – lock the house up tight, all the doors and windows. Fetch the shotgun and stay guard outside Theo’s room – don’t let anyone enter.”

She turned, her gown trailing behind her as she hurried back upstairs to sit with Theo. As she entered his room and looked at him sleeping, she could have sworn his hair was darker. She drew up a chair and sat beside him until eventually sleep found her.

Helen woke with a start the next morning, light streaming in at the window. She looked at her husband as he still slept. He looked different – younger. The worn lines on his face were gone and the stubble on his face looked darker. She rushed to the window and pulled aside the blinds, flooding the room with more light.

Standing over him, she gently eased back the covers. The grey hairs on his chest were no longer grey. The loose flabby tissue along his arms were gone, replaced with tight firm muscles. Lowering the covers further she discovered his pubes, the grey pubes he used to joke about so often had been transformed, they were now black and thickly curled around his… his penis – even his penis was changed, thicker, more vibrant as it lay nestled between his thighs, semi-coiled like a slumbering viper.

The door opened and she quickly threw the covers back. Ray stood in the doorway bearing two cups of coffee, looking tired and drawn from his sleepless vigil. She smiled at him, “It’s working!” She whispered excitedly to him, going to him and accepting the coffee.

She ushered him out of the room, leading him to her own room. Her excitement rising, consuming her with desire as she pushed Ray on to her own bed and with quick feverish hands, opened his trousers. She drank from his loins before lowering herself down onto his hard member.

Helen left Ray sleeping and returned to Theo. Again she marvelled at the changes she saw and thoughts of her own rejuvenation crept seductively into her mind as she maintained her vigil at Theo’s side.

 

[chris2c4u]

A strange darkness had fallen on Theo's mind. No, a pinpoint of light emerged. Slowly, as if emerging from a long tunnel, the world began to fall in place around him.

He drew a breath; he felt bedclothes over his body - his body? Slowly he opened his eyes. The bluriness cleared quickly; beside him on a seat - "Helen -" he cleared his throat; the voice didn't sound right. She smiled a little nervously. He reached out and took her hand, sitting up in the bed. There was no twinge from complaining muscles and joints.

"It worked!" he breathed. She nodded. He took a quick drink of water and then said he wanted to see his new body. Pushing back the covers he stood and walked to the full length mirror. He smiled, seeing toned muscle, the dark hair. His eyes, a deep blue. He ran his hands over his new body, wondering when he would grow used to it. He glanced at Helen, seeing her eye his new form admiringly. He walked over to her and embraced her, feeling her respond, her fingers tracing his muscles, the tautness of his backside.

He stroked her hair softly. "Soon, Helen, you'll have your chance." She smiled as the telephone began to ring.

Theo heard Almann's greeting. "How are you feeling Mr Southey?"

Theo laughed. "Like a new man," he said.

"I'm glad it went well. I see you chose not to - deal with the problem in the way I suggested."

"No," Theo replied, "it seems to have worked out."

"Perhaps, but take care. I expect you will want to proceed with her ceremony?"

"As soon as we can."

"I will send you some possible candidates. Another date should be available soon for the ceremony if my calculations are correct. You won't need to do anything but kidnap them and use them, with any luck."

After a brief discussion about working on the documents as soon as possible, Theo explained to Helen what Almann had said.

"I will teach you the incantation, the preparations. You have to do it yourself. Do you think you will be ready in time?"

Helen nodded. "I'll be ready. Then ready for us to make love." She looked at the bed. "On top of the bed. In the light." She caressed him again.

Theo kissed her. "But now...in bed? I'll draw the curtains?" She saw his cock beginning to harden.

"Now? While I'm still..."

"You're still Helen. Let me show I care about you as you are now as well as what you'll become?" He held her to him letting her feel the swell of his erection increase before drawing the curtains and getting into bed to wait for her. As he turned his back so she could undress he gave a quick laugh.

"Then we'll need to go and buy me some new clothes to fit my new body."

 

[sandmartin]

Theo was a new man, but not an unknown man, a man Helen use to know. They made love, his hands, hard and fresh as they grasped at her breasts, and his thighs, so firm and strong as he wielded his firm rod, driving himself into Helen with wanton desire. Helen's hands grasped at his compact buttocks, so unyielding and only vaguely familiar, like a forgotten dream.

She lay exhausted after three orgasmic waves had washed over her, to his one massive climatic eruption, leaving her drained. The sheet covered Helen as she turned to face him on the bed, unable to resist the urge to reach out and run her fingers across his firm chest. This youth, her husband, had turned to Helen, an old lady, first to quench the youthful fire in his loins. She looked forward to the day when her own sweet youthful charms would be restored; when her breasts would stand proudly and invitingly, her buttocks firm and rounded once more.

They rose and Helen covered herself with a gown as she watched Theo dress. Nothing he owned seemed to fit him properly, and what little there was that did, looked starkly out of place and unsuitable on such a young frame. Helen went to dress while Theo showered and returned with a tape measure.

“You’ll have to stay at home while I go shopping.” She said with amusement, bending down to measure the inside of his leg. Her gaze lingered on his fresh manhood, hanging limp between his naked thighs. She didn’t look up at him, though she knew he watched as her fingers, as though with a will of their own, closed around him. The transformation of her husband was remarkable.

Ray drove Helen to town where she made several purchases: jeans, t-shirts, casual shirts and smart trousers, and a couple of jackets, all the things that Theo had long since abandoned, including trainers. Helen returned home and watched with a smile as Theo happily tried on his new attire before turning to survey himself in the mirror.

 

[chris2c4u]

Theo enjoyed trying on his new clothes; in his head he felt a bit like someone having a mid-life crisis and trying to look 20 years younger but his body suited modern fashion. He smiled the contented smile of the evil and selfish and they began looking forward to their next act of depravity.

There was a knock on the bedroom door. Ray, faithful still to Helen stood with a package in his hand. "This - appeared - on the dining room table." Helen took the package and recognized Almann's hand writing.

Theo opened the envelope. Inside were photographs of a young man, black hair, dressed scruffily, walking alone in a town.

"Your sacrifice." He looked up into Helen's eyes then handed her a photo. "Almann says..." he skimmed through the details of the calculations, "yes if we can capture him then - tomorrow. We can do it tomorrow." Theo glanced at his wife. "Do you think you can learn the incantation? Be ready for the demon who will help you take this boy - Alan's - blood?"

She swallowed and looked a little pale but nodded.

****

They worked on the incantation as Ray drove them towards the university town where their victim was studying. Once again the committed Christian had abstained from sex; his youthful vigour preserved for Helen to sup upon. As they drove, Almann called them and helped to locate the soul they sought; a coffee shop.

They dropped Helen off. In her bag she had a phial of a drug that would make Alan easily suggestible and then he would leave with no fuss.

She saw him in the queue, hoping he was alone. She decided on a bold strategy. With a light touch she placed her hand on his arm. "Alan isn't it?"

Looking around she saw his eyes light on his in confusion.

"I'm a friend of your mothers." She tried to remember the name of the church. "St Ignatius. We both go there. I remember her saying you were here - studying?"

He smiled and let her shake his hand. By the time they got to the head of the queue she was able to say, "let me get these. Find us a seat will you? I'll bring them over?" As she put milk in her own coffee she emptied the drug into his. Her heart pounded - yes, the thrill of the chase, the excitement of hunting him down was making her excited - as she went to join him.

The small talk she had to invent about his family and her own fictitious life didn't last long. She saw his eyes glaze and said, "Alan, we'll step outside now. Finish your coffee and then we'll get some air."

Unsteadily he raised the cup and drained it. He walked, slack-limbed out of the shop and they walked a little when Helen called for Ray to bring the car.

Alan got into the back seat alongside Helen. Theo turned around and smiled at his wife. "Hello Alan," he said. The boy fell asleep.

 

[sandmartin]

Ray carried Alan’s limp form up to the room Richie had occupied. When he was out of earshot Helen turned to Theo, “I want Ray to come with us on this journey Theo.”
Theo looked at her in surprise, “Ray?”
“He’s been totally loyal to us and if he wants to follow us on our journey, then I think we should allow him. He knows too much, but I won’t see him killed for what he knows, not after all he’s done.”
“I’ll speak to Almann…”
“No Theo. I don’t trust Almann!” Helen watched Theo carefully for anything that might confirm her suspicions. “The other day I telephoned him to tell him on your progress. Theo, he was surprised to hear my voice – shocked even. I think Almann actually thought I was dead. That worries me Theo, I mean how do I know that the rite I perform is safe – what if he’s done something and I die as a result?”

Theo looked pensive and Helen knew she had struck a chord, she knew him well enough to understand that, what she didn’t know was what exactly was true. She rested her hand lightly on his arm. “If Almann plan’s to kill me, sell my soul for his own gain, and you know of this Theo, I’m asking you, for the sake of everything we have been through together, to end my life at the ritual before some hideous demon takes my soul. If he’s tricked me, and you, into going ahead with this ritual and it’s not the true, kill me – if you can’t Ray will do it, but you’ll have to tell him it has gone wrong – he won’t know other wise.”

Helen turned to leave, paused for a moment, and added… “He’s tricked us once Theo. He made us sign away our souls – souls he said we would never need to pay. He’s lying Theo, I know it. I know you are not strong enough to challenge him, but watch him. If my ritual works – I will, and I’ll take him down the first opportunity I get. That man wanted me dead, still does for all I know – I intend to return the compliment. Think about it Theo and we’ll talk later. Now I must go and tend our guest before he wakens.”

She left him deep in thought as she climbed the stairs. Ray left Helen alone in the room with Alan. First she undressed him, it wasn’t easy on her own and by the time she had finished she was perspiring heavily. She stood over him, looking down on his naked white body as she caught her breath.

Helen snipped away all the hair from around his pubis and then shaved him clean. She knew that he would know someone had been interfering with him as soon as he woke up. Not that it mattered, shortly after mid-night he would be dead, and maybe she would too. Her fingers lingered over his pink and hairless scrotum. Soon, she thought with a shudder, I’ll be tearing these from your body.

 

[chris2c4u]

Theo could understand her worries, her fears. He checked over the incantation. There was nothing in any text that said it was specifically for one person or just for men; Almann couldn't have done anything to it.

They did speak with Ray about things as she had asked. His concern for Helen was clear. He would no doubt have fun with the young, sexy Helen that would soon be in his bed. Theo didn't doubt that she would take Ray 's body. Probably many others as well. He dismissed it and studied his own form again. He too would now have hus share of your women. He wondered what would become of their marriage now - even more so given her thoughts about Almann.

He would help her with the incantation but this idea of wrecking some sort of revenge on Almann - all she had were her own wild ideas about him. Yes, she was right he had suggested that she should be eliminated but equally he had accepted Theo's decision not to act on the advice.

It was more than that though. There was still great secrets to be discovered; Theo itched to get to work on the documents. Then there were the Templars. If they could be found, tackled, could they be made to give up their secrets too? The sense of power intoxicated Theo.

No; his wife would not lure Almann. He was needed. He relaxed, thinking that they needed to get her rejuvination out of the way first. Once she had felt the power in the trnsformation, felt the forces they were dealing with she would see things differently he was sure.

One thing was certain; they wouldn't be keeping Ray, the simpering sub in a hulk's body and getting rid of Almann and all his knowledge. heo went to prepare the elixir from the magic mushrooms and the philosopher's stone.

Night was falling. When he had finished preparing the concoctions he went over the ceremony with Helen; the drawing of the pentagle, the diagrams on the slab. He admitted he didn't know what exactly would happen and whether it might be slightly different for her. She had already had some thoughts going through her head, she admitted, about what she would have to do but she kept them to herself.


Theo held her, told her it would all be fine. She had already learnt the ceremony. Soon they would once more be in the stone circle.

 

[sandmartin]

The wind howled as Helen stood alone in the stone circle offering her chants in the dark. The walk had been long and hard, leaving her feeling isolated and vulnerable. She occupied her thoughts with what lay ahead, and with the things Theo had said. She didn’t think Theo would allow Ray to go through the rite which could only mean one thing, Ray’s silence would be ensured and as things stood, Helen was not prepared to allow that to happen. Just as her faithful puppy had been prepared to stand by her, she in turn would return his loyalty.

Ray all ready knew that he was to drink, eat, nothing that was prepared by his own hand, or given to him by Helen and Helen felt reasonably confident that Ray was safe for the time being. Almann was a different matter, he had wanted her dead and Helen wasn’t about to forget that easily. She didn’t trust Almann one bit, he was either using them for his own ends or had other motives. Where Almann now stood, she intended to replace him with her husband Theo, someone she did trust.

She saw Ray bearing the limp form of Alan down into the circle, the time had come. Taking the burning torch, she moved around the circle of stones, lighting each of the torches in turn. Theo stood to one side, a mere spectator in tonight’s event.

Helen approached the young man, he was conscious, fighting against his bonds as he lay in all his naked glory. She approached him boldly, carrying the chalice. Despite the thumbing in her chest, she felt no pity or remorse. He looked at her, eyes wild, his skin puckered against the cold.
“Drink,” Helen offered soothingly, “it will help.”

He shook his head, clenching his teeth. Helen pinched his nose and held, waiting for his mouth to open. She tipped the liquid into his mouth, almost drowning him in the process. His eye’s glazed slightly, the fight left his body and Helen drank the remains of the chalice.

Helen felt the change wash over her almost immediately. She felt charged and angry at the same time, as though she processed super human strength, but there was more to it than that, she felt a sexual hunger, her eyes were drawn to her victims exposed and naked penis lolling against his thigh enticingly.

It took great effort of will on Helen’s part to utter the words of the incantation, bellowing out strange words that slipped smoothly across her tongue. The torches flared, shafts of light shone forth, converging to one above Alan and in the same instance Helen, though only vaguely so, became aware of a change, both physical and emotional.

She stalked the alter on which her victim lay bound and helpless, watching him, feeling the hunger rise within her as she tensed, ready to strike. Her neck stretched as her head tilted back to the moon. A shower of glitter descended the ball that formed over her prey, it hovered in the air and she watched distracted as it sank down to kiss his chest. She heard his screech, like music to her ears as his body glowed a brilliant gold, the sound a death knell of the prey who knows it faces death at the merciless jaws of the predator.

Helen struck, leaping onto the alter in a manner which belied her years, her mouth closing over his limp cock, feeling it fill her as it grew and she suckled him. And then she bit, her mouth filling with blood as she continued to suckle, drinking his life force. Her talons, once her fingers, tore his testicles and she felt him buck and twist in agony beneath her.

Slowly his life ebbed away as Helen fed on him. Sated, she staggered back, fell and tried to stand. Her head buzzed, making her dizzy. She tried to fight it, but was overcome as sleep as endless as time itself washed over her.