Chapter 1

Chalumeau's "Hannibal" Rehearsal

It is the year 1870, and the cast of the Opéra Populaire are rehearsing for that evening's production of "Hannibal" by Chalumeau. I'm not exactly riveted with the production, but I would be listening from below the stage, nonetheless. The lead soprano for the show is La Carlotta, who sings like a banshee, in my opinion. She is so much of a prima donna that she disgusts me.

I was watching the rehearsal from the catwalks above the stage, being careful to stay out of sight of Joseph Buquet, the man in charge of the backdrops. He seemed rather drunk, and he was drinking deeply from a wine bottle. He yawned loudly as Carlotta was singing her part, and I felt inclined to do the same. I hated everything about her. She was the most arrogant women that I had ever seen.

"This trophy from our saviors, from the enslaving force of Rome!" she sang. I stirred uncomfortably. She could make birds fall out of the sky. I grinned to myself as the rehearsal was interrupted by the manager, Lefevre, and the two gentlemen who would be the new managers of the theatre. I took a certain pride in the fact that Lefevre was leaving because of me.

"I'm sorry, M. Lefevre," said M. Reyer, the conductor of the orchestra, "we are rehearsing." Indeed, I thought. If you can call that mess a rehearsal. "If you wouldn't mind waiting a moment?"

"No, not at all," Lefevre responded. "Come, gentlemen. We can watch from the side of the stage." The rehearsal continued, and Signor Piangi, whom I consider to be a fat oaf, continued with his lines.

"Sad to return to find the land we love threatened once more by Rome's far-reaching grasp," he sang. "Tomorrow we shall break the chains of Rome. Tonight, rejoice—your army has come home." I fought the urge to laugh as he ran to avoid the ballet girls, who had just come onto the stage. I kept my eyes on young Miss Daaé. Apparently, she knew that I was watching her, and she fell out of step. Madam Giry, the ballet instructor that I have known since I was a child, tapped the floor with her cane.

"Christine Daaé! Concentrate, girl!" she said. Christine got back into step, but she still seemed troubled. Feeling slightly rejected, I turned my gaze onto Madam Giry's daughter, Meg. She is definitely the most talented dancer that I have ever seen.

As the scene continued, a life-size replica of an elephant was moved onto the stage. Inside of it, I could see four stagehands drinking booze. That explains why the people here are such gullible fools, I thought. People will believe anything when they're drunk. I struggled to suppress a bout of laughter when Piangi tried and failed to climb onto the back of the elephant. No doubt his weight was to blame for that.

As the elephant was wheeled off the stage, Lefevre moved to the center of the stage with the two new managers. "Ladies and gentlemen," he said, "may I have your attention?" This ought to be good, I thought. "As you know, there have been several rumors flying around of my retirement. I can now confirm that these are all true, and I am honored to introduce you to the new managers of this opera: M. Richard Firmin and M. Gilles André." There was a scatter of polite applause. He turned to Firmin and André. "Gentlemen, let me introduce you to our lead soprano, Signora Carlotta Giudicelli." Carlotta bowed politely and offered her hand to them. I shook my head in disgust. "And Ubaldo Piangi." Piangi bowed his head respectfully.

"If I'm not very much mistaken," said André, "Carlotta has a very fine aria in act three of 'Hannibal.' Could you, Signora, give us a private rendition?" Carlotta blushed.

"If my managers command," she replied sweetly. "Maestro."

"If my diva commands," Reyer said.

"Yes, I do." Reyer began to conduct the orchestra, and Carlotta began to "sing." I had had enough of this. This woman could not be allowed to sing in tonight's show. I noticed that Buquet had left, and I got a sudden idea. I dropped down to his station and untied the ropes that held the backdrop up. Instantly, the backdrop fell down toward Carlotta, who was still singing.

Carlotta stopped singing when she heard the backdrop crash to the floor behind her. The backdrop had almost hit her, and I wouldn't have minded if it had. I would have liked to stay and see how this worked out, but I heard Buquet running my way. I jumped up and grabbed the rope that was above me. I climbed it until I reached a switch that I knew opened a door in the ceiling. After hitting the switch, I slipped through the door and out of harm's way. I would see if my plan worked at the show.

I made my way down to the stage. Madam Giry, luckily, was right by where I came out. She sensed my presence and looked around for me. Once she saw me, I approached her. "What is it?" she asked.

"Give this to the new managers," I said quietly, handing her an envelope sealed with red sealing wax shaped like a skull. She nodded and took the letter. "Thank you." I went back into the passageway and sealed the entrance.