Chapter 11
"Speak of the Devil" said a venomous voice as Lord Bryan stepped out of the shadows, a loaded pistol in his hand "and he comes."
Every breath was held as they turned to see Lord Bryan. Silence, sank back against the wall as Thomas looked at his brother, defeat and shock in his eyes.
"Thomas, you ever oblivious fool, step over here now." said Lord Bryan, his gun trained on Claw, but his eyes flitting between the others.
"Brother," gasped Thomas, "Brother, what...what have you been doing?"
"Now is not the time Thomas. You seem to be forgetting that in spite of it all, they are murderers. Even the Priest tried to kill me downstairs where you left me surrounded by madmen. Now step over here."
"But-"
"No." barked Lord Bryan. "Everyone will now stand perfectly still," he said as he pulled a second pistol, though his wounded arm wavered.
"Thomas step over here now."
While Bryan commanded his brother, Lucy kept one hand on Cut's shoulder to steady herself, and the other hand hidden behind Cut and the Priest.
"I've still got the gun from downstairs" whispered Lucy. "I think it's got one shot left."
"How good a shot are you?" whispered Father Pierce.
"I've never shot a gun before today."
"Oh dear. Have any of you shot before?" After a pause, the Priest continued. "Well wait a moment and pass it to me my child. I can't fathom why the Lord hasn't started shooting yet. He's got enough bullets to end you larger ones."
"He's not done with us yet," hissed Cut. "He's hoping to keep some of his toys."
Silence started to move, positioning herself in front of the open arch.
"Very well then," Lord Bryan said, with his eyes on Silence. "You can go first," as he steadied his gun arm.
"Bryan, this stops now," said Thomas as he stepped slightly in front of Silence. "We're taking them all downstairs and contacting the authorities. They need the hospital and the village girl needs to go home."
Silence started to lean back, but Thomas reached back and grabbed her arm. Thomas started towards his brother, dragging her by the arm. "All of you are coming downstairs now. It's over. It's all over," he added to his brother Bryan
Claw started to turn back towards them, but Lord Bryan shouted at her to remain still. However, as they neared Lord Bryan, something in Silence seemed to snap. She started pulling back. Though she made no sound, you could tell she was screaming. Ape started to tense his arms. Even Cut was taking a step forward. Thomas looked back to try and settle Silence, but paused at her face. For the first time, he saw the caged animal. He looked back over his shoulder at his brother, a look of pure content on Lord Bryan's face as he took in everyone's terror.
And then, all hell broke loose.
Silence broke free from Thomas, tripping backwards into Father Pierce as Cut and Claw surged forward, and Bite and Ape moved to the left around Lord Bryan. Cut reached Thomas first, pinning him and wrapping his arm around his neck. Lord Bryan fired at Bite, who dodged, but still took the bullet, falling to the ground. As Claw reached him, slashing his hand he dropped one pistol, but managed to hit her in the head with the other. She fell to her knees, his gun against her temple.
"Enough!" shouted Cut. "I have your brother."
Lord Bryan looked up at Cut. "Didn't you hear my brother, it's all over," and he fired.