Chapter Ten
Plans and Rescue

On the way back to Meg's room they each were lost in their own thoughts. Antoinette thanked God she had stood firm when Matthew had pleaded to stay in the theatre and watch the comings and goings of everyone. Mirielle had taken the children to her own rooms until someone came to fetch them. It was Christmas Eve after all. St. Nicholas would be paying a visit only to those children tucked up firmly in their beds while dreaming of what they might find on Christmas morning.

Not being too sure there was such a man Matthew had balked for a while but in the end his own doubts convinced him it was better to be safe than sorry. He wanted no lumps of coal in his stocking. If the man was real then Matthew wanted to stay on the right side of him. Who knows when one might need to ask for a special present? Such as the one Matthew had asked for in his letter he wrote just to appease Julianna. Not that he believed in all this nonsense anymore. Well he was almost certain he didn't. Just in case he asked for Erik to marry Ariella and give him a baby brother. If they didn't want to get married he would settle for the baby brother. That was reasonable wasn't it?

Reaching Meg's room Erik pushed through the door first. Seeing Raoul stretched out on the couch he almost let his instincts to throttle the boy take over his better judgment. The only thing that saved the boy was when he turned to his side so his feet touched the floor allowing Erik to see his shoulder. Sitting up he groaned in pain from the wound. With his shirt off they could see the bruising starting to form around the wound. The blood had started to dry. A few stitches would be all that was required to assure the wound did not reopen.

They had all been so intent on Raoul they did not notice Nadir sitting in a chair in the corner until he cleared his throat, "If someone will retrieve a needle and thread I can stitch him up good as new in no time at all."

The gravity of the situation was not lost on Nadir. He had been on his way to the opera house with his gifts he wanted to leave under the tree. Seeing a man leaving the alley carrying what had obviously been a woman's body he had started to follow when two other men had come out shortly after the first man. Quickly pressing into the darkness against the wall in a move Erik would have envied, he watched the men leave the alley. He then went after them. Nadir saw them get into a carriage. He hadn't heard what they had told the driver but a street urchin had. THe little devil had blackmailed one hundred francs out of Nadir.

Nadir had entered the side door leading up the hall where the dressing rooms were. Seeing a trail of blood he had followed it to Meg's room finding Raoul almost unconscious. It was then he learned the woman was Ariella.

Erik took Nadir by the collar angrily asking,"You saw this and did nothing? I should kill you for that alone. They have Ariella. Damn it, why did you not try to stop them?"

"Because I am not an insane man. I have been trained to be objective not emotional in times of crisis. I use my head in emergencies not my heart. Do you not think I did not want to confront them? I did. What would it have accomplished if I had been killed? Then we would not be in possession of Ariella's whereabouts."

Releasing his hold on Nadir's collar Erik stepped back smoothing his hands over Nadir's suit front to straighten the wrinkled cloth as he said in a much calmer voice, "I am sorry Nadir. It is just that I...care for her so much. She...she has come to be an important person in my life. I do not think I could go on if something...if she were..." Erik trailed off. He could not utter the word dead in the same sentence as Ariella's name. She could not leave him. He just found her. They had just declared their love only hours ago. Made plans. Shared intimacy. Love. Trust. Gathering himself Erik stood tall. His whole demeanor changed. He was no longer the man Erik, who spoke to Nadir only seconds ago. He was now The Phantom. The Opera Ghost. An entity to be reckoned with using the utmost caution.

"Give me the address. I can be back within a few hours."

Coming to his feet Raoul said, "You do not leave without me. Nadir should go as well. I am well aware of your ability to come and go as a shadow. What would happen if something unforseen took place? Is it not better to have someone who can get to Ariella while the other's distract the main body of their defence? Nadir has told me they took Ariella to Entienne's. He is so sure of himself he has taken Ariella to her old home. I remember having been there as a child. I have a vague memory of the layout. Given his lack of caution he will not be expecting us. However he does have many men standing guard around the estate. If we are lucky he will not have hounds guarding the place as well. Now I suggest we prepare ourselves then make haste to save our damsel in distress."

"No, I forbid you to go. Think of me. Think of our son. What if..." Christine broke down in tears. She never realized just how much Raoul meant to her until she heard he was injured. Now he wanted to risk his life again? She wouldn't let him. She wouldn't. Then there was Erik willing to get himself killed as well. If something happened to them where would that leave her? She would have no one. She still had not resolved her feelings for Erik. All she was sure of was she would make love with him at least once then she would know. She then could decide.

Perhaps she could give Erik a preview of what he would miss. What her kisses just before she left him two years ago had promised. She went to Raoul then threaded her fingers into his hair. Pulling him down she kissed him passionately. Stepping back she released him.

Raoul reached out taking her shoulders gently between his hands. Leaning his forehead against hers he whispered, "If I thought I would not come back I would not be going. Ariella needs our help. Every man is needed to assure her safe return. If it were you I would want every man to step forward to offer his service. I can offer no less. Please understand."

Gathering herself together Christine stepped only a few inches away wiping the tears from her eyes. Casting a quick glance at Erik she turned her eyes back to Raoul. Giving him a shaky watery smile she said, "Do what you must. Just please come back to me." Leaning toward him she whispered for his ears alone, "I love you. Only you . Anything else is just foolish little girl infatuation. Come back and let me show you how a woman makes love to her husband." She kissed him with a passion hitherto unknown to either of them. Raoul thought she had finally released her last lingering bit of lust for her Angel. Not the memories or the love. Just the silly infatuation. The kiss began to make the others uncomfortable as it lingered past what could be considered a proper good-bye salutation.

When at last the couple separated Erik instructed Nadir to patch up Raoul's arm while he went to saddle three horses. At last he finally felt something was being done to save his Ariella. That is how he thought of her. She was his just as he belonged to her. Body and soul. A picture of her helpless while calling for him to help her had him running down one corridor after another until he reached the door that lead to the back of the opera where the stables were located. No one was in attendance which Erik thanked God for this small mercy. He had no wish to harm anyone innocent but if anyone tried to stop him from rescuing his love he would be willing to do what he must must to get to her.

Usually the only time anyone was in the stables beyond early evening hours was if one of the mares was expecting to drop a foal or one of the animals was ill. Luckily none of those reasons had the stable boy sleeping on the cot for that purpose. Erik saddled the three best horses. His own mount Caesar, the black stallion called to him as he entered. It had been awhile since he had ridden him. He silently vowed he would continue his practice of his daily rides when he once again had Ariella safely back in his arms. He looked forward to having her beside him during his ride or better yet in front of him nestled closely to his chest. Now that would be a ride he would relish. Bringing his mind back to focus on the task at hand Erik finished saddling the horses. He grabbed the reins of the other two horses then pulled himself into the saddle on Caesar's back. The horse pranced in anticipation of running as they usually did once free of the confines of the city.

Taking the horses to the alley Erik was relieved to see the other two men waiting for him. They each mounted. With a couple of nervous prances and turns they managed to gain control of their mounts. Not waiting to see if the other two followed Erik nudged Caesar forward into a trot. Erik knew he could not take the main streets. They would have too many people milling about. If they were stopped and questioned one look at Erik's mask would be enough for them to be hauled in for questioning. Erik was sure he could manage to escape with a few coins exchanged but the time lost would be precious time spent toward getting Ariella back. Erik had brought his Punjab lasso with him. He had also hidden a knife in each of his boots. He had never liked to wear a sword as he felt it hampered his movements. He was much better hiding in shadows awaiting his victim to then quietly strangle them with his lasso.

Glancing over his shoulder he saw that indeed Nadir and....he paused as he mentally geared himself to allow his name to form in his mind...Raoul were behind him. This new feeling he had was like nothing he had felt before. He supposed it was forgiveness or resignation. Acceptance. Whatever the emotion he no longer felt as if he hated Raoul. The sight of him did not make his fingers itch to choke the life from him. As he let go of the last remnants of feelings for Christine so had he released his hatred of Raoul. Erik would have felt finally free and immeasurably at peace if only Ariella were by his side. Until she was safe in his arms he would not know a moment of peace.

He allowed Nadir and Raoul to catch up with him. He did not know which house belonged to Entienne. To not have full control of things around him bothered him. He was used to knowing the slightest detail that happened in the opera house. It made him uneasy to depend on someone else. He knew his own abilities and flaws. He knew what to expect from himself. He knew his limitations. He knew Nadir as well but the boy..Raoul was an unknown factor.

Erik hated not knowing every little detail. Not knowing something important no matter how insignificant it seemed lead to disaster. That is why his opera had failed when he wanted to win Christine. He had overlooked all the possibilities for failure. He had only seen his chance to win her.

He would take no chances with Ariella. He would either bring her back safely or he would not come back at all. Only death could stop his resolve to spend the rest of his life with Ariella.

Raoul reached across and grabbed Erik's arm. For one second Erik's first reflex was to drop the boy to the ground. Recovering he slowed Caesar's pace to match Raoul's mount.

"Through those gates is the house. The wall surrounds the whole property. The gate will have guards. We will have to climb over the wall." As Raoul spoke he glanced around scouting out the area.

Nadir was not one for climbing. He much preferred to keep his two feet on the ground. He'd just have to relieve the guards of their duty. He was after all once a highly trained man. Not as proficient as Erik but still quite capable. He should have no trouble with the men at the gate. He informed them of his plan. Erik had expected nothing less. Raoul was sceptical. Nadir assured him he had ways of removing obstacles. The manner in which he spoke along with the eerie look in his eyes convinced Raoul that perhaps he was better off not knowing anything more. For just a flicker of time Nadir had reminded Raoul of Erik when Erik had been dangling him at the end of the ropes as Raoul hung from the portcullis. Raoul shivered. God he was surrounded by two insane men.

Dismounting the three men agreed Erik would take the back wall while Raoul took the east side wall. Nadir would take out the guards at the gate. As he saw Erik checking his many different knives and assorted pieces of what looked like piano wire Raoul felt somewhat under armed. He had only his sword and his fists. He bit his tongue before he could ask if he might have one of their weapons. He didn't need Erik to think any less of him than he already did. He would make do with what he had. He would just use intelligence over brawn.

They separated. Erik immediately felt the difference in his demeanor. His skills of stealth were coming back. Each step he took he became less Erik and more of The Phantom. His instincts for the kill were coming to the forefront of his mind. Reaching the back wall he began to climb. His years of climbing in the opera house served him well. The wall was a pitiful obstacle for him. In just a couple of minutes he was over the wall. Crouching down he surveyed the surrounding area. To his left he heard voices. His first victims.

Clinging to the shadows he found the three men walking around the back garden. They were shadows just as he was. Good. He could take one out without notice then another. By the time the third one noticed anything amiss it would be too late. Hearing them mention Ariella's name he froze.

The men were walking toward the terrace apparently intending to go back to duty in the house. They had just reached the edge of the light when things changed from calm to frightening with the whirl of a rope through the air.

"Did you see the way she fought the boss? A real wildcat is that Ariella. Such a pretty name. If the boss wouldn't mind I'd like a piece of her. Gregore said he was having a taste before we leave no matter what the boss says. He's only waiting for his money then he'll bed the wench. If I thought I could take him I'd have her first. Virgin she is. Never had untouched woman before. All I ever had is whores. Virgins are eager to learn. I'd have her suck my..." That's as far as he got. Erik's plan for surprise while removing one at a time flew into the night when the man started to discuss Ariella in such a manner. Erik had intended to only choke them into unconsciousness. Now murder was on his mind. The Phantom was fully in control. His lasso spun out overhead then dropped over the man's head. Tightening the thin rope Erik gave a hard jerk. He pulled him into the darkness out of the light of the terrace lantern. The man dropped to his knees. Clawing uselessly at the rope with his hands the man peered into the darkness. All he saw was two glowing pinpoints of light. A demon had him fixing to take him to hell. Mentally he began to repent and confess to all his misdeeds throughout his life.

The other two men could no longer see their friend. One moment he was there the next he was gone. They began to call out his name. "Pierre? Damn it if you don't answer me I'll kill you myself. What's going on?"

Just as the man was losing his battle to stay conscious Erik relented. In his mind he saw Ariella's face censuring him for taking a life. Pulling the man to his feet he hit him with his fist. He let the man fall heavily to the hard ground. Stepping over the prone body Erik went in search of his next prey.

"Marceau do you see anything? I can't see anything but darkness. I don't like this. I don't like this at all. Pierre you sick son of a bit..." The rope around his neck stopped his voice mid sentence. His eyes widened in surprised horror. Looking at his companion he begged for help. The man called Marceau backed away drawing his sword. Backing away into the light of the terrace he did not see the figure behind him. He knew nothing until he felt a strong arm around his neck in a choke hold. Once those arms went around his neck the fingers of each hand locked together. No matter how much Marceau clawed the fingers remained locked together. He felt the haze coming over him. He heard what sounded like muted ocean waves in his ears as darkness claimed him. Raoul stood over the man panting. His skills from his military days had returned in the moment he saw the man draw his sword. It had amazed him that he was still able to walk up behind the man without a sound.

Having seen the other man disappear into the darkness at the end of an all too familiar rope Raoul waited for Erik to come into the light. Erik stepped from the darkness winding his lasso into a neat coil then hooking it to his belt. Coming to stand next to Raoul while looking down at the man he said, "I could have taken him out myself. I did not need your interference. Thank you all the same." He thought those last five words would choke him.

To say Raoul was surprised by the sentiment was an understatement. He would never have believed Erik would ever say anything close to that to him. In fact he had never thought to see the man again. In reality he had no wish to ever come across Erik again in his entire life. For Christine he had relented and let her go to the ball in search of him. He had always known she had some emotional attachment to her angel as she had called him. Angel my eye. He was more devil than angel.

Christine had been different since she had seen him again. Less tolerant. More critical. The way she had treated Ariella had bothered him so much Raoul had confronted her afterward. That had led to an argument ending with a blanket and pillow being tossed in his direction with instructions to sleep on a couch somewhere or the floor. She did not care. They had made amends somewhat the following morning but Raoul still had his doubts. Her show of affection before they left had delighted him for a moment until he had seen her eyes flicker to Erik with a calculating look. This somewhat dimmed his satisfaction in the moment.

"So what now Erik? I left three men at the east side of the property. They will be out for a while but we should make haste. There are no guarantees. If I remember correctly the master bed chamber is just overhead. That balcony leads into the room through two glass doors. Convenient wouldn't you say?"

Raoul took Erik's grunt for agreement. Erik was looking up at the balcony trying to see the quickest way up. Seeing the places where he could get a foot hold he started up. Raoul to his annoyance followed behind.

Nadir coming around the side of the building shook his head. Why must they always climb? Did they never think to check the doors? It was not unheard of to leave a door unlocked when one was at home and awake. He himself had found a door open at the side which he had planned to inform them of as well. Seeing them merrily climbing he decided to let them play the dashing heroes. He was not ashamed to take the easy way. He would meet them upstairs.

At times Nadir thought Erik was such a genius it blinded him to the simple solutions. The recent example being checking for unlocked doors. As Nadir made his way through the the door that lead to the kitchen area he contemplated whether or not it would be worth the risk to needle Erik with that little flaw. Coming to the conclusion it would only be safe to do so when Ariella was around to distract him while mellowing his killing instincts.

Walking by a table top he saw a platter with fried chicken just sitting there begging him to feast. Who was he to turn down a gift from the gods? Snagging the platter as he passed Nadir picked up a succulent leg biting hungrily into the meat. Nadir raised the leg in the air in a silent toast to the chef.

Coming to the doorway he gave a quick look around the corner. Seeing no activity he ran across the hall to the stairs. Quickly he made his way up. Eyeing the doors he guessed the last one on the right was the room Erik and Raoul would be entering. Which means Ariella was somewhere close. Hearing steps coming at a trot he gave his best impression of Erik as The Phantom. He must have been successful or the man rushing toward the watercloset had a desperate need that blinded him to a man practically standing in front of him.

Whatever the reason for his luck Nadir was grateful. Picking up a candlestick he waved it testing it for weight. It seemed sturdy enough. Setting his platter of chicken down he went to the side of the door the man had hurriedly entered. Raising the candlestick high above his head he waited. The door knob rattled. The door cracked open. The man stepped out only just seeing Nadir shortly before he felt the heavy thud against his forehead.

The man barely had time to say, "Who the fu..." That was when Nadir beamed him. Checking to make sure the man wasn't dead he breathed a sigh of relief. He had no wish to murder anyone. He left that nonsense to Erik and that young noble Raoul. Each man was quite capable of violence in their own way. Each had a threshold that could be breached. Everyone did. Even if they were unaware of it. That was why so many people seemingly snapped for no particular reason. At some point something had crossed over that threshold.

Deciding to leave the platter he put a couple of pices of chicken in his pocket. Picking up a piece in each hand he returned to the door to the room Erik and Raoul should be arriving in shortly. Testing the door he found it unlocked. Obviously not the room Ariella was being kept in. He opened the door then went in closing the door after him. Sitting on the bed he bounced a couple of times before laying down to enjoy his snack while he awaited the arrival of the dynamic duo. For two men who had been at each others throats only a couple of years ago now they were cohorts? Nadir hoped the fates were not laughing at them about ready to pull the rug from under them.

Meanwhile the other half of the rescue team was laboriously making their way up to the balcony.

"For the last time get your foot out of my face. Once more and I am cutting it off at the knee," Raoul groused again as it seemed with deliberate intent Erik's foot found his face.

"For the tenth time if you would not crowd me my foot would not be in your face. Remind me again why you are here?" Erik's panic over Ariella was clouding his judgment. He was climbing with less skill and more with anger and urgency. Stopping a moment to regain control he took a deep breath. He needed all his skills. He could not afford to lose control now. Having regained his purpose he lifted his hand for the next handhold. Pulling himself he raised his foot placing it against the protruding rock in the side of the outside wall. Did these blue bloods not believe in stairs?

"Must you make so much noise? A herd of cattle rampaging through the garden would make less noise." Erik was irritated. A rock from the wall fell just as Raoul made to grab it.

Whispering a reply Raoul said, "Well pardon me. I will try to get the wall to cooperate and hold all loosened rocks until we have reached the balcony."

Making no reply Erik continued to climb until he reached the level of the balcony rail. Reaching across he grasped the rail with his right hand. Stretching his right foot across he found a foothold. Letting go of his hold with his left hand he threw himself over grabbing onto the balcony rail with his left hand while his left foot dangled downward. He scrambled for purchase with his left foot. At last finding something solid beneath his boot he stood regaining his balance then threw his right leg over the rail. In a matter of seconds he was standing firmly on the balcony. Looking over the rail he saw Raoul making his way to the spot he had been in only a few short seconds ago.

Reaching the top Raoul copied the moves he saw Erik make. Just as he was reaching across with his foot it slipped out from under him. He dangled by only the purchase he had with his right hand. The rest of him dangled in mid air.

He looked up just in time to see Erik's masked face appear over the balcony railing. For the briefest time his mind returned to the time he dangled at the end of ropes while hanging from the portcullis. He almost lost his handhold when he saw Erik reach over the rail offering his hand. Grabbing desperately Raoul gripped Erik's hand. Then another was offered. Raoul let go of the rail grabbing onto Erik's other hand. Raoul could only marvel at the sheer strength it took to pull a man of his weight straight up.

Reaching the top Raoul quickly maneuvered over the rail. Leaning back he allowed a few cleansing breaths before he said, "Thank you. I owe you my life. I would not have made it on my own."

"Well do not get all misty eyed. I only saved you because Ariella would want me to. Besides, no one would believe it was an accident. Believe me I toyed with the idea of letting you decide your own fate." Raoul did not need to know he was lying. He could not allow Raoul to fall. He had a son and Christine who needed him. Besides it was true Ariella would want him to save anyone he could. It was also true no one would believe him if he went back alone reporting an accident.

Going to the balcony doors he tried to open them. They were locked. Taking out his little case Erik chose the appropriate tool. Raoul glancing over his shoulder asked, "So do you use those often? Is that how you got into so many locked rooms?"

"No. I have passages with secret doors and of course my mirrors. Must you stand so close breathing down my neck? There is a whole balcony to occupy and you must try to occupy the same spot I am standing in?" Raoul's breath on his neck was an irritant. Amazing how things that are the same can be looked at differently just by changing one little factor. For instance, he loved the feel of Ariella'a breath on his neck, his shoulder, his lips just as he bent to claim her as his own. Hell he would love it even if she breathed on his big toe. The plain fact was he loved the woman. He loved every precious inch of her. Where before he had only seen brown mousy obscurity he now saw perfection.

Erik was jerked back from his private thoughts as the door opened with a suddenness that had him falling face forward onto the carpeted floor. Raoul fell right behind him landing with a hard thump on Erik's back.

"Well I must say Erik not one of your more graceful entrances. What has taken you so long? I have been waiting for at least five minutes."

Both men erupted at once. Erik: "He nearly fell. Raoul: "He kept putting his foot in my face." Erik: "He crowded me like a small child or a woman afraid of the dark." Raoul: "He kept complaining because I dared to breath." Both: It's his fault." Coming to the end they stood staring at one another in silence for a few seconds. Each wearing a scowl.

"Well I for one think you are both less than intelligent at the moment. Did it not occur for either of you to ask how I managed to arrive at least five minutes before you did? Not only that. I rendered a young hooligan unconscious. Had a snack of chicken then still had time to rest while I waited. The simple answer is, the door to the kitchen was not locked. Next time try the easy way first. Now if you both are through laying about we have a lovely young woman to rescue."

Neither man looked directly at Nadir or each other as they stood brushing imaginary lint and dirt off of immaculate trousers. The matching pink tinging their cheeks giving evidence of their discomfort.

Collecting themselves it was decided Raoul and Nadir would stand at each end of the hall while Erik checked each room. Just in case they did encounter a locked door Erik would be doing the checking.

Erik started at Nadir's end of the hall. With great stealth Erik checked one room at a time. The fourth room was locked. Removing his picks Erik chose one he thought would open the lock. It wouldn't budge. He chose another. The look clicked sounding overly loud in the quiet. Carefully, slowly he turned the knob. He could see the bed through the crack. The bed was empty. Was this another empty room? Why lock an empty room when the others had all been unlocked?

With great care he opened the door stepping into the darkness. The only thing that alerted him to someone else being in the room was the crack he felt on the side of his head. Lucky for him the person didn't have a lot of power behind that swing. Erik regained his senses just as the short dark figure raised their hand again to deliver another crack with whatever object they were using as a weapon. Grabbing at the arm with an outstretched hand Erik wrapped his fingers around a delicate fragile wrist. A woman's wrist. Just then a waft of familiar scent hit his nose. Ariella.

"Ariella? It is me. Erik. Oh my love. Are you hurt? He did not touch you in any way did he?" Erik grabbed her pulling her fiercely against his chest. Raining kisses all over her as he spoke.

"Oh Erik. I knew you would come. I didn't hurt you too badly did I?" She lovingly ran her hands over his face. She couldn't see anything more than shadows except the glitter of his wonderful eyes.

'I thought you were Entienne returning. He had to go retrieve the money to pay the men. They are not a trusting lot let me tell you. Whoever said "there is honor among thieves" obviously did not meet this lot. They do not even trust each other to leave the room alone. That is why I am here by myself. One man went with Entienne. The others were to guard the outside. The man who left was in my room to guard me, left to visit the watercloset and did not come back. Take me home Erik. Take me home. I never want to leave again."

Passionately kissing for a moment Erik held her tightly lifting her up so he could place his lps hungrily against hers. A groan escaped him. Pulling back he rested his forehead against Ariella's. "Let's go home my love. I promise you will never leave again unless you wish it"

"Then we shall always be beneath the opera house." Giving him one last kiss she wiggled her feet. He slowly loosened her savoring each inch that slowly caressed him on her way down.

Stepping away from her he held out his hand. She placed hers confidently in his. He could lead her anywhere and she would gladly follow.

Greeting Raoul and Nadir with hugs that Erik pretended to ignore but privately had him seething, so that they left much more quickly than they entered. Everyone went out through the kitchen door.

Freedom. Never again would she take it for granted. Home. She was going home. Home to her loved ones. Taking Erik's hand she leaned her head against his shoulder as they walked out into the darkness.