Chapter Two

February 15, 1840

Daniel always felt strange going to work after a spanking, as if he were only playing at being an adult. He fell into a moody sulk this snowy day. Charles Ledford was still at the museum talking on and on about his journey. That should be me, Daniel thought. I should be the man uncovering the secrets of the ancient world, not a boy that goes home to be spanked. It isn't fair.

Daniel went out for a walk during the lunch hour. Snow dusted the urbane London crowds, turning to sludge in the street. Children laughed in a schoolyard somewhere. Carriages and cabs rattled by to the clopping trot of horseshoes. Daniel felt very alone suddenly, and wished Henry were by his side.

The young man was just trying to decide what restaurant to dine in when he caught sight of a familiar figure. The tall, elegant man was impossible to miss, even with a hat atop his fine silver hair and a coat billowing around his thin frame. It was Winslow Octavio Paternoster. Daniel immediately changed his direction and went after him. The bruises on his bottom throbbed as if in warning, but he ignored them; he was still too curious about the Sol Invictus Mithras to leave Paternoster alone.

"Mr. Paternoster?"

Paternoster stopped walking and faced Daniel. He was about Henry's height but half his weight. Cool gray eyes the color of the snowy sky looked down at Daniel from atop a thin aquiline nose. His skin held a faint olive tan even in the winter, giving him a Mediterranean appearance. Daniel wondered what land he had come from so long ago.

"Daniel, is it?" Paternoster asked, polite enough. "The survivor of Brennenburg. How may I help you?"

"I'm sorry to accost you this way, but I've been wanting to talk to you," Daniel said. "I saw you walking and thought we might have a word?"

"Certainly. Concerning what?"

"The Sol Invictus—"

Paternoster pressed a gloved hand gently over Daniel's lips.

"Hush, boy, hush," he ordered. "Never speak that name in public."

"I'm sorry," Daniel said once his mouth was freed. "Henry didn't tell me that."

"I was just going for lunch at my club," Paternoster said. "Come with me, and we will talk."

Paternoster swept on breezily. Daniel jogged after him. For an ancient man, Paternoster kept a remarkably brisk pace. They came to a distinguishing social club whose sign held a depiction of the sun, a bull, and the words 'Solus Gentleman's Club'. Daniel brushed museum dust off his clothing, grateful that Henry had encouraged him to buy finer outfits for himself.

Inside, they passed several luxurious rooms. There was the social room, a sort of library and lounge in one, and a dining hall, along with several recreation areas. The wealth of this place made Henry's luxurious domicile seem shabby. Paternoster had a proprietary air and was regarded with great respect by all they came across; Daniel guessed he owned the club, or at least had a stake in it. He wondered how many of the club's patrons were members of the Sol Invictus Mithras. It would explain why there was such a variety of diners, from the wealthy to the shady, even a few dilettantes.

At last, they came to Paternoster's private room. It was a grand space that had its own library and dining table. Their coats and hates were taken by an aged servant. They sat at the dining table, and were served an excellent meal. Paternoster did not speak until they were well into the main course.

"Now, what did you wish to speak with me about, boy?" he inquired. "It is safe to speak here. I own this club, and every member is a part of the group."

That explains that, then, Daniel thought.

"Well, first I need to confirm something, I suppose," Daniel said. "I am not in any danger from your group, am I? Did you get everything that you needed from me?"

"Indeed," Paternoster said. "Your link to Alexander von Brennenburg proved invaluable. I do apologize for the trouble we put you through, but it was necessary. If Alexander had remained linked to you, he would have taken your body over permanently in time. That is not to say I did any of it for your sake, but your life was already on the line. Fortunately, it all came out right in the end. I hope you don't harbor any ill will towards us?"

"I don't."

"Henry still does."

Paternoster's tone implied he knew the answer. Daniel shifted uncomfortably on his bruised bottom, childishly guilty. He stared down at his meal until he felt suitably adult enough to resume the conversation.

"Yes," Daniel admitted. "In fact, he would be furious if he knew that I was here talking to you."

"And yet here you are. Why?"

"Because I'm curious about the group," Daniel said. "Henry told me your history, and he told me that you hold immense power and forbidden knowledge. He said that the group has existed since the Roman Empire, and that you are older than any currently living man in this country. Is that true?"

"Alexander was right, you are a precocious lad," Paternoster commented.

"You've spoken to Alexander?" Daniel asked, startled. "About me?"

"He speaks of you sometimes," Paternoster said. "I think he grew rather fond of you."

Daniel felt a shiver run through him. Although in the end Alexander had spared his life and claimed to have forgiven him, the man's name had not lost its menace. Daniel recalled how Alexander had telepathically forced him to live through the tortures of Brennenburg's victims. He paled and was unable to respond. Paternoster did not wait for him.

"As to your questions, the answer is yes, that is all true," Paternoster said. "Due to your involvement with us, I suppose Henry broke no rules by explaining the group's nature to you. You may as well know the rest of it. How much did Henry tell you?"

"He explained that the religious aspect of the group during the Roman Empire's reign was a facade to hide its true nature from the ignorant," Daniel said. "He told me that Mithras was actually a sorcerer from another world that was brought into this one through the power of one of the Orbs. He founded the group as a means of gathering like-minded intellectuals, under the ideology that the pursuit of knowledge should be the ultimate goal of any sentient beings. He said that you are an ancient sorcerer that brought the group to England when the kingdom was young. The group is a nexus through which all those daring enough to challenge the mundane for the sake of pure knowledge have passed, whether they are aware of it or not. He said that there is not a fringe experiment that the group does not know about."

"All of which is true," Paternoster said. "In addition, we have an extensive collection of powerful artifacts, including several of the Orbs."

"Ahh, right, of course, that explains how you had the Orb that you used to draw Alexander into me," Daniel said. "Speaking of the Orbs, I meant to ask you something else."

"Go on."

"You must have known that I retrieved an Orb from Algeria last June," Daniel said. When Paternoster nodded, he went on, "Why did you leave me at the mercy of the Shadow? Couldn't you have helped me before I went in search of Alexander?"

"We could have," Paternoster said coolly. "However, the more people that wield the Orbs, the more data we collect concerning them. If a layperson stumbles upon one of them, I find it most illuminating to leave them to their own devices. The involvement of the baron of Brennenburg made the situation doubly interesting. My only miscalculation was waiting too long to send our agents to Brennenburg Castle; all was over and the Orb was destroyed by the time they arrived. Of course, the destruction did lead to the weakening and hence capture of Alexander, so I suppose it was a worthy trade."

He speaks so calmly about the hell that I went through, Daniel thought. He makes it sound like the whole thing was of little consequence.

"In the grand scheme of things, your personal suffering is small and insignificant," Paternoster said as if reading his mind. "I see your chest swelling with indignant pride, but that is the truth of it. For you are only a boy that happened to get caught up in events far beyond your ken, a victim of circumstance, nothing more."

"I'm not a boy, I'm a man."

"To me you are, as are most of the human race," Paternoster said, waving a hand. "I have lived centuries, most seem as children to me. Do not take it personally."

Nonetheless Daniel pouted a bit, his bottom aching all the more. Paternoster seemed to notice his discomfort, because he recommended they sit somewhere more comfortable. Comfort was not exactly possible, but it was a relief to sit on a cushioned armchair.

"Were you beaten very harshly?"

Daniel looked over at the man in alarm. His face turned bright red and his stomach fluttered with butterflies. Paternoster chuckled, waving his hand again.

"Those in the group have no secrets, for we have no shame in ourselves," Paternoster explained. "Henry has a sensual appreciation of violence, to the detriment of his lovers. Though the group pursues knowledge over all things, exploration of all the earthly pleasures is important to us. One must know and accept oneself before pursing knowledge of others. I taught Henry this, when he was just starting to study psychiatry."

"Henry was quite angry when I suggested he return to your group," Daniel said. "He was even angrier when I asked him to let me join it."

"You wish to join the Sol Invictus Mithras?"

"Perhaps, but I can't even consider it," Daniel sighed. "Henry would never let me, anyway. But I wish that I could try. After all that I've been through, I don't even know if I can tolerate the mundane world anymore. I always did love the idea of exploring unknown vistas and uncovering knowledge lost to the mists of time. I thought that I could do all of that through archaeology—and I did. As Henry said, I should be careful what I wish for. But how can I give it all up? How can I turn my back on my dreams when I know so much more than I used to? I know what's out there, and even if it is dangerous, I … I want … "

"You want an ambition."

"Yes, precisely!" Daniel exclaimed. "That's precisely it. I feel aimless in my work, and I take no pride in it. Henry thinks I'm terribly spoiled for wanting more than safety and love, but he doesn't understand. How could he? He has his work and his pride. What do I have?"

"You have much, child," Paternoster said. "You have your life, your safety, and your love. That is normally enough for human beings."

"It should be enough for me," Daniel admitted. "Maybe I am spoiled, but I want more. I want to know more. I want to see more. So, I thought that the group might satisfy that. I thought I could be of some use to you, perhaps."

Paternoster closed his eyes in thought. Daniel shifted and squirmed while he waited for him to speak. A clock ticked the noon hour away. I have to be back at work soon, Daniel thought. But I had to speak to him. I probably wouldn't get another chance. I only hope Henry doesn't find out, or he'll take it out of my hide.

Paternoster's gray eyes opened again. He crossed the room and stooped over the chair Daniel sat in. His long arms gripped either arm of the chair, barring Daniel in it. Daniel looked up at him anxiously. For an old man, his skin was unnaturally smooth, wrinkled deeply only at the corners of his eyes and mouth. Daniel could picture him in Roman garb, scheming away in immemorial times.

Paternoster put his hands on Daniel's face, the tips of his fingers pressing Daniel's temples lightly. His skin was as cool as Henry's was warm, causing Daniel to shiver. His gray eyes pierced Daniel's gaze and held it captive. Daniel felt that all his emotions, thoughts, and memories were exposed to that gaze now. He felt very small and insignificant.

Finally, Paternoster released him. He stood up and returned to his chair. Daniel's mind felt numb and dazed. He rubbed his temples and his eyes.

"You are a fairly confused child, but there is bravery in you, Daniel," Paternoster told him. "You took to being Alexander's apprentice surprisingly well. Those skills might be useful to the group."

"Oh no, I couldn't hurt anyone again."

"I believe that you very well could, but I was not referring to the torture," Paternoster said. "You had an open enough mind to perform sorcery. Most people are driven mad when their concepts of the world are decimated, but your madness only stemmed from guilt. That is admirable."

"Thank you."

"However, you are reckless, and you do tend to get intoxicated with power," Paternoster went on. "I am not like Henry, I do not enjoy wasting time taking the unruly in hand. For that reason, I am afraid that I could not let you join the group on your own."

"Oh."

"Don't look so disappointed, boy," Paternoster said. "I said that I cannot let you in on your own. If Henry were to return to us, I would let you serve by his side. He can deal with disciplining you."

"But he refuses to stay in the group," Daniel lamented. "He says that he can't forgive what you did to me, and that he doesn't agree with your ideology anymore."

"I will speak with him at length," Paternoster said. "There is much that the group still has to offer him. He is currently preparing a study, and he is aware that he will need our help procuring certain supplies. He will return to us. He is far too young to let his career stall now."

"I hope so," Daniel said. "Mr. Paternoster, may I ask for a favor?"

"Certainly."

"I'd prefer it if you didn't tell Henry about this conversation," Daniel said. "He, ah, won't be very happy with me if he finds out."

"I will keep it between the two of us, lad," Paternoster said with a knowing smile.

"Thank you."

Daniel was pleased with himself upon leaving the Solus Club. He even managed to smile when Charles Ledford accosted him inside the museum. He wanted to show Daniel more of his discoveries, so Daniel accompanied him to the wing where they were being studied. Daniel let the man ramble on about the artifacts for a while. At one point, he casually mentioned having lunch at the Solus Club.

"Oh," Charles said, "are you a member?"

"No. Are you?" Daniel asked. The thought of Charles being a member of the Sol Invictus Mithras made his heart sink.

"Oh, no, but I am very well acquainted with the owner," Charles explained. "Winslow Octavio Paternoster provided funding for my expedition."

"He did?"

"Yes, he patronizes many expeditions for the museum and select universities," Charles said. "Mr. Paternoster is something of a renaissance man. He funds a great many academic projects across all fields. He has no children, so I suppose he is able to freely spend his money that way. He is very generous and kind, a true gentleman."

"I've met him on two occasions," Daniel said. "He is certainly a gentleman, though I'm not sure how kind he is."

"He is a kindhearted man, believe me."

Kindhearted enough to kidnap and starve me, Daniel thought. Not to mention using me as bait to lure Alexander and then trapping him in a Memory Capsule.

"How do you know him, then?"

"Well, he helped fund a few projects of my roommate, Henry Bedloe," Daniel said. "He's a psychiatrist. I supposed Mr. Paternoster really does patronize many different fields."

"Yes, yes, he is a very supportive and kind man," Charles said. "Never you mind the rumors about him, Daniel. He is a true gentleman."

"Rumors? What rumors?"

"Oh, you haven't heard them?" Charles said. "Well, I hate to speak of such things, but I suppose I should warn you. Some people say ridiculous things about Mr. Paternoster, such as his being a part of a secret society or cult, nonsense like that."

"Is that so?" Daniel said mildly, smug in his knowledge of the truth.

"Rubbish, all of it," Charles said certainly. "Don't you believe a word of it. Mr. Paternoster is the kindest man that I've ever met, and a God-fearing good soul. He wants nothing more than to better mankind through academia and the arts."

"I wasn't aware that he patronized the arts as well."

"Yes, he certainly does," Charles said. "His taste is somewhat eccentric, sometimes indecent, and that is probably where the rumors started. I may not agree with some of the artists he prizes, but I admire a man that knows what he likes and supports it."

"Even if it's indecent?"

"Certainly," Charles said. "I'm not a man that believes a touch of the subversive will doom society. If I were, I probably would have destroyed all these uncouth artifacts myself!"

Charles laughed. Daniel wondered what Paternoster's purpose in funding his expedition was. Perhaps he really had been hoping the expedition would find the lost city of Irem.

"I did not know that you were living with Henry Bedloe," Charles said thoughtfully. He brushed off a small stone tablet and scrutinized its cuneiform characters. "He has a host of rumors dogging him as well, but he is known to be a genius when it comes to the study of the mind."

"We knew each other in childhood, and he has been helping me recover from the trauma of Professor Herbert's expedition," Daniel said. "He is a very good friend."

Charles looked at Daniel with an unreadable expression.

"I hope he is," he finally said, putting a hand on Daniel's shoulder. "You do let me know if you ever have any trouble with him, though."

"Why would you say that?"

"Oh, no reason. I don't listen to rumors, as I said."

"What rumors?"

"Never you mind."

Daniel had an idea of the nature of the rumors about Henry. Discreet as he tried to be, it was only natural that he could not hide everything at all times. I hope Charles doesn't think of me as a sodomite now, he thought. I am, of course, but I don't want the world knowing it.

"Here, why don't you stay and help with the study of these pieces?" Charles offered. "I could use another set of hands."

"I couldn't."

"Nonsense, of course you could!" Charles said affably. "Perhaps it will persuade you to agree to joining my next expedition. Come, come. See here? These bas reliefs seem to tell a singular story when displayed in the correct order, and we believe … "

It was no good trying to deny the venerable explorer. He led Daniel through the room and instructed him to clean this or take a sketch of that. Daniel wearily obeyed him. He was trapped.

By the time he returned home, Daniel was exhausted. He dozed in the parlor until he heard Henry arrive home. Henry barged into the parlor, taking no heed of him, and immediately fetched a drink. His mood was so black that Daniel suspected he knew about his meeting with Paternoster. He shrank into his chair, dreading another beating. Henry turned around and finally noticed him. To Daniel's relief, he smiled at him, and came over to give him a kiss and ruffle his hair.

"Good evening, Daniel," Henry greeted him. He sat down on the sofa and patted his lap. "Why don't you come sit with me? I could use the company just now."

Daniel moved over to the sofa and sat on the man's lap. Henry exhaled slowly, his mood calming some. He set down his drink halfway through and lit a cigar. Daniel settled against him, breathing in the leather and tobacco scent of the man's cigars.

"Are you all right, Henry?" he ventured. "You came in like a storm."

"I've had a storm of a day," Henry said. "That bastard Paternoster means to force my hand."

Daniel felt a surge of hope. To Henry, he only dared a small, "Oh?"

"I've had a theory that I've been planning to test soon," Henry said. "This is one of the more outré experiments, one that I will need expendable subjects for."

"Expendable?"

"Vagrants, prisoners, such types of undesirables."

Daniel was reminded distinctly of the Brennenburg dungeon, and did not need to inquire further. Henry rarely spoke of his work, but Daniel was beginning to realize that it was not always noble. He tried not to admit to himself that this somewhat impressed him, but it did. It's something we have in common, Daniel thought. At least he has a cause, he's doing it for science. And I'm sure his subjects truly are bad people.

"Normally the group supplies suitable subjects, but Paternoster is withholding support until he knows that I will resume my place in it," Henry scowled. "Not only that, but he's withholding the funding for the project that he promised. I knew there would be a price to pay for leaving them, but to interfere with my work! The bastard!"

"Henry, you really should not sacrifice your work for my sake," Daniel said carefully. "I'm not worth it. Besides, I can forgive the group, even after what they did. I know how far one can go for the sake of curiosity, after all."

"So do I, and that's why I'm loathe to rejoin the group," Henry said. "Should I endanger you just for the sake of my curiosity to know the human mind? If something happened, I should never forgive myself."

"But the group no longer needs me, I wouldn't be in any danger," Daniel stressed. "And you made it clear that you won't allow me to join."

"I certainly will not," Henry answered the question in the youth's tone. He took a long drag on the cigar, breathing smoke. "I may have to keep my place in the group, at least until this theory is tested, but it will have nothing to do with you. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, Henry."

"Then why do you look so happy?"

"I-I'm just glad. For you, I mean," Daniel stammered. "I know how important your work is. At least one of us has a purpose."

"Don't start with that again."

"I'm not."

Henry gave him a worried frown. He's up to something, he knew. His eyes shifted just slightly away from mine, and he looked elated when I said I would stay with the group. I should beat it out of him, I really should, but I just don't have the strength. I could wear my arm out on this brat.

"What did you do today?" Henry changed the subject. "Still moping about the museum?"

"I do not mope," Daniel said. "I spoke to Charles Ledford and I was very polite. I even helped him with his artifacts. Speaking of which, did you know that Mr. Paternoster funded his expedition?"

"No, I did not, but I'm not surprised," Henry said. "The man has fingers in every bizarre pie in the country."

"Do you think that he was searching for something through the Ledford Expedition?"

"Most likely, and he probably sent members of the group on it," Henry said. "He does that, you know. He will send spies into mainstream projects that peak his interest, and they will carry out his agenda unbeknownst to their colleagues."

"Ah, that explains why Charles doesn't know the way Mr. Paternoster really is," Daniel said. "He said that Mr. Paternoster is kind and god-fearing, save for his indecent taste in art."

Henry laughed his rough, deep laugh.

"God-fearing!" he echoed in disbelief. "I suppose never missing a Sunday service has worked well for Paternoster. He's a careful one, and clever. I've heard him quote the Bible to win arguments with priests and sway the faithful to his point of view. He gives Christmas trees to the poor, and is godfather to numerous children. Yes, he is very clever, is Paternoster."

"Still, there are rumors," Daniel said. "There are rumors about you, too."

"Damn the rumors," Henry said mildly. "There are always rumors. That Charles Ledford wasn't spreading them about me, was he?"

"No, I think he was only concerned for me when I said we were roommates."

"Well, he can sodomize himself with his concern," Henry scoffed. "Don't encourage him, Daniel. You tend to invite sympathy, and that is very dangerous if a friend begins to pry into your personal life."

"Charles is no friend of mine."

"He seems to think he is," Henry said. "Keep your distance, Daniel. Buggery is a crime, after all. I have enough to deal with without being arrested for such a petty thing. Damn the church and the law and all of it, anyway."

"You've never had a problem with it?" Daniel asked. "I would assume being what we are would invite blackmail."

"Oh, a man tried to blackmail me once," Henry said darkly. "He can be found in the cemetery—not very far from your father, as a matter of fact."

To Henry's surprise, Daniel laughed and then kissed him passionately. He appreciates power, even when it's cruel, Henry observed. I suppose he was taught that violence is strength, by that very father of his—and myself. At least I finally have a lover that has an appetite for sadism. So many boys drove me mad with talk of morality and all that nonsense. Daniel is too worldly to bother with those pretenses anymore.

Henry lay Daniel back on the sofa and ran his fingers over the young man's lips. Daniel languidly enjoyed the affection, compliant beneath the larger man. Henry unbuttoned and stripped open the layers of his clothing at length. His mouth wrapped around the youth's pale skin as if he meant to devour it. A hand reached into his breeches and he fondled him until he was yelling into a pillow. He's a loud one, Henry thought as he watched his lover thrash about. How very reactive he is to it all. I thought it might have only been that first time, but he still gets fucked like a virgin. God, I enjoy him!

"It's my turn now," Henry said once he had finished with Daniel.

Daniel lay panting on the sofa. He looked at Henry with one eye. Henry opened his trousers and pulled Daniel nearer. On hand and knee, Daniel found his face pushed downward towards his partner's erection.

"Must I?"

"Yes, Daniel."

Blushing fiercely, Daniel took him into his mouth. He was still awkward about this practice, but he at least he had stopped choking. Henry held him by the hair to keep him in place, but there was no need; the youth was obedient today. He must be up to something, Henry thought. He would have pursued the matter, but pleasure swept all other thoughts from his mind soon enough.

Daniel lifted his face from the man's crotch finally, licking the corner of his mouth. His face was scarlet from the degradation of it. Henry laughed at his expression and kissed his moist pouting lips. He had a feeling the man was only playing at outrage, because he was soon as content in Henry's arms as ever.

There was just enough time to wash for dinner. They ate voraciously, and talked of mundane things. Henry would not have guessed that Daniel was already dreaming of the day when he was accepted into the Sol Invictus Mithras, and the adventures such a position might lead to.