They exited the House without Doors into a different section of the Underside. Molly wondered how many exits there were. Serpentine's page walked slowly and silently. She never looked to see if anyone was following, merely continued her march. After a brief trip through a stone cavern, Molly thought she heard the sound of rushing waves. As they continued on, it became clear that the sound was actually Tube trains. They stepped through a low entry way, and were standing on a small train platform. A small black steam train, unlike anything Molly had ever seen when taking the Tube, was waiting. Door staggered back when she saw it. She grabbed the Marquis' arm and clung tightly to him. "The Underside Line! Temple and Arch!" she whispered.
The Marquis rubbed her arm and made some comforting noises. "It's not that bad, just remember, Islington was worse," he murmured. Actually, he thought it was nearly as bad, but he kept that to himself. The black corseted woman stood next to the passenger car, it was the only train car, save the engine. She waited while the others boarded. Once they had all entered, Serpentine's page closed the door. The engine started and the train slowly pulled away.
Molly peeked at her traveling companions. Sherlock was impassive as usual. All that was missing was his phone; normally he would be busy texting. Door looked terrified; she still clung to the Marquis. And even he looked uneasy. The inside of the passenger car looked like something left over from the 1860's, which Molly reasoned, it probably was. The whole train car smelled musty, like old books and forgotten secrets. Dark wood paneled the walls. The seats were also carved wood, upholstered in burgundy velvet. Thick, black curtains covered the windows. Molly went to move one aside to look out the window, but the Marquis stopped her. He shook his head and frowned. Molly lowered her hand and stared at her lap instead. No one spoke for the duration of the ride. After twenty minutes, the train began to slow and eventually creaked to a halt.
Serpentine's page stood and opened the door. She walked out without a word. Sherlock followed her and everyone else followed him. Standing on another train platform was Serpentine herself. She wore a ragged white dress. Molly thought it sort of looked like a wedding dress, well, what a wedding dress would look like if it was thrown into a sewer, dredged up, washed on some rocks and dried near a volcano. Her white hair was shockingly unruly. She sneered at the group. Door took a quick breath and stood up straighter. "Serpentine. Thank you for granting us safe passage…" she began.
"Shut up, I want to speak to this Sherlock, not you. Which one of you is Sherlock?" Serpentine demanded.
He stepped forward and surprised everyone by bowing gracefully. "Lady Serpentine, I am Sherlock Holmes. It was I who spoke with your servant, thank you for your swift reply. If it please you, I wish to inquire about recent events, I believe you may be able to help me" he said.
"Ha! Well, the Lady bit was a nice touch, but not needed. Door, surprised to see you again, I only allowed you to come here because I want to know about what happened to Hunter. Otherwise I would have killed you all, sending me messages, you have no idea how lucky you are, Mr. Sherlock Holmes" said Serpentine. "Well, hurry up, it's time to eat, come on." She turned and marched away, followed by her silent servant.
Door was trembling, but followed after her. Her strange group of companions came along as well. Serpentine lead them to another, smaller train platform, this one set with a fancy table and chairs. The sound of Tube trains passing through nearby tunnels could be heard and the rush of air as they passed felt. Serpentine sat down and waved toward a row of silent servants. They carried dishes and platters to the table. Serpentine began to eat with enthusiasm, shoveling the strange food into her mouth. Molly wasn't sure what most of the food even was. Most of it looked slimy; one bowl could only be filled with baby eels. Door wasn't eating much, just biting her lip nervously and playing with the food on her plate. Sherlock wasn't eating, but that was hardly unusual. The Marquis was delicately spooning food onto his dish and ate with impeccable manners. Molly tried to choose something that didn't look like entrails. She settled on a brownish mush. It wasn't bad actually, sort of a mushroom casserole. Serpentine slowed down her furious eating, then spoke, chunks of food spraying out of her mouth, "Which of you can tell me what happened to Hunter? I wish to learn of her final moments."
The Marquis de Carabas set down his fork and dabbed the corners of his mouth with a napkin before speaking. "I was there. She took the spear that she had received as a blood price for her betrayal. She tried to kill the Great Beast of London, but failed and was badly wounded. With her help, Richard was able to slay the Beast. Hunter gave him her knife, and blessing, and then died. We had to leave her then, to go and save Door," he explained.
Serpentine nodded, satisfied with the response. She resumed eating, heartily chewing and devouring the meal before her. She stopped to scowl at Sherlock and his empty plate. "You beg to speak with me and then insult my hospitality? A poor choice, I think" she growled.
Sherlock bowed his head, "My apologies, I rarely eat while I am working, it was not my intention to offend you," he said. He chose some of the mushroom dish that Molly was eating. As he ate, Serpentine nodded with satisfaction.
"And what sort of work is it you do, Sherlock?" asked Serpentine, waving a fork at him.
"I am a consulting detective. I solve crimes that others can not," he explained.
"And what crime has brought you here today? I assume that is why you tried to contact me" queried Serpentine.
"You are correct. I am investigating for the Lady Door, she wishes to learn of the whereabouts of her sister, Ingress. I thought perhaps you might have information that would assist us in our endeavor," said Sherlock.
Serpentine smiled, and spun a goblet around, sloshing the wine from side to side. She looked at Door now. "Well then, your sister, eh? You know if your father wasn't such an absolute fuck-up, you wouldn't ever have had the chance to dine with me. Twice! And leave alive, both times!" Serpentine laughed, snorting and spraying food particles across her guests.
Door didn't respond. She didn't dare wipe the slimy mist of masticated food off her face either. Serpentine finished cackling and refilled her goblet. "You are actually in luck, for I actually have heard something about the lost child. My spies tell me that my beloved eldest sister has a new handmaiden." She laughed even harder now, spilling wine across the grimy tablecloth. She positively hooted with delight, slapping her knees and choking with mirth.
Door managed to actually become paler. For a moment, she swayed from side to side. The Marquis reached up to steady her. She grabbed her goblet and drank her wine in one swift gulp. She took a deep breath before asking her question, "Serpentine, please, is there any way I can bring my sister back?"
This just made Serpentine start laughing even harder. She coughed and wheezed. "How the hell would I know? I don't speak to that bitch; she's crazier than even I. I'm sure her spies have seen you by now, you could try going to speak with her, she might let you live too!" She laughed till tears ran down her check. She gestured to one of her black clad women. The servant stepped forward. Serpentine whispered into her ear, and then the servant left.
"I'll even give you a ride! They're making the train ready, it will take you to Olympia's realm, and back again, should she allow you to leave" Serpentine smiled, as though she had given them all a marvelous gift.
"Thank you, Serpentine" murmured Door.
Serpentine belched loudly and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "Think nothing of it child. Someday I may need your help, don't go getting yourself killed now. Oh, and good luck" she snorted and giggled to herself. Then she stood from the table, and swept out of the room, followed by her silent retinue.
Door groaned and laid her head down on the table. De Carabas thought quickly. He needed to get rid of Molly and Sherlock. Nothing good could come of them going along to Olympia's dark domain. He suspected that both of them would argue, they were irritatingly noble like that. His schemes didn't get far. Sherlock interrupted his thoughts, "Don't even think of suggesting that I stay behind. I believe I have proved that I can behave myself. And yes, we should discuss a way to send Molly back to Door's house," he said.
"What? I want to stay!" argued Molly.
"Molly, I don't want to put you in danger, we will return later," stated Sherlock.
Molly was slightly distracted by the concern Sherlock showed for her. But she stubbornly continued, "No! I'm staying and that's that. Door needs someone besides you two mad bastards." She glared at Sherlock and the Marquis, daring them to push her.
"Oh fine, please Molly, please join us on what will almost certainly be another madcap adventure resulting in death and dismemberment" said the Marquis, sounding bored. He took the opportunity to refill his goblet and swiftly drank more wine. It was an excellent vintage after all, might as well enjoy it. One of the side effects of being dead was an appreciation for good things whenever and wherever they appeared.
"All of you shut up. Molly, they're right, it's probably safer if you leave now. But you're a big girl, you can chose for yourself" said Door flatly.
Serpentine's page returned, and gestured for them to follow. The four looked at each other, then departed Serpentine's dining room and returned to the black steam engine.
The gleaming black steam engine of the Underside line roared back to life as soon as Door and her companions boarded. Serpentine's silent messenger did not accompany them this time, leaving them to travel alone. Door was shaking slightly. Molly held her hand and occasionally murmured what she hoped were helpful comments. The Marquis dug around in his pockets till he found his pennywhistle. He played a few notes and scales at first, then began to softly play a song. It took a few moments, but Molly finally recognized it as "Heroes" by David Bowie. Sherlock sat by himself, knees draw up to his chest, head sunk to meet his knees. He seemed to tolerate the music at first, but then stood and walked directly in front of the Marquis and yanked the flute away. Molly was surprised that the Marquis merely smiled at this, she thought the two men would finally come to blows. He leaned forward and grinned at Door. "I'm rather enjoying this little jaunt, you know. Since the Earl has banished me, I rather miss taking the Tube" he said.
Door started to cry, "Not now, please. Just shut up for once," she sobbed.
The Marquis sat back and was quiet. Everyone sat mutely as Door's soft sobs dwindled. Molly fidgeted, unsure of what to do. The train creaked as it swayed along the tracks. Strange sounds could occasionally be heard from outside the windows. Whispers and faint screams, and once Molly thought she heard her name called. Time seemed to slow down and waver. Flickers of light danced at Molly's peripheral vision. Then with a sudden rush, her death sense overwhelmed her. She cried out and fell to her knees. Molly covered her ears, but was unable to escape the noises that had amplified with her sense of death. She heard terrible voices, screaming in pain and describing the deaths of many. Growls and shrieks were building towards a terrible crescendo. Right when she began to gag, everything stopped. Sherlock was kneeling next to her and looking at her, fear plainly visible in his eyes for a split second. Molly grabbed his arms and then received the shock of her life when he actually pulled her into a hug. He let go of her nearly as quickly as he had embraced her. He stood, looking embarrassed and just as shocked as Molly. He wiped his hands on his coat and then carefully pulled Molly up to her feet.
"Well, here we are" drawled the Marquis. The door slid open and tendrils of fog rolled in. He gestured floridly toward the door, and then strode through it. Door closed her eyes for a moment, and then hurried after him.
Molly stared at Sherlock. He shifted on his feet, uncomfortable and unsure. He looked toward the door and frowned. "Are you alright?" he asked quietly. Molly nodded. Sherlock shocked her again by taking her hand and leading her off the train. Door and the Marquis stood on a brick train platform inside an immense stone cavern. Fog filled the cavern. A single lantern light shone next to them. As Sherlock and Molly approached, another lantern started to glow, further down the platform. Door and her companions walked toward the lantern, and more lanterns began to shine in the mist. They followed them to an arched doorway and then a long set of winding stairs. Molly looked back and saw the lanterns they had passed were fading. Strange echoes bounced inside the stairwell. Fog ebbed and flowed around their feet. At the bottom of the stairs was a massive wooden door, banded with thick iron hinges. The door opened silently as they approached. They walked through, and entered the throne room of Olympia.
No ceiling or walls could be seen in the massive cavern. Olympia sat on a throne hewn from stone. Her skin was alabaster pale and her eyes were pure white as well. Her dress was wispy and ethereal, as though it was made out of the fog that swirled and pulsed through the caverns. Some sort of diadem was twisted in her red matted hair. Molly was reminded of oil portraits that she had seen of Queen Elizabeth I. Standing next to Olympia was a small girl, dressed in tattered clothing. Her hair was the same curious auburn as Door's; she could only be the youngest child of Portico, Ingress.
Door let out a sob as soon as she saw her sister. She stuffed her hand in her mouth to quiet herself. Tears flowed unbidden. She breathed out slowly, gathering herself. She stood up as tall as she could, pushing her shoulders back. "Lady Olympia, I thank you for allowing us safe passage here. I am Door, daughter of Portico," she began with a shaky voice.
"I know who you are" interrupted Olympia. Her voice was breathy and strange. "I know why you have come. Who are your companions?"
"This is the Marquis de Carabas, Lady Olympia, he has assisted me and my family" started Door.
Olympia laughed, a dusty sound. "Ha! I know of you! Still stealing corpses?" she sneered.
The Marquis bowed low. "Not recently, my lady" he said.
"And the rest? Who are they?" asked Olympia.
"This is Molly and Sherlock, they have recently come from London Above. Molly is an old friend of the Marquis and as such, she and her friend are welcome in my home," stated Door.
Olympia stared at them hungrily. She reached out and stroked Ingresses' hair with bony fingers. Ingress had not moved or reacted in any way since Door and her companions entered. Olympia yawned and stretched, yanking on Ingresses' hair. "You have to come reclaim something that is mine," she said. "I do not wish to give it" she finished.
"Please, Lady Olympia, she is all the family I have left, please allow Ingress to return home with me," begged Door.
"No. I rather like her" smiled Olympia. She stroked Ingresses' face, fingernails lightly scratching her skin.
Door began to shake, she had heard about Olympia and her handmaidens. She always had at least one. When threats of Serpentine failed, bad girls heard that they could be given to Olympia. No one knew why she had her handmaidens or what she did with them. Olympia's handmaidens were replaced every so often, and no one knew what happened to the old ones. They were never seen again. Door tried again, "Please, I offer myself in exchange, please allow Ingress to return to our home" she pleaded.
Olympia snorted. "I don't want you. But perhaps I could be swayed with a trade" she smiled. She resumed carding her hand through Ingresses' hair. With a wicked gleam in her white eyes, she said "I'll take him" and pointed directly at Sherlock.
Sherlock did not move or speak. Door quickly said "Oh, no, I mean I can't, he's not mine, I can't trade another person."
"Ha! He travels with you, stays in your home; as such he is clearly one of your subjects. If you wish your sister back, you will order him to remain here with me!" crowed Olympia. "Well? I am weary of this nonsense; make your choice and leave, while I still allow you to do so."
Before anyone else could react, the Marquis stepped forward and gracefully bowed. "My Lady Door, please, if I may. Olympia, I wish to offer myself in exchange for Portico's daughter. This man, while possessing a fair face and body, is extremely exasperating and will prove to be only a hindrance. He is recently fallen from the Above world and unfamiliar with our refined ways, and as such he will be an unpleasant companion. Allow me to remain here and the child to return to her home" offered the Marquis.
Door tried to grab his arm. "De Carabas! What are you playing at?" she hissed. He waved her away, and waited for Olympia's reply.
Olympia thought about the Marquis' offer for a moment. A slow grin spread across her blank face. "Hmm, an unusual offer, and such a noble one at that" she paused and thought some more. She giggled to herself, an odd childish sound. "Fine. I accept the offer, the child is yours and I will retain your advisor. A good exchange I think" she grinned, displaying her rotten teeth. Door gasped and covered her mouth.
"Splendid, my lady, I beg a small indulgence, please allow me to bid my companions farewell," asked the Marquis.
Olympia nodded graciously. The Marquis de Carabas turned to Door first.
"You don't have to do this, I mean it, there has to be another way" cried Door as she clutched the Marquis' arm.
"Oh hush, stop sniveling; I know what I'm doing. You'll just owe me another two really big favors when I come back" he smiled. He hugged her then whispered, "Take good care of your sister, I'll be back. I fully intend collect those favors" he winked at her and then walked to Molly.
Molly had barely moved the entire time. She was nearly paralyzed with fear. The Marquis kissed her softly and bent to whisper in her ear. "You deserve better than him, I hope you know that. And no, I don't mean me; you're really not my type anyway. Ask Old Bailey about the other Deathseer, he's your best chance for information."
Molly rushed over to Door. They were holding hands and crying. The Marquis approached Sherlock. It was hard to say who was more startled when the Marquis grabbed Sherlock and kissed him soundly on the lips as well. He pulled Sherlock's ear close to his mouth and whispered, "Take care of them, or else, and please, hurry up and do something, before you lose her altogether, you're an idiot but she likes you anyway, not that you deserve her in the least."
Sherlock stumbled backwards when the Marquis released him. He joined Door and Molly as the Marquis strode away. He bowed low to Olympia and said, "My Lady Olympia, I am at your service."
She grinned wickedly at him. Then she stood up and shoved Ingress forward. "Go ahead, take her, and leave me, immediately if not sooner!" cackled Olympia. She reached out and stroked the Marquis' face lovingly, licking her dry cracked lips.
Ingress stumbled forward, Door rushed to grab her. She picked Ingress up and held her closely. She spun and rushed from the throne room, grabbing Molly by the hand as she ran. Sherlock raced closely behind them. They rushed back through the caverns to the waiting train. As soon as they entered the passenger car, the train lurched forward. Door still clutched Ingress as huge sobs wracked her body. Molly collapsed in a seat. At first she barely registered that Sherlock was sitting next to her. But then she felt his arm tentatively wrap around her shoulders. She gasped, then fell against Sherlock's chest and cried till she fell asleep.