Secret Society – Episode 005: Whispered Truths of the False Light Part 1
Part 1 – The Journey into the Carpathians
The Carpathian Mountains loom overhead, jagged peaks shrouded in mist, as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson sit inside a cramped cabin at a base camp, surrounded by the tools and provisions of weary mountaineers.
Watson leans forward, concern etched into every line of his face, watching Holmes prepare for an arduous journey up the mountain.
The Exchange
WATSON (uneasy): "I don’t know about this, Holmes. It sounds terribly dangerous."
Holmes doesn’t look up as he fastens his kit bag, his fingers precise and deliberate.
HOLMES (calmly): "I understand your worry, Watson, but unfortunately, where I need to go—you cannot join me."
Watson frowns deeply, shaking his head.
WATSON (doubtfully): "It still makes no sense to me. Why would Count Vlad have any connection to this society?"
Holmes finally meets Watson’s gaze, his expression sharp with certainty.
HOLMES (firmly): "Vlad is from Transylvania, and he is a master manipulator. Anyone seeking to perfect such skills would have certainly come to the attention of the Society of the False Circle. Either they know of him—or they trained him themselves."
Holmes pauses, his voice lowering slightly.
HOLMES (reflective): "They are an elusive order, Watson—cloistered, distrustful of outsiders. If there is truth to be found, I must seek it alone."
Watson sighs, defeated, watching Holmes secure the last of his supplies.
WATSON (quietly): "I don’t like this."
Holmes grins slightly, grasping Watson’s hand in a firm shake.
HOLMES (lightly): "Then it’s settled. I’ll return once I know what I need to know."
Without another word, Holmes steps out into the cold wilderness, leaving Watson behind to begin his lone expedition into the heart of the mountains.
Into the Wild
Holmes moves swiftly through the treacherous terrain, following an old path he had traversed once before—many years ago, when he first sought the legendary Society of the Circle of the False Light.
Known for their mastery of deception and manipulation, the secretive order is led by the enigmatic Grand Manipulator, Ardan Vantrel—a man rumored to be over a century old, yet with the keen intellect and sharp presence of someone far younger.
Holmes knows he will need to be at his best—because if Vlad has any connection to Vantrel, then his investigation is about to take a very dangerous turn.
After several days of grueling travel, Holmes comes upon a quiet clearing, deciding it will serve as a good camp for the night.
As he begins to settle in, his keen ears catch the sound of voices approaching.
An Unexpected Encounter
Holmes presses into the shadows, observing two figures emerging from the dense treeline—a lean mountain woman, rugged and battle-worn, and a smaller elf, clad in practical traveling gear.
Their presence immediately intrigues him—what would an elf from the North Pole be doing in the Carpathian wilderness?
He listens intently.
SORINA (thoughtful): "The cabin is only thirty minutes from here. We can rest or press on."
BUCKLE (determined): "Let’s continue. We still have light left, and I don’t want to stumble through the forest at night."
SORINA (nodding): "Sounds good, Buckle. Let’s get there, you can do your investigation, and then we’ll return to Brașov."
Holmes almost moves to follow them, curiosity pulling at him—but he catches himself, reminding himself of his own mission.
Instead, he settles into his camp, preparing for the final stretch of his journey to the monastery tomorrow.
The Monastery of the Circle of the False Light
In the morning, Holmes pushes onward, finally arriving at the hidden monastery, nestled against the steep cliffs of the Carpathian range, only accessible via a precarious wooden rope bridge.
He pauses, staring at the structure, recalling his past encounter with its enigmatic inhabitants.
Would the Grand Manipulator remember him?
Would he help—or hinder—his investigation?
Holmes forces the thoughts aside, stepping onto the bridge, moving carefully toward the massive wooden doors of the monastery.
He grips the ornate knocker, slamming it once—twice—three times.
The doors creak open, and a hooded figure emerges from the shadows within.
The Gatekeeper
DOOR GUARD (gruffly): "What do you want?"
Holmes straightens, his tone calm but unwavering.
HOLMES (firmly): "I’ve traveled many miles to see the master of your order. Tell him that Sherlock Holmes wishes an audience—with the Grand Manipulator himself, Ardan Vantrel."
A soft, knowing chuckle echoes from within the monastery, and another hooded figure steps forward—a woman, her face partially obscured, but her faint smile unmistakable.
MISTRESS TYNELL (smoothly): "Ah, Sherlock—the wayward son returns to the flock."
Holmes smirks knowingly.
HOLMES (lightly): "Mistress Tynell. A pleasure. I hope all is well."
She nods, amused, before stepping aside and beckoning him inside.
As Holmes enters, the massive doors slam shut behind him, locks sliding into place, sealing him within the secretive monastery once more.
There is no turning back now.
End of Part 1
Darn cliffhangers lol
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