The Mirror of Darkness

The mirror of darkness
By J D Symmes. ©2011

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction,  Some scenes may be graphical to young readers and therefore intended for adult or mature readers. (over 17)


Prologue
A young lady of seventeen combs her long locks of Dark brown hair, with a brush made of  fine Horses hair, not just any horse mind, but Arabian, one of the finest breeds thank you very much. The brush, constructed of pure silver from the top to the handle. She stroked her hair on one side about twenty times, and then repeated for the back, and the left side. She smiled at herself in the mirror, and found great satisfaction in seeing a reflection of beauty smiling back.
The wind outside bellowed like a thousand souls screaming all at once, sending shivers down her spine as she sat alone in her room. The room, filled with the sweet scent of both roses and fresh flowers, and perfume which she always ordered special from France.. She shrugged her shoulders and went back to brushing her air again. Down the long locks the brush went, lifting up, and back down again, as she smiled at herself in the mirror.  The bedroom door opened slowly, and an elderly woman came walking in carrying with her a load of fresh linins for the bed.
“Did you have a nice night Ma’am?” the woman asked.

“It was perfect, in every way. I danced as if I were on clouds, and everyone was smiling at me, watching me. ” Sarah said finishing up combing her hair. She rose from her chair and walked slowly to the window overlooking the sea. “I do hope Jonathan had a wonderful time as I did. He was a bit tipsy to be honest - and was I as well.” She giggled.
“Well its not everyday your ladyship turns seventeen, now is it? You had the right to celebrate. I for one have never seen you more happy then you were last night.” the maid commented. “And another thing as well, you did have an air of overwhelming joy about you, and if your father and mother were around, they to would say, well done - well done indeed.”
Sarah stopped smiling and turned to the maid, “I have not thought about Mother and father for a long time. But, last night, I had a dream that I saw them, they were looking at me through the mirror. I saw them smile, and I smiled back, they then vanished.”
“You must be careful my lady, dreams are the devil’s playground. It is not wise to believe our dreams are real. You can not bring back the dead just by looking in a mirror. If you were to be able to do so, that would be considered Witchcraft…  if you aver do that, god have mercy on your soul.”
“Mary, I do love you, but please stop talking to me about your religion. Besides, there is no harm in having dreams. They are just our deepest desires, our ambitions, and our hopes. Dreams are the only thing that I have left in this world. God took my parents away from me,  so if I can see them in dream, then so mote it be… “
Mary covered her mouth and gasped. “such blasphemy!”  Mary headed to the door, “Your aunt shall here about this my lady and she will put a stop to this outrageous sacrilege.” With that Mary left the room in a huff and called out in a loud voice for Sarah’s aunt. “Miss Dubois, Miss Dubois!”

Sarah just smiled and then went back to her mirror. She picked up her brush, and began to brush her hair again but there was something different with her reflection. Looking behind her shoulder in the reflection of the mirror, she gave out a scream of terror. Standing behind her was her betrothed, covered in blood and his body wet. He had on the same blue velvet suit he had on the night before.  The white shirt, covered in mud, and wet completely ruined. Sarah turned to see Jonathan, but he was not there behind her. Sarah shook her head, and turned back to the mirror and again screamed as she saw her own hair wet, covered in blood and cuts covered her face.
“What is the matter?”  Sarah’s aunt Ann shouted as she entered the room.  “Dear lord, Sarah!”
…
Chapter 1: The proposal
The year of Eighteen - Ninety five has been up to this point of her life, the worse for Sarah, and every time she thinks about it, it all becomes most overwhelming. Sarah’s mother and father had gone on holiday when the train they were traveling on, jumped track and plummeted to the bottom of the river below.
The moon was high and rather large,  illuminating the night sky, accompanied by billions of brilliant stars which twinkled and danced. The air was warm and very comfortable with a gentle breeze moving some leaves across a cobblestone street. As the moon beamed down on the road, a horse drawn carriage, black as pitch with just a couple lanterns to give light for the horses to follow.  Nestled inside the carriage, a beautiful young woman sits comfortably in a silk taffeta brocaded with silver threads. White laces lapel adorned around her neck, and she wore white silk gloves which traveled up to her elbow.
Sarah looked magnificent with her hair tightly rolled into a bun in the back of her neck, and ribbons flowed down the back, a tiara encrusted with diamonds and precious stones sat smartly on her head. She smiled and fanned herself with white silk hand fan. Looking out the window, she saw the park which she has always gone to as a child on countless trips with her mother and father. The tree which she had carved her name stood proudly in the middle of the park. Sarah remembered clearly as if it were just yesterday when she would spend time with her mother and father having a picnic under the tree, and waded in a small fountain to cool her feet on a hot summers day.
The carriage stopped next to the center fountain, and a footman opened the door. Jonathan dressed in a blue velvet suit, embossed with gold leaf flowers, white ruffled shirt and lapels of silk, stepped out first, and eased Sarah out. He nodded at the footman, “we will be here for a moment.” then lead Sarah to the edge of the fountain. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small box. Jonathan opened the box with shaking hands and turned the box to face Sarah, and then dropped on knee and knelt down in front of her.
“Dear lord…” Sarah gasped as she saw the diamond ring in the box. The ring had small sapphires circling a rather large diamond. The band, was gold through out and was a bit heavy.
“Sarah Ann Dubois, it is my dream and deepest wish to have your hand in marriage.” Jonathan said as he placed the ring on her finger.
Sarah fanned herself rapidly, for a moment, she was breathless and panting at the same time. A flood of emotions over took her, and she felt a bit unsteady. She was happy Jonathan asked, but sad her parents were not there to witness this joyful event. She was scared at what lies ahead in her life, and yet she also was thrilled at the thought of spending the rest of her life with the man she has always loved.
“Yes Jonathan, yes indeed I will marry you.” she said then smiled.
Some on lookers applauded and the women were smiling and crying at the same time. Sarah could not stand it, and she had to show off her new ring even to the total strangers in the park.  All of the women there giggled as they gazed at the ring with amazement of its beauty.
The footman opened the door to the carriage, and smiled at Sarah, “Well done my lady, well done indeed.”
Sarah blushed and climbed back into the carriage, sat down contently, positively glowing at Jonathan as he climbed in and sat next to her.
“I am so pleased you accepted.” 
chapter 2: the ball

Sarah combed her long black locks, shifting the brush one side and down the other. She smiled at the reflection in the mirror looking back at her. “You are a lucky woman.” she said to herself as if the reflection were talking to her, making her blush.
“My lady, I am so happy for you, Master Robinson is a very influential person.”  The chamber maid commented.
Jonathan William Robinson is indeed a very influential man, matter of fact, he is richer then the king himself, so powerful, he has more voting power then the king thank you very much. His family made their fortune in the shipping business, and Jonathan is head of the company, and about to be married; and he could very well be the luckiest men alive.
Sarah stood as her servant worked to tighten the cords on her corset. With each and every lace, the offending thing became more and more uncomfortable. “are you almost done?”
“Just one more my lady, I am very sorry if this is uncomfortable, but you must look your best for tonight.” Rose said as she tightened the final lace. “there, that is all.”
Sarah let out her breath and the corset relaxed a bit, allowing her to breath freely. “That is much better.” she commented and then looked at herself in the mirror. She still looked so elegant with her corset, and long hosiery. He thin body at her stomach, made the corset support her breasts and lifted them up. Put on her hoop dress. It was beautifully crafted of the finest silk, pastel blue with white lace around the neckline, and embroidered flowers which was embossed in gold leaf.  Her hair was put up in small braided knots, with some curls down the side in front of her ears, and flower along with long ribbons laced her hair. Sarah was stunning, she could pass as the queen, and Sarah’s eyes glazed over with tears as she saw her reflection in the mirror.
Rose opened the door and then lead Sarah down the hall to the stairs. Sarah stopped and took in a breath of air, and then smiled as she took a step forward. Instantly the room became hushed as guests of the ball gazed upon her elegance and grace, as Sarah slowly walked down the curved stair case. Jonathan was at the bottom of the stairs, he could not take his eyes of the thing of absolute beauty descending like an angel from heaven, and his heart raced as she drew closer to him. Sarah stopped at the bottom of the stairs and held out her hand toward Jonathan, who was speechless, gawking at her like a love sick school boy.
“Sarah Ann Dubois, as your aunt, I give you to Jonathan  William Robinson with my blessing in marriage.” Ann Dubois said with tears in her eyes. The attendees and guests applauded their respect and joy for the announcement. “Their wedding is in two weeks time, on October three, in the year of our lord. Eighteen hundred and Ninety and five. “
Jonathan reached out his hand to Sarah and took her white silk gloved hand, and lead her from the stairs to the middle of the ball room. He nodded to the orchestra and they began to play an arrangement by Ludwig Van Beethoven, Opus 28, Number 15 in D. A lively tune befitting the mood of the first dance between this most happy of couples. The music was playing in the background, but for Sarah, she was following the rhythm In her heart beat, which was beating faster then the actual musical notation called for thank you very much.  And so it went the entire night, she danced on a cloud of happiness, and could have twilled till dawn, alas, at the hour of eight pm, the dance was over, and dinner was being served.
Sarah sat down at the head of the table, and Jonathan sat on her right. She positively beamed with the radiance of joy welling inside her, and she could not keep her eyes off of her betrothed. Jonathan used the edge of his spoon and tapped his glass lightly, causing eyes to look up, at him. Jonathan cleared his voice, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I stand before you as a humbled man compared to the beauty which sits next to me. But I stand as the most happiest man on gods creation, and with a bit of sinful pride, I must say, I am the happiest man on earth.” The room erupted with laughter and applause. “So with that said, I propose a toast, to my lovely bride to be, may we always be happy together as we are this night.”
“Here - here.” the guests all said in unison.
Sarah rose to her feet and looked at Jonathan, “I know it may not be proper for the lady to ask for a toast, but I am so full of joy at this moment, and a bit tipsy because of drink, I beg forgiveness for not following protocol. “ the guest giggled. They knew what was in her heart, and love takes precedence over social graces. “therefore, I must raise my glass to my dearest Jonathan, may he always be happy as he has made me happy tonight, and blessed be.” she said taking a drink of her wine. The guests rose their glasses in support, “Blessed be.”
They settled down and began to eat the most wondrous of feasts, a roasted rack of lamb, with bitter herbs and potatoes. Some fresh vegetables and fruits of all sorts imported from around the country. Jonathan got to his feet again and the room hushed. “Sarah, I would love you to accept this token of my love.” he then nodded to some men who came back  into the great hall with a large mirror in their arms.  The guests gasped at the size of the mirror, and the beautiful decoration around it on the frame. Sarah embraced Jonathan and then walked over to the mirror to get a closer look. She ran her finger along the glass, and up the frame, her finger hit a sharp burr on the frame causing her finger to bleed. Shaking her finger  sending blood onto the mirror, she turned to Jonathan and smiled. “I love it, but It needs mending in a few places.” she said wrapping her finger in a handkerchief. 

When all was finished, the women all got up and left the room leaving the men to finish the evening with fruit and brandy, and perhaps a cigar. The men carried the mirror up the stairs to Sarah’s room, and Sarah returned to her room feeling very tired and rather inebriated by the wine and champagne. The men left and then She sat down in front of her mirror and unfastened the ribbons and bows, and pulled out the flowers, and untied the knots. Taking the brush and she began to stoke her hair, straightening the curls, and returning her hair back to the long tail which she loved to have her hair in. Rose entered the room and began to help Sarah out of her dress, and untied the corset, which by this time felt tight against her body.
Jonathan sat in a chair next to the fire smoking a cigar, and sipping on a glass of brandy. A man standing at the fire leaned on the mantel, and then took in some cigar smoke. “Tell me Jonathan, where on earth did you find such a rather large mirror?”
“It was rather nothing exciting I assure you. I went to a curio shop looking for something to give Sarah, when from the off, I spied the mirror hanging on the wall. When I inquired about it from the shop keep, he told me that the mirror was not for sale. Course you know that I do not take no for an answer, so I told him no to spare no expense and that I wanted that mirror. He warned me about the mirror being cursed and I told him he was taking a piss. I said that he just did not want to sell it unless he could get a small fortune for it.” Jonathan said taking a drink of brandy.
“The shop keep told me the mirror was rumored to be cursed, and that he cautioned me, telling me this most outlandish tale.”
“Do tell Jonathan, we all could use a good laugh.” one man said.
“Please do, I haven’t heard about a cursed mirror before.” Said another.
“Alright then…” Jonathan breathed in heavy. “It is told that the mirror was once owned by the Roman emperor Nero. The mirror was said to be made of some of the wood used in crosses, after the condemned were dead and buried. The wood then was carved into the frame, and the mirror set in place. The mirror course being made of the swords of the former emperor’s enemies.”
The men reacted with snickers and murmuring. Jonathan took another drink of his brandy. He then got up and put his hands up to the fire. “Now I am not superstitious at all, and do not believe in curses, but it give his story a bit of an interesting twist when he told me that a man who had looked at the mirror without permission, saw himself on fire, and dowsed himself with oil believing it was water. He was then cold and felt foolish. He went home and was going to start a fire to warm himself up, when his sleeve caught fire, and because he was wet from head to foot with the oil, he ignited like a candle,  burned alive. However, his tale dose not end there…”
“The man who was on fire, ran through the streets banging on doors spreading the flames on houses along the way, which caught fire.” Jonathan paused.
“Dear lord, are you saying that the great Roman fire was cause by all these events?”
“That is what I asked the store keep, and he said, that is what he believes. I told him he was barmy, and I still wanted the mirror. Now of course, I have it, and he is two hundred crowns richer. “ Jonathan smiled then finished his drink, “and now on that note, I bid you all a good evening. I must go home and sleep this evenings festivities off.”
The men smiled and filed out of the room slowly, taking time to shake Jonathan’s hand, and to congratulate him on his happy occasion. Jonathan’s face and hand hurt being forced to keep smiling, and shaking hands for nearly 20 minutes as all the guests left the house.
“Jonathan, you are more then welcome to stay the night, there is now bloody reason to go out in that weather tonight.” Ann said looking out the window at the rain and wind blowing the drops against the windows hard.
“I will be quite alright ma’am, I must not impose on your graciousness and hospitality any longer tonight.”
“Nonsense, you are part of the family, and as far as I am concerned,  you must stay, I insist.” Ann said with a stern voice.
Jonathan knew that voice meant to never cross her wishes. He nodded reluctantly. “Very well ma’am, I will stay under one condition…”
“And what is that?”
:”You allow me to stay in the guest house. I do not feel it is proper for me to be in the same house overnight with Sarah.” Jonathan said looking out the window.
Ann thought about this, and considered denying his request, but she also knew that the proper thing was to do exactly that,  not allow Jonathan to stay In the house. “Very well then, you may stay in the guest home. However, you can call over here at anytime if you need anything.” she said then giving Jonathan a hug. “God speed till the morrow.”
“God speed Ma’am.”
Jonathan turned and walked to the front door and then looked up the stairs after Ann, smiled, turned and walked out the door, traveling down the long path to the guest house. The guest house is a rather large building which has sat nearly abandoned for the last thirty years. He reached the front door, and slowly opened it up. Hinges squeaked in protest of being moved as rusty metal rubbed against rusty metal. Jonathan reached into his pocket and drew out a couple matches from his cigarette case, struck the end, and ignited the wick of a lantern which sat smartly next to the door. He had an uneasy feeling and a feeling of fear, dread and coldness cover his being as he heard the wind outside blow, and shutters up in the second floor windows banged in the wind, breaking the silence.  As he moved through the house, the smell of musty old cloth which lay over the furniture rose up to meet him, and the combination of alcohol and the cigar smoke was making him feel ill to his stomach. With out effort, he laid back on a sofa which was still covered with the sheets, and a layer of dust which kicked up as he laid back. He did not want to bother going up the stairs, and reclined back on the sofa and fell fast asleep.
Sarah opened her eyes and looked at the mirror, and was shocked to see her mother and father standing in the mirror, looking at her and smiling. She knew she had too much to drink that night, and she also were tired and just wanted to sleep. She laid her head on the pillow again, and then went back to sleep. Jonathan laid on the sofa restless, and did not feel tired, He got up and walked about the house exploring the many rooms. He entered the kitchen, and heard a noise to one side of the room. A deep growl and he could see bright yellowish eyes glairing at him, and suddenly he saw long fangs and the shape and shadow of a huge dog. It must have came in from the cold and was looking for food. The dog was obviously wild, and Jonathan had no protection against the imminent attack. He saw a knife on the counter, as he reached for the knife, the dog barked and jumped him, and began to tear into jonathans neck, pulling flesh, and gnashing it’s teeth at Jonathan. The dog continued its feast on Jonathan’s now dead corpse, ripping and stripped muscle from bone.





chapter 3: Reflections of terror. 

Sarah was on the floor, out cold and a trickle of blood was oozing out of the side of her mouth from where she had bit her lip falling on the ground after seeing such a horrific sight. 
Ann rushed over and gently tapped Sarah’s cheek ever so lightly. “Sarah - darling are you alright?”
Sarah nodded and Ann took a wet cloth and dabbed the cuts with it, washing the blood away. “Now there, you look better already. What happened, why were on the floor? “
“It was horrid, just horrid. I saw Jonathan standing behind me, and when I looked he was gone, then I saw my face, and there were cuts all over my face, and blood in my hair.” Sarah explained.
“Easy Sarah, you are alright, and Jonathan is perfectly safe. He is down in the guest house right now, and I am sending Miss Rose to fetch him to come for breakfast.”
Sarah nodded, and Ann took a damp cloth and wiped away the blood from Sarah’s lips. “Now that is loads better. When you fell up to it, come down to the great hall for a spot of breakfast.” Ann said kissing Sarah on her forehead.  Just as Ann were about to get up, Miss Rose came rushing into the room, she was out of breath, and looked white as a sheet.
“My lady, something dreadful has happed to Master Robinson.”
“What is the matter?”
Miss Rose looked at Sarah and then back to Ann, “Ma’am, I went to fetch Master Robinson  I went inside and looked for him up in the bedroom, he was not there. But I went into the kitchen to see if maybe he had went in there for any reason.” She stopped and took in a breath.
“And…”
“He is dead ma’am, it looks like a wild dog had attacked him.” Miss Rose said shaking.
Sarah screamed and ran out of the room and down the hall, she made it as far as the top stair when her heal slipped and caused her to fall straight away down the stairs, her head bounced off the banister breaking her neck instantly. It seemed like eternity as Ann watched helplessly as Sarah’s body bounced down the stairs, finally settling at the bottom of the stairs. Sarah’s beautiful face, cut and thrashed with lacerations, and          her hair covered in blood.
They say a mirror tells no lies, it holds nothing from us, but only reflects our image, but sometimes, even a mirror can hold secrets…  End?