I
The black smoke of the factories had darkened the sky, so that even during the day the gas lights in the room had to be lit if Zandra was to read something. She sat at her desk, made of a reddish wood that sat by the window that overlooked the back alley. Her apartment was on the third floor, so on certain days when the clouds weren't quite so dark, she could see over the roofs of the city and see the black waters of the Tillman River.
Today was too dark and the air filled with too much smoke to see anything beyond the windows on the other side of the alley. Being a proper, young woman of society she had no intention of curing her boredom by snooping on her neighbors across from her. Zandra decided to spend her day reading letters and doing her correspondences.
A busty, attractive woman, Zandra had many suitors from all over the civilized country writing her letters of proposal. Her red hair, unusual in her part of the world often made her a standout at the balls that she frequented. Her wit and wonderful voice had made her the unofficial Queen of the Social. Indeed, she often felt like royalty as the eager, young men tripped over themselves for a dance and an opportunity to shower her with praise and devotion.
Every letter was carefully read, always with a smile on her full lips. Afterwords, Zandra would write a careful and delicate rejection to their marriage proposals. But in each letter, she always put in a silver lining, a small ray of hope to keep her gentlemen suitors writing her, so that she could continue to enjoy their letters.
One letter in particular stood out. It was from a man named Mr. Xavier, someone she had never met before. Receiving letters from men she did not know was uncommon, but it wasn't unheard of. This letter was unusual in it was an invitation to a social gathering.
"You are hereby invited to the demonstration and exhibition of the unknown powers of Spiritualism," the letter read. "I am new to this city and have heard that one cannot have a successful social gathering without your presence. Thus, it would honor me greatly if you would bless this little event with your charm and grace. The event will be held at my townhouse at 1125 Northbelle Avenue at seven in the evening, October the 5th. Dress need not be formal. Dinner and drinks will be provided. With sincerest gratitude, Mr. Xavier."
"How charming," Zandra exclaimed.
Spiritualism was the latest fad and interest among the cultured people of the city. Debates between learned men had given aflame to a possibility of worlds beyond the physical one. This was an opportunity that couldn't be passed up. With tremendous enthusiasm and excitement, Zandra quickly wrote a response to the mysterious Mr. Xavier, informing the gentlemen that she would most defiantly be in attendance. "I wouldn't miss it for all the world," she wrote.
II
The parlor couldn't fit another person, the room was packed with eager spectators. All of whom, were the very best and cultured people the city had to offer. There was Lady Victoria, the thirty eight year old wife to the elderly Master Wilkshire and her eighteen year old daughter Annabelle. Inspector Lyndon, the skeptic of the group, sat on the sofa and smoked his pipe. Beside the inspector sat the brilliant young scientist and inventor, Camus. Zandra was of course present, sitting in the chair beside a rising star of the theater, Christina. There were many others crowding the room, but none seemed to be of any importance to Zandra.
In the center of the parlor was a small table, covered in a velvet cloth decorated with strange symbols. An empty chair sat beside it. On this table was a crystal ball and an old, leather bound book. Zandra couldn't get a good look at what book it was from her vantage point. It didn't matter though, as Zandra was having a perfectly good time listening to others gossip and doing a little gossiping herself. In fact, she got into a very spirited discussion with Christina on the subject of Mr. Xavier himself.
"I have it on good authority that Mr. Xavier comes from the east," Christina said. "Where from the east is a bit of a mystery but he most defiantly comes from somewhere that way. I have heard that he can conjure the spirits of the dead, but such a thing must be impossible."
Zandra laughed at the notion of impossibility. "Oh my dear, don't be so silly. In this new age of science and enlightenment, who are we to determine what is possible and what is impossible? I have been in letter correspondence with Mr. Xavier for three weeks now. He is one of the most intelligent and learned man I have ever discoursed with via letter. I have full confidence in Mr. Xavier and his ability to demonstrate the science and validity behind Spiritualism."
From his sofa, Inspector Lyndon shouted "humbug" at Zandra. Coolly, Zandra ignored Inspector Lyndon's comment. He said nothing further in her or Christina's direction. The good inspector elected to keep quiet and smoke his pipe.
"Spiritualism, is a new form of understanding," Zandra continued. "We have only just begun to explore the hidden world. Think of how much could be beyond our own perception. Mr. Xavier and his like are explorers of that hidden world."
"But there is so little we know about Mr. Xavier. His claims are just so incredible, I can barely wrap my mind around it."
"Which is why we need men like Mr. Xavier, to guide us into these new ideas. I can hardly comprehend it myself, but I trust in Mr. Xavier's authority on the subject. Respected gentlemen should not be doubted, it's uncivilized."
"Inspector Lyndon is a respected gentlemen," Christina said. "But, you doubted his skepticism."
"Intelligent and cultured gentlemen then."
"Do you really intend to put your complete faith into Mr. Xavier's claims?"
"Why wouldn't I? What possible reason could he have to deceive us?"
"There are many reasons young lady," Inspector Lyndon said. "But the subjects of those reasons are not fit for discussion in the presence of women. Suffice it to say, I have known men of the likes of Mr. Xavier. They are not to be trusted."
The room fell quiet and all eyes turned on the entrance way. Mr. Xavier stood at the entrance way, wearing a black robe. His hair was white and thinning, but his beard was full and well groomed. He was tall, fit for being in his early fifties. His head and nose were both narrow and long. His eyes were large and deep, but contained an uncanny power of attraction as they scanned the room. His voice was deep and soothing, his demeanor fatherly and wise. Zandra found herself smitten with him straight away.
"Welcome friends," Mr. Xavier said. "I welcome you to my home and to what I hope is the first of many journeys into the unknown together. I am Xavier. I have traveled extensively through out the east and have been initiated in many of the occult schools. The learned master who I have studied under, revealed to me the mysteries of the hidden world. So now I have come to your city, to do the same for you. Let us begin."
Like a spirit floating on the air, Mr. Xavier moved to the small table with the book on it. His hand darted out in several directions theatrically, while he spoke some words that no one else in the room could understand. Then with an elaborate gesture, he opened the book to a certain page. He raised both hands in the air and called for absolute quite. Not a sound could be heard.
The room darkened. The crystal ball began to glow an eerie, green light. As Zandra watched in fascination, she could feel a chill running up her spine. Christina had grabbed her by the hand and held it tightly. Zandra didn't mind.
Mr. Xavier began reading from the book in a strange, ancient sounding language. As he read the crystal ball's green glow intensified. The brass sconces attached the walls began to shake and rattle. Mr. Xavier's voice thundered and echoed. The light from the crystal ball began turning color, becoming a dark, scarlet glow.
Zandra felt herself moisten at Mr. Xavier's powerful voice. Her chest heaved and her mind was being emptied. She was becoming lustful, suddenly needing the strong touch of Mr. Xavier's hands. As his chant reached its crescendo, she felt herself nearing orgasm.
The sounds of moaning and wailing filled the parlor. The walls and floor shook with a mysterious power. Christina was gripping Zandra's hand so tightly it felt as though it was going to break. Zandra had to bite her lip to prevent herself from howling out in a mad passion.
Zandra gazed into the crystal ball. She saw a galaxy of stars and strange worlds of bizarre architecture and twisted landscapes. She saw the pleasure domes of ancient wizards and the palaces of priests of long forgotten faiths. There was a man with dark hair, his arms stretched out to the sides with his palms skyward. Zandra could feel herself being pulled towards crystal ball, being pulled towards those strange worlds to serve the old masters as their willing slave. Then she saw Mr. Xavier's dark eyes, commanding her to submit.
The colors and the images ceased. Zandra felt as though she was snapped from a dream. Looking about the parlor, she saw that the candles in the sconces were still lit and the room was perfectly bright.
