The Courtship of Richard and Arianna Part III (Mathew’s Cast

The Courtship of Richard and Arianna Part III (Mathew’s Castle)

RICHARD GREENE
(OOC: Combined threads from the previous site.)
(Continuation of The Courtship of Richard and Arianna - Part 2 in Great Hall, Hogwarts school)

Richard held the crumpled note which had been delivered to him two hours earlier as he finished his last class for the day. The unsigned note had been simple but left no doubt on what it concerned.

Note: Have info concerning ending a triangle. Portkey in Hogs Head. Come alone or I will stake my claim immediately.

As he made his way into Hogsmeade, he wondered who the note was from. Arianna had been getting presents and flowers from someone for three months now. Khalid, the official Head of Arianna's family, had sent word he had contracted for Arianna's marriage but had not said who the person was. Arianna had nine months of freedom left. That was nine months for them to figure out who the person was and get them to break the contract. Richard was not about to lose Arianna to anyone. Tarik was trying to figure out how he could make the decision. If anything happened to Khalid Tarik would be in charge.

Richard walked into the Hogs Head and let his eyes adjust to the dim light. The bartender, pointed to the back corner where Richard saw a table with a small lantern on it. Making his way to the table, Richard took a deep breath and let it out slowly, then reached out and touched the light. The world swirled around him and it took several seconds for his feet to feel firm ground.

He was in a very old castle, reminiscing of the twelve or thirteen hundreds. There were a few modern thing around, but it was dark and damp. The only way out of the room was through a wooden door, which he headed to immediately. Outside torches hung on the wall lead down a corridor. Richard could hear voices so he headed in that direction. He only had to go about fifty feet before he came to a curtain which opened on it's own as he approached. On the other side of the curtain was a much larger room and a single man sat at a long banquet table.

MATHEW MACINTOSH
Matthew had sent a note to Richard Greene at Hogwarts. The man would come and alone, the wording of the note insured that. As he sat at the old banquet table in the main hall of his castle, he thought about all that this Deputy Headmaster could tell him. The man would either agree or Matthew would allow Rachel to have a new pet. He had heard that Khalid had contracted Arianna to someone, but he was unable to find out who that person was. With the mix-up, he decided to use the time and make Richard think, he was the person. It was a calculated risk the man did not know the name of the other man, but a risk he was willing to take.

He wondered where his eldest adopted son Jonathan was. Jonathan was no blood but the young man would never know. Matthew glanced at a portrait of Jonathan's mother as he said, "Your son will never betray me like you did! McChey of all people. His gift has been very helpful and soon the Clan will be the only life he will know and appreciate. You could have been my queen but instead you chose to be delivered to the feeders."

He shook his head as he thought of his other problem. They were his nephews. The Spellman boys were a major headache especially with the link they shared. Matthew was unsure just how much they knew about their paternal grandmother's line. When the curtain to the corridor moved, Matthew watch as Greene entered the Great Hall. He smiled as he said, "Glad you follow instructions Deputy Headmaster Greene. It makes things so much simpler..." Snapping his fingers, he said commanding the three men standing in the shadows, "Check him then bring him to Me!"

HANK REYNOLDS
Hank had played the dumb bartender role when the man had walked in with the Portkey and set it on the back table. As owner of the Hogs Head, he made it his business to know the people who walked in to his establishment. The man, who still sat at a table not too far away from the marked table, was a minion of the MacIntosh Clan. He even wore the colors of the family. Hank pretended to just stay busy and watched to see whom the trap was set for.

It took everything he had in him not to react when Richard Greene, Assistant Headmaster at Hogwarts and Herbology Professor, walked in the front door. Greene looked around and Hank noticed the minion signaled the professor to the back table. As he made his way to the designated table Richard looked at Hank and nodded once. It was the signal that he was going in alone but Hank was to notify at least one more person what was happening. Hank nodded back and waited for the minion to leave by the door and Greene had transported. He immediately sent a message to Frank Cole. He told him what had happened and where Greene had gone. There was only one place the Portkey would send someone the MacIntosh Clan Home Castle right into Matthew MacIntosh's grasp. Cole would let him know if he needed to do anything else or tell anyone else. If they made a move too quickly they would get Greene murdered.

RICHARD


Richard tried to gauge what his chances were of fighting the three men walking toward him. There was no place for him to run and besides if he put up a fight, he was not going to be able to find out what this man wanted. Richard placed his hands behind his head and waited to be patted down. He had only worn a shirt and slacks. His robe was back at the school as well as his wand. Richard was good with non-verbal spells so he left anything back at the school which would cause others to worry about what he might do.

Two of the men took up positions on either side of him and the third, the obvious leader of the three, stood directly in front of Richard. Richard held the mans gaze and saw the moment the man decided to make sure Richard knew who was in charge. The gut punch he took, doubled him over, but he was able to stay on his feet and meet the man's glare. After he was roughly patted down, the two men on the side, pulled his arms down and roughly behind him. He was then pulled and shoved roughly to stand in front of the dais, where the man who had requested his presence sat, leaning back in what could only be called a thrown. Who ever this man was he held himself in high esteemed and was in charge. Richard decided to try a little communication. "You seem to know who I am, but I don't think I have had the pleasure of finding out who you are?"

MATTHEW
Matthew watched the pups and his soon to be puppet, Richard Greene, as the man was led to stand before the banquet table. The pup in control reminded him a lot of the past. Matthew had wanted nothing more than to please his father, ----------- and later his older brother Jacob. He had risen through the ranks even faster than Jacob. Matthew remembered fondly how his life had been saved when his adopted son Jonathan's gift of Seer first appeared. The boy had a nightmare of Matthew's father being killed by a wizard. Jonathan had foolishly told Matthew, who after getting all the details told Jacob, who was the Clan's Enforcer at the time. The Clan was hit the next day and Matthew because of his foresight became his older brother's Enforcer.

Matthew smiled as he remembered his brother's death at the hands of Frank Cole. Matthew had been forewarned by his adopted son Jonathan about the attack but Matthew allowed it to happen. When Frank Cole killed his father, Matthew had acquired all of the families power. Matthew would bring Cole into the Clan as a thank you just before he personally killed him.

The Alpha got a sly grin on his face as he thought of another boy who should already belong to him. The night of Jonathan's betrayal, Matthew had used Jonathan's best friend Brennan Dawson, to capture Louis Dawson. Brennan Dawson, who had been eight at the time, seemed to have taken to the programming, Matthew had thought he buried deep enough to not be detected. Then Matthew had foolishly listened to his brother Thomas and sent the boy home to retrieve some things Brennan's mother had proving Jonathan was actually a McChey and that Matthew had in fact murdered Jonathan's mother. He had ordered the boy to meet Markus after Brennan got the stuff. Matthew laughed as he thought of the boy believing that Clan would free Louis Dawson. His brother Jacob had never even known about the Auror being held. Jacob would have had Jonathan killed along with the Auror and anybody else who had any knowledge of the Clan. Matthew had kept his hostage, Louis Dawson, a secret until Jacob's death. Then using Dawson as Jacob's killer, Matthew tore out the Auror's throat. Matthew had Jonathan believing the Auror was still alive and would be released as soon as the now grown Brennan Dawson returned to the Clan's fold.

Richard Green would be another bargaining chip in regards to the young cub Brennan. When the man stood before him, Matthew gave a sly grin. As he rose and walked around the table, he answered Greene's question. "We can get to that later for now Kneel!" Matthew was relishing in his power as he held the fate of Brennan's partner and friend in his hands. The boy would make any deal as his prey always did. He was confident even the Quints would be brought in now.

Matthew walked up to the struggling Richard Green and grabbed his throat in one strong hand. Matthew knew that controlling Greene was going to be the key to controlling the world.

RICHARD


The man in charge, did a lot of smiling as Richard as placed in front of the raised dais holding the banquet table. With the smirks, which had flashed across the man's face, Richard realized this was not going to be an easy interview His arms were wrenched up behind him and one of the goons had grabbed his hair.

As he rose and walked around the table, he answered Greene's question. "We can get to that later for now Kneel!"

Richard locked his knees and shook his head slowly. He locked his eyes to the man on the dais. Burying his fear as deep as he could Richard went into Caretaker mode, which consisted or relaxing as much as possible and keeping his mind in the game he was playing at the moment. That game did not include being a servant to anyone. "You sent a request for me to come to visit you and I decided to pay you that visit. I have come to find out what information you think you might have concerning Khalid's contractual decision concerning Arianna, not to kneel to you. Now what do you have to discuss?" Richard felt the strong kick to the back of his knee as he went painfully to his knees. The hold on his arms had been tightened even further. If he struggled to much, he would end up with broken arms. His head was pulled back, by his hair and he could only watch as the man now stood in front of him.



Richard forced himself to stay relaxed, as he struggled for air. The hand enclosed on his throat was slowly tightening. He knew the attacker wanted him alive, but he also preferred not to pass out and it was getting close to that point. No sound was going to get through the hold, but Richard formed the words with his lips… "What do you want?" The only other thing he could do was wait.

MATTHEW


Matthew’s head turned towards the shadows behind him as he said with an air of venom, “I did not request your attendance Enforcer!”

Matthew heard from the Shadows as he eased his grip on Greene’s neck slightly, “You requested to be kept inform Alpha on my progress with the testing? Those tested on are responding well to the treatments even the young one that we captured. I could show you if you wish My Alpha? All I need is a subject.”

The Alpha grinned slyly as he said, “Maybe later as I am still deciding on whom. I will inform you Enforcer when you can send my order to our connection. Now either come out of the shadows or Leave brother!”

Facing his “guest”, Matthew smiled as he said, “Sorry about the manners of My Enforcer. Now where were we? Oh right, I was making a point. Now I hope you understand just how much I think of you as a threat to me...” He tightened his grip around Greene’s throat then continued, “so why are you still breathing? Why am I wasting my time by even considering delaying what The Dark Medjai has already ordered?”

He let his words sink in. Then lifting the man up as he gave a sick laugh saying, “Simple, I don’t waste my time! By you answering my summons, you showed me how bad you want to delay what the Dark Medjai’s order. Now we will see what your usefulness is worth.”

Matthew signaled the three robed figures to hold and bind Greene. Then he said, “She is Mine!” The Alpha grabbed the man’s hair as he continued, “But you may be able to earn her more time. Why not let me show you what her life would be like once I finally Claim Her? Then we shall talk about my terms!”

He turned to Kurthra as he command, “Take him on a full tour including the Breeding Camp, Research Lab and the Feeder Pit. He is only to be harmed if he tries to escape. Afterwards, bring him and the young test subject to where I kept and talk to my special prisoners. Understand, The Enforcer is not to claim him yet!”

Kurthra snapped up straight as he replied, “Crystal Alpha!”

RICHARD
Trying to concentrate on listening, instead of just getting oxygen into his lungs, Richard had another character enter into his present world. The Enforcer was apparently the brother of the man who was slowly chocking him. He noticed two distinct facts. One there was testing going on somewhere and they had captured a child. Richards's eyes switched rapidly back and forth between the two men, when the other had finally stepped out of the shadows.



Richard felt himself being effortlessly raised to his feet by the hold on his neck. The man could do wordless magic. He still did not have a name to connect with him, but several possibilities were floating through his mind. This was the man who Khalid had promised, his beloved Arianna too? There had to be a mistake. When he returned home… if he returned home, he would have a determined talk with Tarik. There had to be a way to fight the decree by Khalid. Just because Khalid was technically head of the family would not keep Richard from preventing this union. He would give up his life to protect Arianna.



Richard gasped for air as the hold on his throat was released. As he was being painfully tied, he pinned his eyes to the crazed man in front of him. He knew his face was getting red from anger and he forced the feelings back. Anger would only make him miss valuable information he or others would need later.



The hard shove he received sent Richard almost to his knees. Soon he found himself in the bright sun on a walkway about two stories above the ground below. He was in a huge old style castle. The fortress was built totally of rock and from where he stood; he could not see the corners of the castle in either direction.

He was pulled to the outer edge of the six-foot wide walkway up against the waist high charnels as the Enforcer pointed to the two wooden two-story buildings about fifty yards away. The building on the right had no frills. The windows were plain with no curtains and the ground around the building was grass with no plants. Two women stood at the end of the building, facing Richard, in plain white shifts. When Richard attempted a smile, both women turned away. This was in stark difference to the other building. Although the buildings were exact, two-story rectangle shapes, with a sharply pitched roofs containing dormer windows, the building on the left was fancier. There was a vast garden area behind it, complete with benches and an intricate pattern of a flagstone forming a walkway. The windows all had curtains and the entry way was designed so you could be out of the rain when entering the building.

The Enforcer turned toward the buildings and pointed to the first. "This is our breeding camp. The only job of the women in the first building is to become pregnant. They are tested once a week for results. The men who have earned the right to visit them, are permitted access any time of day or night. There is no privacy because the second floor is one open area with beds for the women. There is a eating area down stairs and the medical offices are also located on the first floor. The only reason for a woman to be on the first floor is to eat, visit the medical facility or to meet with any of the higher members of the Clan. Otherwise, they stay on the second floor and make themselves available to any visitor. Some of the women are permitted to assist with other duties around the castle, but even then they are available to be visited . They have one year to become pregnant before they are sent to the work camp."

Pointing toward the second building, he continued. "The women in the second building are all in various states of pregnancy. They are well attended by a medical staff whose job it is to make sure each child is brought into this world in the best way possible. All the woman have private rooms with many extra amenities. As long as they are pregnant, they can stay in the building. After three children, they are sent to be trained to work in the castle. At this time, they may also form a more permanent attachment with and member of the clan."

The Enforcer turned around and leaned against the outside wall. "So Greene, what do think? The Alfa is setting up a program for humans, if you survive maybe I can get you a spot in the program." The evil laugh the Enforcer made sent a shiver up Richards's spine which he was barely able to hide.

His bound arms were grabbed and he was pulled down the walkway. "Now let's see what you think of the next section of our small establishment." They made it down several flights of stone steps. Richard found himself on the ground level on another side of the castle. In front of him was a three-story stone build about the size of a small house. A wrap-around wood porch looked out of place but it was solidly built. Richard was pulled up the wooden steps and shoved through a door. The inside was in sharp contrast to the outside rustic look. The interior of the building was a hospital setting. Richard could smell the cleaning solutions used and everything was stark white and sparkling clean. "Come on, Greene. I think you will find some of this very interesting."

Richard was pulled down the hall and into a room, which resembled a blood bank. The Enforcer looked at him from the corner of his eye, nodded and smiled in a way Richard knew was not going to make his life easier. "I think we will let you participate here, instead of just telling you what is happening. The Alpha said you were not to be harmed and you won't be." The Enforcer, pointed toward one of the beds and nodded. Richard was pulled toward the bed, pushed down and tied into place, with his hands still behind him. A harness was placed around his head, which kept it in place. The Enforcer walked over to one of the attendants and whispered something. The attendant looked in Richards direction, and nodded. Soon a small wagon was pulled over to the side of the bed. When the material was lifte, Richard swallowed hard. The instruments on the tray were of high quality and could be used for any operation, which a physician would want to perform in an emergency. The attendant picked up a large needle and a swab. He then walked to the head of the bed, and swabbed Richards neck, right over his carotid artery. Richard fought the need to fight. A needle in his neck at that point could be very dangerous, so he held statue still. "Very good Greene. We are just going to take a little of your blood and see what we can do with it. Who knows maybe you can be a great assistance in the Alpha's plans." The Enforcer patted Richards shoulder as he said, "I know how much you want to help in any way possible." When the attendant had extracted several large vials of blood, Richard was released. As he was pulled to a standing position, he fought the nausea and dizziness. "Now let's continue our little tour. I am afraid you will not get to see a lot of the experiments taking place, because the subjects cannot be disturbed." Richard was yanked down the hall. He could hear yelling and moans from many of the rooms they passed. When they reached the end of the hall, a door was opened and he was shoved inside. On the bed, lay a young man in his early twenties. He was tied to the bed at his wrists and ankles. A light sheet lay over him. The boy did not even look his way, but kept his eyes on the ceiling. "Ben, here is donating various parts of his body and some of its fluids to see if they can be changed. Everything taken from him is being returned, of course after it has been enhanced. Ben received this honor because he tried to hide some of his abilities. Now we are helping him to discover all of his abilities." The Enforcer walked over to the bed and roughly patted the boy's cheek. More to Richard than to Ben, the Enforcer said, "We always want to help all of our Clan members know their full potential." The boy never took his eyes off the ceiling but his lips formed a hard line.

Richard struggled a little. He could not hold the anger in completely. The Enforcer came back and said, "Hold him." When the men tightened their hold, the Enforcer, gave Richard a right cross, and a hit to his kidneys. Richard doubled over, but fought the pain and eventually was able to stand back up straight. "Now come on Greene, the Alpha wants you to see one more area. I don't think we have a feeding secession happening at the present time. It is not close enough to the full moon, but I can show you what it would be like."

Richard was lead out of the building by the back door and to a large wooden enclosure connected to the side of the castle. The Enforcer opened a double gate and Richard was pushed through. He found himself in an arena area. Seats ran up the sides of the round theater walls. The floor was dirt and the smell of death was everywhere. "Look around Greene. Imagine yourself here with an audience. Most of the hundred or so seats are full, on feeding nights. The younger pups are taught to capture and tear their victims apart here. They are allowed to play with their prey. The attendees, who get to stand where you stand now, are chosen by the Alpha who attends every feeding. So, Greene, maybe you will be able to attend one of the events." Again the Enforcer gave his evil laugh, "Of course, it will be up to the Alpha on whether you are sitting in the stands or are here on the floor. It is good I won't be choosing, because I am one of the instructors and I would love to be able to play ]/i] with you." The Enforcer motioned toward the set of double doors and said, "Now let's go and collect one of our human trainees and get back to the Alpha to see what else he had in mind for you."

Richard was pulled and shoved down another hallway, inside the castle to a barracks area. It appeared to contain two types of bunk beds. The ones running along the right side were basic metal frames with thin mattresses, a blanket and a pillow. There was a small wooden box at the end of each set of beds. The ones running down the right hand sided of the thirty-yard long room were better made of wood with thick mattresses, sheets and several pillows. These also had two larger trunks at the end of each bed and a full-length locker between each set of beds.

Several men of various ages walked around or relaxed on the beds of the left hand side of the room. On the right, several people stood bolt upright at the ends of the beds, at what Richard recognized as being at attention in military terms. The Enforcer smiled as a man walked up and saluted. "Quanson, bring me Morriston."

"Yes Enforcer right away." The man walked away toward the other end of the building and motioned to one of the younger men on the right hand side of the room. Richard tried to stifle the gasp, which fought to escape his throat. The boy being brought toward him was Alex Morriston, a six-year boy from Hogwarts who had disappeared from the school the previous year. Richard knew the boy's parents had been killed in a Muggle car accident but he thought an Aunt had taken him in and was carrying for him. Richard tried to give the boy a small smile. All he received was a look of recognition from the boy's eyes and then the boy's face went blank. When they were within a few feet, they stopped and both stood at attention. The Enforcer walked up to the boy and said, "at ease trainee." To the other man he said, "dismissed," allowing the man to walk away. "Now trainee, I know you recognize this man standing in front of you. Tell him your name."

Alex glanced at Richard before he said in a strong shaking voice, "My name is Dirt sir." Then he looked at the floor.

"And why is your name Dirt, trainee?" the Enforcer said as the men holding Richard did not even try to hide their snickers.

"Because, sir, I have not earned the honor of having a name." The boy was holding in anger and Richard knew if he could tell the Enforcer could also tell.

Alex received a hard back hand from the Enforcer. "I do not like your tone of voice, Dirt. What are you presently doing?"

Squaring his shoulders the boy took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I am getting ready to go to my evening exercises and then to training in the fighting areas, Sir."

"Ah I know how much you are looking forward to that, but it seems the Alpha wants to talk with you. He wants you to tell Greene here how much you enjoy being part of the Clan and how much we have taught you here, in the short time you have been part of our family. Won't that be an honor for you, Dirt?"

The boy was visibly shaking now but managed to say, "Yes Sir."

"Good then you can lead the way." The Enforcer waved toward the door. Alex walked in front of them. The boy was frightened, but he had learned to hide as much of the fear as possible. Richard tried to mentally connect with him, and was able to get into at least the first level. Concentrating he said in his mind, "Hold on Alex. I will get you out of here, somehow some way, I promise." The only thing which let Richard know the boy had heard him was a slight straightening of the boys shoulders.

It did not take long for them to make it back to a small room with a thrown at one side opposite the door. Richard looked around noticing many of the same instruments of restraint and torture he had seen in other places. The boy stopped in front of the thrown and stood like a statue at attention. Richard was positioned next to him but on his knees. After a few moments, the Alpha, walked out of a door next to the thrown and sat on the ornate, raised thrown. All the men went to attention and Richard was pushed forward his head almost touching the floor.

"At ease gentlemen." Richard was pulled by his hair up so he was sitting on his heels. "Enforcer, did our visitor enjoy his tour?"

MATTHEW


Markus shrugged as he said, “I gave him every opportunity to experience life as part of our clan. I even went as far Alpha as to add his blood sample to the Clan’s inventory. He seemed to disprove of our way of life though he has mentioned being friends with members of our inner pact members. This confuses me, Alpha? Maybe you can have one of his supposed friends of our Clan come and vouch for him? You know the law of the Clan, Alpha. Any non-vouched visitors, either goes to the feeders or to the slave camp. Until he has a Clan member vouching him not a threat...” The Enforcer of the Clan got a sly grin as he continued, “...he is treated as a threat and remains in...”

He looked around to find the right spot in the dim-lit, damp room. Markus gave a smirk as he saw the chains attached to the walls. He knew that those chains held the Alpha’s human slaves until Matthew had them trained. He saw the female who was Alex’s aunt. She had dared to stake a claim to Alex after her mother was found to have secretly married their brother Joshua. Markus had dealt with the threat to leadership by claiming not only Joshua’s true grandson Ben but also Ben’s half-brother Alex. Markus had never told Ben’s true parentage to Matthew. He doubted the now Alpha even thought that their older brother Joshua might have had a child unknown to the Clan. Markus looked at the boy known as Dirt as he thought, “Ben knows his compliance is the only safety net his baby brother Alex and their aunt has.”

He turned back to the Deputy Headmaster as he said to Matthew, “Though now Richard Greene gets to see what happens if a human dares claim something that belongs to the Clan! Is that why you sent for Dirt? Is it time for him to earn the right to carry a name?”

He looked at the woman and saw that today she was on a long leash. He walked up to her, he yanked her chain choking her as he said, “Is it safe not to have her not muzzled and better chained? She has already showed once she is not mating material.”

"I do not need someone to vouch for Richard Greene. He was not brought here as a prisoner, but as someone I had to discuss things about the future with. You are still in charge of the training facilities brother and the general running of the castle, but some of the visitors to our castle will be treated as I say." Matthew motioned for the Aunt to be brought forward. When she was in front of the thrown, forced to her knees by Markus, Matthew said to the boy, "This is your Aunt, Dirt. She thinks she can raise you better than I can and I will have that notion taken out of her head one way or another. You see boy, you are mine to do with as I wish as she is. If she wishes to continue to live she will admit this and possibly stay out of the feeding areana or the slave camp. You are to take her for a walk around the wall and discuss this with her. She is not to be untied or the leash is not to be removed. You will return here in one hour and let me know what you have decided."

Matthew openly smiled at the look on Markus face. "Send a guard with them on their walk Markus. I think one of your trained men will be enough." Leaning forward in his chair and placing his elbows on his knees, Matthew added, "And Enforcer, both of them will come back here unharmed or the guard and you will suffer their fate." Not removing the smile from his face, Matthew said, "I do hope I am understood in this." Matthew watched as the boy slowly took the leach connected to the collar around his Aunts neck, saluted him and the Enforcer and walked out a side door.

Turning to Richard he said, "You and I will now have our discussion." As Richard started to say something, Matthew held up his hand and turned to his brother, "You are dismissed Enforcer until I have further need of your services. You may return in one hour to find out what the boy has convinced his Aunt of. Now leave us." Matthew waved his hand and turned back to Richard.

RICHARD
Richard watched from his position on his knees on the floor. Alex was visibly shaking but the boy was holding his own. Richard tried to keep up a steady flow of energy going to the boy, but his concentration was broken several times. The Aunt, who he had never met was brought over to them and she looked tired and dirty. She still held a smile for Alex and a questioning look for him, but she had been mistreated and holding back as much emotion as possible. She tried to saddle as close to the boy as possible.

It was interesting listening to the dynamics of the discussion between the two men. He still did not positively know the man's name sitting on the thrown, but from bits and pieces he would venture the guess he was Matthew MacIntosh head of the MacIntosh Werewolf Clan. The clan was responsible for his Uncle's death and responsible for Frank Cole's wife and un-born son's death. The man was dangerous. The one man who was being called Enforcer was apparently the brother of the other man. Although he appeared to hold Alpha status he was not in charge, but wanted to be. Richard wondered if he could play one against the other. He would have to wait on that thought.

He slowly and quietly let out a breath when the boy was told to take his Aunt for a walk. It would break his contact with him, but it was important to get the two of them together. Maybe sometime during the hour, he could figure out how to get all of them out of here. He watched as the man left and turned back to the man on the thrown. Straighten up so he was fully on his knees he said, "You are Matthew MacIntosh. You will release me immediately. I came to talk about what Khalid thinks he can decide not to be kneeling here. Say what you have to say and let me go."

Matthew rose from the thrown and walked toward Richard with a cruel smirk covering his face. Reaching down to the kneeling man, he grabbed Richard by the throat and slowly raised him into the air. His voice was furious as he chastised Richard. "You Dare Order me human! Have you learned nothing from your tour I was nice enough to order? I could destroy you just with a twist of my wrist. Breaking your neck would be as easy as snapping a twig in two." Releasing the Deputy Headmaster's throat and letting him drop to his feet, Matthew said choosing his words carefully to prove his superiority, "But you are still learning your true place in this world. I am a patient teacher though I could always cut our talk short and just let the Dark Medjai's order stand..."

Richard shook his head and struggled to pull his hands free from behind his back. Breathing was his first priority, giving him time to study his adversary. He was going to have bruising on his neck. "I am going to take it for granted you are Matthew MacIntosh. I have learned a lot from the tour I was invited to take. I came here to discuss Khalid's decision not to be put off. I know you can kill me Matthew, but you do not want me dead. I plan on have Arianna as my wife, which you already know or you would not have called this meeting . Now release my hands, unless you are afraid like you brother that I will hurt you. My only questions are why is what I want to know and what are you holding over Khalid's head to get him to agree to it?"

Matthew grinned as he said with a sick sweetness to his voice (almost like a spider talking to a fly), "I fear nothing Human! Your hands are tied because my brother decided you are untrusting. If you had not insulted me, I would have ordered you unbound as it is.." He looked at the wall the woman had been on. She had insulated him as well and he had shown the woman her place. Matthew wanted Richard to do what most had done all his life. The Alpha had inwardly smiled as he debated on just what having this man as his human pet would give him. He looked at the chair and then the wall as he said as if toying with his pet, "Where to put you? You do know, I am the only one that can even grant you permission to leave? You know I could imprison you here and Nobody would ever know? I had one guest until just last week. He had been my guest for fifteen years. I learned a lot from him as well as his son..."

Richard decided to play along with this egotistical Werewolf. "I will agree you are the only one who can send me home. As far as no one knowing where I am…. I took care of that before I came. I wasn't sure where I was going, but there are elfin ways of keeping track of anyone, anywhere. So it is known where I am. You can keep me here if you want, Matthew, but the time is set before I will be looked for. Now I think we were discussing Arianna and the idea you have that she will be yours." Richard worked the ropes on his hands. He had gotten out of restraints before.

Matthew chuckled, "I hope the beautiful Arianna does try a rescue attempt especially sending my nephew Neo and Franco or maybe even your partner Bren. Richard, you would lead them to the exact place I want them. Now are you willing to agree to my terms or should we take this meeting to the feeding chamber? Either Way I always get what I want! Question is how far are you willing to go to have me go against The Dark Medjai's order?"

Richard looked down at the ground for a moment, hoping Matthew would take it as a sign of submission. Looking back up he said, "I don't believe you have told me what the terms are yet."

Matthew gave a sly grin as he said testing the man, "Complete compliance starting with Kneeling before Me, Pet! The longer you are My Pet the Longer Sweet Arianna is not..." He liked this Richard's resistance as he admired Frank Cole's. He smiled as he thought of the failure his brother's plan had been. He would not fail as Richard Greene was the key that could help keep others in line. Matthew wondered why he had not really thought of taking the school over. He shook his head as he knew Joshua would have.

Richard had at least two days before Darik would mount a rescue. He was confident they knew where he was. There were no elves at the castle; the clan would have thought of them as animals. Darik, and his elfin underground railroad system, had other ways of infiltrating an area, but Richard would have to wait to see who their contact was here. For now, he needed to gain time and just stay alive. He needed more information also and had to figure out how to get Alex and his Aunt away alive. Consciously he un-balled his fist behind his back and tried to relax his arms. It took every ounce of his self-control for him to drop his eyes to the floor and slowly kneel in front of this lunatic. He fought the churning in his stomach and tried to school his face into a resemblance of submission. The lump in his throat held back any sound. All he could do was hope it was enough for now.

Matthew smiled as he said coldly patting Richard's head, "Now see I knew you could be a good puppet..." Just then, he grabbed a metal bracelet and placed it around Richards wrist. "This is to insure you remain one. You see after we talk, I will send you back to the School. This is my insurance Pet that you don't tell anybody about our private bargain. Oh and you see the pretty gems? Well, you do what I request and a gem will be returned to me..."

Richard clinched and unclenched his fist. The man was getting on his nerves. He looked down at the bracelet on his wrist and noticed there were five gems. The purpose of the gems was obvious. It worked like homing device, so he could always be found, but by the look on the man's Matthew's face, he knew there was a pain administering part to the piece of jewelry. He bit the inside of his mouth to keep from trying to fight the problem.

Matthew gave a sly grin as he continued, "Don't and it will be Arianna who comes here as she has a gift similar! Now my pet, I hear that Frank Cole is still a free man. Where are the files he had hidden?" He did not think Frank Cole would have trusted Richard with the files but Matthew MacIntosh needed the Deputy Headmaster to feel just what the metal cuff would do if Richard failed to comply. The Alpha could not count on Liam at the school to give the Collar of Pain to the Head Librarian Arianna. The collar had been transfigured into a pretty necklace so it was more and likely Liam gave it to that Gryffindor brat that had caught his fancy. Matthew pointed to the spot in the center of the room as he said laughing, "The chain coming out of the floor Pet, attach your wrist to it with the manacle at the end of it. I want your undivided attention. "

Slowly Richard pushed himself to his feet. Absentmindedly while he walked to the center of the room, he fingered the bracelet. Reaching down, he found he had to again sit because the chain was not long enough for him to stand erect. He took a couple of deep breaths and fastened the manacle on his wrist, then kneeled on the floor. At first, he was going to sit, but he had to be able to maneuver at least a little bit. Looking up at Matthew as he checked to make sure Richard had fastened in himself tightly he wondered what was coming, knowing he really did not want to know.

"Now as to my question. Where are the files hidden that Frank Cole had on my family?" Matthew stood back and waited. He had the remote inside his pocket and his hand was on the button.

Richard shook his head. The files Matthew wanted were in his private vault at the bank. Frank Cole had told him where they were after he had done a job as Khalid Ornaris' henchman and had found it was time for a change of elegances. Frank Cole was still a mercenary but now he worked more for himself and was a little more picky about his jobs. He had actually started to take a few of the problems off the Caretakers hands. "I don't know what files you are talking about. Frank Cole is a manse and I am pretty sure he wouldn't give me anything to hold for him."

Matthew smiled as he pressed the button. As the pain started, Matthew said, "You will find out my pet where he hides those files! Your uncle thought my father would not find out. Your uncle should have realized that anybody nosing in family business would be dealt with. Your adopted-sister worked for your uncle, as did her new husband. The uncle did not reveal why he was investigating the family. My older brother thought your uncle's investigator might be more willing to reveal who had hired your lawyer of an uncle and why." Matthew chuckled as he watched the collar of pain in its hidden form showing his new pet his displeasure.

Gritting his teeth against the pain that was working its way up his arm, in strong waves, Richard bowed his head. He had been in pain before and made it thorough and he would this time also. The grunts which escaped his throat, made him mad, because he knew he was giving Matthew pleasure. Through gritted teeth he said, "I will find the files. I will let you know when I have them in my hands." Richard was not lying and this gave him a moment of pleasure, in-between the waves of ever increasing pain. His breath was coming in almost gasps now, but he stayed on his knees and worked his way through the stinging pulses.

Matthew said with pure pleasure, " Now my new pet, you won't make the same mistake that your uncle or brother in-law Frank Cole. Now you understand, you want the pain to end..."

All Richard could do was shake his head up and down. The pain was taking away his ability to speak. He started to see black dots before his eyes and knew he was on the verge of collapsing. An evil laugh assaulted his ears and the pain started to lesson. All he could do was try and relax and let the pain flow out of his body. It was going to be a long two days if he had to wait that long. There was a chance he would be leaving sooner if he could convince Matthew he was on the man's side.

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane we hope you enjoy the thread.)

MATTHEW
Matthew smiled as he said quietly, leaning down close to Richard's ear, "Good, let's see just how many gems that bracelet will have on your return to Hogwarts." He stood back up straight and placed his hands behind his back. "We are going to play my form of twenty questions. For each wrong answer or refusal to answer, the bracelet discipline you as my pups add another gem to your bracelet. After ten gems, you will get another bracelet. You understand?" Matthew would find out just how close this pet was to not only the Spellman Quints but also just, how much use certain individuals were to the Clan.

Richard looked down at his hands, which he had been forced to shackle to the floor in the middle of the room. The bracelet he now wore on his left wrist looked like any gold bracelet a man would wear, but already it proved to be an instrument of pain. Looking up at the man who stood over him, he tried to paste a small smile on his face. "What are your questions Matthew? I will see if I can answer any of them." He would try and answer the ones he knew the man already had an answer to and the ones which would not compromise his friends, but he would be careful.

Matthew smiled as he asked sweetly, "So how long have you been friends with my nephews and how close are you to each?" He wanted to know if he could use controlling Richard to bring one or more of the Spellman's to him. Matthew snickered as he thought, "I only need one to control Neo and then I will insure those lone wolves never betray the Clan."

"I know them enough to talk to them and carry on an intelligent conversation." He kept his eyes locked on the man's eyes. Looking away would have been a decoration he wasn't telling everything. "I've worked with each in some capacity or another over the years. They are a tight group and do not let outsiders into their family business much. I am probably closest, if you want to call it that to Marco, but only because we both teach at the school." Richard wondered how much Matthew knew about the Caretaker Group.

Matthew shook he head sadly as the bracelet activated. He reached into his pocket for a gem as well as a picture of his nephews visiting Richard in what looked like a private clinic. As Matthew placed the gem in the bracelet, he said, "And here I thought we understood each other. If it was truthful what you told me this picture would never have been taken, now would it? Let's try again or do I need my Enforcer to bring a certain young lady here?"

If Richard could have killed someone with a look, Matthew would be dead, buried and dust at that very moment. He recognized the picture. It had been taken in the private supposedly secure building the Caretakers used at St Mungo's Hospital Complex. The whole place would have to be put under deeper security quarantine. Arianna was not going to be happy about this. Looking back into Matthews's eyes he said, "I know your Nephews but I also have no control over them. We all understand the risks we run every day. I will not betray them and they would never betray me. You are just going to have to get any information about them from them." Richard was positive Darik had already connected the Enforcer to this group, so if the man got anywhere near anyone where there was an elf present, that person would be protected and backup called in immediately. "You leave the children out of this. They can be of no help to you. All it would do is bring a great many more adults down on you." Richard knew in a way he was bluffing but he also knew if the children ever got together and combined their powers, there would be repercussions which would affect the present and the future. They were not strong enough yet to control their combined abilities.

Matthew smiled as he said, "You misunderstood me pet. Who said the young lady was a child? I believe the Egyptian princess stopped being a child the day she married that boy Landon. I do know my nephews are honor bound to protect her due to Troy adopted her as a sister. I am sure her being here would at least bring Frankie or maybe Neo. It might even bring a certain young and gentle friend of hers. One from your own house."

Richard tried to keep the questioning look out of his eyes and knew he had not succeeded totally. A girl from his house ruled out Tia, she was Slytherin. It had to be Rosa. Rosa was under twenty-four hour surveillance by one or more elves at all times as was most of the Core of children. They had all learned what could happen if they broke from the protection, so she was as safe as she could be. "The children cannot be used for your purposes. I am afraid you are going to have to deal with adults instead of frightening defenseless children. You do not have free reign like you used to Matthews. So why don't you just be content to run your little kingdom here as long as you can and leave the rest of the world alone." Richard knew he was poking the tiger, but he needed the man's anger back on him.

Matthew snickered as he signaled two pups to bind Richard as his father had chained Franco when he had first shown Animagus abilities. The Alpha said as the bindings activated, "I could just keep you and send a message to my nephews giving them until Friday to turn over Neo and Frankie. They will be lead to believe if they don't then you my pet will be feed to the feeders."

It was Tuesday and Darik was scheduled to run his rescue of Richard by Thursday at the latest, so Matthew's threat was empty as far as forcing Neo and Franco to come to his rescue. They would know this by then, because as soon as they got any kind of word on what the man was trying to make happen, Darik would fill them in. Of course, one or more of them might decide to help with the rescue, but Darik would handle that end of it. So all Richard had to look forward to was some very bad pain for a couple of nights. He tried not to fight as the thugs dragged him to the wall and the thick leather collar placed around his neck and locked at the back. The lock connected to the wall by a heavy iron chain. His hands were shackled in front of him. The wrist cuffs and neck collar were tighter than was going to be comfortable. Richard fell into his mind set of trying to ignore the pain. He had some thinking to do. He still needed to get the kid and his aunt out with him. The rescuers would not be expecting to have to take two extra people out with him. "Take your best shot, Matthews, but don't be disappointed when it does not work out like you want it too. There are more important things in this world than me."

Matthew gave a sly smile as he said, "You mean like the pretty Arianna? Did you forget our deal already? Or did you mean the girl that Troy and James foolishly thought they could protect? " He pushed a button as he told the men that bound Richard, "Get me the pretty Librarian from Hogwarts and take her to the Breeding Area." He looked at Richard and smiled as the new pet caught on to the threat.

Richard was stuck. He was almost positive the thugs would not be able to get to Arianna. She was the one who was continuously preaching that you had to inform the team if something was going down. Richard had informed Darik and set some rescue plans in motion before he allowed himself to be captured by this maniac. Arianna sometimes did not listen to her own advice thinking she could handle whatever was happening. Richard wondered how much of a chance he could take that she would think first. Two goons could never take her down, so that he was not worried about, but she might allow herself to be captured to see what was happening with the madman standing in front of him. "You are only going to send two?" Yelling toward the two men before they left he planted a thought which might help the Caretakers. "It's been nice knowing you. Sorry you have to die like this." Richard turned toward Matthew and half smiled. "You really didn't need those men did you?" Chuckling mostly to himself, he waited for the pain he knew was coming.

Matthew grinned as he released the man saying, "Take a seat Mr. Greene at the table. You now have seven gems. That means you have seven tasks to perform. I was going to make it easy for you and just ask about five people that I am interested in but you wanted to be stubborn and so now you will bring me seven people so I can deal with them personally. You will have one week to bring all seven. I see it as a fair price cause with those seven people you will be buying Arianna's marriage contract. If in seven days all seven are not kneeling before me, I will instead be marrying her. Would you like to know the seven you personally will betray?" He gave a sly grin as he waited for Richard Greene to realize what his stubbornness had cost him. He wondered if Greene would beg or would he just bring him the seven people.

Richard slowly and painfully got to his feet. He felt his neck and realized it was chafed pretty good, but there did not appear to be any bleeding. His wrists were in a similar state of injury. Everything would heal eventually. With halting steps he made his way to the table off to the right of the thrown Matthew used to intimidate those who were brought into his presence. Sitting down he took his time to look back at the man who had just stood watching him. As Matthew started toward the table he said, "I will not bring others to you, Matthew. I will let them know you wish to talk with them, but I will not forcibly bring them to you. I am pretty sure most on your list would ban together to prevent me from even getting near each of them. As I said though I will be happy to let them know you wish to discuss things with them." Richard added a smile to his face as he casually leaned back in his chair. "If you would like to tell me who I am inviting here, feel free."

Matthew pressed a button as he said, "You have no choice pet! Either you will bring Neo, Franco, Marco and Kat Spellman. You will also bring Gabriel Lupin, the Headmistress Sasha McChey and Frank Cole. If you don't the Dark Medjai's wishes will be followed though in a week. So Pet just how much do you want to stop the Dark Medjai's decree concerning Arianna? You could still just answer my questions concerning them. That is your only Choice! Choose my pet."


Richard felt the jolt of pain shoot up his arm from the bracelet around his wrist. It only lasted a few seconds but it was enough to let him know what would happen if the madman wanted to really prove his point. When he could get his body under control again he took several deep breaths and tried to casually settle back in his chair. He still had a day before he "had" to leave and he still needed to gather as much information on this setup as he could. "I think I have decided to let you ask me some questions." He worded the response so it appeared the pain had given him the idea. "How about a swap though. I will answer five questions for you and then when I leave, you will let me take the boy Alex and his Aunt with me. They are not going to be of any use to you here and I could use them to make the others believe you might be willing to work things out, even though both of us know the truth." Richard kept his eyes steady and his hands settled on the table. He had promised the boy he would take him with him. If he could do it without fighting it would be a plus.

Matthew acted as if he was thinking it over, "Five plus seven in exchange for one small teenage boy? Maybe I can convince My Enforcer to release his claim on his adopted son? Now I would want two of the Seven I named still brought to me in exchange for the Aunt as she has been married into the clan. The two I want is one of the Spellman and Frank Cole. You will be my guest and I have an interesting night plan which will give you an idea of what I have planned for the two you will bring."

CLOSED