The Ebon Snare

© 2011 Cinda Anderson. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 10/24/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4634-3410-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-3409-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011916501

Printed in the United States of America

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Cover artwork by Rae.

Contents

PROLOGUE

PART I

THE SILKEN WEB…

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PART II

WITH THREADS OF SILVER AND GOLD…

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PART III

IS SPUN BY THE SPIDER IN BLACK…

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PART IV

THE EBON SNARE IS EMBRACED…

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About the Author

DEDICATION

To all beginning and ending.

PROLOGUE

Spider, Spider, spin me a web

Set a trap for the living and the dead

Spin hard and fast with all your might

Spin me a web which is nice and tight

Spider, Spider, work diligent through all the nights

For I am alone and want some sweet company

PART I

THE SILKEN WEB…

 - 1 -

Your mismanagement has cost us a mint, an angry, testy voice growled over the telephone.

I understand how you feel. I have no ready excuse to offer you or the other board members at present.

We want to know if your budget is too restrictive?

No. That’s not it at all.

Why then do we see no results?

Do you accuse me of dereliction of duty? the Boss spoke. It was a defensive stance. He disliked the Board. They meddled into affairs where they were least qualified and welcome. He compared them to a group of old busy bodies whose conservative attitude grated upon his limited patience.

Not yet, but we do wonder if you could be past your prime? Do we need to consider replacing you with someone more energetic? Do we expect too much from someone your age?

"No. Definitely not.

Are you absolutely sure? the voice questioned as they drawled out the word ‘sure’ slow and emphatic

I’m positive. You want results. I want results. My top officers are in the office now and they want results. We have just run into a series of bad luck. It seems no matter what we do we are snake-bit. I want to assure you and the others we are finalizing some plans right now at this very minute. You should be very pleased with our results during the next few months.

Al right. We will be waiting and watching the market with a close eye on trading activity. If share price drops much further and rumors about a takeover start again, however, we will be in touch immediately.

I won’t expect to hear from you for a long time then. I am confident we will definitely see success this time. The Boss hoped he sounded self-assured and cocky. He could not afford to have an indecisive quiver in his voice now. Too much was at stake. He had to maintain control. The Board was the only obstacle in his way. He needed to placate them just a little while longer.

We will be watching then. By the way, do you know much about baseball?

A little. Why do you ask?

When a batter stands at home plate, he has three chances to connect with the ball and send it screaming into the outfield out of reach by his opponents. After three strikes, the umpire calls ‘You’re out’ and the player walks back to the dugout where he sits and watches the inning played by his more capable teammates.

Yes, I’m well aware of the game’s rules.

The way we see it you already have two strikes against you. Be careful. Don’t allow the third pitch to make us call the game on you.

Understood. The Boss hit and disconnected the speaker phone switch. He rubbed his temples to relieve the throb of tension pounding in his head.

Cassandra, go get me some aspirin, he said with a weary tone.

After she left, he looked directly at Callas and Karone. His eyes had deep dark shadows in the sockets and little red bloodshot rivers streaked across the whites of his eyes. You heard her, men. Mother may be the new girl on the Board, but she is smart, bitchy, and impatient. Do you have your reports ready?

Callas and Karone nodded affirmative to his question. They both understood Mother was simply a code name for the woman’s voice on the phone. Only the members of the Board knew each other by their proper names.

Cassandra came quietly back into the office. She did not like to be treated as a go-for, but the Boss paid her well. As long as coffee and an occasional aspirin were all he required, she would not object to his chauvinistic attitude.

She had placed the water and pills on a small silver tray. She set them discreetly to the left side of him. Little niceties such as remembering the Boss was left-handed were always mentioned during her yearly review.

Have a seat, Cassandra. I want you to hear this. If you have anything to add from a woman’s viewpoint, I want to hear from you. Don’t just sit there like a clod of clay and mumble later how you could have handled it better to the other girls in the office. In fact, don’t breathe a word of this meeting to anyone. We are speaking of highly confidential matters. From now on, no word is to be spoken to wife, children, or lovers about our discussions. Understood? He sternly looked towards the three of them. His gaze traveled back and forth with menace.

All present nodded agreement. The Boss sat back silent. He looked over and peered intently. Somebody, somewhere in this building tried to make a fiasco of his endeavors. If he had to eliminate them one by one, he would, but the cleverness he had seen displayed so far could only have been accomplished by someone close. The Boss had spent many sleepless nights listing all the people who might bear him ill will or have the most to gain from deposing him. He had come to the conclusion his closest conspirators were the most likely candidates.

The Boss wondered what kind of trap he should set to flush out his competition. All were cunning, smart, and devious. These qualities were the same qualifications which had allowed them to advance to his side in the first place. He would have to use all his tricks in order to expose and ensnare them. He only hoped only one was guilty. He did not need a host of enemies.

Has the loving couple met?

Karone’s deep graveled voice replied, Yes. Human nature and people are simple. They subconsciously look for someone to settle down with and the first person who comes along is the most likely candidate. They have not only met, but she has accompanied him on a combination business-pleasure trip. He hinted they marry while overseas.

Has she agreed?

In so many words. He needs to reassure her he will not be gone all the time. What happens afterwards is of little consequence. We predict she will be busy raising the family in a short while and will have little time for him anymore.

The next question is critical. Has she agreed to raise any children of their union in his belief? Has she signed the papers?

Yes.

Good. Notify me when the marriage is consummated. I will arrange to go to her that night.

Callas was incredulous. What? he asked. You’re going to make love to this woman? On her wedding night?

Yes. I want to make sure this project is started with all the correct influences.

But, you’ve never done this before. It sounds risky. Her husband might find out.

The man will be asleep. As for the woman, she will simply think I am a wild part of her dreams. Don’t worry, Callas. I know what I’m doing.

I don’t like it, Callas cried out. It’s risky.

The Boss turned to face Karone. He had a steady, steely gaze. He asked with challenge in his voice, Karone, do you feel the same way?

The test had already started. The Boss did not like Callas’ objection. It was as if he rehearsed a part to be played later. The part of the objector whose conscience had warned him at the outset the plan would ultimately fail - possibly with his help and assistance.

Karone stiffened. He heard the silent dare. There was no room for errors on his part. No. I’m positive you have given much thought to this idea. You would not go to such an extreme unless it was necessary.

Cassandra?

I presume you are interested in making sure the heritage and genes are without doubts. How can you be positive, however, these will be children of your blood and not the man’s?

He is nearly impotent. I have his reports before me now. He naturally will be stunned and amazed whereas she will simply accept the conception as a gift of God; a miracle bestowed upon them both.

What if he wakes and see you there?

I simply will be a shadow. And, you, Cassandra, will accompany me. It will be your assignment to make sure his eyes are kept closed with lusty dreams of his own. He will never suspect a thing if you keep him occupied.

A slow flush appeared on Cassandra’s throat. She was flattered, excited, and surprised The Boss had never allowed her participation in their discussions like this before. You want me to go with you? she asked in an excited whisper.

Yes. I believe you’ll enjoy a stay in the Royal City. I’ll make sure we have some extra time for shopping and sightseeing while there. We’ll call it a fringe benefit.

Cassandra replied, I have no objections. Her mind reeled and projected ahead. There were lists of clothes, checking her passport status, and asking her friend, Mary, about the sights there. She made mental notes. There would be much to accomplish before they left.

Good. Cassandra, make our reservations your own self. Don’t go through the normal channels. I’ve written down the hotel I like to stay in while I am there.

The Boss turned his attention back to Karone. Karone, see if you can speed up the normal waiting period for marriages overseas. Let’s see if we can’t help our young couple culminate their marriage a little earlier than they had planned.

Tomorrow?

No. Clear matters up for sometime next week.

Do we accompany you, also? Callas asked with a concerned look upon his face.

No. I want you and Alexie to run the office for me while I’m gone. I only need Cassandra. No, on second thought, make reservations for Karone, too. Callas, you can handle matters for a few days can’t you?

Certainly, sir. My assistant Alexie and I will keep the corporation secure for such a short period of time.

By the way, where is Alexie today?

He’s coaching a little league team. It’s part of our commitment to the community, Callas answered. He continued to look at his notepads. He hoped the Boss would not ask for more details. If he should press further, Callas might be put in situation he did not savor. The truth of the matter was that he had no idea where Alexie was right now. When he found him though, he would present him with a lecture on the importance of attending all planning meetings.

Cassandra softly cleared her throat. She cocked her eyebrows Callas’ way. Alexie did not impress her as being the physical type. She would pursue the point later. For now, she was more excited about the pending trip.

The Boss remarked, I like that. Gives us a nice touch. Tell Alexie I appreciate the public relations job. Callas, we’ll give you our itinerary before we leave. If something crucial comes up, you can get in touch with us.

Yes, sir. I am positive matters will run smoothly, Callas stated firmly. He wondered if the Boss groomed him for something bigger and better. If so, he was confident he could handle whatever opportunity offered and do all assignments well.

 - 2 -

The Maestro sang out loud. His deep baritone voice chanted, I am the Man of La Mancha, the Man of La Mancha, the Man of La Mancha, I am…

He laughed with a deep chuckle and fondly smiled at Magdelene when they left the theater. This was their first evening together. He was pleased he had chosen to take her to see this particular rousing musical.

Sorry. I get carried away sometimes.

No to worry. You have a nice voice or else I would pretend I didn’t know you by walking on the other side of the street.

Did you hear the gentleman behind us? He made the comment this was the first time he had seen this musical played with so much comedy. He had always seen it played in a very serious tone.

Really? It was amusing, Magdelene remarked.

The Maestro offered. I like laughter. I like man to make fun of himself and show humor. There are too many stiff people who take themselves too seriously. Have you ever seen a stone laugh?

A stone? she asked incredulous.

Yes. There are many people who act like stones - hard, unyielding, and cold.

Oh, I see what you mean.

To dream the impossible dream… the Maestro bellowed out in the cold, crisp air. Ain’t this grand! Look at those stars!

Magdelene laughed. She knew the Maestro had better grammar than to use the word ‘ain’t.’ She correctly felt he used it more for effect than lack of formal education.

Here we go, Luv. He made a grand gesture while he opened the car door. Some day when we know each other better I’m going to tell you all about my dreams, but you’re probably not ready for them yet.

The Maestro closed the door and paused for a second. He took his wallet out of his pocket and made a note on the back of his checkbook. He had a new plan in mind. He simply put the initials W.G. This was his abbreviated shorthand to look at world government soon. The problems to achieve this end were extremely difficult. He needed to come up with a plan which would benefit all the necessary politics of evil and goodness for mankind, and yet maintain the integrity, customs, and charm of each individual nation.

The present United Nations did not achieve this goal. Everyone there was suspicious or jealous of the motives of the others. They spent too much time spying on each other and trading and buying secrets. The Maestro almost laughed out loud. One day these silly humans would realize there was no such thing as a secret in this His universe.

He dismissed the present world leaders as a place to start. It was too weak a start for his eventual ideal government to emerge and surface. Their organization had no real enforcing power. All they could do was recommend and shun those whose politics did not agree with theirs. No. A world government had to have authority that would transcend all boundaries of race, creed, color, religion, or belief.

The Maestro shook his head. He mentally checked his list of current candidates - monarchy, socialism, communism, democracy; dictatorship. Each was flawed - too little freedom here; too much power in the hands of the few in others.

The Maestro stopped as he rounded his side of the car. He took out his wallet again. He scribbled, No violence? Next, he wondered the timetable he should allow this new government to evolve. Evolution was first and foremost in his mind. If man was not allowed to evolve naturally at a slow pace, if forced to make change too quickly, revolution took place instead. And, with revolution, came bloodshed of innocents and guilty alike.

He opened the door and paused in reflection. He was the first and foremost of all writers, and yet, he had never actively sought publication. He wrote notes on envelopes, in notebooks, on handkerchiefs and napkins. To anyone who looked at his illegible scrawls, the shorthand was indecipherable and nonsense. This suited his purposes. The Maestro needed no secret code to protect his ideas.

He looked down the street and up to the dark star strewn sky. The Maestro felt infinitely satisfied. All the painstaking efforts he had jotted down over the years were visible before him now. He positively nodded his head.

As he sat behind the driver’s seat, the Maestro wondered if he should take a look at religion before he tackled government. His decision would not be made overnight. The world was too young and too much in a state of flux to make conclusions in a snap.

 - 3 -

The dogwoods bloomed late this year. People had previously commented Easter was too early. The just passed winter had been too hard and harsh on the land. There had only been cold, angry, biting bitter winds through the season. Little moisture had fallen in order to encourage flowers and trees to put forth their buds and shoots by the end of this March month. The ground was dry and parched. It thirsted for rain. With such a dry spring, people already whispered summer would be hot, steamy, scalding and humid. The farmers would be forced to irrigate or else have no crops later in the fall.

Introit had just