I had almost managed to drift off when I was alerted by the sound of someone unlocking the doors. I panicked and squeezed myself up into the chimney as fast as I could. As I heard the door slowly squeak open, I hadn't quite managed to get up above the hearth. Anyone who looked in my direction would be able to see my boots braced against the sides of the fireplace, but I couldn't possibly move without making enough noise to ensure I would be caught. I simply hung there, with my weight against the walls, and waited for whoever was entering the sanctuary at this ungodly hour to finish their business and be off.

  There were two sets of footsteps coming into the aisle. They weren't the easy, heavy footsteps of people simply trying get somewhere, but the slow, careful footsteps of people trying not to make noise. Whoever it was, they didn't want anyone knowing they were here, in spite of the fact that they had a key. They began whispering to one another.

  “This had better be worth it. I don't know how I let you talk me into this.” The voice was deep and husky. For some reason, he sounded like he had a mustache.

  “You will in a moment. The stuff is incredible. You'll see what I mean when he gets here.” The other man had more crisp, refined accent. It sounded like the voice of someone who knew what they were talking about. It had an oddly forceful quality, even when whispering.

  I heard the sound of of someone rapping their knuckles against the floorboards, to the tune of “shave and a haircut”. Then, a long silence.

  “How long do we have to wait?” said the husky voice.

  “As long as it takes.” said the refined voice.

'

  Another silence.

  “We should knock again.” said the husky voice.

  “No. He heard us, he's just making up his mind.”

  Another pause. Then a hurried and arrhythmic knocking.

  “Don't do that!” said the refined voice. My heart jumped in spite of myself. Something about that voice that made his annoyance feel almost palpable.

  “You can't talk to me that way!” said the husky voice, although there was no force behind his words. He sounded frightened.

  “Can and will. These fellows are sensitive. They like things done a certain way.” said the refined voice coldly.

  “I don't like being kept waiting. I'm a man of standards.” said the husky voice.

  “Standards my ass. You're nothing. I know that, and you will too when he gets here.” said the refined voice.

  More silence. Then, the small, tumbling noise of a rodent crawling across the floorboards.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  “See? There he is.” said the refined voice. Then a little louder, but still whispering: “You humble us with your presence, your grace.”

  “A mouse? You brought me here to see a mouse?” said the husky voice.

  “I wish I was clever like you.” said the refined voice.

  A warm, golden light spread across the hearth underneath me, as though someone had lit a lamp in the sanctuary. The husky voice gasped audibly. Then the light faded.

  “Well met, gentleman.” this new voice was almost musical in cadence. I couldn't tell the age or gender of the speaker.

  “Hello, good sir. My name is...” started the husky voice, but the musical voice cut him off.

  “Introductions are unnecessary. I know both of you. It was I who requested this meeting.”

  “Forgive him, your grace. He is unaccustomed to such...elevated company.” said the refined voice.

  “It is of no concern.” said the musical voice. “Do you have any questions, before we turn to the main event?”

  “I want to know what will be expected of me, should I accept what you're offering.” said the husky voice. He seemed to be rallying the last of his inner strength to address the newcomer.

  “Nothing will be expected of you except your masterful forbearance.” answered the musical voice. “You will continue in your current position, grow in power and wealth, and need fear nothing so long as you and yours do not intervene in our activities.”

  “What you ought to ask...” began the refined voice. “...is what will happen should you refuse.”

  “Why? What would happen?” asked the husky voice, sounding affronted.

  “There is no need for such talk.” said the musical voice. “Our friend understands what it would mean if things continue as they have.”

  The husky voice sighed. That seemed to be the end of that.

  “Let's turn our attention to happier matters” said the musical voice. “I'm sure you are both eager to sample the latest batch.”

  I heard a faint clack, like two small glass containers knocking together. The refined voice whistled faintly.

  “Your grace is exceedingly generous.” said the refined voice.

  “Use it with caution. I won't be able to procure more for at least a month. You wouldn't want to run out.” said the musical voice.

  “So what? We just drink this stuff?” asked the husky voice.

  “Not the whole thing!” said the refined voice. “A drop is all it takes. A sip if you really want to push things, but never more than that!”

  The pop of a tiny stopper being pulled.

  “Aaaahhhhaaahhhhhh” said the husky voice. He sounded like he had just jizzed in his pants.

  “Too much!” said the refined voice. “It won't last if you use it like that.”

  “Oh I disagree! This stuff is wonderful! I feel like a new man!” The husky voice had changed. It rung with confidence and power. It was as though all the hollow places in his voice had been suddenly filled in. He sounded strong, invincible even. His voice was a trumpet of command, a voice that could lead armies and dominate enemies. I could almost feel his words slap against me in my hiding spot.

  “With this, you will not need the support of Ganth to maintain your position. It shall be yours by superior merit. Farewell.” said the musical voice.

Another glow illuminated the room, then I heard the scampering of little feet.

  “He's not so bad. You worry too much.” said the now much stronger husky voice.

  Another sound of a stopper.

  “You haven't seen him when he's angry. If you play your cards right, you never will.” said the refined voice. It had also become more regal and domineering, although the effect was more subtle. Whatever they were taking, He had been under its effects from the start.

  The two men left the church and locked the doors behind them. After a discreet interval, I also took my leave via the chimney. I had a lot to think about now, and I needed a safe place to spend the night. Not knowing where else to go I headed for Digby's shop as quietly as I could.