Within the Master's Power: None

By Joseph C. Ackerman

In the ancient, pagan rite of Taurobolium, the slaughtering of the sacred bull is at the center of the ritual. In those times, the practice was performed every twenty years and gave a chosen citizen a life of renewal, support, fitness and success from the animals blood. The recipient was placed under the platform of the slain bull so that the blood would slowly drip down through the platforms tiny holes. The blood would nearly cover the persons entire body. Much later in the ritual's development, people believed that the chosen person received great power.

The modern bullfight came from this ancient ritual. Many changes had been made by taking it out of the ritual realm and placing it in the sports/entertainment arena. But who could imagine that modern man would practice a certain bloody descendant of Taurobolium in the forest of a midwestern town? This became a cultic, sadistic ritual for the few chosen men who changed it into a corrupt and most evil endeavor.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Nov 22, 2011
• ISBN: 9781467041409

Joseph C. Ackerman

Mr. Ackerman graduated from Marian College (Indianapolis) in 1969 with a B.A. degree in Latin. He taught Latin five years in a suburb of Indianapolis. He moved to Southern California in 1978 to pursue his interest in performing, singing and show buisiness. There he was in a few plays and sang his own music in a Church in Anaheim, where he was song leader. In 1986 Mr. Ackerman went back to teaching English and other subjects in an alternative public school where he remained until 2008. His first novel was actually written while he lived in Indiana, but he was not able to finish the work until he retired in 2008. The novel, Within the Master's Power is set in a small midwestern town. Mr. Ackerman grew up in a small town 50 miles south of Bloomington Indiana.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

I n the ancient, pagan rite of Taurobolium , the slaughtering of the sacred bull is at the center of the ritual. In those times, the practice was performed every twenty years and gave a chosen citizen a life of renewal, support, fitness and success from the animal’s blood. The recipient was placed under the platform of the slain bull, so that the blood would slowly drip down through the platform’s tiny holes and nearly cover the person’s entire body. Much later in its development, it was believed that in the rite of Taurobolium, the chosen person received great power.

The modern bullfight came from this ancient ritual. Many changes had been made by taking it out of the ritual realm and placing it in the sports/entertainment arena. But who could imagine that modern man would practice a certain bloody descendant of Taurobolium in the forest of a mid-western town? It became a cultic, sadistic ritual for the few chosen men who changed it into a corrupt and most evil undertaking.

CHAPTER 1

T he hot, blistering sun did not bother Jim in his air-conditioned car. In fact, he was determined that nothing today was going to inconvenience him. This was the beginning of his vacation—a summer retreat in the wild!

Jim and Sally had purchased the cabin only a few months ago. Sally had gone up ahead to ‘tidy up’ the place, so that it would be livable for the week that Jim was off from his office job in the city. By professions, Jim was an accountant, Sally, a school teacher.

The monotony of the three hour drive was eased by the AM/FM radio and CD player Jim had in his car. He enjoyed the scenic hills and winding roads of this country. They gave him a certain freedom that the city took away by its asphalt surroundings.

Jim had been with the firm for a number of years. He had advanced in the normal time and knew he was securely positioned in his job. He took delight in his work and never complained about the long hours which kept him away from home.

Sally was resigned to the fact of having a part-time husband, but likewise, she was also very involved in her career. She taught English at an inner-city school and was thoroughly a professional. The hours she spent in preparation made her one of the best teachers, and the progress she made with the students’ learning was admired by everyone.

Though Sally and Jim were childless, the love was still there. Jim enjoyed wining and dining and did not spare expense for his spouse. At least once a week, they would go out on the town, to a play, movie or concert. After ten years of marriage, their love seemed to be even deeper than on their first anniversary.

Jim was now at the halfway mark. He just passed the Corville sign. One and a half more hours, Jim thought, and I can see Sally again.

From this point on, the curves increased and the scenic beauty reached its peak. Jim turned off the radio so he could enjoy the landscape more thoroughly. The hum of the car was the only accompaniment to this scenic symphony. The deep green trees against the pale blue sky cried out for him to come and taste the rustic pleasures these lands had to offer.

A couple of miles past his half-way mark, Jim came upon what appeared to be a road block. The flashing red lights of the police car were clearly visible as he slowed to a stop.

Jim pressed the automatic down button on the driver’s side window and greeted the policeman: Hello, sir. Nice day isn’t it?

"Okay, I guess. But I’ve seen better. Too Hot, for a fat fellow like me," was his reply.

What happened? Jim asked.

The man did not answer, but put forth his own question: May I see your driver’s license and your car registration?

Jim reached into his back pocket to get his wallet for his license. He handed it to the man and proceeded to look for the registration in his glove compartment.

Suddenly, Jim noticed the car door open. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the policeman leaping toward him. Before he knew it, the officer hit Jim on the head. All was darkness.

The policeman dragged Jim’s limp body from the car, onto the road. As he did this, another man got out of the police car and walked toward the men.

That was easy enough, wasn’t it? The accomplice addressed the cop.

Yes, I guess so. What’s next?

Put him in the trunk of your car and I’ll follow you in his. You know exactly where to take him.

CHAPTER 2

B y the time Jim had awakened, it was night. As he slowly opened his eyes, he sensed a throbbing pain from his forehead to the nape of his neck. His hands and feet were bound behind him.

When he gained enough strength to open his eyes fully, all Jim could see were the bright flames of a small bonfire. The darkness shielded everything else.

The crackling sound of the fire left Jim with an uneasy, chilling feeling. What his fate would be, he did not know, but could only think of the worst. A man could be killed and buried, and never found, he thought.

The image of his lovely wife entered his mind and he began to worry about her. He knew that she was expecting him in the late afternoon. She would not be able to peacefully enjoy their new cabin until he was safely in her arms. He longed to be with her again. Their city-dwelling was more desirous now than any vacation spot in the world.

The sound of footsteps and the murmur of voices brought Jim back to reality. He could see two men approach from the shadows. He recognized the one man as the ‘fat cop’, the other, he did not recognize.

The heavy set man no longer had on his police uniform. He was wearing an opened-collar shirt and black pants. His stomach still protruded over his trousers.

The other man was very neatly dressed in a light grey suit. His manner was very formal. He stood erect and would not condescend to any creature, especially, if that creature were tied up on the ground. He was a rather short man and wore large glasses that gave him the appearance of a professor. He was the first to speak to Jim: I believe, young man, that you are Mr. James Lawrence. Is that correct?

Yes, Jim answered.

It is always nice to know the name of someone you are talking to. Don’t you agree?

Jim did not answer.

The man went closer to Jim’s face, which was half way to the ground. He knelt down: "I did not hear your answer, young man. When I talk to someone, I expect a reply. Do you understand?"

Yes, Jim hesitatingly said.

Then I shall continue. Let me see. How shall I explain it?

First of all, the reason why you are here is to complete our plan. You see, it is you, who will enable us, and our children, to continue to live in a most powerful way.

"Secondly, you were chosen by mere chance, fate or luck, whichever way you wish to look upon it. In other words, you were the first to fall into our trap. Our timing just happened to coincide with your arrival in our beautiful, scenic town. Where you were going, we don’t care. The fact is that now you are ours. That is all that concerns us now."

You have probably figured out by now, that Mike, here, is not a real policeman. He is a foreman in a local plant. He has had experience bossing people, so, I thought he’d make a good cop. Evidently, you agree, for you did not question his authority.

I’m sure you’re most uncomfortable ‘hog-tied' like that. Turning to Mike he ordered: Untie Mr. Lawrence, so he can stand up and stretch a little. We don’t want to lose him too soon.

Mike began slowly, to untie Jim. The thought of trying to escape, entered Jim’s mind, but there was no practical way in which he could successfully free himself in the darkness of the unknown territory.

Getting the ropes off his hands and feet was a great relief for Jim. When he stood up, he could hardly keep his balance. Mike steadied him as they walked around the fire a few times.

Then, Jim was led back to a spot farther away than where he was first tied. This time, Mike bound Jim’s hands behind him and secured the rope to a tree. Now Jim had the flexibility of standing or sitting.

The stately man moved over near Jim and once again began to speak: Mr. Lawrence, I hope you intend to fully cooperate with us. We are not evil men. But, you do understand that if our plan is not carried out because of your defiance, we shall have to treat you as an enemy. And, like good soldiers, we do not sympathize with the opposition’s cause.

With this warning, the little man turned away and slowly disappeared into the darkness. The man’s departure brought solace to Jim’s tired body. He did not particularly like Mike, but felt a little safer with him, since he just knew that he would never do anything harmful, unless he was instructed by that individual now gone.

Though Jim was still a bit ill-at-ease, being tied to a tree, he could not keep his eyes open any longer. He slowly moved into the more comfortable sitting position, with his back against the tree trunk. He fell asleep.

CHAPTER 3

T he misty morning brought Jim to his senses once again. The pain he had from the blow of the gun’s butt was now gone. His stomach was growling with hunger pangs. As he looked around, he saw Mike, dozing sleepily, a few feet away from him.

Jim’s thoughts turned to the events of the previous day. How stupid it was to have fallen into their trap! If I only had remembered to ask for his badge. But, I suppose he had that ready just in case. I’m not dealing with imbeciles! That shy, little man is very smart.

Mike’s slumber was very shallow, for soon he was on his feet and checking to see if Jim was awake. When he saw that Jim had his eyes open, he addressed the prisoner: Fine morning!

If you say so, Jim replied.

You hungry?

Yes, very, said Jim.

Won’t be long ‘til we get you all fattened up! Mike said, jokingly. Mr. Kurt is expected back here anytime now.

Oh, so Mr. Kurt is that bastard’s name, Jim thought. Well, if he’s bringing the food, I’d rather starve than see his face again.

Mike began to untie him. Jim was still weak, so Mike helped him to his feet. Mike again spoke: "If you have to go to the john, the forest is all we have to offer. I’ve been instructed to let you go privately. Mr. Kurt says there’s no way you can escape in this wilderness. We know the area. If you try to run, we’ll find you. Remember what he said about good soldiers. So, go ahead and relieve yourself.

The smell of dried urine permeated Jim’s clothes where he had soiled himself while tied up all night long. He needed once again to urinate. At least, this time, he could do it in a civilized manner.

Jim did as he was told and came back quickly, wishing to stay in the good graces of both Mike and Mr. Kurt. He found out that they were correct in their assumption that he could not escape.

Reviews for Within the Master's Power

[diannedharman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Like most people, I've always wondered about cults. Why are people attracted to them and how do they work? This book is a superb story of a cult, a young man who is chosen by them. and the cult's unraveling. Based on an ancient ritual that is tailored to contemporary times, it is a wonderful story. I applaud Mr. Ackerman for meshing the ancient with the present in such a masterful way.

I found myself wondering if the story was true. It was that believable! I started the book and had to find out who the Master was and what was going to happen to the characters - and if I care what happens to the characters, that definitely means the book is good! I don't think you can ask for more from a book. This one delivers! I'm so glad it was recommended to me!