Page 15 of Diluted Truths
Most academics believed that the cult was started by Father Ambrose after his daughter-in-law began understanding the concepts of mathematics and astronomy better than his son. Many believed that he began the rumors of the supposed cult in hopes of banishing said daughter-in-law, Abigail, from the colony of New York, where they were living at the time. The Cult then began picking up traction and more people believed him. The teachings and rules of the cult grew as well, becoming more strict and controlling to its members.
“How many women were accused of being an issue for this cult again?” Jackie asked as she began to spin the chair in slow circles.
“Only four. Abigail, Tobias’s daughter-in-law, Catherine and Madeline who were Abigail’s closest friends, and Isabel. There is however almost no connection between the other three women and Isabel. She was twenty-nine while the other three were only nineteen,” I explained as I laid on the couch that sat in the corner of my office.
“Does anyone know what happened to them after they were forced out of town?”
“There are theories, suspicions, but no concrete facts,” I responded as I sat up to look at Jackie. She must have spun herself out because she leaned against my desk.
“Okay, my brain is thoroughly fried going over how this whole cult started. However, what was it about? What was the purpose or endgame of the cult? Were they working towards something? I have read some writings concerning it, but nothing has been specific.”
“Well, that’s probably because there isn’t really anything specific. In regards to cults, it’s not well published. Really, the only reason we know anything about it is because of Tobias’s insistence over years and yearsthat it was legitimate. I know that they believed in strict control over women.”
Jackie rolled her eyes at my comment. “Gross. Okay, so what is the general idea of the cult?”
“Tobias believed that the cult members’ goal was to bring about the end of times. There were four stages or steps. First was calledVictorum. Which is latin for…”
Jackie cut me off before I could continue , shocking me with her statement, “Conquest, yeah I know. What are the other three?”
I was surprised by her knowledge of the dead language. It took me a moment to regain my composure as I continued. “Bellum, fames, and mors.Tobias believed that the cult members would participate in some sort of rituals that were directly tied to these four stages. After each stage, a person would be chosen to represent that stage. Once all four people were chosen they would work together to bring about the end of times.”
“Interesting,” Jackie began. “Did Tobias specify or elaborate maybe on what these rituals would be?”
“No, he was very vague on the matter. Many believe it was to allow him to pick random occurrences to be the rituals when they would occur,” I explained as I stood and began pacing my office.
“This whole cult is obviously a product of Tobias Ambrose’s insecurities and inadequacies,” Jackie mused. “However, with him being a pillar of the community, it would make it easy for him to convince those around him to believe in his fantastical ideas and stories. He was well respected, admired, and was probably extremely trustworthy up until this whole cult mumbo jumbo. It’s understandable why the town came together because of this one man’s commands.”
I was impressed. Jackie was young, but damn was she brilliant.
“You are right on the mark. He had been a father of the church for two decades at the time of this occurrence. People completely trusted him.” Icontinued to watch Jackie as she steadily spun in slow circles in her chair, yet again. She seemed lost in her own world, own thoughts, maybe own experiences. “How do you know so much about the mindsets of these people?”
“Experience,” Jackie quickly stated. “When you mentioned it could be a bad thing that I was correct that the cult was making a resurgence, what did you mean?”
I was taken aback by her abrupt change in topic. I must have asked a question that was a little too personal.
Instead of pressing, I chose to move on and answer her question. “Cults are always a bad idea, but with the current Satanic Panic that has been occurring as of late, it is possible even the idea of this cult could cause even more panic in some communities. That would lead to accusations, bullying and fear mongering.”
“Hmm… that does make sense. Joey is already being affected by the mentions of potential ties to Satan. I can’t imagine what would occur if people began suspecting his disappearance was related to a cult.”
“Do you think it is?”
“Do I think what is?”
I rolled my eyes at Jackie. “Do you think Joey’s disappearance is connected to a resurgence of the Cult of Creatio?”
“I’m not sure if it’s directly related to the cult, but I think whoever is responsible for the disappearance wants people to believe just that. Maybe theyaretrying to cause panic and fear.”
I pondered the idea. It wouldn’t be a surprise for some group to do what they could to cause the panic and fear Jackie alluded to. Maybe even a church or religious group in hopes of growing their numbers. There were so many possibilities as to why someone would want to make others believe that the Cult of Creatio was real and making a resurgence. I washoping to run these thoughts by Jackie, but was stopped as she stood from the chair.
“This has been lovely, and also kind of exhausting, but I need to head back to wrap up some notes,” Jackie stated as she gathered her items that were now scattered around the room.
Not wanting the night to end, I jumped up and started towards Jackie. “How about we grab a drink and I can help with those notes?”
I wasn’t sure where the suggestion came from. I never took women out to get a drink if the night wasn’t going to end in the bedroom.
Jackie looked over her shoulder at me, amused by my sudden and flustered words. “I don’t drink.”
“Oh. Okay then.” I was curious. I didn’t want to pry into her reasoning but couldn’t seem to stop myself. “I know Fai is sober, did you quit drinking in support of him?”
