During his battles against evil Gaston Dubois has often stood alone. Sometimes aid has come from companions like the mysterious Major Seraph, or the delectable Mademoiselle Brockenhurst, but largely Dubois has had to combat the forces of the mythos unaided.
In Keeper of the Hidden Flame, out on Sep 22nd (paperback available now), the fourth book in the Mon Dieu Cthulhu! series that all changes. Dubois is welcomed into an ancient order of protectors, mankind’s guardians, who battle to preserve humanity’s freedom throughout history.
But who are these mysterious Keepers of the Hidden Flame? How will joining help him? Indeed, what is this enigmatic Hidden Flame itself?
In the fourth book of Gaston Dubois adventures some of these questions are finally answered. When it came to developing the series, I knew Dubois would have to become involved in something grander, bigger, more epic, a larger meta plot which would help drive the overarching story.
I called it the eternal struggle, humanity’s perennial fight against evil and the malign forces of the mythos. It’s a battle which has raged down the long centuries.
Keepers of the Hidden Flame
During this struggle, heroes, heroines, champions emerge, gifted individuals who lead the fight against the powers of darkness. Naturally, facing such difficult odds, they band together, share skills, knowledge, and experience, form a community to organise the ongoing battle.
These individuals are the Keepers of the Hidden Flame, drawn together from every nation and walk of life. Some are fighters, some magicians, others dealers in information and knowledge. They are archivists, librarians, financiers, merchants, assassins, navigators and explorers, for there are a myriad of skills and talents which can help win the war. It seemed logical that they would establish a network of bases, safe houses and sanctuaries across the globe to support each other in this eternal struggle.
During Dubois’ induction into the order, his old comrade Major Seraph describes them like this:
‘We are the inheritors of that flame, the latest in a long, unbroken line of succession who have chosen to serve the noble cause of mankind’s freedom. We are the defenders of liberty, the naked sword, the living shield against the powers of darkness, the latest in a long line of guardians. We are the Keepers of the Hidden Flame!’
‘We have sworn to protect humanity from the living nightmares of dreaming Cthulhu, the subtle schemes of Nyarlathotep, the corruption of Shub-Niggurath. We stand against all the other assorted horrors and monsters who would consume humanity, drive it to madness, return it to bondage, or simply wipe it from the face of the Earth.’
The Hidden Flame
But where does their name come from? What is this Hidden Flame and why do they serve it? Well here things get a little bit vaguer… deliberately. Every sanctuary of the hidden flame contains a sacred space where a flame burns continually without any visible source of fuel.
Dubois is mystified and even Major Seraph, who is usually knowledgeable about all things magical doesn’t truly know:
‘And what exactly is this Hidden Flame?’ asked Dubois.
‘Ah, that is an excellent question,’ replied the Major. ‘Who can truly say? Even I, with all my arcane understanding, do not fully comprehend it. Some think it a manifestation of a creator, a god or deity inclined to support humanity; others a benevolent power opposed to the vile gods and deities of the mythos; others still believe it to be a combined consciousness, the collective spirit of all who have come before us who resisted evil.’
I kept the explanation of the Flame deliberately shrouded. Not every question needs an answer and it’s good to cultivate a sense of mystery once in a while.
What truly is the Hidden Flame? I have my own ideas of course, but really it’s whatever you think it is or want or need it to be. Undeniably it is a power of some sort, a source of comfort and strength, a light in the eternal battle against the forces of darkness.
Time to kindle your own!
Want to Know More?
Follow these links to find out even more about the Mon Dieu Cthulhu! series, swashbuckling adventures in the age of Napoleon!
Who the Devil is Gaston Dubois?
What the Devil is Mon Dieu Cthulhu?
Ride with the men of the Accursed 31st
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