Nikolas Flammel was a dashing man, well-groomed and much warmer than Baron Daedalus in his mannerisms. Grace felt a sudden comfort with the man who welcomed them both heartily.
“Miss Flynn, your deeds are most fascinating, and your scarf is something of a wonder.” Flammel stated as he guided her to his laboratory underneath his posh townhome.
“What do you know of my scarf?” Grace snatched her arm from his and glared. Daedalus shook his head disapprovingly at Flammel.
“I have been examining a small piece if it for many months. Its properties are almost life like in nature.” Flammel added.
“The scarf has been locked away in a very safe place and will not be returned to you, Grace. It is an entity of evil and there will be no more discussion about it.” Baron Daedalus revealed and motioned for the pair to follow.
“That is my property and I want it back!” Grace demanded.
“It is my job to ensure that entities of the Veiled are not harming humanity. That item was harming you and it will no longer.” Baron Daedalus turned. “You are remembering only the power it gave for the lives that you took without remorse. This is why I chose you Grace; your murderous spree was not of truly of your own design. In much the same way, an opium addict can’t control their own urges once the dragon has them.”
Grace considered what her employer stated and grunted with dissatisfaction. She stormed to Baron Daedalus and her fists clenched.
“Don’t let your latent addiction ruin this opportunity you have Grace. Take breath and know I have your best interest at heart.” Baron Daedalus walked away into the Flammel’s laboratory.
The room was huge considering that it was underground. Instruments and machines buzzed and hummed all about as a great water wheel spun rhythmically powering the entire facility. In its exact center a large glass tank was filled with pale blue water and something floated within it. As Grace got closer, she saw what it was. A pale and nude woman floated, gently asleep in the tank, her mouth connected to a tube that rose to the water’s surface. Bubbles escaped with each breath she took. Grace was both amazed and shocked.
“Her name is Esmeralda, and she is my wife.” Flammel said with sadness. “She is a Dhampir, child of a Vampire and a human. She asked to be put into this stasis until I was able to find a cure for her Vampirism. One does things sometimes that don’t make sense to those outside the grip of love.”
“I will not pry into this anymore, Flammel your affairs are yours.” Grace said respectfully.
Baron Daedalus explained the reason for his visit to his associate who listened keenly and did not interrupt. Once the tale was told, Flammel took a moment to consider all he heard.
“Let me examine the blood against the samples I have.” Flammel took the sample from Baron Daedalus and began working on it.
Baron Daedalus saw Grace once again gazing at Esmeralda. “She is a wonderful woman, and once was my greatest companion. Much like you she was possessed of a fire that could not be quenched, unless revenge was dealt for the atrocities put upon her.” Baron Daedalus disclosed to his new companion.
“Will I seek solace in a jar too when you have finished with me?” Grace said.
“I think not Grace, you are human, something, Esmeralda would envy you for.” Baron Daedalus remarked.
Flammel returned from his work and handed Baron Daedalus a chart. “This venom belongs to a priest?” Baron Daedalus looked puzzled.
Flammel was about to respond when a buzzer rang out. He walked over to a console and flipped a lever. “May I ask who is calling?”
There was a static growl and then a voice sounded. “My Name is Father Jacob Knoxx, I am from the Holy See and need to speak with Baron Daedalus, and my representatives tell me he is here.”
Flammel shrugged at Baron Daedalus.
“Let us not keep the Pope’s man waiting.” Daedalus answered.