Devoured- Chapter II: Karael

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Three days had passed since Strauss left for Berlin; the baron anxiously waits for his return with whomever the Council might send to solve the mystery behind the inhuman murders. The days seemed too long. Too uncomforting.

A man, tall and radiant, came one day, as the baron waited at the table of his huge study. He seemed too well dressed for the occasion. His servant, Ludiere, accompanied the untimely guest into the Thirne Manor and to his presence. The man’s aura was full of brilliance and power. The baron then gained an interest on his guest.

“Sire, a man came to speak with you.”

“You make take your leave, Ludiere.” As soon as the baron commanded, Ludiere left the scene. “Have a seat, Sir—“ the baron continued.

“Karael.” The man replied in a deep, yet clear voice.

“What brings you here, Sir Karael?”

“I was told that the famous archivist Luminaris d’ Kel’Reiath, went missing for quite sometime. And he was last seen here in Aüzwerth.” Karael inquired as he sat down the well-cushioned wooden chair near the baron’s study desk.

“Yes. That is true. We are quite concerned with the matter. Why do you ask such?” The baron asked, placing his pipe upon his lips, lighting it up with a matchstick.

“I am also an archivist. I am not as famous though.”

“You went all the way to Aüzwerth for such inquiries? Surely you have something else in mind, Sir Karael.” The baron exclaimed sternly, breathing sweet smelling smoke.

“To tell you the truth Sir, I am interested with Sir Luminaris’ last work. I know that he left it here in Aüzwerth.” Karael stated as he fixed his glasses. “I believe he was working on some documents, that may have caused his disappearance.” He added.

“I am at a lost. What was he working on then? How did you know all of these?” The baron curiously stated, as he keenly looked at Karael.

“I worked with him. We were working on an ancient document. Then he went missing.” Karael explained, then he carefully pulled out a paper out of an envelope and showed it to Baron Leizt. “This was part of those document. It presents proof about beings, and their existence, within our own realm.” Karael stated further.

The baron put down his pipe, placed his reading glasses, and read the prints thoroughly. As he read on, he could not believe what he was reading. Yet he was then interested to read more. As he finished, he took a deep breath, and looked at Karael in disbelief. He carefully removed his glasses and placed it on his desk.

“The documents Sir Luminaris and I were studying hold the key to every question you might have. That is why I am here. I have to retrieve them.” Karael explained.

The baron was still puzzled. He gained more and more curious about the documents. He once again lifted his pipe to his lips and smoked off his curiosity. He stood up and looked outside the window of his study. The moon shone brightly.

“Do you believe in God?” Karael asked as he stood up.

“If God does not exist, then I wouldn’t have bothered believing in the Devil.” The baron exclaimed. Karael smiled devilishly, pacing slowly, as he exits the room.