Crimson Scarver : The Grace Flynn Chronicles
Page 5
Chapter 5 – Daedalus’ Request
Windsor Castle, Berkshire
Daedalus found that the castle’s staff and their opinion of him had improved little since his last encounter with them. He found it amusing however that Queen Victoria’s staff was a bit more prudish than the Queen herself was rumored to be. His current guide, a footman, could have been the very portrait of what many considered to be drab. He spoke little and did not seem inclined to answer any of Dr. Daedalus’ casual inquiries.
The footman somberly led Daedalus to a small library where the Queen sat at an ornately carved wooden desk. She was going over a stack of paperwork. She glanced up, removed her glasses, and met Daedalus with a slight smile. Once the footman had left the pair alone, the Queen spoke.
“My informants tell me the vile companion of my grandson is now expired.”
“That would be a fact Your Majesty.”
“My grandson has been persuaded to go abroad, until this matter is over and neatly put away in some dusty file cabinet.”
“A wise move Your Majesty.”
“What else did you discover?”
“That your grandson’s companion was more than just a vile nuisance. He has ties to someone you know quite well.”
“And who would that be?”
“Varney.”
The Queen raised an eyebrow in shock. She was at a loss for words.
“I too, thought he had expired in that incident at Vesuvius, but it appears he is quite undead.”
“This is most disturbing news to say the least, Daedalus. I cannot simply list the crimes and troubles that creature has caused this Crown for many generations.”
“I am quite aware of Varney’s indiscretions and delusions of grandeur. I also know that if he has taken pains to put a Werewolf in link to the Crown, he has something rather sinister planned. I imagine he will not be operating alone.”
“Whatever do you think this fiend could be up too?”
“I know that he has long sought to repay your forbearers for the actions they took against him both when he was alive, and later when he was undead.”
“That creature brought about his own fate, and I personally have done nothing to him.”
“The burning of his ancestral home might count as an act against him, and you did have a hand in that.”
“True, but my intentions were honorable in seeking to remove that wretched monstrosity off the English countryside, and bring the Bannerworth family name back some dignity. If it is not there to be gossiped about, the common people soon forget.”
“I understand your actions; however, Varney is not one to let matters rest. I need to stop him before he gets any further along in his twisted scheming.” Daedalus leaned forward in his chair emphasizing his next remark. “I need not remind you of the Gevaudan incident, in which your own father had to help the French out of that supernatural debacle.”
“What do you think he is undertaking?”
“I am not sure, but the use of a lycanthrope in any matter is messy to say the least. It leads to nothing but exposure in the end or an incident hard to cover from the common folk.”
“What is that you need from me Dr. Daedalus?”
“I need a new partner.”
“Partner,” the Queen raised a questioning eyebrow.
“Whatever happened to that nice young lady you traveled with previously?”
“You mean Nasrin Kaur,” Daedalus paused as if in deep thought. “She met a fate that even I could not have foreseen.”
“That sounds like a fate most unpleasant.”
“Yes… but back to the matter at hand, I wish to have Grace Flynn put in my employment.”
“Grace Flynn, have you lost your mind? That Sea-Witch is being held prisoner by two nations. Even if I were to release her into your custody, how do you propose to keep a murderess like her under control?”
“Grace Flynn is just the woman I need to handle this particular problem. If I am hunting a killer, it is best I have one on my side.”
“Well, you will have that no doubt. Grace Flynn has caused great pains to both the English and French authorities. She is scheduled to be hung within the fortnight.” The Queen rubbed her temples as if gathering her thoughts within. “However, you have proven your loyalty and worth to the Crown many times. I will grant this request, but I will hold you responsible for any havoc she creates under your care.”
Daedalus quickly added, “I will also require that you clear her of all charges should she prove herself worthy of such reward.”
“Grace Flynn, being worthy of absolution? Now here is something even out of your reach. But I do enjoy a good gambit, if you can prove through deed that the notorious Grace Flynn can have a change of heart. Perhaps so shall England, on her lengthy list of crimes. I know most of my advisors would frown upon my next remark, but Grace Flynn has a strength and cunning that even I secretly admire.”
“I cannot thank you enough Your Majesty, and I hope that I can stop Varney before he shows us his latest designs.”
“Agreed, I will have the papers drawn up right away and you may fetch them tomorrow. You do realize that you must also get the French government to release her as well. Remember, Miss Flynn is a prisoner of two nations Dr. Daedalus.”
“Yes, and I do know from a reliable source their current leader is an aspiring inventor. So I will ask it as a favor from one inventor to another.”
“You never cease to confound or charm me, dear Dr. Daedalus.”
He smiled at her wistfully, “You are, and have always been one of my favorite pupils.”
“When we met, I was just a child. Now I am a woman in the winter of her life. Yet you look no older than the first time I saw you.”
“You know well of my gifts, we discussed it once before. I cannot age.”
“I do not envy you, Dr. Daedalus, for there is sadness in the corners of your eyes that perpetual youth can never wipe away.”
“How wise of a Queen you have become, and that has nothing to do with our lessons together. We all carry things inside, and often they look out from our souls when we least expect.”
“What do my eyes portray?”
Daedalus looked at the Queen with a faint smile. “I see Dash smiling back, Your Majesty.”
Tears welled in the Queen’s eyes, but she wiped them away with a slight brush of her fingers. “Well I think we have shared enough pleasantries today. May I remind you, Daedalus, a good companion is hard to find among both canines and humans. Treat Miss Flynn with the respect I hope she will earn.”
“I shall Your Majesty and Dash was a great and loyal canine, the best any young Princess could ask for.”