Chapter 8 – The Dragon’s Mist
Le Baiser du Dragon – Paris
Daedalus and Grace entered the smoke filled tavern and none of its patrons bothered to look their way. It did not take long for Grace to realize the purpose of the establishment.
“I told you that I am not a whore!” Grace hissed as she gazed threateningly at her new employer.
“Calm yourself, Miss Virginia O’Connor, a reward still exists for your capture in more unscrupulous circles. This establishment is where we shall get clothing for you and I need to speak with its Madame, regarding a most vital situation.” Daedalus whispered back.
The barkeep of the establishment was a large African man who motioned for the pair to come closer. “We are not buying any girls tonight.” The man informed them.
“I am not here for that Leone. I do however need to see Madame Woo, please tell her Daedalus is here.” Daedalus said removing his bowler and moving into the nearest light source.
“My apology, I will summon Madame Woo.” The great man lumbered away and left Daedalus and Grace at the bar.
“There is something you must know about our host. She is a Naga, a creature of immense beauty and death. Outwardly she is just a woman, until she lets her hair down.” Daedalus momentarily paused, as he calculated his statement. “She will know who you are so there is no need to use your cover name; we would only insult her by doing so.”
Grace nodded in response and pulled the overcoat she wore tighter about her body. “This woman sounds coldblooded.”
“Your statement is truer than you know.”
It did not take Leone long to return and he motioned for them to follow. He led the pair down a winding hall to a great room at the back of the building. A perfumed smoke swirled in its interior as gaslights flickered along its exterior walls. A great dais was at its back and a woman sat upon a golden throne. She placed the hookah down, that she was smoking and stood.
Even in the low light Grace could tell this woman was beautiful. There was also a feeling of sensuality that hummed in the very air. It grew stronger as she approached them; she sauntered over and instantly embraced Dr. Daedalus. Her eyes fell upon a Grace and she swore that the woman licked her lips, or perhaps tongue flickered. Grace noted the woman was of Asian heritage, but her accent was Parisian.
“So the rumors are true, the great Grace Flynn has left her little cage.” Madam Woo cooed. “What have you gotten yourself into now Dr. Daedalus?”
“I am not here to be interrogated. I came by your request and also require your help.” Daedalus stated and politely escaped the Madame’s embrace.
“All business today we are?” Madame Woo smirked.
“What is it you wish to tell me?” Daedalus asked.
“Several days ago a shipment of commodities came into port and proved to be a bit of an issue for me. Since I do not need the eyes of Veiled Council upon me, I contacted the one human for the job. My entire cargo was destroyed; all I am left with is a problem.” Madame Woo confided.
“You need not be so vague Woo, Grace is in my employment and should be granted access to all information.” Daedalus informed his host.
“All Information…” Madame Woo hissed then without warning her hair began to writhe. The sounds of scales rubbing together and the hiss of serpents sang loudly. Grace looked in shock at the woman’s mane of living serpents.
“Do I frighten the great Crimson Scarver?” Madame Woo purred sarcastically.
“Serpents are only a problem when close enough to bite.” Grace shot back.
“Woo, I do not have time for your syncopations of control. I need to know what you have uncovered. My hope is that it does not connect to my current errand.”
Madame Woo’s hair settled once more to a more human fashion, and she reached out and rang a nearby gong with her closed fist. It only took a few minutes of awkward silence before Leone appeared and bowed to his Mistress.
“Take these two, to the vermin.” Madame Woo commanded.
Leone bowed once more and motioned for Daedalus and Grace to follow. The trio navigated the establishment until they came to a trapdoor in the kitchen. Leone opened the door and a ladder was beneath. He grabbed a lantern that hung within and lit it. He then descended the steps with Daedalus and Grace in tow. The stepladder lead down to a vast wine cellar and at its rear was an iron gate. Something beyond it moaned in agony.
“What is in there?” Grace questioned.
“Zombie,” was Leone’s solemn reply.
Daedalus paused knelt suddenly and retrieved a small pistol from a holster strapped to his ankle. “Just precaution I assure you,” He said with a weak grin.
“I feel safe now.” Grace mocked.
Leone stopped at the door and held up the lantern. Pale sickly hands burst through the iron bars, while a gruesome and hallowed face roared in frustration being denied a chance to greet its guests properly. The creature’s dead eyes leered and oozed with decay. Daedalus heard Grace gasp in shock, like most humans did when they saw the undead for the very first time.
“How long has it been here?” Daedalus asked.
“Three days, Woo had it brought here when we found it, aboard the ship along with the others.”
“Others…and where are they?” Daedalus inquired.
“Woo’s warehouse on the Paris docks. Fear not we have taken measures to contain them properly until your arrival. The Madame wants you to fix the problem before the Veiled Council finds out.” Leone banged the iron door as the creature continued its desperate attempt to grab anything living.
“Who is the Vampire responsible for this?” Daedalus asked knowing that no answer was forthcoming.
“Unknown, the infection was done at sea.” Leone answered.
Daedalus nodded. He then motioned for Leone to open the door.
“Have you lost your mind? That thing looks hungry.” Grace yelled.
“Well then this should be quick.” Daedalus shot back. He waved at Leone again to release the creature. The large man kicked the iron bars and the Zombie backed up in response. He then unlocked the door and stepped aside. The creature within needed no cue as it blasted through the doorway as the gate slammed open. Before it could reach Dr. Daedalus, his pistol exploded, the Zombie’s head flung backward and it toppled to the floor motionless.
“Dispose of it as required. I will see myself and Grace back to Woo. I need more answers.” Daedalus commanded.
Leon nodded and he then reached for a nearby hatchet and set to work. Grace heard the blade sever flesh and bone. She did not need to look back to know the creature was being dismembered.
“This is madness; perhaps I was safer in prison.” Grace laughed.
“Perhaps you were, but now there is turning back.” Daedalus said as he cleared the top of the ladder.
The pair returned to Madame Woo’s chambers. Before Daedalus could speak, two scantily women entered the room behind them.
“Ladies please see that Miss…? Madame Woo paused.
“O’Connor,” Grace responded.
“Miss O’Connor is bathed and dressed properly in dress befitting a lady.” Madame Woo commanded.
The women giggled and walked over to Grace taking her by the hands. Daedalus waved Grace to go with them.
“A Zombie…You know this is a very serious matter, I will however not alert the Veiled Council at this time. I will need to destroy the others immediately.” Daedalus began to pace back and forth in apparent thought.
“I assure you Daedalus I was not the cause of the calamity and loss several young flowers to those creatures. I know you do not approve of my dealings but this is not of my design.”
“I know this was an act of supernatural terrorism. Someone has begun their machinations against both France and England. ” Daedalus concluded.
“Who has begun this?”
“That is not for your knowledge,
my dear Woo.”
“First I lose my valuable cargo and now you keep secrets from me.” Madame Woo sulked.
“I think it is for the best. Is my car here?” Daedalus asked.
“Yes it is behind the building. That friend of yours is a most handsome fellow and much more playful than you.” Madame Woo teased and moved closer to her guest.
“Flamel is a man of his own means and I am not his keeper.”
“He tastes like you…why is that?” Madame Woo inquired.
“So you have fed on him too?...That is something of another matter, one that I cannot discuss.” Daedalus answered.
“So many secrets for the man, who has lived so many lives,” Madame Woo smiled knowingly.
Grace returned with her escorts and was dressed in a dress befitting any young woman who graced the Parisian streets on holiday.
“What?” Grace growled, she did not appear to enjoy the gawking she was receiving.
“Who could have guessed this particular woman could be so intoxicating. You could steal the very Devil’s heart, now I see why you were so successful at your vocation.” Madame Woo remarked.
“Yes, Miss Virginia O’Connor is quite fetching. Thank you very much ladies.” The escorts left the trio alone.
“Now tell me where to find your warehouse.” Daedalus demanded.
Madame Woo did as she was asked and minutes later Daedalus and Grace were racing through the streets of Paris in his steam car. Grace seemed to enjoy the ride and commented that Daedalus must teach her to drive, in case he was incapacitated and unable to operate the vehicle. Daedalus only smirked in response.
Crimson Scarver : The Grace Flynn Chronicles Page 8