Dark Aeons
Page 36
Chapter Five
Upon Reinhouer’s return to his residence, Henry helped the professor unload his belongings, not questioning the length of time that the professor had spent at his estate. Once everything was moved into the room and set up to young Devalier’s liking, the two men had a serious discussion on what should be done to best preserve the soul and body of the cursed man. The professor insisted that the young student stay indoors most of the time, for he claimed that the house was protected well against the prying eyes of those in the Parallax, and it would be safest if he did not move into those avenues through which they can see. After much argument and persuasion, Devalier forced the professor into relenting slightly, but had to still promise to remain out of doors for no longer than ten minutes every six hours.
The professor also moved from one of the rooms upstairs several wooden boards which he claimed had been touched by the Parallax, and would thus help keep Henry protected. He boarded up the young man’s windows with these boards, explaining that the entire house had been rebuilt with similarly touched boards. When Henry enquired as to how these unique materials had been acquired, Reinhouer proved surprisingly reluctant, saying little on the matter.
Once the room was suitably protected, the pair set forth rules that they both would abide by, so that they would not grow weary of the other’s company. Both of their rooms - Reinhouer’s being upstairs opposite the device room - were off-limits to the other body, and both men would have full use of the kitchen and any food stored therein, unless such food was labeled clearly with the signature of the other. Reinhouer also kindly offered to have the television set in the main room repaired and the cushions on the sofa replaced; offers which Henry accepted gratefully, though only after mentioning that many of the books that Reinhouer had brought him would keep him suitably entertained for much of the time.
The next morning, it was planned that they would phone the university and have Reinhouer’s leave and Henry’s “illness” taken care of, after which the professor would immediately depart to cash his cheque and search for replacement parts. This thus settled, the two of them settled down to sleep. Neither of them slept well.