Читать книгу Jaegar - Robyne HypGothic - Страница 4

“Of course you were successful.” Rìghfuil, The Blood King stated rather than asked as Jaegar strode into the throne room. The room was cold, large, drafty and unwelcoming. To Jaegar, it was home.

“Of course.” Jaegar gave a half smile as a response to the confidence bestowed upon him. “By now, assuming he was found when they came to clear the rubbish, the Police would be looking for a killer who wielded a hand knife.

“I want you to know that I appreciate your work Jaegar. I think of you as my own son. I hope you know that.”

“You surprise me.”

“Surely not?” Rìghfuil’s smile was as large as his booming voice. He was not overweight but he was certainly solid, although well muscled and tall. Everything about him was large. His body, his voice, his gestures, even his clothing. He had a green velvet cape that was so long it dragged behind him on the floor. His face was round and full and although it could have appeared kind, his features were twisted and tinged with his dark thoughts.

“Well perhaps not surprise that you feel that way, more surprise that you say it.” Jaegar now leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his attention focused on The Blood King.

“You made a joke a while back. You said you would like a holiday.”

“I was being sardonic. I was merely commenting on my circumstances.” Irritation crossed Jaegar’s usually passive face.

“Yes but it started me thinking.”

“Rìghfuil, please understand that my use of irony is to be taken with a grain of salt.”

“You came to me as an infant. You have been in my service ever since. Never once have you complained or failed me.”

“What about the debacle with the Portents snatching that soul back from us?” Jaegar snarled more to himself that at Rìghfuil.

“That!” Rìghfuil laughed. “That was their mistake. We were just damage control.”

“It was entirely ridiculous. I’ve never heard of such a thing happening.” The tone Jaegar was using denoted his complete disapproval. It had haunted him so, that incident. The soul who had escaped its death and consequently had confused the immortals. Jaegar had felt that he had failed himself and his King and Jaegar, never failed. What haunted him more than this though, was the Portent he had seen at the debacle. Her eyes had begged for him to help. He had felt confused, compelled, obliged, yet willing. What was the most strange thing of all, was that, he had felt.

“The Portent who caused it is doing time as a Reaper. Somewhat amusing outcome no?”

“Neither here nor there.” Jaegar waved a hand dismissively.

“This brings me to my conclusion.”

“Which is?”

“That you take a holiday.”

“Rìghfuil no. I may have had a lapse in judgement but I do not need a holiday.” Jaegar spoke through gritted teeth.

“You did not have a lapse in judgement. I was never concerned about that matter. What concerns me is that you have lived here for your entire life and only leave here to kill and then, you return. That’s not much of a life Jaegar.”

“Well it’s not entirely true. I sat in a bar this very evening and spoke with a human, no less.” There was a slight haughty edge to Jaegar’s tone.

“Well it can’t have been for long. I didn’t send you out that long ago.” was Rìghfuil’s gruff response.

In fact, it had only been a few hours so Rìghfuil was correct. It was also the first time that Jaegar had ever socialised with a human in such a way, so it was not a very good example of a life outside of his work.

“Rìghfuil, I do not need a holiday.”

“Well the truth is, Jaegar, I need you to do this. I need you to go to your ancestral home and reside there for a while. In that time, I need you to watch my brother.”

“Ok, you now have my interest. To what avail?” Jaegar’s head tilted slightly to the side in anticipation.

“I believe that my brother, Talek and his wife Senara, your Uncle and Aunt, are planning something that they should not be.”

“Tell me more.” Jaegar's eyes narrowed as he focused on Rìghfuil.

“I don’t have more. All I base this on, is one killing that was unsanctioned and unconcealed.”

“When does Talek ever lack caution?” The expression on Jaegar’s narrow face was thoughtful. His eyes stared intently as he considered this information.

“As far as I know, Talek, Senara and their children, have acted without caution. I want to know, everything. What I do not know and even more than that!” Rìghfuil’s voice thundered throughout the hall so loudly that the paintings on the walls shook. Jaegar’s face was stony and his entire demeanour was unchanged as if nothing had happened. There was a silence that settled the air and finally, Jaegar spoke decisively,

“Consider it done.”