[part one] [part two] @j-childermass A smile might have flitted across the fairy’s lips or perhaps it was merely a trick of the wavering candlelight. He turned around and restored the box to its rightful place upon the shelf. Then, he brought the doors of the cabinet closed; they issued a sad moaning and murmuring when they were joined together again. “He will lie, John Childermass,” he promised, gazing upon the Christian again. “He will lie and lie and lie... But you know his heart!” The gentleman’s steps were smooth, slow, and silent and he moved like smoke over water when he paced carefully around his servant, insisting, “I shall not see you poisoned! The Magician shall be left to rot in the stocks... And I must make amends for my offering him to you without considering his awful ways. I had supposed ordering him about would do your soul some good. I did not think of his serpentine tongue!” The gentleman observed the miserable man. “These dark visions are to be put behind you.” His musings were soft. “Justice has been done and you shall be treated as you so deserve... Yes, I would have you awarded apartments fit for a prince! And I would teach you a touch of magic before the fortnight is out, as our agreement demands...”
