By this time, the rat had begun coughing and wheezing. “Excellent,” said Draycott eyeing the rat, “It is beginning to feel the effects. Two hours you say? How long is that in humans?”

“Assuming that the time translates across the same way, you would be looking at two to three days,” said Dmitri.

“Very good. Arcaedus will be pleased. I’m sure we have some humans in the cells we can test it on,” Draycott said with indifference, this time Claudia wisely kept her mouth shut, “When does it pass on the disease?” asked Draycott.

“There are two times that the infection can spread without outside interference,” explained Dmitri. “They are; when the subject vomits blood, if any of the blood enters another body, even in water, that second body will become infected. The second method is the black sores, they come after the blood. Once they rupture, by themselves or by being forced, the liquid that they release is very potent and the area immediately around it is infectious, almost as if surrounded by spores.”

It was at this point that the rat started to retch. Draycott clapped his hands with a laugh, “Oh how extraordinary! I have no doubt that Akahaziel will be pleased. You will have your test subject. If you release it into the water supply of a town, will that work?”

“Yes, it would take some time for the disease to lose its strength after being introduced into the water,” replied Dmitri. “It will infect anything that drinks from the stream though, so be aware of that.”

Draycott snorted, “Between the French and the animals in the area, I don’t think we will lose anything of any import. It is a fair trade. Make enough to last a month in the river.”

“It will be as you say my Lord,” replied Dmitri with a bow.

“Make certain it is,” said Draycott warningly and then he turned and left, Wayte following close behind. Birkett stayed behind in the room, “Your tame guard isn’t so tame anymore is he?” he sneered and then he too left the room.

Claudia turned to Dmitri, “I understand the grovelling; he looked like he would tear you apart with his bare hands at the slightest provocation. But why did you lie to him?” she asked.

“Oh, the duration?” asked Dmitri.

“And the spores,” added Claudia.

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“Well,” said Dmitri, “even though Draycott is completely mad, he doesn’t want to be infected himself. He may not fear you or me, but we can make him fear getting the disease.”

“So you were just trying to get rid of him quickly?” asked Claudia.

“That and if the infection gets loose in the castle, he will be in trouble, so limiting contact with it is paramount,” explained Dmitri. “So this way, once we give it to the prisoner, we can say that they are in danger of infecting everyone. Draycott will have no choice but to rid himself of that potential!” finished Dmitri triumphantly.

“I like the idea of that man showing fear,” said Claudia fiercely. “What do we do about the mix that he wants us to make up?”

“You’re the alchemist,” said Dmitri. “Do you know of a way to make something that looks similar but is completely harmless?”

“My my,” said Claudia, “you certainly are beginning to rebel aren’t you?”

“Yes,” replied Dmitri. “Because it will all end soon.”

“I don’t see why you don’t just kill them now,” insisted Birkett as he paced back and forth in front of Draycott’s throne where the man himself sat poised as if ready to strike.

“While I understand that Arcaedus may have faith in you and may disclose his plans to you, I am not him,” replied Draycott. “But I do understand the power of the human spirit. If it is allowed to be free, it can pose a danger to the best laid plans. This is why I have a few things in mind that will remedy the growing confidence in our prisoners.”

“As you say, my Lord,” said Birkett bowing.

In high spirits, Claudia stood over a bubbling mixture, humming while she stirred it. Dmitri on the other side of the room was using water and air to clean up the mess caused by the rats. It had been an eventful time trying to round them up. Even though the rats would have been in tremendous pain, they would have been following their natural instinct and had then hidden themselves under much of the furniture. After managing to catch a few, they simply gave up. As long as they didn’t corrupt the food supply, the rats would recover eventually. While Dmitri worked, he tried to imagine what the world would be like when he was his own master once more. After they were free and had defeated the demon, Dmitri felt that he would enjoy a life with Claudia. Maybe as a thank you, Uriel could take them someplace away from the madness of this civilisation. Uriel, the arch-angel, not really a companion one found themselves with. But he was a companion of tremendous help when facing off an unholy demon. They’d better find a way to reflect the power onto itself.

“Claudia,” he called out and she looked up, the sunlight playing on her hair, he was such a lucky man. “Have you had any thoughts on reflecting Akahaziel’s power against him?”

She shook her head, “Not yet, but there was-“ she was interrupted by the door being thrown open.

“Your human test subject,” announced Birkett. He entered the room with Mattief. Between them was slung the prisoner, dressed in rags with its head hanging low and manacles on its hand and feet. Birkett and Mattief dragged the prisoner over to one of the beds and let it fall. The prisoner landed hard and rolled off the bed. Birkett barked a laugh at the situation. The prisoner’s cowl fell back and she let out a groan, it was Judith!