LIGHTNOVELONLINE ~11~
Finally leaving the Grand Hall, he decided to get something to eat, so he went to the dining hall, where he found Father Raphael talking to a man in a dark trench coat with short black hair and black eyes.
Lord Caliber approached these two with a smile, “I have to say, Father Raphael, you truly handled yourself well back there!” He praised.
Father Raphael shot him a nasty look as he rolled his eyes.
Lord Caliber found humor in this while he continued, "I know it has been more than a hundred days since you have been anointed as our newest and fourth member of the horsemen. She sees you as a top prospect... Someone who she considers a great deal. With a lot of potential!"
Father Raphael looks back at him with disdain, "You hate my guts, Caliber. I feel hated because of who and what I am. I might be young, but I'm not stupid." Then he got up from his chair and got right in Lord Caliber's face. "You better watch yourself and your tongue. Before I end up burning it off."
Gathering his things, Father Raphael had enough of Lord Caliber. As a student of the game, Lord Caliber glanced at what the young priest was doing while he took one of his books; he read the title, "' Rituals of the Dark Mages.' Interesting..." Father Raphael snatched the book from him as he continued. "This is your first time having one. You don't have to lie to me. Tell you what, if you want to have a show and be entertained. Why don't you go to the fields, drop her off, and let her fend for herself for the next 30 days."
“Why?” Father Raphael wandered.
"The normal human being can only last for so long: 14 days without sunlight, 14 days without food, seven days without water... She will be dead in seven days. But if she lasts for 30, even more, then you have witch."
Bain hushes Lord Caliber, “Quiet!”
“So, your boyfriend-- I’m sorry, your friend knows all too well about ‘the witches’ and how they can survive with only the Aether alone.” Lord Caliber points out.
Father Raphael turns his attention to Bain, “Is that true?”
Bain glared at Lord Caliber with a scowl, “Yes, I do. These kind of humans draw strength from the nature surrounding them,” Speaking to Father Raphael.
Father Raphael sat down as he stared at his friend curiously, “what was it like?”
"First of all, you do not trust this man. It would be best if you did not have him plant the seed of curiosity inside your mind," Bain warns.
"You need to mind your manners, mercenary. These are two nobles speaking to one another," Lord Caliber corrected.
"He's not noble. None of you are holy or noble. You people are insane! And besides, you make fun of him every chance you get. And your Holy Mother uses him as a mascot!" Bain defends.
"I can take care of myself, thank you. And I am not a mascot!" Father Raphael objects. "These fields you speak of, Lord Caliber, what are they?"
An evil grin crept up on Lord Caliber's face as he explained, "It was used as a plantation, a holding house for enslaved people in the 1800s through the 1900s. Most enslaved people practiced voodoo, another dark art, to kill off their white masters. After all the white masters died, the enslaved people were liberated, but they kept the house.
"It became a beacon for runaway slaves to go to for solace. Of course, when slavery was abolished, all slaves returned to their home countries in African villages. What they left behind was a hotbed of dark energy still lingering throughout the acres of the plantation. It affected the wildlife into rabid beasts and even turned anybody who would own the property into ruthless killers."
Father Raphael just stared at him with a blank expression, “bullshit.”
"Denial is another form of fear, Father Raphael. I suggest you quench that denial with adventurism." Lord Caliber challenges. "Halloween is around the corner, so the area is at its peak with Netheral energy. It will be surprising to see most wolves and predatory animals around the area become greedy enough to tear that woman apart. You can even put a bodycam on her and see for yourself."
Father Raphael was not intimidated since it is obvious that Lord Caliber owns this property or knows somebody who does and has access, “See for ourselves? I am so sick of your nonsense. First, you tell me a ghost story you stole from American Southerners, and now you mean to tell me you happen to have this place in your possession? If this is a trick or a way to haze me, then the Holy Mother will have a field day with you."
Lord Caliber leans in as he becomes coy with a sinister smile, "Whatever gave you that idea?" He reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a set of keys. He goes to keys at the scowling Bain. "I'll give you the address..."
Lord Caliber leaves knowing he has done his job of sending Father Raphael probably to his death.
Out of earshot, Bain pleads his case. Or tries to say, "This is tactically dangerous and a waste of time."
Taking a sip of his milkshake, Father Raphael thinks about the possibilities. A minute later, he decided, "Take the prisoner to the plantation--!"
“Ralph!” Bain quickly objects.
"Make sure you use our body cameras and strap one on her. After you put her there, get the hell out of there. I'll meet you back at the house. Make sure you give me a live feed," Father Raphael orders as he leaves the table.
Bain just shook his head as he stared at the set of keys Lord Caliber threw at him. He knew this was another trap of embarrassment. But there is nothing he could do...