The Phoenix Fallacy Book I: Janus Read Online Free PDF

their master.  Only the head gardener and Middleton’s favorite chef had lodgings here.  Albert, the butler, was afforded space in the home proper.
    Clara joined several women hustling to a set of showers in another room, leaving Janus behind to wait.  Albert did not leave his side for a moment.  Whe n Clara emerged just a minute or so later, she wore a beautiful, flowing blue gown made of a rich silk.  Another maid, wearing a gown of green emerged behind her, and rushed out the door, nodding respectfully to Albert as she passed.  Carefully, Clara deposited her plain white servant’s uniform in a locker.  It would be cleaned and pressed for her when she returned; Albert would ensure that it was done.
    Together, the three headed out into the lawn.  Clara was careful to avoid sullying or tearing her uniform on the high bushes and flower beds.  Rushing into the house, they sped up the servants stairs behind the kitchen, and soon arrived in a small sitting room in front of two great oak doors with gilded handles set deep into the wood.
    “Wait quietly,” Albert said simply.  Clara fidgeted with her hands, but Janus crossed his arms and leaned against the wall.  Soft lighting illuminated the hallway, casting the flowing oil-paintings of men and women in prodigious robes, all bearing the three-headed mark of Cerberus, in a gentle glow that was easy on Janus’ eyes.  Dark rugs ran the length of the hall, overlaying elegant wood floors, while sculptures and antiquities lined the walls.  Awed by the wealth and grandeur that surrounded him, he wondered what it would be like to live in such a place, waited on by servants and commanding all beneath him.  Like an emperor…
    Janu s’ eyes roved the room as Clara whispered nervously to him, “No smart remarks…and think about everything you say.  Miss Middleton is a very—er, grand woman and prone to sensitivity.”
    Suddenly Middleton’s raised voice could be heard clearly through the thick wood.  It was somewhat high – not pleasing in the slightest, “We aren’t interested right now!  How many times do I have to tell you?  Cerberus needs the extra support for our infantry units!  And you charge far too much for everything else!”
    Janus unconsciously leaned closer to the door, straining to hear what was being said.  Albert glared at him, but Janus ignored him.
    “Perhaps…other…could be made…?”  A second voice said urgently.   The voice was strange, with a thick accent.
    Middleton’s voice suddenly became much softer, though it still carried.  “How… offering?”
    “10 per…”  The voice said.
    “Well…arrangements…suit well.”  Middleton said pleasurably.
    The great gilded knob twisted suddenly, and the left door cracked open.
    “One week, Mr. Ambassador?”   The door stopped in mid-swing.
    “It would be better if we could make the arrangement sooner, actually,” the ambassador said.
    “How about tomorrow, then, early morning? I was already planning on making several transactions tomorrow,” Middleton said, confidently.
    “That would be excellent.”
    “We shall eagerly await ODIN’s arrival.  In the meantime, I will have someone show you to a room.”
    “Your hospitality is always appreciated Overlord Middleton.”
    Albert stepped forward as the door swung open entirely, revealing a dark-skinned man with dark eyes and silver hair in thick black clothing with a gold and red pin on the high neck.  “This way please, sir.”
    “Thank you,” the man said politely, but Janus caught the faint words of ‘hate that damn woman’ muttered beneath his breath.
    Before he turned to guide the ambassador, Albert bowed towards the open doors and said, “My lady, your maidservant Clara and her son are here at your request.”
    “Send them in.”
    Janus stood up straight, uncrossing his arms.  Albert glared at him, “Miss Middleton will see you now.”

Chapter 4: Middleton

     
    As Clara led the way through the heavy oak