The Phoenix Fallacy Book I: Janus Read Online Free PDF Page B

doors, Janus could barely contain his laughter at the sight before him.  His first impression of her was that of a pig in a peacock costume.  Standing regally behind a cherry-wood desk, Middleton was the gaudiest, most ridiculous creature Janus had ever set eyes on.
    Her nose was squashed and snout-like as the fat forced her nostrils outward and upward.  Large plumed feathers and sequins decorated the gaudiest blue dress Janus could ever imagine.  A monstrous sapphire necklace struggled to be noticed against her rolling bosom, while bracelets looked fit to burst from her wrists.  Her fat face looked akin to a puffer fish, while her bulging body fought to escape the confines of the dress.  Fingers like sausages drummed the desk before them, large rings stuck between the second and third knuckles, unable to pass any further.  She breathed heavily, like she was in a constant struggle for air.  And although her skin was smooth and fair, her hair was silver, a sign she no longer possessed the youth and vigor she once had.
    He smirked, but quickly hid his smile.  Clara stood trembling in front of him and Janus gave her shoulder a quick sympathetic pat before returning his stare to the generously sized woman before him.
    She glanced up to see her visitors but returned her eyes immediately to her study of a parchment thin computer screen.  The screen had the appearance of dull aluminum foil.  Clara fidgeted nervously. 
    Rich tapestries and paintings hung from the walls, depicting great battles and victories of Cerberus.  More than a few were dominated by images of Cerberus troops standing over crushed and broken armies.  Lush blue carpet accented the dark swirls and dyes of the paintings and hangings.
    Middleton unexpectedly looked up once more, waving her hand at the screen as it rolled up and closed like a piece of paper.  Clara hastily broke her gaze and stared at the floor, unconsciously taking a step back, and giving Middleton a full view of Janus.   She froze, a hint of surprise upon her face, but only for a moment.  Middleton stared hard at Janus and barked at Clara, “This is your son?” 
    Clara took a quick bow, “Yes, Miss.”
    Middleton looked unsettled, but shook her head.
    Clara paled, but Janus didn’t blink. Middleton studied him carefully for a moment, but then turned to stare out the window behind her desk.
    “You’re late, maidservant.”
    “I’m sorry, madam, the troopers gave us trouble,” Clara stammered.
    Middleton was silent for a moment, staring out at the grounds.  “Do you know why I brought you here?” she asked, without even turning to face Clara.
    “No, madam,” Clara said.
    “What about you, boy?  Do you understand why the two of you are here?” Middleton asked curiously.
    Janus grimaced, “Well, you don’t really seem to be the mother ing type, so I don’t think you’re planning on raining us with gifts.”  Clara hissed warningly at him.             
    The laugh emitted from the piggish snout was uproarious and evil .  Janus felt a sudden chill from the sound.
    Clara was sweating as she leapt forward, “He didn’t mean any disrespect, Miss.  He’s just a little foolish now and then.”  She glared at Janus and made a swift chop across her throat.
    Middleton turned to them with a smirk on her face.  “A little foolish?  Your son has developed quite the reputation.  If my Troopers are to be believed, this boy here has caused more than his share of troubles and annoyances.  Enough for even the Rats to complain.”
    “Surely you didn’t drag me up here just because some Rats whined,” Janus interjected.
    “ Miss Middleton,” Clara hissed at him.
    Middleton smiled, “No, of course not.  At least you’re smart enough to realize that.  I’m more intrigued by other aspects of the reports.”  She flipped open the parchment screen again.  “ ’Boy moves swiftly.’  ‘Possesses unnatural speed.’  ‘Clever, but causes