Chapter 6 – One Inventor to Another
Elysee Palace, Paris
President Sadi Carnot welcomed Daedalus upon his arrival at the President’s offices and residence. A courier had arrived hours before Daedalus had landed in the Paris airport alerting the President about him and the meeting he required. After a few moments of formal greetings, the pair moved to Carnot’s office to chat further about why Daedalus had sought an audience.
“May I offer you some wine?” Carnot asked his guest as he indicated a leather chair for Daedalus to occupy.
“That won’t be necessary Monsieur President.” Daedalus replied respectfully.
“Please call me Sadi, I happen to be a great admirer of your work and there is no need to be formal.” Sadi invited.
“Sadi, I am sure you are well aware why I have requested this meeting.” Daedalus began.
“I know you wish to gain my approval for the release of a most dangerous woman, into your custody. Something the Queen of England, herself, has already done for our shared prisoner.” Sadi added, while his brow lifted in question.
“You are quite correct in your assumptions.”
“Yet the Queen’s backing is not enough to gain my vote of confidence upon the matter.” Sadi paused and sat at his desk across from Dr. Daedalus. “You are famous for your works of science and engineering. Many in Paris know of you and your associate, Nicholas Flamel. Yet I feel that there is more to your work than scientific study, hence the reason you are in my office now and requesting things of this nation’s own government. So Dr. Daedalus, if you wish to gain access to Grace Flynn, you must reveal the other side of your tale.” Sadi requested as he sat back and gazed with intensity at his guest.
“I see, are you aware of supernatural beings?”
“Who in Paris has not heard the tales of creatures that haunt our very streets? Most would say this is the talk of drunks and fools. I would disagree. While I have not seen their deeds first hand, I know that there is a part of this world that we have managed or been led to believe does not exist.” Sadi replied.
“Have you heard of Protagoras?”
“Concerning the gods, I have no means of knowing whether they exist or not or of what sort they may be, because of the obscurity of the subject, and the brevity of human life." Sadi quoted the philosopher in response.
“It still rings true to my ears, just like the day I heard it from him as he blathered that statement while consuming a most foul smelling wine.” Daedalus remarked.
“Are you implying something?” Sadi asked his faced suddenly pale.
“You wish to know the truth of all things; surely a man who has studied the laws of mechanics knows that there is more to see than what the eye can discern.”
“That would mean…” Sadi stammered.
“I am well over two thousand years old,” Daedalus smirked and continued. “Sadi, it is my charge to keep the balance between the worlds of man and the supernatural. The being I now seek to eradicate is extremely dangerous and wishes to harm both England and France for crimes against him. Acts that took place long before you had entered the world with your inquisitive mind. I need a killer to catch one, and Miss Flynn is a perfect fit for my mission.”
“It all makes sense now; you are truly the father of invention.” Sadi came to full realization as to who his guest actually was.
“Thank you for your compliment, however I need your help with the matter at hand, so I need you to focus.”
“My apologies Dr. Daedalus, the magnitude of your reveal is just overwhelming for a man like me. It was the myths about you that made me seek to understand the nature of things.” Sadi stood and straightened his vest.
“I understand, but what of my request.”
“Your need is most unorthodox and if not for the Queen’s own agreement, I would have refused it. Grace Flynn is a ruthless woman, are you sure you can handle such a person?” Sadi asked.
“Again Sadi, the creature I will ask her to hunt is far more deadly. I would think you should fear for Grace and not me.”
“I do not dread for this woman and if I allow her into your company and she meets an end, then the world is a better place for it.” Sadi retorted.
“If she does not meet this end you speak of and our goal is completed, what shall you do with Miss Flynn?” Daedalus inquired.
“If redemption can be found by Grace Flynn, Then I might exonerate her previous misdeeds. If this does occur and she dares strike against the people of this nation, I assure you that my resolve will be to see her hang.”
“You will not regret this decision, there are events that must not unfold and Grace is the key to that.” Daedalus stated with resolve.
“I will have the necessary papers drawn up for you right away. The real task you have is to convince, Miss Grace Flynn where her duty now lies.” Sadi paused and smiled weakly. “I am pleased to have gained both knowledge and access to your inner circle. However, Dr. Daedalus, even a man of your wisdom and resourcefulness will be putting his life in the hands of a madwoman.”
“If I do survive this course that I have set upon, remind me to tell you about Uther Pendragon, now that is madness.” Daedalus retorted.
Crimson Scarver : The Grace Flynn Chronicles Page 6
