The Lemniscates

14. Jacques Elere and Paul Quatre

- Well, let's do it. You are installed? Paul?

- He is well attached, master.

- Perfect. Now you will tell us everything that happened up there.

- I would have told you anyway. I came for that!

- Ha, but I could not take that risk. Now I'm sure you'll tell me everything.

- My wings...

- For that, you must blame your friends. Let's say from personal experience, I know it is better when angels are asked. Unfortunately, they tend to fly away for a yes or a no.

- How dare you do that to an angel?

- Anger now.

- Master?

- Yes, Paul?

- Are all angels as egotistical?

- A very good question. Tell me, my friend: Is your kind focused on themselves?

- My name is Anael and I am not your friend.

- You hurt me.

- And we're not "egotistical"!

- Pride?

- Very good. You're quick learner.

- Eh?

- Master? What if we proceed to an Extraction? I saw how on page 57.

- And to think I almost forgot that spell. It always gives interesting results you know.

- What? No! Everything but the extraction. I would tell you everything I know.

- Pity. This appears to be for another time. Go ahead, we're listening.

- I did not see much. I was not on duty at that time. When the alarm rang, I went out immediately. But the enemies were already in place. I do not know how they did it; I have always believed our garrison impregnable. And their appearance...! They were unlike anything I knew. But they had something slightly familiar and ... hazy.

- Familiar and hazy?

- It's hard to explain. By far, I have never seen them. But up close ... They are not easily discernible, and one cannot help thinking he had already seen them somewhere.

- And after?

- My superior officer saved me in extremis. He told me to go for help and I found myself on earth.

- Strange sending you on earth...

- Well, you see: it was not that difficult.

- What do we do with him?

- You keep him cool for now. We may have more questions later...