Lethal Affairs

X - RULE #1

Two days....

Two days of pure laziness passed before Ysabel felt that she was ready to confront her world. Helen had been right concerning the fact that she needed rest. 

The first day in the fortress, she had done nothing but sleep.

Her mind was gradually coming to an acceptance that the world was different. There were creatures out there that moved with humans.

Ignorance was comfortable, but dangerous.

On the second morning a pile of books were on her desk with a sticky note, it will be wise to know more about your world.

By noon, Master Leon had been true to his word, and had spoiled her in every possible way. It felt more like a vacation than an away-job.

The Keeper of the fortress, was a handsome, charming, sweet man. He anticipated her needs and provided a solution to them, he listened to her rants and her complaints patiently without interruption. He was so gentle, Ysabel wondered how he was able to keep the management position as the keeper of the fortress with so many staff, or perhaps things were very different in this New World.

At the end of the first week, Master Leon fulfilled his promise to take her on the much anticipated tour of the fortress.

While she had rested, he had said many tales on how he had gotten lost repeatedly when he had first moved to the fortress. The property was so big, it would take them approximately two weeks to fully tour the fortress. There were many secret rooms and passages, and too many rooms thy were deemed useful. For now, he was going to show her the basic routes that led from her room to the ball room, kitchens, and dinning room, although he did warn that many places were off limits to guests - for their own safety.

Ysabel's guess was that the castle was at least two hundred years old. It felt like it had been through time.

The beauty of age surrounded her.

Antiques that she would have never seen or had access to could now be perused at her own convenience - provided that she did not destroy it of course.

"Ahh, one more thing." Master Leon said as he escorted her back to her room. He pulled out a small hand book and placed it in her palms. "That is a list of rules you must adhere to. I will advise you to read it tonight. The hand books are usually reserved for the new employees and the little ones, but I know it will serve you well because you are a human in our employ, albeit as a guest."

Ysabel quickly glanced at the first page. "RULE #1: Do not disturb the Master of the Castle."

She paused and reread it, perhaps she was mistaken. "Who is the Master of the Castle?"

"Someone you do not want to meet." He said seriously.

The stern look on his face did not suit him, and it seemed funny the way he was trying to stress the importance of the rule. A bubble of laughter escaped her, and Master Leon frowned in displeasure.

"That is the first and most important rule of the castle." he warned seriously, "the master has a temper like lightning. He is not to be taken lightly. For your sake, I sincerely hope that your paths never cross."

Ysabel gulped down the fear that washed over her at his words. "Is he not aware of my presence?"

"Of course he is." Leon sighed, "You will not be able to set a foot on our grounds if he wasn't."

Curiosity stirred up within her, "What race is he?"

"That is not for me to disclose." he said, "Helen informed me that you have a gift for placing yourself in trouble. There is a summarized map of the castle within the book, do not go exploring alone. Tell me when you wish to do so, and I will accompany you."