Season of Starlight

Third Month

Dr. Blanche's Office

The City of Kaleno, The Cronia Region

2326

Henri was troubled by Dr. Blanche's speculation.

"These medallions," he said, touching his hips. "If the priests believe they hold power, then would they be the only ones to carry them, or are there others who desire to reap the spiritual rewards?"

He could sense the gears turning in Betty's head.

"The Order of the Covenant trusts the medallions to garner a supernatural aura," she said. "While that statement alone is intriguing, I don't see anyone else finding value in them. This specific faction of priests has warped the religion to fit their own understanding. I suspect any other member of the Prophet Society will disregard their claim as a false belief."

"Are you sure?"

Betty nodded. "Quite so. You see, gentlemen, the presence of El Olam is not bound to earthly objects. That is not speculation. That is the truth. What concerns me is that this Order of the Covenant has built a way of life out of lies. They have mistaken the word of God and altered it in a dangerous way to invoke a new type of religious assumption," she explained. "You said so yourself, Inspector. The spirit of El Olam lives freely. You do not have to be a priest holding an amulet to experience divine guidance and intervention."

Henri paced the office, exhaling a staggered breath.

Studying the spines of the books pressed together on the shelves, The Battle For Freedom and The History of Prophology were among the few that caught his eye. He retrieved one entitled El Olam: Creator of the Universe and pulled back the front cover, analyzing the opening text:

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

The sentence paralyzed him. It was so direct and official, holding great power within every word that tempted him to turn to the next page.

James Abbott observed Fraser from the comfort of his chair, exchanging a subtle glance with Dr. Blanche. "Sir, something on your mind?"

Henri closed the book, returning it to the shelf. "With Dr. Blanche's enlightening information, I can't help but wonder," he said. "Could this murder be the work of a religious zealot?"

Betty tensed. "I don't see how. Zealotry is when a person takes a belief too far. Assuming that the general congregation of Kaleno's Prophet Society knew the misguided ways of the Order, I would consider the likelihood that one of them could have committed the crime."

Henri was surprised by her answer. "Are you suggesting that members of the Prophet Society are responsible?"

Betty nodded. "It troubles me that I do, but I have learned over the years that the real, pure truth lies within the pages of the Holy Book. It is El Olam's own words. In society, we are all broken people. Revenge and anger affect everyone, from the highest priest to the beggar on the street."

Abbott jumped to his feet. "So we should investigate the chapels!"

Henri sighed. "I suppose so."

"Sir, it makes perfect sense. Here is my theory," Abbott announced. "Who knows the story of The Vagabond to a great extent?"

Henri frowned. "Enlighten me."

"The Prophet Society! This spirit is rooted in their religion. If the killer masquerades as this deity, they know which characteristics would raise suspicion. The claw marks and stolen medallions indicate that the beast exists. Whether or not it is real, the Order is convinced!"

Henri pulled back his shoulders. "Right," he said, digesting Abbott's thoughts. "That is a sensible line of inquiry. However," he added, watching the spark gradually fade from Abbott's eyes, "we will need to check in on Miss Hastings and Dr. Hinz at the KSB before we pursue that theory, Constable. I hope you will join us, Dr. Blanche. If anyone is properly equipped to deal with religious mystery, it is you."

Betty smiled. "I would love to."

"Very good," Henri grinned.

Dr. Blanche re-fitted the round glasses onto her face and grabbed her tool bag. She spun around, discovering Henri and Abbott staring at her with concern.

Betty gulped, realizing the source of their confusion. She glanced at the bag. "I thought I would bring these along as a precautionary," she said. "You never know. Maybe you'll need me to do excavation on the body!"

Betty laughed, throwing her hair back.

Her audience stared back at her in silence.

"Or not," she said. "I wasn't serious."

Henri pulled open the office door, stepping aside. "After you, Doctor."

"Thank you," she replied shyly, walking into the hallway.

Abbott took the opportunity to trap Fraser on his way out. He slid his body into the doorframe, and Henri's quick reaction prevented their foreheads from colliding.

"Sir, do you trust me on this?" Abbott asked.

Self-doubt intertwined with the young man's words, his confidence eroding.

"James," Henri said, "I haven't doubted you for a second. Your observations are superb. Whatever is the matter?"

Abbott held a stern expression. "I appreciate that, sir, but I can't help but detect a sense of dread in your voice," he said, "as if you wished the Prophet Society wasn't further involved in this case."

Henri's body ached. His silence initiated Abbott to continue.

"Sir, if this is about Miss Parks..."

"Trust me, Constable, my personal feelings have not compromised my line of judgment in this investigation. Anyone is a suspect."

"Yes, sir, however, you heard Dr. Blanche," Abbott said. "There are heroes and villains everywhere. Do not let this revelation plague your ideal image of the Prophet Society. This was one person's wrongdoing, and perhaps their society is not linked to the murder at all. Miss Parks demonstrated that they follow a pure and honest religion, just like her."

Henri saw a woman standing in the museum corridor, watching him while wearing a long green gown. Her hair, dangling in soft red curls down her spine, shifted as her transcending blue eyes pulled him into another dimension. She caught Henri's breath, and he felt himself slipping out of consciousness.

Abbott's firm grip pinched his shoulder.

"Sir?"

Henri shook himself into focus.

The woman disappeared.

"Let's go," he said, pushing past Abbott.

Dr. Blanche was idling a short distance from the office, holding the tool bag firmly against her right hip. She watched cautiously as Fraser approached.

Henri put a gentle hand against her upper spine, leading her forward. "So, Dr. Blanche," he said. "How long have you been interested in digging up the past?"

Betty eased, her voice infused with a sudden burst of passion. "Since I was a child," she said. "Of course, my parents did not understand the obsession. Look ahead, not what lies behind you, they would say."

"Well, it appears they failed," Henri smiled, hoping his intended compliment registered.

To his relief and delight, it did.

Betty laughed, folding her arms against her chest. "Indeed."