Cruel and Unusual - serialised novel EXCLUSIVE to Steemit Part 36

For the full list of episodes, please see this post: Episode List
And Then, 31 32 33 34 35

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Please read the start of the story using the links above. I promise, it’s well-worth the time to check it all out. At least then, this excerpt will make more sense.

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Hazel glared as Keme’s stomach growled audibly and a passing servant turned her head to him and blushed as she frowned in disapproval.

Though he had been in London’s Society for a good many months under Anton’s relentless tutelage, Keme’s newly learned manners and etiquette still could not overcome his ingrained habits.

He did not apologise, as a gentleman would have done. Anton had, fortunately, been successful in disabusing Keme of the notion that breaking wind loudly was an acceptable method of showing derision and for that, Hazel was thankful.

Keme did not grasp the concept of apologising for naturally occurring bodily functions over which he had no control and so, he didn’t.

He was exceptionally charming in all other aspects however. His manners were impeccable; his charm and grace were natural and easy. Society ladies – Wolf and Hume alike – were flattered by his merest attention and yet male Humes did not become jealous.

Of course, Keme had been formally introduced to Wolf Society long before he was let loose amongst the delicate Humes. Wolves could forgive a slight faux pas a new Whelp could make, whereas sharp teeth and glowing eyes would cause somewhat of a panic amongst the ‘cattle’ as some of the Wolf snobs were wont to call them.

Keme was unique in Wolf Society and it was entirely due to Anton’s influence that he was regarded as a fascinating novelty rather than an anomaly to be ostracised without a chance of ever fitting in. It was because of this influence that everyone – not just Keme, Anton and Hazel, were taking Keme’s tutoring seriously. Wolves respected Anton and not just on the basis of his age, wisdom or power. Most knew that he had abdicated in favour of his Grand-daughter, Victoria, but even those that did not know of his status in Wolf Hierarchy, were aware of his prowess on and off the fields of combat.

Anton may appear old – in Wolf terms at least - but not even age could mask his bearing and the manner in which he carried himself, or, for that matter, his ultimate confidence. To the Hume eye, he was a dignified, middle-aged businessman who enjoyed the company of younger members of his acquaintance – in reality, he was more than a thousand years old. Hazel was approaching five hundred years, yet she could pass as someone in her early thirties – easily. Only Keme represented his true age.

It was because Anton commanded such vast respect that any protégé under his wing could be guaranteed any amount of guidance – especially if the protégé in question would have made a fool of himself in view of Humes. No one likes looking foolish and any student of Anton’s would be helped to avoid appearing as such.

Of course, often there are also those who would wish that such a privileged and high-profile protégé would fall ‘flat on his face’ and would possibly even be willing to aid in such a fall but who would dare? A penalty for angering Anton in that manner would at best, be a painful and humiliating experience and at worst, terminal.

Hazel decided at last, that Keme’s stomach had the right notion.

“Come, Keme, we cannot wait any longer. Anton may well have great influence with the Maître d’, but I doubt that he will hold the table for very much longer, if indeed, it is still available to us.”

The doorman hailed a cab for the pair and they travelled to the restaurant. Hazel waited for Keme while he paid their driver and when she saw the grin break across the driver’s face; she made a mental note to have words with Keme about over-tipping.

The Maître d’ was very putout at the lack of punctuality, especially as he had other customers waiting to be seated but he did not give voice to his annoyance.

Hazel and Keme were led to a table and a wine list was placed before them. They were just about to order their meal when Anton arrived, quiet and subdued.

Hazel frowned but Keme greeted his mentor as usual, with a polite nod.

Anton sat down, neglecting to greet Hazel. She ignored this slight and waited.

The waiter appeared and asked to take their order. Anton ordered for all three without asking. The waiter glanced at Hazel as though to ask if the choice met with her satisfaction. She allowed a strained smile and handed the menu to him.

Anton began to speak even as the waiter left.

“Almyra Willoughby and Marcellus Salter are missing.”

Hazel was puzzled by this news. “Why would they go missing?”

“There is the mystery.” Anton sighed. “They were due to announce their engagement this weekend, with a celebration two weeks hence, on the Full Moon. So why would they go missing?”

“Obviously not to elope,” Keme said. “If they were not hiding their love and everyone was in celebration, there would be no need to run away.”

“You are right, Keme, apart from the fact that Almyra just loves an excuse for a celebration, their respective families were delighted at the match.” Anton said.

“There has been no feud between the families?” Hazel asked.

“Not for centuries, as you know. Not one Wolf opposed this match – which is nothing short of miraculous in itself. The fortunate thing is that no-one will be throwing wild accusations of foul-play around.”

“Could they have been killed, do you think?” Keme asked.

“I seriously doubt it, Keme, but stranger things have happened.” Anton said.

“But both of them? That is a great coincidence if they have been killed separately and it does not bear thinking about if they were dispatched together.” Hazel looked at her companions in turn as she said this.

“Indeed it does not. Yet we do not know where they are. The last time anyone recalls seeing them, they were together at the last Full Moon which would be on or around the 21st of August.”

“Would that date be significant?” Keme asked.

“Not especially, only that they had gone out hunting together.” Anton explained.