The next morning, Ernest wanted to take the duo on a tour through Paris. Erik and Nico readily accepted, Erik acting more like a kid at Christmas, all giddy with excitement over visiting Paris again. The couple treated them to the finest restaurant for lunch, a bit problematic due to Erik’s mask, but he was able to work around it. The next few days were pretty much spent in the same manner, the Valdemar’s taking Nico and Erik around Paris, eating out for lunch, and learning more about each other. Later, they would dine at the Valdemar’s with Dr. James and Mr. Carmichael, after which Carmichael would mesmerize Ernest. After a while, they had to stop their daily excursions; Ernest’s health was quickly deteriorating, and though Carmichael’s treatments could ease the pain, it could not stop Valdemar’s body from doing what it would naturally do, and die.
“How long does he have?” whispered Erik when they were watching another treatment.
“Days – he won’t live another week,” came Nico’s soft answer.
“A pity, I rather like the fellow.”
“I do too, in fact, another reason to keep a close eye on Carmichael.”
“You’ve noticed the same things?”
“That he clearly wants Helene as his prize? He thinks no one’s watching, but I think even the doctor’s noticed. I overheard him warn Helene the other day about it, and try and convince her husband not to go through with Carmichael’s experiment.”
“And that resulted in our being witnesses to her promise to marry the good doctor after Ernest has passed.”
Nico nodded. “I’m glad you convinced him to put it down in writing and to have us hide it – no telling what Carmichael would try once he has Ernest under his power.”
“I can think of two options, my liege. Either he will tell Ernest to tell his wife to marry Carmichael, or refuse to let Ernest go unless Helene married him.”
“I wouldn’t put it past him to try both,” mumbled Nico.
When I pass my hand in front of your face, you will wake,” stated Carmichael as he brought Ernest out of his trance.
“Ah, thank you, Mr. Carmichael, that eases the pain considerably, and now I can do this.” He reached behind the couch and pulled out several packages. “Since Dr. James tells me I have only a matter of time before death comes knocking, I figured I would present my dearest and closest friends with some parting gifts.”
“Oh, Mr. Valdemar, you shouldn’t have,” began Dr. James.
“Oh, nonsense, I wanted to! Besides, I know that my dear nephew and his wonderful master will not be able to stay long after my passing, so I got a few special things for them as well. But first, for my dear wife, Helene, may you remember me fondly whenever you see it.”
Helene gasped when she opened the box. “Oh, Ernest, it’s lovely!” She pulled out an exquisite sapphire necklace and matching earrings set in gold.
“Only the best for you, my dear.” He gave her a quick peck on the cheek before helping her put them on. “Next, I have something for you, Dr. James.”
“Why, thank you, Mr. Valdemar,” stated the doctor as his package opened to reveal a golden pocket watch and a matching chain.
“You are most welcome, Doctor. Mr. Carmichael, I know you only wish to hypnotise me at the moment of death, which you will certainly get, but I figured a little present to express my gratitude for everything you have done for me is well overdue, so, for you, Mr. Carmichael.”
“Thank you,” stated Mr. Carmichael as he took it and gently opened it to reveal a brand-new suit. He gave Ernest a quick nod.
“I’m glad you like it. Now, last but most certainly not least, Erik and Nico. Getting something for you proved to be more of a challenge as I have not known you for very long, but I think this would please you.” He handed each of them a present. “Well, go on, open it.”
“My liege, perhaps you should . . .”
“Erik, I’m more curious about yours. What needs to be wrapped in an odd shape like that?”
Erik smirked knowingly. “I think I know, but I shall go first to quench your curiosity.” He opened the package to reveal a couple of bottles of the finest French wines. “Ah, perfect, you have chosen my present well, Uncle Earnest, thank you.”
“You are most welcome, I’m glad you like it. Nico?” Nico glanced at his and opened it with zeal. He gasped at its contents.
“Why, it’s an English-French dictionary!” Nico’s cheeks seemed to hurt as he smiled at Ernest. “Thank you!”
Ernest chuckled. “You are very welcome.”
“There’s another book. The Hunchback of Notre Dame?”
Ernest nodded. “I think you’ll like it; it most certainly has a French flair to it that will make you think that you’ve taken a piece of France home with you.”
“Thank you! I’ll be sure to learn French as fast as I can so that I can read it!”
Erik chuckled. “Thank you, Uncle; now he has motivation to learn French!”
The others chuckled as they returned to their drinks and thanked Ernest again for the presents. Erik joined them, the adults chatting away about the gifts and the generosity of Mr. Valdemar. Nico simply fingered his books. The Hunchback of Notre Dame really sounded interesting, no doubt he would have to fight Erik for it as well since it sounded like the main character would be like them, ugly and misunderstood. He glanced back up; he could almost sense Ernest’s aura ticking like a clock, counting down the minutes to when he would take his final breath.
The next few days seemed to fly by, though the four never left the house, Ernest’s condition having gotten worse. Nico did reveal his relationship to Hades to Ernest in secret and the real reason for his presence, but left out the absence of Ernest’s family ties to Erik. Too soon the day came, at the end of the week as Nico had predicted; Ernest was literally at death’s door. The doctor, his wife, Erik, and Nico were by his bedside the whole day.
“Doctor, I do think it’s time,” gasped Ernest. Helene sniffled. “Do not cry, my dear, I do not want you to be sad. You will look after her for me, won’t you, Dr. James?”
“I will, I promise.”
Ernest nodded slowly. “Good, thank you. Erik, Nico, in the few days we have known each other, I already consider you the sons I could never have. Thank you for being here.”
“You, you’re welcome,” whispered Nico, trying not to tear up.
“Dr. James, if you could . . . fetch Mr. Carmichael . . . please.”
The doctor nodded. “Of course.” He left, and a few minutes later, he and Mr. Carmichael entered.
Carmichael immediately set up the hypnotic machine while Ernest offered some consoling words for his wife. Carmichael got to work mesmerizing Ernest, this time not releasing him from the hypnosis. “Valdemar, you will sleep now. You are surrounded by darkness, and you will sleep.”
“I will sleep,” moaned Valdemar in reply. Carmichael was turning off the hypnosis machine when Valdemar spoke. “I am dying.”
Helene let out a gasp as Carmichael and James went into action.
“No, listen to my voice,” Carmichael urged. “Valdemar, you are not dying!”
“I am,” moaned Ernest.
“No, you are not! Listen to my voice, Valdemar, you are asleep!”
“I am dead,” came Ernest’s slow but definite reply.
Dr. James quickly took his pulse. Glancing around, he confirmed what Nico already knew. “He’s dead.”
But Nico sensed something off about this death. Something wasn’t right.