Jane and Hannah were now totally focused on the clue that they had found. It was one sentence in an article about pagan rituals that mentioned the summoning. Also, in the sentence, were the words half man, half animal. This was just the initial step on a mystery tour which would hopefully lead to the information that they needed.
The sentence said "To deal with those that are cursed to be half man half beast, they must be summoned."
The writer of the piece wrote that they had heard about this spell, which was apparently included in an ancient book about demons. The original book entitled, Daemonum Liber, had been lost, but some of the content had been passed down through the years.
Hannah had found the writer of the piece and had sent him a letter. She could find an address for him, but no record of any type on social media. It felt old fashioned, but somehow right, to be putting pen to paper to ask her question. After a fan letter bit about liking and being intrigued by his article, the letter moved on to specifics. Did he know where the details of the summoning could be found? The information was for a book she was writing.
Waiting for a reply was agony. Whilst they waited Jane and Hannah speculated about what the full spell might be. They had read a lot about summoning spells over the years, but not in the context of calling a demon to deal with them in some way. Apparently, you could summon a dragon, spirits, fairies and even an eagle. All types of demons could be called too. They were not brought forth for the purpose of being destroyed, however.
There were lots of articles on summoning demons. The majority of them were evocations which would call one to you. They were then used for information or to get what one desired. It wasn't without risk, of course, and mostly it was discouraged because of the unpredictable nature of the demons. Anyone wanting to summon one, and then try to strike a bargain with it, was going to end up in a lot of trouble.
A week after the note was sent a reply came back. The author of the piece was obviously delighted to have received a letter about his obscure and, probably, little read article. He waffled for two pages about his studies and how he had taken years to research the sources of his findings. He was glad to now have the opportunity to pass some of his wisdom on to a new generation interested in the subject of pagan folklore.
Jane and Hannah were reading the letter together and were becoming impatient. They turned to the next page and they saw what they were looking for. The Daemonum Liber had existed at one time, but had mostly been destroyed through neglect. Some pages had been saved and these had been copied before they, too, disintegrated.
The copies of the pages had been reproduced in a Victorian book called "Demons and Fairies" It was an exceedingly rare book and only a few remained. He knew of one in the country which was held in a private collection. The owner of the rare edition was a man call Edward Hanley-Trent.
He had not seen the book himself, but he understood that it had a full description of the summoning spell. He had included it in his article because it was so unusual. He did not know how the book had become part of Mr Hanley-Trent's collection, or whether it was there because of its contents, or because of its value. He didn't even know if the man still had it.
Hannah jumped up and did a little dance when the location of the book was revealed. There was still another page of the letter to read and she brought her focus back to it in case it contained anything else of use. It did not. It told Hannah where she could get copies of various books that he had written and wished her well with her own book. At some point she would write to him and say thank you. Now was not the time.
"Oh, Jane, could this be the breakthrough that we have been hoping for?"
"I do hope so. We are rapidly running out of time."
"I know. Let's track this man down and get in contact with him as soon as possible."
"Okay, to the internet. Fingers crossed."
Ten minutes later a cry of "YES" and a fist pump, revealed that Hannah had found an address. She had also found some information about Mr Hanley.
"I've found him. An address and an article about him and his collection." Hannah said.
"What does it say?"
"There's a photograph of him. Here, take a look at it. Seems to be a bit of an eccentric. The tweed and the hat."
"Look at the house he's standing in front of. It looks beautiful."
"It says that he inherited the Georgian house and that he lives there alone. He keeps a collection of books, papers, and artefacts relating to the occult and pagan rituals. Normally when you read something like that you would keep clear of him. We are seeking him out."
"In the photo he looks like quite a nice man. Like one's batty favourite uncle."
"Let's hope that you are right. Okay, we need to get in contact. What should we say?"
"I think its important that we see the actual book. There could be just the spell, but maybe there will also be instructions for its use, or warnings." Jane said.
"The question is, how do we get this man to invite us to his home to look at the book."
"Let's use the same tactic as we did before. Say that we are doing research for a book and how helpful it would be to see the document."
Jane sat down with pen and paper and her and Hannah composed a letter to Mr Hanley-Trent. They asked if they could possibly make an arrangement to view the book entitled "Demons and Fairies" which they understood he had in his collection. They would, of course, come at a time convenient to him and would respect any rules he had for the handling of the item. Various felicitations and hopes were expressed at the end and it was mailed first class.
A short missive was received in reply, saying that the book was held in a private collection and was not available for viewing. Hannah wanted to cry when she read the note.
"It's not the end, it's a setback." Jane's smile was not very convincing.
"The letter was short and clear. He doesn't want us there."
"Well, we're not giving up. We have to find the right angle. How can we appeal to him to let us in?"
"I think we have to try a bit of honesty." Hannah said. "We have to tell him the specific part of the book that we are interested in and that we are firm believers in the existence of people that are half man and half beast."
"Yes, I think you are right. Get the pen and paper and we'll try again."
Jane wrote another letter.
Dear Mr Hanley-Trent,
My friend and I wrote to you recently about the book Demons and Fairies which we understand to be in your collection. We asked if we could view the book, but sadly you have rejected our request. I will now outline why it is so vital for us to look at it.
Events in our lives have led Hannah and me to believe that there are people amongst us who are capable of assuming the characteristics of animals. We have had occasion to associate with these men and have experienced a glimpse of their frightening power, which seems to include the ability to charm those around them.
This letter is sent in the hope that you will help us in our endeavour. It is likely that this summoning spell could save a young man who is destined to be afflicted by this curse. If you will permit us to visit you, we would be happy to discuss what we have learned on this subject.
I very much hope that I will hear from you soon and that we will have the opportunity to meet you.
With best wishes and great hope,
Jane Chalmers.
Edward Hanley-Trent recognised the writing on the envelope. This was another letter from the women who were interested in one of his books. He had refused their request, but they were not giving up. He read the letter that they had sent and then immediately wrote back to them. They were summoned to meet him.