The conversation led to more revelations.
"I'm learning so many new things about these men. You are saying that they have some sort of power of persuasion" Edward said.
"Oh definitely. They can literally charm money out of people's pockets. They can make you forget inconvenient things, or plant a false memory. All of these things help them get away with whatever crimes they are committing." Hannah explained.
"They can't fool everyone. I can see through their disguise. There must be other people like me who have the same ability." Jane added.
"One of the few things Carl revealed, was that he needed me. Not in the conventional, I love you, sort of way, but because I kept him calm. Something about me shining with goodness. When Jane said she could see a golden aura around me, I think that's what he meant. It was as if my virtue could offset his evil."
"I've spoken to a couple of women who lived with beasts. They had a dull, tarnished aura. It was as if their goodness had been used up by the men they were with."
"This is absolutely fascinating. These beasts use women to curb their excesses. I suppose its not a problem attracting these girls when they have the power to enchant them." Edward was now taking notes. "Your letter spoke about a young man who may become a beast. Tell me about him."
"The young man is my son. The baby that was taken from me only minutes after his birth."
"Where is he now?"
"He was adopted, we know the town where he and his, new, family live. I haven't seen him since the day he was taken away."
"How terrible. You think that he will become like his father."
"Carl said that him and the boy could not be in the same house. There would be too much evil. He said something about a change when he reached the age of sixteen. That throwaway comment has stuck with me, like it was important. I can only think that he will become a beast, as well. He is approaching his sixteenth birthday and I am afraid that the change will happen soon. If he starts to kill, he will be lost."
"We have done so much research over the years, like yourself. Hannah and I have travelled to libraries and museums, hoping that something would turn up. There are stories, folk tales, songs and poems, but nothing more substantial. The mention of a summoning to deal with those that are half man and half beast, has led us to your door. I do hope that we have found something that will help us."
Edward jumped up and headed for the door and when he reached it, he turned and said "Come on." Hannah and Jane followed Edward who led them to the library. The book which they so wanted to see was on the desk already opened at the appropriate page. The title of the book was printed at the top of the page and then underneath was a heading
.
The Summoning of the half man, half beast.
This spell has been translated, as best can be judged, from the original Latin. The text was found in one of the few remaining pages of a tome entitled Daemonum Liber. Sadly, this book no longer exists having succumbed to the ravages of time. The failure to recognise the huge value of it, both as a source for reference and for its rarity, and conserve it accordingly is a great pity.
Although the incantation and instructions appear to be complete there is a section that is missing. There is much speculation, therefore, as to the consequences of performing the summoning. The description of the participants necessary to perform the ritual is also open to interpretation.
There are three people required to summon the demon and the cryptic descriptions of them might never be truly understood. It is accepted that in most ancient rituals, those that are required will appear at a predestined moment in time and will recognise that they have been chosen for a significant event.
The text of the spell of summoning is given here.
To call the man beasts there must be one that can see their dark hearts, one who believes but has not seen and one who was trapped but has broken free.
These three must convene at a place where the beast has been revealed.
Together they must say the words "Demon return and bring your kin. It is time to determine your fate."
Once the spell is cast the demon will return and the male members of his family will be summoned, too. They will arrive at their destination the next day and there they will either die or be purged of the beast. Only one will remain.
Unfortunately, this was all that could be salvaged from the fragment of the page. The rest of the text had, at some time, been damaged by water. It is not clear if the participants in the summoning should be there when the demons present themselves or whether they should take any further action once they are assembled.
It is advised, due to the lack of clarification of the effects, that one should be extremely cautious of enacting this ritual.
There are many theories as to what a "man beast" might be and there is conjecture that it may refer to the legends of werewolves, or lycanthropes, as they are also named. It could also pertain to one who is possessed by a demon and acts like a beast rather than changes to look like one.
That was the entire text in the book which related to the beasts. Jane and Hannah had listened as Edward read it out to them. They were all now quiet and still as they processed what they had just learned.
"Let's go back to the drawing room and I'll pour us all a brandy." Edward's suggestion was most welcome.