Madame Esmeralda unveiled the trio of cards—The Chariot, The Ace of Swords, and Judgement—all in a reversed orientation, casting an ominous shadow upon the table. With an air of mystic foreboding, she imparted her divination, "Oh, dear boy, the cards portend a forthcoming challenge. The Chariot in reverse signifies a lack of control and simmering aggression, an indication of a tempestuous temperament unable to navigate obstacles or setbacks. The Ace of Swords, reversed, foretells a state of confusion and chaos, a struggle within you as you grapple with the delicate balance between logic and the mystical, endeavoring to unravel the thin veil that separates them. Lastly, Judgement in reverse speaks of doubt and self-loathing. It suggests that perhaps you harbor uncertainties about your capabilities and fear that you may falter in the face of impending trials."
I, responding with a laughter tinged with skepticism, remarked, "This is amusing, Madame. These deductions could easily be surmised from one's attire, speech, and profession—a basic science of deduction and people reading. Given your age, it's evident you possess considerable experience in interpreting these cards and discerning meanings. However, such tricks hold no sway over me."
Interrupting my skepticism, Madame Esmeralda sternly declared, "Silence, boy. I sense something." Turning over the Judgement and Chariot cards, she discovered two additional cards adhered to them—Death and The Devil, both in their upright positions. Awe-struck, she uttered, "Impressive, boy. This is a one-in-a-million reading, where fate intervenes to unveil more intricate details about your impending future. Death, unreversed, typically conveys mortality or an end. In your case, Doctor, oh Doctor, you've been endeavoring to challenge and conquer death, haven't you? Your experiments, your pursuit to defy the natural order." The revelation left me astonished; how could she discern the nature of my experiments? Was this an elaborate ruse? Nevertheless, maintaining composure, I confidently requested, "Continue, please, Madame."
She continued, delving into The Devil card's symbolism, elucidating, "The Devil represents feelings of obsession and entrapment. Dear boy, you must be consumed by an intense desire, perhaps seeking to trample upon the natural order at any cost. Do you aspire to revive your departed parents, or is this but one facet fueling your quest for immortality? Beyond the literal interpretation, the true essence of this card suggests that a mysterious figure, a devil, has recently entered your life. Fear not, for this enigmatic entity harbors benevolent intentions toward you. However, peril awaits if you choose to follow and embrace their secrets as truth. Brace yourself, boy, for you stand at the threshold of the greatest adventure, and the course it takes hinges solely upon your decisions. Brace yourself."
A veil of perplexity shrouded my thoughts as I pondered how Madame Esmeralda could have gleaned knowledge about my departed parents. Was it mere conjecture or an astute deduction? And the allusion to a devil—could it possibly point to Lucas? His mysterious demeanor aligned with the description, but why designate him as an entity? Questions swirled within my mind as I commenced applauding Madame Esmeralda, acknowledging the spectacle before me.
"Most impressive, Madame, most impressive indeed. The intricacies of your performance, though I am one of skepticism, shall not be easily dismissed. I shall duly consider your divination and counsel, utilizing them to my advantage. I extend my sincere gratitude to you, Madame, Hvala." The Romani expression for gratitude escaped my lips, a nod to her apparent proficiency in the language.
Madame Esmeralda, smiling in response, declared, "This marks my departure; I must alight from the train. It has been a pleasure encountering both of you. Psyche, stand steadfast by his side; he shall require your presence, my dear girl." Assisting her with her belongings, I accompanied Madame Esmeralda to the exit. Before stepping off, she imparted a final piece of wisdom in Romani, "Nashti zhas vorta po drom o bango, boy," translated as "You cannot walk straight when the road is bent." A cryptic counsel urging subtlety and cunning in these convoluted times. "Be elusive as a snake, for righteousness may lead to one's undoing. Aurevoir."
In a graceful exchange of farewells, Psyche chimed in, "Aurevoir, Madame Esmeralda. It has been a delightful encounter. May your journey be safe." With that, we bid her farewell, resuming our journey toward Frankfurt, the mysteries unveiled by the fortune-teller lingering in the carriage like the whisper of unseen shadows.
Seated once more in the compartment, Psyche nestled beside me, her embrace securing my arm as she spoke with an air of enthusiasm, "Was that not an engaging exchange? Our expedition unfolds with each passing moment, promising a journey of unparalleled richness—a tapestry woven with mysteries more tantalizing than the fruits of Eden. I am resolved to embark upon this enthralling adventure, assured of its bountiful yields."
Psyche, with a determined glint in her eyes, declared, "I intend to commence chronicling each facet of our expedition, crafting it into a memoir destined for publication."
In silent concurrence, I nodded, closing my eyes in contemplation. Thoughts paraded through my mind, each scenario and memory scrutinized in the quest for rationalization. The words of Madame Esmeralda echoed, intertwining with the events that had transpired in recent days, eventually lulling me into the embrace of sleep once again.