Excerpt 1 from the Exclusive Episode of Lazare Donatien’s Adventures

Discover below the promised excerpt from the exclusive episode of Lazare Donatien’s adventures:

Lazare’s Gift

Chapter 1

A biting gust of wind swept through the hall as, on a cold winter evening, three silhouettes crossed the threshold of my home.

If you’d told me, not so long ago, that I would one day behold true witches with my own eyes, I’d never have believed you. And yet, I, who had rubbed shoulders with specters and found myself in utterly outlandish situations all my life, stood speechless in that very moment.

I, Lazare Donatien, Drockhead, to whom eloquence had never failed—quite the contrary indeed. Truly, what a startling realization I’d just made!

Genuine enchantresses, from a most ancient lineage no less, stood before me today. If, at these words, the popular imagery peddled by fairy tales springs to your mind, I can only urge you to swiftly revise your assumptions.

Good heavens, these sorceresses, far from the caricatures of hooked noses and hideous warts, were dazzling in their confidence and grace. They struck me so profoundly that I couldn’t help but let my thoughts wander: these young women were far closer to goddesses than to the legendary mystics!

I made an effort to gather my wits along with my courtesy and invited them into my humble abode.

The three ladies, though dressed with fine taste and simplicity, moved with an enchanting, almost supernatural grace. They radiated such an aura that, instinctively, I knew I’d been right.

By my troth, if these extraordinary women couldn’t solve the problem for which I’d summoned them, no one could!

For once, Zeph, my valet, hadn’t balked at lending a hand. In truth, the matter concerned him directly. His zeal, almost comical, had transformed the dining room into a feast fit for a princely Christmas Eve. The aromas of roasted capon and spiced wine wafted through the air, while candles cast dancing shadows on walls adorned with garlands.

And why not? Christmas, after all, comes but once a year, does it not?

We had just savored the appetizers and were delving into the main course when I resolved to address the reason for their presence here tonight, diving at last into the heart of the matter.

– My dear ladies, as we discussed over the phone, you know I’ve asked you here to help me resolve a matter that’s been lingering for years.

– Quite so, replied the blonde woman seated across from me, awaiting the rest with serene composure.

From what I’d gathered, Sorah was the eldest of the three Armaciès sisters I had invited. And let me tell you, the remarkable presence of this young woman, blending strength and delicacy, was nothing short of commanding.

– You were rather vague about your reasons, she continued calmly, and since we’re here, it’s only natural that we expect more details from you.

– Indeed, forgive me for being a touch elusive during that call. Thank you for coming despite it.

Phew, I felt as nervous as a schoolboy, leagues away from my usual confidence and dreadfully uncomfortable. I had to remedy this, and fast!

– Given the true nature of our respective “professions,” Lazare, I assure you we understand your discretion, Sorah reassured me.

– And I thank you for that as well, I replied, suddenly regaining my composure. As you know, I deal with specters and revenants of all sorts, and I typically need no assistance in my daily tasks. However, my valet’s case is different. He’s the only wandering spirit I’ve ever encountered.

– So, your friend is a wandering spirit… The three sisters exchanged a look. Hénora, the brunette, tapped the table with her fingertips, while Miríel, the fiery redhead, toyed with a strand of her hair.

– I presume I needn’t explain the peculiarity of his case? I continued after a brief pause.

– Hmm, a wandering spirit, Sorah echoed. We can indeed sense his essence and know its peculiarity, even without seeing him. You wish to grant him a new body, don’t you?

– Precisely, I nodded. Is such a request feasible? The three young women shared another look.

– A body for a spirit? Ambitious, Lazare, even for you. But if certain conditions are met, it’s within the realm of possibility, Miríel replied, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

– I’m all ears—what conditions are we talking about? I said, clasping my hands before me.

– We need to know your story, Zeph’s story, and your shared past. Every detail matters, Sorah answered.

– Indeed, the more you tell us, the better we can help, Hénora added, her warm voice carrying a firm, unequivocal edge.

– As many details as possible, then? Very well. Let me gather my memories for a moment, I replied, closing my eyes, feeling beyond my shoulder Zeph’s anxious breath.

The great stress I sensed emanating from my faithful, irascible valet strengthened my resolve as I sharpened my memory.