Sherlock Holmes: The Shadow From Beyond by Erik Branz Read Free Book Online Page A

elements of the so called dark arts and the like. I can’t get my head around such illogical ideals, I am skeptical of such things you know.”
    Watson listened intently as Holmes outlined some of the information contained within the journal; historic notes on various pagan religions and their backgrounds were listed; descriptions of rituals honoring the Gods of these pagan religions and the ceremonies that accompany them. Rough drawings and diagrams of pagan artifacts; astrological charts that tracked the position of certain stars and constellations in the night sky over a period of the last month were evident, and geological maps featuring brief notes on areas of the European continent located in Germany, France, Spain and Italy. Also of interest are Harper’s log entries that explained further the tasks he had completed for Lebda, most of which involved historic research and translation.
    It seemed that Lebda had sent Professor Harper items from his own collection: various documents, scrolls and maps that needed attention. The translation of the ancient languages and glyphs writ upon them were to be the main focus of his work, along with the translation of certain chapters from ‘The Book’, which still remained unidentified.
    Holmes removed and unfolded a letter that had been tucked into one of the page margins, and scanned its contents. It was written by hand in the same crimson script as the letter found in Harper’s evening robe and signed once again by Lebda.
    Holmes read this second letter aloud as Watson listened attentively.
     
    “Dear Professor Harper:
    Included you will find all the documents that require translation as well as a cashier’s cheque for 1000 pounds, the first half of the agreed payment for your work. The remaining amount you shall receive on completion of these translations and the safe return of all original documents sent. Your proximity to a copy of ‘The Book’ is convenient and will allow further information to be gathered as well. I also greatly await the Ortega manifold you will provide as it may clarify much in regards to my quest. Finally after years of searching, the ‘Eye’ will be in my possession.
     
    Please note our agreement to absolute privacy in the matter. Count M. A. Lebda”
     
    “Who is this Count Lebda fellow Holmes? How is he related in all this madness?” Watson enquired.
    “I know very little of him other than he must be the client Harper was working for, mostly translation and research it seems. I have already looked through my personal files and my indexed volumes of people to know, etc and he has not appeared. It is more than possible that he is using a fake name and title to hide his true identity. We are in the dark with that one other than some small details I have so far amassed of little import. Although the original documents and finished translations were no doubt returned to Lebda on completion, this journal seems to be Harper’s workbook, and contains all the undertakings of his challenge.”
    Holmes then replaced the letter within the journal and scanned over further entries. He took note of some dates that arose frequently within the text, specifically Friday, October the thirteenth which had been mentioned at least half a dozen times.
    “Hurry up and finish your meal Watson, we have many stops to make while the day is still young and time is always of the essence.” Holmes mentioned as he re- pocketed Harper’s journal. “When was the last time you chanced a visit to the Royal Museum?”
    “It has been awhile surely,” Watson replied as he pushed his empty plate away displaying his ample belly. “Is that our next destination?”
    “According to the testimony provided by the butler Stinson, Professor Harper had been spending most of his days at the museum doing research for a client, most probably this Lebda character. I need to know exactly what he was referencing there, what was the exact focus of his work. I am sure that information