<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold"><div style="text-align: center;">The demons begged Jesus, "If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs." He said to them, "Go!" So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water.  -- Matthew 8:31-32</div></span></span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">'So this is the land of the pigs,'</span>Rafael thought to himself. When the odd pair were at a sufficient distance and Asmodeus lit up his wretched cigar, Rafael then felt comfortable communicating with the demon. At least he exhaled the smoke away from the Angel.<br/><br/>"Herr Köhler, " Rafael continued to address Asmodai in his mortal guise to keep up appearances. "I have come by some disturbing information I believe you will find very important. It should come as no surprise I have been watching you. In truth, I have been keeping an eye on your consort, Mademoiselle Devereaux. As a nurse, she falls under my purview. Although, I detest your association with this lady, there is not much I can do about it. For now, acceptance is my reluctant position." Rafael paused choosing his words carefully. " I will get to the point. I am not here to discuss our past, our hatred of one another or any other disagreements we have had. Something terrible has befallen your<span style="font-style: italic">Isolde</span>. It is imperative that I...no, we find her. I believe the witch, Darcy Krohs has absconded with her. To where, I know not. I entered Isolde's chambers from the ethereal. I felt a disturbance. Just as I was emerging, I found a demon taking Isolde Devereaux away. It was only a quick glance. They were there one minute and gone the next. I felt it important enough to pass this onto you."<br/><br/>Rafael watched the demon for expressions. He would be surprised if he detected shock or anything to tell him the demon did not know. He fully expected Osmodeus to know exactly what had happened to her. But if he did not, he would propose they put aside their differences and work together in order to bring about her safe release. It was challenging at best. Rafael would prefer to strike this demon and those others down, into the depths of hell or oblivion itself. He certainly had cause and been given permission, but now unfortunately, he felt the need to work with these creatures or all will be for naught. His other option was to blow the horn and begin the rapture. He did not want to do that. God had a plan for the good men to save the innocents from these demons. So, he would remain patient and play his hand out to the end.<br/><br/>"The troubling aspect, is I could not detect their location once Frau Krohs lesft with Mademoiselle Devereaux. I assume she took her to the Underworld? I have not since felt her re-emergence in this world, but am watching with vigilance." Rafael made the statement into a question; asking Asmodai if he could detect Darcy or Isolde.