Chapter 1: It's Witchcraft, Watson!
Lord Byron was a man who's fortune had come from his family line; He was a close associate of the royal family and also close friends with one, Mycroft Holmes.
However, the last few months had brought upon negative events to Lord Byron's life leading to his friend, Mycroft suggesting that he make a visit to two hundred and twenty one B Baker Street.
Lord Byron sat firmly but could not help but twiddle his thumbs in a nervous manner as he sat before the famed doctor and detective,
"I must admit, Mr Holmes... I would not be here if it weren't for your brother insisting that you were my only hope" Lord Byron said but the detective's firm expression had not changed since the lord sat down,
"You will find that my brother would have had you visit me even if I were not your only hope. He is exceedingly ignorant as he is annoying" the detective said, retrieving his pipe, filling it with a helpful sprinkle of tobacco before sparking it to life with a watch as he placed the spout to his lips and watched as the Lord nodded,
"I... My family has owned a rather large estate for the past 10 generations but... Current days have brought upon a dark storm over my village residents" the lord explained and Doctor Watson looked curious,
"I trust you mean 'dark storm' in a dramatic sense of description, Lord Byron" he said and the lord nodded before looking back at Sherlock,
"My residents have been inflicted with a deadly plague. None of which the physicians I have contacted can understand, nor find the cause or cure" he said nervously,
"Though plagued with this deadly ill, they are also plagued with fear. Fear of the paranormal it seems. This is why I have come for your help, Mr Holmes" the lord begged,
"I am not a superstitious man but If you can discover the cause of what is ailing my residents then I shall be eternally in your debt" he said and Doctor Watson looked at his friend,
"What do you think, Holmes?" he asked as the detective smoked his pipe before breathing out a waft of steam,
"Dying residents, a town in terror" he said taking another breath of his pipe,
"It's incredibly brilliant" he said with a smirk and the lord looked mortified causing Doctor Watson to look apologetically,
"He means the level of challenge your case presents" he provided gently and the lord looked hopeful,
"So... You accept?" he asked and Sherlock stood firm,
"Rest assured, Lord Byron you may return home with the comforting knowledge that myself and Doctor Watson shall be on the first train tomorrow morning" he assured before opening the door for him and the lord smiled and shook Doctor Watson and Sherlock's hand,
"Thank you. Bless you both" he said before leaving quickly and John looked at his friend,
"Theories?" he asked and the detective took another breath of his pipe,
"Many" he answered,
"Pack your bags, Watson. We're off to Avondeer at first light" he announced before heading to his bed chamber to pack his own bag.
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Kind Regards,
TheAuthor1996