0117

Sabastian arrived at his home without incident. He noted that many of his kind watched him along the way, but none confronted him. From their minds, he could sense the conflict going on in the city.

From the outer court, his house appeared to be intact. He sensed a presence about the building, but could not place it. He walked to the inner court and to the front door. The lock was broken.

As he pushed the door open he heard a woman yell, "Now!" Two bodies hurtled toward him. He had time to brace himself, and was able to remain standing as the two vampires crashed into his body. Staggering back, he threw one out the door, and lifted the other by the scruff of his neck before he heard, "Sabastian, my dear."

Dropping the attacker he held, he said, "Elizabeth, I am surprised to see you. Especially here."

Waving the vampires off she said, "Yes, well, Thomas' grand plan didn't play out quite as well as he had hoped. Despite the near annihilation of the Smithson clan, the city still erupted into civil war."

"I noticed that."

"It would be hard not to. My apartment, unfortunately, resides in another clan's territory. So I have been displaced."

"And yet you still manage to look radiant," Sabastian said to lighten the mood.

"Always!"

"So why is my home your refuge?"

"Well, it wasn't but Thomas and I had something of a falling out."

"Is he a danger to you?"

"No, we both need time to cool off. I'm still sensitive about the Tribunal issue and he has a civil war to fight. We said things in the heat of the moment. Nothing more. In fact, the two you so deftly throttled were sent by him to insure my safety."

"A grand escort to be sure," Sabastian replied, in jest.

"Yes, but I don't think you are a fair comparison."

"You flatter me. But why my home?"

"It seemed as good as any, besides I suppose I hoped you would return some day. I simply hadn’t thought that day would be so soon."

"I am only here to acquire some belongings. Then I must find Sol and depart."

"Sol, is he with you?"

"No, actually, he is looking for you. I fear he has gone to your former home to find you."

"That's unfortunate," Elizabeth said, with a look of concern. "I hope he isn't fool enough to get caught."

"I am sure he will be able to handle himself. At least until I am done here."

"Yes, you said you were taking things. I wish you would take it all! Your taste is so old fashioned. I was going to have it put into a room on the third floor, but if you take it, all the better."

"Am I to assume that you are moving in to my home?"

"Yes, that is O.K., isn't it?"

"You would not listen if I said no, anyway."

"True."

"I would appreciate if you fixed the door."

"I will. And I'd like to rummage through that wonderful room full of jewelry before you steal away with it."

"Perhaps I should allow you to pack my things up?" Sabastian said in jokingly.

"Oh, what a wonderful idea! That way I can keep what I like and you'll take the rest. Don't worry, I'll pay you for anything I keep."

"I was joking, as you well know, but aside from some minor items that I will take with me tonight, your proposal is acceptable."

"Grand, now show me how to get into the basement."


[Copyright Reuben Gregg Brewer, 2005. All rights reserved.]
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