0119

"So, what did Elizabeth tell you about the situation in the city?" Sol asked Sabastian, as he pulled the car from the curb.

"Not much, just that Thomas is having a harder time than he expected taking control of the city."

"Is that all?"

"That and the fact that she is staying at my home because she is angry at him over the way he used her, and you, to orchestrate the fall of the Tribunal."

"My sources tell me that the two of them had a larger falling out then her explanation suggests."

"Really? When did you have time to check with your sources?"

"I was an odd selection to be second in command of the Enforcers because I've always tried to look at both sides of every situation. Being so open minded has resulted in many friendships you could describe as unusual. Thankfully, when I arrived at Elizabeth's home, I ran into friends, not enemies.

"They explained that Thomas was able to retain about 75% of the Enforcers. The rest were either killed or escaped and sided with their clans.

"Thomas clearly has a large and powerful army, but not strong enough to take the entire city. He controls from 58th street down, though there are still pockets of resistance within that territory."

"And what about Elizabeth and Thomas?"

"It seems that there was a large battle up by Central Park. He commanded her to take a group into the heart of the fight to take on an ancient who resurfaced to support his clan. Elizabeth's group was no match for the ancient and she knew it. She pulled her men out and, instead, lashed out at Thomas for trying to set her up again.

"It was a wholly public display condemning him for his actions. He struck her with all his strength, sending her about a hundred feet. She stood up, visibly shaken, but simply walked back over and resumed accosting him.

"She is lucky that he has a soft spot in his heart for her, because he ordered her to be taken away. She chose your home."

"Interesting, but not my affair. I simply want her to take good care of my home," Sabastian stated flatly. "Sol, what about you? How do you feel about Thomas?"

"Like Elizabeth, I was used. I'm angry about that. A part of me wants to see Thomas killed, another wants to see him humiliated.

"Like you, Sabastian, I am an artist. It takes a great deal to get me upset, but when I am, I'm passionate."

"How do you feel about Elizabeth?"

"I pity her, though I am glad she stood up to him."

"Still loyal?"

"Also like you," Sol answered, "I hold a deep love in my heart for our sire. A love I believe she reciprocates, even if she doesn't know how to show it."


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