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Sol parked his car North of 42nd street on the East Side. He traveled uptown on foot, while Sabastian walked the short distance downtown to his brownstone.

Upon entering the front courtyard, two Enforcers stopped him. They were different men then he encountered on his last visit.

"No one is allowed in," one of them announced.

"Really?" Sabastian asked. "Do you know who owns this home?"

"Sabastian, we know very well who you are and that this was formerly your home. However, we've been given orders to stop anyone from entering."

"I intend on going into what is still my home," Sabastian began, with a slightly testy tone and an emphasis on the word still, "regardless of your orders."

"We will stop you."

"No, you will barely hinder my progress. I suggest you run and tell whoever is heading the Enforcers that I am here. If you attempt to stop me I will kill you."

The Enforcers looked at each other and let him pass. After he went inside, one left to do exactly as Sabastian suggested.

"Hello my dear," Elizabeth announced, as Sabastian entered the living room. It was full of new furniture. Mostly modern and not to Sabastian's liking. "What do you think?" she asked waving at the room.

"It is not what I would have selected, but it is quite nice."

"Hmm, you don't like it."

"I did not say that."

"You didn't have to. I knew you wouldn't like it even before I asked. You are kind to humor me, though.

"How did you get by my guards?" she asked mockingly.

"I am surprised they are able to keep you here."

"They don't keep me here, I have chosen to stay. I'm very tired lately. I lack the desire to go or do much of anything. I'm content to sit here and decorate," she said.

"I am sorry you feel like that, it is not your nature."

"What is our nature?" she asked rhetorically. "No, I've been through this before. I will survive."

"So you allow yourself to be a prisoner."

"You already know that Thomas and I are not on good terms right now."

"Yes, you said as much last night."

"Well, he has a way of making life difficult. There are few places for me to turn where his influence would not be felt."

"I really do not know the extent of his influence, as you term it, but I can not imagine he is that powerful," Sabastian said.

"Ah, but he is. Though not of royal blood, he is a favored son in the Old World. Although there have been tense moments, he has been their faithful warrior since before my time, which can make the world a very hostile place for someone he does not like. Even in the New World, he has a great deal of sway.

"This battle for the city will pass. He will eventually control it all. Then he will take other cities and states. I have no doubt. There is no one to stop him and the loyal forces he commands.

"Few will stand up to him. Those that do will likely die. At times I let my emotions get the better of me, but this time I know where I stand."


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