0173

Sol headed to Sabastian's brownstone in mid-town Manhattan. He was hoping to talk his way past the guards to see his sire, Elizabeth. He hadn't really spoken to her since the night Thomas destroyed the Smithson clan.

Sol was bitter at being used and was emotionally blaming both Elizabeth and Thomas. But he felt that Elizabeth was likely as much of a pawn in Thomas' plan as he was. Sol wanted to talk to her to make sure.

Indeed, despite his anger at her actions, including many beyond the most recent issue, he still cared for her. She was a captivating and capable woman when she chose to be. And that was the problem, she seldom chose to do her best. Sol, like Sabastian, had grown tired of her immaturity, but still felt tied to her. He reflected on the bond he felt, and decided it was more than the fact that she was his sire. He cared deeply for her and felt that she cared for him, too.

As he walked into the inner gate, the two guards' eyes opened wide. One said, "Sol, this really isn't a good time. You should..." He didn't get to finish his statement because the door opened.

Both guards moved to the side in military rigor to allow Night and Thomas to pass.

Upon seeing the pair, rage overtook Sol's mind. He was in the way, but did not move.

"Sol," Thomas announced, as he passed through the door. "How good to see you. Night told me you had been slinking around your sire's door of late. How are you?"

"I am good," Sol said tersely.

"You are angry with me," Thomas said condescendingly. "I understand."

"Do you?"

"Yes. I do. I've been in your place before. But you must understand that I am working toward a more important goal.

"We must unify this country. This is the first step."

"Everything you told me was a lie," Sol said.

"No, there were the seeds of truth in everything I said. It is simply a matter of how one reacts to how one feels and the events that are taking place around you.

"I needed time to think, you helped me work through my conflicted feelings. I owe you dearly and it hurts me that you feel used."

"I find it hard to believe you," Sol said to him.

"When you are ready, Sol, I would very much like to talk as we used to. Things are chaotic now, I know. But as I gain control of the city, I will have more time. You can come to me then. We can talk about what was happening behind the scenes.

"I warn you, though, be careful of Sabastian. He is far more dangerous than you believe. Once his precious little human is gone, he will turn on you. And that Smithson girl, you know as well as I that she is evil—all of the Smithsons were."

"I will be the judge on both topics."

"So you will," Thomas said calmly. "Well, it was nice to see you Sol, but I have pressing business. May I pass?"

Sol continued to stand in his way. Night, who was watching until now, stepped to Sol and said, "Move or I will move you."

"You could try," Sol responded.

Before night was able to say anything, or do anything, Thomas took her by the shoulder and moved her behind him. With a smile he said, "Sol, I understand. You don't believe me, but I do. When you are ready we will talk. For now, though, please let's be civil. May I pass?"

Sol moved to the side, and Thomas and Night walked past him. "I want to see my sire without having to kill old friends," Sol announced, as Thomas was walking through the gate to the outer court. The two guards exchanged a nervous glance, as they figured Sol could easily kill them if he wanted.

Thomas turned and said, "I see no harm in this request," and continued on his way. The guards sighed in relief.



[Copyright Reuben Gregg Brewer, 2005, 2006. All rights reserved.]
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