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"Sire, I believe we can use both Sol and Sabastian to get to Elizabeth.  Thomas will be much harder, as it appears the others are not talking to him at the moment," Mina said in an ancient tongue into the phone.

"Yes, I know we need to reach Thomas quickly.  But I still believe this is the most expedient approach, assuming you still want to avoid confrontation."

"I agree.  In that case I think Sabastian is the best option.  He is involved with a human girl.  I think I can use that as leverage."

"I will Sire."

When Mary finally returned to the house, both Susan and Claudia were fast asleep.  Sabastian was reading in the living room.

"Hello Mary," Sabastian said, as she walked in.

"Hello."

"You have been to Mina's?" he asked.

"Yes, how did you know?"

"I sense her about you.  What is your impression of her?"

"She seems very nice, welcoming.  I think she understands our situation and wants to help us.  In fact, I think she's afraid that she made a poor first impression," Mary answered.

"She did," Sabastian stated coldly.

"Yes, well, you should have an open mind and give her a second chance.  I think she would like it if you visited her.  In fact, Mina even said she'd like to meet Susan," Mary said.

"I am not sure I believe that to be prudent," Sabastian responded.

"Sabastian, she's really a nice woman.  You should give her a second chance."

"I will consider it, but I urge you to be cautious."

"Why?" Mary asked.

"Mina came to this world after I, so I do not know much about her.  But I can feel that she is powerful.  Moreover, she knows her strength very well and uses it.  Protect your mind when you are with her."

"You're overly concerned, she means us no harm."

"That remains to be seen."

"Anyway, I'm going to bring Mina over to meet Susan tomorrow," Mary said, casually.

"No, you are not," Sabastian stated firmly.

"I'm telling you, she only wants to help.  Why are you so concerned?"

"I have yet to meet one of our kind that does not have motives beyond what they present.  Perhaps this is bad luck, but I doubt that.  You will not risk Susan's life by bringing Mina to this house."

"And if I do bring her and everything turns out just fine?" Mary asked.

"I will kill you regardless of how things turn out," Sabastian answered with no emotion whatsoever.

"Is that how it is, you rule this little coven with an iron fist?"

"There is no coven, you are a guest in my home.  I will not allow my...  Susan's life to be endangered.  I view Mina as a threat.  Until that perception changes, do not bring her here."

"Fine, I get the picture," Mary said.  She wasn't angry or upset, she was simply trying to do what Mina asked.  Realizing it was a lost cause, she went upstairs, parting with, "I'll be reading in my room."

Sabastian sat for a moment contemplating the exchange.  It concerned him that Mina had taken such an interest.  She was powerful both physically and mentally.  Yet she hid that strength.  Why?

Regardless of how he felt, though, he knew he needed to meet with Mina.  Mary's sudden infatuation only made that need more pressing.

And, yet, the first time they met Mina, Susan seemed to think she was important.  Sabastian decided that when Sol was back, he would leave Susan in his care and pay a visit to Mina.


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