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"Yes, I think we should start from the beginning," Sabastian said, taking Susan's hand and walking to the couch.  Mina hobbled to her overturned chair, righted it, and sat down while Sabastian checked Susan to make sure she was O.K.

At about that time, Sin and Mary came back.  Sin asked, "What the hell happened here?"

"Nothing either of you need to worry about," Mina said, her voice still cracking.  "You should both go to the living area and wait for me to summon you."

"Yes," the two said in unison, as they turned to leave.

Sabastian watched the exchange, but when they had gone, Susan was the one who said, "That's what she was doing to you."

"Yes, I see that now," he said, and, putting his hand on her leg and looking her in the eyes, he said,  "Thank you."

"No problem," Susan responded with a smile.

"Mina, what are your intentions?" Sabastian asked, looking at the Asian vampire.

She didn't respond.

"I do not wish to fight you," Sabastian said, "but I will if I must."

"No.  That won't be necessary.  You are of Thomas' blood, so I assume what I say to you I expose to him.  But I'm not sure I have a choice in the current situation."

"I assure you, I do not care about Thomas or his affairs.  There is only one thing I seek to protect in this world."

"The girl," Mina said.  "I mean her no harm."

"Then why the games?"

"I am descended from the four.  My sire has long believed that Thomas is little more than a peasant with aspirations well beyond his cast.  I am here to watch him.  To make sure he and his clan do not grow beyond the level needed for the task with which he was charged."

"That task would be taming the New World?" Sabastian asked.

"Yes.  Until recently, it appeared that there was little to be concerned about.  His attempts to install himself as a king had failed and his failure had driven him underground.  Elizabeth seemed to pose little threat.  

"The recent upheaval, however, has caused some concern.  My sire is worried that this time Thomas may succeed."

"Why involve Susan and I in any of this?"

Mina looked at Susan.  "Mary was a way to get to the girl.  She was a way to get to you."  Mina looked at Sabastian, "You were a way to get to Thomas."

"You do not need me, or anyone, to reach Thomas.  He lives out in the open."

"Yes, but his motives do not.  If he lives by his orders, he is a vital tool.  If he attempts to take control of the New World, he is an enemy.  My assignment is to watch him and report back to my sire if I fear the latter is the case."

"Well, then, I wish you luck, as this is your affair and it has nothing to do with me.  All I want is to be left alone.  By Thomas and by you.

"I can not tell Mary or Sol what to do, but I will not accept either endangering Susan in any way.  

"Leave us alone and I will neither hamper nor help you."

"I don't believe you have given me a choice," Mina said.

"I have not."

"Then I bid you goodnight and hope that the next time our paths cross we are on better terms," Mina responded.

"If we have come to an understanding, then I believe that will be the case."

"Shall I summon Mary?" Mina asked.

"No," Susan said, "I wanna play with Sabastian alone for a while.  We'll just walk down to the beach."

Mina walked them to the front door, still limping slightly.


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