Coming shortly, dear. I've been a bit under the weather and was delayed. I should have something out soon. :)

The biggest break for this entire operation was the fact that Gabriel had discovered the night watch's foreman, Mr. Alexis Apollodotos, was a very ambitious man. Utilizing Dimitri's, their former translator, talents once more during their reconaissance and having questioned a couple of the guards, it didn't take the Ventrue long to uncover a valuable tool the Clan of Kings could use. To get where this man was, you had to be able to handle all kinds of people and to understand them.

In a city where tourism reigned supreme, and was the main staple of the economy, that meant you had to speak their languages, to know how to deal with them. Mr. Alexis knew French, English [b:81e67bd3a1]and[/b:81e67bd3a1] Japanese and the ex-Seneschal made a note to himself to alert the local Ventrue heads as to the potential this man offered to them. The sooner he was under their wing, the better. Before someone else snapped him up.

Which made Cyrilynn's plan all the better, for it would exonerate him from any blame this second heist would have heaped on his head. No one here would have imagined that someone could have come up with a plot worthy of a Mission: Impossible movie!! Inside of three minutes in the man's company had convinced the Cainite that a lot of sublety and a touch of dominace would do more to further their own task then just crudely beating that mind into submission and costing the man his position.

The Ventrue charm and persuasion, good disciplines in their own right, had them speaking French, as a preferred language, in short order. They even shared some favored cities in that country so it was easy enough to keep the man's attention engaged until such time as Gabriel was ready for him to discover his unusual night visitor. Spotting the sinewy form of the snake wrapping itself around the public barrier, he moved enough for the guard to suddenly become aware of what the cameras were trying to tell him. His audible gasp was unmistakable in the closed confines of the room.

In the security booth, the Kindred and the Kine watched in awe at the tableau that played out before them. Questions trembled on the mortal's tongue as his senses reeled at the sight of the marbled length that had somehow found it's way into the jewel's guarded sanctuary. A greek epithet ripped the shocked silence as the golden wedge made it's first thrust and a [b:81e67bd3a1]*THUD*[/b:81e67bd3a1] reverberated from the sound speakers in the booth.

Glass crackled as a claxon began shrieking, the steel-barred cage slammed past the wedged and bemused reptilian face, which issued another deadly warning before striking a second time in the same spot. The pane shivered for a second, from the overwhelming force, then ruptered into tiny little diamond chips that sprinkled the tiled flooring.

Overhead, gas began hissing in a white mist that slowly crept downward toward the now swaying creature. The python's movements appeared to become even more agitated as the head darted in several directions, it's black slash of a tongue flickering in and out of the mouth, tasting it's environment. The hissing of the gas jets had it seeking shelter from it's unseen rival and it took the only avenue available to it.

The cage and broken entrance to the presentation cabinet offered the now thoroughly aggitated serpent an ideal cavity in which to seek safety and it promptly slid between the steel bars. The jagged edges of glass tore small slashes into the barely protective scales of the belly and the wounds began to bead up with spilled blood. Attempting to coil itself upon the surface of the dias brought the scales into contact with Python's ancient headpiece. It trembled momentarily, slid sideways and began a downward tumble.

The snake, percieving movement, shot forward, fanged maw open. Seizing it's prey, the jaw unhinged and the jeweled splendor was swallow up, beginning it's journey down the snake's throat. In it's glass housing, the mammoth reptile continued to sway, it's tongue darting unceasingly. The diadem still making it's way into the belly of the ophidian. Python, through her namesake, had once more reclaimed her property, even though she wasn't around to enjoy it.

As the anesthetic vapors finally reached and began to envelope the now firmly looped form, the snake's actions began to slow. The distressed creature, now considering itself safe, lowered the head until it rested atop it's own scales. The tongue, no longer questing, ceased to flicker and , except for the bulge that look grossly out of place, the entire creature had stilled. The alarms finally died and the anesthetic gasses had finally obscured the camera's eye. It took several more minutes for the vapors to clear the room and the automatically secured doors to unseal themselves.

When there was visual again on the screens in the main control chamber, what was revealed was the lax and unlooped body lying flacidly sprawled on the tiles amidst the scattered remains of the cabinet. It's orbs stared sightlessly at the pedestal it had rested on. A blessed silence reigned supreme and there was no movement whatsoever. In the security room, both kindred and kine released an audible sigh of relief but could only stare at the shambles the once proud display had become.

((OOC: Well, there's one more posting to go and it's definitely in my head. However, I have caught Graventhorp's nasty little bug (electronically I might add!-the internet is no longer safe for transmittable diseases!!) and am about exhausted. Ergo (yes, Mark, the word was just for you!), I'm going back to bed. I'll post the last of it tomorrow. Sorry, gang!!))

Julius and Eveshka walked along the moonlit ridge of Mt. Silpius led on by the Arab. Far below them they could see the River Orontes winding its way out of the hills and eventually down to the Mediterreanean. This was the very same setting of the dream that Julius, Gabriel, Morathi, and Eveshka all shared many months ago. In the dream they watched waters flood up the Orontes River valley from the Meditereanean and destroy Lamech. They watched as Ishtar made her way up the hills to safety.

"Is over here," said the Arab in heavily accented English. "Tower over here."

The trio made their way along the ancient landwalls of Antioch to an area where the wall belled out. The tourist sign on it said, "Foundations of the Tower of the Two Sisters: Legend has it that it was upon this spot that King Bohemond climbed a ladder let down by an Infidel so that Antioch could be taken."

"There is no tower here," said Julius.

"No, no. Tower here. Tower here," said the Arab.

Eveshka shook her head and rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"Tower behind," the Arab struggled for the word. He gesticulated with his hands in an effort to make the image he wished to convey become clear. After a moment he gave up and simply said, "Tower here."

Several silent minutes passed as Julius and Eveshka looked at the foundation to the tower.

"She's behind the Veil," said Julius after a moment's reflection. "Like in Avalon, she's behind the Veil."

Eveshka looked at him as if he were speaking a foreign language. "Can you lift the Veil?" she asked.

He shook his head no. "But you can."

((nicely written Trish! just had the chance to read through the entire bit today...flawless as always! :) we had best hurry up and catch up with Julius and Eveshka before they go and hit that finale without us!

Thanks and NP, kiddo! I'll get us there in time. I just needed a breather and lots of drugs. :) It'll be out shortly. I promise.

A television blared in the corner of the room the two Kindred shared as they both packed up what few belongings they'd brought with them. Fortunately, Athens offered an alternative program in English. The diadem rested on a table as far across the room from Cyrilynn as she could get within it's confines. Looking for all the world, like [b:d8b1ae3307]it[/b:d8b1ae3307] was the serpent and she was the prey. Every now and then, she'd quiver with minute ripples of fear and blood sweat would pop out on her brow. She was mostly silent. The television droned on.

[i:d8b1ae3307]".....and in the news tonight,"[/i:d8b1ae3307] a dark-haired, perky anchorwoman spoke with repressed excitement, [i:d8b1ae3307]"the National Archaeological Museum of Athens has once more lost a prized possession, recently retrieved, in another heist.......[b:d8b1ae3307]by a snake[/b:d8b1ae3307]!! Somehow a large python entered through a ventilation duct to the room where the ancient accessory was being held for public viewing. Authorities are still trying to figure out how the snake gained access to the outside hole.

According to experts, who have viewed this following video, snakes are notoriously limited in their vision "[/i:d8b1ae3307] The station displayed a tape of the drama that had unfolded in the museum and then that of the limp and comatose body of the Great Golden being manhandled, by several security guards, into a large sacking and then tying it shut. [i:d8b1ae3307]"The creature seemes to have mistaken it's reflection in the cabinet's glass panels, for another of it's kind and struck, causing the security system to immediately jump into play. As can be seen, the system worked flawlessly to subdue the hapless reptile, as it would any other human criminal. Unfortunately, it also confused it and, the unintended movement of the displayed crown, caused it to attack and swallow percieved prey!

While this 210 pound, 18+ foot python is not the largest in the world it [b:d8b1ae3307]IS[/b:d8b1ae3307] of a new species never seen before in the entire world. Herpetologists were excited at the discovery and say that it is probably an off shoot of the Royal Python breed. The animal was collected by the local zoo vetrinarians, with the hope of extracting the relic and preserving the life of this rare find for future study and posssible reproduction through cloning.

But our story doesn't end here!"[/i:d8b1ae3307] The woman was almost wriggling, in her seat, like an overexcited puppy. [i:d8b1ae3307]"Indeed, while in transportation, with two of the guards along to collect the museum's property after the surgery, the truck carrying this enormous python was involved in an accident with two other cars, at a nearby intersection. The rear doors were battered open in the subsequent crashes and the bag, which the snake was in was flung out into the open and torn apart. The now thoroughly aroused and confused python sought safety in some dense foliage in a nearby park.

The driver was unconscious at the scene with a broken collarbone and one of the two guards has a broken leg. The remaining guard has minor cuts and bruises. Fortunately, no one died in the vehicular altercation. It took around 30 mins. to sort everything out, call in the parmedics and to attend to all the wounded survivors. By then, the thief was gone. The police and some good samaritan bystanders scoured the park but it was quickly apparent the escapee had gone to ground. Everyone in the vicinity is advise to report anything strange to the nearest police station and to refrain from allowing small pets and children out alone."[/i:d8b1ae3307]

The announcer then segued into the weather report but both Cainites had turned to look at each other, tuning out the voice. Gabriel gave a fully satisfied smile and Cyrilynn nodded back in a small gesture of acknowledgement, her face tight and prim. [i:d8b1ae3307]"I thank you, Sir Gabriel, for your trust in this endeavor and for "rescuing" me in my vulnerability, once the diadem was secured on my....person. This mission would not have been successful without you. I am pleased to say that you make a worthy.......partner."[/i:d8b1ae3307] She caught the Venture off guard with her stiff but fulsome praise. It was quite the accolade from the Tzimisce.

Lady Cyrilynn stood up from the bed corner she'd been occupying and walked reluctantly over to the table where the jewelry sat. She stared down at it with hooded eyes, put out her hand, hesitating reluctantly, then resolutely grasped it. She gazed into the liquid ruby depths that resonated at her, ever so faintly, with echoes of the past. [i:d8b1ae3307]"You'll be able to get that past the metal detectors at the airport?"[/i:d8b1ae3307] Gabriel asked, to give her something else to think about.

[i:d8b1ae3307]"Yes."[/i:d8b1ae3307] She answered in a vague murmur before lifting her eyes and giving him her complete attention. [i:d8b1ae3307]"I will contain them in a pouch near my pelvis and feign a limp. I will warn them that I have had a hip replacement and will likely set off their alarms with all the pins and plates in my body. Naturally, they will want to have someone pat me down, as a matter of procedure, and then will politely escort me around the machine."[/i:d8b1ae3307] She gave a smug quirk of her lips. [i:d8b1ae3307]"In that case, let's be gone. Julius is waiting for us."[/i:d8b1ae3307] Gabriel picked up both of their bags and the two vampires impatiently exited the room.

[i:d3839c5916] One week after Julius, Eve, and the Arab went to the ruins of the Tower of the Two Sisters.... [/i:d3839c5916]

Julius lifted his hands away from Eve's head. Blood sweat rolled down her cheeks. Her eyes were wide open in shock. Julius had just shown her several past lives. The only one that really mattered was Morgaine of Avalon, or Morgan la Fae. She, as the Lady of the Lake, had the power to lift the mists that separated Avalon from the World at large.

Eveshka remembered the word of power used the pierce the Veil, she remembered the movements and the feeling, she just didn't quite believe in it. That was the problem. That had ALWAYS been the problem with Eveshka, a lack of faith. She either plunged in recklessly but wholeheartedly and quickly burned out, or she just sat on the fence waiting for a decision to be made FOR her. This seemed to be no different. And so, night after night Julius placed his hands on her and helped her to relive so many lives ago. Each night they tried to pierce the Veil. Each night they walked away disappointed.

"I can FEEL her in there," said Eve in anger. "Why can't I just DO this?"

Julius merely shrugged.

Yet again, they went down the mountain disappointed.

[i:22309bca8b]"And it was only by your sufferance that even I, the Merlin of Britain, could enter Avalon, your realm. There are fundamental laws of the cosmos that go beyond what we can perceive. With all the power at my command, still I tremble at the thought of tampering with them. No, love, it is you that must lift the veil."[/i:22309bca8b]

Eveshka stared at the floor, trying to find meaning within the intricate lines of polished woodgrain. [i:22309bca8b]"I don't know how. It just doesn't work right."[/i:22309bca8b]

[i:22309bca8b]"The knowledge is within you. It is not a case of the correct incantations, nor of the proper gestures. You, Eveshka who was Morganna, you have the [b:22309bca8b]right[/b:22309bca8b] to lift the veil. Call it god-given if you will."[/i:22309bca8b] Julius sighed. [i:22309bca8b]"Eve, this road has been long and hard. I've seen Eden, I've seen the world's end. I have found myself, an epiphany granted upon a battlefield of dead corpses. You too have been through much, more in the past year than in the 800 years of your unlife. I know not what is missing, for within you still are the seeds of self doubt, the little girl crying to run away, to escape her fate and find something better for herself. The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I think we both know that our quest is leading not to glory and riches, but to pain and death. Our deaths, maybe. It's no longer about what we want to do, it's about what we must do. I have seen the world dead. An empty glass ball, created from the mage fire of a wizard who made the wrong choices. I would not wish to cast that fate to our planet, yet that is my fate, if I choose the wrong path."[/i:22309bca8b]

Julius lifted her chin with the tips of his fingers so that their eyes met. [i:22309bca8b]"My eternal love, help me now. Save me from myself. You can lift the veil. You just need to want to."[/i:22309bca8b]

Eveshka stood silent for a moment staring into Julius' eyes. Eyes which had been happy and sad, the deepest recesses of his orbs containing the ever present fires which glowed and burned when his anger overcame him. Ice blue to fire red, the pair stood locked as if hypnotized each by the other. [i:22309bca8b]"And afterward?"[/i:22309bca8b] She asked in a small voice. [i:22309bca8b]"We can go home?"[/i:22309bca8b]

[i:22309bca8b]"Tomorrow will take care of itself, love, as it has for thousands of years. First we must deal with today."[/i:22309bca8b] Replied the young, yet ancient magus softly.

[i:22309bca8b]"We'll try it again Julius. I'll really try."[/i:22309bca8b]

Julius smiled. [i:22309bca8b]"I love you, Eveshka. I'll always love you."[/i:22309bca8b]

For answer Eve leant in to kiss him with a loving passion which inflamed his heart. After a time, she asked. [i:22309bca8b]"What of the others. Does their path lie with ours also?"[/i:22309bca8b]

[i:22309bca8b]"I do not know."[/i:22309bca8b] Answered Julius. [i:22309bca8b]"Certainly, for a time. Gabriel and Cyrilynn have located that which we will need and are heading here. Mundug has linked up with some reinforcements and he too will be joining us."[/i:22309bca8b]

[i:22309bca8b]"Reinforcements?"[/i:22309bca8b] Asked Eve.

[i:22309bca8b]"He's run into Hassan and apparently Salah. It seems we will have a small army of assamites on our side, if we should need it."[/i:22309bca8b]

[i:22309bca8b]"Salah al-Hudin?"[/i:22309bca8b] Asked Eve incredulously.

[i:22309bca8b]"The very same."[/i:22309bca8b] Julius chuckled. [i:22309bca8b]"The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Strange times make strange bedfellows. Mayhap there is yet another you could call upon. I think you know who I mean. Perhaps she could help."[/i:22309bca8b]

Eveshka nodded slowly. [i:22309bca8b]"Perhaps, love. I'll think about it."[/i:22309bca8b]

An Emissary from Touraine arrived in London, England at the temporary haven of Batty. Or at least it was where he was told she would be. Eve did not have any further information on where Batty was or if she had left.
The note read:

[i:2e3d7dec4e] Dearest Batty,

I am stuck in Turkey and have reached in impasse regarding the issue about which we spoke several weeks ago. I think that you could be of assistance and you would be greatly rewarded. Please help me.

Love,

Eveshka

[/i:2e3d7dec4e]

The humped beast bleated into the hollow emptiness of the dunes again and plodded obediently down the face of the sand hill, it's rider silent and introverted. Two more figures peaked the dunes, backdropped to a glorious nightscape of celestial figures, and moved their respective camels down the hill as well, albeit a bit more shakily.

One of the latter riders, Gabriel, looked mildly annoyed to have to utilize such a rudimentary means of travel.

[i:e3a10493df]"Staying low key is absolutely essential Gabriel...believe me, I share your dislike of camels."[/i:e3a10493df] Julius had said over the phone. But his voice did not hide his amusement well, and while the Tremere may have suffered the camel ride weeks previously, he was not intending to suffer it alone. But whether it was necessity or jest, the risk couldn't be taken to botch up Julius' plans.

Their conversation had been brief, but over a century of business had trained the Ventrue's ear to pick up on the subtle hints of tone and expression. They were close, he could tell. Julius had spoken with intensity and at a pace that couldn't hide his excitement. Unspoken riddles and final pieces of the puzzle were surely coming together.

But there had been something else. It was the merriment in his voice or the clues to their quests status that had piqued the Ventrue's interests, but the confidence. Since their initial meeting months prior, Darrant had held up a facade of confidence and self reliance. While it rarely fell, Gabriel was familiar with it...he saw it in nearly every Kindred of moderate status he knew. No self respecting Cainite grovels and worries openly, but hides away their insecurity, presenting a cool, collected exterior.

But Julius...now...something was most certainly amiss.

Their bedouin guide pulled to a stop, his silhouette turning to cast a pair of shimmering eyes on the pair of travel-weary Cainites. The language barrier had not proved a problem in the city, as they had successfully found a suitable translator to enlist the guide's services. But now, with the absence of the translator, the guide merely motioned at the formidable peaks that stood before them like a monstrous sentry, and signaled for them to follow.

Gabriel rode along silently, watching the rocks pass by and listening to the surprisingly close sound of running water. The clop-clop of the camel's toes (hehe) against the sand gradually lulled him into a sort of torpor, to the point where his muscles almost betrayed him and threatened to allow him to fall from the camels back. A firm hand gripped his shoulder and shook him back to reality.

He turned to see Cyrilynn riding alongside him. He nodded a thanks and resumed pace, but from the corner of his eye he studied his companion once more.

Her subserviant attitude continued to catch him off guard. Everything he had been taught since a Fledgling had trained him to hate Tzimisce, and to always be on guard. But this one was different. She was not apparently deceitful, and worked always to gain Gabriel's favor. While as deadly as a foe as any man could wish, beneath her cold exterior, he sensed something more. Warmth even in the fiends heart.

And as much as he appalled the thought, he actually found himself brooding affection for her...a tender possibility of friendship.

The rider called back to them in his tongue, drawing their attention immediately. He was stopped at a small camp, where two very familiar figures stood watching...

The stone, concealed in her pelvis, vibrated compellingly. Calling, always calling. From the time they'd left the airport in Athens, to the time they'd touched down in Turkey. All during the trek winding it's way through the desert's dusty sands, she'd endured the siren's beckoning. She'd fought it with every ounce of her will and every scrape of training she'd endured. Nothing lessened the oppressive feeling that a bomb was about to go off in her body.

She'd contacted Julius, through their thrall bond, as soon as she'd settled into her seat on the plane. [i:c2011295b5]"Julius, we have something but I'm not sure it is what you are looking for. However, I'm compelled to point out that some Assamites went to a great deal of effort to procure it before allowing it to slip their grip once more. [b:c2011295b5]And[/b:c2011295b5], it was the possession of an antediluvian Setite that called herself Python. She once presided as a goddess in the temple of the Oracle. She......."[/i:c2011295b5] Cyrilynn paused to gulp in air and her distress leaked into the shared link. [i:c2011295b5]".....died at the hands of her followers so that Apollo could take over the sacred grotto."[/i:c2011295b5] The Tzimisce struggled to focus her mind.

[i:c2011295b5]"What makes it odder, is that the original gem in this piece was a diamond. It is now a ruby. How, or when, the switch was made, I have no clue."[/i:c2011295b5] She shook her head in a vague denial of the circumstance, and although Julius couldn't see it, the impression was communicated to him. [i:c2011295b5]"Hold on a minute, Cyrilynn, I want to see this thing. Are you touching it?"[/i:c2011295b5] She replied in the affirmative, she just wished "touching" was [b:c2011295b5]all[/b:c2011295b5] she was doing to it. She felt the familiar brush of the *snap-zing* as blood magic travelled down the line between them. The faint quivers surrounding the diadem burst into a veritable song in her gut and she stiffened suddenly.

It only took seconds for her master to verify that the item was exactly what he'd been looking for, but for her it was hours, days, years, for all she could tell. When he was finished and the link severed, she was exhausted. The heretofore "irritation" in the back of her mind, easily ignored, had become lodged in the forefront of her senses and refused to retreat. It became a battle for her sanity for the remainder of their journey.

It had become more and more difficult to conceal her true mental state from Gabriel, as she caught herself slipping in and out of trance states, but she managed. As her Sire had promised, she was walled away from the derangement for a time but she knew that even with his help, it would not be enough and, sooner than she'd like, part of her pledge would be called to account. With the miles, the sensation of withering under a growing weight, pervaded even their enforced sleep.

The camel assigned to her in Turkey had turned out to be docile enough to allow her to continue her own masquerade. Well, that is, [b:c2011295b5]after[/b:c2011295b5] she'd let him know not to annoy her. Camels were a fascination for the Tzimisce, who'd read about them and their ugly tempers. Through the interpreter, she'd gained permission from her beast's handler, to examine it. She'd run her hands everywhere she could get them even though the natives had stared at her as if she was crazy. Little did they know how close to the edge she was creeping.

Clyde, as she'd privately named the animal in a moment of whimsy, took umbrage at her familiarity and twisted his head around with a gleam in his eye. His rubbery lips stretched themselves in a fluttery kiss. Lady Cyrilynn beat him to the punch as she spat a small globule of her own mixture into his face seconds before he let fly. Taken very much aback, the camel reared his head up and eyed this strange thing more thoroughly then he would have had she been a pesky insect. He finally decided to settle back into ruminating on the problem and thereafter did [b:c2011295b5]exactly[/b:c2011295b5] as he was told, as long as she was in his presence. Some things were best left alone, he'd decided.

Had she informed the Seneschal of her current state, Gabriel would have stopped to deal with the situation. She couldn't have that. She needed to rid herself of this "obligation" and to see the mission completed. Knowing she'd be able to repay half of her debt to the Tremere was the one piece of reality she clung to and the one thing that seemed to help the most. As well as the fact that Toisol would be pleased with her. Focusing on that also kept her focused on her companion. He, too, had someone who was counting on him to accomplish their task.

Lost in her internal struggles again, it was a jolt to find they had finally arrived at their destination. The time of reckoning was at hand and tiny beads of blood sweat popped out on her brow. Having had to deal with this way too many times, the Tzimisce grabbed a handerchief and surreptiously wiped them away before swiftly pocketing the evidence from [b:c2011295b5]all[/b:c2011295b5] eyes.

Briefly delaying the inevitable, Cyrilynn left the perch she held atop Clyde and slid to the ground on unexpectedly weak legs. She clung to the "saddle" for a few moments, her head pressed into her mount's side, to allow them to work up to holding her erect and then turned to face her regnant. [b:c2011295b5]Gods[/b:c2011295b5], she wanted this over with!! She needed to get away and find a place where she could let go of the control that was barely holding her together. She wanted peace in her mind..... one way or another.

Elzbet ran a questing finger down Tyler's spine as he lay face down on the mattress, the rumpled sheets giving testament to their recent bout of tumultous lovemaking. The tousel-haired man opened blue eyes, but was still caught up in the euphoria of satiation to respond to her unspoken query. Elzbet smiled tenderly at him and pulled her hand away as his eyelids slowly slid down and a lazy smile unfurled on his lips. She propped her head on her crooked arm and contentedly watched him refuel.

This golden glow of repletion gave her time to contemplate other things besides her lover and their continuing relationship. That it was still so strong after this length of time was amazing to her. Most of the others had been short and sweet and sometimes sad. It was hard to carry on an affair when she had to be constantly ready to move, either because of her hunted status or because of her travels. Being included in Julius's coterie had given her a haven, of sorts, and had allowed her the luxury of entanglements.

The ringing of the bedside phone invaded her introspective thoughts and she sat up, intending to reach across Tyler's sprawled form and answer it. She froze in place as the colors of the room began to leech away, leaving behind a crimson instrument with pulsing receiver and dial. The ghoul's arm stirred and reached out in preparation to silencing the jangling. Faintly, from the handset, even though it was not off the hook yet, Elzbet could hear a voice saying [i:86c003e7bb]"At the tone, the countdown will be......9..8..7.."[/i:86c003e7bb] She tried to call out to him, [i:86c003e7bb]"Tyler!"[/i:86c003e7bb], but there was no sound as the drone continued, [i:86c003e7bb]"...6..5.."[/i:86c003e7bb] Once more she cried out, [i:86c003e7bb]"Don't answer that!"[/i:86c003e7bb], but it was as if she had no voice. [i:86c003e7bb]"Hello?"[/i:86c003e7bb] Tyler said into the mouthpiece. [i:86c003e7bb]"...3..2.."[/i:86c003e7bb]

There was no [i:86c003e7bb]"1"[/i:86c003e7bb] as the room simply imploded. The hottest flames licked over everything, and though Elzbet now knew this was another vision, she still cringed in a futile attempt to avoid them. Slowly, the fire receded and she looked to where she had seen Tyler last. Instead of a charred body, his spectral form hung above the floor. Her jaw dropped open at the horror reflected in those empty pools, where once cerulean orbs held sway. The shade's mouth opened as a thin wail issued forth. [i:86c003e7bb]"Stop him! You must stop him!"[/i:86c003e7bb] With that, he turned his head and stared out the now crumbling window at the hovering moon, as it began to wash red with blood.

At that, everything snapped back into place. She could see in color once more and Tyler continued to listen to the person on the other end of the line. Her undead heart chilled and fright shivering through her body. She reached up and wiped a hand across her forehead; it came away stained with bloodsweat. She'd been getting restless of late as the omens she'd been experiencing had become more and more intrusive. Occurences were now up to at least twice a week, this would make the third. All of them had two common themes, blood and something to do with Mr. Darrant.

Tyler placed the receiver back in the cradle, and turned to Elzbet. [i:86c003e7bb]"That was Gabriel,"[/i:86c003e7bb] he said. [i:86c003e7bb]"He and Cyrilynn have finished their task and are going to meet up with Julius."[/i:86c003e7bb] Her focus sharpened at those words and she knew that she needed to be where the Tremere was, otherwise disaster would be sure to strike, and based on the visions, it wasn't going to be pretty. She grabbed at his arm and inadvertantly dug her nails into him. [i:86c003e7bb]"Where did he say they were heading?"[/i:86c003e7bb] Tyler winced and replied, [i:86c003e7bb]"Somewhere in Turkey, but he didn't say exactly. Why?"[/i:86c003e7bb]

Without satisfying that question, she snatched up the phone and called Shaundra. When her servant picked up, Elzbet rattled off commands. [i:86c003e7bb]"Pack up some cool clothing and make sure that the jet is ready, as well as anything else that you think I'll need."[/i:86c003e7bb] She paused for a second, knowing that she was forgetting something. [i:86c003e7bb]"Oh, yes!"[/i:86c003e7bb] she remembered. [i:86c003e7bb]"Hire an English-speaking guide and a camel. I'm going to Turkey."[/i:86c003e7bb]

“Mother, I know you are listening,” said Eveshka in a quiet and prayerful voice. “I need your help.”

Over the past several nights, groups of vampires came to Antioch from all over trhe world. They were answering the call of Julius and Eveshka. They came to settle old debts, and in some cases, old scores. Some of them came from loyalty and respect for the two powerful vampires. Not a few came following the scent of profit. All of them watched as Eveshka sat on her knees kneeling before a low stone wall at the foundation of the Tower of Two Sisters.

The group of Cainites shifted uneasily behind her. They were a motley group. Assamites, Ventrue, Old Clan Tzimisce, Gangrel, Salubri, and Ventrue. Julius stood slightly apart from them facing Eve. Lady C stood next to Gabriel also facing Eve. Gabriel on the other hand was watching the Assamites fan out to guard the perimeter. Salah stood right next to Mundug with an odd grin on his face. He knew that Mundug wished to finish the job he had started several years before.

Rhiannon approached Eveshka and kneeled down next to her with her arm around her. Julius winced. He knew full well of the past between these two women. He felt a pang of anger but quickly swallowed it.

“What’s up Evey?” asked the former Prince of Cascadia.

“I can feel her in there,” said Eve. “But I can’t get to her.”

“All you have to do is believe in yourself,” said Rhiannon.

Eve looked down dejectedly.

Rhiannon got up and moved around in front of her. She kneeled down and lifted Eve’s face gently with both hands. “Do you remember when you taught me to breathe?”

Eve blinked.

“I couldn’t do it before you taught me how. I’d forgotten how to do it,” said Rhiannon. “You also taught me to make my heart beat. Do you remember that?”

“Yes,” whispered Eve.

“I don’t know of too many of our kind who can do those things,” said Rhiannon. “Somehow you figured it out.”

Eve looked at her silently.

“Evey, you have always been at the forefront of every controversy, every new idea, every innovation, basically everything. Any headache I ever got as Prince somehow was linked to you. Whether for ill or not is irrelevant, but you had your finger in everything. You have always been doing things a bit differently than others, and usually a bit before everyone else. You’ve always been able to pull off things others could only dream about.”

Eve smiled slightly.

“This is no different, love,” said Rhiannon. “You are older, more powerful, and, I regret to admit, much more beautiful and talented than I will ever be. There is nobody else on the face of the earth who has more of a chance than you to do this. Just believe.”

With that, Rhiannon brushed her lips across Eve’s, stood up, and walked away. In another time, the merest sign of affection shown her by Rhiannon would have meant more than anything to Eve. This time it was different. She simply smiled and stood up.

Eveshka outstretched her arms with her palms pointed upwards at waist level. She uttered the ancient word of power known only to the Priestesses of Avalon and with an upwards motion she raised the Veil.

The assembled vampires collectively gasped as they saw the ancient landwalls of Antioch come into view with all the towers and fluttering banners. It was as if Eveshka had opened a pair of curtains. After the initial delight of actually seeing the place had passed, the reality had sunk in. Antioch was again under siege. Ali had beaten them to it and was attacking the walls with a host of undead minions.

[i:d2322957d5]"Who would have thought he would have so many..."[/i:d2322957d5] mused Julius. The eyes of the magus roamed the field, enhanced by a little magic. Antioch, the scene of so many battles in the past, now once again under assault. The defenders of those walls, Julius did not recognize, shadows of the past, perhaps, who now strove to defend their charge - the resting place of the Blood of Caine. Though they had walls to protect them, against such a host it was a pitiable and dwindling group.

For some reason, Julius had envisaged such a battle in terms of some historical context, yet it was not so. The modern era had come and with it gunpowder in all it's refined forms. Blades were indeed evident, for the undead are loathe to part with what is familiar from their mortal days. Guns too though, spat death at the hard pressed defence and mortar shells rained down upon the walls.

In the centre of the assaulting force, Julius saw him. The enemy, Ali. Black lines pierced his aura, a sure sign of recent diablerie. The magus concentrated, peeling back the layers of time. A parley, under the old sign. The white flag of truce fluttered between the citadel and the encamped forces. An ancient cainite, a woman of extraordinary beauty exchanged words with the Assamite, who laughed, fixing her with a steely gaze, an evil grin spreading across his features. Julius saw fear in her eyes, yet also a strange resolve. Suddenly, she too smiled and turned, to stare directly at Julius, meeting his eyes for a second, before allowing herself to be overcome by the Assamite. Ali's fangs sank deeply into her throat, taking her blood, her life and her soul within him. Thus did Ishtar, last of those who journeyed to Shal Ka Mense so long ago, perish.

Something hard slapped Julius' face. He blinked. Mundug was standing in front of him, ready to hit him again. [i:d2322957d5]"Wake up."[/i:d2322957d5] He said simply. Abruptly, Julius became aware of the coterie, standing before him, as if awaiting some plan, or course of action.

[i:d2322957d5]"Ali has drunk of the soul of Ishtar."[/i:d2322957d5] Said Julius simply. [i:d2322957d5]"He is more powerful now, than ever."[/i:d2322957d5]

[i:d2322957d5]"Yes, but we have you, love. Your new powers."[/i:d2322957d5] Answered Eve. [i:d2322957d5]"Swat him like an insect."[/i:d2322957d5]

Much nodding and general encouragement was stopped short. [i:d2322957d5]"I don't know if I can. With all of Ishtar's powers at his command..."[/i:d2322957d5] Julius trailed off.

[i:d2322957d5]"Only you can fight this battle, Julius."[/i:d2322957d5] Said Gabriel. [i:d2322957d5]"None of us, not even Eve, could stand up to him now."[/i:d2322957d5]

[i:d2322957d5]"I will do what I can, though I will need all my strength. You.."[/i:d2322957d5] Julius included everyone in his statement. [i:d2322957d5]"...You must get me to him."[/i:d2322957d5]

Hassan ibn Sabbah turned to his old enemy Salah al Hudin, who nodded. [i:d2322957d5]"We will engage these forces and Inchallah, keep them busy enough for your friends to cut you a path."[/i:d2322957d5] The two ancient assamites closed their eyes, as if making a mental summons. Upon a nearby ridge, a long line of black clad warriors shimmered into view, the blowing wind causing their banners to fly proudly overhead. [i:d2322957d5]"We go."[/i:d2322957d5] Said Salah, heading with Hassan to join their troops.

Two dread rapiers slid from their sheaths. [i:d2322957d5]"Let's go."[/i:d2322957d5] Said Eveshka with grim determination. La Magra, a tomahawk, and other weapons followed suit. A ring of steel and claw surrounding Julius and curiously, Elzbet. [i:d2322957d5]"My task is not to shed blood."[/i:d2322957d5] Said the enigmatic Salubri as if that would explain volumes. [i:d2322957d5]"Mine is."[/i:d2322957d5] Answered the Tzimisce, her body transformed into an explosion of spines and bony blades.

Julius nodded. [i:d2322957d5]"Let's go."[/i:d2322957d5]