A game of Chess (Part 2)

On the other side, I blink my eyes several times to adjust to the sudden influx of light, and take in several deep breaths of fresh air. We're surrounded by more buildings than I've seen in one place since Arcadia. The sudden noise and bustle of hundreds of people going about their daily business leaves my head spinning.

“Delilah, look!” Zeph snaps me out of my daze by grabbing my wrist and taking off at a dead bolt. “It's her!”

It takes me a moment, but I finally see who she's chasing. A young girl we've seen before, carrying the well-loved doll we saw her through. We pick up the pace, but the crowds keep the child just out of our reach.

“Wait!” Zyphania calls out. “Little girl, wait!”

The child stops, possibly more out of confusion than anything else, and stands with a questioning look on her face as Zeph approaches her.
.
“Hello,” Zeph says quietly, kneeling down in front of the little girl. “What's your name?”

“Clarissa,” the little girl responds in equally hushed tones. Her eyes, fixed on Zeph, are wide with apprehension and surprise.

“Clarissa... that’s a very pretty name.  I'm sorry if I scared you,” Zeph smiles comfortingly.  “It's just that I saw your doll, and... well, I just so happen to have one exactly like it.”

“Really?” the little girl asks, her eyes lighting up. “You have a dolly like mine? I thought she was the only one. Can I see?”

Zeph reaches into her bag and produces the doll she found in Freedom's Pass. Clarissa carefully examines it, meticulously comparing it to the one in her hands.

“You're right,” she finally renders her judgment with a grin. “It is just like my Molly. Where did you find it?”

“In a coven called Freedom's Pass,” Zeph explains. “Tell me, have you always lived here?”

“Yeah,” Clarissa replies. “ I've always lived here, with my Mommy and Daddy. My house is right around the corner. Come on, I'll take you there.”

Zyphania and I share a meaningful glance, and follow the little girl to as she runs up to the door of a small house, flings it open, and bolts inside.

“Mommy... Daddy.... I'm home!!” Clarissa calls, shattering the quiet in the peaceful house. She bounds from room to room as we follow on her heels. Her path finally leads her to the kitchen, where her mother and father are preparing dinner.

“I’m home!” Clarissa calls again, still at the top of her lungs. “And I brought...”

“Clarissa, inside voice, please,” the woman says, turning to face the little girl. Her stern look turns to confusion when she notices Zeph and me. “Oh. Hello. I’m sorry... I wasn’t expecting company.”

“They aren’t company, Mommy. This is....” Clarissa trails off as as she realizes she never let us tell her our names. “This is...  what did you say your names were again?”

Zeph smiles softly, and I can’t suppress a quiet chuckle.

“My name is Zyphania,” Zeph begins. “But, you can call me Zeph.”

“And I’m Delilah.” I add, with my best smile.

“See, Mommy, they aren’t company. They’re Zeph and Delilah.”

“Sorry to intrude,” Zeph interjects, trying to smooth things over. “But when we saw Clarissa, we thought we recognized her.”

“Oh, really?” The man setting the table replies, his look and tone belying genuine curiosity rather than skepticism or concern. “I’m pretty sure we’ve never met you. Where did you think you knew her from?”

“She looks very much like a little girl we met in Freedom’s Pass when we passed through there recently,” Zeph explains, as cordially as she can.

“Well, that settles it,” the man declares with a nod. “ It couldn’t have been Clarissa. She’s never been outside this coven.”

“In fact,” our hostess chimes in, turning away from the stove, “Robert and I haven’t been much outside it. I’m not sure if he or I have even been as far as Freedom’s Pass.”

Zeph shoots me a knowing glance. None of them remembers.

“Your right, of course,” Zeph smiles. “ It’s quite clear we were mistaken. I’m sorry for the intrusion. We’ll just be going.”

“Don’t be in such a rush,” the man interrupts cheerfully. “It isn’t a problem. You said you were traveling? You’re new to town, then?”

“Yes, we just got into town a little while ago,” Zeph affirms.

“Do you know anyone around here?” the woman at the stove inquires.
Zeph and I shake our heads.

“Well, you do now,” the man at the table says with a smile. “I’m Robert Ingles, and that’s my wife, Melissa. And you’ve already met Clarissa.”

“Thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Zeph responds sincerely. I echo her smile.

“What brings you to Trinity Junction?” Melissa asks. “Is there anything special you’re looking for?”

“Actually,” Zeph says, a contemplative smile on her face. “I wouldn’t mind picking up a couple of medicine glyphs. Do you happen to know where I might pick some up?”

“Well, I don’t, exactly, but I know who might,” Melissa replies. ”You should talk to Sarah.”

Zeph’s eyes widen in surprise, but she quickly regains her composure. “Could you give me directions?” she asks.

“Sure,” Melissa agrees. “But, first, would you two like to stay for dinner?”

“That would be great,” Zeph and I accept in unison. I’m  suddenly acutely aware of the pleasant aromas wafting from the stove, and of how long it’s been since my last meal.

Zeph and I help set the table, and our hosts strike up a conversation of idle chitchat. The next few minutes pass uneventfully but pleasantly, filled with delicious food and talk of normal, day to day topics. People begin to push their plates away, and I feel a slight twinge of sadness that this brief moment of normalcy is drawing to a close.

As the conversation wanes, I sense Clarissa staring curiously at me. I turn to meet her gaze, only to realize she’s not trying to meet my eyes. She’s looking slightly behind and below me. It’s only then that I realize, far too late,  that I’ve forgotten something.

“Mommy, why does the pretty lady have a tail?” she asks.

I blush and stammer, as I try to come up with a satisfactory explanation. Stupid tail. And stupid me for forgetting to take a moment to tuck it away. Will I never learn? Zeph, seeing me floundering, steps in to attempt to help.

“Some people can change the way they look, and like to look different. See, watch.” Zeph closes her eyes, and when she opens them again, they’re green instead of their normal honey gold. Clarissa smiles, but her mother and father don’t look impressed or convinced.

“It’s getting late,” Melissa says. “Why don’t I give you that address you were asking about.”

“That would be great,” Zeph says, her disappointment at our inability to smooth things over showing on her face.

“And, there’s an inn in that direction, too.” Robert adds. “Nice place, and pretty reasonable, if you’re looking for a place to stay.”

“We are,” Zeph confirms. “Thanks.”

Information in hand. we exchange friendly, if a little distant, farewells, and take our leave.

“Surely it can’t be the same Sarah...”Zeph says, half to herself as we make our way toward the address.

I meet her eyes with an inquisitive glance, and she anticipates my question.

“There was... someone I knew in my home coven named Sarah. I’m sure it can’t be the same Sarah... everyone in my coven is dead. But, we did find Clarissa.”

I give her a shrug, as if to say ‘we’ll find out.’

Just a little further, we run into a security checkpoint. A friendly looking guard gives us both a glance, and then turns to me with a warm smile.
“What can I help you with?”

“We’re just passing through,” Zeph explains, showing him the card in her hand. “We’re looking for this address, and we were told there’s an inn nearby.”

“Yeah, you’re headed in the right direction,” the guard says, looking up after a studying the paper for a moment. “Can I get your names?”

“Zyphania Israfel,” Zeph replies. The guard nods.

“”And you are?” the man asks, turning to me.

“Delilah Grimalkin.” I smile.

The guard smiles back. “I will need to see some ID.”

Zeph, surprisingly enough,  has identification on her.  I, obviously, do not.. What I -do- have is a plan.

“Oh no....” I gasp, in my best panicked voice while patting my pockets. “Zeph... it must have fallen out of my pocket while we were traveling!”

“It’s okay... calm down....” the guard reassures me as I feign more and more panic. “Go on through. Just... just get some new ID printed up as soon as possible, okay?”

“Thank you, sir, “ I give him a heartfelt smile and sigh a genuine sigh of relief. “You’re a real lifesaver.”

“Don’t worry about it.” he replies, smiling back and handing me a card. “And, if you need anything else, let me know. My name’s Sergio.”

And the plan worked perfectly.

We walk through the checkpoint gate, and immediately see the inn.

“Should we go ahead and get our room settled before we look for Sarah?” Zeph asks.

“Probably so,” I opine, already heading toward the door.

The inn is nice, and quite a bit bigger than any of the places we’ve stayed before. The desk clerk looks friendly enough, though, and greets us warmly.
“How can I help you?”

“We’d like a room for the night, please.” Zeph answers.

“Certainly. Can I see some ID”

Zeph hands hers over, and I give my best upset face. “I just realized a couple of minutes ago that I lost mine.”

“Oh,” The lady behind the counter smiles reassuringly. “Don’t worry. I can just look you up and print you another copy. Where did you say you were from again?”

“Arcadia,”  I answer truthfully, without even thinking. It doesn’t really matter what coven name I give her anyway; my name isn’t going to be in any of her lists.

“Funny,” the desk clerk muses, turning toward the keyboard and monitor with an odd look on her face. “I’ve never heard of that coven before.”

“Yeah, I’m not surprised,” I begin, in a halfhearted attempt to make this the smallest mess possible.  “It’s really small, and not very well known.”

“Even so,” she continues, still looking at the screen, her expression turning to a scowl. “I should be able to find it somewhere.”

I shift nervously, trying to think of -some- way to fix this. When the desk clerk is called away briefly a few moments later, I sigh audibly; half in relief and half in exasperation.  Finding myself at a complete loss, I smirk, and turn toward Zeph in hopes she might have a suggestion. Instead of Zeph’s honey-gold eyes, however, I meet Chess’  otherworldly grin.

“Need some help?” he asks, eyes sparkling with mischief.

I raise an eyebrow, but remain decidedly silent.

“Very well, then. I’ll help you out, seeing as how you’re my current... pet project.” He smiles even more broadly, if that’s possible, reaching out to gently pat the side of my pants. “Check your pocket.”

Chess disappears, and I reach into my pocket without even thinking. It brushes something thin and rectangular. My eyes widen as I pull the ID out of my pocket.

Name: Delilah Grimalkin
Coven: Arcadia.

I guess Chaos can occasionally be helpful after all.

I smile broadly as the desk clerk returns, and hand her my paperwork.
“Looks like I didn’t lose it after all!”

“Oh, that’s good,” she smiles, a hint of relief on her face.

The clerk takes our payment, and we head upstairs to settle into our room. Both Zeph and I are exhausted, and it’s getting late. We decide to rest now, and leave finding Sarah until morning.

After a while, I manage to drift into a much needed, if fitful, sleep. Early the next morning, I am awoken by Zeph, who looks as if she hasn’t slept at all.

“Delilah,” her voice is urgent, and she’s shaking me gently but firmly. “Delilah, there’s something we have to do...”

“What’s wrong?” I mutter, still half asleep.

“ I had a nightmare...” Zeph explains, her eyes filled with panic. “Xander... someone I knew before... I saw him. He’s in danger.”

The fear in Zyphania’s voice snaps me out of my stupor, and I sit up, throwing the covers off.

“And he’s here? Are you sure?” I swing my feet over the edge of the bed. “What exactly did you see, Zeph?”

Zyphania takes a deep breath, and  when she resumes her story, her voice is more calm and she seems more focused.  “I saw Xander, standing outside a building. There was a clock on the wall.  The time read about 45 minutes until the end of the cycle. He was arguing with someone, and then he fell to the ground.”

I look deep into her eyes, trying to be as calming and reassuring as I can. “We’ll help him. Do you have any idea where this place might be?”

“No, but we can find it. We have a little time.”

I nod, and start getting ready for the day.  “So, where do we start?”

“With Sarah’s address,” Zeph says confidently. “If it’s the same Sarah, and I’m pretty sure it will be, she’ll know where to find Xander if anyone will.”

Preparations made, we head out into the street.

Using the map Zeph uploaded earlier, we find the address we’re looking for with no problem.  I stand back a little while Zeph goes to the door.

It takes a moment, but someone finally answers the knock. Zeph looks at the haunted-looking woman before her with recognition and heartbreak.

“Sarah..” the word isn’t so much a question as a heartfelt expression of sympathy.

“Yeah...” the woman answers tentatively. She seems visibly upset by Zeph’s presence. “Do I know you?”

“Probably not,” Zeph says, her face falling. “I... I’m a friend of Xander’s.”

At the sound of that name, Sarah’s eyes go wide.  She looks over her shoulder nervously before turning back to Zeph with a curt response.  “I don’t know where he is.”

“ It’s really important that we find him. Do you have any idea where he might be?”

Another voice, male, calls from inside the house. I can’t make out the words, but the tone is gruff. Sarah turns to look over her shoulder again, her expression even more nervous than before, and calls through the house. “I’ll just be a minute,”

She turns back to Zeph. “I’m sorry, but I’m really busy right now.” She starts to close the door, but Zeph reaches out and stops her.

“Sarah, if you know where Xander might be, you have to tell us. Please. He’s in danger if we don’t find him before the end of the cycle.”

Sarah stops, eyes wide. “In trouble?” She sighs, her shoulders slumping slightly. “I really can’t talk here. Can I meet you somewhere in about an hour?”


“Sure.” Zeph’s expression is an odd mix of relief and concern.  “Have you eaten? Can I buy you breakfast?”

“There’s a little cafe’ not far away,” Sarah says hurriedly. “Meet me there.”

Sarah shuts the door, and we walk away.  We spend the next hour sitting in the quiet nervousness that comes from knowing what you have to do, but having to wait to do it. We’re at the cafe’ a few minutes early, and have a seat ready for Sarah when she gets there.

She sits down, eyeing us uncertainly. “What is all this about Xander being in danger? How do you know him?”

She pauses for a moment, giving Zeph a critical glance, continuing before Zeph can answer. “And you know me, too, don’t you? I want to know how. Who are you?”

“Yes,”  Zeph admits after a moment of visible mental struggle. “Yes, Sarah, I know you. You don’t remember me, but that’s because you don’t remember that the life you have now is not the only life you’ve ever known.”

Sarah’s expression shows not the confusion I would have expected, but rather anger and pain.

“Leave me alone...” she says, her eyes starting to fill with tears. She jumps to her feet, pushing her chair aside, and bolts to the restroom.

Zeph follows her, quickly but calmly.  I follow close behind, wishing I could help, but having no idea what I could do.

We find Sarah sitting on the bathroom floor, knees drawn up, sobbing. Zeph walks over and kneels beside her, touching her arm gently.

“Sarah,” she whispers. “I never meant to hurt you. You need to know, though, that what I’m saying is true. You haven’t always lived here.”

Sarah looks up, eyes blazing with anger. “I told you to get away from me! You’re cyphering me! Putting memories that aren’t mine into my head! That’s why I’m remembering that other life.”

“Why would I cypher you? I have nothing to gain from doing that.” Zeph says calmly, but the sting of the accusation is evident in her eyes. She pauses a moment, giving Sarah a scrutinizing gaze. “And those memories were surfacing before I found you, weren’t they?”

Sarah looks up at Zyphania, eyes still flashing anger. A moment later, the anger fades, revealing the pain behind it. Her silent nod of affirmation speaks volumes. Zeph frowns, kneels, and takes Sarah’s hands with a heavy-hearted sigh.

“I can help you, if you’ll let me,” Zeph practically whispers to Sarah.  “I can heal you... take away the pain...”

Zeph starts to rise, keeping Sarah’s hands in hers as she does so. Sarah accepts the hand up with a weak, but genuine, smile.

“We have a room at the inn,” Zeph says, putting an arm around Sarah’s shoulder, for both physical and emotional support. “It should be safe, and quiet. Why don’t we go back there, and I’ll get started.”

We make our way back to our room at the inn. Zeph instructs Sarah to lie down on the bed, and then begins the healing process. The increasingly familiar golden light begins to cover and flow into Sarah as Zyphania moves her hands over Sarah’s body.  I sit quietly, watching Zeph work.

The process seems to take Zeph more time and energy than any healing process I’ve seen her do before. Sarah also appears to be in pain. Her forehead is sweaty, her body is shaking.... for a moment I think there must be something wrong. But, then I remember; I’ve seen these symptoms before, when Alastor was trying to ick his psychotronic amplifier habit.  Alastor never looked this bad, but then he wasn’t going through the entire detoxification process in a matter of hours. And maybe Sarah’s addictions are stronger.

Zeph pulls her hands away from Sarah, and rubs them together, as if to disperse excess energy. She turns to look out the window, and I see a shadow of concern fall over her face. The day is far gone, and we still have to find Xander.

“Thank you, Zyphania,” Sarah says, sitting up. “I can’t tell you how much better I feel.” She smiles, and stretches, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. A moment later, her smile fades into a look of concern. “But, you still need to find Xander. You said he was in danger. ” A look of sadness and resignation falls over Sarah’s features. “I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to him. I also don’t know what I’d do if my husband found out about Xander and me.”

Zeph nods understandingly. “He is in danger. I had a vision of him being shot. There was a big clock tower nearby. Do you have any idea where we should start looking?”

“That could be a number of places, all over town. Maybe you should start down in the industrial section instead,” Sarah suggests. “Xander has a job in a factory down there. If he’s not there, his boss might know where he is.”

“Can you show me?” Zeph asks. “I have a map.”

Sarah touches a finger to Zyphania’s forehead, transferring the information.

“Thank you,” Zeph says, turning to grab her bag. “Feel free to stay here and rest. We’ll be back as soon as we can.”

Zyphania takes off toward the spot Sarah marked on the map. I follow close behind, at times almost having to sprint to keep up.  Our first stop is a warehouse. The first person we see is a broad-shouldered man moving some crates outside.

“Excuse me,” Zeph says tentatively. “ I’m looking for Xander. Have you seen him?”

The man laughs and shakes his head. “No. He didn’t show up today. You might try the cafe’ down the street.  Sometimes he hides out there. “ The man moves to return to his work, but pauses momentarily, looking over his shoulder to address Zeph again. “If you find him, tell him Marcus is looking for him.”

Zeph nods, and we continue down the street. The cafe’ Marcus pointed out is slow, but not empty.  The young barrista greets us warmly as we enter.

“How can I help you, ladies?”

“We need to find Xander,” Zeph explains. “Have you seen him today?”

“No,” the girl frowns. “He didn’t drop by today. He could be at the machine shop down the street. A few of his friends hang out there.”

The shop the barrista points out is closed for the night. Zeph peeks inside halfheartedly, turns, and begins to slowly walk away. Her face is as dark as the windows of the shop.

Out of leads, we begin to wander aimlessly through the streets. Night has fallen, and the streetlights are buzzing to life. All of them, I notice, except for one  About halfway down the street, there is a globe that isn’t lit. Its filament glows an eerie red. I cock my head inquisitively, and move tentatively in that direction.

“Delilah...”

The voice is too faint for me to be certain I really heard it, let alone be sure of who’s it was. Curious, I move a little closer.

And that’s when I feel the blow to the back of my head.

I come to on the floor of a dim basement, my hands and feet bound. My head is throbbing so badly I can hardly see straight. When I manage to bring my vision back into focus, I see Zeph across the room. She moans softly, tries to open her eyes, and begins to struggle with her bonds.

Footsteps and gruff, lewd voices drift down from upstairs. I wonder how much time I have to figure out a way out of this before whoever knocked us out comes downstairs to... Well, I’m not going to think about what they probably want to do to us, because they aren’t going to get the chance. Think, Delilah... think!

The light above us suddenly dims, and glows red. Alastor steps out of the shadows, and looks at me sternly.

“You’ve really gotten yourself into a mess this time, haven’t you?” he scolds. “I’m disappointed in you, Delilah. Care to explain? Did you think I was dead?”

I narrow my eyes in defiance, and sit up as straight as I can. “No,” I almost growl. I look him in the eye. “I’m not sorry.”

Alastor smirks. I may be reaching, but I think I might detect a hint of approval, or at least amusement, in the expression.  “Don’t be.”

He turns to Zyphania. “Use your centroglyph.”

Zeph gives Alastor a confused look. “My centroglyph? How will that help?”

“Think of the one you’re looking for, and you’ll find him.”

Alastor turns away, giving the dangling light an idle swat before fading back into the shadows.

I turn toward Zeph, but I’m met only with the sight of her bonds drifting to the floor.

“Great,” I growl to myself. “Now what am I  supposed to do?”

As if in answer to my question, the light that Alastor had set swinging as he left tumbles to the floor. The bulb shatters, and a piece of glass lands just within reach.

I listen for sounds of footsteps heading down the stairs as I work to free myself. Fortunately, I manage to cut the ropes before anyone decides to come and check on me. I creep to the top of the stairs and peer through the cracked door. There are a number of... irreputable looking... gentlemen sitting around a table in the next room. Thankfully, it looks like the group of them are so engrossed in their card game that they aren’t going to notice much else. I decide to make a run for it. I -know- I’m faster than them.

The men turn in surprise as I burst through the door at the top of the stairs, but I’m pretty sure I was already out the front door before they managed to get out of their chairs. Once outside, even though I have no clue where to go, I don’t stop running. Little things draw my attention, as if something, or someone,  is urging me in that direction. A little boy playing with a red ball. A pub with a blood red circular sign. An advertisement for... well, honestly I don’t even remember what. All I remember is black words on a red background: This way! What you need is just around the corner!

I finally stop when I hear someone call out my name. “Delilah! Hey, stop!”

It’s Sergio. In my panic, I hadn’t even noticed I’d made my way back to his side of town. “I’m really sorry, but I can’t talk now. I’m...”

“Looking for your friend?” he interrupts with a smirk.

“Yes, actually,” I smile.

“Don’t panic, but she’s being reimaged.”

“What! Oh no! What happened?”

“I told you not to panic,” he sighs. “She’ll be okay. There was an accident. Come on, we’ll go see if she’s out yet.”

As we walk the few blocks to the Icon, I can’t keep from worrying about Zeph. What if the Iconotech notices that she’s infected? What if being reimaged so soon after Freedom’s Pass has some weird effect? Her image is bound to still be unstable, right?

Zeph and Xander are coming out of the regeneration pods as Sergio and I walk up. I rush up to Zeph, ready to bombard her with questions about what happened and comments about how glad I am that I found her. I hesitate, however, when I notice she’s already deep in conversation with Xander.

“Zyphania?” Xander is asking, confusion evident on his face. “Where are we? What happened?”

“We’re in Trinity Junction,” Zeph explains.

“Trinity Junction?” Xander interrupts incredulously. “What in the world are we doing so far from home?”

“Home doesn’t really exist anymore,” Zeph answers quietly. “There was... a disaster.”

“Oh...” Xander visibly slumps. “So, where is everyone else?”

“Well, I know Sarah is here,” there’s a slight pause before Zeph continues. “And in this reality, you love her, too.”

“It bothers me that you use the phrase ‘this reality,’ Zeph. What are you talking about?”

“The people from our coven who made it here don’t remember home. In their minds, they have always lived here.”

Xander looks at Zeph blankly.

“What happened, Zeph?” I take the opportunity to jump into the conversation. “I was so worried. I looked around and you were gone. Sergio said there was an accident.”

“There was,” Zeph begins. “I had a feeling Xander was in trouble, and so I was thinking about him. Then, I suddenly found myself where he was. There was a man with a gun,  and I tried to protect Xander, but we both ended up in the Icon anyway.”

“I have an idea,” Sergio interjects, coming up behind me. “Why don’t the four of us take a trip to that coffee shop down the street and have a nice little chat. Drinks on me.”

As we make our way past the Iconotech’s station, the little old man running the Icon calls out to us.
“Oh, good! They’re out and about. How are you two feeling?”

“Just fine...” Zeph answers a little nervously.

“Glad to hear it,” the Iconotech smiles, turning back to his terminal. “There were some anomalies in your readouts, so I was a little worried.”

One glance is enough to tell Sergio that Zeph and I are more than unnerved at this situation, and he turns to the Iconotech. “You don’t really have to report that, do you?”

“Uh... no, I.. suppose not,” the Iconotech says, looking a little confused.

“Good,” Sergio smiles. “Thanks.”

We start moving again, and Sergio looks at us. “I have no idea what’s really up with you guys, but...”

He’s interrupted mid-sentence by the scream of metal wheels on the paved street. We jump out of the way and watch in shock as the streetcar that has jumped its track goes hurtling past us. It rushes on in a streak and a shower of sparks,  toward the Icon Zeph and Xander just got out of. The trolley impacts with the Icon in a fiery explosion, and alarms start to blare.

“So, how about those drinks?” Sergio says, turning away from the chaos.

We walk to the coffee shop, and grab an out of the way table.

“So, what exactly is your deal?” Sergio says, eyeing us skeptically.

“We’re travellers,” Zeph starts to explain. “I’m sure you’ve heard what’s been going on in the West.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard,” Sergio raises an eyebrow.

“Well, that’s the direction we’re coming from. It wasn’t easy, but we made it out.” Zeph continues. Sergio nods, and looks intensely interested.

“And, the trouble is headed this direction,” I add.

Sergio’s brow furrows, and he’s quiet for a moment. “Surely you two didn’t come all that way on your own...” he inquires.

“No,” Zeph answers. “We have traveling companions. We just got a little ahead of them. They should be here soon.”

Sergio nods, and takes the last sip of his drink. He looks toward Zeph and Xander. “It looks like the two of you have a lot to talk about, and I really should be getting back to my station.”  Turning his attention to me, and smiles. “If you need anything, you have my card. Maybe a drink sometime before you leave town?”

“I’d like that,” I give him a genuine smile. He seems like a really nice guy.

“We should probably get back to check on Sarah,”  Zeph says, stirring as if to stand to leave.

“Can I come?”  Xander asks. “I... should probably talk to her.”

“Of course,” Zeph smiles.

Back at our room, we find Sarah looking much improved. A smile spreads across her face and she visibly relaxes as she sees us come through the door. “You’re back! I was worried something had gone wrong.”

Xander walks out from behind us, and his eyes meet Sarah’s. “Hello, Sarah. Let’s, uh, talk, shall we?”

Sarah nods, and the two make their way to the far side of the room. Zeph and I flop down, exhausted. Our eyes meet, as if to start a conversation, but before either of us can say anything, the light around us begins to dim. Alastor steps out of the shadows, turning his gaze on Zeph.
 “Well done. Your friends are safe, for now.  Their coven, however is not. Calamity will befall Trinity Junction in less than three days.”

“And there’s no stopping it?” Zeph asks.

“If you want to solve the problems facing this coven, you must search for the source: The man with two grins.”

Alastor retreats into the shadows, leaving Zeph and I to share a confused glance. Before we can begin to make heads or tails of who ‘the man with two grins’ might be, or how we might go about finding him, Xander and Sarah make their way back over.

“I just came over to say goodbye,” Sarah says. “I think I’m going to leave town in the morning.  Everything’s so confusing. I think I just want a fresh start.”

“I understand.” Zeph nods. “And what about you?” she asks, turning to Xander.

“Well, I don’t really have anywhere else to go.” he says almost sheepishly. “Our old coven is gone, and I don’t really have a life here. Maybe... maybe I can tag along with you guys when you leave?”

Zeph smiles patiently. “I don’t know that that’s such a good idea.... our life is dangerous. And, honestly, so is this coven. Maybe you should head the direction Sarah is headed.”

Xander grins. “C’mon, it can’t be that dangerous.” Seeing the look on Zeph’s face, his smile fades. “Well, maybe I should go. Look me up before you head out of town?”

“Okay,” Zeph agrees. “If we have time.”

Xander is about five steps out the door before Zeph and I have collapsed into our respective beds.  There is so much left to do, but we’ve no energy left to do it.  For now, it’s time to rest, and see what tomorrow will bring.