Exton

I look around the Tavern, feeling mi amor and his companion wink back inside the wards. Nearly everyone is assembled, at least those who are adept at this type of situation. Guunnar nods, knowing I have felt the return. Dmitri has returned from Greece, bringing news that he is holding until Ramji can join us.

Ike had been commenting to Tori about a striking charm she is wearing when we all feel Ob's silence touch our minds. I see Stoney and Alise turn to watch him. Their little ones turn, food half eaten. Ike and Tori turn also, Erik's brother glancing at Monty, who shrugs but points to where we all are looking. Patti slips behind the bar and says something to the two, then the waitresses who start to mingle, talking quietly to certain tables.

Mi Cooza rises and makes his way to Byte, who murmurs into his headset. One of the guitarists acknowledges him with a head movement. As the song ends, the guy tells the band it is time to take a break. The group moves aside as Ob mounts the stage. Obsidian thanks them, turning his attention to the crowd.

I check my scimitars. The Twins ride in their accustomed places, an allowance that Pandora has graciously granted. Tonight, Pandora has rescinded the weapons for all of the Hunters, be they Riders or Dark Lords. Just something about us armed seemed to ease the feelings of the locals who crammed in here.

His voice is rough gravel. I know that tone. He is close to turning. I can feel it in all his nestmates. If it comes to a fight tonight, they are ready.

"*Escuzi, mis amigos. We will return to our usual... distractions... " He gives that charming grin that has gotten him out of so much trouble as a youth. "shortly."

The smile slips away leaving a more somber expression. His eyes are so pale they almost gleam in the stage light. Those of us who know him are aware he has shed the Rake for the Warrior. His accent is deeper, rolling r's and lengthening his e's.

"You all know that something is stalking our streets. So far all that have fallen are human. First, those many would not miss... but this is Exton. We aren't your typical townspeople. The disappearances WERE noted. A few weeks ago, a college girl went missing. Many thought she just dropped out and went home, until her parents came looking for her. Very early this morning, a couple went missing. This time a mistake was made. This couple has friends among Our people. While searching for them, their murder site was found, along with the site of the previous student. The killer left behind a telltale trace. One that can be traced by Ones who know how."

He steps to one side, making room on the stage. "Almost everyone in this town knows there is one person who can be turned to in this type of situation. Everyone knows of him, at least by reputation. ^La Main Droite De La Mort, Death's Blade, The Good Doctor... and by names that strike deeper in the souls of those who are his enemies. I am lucky enough to count him as Friend. I give you Mortuis."


*Apologies, my friends.

^The Right Hand Of Death