Chapter 92Trailing Tales

Why was he here. I didn't expect to see him again until much later. But Janus thought this was important. I sat down to listen, wondering where this would lead. Finally they both moved into view. Despite the high vantage point I could see them well. I could see...

Janus looked very familiar. He was wearing glasses and looked uncomfortable. His stance was stiff and hunched slightly, but controlled. His hair was black and well-groomed. Still... Something about him was so known. Did I see him before? From this angle it was hard to tell. He kept his face turned down most of the time in a slightly submissive pose which made seeing his face even harder.

I saw him nod. "It's been long indeed, my lord. I'm sorry to have called you but things have moved forward much faster then normal."

He looked thoughtful. "The last time I saw her the only problem was Kryss? Surely she could at least keep her distance?"

Janus shuffled with his feet. "It's not that... It's... She's..."

He took a deep breath. "She is much more sensitive then we give her credit for. Somehow she is always at the right place at the right time. Or the wrong place. Depending on your point of view of course, my lord."

Afentis nodded. "Continue."

Janus swallowed. "She met the brotherhood and found Isabel, a daughter of Ba'al. She saw the circle and actually went to the orphanage with Kai. She also met the Gypsies and ... her... "

Interesting, Janus didn't tell him Isabel was the daughter of the Gypsy woman. Did he not know or simply not wish to tell it? He seemed so completely honest with Afentis that not knowing seemed to be the reason... But he knew everything else.

Afentis shrugged. "The Gypsy woman is of little threat. She's honest but her words are cryptic and only useful when the time comes. But... Who is this Isabel?"

Janus lost his composure, his surprise in every word. "What?!? You haven't seen her? Or sensed her? She's been around Valerie, Amy and Khuna for almost a week!"

Now it was Afentis's turn to look worried. "What? How did she hide herself from me? I've often been close enough to feel them. In such a long time I would... should have felt her presence easily."

"I fear she is not that simple. She's... She has been present at some odd timings. And more things have happened to Valerie and Khuna than seems fair. Both of them fallen through glass, Khuna twice. And Valerie got a very very large dose of that drug from the circle. A lethal dose, were she human. In a way we're lucky that Amy has been around. She's always been there when it was most needed. And lord?"

Afentis looked up from his thoughts. "Yes?"

He looked apologetic. "It is not my place sir, but she is the most deserving of more of your blood. She is the only one strong enough to face Kryss or sensitive enough to keep them safe."

Afentis smiled kindly. "Your wise thoughts are always welcome Janus. I will think on them. If she is as you say I will decide upon it soon."

Janus smiled thankfully. "Thank you my lord. My trust is in you."

Afentis nodded in recognition. "Thank you as well Janus. Now, however, it is time for me to leave. An old friend has a book for me."

Janus bowed politely, his face still hidden from me. If only I could see it once. Then I'd know where I knew him and his voice from.

Afentis left through the window in silence. The soft wind barely making a sound outside but stirring the dust inside, up here. It tickled my nose and my eyes teared from me trying to keep a sneeze from making sound. A soft chuckle made me focus on the room below again.

"I hope you learned something Amy." He spoke as he, too, left out of the window. He didn't look up at all. Damn. I wasn't able to get out of here fast enough to follow either of them. And from his actions Janus expected me to close the window and lock the mansion again.

I sniffled, trying to get my nose clear and headed downstairs. The show was over.

Did I learn enough?