It was late in the afternoon when we stood on the mountain ledge overlooking the valley that harbored the small community of Verso. Although we were still too far away for me to see that actual village, realizing its position between two mountains, I could easily see how the community could remain under the radar of Bartholomew’s people.When we finally entered Verso, my first impression wasn’t favorable. The landscape surrounding the small community looked just as war torn and haggard as the rest of the land we’d traveled over. Remembering Geo’s description, I struggled to understand why Geo would tell me a story about his beautiful home when he came from an area that may actually be worse than where I lived. We encountered a few people now and then and I was struck by the reverence they gave Geo and the small group.  If nothing else, he certainly was loved.When we reached an old dilapidated barn that was riddled with abandon

Luthias’s visit lasted far longer than I’d have preferred, but I saw no way of rushing him without being obvious. He clearly enjoyed storytelling. I learned our small party passed through the portal leading to the magical dimension while traveling single file through that incredibly dark and narrow passage beneath the old dilapidated barn. The residents above ground lived willingly on ruined land that was so common place throughout the planet. Their worries for having their needs met were relieved by the assistance and supplies provided by the residents of Verso.Very few non-vampires have ever entered Verso and, to his knowledge, none left alive. When I questioned why I was brought to such a place, he simply shrugged and said they had no other place to take me. When I reminded him that I had a home with loving grandparents who I was certain were searching for me and he could have easily taken me there, he pointed out what I already knew; Sybil would look there fi

The sun peeked over the horizon when we finally stopped outside a quaint little cottage nestled in an awe-inspiring grove of fruit trees. I wondered if I would ever stop marveling over the breathtaking beauty of the land. Luthias and Geo both spoke of Verso being like earth was prior to the war and the twentieth century pollution modern man created.  Although I was saddened that I was born in a time of devastation, desolation, and the dominance of evil, I felt even sorrier for them. How horrible it must be to watch your world turn into a decrepit shell of what it was.  I wondered why they’d ever step outside of Verso.A slight and somewhat wiry, gray haired woman meandered out onto the porch to greet us. Even at that early hour her hair was pulled back in a smooth bun upon her head and her slacks and blouse were neatly pressed. I thought of the stark contrast she made against my grandmother, who would have greeted us with long gray hair in disarray and an old

I needed time to think.  I could understand Gwendoline’s desire to see both of her son’s happy; and she clearly considered Luthias her son. I could even see the logic in her thinking. I found Luthias ridiculously good looking, irresistibly charismatic, and I admittedly felt something for him. Since he’d already declared his love for me, it was a good start.  I also wanted the protection he and Gwendoline could provide until we could figure out a way to get Charles and Sybil to stop hunting me.  So, why did I hesitate?Geo.Someone magical broke through the shield around Verso. What if that same magic person put a magical shield around Geo for whatever reason? It could be what happened. Gwendoline said the possibility was so herself.  Just because Gwendoline hadn’t met a witch equal to her in power and abilities didn’t mean one didn’t exist. What if that was exactly what was going on? What if, when thi

We immediately agreed that, before anything else, we’d work out a plan of rescue for Geo. Once he was safe and free, we’d focus on what to do about Charles. It took the better part of the morning for emotions to settle down enough for us to come together as a team to decide on a plan of action.  At one point, an enormous tug of wills took place as Luthias and Gwendoline insisted I stay hidden in the cottage under the shield of protection for the sake of my unborn child. I struggled to get them to under-stand that, between the magic in me and years of intensive self-defense instruction, I was well equipped to hold my own.  I reiterated the dream I had and how I felt it was a symbol of truth. Gwendoline said I had magic in me from the start that just needed to be pulled forth and expounded upon.  That magic had to be inherited from someone and I was banking that someone was Sybil. If I had magic, then so did she. If Sybil truly was the one who broke through