The Sentinel laid a gentle hand
on Dag's shoulder. "As I said earlier, it is my last chance to reset the
clock of history."
Two Cenobites approached along
the path from the Residence, and waited at a discreet distance. The Sentinel
turned, nodded and with a reluctant smile got to his feet.
"I'm afraid our time has
come to an end, my boy. There are events
in play that must be managed, not the lest of which is Matsuka's situation". Shock held Dag in place. The Sentinel placed a finger to Dag's forehead and immediately, he
understood the full extent of his lover's peril.
"Iveny House is under attack!" Dag
said, shooting to his feet; not sure how he knew, but certain of its truth.
"Yes! Matsuka, Siobhan and
Zana-7 are besieged by gunslingers! First Councilor Celestine is not easily
deceived. She knows their execution was a performance, not to mention Zana-7's
unexpected intervention. Now, her assassins are trying to complete the
assignment. But they will not succeed. Brother Phillip, here" the Sentinel
pointed to the Cenobite on his right. "will escort you back to your South
Coast estate. Celestine will not expect you there. She will have planned for
you to dash headlong to Iveny House and fall at the side of your lover. But
there will be no such melodrama today. Meanwhile, Brother Michael will insure
Matsuka and her party's escape from the Iveny Island. Afterwards, they will
rendezvous with you there."
The Cenobites bowed and followed them as they
started back to the Residence. As they ascended the winding marble stairs at
the entrance to the reception hall Dag asked,
"The legend speaks of 'the
time of our greatest need.' Are we on the verge of that crisis?"
The Sentinel appeared to consider an answer.
Instead he said, "Brother Phillip will take you to your estates now."
Concern clouded Dag's face.
"I'm afraid any transport to the island will arrive too late to save
Matsuka and the others." The Sentinel's face brightened. "We have
modes of transportation. beyond your wildest dreams. So, I suggest you close
your eyes."
Dag looked confused as Brother Phillip cupped his hands
together, then pulled them apart leaving in their wake a small ball of intense
energy that quickly expanded to contain both of them. The orb of light
brightened briefly, and vanished taking them with it.
The Sentinel lingered a
moment at the empty space where his protege stood. "Good bye, dear boy.
Safe journey."
Then he turned to the remaining Cenobite. " You must
bring Zana-7 back to the Residence. Under no circumstances can she be allowed
to travel alone with the apprentice. My meaning is clear?"
Brother Michael bowed,
and after a few moments disappeared with a burst of white light. Presently
several black clad Cenobites approached the Sentinel. Silently, he
simultaneously instructed each one in the details of his specific task.
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