Collinsport. For too long the threat of the necromancer conspiracy against Collinsport had been nothing more than speculation. But last night Nichole Collins and Rhyaad de’Annar came face to face with the long sought after Nicholas Blair. Blair, the dangerous 17th century necromancer Simon Orne, had apparently been staying at the Collinsport Inn for over a month under the assumed name of Richard Garner. But the discovery of Blair’s whereabouts has only brought new and even more troubling questions as Simon Orne revealed his close association with Dr. Praetorius of the Diogenes Club. Contemporaries of Victor Frankenstein, working together – what other dark secrets about Dr. Praetorius does Orne have yet to reveal? And Dr. Praetorius’ allusion to the fact that somehow this was all a game – a game that had been going on for far longer that Nichole Collins could have suspected – and one of the pawns already sacrificed in this horrid game had been her guardian Dr. Julia Hoffman. Filled with anger and guilt, Nichole had decided in the early morning hours it was time to strike at Blair – time to engage in their game.

WARNING: Contains scenes fitting for an adult audience. Viewer Discretion is advised.{/b]

[b]The Old House

The dark outline of the Old House stands against the night sky that is just one day past the full moon. The encroaching woods have shortened the lawns and the long, winding drive is deserted, as so seems the mansion itself. Esther slowly makes her way over the uneven surface of the drive.

As she takes a curve, two bats take flight and disappear further into the darken recess of the night. Bats! She thinks. Why are there so many bats around these days.

Come to think of it, she’s never really asked. Can Nikki turn into a bat – like they do in the movies? And if so, where does a vampire’s clothes go – when they change. Shrinking up into a bat – their clothes would fall off . . .. Or when they turn into a mist.

Can Nikki turn into a mist?

Inside the Old House the mansion is filled with music. Rhyaad, sitting at the Grand Piano makes a strange sight as he sits, dressed in an armored suit that Artemis had once referred to as ‘being one of the most ridiculous get ups’, complete with dual swords, is playing the tempestuous sonta Appasionatta in a startling style by using greater-then-human speed. A version that would shock conductors and most probably have been loved by Beethoven.

Esther opens the door to find the house lit by only an occasional tall candle and filled with the wild music . . . in the dimness she can see Rhyaad sitting at the piano

Rhyaad pauses for a brief moment as he looks over to the opening door, “Hello Esther”, before continuing, at a no more sedate pace.

Esther removing her coat to hang in the coat closet, closes the door and asks, “What you dressed fer? A battle with the piano, Rhy?

As she steps further into the foyer and sees Samantha Brook awakening on the couch as she sits up looking around confused.

“Shabbat Shalom Sam.” She says and turns back to Rhyaad. “What’s up with him?”

“Shalom, “ Samantha murmurs as she rubs at her eye.

Rhyaad continues playing with a force that threatens to damage the keys, sparing only a slight glance at Esther. In the darken recess he looks something from a Universal Classic Horror film.

Samantha continues to awake sitting now on the couch, turning to look back toward Rhyaad, “What’s got you pissed teasucker? Someone piss in the teabags?

“Vedui, mellonaminarim.” He says without pause, and ignores Sam’s taunt.

Esther takes out her pack of red Marlboro’s and puts one to her lips to pull it from the half-empty pack. She flips open her Zippo with a metallic click, and the blue flames lights up her face as she puts the tip of the flame to the cigarette, “You break it you’re paying for it”

“Rhyaaad. Not so loud…” Meili grumbles now from the kitchen as he stood that the kitchen-side of the breakfast bar and looked over toward the male. A small bowl of what could be assumed to be food was set out before him as he seemed to be trying to eat. “I’m sure the piano doesn’t appreciate you attempting to break it.”

Esther clicks the Zippo shut.

Samantha stands up now, and twists.

Esther moves around the sitting room turning on the lights. How did she lose control of the house? Rhyaad, Sam, and this crazy-a**ed contractor gypsy—where the h**l is Nikki?

Esther sighs and walks over to her usual chair, “So—I’m disturbing anything?”

Samantha looks at her thoughtfully, as if pondering the question and then says, “Nope- not a thing.”

Rhyaad finally finishes this sonata and looks up towards Meili. “What, you haven’t been drinking not Merlot again have you?”

“No, no. I’m just a little tired. It wasn’t the most comfortable sleep— Do you have coffee here?” He asks, scratching his head.

Esther took a long drag off the cigarette not even wanting to contemplate whatever it was he was eating – as she could not remember there being anything eatable in the refrigerator. Nothing she had left – and Nikki? She drinks all of her meals.

“Should I get dressed, now?” Samantha asks.

“Yes”, Rhyaad answers. “I for one can’t wait to see you all furry.”

Esther looks up at Samantha, standing on her tiptoes, stretching, her tee-shirt rising to reveal her hard abdomen, “Furry? What?”

Samantha sighs, “Well—will it be blue fox or should I just assume leopard?’

“Just an expression, Esther.” Rhyaad says beginning to play something very sedate now, “Not the full blown thing. But Blair does have a thing for the catty look, you know.”

“Catty?” Esther takes her cigarette from her lips, “What?”

“Oh—Coffee is a vulgar American beverage, Meili. I have tea. How about some nice chai with cream?”

Esther turns in her chair and looks back at Rhyaad in the suit of armor, “Okay—so, could someone clue me in on what the f*** yer talkin about?”

Rhyaad now begins to play something very upbeat, jazzy, “You know, Esther. Catty. Furs and leopard skin prints. Maybe he’d even like it if she purred.”

“Who would like it if she purred?”

“Coffee is what I need to wake the h**l up. I would prefer it. A lot.” Meili says putting the fork into the bowl of whatever he is eating.

“We are going to do a little breaking and entering tonight, Esther.” Rhyaad says, “And Sam here is going to distract our evil Mr. Blair.”

“Well- this is the first time I have heard of this.” Esther says, “So, when did this plan happen?”

“Nikki decided to do it last night, well, early this morning I guess.” Samantha tells Esther.

“Chai is better.” Rhyaad tells Meili as he rises from the piano and walks over to the kitchen and began to fix a large cup for the man. He also tried to see what was in his bowl.

Samantha reaches over the side of the sofa nearest the front window and picks up a black nylon bag. She dumps it on the sofa to zip it open.

“Apparently while I was either sleeping or praying, so – you guys came up with some plan involving fur. If ya need fur, just ask. I got some deer skins that ain’t sellin well.

Rhyaad gave Meili a large mug of the potently brewed and heavily spiced Indian tea, fortified with sugar and cream. “There . . . perfect.” And then looks over into the sitting room, “How about wildcats, Esther?”

“Wild cats?”

“If this stuff doesn’t wake me up, I’m going to make mistakes.” Meili warns, giving him a wary eye. “I’ve been studying what you gave me very carefully, but I need to be able to focus intently.”

“He is just nervously teasing – “ Samantha explains.

Esther watches as Samantha starts digging into the black bag and pulling out various bits of clothing. She unclasps her jeans and pulls down the copper teeth of her zipper in order to begin to dress, “Hey—hey, take yer dressin’ into a bathroom fer cryin’ out loud.”

“What? You mind seeing Samantha’s naked body?” Rhyaad asks Esther.

“There is such a thing as privacy!” Esther tells him, “I mean, the two of you are—“

Samantha smiles at Esther, “Well, the two of them—s**t out of luck is what they are.”

Rhyaad places his hand on Meili’s shoulder and nods. “You did well with your lesson on electronic locks.”

Samantha drops the jeans with a teasing smile and whips off her tee-shirt to stand now wearing only a her Dresden blue bra and panties.

As for wards,” Rhyaad says as he watches Sam slip out of her clothes, “Well, I still think I’m more competent. But if you prefer to use the bracelet, I’ll let you.”

Samantha slips on a black lace camisole, and a red wrapped around dress that fastens at the side, so that the wide, open neck reveals the black lace of the camisole. As she finishes dressing, she adjusts her breasts so as to reveal even more of their fullness, “How does this look?

Esther takes a drag off her cigarette and stands, shaking her head, “I’ll let you two –three– of you, have yer fun. I’ll be upstairs cleanin’ my shotgun.”

Samantha holds her arms open for Rhyaad’s inspection “Good bad or?”

Esther starts walking to the stairs completely confused. The house is filled with craziness tonight. And tension.

“Good!” He nodded. “Nice legs.”

Samantha nods, “Thank you? And so, where is Miss Nikki?”

Esther reaches the top of the stairs, yeah, where is Miss Nikki? Not like Nik to be making spur of the moment plans like this – something must of happened. Esther goes into her room and prepares to start cleaning her shotgun – something she did when she was anxious.

“I’ll . . . use whatever means I must.” Meili sighs, and then took the beverage to drink it slowly from the cup.

Samantha slips on a pair of red stiletto heels and walks perfectly in them over to the kitchen.

“She’s getting something ready, I presume.”

Samantha nods, whips open a drawer and begins inspecting the knives.

Rhyaad looks at Meili; Meili looks at Rhyaad; they both look back over to Samantha, as she seems to be checking each of the knives, checking their weight, size, sharpness of blade, dropping some of them back into the drawer. Others she places on the counter.

She smiles.

“Better than coffee, uma?” Rhyaad asks

Samantha begins to slip a couple knives into very discrete places.

“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll have a warmed type O.” He continues.

They are all aware now of the sound of the sports car as Nikki’s Ferrari pulls up the drive, headlights shining on the front windows.

“Ah, there’s Nikki now.” Rhyaad says as he extracts the bottle of blood from the refrigerator.

Samantha picks up a steak knife.

The front door of the Old House opens and Nikki, dressed in a pair of worn jeans, a double-breasted black jacket over a pink cashmere sweater, under her black woolen overcoat – it’s long hem skimming the floor as she enters, “Hello, I see we are all here.”

Samantha smiles seeing Nikki, “Evening Miss Nikki.”

“Just in time for some . . . refreshment.” Rhyaad offers as he places two glasses of blood into the microwave.

Nikki smiles at Samantha, “Good evening, Sam.”

“It’s—alright. Different, but it’s alright.” Meili Rainheart shrugs sipping at the drink and longing for a d***ed fine cup of coffee. “I suppose it will do, perhaps it won’t make me as jittery.”

Samantha strides out of the kitchen holding her arms open again, this time for Nikki to see her dressed up for her planned distraction of Nicholas Blair. “Well—“

“Oh, my, Sam.” Nikki says with a smile, “Mr. Blair is a lucky man tonight.”

Ding, the microwave goes off and it gives Meili a start.

Rhyaad nods as he opens the door of the microwave, “Indeed, Blair will be getting an eyeful of her tonight.” He removes the glasses and closes the door. He winks at Samantha as he walks out of the kitchen and passes her.

“Evening Nik.” He says coming from around the curved staircase, revealing he is dressed in his battle armor, his two swords visible, carrying the two glasses of blood, “It’s my favorite, O, not your AB, but it is fresh.”

Esther upstairs sits in a lotus position looking down upon the pieces of her shotgun, dismantled and ready to be cleaned and reassembled. She did not hear Nikki arrive, as she seems almost Zen like.

“I also have ginseng if you’d like Meili. It’s a stimulant.” Rhyaad offers as in an aside to Meili as he carries the drink over to Nikki.

Nikki takes the glass, “Oh, O is just as wonderful and thank you so much.”

“I’m familiar with the root. So, yes, please strain a brew of it in tea.” Meili says putting away the chai.

Rhyaad nods to Meili. “Very well—and the Ginsing and chai should have you up and flying about the room in no time.”

“Oh—“ Samantha says suddenly, “Miss Nikki, do you have any makeup I can borrow?”

“Yes,” Nikki replies after having taken a sip of the warm blood, “My bedroom, upstairs, top of the stairs and to the left.” Her tongue wiping crimson from her lips.

Rhyaad returns to the kitchen and makes himself quite busy once again, a warrior cook wearing swords and armor. He works with a flourish of opening and closing cabinets, a clatter of cups, and soon serves Meili a potent Asian beverage.

“Another Nikki?” He asks holding the bottle of blood.

“Oh, yes, please.” She replies as she stands in the foyer looking out the front windows, deep in thought. Was she reacting in haste – was this precisely what Orne wanted. Had she allowed her anger to cloud her judgment? What precisely awaited Rhyaad and Meili at the Cranshaw House?

“I’ll drink the tea late . . . so, please, if you will put it in something I can drink on the way.” Meili adds, and gives a nod to the male.

Samantha stops on the curve of the staircase and looks down at Nikki. Nikki feels her stare and turns to see as Samantha blows her a kiss. Nikki smiles and pretends to catch it. And what of Sam – was she risking her life? It has been a game for a very long, long time Dr. Praetorius had said. And in anger she had upended the table at the Inn in hopes of upending the game – only here she was advancing her own pawns. She stood and watched as Samantha in the very high heels made her way up to the second floor. She could not even ask God to look over them – God had abandoned her in a gutter.

She’s a Queen? Who is the other? Well, if she is a Queen . . . it’s bloody well time she decided to play.

Heaven help the other.

Rhyaad looks at Meili and nods. He sets about making another drink and pouring it into a plastic cup for the man. “Think you’re up to the challenge?” He took out of his pocket an odd bracelet: a puma shaped work of copper and gold, with glittering eyes, and slipped it on his wrist. “Nice kitty,” he said as he stroked the object.

Samantha comes back downstairs and hands Nikki a small patch of leather with straps, “Could you hold on to this for me?”

Nikki takes the small patch of leather – aware of what Sam is entrusting to her. A slight pang to her heart.

“Even if Blair is kept busy, I may have to contend with other forces.” Meili Rainheart contends, “I will honor your gift, pray that my eyes will be quick and the shadows will welcome me.”

Samantha now brushes her hair back nervously, exposing her expert make-up job hiding the scars and her glass eye perfectly placed.

Nikki looks at Sam, “Oh, you look wonderful.”

Samantha grimaces a bit, “I hate the eye—it hurts . . . so I’ll want my patch back after tonight.”

Nikki nods and slips the patch carefully in her pocket; “I assure you I will take very good care of it for you.” She takes her hand and squeezes it. Sam looks at her well aware that Nikki is asking them to face a foe of tremendous power as she squeezes back – reassuring her. A general about to send her troops into battle. “For you—anything.” She tells her

Nikki feels the shaft like a stake into her heart.

“I will be there with you – he will have to go through me . . .”

Samantha smiles, “As long as I have you near.”

Nikk nods.

“Miss Nikki,” Samantha says in a low tone, “Do not give away your soul.”

She looked at her sadly, “I don’t have one anymore.”

Rhyaad withdrew a much older looking version of the cat bracelet amulet, “A copy of a much older artifact from Lo’Kier. I still have the original.” He put it on, whispering “woom a’chathal denar” to it, and the peridot eyes flashed briefly as he slipped it over his skin.

Nikki now looks at Rhyaad and Meili, “Okay, now remember, what we are looking for are the old films of Vera Endecott, in particular one entitled ‘The Hounds Daughter.” Plus anything you might find that gives us some idea, clue as to what he is up to.” She pauses for a moment, “Get in and get out. Do not – do not attack him if we are unable to keep him at the Inn.”

Nikki then turns to Samantha, “And Sam, even though I will be close at hand, I want you to remember that Nicholas Blair is a very dangerous man. He is a murderer, so—please do not take risks with him.”

“Yes, do be careful with Blair, Samantha. Necromancers are known for their perceptiveness and cruelty both.” Rhyaad nods.

Nikki looks at them, “Please . . . everyone be careful.”

“And the projector itself, if it’s not too much trouble to lug the thing out?” Rhyaad asks.

‘Yes, if you think you can get the projector, do so.” Nikki concurred.

Meili Rainheart stands off to a side, ” . . . mother and father, please watch over me. Walk with me in the shadows, guide my hand . . . I tread the fool’s path for honor and glory, praying that I will not join you in death.” Meili mutters quietly to himself, hands clasped in prayer and reverence. It might have seemed strange to see him of all people praying, but it was traditional to invoke the shadows before a stealthy mission. “Shadow embrace me, hide me from sight, and keep me safe…”

Esther begins to slowly clean and reassemble her shotgun.

Rhyaad looked surprised to see Meili getting religious, and nodded his head to him slightly and said “A’a dome vara lle, mellonamin.”

Samantha adjusts he breasts once more “I swear, this is the last time I “borrow” clothing without trying it on first.

“Lady of the Night, protector of those who walk in the shadows—please keep me safe.” He finished, then looked up at the male who offered him kind words. The blond smiles faintly in return, “Old tradition among thieves. Pagan heathens that we are.” He smirks

Samantha smiles at the mention of Lady of the Night, “I’ll try,” she murmurs to Meili with a wink.

Rhyaad smiles slightly, showing a bit of fang. “There were once 5 elves who pronounced blessings of the shadows, similar to the Drow way.” His grin slowly fading. “Now there’s only one. But good luck, and may the Shadows bless you.”

Samantha looks at Nikki, “So, we ready? To the bar?”

“What? W- Oh, no . . . . It’s a prayer for thieves.” Meili corrects after giving Sam a strange look. “We ask the Lady of Shadows to bless our efforts. It’s tradition, and right now I’m definitely not going to skip out on covering all my bases.”

“If you’re ready for your charming date.” The ‘charming’ part was clearly sarcastic. “Do be careful.”

Meili Rainheart nods, “Yes, best of luck to you, as well.”

Samantha nods and begins to stride seductively toward the door, her ankles very straight in the red stilettos.

“Annar and Elliastree both are ladies of the shadows. Good invocations.” Rhyaad nods to Meili.

Esther glances at the clock on her bedside table to look at the time. She’s got to get up early tomorrow for services.

Nikki reaches into her pocket and takes out her car keys, “Okay, Sam, let’s go.”

Esther says, “Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Ead.”

Samantha holds the door for Nikki, blushing and looking down as the lovely blonde walks past her.

“We should be ready as well,” Rhyaad calls out, “Meili. As soon as she has Blair’s attention on naught but her, it’s our time to move.”

“Off we go, then.” Meili grins again and picks up the cup to carry with them. However, he mutters now something else, just under his breath so the others can not hear, “Rennard . . . please walk with me, too. I’m sorry, but I’ll need your hand.” With that, he was up and heading now for the door, his cup in hand, “Time to put my skills to task.”

Cue Music and Fade to Black