Subj: The Diary Of Victor North Pt.12
Date: 6/12/99 11:04:29 AM Central Daylight Time
From: marcos1

Julia sat at the table. “What is the name of this world?”

Sam Evan nearly fell out of his chair. “Whatever do you mean? Am I to believe that your preposterous story is true...that you aren't from here? That you are from another world.”

“Caledonia is the name of this world,” the Doctor replied, his purple eyes shining. He picked up a book from the bookcase. It was titled, The History Of Caledonia, by Professor Ben Stokes. The volume was thick with pages of gold, a royal crest was on the cover. The crest was of crossed swords, surrounding the name North.

Maggie was in the back room. She couldn't keep her eyes off the unexpected guest. He was so handsome, dark features, naked covered only with a blanket. He slept.

~~~

Morgan le Fay was worried. Her plans might fail. She looked into the clear waters of the stream, the waters changed their hue, becoming blood red. The future didn't look bright for Caledonia. Her rival, Angelique, was gaining in support and power.

“I'm home,” Willie Loomis said, landing the giant white raven in a clearing near the stream. LaCroix and Vicki climbed down onto the soft grass. “Did ya miss me?” He leaned forward and kissed her.

“I'm just glad that you are back,” Morgaine sighed. “I see that you have brought visitors. Do they seek to follow the path?” She brushed back her long blonde ringlets.

“I cannot believe this,” LaCroix exclaimed, “I've heard of this place...but I thought it was just a legend.”

“What is going on?” Vicki Winters asked. “I don't understand.” She looked out at the surrounding mountains. They were at a very high altitude. The white clouds seemed so close, that they could be touched. Everything was so beautiful.

“This is the fountainhead of all magic,” LaCroix replied, “the mountain called Collinwood.”

“Oh,” Vicki said. “How very interesting!”

Later that evening, they sat in a large cave. The walls were adorned with paintings of myth and legend. The air was cool and soothing, with a delicate smell of wild flowers. LaCroix and his daughter sat on a rug weave from a substance that was composed of a mixture, of fine cloth and white light.

“I knew you guys,” Willie said, “would like it here. My lady always welcomes guests.” He paced back and forth. “She kinda has a surprise for you, both. I just hope that you like it.”

Morgaine walked from the dark part of the cave. She carried in her hands, two crystal glasses, filled with a golden liquid. Tiny rays of light seemed to shine from the drink, each ray shaped like a small star, filling the air like tiny fireflies. “I have this gift for you,” she said. “But it takes great courage to drink it. I will understand, if you refuse, and will not be offended.”

“Ambrosia,” LaCroix said, “it is the gift of immortal life. But with it comes a price. Each person must assume his true nature.”

“You understand,” Willie said, “that's good. Ya don't have to drink it, if you don't want. It's how I became an artist. I guess the artist was always inside of me...kinda hiding, but the drink brought it out.”

“The price can be terrible, LaCroix,” Morgaine said. “In every person, there is great light, but also darkness.” She lay the two drinks on pallet made from granite rock. “Willie and I will leave. And then you can both make the choice.” They walked back into the dark corner of the cave. The sound of their footsteps fading.

Lucien looked at Vicki. His heart was full of both fear and hope. What effect would drinking this potion bring? Should he dare drink it? His attention was distracted for but a second and he looked over in horror as he saw Vicki moving over to the pallet. “No, Victoria...wait!” But it was too late. She had already downed the golden fluid.

The change wasn't immediately apparent. But then something terrible happened. Vicki began to shrink in form. Her clothing fell to the floor. She had turned into a pig. LaCroix heard the sound of laughter in the background. “Drink your drink, LaCroix,” Morgaine said, “that is the only way that you can help your daughter.” Her delight at the situation was apparent. She was in truth, an evil creature.

LaCroix felt a feeling of helplessness. He had never suspected black magic. As the advisor to Victor North, he had prided himself on his ability to read both potential friends and adversaries. Willie had seemed like such a nice guy. How could he be the lover of this evil high Priestess? LaCroix held the drink in his hands. He slowly raised the drink to his lips. He drank. Suddenly, the world exploded with color. He had never before imagined that there could be so many different shades of darkness. Tears ran from his eyes, as he gazed upon the night, through the mouth of the cave. It was so beautiful! He felt a power running through him. The darkness called to him. It called his name, LaCroix.

“You are the one,” Morgaine said. “The one that can defeat Angelique.”

“Perhaps,” LaCroix said, softly, “but what am I?”

“You are a vampire,” Willie said, walking from the darkness of the cave. “But not just any vampire, kiddy...but a philosopher vampire, that is the source of all vampires everywhere.”

“Most vampires, merely exist,” Morgaine added. “Cause, they don't understand the reason for the darkness. You understand it. It envelops you, with its beauty and power.”

“But what of Victoria?” LaCroix asked, watching her roll around in a puddle of mud. She was still a pig.

“Help us,” Willie laughed, “and we will change her back. Deny us and we will have her for dinner.” He grinned. “I love pork.”

Vicki rubbed her snout against LaCroix’s leg.

To be continued—