Subj: Quentin's Thoughts and Barnabas' Demise IV..
Date: 5/17/99 10:18:06 AM Central Daylight Time
From: Mysterious Millicent
Quentin's Thoughts and Barnabas' Demise IV
Grounds outside Collinwood.....
The stranger looked at her for a few minutes, and then he replied, "My name is Aristede."
Beth stared at him, trying to figure out who he was.. He was an extremely handsome man, of gypsy origin in appearance. His skin was of an olive tone and his brown eyes contained a twinkle that betrayed his emotions. She wasn't sure that he could be trusted and she didn't like the idea of a man apparently stalking her. Besides, she needed to get to the house quickly. She glanced over at the horizon and the full moon had just passed above the ground and was now in full sight! Too Late! It was now too late!
She looked at stranger before her and again repeated in disgust, "What do you want?"
Aristede broke into a mocked smile and said, "Aw, now is that anyway to greet a friend?"
"Friend?" Beth almost shrieked the words. "How can you call yourself a friend, when I don't know you and you have been following me?" She began to walk away from him when he suddenly grabbed her arm.
"You need me, Beth Chavez! You have placed yourself in grave danger." Aristede said as he watched her reaction.
Beth startled, looked at Aristede trying to find out what it was that he really wanted. She tried to remain calm, and straightening up to her full height she spoke. But the voice that came out was full of fear and anxiety. "How do you know my name?"
"I've been watching you for sometime. I know that you work for the Collins Family and I also know that you have a small problem. Someone who you are trying to protect."
Beth turned away from Aristede and said, "I don't know what you are talking about."
Aristede smiled impishly and said, "I think you know perfectly well what I am talking about." And then, walking around her he pointed to the moon rising in the sky. "The moon is truly beautiful when it is full," turning back to look at Beth he continued, "and it holds such powers and secrets don't you think?"
Beth took in a quick breath. {who is this Aristede? can he know of the curse? I am going to have to be very careful around him.} "I have work to do. I must go." And she continued walking......
A room at the Inn in Collinsport.......
Through the mirror the old woman watched the scene
being played out by Aristede and Beth. Her eyebrows tensed in a frown and her
mouth pursed
Her eyes flared with anger and her breath was short and forced. She gripped
the medallion around her neck and said, "Interference again. I will not tolerate
this! Aristede you will pay!" She waved her hand and the mirror changed to show
her own reflection. Turning around she grabbed her cloak, old and worn and taking
a silver pentagram from her bag she started towards the door. She stopped once
to look back at the mirror and then said, "I should have known I would never
be rid of you Petofi!" And with that she left the room.
The grounds outside Collinwood......
"I think it best if you listen to be Miss Chavez. For I do know of your problem. And it is far worse than you think." Aristede said as Beth started walking.
Beth continued to walk and said over her shoulder, "I don't care what you think, or who you are. I have work to do. Goodbye."
Suddenly, from out of nowhere there came a low growling,
like that of a wolf. Beth looked around in alarm for she knew that sound quite
well. She could also see Aristede alert, and looking about as well. The growl
continued and was getting closer. Beth backed up a bit towards some trees and
out of nowhere the beast suddenly landed in front of her. The beast walked upright
like a man but had the appearance of an animal. The eyes glowed red and the
mouth gleamed with white fangs protruding from both above the lower lip and
below the upper lip. Beth screamed. The beast lunged towards her, when a very
bright, shinny object came between them. The beast glared at it for a few seconds
and then began to cower in fear. The sword glistened in the moonlight and swung
around to face the beast.
Growling in both fear and disgust the beast looked at the sword and then as
quickly as it had appeared, it disappeared into the night.
Aristede stood poised for a few more minutes, then lowering the sword went over to Beth. She stared at him and the sword. "What did you do? Why did the beast not attack?"
Aristede smiled and said, "This sword is of pure silver. One material that is fatal to a werewolf." And making sure that Beth was alright he replaced the sword in its sheath and said, "I told you that you were in grave danger, and that you need help."
Beth slumped against the tree in defeat. Aristede was right, she did need help. But how did she know if she could trust him. And did he know of the identity of the beast?
Aristede walked over to Beth and grabbed her arm. "Come, I will see you home." And they began to walk towards Collinwood.