Subj: Quentin's Thoughts and Barnabas' Demise XVIII
Date: 5/29/99 8:30:21 PM Central Daylight Time
From: Mysterious Millicent
Quentin's Thoughts and Barnabas' Demise XVIII
Colllinwood...........
Aristede walked down the hall toward Jamison's bedroom. His thoughts were on Beth and if she was indeed alright. He was not sure that he could trust her with this Tabitha person around. But he must check to make sure that Jamison was alright.
He came to Jamison's door and saw a light on. He knocked and heard a young boy's voice say, "Come in."
Aristede opened the door and saw Jamison standing by the window looking out. "Jamison, what are you doing out of bed?"
"That is rather an odd question, my boy. It is extremely early to be in bed don't you think?" Jamison turned around and looked at his visitor.
Aristede could see that something was totally out of wack here. He did not know Jamison other than he was Edward's eldest child and a very intelligent young boy. Other than that, he knew very little about the child. But there was something in his tone and the way he stood that seemed awfully familiar. Aristede began to shudder.
"What is wrong my dear Aristede? Does my presence here bother you?" the boy replied.
Aristede was a bit hesitant to answer. "Beth asked me to check on you and see if you were alright, and if you don't need anything, I will leave you alone." And he started for the door.
"Oh but I do need something, my dear Aristede!" the boy replied. Walking slowly towards the man and coming more into the light Aristede could see that he wore gloves on his hands, similiar to those worn by Count Petofi. And Aristede froze.
The boy came closer and suddenly grabbed Aristede by the wrist forcing the man down to his knees. "You have failed me, my dear Aristede. You left me and decided to join the competition. Why did you do that?"
Aristede knew of only one person that possessed this kind of power. He began to stammer, " I..I.. was looking for signs that the gypsy Magda has returned and ....."
The grip on his wrist tightened. "Oh my dear Aristede, you can do better than that one. I know what you have done. It would be to your advantage to admit it to me." the boy replied. Then looking down at Aristede he continued. "It is no matter. It really doesn't matter anyway. I have work for you. You will find Beth and bring her to me. Can you do that one simple thing Aristede?"
Aristede felt the grip on his wrist loosen and he was able to stand. He massaged the place where the hand had gripped it and saw the skin starting to bruise already. "Yes, Excellency. I will bring her to you immediately."
As Aristede started towards the door the boy called out after him. "Do not fail me again Aristede, or you will regret it, I promise you."
Aristede nodded and left.
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Room at the Inn in Collinsport.........
Tabitha took the wooden box that contained the Hand and placed it on the dresser. She smiled and thought how easy all of this had been. She now had the power of Petofi, and there was little he could do to stop her now. Soon, Quentin would be under her power and she would be able to destroy Petofi once and for all.
Tabitha walked towards the closet and opened the door. She was reaching for the clothed suitcase inside when she stood up and turned around suddenly. She could sense someone's presence in the room. She called out, "Who is here?"
A voice called out in the darkness, TABITHA RAVNOS. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?
Tabitha peered into the darkness and using all her knowledge of the black arts concentrated very hard. But she could not figure out just exactly whose presence she felt. "Show yourself!"