Subj: Petofi's Maze pt 5
Date: 1/27/99 5:56:28 PM Central Standard Time
From: miranda

Chapter Five

Nicholas Blair stood in a graveyard in the cold winter night. The crisp air was a welcome contrast to the biting flames of the underworld from which he has left moments earlier. He could still catch the faint smell of sulfur on his finely tailored gray suit. The frozen ground crackled under Nicholas feet as he moved through the graveyard. Slowly, a broad smile formed on his face as he stopped in front of a tombstone. "Thomas Jennings" was the name engraved in the hard marble.

Tom Jennings would be the first pawn in this new scheme. Nicholas had been granted another chance to return to the earth and orchestrate a plan of the devil's making. He was to choose four of any mortals living on earth or residing in the depths of hell to transform into vampires. Not just any vampires mind you. The supernatural abilities possessed by a typical vampire would pale in comparison to the talents Nicholas planned to imbue to his creations.

Four vampires would be chosen to master abilities according to one of the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. When the four came together they would be a powerful force indeed. They would become the devil's own special outfit designed to wreak havoc on his enemies. Although this task was of lesser importance than his previous assignment
to create an evil super race that would repopulate the world, Nicholas hoped after he successfully completed this assignment he would be once again held in high esteem by the master of darkness.

Nicholas cast his gaze down at the grave and began his incantation, "Spirits of darkness, hear my call. I command you to bring forth the vampire body and spirit of Tom Jennings. Return him to this world where he will do the master's bidding."

A spectral figure appeared in front of Nicholas. Dark and shadowy at first, the form began to gain substance. Tom Jennings materialized on his very own grave. His eyes burned with the hell-fire that was the only home he knew in the afterlife.

"Kneel before your master," Nicholas demanded in an authoritative voice. Tom complied, least Nicholas send him back to his fiery torment. Nicholas began another spell:

"Earth, air, fire, water
One of four
When united complete
Elements of power
Bestowed for the master's use"

"Tom Jennings, I grant you the power of water. You will swim like a fish and make your abode in the sea. You will transform into liquid, ice, and mist as easily as a mortal takes a breath."

Tom's body went through several transformations confirming that Nicholas' incantation has been successful. While retaining the basic shape of a human body, he turned into liquid, ice, and then mist.

Nicholas lifted his face to the night sky and began to laugh, and the legions of hell did join him.