Subj: Petofi's Maze Chapter 21
Date: 3/14/99 1:04:38 PM Central Standard Time
From: miranda

Chapter 21

The Old House was full of life tonight despite the lateness of the hour. Quentin, Beth, Barnabas, Julia, and Angelique were busy preparing for the following night when Petofi would come for Quentin.

"There, it is just as she requested," Angelique said as she withdrew the boiling concoction that Magda requested out of the fire.

"Thank you, Angelique," Quentin said. He was seated in a chair by the fireplace holding a sword Magda also said she would need. "We couldn't have got this far without you."

"You are more than welcome, Quentin," Angelique replied graciously. She secretly wished in her heart that Barnabas had been the one to say that with such sincerity. For Barnabas had already thanked her, but she knew that he always had a guard around his own heart when speaking to her. How could she blame him? She had done many foolish things in hopes of rekindling his love for her.

"Now that we are ready, I have something to say," Quentin said. Everyone gathered around to listen. "I have been thinking that maybe we should have another plan ready just in case tomorrow night Petofi is the one who is the victor."

Beth didn't want to even think about that possibility. "What do you mean? We found what Petofi was hiding in the maze. Magda will come tomorrow night and finally destroy him."

"But what if she can't?" questioned Quentin. She wasn't strong enough to destroy him before he imprisoned her. How could she grow stronger while being kept in that jar?"

Julia spoke up, "Quentin, I don't know if Magda can truly kill Petofi, but she is the best chance we have. All these years you and Beth found nothing that could hurt him. I think we just have to have faith that what Magda said is true."

"There will be something that can harm him after tomorrow night, if he is successful." Quentin rose from his chair and began to pace. "If Petofi takes over my body then the portrait will make him vulnerable. Someone must destroy it."

"Why don't I give you the opportunity right now?" Everyone turned to the foyer and saw Petofi standing there watching them with a large grin on his face.