Always the Vampire

He frowned and huffed, but answered me.

“Several nymphs came forward to report they had cavorted with Starrack last September. At the time, he hinted to them that he had a big scheme starting. Then he disappeared.”

“A year ago?” Excitement zinged through me, and I grasped Saber’s arm. “Isn’t that close to when Ray said Rico started getting nutso in Miami?”

“I think you’re right. And he threatened Vlad in late February.” Saber turned to Cosmil. “What else did you learn?”

“Nothing from the nymphs, but having an idea when the Void was created enabled us to track its probable life cycle patterns.”

“This thing has a life cycle?” Triton demanded.

“It is a living organism.” Cosmil gave him the disappointed-teacher eye. “To continue, we compared the Void to other documented thought forms created with the same or a similar magical boost.”

“That comparison helped us predict when the Void should next be in transition and, therefore, be at its weakest point,” Lia added.

“Which is when, for pity’s sake?”

“We’ve confirmed it will be during the Greek festival weekend.”

“And the hits just keep on coming,” I groaned.

Lia cocked her head. “What does that mean?”

“Saber talked to a liquor-store guy who said Starrack asked questions about the Greek festival and expressed interest in going.”

“I see. Then perhaps it’s just as well that we’ve estimated the Void will be most vulnerable on Friday the eleventh.”

“When will it be back to speed?” Saber asked.

“It gains full strength the day after the full moon on the fourteenth. That’s when it will transition again.”

“Transition into what?” Triton asked.

“Possibly an unstoppable force, which is why you each must train with renewed diligence. Saber, you made an excellent point about learning what to expect in a fight with Starrack.”

“The problem is,” Lia put in, “that we can only recall a few times Starrack fought head-on against a foe, and that was more than a hundred years ago when the three of us studied together. And since we were the foes, it was not life or death. Starrack may have held back.”

“Understood,” Saber said, “but can you show us what Starrack did then? What he might do?”

“Yes,” Cosmil said, standing tall, “and we will begin now.”

He motioned the guys to follow him, and I would’ve joined them, but Lia took my arm.

“You’re worried for the safety of your friends, yes?”

“Duh, Lia, I’m terrified. I almost told Maggie we needed to change plans, but she’s over forty, getting married for the first and only time. I want every facet of this wedding to be perfect for her and Neil.”

“Cesca, we have warded and spelled homes, neighborhoods, and nearly everyone you regularly see. I truly believe your friends will be safe. Remember, Starrack may not attend the festival.”

“Yeah, but I’m not counting on getting that lucky.”

She looked up at the night sky then at me. “Very well, there is one more level of protection I might invoke.”

“What is it?”

“Would your friends and their guests carry a charmed object to the festival? For instance, a drachma?”

“Greek coinage? Sure, I can invent some reason for them to keep a drachma in their pockets or purses. But I’ll need sixteen of them to cover the bridal party and their spouses and dates. And I’ll need them by Thursday night. The rehearsal is at six, and I need to be with Maggie before that, so I won’t have time to come pick them up.”

“I’ll see to it, but you must stress that the coins must be on their persons. Otherwise, I won’t be able to promise the protection charge will work.”

“Got it.”

“Good. Now, have you attempted to fly since you came into your power on Friday?”

“For heaven’s sake, Lia, flying isn’t exactly a normal neighborhood activity for me.”

“Point taken. Very well, then, call upon your power as you did in the healing and practice. Height and distance. Go.”

“Shouldn’t I be training with the guys?”

“We’ll let Cosmil work with them alone first.”

“But, Lia—”

“Go.”