"Wait here," Balthazar instructed Max and Ursula. They were in a comfortable room decorated with lots of dark maroon and gold, against mahogany wood panelling. It made Ursula think of knights and maidens, and medieval castles. When she was sure that Balthazar had gone, she turned to Max.

"Well, at least we are alive and we appear to be safe. I'm not sure what this place is but I feel as though I want to explore it. I'm not the least bit frightened anymore," she said.

"Yeah same," Max replied. "I dunno, I can't explain it. I feel as though this place will provide answers to my...to our questions. It's magical, but somehow it feels like a haven. It feels...good."

"Well, I would hope so! I'd like to think I'm doing something right. Welcome Max, Ursula." Libuse had come to greet them.

"How do you know our names?" Ursula asked, startled.

"Don't be alarmed. My name is Libuse, I am Tweldor's Domina and also Rosemonde's godmother. She has been made aware of that only recently, but I have been watching over her all her life. I am well aware of who her friends are." She smiled.

"Rosemonde is here?" Max was astounded.

"Yes," Libuse replied, "As is Myrddin." She noticed his expression darken momentarily.

"Is he...okay?" Max asked,

"Much better, still healing." Libuse became serious. "Let me explain a few things to you before you are reunited with your friends." She proceeded to tell them a little about herself and then she explained how both Rosemonde and Myrddin came to be at Tweldor... "And now it seems that you too have been brought to us. When a Guardian calls and you answer that call, it makes you a Luminous Warrior automatically. You don't need my or the Council's appraisal, because you have already been appraised by a greater authority."

"But-but what if we don't want to be Luminous Warriors?" Max asked nervously.

"Choosing to follow all that is good, living in the light, rejecting evil and all its works, makes you a Warrior by default. However, few people are granted immediate access to the citadel of Tweldor." Libuse smiled. "It seems you two have been chosen, but it is entirely up to you. Neither of you has to undergo training if you do not want to, but I am happy to provide it to both of you if you would like it."

"Oh yes!" Ursula cried. "This place is incredible and I...I want to be a part of it." 

Max was hesitant. "The um...people we met outside...what, er...I mean, who-" He blushed, afraid he had inadvertently been offensive. However, Libuse snorted, so he continued, "Sorry, I've...I've never met non humans before."

"It's fine. I have been told by many a candidate over the centuries that it is quite overwhelming to converse with flesh and blood gargoyles."

Gah!" Ursula gasped and tried to cover it up with a cough. "Did she say...centuries?" She whispered to Max.

Libuse laughed out loud this time. "Forgive me, I am not laughing at you, but at humans in general. It never ceases to amuse me how you lot can completely ignore the many races and supernatural beings that share your world." She cleared her throat. "Do you have questions about those you call non humans?"

"The gargoyles, are they Luminous Warriors too? Can they become Councillors?" Max asked.

"Yes, they are Luminous Warriors, and yes, they can be elected to positions on the Council if they accept a nomination; but not many seem interested." Libuse explained. "When we lost Rosemonde's parents, my nomination to replace her father was Mordecai, but he wouldn't accept the nomination. He said that his purpose is to guard. Tweldor's records show that the gargoyles have always guarded the citadel. Make no mistake, though: they are our equals, not our servants, and they are to be treated with the utmost respect."

"Of course!" Max nodded.

"So, um...are you immortal?" Ursula asked shyly.

"My soul is immortal as is yours, but my body can be killed," Libuse replied.

"But-but you were an eighth century Czech queen. That would make you over a thousand years old and yet you look our age! How is that possible?" Ursula exclaimed.

"I have Elven blood," Libuse announced. She tucked a strand of hair behind an ear, revealing its pointed end. "Elves age at a much slower rate than humans," she said, "But I also know how to repair my cells when they become damaged. That is something we can teach you to do too, however genetics and other factors still play a role. I can't promise that you will live to be a thousand."

"Whatever, sign me up! Ursula clapped her hands gleefully and Libuse shook her head in amusement.

"You're such a girly girl." Max laughed.

"Hey, nothing wrong with wanting to look good for longer," Ursula countered. "Besides, if our cells stay healthier for longer, that means we can be fighting demons in our twilight years with the same vigour as a twenty-year-old!" She glanced at Libuse speculatively. "Er, am I right?"

"You are." Libuse smiled.

Max nodded, deep in thought. This was an incredible new world, filled with wonder but also danger. Could they realistically fight demons and other evil creatures who want to bring harm to humanity?

"What are you thinking?" Ursula asked him.

"Well Libuse, you've mentioned that the Councillors include another elf, fairies, and a werewolf, what about vampires? Have there ever been vampires on the Council?" he asked.

"Never. As creatures who drink human blood to survive, they are best avoided. They are not welcome here," Libuse said.

"What about those that only drain animals. Surely there are some good vampires, just as there are some good werewolves?" Ursula asked.

Libuse sighed. "You're thinking the stories you've read are real. Unfortunately, they are not. Humans have always had a fascination with the macabre. Of late there is a trend to make evil appear less so. This is not right. Evil exists and we must be vigilant against it. Ursula you must understand, there is nothing romantic about evil. I have never met a vampire who does not feed on human blood. Animal blood does not sustain them for long. They must have human blood, human DNA. Anything else you might have heard is pure fantasy. Do not be fooled by your current human literary trends. In all the centuries of my existence, I have yet to meet a vampire who was not evil."

"Yet the fairies can be trusted?" Ursula persisted.

"Certainly not!" Libuse acknowledged. "There are two fey courts — the Seelie and the Unseelie. This translates roughly to the 'happy' and the 'unhappy.' That is extremely simplified, I know.

"In general, the Seelie or happy court do not actively seek to harm humans who cross their path. While they are still pranksters, they are willing to help others, and on occasion, will even ask non-fey for help.

"The Unseelie court, on the other hand, is darkly inclined. While I have met and been aided by fey from the Unseelie court, this is probably due to my being part elf rather than part human. They resent humans who they feel have driven them into hiding, and they are more likely to help the demonic realm than us. Those Luminous Warriors who are fey are all from the Seelie court. I am open to allowing Unseelie fey to become Warriors, but it is yet to happen...

"If you do not have any further questions, we should probably move to the council chambers. The hour grows late, and I am sure you want to catch up with your friends before the Councillors meet."

"You are calling a meeting?" Max asked.

"Indeed," Libuse replied. "It is not often that a Guardian brings someone to Tweldor directly. Something momentous must be about to occur. I have a very important question for you both, before I take you to your friends. Have you answered the call? Will you both accept training as Luminous Warriors, and help us to combat whatever threat must be coming?"

Ursula took both of Max's hands in her own before looking into his eyes, imploring. "I think it's the right thing to do," she said.

Max smiled and nodded. He kissed Ursula's hands and then let them go. Turning to face Libuse he said, "Yes Domina, we accept that we have been called, and we will answer that call."

"Thank you," Libuse whispered. She had tears in her eyes. Whatever was coming would be significant.