It should have been crisp and autumnal, but instead it was bitterly cold. Most tended to blame it on the Vampyres, their calling of storms in battle without regard to the long term effects of their forcing of nature. It was the day of Halloween and every news broadcast and every scrolling marquee told the world of the march of the Darkling Guard or the Vampire City Troops.

      Claudia watched the small monitor in Michael's parlor where she had gathered those in control of Paris. Several mobiles showed the same basic story from others' points-of-view. Over a million it was now estimated, and all able-bodied and strong; the Darkling marched in formation, from a latitude roughly in line with Paris, southward toward the gathered armies of the EL.

      Russians were nowhere to be seen just now, but it was known that this morning they had been engaged by a large force from the Arab League nations. Spain and Gaul with a token number of Swiss artillery were now grouped in similar formations all across France in a line with its border with Switzerland. These were several million strong, including the group of Swiss, all the Spanish military that could be summoned and every able man and woman of Gaul. Now they were choosing their place to make a stand, over the disputed border of Gaul and France, with the DG proceeding toward then and the VC continuing to harry their eastern flank. Now, the daylight before the midnight hours of Halloween, the monitors showed the true number of American forces launching from their submarines off the coast, another Union loyal army with vast naval support wanting payback for all of the Seventh Army decimated in the Battle of Danube Valley.

      "From this footage they are right outside the city," Michael said. He patted his young leader, Martyr, on the shoulder as he also watched.

      "My people are ready to welcome them," Martyr said with perfect solemness. They had sent word to the outer shelters and gathered as many surviving French as they could within Paris.

      Claudia had been outside earlier, with the Goth who were aiding in distribution of food. Without speeches, but by whispered word of mouth they had found their own millions willing to travel back to the ruins of their capital to see the boy leader or to welcome the Darkling Guard who were to bring supplies with them. They had also sent word, not by widely seen newscast but by short messages over the net to operators in all the populated cities of France that they should spread the word in their area that many armies were coming and all that could not travel to Paris and its suburbs should take what shelter they could.

      They were as prepared as they could be with short notice and failing supplies. Nearby, Joyce picked up her communicator and Claudia knew what she would say. She nodded to her Peacekeeper to let her know the message was not needed. Claudia spoke for her, "They're here," she said. Claudia looked to Martyr, nervous but appearing serene as a Buddha in new black suit.

      "I am ready," he said.

      Claudia nodded. She, Michael and Faye would be with him as long as he needed. Captain St.John had sworn his men to Martyr's protection in Aje's absence. Even Faye had not been able to locate Aje, they had expected he would have shown by now. His men had returned to the city without him.

      Claudia readied to go outside. She swung her red cloak over her shoulders. "You look like Angel when you do that," Rachael said. She was standing just inside the parlor doorway and beside David who sat in a chair looking pained. Of course, Angel was widely known as the tall, blonde female Vampyre who often wore red.

      "How is he?" Claudia asked. David had not been himself since the night before.

      "I can't find anything wrong," Rachael confessed, "And I've studied all that the military knows of Vampyres, apart from being one. I can only suggest it is not physical but more supernatural."

      Claudia looked down at David. He held his head in his hands. "David can you hear me still?" Claudia asked.

      No audible answer but there was a flicker of recognition in the link they shared.

      "Something you are fighting?"

      Slowly his head moved up then down.

      "I can't help can I?" Claudia asked.

      The slow movement of David's head answered no.

      Claudia had already tried reaching into David's mind and Daerick had also. Whatever was bothering him, he had to keep a block up against it, and coincidentally them. Claudia felt bad for David, but she had to look at the positive. Whatever bothered David didn't bother any of the other Vampyres.

      Faye tapped Claudia's shoulder. It was past time for her to go. "Be well, David," she said softly. Michael already had Martyr outside.

      Claudia walked out into the cold air as she had earlier that day, Halloween. They had designated one of the clear streets for travel and now all the French people were standing along the sides of the street...so many landmarks and signs were gone Claudia didn't even know which it had been. The first of the support vehicles belonging to the DG were driving slowly along this road as either side people waved hands or handmade Union flags. All through the crowd these flags were held, field of yellow with the Union sundisk in red composed of ankhs and crosses standing in a circle one inverted opposite the next.

      Those seeing Martyr, or rather a small figure flanked by the black-uniformed Americans, Peacekeepers and Armée de Paris, waved in his direction. Those who had been part of the camp and work details throughout the inner city's ruins knew him well and called his name which was only recently known to those come from the outlying areas. "St. Etienne! St. Etienne," they chanted.

      Martyr waved back to the gathered crowd. He took up a place behind a line of well-worn riot barriers of scarred composite material, with armed soldiers either side of him. Claudia stood just behind with the other advisors. It felt unusual, now, not being the center of attention, after the long wandering in Germany.

      Here, Paris had its own charismatic boy leader and Claudia wholly approved. She longed for John and it wasn't the bloodlust this time. Since marrying Elonwey he had been with her so often; even though it had been Claudia's idea, she missed him. Now, she didn't even see him so much, but for along with a large group as they collapsed into sleep. John was putting himself and all the Goth into service along with the native workers in the latest reinforcing projects below the city.

      All that Claudia understood of the particular work was that those in control had decided based on the advice of now departed American engineers that to rebuild they would have to ensure that the number of underground spaces remained strong enough to prevent collapse which could take new buildings down with them. The solution was to build stone and brick tunnels with sturdy barrel vaults and in large spaces concrete barrels or domes over wire frame anywhere hollows beneath the ground level were weak or left exposed. The techniques were as ancient as the Roman times at least and were the same the original catacombs had been built with.

      Claudia knew from Rachael and others who travelled between she and John that he and the Goth seemed to be enjoying the work, though it was difficult. It was as it had been with the restoration of the ancient observation towers during the Battle of Danube Valley, they were interested in continuing the work of their ancestors, in this case, building lasting structures of stone or concrete, as the many old cathedrals were.

      Now, a representative from the DG arrived with following armed escort. The tall lithe man in medal adorned red coat, long black overcoat, and matching cap stopped just before Martyr and towered over him. "General Pelolobo of the Sixth Army of the Darkling Guard. Our informants tell us there has been a recent bloodless coup within Paris," he paused and shifted his gaze downward to Martyr, his eyes bright green and very much alert, his eyebrows distinctively those of the Wolfbreed in slant and fullness. "Am I addressing Martyr St. Etienne, recent Premir of France?"

      "Yes, General, I am Premir St. Etienne, recently appointed by mandate of my people. Welcome."

      "As communicated to the agents of the Metro Noir and Haven Keeper, we have brought supplies into the city including staple foodstuffs, drinking water, generators, fuel, toolkits, medicines and clothing. Also I have a packet in facsimile form of letters to you from Alexandria, from your High Lord, as well as Union Cabinet of Ministers, and Monsieur DeParis who asks you allow him to be your Ambassador in Alexandria and put your trust in him."

      "I thank you, General Pelolobo," Martyr said as Michael leaned forward to his ear and explained in whisper audible to Claudia that Louis DeParis was a good man who should be trusted. Martyr responded to Michael with a nod. "General, do you require anything of us?" Martyr asked as he took the packet of foil envelopes. "I will look over these communiques fully..."

      "Our information on number of people surviving in Paris and restoration efforts was outdated, Premir St. Etienne, it seems your own people are capable of distributing the donated supplies?"

      Martyr nodded slowly. "Yes," Faye whispered to him.

      "Yes, we can distribute the supplies, I thank you and all the Sixth Army. You may drop your cargo along the east side of this road. My men will take care of it." Martyr made a flourish with his right hand that was signal to the Armée de Paris. Behind, Captain St. John, called the order to his men further behind.

      Quickly, soldiers of the Armée de Paris made a line at the side of the street in front of the people. With more complicated hand signs General Pelolobo had his troops begin the unloading of large crates marked in several languages each.

      "Excuse me, General, are you one of the Royal family?" Claudia asked.

      His green eyes looked into her sharply, his expression alike to disdain. Claudia felt the tribal Wolfbreed saw no reason to share such information with outsiders. Then he smiled. The Wolven General parted his lips and spoke softly, "Our scent was so faint about you, Lady, forgive me, we had not heard our wayward Princeling had chosen to turn a human."

      Claudia felt herself smile. They knew her as David's by scent, knew him as Prince of some sort and knew he was also a Vampyre.

      "Our David was raised by Sandrunners, and though we must respect their more ancient tribe they know little of our later history and his education was quite neglected. No, I am no more in line to lead that David who is my distant cousin. We are all Pelolobo, Lady, but as Baobhan Ravenstar Pelolobo is longer lived than any of us by her father's blood she will always be Matriarch just as David may always be a Prince, but Raven decided to seek other experiences in life long ago and our leaders now are only Regents of our Matriarch. Drusille Auguste Pelolobo is Regent now and my grandmother, but of course my mother or sister would be chosen, always a female unless there in none of suitable relation, always from the blessed Shmi to the Matriarchs of all our tribes."

      "So unless Raven or Thierry ever have a daughter there will always be the Regents of the Auguste Pelolobo line."

      "If there were such a daughter, Raven might abdicate in favor and we would have new Matriarch, but unless she wed a full Wolfbreed husband there would be scandal. We care for those partly our blood Lady, but we could not expect one who does not change form to be a good Leader. And Thierry is already a generation removed, son of the Matriarch though he is."

      "Thank you General. David is here actually and not well, perhaps you or one of your people could look to him?" Claudia asked, "Our doctor knows much of Human and Vampyre but David is more than those two things."

      "I would like to look in on him for just a moment, we have never met, but if he is unwell I can suggest now the party to ask for help." He seemed quite sure and without needing asking he continued, "the Sidhe, Lady. The Ravenstars are all Sidhe as well as Pelolobo Wolfbreed, and if one of your doctors cannot find the problem, it is likely nothing to do with being partly Wolfbreed."

      Claudia nodded. "I blame myself for not thinking of that immediately. But our only other Sidhe is Sascha and she is far removed...was raised thinking herself fully Human."

      "Begging your pardon for pointing out the obvious, Lady, but it is Halloween and he is Sidhe, I would not be surprised in the least that they were up to magics of some kind. Still, I would like to look in on him if you direct the way."

      Claudia nodded silently, wondering where she could find Sascha to help her seek Sidhe. "The house back there, the white one, they will let you in," Claudia said pointing to the row of houses a street beyond visible over the row of empty foundations filled in with dirty water and small remainders of uncleared debris.

                      †               †               †

      Erik walked with Claudia back through Paris to the tower they stayed in. Erik and Jayne affirmed what Claudia had begun to fear, that Sascha was unwell herself. And this confirmed that the Sidhe were somehow responsible. There was no other known connection between David and Sascha. They went into the lower levels where the tower's parking garage was located. Here the trailers and other vehicles of the Goth were being stored. Jayne and Erik both thought Sascha might have gone to her RV, after they had seen her run out of the tower room.

      Erik opened the door to the grafitti covered RV, the door found unlocked. It was dark inside, the engine and generator both shut off. Claudia could see fine however, despite the lack of light. "She has been here," Claudia said quietly to Erik where he stood holding the back of the driver seat. Clauida went to the sofa Sascha had slept on. There was at least one outfit's worth of strew clothing and something beneath. Claudia pulled the object and found it weighted more than she expected; it was Sascha's frame.

      "Erik, isn't Sascha completely paralyzed without her frame?" Claudia asked as she lifted the device. Close examination of the object now it was free of any body showed the device was constructed of light stainless steel alloy with high polish — which was probably an optional finish, most people wearing frames wanted them with coat of latex matched to their skintones — and toward the inside had dots which were clusters of micro conductors, one male many pinned connector was made to attach the implant Sascha hid beneath her hair, besides that the frame was built in short segements that allowed a good range of movement and was so thin Claudia thought carbon nanotechnology was employed internally.

      "She left her frame?" Erik asked. Obviously she had if Claudia was asking, but Erik was only expressing shock, there was no need for Claudia to be sharp. He needed as much support as she did. "I'm sorry I — Melitta knew her longest, would know better, but so far as I know Sascha is not entirely paralyzed, only incredibly weak. The frame actually makes her stronger than a human her size, but never faster. She's told us that when she wears it she is always aware of it's use, that a layer of consciousness is used in moving through it."

      "I understand, she's trained enough that operation is second nature but the wearing takes some amount of concentration above what it would for you or I to walk. No wonder she can not process as quickly...or move as quickly...impressive then what she does."

      "Actually when she is among friends she will remove it to work at her mobile," Erik said, "Did she leave that?"

      "Yes, it's here," seeing the machine on the table. "Unused in some time." Then Sascha had purposely removed the frame and then left. Claudia folded the frame, it crumpled into a small ball of metal quite easily, and she put it in her own bag. Claudia surprised Erik by touching him as she came into the dimness of the garage.

      "Where would she go?" Erik asked, only meaning to think aloud.

      "Wherever David is fighting going off to," Claudia said, "The Sidhe have summoned and, from David's behavior, I would say it takes enormous strength of will and maybe a high tolerance for pain to resist."

      "Why would they call Sascha, really, Claudia? She lives with us, Humans."

      Claudia thought it the wrong time to point out she was no longer Human or that living in Berlin Sascha had lived with many races. "Logic seems to point to a sort of mass summoning by magic. None of the Sidhe would mean to hurt David nor Sascha, therefore they must send a general summons to all meant to compel them to meet. So long as Sascha resisted she would have been in pain, I see that now. She is not to blame."

      "Can't we look for her?" Erik asked, "She never leaves without her frame, she could be hurt."

      They came into the afternoon light such as it was through clouds and smog. Claudia tried again to reach for Sascha, found nothing. "I can't locate her with my telepathy," Claudia said. "The strongest telepath I know of happens to be here in Paris, it's Faye. If I ask her to find Sascha and she is unable then we have no real hope of finding her, Erik. We will have to trust the Sidhe will care for her. They made my hair grow back overnight, maybe they can help her to move about with their magics."

      Erik nodded. What he didn't vocalize was his selfish fear that Sascha would want to stay among the Sidhe. Claudia felt the same selfish want for their friend to be with them. "If you can find your way safely I can get to Faye more quickly alone," Claudia said.

      "Yes," Erik said, "I'll go back and tell Jayne what we know."

      Claudia nodded. When she knew Erik saw her gesture Claudia ran at her full speed, covered the ground with such speed that most obstacles were sailed over without anything but the ball of her foot occasionaly touching the ground to launch herself back into air. Faye was no longer where Claudia had left. Claudia reached for Faye in her mind. They were in the house again. Claudia noted her surroundings and path before moving. The Armée de Paris and large number of workers were already distributing supplies. The DG troops were having a meal in clusters around their support vehicles. No one blocked Claudia's path.

      Seconds, and she was inside the house. These rooms and hall were the same in shape as those in Michael's virtual house, only these were less expensively decorated. Everyone might own a mansion in the virtual world, here it was not so.

      Upstairs, David still sat in the same chair. Faye was here, in the parlor, with Estasi now. General Pelolobo was there, but as Claudia approached she knew from his words that he was already taking his leave. He looked up as he saw Claudia, perhaps smelled was more accurate, Vampyres did not have an inherent odor but he could easily have picked out her soaps Claudia realized. "Well, Lady, I will get to say goodbye's to you afterall. I was correct in that the Prince's problem is not of Wolfnature, thought there's a surprising amount of it in him, must come from the Sidhe in his ancestry being so dominant over his Mother's line."

      Claudia nodded, "I do believe Mary Pictfirth was a genetic witch and perhaps partly Sidhe, It seemed to fit after the fact, knowing other things about David as I do."

      Now the General nodded. "Pictfirth, I had never been familiar with the mother. That does make sense then, surpresses the Human in them, when one is only have Wolbreed or less that is. In any case, I can't help him. But as I said, I can sense a lot of our people in him. He has the eyes."

      Claudia smiled. The General showed fondness in his manner. For all the time it seemed Claudia had known David and had known of Wolfbreed, this man had educated her the most. "David spoke of his childhood after we first met," Claudia said, "He was raised in the Haven kept by Orchid but the tribes of Sandrunners and Lightfoots had a lot of influence over him. He told me he almost married Eleni Sandrunner, but she married the son of the Lightfoot Matriarch and united those two tribes and is still their Matriarch."

      "It was the better move politically," General Pelolobo agreed. "Those are ancient Tribes but as the Pelolobo are already from Eleanor's time the royal family to the Vulkodlak and the tribes of Europe split from the others long ago it would have been bad for our Prince to make a Sandrunner Matriarch by his marriage. Better her family arranged it otherwise."

      It had not occurred to Claudia that Eleni and Ibrahaim's marriage was arranged, she had assumed the lithe and stern beauty that was Eleni had fallen in love with the rotund and elder Ibrahaim because he was so generous and tolerant in nature. It could be that it was the general who was biased and thought the marriage arranged, but then again Claudia would certainly want David if she was to choose between him and Ibrahaim. It was probably more likely that David became more deeply seduced by Orchid and the idea of becoming a Vampyre and Eleni, denied him, chose to settle down in a marriage that would benefit her people with the man she cared for much but desired less. That was probably it.

      "General Pelolobo, my tribeswoman Sascha who is Sidhe also is gone. I suspect it is a summoning spell of some kind. Are any of your troops Sidhe? Do you know anything?"

      He shook his head. "We did see many of the Sidhe while preparing in England, they covered our presence there and organized much of the operation, but they were not among the troops that marched, not a single one. But now you present facts as you do, I suspect they were all the while making plans of their own. I wish I could help David, or your friends. The problem is you're talking about Faerie magics and, honestly, David himself was probably your most powerful mage. The Sidhe are an exclusive tribe, Half Angels in general are rarely so powerful. My people have always kept our distance, and when faced with a situation where we share members with their tribe we respect their authority. No one but Humans are ever fool enough to mess with the Sidhe, Lady."

      "I know...I know," Claudia said. She meant this, and yet she did not like the fact that they could control those she cared about so easily.

      "I really must go," General Pelolobo said to her. He stood before her and took both her hands, "Maximus Auguste Pelolobo, it was a pleasure to meet you Lady, Claudia. I wish you and your maker well." He kissed her face once, on the cheek and then again on the other. "And the child, regardless of nature, may Gabriel bless it well."

      "Gabriel," Claudia sighed.

      "The Hand of God, creator of the very first of my kind, our patron among Angels, Lady, I ask her blessing on your child."

      Claudia smiled, "I believe he has that, General, but I thank you for the wishing. Be well yourself."

      The tall man made a bow and then left. Claudia looked to David. He seemed bent over with pain. "Faye," Claudia called.

      "I cannot find her. But I sense something, it's cloaked, but something is coming nearer," Faye said.

      "You listened in on my thoughts," Claudia stated plainly.

      "I do. I keep track of things, Claudia, it is how I survive and how I lead others. I keep informed."

      "I can respect the power of knowledge and its use," Claudia admitted, "But David is beyond our help then." Claudia wet up to David, stroked his cheek. His skin burned. "You fed him?"

      "Estasi did, his color was off."

      Claudia nodded. She wondered if lack of blood would have helped him in resisting or not. "David," she whispered, "If it hurts, go to them. It is the Sidhe, surely your father is there, and your Grandmother, perhaps Morpheus. Go if it hurts to stay."

      His voice was very small but David did speak. Claudia bent close to listen and David put his hands on each of hr shoulders. "I cannot go unless I know they mean well. I feel they are angry, very angry, but it is all very vague, they want me to come, but they don't tell me their plan."

      "I think Sascha went to them," Claudia said.

      "I tried to hold her," David croaked, "I couldn't shield us both for long."

      Claudia nodded, "It's all right. I understand. Do what you feel is best." She bent and Kissed David's forehead. A growl came from him suddenly and before Claudia sensed the shift of weight she was lying on the floor with David biting down on the side of her neck.

      Claudia gasped and she heard Faye and Estasi calling, asking if it was something they should stop. He hadn't broken skin, not yet. Rather David had only pinched her flesh and then sucked forcefully at her mouth. Claudia felt weak. She loved David, and also she knew David would not do this, never be so forceful, at least when she hadn't secretly told him to. So, he wasn't himself.

      Claudia touched his mind and then recoiled. He was anger. It had to be that the Sidhe were weakening him, forcing David to feel and tap into his own anger so that he would join them. Revoloted by the emotion; Claudia had sensed it all. He was so angry that Claudia thought somewhere in her mind that John had been a better lover just because he was Human, and at the same time quite angry that Julien had not given him the blood and turned him when David asked. Angry at Julien for so many little things, for causing David to want him and then making it clear to David that Morpheus was desired more than him. He was angry at his father for not seeking him out after his mother stole him away. He was angry at his mother for using his nature to get things for herself. Claudia felt the tears come up.

      She had to push the words from her, "Faye, restrain him!" again Claudia gasped. David no longer touched her but the memory of his anger lingered in her mind. Claudia had known pain and anger much like that, she had forced it down, made herself untouchable, and ever since that time had seemed unemotional. She said John helped her, said he made her feel, which was true, but sometimes she felt herself revert, push down the emotions rather than deal with what seemed too horrible. "I am so angry you turned me while I was pregnant David!" Claudia screamed.

      She looked across the room at him. David was sitting on the floor, Estasi struggling to hold him while Faye brought sturdier restraints. David screamed back, using surprisingly vulgar language to make a point of how there was no accounting for taste if Claudia really believed John was a better lover than he was, heatedly threw in some comments about how she had responded when she had been with him and how many other lovers he had.

      "Stop it!" Claudia cried. Faye was binding David with rope. Claudia saw her tying many knots. She had to, simple knots were as easy to undo with telepathy as locks. One needed an intricate random mass of knotwork to hold a Vampyre, even then it was often unreliable. Faye seemed to know this, to suspect David was among the more powerful Vampyres despite his age. She wasn't fool enough to underestimate him. She covered the rope in duct tape.

      Claudia looked at David, he was glaring back at her, tears of red pooling in his green eyes. "I didn't mean it like that, it was personal, you didn't have to take it from my mind. I can't help what I believe, David, I can't," Claudia said, was on the verge of repressing this as well. "It was just different with another human."

      "I know the difference, I just don't think of it near you out of respect. I had all manner of lovers when I was Human, I was hideously debauched and faithful to no one, and after I became a Vampyre, I had a whole lot more over two centuries. So, I can say from experience, that I was the perfect lover to you, Claudia! Not only was I exceptionally faithful, for a change, and not without opportunity to stray, but I knew the pleasure you felt, as I knew your thoughts. I did all that for you!"

      Claudia shook her head. "You gave pleasure to me, David, you did, but what was I able to do for you? I know what I could do for John. I made him happier. I did that, made him happy."

      David's laughter was cruel and he broke the bond around his right forearm right through, "Don't you think that! You had no means of quantifying my feelings for you! You can't know how you made me feel. Clearly you don't, if you think you had better with John. And I know how you were with him, it sickens me, but I know it all! I let you be with him, Claudia, whatever you had with him was also my gift!"

      Claudia covered her ears but the rampage continued in her mind. "No, David, it's not you saying that. Stop it! I love you both. Stop hurting me like this!"

      Intelligible scream from David, he bowed his head, then smacked the back of his hand against the wall. "Faye," he whispered hoarsely, "Tie me again, help me, please."

      "Claudia, if you put distance between you, I can hold him by my power, I'll be stronger than he is. Estasi can back me up. I don't think I can control him if you stay, it fuels his passion."

      "Passion," Claudia said to herself. They both had such passion, she often had none. "Maybe, David it was only a theory..."

      "Go!" he growled at her, again seeming to be in pain rather than just angry at everyone. He was fighting them, the Sidhe, but not without lapses.

      Claudia didn't speak another word. She ran from the house as fast as she could. It was growing darker and was bitterly cold now. The workers would stop work for the night, she thought. Perhaps they would celebrate now there was more food and some building was being done. But first, it was time for speeches.

      Michael and Martyr were at Notre Dame where a crowd had gathered again, although John had put a stop to the sleeping and eating within the house of God. Claudia did not fully understand the religion behind the decision but could only assume it had to do with respect for God's house despite the belief by others that sanctuary included a place to stay the night or cook supper.

      "It's time?" Claudia asked as she came upon them. She noticed some Goth among the crowd and supposed work had been called short even earlier.

      Michael made a nod. "Your Gerhard is going to set up the remote link for live transmission via his network, he says you are familiar with the arrangement."

      "We own much to all the people of Regensburg and Gerhard with all the network based there has presented our story to the world without undue bias in any one direction I believe. They deserve the money earned from selling rebroadcast rights and file footage."

      "We will trust them, not that any of our local newspersons seem to have survived or retained equipment," Michael said. "Claudia, I ask you to make a speech. We have rallied many already, but I still agree you can help rally more. Invite them back. Finish by giving them the reason that we are rebuilding and have a new leader. You can introduce Martyr that way."

      Claudia smiled tightly. "I'll be right back, I need to ask something of Gerhard."

      "Whatever you need, Lady Claudia," Martyr said agreeably and with authority. She was pleased with him.

      Claudia found Gerhard setting up a short distance from the cathedral, Peacekeepers controlling the crowd immediately about his Van. "You've been crying," he said as soon as he saw her, "that won't do."

      "Yes, it's partly why I've come. With respect for your need to be somewhat objective and to report the truth as you see it I would appreciate it, personally, if you could decide not to try to show that I am either pregnant or a Vampyre. If it isn't rumour I'd rather it not start and if it is rumour I'd rather some doubted a while longer. It would be a horrible way for my family to learn of either change."

      "You could use some powder," Gerhard said, "and I'll fetch a cloth to clean your face." He called to his assistant who then opened a make-up case within the van. Gerhard took out a small packet and tearing it open removed a dampened cloth. Claudia took it gratefully and used the cleansing cloth on her face, saw the dust of the city air and the blood come away on the cloth. Her face tingled slightly.

      Gerhard's assistant powdered down Claudia's face for her. "Don't worry," Gerhard said, "I am a journalist, a good one, but I have followed you and our Leader for more reasons than that."

      "Thank you," Claudia said.

      "But when it is the time?" Gerhard prompted.

      "I'll tell you everything on the record." Claudia left with a small bow. She straightened her crown and smoothed her clothing as she went. The camera was set up atop the van now and Gerhard was calling instructions to the operator. Claudia took up a place beside Martyr.

      "Ready?" Michael asked. He offered a microphone as he spoke in whisper.

      Claudia gave a nod as from her other side John approached at a jog. He stopped just beside her then kissed her face. Turning Claudia smiled. She was glad to have him with her again, so often she had been at his speeches. Claudia gave a nod to the camera as she took the microphone in hand to better know it's distance as she looked out above. The crowd before them was immense, filled the Ile De Cite.

      "I am here tonight to speak to the people of Paris whether they be here, in Paris, or have taken shelter elsewhere. I came into the city of Paris with the Goth on a mission of compassion, to aide those hurt by the ongoing war and the terrible riots that long plagued this city. What we have found is a ruined city at first glance, many of the monuments are gone or destroyed. There is no transport available but limited road access. Until today, there was little food and the survivors were sleeping in shelters rather than homes. But, what I did not expect, and was pleased to find were a number of Parisians still surviving here. With a number of groups which have supplied aid, namely the Union loyal Armée de Paris, the Ambassador of the Paris Haven, volunteer organizations, the American Army Engineer Corps and the American Army special Sacred Battalion, a combined multi-dominational religious council, and most recently a delegation from neighboing Goth including myself, once native to Paris, the surviving Parisians have worked hard in difficult circumstance to clear the painful debris of memory and tangible rubble of fallen monuments and to reinforce structures that partially survived the Day of Bombs and other conflicts. Today, construction started on the lower layers of restoration. In this time of new hope, I invite all other former Parisians to return. There is now shelter and saftey. Help us to restore Paris, to build anew. Chose the form Paris will become and see it realized. I encourage all citizens of France sheltering elsewhere to travel to Paris and join us. For we now have a very real future here. Paris, and all of France, has a new Leader. I introduce to you the newly appointed Premir of France."

      Claudia stepped aside, feeling John take her near hand. Martyr was stepping up to the microphone. He lowered it without word. Then he smiled. The crowd cheered. "I am Martyr St. Etienne Premir of France, recently appointed by mandate of my people. I am young, but I will be your hope and future. I will see that Paris is restored to equal glory and cultural importance. Return to us with your individual skills and be part of the rebirth of France as a nation. Already in my short time as Premir, I have had contact with Alexandria. Our High Lord has promised more aid. Our ally, Goth, has promised continued aid such as we need. I hope that other countries will give what they are able. We are in need. I have hope, but I have the intelligence to know there is much more work to be done. One of our first tasks will be to erect a memorial to all the people who died in the riots and battles within France. We have mourned them here and in their memory will rebuild Paris. Those of you here with me, we have known each other through this horrible time. I thank you for your support and hard work. Your struggle does not go unnoticed. Those of you elsewhere, we know that war has given you few choices, but now, please return, rebuild with us. I have nothing more to say but to draw your attention to the action in front of Notre Dame Cathedral which, along with many places of worship, was miraculously spared. You see here the precious artworks being returned to the City. Before the declaration of war, these masterpieces were taken to another location for safekeeping. Now, they are being placed in Notre Dame for all to enjoy. I hope that the Louvre, which was destroyed, will be rebuilt and we can return these artworks there. Goodnight."

      Martyr took a step back. The camera was trained on the slow procession of art into the cathedral. All the priceless treasures had been wrapped and crated, but, for show, a few pieces were bared to show the world they really had survived.

      "A good speech, Martyr," John whispered behind Claudia's back.

      The boy smiled and turned to look up at John. "As good as yours?"

      "As heartfelt and sincere at least. I can't be judge."

      Martyr tipped his head to show he agreed after a fashion. John had made a statement of judgement. "John, let's be allies, Goth and France."

      "I would like that," John said thoughtfully.

      "I mean it. I like you. I wouldn't be here if not for you, for hearing your speeches and meeting Claudia through you. You and your Goth have worked alongside us. I would join Goth if I felt it was the right time."

      "Oh, I believe you," John said lightly, "France would be a welcome ally as much as a state. I'm sure Claudia is wanting to point out that although we chose the name Goth we are for all the ancient tribes people. Franks are included. All the tribes. The whole is enhanced by all additional people."

      "Quite," Claudia agreed. "Martyr, I have to warn you of something, only I'm not sure what it is. The Sidhe are up to something. They are moving closer. My friend Sascha ran off because of their summoning spell and David is restrained by his own wish to keep from joining them. I do not know their intent."

      Martyr nodded. "Fee," he said, it was the common French term for Faerie, "You suspect ill intent?"

      "David was able to speak of anger. He could not be more specific. Lady Faye tells me they are moving closer, that is all she knows. It's only a warning, a suspicion."

      Martyr bent his head in thought. "I must tell the Army to be prepared...but I think in dealing with Faerie one can't show fear or aggression in meeting. I'm sure that would be bad. So weapons will be holstered or otherwise on safety. I'm afraid little else will help if they are upset by us. In legends they have weakness to Iron, I don't know why, but I'm sure show of iron would disturb them."

      "I can't think of a better order to give," John confessed. "what I do suggest is everyone retiring to their leisure or rest. It is no good working to the point if collapse if there is never a bit of leisure."

      "Celebration is good for morale," Claudia agreed, "And overworking reduces the next day's productivity."

      "Spend some time leisurely with me?" John asked.

      Claudia smiled. "Romance of the city getting to you?" Claudia laughed.

      John looked down at Martyr and asked to be excused. Turning again to Claudia John said, "Just the company."

      Claudia felt her lower lip press against her fangs as she smiled wide. He could be charming when it wasn't the same old ineffable charisma and saintliness.