People clawed at one another and not all the screams were female as the crowd's panic grew. I feared the truth of the primal looking woman with her ghastly countenance. At the same time I knew there were things in Drakesheath much worse than Vampires and Werecreatures. The approaching evil made hades look inviting.

I had spoken the name of one of the m and now looked at Valent's stricken face.

"Father?" she questioned. "What have you done?"

"Sorry to spring it on ya like this, lass but welcome to your initiation." She looked at me dumbfounded as we followed Ward and the Celt female.

Giving Valenta what I hoped was a reassuring hug I whispered, "I'm sorry for the suddeness of all this, my child. I had hoped we would be better prepared." Then I added gruffly, "And where the hell is Charlie!"