I stand frozen for a moment. Then, almost imperceptibly, a growl begins deep in my throat and Slayer slides, almost of his own volition, a few inches from his sheath. My eyes blaze and my chest tightens with my growing anger. I am ready to do battle here and now with this, my most ancient of enemies. I hear gasps and chairs scraping about me, and a low moan from the floor. This, I realize, is neither the time nor the place to face my enemy. I slam Slayer back in his scabbard , then lightly rest my hand on his pommel. I will not be the one to break the hospitality of the lord of this manor, nor will I endanger the innocents sitting at his table. The gleam in the Ancient One's eyes belie his calm. I strive mightily to regain my composure. “My son is doing quite well, Demon. In fact, he and I have just come to an understanding.” Surprise flares in the Dark One's eyes and then is quickly suppressed. “I am glad to hear that,” comes his soft reply. Momentarily, he turns his attention to Amalie and Victor, a smile on his hated lips. “It is a pleasure to meet you again, young miss. And Lord Godwinson, it has been a long time now. How are you doing, sir?” These words, though softly spoken, carry the length of the room easily and all hear his sweet voice. Yes, I realize, the Dark One has not lost his touch. When he desires, his voice can sway even the most hardened of souls and bring doubt to the strongest of beliefs. I see him as he is, dark, menacing, the Lord of Evil. Others will see him in a different light. His magics are as powerful as ever. And his deceipt knows no bounds. “Now, Brother,” he says to me with honeyed tones, “it is good to hear that you have reconciled with your son. Families should stick together. After all, blood is thicker than water, so it is said.” A scowl darkens my face. “Do not call me brother,” my voice is flat, deep, and thick with warning. He disregards my implied threat. He knows he has no need to fear an attack from me. Instead, he laughs lightly. “But brothers we are,” he continues. “Do you forget? She bore you at the dawning and I at the setting of the first day. We are two sides of the same coin, dear brother. “I forget my manners.” He continues. “Please forgive me, Baron. It has been a long time since my brother” I growl loudly “last met. You know how it is when you've been away from family for a long time. There is so much to catch up on.” He pauses, taking a sip of the wine in front of him. “Ah, excellent vintage, m'lord! A Cabernet Sauvignon, I believe...1895 - a good year. I digress, Baron. I do need to speak to you, privately of course,” he casts a hooded glance at me, “on a matter that is dear to your heart. He smiles and Artemis, her face pale and eyes tearing up, suddenly pushes away from the table and runs from the room.