The Party

September 22nd, 2001

It was set to be the party of the year. Months of preparation had gone into this one night and it was expected to be spectacular. Even in the shadow of terror that had befallen New York City almost a fortnight before, the rich and prestigious of the United Kingdom and parts of Europe were set to gather, drink and make merry.

For the most part, tonight was in celebration of Lord Liam Buckley's 60th birthday, honoured anthropologist and a man who spent the most part of his life on some sort of adventure or another. But tonight was also for Sage Buckley, Liam Buckley's only niece and charge's 18th birthday. For Sage it was her debut into polite society and to celebrate the beginning adulthood.

The young woman stood facing the Victorian style mirror in her large elegantly decorated bedroom admiring the way her dark wavy hair had been intricately pinned upon her head and the way the pearlescent white of her dress complimented her porcelain skin and bright blue eyes. It was far from the relaxed look Sage would normally wear, but tonight was different as her uncle kept reminding her. She let him dote upon her knowing how much it pleased him. Liam, her father's brother, had never married and since her parent's death, became Sage's guardian. He gave her the life her parents could not, sending her to the best schools, affording her every luxury she could have dreamt. The least she could do was to humour him.

Sage was pulled from her thoughts by a rap at the door.

'Are you ready yet? We've been waiting for ages!'

Sage laughed and stepped away from the mirror to open the door to see two young men, impeccably dressed in designer suits and if it were not for their untidy hair would have looked like James Bond juniors.

'Perry, patience is a virtue. The sooner you learn that, the better.' She greeted her cousins warmly with a hug.

'Come now, we both know that is not our dear cousin's style.' Ronen interjected with a smirk. 'You look lovely this evening. The picture of a perfect lady. I almost didn't recognise you.'

Sage laughed, not bothering to act offended.

'I'm quite sure the party will be over before we get there at this rate.' Perry sighed dramatically gesturing to leave.

Soon enough the trio were riding comfortably in the back of a black stretch limousine and pulling up in front of a grand old building named "The Museum of London". There was a long red carpet awaiting them and the flashing of cameras lining it. Sage braced herself. She had never been one for a celebrity lifestyle, more so preferring a quiet life. It was why Cambridge was so appealing. She could not wait to get out of London.

'This really is a tad too much, don't you think? For a birthday party?' Sage complained, shying away from the window.

'Well, your dear old Uncle Liam is one for theatrics, is he not?' Ronen sympathised. 'Besides you only have one 18th birthday party, and it's all about keeping up with the Jones', is it not?'

'How amazing will it be to rub this in the faces of all those cows you went to boarding school with?' Perry enthused. 'I can't wait for my night. Although I doubt mum and dad would afford me something of this grandeur.'

'I hardly think you're missing out.' Sage quipped.

'Shall we?' Ronen asked, holding his hand out to his cousin.

'Let's get this over with.'

Sage did her best to ignore the lights and cameras while trying to hold an air of grace about herself.

Just one foot at a time Sage, one foot at a time.

Inside was crowded with people; folks from the various universities and other historical institutions Liam had worked with over the years, big time investors and their socialite wives, various members of parliament, television personalities and far too many past school chums of Sage's. The hall had been decorated with extravagance and Liam had spared no expense. Most of the foyer had been cleared for tonight with glittering lights circling the ceiling, pristine banners of white silk draping from one pillar to the next and tall stemmed white lilies in clear vases surrounded by white rose petals sat on white silk covered tables. If it weren't for the ornate architecture the room would have been borderline clinical in Sage's opinion, but together it gave it an ethereal atmosphere as though it were touched by some sort of magic.

The trio moved through the crowd, offering their thanks, welcomes and other pleasantries before making a b-line for the bar.

'Miss Buckley, what can I get for ye?'

'Ethan, don't call me that. I think we've known each other long enough to address each other by our first names.' Sage said with a small smile to the young man behind the bar.

Ethan's family had worked for the Buckley's for years, both Sage and Ethan having grown up with each other from a young age. In contrast to Sage, Ethan had sandy blonde hair worn short and shaggy with too much gel worked in to the point his hair appeared darker. He was a joyful looking man, with slightly pink roundish cheeks and a strong jaw but with a mouth that always seemed to be smiling. And although he was quite attractive, Sage was constantly captivated by his eyes, blue-green wide orbs that seemed to come alight in her presence.

Sadly though, it was not to be. Her family would never allow it.

'Better make it a good one; it's your first legal drink ever!' Perry whispered, distracting Sage's stare.

'Then I'll have a Mexican Stand-Off please Ethan.'

'Coming right up. And for you Mr Butler?'

'Scotch on the rocks thanks.' Ronen replied.

Perry stood up tall and straightened his jacket. 'Make mine a double.'

Ronen clipped him over the back of the head.

'You're not legal for another 6 months yet.'

'So what? It's a party! This is how my people roll.'

Sage rolled her eyes. 'What people?'

'And besides, my mum said I could have one.' Perry added with a sheepish grin, ignoring Sage.

Ethan shook his head.

'No can do Master Taggart, I'm not allowed ter serve ye anything if yer under 18. It's the law, ya know. I'm not about to get in ter inter trouble for ye.'

It wasn't often Ethan spoke up in such a way, but when he did his already thick Irish accent made his words barely distinguishable.

'Just give him a lemonade.' Ronen offered.

'In a martini glass!' Perry exclaimed. 'At least let me look the part.'

The night drew on and after another two cocktails Sage was finding it far easier to mingle with the assorted guests. She caught up with old school friends and family she'd rather have ignored and met staff from her new university which she thought prudent. After all, her Uncle had proven to her that it pays to know people. But still, the one person she was desperately hoping to see that night she still hadn't come across.

Dr Lloyd Palmer a dear friend and college of Liam's had been until recently abroad, scouring the world for treasured artefacts and answers to truths long forgotten. He was everything Sage wanted to be; worldly, educated, independent and charismatic. He had a way with words that won practically everyone over. But for all his greatness, Lloyd was a humble soul, never putting his needs above others.

And sadly it seemed he would miss the party.

After losing her cousins in the crowd some twenty minutes ago and exhausted herself in conversation Sage stumbled upon her Uncle and pulled him aside.

'How much longer must this charade continue?' She begged, finding it a punishment to enthuse anymore about finally becoming a lady or chatting about an ancient Mayan artefact her uncle had discovered some months back. She had little patience for both topics. Worst still was the idea of many socialite ladies hinting at the possibility of a number of bachelors present. Romance was the last thing she was interested in at present.

Liam let out a hearty but worn laugh before wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

'The game must be played as long as the players are willing, and sadly there are many jovial characters yet to have a turn.' He answered.

Sage noticed it in his voice as well as his eyes that her uncle was tired, more so than she'd ever seen him before. When he spoke to those in his company, if he didn't have a glass of scotch in his hands, he seemed to toy with something unseen in his jacket pocket. And it wasn't just tonight his behaviour had been so. She'd noticed it upon her return from senior year in high school that summer. But tonight it seemed worse. She decided it was her own nerves amplifying the situation.

'I will start the speeches as soon as Lloyd gets here. He did mention he'd be late. Something about a special treat he'd organised. You know what he's like, always something to be done and always with a bang!'

No sooner had Liam spoken then the music overhead softened and a rain of sparks shoot down from the ceiling. The orchestra struck up a spritely tune followed by a heavenly soprano voice.

'Happy birthday to you!' the voice sang, encouraging the rest of the crowd to do so as the sparks began to fade and a hologram light show began. Images bounced off the walls as the song continued and ended in a glorious bright red 15th century dragon engulfing the room in a holographic fire causing quite the sensation.

'Speak of the devil!' Liam shouted over the noise as none other than Dr Lloyd moved through the parting crowd.

'Happy birthday old friend!' he boomed, pulling Liam, who was a good foot and a half shorter than the greying Doctor, into a friendly hug.

'Many thanks old man, so glad you could be here!' Liam cried, all tiredness seeming to wash away.

'And to you too, my dear young Sage. It has been too long I'm afraid.'

Sage hugged the elderly man warmly, her smile contagious.

'Too long indeed! What kept you this time Lloyd?'

'The world has many secrets my dear, and many reasons for me to discover them. Now enough talk of such tiresome things, it's time for merriment and I believe your uncle has a few words to say.'

'That I do, that I do.' Liam said, bustling towards the stage and called the attention of the crowd by tapping on the microphone. Several of the younger members in attendance cried out for a speech.

'My dear Buckley's and Baker's. Taggart's and Butler's. Friends, relatives, mistresses,' he gave a cheeky wink to one of the more dressed up ladies in the crowd, who's face look caked on and her fur shawl offensive, 'colleagues, politicians and paparazzo.'

'Paparazzi!' one of the photographers calls out over the crowd and is followed by a hearty chuckle from all.

'Yes, yes, forgive me, because today is my sixtieth birthday!'

Replies of happy birthday was shouted as with many a glass being raised to the man on the stage.

'Alas, sixty years is far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable humans.'

'Cheers!' Ronin and Perry shouted from behind Sage and were echoed by many.

Liam cleared his throat to continue.

'I don't know half of you half as well as I should like and I like half of you half as well as you deserve.'

Dead silence filled the room. Sage looked on, baffled by her uncle but Lloyd, still at her side coughed trying to hide a chuckle.

'Secondly, I'd like to extend my congratulations to my beautiful niece and now heir who today, not only comes of age, but also into her inheritance.'

There was a raucous applause from Perry and Ronen, polite applause from most guests but wild whisperings from Sage's old school friends and family.

'Finally I have an announcement to make. As I mentioned before sixty years is a short time to live amongst you. I…uh…I have things to do.' Liam's hand once again was in his pocket and now Sage could see him plain as day playing with something small in there. 'I've put this off far too long. I regret to announce…this is The End. I'm going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell.'

His face seemed to be holding back a great sadness as he caught Sage's eye.

'Goodbye.'

And without another word, he disappeared from sight, dropping the microphone to the floor as he did so. Sage gasped aloud as the crowd broke out into very audible whispers of wonder.

'Lloyd? What's going on?' Sage questioned the older man, her face stricken with worry.

He gave her a look of pity and turned on his heels, disappearing through the crowd leaving Sage to deal with all in attendance.