Title: Guardians of the Veil. Part 4
Sequel to: A New Beginning.
Author: David A. Knapton.
E-mail: belgin_tei@yahoo.co.uk
Archive: Any and All, but drop me a line so I can see my name in lights!
Spoilers: Set after the end of S5. Then it follows along different lines.
Rating: Probably 18 overall, this part 12 or PG.
Pairings this part: Buffy/Willow/Tara Louisa/John Sarah/James Olivia/Giles Giles/Maggie (implied).
Disclaimer: I own none of the people in this story, but if I did then the show would probably never be shown again!
Special Disclaimer: See part 2.
Summery: Maggie finishes the background story and Steve gives the group details on how Ethan got involved. = Thought.
Notes: I have twisted the legend of King Arthur for my own reasons. If it's of interest the mine mentioned in this story is located at Bannerdown just outside Bath; I use to play paintball in it. MI5 is the UK equivalent to the US NSA I think? and MI6 is as the CIA. I'm sure everyone knows about the SAS, which stands for the Special Air Service, SBS is the Navel equivalent and stands for the Special Boat Service.
A Very Special Note to Any Pagans:
I am using different aspects of the Goddess for my own ends not to offend anyone, may the Lady forgive me.A Special Note to any religious fanatics:
This story is only a STORY, I apologise if any part of it upsets you, if you are a fanatic of any religion and cannot except my apology maybe you should look at what some religious fanatics are doing in some parts of the World. Flame them not me.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Jimmy, I asked you not to tell Riley I was in England," growled Buffy between clenched teeth.
"I'm sorry Buffy but it was the only way I could get you out in time," replied Jimmy.
Buffy huffed then turned to Riley, "So what are you doing in England?"
"I'm here unofficially as an advisor to the British military," explained Riley.
"Advisor about what?"
"Just over 6 months ago some strange things began happening, sudden deaths, strange orders etc. certain government ministers started to become concerned and activated certain secret orders that give some military units such as the SAS and SBS as well as MI5 & 6 a great deal of leeway," explained Captain Jones. "Demons and Vampires started appearing in numbers unheard off in this country, at least since the Middle Ages. We first approached the watchers council for advice but they refused to help, then I suggested contacting an old friend of my father's, he told me about the original Initiative and suggested I contact is son who happened to be stationed in England, Jimmy here," he finished by nodding towards Jimmy.
Buffy stared at Jimmy's back frowning, "The original Initiative?"
"Yes, originally my father helped set-up the Initiative as a means to protect the general population from demons and vampires. Then certain Senators and Pentagon officials began to subvert the idea for darker purposes; they squeezed out the more rational minded like my dad. Riley told me most of what happened last year in Sunnydale, my father is now in charge again, I contacted him and he told me he would send Riley over as a liaison," finished Jimmy. "I'm sorry I kept quiet about knowing about the Initiative, I didn't think it would come up again, I'm sorry Buffy."
"Alright you're forgiven Jimmy," sighed Buffy. She looked at Captain Jones, "So you say that your government has been giving strange orders, like what?" she asked.
"Well they ordered several teams of SAS and SBS to snatch key members of national and local government to be held incognito and also started sending more and more of our troops abroad, when MI5 discovered what was happening a meeting was organised between our organisations, the government officials then 'escaped'. Over the last few months, we have slowly been gathering information, we now know that two individuals are subverting our leaders by the use of dark magicks, we suspect that they are the ones that are targeting your friends, we wish to offer our aid."
"No, I'm sorry I was told that I cannot involve outsides Harry," said Jimmy.
"I didn't agree to that, Maggie maybe your High Priestess but I say they help," smiled Buffy, "Besides Steve told you that you needed to get me to trust your friends, I do."
"What are you talking about Buffy?" Asked Riley giving her a curious look.
Buffy smiled at him, "You remember Willow, Tara and I told you we were bound together," at his nod she continued, "The bond allows us to relay information between the three of us. Well Jimmy's friend Steve told him that he would have to persuade me to trust his friends, which I do because I know you Riley to be an honourable man, and everything Harry has told us has a ring of truth about it. But I don't want you with us directly, I'd like you to arrange it so you can back us up when we need it," she said.
"Very well Buffy," said Harry, he held up a pager, "This is programmed to contact only one number, if you press the green button we will know you have been captured but you do not want our help. If you need help press the red button, ten minutes later a message will be sent to the pager, phone the number and tell us what you want. If you don't phone the number within twenty minutes a locator will be activated in the pager," he handed the pager to her.
"Ok, now what?" nodded Buffy.
"Jimmy just drop us off at the next village, we'll contact my team from a phonebox," said Harry.
"Right, and thanks for helping Harry," smiled Jimmy.
"It was my pleasure, anyway I think this is only the beginning," mused Harry.
"Riley, about what happened when you came to my house, I'm sorry it upset you, if I have the chance I'd like to try and make it up to you, if you'll let me," said Buffy.
"I don't know Buffy, did you ever love me, back in Sunnydale?"
"Yes I did, I know I never told you and I know I treated you really badly at the end, but I did, I still do in a way. I was under so much pressure back then, first Glory, then my mum's illness, everything just got screwed up, I'm so sorry Riley," Buffy sobbed reaching over and hugging him.
After holding Buffy for several minutes gently stroking her hair, "Buffy I've met someone," he said quietly.
Buffy slowly pulled away from him, she smiled at him, "I'm happy for you, I hope she treats you better than I did!"
"How could she not," smirked Riley.
Buffy playfully swatted his arm, "I guess I asked for that, where is she now?"
"She's back in the States, she helps me in fighting demons and vampires. Maybe when we sort this mess out I can bring her to meet all of you," smiled Riley.
"Yes I think we'd like that," agreed Buffy, "I think Xander misses having another boy around, I mean there's Giles but he's so old!" she giggled.
At that moment, Jimmy pulled up next to a phone-box and Riley and Harry got out.
Buffy got out and walked around to the front passenger seat, she shook Harry's hand and hugged Riley, "I hope we meet again and thank you for rescuing me from the council," she said as she got into the car.
"As I said Buffy it was my pleasure, good luck and don't forget the pager," smiled Harry as they drove off.
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Willow tried to brush away the irritation that was dancing across her face, it came again, she slowly opened her eyes, she found herself looking into a pair of blue eyes. Her own eyes went wide as she realised who's eyes she was looking at, she grabbed hold of Buffy and pulled her down into a hug, "Buffy," she laughed.
Tara stirred from sleep to find her two girlfriends hugging, "Hey is it a private party or can anyone join in?" she laughed.
"No, but only you two are invited," Buffy smiled as she drew Tara into a three-way hug, "God I missed you guys."
"We missed you too, are you ok?" sighed Tara, Buffy could hear the relief in her voice.
"Yeah I'm fine now. One of Jimmy's friends that helped rescue me turned out to be Riley," Buffy sighed as she melted into the arms of her lovers.
"Really! I can see why Steve would warn Jimmy about getting you to trust them," said Willow.
"Yeah are you okay with it?" said Tara absently tucking Buffy's hair behind her ear.
Buffy sighed again, "You know I think I am, I've moved on, so as Riley, when this mess is sorted out, he wants to bring his girlfriend to Sunnydale to meet all of us." She leaned over slightly and kissed Tara then Willow, "God I want you," she growled.
"We know Buffy, but we can't, to many people around," moaned Willow absently nibbling on Buffy's ear.
Tara jumped up off the bed, she slapped Buffy playfully on the butt, "Later you two, when we have a room with a door and a lock," she stood by the bed her arms crossed, "Now up the pair of you," she ordered.
Buffy rolled off of Willow with a sigh, "Yes mum."
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After they had showered and dressed they went to the dinning room, most of their friends were already there, only the two sisters at the entrance to the mine and the two at the side passage junction were absent. After helping themselves to the food, they joined Giles who was sat with Maggie and Olivia.
Maggie smiled at them, "Good morning Willow, Tara did you sleep well? And Buffy I'm glad to see you safe and well."
"Not really My Lady, we missed Buffy," said Tara taking a seat.
"Thanks," said Buffy taking her seat between Willow and Tara, "So what happens now?"
"Well I think after breakfast, I finish telling you the story of the Warlock, then you tell us what you learned about her, then we discuss what we do next because in two days time we must perform the Rites of the Veil at Lughnasadh which is part of our sacred duty," explained Maggie.
After breakfast they went to what Maggie explained used to be the foreman's office when the mine was operational, now it had a couple of settees and a armchair, taking their seats Maggie began the story.
"As I said last night just before Morganna's 22nd birthday the hermit took her to see her half brother Arturus, he revealed Arturus's true lineage, who realised that because of the nature of the oaths that had been pledged to his father Eugenius, before and after the siege of Boscastle all the landholders and their descendants owed fidelity to him. After talking it over with the hermit, Arturus sent out heralds to all those landholders still holding out against him, calling them to a great council at Boscastle. At the suggestion of the hermit, he had the Archbishop of Canterbury and his sister the High Priestess send letters endorsing the proposed council, thereby preventing any landholder from refusing and incurring the displeasure of the church or the Goddess." Maggie sighed, "That was probably the only time both sides helped to bring about peace, even if it was for their own ends?
"Anyway all came but three who lived at the extreme western tip of Cornwall, these were his mother's brother and his two sons. The great council after hearing the hermit's declaration, all were aware that as the Seer he could not lie, Arturus was crowned King of the Britons as he was destined to be. At the crowning ceremony had Arturus given equal prominence to the Lord and Lady as he did the God of Abraham many sorrows may have been avoided later. Oh well such was the will of the Lord and Lady. After the feasting was over King Arturus led a large army against his uncle and two cousins, the fight was brutal, Arturus destroyed their standing army and laid siege to his uncle's stronghold. After two months the hermit appeared within the stronghold and told Arturus's uncle that unless he agreed terms his entire line would cease to be, such was the Goddess's will. Well the siege ended and at the celebrations after, Arturus met his future wife, his uncle's niece Guenever on his wife's side, they were married the following spring. For about five years there was peace throughout the British Isles, it was a golden age, trade even started between the Britons and the invaders." Maggie stopped as Steve entered, she looked up smiling, "Is they're a problem," she asked him.
"No I just thought I'd join you."
"Really!" Smirked Maggie, suspecting there was more to it. After Steve had taken his seat Maggie continued, "Things started going wrong in the fifth year of Arturus's reign when a young Frankish knight was sent to Britain by his king, this knight was the greatest in single combat to ever live, he bested every other knight in the jousts. Had he lived in our time I'm sure he would be a superstar? Anyway, many of the women of the court were infatuated with him. Now all this time Morganna had stayed at the court, over this time her hatred of the Christians grew to include her half brother and his wife. The young knight gave Morganna a way to start sowing suspicion in their marriage, she used her powers to enchant another knight into accusing the queen of adultery, Morganna knew that as the greatest knight Du Lac would be called to defend the queen's honour in single combat, which he did..."
"Did you say 'Du Lac'," interrupted Buffy.
"Yes why?" Frowned Maggie.
"Because Maggie we ran across a Du Lac in Sunnydale about three and half years ago, he wrote a book that gave details on things like how to restore injured vampires, it almost cost a friend his life!" explained Giles.
"Ah Angel, of course that Du Lac was the final result of what happened here so many years ago, the knight's family slow fall into evil ways," explained Steve to Maggie, who nodded.
"Well things went as Morganna planned, she suggested to Arturus that Du Lac be declared Guenever's champion, meaning that everywhere the queen went Du Lac would have to accompany her. She used enchantments to have Du Lac pursue the queen, then one night she arranged for them to be found in each others arms by Arturus, who in his anger ordered both thrown into the dungeon. Morganna arranged for them to be released and they fled to Boscastle which Arturus had given Du Lac for his services, there Arturus besieged the knight for almost 18 months. Then Arturus received word that a large army of Saxons was preparing to invade his eastern provinces he could not fight on two fronts, so under a flag of truce Arturus met Du Lac, who throw himself on his king's mercy telling him he must have been under some enchantment, that since the siege had begun he had come to his senses but could not think of a way out of his predicament.
"Arturus was always a chivalrous person and forgave Du Lac and his wife, who he left at Boscastle while he and Du Lac led the army against the invaders. This turn of events made Morganna furious, she went against her vows and rode by swift horse to the camp of the Saxons, where she offered them aid in the form of demons. The Saxon king had heard that Arturus had lifted the siege of Boscastle and was moving east, knowing his army did not stand a chance in open battle, agreed, so on the morning of the battle she raised dozens of them, commanding them to attack the army of the Britons. Their attack destroyed many of the infantry, it was only when Arturus rallied his forces and Du Lac led the knights in an almost suicidal charge, that they managed to destroy all the demons, but many knights died. As the last demon fell under Du Lac's sword the Saxons attacked, the slaughter that day and night was beyond the pale, although the Britons were by this time out numbered four to one they would not give ground, by dawn the next day both armies had all but ceased to exist, only seven knights remained to Arturus and Du Lac and just over a hundred infantry. They rode back West in the hope of raising more men, that they knew would be needed when the Angles to the North learned of the battle.
"Unknown to anyone at the time, plague had come to these shores from the Continent, by the time Arturus got to his court it was ravishing half his lands. Now had the fight with the Saxons not happened until the following year, the trade between the Britons and the invaders would have continued and the invaders would have been equally effected by the plague, but it did not get into the lands of the invaders. A year later after the plague had subsided, very few able bodied men were available, so Arturus and Du Lac could only slow down the invading forces of Angles and Saxons, they slowly withdrew to the west, by winter of that year everything East of the Somerset wetlands had been lost to the invaders." Maggie took a drink to relieve the sore throat all this talking was giving her.
"Many of the Britons that had survived the plague, in fear of the invaders had started migrating to the part of the Continent that they gave their name to, Brittany in what is now France. Of course, this was understandable but the migration made Arturus's position even worse, so when spring came he had only one hundred mounted men and about a thousand infantry. Arturus realising that he and his men could not hold out, he ordered those who could to leave via every available ship, while he lead this force East in the hope of giving his people time to escape. He planned to wage a hit and run campaign knowing that he would be destroyed in a pitched battle, for several weeks all went well then they were surprised by two different armies, one coming from the South and the other smaller coming from the East. Arturus could not retreat to the West because of the wetlands and half a day North was a river to deep to ford, he had no choice but to fight a battle he knew he could not win.
"Realising that the army coming from the South had some rough ground to cross would not be in a position to attack until a couple of hours before sunset, he went against everything that military thinking tells you a commander should do, he attacked the army of Angles six times is number. His hope was to destroy them and escape Eastwards before the Saxons could come to their allies' aid. Against all the odds, he routed the Angles, losing a little over a third of his force, but the fight had taken to long and the Saxons were to close, so the Britons had no choice but to stand and fight, each man knowing it was his last day. Now its said that a wounded animal is very dangerous, and this animal was no exception. Arturus and Du Lac led the Britons in a mass charge into the ranks of Saxon infantry, the Britons would except no quarter, even though they were out numbered fifteen to one, they made the invaders pay dearly, it is said that for each Briton that fell six Saxons joined them in Summerland. But in the end only Arturus, Du Lac and five other knights were left, surrounded on a hillock by a sea of Saxons, the Saxons offered quarter, but Arturus refused only asking that he and his companions be given the chance to pray to their God, this was granted. Half an hour later just before sunset the seven knights prepared for their last stand.
"With his standard in one hand and sword in the other Arturus led his last charge into the mass of enemies, many Saxons fell before them, but all but Du Lac were struck down. As Arturus fell from his many wounds what happened next is the stuff of legend, welding his sword two-handed Du Lac stood over his liege's body keeping the Saxons at bay, all that came within reach died that day, it is said that his sword glowed with a white light as he struck down man after man. He engendered such awe and fear that the army fled the field, after it was over Du Lac dropped his sword swearing never to use a weapon again, he gathered up the body of the king and took it to the Tor, where Brighid took it to abide in Summerland, the only creature to be taken there both in body and soul. After that, Du Lac returned to the land of his birth, a broken man, he died some fifteen years later in seclusion leaving a son to continue his line."
"So what happened to Morganna while this was all going on?" Asked Buffy.
"Well over the period between raising the army of demons until the death of Arturus, she slid further into evil, she ignored the rituals as the High Priestess, seeking out practitioners of the darkest magicks, always seeking more knowledge but never finding the ultimate power she sought," explained Steve.
"And what was that?" Asked Giles.
"The words of power, they are entrusted to the Seer only, he or she may only disclose them to a High Priestess if commanded by the Goddess," answered Steve.
"What do these 'Words of Power' do?" Asked Buffy.
"Almost anything, from create life to remove the Veil. When the One gave the Lord and Lady the power to protect mortal animals, the One told them that any creature could only use the Words of Power once, be they God or mortal. So the Lord and Lady entrusted them to the only creature that could not use them, because of the enchantments the Goddess places on them when they are chosen. The enchantments also mean they cannot be forced to reveal them unless commanded by the Lord and Lady," explained Steve.
"Yes as Steve said she was always seeking power. Eventually she sought out the hermit, who at the time dwelt in some caves near Cheddar. When she found him, he smiled at her, inviting her to sit and share his meal. They spoke of many things, mundane as well as supernatural, she eventually asked him to teach her the Words of Power, as always he simply replied that she would learn them when the Goddess willed it. As always Morganna grew angry, but all the hermit did was smile and offer her a bed for the night, that was the very night Arturus died. Over the next two days, Morganna continued to try and get the Words of Power from the hermit. On the day Du Lac delivered Arturus to the Tor, the hermit informed Morganna that she was required to use the Words of Power to transfer her brother's body to Summerland.
"Now you must understand that the Words of Power cannot be used on an innocent directly without their permission, as it also cannot be used to increase the power of the user, the power will simply turn on the welder in some-way? Now Morganna knew that the power could only be used once by her and she had no intention of wasting it on her dead brother, but she was unaware of the other restrictions, she attempted to use the Power to strike-down all the Christians, she blamed for all the woes of her world. As she finish the Words of Power she was slowly turned to stone, but before it was complete the hermit pronounced her doom, as with Eugenius before her, she would be refused entry into Summerland," Maggie said finishing the story.
"If she was turned to stone, how did she escape?" Giles asked looking at Maggie.
"We don't know!" Sighed Maggie.
"She was freed on the day the key was given human form by Ethan Rayne," announced Steve.
"What! Why didn't you tell us this before, Willow could have found him on the net by now and Jimmy's friends could have him in custody?" Stormed Buffy rising, a look of anger on her face and her hands clenching and unclenching at her sides as if she was fighting the urge to hit him.
"Buffy please sit down, Steve can only reveal what the Lord and Lady wills," said Tara in a stern voice.
Giles looked stunned, he had never heard Tara talk that way to anyone, but it had an instant effect on Buffy as she sat back down meekly, Tara and Willow each placed a hand on her, it relaxed her instantly and she rested her head on Tara's shoulder.
"I'm sorry Steve as you just witnessed I have a volatile temper, since I came back it's gotten worse," explained Buffy.
"That's because you are the Fire as Willow is Air and Tara is Earth, all will become clear in time," nodded Steve.
"What do you mean?" asked Willow.
"As I said that is for later, for now I need to tell you how and why the Warlock was freed..."
"Question, why do you call her a Warlock and not a Witch?" interrupted Buffy.
"She is called a Warlock, because that is what she is, warlock means 'oath breaker', she broke her vows as the High Priestess," explained Maggie.
"I must tell you first, Ethan is not the person you last saw in Sunnydale. After he was deported back here he was arrested and placed in a secret maximum-security prison hidden on an island off the coast of Scotland. This prison was set-up to hold persons that are magick practitioners, to dangerous for normal prison. While there he joined up with some really evil individuals, six months later because of a breakdown in security he escaped along with several others, all but Ethan and another were recaptured within a couple of days. Ethan was taken by this other person, whose name was MacArthur, to a cavern complex near Loch Ness. It took Ethan and MacArthur two days to reach the lowest levels of the cavern, there, sat on a throne of granite was the projection of an arch-demon.
"If you will link hands with me, I will use my powers to let you all see that which must now be revealed to you all," stated Steve holding out his hands, one to Maggie the other to Willow. When they had linked hands he continued, "Please close your eyes and try and clear your minds."
A flash of light seemed to fill their minds for a split second then it was as if they were watching a movie.
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Nine months earlier Cavern below Loch Ness.
MacArthur prostrated himself before the demon, "Master as you commanded I have brought this man before you."
The arch-demon looked at the man stood before him, then down at his servant, "You have done well worm, approach and receive your reward."
MacArthur crawled to the throne and rose to his knees, Ethan could see the look of fanaticism on MacArthur's face, the demon placed a clawed hand on his head and with a quick twist snapped MacArthur's neck.
Ethan paled as the demon turned its red eyes back towards him, a hideous grin that Ethan assumed passed as a smile on his face, "Welcome sorcerer, I have abided here for many months awaiting your arrival."
Ethan bowed never taking his eyes off the demon, "I am honoured master, may I ask you why my Lord," replied Ethan.
"I was sent here, if you agree, to teach you my master's Words of Power, so that you may fulfil your destiny and release Morganna from her prison, and destroy the slayer."
"And my reward master," replied Ethan eyeing the now dead MacArthur.
"Ah a mortal with wisdom. Well when Morganna has completed that which we require, you will be given free reign in this reality along with her."
"And if I decline your generous offer."
The demon grinned again, "That will not be an issue," he said glancing down at the body.
"Very well my Lord," Ethan bowed again.
"Excellent," said the demon rising, "Follow me mortal," striding towards another chamber, as Ethan hurried to catch-up the demon suddenly stopped and spun around to face Ethan again, "Oh I almost forgot my payment!"
Ethan paled fearing what that payment would be, "And that is my Lord?"
"Don't worry mortal, your soul already belongs to my master, no I require your emotions, in fact before this is over your emotions could be a handicap."
"Would it have to be all emotion?"
"You may retain three, I'll even let you choose which ones," grinned the demon.
"Thank you my Lord, I'll keep Hate, Humour and Passion."
The demon frowned, making his face even more hideous than when he grinned, "Interesting choices! Why those three?" he asked.
"Well without Hate I would have no reason to go after my enemies, especially the slayer, as for Humour I wouldn't be able to enjoy what I have planned for her," Ethan had an evil grin on his face, "As for Passion I wouldn't want to live."
"Very well, shall we get on with it," said the demon turning back toward the other cavern.
"By the way where is Morganna?" Asked Ethan following the demon.
"She's sealed in stone in a cave in Wookie Hole," replied the demon.
Ethan burst-out laughing, "Are you saying the most powerful High Priestess since Brighid is the Witch of Wookie Hole? That is so funny, someone on their side does have a sense of humour," chuckling he entered the other cavern.
There was another flash of light and the scene changed.
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One week later, Wookie Hole, Somerset.
Ethan easily unlocked the gates barring his entrance to the caves with a wave of his hand, pushing them open he entered. Moving carefully down the sloping uneven floor he got to the place of Morganna's imprisonment, he set up a couple of portable lights aimed at the wall. He then inscribed the necessary symbols around the area, then taking a step back, he pulled out the bottle of human blood he had obtained earlier, as he recited the dark Words of Power he throw the bottle at the wall. He took several more steps back as he watched in fascination as the blood seemed to dissolve the wall, slowly revealing a beautiful looking woman in her late twenties.
Ethan smiled an evil smile and thought to himself that this was going to be fun. As the last of the stone vanished the woman walked towards him on unsteady feet, he took the opportunity to take hold of her, "Here let me help you Morganna."
Less than a second later he found himself flying into the cave wall some fifteen feet away, "You dare to place hands on my person worm, you will address me as My Lady," hissed Morganna.
Ethan stood up, as flashes of power appeared in his eyes, he'd need to teach this woman a lesson, after all he reasoned, he had just released her after fifteen centuries.
Morganna saw the look in the man's eyes her own eyes taking on a cold look, "You would pit your power against mine," she snarled, with a slight flick of her wrist, she throw Ethan into another wall. "You will learn your place in this alliance before we leave these caverns," she pointed a finger at him and energy surrounded his body.
His pain seemed to go on forever, every time he tried to counter her attacks she brushed it aside without any difficulty. With a great deal of effort he rose to his knees, "Please mistress, forgive me," he said before falling to the ground in agony. The pain ended abruptly, he sighed in relief.
Morganna strode over to him, "I am not your mistress, you are not worthy to even lick my boots, your master is still in the north, you will call me My Lady," stated Morganna.
"Yes My Lady," he said with a grown as he got to his feet.
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There was another flash of light, they opened their eyes and looked around at each other.
"Wow that's some power you got their Steve," smiled Buffy.
"Yes," said Steve as he rubbed a hand over his weary face, "That's only the second time I've done that, it's quicker than telling a story but very tiring."
"You should rest my friend," smiled Maggie.
"Time for that later Maggie," Steve smiled wearily, "Now I think Buffy should tell you what she leaned about the Warlock's powers."
"Very well," she nodded to him before turning to Buffy, "So what exactly happened at the police station, how exactly did they act?" Maggie asked.
"Well I've never been arrested before, come close a couple of times though, but I think all the officers acted as they would with any suspect, reading me my rights, offering me a lawyer etc. they also arranged for a doctor to check me over," explained Buffy.
"What about when the Warlock was around," asked Giles.
"That's when the funky things started happening, when she was around their reaction changed almost instantly, they became angry almost like they wanted to kill me!" Buffy mused, "Then after she stopped doing whatever she does to them, they had a look of confusion on their faces as if they were trying to remember why they were there," she explained.
"What happened when they interviewed you?" asked Maggie.
"I think she tried to use her powers against me, she told me that I didn't what to see anyone from my embassy, at the same time I felt this pressure in my head almost like a headache, but an instant later it was gone. She grew very angry that her powers didn't seem to work on me, how come I seem to be immune, is it because I'm a slayer?" said Buffy.
"No, its because your mind is no longer entirely in your body," smiled Steve.
"I think I speak for everyone here when I say 'huh'," said Buffy.
"Its quite simple Buffy, part of your mind now resides in Willow and Tara's minds as theirs does in yours," explained Steve.
"One soul in three bodies Buffy," Willow reminded her of the statement she made to Jimmy and Sarah on the trip from the airport.
"Exactly Willow, I don't know how well you will be able to resist her mind control powers when you are together but as long as no more than two of you meet her at once you will be immune," Steve informed them.
"Her mind powers seem limited, I only saw her us her powers on one police officer at a time," pointed out Buffy.
"She wouldn't need to use much mind control on the police, she would only need to generally use it on her superiors, as long as she followed police procedure she could ignore the ordinary police officers," pointed out Steve.
"Why would she decide to be only a sergeant," mused Tara.
"It would give her just enough authority to do whatever it is she is up to, any higher and she'd be too high profile for a city the size of Bath," pointed out Maggie.
"Okay so we know her powers probably won't work on us three, so how do we take her down?" Put in Willow.
"I'm not sure, her power is as great as the entire Coven of the Goddess, then there's Ethan he is petty powerful and I'm sure they will have back up," sighed Maggie.
"Maybe we could divide the fight, if you and your priestesses could just keep the Warlock occupied for a time, while Willow and Tara deal with Ethan and the rest of us get rid of anything else that they have," offered Giles.
"Maybe! But we don't know where their base of operation is," Maggie frowned.
"Well she's after you right!" at Maggie's nod, Buffy continued, "You said it's part of your duty to do a ritual in two days, well as a former High Priestess the Warlock would know this, she's probably planning on attacking you when you come out of hiding. Well we could use that to get her," she pointed out.
"But she will probably be expecting it and take steps to counter anything we do," said Maggie.
"Yes but if Riley and his friends are around to help, it could work," countered Buffy.
"We cannot involve outsiders, its to dangerous," stated Maggie.
"It maybe wise to bring them in at this time Maggie," interrupted Steve.
Maggie sighed, "I assume this is something you can't reveal?"
"Yes, you know it is as frustrating to me as everyone else!" said Steve also sighing.
"Well can you at least advise me who should go to talk with the outsiders? I refuse to reveal this haven," stated Maggie in an angry voice. A mortified look came on her face as she placed a hand on his arm, "I'm sorry my friend, I know its not your fault."
"Yes I can reveal that, you should send Giles, Buffy, and Sarah with Jimmy to meet them, you should also send John to the hospital with another sister so they can relieve Sarah and Jane after all they have been there all night," said Steve.
"Very well it will be as you 'suggest'," said Maggie, a mischievous smile on her face. She knew that there was a reason why John had to be at the hospital as well as those he told her to send to the meeting, she just hoped it didn't mean their deaths.
Maggie turned to Giles and Buffy; "Will you go and meet these military personnel?"
"Yes of course Maggie," smiled Giles, then turned to Buffy, "Buffy could you go outside and activate your pager... Buffy please pay attention," sighed Giles. Buffy almost always got bored at long meetings these days. I wonder if it's a side effect of the bond.
Tara smirked at Giles, "She's just trying to work something out," she elbowed Buffy lightly in the ribs.
"Hey stop that. Sorry Giles just sorting out something, I'll contact them," Buffy said smiling apologetically at him. She turned her attention to Maggie, "Can you explain something?"
"Of course dear, if I can."
"Including you, you told us there are 19 priestesses of your coven, right!" at Maggie's nod she continued, "And each priestess has a sister to protect her?" Maggie nodded again, "So where are the other four? I mean two died before we arrived, two more in the bar, four are at the hospital, four guarding the entrance and three are in the dinning room, or were, that makes 15," Buffy pointed out.
Before Maggie could answer, Steve explained, "I needed them to do a couple of things for me elsewhere in the world."
"Why? They would be more use here," said Buffy.
"Please believe me when I say that four more sisters here would make no difference, but the places they are going to and what they do when they get there are vital to our success."
"You know what Steve, I think I agree with Jimmy, your link to the Goddess is a pain in the ass," smirked Buffy as she got up. She turned to her girlfriends, "Wanna come for a walk babes, it looks like its going to be a nice day up top."
"Yeah sounds good sweety," nodded Willow.
"Don't go to far away from the entrance and don't go near the transport yard, not everyone who works there knows of us," advised Maggie.
"We'll be careful My Lady," Tara assured her.
Just before they got to the door Steve stopped them, "Tell them you want to meet at the Ensleigh MOD base on Lansdown, tonight about sundown," he told them.
"Ok I think I can remember that," said Buffy leading Willow and Tara out the door.
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As the three young women re-entered the living area a couple of hours later Steve was waiting, he smiled, "Did you enjoy your walk?"
"Yes thanks, there are some nice views around here," said Willow returning his smile.
"Jimmy's friend Henry agreed to the meeting, 8.30 tonight," Buffy informed him.
"I know, if you will follow me, I have something for you all," smiled Steve.
"That's a really spooky power you have their Steve," sighed Buffy.
"You have no idea Buffy, but at least I don't get migraines like your friend Cordelia."
"What's it like, knowing the things you do?" asked Tara, "I've sensed something almost like pain from you on several occasions."
"The Lord and Lady tell me what they wish to happen and how it can be achieved, but it can really be frustrating sometimes because I am not allowed to tell people what I know, because they have to decide of their own freewill, I can only generally aid them indirectly, like I did by having the cars and boat in place yesterday."
"Where are you taking us?" frowned Willow after they had walked for about a hundred yards and taken several turns.
"Let's just call it a little reward for the help you're giving us," laughed Steve as they arrived at a small panelled off area with a door, he opened it and stepped aside. "You won't be disturbed here and no one can hear you, you'll find everything you need inside, I'll send someone to get you about 7," he said with a knowing smile on his face as he walked away.
Buffy found the light switch as they entered the room, all three just stood looking with a mixture of awe and confusion, it was almost identical to their bedroom back in Sunnydale, except there was no window.
"How?" Was all Buffy could think to say.
"Steve's the Seer," pointed out Tara, walking over to the door on the far wall and looking through, "The bathroom's different though?" She smiled with mischief in her eyes.
Buffy and Willow stopped their own exploration to join their girlfriend at the bathroom door and look in, "A hot-tub," giggled Buffy, "We just have to get one when we get back home."
Willow went back to the entrance, as she closed the door she turned to face the others while keeping her hands on the door, "Guess what! This room has a door with a lock," they heard the click of the lock closing.
Buffy's eyes filled with desire almost instantly, she grabbed Tara's hand and pulled a not very reluctant girlfriend over to the bed where they were joined by Willow, "And we won't be over heard!" Buffy pointed out, as she held onto the back of Tara's head and started lightly kissing her, while Willow sat down on the slayer's lap and began nibbling her earlobe.
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Exactly at 7 there was a knock on the door, Buffy turned the lock and opened it to see Sarah smirking at her.
"Hey, can I come in?" said Sarah.
"Hi, sure we're all decent," smiled Buffy stepping back so Sarah could enter.
"What a pity!" sighed Sarah.
"Sarah," exclaimed Tara as she walked out of the bathroom with Willow, "Does your mother and father know about this side of your personality?"
Sarah laughed, "Oh yeah, I inherited it from them, you should ask uncle Rupert what they were like when they were our age," she told them.
"I wish I'd met you when we were in high school, we could have had some great times," giggled Buffy.
"I think if you and Sarah had been in Sunnydale together Principal Snyder would have expelled you both on the first day," said Willow joining in the giggle.
"I think we better leave here before you three decide that this threesome should be a foursome," laughed Tara.
"Oh no Tara, I'm 100% straight, I love Jimmy with all my heart, but thanks for the offer," she laughed. "Come on I'll take you back to the dinning room.
As they walked back Sarah looked over at the others, "So did you love the room! It took mum and me over a month to get it exactly how Steve wanted it." Sarah suddenly found herself in the centre of a group hug, "Ah guys I told you I was straight," she giggled.
After they had helped themselves to food they decided to avoid the older people in the room feeling the need to be with people more their own age, so they sat with Jimmy, Sarah and a couple of her sisters.
"So do all the sisters train together?" Asked Buffy, with more than a little professional curiosity.
"Not very often, most of the time we are scattered all over the world, we only meet at important times such as now and once every 40 Lunar months for the Ritual of the Veil. When we do get together we train each other, when we become sisters we are given a gift from Morrigan, it gives us the ability to use any weapon or any combat move we are shown at least once, we cannot forget it!" explained Sarah.
"That sounds a little like me, although I don't seem to necessarily need to be shown how to use a weapon, I just seem to be able to use it, BUT I do need to continually practise my combat moves, so you have me beat there," smiled Buffy.
"Yes, but we don't have your natural strength or healing abilities," Kim pointed out.
"Well maybe when this is finished you can train with some of us," suggested Jane.
"Yeah I'd like that," she smiled but then frowned, "That is if we survive whatever is coming?"
"Hey no negative attitudes," said Tara.
"Okay no negative attitude here," giggled Buffy.
"So you said your from all over the world, where exactly?" asked Willow.
"Well it changes as one priestess dies or asks to be released. At the moment there are three of us from England, two from Scotland, three from Ireland, one from Spain, one from Italy, two from France, one from Germany, one from Australia, and one from Canada with four vacant spot's because of the sisters that have died. They were from England, The West Indies and Southern Africa, I suspect that the new sisters will come from there as well," Said Sarah counting them off.
"So the sisters always come from wherever the priestess comes from?" asked Buffy.
"Usually yes but sometimes their from different countries, when the priestess is chosen, either a close female relative is offered the position or a lover, so if the priestess as family or a lover from a different country they could become a sister," explained Sarah.
"Are there any other restrictions on becoming a sister?" Asked Tara.
"Yes several, first you must be single and without children, of course if you're the priestesses lover the single part doesn't apply, and second you must live or move to the area the priestess lives, that happened last with Maggie and Mary, Mary being from Scotland," answered Jane.
"What if you want to get married or just have children," enquired Tara frowning slightly, although she was bound to Buffy and Willow and loved them with all her heart, she still hoped one day that she could have a child.
"We are not excluded from having them, but if we do want them we must ask Morrigan to release us from our vow. That happened with my older sister Di who was mum's first protector, she had the chance of a good life with a man she loved dearly, she asked and was granted release, she lives in New York now, she's expecting her second child in a couple of months," smiled Sarah.
"But what happens if the priestess has no female relatives or lovers?" asked Buffy.
"It has never come up, the priestesses of the Goddess always have female relatives and or lovers," giggled Sarah. "I suspect she does a little interfering somewhere along the line."
Jimmy pushed his plate aside and got up, looking at Sarah and Buffy, "I think we need to get going, if we're to get to the meeting on Lansdown," he pointed out.
"Yeah I guess your right," sighed Buffy getting up then leaning down and giving her girlfriends a quick kiss, "Hopefully we won't be to late back," she smiled.
"Just be careful, the last time we let you out on your own you got arrested," laughed Willow, the mischief dancing across her face.
"Very funny, I'll get you for that later missy," Buffy said in mock indignation.
"We'll see, we'll see," giggled Willow, "Now go on, you don't want to be late."
Buffy, Sarah and Jimmy collected Giles from Maggie's room, where, much to his embarrassment, they found him with his arm around Olivia.
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As Jimmy stopped the car at the main gates, Captain Henry Jones stepped to the side of the guard as he went to check who was in the car, Buffy saw the guard nod then salute before returning to his post.
Jimmy smiled at his friend as Henry walked over to the car, he returned the smile, "Everything is sorted, as far as everyone is concerned you are friends of the base commander's who are here for a dinner party, follow me and I'll take you to the others." He walked over to a military police car and got in the passenger seat.
They pulled up in front of a building that looked like it was used as offices; Buffy and the others could see desks with computers through the windows.
Henry walked over to them, a big smile on his face, "I thought you may have need of us, but not so soon Buffy," he said.
"Yeah well in my line of business it always seems to happen like this, I mean three days ago I was laying in bed with my girlfriends, now I'm running around a foreign country trying to stop a mad fifteen hundred year old woman from doing god knows what!" sighed Buffy.
"What!" asked Henry a frown on his face.
"I think we should discuss all this inside don't you Captain?" said Giles.
Henry shook himself out of shock, "Yes of course, it's this way." He led them through a door and down a long corridor to a lift, entering he pressed the button for the lowest level.
On exiting the lift, they were met by Riley and another man both in civilian clothes. Riley stepped forward shaking Giles and Jimmy's hands and receiving a hug from Buffy, he looked over to where Sarah was stood, "This is my girlfriend Sarah Grant, Sarah this is Riley Finn," said Jimmy, introducing them.
"And I'm Colonel McBride, Military Intelligence, I'm honoured to met all of you especially you Buffy, my aunt was a slayer in the 1940's," said the stranger introducing himself.
Shaking the offered hand Buffy smiled, "Colonel! If you're a Colonel how come your not in uniform?"
"I'm in disguise," he smiled.
"I understand, your secret is safe with me Colonel," said Buffy returning a smile of her own.
"Right shall we go to the conference room, the others are waiting," suggested the Colonel.
The Colonel led them to a set of double doors, which had two soldiers outside; both armed with assault rifles. The doors opened onto a large room, one wall was taken up with several large maps of various parts of Britain, another had a couple of computer terminals as well as a large view screen, on the opposite wall to the computers was a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. A large conference table that could easily seat twenty people dominated the room, only five places were occupied at present including a man in his late fifties in a wheelchair.
The man in the wheelchair pushed himself over to greet them, the Colonel stepped to the side of the man before addressing him, "Sir may I present the slayer Buffy Summers, her Watcher Rupert Giles, lieutenant James Smith of the United States Air Force presently stationed in Britain and his girlfriend Sarah Grant, ladies and gentlemen this is Sir Geoffrey Goldberg, Permanent under-secretary of state at the Home Office."
As Buffy shook hands with the man, she smiled at him, "Wow that's some title you have there, the nameplate on your door must take some cleaning. I'm pleased to meet you."
"I'm pleased to met you, as for the nameplate you'll have to speak to the cleaners about that," he gave her an amused little smile that reminded her of how Giles would sometimes smile at her little observations. Sir Geoffrey continued talking as he took his place at the head of the table, "Please find yourselves seats and we'll get this meeting underway."
As they all took their seats, he introduced the other people around the table, gesturing to the man and woman on his left, "This is Claire Holmes, head of MI5, who are responsible for security inside Great Britain. And Steven Hyde, head of MI6 who operate very much like your CIA." He then turned to the two men on his other side; "This is Commander Mike Johnson, Captain Jones' opposite number in the SBS," he indicated the man in a naval uniform. "And agent Logan, who has been undercover as a police officer, keeping an eye on the woman calling herself Sergeant Morgan Fey," he indicated the other man, who although he was in civilian clothes, to Buffy and Giles just screamed police.
After all the hello's and pleased to meet you's had been exchanged, Sir Geoffrey turned to Buffy, "Now all the pleasantries are out of the way, you asked for this meeting maybe you could bring us up to speed."
"Very well, but I'm unsure where to start or even how much you will believe!" said Buffy.
"Well everyone here is aware of demons and vampires, Military Intelligence has had informal contact with the watchers council for over three hundred years, so we probably know more than you may think," pointed out Colonel McBride.
"Well that will help, but we have found out recently that what the council reveals, even to its own people has been censured. Had the council been more forth coming and honest, the present situation may well have been avoided," explained Giles.
So over the next hour Giles and Buffy, with a little help from Sarah told everyone the true story of what eventually became the Arthurian Legend.
Sir Geoffrey had a worried look on his face after they had finished, "So this Sergeant Fey is really Morganna le Fey and she is probably the most powerful user of magick ever to live." At Giles' nod he continued, "So what is she after and how do we stop her."
"We are still unsure what her eventually plans are, but we are fairly sure it involves the Priestesses, she already has two of them, she also knows that the others have to come out of hiding within two days to perform the Ritual of the Veil," said Giles.
"So I assume you want our help," said Captain Jones.
"Yes," nodded Buffy, "We though we would us the Priestesses as bait, but they think the Warlock will be expecting us to do that, but she doesn't know about you, so if you were around to back us up we would have a better chance of winning," she pointed out.
"Very well, where is this ritual to take place?" asked Sir Geoffrey.
"This one is to take place at Glastonbury Tor, the Warlock knows this," answered Sarah.
Getting up the Colonel went to one of the maps, studying it for a moment he turned to the others, "I respect your wish to keep the location of the Priestesses secret, but can I assume that they are in the Bath area?"
"Yes," said Jimmy.
"Right then," said the Colonel turning back to the map, "I would suggest you take the A39 straight to Glastonbury, there are a few ambush sites along that road. But my guess anyway is they will attack you just before you get to your destination," nodding to himself he re-took his seat.
"Why wouldn't they ambush us before?" asked Sarah, who was not use to being involved in this sort of thing.
"Well the bad guys don't know where the Priestesses are hiding, other than somewhere in this part of the country, they can't possibly cover all the possible routes, so they will probably have demons or people watching in a ring around Glastonbury, who will then communicate with the main force," Buffy explained to Sarah.
The Colonel looked at her, an amused look on his face, "Have you ever thought of a career in the military?"
"No, as Giles and Riley here will tell you, I don't take orders very well, and my girlfriends probably wouldn't like it either," she laughed.
We are under attack by dozens of demons and vampires, the bond informed Buffy.
Tell Willow and Tara to try and hold on, I'll be there as fast as I can, Buffy thought back. She got to her feet looking around wildly, "We have to get back to the mine, Willow and Tara say they are under attack by vamps and demons," she declared as she dashed for the doors.
"Buffy, wait if you go charging in there on your own you'll just get killed," said Giles grabbing her arm, "Besides you don't know your way," he pointed out.
Buffy took several deep breaths to calm herself, she gave her watcher a quick thank you smile before turning back to the others, "Sorry about that, but you have no idea what Willow and Tara mean to me!" she said by way of apology.
"I think our aid is going to be needed sooner than we anticipated," said the Colonel, he looked over at Sir Geoffrey, "With your permission sir!" at Sir Geoffrey's nod, the Colonel picked up a phone, after a few moments he started giving orders, "I want six teams ready to go in 10 minutes with the special weapons, there will be three civilians as well as Lieutenants Finn and Smith our US military advisors joining them, Captain Jones will be in command," he hung up the phone and turned to Harry, "Dismissed Captain."
The Captain saluted and led the others from the room.
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