If the situation hadn't been so dire Gabriel might have found the look on the Cardinal's face amusing.

"What!??! How did this happen?" demanded the Holy Man.

Van Helsing sighed again as he began to explain...

"I am not happy with this," stated the Cardinal when he had heard all but he changed his severe expression when he saw Arene's sorrowful look, "still it has happened now," he continued, "and so I guess there is nothing I can do about it. I want that devil out of this holy place as soon as possible though!"

"Believe me, I want him gone too," said Gabriel, "and Arene has already told Nicola that he is not back to stay." He paused for a moment. "I think it will break the young woman's heart to see him go though."

The Cardinal looked thoughtful.

"The two of you do not understand the child's love for this monster," he said, "but I think we are all missing something. She seems to see the human he once was. Arene can appreciate this I believe.."

He broke off and gave Gabriel and Carl a knowing look.

"You daughter has the grace of God with her Gabriel," he said softly as he placed his hand on Arene's head in benediction, "and we all know that miracles can happen."

After this enigmatic proclamation the Cardinal turned and left them.

"What was all that about?" asked Carl, perplexed.

"I don't know," answered Gabriel truthfully, "but come on. Let's get what we need and get this over with."

He was not happy that Arene had to be bait first but he guessed it made sense that way. He was just concerned about how the Count would make Aleera jealous of his daughter!

They entered the library and closed the door. Arene ran her fingers through her hair, touching where the cardinal had touched.

"Well... that was something," she said, sighing. "What did he mean?"

Gabriel smiled at her.

"Perhaps you do have a gift.... but your guess is as good as mine. I have no idea what he meant."

Carl smiled too and, knowing he had to say this, spoke up.

"From what I have heard, he's hoping Arene doesn't turn out to be the rule-breaker you are... and from where we are all standing, he's a little too late."

"You got that right," both Van Helsing and Arene thought but they couldn't help but smile. Carl nodded.

"Okay, so we have two hours to get this ready and come up with a plan. That should be enough time... hopefully," he said, praying to God that he would be right in this. That said, he picked up one of his many textbooks and started to work. Arene looked at her father and shrugged.

"I guess we should work on the battle tactics," she said.

"Yes, we should."

Just as Arene was about to turn back he spoke again.

"Arene... back in your room... when you began to quote Shakespeare...you did..."

"Father!" she said exasperated, but with a smile. "I couldn't care less for that man! I'll admit he's handsome. I won't argue with Nicola on that! I just found it strange that he liked Hamlet... well, I had not really figured he liked it." Her eyes softened as she looked at Gabriel. "I feel nothing for him. There is only one man in my life that I love dearly."

Van Helsing smiled.

"And who is that lucky gentleman?"

Arene hugged him tightly.

"You father."

Hearing this, Carl cleared his throat and looked at her. Arene's smile widened.

"Okay, two men in my life I love dearly."

Carl smiled back then continued on his work. Van Helsing nodded.

"I guess we should get started, then," he said to her.