Chapter 6

The next day dawned brightly, and with the promise of good weather. As a result, Sarah and Rosemary spent the day going over the area where Herr Braun had told them that the Robin had been found after being lured away by Herr Arnolfi, having asked directions of the Hotel owner that morning at Frühstuck.

"It's the same place!" Sarah confirmed, once they had arrived after about an hours walk, and were stood looking at the cleft.

"We could certainly do with investigating further." Rosemary mused. "Only it is rather close to Mittagessen now, and neither of us have brought our torches. So I'm afraid we'll have to leave it for the present."

Sarah, meanwhile, had moved closer to the cleft. "Aunt Rosemary. There's something…. wrong in here. I can feel it."

Rosemary looked up, she knew, of course, of the ability of the Slayer to sense the vampires and the demons, but she had never seen it in action. Of course, there was no way to be sure that what Sarah was sensing was unnatural, it may have just been stale air from the cleft. But something told Rosemary that Sarah was maturing as a Slayer. She did not, however, let her charge know her suspicions.

"Well, it may be your instincts picking up something in there. Or you may be picking up a change in the weather." She glanced up towards the sky. "I'm not sure I like the look of those clouds, we should head back."

Sarah reluctantly moved away from the cleft, and the pair started back towards their Hotel.

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As Slayer and Watcher walked away from the cleft, Spike moved carefully towards the entrance to the caves, watching the pair. Luck was on his side however, and the day was overcast, allowing him to watch them for much further that he would have been had the sun been shining.

"So there's our Slayer," he murmured "A pretty little thing. Mind you, the Watchers not bad looking either." Then, raising his voice a little. "Is she powerful?"

Drusilla detached herself from the shadows. "She's young, not been a Slayer for long. The Watcher's dangerous as well, she could have been Chosen." She paused, as if listening to something. "But the girl's not destined to die here." She glanced upwards. "Pity really, the stars say she's a tasty morsel."

"Do they now?" Spike said, turning to his love. "The Watcher could have been Chosen though, you say?" Then, at Drusilla's nod, "We'd better keep a watch on her as well. She's probably got a bit of skill with weapons then." Spike then put his arm round Drusilla's waist. "But never mind love. You'll get yourself a Slayer one day."

Drusilla started shaking with excitement "Ooooooh, Do you really mean that?"

"Of course I do, love. It's a promise…. and don't I always keep my promises?"

"My William does indeed keep our promises. Now let us go. Mr Sunshine is going to come out soon and you must not spoil your lovely complexion." With which statement she turned and walked back down to the caves, leaving Spike to follow her.

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Rosemary's instincts were proved right, for she and Sarah had only just reached the outskirts of Briesau when the rain started to fall. They were soon back inside the Kron Prinz Karl, however, and both took a hot bath after changing out of their wet clothes.

After the pair had redressed themselves, they sat in their room, resigned to the fact that the expedition into the cleft would have to wait. The rain was pouring down as if it meant to keep on for many days, so Sarah sat working at her languages, whilst Rosemary sat writing to her fiancé.

My Dearest Rupert

Thank you for your last letter. The Council forwarded it to me very promptly and it was extremely pleasant to hear about your new position with the British Museum. As you know, I am unable to let you know where Sarah and I are based, but it is my hope that our work here will be completed within the next few months, and then I hope to return to England.

I have spoken to the Council, and they have agreed to find a new Watcher for Sarah. It is an unusual situation, but they have been willing to make allowances due to the fact that the plans for our marriage were so far advanced when Sarah was called.

I hope you understand, Rupert, that I will not be able to settle down to being a dutiful wife as easily as some of my peers. My unusual upbringing, with the expectation of my being called as a Slayer, did not fit me well for wifehood, as it was never expected to come to me. I would like to remain involved in the Council, and as you yourself may be travelling on business for the British Museum, as you mentioned in your last letter, it is my hope that I could accompany you, and carry out research in my own particular field of expertise.

Hoping with all my heart that this finds you in good health.

Your ever loving

Rosemary.

Signing her name with a flourish, she placed the letter in an envelope and addressed it, all the while looking forward to the time when she could return to England and become Mrs Rupert Giles.