Chapter One – Master of the Hunt
Dr. Adam Sinclair was completing his rounds and making his way back to his office. Things had been relatively quiet for the past few months in both of his professions. He was looking forward to an evening at home with his wife Ximena and their friends and in the case of Peregrine, his colleague in combating the dark, the Lovats.
The phone rang as he sat down to review his notes. He was surprised to hear a familiar voice on the other end of the line when he answered.
"Hello Adam," the voice said.
"Gray," Adam replied. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your call?"
"There is matter I need your assistance with Adam," Gray answered.
That threw off Adam. Sir John Graham was the senior Man in Black in Britain, the representative of England's old religion. He was perhaps one of the most powerful mystics in Europe. Adam had gone to Sir John for help on several matters related to the esoteric over the years. But this was the first time Sir John had ever specifically asked him for help.
"Of course Gray," Adam said. "Whatever you require. May I ask what this is about?"
"This is best not discussed over the phone," Gray replied. "We can discuss the matter on a more, even plane, later this evening."
Again Adam was taken back by the comment. The matter must be important in Sir John wished for such a meeting. "We are having Peregrine and Julia over for dinner tonight. I suppose I will have to forgo eating. I should be able to meet with you at say ten."
"Excellent," Sir John said. "This matter will require Mr. Lovat's talents as well. It would appropriate for him to join us. We will be ready at ten."
"Good day Gray," Adam said.
"Good day to you as well Adam," with that Sir John hung up the phone.
Adam hung up his own phone and leaned back in his chair. He had no inkling of any activity on the esoteric front. No one else among the hunting lodge had reported anything out of the ordinary. What could possibly be happening that would compel Sir John to seek his aid?
It had been a pleasant evening with the Lovats. As ten o'clock grew closer Adam began to make preparations to meet with Sir John. He and Peregrine retired to the Library.
Dr. Ximena Lockart, his wife, accompanied them. She had long ago made peace with the dangers his calling to combat the dark placed him in. After all they had met when he had come into the emergency room where she worked after a failed attempt on his life. And one of their first dates was marred by another attempt on his life.
But accepting it didn't mean that she would do nothing to minimize those dangers when she could. Whenever Adam was going to do deep meditation or a ritual she was present to monitor his, and any other participants, vital signs.
At first Adam had been reluctant to allow her to participate. Being a physician himself, he felt he was quite capable of judging his own limits. In addition he had been doing deep meditation and astral projection for years. But he quickly bowed to his wife's wishes, acknowledging her need to be involved in all aspects of his life.
He and Peregrine had skipped eating dinner, preferring to fast before engaging in any ritual activity. As he tossed incense onto the fire Peregrine move two chairs close to fireplace. His wife had taken two thick wool blankets out of the closet.
Once seated Adam turned to Peregrine and spoke to his colleague and apprentice.
"This will be the first time you have traveled the astral Peregrine," Adam said. "The initial stages will be much like the other trances you have entered into. Just remember to stay with me."
Peregrine nodded in response. "I must confess Adam," he said. "I am feeling a touch nervous about this. Why did Sir John request my presence at this meeting?"
"I do not know," Adam replied. "But he requested to meet on the astral plane as one Adept to another. That alone tells me this is an important matter."
"All right Adam," Peregrine said. "Let's get on with it."
Adam nodded. Peregrine leaned back in his chair. Adam tapped him on the wrist and spoke quietly, gently leading the younger man into a deep meditative trance. Once he was satisfied Peregrine was at the proper level he sat down at his chair. He breathed deep and focused his eyes on the flames dancing in the fireplace.
With practiced ease his consciousness released its hold on the world of the outer senses.
He felt the familiar presence of Peregrine near and he mentally called his friend. Adam found himself standing on an island. Peregrine was standing beside him.
"Adam?" the younger man looked at him.
"We are on the astral Peregrine," Adam explained. "What you are seeing is your mind's attempt to interpret the world around you. Just relax and stay with me."
A deep resonant sound reverberated through the air.
Peregrine looked up. "That almost sounds like drums. I feel drawn to them."
"It is the call of a senior Adept," Adam said. "Let go, it will guide us where we need to be."
Soon the two men were flying through the air. The sound was almost deafening around them. They touched down at the foot of a maze. Adam recognized it as the maze to the gazebo located at Oakwood. The gate had been left open inviting the two men to enter.
"It feels almost real," Peregrine said.
"It is real," Adam replied. "In a way. The maze is not really here. It is a projection of the power that protects Oakwood. Follow me."
Adam led Peregrine confidently through the maze. Soon they reached the center and approached the gazebo. There they were challenged by a robed figure carrying a large broadsword.
"Who comes?"
"Adam, Master of the Hunt and servant of the Light, duly sworn."
"Enter and be welcome Adam, Master of the Hunt and servant of the Light."
Adam crossed the threshold into the gazebo.
Peregrine stopped at the entrance.
"Who comes?"
"Peregrine, Huntsman and servant of the Light, duly sworn."
"Enter and be welcome Peregrine, Huntsman and servant of the Light."
After Peregrine crossed the threshold the figure crossed the tip of the sword across the opening three times, finally laying the sword across the opening to seal the wards. He then turned and pulled back his cowl.
Adam smiled at the face of Sir John Graham.
"Gray, it is pleasure to see you again," Adam said.
"And you as well Adam," Sir John answered. "Peregrine, a pleasure."
"Thank you Sir John," Peregrine answered. The presence of the senior Adept and power flowing around this place left Peregrine feeling nervous.
"You may call me Gray, Peregrine," Sir John smiled. "Please take a seat we have much to discuss and little time."
Adam moved to table at the center of the gazebo and took a seat. "I assume this matter is of much urgency. You did request of meeting on the astral."
"There is urgency," Sir John replied. "But secrecy is of more importance. Before we begin I must inform that what we are about to discuss must be kept in the strictest of confidence. You must tell no one, not even your fellow Huntsmen, what you learn here this night."
"I understand Gray," Adam said, again taken aback by the obvious trust the senior Adept was showing in him. "I agree."
"I agree as well Sir John," Peregrine said.
"Very well," Sir John said. "Then allow me to begin with some background. As you know there are many groups dedicated to the Light. The battle against the dark is fought on many fronts."
"I am aware of that Gray," Adam said. "We have had dealings with several such groups."
"You have dealt with groups much like your own," Gray said. "Most of the battles you have fought have been against humans. You have had only occasional brushes with the demonic."
"Occasional is still too many," Peregrine shuddered at some of the memories of past battles.
"There are those who are called to combat the demonic directly," Sir John said. "Tell me Adam, have you heard the term, Slayer."
Adam searched through his memory. "No I have not."
"A Slayer is a warrior, a young woman," Sir John explained. "For thousands of years there was only one at a time. When one died the next was called. She was granted the power, strength, speed, senses, to combat the demons directly."
"One woman, to combat the darkness," Adam was shocked.
"There was a group dedicated to finding and training the Slayers," Sir John continued. "They were known as the Watcher's Council often they were referred to simply as the Council."
"The group that Quentin Travers was a part of?" Sir Adam inquired.
"Yes," Sir John replied. "I did not know you were aware of Quentin."
"Only indirectly," Adam said. "Many years ago, when my Mother was Master of the Hunt, there were several graves that had been dug up and people were found murdered with puncture marks on their necks. It looked like a group using the vampire myths to cover for their ritual work. Before the Hunting Lodge could muster its forces the man we believed behind the group disappeared. The murders stopped. When my mother tried to learn more all she discovered was that the suspect had been declared dead and that somehow Quentin Travers had taken control of his property and turned it over to an organization called the Council. That was all she could learn, even with her contacts."
Sir John nodded. "You were most likely dealing with true vampires. The man you though of as the leader was probably trying to pass as human. The Slayer of that time eliminated him and his pack and Council took control over his estate. It was not uncommon for them to take the resources of such vampires to fund their own operations."
"What do you mean he was trying to pass for human," Peregrine said. "You mean he was a vampire. Vampires are real."
"Quite real Peregrine," Sir John said. "And it is fortunate for Philippa that the Council intervened ahead of her. For all her skill and knowledge I doubt she would have survived such an encounter unprepared. I count myself lucky to have dealt with such creatures directly only a couple of times in my career."
"And these Slayers do confront them directly?" Adam asked.
"That is their duty," Gray answered. "Although things changed several years ago. The old Council was destroyed in a battle against a great evil. You might remember the 'terrorist' bombing in London about six years ago."
"A private foundation, around thirty people were killed," Adam nodded.
"It was the headquarters of the old Council," Sir John said. "After its destruction the current Slayer, who had broken her ties to Council some years before, managed to defeat that evil. In doing so, she and her friends quite literally changed the world. They took control of the Council's remaining resources and have been rebuilding along new lines for the past few years."
"And do they require our aid in rebuilding?' Adam asked.
"No," Sir John answered. "A member of Council a rather extraordinary woman by the name of Dawn, has been working with me to solve a problem. There is hidden within her a power unlike any I have ever sensed before, in this or any of my other lives. That power will be needed in a conflict that is coming. I have been spending the past few months trying to learn about the source of that power and I have exhausted all of my resources."
"Is she the current Slayer?" Peregrine asked.
"Again no," Sir John said. "She is the sister of the senior Slayer in the Council. Her power I believe stems from an entirely different source."
"How can we help?" Adam asked. "Your sources are far more extensive than my own. It is unlikely I can learn anything beyond what you already have."
"In order to learn more, Dawn must now begin to look within herself," Sir John said. "Your talents Adam, both as an Adept and a healer will be invaluable to helping her through that journey. And your talents Peregrine, your vision, could provide critical insight into the nature of Dawn's gifts."
"What is the source of this power?" Adam asked.
"I have told you as much about this matter as I can Adam," Sir John said. "The rest of the tale is Dawn's to tell. She has already agreed to meet with you both."
"We are of course at your disposal Gray," Sir Adam said. "But the holidays do place many demands on our schedules. If, as you say, secrecy and discretion is to be preferred then I am uncertain if there is a way we can break away in a manner that doesn't draw attention."
"We can work out the particulars over the next couple of days," Sir John said.
"Very well," Adam said. "Is there anything else you can tell us about Dawn before we meet her?"
Sir John paused in thought for a moment. "I can leave you with this. Her name is Dawn Summers. She is the current CEO of Guardian Research."
Peregrine's eyes went wide. "I know Guardian Research. They do appraisal work, mostly antiquities but some artwork, mostly pieces over two centuries old. They have an excellent reputation. They also do a great deal of historical research."
"Have you ever done any business with them Peregrine?" Adam asked.
"No," Peregrine answered. "I know them strictly by reputation. Almost all the major museums, most auction houses and a number of private collectors throughout England have done business with them. I never knew they were involved in the occult."
"The vast majority of the work Guardian does is perfectly legitimate,' Sir John said. "Guardian is the Council's public face. One of Quentin's more innovative and quite frankly brilliant ideas. It is growing late. I will speak with you regarding arrangements later. It is time for you to return to outer world."
Adam nodded his head. "I thank you again Gray."
A short while later Adam and Peregrine awoke to the world of the outer senses.
Peregrine shook his head. He felt cold. He was covered with a wool blanket. "What time is it?"
"11:50," Ximena answered. "Humphrey will be bringing in hot cocoa and some sandwiches in a couple of minutes. You will need to eat and drink to warm up."
"It didn't feel like two hours," Peregrine said.
"Like many things in the astral, time is subjective," Adam explained. "What you perceived and saw was largely the construction of your own mind. Your perception of events, details what you saw, will be slightly different from my own."
"I need to get my sketchpad," Peregrine said. "The gazebo looked beautiful. Even more magnificent than the real one."
Adam smiled. "Have some cocoa first."
"Was your journey successful?" Ximena asked.
"Yes it was," Adam answered. "Sir John has asked for Peregrine and I to help him with a project. I am sorry my dear, but I can not tell you any more than that."
"I understand," Ximena replied. "I assume this may mean a change in some of our Christmas plans."
"Unfortunately yes," Adam said. "The details will need to be worked out. However this does appear to be more of a research project. I believe you and Julia should be able to accompany us."
"You have spoken often of Sir John. I would welcome an opportunity to meet him," Ximena said. "Although it would be difficult to get away for even a short time."
"We shall have to see," Adam looked up as the door to library opened and Humphrey opened the door and wheeled in a tray with three cups of steaming cocoa and small plate of sandwiches. "I see our snack has arrived. Thank you Humphrey."
"A pleasure Sir," Humphrey said. "Will you require anything else?"
"No thank you Humphrey," Adam said. "This will be quite sufficient."
"Very well Sir," Humphrey turned and left.
"Ximena, Peregrine and I need to speak privately for a few moments,' Adam said.
"Of course dear," Ximena leaned down give her husband a kiss. "Drink your cocoa and eat some food. You both need to warm up. I expect both of you to get to bed soon. Peregrine, Julia has already set up the guest room. She is waiting for you there."
"Thank you Ximena," Peregrine replied.
"I'll leave you two alone now," Ximena said as she turned to leave. "But only a few minutes. You need your rest."
"Yes dear," Adam said watching Ximena leave the room. "So Peregrine, what do you make of Sir John's request?"
"I'm not certain Adam," Peregrine replied. "Given our dealings with Sir John in the past I have a hard time believing he would require our aid."
Adam smiled. "Gray is a man with many resources. He came to us because he believes we are the best people for job."
"I guess so," Peregrine said. "What do make of this Slayer business? A woman warrior selected by the Light to battle demons."
"There are many legends in many cultures regarding mystically empowered warriors," Adam said. "As you well know, many of the tales most of the world takes for mere myths have some basis in reality. I suspect this Slayer is the source of some of those tales. As Gray said, there are many groups dedicated to Light, the war is fought on many fronts. I look forward to meeting this Dawn Summers."
"It certainly sounds like she has impressed Sir John," Peregrine noted.
"Yes is does," Adam acknowledged. "And to have done that most likely means she is woman with a great deal of experience. I suspect she has been involved in the esoteric for many years, possibly even decades."
"As long as you Adam?"
"Quite possibly," Adam answered. "We have done enough for this evening. Ximena will be back soon to send us to bed. So finish your cocoa before she returns."