Chapter Thirteen – Scenes from July and August
"So you really think this negotiation in Indonesia will work?" Giles spoke into the phone.
"Yes I do," Buffy replied. "It's not that much different then the informal truces we've set up with the more peaceful demon clans around Cleveland."
"Buffy what's being proposed goes well beyond a simple truce," Giles couldn't believe Buffy was serious about this. "You are discussing a formal treaty with a demon clan. A binding agreement."
"Come on Giles. It makes sense. They want a peaceful place to settle; there are lots of uninhabited islands around the Hellmouth. We agree to leave them alone; they agree to stay clear of humans. They'll even agree to provide us with information about the movements of other demons around the Hellmouth and if necessary help police the local population. Even Xander thinks it's worth exploring."
This was another one of those times when Giles was certain Quentin and every other former member of the old Council were spinning in their graves. "I don't feel comfortable with this idea Buffy."
"Giles we're not going to rush off and sign some piece of paper in blood tomorrow," Buffy actually sounded amused. "The clan just put out some informal feelers. We can discuss the possibilities in more detail at the next board meeting. This isn't going to be resolved over the phone. Besides, Indonesia isn't why I called."
"Very well," Giles replied. "Why did you call?"
"Five more Slayers reported dreams about the enclaves you've discovered and those wand wielders that live inside," Buffy said. "That makes seventeen so far. I've started the process of reassigning them to London but it's going to put some holes on our current teams."
"You crafted the basic rule Buffy. The dreams are a clear indication of who needs to be involved."
"I know Giles. But I need you warn Kennedy that I'm going to pull out some of her team to fill in the gaps."
"She won't be happy."
"I know, but the London Slayers do serve as the basic reserve for European operations. God I'm starting to sound like Xander. Besides she'll be getting a dozen new Slayers to yell at. That should keep her happy."
"Alright I'll suffer her wrath this time."
---
"We should have the kinks worked out in a couple of weeks. Once the wards work consistently all you need to do is place one of the crystals at the fulcrum point of the enclave's protective barrier," Talerie explained. "Once that's done the enclave is completely isolated. No one will be able to apparate, floo or use portkeys to get in or out."
"How long can the spell be maintained?"
"Depends on the size of the enclave. Figure around twenty to thirty minutes for the estates."
"Wish I had these thirteen years ago," Major Chisholm said. "That fourth bastard wouldn't have gotten away."
---
"There's the guy who went in last week," Faye said.
"Man has no fashion sense," replied Eric. "I think it's safe to say there is definitely another connection between the enclaves. There is no way that guy stayed in that place five days. Have you sensed any kind of link?"
"No, the enclaves seem totally cut off from the outside world except for the entrances. Hard to believe they can use magic to get around though. Teleportation is supposed to be a pretty advanced kind of magic. Maybe there's something underground?"
"Possible. I'll have research pull up a complete map of the London Underground to see if anything passes close to the barriers. Sloppy of us not to check sooner."
---
"How much longer till I get the file Director Buford?"
"Patience Jerry. I'm not sending out any tasking orders to our mole until he's had a chance to get better acclimated to his new position."
"Alright, I'll start working up a psyche profile with the information we have now. Black has to be a serious head case to betray his best friend the way he did. I want in on the interrogation when we bring him in."
"Of course."
---
"So Dawn, what do you think?"
"I like it Willow," Dawn replied. "You're right, just blowing the compulsion spell away would probably cause more harm than good. I want to do a little more research on Sir John before you talk to him though."
"I understand. But I really think he holds the key to removing the compulsion without risking damage to the rest of the protective spell."
----
"I had never of a Slayer before today Lady Aydin."
"I'm not surprised Elder. As I said, up until a couple of years ago only one existed at a time and she never had any reason to interact with the Wizarding world."
"To have done what you claim they have done. To undo a magic that has existed since before the dawn of history. To have learned so much of my world in only a few short months. Such things are simply impossible."
"As was pointed out to me at the time. The word impossible means different things to different people."
"Then you truly believe they are capable of finding a solution to the binding magic of the Covenant."
"Yes I do."
"I am reminded of what Micah told me the last time I spoke to him," the Elder paused. "Ah, he was a worthy man. I mean no disrespect Lady Aydin, you have served well and done great credit to your Uncle, but Micah was a man of unique insight."
"I know. I can only hope to live up to a portion of his legacy. What did he tell you?"
"I guess this would have been a week after what happened in Sunnydale. He told me I needed to forget all the old truths I cling to. That the world was now different and what I once held as impossible was now possible," the Elder seemed lost in thought for few moments. "To my shame I had discounted his words at the time. But hearing your tale today and seeing all of this," he waved his hand over the maps Robert had left behind. "You have given much to think about."
"It's rare to see you in an introspective mood Elder."
"At my age one learns to hide such things."
"Will you be at the estate tomorrow for the final testing?"
"Unfortunately no. A full session of the Wizengamot has been called for tomorrow morning. Cornelius is going to try something foolish."