AUTHOR'S NOTE: Still having a foul time. But it's getting better. And reviews really cheer me up… hint, hint ;)

Pertie: Ah, yes. The nasty author actually imagined how all those who had not read The King of the Catacombs would be irritated by that chapter, all the time snickering nastily, of course. ;) Well, actually I'm glad there's at least someone who hasn't, because this way there is at least one I managed to irritate. I did that in the last chapter of Book One of The King of the Catacombs as well; I introduced a crucial character by letting him remain completely mysterious, just like here. You're gathering just as much as those others were supposed to gather then: They are indeed talking about Erik. wanders off cackling manically, happy with the fact that he DID manage to confuse someone, after all ;-)

Nugrey: Now you would know what you speak of, of course… ;)

Alisendre: Maybe not exactly, but it fits rather well. :)

Bea: Oh, what you wouldn't do for Gerry… ;-) Endearing? I actually did not expect people to actually like him. :)

The Musician of the Night: All work periods end sometimes. At least I hope so. :) Lászlo and Sándor are pretty high up on the cast list, in comparison to others, so there will be more of them indeed.

Ashley: Sounds like you have weird problems with animals… Do tell me more. :) No problem with taking long, I know how it is; I have enough to do myself. Don't worry overmuch about Kay, though, it's not really worth the trouble in my opinion. I read most of it over the holidays, and It's just a bit of phan fiction, really.

…

…

…

Book Two: Parting the Fog

I. Friend or Phantom
II. I bid you welcome
III. Pity comes too late

Think of all the things we've shared and seen
Don't think about the way things might have been
Think of me
Think of me waking, silent and resigned
Imagine me
Trying too hard to put you from my mind
And you'll find
That once again you'll long
To take your heart back and be free
If you ever find a moment
Stop and think of me
–Jean-Marie Chalumeau, Hannibal

Sad to return to find the land we love
Threatened once more by Roma's far-reaching grasp…

–Jean-Marie Chalumeau, Hannibal