Chapter 6

EPOV

Once all the men were assembled, Godric called us to attention.

"Before we speak of serious things, let me introduce myself. My name is Godric and the Ancient Pythoness is my maker." There were looks of surprise and awe radiating all around me. Of course, I wasn't surprised. It has always been hard for some to accept him as a vampire, especially since he was a teen when he was turned. If they knew he was approaching 3,000 years of age, they would be dumbfounded. His demeanor spoke his age and authority, while his face reminded me of a young Egyptian pharaoh dressed in a beige Kenneth Cole suit. I was glad that he finally adopted the fashions of the 21st century.

"I have summoned you with a message that requires that we unite in order to hold onto the peace that we all have worked hard to achieve in recent years. We are all gathered because it is we who will be able to defeat the evil that threatens us. There are beings, as it is not just one kind, are enraged of the union that we are here to celebrate. Once they are married, they will begin the process of replenishing their species which as been destroyed to the point where only one remaining, Ashlar. He is very old and has only survived because of what he learned from my maker thousands of years ago when she first foresaw his now union and our upcoming battle. His soon-to-be wife is the only female of their kind and is very young. Our enemies do not want to allow them to grow on their own for they want to enslave them as was done ages ago. Before I continue, I need to know if there are any present who object to this union. If you are not willing to help defend this, I would suggest you leave now. But know this: our enemies do not plan to stop with their enslavement. We are all unique to our races and we are spoils of war that they will not hesitate to capture along with this couple. What say you all, as time is of the essence?"

The silence was palpable. I didn't feel that I needed to speak as I would forever be on the side of my maker in any battle. I was curious about the others. What were their backgrounds? What special abilities did they have? As quickly as these thoughts crossed my mind, my mind was consumed with the thought of Sookie's safety. Although I knew that my beloved was more than capable of protecting herself against any foe, the idea of someone trying to hurt her sparked a rage that I hadn't felt in quite awhile. The memories of the battles she and I faced in the beginning came rushing back. I thought about the visions of Sookie running as her feet bleed with her friend Amelia and Jessica at her side. I would NEVER let anything of the sort happen to her.

I imagine that all of these men were having a similar processing of this information. While the faces of us vampires remained blank, our poker faces are unbeatable; the non-vampires were full of fear and uncertainty.

"On behalf of myself and the Queen of Minnesota, I pledge our lives to the protection of Ashlar and Morrigan." Sinclair exuded confidence and determination. I was surprised that he so easily accepted without confirming with his Queen as she is the monarch of that state. I filed this in my 'consider later' folder and waited for others to respond.

Godric nodded and continued to scan the group.

"Vayl. May I have a word?" Raoul said as he motioned in a direction away from the group. Vayl and Dave, the human, stepped to the side to discuss this predicament further.

"I believe that some of these 'enemies' are amassing forces in the Nightside as we speak. I will do what I can to prevent my world from spilling over to this one. Not on my watch." Taylor was very peculiar. He was dressed in a simple suit and trench coat. He looked so nondescript. Perhaps that is the reason I felt the need to be cautious and not underestimate him. Something about him said non-human, but I wasn't sure what it was. That was another train of thought to follow up on later.

After a few moments, it seemed that Vayl and his group had made a decision. With a nod from Raoul, Vayl announced their decision. "We agree to aid you in this matter. It appears that we are going to be attacked on various fronts and will not succeed without combining forces."

Carlyle and Edward were deep in conversation. The rest of us were getting a little impatient as the need for more information grew amongst us. "What role does the Volturi play is this fight?" Although we'd never met, I knew that he was – at least sometime in the past – a member of the group which governs the European factions, particularly Italy. Obviously, there are trust issues there as both men were visible worried about the Volturi's involvement.

"The Volturi have decided to stay neutral, for now. It would seem that they plan to wait and see who will be the victor. I personally think this is disgraceful, especially with this battle to take place near their territory. However, that is strictly my opinion."

After several moments of silence between them, Carlyle nodded to Godric as they had accepted to be a part of our 'resistance'.

"Good. With it decided, I can give a little more information. We do not know how or when our enemies will make their attacks. AP has her scouts searching for more information, but not much as surfaced. We do know that the main goal is to kill the male and secure the female. Our enemies know that there will be other women present and they will capture any that cross their path. Human, vampire, or otherwise are marked. As to what will happen to any woman captured is unknown, but all the men presence have been marked to be killed on sight."

Every one of us had a woman in question and was shook by this revelation. I wasn't worried about an attempt on my life – I'm used to it after almost 1100 years – but the life of my beloved was in peril and that just wouldn't do.

Godric continued. "I have been instructed to tell you all that your women are not to be alerted to this until they return…"

"Return?" Dave said for the first time since joining the group. "Are they not here in the castle?"

"No. They are now in London, bonding as women do." Most of the men sighed in exasperation. "AP stated that it is vital to our victory that the women become close. It will take all of our strength and abilities to overcome what is over the horizon. In their absence, I suggest you go and discuss the turn of events with the rest of your parties and begin planning. When they return, we can fill them in." With that Godric nodded and we were dismissed. He approached and whispered, "We will talk about this soon. I have some preparations to make in the meantime. Remember; do not contact Sookie or Pam. They need this time." I bowed and he was gone.

"Where could they have gone?" Although his voice was calm, I could see in Dave's eyes a desperation that I knew all to well.

"Remember what we discussed prior to coming David." Raoul consoled. I wasn't sure what he was referring to, but he reminded me of my father's second in command. He was my combat trainer when my father was leading the army and I was still too young to follow. Dave reluctantly nodded and looked to Vayl for his thoughts.

"Everything will be fine. Our wives will be alright. Keep in mind that your wife is with your sister. Do you think she would go anywhere without Grief?"

Sinclair and I traded looks. In unison, we asked, "Who is Grief?"

Vayl looked at Raoul as if to ask permission. He didn't seem to be the type to take orders, but I had no idea what type of relationship they had. He nodded and Vayl answered. "Grief is my wife's modified Walther PPK that is capable of killing humans, weres, and vampires with a push of a button."

We were speechless. I was also impressed. I was eager to learn more. "Let us go inside and talk. I wouldn't be surprised if our spouses have a lot in common."

Carlyle called out to us, "We will meet up with you all soon. Edward and I need to make some preparations." The two men turned and walked away from the mansion. The rest of us went inside to find a place to get acquainted since we would be working so closely together.

Author's Notes:

So, the boys have their meeting. How will the ladies handle this news? Will everyone get along?

SPECIAL THANKS to my 'regulars'. Hope to please a fan.

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