Chapter Seventy One

Darius

When the others got back I was relieved to hear that not only had they seen The Major but Edward had been close enough to read his thoughts and Peter had managed to get a message to him.

"No one else could read that message could they Peter?"

Peter glared at Hunter,

"What do you think I am? A fucking idiot? Its in Native American and I seriously doubt Caius knows that, besides which I delivered it right into The Major's hand and he won't leave it hanging around."

"Enough you two, we don't need bickering between ourselves. Edward what did you learn?"

Edward

I was relieved I had been able to get close enough to prove my worth among these warriors and I told them exactly what I'd heard.

"He knows about Bella, he must have felt it but hopefully Peter's message will relieve his fears for her. Caius partners are Stefan and Vladimir and they are providing men for the coup in return for a place on the ruling council or so he thinks. The army is good and he'll have to continue training them but he only has two weeks so they shouldn't pose too many problems unless of course more arrive."

"Two weeks? That doesn't give us much time, do we know Caius plan?"

I shook my head ruefully,

"No, they haven't told him that yet but he'll keep bringing parties out to the same location to train so as soon as he knows we should too."

"He thinks we should contact Aro, or at least get Carlisle to, if Caius has the numbers and a good plan he could possibly succeed. Maybe Aro will know what Caius knows, a way in or something?"

Darius

I shook my head,

"I doubt it, Caius needs the element of surprise and not only with his army. He has some way of getting into Volterra that Aro either doesn't know of or has discounted. Let's hope The Major gets the missing piece of the puzzle soon."

"And in the meantime what do we do?"

"We wait….I'll contact Carlisle though, he'll have his hands full once Bella wakes up and he's going to have to speak to Aro so I'll suggest he tries to persuade Aro to deal directly with me."

"You? Why you?"

"Because Peter if I left it to you we'd have two wars raging at the same time. Trust me the diplomatic corps had a narrow escape when you chose another career."

Peter went off mumbling to himself but he knew I was right, he was the worst possible choice for a go between, especially when Aro Volturi was involved!

I rang Carlisle right away and I could hear he was relieved that we had a channel of communication, even if only one way, with The Major. I didn't think Peter's stone delivery service could be chanced too many times although it had been a stroke of genius on his part in the first place.

"What did you find out? I need something to tell Bella when she wakes up."

"Talking of Bella, how is she doing?"

"Strangely quiet for a human undergoing the change. She's restless and moaning but that's it, there's something rather strange about Bella Swan, I always thought so. Anyway go on."

I told him what Edward had read in The Major's mind and then,

"I think you are going to have to speak to Aro without all the facts. As soon as we get Caius' plan I'll pass it on but the deadline is two weeks and it gives us and Aro very little time to plan a defense."

"You think it would be better if you spoke to him direct?"

"Yes, if only because of the time factor Carlisle but I know he wouldn't listen to me even if I could get through to him but vouched for by you….."

"Very well I'll speak to him but I can't promise anything. However he never takes threats lightly so you might just be in luck. Darius, be careful, Aro is as dangerous a man as you'll ever encounter."

"Yeah I know but thanks for the warning."

Carlisle

I gave the news to the others and immediately Jay wanted to return to Darius and his friends.

"I should be there ready to fight not tucked up here nice and safe."

Alice looked sad but I knew she understood her mates frustration.

"For now you remain here. maybe Darius thinks Bella needs a bodyguard, after all you are the only trained fighter amongst us. Right well wish me luck with Aro."

I went up to my study to make the call in peace, I hadn't spoken to Aro in years and wasn't even sure I would get through to him but trying the number I had found in my files I was pleased to find it still contacted me directly with my old friend who sounded surprised to hear from me but pleased too. I wondered how long that would last once I gave him the news about his brother?

"Carlisle, what a surprise but such a pleasant one. To what do I owe this sudden communication? Do you have a problem?"

"Not exactly my friend but I think you may."

"Really? How strange I haven't heard anything of a problem here in Volterra. Pray enlighten me."

"I'm contacting you on behalf of a friend who has information he thinks you should be made aware of."

"How intriguing, does this friend have a name?"

"Yes, Darius."

"Well there's a name I haven't heard in centuries, what is it he thinks I should be made aware of?"

"A possible danger to yourself, to the Volturi as you know it."

"Really? And you will vouch for Darius?"

"Yes, I think you should talk to him urgently Aro."

"I see. Very well old friend, give me the contact details but if this turns out to be some kind of hoax….."

"It isn't. I assure you."

He was convinced by my tone and agreed to contact Darius straight away. I could have filled him in but I decided it would be better coming from Darius who knew the details and who would remain in contact directly as things progressed.

Darius

Whatever Carlisle said to Aro obviously had an effect because I had the leader of the Volturi on the line less than an hour after I spoke to him.

"Darius, I had a very cryptic call from an old friend telling me you had information I would be extremely interested in hearing."

"Yes. Firstly I want to ask you a question though."

"Ah there is always a payment to be made for information. What is it you want?"

I ignored the sarcasm,

"Do you know where Caius is?"

There was a long silence before Aro answered me.

"Now why would you be asking me that question? It assumes that in fact I do not. So just for arguments sake lets say yes I do."

"Really? And do you know what he is doing?"

"Again playing your game I will say yes but you seem to be inferring that he doing something I wouldn't approve of. Would you care to tell me or are we going to play word games longer?"

I told him what we knew of Caius plan and waited for his reply to the shocking news.

"I see and can you prove any of this?"

"I can tell you where he is right now, along with his two co conspirators and their army."

"And you say they are being trained by The Major whom Caius believes to be in fact a double?"

"Yes."

"I'll be in contact with you when I have had time to check on the facts, not that I don't believe you but you'll appreciate I couldn't possibly take your word at face value."

"Of course but I wouldn't wait too long. I think Caius is almost ready to act. Oh yes, by the way, your mini army you sent to find and kill The Major wont be coming home."

"Explain yourself Darius."

"Caius had an ally among them and lied to you about The Major and now you know why. We were forced to defend ourselves of course and your guards were killed. Of course Caius doesn't know this since he was nowhere near them at the time."

"They are all dead? Felix? Jane?"

"I'm afraid so but lay the blame where it belongs, at Caius door not ours, he was the one who manipulated you into sending them after all."

There was a deathly silence which stretched on for a very long time before he spoke again.

"I'll be in touch."