Goliath and Lexington were led by the team of guards from the rookery to the prison where they would be held until the next night. They gazed in amazement at several large, round structures, built into the sides of rocky cliffs. Each had multiple levels of galleries and balconies along the ledges, where it appeared hundreds of gargoyles were preparing to greet the dawn. A few of them looked down curiously at the strangers as they were escorted through the community to an enormous cave that was carved into the side of a cliff. So close to sunrise, there were very few gargoyles left in this area of the village, except for a few guards that peered at them from various platforms high above. They were led to a tunnel that brought them into a prison. The guards explained to them that they would remain there until they could be interviewed properly the next night.
"How much trouble do you think we're in?" Lexington asked, once they were left alone.
"I'd like to think that we will be interviewed by a reasonable and understanding leader tomorrow, and it will be perfectly clear that we meant no harm and they will not only forgive our intrusion but also assist us in getting home."
"I suppose that's a possibility," Lexington replied without much confidence, "They did seem pretty reasonable when they arrested us, although we do look pretty bad here. I wish they hadn't taken my computer! I hope after we explain everything, they will give it back!" Lexington had rebuilt and customized his computers multiple times over and he was quite proud of the laptop and the things he was able to do with it. He had written dozens of complex programs for the clan as well as invented some pretty impressive machines to run off of them and the laptop was the most advanced machine he'd designed.
"I hope they return it as well," Goliath agreed, "But I'm far more concerned about what new scheme Adelpha is up to and whether or not they are keeping her secure until we have the chance to talk to them about her."
Lexington looked down sadly.
"I really thought she had changed," he said with a tone of resentment. Goliath placed his hand on his shoulder.
"She has changed, Lexington," he replied, "Or at least, she is changing. But, perhaps, it will take time. She didn't become the way she was all at once, I'm sure. How can we expect it to be undone so quickly? I'm afraid that is what is so dangerous about her. We know there is good in her. We want to trust her. But we can't let our guard down."
"Do you think it will always be this way with her?" Lexington asked forlornly.
Goliath sighed before replying, "I think it wise to expect that."
He didn't have time to elaborate though. A moment later, the sunrise brought them sleep. The following night, it wasn't long after they had awakened that they were visited by a youth who brought them two steaming bowls of porridge, heavily spiced, and topped with dried fruits.
"Have you come from far away?" the young one asked them, clearly fascinated by the outsiders.
"We don't know where we are, so it's hard to say," Lexington explained.
"You're on Bain Felix," the lad explained as if that should clear it all up.
"Where's that?" Lexington asked and the youth squinted in confusion.
"That's here," he replied, "How can you not know where here is, when you ARE here yourself?"
"A fair enough question," Goliath commented, clearly amused by the conversation.
"Where are you from?" the youth asked, then hopefully suggested, "India? Japan?"
"We're from New York," Lexington told him.
The youth's face brightened with recognition, "That's in North America!"
"Right," Lexington agreed, "So, how far away is Bain Felix from New York City?"
The boy gave him a sideways glance as he considered the question. Finally, he replied, "If you don't know, I probably shouldn't tell you!"
With that, he departed.
"Well, we've narrowed it down to Planet Earth," Lexington commented as he watched the young gargoyle scamper away from their cell.
"And we've eliminated India, and Japan," Goliath pointed out.
A short time later, a group of guards came to escort them to the place where they would be interviewed.
"Please," Goliath addressed them, "We had a female with us when we were arrested. Do you know where she is?"
The guards looked at each other until one of them answered, "I believe she was brought to the healers."
"I need to get a message to whoever is in command," Goliath said urgently, "That female is dangerous and must be kept under guard at all times. If she were to escape, she is capable of anything."
One of the warriors stepped forward, "I wouldn't worry too much, Brother. I'm certain she is under guard and will be escorted just as you were."
"Could you not warn whoever is guarding her?" he pleaded, "She's terribly strong, cunning, and given to ruthlessness if anyone stands in her way. She'll commit murder."
"Murder?" the guard repeated incredulously, "She's killed one of our own kind?"
"On multiple occasions," Goliath growled, "She has tried to kill members of our clan, as well as countless humans."
"It'd be easier to list the people she hasn't tried to kill," Lexington added bitterly.
At last showing the appropriate level of alarm, the guard promised to pass the word along and Goliath and Lexington were escorted from the prison to the chamber where the council of elders met. Most of the council were not there yet, but the chief of the guards was, and explained that he and an assistant would be doing most of the interviewing and would provide their report to the council. Goliath and Lexington would then have to remain for a while, as the council would most likely have further questions to ask. Goliath and Lexington both promised to cooperate and shortly later, Demona was escorted in by Garnet. She glanced at them quickly as she took a seat beside them on a very low bench. Goliath tried to read her eyes for a sign of what she was thinking, but she appeared as unfeeling as always.
What followed were nearly two hours of interrogation. Goliath did most of the talking, though she and Lexington were sometimes asked to confirm his statements. Goliath noted that what statements Demona did make were always brief and undetailed. When asked for an explanation about how she had opened the portal that had brought them to Bain Felix, her answer was decidedly nonsensical. When the chief guard asked about the reasons she was kept prisoner by the clan, Goliath answered truthfully and thoroughly. They asked many questions about the clan's ongoing mission to protect New York City, an arrangement which the chief of the guards referred to as a "covenant". Goliath explained how New York was now the clan's protectorate, and that Demona, who had sought revenge on all humans, was a threat that must be taken seriously.
All the while, she hung her head as if in shame and never once interrupted or argued a point. When asked directly if Goliath's account of her crimes was accurate, she merely replied, "Yes, it is," without looking up. Goliath grew more and more suspicious of her intentions as this went on. It wasn't like her not to stand up for herself. Goliath told them of her immortality and the fact that she did not turn to stone by day, emphasizing how dangerous this made her. He beseeched them to allow them to leave, and take her with them so she could be returned to her prison. At last, the chief of the guard and his assistant seemed satisfied and left them to make their report to the council.
As they waited, they were offered a meal by the guards who remained at the door, watching them and whispering among themselves with attitudes of both fascination and scandal.
'What do you think will happen?" Lexington asked anxiously.
"I'm not sure, but I wish you had both kept your mouths shut about Xanatos," Demona criticized them.
"Why?" Goliath asked.
"I have a feeling you're going to see very soon," she replied cryptically.
"Is it true that you are friends with humans?" asked one of the guards who had brought them food.
"Yes," Goliath answered, "Some of our very dearest friends, in fact."
"Aren't you afraid when you sleep?" one of the guards asked, "If so many humans know about you, what if bad humans come while you are sleeping and shatter you."
"Well, that only happens every now and then," Demona explained sarcastically and Goliath glared at her before replying, "Our friends protect us as we sleep. And we take that risk because the city needs us and protecting it is in our nature. It gives us meaning and purpose."
"And the humans are so very appreciative," Demona added in a venomous tone.
"Enough," Goliath growled at her and she gave him a disdainful look before turning away.
"Our clan doesn't associate with humans," one of the guards explained, "No human has been on Bain Felix in over six centuries."
Another added, "And when we go out into the world, we stay hidden. No human is ever allowed to see us."
"What if they did see you?" Lexington asked casually, almost as if arguing the point.
"They don't!" several of them replied in rapid unison, and they gave each other a look that indicated that the idea was too morbid to discuss.
Goliath and Lexington had nearly finished their meal when the chief of the guards returned, informing them that the council wished to speak with Demona alone. Failing to appear as confident as she hoped, she rose and was led into the adjacent chamber, where the council was waiting to speak with her.
"I'm not surprised," Lexington commented, "Her story about how she opened the portal made no sense at all!"
"The council also thinks she's lying," came a somewhat nasal voice from the far corner. A small, male gargoyle was perched on a stool, helping himself to a piece of fruit from the food they'd been offered.
"Who are you?" Lexington asked.
"Thistle," the small gargoyle replied as he took another bite of the fruit, "I'm the recorder. I write down all of the council's decisions, so they can be reviewed later. They've called her in alone because they're hoping they can get her to tell the truth about the portal if the two of you aren't right there listening. They're considering offering her sanctuary in exchange."
"What?" Goliath demanded, the timbre of anger rising in his voice. Thistle now looked as if he regretted speaking so freely, but he continued.
"They plan to offer her sanctuary, here at Bain Felix," he repeated.
"I won't allow it! We won't leave her here!" Goliath growled. Thistle, quite startled at the sudden passion of this very large and powerful prisoner, glanced toward the guards at the door, just to make sure they were still there.
"It probably won't be left up to you and even if you could successfully oppose the council, why would you? If you are so worried about her killing humans, why not let her stay here, where there are no humans for her to kill and never will be?"
"I demand to speak to the elders myself," Goliath commanded, nearly shouting at the significantly less impressive recorder, "They have no idea the peril they are bringing down on themselves. She is well-spoken and charming, but in an instant, she can turn and become a manipulative monster capable of the most horrific, evil acts."
"But Goliath," Lexington interjected timidly.
"Don't they understand that she doesn't sleep by day as the rest of us do? Someone has to be there to guard her! And one can't simply knock her out or hope to incapacitate her by injuring her. The spell of immortality on her allows her to heal almost immediately!"
"Goliath!" Lexington tried again.
"And she's cunningly made herself skilled at both human technology and sorcery. You can be sure that whatever sources of power are available on this island, she will master them and turn them to evil before you can -
"Goliath, listen!" Lexington cried, finally raising his voice enough to garner attention.
"What?!" Goliath thundered in response. Lexington looked shaken, but he didn't back down.
"Maybe she could be happy here? If there's no humans for her to go after, maybe she could be content with just…living here with other gargoyles. Maybe it could be like a clean start for her?"
Goliath grimaced at Lexington's words.
"A clean start?" he repeated slowly. Goliath pensively lowered himself back to the bench. His eyes seemed to glaze over as he considered his friend's uncomfortable proposal. "It just isn't that easy," he replied finally in an exhausted voice, "Even after all she's done, I would gladly give her that chance, if I could. I would have her know peace again, and hope, and perhaps even love. But could she ever be content with just peace? I don't know. I can't trust that hatred won't overcome her heart again. I can't rely on the hope that her rage won't drive her into madness some night. I don't know if I'll ever be sure enough. And I promised her that I wouldn't abandon her. I will not leave this place without her, no matter what they say!"
His last words were filled with determination and he turned again, toward Thistle, who was listening to the conversation with amazement. Quickly, he looked away, as if he had any chance of pretending not to be fully engrossed in their drama.
"I must speak to the elders," Goliath insisted, returning to his typical calm voice, "Please!"
"I'll tell them," Thistle offered, "And I'm sure they will speak with you if you wish. But you might as well know…" he trailed off for a moment, as if trying to think of the best way to bring up a sensitive subject to an active land mine, "The council is pretty disinclined to take your side in this."
"Why? What harm have I done to them?" Goliath asked defensively.
"They tend to take a dim view of gargoyles who expose our existence to humanity on purpose. I wouldn't go so far as to say they consider you an enemy. More of an unintentional threat. But if your sister tells them she wishes to stay, I think you're going to have trouble convincing them otherwise. But if you wish, I'll tell them that you want to be heard before they make any final decisions."
Thistle hopped down from the stool he'd been crouching on and went into the next chamber to speak to the council while Goliath sank down onto the bench, resting his face in his claws.
"Jalapena," he groaned and Lexington silently agreed.
They waited another hour at least, before an elderly gargoyle emerged from the chamber at last. Goliath and Lexington both rose to meet him and the elder acknowledged them with a bow.
"Hello, my friends! I'm called Cato," the elder told them, "And I am the chief elder of the council. Thistle tells me that you wish to address the council before we make our decision."
"My name is Goliath, and this is Lexington," Goliath replied, "And yes, I must speak to the council, urgently."
"Then you shall be heard," Cato reassured him as he gestured for a guard to come forward, "Lexington, why don't you go into the council chamber for now, while we speak?" Lexington gave Goliath a worried look, but reluctantly followed the guard into the chamber.
Despite his advanced age, Cato was an imposing and handsome gargoyle. He had a mane of white hair that went from his horns to the beard on his chin. He was tall and broad-shouldered, and had most certainly been a great warrior in his day. His visage was creased many times over with wrinkles, but his eyes were an intense and piercing green; an uncommon trait among gargoyles.
At the sight of him, Goliath couldn't help but be reminded of his old mentor and how greatly he missed him. Hudson had never been as distinctive as this elder. He was scarred and worn from a long life of battle, hunger, and sorrow. He wasn't educated or literate, but he was patient, wise, and honorable. Goliath had always been able to trust in his judgment and considered the wisdom he'd gained with age to be a tremendous strength. He wondered, as he stood before this stranger who had been chosen by his clan to lead them, if he was the kind of leader who understood the importance and meaning of protecting the vulnerable. He must be, Goliath reasoned, if he was held in such esteem by his clan. Thistle's words of caution had unnerved him at first, but he assured himself that he and Cato were most certainly not enemies and there needn't be any animosity between them.
"I apologize for the delay in my coming to see you," Cato said genuinely, "Thistle has told us of some of your concerns. Please be assured that we do not intend to charge you with any crime. We believe that you came to Bain Felix by accident, with no intentions of ill will."
"I'm most relieved to hear that, Cato," Goliath expressed.
"What the council is deliberating on is how to go forward. Bain Felix has not been entered without permission by anyone in over four generations. We had believed that we were forgotten by the outside world, and we'd hoped to remain that way forever. Your intrusion, however unintentional, is a breach of our security that concerns us greatly."
"I understand," he replied, "But we've no intention of betraying any information about this place or your clan."
Cato nodded his understanding.
"What is it you wish to say to the council?"
"That we must return to our protectorate, and we cannot leave without Adelpha."
"You do not wish for the council to offer her sanctuary," Cato paraphrased accurately.
"Correct, for the safety of everyone involved."
Cato's strange, green eyes seemed to pierce Goliath as he considered him and it left Goliath a bit uneasy. He wouldn't be surprised to learn that Cato had the power to read minds. Perhaps that was the strength he'd gained from his years of experience.
"Is Adelpha mated to you?" Cato asked without the least regard for the sensitive nature of the question. Goliath's eyes widened as he was quite taken aback.
"I don't see what relevance that has," he replied, a little defensively.
"I wouldn't have asked it, if it wasn't relevant," the elder replied patiently.
"She is," Goliath replied, deciding it wasn't worth concealing, "Though we are currently estranged, for obvious reasons."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Such love forms a bond for our kind that is not meant to be broken. I'm sure it is a painful and unnatural separation for you."
"Yes. We both suffer greatly from it," Goliath conceded, still annoyed at being asked to speak on such a personal pain when he couldn't see how it pertained to any of the matters at hand, "But while it is painful, it is also necessary."
"Is it possible that your natural desire to keep your mate close to you is what drives your concern?"
Now that he saw Cato's line of reasoning, Goliath understood why he was asking. He paused before answering.
"I would be lying to you if I tried to say I didn't care for her. It's true. She's my own and I want her. I want her to live in peace and safety with her clan, where I can try to help her and keep her from self-destructing. But I'd want the same for any of my charges."
"You would want the same, but would you be willing to act against their will and sacrifice a chance at their happiness in order to keep any of the others with you?"
"No," he admitted reluctantly, "She is different. And that's why I must speak to the council. I don't believe you understand how dangerous she is. If I could just explain-
"My young friend," Cato interrupted firmly, "Please allow me to give you a bit of advice, from one who has been both leader and lover for a long time. In just a moment, you will go in there and have your chance to speak your case. But you should choose your words wisely, keeping in mind that when it comes down to it, the chances are that the final decision of whether she stays or goes will come down to her and not the council. And she will be listening to every word you say. If I were you, I'd stick to the first argument you gave me."
Goliath stared at him, dumbfounded. Then, after a moment, he nodded and Cato gestured for him to follow him into the chamber.
The room was surprisingly dark and looked far less like what Goliath expected of a council room and more like a very large library or study. The windowless walls were lined with shelves of books and scrolls, carefully labeled and kept. The back of the room contained several large, low tables and rows of benches, most of which were empty, but some of which were being used by groups of gargoyles. Goliath wondered if they were working for the council in some way, or just waiting for their chance to be heard. On the other end of the room, was a small writing table, where Thistle could sit and keep notes of the council's meetings.
The council consisted of five elders who sat in a semi-circle of benches around a stone hearth with a blazing fire. A tall female elder with long, white hair and wings of midnight blue instructed Thistle, who was writing furiously in a thick register. Lexington and Demona sat together on a bench nearby. Lexington was craning his neck rather conspicuously, trying to see or hear what the elders were discussing. Demona appeared unconcerned, and was thoroughly engrossed in the children's book she'd discovered in the rookery.
Cato escorted Goliath to the circle and introduced him to the council, explaining that he wished to provide some additional testimony before they arrived at a decision. Goliath glanced at Demona again, who did not look up from her book. He thanked the elders and reiterated his position that Demona was best left in the care of her own. He described just enough of her crimes to give them an understanding of the state of mind in which centuries of hatred and isolation had left her. He then explained to them how far she had come in the two years since she'd returned to them and the hope he held that through the bond she had with her daughter and all the rest, she might come to know happiness again. He concluded, asking them to reconsider their plan to offer her sanctuary and to allow him to take her home.
The female elder thanked him for his testimony and directed him to join the others on the bench while they deliberated. Goliath watched Demona as he crouched beside her. She had not raised her head once as he spoke, but neither had she turned a page in her book. The council seemed to reach a decision very quickly, to Goliath's concern. He sighed nervously as they all stood to hear their fate.