Dragon's Keeper

Chapter 22

~Previously on Dragon's Keeper~

Sophie shakes head in confusion. "No, what? If I am not linked to MayBeth, I lose my leverage on you. We had a deal!" Sophie argues. "We are not on the same side, Sophie Deveraux. Our deal no longer stands!" Elijah says back. Sophie is outraged.

THE GARDEN

Marcel hands Thierry, who is sitting on a step, a canteen of blood, and sits down beside him. "Does this mean you're pardoning me?" Thierry asks. "Aw, you know I can't do that. You broke my number one rule, you killed a vampire, T. I let that go, it'll make me look weak." Marcel says. Thierry chugs the blood. "I warned you about Klaus." He says. "Yeah, I should've listened. This guy's been in my town for months, but hiding where he lays his head at night. What else is he hiding, is what I want to know! I didn't listen to you before, but I sure as hell am now. Tell me what happened the night that got you put in here, and you might find yourself out by Mardi Gras." Marcel says. "The night of the Masquerade Party, you sent us rousting in the Cauldron to mess with the witches. So, when Max came in rousting, he went straight for Katie's throat. Now, you said to roust, you didn't say to kill. Now, he's a nightwalker. I'm a daywalker. I told him to stop, and he wouldn't. So I stopped him. That night's on endless loop in my head. I think Max was compelled." Thierry says. "No. All my guys are on vervain." Marcel says. "Not if Klaus drained him! Max went missing for a couple days before the rousting, right?" Thierry says. "T, they found stuff you and your girl stole from me in her shop." Marcel says. "Have you ever been in the Jardin Gris? You can't find your own hand in front of your face in there! And yet somehow, someone went in there, and after a couple minutes, found some stolen goods?" Thierry says. Marcel wipes at his face anxiously, but he is obviously considering Thierry's words. "Go there! See for yourself! But I'm telling you, besides Max, somebody else in the crew had to be compelled. Watch your back." Thierry continues and takes another swig from the canteen.

ST. ANN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH

Father Kieran has put up a "Substance Abuse Anonymous" sign in order to meet with some city officials. "So, a few tourists go missing. Okay, we can spin it, no problem. But do you know how hard it is to sell a gas leak story to the city council when a bunch of church windows magically explode?" The Mayor says. "Mr. Mayor, what is this, an electoral debate? Marcel overstepped, I will handle it." Father Kieran says. Klaus enters through front doors. "Easier said than done. Marcel is quite the little warrior." Klaus says. Police officer tries to stop him, but Klaus breaks his fingers. "Who the hell are you?" The Mayor says. "My name is Klaus. And you lot are the Faction. Pillars of the community who maintain the city's supernatural balance. Well, I should know. I created this group. Only, in my day, it was a bunch of pirates and corrupt politicians." Klaus says as he looks around at all the men. "Looks like nothing's changed." He continues. "One thing has: it's exclusively human now. No vampires allowed, especially no Originals." Kieran says. Klaus just laughs. "I haven't come to join! I've come to ask this group to utilize its considerable resources to find a witch Elder called Agnes. All I need is an address." Klaus says. "And, uh, why would we want to help you?" Kieran says. "What if I told you that Agnes was the answer to a question you've been asking since you ran screaming from this town? That she is the witch who hexed your nephew, Sean?" Klaus says. "We'd need some time to discuss--" Kieran starts. "I DON'T. HAVE. TIME." Klaus yells. Kieran chuckles. "Nor do I like being asked to wait." Klaus continues. "You may have all the vampires in this town cowering in fear, but right now, you are dealing with the humans. And unless you plan on killing all of us, I politely suggest you do as I say, and give us time to discuss it." Kieran says as he gestures widely to the other men in the room. Klaus leans in and lowers voice. "You know what I like about you, Father? Is you're aware of our reputation, and yet still, you stand tall against me. Admirable! You have one hour." Klaus turns to leave. Kieran speaks once Klaus is gone. "I want that witch. Cell phone records, our guys in the 9th." He says. "For the vampire?" The Mayor says. Kieran sighs. "No. For me." He continues.