Blood Legacy: The House of Alexander by Kerri Hawkins

Author:Kerri Hawkins
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Red Raptor Productions
Published: 2005-07-04T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 12

THE GREAT TABLE DOMINATED THE SPACE in the internal meeting place of the Grand Council. It was a less formal setting than the Great Hall, designed only for the secret meetings of the members of the Grand Council themselves. Bordered on all sides by walls ten feet thick, its function was to allow the Council members to speak frankly to one another without the possibility of preternatural ears overhearing. It was also regularly swept for electronic devices that might overhear as well. On this date, it would serve as pre-assembly prior to Ryan’s arrival, who was due to report on her progress. Only Ala and Kusunoki had arrived as yet, and as Kusunoki settled into his chair, he was very aware of Ala’s scrutiny.

“You seem different somehow, my old friend.” Ala said, her rich, melodic voice both suspicious and knowing.

Kusunoki did not react, his expression inscrutable as always. “I cannot imagine how.”

“Mm-hmm,” Ala said, “Perhaps you could Share the experience with me later.”

The double entendre was not lost on Kusunoki, nor the invitation. He did not react, however, saying only “Perhaps.”

Their discourse was interrupted by Aeron and Marilyn, who quite surprisingly came in on Aeron’s arm. He led her to her seat, solicitously holding her chair for her as they finished their conversation.

“Yes, she was quite talented at obtaining information, even as young as she was. I quite enjoyed the exchange.” Aeron glanced at Kusunoki as he took his seat. His tone was mild and mildly threatening at the same time. “I can’t imagine what she is like now.”

Kusunoki gazed at Aeron, expressionless. Aeron stared at him for a long moment, then turned back to Marilyn, his demeanor still wickedly charming. “We could all just hold her down and take turns.”

Marilyn’s eyes gleamed as she entertained the thought, then shook her head with some regret. “Knowing her as I know her, that might be more difficult than you think.”

“Ah,” Aeron said, “The joy might be in just trying.”

“And you would pay for that attempt,” Abigail said as she entered the room, “Probably in ways you could not possibly imagine.”

Aeron smiled. “But you would finally get the opportunity to collect your debt.”

Abigail settled into her chair, unperturbed. “That opportunity is ever-present.” She glanced pointedly at Aeron. “And I do not require assistance to collect it.”

Ala cleared her throat, “Perhaps we could move to the business at hand.”

Aeron smiled to himself, still enjoying the vision of Ryan being held down. He was gracious to Ala, however, the perfect gentleman.

“Of course.” He grew more businesslike. “Does anyone have an educated guess as to how many Ryan has managed to destroy?”

All were silent for a moment, unwilling to show their cards or reveal the extent of their intelligence networks. It was Kusunoki who finally broke the impasse.

“She has been particularly industrious in Asia. I do not have an exact number, but I would estimate she has destroyed in excess of six thousand on that continent alone.”

There was a marked silence at the table as Kusunoki’s words sunk in.

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