The Circle rarely met in person these days.
It was simpler to meet through the advent of technology. Will, amongst other things, had turned Syd into a computer savvy creature. He was now versed on how to teleconference over the internet, using real time video feeds. No large feat for the children of this generation, but certainly one for an aging werewolf with poor eyesight and a hatred for technology.
Syd missed Will, though he hated to admit it. He was the only human he actually knew.
Everyone joined the line on time, one representative for each tribe: Agia, of the witches, Percival, of the vampires, and Myka, the Shifter. Following the recent death of a werewolf named Baylock, Syd had taken his place as the werewolf consort.
Agia was always the first to speak “We know this must be about the Leighton matter.
Percival and I discussed calling you this morning, so we appreciate that you have reached out to us instead.”
“Yes,” Percival chimed in. “You’re new to your position, but certainly not a newcomer to the Ways,” he said, crossing his hands. “ This situation is displeasing to us.”
Syd tried to control his expression. He always hated Percival. Arrogant little prick.
“We’ve received an offer from The Sojourners to contain the matter.”
“What are the terms?” Myka asked, leaning forward.
“Why do we need The Sojourners to contain the matter?” Agia demanded. “ Leighton needs to be destroyed.”
“They wish to put into act a blood for blood order.”
“We do not like making deals with the Sojourners, not for such trivial things. Negotiation should be saved for larger issues.” Agia said.
“I agree wholeheartedly,” Percival droned. Syd’s upper lip curled in disgust. Percival was trying to get Agia into bed, according to rumor, but she wouldn’t have it. So he settled for being her “yes” man. It was so much like a vampire. A whole breed that did absolutely anything for sex. Their promiscuity could put even the most rabid mortals to shame.
“Yes, but perhaps we could make an exception,” Myka countered, twisting a lock of her dark hair between her fingers. “It could not hurt to at least hear what they are willing to bring us.”
“I’d remind you all,” Syd added, “that the Ways say we should use all forces possible to prevent the unnecessary death of our own kinds.”
“Unnecessary?” Agia laughed, a cold, trilling sound. “Leighton’s a scoundrel that should have been disposed of long ago. If he has started his death phase, I see no reason for us to intervene .”
Percival lifted an eyebrow. “One must consider that a Wolf such as Leighton could stay within a death phase for a protracted time… weeks, months, but meanwhile, losing grip of his already questionable sanity. We can’t have him waging war against this Lamia and her family for that amount of time. Not when he’s attracted notice from humans. ”
“Then perhaps we should dispatch someone to hurry Leighton along.”
Syd interrupted. “ I state for the record that you’re basing your decision on a bias!”
“And so are you!” Percival yelled. “You’re Leighton’s friend. Don‘t think we‘re ignorant of that.”
“Still,” Myka soothed. “Blood for blood is always amenable.”
Syd smiled. “Once you hear the plan , I think you’ll like it.”
****
Will had a feeling that he wasn’t going to get away so easily.
After he left the hospital, he went straight to the bank and withdrew the remaining money that he had in a secret account. For the last few months, he’d taken the liberty of diverting a little cash from Syd’s personal account. Not enough for the old Wolf to notice, but enough to support him once he finally got away.
He was about to turn from the ATM and get a cab when he felt a gun against his back.
“Hey man, I’ll give you money, just don’t shoot me.”
“I don’t want your money. You’re going to bring me to Leighton.”
“What … nobody in their right mind wants to go to Leighton!”
“Yes, well, shit changes. We’re almost old buddies, you help me out, you won’t get hurt. AGAIN. Sis did a good job on that arm, didn’t she?”
—
© 2009 Lori Titus
Lori Titus’s The Marradith Ryder Series appears each Wednesday on Flashes in the Dark. She is the short story editor for Sonar4 ezine. Many of her stories have appeared on MicroHorror and Shadeworks, and her first anthology of horror stories, Tales for the Dark, is scheduled for release in 2010.
![[del.icio.us]](http://images.del.icio.us/static/img/delicious.small.gif){kind=small}
July 11th, 2009 at 7:07 am
Interesting glimpse of the Circle. Plus, I loved the new twist with Scott at the end!
July 12th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Another great update, Lori! Keep ‘em comin’!
June 16th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Oh maybe her brother is a wild card, just a person out to cause trouble for all sides since he doesn’t like any of them.