Chapter 3: Secrets

"Cordwyn here.“ he simply said as someone answered the phone "I'm ordering condition Zulu, there's a lost one following the book of the Kabal. ... He's right here in London, i'll send a picture via e-mail to you. ... We'll have to hasten our schedule. ... Mike Sullivan will return to London next month, we have to recruit him as soon as he returns. ... Do you remember the eurasian women i mentioned before? ... Yes, that's the one. ... Keep a close eye on her. ... Do that, but remember that she's a friend not our enemy. I hold you perso­nally responsible for her safety. ... Deus vult brother.“

Allan Cordwyn, chapter-leader of the templar, hang up and sighed deeply. There was still so much to do, and only so little time left. Today he had lied to a friend, and he didn't like that at all. Her talk about the nightmares had disturbed him much more as he wanted to admit. If she was right, they didn't have years to prepare, it looked as if there were only months, maybe even weeks left.

There were simply too many secrets, today he almost told her the truth. Then he remem­bered the thougt he had, when he saw her defeat some thugs. "Why shouldn't we do it?“ he asked himself. "It's the 21^st century now, and we simply don't have enough men.“ He picked up the phone again.

"She'll become the first female templar and i bet she'll do fine. I wouldn't be surprised if the elders will kiss my behind after a month or two.“ This thought made him grin broadly...

It was 20:00 when i finally arrived at the house of Mrs. Sullivan. I had just managed to get a new dress and a short showerbath into the timeframe. James, the old butler, led me to the bibliothek where Mrs.Sullivan was waiting.

"My dear Shayera,“ Mrs. Sullivan stood up with a smile as i entered "it's good to see you again. You've been absent from my house for much too long.“

We shook hands and sat down on the comfortable armchairs near the fireplace. I carefully retrieved the book from my briefcase, while Mrs. Sullivan poured me a cup of tea.

"You can't imagine how long i've been waiting for this moment. The moment until i would hold this book in my hands aga...“ she interrupted herself "But drink your tea, the air outside is chilly for this time of the year.“

She almost reverantly unwrapped the book, while i was drinking some of the tea. "What does she want to hide? Could it be that she almost said 'again'?“ suddenly i had a very strong feeling of danger, something wasn't right here.

"Mr. Cordwyn mentioned that you need something else beside the book.“ i said to break the silence.

Something was definitely wrong, my vision started to blur. I tried to stand up, but fell down and started to slip into the waiting darkness. Strangely i could still hear her voice.

"My dear child, we've been waiting for the book so long... and for you of course.“