by Doug Welch
Tony felt terrible about being rude to a guest. He liked both Paris and Alexandra, and his natural abhorrence of bad manners only added to his discomfort.
Paris cocked an eyebrow and looked as though he would like to respond, but instead he laughed.
“It's okay Tony, honestly. – I was expecting something like this, in fact, dreading it. I'm just glad it’s over. Actually, I'm dying for a cup of coffee.”
“Certainly, it will just be a few moments.” He concentrated momentarily. “It's on its way. So – how was your trip? How do you like Athens? Have you seen the Acropolis?”
“Long and miserable – suffocating – only from your side anteroom, but it gives me chills to be so close to it. How do you cope with that much human history as a neighbor?”
Tony smiled and sighed. “I never tire of gazing at it. You should see it at night. That's why I modeled my house after it. You know we Greeks started much of recorded history don't you? I could tell you some things no historian knows about Greek culture...” The old servant brought a tray containing coffee and baklava and departed. Tony poured some and handed the cup to Paris.
Paris leaned back in the chair. “That's what I like about you Tony, modesty. I suppose you'll be telling me next how the People were responsible for Greek civilization and the building of the Parthenon.”
Tony chuckled. “I did warn you. Now you're stuck with me. Drink your coffee and we'll walk up to the Acropolis so you can examine it first hand.”
They exited the mansion and strolled through the shaded landscape to a guarded side gate. The gate opened to a narrow alley, and Tony led him through a maze of streets to the base of the Acropolis.
A massive limestone hill loomed above them surrounded by ancient stone walls and crumbling structures. It towered over four hundred feet, dominating the surrounding city, shimmering in the summer sun. At the top lay an impressive assortment of ruined buildings. They’d been built in various ages, by most of the world's civilizations, for numerous defensive and religious purposes. But the most awe-inspiring of all was the Greek Parthenon.
They ascended the hill along a well traveled, graded path. Tony hooked his arm through Paris' elbow, guiding him.
He leaned toward him to talk privately. “We can get something to drink at the top. I wanted to talk to you, away from the others.”
Paris started to pull away, a little uncomfortable with the touch, then relented and allowed the contact. “Oh, were others of the People at your house? I didn't sense them.”
“You'll meet them later at the reception this evening. They deliberately shielded themselves from you, but they would be actively trying to probe you by now if we hadn't left. I wanted to talk to you alone while I had the chance.”
They walked in silence for awhile, climbing toward the summit. “You have a great deal to learn about the People, Paris, and much work ahead of you. It’s my task to help you accomplish that.”
“Tony, I think this conversation is about more than my to-do list. You could have sent that in an email. Why don't you stop trying to be diplomatic and just get on with the hard stuff?” Paris stopped and waited.
Tony gestured along the route and continued walking.
“Very well, the ‘hard stuff’, as you call it. This council meeting is about some of that. The altercation between you and the Borgia House is a minor distraction, as is the status of your House – uh – Family that is. It's easily disposed of. This meeting is about larger issues. Some of them may directly affect you, and you need to be aware of them before the Council session.”
“First, does this mean my Family will not be threatened any more?”
“Yes, we're designating Kentucky as your Domain, at least the central region. It's unclaimed by any other House. Any of the People who desire to visit it will need your permission. Any member of your Hou – I mean –Family will be under your protection, wherever they travel. There are a lot of requirements that go along with that.”
He looked at Paris and smiled. “But I'll put it on your to-do list.”
“Thank you Tony, you can imagine I'm relieved to hear it. So what's the big secret meeting about?”
They’d reached the summit of the Acropolis, and the ruins lay before them sweltering under the bright summer sun. Tony found a young street vendor, and he purchased two cold bottles of water. They strolled through the ruins sipping from the bottles.
“The modern world is changing us, Paris. It's getting harder to hide. We can't do something as simple as board an airplane without having a Normal as an escort. Most of the Houses and Associations recognize this and are acting to reverse it, but our low birth rate is crippling us. Therefore, we're trying to blend our genes into the normal human population to prevent our extinction as a species. The House of Borgia tried to do it with you and your siblings, although they used their normal barbaric methods. You are an example of that blend and a symbol of our bridge into the human mainstream. Unfortunately, we've encountered a conflict that may become a full-blown crisis, and it has nothing to do with the Borgias. The Chairman wanted me to brief you before the meeting.”
“Okay, I get it. It's funny, I never thought about the kind of negatives being a Shadow – I mean – one of the People, could entail. I noticed you were able to buy drinks from that street vendor, and I'm talking to you without people looking at me like I'm insane, so they must be able to see you.”
“Correct. Most of the Adepts can shutdown their natural tendency to hide, but it’s uncomfortable and distracting. Many of the People don't bother, like the Chairman. That’s one of the reasons I'm the one talking to you.”
Paris’ face held a curious expression. “There are others?”
Tony struggled with his inner feelings. His sense of failure and betrayal surged to the surface. He had been suppressing it, but maybe this was the time to admit it.
“Yes. I have an emotional interest in the well being of you and your sister. In fact I would have killed that monster Luca before I would have let him hurt either of you, even though it would have violated the covenants.”
Paris looked puzzled. “But, why, Tony? Until I met you a month ago, I didn't know you existed. Is that why you let us eliminate him the way we did?”
Tony nodded. “I was ready to intervene, but you handled it well. You see, I loved your stepmother Guinevere – Jenny, and wanted to marry her. But then she chose to marry your father.
“I was horribly jealous so I stayed away from her because I couldn’t bear seeing her with him. My resentment meant I was not there to protect her when she needed me even though I knew she was in danger, and I suppose I’ll live with that guilt the rest of my life. I won't make that mistake with you and Alexandra. You’re my atonement. I won't let any of the People harm you or your Family.”
Paris looked stunned. “This is hard to digest, Tony, but... well... hell! Welcome to the Family!” He grinned and grabbed his hand to shake it.
Relieved for having finally admitted the guilt he carried to someone who could understand, Tony continued to guide Paris through the monumental ruins.
“Anyway, now my confession is over, I need to tell you of our problems and how they may affect your Family.”
“I'm listening.”
“You have no reason to know this, but there is a legend about ancient Persian aristocratic families known as the Haft Khandan, or the Seven Houses. Their existence is largely ignored by historians and most consider it to be hearsay or posturing. They were the nobles who served several of the Parthinian dynasties in ancient Iran.” He waited for Paris to respond.
“Tony you must have spent some time as a college instructor, I sense there's a lecture about to occur. You should be talking to Alex. I studied engineering in college.”
“I did teach for a while, but you're wrong. This is not a subject for your sister. This is a lecture for you. We need your military skills, not your engineering skills.” He continued before Paris could interrupt. “The Seven Houses didn't vanish into a
ntiquity, they were and are, real. All but two, are traditional Houses of the People. The seven still exist in the Middle East, and they are responsible for fomenting a great deal of the conflict occurring there. They split from the Council years ago and have become rogue Houses. We are trying to curtail their influence before their unbridled ambitions bring the wrath of the world crashing down on us.”
Paris' first reaction was clouded by sudden fatigue. He didn't need the complications implied in Anthony’s words. He needed rest and a lot of it.
“Tony is there any way we can save this conversation for later? I'm not in the best shape for intelligent decisions, and I need to get some rest before tonight's party.”
“Yes, you're right. By the way, did you bring any formal attire? If not, I can have it arranged.”
“No, I didn't know I'd need it. I did bring my tailored suit, would that be okay?”
“I’ll have my tailor pick it up. You’ll need evening wear, and he can use it to take your measurements. I'll have my driver take you back to the hotel. When the Council meeting is over, I want you to stay at my house for a few days. We'll talk about more then.”
Paris didn't protest and managed the walk back to the house. The heat, coupled with his exhaustion made his trip back to the hotel seem interminable.
He stopped at the lobby to set a wake-up call and have someone pick up his suit from the room for delivery to the tailor. After entering his room he collapsed onto the bed fully clothed and fell instantly asleep.
Paris woke to the sound of someone knocking on the door. He took delivery of the formal light-weight evening wear Tony had provided and tried to shake the fatigue from his body with a cold shower. Still weary from the time change, even after the shower, his body convinced him tonight’s party had better not be a late night affair. Happy at discovering he'd been awakened early enough, he realized he had enough time to call home on his cell phone.
Alexandra answered the phone on the second ring. “Hi Paris.”
He paused, and then remembered. Caller ID. “Hey Sis, just checking in to let everyone know I made it okay.”
“You sound tired. Are you jet-lagged?”
“Big time.”
“I told you. You should have taken Beth with you. She'd know what to do.”
“You know why I didn't want to do that.” They’d discussed going to Athens together, but he had felt the risk was too great. “But it looks like I didn't need to worry. Now I miss her.”
Alex laughed. “Beth's been a real bear since you left. You want to talk to her?”
“She's there? Not at the hospital?”
“Yes, and she's about ready to rip the phone from my hand.” He heard the sound of the telephone being manipulated.
“Damn it Paris! Why didn't you call? I've been worried.”
“Hey, I love you too. The plane got in at an ungodly hour, and I had to find the hotel and check in. This is the first free moment I've had when the time zones meshed.”
“I'm sorry darling.” She sounded calmer. “I forgot about the time difference. I guess I was just conjuring up visions of you being alone among those people and what might happen. I couldn't help it.”
“You have to see this. We'll make a return visit together, but in the spring or fall, because it’s miserably hot in the summer. We'll pick a good season. Maybe our honeymoon.”
“When are you coming home?”
“I'll be here about five days. I've got a lot to tell everyone when I get back. The most important thing is I've been assured we're all safe. No more problems.”
“That's good to hear. I'll let the others know.” He heard voices questioning in the background and the sound of Elizabeth's muffled voice, as she explained the focus of the conversation. “I'm back, they couldn't wait. I told them. I wish this was a speaker phone, then we could all hear you.”
“I don't. I don't want them to hear me, because I want you to reserve a room at the B&B in Somerset for the weekend, for two. When I get back, we are going to spend the weekend in bed, and I am going to worship every inch of your lovely body.” There was silence for a moment on Elizabeth's end of the conversation.
“Damn, you made me blush. That's a two-way street you know. Maybe I'll be the one worshiping.”
It was Paris' turn to redden. He laughed. “R-rated phone sex. I think I like it, but it's expensive, and I need to get ready for a party.”
“Party? – I'm worried sick about you, and you're going to a party?”
“Actually it's a reception, only there won’t be anyone there. At least no one you can see.”
“Oh, I get it. Shadow People only?”
“You got it. Actually the Council and some House Adepts. I'll fill you in when I get back.”
“Make it soon, Paris.”
“I will. I love you Elizabeth.”
“I love you too Paris, come home as soon as you can.”
“You can count on it. Goodbye sweetheart.” He disconnected the call and checked the time. Hungry, he hoped there would be food, because he didn't have time to eat.
He shaved and dressed, just in time to meet Anthony’s driver at the hotel entrance. Feeling more relaxed and refreshed, he found the evening had cooled the city by the time he departed for the mansion.
This time he was admitted to the house through the impressive front entrance. It mimicked the front portico of the Parthenon, with broad marble steps leading to tall brass-bound double doors. The place screamed money.
Tony greeted him when he entered. “Welcome back. Are you feeling better?”
“I feel like I just entered a Greek palace.”
Tony laughed and took him by the arm. “I hope your Family has a lot of money. You're going to have to do the same you know.”
“What? Build a palace?”
“Not necessarily, just an administrative center that functions as a place to welcome other Houses or Council members when they visit. This is actually the Athens center. It doubles as my residence. Maybe you can bring Alexandra and visit Athens again. You can stay here.”
“I noticed you didn't mention Elizabeth and Caesar.”
“They're not of the People,” Tony said, as they walked through a wide entrance to what appeared to be a large ballroom.
Paris halted midstride and turned to face him. “They're members of my Family, Tony. We'll be married to them. In my opinion, that makes them People.”
Tony bit his lower lip. “True, you have a point there. The situation never occurred to us before. Your case is unique. I suppose we are going to have to reconsider some of our European prejudices toward Normals. – I've an idea. I could make a trip to Athens for all of you, as a wedding present. You could come in the spring. It's a lovely time of year. What do you say?”
“That's very generous. I think we would enjoy it, but we haven't set a date yet. I'll let you know.”
They entered the room. It had a high ceiling supported by columns which lined both sides. A number of people sat or reclined on settees and groupings of expensive looking chairs and couches. They grouped around tables loaded with food and beverages scattered around the large, extravagantly decorated space, in the open areas between the columns and replicas of ancient Greek statuary.
The ambiance was like Paris' ideal of a Roman banquet. A string quartet played soft background music, just loud enough to be heard over the hushed chatter of the room’s occupants. Paris found a table with ample food and sat beside it. Tony joined him.
“Have some of this wine, it's excellent,” Tony said, filling a glass.
“I haven't eaten since this morning. I think I'll have food first.” Paris studied the unfamiliar display of Greek food and then chose a dish that combined white cheese, some unidentified white meat and several varieties of colorful vegetables. It tasted surprisingly good.
“We Greeks often have wine or ouzo with a meal. You sip it while you're eating. Also you must have some of this bread with olive oil.”
Tony loaded him up with samp
les of food and the full glass of wine, explaining each dish as he filled the plate. Paris cleaned his plate and added more.
Adding a pleasant buzz to the experience, the wine calmed him. Finally satiated, he sat back in his chair and scanned the room.
From his vantage point he could see a few of the groups were engaged in quiet but intense conversation. Some of the individuals glanced in his direction and then sensing his eyes on them focused their attention elsewhere.
“If you're finished, I have some people I would like you to meet,” Tony said.
“I feel like the lamb being led to the slaughter.”
Tony laughed. “It’s not that bad. You’ve a lot of admirers here. Of course there are some who want your head. My job is to guide you to the former and ignore the latter. Are you ready?”
Paris sighed. “Not really, I'd like more time to sleep, but I supposed it may as well be now, rather than later.” Tony looked worried at Paris' last statement, but motioned to him to follow as he moved across the room.
The faces and names passed by in a blur. Paris knew he would never be able to remember all of them. The groups seemed predominantly composed of well-dressed, attractive women and handsome men.
Wondering if the Shadow world contained any plain or ugly people, his attention peaked when Tony introduced a group who seemed American.
“Paris, I would like you to meet Grieg Pearson, Grieg is the head of the North American-Canadian Association.”
A tall, silver-haired man rose to his feet and extended his hand for Paris to shake. Paris studied him as he gripped the offered hand. Pearson's ruddy complexion and clear brown eyes contrasted with the silver hair and small, grey mustache. He looked like a man who lived outdoors a lot and his handshake was firm without being overbearing. Paris liked the first impression.
Pearson smiled. “Nice to finally meet you Paris.”
“Good to meet you Grieg. I believe you're our next door neighbor. Am I right?”
“Our association is the one your step-mother belonged to. We're based in Montreal, but we cover most of the northeast part of the U.S. and Canada. You should visit when you get a chance. We can talk about...things.”