******

Customs had been more of a problem in Paris than it had been in Toronto.
Even armed with all the proper credentials, the candlestick drew unwanted
attention.  The non-stop flight had gone well, but landing during the
daylight hours was unavoidable.  There was no problem going from the
airplane to the terminal for it was totally enclosed.  The only
inconvenience now would be the trip to the hotel.  Luckily it was an
overcast November day.

With a quick glance down the terminal, he spotted a large area that
contained public telephones and headed towards them with his suitcases.  It
was only a few minutes wait until a telephone became free of users.
Positioning his suitcase on the floor between the wall and himself, he
decided to continue to carry his shoulder bag which contained his liquid
breakfast.  Retrieving his wallet, he began to riffle through some business
cards that he had placed on top.  Aristotle had given him some contacts for
his visit to France, and it was time to communicate with them.

It had been so long since he had last visited Paris, and the vampire
community was too volatile to keep track of.  Fortunately Aristotle was a
treasure of information, an endless source to everyone and everything
vampire.  The call went through, and it was picked up on the very first
ring.  The voice was that of a young woman, and he asked for the name that
was written on the card.  The friendly French voice turned somber as she
stated that there was no such person with that name at this number.
Nicholas persisted, knowing how careful their kind had to be.

"Tell him that Nicholas Knight has arrived in Paris, and that Aristotle has
assured him that the proper arrangements have been made."

The line fell silent for several seconds.  Then the excited voice of a man
began to speak into the telephone in English.

"NICHOLA!  How good to hear from you again!  How long has it been?"

"Bonjour Henri, I believe it was during WW II that our paths last crossed."

The voice at the other end of the phone became sorrowful.

"Yes, yes.  Not a pleasant period for my beautiful city, but let's not
discuss such times.  You are here, and we welcome you!"

"I'm afraid it will not be for long, it's for business."

"Of course, of course.  I have made all the arrangements.  You have a
reservation at the Hotel Ritz.  A rather nice suite if I do say so myself.
You should be quite comfortable, and it is only a short distance to La
Louvre. That is where your business is?"

"Yes. Thank you Henri.  And for my transportation during the day?"

"I was just about to tell you that I have dispatched a limousine, with
tinted windows of course, to take you to the Hotel.  And Nichola, I think
you will find the refrigerator well stocked for your stay."

"Again I am in your debt Henri, you have thought of everything.  If you ever
decide to visit Toronto, I would hope to provide the same courtesy to you."

"Thank you Nichola.  I know that you mean that, but I have never had the
desire to leave this city.  She is my passion, there is no other like her.
Enjoy your stay Nichola, and if there is anything that you require, you need
only to pick up the phone.  So nice to hear from you again."

The telephone fell silent, and then became disconnected.  Nicholas smiled as
he hung up the telephone.  One more call then he would catch the limo to the
hotel.  Again, he placed his phone card into the machine, and began to dial
the multi digit number.  The call was to Schanke, he had promised that he
would let him know of his safe arrival.  A groggy Myra picked up the
telephone after a few rings, then handed the phone to her husband.  Schanke
sounded tired as he spoke into the phone, but he tried to not let it show.

"Nick, are you really calling from Paris?"

"Yeah Schank, I'm here.  How is everyone doing?"

"Well, it was nice to get some time off, but Jenny cried when the health
department vaccinated her."

Nick smiled.  "I'm glad everyone has been protected.  I'm sorry I woke you.
Enjoy the rest of your time off."

"Hey Nick, how did you manage to pull off this trip?  The Captain insisted
on sending you."

"I don't know Schanke.  I'm just lucky I guess.  So let me give you the name
of the Hotel I will be staying at in case anyone needs to get in touch with
me.  I'll be staying at the Hotel Ritz, and I'll meet with Dr. Chasseur
tonight at the Louvre."

"Man o man, did the city put you up at the Ritz?"

"No, I'm paying for my own accommodations.  You only live once, right
Schank?"

"Yeah, but that has got to be costing you partner."

Grinning, Nick ignored the comment.

"Tell the Captain that I'll call after the candlestick has officially been
placed back into the hands of security here.  Good-bye Schank."

Hanging up the telephone, he reached for his suitcase and walked towards the
front of the terminal.  Immediately, he spotted a small man holding up a
cardboard sign that had his name printed on it with big bold letters.  He
hadn't expected the driver so quickly, but he walked up to him and
acknowledged his name.  The driver spoke only French, and pleasantly
informed him that Henri had advised him to park at a secluded covered
section by the sortie (exit).  Following the driver to the far end of the
terminal, Nicholas saw that the limo was parked only a few meters from the
door.

The drive to the hotel was as pleasant as the flight, and although dim
through the darkened glass he was able to see the beauty of the city.  After
arriving at the hotel, the driver brought his luggage to the front desk.  As
the driver began to depart, Nick stopped him.

"You have been a tremendous help," and he reached over to hand him a tip.
But the driver politely informed him in French that it had already been
taken care of and he quickly and quietly departed.

The trip had been tiring, and he was glad to finally be settling into his
suite.  After removing his bottled breakfast from his bag, he carefully
placed it next to the others in the suite's refrigerator.  The other bottles
all turned out to be human, but with all Henri's kindness he was not about
to complain.  After unpacking, he went to lie down on the plush bedspread
that covered the king sized bed.  The day had been weighing heavily on him,
and it felt good to rest.  Henri was correct, the room was magnificent.  It
was spacious and richly decorated.  The heavy dark drapes were a special
comfort to him as he lay thinking how fortunate it was that Dr. Chasseur had
been only able to meet with him after dark.  The doctor and Captain Cohen
had arranged for him to deliver the artifact directly to the Museum.  He was
to meet Dr. Chasseur outside the classroom where the doctor was instructing
one of the free classes that the Louvre offered to the public in the
evening.

As he closed his eyes, thoughts of Natalie's pleas for him to use the
candlestick for a wish filled his mind.  Longingly, he looked over to the
table near the bed where he had placed the velvet bag.  No, tonight the
candlestick would be returned to its rightful owner.  Clearing his mind, he
allowed his body to relax and fall into a deep sleep that only the daylight
hours brought to his kind.

******

Nicholas stepped out of the Hotel Ritz and onto the darkened streets lined
with their glowing street lamps.  Closing his eyes briefly, he took in a
long deep breath of the cold Autumn air.  Immediately his senses were filled
with the magic of Paris, and he knew that it had been too long that he had
stayed away.  No matter how many lives he had lived or how many places he
had traveled to, Paris was always in his heart.  This was his home, the
place where he had grown into manhood.  This was the land of his people, and
despite all its hardships throughout time, it always regained its beauty.

Evening was becoming earlier with each passing day, and even though it was
dark there was still an hour before he was to meet with Dr. Chasseur.
Yearning to fly again over the skyline, he still chose to walk and absorb
all of the cities flavor.  With only a small detour from the Louvre, he
could visit the glory of the Seine River and its seemingly endless splendor.
  A wave of loneliness swept over him, as he passed dozens of young couples
walking hand in hand along the tree covered paths that bordered the river.
How many days throughout the centuries had he walked the river banks with
Janette? Being here now by the river without her, seemed unbearable.
Glancing between the street level and the level of the water below, he saw
remnants of a time long since past.  The massive retaining walls with its
huge stone blocks, were decorated with large iron rings that had been so
familiar in his mortal days. Many were clearly visible, but most were
blanketed in ivy.  How could he feel so homesick while in his homeland?
There was something that he would need to do before he returned to Toronto.
He needed to go home, he needed to remember where he came from.  To make
peace with what remained of his mortal life. Turning away from the view of
the rows of trees that leaned towards the river, he began to walk in the
direction of the Louvre.

Nicholas knew that the Louvre was located on the Seine's River Right Bank,
and was not far from where he was.  Even though decades had passed since his
last visit, he knew that the Louvre had remained unchanged.  But as he
approached the front entrance, he was bombarded by the sight of a glass
pyramid.  It was lighted from the inside and outside, and surrounded by a
fountain that shot up long streams of water.  It was spectacular.  The new
look against the old, should have conflicted, yet it did not.  The two were
harmonious together, and he liked the new addition.

Once inside, he remembered the long hall like entrance whose walls were
filled with so many paintings of the greatest artists of all times.  It was
easy to feel in awe in the presence of such masters.  Looking up, he was
happy to see the high arched ceilings that were mostly glass still graced
the majestic entrance.  The hours posted at the front of the Louvre had
listed that the museum would be closing in less than an hour, yet it was
still very crowded. Noticing an information desk, he made a point to walk
over and ask where he would find Dr. Chasseur's office.  The woman looked
up, and spoke to him in English with her French accent.

"Are you Detective Nicholas Knight?"

Taken back, he nodded and she continued.

"Dr. Chasseur is expecting you.  If you will wait in the first Salon that is
on the right, I will make sure that the doctor comes to you as soon as the
class is dismissed."

Nick smiled still slightly stunned that his appearance was that anticipated.
He strolled down the hall, spending a few moments on each work of art.
Finally, he reached the end and saw a large elegant room on his right.  On
the brass plaque of the outside wall, was written Salon #01, and he walked
in to wait.  Glancing around the grandeur of the room, he saw old wooden
furniture that was glossy enough to reflect his image and a large crystal
chandelier that hung from the ceiling.  The furniture looked to be a few
hundred years old, and had once been owned by royalty.  It was easy to
become lost in the time period with all his memories, and in no time he
noticed that he was the only one left in the room.  The entire building was
quiet, and he looked down at his watch.  Closing time had been ten minutes
ago, and he wondered how much longer it would be until Dr. Chasseur would be
meeting with him.  Moving his hand to the side of his raincoat, he patted
the pocket that contained the candlestick and pouch.  Just reassuring
himself that it was still there.  As he began to once again lose himself in
the art of the room, a feminine voice called his name from behind.

"Detective Nicholas Knight?  I'm Dr. Chasseur, and I have been waiting a
long time for this meeting."

Before he could move, he froze in his place.  Recognizing the woman's voice
and the familiar vibrations of the vampire, he turned in shock.

"Alyce?"

She smiled.  "Then you do remember me."

"I thought you were dead."

"I was dead, but then I came back."

Hurtfully he looked at his sister.  "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I wanted to, but I was afraid of the one who did this to me.  I felt I had
to leave and start a new life."  Sighing, she walked closer to Nick.  "I
work here now, and it is wonderful.  I now have the time to do and see so
much more than I could have ever dared to dream as a mortal.  I am well
known here.  It was I who made sure that your Captain Cohen sent you to
deliver the candlestick."

Staring at her, he shook his head feeling very overwhelmed.

"Your name, I should have known.  Chasseur is French for hunter."

She smiled again.  "I guess I should have been more discrete, but I couldn't
resist."

"So I'm here because of you?"

"Yes, and because of the candlestick.  We really do need that back."

Reaching into his pocket, he produced the velvet bag.  Handing it to her, he
spoke softly.  "It is fine, but you should check it so I can return home."

She shook her head.  "Not yet.  Hold on to it for a little while longer.  Do
you think we could go to my office.  I wouldn't mind a bit more privacy."

Still dazed by her presence, he nodded as she turned to leave.  He followed
in stunned silence.

When they got to her office, she closed the door behind them.  Pointing
towards the walls she explained.

"I asked for an inside office, so I never have to worry about any windows.
Most want offices with windows so I was given this right away."  Gesturing
to a red upholstered chair she pleasantly continued.  "Please sit down."

Astonished, he sat down, his eyes never leaving her.  Sitting in the chair
next to him, she reached for his hand.

"I know this is a shock for you Nick, so just give yourself a little time.
I really would like to get to know you better.  We are related in a way,
aren't we?"

Looking deeply into her eyes, he squeezed her hand.  "We are brother and
sister.  The one who bit you is called LaCroix. and he is our father."

"He meant for me to die, didn't he?"

"He would not be angry that you have become one of us."

She looked relieved.  "Maybe one day we will meet."

Nicholas nodded his head, and for a few moments only stared at her.  Finally
he broke his silence.  "Are you happy Alyce?"

"Nicholas, I have not been a vampire very long, and my lifestyle has not
changed very much.  I still love the nights, especially here in Paris.  Now
I have endless years to do the work I enjoy, and I have never felt more
content."

"Have you killed?"

Her smile faded as she closed her eyes for a moment as she thought back.

"Yes, in the beginning.  My hunger compelled me to seek out blood.  I didn't
think and did not know what else to do.  So I did what came naturally, until
I met another who showed me how to buy and store fresh blood so I would not
need to hunt.  I have not taken a life since."

"You should have come to me, I could have helped you.  It was the killing
that has made me wish for my return to mortality.  It has been so long since
I have walked in the light."

"Please forgive me for asking, but how old are you?"

"I have walked on this Earth for almost 800 years.  LaCroix has been a
vampire for almost 2,000."

Now it was Alyce's turn to be silent as she tried to imagine existing
through so many time periods.  Her words were filled with astonishment as
she spoke to her brother.

"I have met others here, but none as old as you and LaCroix."

Releasing her hand, his gaze fell towards the floor.

"Nick, I am sorry if what I said has upset you.  There is so much I do not
know."

"Your words have not upset me Alyce."  Reaching into his pocket again, he
pulled out the velvet pouch and placed it on the desk.  "Where did this come
from?"

"It was from a dig in Egypt.  We think that it has been buried for over
three hundred years."

"Do you know what it is?  Do you understand the inscription?"

Thoughtfully she spoke.  "Yes, the inscription.  It has seemed to stir up
quite a bit of trouble.  I understand that many believe it to have magical
powers."

"You do not believe?"

"I did not say that.  It can grant its owner one wish."

Looking away from the pouch, he suddenly turned to look at her.  "You have
tried it."

"No, but I know that it works.  That would make it rather valuable to the
mortal world, but I have no need of it.  I already have all that I want."

Looking away, he closed his eyes in pain, but reopened them when she spoke.

"But you do not have what you want, do you Nick?  You are unhappy with what
you are.  You feel that something is missing.  What is it that you feel is
lacking?"

Resentfully his words poured out.  "Only my soul, my heart, my life."

"Oh, I see.  Then tell me why in the short time that I knew you, I fell in
love with you?  And what did it say when you let that jade cup crash to the
floor to save me?  I thought that it said that you cared enough to give away
the wish you most desired to save my mortal life.  You fought at the risk of
death to save me from falling into harm's way.  You did not take my blood
even as I willing offered it to you because of your convictions.  With all
these qualities, how do you believe yourself to be without a soul and a
heart?"

"I have lived a long time and have seen much.  There is no hope for me.  I
am damned for I am responsible for so much tragedy.  I will always be on the
outside of all that is mortal."

"I see what is wrong.  You Nicholas have not resolved your past, so it keeps
interfering with your present.  I wonder, when you came into the museum
tonight, what were your thoughts of the glass pyramid?"

Recalling his thoughts, he felt puzzled but answered her.  "It was strange
to see it at first, but then it seemed to belong.  It began to feel right,
and it was pleasant to look at."

"So you accepted it even though it was foreign from everything that
surrounded it?"

"Yes."

"You Nicholas are like the glass pyramid.  You act as if you do not belong
because of what you are.  But when you are surrounded by the old and
familiar, you enhance it just as the pyramid outside only enhances this old
museum.  It does not diminish its setting just as all that you are does not
lessen those around you.  You compliment each other, both are needed."

Looking away, he reached for the velvet bag and handed it to her.  "I should
be going, please check the item."

Smiling, she placed her hand over his hand that held the bag, and pushed it
back towards him.

"I know that it is fine, you brought it so it could be no less.  Thank you
for bringing it back, but I see there is something else that you must do
before returning it.  You must light the candle and resolve your past.  You
need to do this so that you can deal with the present.  You do want to light
the candle don't you?"

"Yes, but everything I do brings about pain."

"This will not cause harm, but it will help you to end some of the pain you
carry.  Do what is in your heart.  Let me help you now as you helped me.
Take the candlestick.  I will be here tomorrow night when you return with
it." Squeezing his fingers over the bag she continued.  "I believe that you
told me that the past is too easy a place to hide.  And wasn't it you who
also said that if you dwell on yesterday you have no today, no tomorrow?
Nicholas, you must light the candlestick."

Standing up, she bent over and kissed him on the forehead then left the
room. After a few minutes in silent thought, he too got up and left her
office.

End Part 10

Engrossed in thought, he walked down the street past people laughing and
talking at sidewalk cafes.  Was he hiding in the past as he had accused
Alyce of doing when she was mortal?  He had felt nostalgic on his way to the
Louvre tonight.  Was this early sentiment a reflection of his dwelling in
the past? Maybe he did find the past an easy place to hide, and maybe he did
blame most of his problems on it, but would wishing for a day in the sun
ease his regrets?

As he walked along the wide sidewalks, he spotted a small empty table at one
of the cafes and sat down.  Someone was there in a moment, and he ordered
some red wine.  He needed time to decide about what to do with the
candlestick. While in Toronto he was determined to not wish for a day in the
sun, but now so close to his home his judgment was starting to waver.  It
was possible that more harm would come from not choosing to wish.  Maybe
there was something to gain in expressing his mortality in the place that he
felt he had lost forever.  He gazed into the deep red color of the wine that
the waiter had placed before him, and in his meditation he considered all
the pleasures of his long lost mortality.  If no one would be harmed by this
as Alyce had said, then even the small amount of time that the candle
provided would be better than nothing at all.  It was a certainty then,
tomorrow at the height of the day, he would light the candle.  There was so
much to consider, most importantly would be the timing.  If he timed it
right, the candle would go out and revert him back to the vampire just as
the sun would leave the sky and bring him the security of the night.

Leaving the wine on the table, he went to look for a secluded spot.  Just
once while he was in Paris he needed to fly over the city and relive all of
its magnificence.  Then there would be time to go back to the Hotel and plan
for whatever the new day and his wish would bring.

******

Even as the drive for blood roared to life inside him, he continued to
prepare for the impact of his forthcoming actions.  There was no way he
would fill his stomach with blood before his conversion to mortality.
Rolling the candle between his palms, he estimated that he would have about
five hours before the beast would reclaim him.  Much thought had gone into
the timing of this scant reprieve before he had allowed himself a few hours
of sleep.  Again, he looked over at the clock.  In another few minutes, he
would attempt to fulfill a part of himself that for centuries had been
denied.  Decades he had actively spent searching for a way to recapture all
that he had lost at LaCroix's hands, and now only minutes separated him from
his deepest desire.  As his anticipation grew, he could barely withstand the
passing of each second. Closing his eyes, he remembered the drug that
Natalie had thought to have been his cure several months ago.  The time he
had spent in that drug induced world, he had wasted, only ending up being
sick not only while taking it, but for days afterwards.  Even his mind had
been affected, his thinking had been mostly irrational and paranoid.  This
time he had prepared.  This might be his last chance to experience
mortality, and to come to terms with what he was. His reminiscing lasted
longer than he had expected, and he was surprised to see that the time he
had chosen to light the candle had already passed by a minute.  All his
attention became focused of the candlestick.  The candle had already been
placed in its ancient holder as he approached it within the darkness of the
room with some matches.  With an uncontrollable shaking hand, he struck the
match and steadied himself as best he could until the flame touched the
candle's wick.

The foreseen brilliant illumination burst through the room as he reflexively
protected his eyes.  Before he was able to uncover his eyes, the intensity
of the flame had changed into a dull glow.  Without any hesitation he looked
hard into the flickering light and proclaimed.

"I wish to be as I once was before I became a vampire.  I wish to be mortal
again."

Standing strong and still, he was motionless as a gust of wind pressed
against him and then swirled throughout the room.  As soon as the stillness
of the room returned, he began to feel his heart pound in his chest.  The
rhythm was becoming stronger and faster.  His breaths became short and rapid
as he almost cried out in happiness.  A warm sensation began to return to
his skin, and he reached to draw back the heavy drapes that had protected
him.  With one quick movement the drapes were pulled aside and the sun
completely immersed him. The brightness made him wince, but he stayed until
his eyes adjusted.  Then he looked down at the dazzling city that lay below.
  His attention became directed to the sun that covered his body. Feeling
its warmth against him, he remembered with amazement how precious the sun
was.  Moving next to the window, he pressed his hands against the glass, and
gazed at the sparkling reflection from the Seine.  It was as if he were in a
wonderful dream, but he had already spent too long in the room.  Now he
needed to be outside with people, mortal people.  Grabbing his coat from the
chair, he was outside as fast as his mortality allowed.  There were so many
places to go, and he had to rely upon mortal transportation to get him
there.

The doorman from the Hotel had a private taxi waiting for him.  The plan was
to have some very ordinary mortal experiences before trying to find his old
home.  But his stomach pulled from hunger, and as he got into the taxi he
laughed.  The driver curiously looked back, and Nick smiled at him and spoke
to him in French.

"I'm hungry for food!  Isn't that wonderful?"

The driver gave him a strange look, and Nick unsuccessfully tried not to
smile as he continued to speak,

"Take me to the finest restaurant in Paris."

Accepting this second response, the driver turned back towards the front of
the car.  So food wasn't going to be his first priority, it was still on his
list.  With his stomach growling, he watched all the wonders of Paris
through the taxi's clear windows and he hoped that the wait for real food
would not be too long.

The restaurant was busy when Nicholas arrived, but he was relieved to
discover that the offering of extra money here and there provided him with a
nice table and very prompt service.  Not knowing what to choose from the
menu, he had the chef create a plate with a sample of everything that was
readily available. There was no time to wait for anything too complicated to
cook.  Even though he did not recognize most of the food on his plate, he
enjoyed the different flavors and textures, all were very satisfying.  When
the dessert cart was displayed, he had to try everything on it.  As for the
wine, he was not sure why it was so tasteful.  He had only the finest wines
mixed with his blood, but never had they been so flavorful.  Could it be
that mortality had returned his desire for good food and drink, or could it
be that only in France could such good wines exist?  He really hated to eat
and run but there were so many places left to see and experience.  Leaving
the restaurant, he was immediately spotted by the taxi driver that he had
asked to wait for him.  Bringing the taxi to the curb before him in a
moment, Nick stepped in and the driver turned to ask for the next stop
before he had a chance to close the door.

"The Eiffel Tower," he enthusiastically blurted out.  The excitement of
feeling alive was barely containable.  The Eiffel Tower was a powerful site
when lit up at night, but seeing it in person in the sunlight had for a long
time been a personal fantasy.  After walking around the huge work of art, he
went to the top to view the city by daylight.  Surely this was a special
treat that he would never forget, but time was slipping away so much faster
than he had anticipated.  As he rode down the towers elevator, he began to
eliminate in his mind places that were on his mental list.  Moving in mortal
time was so much more time consuming than flying.  Strange that when he was
a vampire and time did not matter, he could move almost as fast as the speed
of sound.  But now as a mortal when every second counted, he was forced to
slow down when time was limited.  When he reached the bottom of the tower,
he saw his taxi waiting across the street and began to run towards it.
Hopefully, he would be able to see a few more places before going to see if
anything remained of the de Brabant mansion.

The traffic on the street was heavy, but he patiently waited to cross with a
large group of French citizens.  As he thought about his next adventure, a
young woman pushed past him and rushed into the street directly into the
path of a large truck.  With the lightning fast reflexes of a police
detective, he grabbed at her arm and pulled her out of harms way.  Everyone
turned to watch as the woman fell to the ground crying and pounding her
fists into the sidewalk.

"NO!  NO!  NO!  Why did you stop me?"

Nick knelt down next to the woman.  "Are you all right?"

Angrily she shouted, "YES!  Thanks to you!  Why didn't you let me die!  Why
didn't you mind your own business?"

Looking up at the crowd that was gathering around them, he told them to move
on as he helped the woman to her feet.  Still sobbing, he walked with her to
a nearby bench and sat next to her.  As much as he wanted to help her, his
time in the sun was rapidly disappearing.  Trying to get her attention
through her sobs, his police training kicked in.

"Could you please give me your name and address so I can have your family
come for you?"

Bitterly she hissed, "Leave me alone.  You have done your good deed, now
just let me alone!"

"I can't leave you like this.  I want to help."

"No one can help me.  It's too late.  Please let me alone."

Looking down at the watch on his wrist, he felt torn.  This day would most
likely be his last ever as a mortal.  Maybe he could find someone to stay
with her and help her.  Turning to her, he spoke calmly.

"Stay here, and I will send someone to help you okay?"

The woman nodded through her tears as Nick walked back towards his reserved
taxi which waited to whisk him off to the next exciting location.  The
driver would probably know of someone to send to help this woman.  There
must be many places that dealt with attempted suicides.  Certainly he was
not the best to handle this.  Halfway to the taxi, he looked back at her
quivering body and acknowledged to himself that he could not just walk away.
  Turning, he ran back to where he left her.

When he got back to her side, she looked up.

"I thought you were leaving?"

"I am leaving, but I want you to come with me."

Confused, she looked at him through tearful eyes.  "Why are you doing this?"

"I want to spend some time and learn who you are.  Come with me."  He held
out his hand.

"I don't even know who you are."

"No you don't.  Maybe I'm a crazed killer.  Then I would be saving you the
trouble of killing yourself."

A small laugh escaped through her tears, and he smiled as she reached for
his hand.

"My name is Marguerite, and I think that you have more to fear from me."

"Marguerite, I'm Nicholas, and I'll take my chances."

The driver did not even pay attention to his new passenger as they both slid
into the back seat.  Nick instructed the driver to drive around the city so
they could see as many places as possible.  However, first on his list was
the stop at Rue de Rivoli.  Here was where a statue of Joan of Arc had been
erected.  For a moment he stepped out of the taxi, and stood before the
monument which displayed her on her horse.  Holding in his pain, he
remembered touching her innocent young face which was filled with faith even
at her immature age.  Now over five hundred and fifty years later, he stood
in the light before her as a mortal.  Even in her inexperience she had
believed that he could regain his faith.  Although he still had a long way
to go, her words did not seem so impossible now.  He did have some faith,
and somehow he hoped that she knew of his reformed convictions.  After
leaving the statue of Joan of Arc, he never again left the taxi without
Marguerite.   Over and over again Nick would see something interesting and
would have the driver stop so that he and Marguerite could get out.  They
raced through what he knew was necessary to last him several lifetimes.
Although they talked when racing around the different sites, she was silent
each time they returned to the car. With his energy fading, he noticed a
spectacular cafe and had the driver stop. Turning to his unexpected guest,
he politely asked.

"Will you help me choose a dessert and wine.  I am new to your ways."

She nodded and Nick helped her out of the car, and they went to find a
table. Watching her as she expertly ordered, he was taken by her beauty and
strength. Why would she try to end her life?  He caught himself staring at
her.  Her long brown curls reminded him of Natalie, her poise reminded him
of Janette. It had been wonderful sharing so many of his favorite places
with another. Everything on his list had been visited except for one.  Soon
he would walk the land of his mortal life.  It would soon be time to go
home, and feel the warm ground as he remembered it.

Noticing that he was staring at her, she felt uncomfortable as a look of
sadness returned to her face.  "I see your plan Nicholas.  You are trying to
run me around until I die from exhaustion."

"Marguerite, why do want to die?  I want to understand."

A darkness fell over her.  "This is not your problem."

"I know that.  I also know that you are beautiful, intelligent, and fun to
be with.  Why are you trying to escape this life?"

"I need to end my pain.  I can no longer live with my guilt, and I am a
danger to many.  I have made too many mistakes.  I have followed the wrong
man, and he will never let me live my own life.  I have to escape, but why
do you run?"

"What?"

"Did you think that I did not notice that for the last two hours we have
raced from one place to another?  You are rushing to take so much in.  You
are acting as if these are your final hours to live."

Sitting back in his chair, he was stunned at her perception.  Reaching over
to her he caressed her face.

"In a way these are my final hours.  I must return to another life that you
would never understand, but I would never throw my life away.  No matter how
much pain, or guilt, or even being under another's control, I would never
take my own life."

"I am different then.  I would rather take my life than live what another
demands."

Taking her hand in his, he looked deeply into her eyes.  "You are strong
Marguerite.  You must not give up, you must fight this man."

Closing her eyes, she smiled.  "Either way I will die."

After these words, he could not get her to talk and they finished their
desserts and drinks in silence.  When they stood up, he pulled her in the
direction of the waiting taxi, but she held back as she finally spoke.

"Here Nicholas is where I leave, my house is nearby.  Go and finish what you
must, and thank you for trying to help."

Moving close to him, she kissed him on the cheek.  They looked deeply into
each other's eyes.  Each felt the despair of the others soul, and they
kissed. They kissed deeply, as they felt the need for each other.
Desperately they knew how much alike they were being trapped in lives by
their own mistakes. They kissed again and again with each kiss lasting
longer.  With each kiss their desire grew.

End Part 11

They were still holding hands, as this time she pulled him, but in a
different direction from the taxi.  He followed her until they reached a
large townhouse where she unlocked the door and they went in.  Once inside,
they immediately embraced and hungrily kissed until he pulled away.
Breathlessly he whispered to her.

"This is not right.  I would be taking advantage of you."

"Are you certain that it is not I who would be taking advantage of you?"

Kissing him again, he passionately returned her kiss.  Then stopped her.

"I can't"

She looked lovingly into his eyes.  "You love another, don't you?"

Briefly he closed his eyes as his thoughts drifted to Natalie and their love
making only the other night.  Natalie was his true love.  How could he
betray her?  She reached over and caressed his face and his words sounded
almost like a plea.

"Please stop before I change my mind."

"Nicholas, this is not about love.  This is about now and surviving.  This
is our desperation.  I need you and you need me as well right now to grab
onto life. There is no one else in the world right now.  There is only you
and me.  We both need to feel alive for one last time."

Passionately, he pulled her into his arms.  They both clung to each other as
if each moment was their last.  Trying to lose themselves in the moment.
Not thinking, only feeling their desire to experience life and each other.

Each of her fiery kisses drove him to pursue every part of her as they fell
to the floor.  Giving to each other and taking what they needed.  The suns
rays brushed across their bodies from the window above them as their bodies
moved together as one.  Their passions consumed them as a fire.  They gave
all of themselves and they received all that they needed.  As they separated
she looked at her impassioned partner.

"Thank you for staying Nicholas.  Thank you for caring."

Reaching out to her, he again tried to help.

"Marguerite, I'm a police detective in my Country.  I may be able to help
you with this man who controls you."

"No Nicholas.  There is nothing that anyone can do.  I have seen you look
many times today at your watch, you must go."

As they both began to re-dress, Nicholas would not let it end.  "I can not
walk away.  I'm afraid for what might happen.  Please let me help."

"It is not safe for you to know who I am Nicholas.  You must leave before
you are in any danger.  Please let me do what I must so this will finally
end."

"Do you think that I would just walk out of here knowing what you are intent
on doing?"

Frustrated, she paced to the other side of the room.  There was no other way
to convince him to leave other than by telling him the truth.  Once he knew
there was no other way, then he would have to agree with her decision.

"Fine Nicholas.  I will tell you everything, then you too will know how
trapped I am.  But you must promise to leave here and forget me afterwards
for your own safety."

Nick sat on the sofa and said nothing as she began to tell her story and
worked to control her emotions.

"When I was very young, my parents promised my hand in marriage to a very
powerful man who provided them with much wealth in return.  When I became
old enough to marry, I saw that he was evil and I wanted nothing to do with
him, so I ran away.  I lived on the streets for several months, and no one
knew where I was.  One night, I returned home to find that my family was
gone.  A different family was there, and I knocked on the door and asked the
woman who answered of my family.  She turned white with fear, and told me
that my parents were dead.  They had been shot when they refused to tell the
whereabouts of their daughter.  Everyone knew that they had gone back on
their promise.  She told me that my siblings had all been kidnapped at the
same time.  And that word on the street was that only my return would
guarantee their safety.  That night I went to my future husband's house.  I
pleaded with him to release my siblings, and he agreed.  The only way for me
to accomplish this was for me to agree to be his wife.  He instructed his
lawyer to come in, and I signed a paper to agree to marry him.  After the
lawyer left, he picked up his phone and called to have my brothers released.
  I never saw them, but I was assured of their safety.  After his phone
call, he came to me and slapped me across the face so hard that I fell to
the floor.  He pulled me up by my hair and beat me for what seemed to be
hours.  This he said was what I was to remember if I ever thought to run
away again.  The next morning, a priest was brought in to marry us.  The
priest never said a word about how I could hardly stand and that I was
covered in blood and bruises.  My mouth was so swollen, that I was barely
audible to affirm my vows.  I knew that I could never escape, and that I
caused the death of my parents.  I soon learned that beating me would become
one of my jobs as his wife especially when he was drunk.  He would always
have me stay when it was decided that he would kill someone.  Many times he
would have me watch.  I was used to lure some of his victims to the house.
It was my fault, and there was nothing I could do to stop him."

Reaching over to push away her tears, he firmly spoke.  "These things that
he did, were not your fault."

"Many people including my Mother and Father died because of me, there is no
other reason."  Her tears stopped as she tried to gather her strength.  "So
now that I've told you this much, I guess I should finish.  I soon realized
that I could no longer live in his world.  So a few weeks ago, I found my
chance to run away.  It was not long until word reached me that my siblings
were again in danger.  I called him and he told me that he would wait until
tomorrow for my return.  Then, he would start to kill one each day until I
had no family left.  He said he would have them die with great pain, and I
believe him.  I have witnessed him enjoying such acts before."

"Why don't you go the police."

A small bitter laughed escaped.  "My husband is the chief of police, no one
would dare to oppose him.  I will not go back to him.  If I die there would
be no reason to harm anyone else on my account.  So you see Nicholas that
death is my only way out."

"Things can be done.  There is protective custody, and witness protection
plans."

She laughed again.  "Yes, I shall have his men protect me."

Pulling her close, he whispered to her.  "There has to be a way."

Slowly she pulled away from his embrace.  "He knows that I am here, so I
must take care of my problem soon."

A thousand thoughts raced through his head.  He would need to call Toronto,
and figure out a plan.  But could anything be accomplished before
Marguerite's family was destroyed?  The options were scarce, she was
correct.  As he thought, the sounds of heavy pounding at the front door
erupted.  Moving towards the window, she looked out to see who was at the
door and then turned to Nicholas.

"It is all right.  It is my friend, and I trust her."

Marguerite opened the door, and an out of breath woman rushed in.  "Thank
G-d you have not done anything to yourself.  Have you heard the news?"  She
stopped briefly to catch her breath.  "The police chief has been killed in
an explosion in his car.  Your husband and those who worked for him are
dead." Finally she caught her breath and hugged her friend.  "Marguerite,
don't you see?  You are safe now, and your brothers too.  We are all safe
now."

Tears again began to fall from Marguerite's eyes as she turned to face him.

"You saved me Nicholas.  Because you prevented me from dying in the street
and remained with me, I now have a chance for a life.  You must be an angel
that heaven has sent."

"I do not know if you are right about heaven, but I am happy for you
Marguerite."

"One day maybe I will learn to accept all of the guilt.  Nicholas, do you
know how to live with the guilt?"

He smiled at her.  "I'm still working on it."

Time was rapidly slipping away from him, and he went to pull on his coat.
Marguerite ran to him and embraced him.  "I know we will meet again
someday."

"I hope so.  I have to go back to my old life soon, but I will never forget
all that you gave me.  Goodbye Marguerite."

Opening the door to leave, she called after him.  "Do not say goodbye
Nicholas.  One day our paths will cross again, right?"

"Right."

Closing the door behind him, he looked up into the sky.  It was late in the
day, and he ran to the taxi that had remained for him.

So much had happened today, and his thoughts raced as fast as the taxi that
drove him out of Paris and towards the southern part of the Country.  He
could not remember another time when he had so desperately wished for the
power of flight.  The driver got him to the location that he had asked for
with only thirty minutes of sun left in the sky.  After paying well for his
personal taxi, he dismissed the driver and began to walk off the main road
and into the overgrown fields.  From past experience he knew that little
more than the foundation and rubble remained of his mortal home, but he
needed to feel close to it as a mortal one last time.  Aside for the loss of
the building, the entire area was unchanged.  After the death of all of his
family, the property had been handed down to him.  Throughout the centuries
he had made sure that the taxes were always paid so that it would remain
undisturbed and carry the de Brabant name.  As he walked in the last
remnants of glistening sunlight towards what he felt to be his
reconciliation between his contentment and regrets, he envisioned the memory
of long ago mortal walks towards his front door.  As if time had not moved,
he imagined his mother greeting him while his little sister happily played
with the set of wooden animals that he had carved for her.  Seeing the
broken down building in the distance, he felt driven to run through the
weeds and leafless trees.  His human heart beat fiercely, and his breath
quickened.  As he approached his home, he found a clearing, and he stopped
to rest and let the sun shine warmly against his face.  Its soothing
sensation of warmth was far more gratifying than he had remembered.  He only
hoped that he would be able to hold this memory for eternity.  Allowing only
a few precious minutes to indulge himself in the warm feelings of the sun
and being home, he stood up and took the last steps to his former house.  It
was only crumbling stone, but as he faced its remains he let it fill him
with a peaceful calmness.  As he watched the flickering shadows of the
tree's branches against the few standing stones, he spoke out loud.

"I have returned to you as a mortal.  I have waited so long for this
moment."

Sitting down against the disintegrating stones that once helped to support
his front door, he looked across the vast acres of now unused land.  When he
had lived here, there had been golden fields that he would run through as a
boy. As he grew, he had learned how to ride his horse in those fields.  They
were also the place where he first learned of love with the stableman's
daughter. A smile crossed his lips as each kind face from his youth vividly
came back to him as he gazed into the horizon.  Growing up here had been a
rare gift, and he knew that he had been truly blessed by being given those
years.  Picking up a handful of the pieces of gravel that lay near the
deteriorating wall, he let it sift through his fingers.  What was once there
was now gone, reduced to sand and dust.  It was only a house, and it was not
the stones that formed it that held any significance.  It was the people who
had lived there that made his memories meaningful.  They would always be a
part of him, and they were good.  A part of him still contained their
goodness, and with his immortality, he could perpetuate their qualities for
all of eternity.  All he was today could not be separated from his past.  It
was all his experiences, both mortal and immortal, that made him what he was
at this time.  Looking towards the west, he watched the sky change from the
lightest of pinks to the rich dark colors that accompanied the setting sun.
Had he lit the candle early, he could have seen the sun rise but this was
equally as beautiful.  It had been a while since he was actually sorry to
see the sun go down, and now darkness came with great speed.  As his
mortality persisted, he stood up trying to locate a long forgotten trail.
There was only one more place to visit, and it was not far from the house.
Seeing in the darkness as a mortal was not easy, but he did not allow the
dimness to stop him.  Guided only by memory, he walked towards a grove of
trees past the northern side of the house.  With the darkness came the cold,
and he shivered.  Thinking he had lost his way, he tried to almost blindly
feel around in the blackness, but tripped and fell to the ground.  The pain
from the fall suddenly began to disappear as he pulled himself back up and
felt the transformation back to the vampire begin to take place.  Within a
few minutes, he was no longer cold and could see in the dark. His mortality
was leaving, and as he looked down he saw that he had stumbled to the place
he had been searching for.  With his body reverting back, he could feel his
heart rate slowing and he tried to ignore all the physical sensations as he
looked down at the grave of his mortal sister.

"Fleur, I pray that you have forgiven me for stopping your one true love
from making you eternal.  In all the years since that has happened, I have
never known if I had done what was proper.  I miss you and Mother so.  I
will always remember your kindness and purity."

>From behind him a voice grew strong.

"You forgot to mention her innocence Nicholas."

Startled, he turned abruptly to see his Master slowly walking towards him.

"LaCroix!  What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

"This is no time to exchange remarks LaCroix."

"I quite agree, and to answer your question, I too came to pay my respects."

Calming down, he moved closer to where his Father stood.

"LaCroix, I am sorry for how I reacted with you and Fleur, but I am not
sorry that she is not one of us.  At that time, I thought I knew what was
right, but I did not know then, and I still do not."

"Yes, I heard you.  You know Nicholas, I do believe that you loved Fleur as
much as I. It seems that love does not always take us down the correct path.
I too miss her.  I miss her touch, her beauty, and her closeness, but I
never lost her completely.  As long as I live, she lives with me.  I know
that now."

"You seem at peace here at Fleur's grave, are you no longer angry?"

"When the anger was removed from my heart, I felt serenity.  My revenge
would only dishonor her."

Nicholas placed his hand on his Father's shoulder then walked over to pick
the last of the wild flowers.  Moving back to the grave, he gently laid the
flowers on the dirt then turned to leave.  LaCroix knelt down and removed a
white rose that he had sheltered in his duster.  With care he laid it next
to Nicholas's wildflowers as he softly spoke.

"Until next time........ and forever."

Stopping at LaCroix's words, he waited for his father to join him.

"LaCroix, do you have plans?"

"It has been a while since my last visit, I thought I would spend a few more
days in Paris.  And you?"

"I'm meeting an old friend and returning something to her, then I will be on
my way back to Toronto."

"Then we should part company now.  Drop by my apartment or CERK when you
can, I think we should talk."  He turned to leave, then turned back.  "And
Nicholas, I trust that your time as a mortal was worthwhile?"

Feeling both surprised and impressed, Nicholas said nothing as LaCroix
smiled, looked up into the sky, and was soon out of sight.  With one last
glance at his past, Nick took a path through the cloud filled skies that led
to his Hotel.  After a quick trip to his room, he retrieved the candlestick
and its velvet container and placed them deeply in his pocket.  With the
candlestick secure, he walked out of the hotel and towards the Louvre.
Seeing the large glass pyramid that now graced the museum's entrance made
him smile.  Its presence was so natural, that he now wondered how the older
part could have ever existed without it.  Alyce was right, the old and the
new could live in harmony.

This time as he entered the Louvre, he knew where he was going.  Slowly he
made his way to Alyce's interior office, then sat down to wait for her.
When she walked through the door, he rose to greet her.  Gazing at her in
delight, he took both her hands and brought them to his lips to kiss.

"You are a different man tonight Nick.  Does this mean that you took my
advice about the candlestick?"

"I brought it back to you.  Maybe one day you will make a wish."

"I might.  Can you stay for a while and talk?"

"Yes, I would like that."

Withdrawing the velvet bag from his pocket, he placed it in her hands.  "You
knew it would help me."

"No, I only knew that you would find your way if only you would try" She
stopped for a moment and smiled.  "I bet you had a fantastic day.  Why don't
you sit down and tell me all about it.  So, was it interesting?"

Contentedly, he broke into a smile.

"I thought so!"

The End
 

Back to Parts Seven - Nine!