The Word | Sic Transit | Credits
The angels head to the morgue where the Dr. Selkirk, owner of the townhouse works. Gaudior recognizes this hospital as having tethers to both Blandine and Beleth on the upper floors. They don't find much, and the doctor never shows up. Around 8:30 am, Reziphel brings coffee and they leave.
[Begin 7/21/99]
Zenaniel receives a message (and a point of Essence) via the Celestial Song of Tongues: "Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound, locker 32". Convinced it must be new orders, he heads over there immediately.
The terminal, about a block from Times Square, is busy as usual, but Zenaniel has little trouble finding the Greyhound desk and lockers. Locker 32, big enough to store the average-sized person, still has its key; the door is dented and cannot be closed. Zenaniel checks to see if anyone is watching, and then opens it. It appears empty, but after running his hand along the walls, he finds an envelope taped to its ceiling.
The envelope is addressed to "Zenaniel". Inside he finds the following letter, written in elegant script:
My dear Zenaniel,I must apologize for my conduct yesterday. Such rudeness is inexcusable. I do hope you will find it in your Heart to forgive my abrupt manner.
As regards your Challenge, I am honored to accept. However, my first duty, as always, is to my Prince. I must return the Cup of Sacrifice to the Bone Citadel before I have the pleasure of meeting you in combat.
I will contact you to arrange a suitable meeting place when I return from Abaddon.
Until then, I remain
Baron Meremoth of the Undead Kingdom
Demon of Ritual Murder
Zenaniel stares at the letter, stunned. Then he and borrows a pen from the Greyhound desk, thinks for a minute or so, and writes the following on the envelope:
Choose your weapons, or lack of them. I will wait. How fitting that we may suit your word through this meeting.He keeps the letter, re-tapes the envelope to the top of the locker, and leaves to rejoin his comrades.
Z
[End 7/21/99]