with Lazarius is our first priority . Perhaps we need to assign his capture to a more capable vampire ,” he said , looking directly at me with a sneer of hatred plastered on his pointed face . He sat back down in his chair , arrogant and haughty as was his custom . I looked intently at him for a moment . You bastard . Just once , that ’ s all I ask for .
I turned my attention back to the council , “ I am sorry , Lord Castille , that you think me incapable of doing my job . I was not expecting to be assaulted by the likes of Lazarius when I went to the Douvee Manor in search of the Obyri Pendent .” I lowered my head , hiding my smile ; I knew this news would send their minds reeling .
“ The Obyri Pendent ?” another of the members stood , leaning forward on the large cedar table . “ What do you mean ?”
“ My Lady Ariella ,” I looked up once again and nodded to her with respect , “ I received word from one of my informants that Damascus had taken possession of the pendent . I did not have time to come before the council , nor did I think it wise to wait and give him a chance to put it to use . I immediately traveled to his home , hoping to surprise him and obtain the pendent to bring back to the council , so that you might better deal with the situation .”
The members of the High Council were shocked into silence for a moment , but then they began to mutter amongst themselves , each leaning over to his neighbor to discuss this most disturbing piece of information . It was not the sort of news they expected me to bring before them . If the pendent had been discovered , then they had a serious problem on their hands . Not only that , but as no one had any clue as to where the pendent was at the moment , it was a dire situation indeed . Well , now what will you do ? I am the third elite of the Senshi and damn good at what I do . Perhaps , I should offer to step down ; that would really throw you a curve ball , wouldn ’ t it , Castille ?
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