FF: Guardians of the Veil part 4

["belgin_tei" <belgin_tei@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Title: Guardians of the Veil. Part 4
Sequel to: A New Beginning.
Author: David A. Knapton.
E-mail: belgin_tei@xxxxxxxxx
Archive: Any and All, but drop me a line so I can see my name in 
lights!
Spoilers: Set after the end of S5. Then it follows along different 
lines.
Rating: Probably 18 overall, this part 12 or PG.
Pairings this part: Buffy/Willow/Tara Louisa/John Sarah/James 
Olivia/Giles Giles/Maggie (implied).
Disclaimer: I own none of the people in this story, but if I did then 
the show would probably never be shown again!
Special Disclaimer: See part 2.
Summery: Maggie finishes the background story and Steve gives the 
group details on how Ethan got involved. <> = Thought.
Notes: I have twisted the legend of King Arthur for my own reasons. 
If it's of interest the mine mentioned in this story is located at 
Bannerdown just outside Bath; I use to play paintball in it. MI5 is 
the UK equivalent to the US NSA I think? and MI6 is as the CIA. I'm 
sure everyone knows about the SAS, which stands for the Special Air 
Service, SBS is the Navel equivalent and stands for the Special Boat 
Service.
A Very Special Note to Any Pagans: I am using different aspics of the 
Goddess for my own ends not to offend anyone, may the Lady forgive me.
A Special Note to any religious fanatics: This story is only a STORY, 
I apologise if any part of it upsets you, if you are a fanatic of any 
religion and cannot except my apology maybe you should look at what 
some religious fanatics are doing in some parts of the World. Flame 
them not me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
"Jimmy I asked you not to tell Riley I was in England," growled Buffy 
between clenched teeth.

"I'm sorry Buffy but it was the only way I could get you out in 
time," replied Jimmy.

Buffy huffed then turned to Riley, "So what are you doing in England?"

"I'm here unofficially as an advisor to the British military," 
explained Riley.

"Advisor about what?"

"Just over 6 months ago some strange things began happening, sudden 
deaths, strange orders etc. certain government ministers started to 
become concerned and activated certain secret orders that give some 
military units such as the SAS and SBS as well as MI5 & 6 a great 
deal of leeway," explained Captain Jones. "Demons and Vampires 
started appearing in numbers unheard off in this country, at least 
since the Middle Ages. We first approached the watchers council for 
advice but they refused to help, then I suggested contacting an old 
friend of my father's, he told me about the original Initiative and 
suggested I contact is son who happened to be stationed in England, 
Jimmy here," he finished by nodding towards Jimmy.

Buffy stared at Jimmy's back frowning, "The original Initiative?"

"Yes, originally my father helped set-up the Initiative as a means to 
protect the general population from demons and vampires. Then certain 
Senators and Pentagon officials began to subvert the idea for darker 
purposes; they squeezed out the more rational minded like my dad. 
Riley told me most of what happened last year in Sunnydale, my father 
is now in charge again, I contacted him and he told me he would send 
Riley over as a liaison," finished Jimmy.

"Alright your forgiven Jimmy," sighed Buffy, she looked at Captain 
Jones, "So you say that your government has been giving strange 
orders, like what?" she asked.

"Well they ordered several teams of SAS and SBS to snatch key members 
of national and local government to be held incognito and also 
started sending more and more of our troops abroad, when MI5 
discovered what was happening a meeting was organised between our 
organisations, the government officials then 'escaped'. Over the last 
few months, we have slowly been gathering information, we now know 
that two individuals are subverting our leaders by the use of dark 
majiks, we suspect that they are the ones that are targeting your 
friends, we wish to offer our aid."

"No, I'm sorry I was told that I cannot involve outsides Harry," said 
Jimmy.

"I didn't agree to that, Maggie maybe your High Priestess but I say 
they help," smiled Buffy, "Besides Steve told you that you needed to 
get me to trust your friends, I do."

"What are you talking about Buffy?" Asked Riley giving her a curious 
look.

Buffy smiled at him, "You remember Willow, Tara and I told you we 
were bound together," at his nod she continued, "The bond allows us 
to relay information between the three of us. Well Jimmy's friend 
Steve told him that he would have to persuade me to trust his 
friends, which I do because I know you Riley to be an honourable man 
and everything Harry has told us has a ring of truth about it. But I 
don't want you with us directly, I'd like you to arrange it so you 
can back us up when we need it," she said.

"Very well Buffy," said Harry, he held up a pager, "This is 
programmed to contact only one number, if you press the green button 
we will know you have been captured but you do not want our help. If 
you need help press the red button, ten minutes later a message will 
be sent to the pager, phone the number and tell us what you want. If 
you don't phone the number within twenty minutes a locator will be 
activated in the pager," he handed the pager to her.

"Ok, now what?" nodded Buffy.

"Jimmy just drop us off at the next village, we'll contact my team 
from a callbox," said Harry.

"Right, and thanks for helping Harry," smiled Jimmy.

"It was my pleasure, anyway I think this is only the beginning," 
mused Harry.

"Riley, about what happened when you came to my house! I'm sorry it 
upset you, if I have the chance I'd like to try and make it up to 
you, if you'll let me," said Buffy.

"I don't know Buffy, did you ever love me, back in Sunnydale?"

"Yes I did, I know I never told you and I know I treated you really 
badly at the end, but I did, I still do in a way. I was under so much 
pressure back then, first Glory, then my mum's illness, everything 
just got screwed up back than, I'm so sorry Riley," Buffy sobbed 
reaching over and hugging him.

After holding Buffy for several minutes gently stroking her 
hair, "Buffy I've met someone," he said quietly.

Buffy slowly pulled away from him, she smiled at him, "I'm happy for 
you, I hope she treats you better than I did!"

"How could she not," smirked Riley.

Buffy playfully swatted his arm, "I guess I asked for that, where is 
she now?"

"She's back in the States, she helps me in fighting demons and 
vampires. Maybe when we sort this mess out I can bring her to meet 
all of you," smiled Riley.

"Yes I think we'd like that," agreed Buffy, "I think Xander misses 
having another boy around, I mean there's Giles but he's so old!" she 
giggled.

At that moment, Jimmy pulled up next to a phone-box and Riley and 
Harry got out.

Buffy got out and walked around to the front passenger seat, she 
shook Harry's hand and hugged Riley, "I hope we meet again and thank 
you for rescuing me from the council," she said as she got into the 
car.

"As I said Buffy it was my pleasure, good luck and don't forget the 
pager," smiled Harry as they drove off.
--------------
Willow tried to brush away the irruption that was dancing across her 
face, it came again, she slowly opened her eyes, she found herself 
looking into a pair of blue eyes. Her own eyes went wide as she 
realised who's eyes she was looking at, she grabbed hold of Buffy and 
pulled her down into a hug, "Buffy," she laughed.

Tara stirred from sleep to find her two girlfriends hugging, "Hey is 
it a private party or can anyone join in?" she laughed.

"No, but only you two are invited," Buffy smiled as she drew Tara 
into a three-way hug, "God I missed you guys."

"We missed you too, are you ok?" sighed Tara, Buffy could hear the 
relief in her voice.

"Yeah I'm fine now. One of Jimmy's friends that helped rescue me 
turned out to be Riley," Buffy sighed as she melted into the arms of 
her lovers.

"Really! I can see why Steve would warn Jimmy about getting you to 
trust them," said Willow.

"Yeah are you okay with it?" said Tara absently tucking Buffy's hair 
behind her ear.

Buffy sighed again, "You know I think I am, I've moved on, so as 
Riley, when this mess is sorted out he wants to bring his girlfriend 
to Sunnydale to meet all of us." She leaned over slightly and kissed 
Tara then Willow, "God I want you," she growled.

"We know Buffy, but we can't, to many people around," moaned Willow 
absently nibbling on Buffy's ear.

Tara jumped up off the bed, she slapped Buffy playfully on the 
butt, "Later you two, when we have a room with a door and a lock," 
she stood by the bed her arms crossed, "Now up the pair of you," she 
ordered.

Buffy rolled off of Willow with a sigh, "Yes mum."
--------------
After they had showered and dressed they went to the dinning room, 
most of their friends were already there, only the two sisters at the 
entrance to the mine and the two at the side passage junction were 
absent. After helping themselves to the food, they joined Giles who 
was sat with Maggie and Olivia.

Maggie smiled at them, "Good morning Willow, Tara did you sleep well? 
And Buffy I'm glad to see you safe and well."

"Not really My Lady, we missed Buffy," said Tara taking a seat.

"Thanks," said Buffy taking her seat between Willow and Tara, "So 
what happens now?"

"Well I think after breakfast, I finish telling you the story of the 
Warlock, then you tell us what you learned about her, then we discuss 
what we do next because in two days time we must perform the Rites of 
the Veil at Lughnasadh which is part of our sacred duty," explained 
Maggie.

After breakfast they went to what Maggie explained used to be the 
foreman's office when the mine was operational, now it had a couple 
of settees and a armchair, taking their seats Maggie began the story.

"As I said last night just before Morganna's 22nd birthday the hermit 
took her to see her half brother Arturus, he revealed Arturus's true 
lineage, who realised that because of the nature of the oaths that 
had been pledged to his father Eugenius, before and after the siege 
of Boscastle all the landholders and their descendants owed fidelity 
to him. After talking it over with the hermit, Arturus sent-out 
heralds to all those landholders still holding out against him, 
calling them to a great council at Boscastle. At the suggestion of 
the hermit, he had the Archbishop of Canterbury and his sister the 
High Priestess send letters endorsing the proposed council, thereby 
preventing any landholder from refusing and incurring the displeasure 
of the church or the Goddess." Maggie sighed, "That was probably the 
only time both sides helped to bring about peace, even if it was for 
their own ends? Anyway all came but three who lived at the extreme 
western tip of Cornwall, these were his mother's brother and his two 
sons. The great council after hearing the hermit's declaration, all 
were aware that as the Seer he could not lie, Arturus was crowned 
King of the Britons as he was destined to be. At the crowning 
ceremony had Arturus given equal prominence to the Lord and Lady as 
he did the God of Abraham many sorrows may have been avoided later, 
oh well such was the will of the Lord and Lady. After the feasting 
was over King Arturus led a large army against his uncle and two 
cousins, the fight was brutal, Arturus destroyed their standing army 
and laid siege to his uncle's stronghold. After two months the hermit 
appeared within the stronghold and told Arturus's uncle that unless 
he agreed terms his entire line would cease to be, such was the 
Goddess's will. Well the siege ended and at the celebrations after, 
Arturus met his future wife, his uncle's niece Guenever on his wife's 
side, they were married the following spring. For about five years 
there was peace throughout the British Isles, it was a golden age, 
trade even started between the Britons and the invaders." Maggie 
stopped as Steve entered, she looked up smiling, "Is they're a 
problem," she asked him.

"No I just thought I'd join you."

"Really!" Smirked Maggie, suspecting there was more to it. After 
Steve had taken his seat Maggie continued, "Things started going 
wrong in the fifth year of Arturus's reign when a young Frankish 
knight was sent to Britain by his king, this knight was the greatest 
in single combat to ever live, he bested every other knight in the 
jousts. Had he lived in our time I'm sure he would be a superstar? 
Anyway, many of the women of the court were infatuated with him. Now 
all this time Morganna had stayed at the court, over this time her 
hatred of the Christians grew to include her half brother and his 
wife. The young knight gave Morganna a way to start sowing suspicion 
in their marriage, she used her powers to enchant another knight into 
accusing the queen of adultery, Morganna knew that as the greatest 
knight Du Lac would be called to defend the queen's honour in single 
combat, which he did..."

"Did you say 'Du Lac'," interrupted Buffy.

"Yes why?" Frowned Maggie.

"Because Maggie we ran across a Du Lac in Sunnydale about three and 
half years ago, he wrote a book that gave details on thinks like how 
to restore injured vampires, it almost cost a friend his life!" 
explained Giles.

"Ah Angel, of course that Du Lac was the final result of what 
happened here so many years ago, the knight's family slow fall into 
evil ways," explained Steve to Maggie who nodded.

"Well things went as Morganna planned, she suggested to Arturus that 
Du Lac be declared Guenever's champion, meaning that everywhere the 
queen went Du Lac would have to accompany her. She used enchantments 
to have Du Lac pursue the queen then one night she arranged for them 
to be found in each others arms by Arturus, who in his anger ordered 
both thrown into the dungeon. Morganna arranged for them to be 
released and they fled to Boscastle which Arturus had given Du Lac 
for his services, there Arturus besieged the knight for almost 18 
months. Then Arturus received word that a large army of Saxons was 
preparing to invade his eastern provinces he could not fight on two 
fronts, so under a flag of truce Arturus met Du Lac, who throw his 
self on his king's mercy telling him he must have been under some 
enchantment, that since the siege had begun he had come to his senses 
but could not think of a way out of his predicament. Arturus was 
always a chivalrous person and forgave Du Lac and his wife, who he 
left at Boscastle while he and Du Lac led the army against the 
invaders. This turn of events made Morganna furious, she went against 
her vows and rode by swift horse to the camp of the Saxons where she 
offered them aid in the form of demons. The Saxon king had heard that 
Arturus had lifted the siege of Boscastle and was moving east, 
knowing his army did not stand a chance in open battle agreed, so on 
the morning of the battle she raised dozens of them, commanding them 
to attack the army of the Britons. Their attack destroyed many of the 
infantry, it was only when Arturus rallied his forces and Du Lac led 
the knight in an almost suicidal charge, that they managed to destroy 
all the demons, but many knights died. As the last demon fell under 
Du Lac's sword the Saxons attacked, the slaughter that day and night 
was beyond the pale, although the Britons were by this time out 
numbered four to one they would not give ground, by dawn the next day 
both armies had all but ceased to exist only seven knights remained 
to Arturus and Du Lac and just over a hundred infantry. They rode 
back West in the hope of raising more men, that they knew would be 
needed when the Angles to the North learned of the battle. Unknown to 
anyone at the time plague had come to these shores from the 
Continent, by the time Arturus got to his court it was ravishing half 
his lands. Now had the fight with the Saxons not happened until the 
following year, the trade between the Britons and the invaders would 
have continued and the invaders would have been equally effected by 
the plague, but it did not get into the lands of the invaders. A year 
later after the plague had subsided, very few able bodied men were 
available so Arturus and Du Lac could only slow down the invading 
forces of Angles and Saxons, they slowly withdrew to the west, by 
winter of that year everything East of the Somerset wetlands had been 
lost to the invaders." Maggie took a drink to relieve the sore throat 
all this talking was giving her.

"Many of the Britons that had survived the plague, in fear of the 
invaders had started migrating to the part of the Continent that they 
gave their name to, Brittany in what is now France. Of course, this 
was understandable but the migration made Arturus's position even 
worse, so when spring came he had only one hundred mounted men and 
about a thousand infantry. Arturus realising that he and his men 
could not hold out, he ordered those who could to leave via every 
available ship, while he lead this force East in the hope of giving 
his people time to escape. He planned to wage a hit and run campaign 
knowing that he would be destroyed in a pitched battle, for several 
weeks all went well then they were surprised by two different armies, 
one coming from the South and the other smaller coming from the East, 
Arturus could not retreat to the West because of the wetlands and 
half a day North was a river to deep to ford, he had no choice but to 
fight a battle he knew he could not win. Realising that the army 
coming from the South had some rough ground to cross would not be in 
a position to attack until a couple of hours before sunset, he went 
against everything that military thinking tells you a commander 
should do, he attacked the army of Angles six times is number. His 
hope was to destroy them and escape Eastwards before the Saxons could 
come to their allies' aid. Against all the odds, he routed the 
Angles, losing a little over a third of his force, but the fight had 
taken to long and the Saxons were to close so the Britons had no 
choice but to stand and fight, each man knowing it was his last day. 
Now its said that a wounded animal is very dangerous, and this animal 
was no exception. Arturus and Du Lac led the Britons in a mass charge 
into the ranks of Saxon infantry, the Britons would except no 
quarter, even though they were out numbered fifteen to one, they made 
the invaders pay dearly it is said that for each Briton that fell six 
Saxons joined them in Summerland. But in the end only Arturus, Du Lac 
and five other knights were left, surrounded on a hillock by a sea on 
Saxons, the Saxons offered quarter, but Arturus refused only asking 
that he and his companions be given the chance to pray to their God, 
this was granted. Half an hour later just before sunset the seven 
knights prepared for their last stand. With his standard in one hand 
and sword in the other he led his last charge into the mass of 
enemies, many Saxons fell before them, but all but Du Lac were struck 
down. As Arturus fell from his many wounds what happened next is the 
stuff of legend, welding his sword two-handed Du Lac stood over his 
liege's body keeping the Saxons at bay, all that came within reach 
died that day, it is said that his sword glowed with a white light as 
he struck down man after man. He engendered such awe and fear that 
the army fled the field, after it was over Du Lac dropped his sword 
swearing never to use a weapon again, he gathered up the body of the 
king and took it to the Tor, where Brighid took it to abide in 
Summerland the only creature to be taken there both in body and soul. 
After that, he returned to the land of his birth, a broken man, he 
died some fifteen years later in seclusion leaving a son to continue 
his line."

"So what happened to Morganna while this was all going on?" Asked 
Buffy.

"Well over the period between raising the army of demons until the 
death of Arturus, she slid further into evil, she ignored the rituals 
as the High Priestess, seeking out practitioners of the darkest 
magicks, always seeking more knowledge but never finding the ultimate 
power she sought!" explained Steve.

"And what was that?" Asked Giles.

"The words of power, they are entrusted to the Seer only, he or she 
may only disclose them to a High Priestess if commanded by the 
Goddess," answered Steve.

"What do these 'Words of Power' do?" Asked Buffy.

"Almost anything, from create life to remove the Veil. When the one 
gave the Lord and Lady the power to protect mortal animals, the one 
told them that any creature could only use the Words of Power once, 
be they God or mortal, so the Lord and Lady entrusted them to the 
only creature that could not use them because of the enchantments the 
Goddess places on them when they are chosen. The enchantments also 
mean they cannot be forced to reveal them unless commanded by the 
Lord and Lady," explained Steve.

"Yes as Steve said she was always seeking power. Eventually she 
sought out the hermit, who at the time dwelt in some caves near 
Cheddar. When she found him, he smiled at her, inviting her to sit 
and share his meal. They spoke of many things, mundane as well as 
supernatural, she eventually asked him to teach her the Words of 
Power, as always he simply replied that she would learn them when the 
Goddess willed it. As always Morganna grew angry, but all the hermit 
did was smile and offer her a bed for the night, that was the very 
night Arturus died. Over the next two days, Morganna continued to try 
and get the Words of Power from the hermit. On the day Du Lac 
delivered Arturus to the Tor, the hermit informed Morganna that she 
was required to use the Words of Power to transfer her brother's body 
to Summerland. Now you must understand that the Words of Power cannot 
be used on an innocent directly without their permission, as it also 
cannot be used to increase the power of the user, the power will 
simply turn on the welder in some-way? Now Morganna knew that the 
power could only be used once by her and she had no intention of 
wasting it on her dead brother, but she was unaware of the other 
restrictions, she attempted to use the Power to strike-down all the 
Christians that she blamed for all the woes of her world. As she 
finish the Words of Power she was slowly turned to stone, but before 
it was complete the hermit pronounced her doom, as with Eugenius 
before her, she would be refused entry into Summerland," Maggie 
finished the story.

"If she was turned to stone, how did she escape?" Giles asked looking 
at Maggie.

"We don't know?" Sighed Maggie.

"She was freed on the day the key was given human form by Ethan 
Rayne," announced Steve.

"What! Why didn't you tell us this before, Willow could have found 
him on the net by now and Jimmy's friends could have him in custody?" 
Stormed Buffy rising, a look of anger on her face and her hands 
clenching and unclenching at her sides as if she was fighting the 
urge to hit him.

"Buffy please sit down, Steve can only reveal what the Lord and Lady 
will," said Tara in a stern voice.

Giles looked stunned, he had never heard Tara talk that way to 
anyone, but it had an instant effect on Buffy as she sat back down 
meekly, Tara and Willow each placed a hand on her, it relaxed her 
instantly and she rested her head on Tara's shoulder.

"I'm sorry Steve as you just witnessed I have a volatile temper, 
since I came back it's gotten worse!" explained Buffy.

"That's because you are the Fire as Willow is Air and Tara is Earth, 
all will become clear in time," nodded Steve.

"What do you mean?" asked Willow.

"As I said that is for later, for now I need to tell you how and why 
the Warlock was freed..."

"Question, why do you call her a Warlock and not a Witch?" 
interrupted Buffy.

"She is called a Warlock, because that is what she is, warlock 
means 'oath breaker', she broke her vows as the High Priestess," 
explained Maggie.

"I must tell you first, Ethan is not the person you last saw in 
Sunnydale. After he was deported back here he was arrested and placed 
in a secret maximum-security prison hidden on an island off the coast 
of Scotland. This prison was set-up to hold persons that are magik 
practitioners, to dangerous for normal prison. While there he joined 
up with some really evil individuals, six months later because of a 
breakdown in security he escaped along with several others, all but 
Ethan and another were recaptured within a couple of days. Ethan was 
taken by this other person, whose name was MacArthur, to a cavern 
complex near Loch Ness. It took Ethan and MacArthur two days to reach 
the lowest levels of the cavern, there, sat on a throne of granite 
was the projection of an arch-demon.

"If you will lick hands with me I will use my powers to let you all 
see that which must now be revealed to you all," stated Steve holding 
out his hands, one to Maggie the other to Willow. When they had 
licked hands he continued, "Please close your eyes and try and clear 
your minds."

A flash of light seemed to fill their minds for a split second, then 
it was as if they were watching a movie.
--------------
Nine months earlier Cavern below Loch Ness.

MacArthur prostrated himself before the demon, "Master as you 
commanded I have brought this man before you."

The arch-demon looked at the man stood before him, then down at his 
servant, "You have done well worm, approach and receive your reward."

MacArthur crawled to the throne and rose to his knees, Ethan could 
see the look of fanaticism on MacArthur's face, the demon placed a 
clawed hand on his head and with a quick twist snapped MacArthur's 
neck.

Ethan paled as the demon turned its red eyes back towards him, a 
hideous grin that Ethan assumed passed as a smile on his 
face, "Welcome sorcerer, I have abided here for many months awaiting 
your arrival."

Ethan bowed never taking his eyes off the demon, "I am honoured 
master, may I ask you why my Lord," replied Ethan.

"I was sent here, if you agree, to teach you my master's Words of 
Power, so that you may fulfil your destiny and release Morganna from 
her prison, and destroy the slayer."

"And my reward master!"

"Ah a mortal with wisdom? Well when Morganna has completed that which 
we require, you will be given free reign in this reality along with 
her."

"And if I decline your generous offer!"

The demon grinned again, "That will not be an issue."

"Very well my Lord," Ethan bowed again.

"Excellent," said the demon rising, "Follow me mortal," striding 
towards another chamber, as Ethan hurried to catch-up the demon 
suddenly stopped and spun around to face Ethan again, "Oh I almost 
forgot my payment?"

Ethan paled fearing what that payment would be, "And that is my Lord?"

"Don't worry mortal, your soul already belongs to my master, no I 
require your emotions! In fact before this is over your emotions 
could be a handicap!"

"Would it have to be all emotion?"

"You may retain three, I'll even let you choose which ones," grinned 
the demon.

"Thank you my Lord, I'll keep Hate, Humour and Passion."

The demon frowned, making his face even more hideous than when he 
grinned, "Interesting choices! Why those three?" he asked.

"Well without Hate I would have no reason to go after my enemies, 
especially the slayer, as for Humour I wouldn't be able to enjoy what 
I have planned for the slayer," Ethan had an evil grin on his 
face, "As for Passion I wouldn't want to live."

"Very well, shall we get on with it," said the demon turning back 
toward the other cavern.

"By the way where is Morganna?" Asked Ethan following the demon.

"She's sealed in stone in a cave in Wookie Hole," replied the demon.

Ethan burst-out laughing, "Are you saying the most powerful High 
Priestess since Brighid is the Witch of Wookie Hole? That is so 
funny, someone on their side does have a sense of humour," chuckling 
he entered the other cavern.

There was another flash of light and the scene changed.
--------------
One week later, Wookie Hole, Somerset.

Ethan easily unlocked the gates barring his entrance to the caves 
with a wave of his hand, pushing them open he entered. Moving 
carefully down the sloping uneven floor he got to the place of 
Morganna's imprisonment, he set up a couple of portable lights aimed 
at the wall. He then inscribed the necessary symbols around the area, 
then taking a step back, he pulled out the bottle of human blood he 
had obtained earlier, as he recited the dark Words of Power he throw 
the bottle at the wall. He took several more steps back as he watch 
in fascination as the blood seemed to dissolve the wall, slowly 
revealing a beautiful looking woman in her late twenties.

Ethan smiled an evil smile and thought to himself that this was going 
to be fun? As the last of the stone vanished the woman walked towards 
him on unsteady feet, he took the opportunity to take hold of 
her, "Here let me help you Morganna."

Less than a second later he found himself flying into the cave wall 
some fifteen feet away, "You dare to place hands on my person worm, 
you will address me as My Lady," hissed Morganna.

Ethan stood up, as flashes of power appeared in his eyes, he'd need 
to teach this woman a lesson. After all, he reasoned he had just 
released her after fifteen centuries.

Morganna saw the look in the man's eyes her own eyes taking on a cold 
look, "You would pit your power against mine," she snarled. With a 
slight flick of her wrist, she throw Ethan into another wall. "You 
will learn your place in this alliance before we leave these 
caverns," she pointed a finger at him and energy surrounded his body.

His pain seemed to go on forever, every time he tried to counter her 
attacks she brushed it aside without any difficulty. With a great 
deal of effort he rose to his knees, "Please mistress, forgive me?" 
he said before falling to the ground in agony. The pain ended 
abruptly, he sighed in relief.

Morganna strode over to him, "I am not your mistress, you are not 
worthy to even lick my boots, your master is still in the north, you 
will call me My Lady," stated Morganna.

"Yes My Lady," he said with a grown as he got to his feet.
--------------
There was another flash of light, they opened their eyes and looked 
around at each other.

"Wow that's some power you got their Steve," smiled Buffy.

"Yes," said Steve as he rubbed a hand over his weary face, "That's 
only the second time I've done that, it's quicker than telling a 
story but very tiring."

"You should rest my friend," smiled Maggie.

"Time for that later Maggie," Steve smiled wearily, "Now I think 
Buffy should tell you what she leaned about the Warlock's powers?"

"Very well," she nodded to him before turning to Buffy, "So what 
exactly happened at the police station, how exactly did they act?" 
Maggie asked.

"Well I've never been arrested before, come close a couple of times 
though, but I think all the officers acted as they would with any 
suspect, reading me my rights, offering me a lawyer etc. they also 
arranged for a doctor to check me over," explained Buffy.

"What about when the Warlock was around," asked Giles.

"That's when the funky things started happening, when she was around 
their reaction changed almost instantly, they became angry almost 
like they wanted to kill me?" Buffy mused, "Then after she stopped 
doing whatever she does to them, they had a look of confusion on 
their faces as if they were trying to remember why they were there," 
she explained.

"What happened when they interviewed you?" asked Maggie.

"I think she tried to use her powers against me! She told me that I 
didn't what to see anyone from my embassy, at the same time I felt 
this pressure in my head almost like a headache, but an instant later 
it was gone. She grew very angry that her powers didn't seem to work 
on me, how come I seem to be immune. Is it because I'm a slayer?" 
said Buffy.

"No, its because your mind is no longer entirely in your body," 
smiled Steve.

"I think I speak for everyone here when I say 'huh'," said Buffy.

"Its quite simple Buffy, part of your mind now resides in Willow and 
Tara's minds as theirs does in yours," explained Steve.

"One soul in three bodies Buffy," Willow reminded her of the 
statement she made to Jimmy and Sarah on the trip from the airport.

"Exactly Willow, I don't know how well you will be able to resist her 
mind control powers when you are together but as long as no more than 
two of you meet her at once you will be immune," Steve informed them.

"Her mind powers seem limited, I only saw her us her powers on one 
police officer at a time," pointed out Buffy.

"She wouldn't need to use much mind control on the police, she would 
only need to generally use it on her superiors, as long as she 
followed police procedure she could ignore the ordinary police 
officers," pointed out Steve.

"Why would she decide to be only a sergeant," mused Tara.

"It would give her just enough authority to do whatever it is she is 
up to, any higher and she'd be too high profile for a city the size 
of Bath," pointed out Maggie.

"Okay so we know her powers probably won't work on us three so how do 
we take her down?" Put in Willow.

"I'm not sure, her power is as great as the entire Coven of the 
Goddess, then there's Ethan he is petty powerful and I'm sure they 
will have back up?" Sighed Maggie.

"Maybe we could divide the fight, if you and your priestesses could 
just keep the Warlock occupied for a time, while Willow and Tara deal 
with Ethan and the rest of us get rid of anything else that they 
have," offered Giles.

"Maybe! But we don't know where their base of operation is?" Maggie 
frowned.

"Well she's after you right!" at Maggie's nod, Buffy continued, "You 
said it's part of your duty to do a ritual in two days, well as a 
former High Priestess the Warlock would know this, she's probably 
planning on attacking you when you come out of hiding. Well we could 
use that to get her," she pointed out.

"But she will probably be expecting it and take steps to counter 
anything we do," said Maggie.

"Yes but if Riley and his friends are around to help, it could work," 
countered Buffy.

"We cannot involve outsiders, its to dangerous," stated Maggie.

"It maybe wise to bring them in at this time Maggie," interrupted 
Steve.

Maggie sighed, "I assume this is something you can't reveal?"

"Yes, you know it is as frustrating to me as everyone else!" said 
Steve also sighing.

"Well can you at least advise me who should go to talk with the 
outsiders? I refuse to reveal this haven," stated Maggie in an angry 
voice. A mortified look came on her face as she placed a hand on his 
arm, "I'm sorry my friend, I know its not your fault."

"Yes I can reveal that, you should send Giles, Buffy, and Sarah with 
Jimmy to meet them, you should also send John to the hospital with 
another sister so they can relieve Sarah and Jane after all they have 
been there all night," said Steve.

"Very well it will be as you 'suggest'," said Maggie, a mischievous 
smile on her face. She knew that there was a reason why John had to 
be at the hospital as well as those he told her to send to the 
meeting. She just hoped it didn't mean their deaths.

Maggie turned to Giles and Buffy, "Will you go and meet these 
military personnel?"

"Yes of course Maggie," smiled Giles, then turned to Buffy, "Buffy 
could you go outside and activate your pager... Buffy please pay 
attention," sighed Giles. Buffy almost always got bored at long 
meetings these days. <I wonder if it's a side effect of the bond.>

Tara smirked at Giles, "She's just trying to work something out," she 
elbowed Buffy lightly in the ribs.

"Hey stop that. Sorry Giles just sorting out something, I'll contact 
them," Buffy said smiling apologetically at him. She turned her 
attention to Maggie, "Can you explain something?"

"Of course dear, if I can."

"Including you, you told us there are 19 priestesses of your coven, 
right!" at Maggie's nod she continued, "And each priestess has a 
sister to protect her?" Maggie nodded again, "So where are the other 
four? I mean two died before we arrived, two more in the bar, four 
are at the hospital, four guarding the entrance and three are in the 
dinning room, or were, that makes 15," Buffy pointed out.

Before Maggie could answer, Steve explained, "I needed them to do a 
couple of things for me elsewhere in the world."

"Why! They would be more use here," said Buffy.

"Please believe me when I say that four more sisters here would make 
no difference, but the places they are going to and what they do when 
they get there are vital to our success."

"You know what Steve, I think I agree with Jimmy, your link to the 
Goddess is a pain in the ass," smirked Buffy as she got up. She 
turned to her girlfriends, "Wanna come for a walk babes, it looks 
like its going to be a nice day up top."

"Yeah sounds good sweety," nodded Willow.

"Don't go to far away from the entrance and don't go near the 
transport yard, not everyone who works there knows of us," advised 
Maggie.

"We'll be careful My Lady," Tara assured her.

Just before they got to the door Steve stopped them, "Tell them you 
want to meet at the Ensleigh MOD base on Lansdown, tonight about 
sundown," he told them.

"Ok I think I can remember that," said Buffy leading Willow and Tara 
out the door.
--------------
As the three young women re-entered the living area a couple of hours 
later Steve was waiting, he smiled, "Did you enjoy your walk?"

"Yes thanks, there are some nice views around here," said Willow 
returning his smile.

"Jimmy's friend Henry agreed to the meeting, 8.30 tonight," Buffy 
informed him.

"I know, if you will follow me, I have something for you all," smiled 
Steve.

"That's a really spooky power you have their Steve," sighed Buffy.

"You have no idea Buffy, but at least I don't get migraines like your 
friend Cordelia."

"What's it like, knowing the things you do?" asked Tara, "I've sensed 
something almost like pain from you on several occasions."

"The Lord and Lady tell me what they wish to happen and how it can be 
achieved, but it can really be frustrating sometimes because I am not 
allowed to tell people what I know, because they have to decide of 
their own freewill, I can only generally aid them indirectly, like I 
did by having the cars and boat in place yesterday."

"Where are you taking us?" frowned Willow after they had walked for 
about a hundred yards and taken several turns.

"Let's just call it a little reward for the help you're giving us," 
laughed Steve as they arrived at a small panelled off area with a 
door, he opened it and stepped aside. "You won't be disturbed here 
and no one can hear you, you'll find everything you need inside, I'll 
send someone to get you about 7," he said with a knowing smile on his 
face as he walked away.

Buffy found the light switch as they entered the room, all three just 
stood looking with a mixture of awe and confusion, it was almost 
identical to their bedroom back in Sunnydale, except there was no 
window.

"How?" Was all Buffy could think to say.

"Steve's the Seer," pointed out Tara, walking over to the door on the 
far wall and looking through, "The bathroom's different though?" She 
smiled with mischief in her eyes.

Buffy and Willow stopped their own exploration to join their 
girlfriend at the bathroom door and look in, "A hot-tub," giggled 
Buffy, "We just have to get one when we get back home."

Willow went back to the entrance, as she closed the door she turned 
to face the others while keeping her hands on the door, "Guess what! 
This room has a door with a lock," they heard the click of the lock 
closing.

Buffy's eyes filled with desire almost instantly, she grabbed Tara's 
hand and pulled a not very reluctant girlfriend over to the bed where 
they were joined by Willow, "And we won't be over heard!" Buffy 
pointed out, as she held onto the back of Tara's head and started 
lightly kissing her, while Willow sat down on the slayer's lap and 
began nibbling her earlobe.
--------------
Exactly at 7 there was a knock on the door, Buffy turned the lock and 
opened it to see Sarah smirking at her.

"Hey, can I come in?" said Sarah.

"Hi, sure we're all decent," smiled Buffy stepping back so Sarah 
could enter.

"What a pity!" sighed Sarah.

"Sarah," exclaimed Tara as she walked out of the bathroom with 
Willow, "Does your mother and father know about this side of your 
personality?"

Sarah laughed, "Oh yeah, I inherited it from them, you should ask 
uncle Rupert what they were like when they were our age," she told 
them.

"I wish I'd met you when we were in high school, we could have had 
some great times," giggled Buffy.

"I think if you and Sarah had been in Sunnydale together Principal 
Snyder would have expelled you both on the first day," said Willow 
joining in the giggle.

"I think we better leave here before you three decide that this 
threesome should be a foursome," laughed Tara.

"Oh no Tara, I'm 100% straight, I love Jimmy with all my heart, but 
thanks for the offer," she laughed. "Come on I'll take you back to 
the dinning room.

As they walked back Sarah looked over at the others, "So did you love 
the room! It took mum and me over a month to get it exactly how Steve 
wanted it." Sarah suddenly found herself in the centre of a group 
hug, "Ah guys I told you I was straight," she giggled.

After they had helped themselves to food they decided to avoid the 
older people in the room feeling the need to be with people more 
their own age, so they sat with Jimmy, Sarah and a couple of her 
sisters.

"So do all the sisters train together?" Asked Buffy, with more than a 
little professional curiosity.

"Not very often most of the time we are scattered all over the world, 
we only meet at important times such as now and once every 40 Lunar 
months for the Ritual of the Veil. When we do get together we train 
each other, when we become sisters we are given a gift from Morrigan, 
it gives us the ability to use any weapon or any combat move we are 
shown at least once, we cannot forget it!" explained Sarah.

"That sounds a little like me, although I don't seem to necessarily 
need to be shown how to use a weapon, I just seem to be able to use 
it, BUT I do need to continually practise my combat moves, so you 
have me beat there," smiled Buffy.

"Yes, but we don't have your natural strength or healing abilities," 
Kim pointed out.

"Well maybe when this is finished you can train with some of us," 
suggested Jane.

"Yeah I'd like that," she smiled but then frowned, "That is if we 
survive whatever is coming?"

"Hey no negative attitudes," said Tara.

"Okay no negative attitude here," giggled Buffy.

"So you said your from all over the world, where exactly?" asked 
Willow.

"Well it changes as one priestess dies or asks to be released. But at 
the moment there are three of us from England, two from Scotland, 
three from Ireland, one from Spain, one from Italy, two from France, 
one from Germany, one from Australia, and one from Canada with four 
vacant spot's because of the sisters that have died. They were from 
England, The West Indies and Southern Africa, I suspect that the new 
sisters will come from there as well." Said Sarah counting them off.

"So the sisters always come from wherever the priestess comes from?" 
asked Buffy.

"Usually yes but sometimes their from different countries, when the 
priestess is chosen either a close female relative is offered the 
position or a lover, so if the priestess as family or a lover from a 
different country they could become a sister," explained Sarah.

"Are there any other restrictions on becoming a sister?" Asked Tara.

"Yes several, first you must be single and without children, of 
course if you're the priestesses lover the single part doesn't apply, 
and second you must live or move to the area the priestess lives, 
that happened last with Maggie and Mary, Mary being from Scotland," 
answered Jane.

"What if you want to get married or just have children," enquired 
Tara frowning slightly, although she was bond to Buffy and Willow and 
loved them with all her heart, she still hoped one day that she could 
have a child.

"We are not excluded from having them, but if we do want them we must 
ask Morrigan to release us from our vow. That happened with my older 
sister Di who was mum's first protector, she had the chance of a good 
life with a man she loved dearly, she asked and was granted release, 
she lives in New York now, she's expecting her second child in a 
couple of months," smiled Sarah.

"But what happens if the priestess has no female relatives or 
lovers?" asked Buffy.

"It has never come up, the priestesses of the Goddess always have 
female relatives and or lovers," giggled Sarah, "I suspect she does a 
little interfering somewhere along the line."

Jimmy pushed his plate aside and got up, looking at Sarah and 
Buffy, "I think we need to get going, if we're to get to the meeting 
on Lansdown," he pointed out.

"Yeah I guess your right," sighed Buffy getting up then leaning down 
and giving her girlfriends a quick kiss, "Hopefully we won't be to 
later back," she smiled.

"Just be careful, the last time we let you out on your own you got 
arrested," laughed Willow, the mischief dancing across her face.

"Very funny, I'll get you for the later missy," Buffy said in mock 
indignation.

"We'll see, we'll see," giggled Willow, "Now go on, you don't want to 
be late."

Buffy, Sarah and Jimmy collected Giles from Maggie's room, where, 
much to his embarrassment, they found him with his arm around Olivia.
--------------
As Jimmy stopped the car at the main gates, Captain Henry Jones 
stepped to the side of the guard as he went to check who was in the 
car, Buffy saw the guard nod then salute before returning to his post.

Jimmy smiled at his friend as Henry walked over to the car, he 
returned the smile, "Everything is sorted, as far as everyone is 
concerned you are friends of the base commander's who are here for a 
dinner party, follow me and I'll take you to the others." He walked 
over to a military police car and got in the passenger seat.

They pulled up in front of a building that looked like it was used as 
offices; Buffy and the others could see desks with computers through 
the windows.

Henry walked over to them, a big smile on his face, "I thought you 
may have need of us, but not so soon Buffy," he said.

"Yeah well in my line of business it always seems to happen like 
this, I mean three days ago I was laying in bed with my girlfriends 
now I'm running around a foreign country trying to stop a mad fifteen 
hundred year old woman from doing god knows what?" sighed Buffy.

"What!" asked Henry a frown on his face.

"I think we should discuss all this inside don't you Captain?" said 
Giles.

Henry shook himself out of shock, "Yes of course, it's this way." He 
led them through a door and down a long corridor to a lift, entering 
he pressed the button for the lowest level.

On exiting the lift, they were met by Riley and another man both in 
civilian clothes. Riley stepped forward shaking Giles and Jimmy's 
hands and receiving a hug from Buffy, he looked over to where Sarah 
was stood, "This is my girlfriend Sarah Grant, Sarah this is Riley 
Finn," said Jimmy, introducing them.

"And I'm Colonel McBride, Military Intelligence, I'm honoured to met 
all of you especially you Buffy, my aunt was a slayer in the 1940's," 
said the stranger introducing himself.

Shaking the offered hand Buffy smiled, "Colonel! If you're a Colonel 
how come your not in uniform?"

"I'm in disguise," he smiled.

"I understand, your secret is safe with me Colonel," said Buffy 
returning a smile of her own.

"Right shall we go to the conference room, the others are waiting," 
suggested the Colonel.

The Colonel led them to a set of double doors, which had two soldiers 
outside; both armed with assault rifles. The doors opened onto a 
large room, one wall was taken up with several large maps of various 
parts of Britain, another had a couple of computer terminals as well 
as a large view screen, on the opposite wall to the computers was a 
portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. A large conference table that could 
easily seat twenty people dominated the room, only five places were 
occupied at present including a man in his late fifties in a 
wheelchair.

The man in the wheelchair pushed himself over to greet them, the 
Colonel stepped to the side of the man before addressing him, "Sir 
may I present the slayer Buffy Summers, her Watcher Rupert Giles, 
lieutenant James Smith of United States Air Force presently stationed 
in Britain and his girlfriend Sarah Grant, ladies and gentlemen this 
is Sir Geoffrey Goldberg, Permanent under-secretary of state at the 
Home Office."

As Buffy shook hands with the man, she smiled at him, "Wow that's 
some title you have there, the nameplate on your door must take some 
cleaning! I'm pleased to meet you."

"I'm pleased to met you also, as for the nameplate you'll have to 
speak to the cleaners about that," he gave her an amused little smile 
that reminded her of how Giles would sometimes smile at her little 
observations. Sir Geoffrey continued talking as he took his place at 
the head of the table, "Please find yourselves seats and we'll get 
this meeting underway."

As they all took their seats, he introduced the other people around 
the table, gesturing to the man and woman on his left, "This is 
Claire Holmes, head of MI5, who are responsible for security inside 
Great Britain, and Steven Hyde, head of MI6 who operate very much 
like your CIA." He then turned to the two men on his other 
side; "This is Commander Mike Johnson, Captain Jones' opposite number 
in the SBS," he indicated the man in a naval uniform, "And agent 
Logan, who has been undercover as a police officer keeping an eye on 
the woman calling herself Sergeant Morgan Fey," he indicated the 
other man, who although he was in civilian clothes, to Buffy and 
Giles just screamed police.

After all the hello's and pleased to meet you's had been exchanged, 
Sir Geoffrey turned to Buffy, "Now all the pleasantries are out of 
the way, you asked for this meeting maybe you could bring us up to 
speed?"

"Very well, but I'm unsure where to start or even how much you will 
believe!" said Buffy.

"Well everyone here is aware of demons and vampires, Military 
Intelligence has had informal contact with the watchers council for 
over three hundred years, so we probably know more than you may 
think!" pointed out Colonel McBride.

"Well that will help, but we have found out recently that what the 
council reveals, even to its own people, as been censured. Had the 
council been more forth coming and honest, the present situation may 
well have been avoided," explained Giles.

So over the next hour Giles and Buffy, with a little help from Sarah 
told everyone the true story of what eventually became the Arthurian 
Legend.

Sir Geoffrey had a worried look on his face after they had 
finished, "So this Sergeant Fey is really Morganna le Fey and she is 
probably the most powerful user of magick ever to live," at Giles' 
nod he continued, "So what is she after and how do we stop her."

"We are still unsure what she eventually plans are, but we are fairly 
sure it involves the Priestesses, she already has two of them, she 
also knows that the others have to come out of hiding within two days 
to perform the Ritual of the Veil," said Giles.

"So I assume you want our help," said Captain Jones.

"Yes," nodded Buffy, "We though we would us the Priestesses as bait, 
but they think the Warlock will be expecting us to do that, but she 
doesn't know about you, so if you were around to back us up we would 
have a better chance of winning," she pointed out.

"Very well, where is this ritual to take place?" asked Sir Geoffrey.

"This one is to take place at Glastonbury Tor, the Warlock knows 
this," answered Sarah.

Getting up the Colonel went to one of the maps, studying it for a 
moment he turned to the others, "I respect your wish to keep the 
location of the Priestesses secret, but can I assume that they are in 
the Bath area?"

"Yes," said Jimmy.

"Right then," said the Colonel turning back to the map, "I would 
suggest you take the A39 straight to Glastonbury, there are a few 
ambush sites along that road, but my guess anyway is they will attack 
you just before you get to your destination," nodding to himself he 
re-took his seat.

"Why wouldn't they ambush us before?" asked Sarah, who was not use to 
being involved in this sort of thing.

"Well the bad guys don't know where the Priestesses are hiding, other 
than somewhere in this part of the country, they can't possibly cover 
all the possible routes, so they will probably have demons or people 
watching in a ring around Glastonbury, who will then communicate with 
the main force," Buffy explained to Sarah.

The Colonel looked at her, an amused look on his face, "Have you ever 
thought of a career in the military?"

"No, as Giles and Riley here will tell you, I don't take orders very 
well, and my girlfriends probably wouldn't like it either," she 
laughed.

<We are under attack by dozens of demons and vampires,> the bond 
informed Buffy.

<Tell Willow and Tara to try and hold on, I'll be there as fast as I 
can,> Buffy thought back. She got to her feet looking around 
wildly, "We have to get back to the mine, Willow and Tara say they 
are under attack by vamps and demons," she declared as she dashed for 
the doors.

"Buffy, wait if you go charging in there on your own you'll just get 
killed," said Giles grabbing her arm, "Besides you don't know your 
way," he pointed out.

Buffy took several deep breaths to calm herself, she gave her watcher 
a quick thank you smile before turning back to the others, "Sorry 
about that, but you have no idea what Willow and Tara mean to me!" 
she said by way of apology.

"I think our aid is going to be needed sooner than we anticipated," 
said the Colonel, he looked over at Sir Geoffrey, "With your 
permission sir!" at Sir Geoffrey's nod, the Colonel picked up a 
phone, after a few moments he started giving orders, "I want six 
teams ready to go in 10 minutes with the special weapons, there will 
be three civilians as well as Lieutenants Finn and Smith our US 
military advisors joining them, Captain Jones will be in command," he 
hung up the phone and turned to Harry, "Dismissed Captain."

The Captain saluted and led the others from the room.
--------------