V22 N6 P2

As The Ancient One and Durga went to fetch their temporary companions for their fifth night's outing they found their caretakers already in their bodies. A guardian spirit stood at the end of their bed who informed them that David & Esther had already gone to the fighting as soon as they had gone to sleep. The Ancient One nodded and they went out to the fighting. Again it didn't last long. The creatures of Darkness made their presence known and then departed.
"Come on!" The Ancient One told David, "Word is spreading that we're working together, and Esther's services have been especially requested."
"I think I'd better go with you for a moment," Jesus put in. They joined Durga and Esther, and Jesus spoke immediately. "Demetrius is going to take you to meet some people. One of them will ask you to provide him a service. You are at liberty to refuse, and Demetrius or Alura will perform the duty. But I would appreciate it very much if you would do what is requested of you."
"My God!" Esther moaned, "What is going to be requested of me?"
"You will see," Jesus answered, and without another word departed.
"Come on!" The Ancient One snapped. "We've got to get to the west coast." As they took flight David asked "Don't you ever get confused being called so many names by so many different people? Do you ever have trouble remembering who you are?"
"Not who I am," The Ancient One answered, "sometimes I have trouble figuring out where I am, but I never have any trouble remembering who I am!"
His companions couldn't help but laugh.
"They say you have no sense of humor," David put in, "but I think you've got a pretty good one!"
The Ancient One only grinned. They landed by a group of rather ordinary looking buildings, a common farm. The Ancient One headed straight for the barn. As they entered it could be seen that there were stairs in the floor going underground. Two burly men guarded them. The Ancient One stopped and looked at his companions.
"Lose the armor ladies and gentlemen!" he ordered. "Formal dress."
His companions quickly obliged. "Whoa!" David sighed, "Not quite so revealing, ladies? My God! No wonder the legends say that she is so beautiful that men will follow her to certain death!"
Durga laughed. "Much better!" The Ancient One praised.
The two guards smiled at him and nodded then fell to one knee and motioned towards the entrance. They descended several levels then entered a large room where many people were gathered. At the end of the room a very attractive woman sat on a guilded throne. As they made their way through the crowd everyone bowed.
David noticed that several groups of people were chanting. "What are those chants?" he asked.
"Hindu, Buddhist," The Ancient One answered pointing to the different groups, "Jewish, Christian. These people come from many ethnic groups."
Esther glanced from group to group then looked at The Ancient One. "Are these people what I think they are?" she asked.
"If you think they're vampires," The Ancient One answered, "they're what you think they are!"
Esther said nothing but edged a little closer to David. Finally they stood before the throne. "Bow and curtsey," The Ancient One instructed, "it's only proper to be polite." His companions followed his instructions.
"By the lord of Darkness!" the queen cried, "Why is it that our competition is so formidable? Thank you for coming! It is not often that we make this request. Hagar, would you step forward?"
The Ancient One nodded to Esther and she stepped forward. "One of my children would ask a service of you. Would you hear his petition?"
"Certainly!" Esther managed.
A male who appeared about twelve or thirteen stepped up beside the queen's throne. "Mother of my flesh," he began, "I ask that you give me peace. I understand that you are now working with The Great Destroyer. I ask that you free me from my burdens and give me peace." Esther looked bewildered. David leaned over and spoke to her. "He wants you to kill him, he wants you to destroy him. It is the only peace they can have, the only way their torment can end."