Albray's panic was not very conducive to my concentration.

'How can I help you, Mrs Devere?'

'Well, actually, as it turns out...I no longer require your a.s.sistance, but I did wish to thank you and Mr Jenkins for your time. It was greatly appreciated.' I placed aside the scroll in my hand, curtseyed and made to leave.

'Ah, Mrs Devere...'

Molier pulled me up and I hid my misgivings. What could he do that I could not defend myself against? I turned back to him.

'I have something in my office that I would like to give you, but I forgot to bring it down.' Molier sounded annoyed at himself for the oversight. 'Would you be so kind as to wait here while I fetch it?'

What is it you have for me? I honed in on his thoughts and upon capturing a brief glimpse of Mr Devere, my inner panic returned. 'Of course.' I took a seat so as not to look in a hurry. 'That will give me more time to peruse the texts in your wonderful archive.' I honed in on his thoughts and upon capturing a brief glimpse of Mr Devere, my inner panic returned. 'Of course.' I took a seat so as not to look in a hurry. 'That will give me more time to peruse the texts in your wonderful archive.'

'Indeed,' he granted. 'I won't detain you long.'

'I have no pressing engagements,' I a.s.sured him.

I was relieved when the door closed behind Molier, until I heard the key turn in the lock. I rushed to the door to confirm my worst fears, and heard Molier instruct Jenkins to see to it that no one unlocked the door until he returned.

Jenkins did not question the instruction.

'Molier has Devere in this very building!' I stressed my concern to Albray in a whisper, even though he was already aware of what I knew. 'This is probably secret brotherhood headquarters! What am I to do, Albray?'

I was gripping my amulet so tightly that I picked up on Albray's mind to voice the suggestion at the same time as he did. 'The windows!' We both rushed to the other side of the room.

It didn't take long to realise that we needed a key. 'Security measures, no doubt,' I was beginning to think the situation was hopeless, and Albray seemed to be lost in thought.

You can go through the wall, he suggested, excited by the plan until he saw my expression. he suggested, excited by the plan until he saw my expression. It's no different to your changing the composition of the parchment, It's no different to your changing the composition of the parchment, he reasoned. he reasoned. Will the brick to be as thin as air. Will the brick to be as thin as air.

'All right, master adviser.' I recalled that higher education and instruction was the reason I had engaged Albray's services in the first place. 'What do I do?'

Place your hands on the wall. He gestured to a s.p.a.ce between the windows and I did as instructed. He gestured to a s.p.a.ce between the windows and I did as instructed. You have the ability to do this, but if you need faith in yourself then call upon the strength of your foremothers. You have the ability to do this, but if you need faith in yourself then call upon the strength of your foremothers.

I drew a deep breath to focus and suppressed the fear that time was short.

Women of my blood, have your legacy live on, lend to me your strength, to secure my freedom'!

When the wall remained hard against my fingers, terror rose from my heart to lodge in my throat. 'Albray, I cannot...this is not working.'

My knight seemed defeated, but only for a moment. The Star vial, The Star vial, he suggested. he suggested. Put a small amount of the powder in your mouth Put a small amount of the powder in your mouth-it heightens awareness and psychic apt.i.tude.

I dug the tiny vial from my attire and followed his instruction, placing just a few small particles on my tongue. I returned the vial to its hiding place, closed my eyes and repeated my request.

After a moment I could no longer feel the wall at my fingertips and I felt as though I'd moved backwards although I pressed forward. A b.u.mp on the shoulder caused my eyes to open.

'So sorry, Madame. I didn't see you there.' The gentleman I'd collided with tipped his hat and kept on walking.

I looked about to see if anyone else had noticed my mysterious exit from the building, but the Parisians were all going about their business and paying no attention to me whatsoever.

Quick. Albray urged me into the city hustle and bustle, where I grabbed a carriage and headed straight to collect Nanny. We were leaving Paris today!

FROM THE HONEYMOON JOURNAL OF LADY SUSAN DEVERE.

Mr Devere was furious and bewildered when we entered the huge archive room and no Ashlee in sight.

'I thought I told you that no one was to unlock the door.' Molier calmly accused Jenkins of negligence.

'I a.s.sure you, sir, no one entered and no one left.' His eyes looked about the room, unable to explain the woman's disappearance.

'My apologies, Jenkins.' Molier was distracted by something on the windowed side of the room. He stood between the windows, fascinated by a piece of wall.

'What is that?' Devere asked, taking an interest in Molier's probing.

'I can't see anything.' I moved closer to learn what held them both spellbound.

'There is a large patch in the wall, here, that is slightly more vibrant than the rest of the surface,' Devere explained.

'Quickly,' Molier directed our attention to the wall, 'it's reconst.i.tuting.'

'Pardon?' Devere frowned as Molier pressed on the wall and it gave like rubber under his fingers. When he took the pressure off, the wall appeared completely normal.

When Devere and I tried it, it gave less and less and finally returned to being completely solid.

'That's incredible.' It was hard to keep the smile from my lips. I had no idea Ashlee was capable of such feats. 'Are you suggesting Ashlee pa.s.sed straight through this wall?'

'I've never witnessed such mastery,' Molier smiled and confirmed my guess. 'If this was your wife's doing, then Mrs Devere is an exceptional woman indeed.'

'She must be close.' Devere moved quickly to the window and, forgetting Molier's condition, held open the curtains.

Molier gave a cry ahead of raising his hood and burying his hands in his sleeves.

'I am so sorry.' Devere realised his mistake and enclosed the curtains around him to look outside. 'I can't see her,' he admitted, frustrated, as he emerged from the far side of the fabric. 'She is gone, and I have no idea where!'

'I know where she is heading next,' Molier announced from beneath his hood, and our hopes were raised. 'Rome,' he informed us. 'And as coincidence would have it, I myself, and other officials from this library, are to embark on a journey to Rome on the morrow...your party is very welcome to join us.'

Clearly, Devere was disposed to accept, but I, however, was not.

'We shall get back to you on that count, Mr Molier,' I said quickly. 'We have much to consider before laying any firm plans, you understand?'

'Of course,' he said.

'I'll send word before evening if it is possible for us to leave tomorrow.' I took my brother's arm and when we had departed the library I was relieved.

'You have some very creepy a.s.sociates, Mr Devere,' I commented in an aside to him.

'I should not have waited to speak with her.' Devere was cursing himself. 'G.o.d knows what she thinks of me now, if she has connected me with that thing!' thing!'

'Thing?' I repeated. 'That's a rather cutting description for anyone. Mr Molier wasn't quite that bad.'

'There's something definitely not right about that man.' Devere sounded deadly sure about that. 'Let us hope that we never have to find out what that defect is.'

'Whoa.' I put Ashlee's journal aside. The story was starting to spin me out, or perhaps it was lack of food that was making me lightheaded. 'This is too much.' I slid off the bed to put the kettle on. I badly needed a cup of tea. Does Albray really expect me to believe that my new employer is a vampire and that Ashlee Granville could walk through walls! Albray really expect me to believe that my new employer is a vampire and that Ashlee Granville could walk through walls! 'Give me a break!' I prepared my cuppa feeling frustrated and annoyed-but why? Was it because I didn't believe Albray could be so gullible as to swear to the truth of the story I was reading? No, that wasn't what had me all fl.u.s.tered. 'Give me a break!' I prepared my cuppa feeling frustrated and annoyed-but why? Was it because I didn't believe Albray could be so gullible as to swear to the truth of the story I was reading? No, that wasn't what had me all fl.u.s.tered.

Keeping your company, each day brings its own rewards.

It was both enchanting and perplexing reading a tale that Albray was a character in. I so envied Ashlee's relationship with him-if they really were as close as the journal boasted. I wanted him as a confidant and a friend too, not just as a teacher and protector. Why was it that Albray would let his guard down with Ashlee and not me? Was it because I was so wanting in psychic ability? A magical flair certainly seemed to be the main female attribute that Albray found alluring-it figured that it was the one attribute I didn't have.

I had to pull myself up at this point and remind myself that Albray was a phantasm, or a hallucination, or something to that effect. Whatever he was, it was certainly not a healthy relationship to be obsessing about.

The storm was still giving my tent a good battering, and rather than go straight back to my reading, I thought to check my email. Andre had sent me a note to ask how I was faring in the storm and if I needed anything. There was also an email from C & M constructions. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Christian Molier's name on the bottom.

Surely this is not the same man that killed Albray, or the same man Ashlee fled Paris to escape? I calmed myself with my realistic reasoning. 'Unless Albray means Molier is a reincarnation of the man that murdered him, but they have the same name.' Perhaps this Molier was a descendant? I calmed myself with my realistic reasoning. 'Unless Albray means Molier is a reincarnation of the man that murdered him, but they have the same name.' Perhaps this Molier was a descendant?

In the email Christian Molier apologised for not being at Mt Serabit to welcome me to the team, explaining that he had a very high melatonin output, and strong sunlight affected his mental capacity.

Indeed, melatonin came from the Greek words melos, melos, meaning black, and meaning black, and tosis, tosis, meaning labour, and thus people with this condition were referred to as 'night operatives'-which could have been where Albray got his vampire notion from. meaning labour, and thus people with this condition were referred to as 'night operatives'-which could have been where Albray got his vampire notion from.

Mr Molier also informed me that he knew where to obtain some of the white powder that was found in the Hathor Temple last century, and that a barrel would be delivered within days.

This was good-I could test my theory. Still, I had the distinct impression that this was the last thing Albray wanted.

As I was online, I thought I might surf the net and investigate another part of Ashlee's tale that had me intrigued-the Mary Magdalene connection.

Albray had said that Ashlee was a descendant of the Black Madonna, which, if proven true, would mean I was as well! Devere had also hinted at some G.o.dlike gene that was pa.s.sed down through this Grail bloodline via the female descendants.

I started my research with the G.o.d-gene and discovered that recently it had been discovered that the prominent gene of succession is carried within the blood of the mother, known as 'mitochondrial DNA'. I also found an article online which talked about the Gene of Isis and the Grail bloodline, which sounded like a pile of chivalric propaganda, but I wanted to see what it had to say.

The writer spoke of a bloodline that extended back through time to the very dawn of civilisation. It spoke of select men being fed the ambrosia of the G.o.ds in order to heighten their mental, emotional and physical ability.

Interestingly enough, Gra-al, an old Mesopotamian term, was translated as the 'nectar of supreme excellence'. The Celtic word Graal meant 'cup of the stone'.

The article went on to say that an ancient Royal Scottish Order of knights were known as the Order of Sangreal, and they were closely allied to the European Order of the Realm of Sion. The knights of both orders were adherents of the Sangreal, which defined the true Blood Royal of Judah: the bloodline of the Holy Grail.

Which means that Albray is most probably connected to the same brotherhood that Earnest Devere later joined. 'Even wonderfully clever Ashlee hasn't worked that one out yet,' I smugly mumbled to myself. 'Even wonderfully clever Ashlee hasn't worked that one out yet,' I smugly mumbled to myself.

What is that you're doing?

Albray startled the life out of me. He was leaning over my shoulder and staring at my computer screen in complete awe.

'Magic,' I teased, returning to the previous page.

Albray knew I was teasing him, and he gave me a disappointed look.

'Research,' I replied more honestly. 'I was looking into the Gene-of-Isis.'

And how is the reading going?

I drew a deep breath. 'I'm up to where Ashlee flees Paris, and I've got to ask you...how is it possible that my boss, Christian Molier, could be the same man Ashlee fled from in Paris and the same man who killed you nearly six hundred years before that?'

Star-Fire, Albray replied. Albray replied. Or, in Molier's case, mainly just the Fire. He's been taking it so long to sustain himself that he can no longer expose himself to sunlight without risk of brain damage. Or, in Molier's case, mainly just the Fire. He's been taking it so long to sustain himself that he can no longer expose himself to sunlight without risk of brain damage.

'Albray...' I thought it time to give him a little science lesson. 'Molier can't go out in the sun because he has a high pineal gland secretion.' As I said this, I realised that this was something else my boss had in common with Ashlee's Mr Molier.

And what do you think caused this condition of Molier's? Albray posited, as if he already knew the answer. Albray posited, as if he already knew the answer.

'A defect in Molier's DNA.' I shrugged and then thought to explain. 'DNA is-'

I realise you refer to his genetic code, Albray said, surprising me with his knowledge. Albray said, surprising me with his knowledge. In Molier's case it was a forced mutation...he was not born with the disorder. In Molier's case it was a forced mutation...he was not born with the disorder.

'How do you know?' I asked, as he sounded so sure about it.

I knew Christian Molier when he could still frequent the great outdoors in the daylight hours. It was not until that day in the library with Mrs Devere that I learned of his skin condition.

'And you're sure it was the same Christian Molier?' It was not a favourable look I received in response. 'I'm sorry.' I accepted that it was a stupid question. 'Then explain to me how this Fire substance works, and what it is made up of. I mean, I understand the Star substance and most of its creation process.'

Star-Fire is the melding of Heaven and Earth, male and female, the physical, emotional and mental bodies with the spiritual body. The Fire preceded the Star; it promoted perception, awareness and intuition, stamina, the immune system and, thus, longevity. Ever wonder why the leaders of the ancient world lived so long? They were fed this ambrosia. But the Fire was not brewed to enhance psychic ability...that could only be activated upon a pleasurable union with a female of the sacred bloodline. Still, the light would remain, although dormant, in a spiritually unawakened person. the immune system and, thus, longevity. Ever wonder why the leaders of the ancient world lived so long? They were fed this ambrosia. But the Fire was not brewed to enhance psychic ability...that could only be activated upon a pleasurable union with a female of the sacred bloodline. Still, the light would remain, although dormant, in a spiritually unawakened person.

'But what was the substance made of to make it so sacred and vitality-promoting?'

It is said that the Fire vial contains an extract drawn from the menstrual flow of the Nefilim G.o.ddess, Ninharsag, also known as Isis, Albray baldly stated, and I began to feel sick. 'Oh, my G.o.d!' I covered my mouth, shocked. 'Is that what you meant when you said Molier was a vampire?' Albray baldly stated, and I began to feel sick. 'Oh, my G.o.d!' I covered my mouth, shocked. 'Is that what you meant when you said Molier was a vampire?'

Albray nodded and I really felt sick. If it makes you feel any better, the drinking of blood was banned before my time by the church, who wished to undermine the power of the ancient order of Star-Fire priestesses. But by that time, alchemy had come of age and the process to create the Star was rediscovered and then lost. But together they are the body and blood, the bread and the wine, of Christianity, and in Egyptian belief they are the white wheat and red barley fields of Heaven. If it makes you feel any better, the drinking of blood was banned before my time by the church, who wished to undermine the power of the ancient order of Star-Fire priestesses. But by that time, alchemy had come of age and the process to create the Star was rediscovered and then lost. But together they are the body and blood, the bread and the wine, of Christianity, and in Egyptian belief they are the white wheat and red barley fields of Heaven.

There was a desperate scratching at my tent flap.

'Come in!'

It was Andre who crawled in under my door. 'Bonsoir, 'Bonsoir, Mia. I was just heading up to the Hathor Complex. I think the storm is dying down a bit, and, in any case, inside the complex we will be protected from the elements. I thought you might want to come have a look?' Mia. I was just heading up to the Hathor Complex. I think the storm is dying down a bit, and, in any case, inside the complex we will be protected from the elements. I thought you might want to come have a look?'

'Ah...?' I glanced at Albray, who rolled his eyes and gave me leave with a wave. 'Yeah, that would be great, but can I meet you in the mess? I just need to get changed.'

'Aw, you take all the fun out of life,' Andre grumbled. 'I could just turn around. I promise I won't look.'

I just folded my arms with a smile and waited for him to depart.

We need to work on your psychic skills, Albray impressed on me as soon as Andre left. Albray impressed on me as soon as Andre left.

'Look, I'm really sorry to disappoint you but I don't have any psychic talent.' I stripped off my shorts and pulled on a pair of jeans. 'And here in the real world, I have to work.' I looked up to find Albray gobsmacked, and then I realised I had changed my outfit and he probably wasn't too used to women doing that in front of him. 'Look, if my body is so offensive, you could leave, or turn away, or-'

On the contrary, I am honoured. He tried not to smile too broadly. He tried not to smile too broadly.

Inside, my heart leapt. Albray finally saw me! 'So you are human after all?' I posed the question in a suggestive manner to see if he'd bite.

He leant back a little. I think that you Grail women enjoy teasing me. think that you Grail women enjoy teasing me.