Chapter One: Problems with the Plan

"What are you saying?" Sophie said, looking over the table at Flamel. Her blonde hair was knot-free now and her face washed of all the dirt and grime. She wore some of Joan's old jeans and a white tee shirt.

In the dimly lit kitchen, Nicholas looked older. The lines on his face were more defined and his wrinkles seemed to multiply. His eyes, though his bright and alert, were tired and sunken.

The last few days had cost him.

"I'm saying," he said grimly, "that the only way for us to continue is to get the map and sword from the soiree. If we don't and Dee or Machiavelli does first, our cause will be lost."

There was a quiet moment in the kitchen.

Josh fidgeted in his chair watching Scathach out of the corner of his eyes. She was the only one not seated at the table. The Warrior sat on one of the counter tops, listening to the noises coming from the door to the yard.

"A party where?" Her voice was sharp in the silence.

Everyone turned to face her and after a moment, she turned to face them from her vigil. Nicholas folded his hands and leaned on them warily.

"One hosted by the Duke of Dubai in honor of his birthday. He's another immortal. One who's made a wealthy life among the mortals. I've tried all my contacts, but none have the kind of relationships to get us in," he added for the twins and Joan's sake

Scathach smirked.

In the morning light coming up from the other side of the Siene, her bright hair and pale skin made her glow. "I can get the invitations," she said confidently.

"From where?" Joan asked with a raised eyebrow, leaning back in her chair.

"Oh here and there," Scathach answered carefully grabbing a handful of polished knives off the table and sliding them into her boots. "Jeanne, help Josh with his sword work while I'm gone," she said moving towards the door. "I should be back within thirty six hours."

"Be careful—"

But she was gone before Joan could finish her sentence. "She's a walking disaster isn't she?"

Francis chuckled. He looked ragged handsome in the dimmed lighting. He was quiet as she watched the interaction between his wife and the twins and the Shadow. He felt slightly out of place among the group, though he could almost bet Nicholas suspected that.

Flamel smiled genuinely. "It is a good thing, I think, that she is the greatest warrior that as ever walked the earth."

Joan shook her head. "I think it is time for everyone to get some rest. Come Sophie, I will see if I can find you some clothes."

The younger woman followed Joan up the stairs, leaving the men alone at the table after a comforting smile to her twin.

"Do you think she'll be okay?" Sophie asked as Joan shifted through her closet. The woman's bedroom was plain, but well decorated. The walls were painted a light lavender with a handful of potted plants and white vintage furniture. The entire aura of the room seemed to breath the same tone as the calm, woman.

"Scatty?" she questioned, looking up from the dresser. Her lips twisted into a smile. "Oh, I'm sure she's loving it."