Chapter 27

You need to relax Stiles" Lydia says for about the third time as she watches him pace the clearing. They were currently sitting in the spot where the Hale house had once stood, but work had already begun on the changes. Dave and his team, along with several of the dwarves, had already managed to finish the demolition of the house under Peter's direction. Neither Cora nor Derek really wanted to be present. Cora and Peter had already emptied the secret room that Stiles had found of all the remaining items and moved them to the vault under the school.

Dave had closed in all of the original tunnels and the Sasquatches had begun building the new networks of underground structures. The dwarves were beyond thrilled with how easily their new friends moved things along and they had been transporting the metals they found back to their clan to use in the new smithy. It seemed that there were some rather valuable seams under the house and near the tunnels that had been infused with the pack's background magic over the centuries and the dwarves had been ecstatic to find them. They had negotiated a rather generous deal with Derek and were turning the Hale share of the raw material into construction materials to be used by the pack. According to the centaur Borton, the dwarves work will enhance the new house significantly. Stiles had even been in contact with several enchanters who were coming to work on the construction with the promise of remaining in Beacon Hills as they wanted to continue working with the materials from the Preserve and the mines.

"I am relaxed" Stiles replies completely unconvincingly. He manfully ignores the looks on both of the girls' faces and keeps walking. Lydia had been almost attached to his side since this morning when the final details of the Night Lord's visit had been worked out. Yvette was going to be escorting him to the house for their talk and Derek had called a break day from the various builders on site at least. He was pretty sure that work was going on elsewhere, but here things were quiet. Lydia and Allison had decided to join him for different reasons. Allison had felt that they needed some muscle present just in case and they had all noticed that the wolves had, almost unanimously, been avoiding the idea of even being around the guy.

Lydia, on the other hand, was bound and determined that she was not going to miss out on meeting someone this important again. She had missed too many of those dropping in to see Stiles and she was not going to let that happen this time. The wolves had all been rather skittish, not outright saying they didn't want to come, but team human had definitely spotted the resistance and Allison had volunteered quickly upon realizing that. It seemed that the others all were rather nervous about meeting him and Necromancy in general, but while Allison wasn't exactly excited about it, she was highly curious about him, especially after Lydia had begun sharing some of her research on Necromancers and what they do.

Like most people, she had a rather one-sided view of them. She had spoken to her father who had given her the family reference materials that she had shared with Lydia when they were first contacted, but he had admitted that he was less than comfortable with the version in their books. Lydia had quickly confirmed that as it seemed that a good 90% was negative. The oldest material seemed to mention the light and gray kinds of necromancy, but for the last two centuries or so, it seems the American Argents were rather single minded and most of the necromancers they had encountered were the 'raise the dead army to carry out my evil plans' kind.

"Stiles, you said you felt sure that Yvette wasn't worried, and you know what Lizzie and Arthur said, not to mention Dr. Strange. None of them have had an issue with you, why should he?"

Stiles sighed. "It's not that I'm worried, but he speaks with the dead remember?" he says looking more than a little vulnerable.

Allison frowns but Lydia understands and almost smacks herself for not recognizing it earlier. "Stiles" she says very gently "you know that she's not still here. She's moved on. You said it yourself that humans rarely stay and even if she had for a bit, once your father recovered and the two of you were okay, she wouldn't have had a reason to remain."

Stiles looks at Lydia and knows that she is not only making logical sense, but he can also feel the sincerity in her words. Ever since Yvette had shown up, he had been wondering about learning to use his powers to speak with his mother. He hadn't asked her, but he had been thinking about it. He had even reread his books, but he didn't have much and what he had didn't really apply. Even the spell on the Hales wouldn't have worked if they hadn't died violently and by someone in the know. Kate Argent's actions 'tainted' the murder the way a normal fire wouldn't have. But when Yvette had said that the Night Lord was coming, things changed. Here was a Necromancer powerful enough that he could call his mother back for him to speak to, but to ask such a thing was dangerous. He remembered Mab's conversation and knew that this could put him in a debt to the man that could cause problems, but could he really pass on this chance?

"Stiles, you know your mother was sick when she died, but she wouldn't be after that. Her spirit would be whole again" Allison adds gently. "Once her mind was no longer affected by the disease, she would have been the woman you remember before. And I know she would be really proud of you and everything you have accomplished."

Stiles looks at her and nods slowly before the look of vulnerability comes back even stronger. "What about your mom?" he asks.

Lydia's eyes widen and she looks at the brunette hunter who, surprisingly, isn't surprised. "No. I have issues with what my mom did and the choices she made, but nothing can change that. I am mad that she chose to do what she did and leave us, but I know that her own heritage and Gerard's poisoned words pushed her to do it. I wasn't enough to stop her. It hurts, but even if she regrets it, nothing will change." She sighed and sat down on a stack of boards waiting to be used "I love my mom. But I'm not blind to her mistakes, nor Kate's, nor my own. I pity them. They spent their whole lives being twisted by Gerard into being killing machines, and while I can't forgive their choices, I can forgive myself for loving them despite them."

Lydia and Stiles both stared at the huntress, not in surprise, but in understanding. They had more than a few conversations about Allison's struggle with guilt and remorse over her decisions and mistakes, but she had more than atoned for them. Even Erica and Boyd had reaffirmed that more than once. "That's a very mature viewpoint" Lydia says gently.

"Well, Derek isn't the only one who has been talking to a therapist" she admits and both of them are surprised at that.

"When did you start that?" Stiles blurted out.

"Shortly after we got to France. Dad had me talking to someone there and once we came back, I started going here. I only see her once a month, mostly just to keep up, but she has really helped me deal with how mixed up I was about my mother and everything. The truth is that more than a few of us could do with some help and I have spoken to some of the others about my experiences. The fact is that you two are among the least in need."

"Actually, I went to one before too" Stiles admits. "After my mom died" he answers their unspoken question.

"Well, I haven't" Lydia admits "but then again once I figured out why I thought I was going crazy, it didn't seem like therapy was really going to fix my issues."

"What will?" Allison asks with a smile.

"Well, to start with, talking with the powerful user of death magic. I am guessing that he knows quite a bit about Banshees and can point me in the right direction to find out more."

They both nod in agreement. That makes good sense. Allison pulls out her knives and starts spinning them as Stiles starts pacing again. Lydia sighs silently. Well, she got their minds off it for a least a little while and he should be here soon enough.

Gerard looks up as the two men enter the room. He stares for a moment at the man before finally acknowledging him. "What are you doing here? You don't normally go anywhere without your mother's permission." Gerard smiles at the man's reaction, but his spies had noticed the unusual actions of the man's family in the last few days so he was fairly certain that she hadn't authorized this.

"You are dealing with the Hales?" Severo asks him casually.

Narrowing his eyes, he stares at the man and then glances over at Davies who smirks but nods affirmatively. "We" he stresses that word "are. They are a danger to everyone but those fools can't see it."

Severo nods. "My mother told us of the Interdict. Declaring California off limits to hunters is unacceptable to my family."

Gerard stares at the man "but your mother voted for it, did she not?"

The hunter nods angrily "Which makes no sense! The Hales are beaten and nearly wiped out, by you! Suddenly deciding that they should be allowed to not only be left unchecked, but given extra authority?"

Gerard frowns. "What extra authority?" he snarls.

Severo looks at both other Hunters with a surprised expression. "You didn't hear that the Council is seeking to establish formal relations with the Hale Pack? Your son is to be an envoy of the council to the Hales" he tells them.

Gerard swallows the sudden rush of rage he is feeling. He is aware that there are several packs that have been granted Envoys, but he has fought against that nonsense in his territory. There was even talk at one time of sending an Envoy to Deucalion before Gerard's summit revealed the man's 'treachery' and ended any talk like that. Sending an Envoy to a pack was a level of acceptance that he would never permit with those animals. That his son was going to do this made it even worse. This had that witch Clarrisant's fingerprints all over it. An Argent serving as an Envoy to wolves was the ultimate insult! He would rather see his son dead than such a disgrace. "And the council agreed with this?" he asks slowly, careful not to reveal his rage.

"Not yet. The American Hunters are not in agreement and since it affects all four of the families in this part of the world, the Council has demanded consent from all before its done."

"And where is the disagreement?" Gerard asks the hunter glancing at Davies who looks equally disgusted by the idea. An Envoy has authority over any hunters in their territory and would definitely not look favorably on his activities.

"Two to Two. The Calaveras and Parsons have not agreed but they are not formally opposing it. The Boudin and Quintara are in favor but Silberer has declared that unless all four are in agreement, that the Council cannot formally recognize the situation. With the Japanese and Indian families not caring one way or another, your Matriarch can't push it through."

Gerard glares at the man. "She no longer speaks for me in any way. But this division may help us. Without formal status, then technically my son and granddaughter, and all those who follow them, are in violation of the Interdict. The Council cannot not, by it's own rules, take any action for what occurs there."

"You mean they can't punish us if we attack the dogs?" Davies asks looking excited.

"Not officially. They have declared this place outside of Hunter jurisdiction. Since they won't act on any wolf's actions, they can't do anything to us either. We can wipe them all out and their own rules will prevent them from even acknowledging it" Gerard says with a smirk.

"Then the longer it takes them to discover what happened, the longer we would have to clean out the dogs?" Severo asks with a gleam in his eyes. The other two hunters both smile at the question.

"We can wipe out every pack, omega, or ally in this whole 'off-limits' area and they can't say shit!" Davies crows. "Old man, tell me you didn't plan this?" he asks Gerard.

The elder Argent smiles happily. No, he didn't plan this, but he will happily take credit. He has been given free rein in this fight. He won't be held back by the Hunter's Code or their stupid rules. He can kill them all and once he does, he will move on the Council. It's time for some changes and Gerard is just the man to do it!"

Stiles feels it before he sees or hears anything, a cold shiver that is similar to Yvette like a match is to a campfire. He can also feel more than a single point of magic which tells him that the Night Lord did not come alone. "They're on the way, and he brought friends" he tells the girls.

Lydia frowns and tries to sense anything, but there is nothing, which is irritating but not exactly surprising. She knows she doesn't have the senses that Stiles does, but she had wondered if her own abilities would give her something in the way of a heads up about the necromancers. "What do you mean friends?" she asks following his gaze.

"I sense several people with Yvette, not exactly sure how many, but definitely more than one" Stiles mumbles but it is too hard to distinguish them from each other in such close proximity to the big guy. "Five minutes or so" he adds estimating how it feels.

"He got pretty close before you spotted him" Allison says looking a bit concerned.

"Not really" Stiles shrugs. "I've been feeling him all morning, I just kind of 'pulled back' so I wouldn't have to deal with it for his whole trip."

"Anyone else around that shouldn't be?" Lydia queries.

He shakes his head. "No. Even Usilis could tell something was up this morning as he told me that 'death was coming' and Frommenth said he and Yndriesdi were going hunting in the mountains yesterday. I think all the magical people are feeling his approach and are nervous. Except Miellikar and Iskender" he adds.

Allison looks surprised. "Why not?"

"Because they are so close with nature" Lydia answers before Stiles can and both of the teens look at her, Stiles with appreciation and Allison in surprise. "Death, ultimately, is the one inevitable truth of nature. It is part of the natural cycle of life and death. Of everyone, those two are nearly embodiments of nature and the natural order so they wouldn't fear death" she says simply.

"It's more than that, they actually revere it" Stiles adds. "Both the forests and everything that lives in them requires death in order to thrive. Animals hunt, trees fall and decompose, insects and birds pollinate and some die in the process. Talking to those two" he shakes his head "it's like talking to otherworldly beings. They freak me out a bit" he admits.

Allison smiles. "You should hear what my cousin says" she laughs at both of their expressions. "I talk with Jacqueline over email pretty regularly and she is very happy to be far away. She says having so many different beings around is too confusing for a 'simple little hunter' like her."

Lydia snorts at that. "Your cousin is nearly as devious as Peter" she says with a chuckle.

"I know" Allison laughs with her friend. "She likes to come off as clueless and naive. Says it makes her targets drop their guard. But I do think she prefers a simpler life. She wouldn't be as happy here, especially because she can't hunt like she likes."

Stiles looks a bit concerned at that, but Allison recognizes that look. "She is a stickler for the Code, don't worry. But she likes the challenge and there are enough situations that require a more violent response that keeps her occupied. And she does interact with more than wolves, but it is rarely more than once or twice a year and usually when they are called in so lots of advance warning."

"I would also imagine that things are pretty settled over there based on what Lizzie and you two both said about your visit" Lydia added. "Magically, America is still a pretty young place." She pauses for a moment "Well, young for European magics that it. I imagine Keneun and other Native American supernaturals have been around for quite some time and I still think that old man in the park was not human, even if you couldn't sense anything."

Stiles shrugs. Lydia had looked once again into the jewelry they got but the enchantments were all minor and benevolent, something everyone had confirmed, even Edmund. The shopkeeper had smiled with admiration when the redhead had showed him hers and happily confirmed that it was a good gift, but beyond that, he had no information. Lydia had been annoyed at the vagueness, but she still had it on. While she couldn't figure out the man's plan, it seemed that his intentions were good so she wasn't going to throw away something that might help them later.

"I hear a car" Allison interrupts her thoughts and both of the others look towards the road.

"It's them" Stiles confirms. Then he pauses and smiles "Derek, Erica and Boyd are about two miles north. Scott, Jackson, and Isaac are about three miles west. Seems our alpha wasn't entirely willing to leave us alone" he adds with a smile.

Lydia tutts. "You missed Cora and Eddie."

Stiles frowns for a second before smiling. "They are about a mile to the east of Derek's group."

"Seriously Stiles. Just because they were uncomfortable meeting the guy, you didn't really think Derek would abandon you did you?"

"No" he smiles. "But I figured they would all be together."

"Better tactical sense" Ali says and then points. "They're here" she singsongs and Stiles snorts at the reference.

Lydia rolls her eyes at the two of them and watches the black BMW sedan and lets out an appreciative sigh. "Is that an M8?" Allison asks with an impressed whistle.

"Gran Coupe if I'm not mistaken" Lydia replies and both of the others smile at the odds of that. "At least $120,000 if a dime."

"Death pays, huh?" Stiles mutters and both girls roll their eyes.

"Compared to your car?" Lydia smirks.

Stiles smiles. "Hey! Don't be talking bad about Roscoe. He's special. Besides, it's not like I couldn't afford it, have you seen Derek's bank account? I 'married' very well thank you" he adds with a chuckle.

Just then the car stops and all three teens stare at the beautiful car before the front two doors open. Yvette steps out of the passenger side and goes to open the rear door while a man, looking like he is in his early 30s and wearing a crisp black suit, black shirt and tie, and shades, steps out and moves to open the rear door behind him. He extends his hand and a tall, elderly woman, dressed entirely in white robes, hair completely white, steps out. She looks old, but still there is strength there. She's 80 if she's a day Stiles thinks as she takes the driver's arm and looks over at them.

"Are you sure the Night Lord is a he?" Lydia manages to whisper without moving her lips watching the woman.

Stiles suddenly isn't sure. Now that he thinks about it, Yvette never used any pronouns, only the title. "Uh…" he says and Lydia shakes her head but then the fourth visitor steps out.

Lydia and Allison both are surprised at the man that steps out. He is dressed much like the driver, all black, but Lydia can spot good clothes from across a ballroom, and his suit is not only tailor made, it is exquisite. His hair is jet black with white at the temples, a very distinguished look she thinks, and mirrored glasses. He looks about the Sheriff's or Mr. Argent's age.

"That's him" Stiles says suddenly and the girls both glance at him and are surprised to see Stiles' eyes glowing white.

Yvette steps forward with the man following behind her and the driver escorting the woman to the man Stiles identified before turning her over and stepping back a step or two to follow respectfully. They finally approach the three teens when Yvette steps and turns to introduce her companions. "Arcanist, it is my honor to thank you for granting conveyance into your home from my master, the Night Lord" she intones formally indicating that rather imposing man who takes off his glasses and smiles. His dark brown eyes are nearly black as he smiles at them. "And this is Lady Nefeli Balla, the Sibylline."

Lydia's eyes widen at that. "The Oracle? The actual Sybil?"

She smiles at that. "Yes, Dark Lady. I serve the Night Lord to give what guidance that I can. My sisters have advised the Lord of the Necromancers for many generations."

"I thought the Sibylline Oracles perished when Rome fell?" Stiles asks remembering a passage in one of his history books.

The Night Lord smiles again. "My predecessors felt it best to allow that misconception to continue. The time of prophecy was ending for men and the Sibyllines who have served since have encouraged it as well."

"What changed?" Lydia asks as she looks to the imposing man in front of her.

He looks at the woman with a gesture and a smile. "She told me to" he answers simply.

"That does not sound good" Stiles manages not to groan, but it is a close call.

"You have arrived at an auspicious time mighty one. The presence of an Arcanist in the world usually means great danger and the spirits have been restless. I saw that I would need to come with the Night Lord to speak with you and your Emissary. A terrible darkness is coming, one that I cannot see a way to avoid."

"It is the oracle's guidance which caused me to reach out my friend. You can call me Ingo, as my friends do, and I hope that you will see me as such. There are spirits who have called to me wanting to speak to you." He pauses and looks around the clearing and gets a strange expression on his face before nodding as if in approval "though I see that you have done well in this place. You have set the souls of those lost here on their way. A great evil was done here, but I sense that stain is lifting with your work. It is a good thing." There is a sudden rush of wind in the trees and the temperature in the clearing drops by at least twenty degrees and the Sibylline's eyes glow and she seems caught up in a whirlwind pulling her robes and hair around her. She lifts her head and opens her mouth.

Mood drunk; lost, alone, the taste of betrayal and ash gone

The hounds of the Huntress have found their way back to her side

Silver stands bright, noble once more, Guard well warrior

As loved ones fall, despair and grief threaten to consume all

Risen, hold fast, keep hope alive and guard the light

Sibylline's ethereal voice ends, and the eerie white glow of her eyes fades and she faints, caught before she hits the ground by the driver who had moved to her the moment she began to speak. The temperature rises and the wind is gone and they can hear the sounds of the forest coming back.

Stiles glances over at Yvette who looks like she is about to pass out in shock and then back at the Night Lord who looks mildly surprised. "That was unexpected" he says calmly.

Lydia, trembling, looks at the man "Was that a…Prophecy?" she says, awe clear in her voice.

"I believe so" he replies carefully. "Until she awakens, we will not truly know. Stojan, please take her to the car to rest" he instructs the driver who very gently lifts the woman up and carries her back to the car. Ingo turns back to Stiles

"My apologies Arcanist, I was not expecting something so profound."

Stiles nods but looks a bit confused. "Okay, but I am not sure why you are apologizing" he finally admits.

"The Sibylline gives guidance and counsel my young friend, but it very rare that one speaks a true Prophecy."

"And that one did not sound like a good one" Allison says looking up from her phone after typing out the words before she forgot them. "Loved ones fall, grief and despair?"

Ingo nods. "I am afraid that the voice of Prophecy is rarely one to give us good news" he says sadly. "It is impossible to avoid the Fates young Arcanist, but I still wish it was not by my hand that this was delivered."

Stiles nods but doesn't smile. He agrees with Ali, that did not sound very good and he knows why Lydia is worried, the Roman Sibylline Oracles were renown and consulted by many. For there to be one about them, did not sound like something that would be good for them. Especially that last line, he has heard too many people call him Risen not to worry. "By the way, please call me Stiles. This is Lydia, our Emissary and Banshee, and Allison Argent, Hunter and Packmate" he introduces everyone.

Ingo nods and officially greets all of them but he does stare for a moment at Lydia before smiling. "You have many questions Dark Lady, we will try to answer them, but I must first attend to the spirits that brought me here."

"I thought you said that she told you to come" Stiles asks looking confused back at the car.

"No, my new friend. I was already coming to you when she told me she was coming as well. And hearing her words, I know why, but my visit has been at the direction of others."

"Others? What others?" Stiles asks suddenly nervous. Surely his mother couldn't have made that kind of request! Didn't Lydia say she had moved on?

"Your predecessors. The spirits of the other Arcanists wish to speak with you."

"You are not worried?" Severo asks the man as he steps out and walks over and leans on the car.

Randolph Davies watches the other hunter with grudging respect. He has been on two hunts with the man and both were well executed and successful. He was a bit too rigid in his obedience to his mother for Davies' liking, but the man didn't hesitate when dealing with wolves. He also knew that he was well respected, not on the level that Argent once was, but still it was fairly solid in their world. "Worried? With what?" he asks the other hunter and glances around the clearing by habit. He knew they were the only ones there; both had left their men behind to meet privately away from the safe house.

"Argent has lost it" Severo says plainly. "You can see that can't you?"

Davies hesitates. Sure Gerard has been on the edge of the line of insanity, but he is still effective. "Maybe, but it doesn't really matter does it?"

Severo looks disappointed. "It doesn't bother you?"

"No. He is focused on wiping out the Hales and everyone that is standing with them. That's good enough for me."

"You are both underestimating them."

Davies laughs. "The dogs? Hale is a fool who betrayed his family for a piece of ass."

"Don't confuse a boy's foolishness for betrayal. Kate was a master manipulator and as cunning as her father is. Hale was tricked, he didn't betray his family. And he has had years to come to terms with that."

Randolph waves off the other man. "Doesn't matter. He is still an idiot either way and once we eliminate him, things can return to normal and we can get back to wiping them out."

Severo shakes his head. "Davies, you are not this foolish. Why do you continue to be blind to the Hales?"

"What do you mean?"

The Calaveras lieutenant shakes his head. "The Hale Pack was powerful for many reasons. Talia Hale was a legend, but that was due to both both the history of her name as well as herself. The Hales were here before my family started hunting and they were never a target for us because they dealt with problems before we could. Things were quiet in this part of the world, mostly due to that family. The Argents targeted them not because they were a threat to people, but because they prevented them from killing without cause." He sees the hunter getting ready to argue "No. Don't let a roll in the sheets blind you to her faults. I hunted with Kate and she was a true killer. She should have killed them all but she left the boy and his sister alive to play with them. Now she is dead at Hale's hands and he has turned her brother and niece against her father and apparently made an ally of the Grand Matriarch of the Argents. Not to mention, the boy formed a new pack that managed to not only destroy a Darach, but also killed Deucalion and his pack of abominations."

"So he claims!" Davies snarls at that reminder.

Severo looks at the man with disdain. "You know we are not gullible. The Council confirmed it. That means that seven Alphas met their end at his hand one way or another and yet no new alphas were created. What does that tell you?"

Davies frowns in confusion. "What?"

"That Hale or the Argents were the ones to kill them. His betas didn't, so that means that he would have their strength, at least some of theirs. Hale could be more powerful than Deucalion was."

Davies' eyes widen at that thought. He had never even considered that possibility. "Not to mention, we have been getting some information that his pack is more dangerous than others. One of my people said that the Carver twins were seen in Beacon Hills."

The other hunter frowns. The twin Alphas had been identified by his hunters not long after they had joined the Alpha Pack and they had learned how deadly their merged form could be. "So, they were all there when they went after Hale."

Severo sighs. "Last week. They were seen last week."

Davies looks confused. But the alphas were destroyed way before that. How could they still be there unless the alphas hadn't been defeated after all! "Deucalion is still alive?" he demands.

Severo laughs. "No. He and Kali are both definitely dead. Ennis we are not sure of, but Diaz and Williams were both confirmed dead as well. No, what it means is that the twins now apparently answer to Hale."

Randolph looks much more interested and concerned. Three alphas!? "Why? They attacked his pack. What reason would he have for allowing them to stay?"

"Maybe they agreed to serve him? They would be a powerful ally. Not to mention that he also apparently has a Banshee as his Emissary."

"The Martin girl? We identified her, but Emissary? She is a high school airhead."

"Doubtful. She may be in high school, but she isn't stupid. Then there's the fact that the McCall boy is a True Alpha as well and his best friend is the Sheriff's son. That means that Hale has three alphas, a Banshee, and the human law all in close proximity to his pack. Not to mention the Argent Regent and future Matriarch. Hale is building powerful alliances somehow and Gerard refuses to see it."

Davies relaxes. "You're wrong Calaveras. Gerard knows all about that. We already have a plan to eliminate the Sheriff and the Banshee can only warn of danger is she is around when we go after the wolves. Take out the warning system, and they won't see us coming. Take out the Sheriff, and Hale loses his support. Gerard may be crazy, but he isn't stupid. We will take down the pack simultaneously, or near enough that it won't matter. The old man wants them alive, for the most part, so that Hale gets to watch as we kill his pack one at a time, slowly. By the time we are finished, there won't be a non-human left in that town, and if there are, they will be running scared."

Severo watches the other man continue gloating but doesn't let the worry show on his face. He came when Davies called because he owed the man, not to mention trying to clean up Campbell's mess, but the efforts from his own mother has him doubting this plan. He snuck off on his own based on her comments, that she couldn't act but wasn't happy about it. Severo figured he could act and keep her hands clean for the Council, but her efforts suggested otherwise. He couldn't break communications silence or it would be over, so he had to decide whether to commit to Argent's plan or not. The one variable he really didn't like was the human civilians. The FBI agent and the Hydra forces were not part of their way of operating. It was too messy and risked too much but denying them access to this part of the country was also too much for their family to accept. It was easy for the Council to decide something that didn't affect the rest of them, but this was Calaveras Territory and declaring it off-limits wouldn't stand. He would stay with them, but he would watch. If the old man gave any warning…well, they could be gone before anyone knew they were here.

"So, how does one become the driver for an Oracle?" Allison asks casually as she is standing next to Yvette and Stojan. The three of them are watching Lydia and Nefeli across the clearing talking quietly to each other. Apparently the Sibylline wished to speak privately with the Banshee after she had recovered so the three of them had been sent off to wait. Stiles and the Night Lord had walked off into the woods in the direction of Stiles' clearing, so she was pretty sure they were headed there. She had texted Derek and Scott a quick update and gotten back a heart eyes emoji from Scott and a simple thanks from Derek. Allison was fairly certain that she could hear the suffering silence from their Alpha even without him saying it at the two of them.

"I'm not simply a driver."

"Bodyguard?"

He smiles. "I am her aide and servant. I drive the Sibylline, guard and protect her, and make her tea."

"So…how did you get that job? I mean are you a Necromancer too?

He nods. "I am. Though my gifts are nowhere near hers. But it runs in my family and we all have a touch of it. Usually hearing spirits or seeing the future to some degree. It helps me when working for her Ladyship."

Allison is quiet for a second. "The Night Lord's accent is very unique. I haven't heard it before."

Stojan nods. "His Lordship was born in Ethiopia as one of the Jews of nation. His family fled during the Civil War in the 1970s and he lived in England where he attended college. We currently live in Italy."

Allison smiles in appreciation and internally congratulated herself, she knew she heard some British in the man's accent. "You were telling me how you got your job?" she says, dimples on full display. The man stares for a moment before sighing heavily.

"There is an elaborate ceremony the Sibylline performs and goes into a trance and consults the threads of Fate to find me. It is a near month long ritual involving meditation, spells, and intervention by the powers of prophecy."

Allison and Yvette are both enthralled as he goes on for another ten minutes describing the complex and highly difficult ritual for the Hand of the Sibylline. "I had no idea" Yvette says in a respectful voice.

"She has to do that every time she needs someone to make her tea?" Allison asks in amazement. "Why so complex. I mean you would think…" she looks at the man and notes the slight smirk on his lips. "You are making this all up, aren't you?" she demands.

He laughs. "Yes. It sounds impressive though doesn't it? Much more so than the real story."

"Which is" Allison says with a flat, annoyed voice.

"She's my grandmother's sister."

Allison stares at the man for a second before suddenly laughing. "You are right, stick with the whole ritual story. It definitely sounds better." She looks at Yvette who has a rather disappointed expression and laughs again. "I know, maybe add a vision or dream quest." The three of them start giggling as Stojan starts telling them about how his great aunt came into her powers.

"You must prepare your pack for what is coming Dark Lady" the Sibylline said directly as she stared at Lydia. "There is a great storm approaching and I feel your young friend will be at the center of it. Death is coming and he must face it and come out the other side, no matter the cost he has to pay."

Lydia nods slowly. "Can you see who we're going to lose?" she asks in a quiet voice. Quiet but also determined.

"No" Nefeli answers sadly. "And I wish I could tell you. I can sense your gifts are unique, you have stayed the hand of death before. But this fight, I do not think you can win."

Lydia straightens up and stares at the other woman. "I am not going to give up on my friends."

"No, you wouldn't. But death is not your enemy either my dear. All things must die in their time and your gifts give warning, but you cannot truly change a fate once written."

"I have saved people!"

"Then their deaths were still uncertain" Nefeli says without hesitation. "Some warnings you get are to allow you to choose whether to act. But some, are simply to give you the chance to say goodbye. The problem is that there is no way to tell which is which."

"So then I will fight for everyone" Lydia declares just as confidently.

The Sibylline nods in understanding. "I would expect nothing less, but you must prepare your pack for the losses they will face, because death's presence is already here. I feel it and I believe you do too. I can sense your pack, it is strong. Young, vibrant, and determined. But this battle that is coming…they will not all survive. I do not know who will come through, but I know that some will and those that survive will need each other more than ever before."< /p>

Lydia does not like the woman's words, but she is not so stupid as to dismiss them. The words of an Oracle such as the Sibylline are not to be ignored. "You spoke a Prophecy?" changing tack she questions the older woman.

Nefeli looks uncomfortable. "I have only spoken true Prophecy three times in my life, now four. It is not a pleasant thing. To feel the hands of the Fates upon my very soul, to speak the words of Destiny, do not envy me this gift" she says knowingly. "It is burden, not benefit. But I know to listen and trust it. Your pack is amidst the Prophecy, that I know. Some has already happened, and other parts are still unborn, but heed it well."

Lydia nods in agreement. She had studied the words of the Sibylline's prophecy while the woman was recovering and had figured out the first three lines, but it was the others that worried her. Unfortunately, she also knew that she would get no help from the oracle in front of her, they didn't give understanding or clues, only confusion. But there might be another way to help.

"Do you know about Banshees?" Lydia asks and is surprised by the smile on the other woman's face.

"Oh yes, Dark Lady. I know a great deal. And unlike my Prophecy, I can speak freely and in great detail about what I have learned. Ask your questions, we have time before the Night Lord and the Arcanist return."

"We don't need to wait until midnight?" Stiles asks as they enter his clearing and he watches as the other man look around, nodding as if in approval.

Ingo looks back and laughs. "No my young friend. The time of the veil is good for many types of our magic, but not this. Your predecessors are all former Necromancers. Their spirits are powerful, even in death. In time, I think you would have grown enough to hear them yourself, but we do not have time to wait for you to devote enough of yourself to the study of our arts."

Stiles looks guilty. "I've been meaning to, but things have been kind of crazy around here."

The Night Lord nods and takes one of the seats that Stiles has created without reacting to the magical display. "In time you will be strong enough to bear their spirits and hear their advice, but I must warn you of something."

Stiles frowns. "Warn me of what?"

Ingo looks thoughtful for a few moments, seeming to carefully consider his words. "The world of the spirits is not our world. They do not see things such as time, place, and people in the same way as the living do. This is even more true the more time has passed since the spirit once lived. I have spoken to those who wore the mantle of the Night Lord before me, and I will tell you that more than one or two back, and their words become confusing and often contradictory."

"But don't they like see us or know what's going on here?"

He shakes his head. "Spirits, ghosts if you will, that remain on our plane of existence, those remnants of those who have died, often are attached to a person or place and their awareness is closer to our own. They can see our world more clearly, but it is still difficult for them. They often lose track of time and confuse events that happened decades in the past with yesterday. For those that have crossed on, it is much worse. They may be able to see what the Sibylline calls the threads of Fate, but by doing so, they can no longer distinguish us as ourselves. To them, we are simply forces of destiny's design."

"So why talk to them?"

"Because, like so many things in life my friend, it is never that simple. Nefeli's Prophecy changes things. A true Sibylline Prophecy bridges more than one world. It transcends time, space, and dimension. I was not sure until now why they were calling so hard for you, but with her words, I understand. Her Prophecy was for you so I imagine the words they will speak with you will relate. But I cannot know if they will be words you truly understand or not. The truth is we often only understand after all is done and we look back" he says sounding tired.

"But you will be able to help though, right?"

"No. They seek to use me as a vessel. I can allow them to speak through me to you, but I will not be here to know the words you share. Just as I would not invite you to hear the words of my predecessor nor I image that the Sorcerer Supreme is telling you all he knows, there are some things that are our own and I think that today is such a day."

Stiles nods nervously but he gets it. Lizzie and he talked about it during his training time with her and though disappointing, he understands that there are things that are for the Morgaine and her alone. This is his, not for others. "So how do we start?"

Ingo smiles and closes his eyes. Stiles watches as a white light surrounds the man, warm and reassuring. It takes a second before he realizes that the man's skin is lightening and his hair is changing. Then its his nose, lips, and his face, all slowing changing in appearance. He watches in amazement as the tall, black man in front of him shrinks in size and demeanor until he looks a little like Arthur, but much older. White hair and now a beard. He opens his eyes and Stiles startles at the blue-green staring back at him.

"Hello young one, my name is Emrys."