Part Two:  The Request

     "I would like to thank the Lords Cardinal for granting me an
audience," the ancient woman spoke to the assembled members of
the Hellfire Club.  Emma Frost, Jean Grey, Selene, Sebastian
Shaw, and Magneto sat on the raised dias of the previous night's
ceremony.  This time, however, the other members of the inner
circle were not standing in the shadows.
     Dazzler, Black Bishop, and Night Thrasher, seated in throne
like chairs, were in front of the platform.  Psylocke, her hand
running through her blonde hair, reclined on a silken couch. 
Warren Worthington loomed behind her, his feathered wings folded
against his back.
     The three newest recruits sat on a larger couch.  Warpath
was reclining, Firestar watched Tai intently, and Tarot  flipped
through her deck of cards.  
     "You are welcome, Tai," Selene said.  "Please, continue."   
     "Your organization seeks to train young warriors, The White
Queen's Hellions.  Three of these have ascended into the inner
circle itself," she gestured towards Firestar, Warpath and Tarot.
"I understand the necessity of training our young, and I wish to
help.  From Frost, they gain an understanding of the world.  From
me, they would learn the disciplines of the mind, the value of
the old ways, of meditation and their cultural heritage."
     "This is a field that I am unskilled to instruct," The white
queen said.  "I would welcome Tai's assistance."
     "Are there any objections?" Selene asked.
     Psylocke and Phoenix exchanged a nervous look.  There was
something wrong, something that Emma wasn't seeing, but it wasn't
something that either of them could put words to.
     "It is agreed then," Sebastian Shaw exclaimed.  "Tai, we
will arrange transport to Snow Valley whenever you are ready."
     "Thank you," Tai smiled.


Daniel Thomas

"...But I do not enjoy the killing...I AM NOT VIOLENT!! And I will put an
arrow through the brains of
anyone who says I am!!!"-Artemis (Artemis Requiem #4-DC)