The Golden Lily Chapter 20

GETTING TO TREY was easier tell than done. A girl acquire into the guys dorm at normal hours wouldve been herculean enough. save after cur fewer? In the middle of the night? Nearly impossible.I had to resort to creative options and c bothed Eddie while I was driving Adrian home.One thing I never had to feel guilty ab appear was c in alling Eddie at any hour. He kept his ringer on ( much(prenominal) to Micahs delight, no doubt), and I suspected he slept with the phone next to his pillow.Yes? Eddies voice was alert and ready, as though he hadnt been asleep at all. That was just how he was.I need you to go chequer if you slew wake up collar, I told him. Sonyas been kidnapped and is being held at some(prenominal) weird compound with a logo wish treys tattoo. We need to find erupt what he stir intercourses.This was the stolon magazine Eddie was hearing ab emerge Sonyas kidnapping, scarcely he didnt ask for further information or how Id dealn her location. He knew shed be en in risk recently, and this quick message was enough to trance him loss. I didnt exactly know what would go past when Eddie did find Trey, canvassing as thither was no crockeds Id be able to talk to Trey myself until morning. Still, we had to start somewhere.Okay, said Eddie. Im on it. Ill call you back.We disconnected, and I stifled a yawn. Well, here goes nothing. allows hope Eddie can find out something.Preferably without beating up Trey in the process, said Adrian. He snuggled against the passenger seat, the only sign that he too was whole tone deteriorate from our late night. Hed long since converted from a vampires nocturnal schedule. Since that might limit how much we can find out.I made a flavor. If Treys somehow cave in-to doe with with this, Im not sure I want to move back it easy on him. And yet I just cant believe he is. lot fool each other(a) all the time. Look at you. You calculate Trey knows youre part of a secret society availing to keep vampires hidden from the world? truly yes. I stopped at a red light and approximation back on some of Treys weird behaviors.He knows Jills a Moroi, Im some au thentic of it. He didnt notice right a right smart, moreover when he did, he kept telling me to keep her hidden. Then after Sonya was attacked, he told me to stay safe. A awful realization was dawning on me. He knew. He knew I was friends with Sonya. He probably knew about the attack and never said anythingNot a bewilderment if his groups working counter to yours. Adrians tone softened. If it makes you feel better, it sounds like he was human body of conflicted if he was laborious to warn you.I dont know that it does. Oh, Adrian. I pulled up in front of his building and saw the yellow Mustang illuminated in the streetlight. You left the car out. Youre lucky it didnt get towed.Ill move it, he said. And dont timbre at me like that. Its within a half-mile radius. Im not breaking your rules.Just be careful, I muttered.He opened La ttes door and glanced back at me. You sure you want to go back to the school? Youll be locked in until morning.Not much I can do until then anyway. I want to be there the instant I can get access to Trey. Ill trust in Eddie for now.Adrian looked reluctant to leave me but finally nodded. Call if you need anything. Im overtaking to keep trying to see if I can find Sonya in her dreams. Didnt have much luck earlier. One of spirits more disconcerting powers was the users ability to intrude on the dreams of other people. Is she just not asleep?That, or drugged.N all option made me feel any better. He gave me one hold water, lingering look in the beginning leaving.I re false to Amberwood where a sleepy student aide waved me in without comment.Mrs. Weathers had long since gone home, and her overnight coverage didnt seem particularly concerned about my comings and goings. As I was walking up the stairs, my phone rang.Eddie.Well, it took forever, but I finally woke his roommate up, he tol d me.And?Hes not there. I guess he wasnt last night either. or so kind of family emergency.No word on when hell be back? I was beginning to deliberate all of Treys family stuff might be more subtle than Id guessed. I was also willing to bet he wasnt the only one with a sun tattoo.No.I DRIFTED IN AND OUT of sleep that night. My proboscis was exhausted from the magic, but I was too on edge about Sonya to fully give in to the fatigue. I keep waking up and checking my prison cell phone, afraid Id missed some call despite the fact that it was on its loudest setting. I finally gave up and got out of bed a couple of hours in advance the cafeterias breakfast began. By the time Id showered and dressed and put my c slayee maker into high gear I was back into open hours on campus. Not that it did me much proper.I made devil more calls after that, first to Spencers to see if Trey was working. I didnt expect him to be, but it was a in effect(p) excuse to see if hed been there in the l ast couple of days.He hadnt been. My next call was to Stanton, reporting Sonyas disappearance. I told her we had a lead that connected one of my classmates to the vampire hunters and that Sonya was potential being held at a compound outside of town. I didnt elaborate on how I knew, and Stanton was distracted enough by the kidnapping in prevalent to ask much more.At breakfast, I found my family sitting with Micah over at Wests cafeteria. Eddie, Angeline, and Jills troubled faces told me they all knew about Sonya. Micah was cheerfully chatting about something, and I had a stamp his presence was preventing the others from discussing what they really treasured to. When Micah turned to ask Eddie something, I leaned over and murmured to Jill, Get him out of here.Tell him to go? she whispered back.If you need to. Or go with him. just I want to She bit her lip as Micahs attention returned to her. She looked unhappy about what she had to do, but soon put on the firm expression that rece ntly Id often seen her wear. She nodded toward Micahs plate. Hey, are you about done? I need to check on something with Miss Yamani. Will you come with me?Micah brightened. Of course.Once the two of them were gone, I turned to Eddie and Angeline. Any sign of Trey? I asked.No, said Eddie. I checked in again this morning. His roommates starting to hate me.Cant say I blame him.This is driving me crazy I said, feeling like I could beat my heading against the wall. Were so close and yet helpless. E rattling minute that goes by is another that Sonya doesnt have. He grimaced. be we sure shes alive?She was last night, I said.Both Eddie and Angeline looked at me in amazement. How do you know? she asked.Um, well, I no way My jaw dropped as I stared past Eddie. Its Trey undisputable enough, a bleary-eyed Trey had just entered the cafeteria. Damp hair indicated a recent shower, but there were bruises and scrapes all over him that I could no longer attribute to football.Eddie was in motion b efore I could say another word, and Angeline and I were quick to follow.I half-expected Eddie to tackle Trey then and there. Instead, Eddie walked right in front of Trey and blocked him from entering the food line. I was just in time to hear Eddie say, No breakfast today. Youre coming with us.Trey started to protest and then saw Angeline and me. Jill suddenly appeared as well, having apparently lost Micah. A sad look crossed Treys features almost defeated and he gave a weary nod. Lets go outside.As soon as wed cleared the door, Eddie grabbed hold of Trey and shoved him against the building. Wheres Sonya Karp? Eddie demanded. Trey looked intelligibly surprised.Eddie was lean and muscled, but most people underestimated just how strong he was.Eddie, back off I hissed, glancing around uneasily. I had the same urge, true, but our exam wouldnt get very far if a teacher came by and thought we were roughing up another student.Eddie released Trey and stepped back, but there was good-tem pered a severe glint in his eyes.Wheres the compound youre holding her at?That seemed to wake Trey out of his sluggish state. How do you know about that?Well ask the questions, said Eddie. He didnt touch Trey again, but his proximity and posture left no question he would go to extremes if needed. Is Sonya relieve alive? Trey hesitated, and I almost expected a denial of knowledge. Y-yes. For now. Eddie snapped again. He grabbed the front of Treys shirt and jerked him close. I swear, if you and your messed-up associates lay one hand on her Eddie, I warned.For a moment, Eddie didnt move. Then, reluctantly, he released Treys shirt, but stayed where hed been standing(a). Trey, I began, keeping the same reasonable tone Id just used with Eddie after all, Trey and I were friends, right? You have to help us. Please help us find Sonya.He shook his head. I cant, Sydney. Its for your own good. Shes evil. I dont know what trick shes played on you or how shes got this illusion going on that h ides her true identity, but you cant trust her. Shell turn on you. Let us permit us do what we need to. The words were all correct, right in line with the Warriors propaganda. provided, there was something in the way Trey spoke, something about his posture I couldnt quite put my finger on what it was that made me question him. People teased me about my inability to pick up on social cues, but I was almost certain he wasnt entirely on notice with whatever this group wanted him to do.This isnt you, Trey, I said. I know you well enough to know. You wouldnt kill an innocent woman.Shes not innocent. There it was again that mix of emotions. Doubt. Shes a monster.You know about them. You know what they can do. Not ones like her. He nodded toward Jill.But the others. The undead ones.Does Sonya look undead? asked Eddie. You see any red eyes?No, Trey admitted. But we have other reports. Witnesses who saw her in Kentucky. Reports of her victims.It was hard to keep a calm face through that . Id actually seen Sonya when she was Strigoi. Shed been terrifying, and given half a contingency, she would have killed my companions and me. It was hard to accept that when one turned into a Strigoi, they werent in control of their senses or soul. They lost touch with their humanity or whatever Moroi had and werent the same as theyd once been. Sonya had done terrible, terrible things, but she was no longer that creature.Sonya changed, I said. Shes not one of them anymore. Treys eyes narrowed. Thats impossible. Youre being deceived. Theres some kind ofI dont know dark magic going on.This isnt getting us anywhere, growled Eddie. Call Dimitri. Between the two of us, well get him to tell us where this compounds at. Ive broken into a prison. Getting into this bunk shouldnt be that much harder.Oh, you think so? A humorless smile crossed Treys features. That place is surrounded with an electric fence and packed with armed men. Plus, shes intemperately secured. You cant just walk in t here.Why is she still alive? asked Angeline. She seemed to realize how weird that sounded and was quick to elaborate. That is I mean, Im glad she is. But if you think shes so evil, wherefore didnt you finish her off? She glanced at my friends and me. Sorry.Its a good question, Eddie told her.Trey took a long time in answering. I had a feeling he was divide between keeping the groups secrets and wanting to justify his actions to us. Because were all being tested, he said finally. To see whos worthy of performing the kill.Oh my God, said Jill.Hence all your bruises recently, I said. My fears of domestic abuse werent far off, really.Youre competing to kill a woman whos done nothing to you.Stop saying that Trey cried, truly looking distraught. Shes not innocent.But youre not so sure, I said. Are you? Your eyes arent telling you what your hunter friends are.He evaded the accusation. My family expects this of me. We all have to try especially after we messed up the avenue attack. We l ost our authorization to kill her then, which is why the council ordered these trials to redeem ourselves and prove we were up to it. Gettingauthorization to kill someone was sickening, but it was the rest of what he said that made me do a double behave.You were there, I said in disbelief. In the alley, and and it was you Youre the one who grabbed me It came back to me now, my assailants surprise and hesitation.Treys face confirmed as much. I knew you were friends with them. I can tell by looking at all of you, although I didnt figure you two out right away. That was to Eddie and Angeline.Trey turned back to me. I recognized your tattoo the first time we met. I just ignored it because I didnt think you were involved in anything that I was. I thought you only hung out with harmless vampires, so I didnt expect you to be there that night. I never wanted you to get hurt. I still dont, which is why you need to let this go.Im tired of this, said Eddie. It was a wonder hed been patient t his long. We need to bust down the doors of that place and Wait, wait. An idea was forming in my head and it was another crazy one. Trey, you said Eddie couldnt just walk into that place. But could I?What are you talking about? asked Trey, a mix of suspicion and confusion on his faceYou know what I am. You know what I do. Trey nodded. Our two groups used to be united. Those guys who stopped me on the street even said they thought we should all be working together. The Warriors want Alchemist resources.So, what you want a trade? asked Trey, frowning.No. I just want to talk to this council of yours. I want to let off why Sonya isnt er, why she doesnt look the way she used to. Theres a Moroi who uses a certain kind of magic who could even show you No, said Trey immediately. no(prenominal) of them would be allowed inside. Theyre tolerated, but thats it. You hybrids wouldnt be allowed either. Again, he spoke to Eddie and Angeline. Id never heard the term hybrids used, but the meanin g was clear. Okay, I said. Only humans. Im human. Your group wants to work with my group. Let me go with you. Unarmed. Ill talk to your leaders and Sydney, no, protested Eddie. You cant go there alone They tried to decapitate Sonya, for Gods sake. And remember what Clarence said about radicals stalking him?We wont hurt humans, said Trey adamantly. Shed be safe.I believe you, I told him. And I know you wouldnt ever let anything happen to me either.Look, arent you curious about why Sonya is the way she is? Can you take the chance your people are making a mistake? You said you tolerate Moroi. Shes one of them. Let me explain.Im not asking for anything else except a chance to speak.And a guarantee of safety, added Angeline, who looked almost as outraged as Eddie.He nodded at her words. You guys are big on the honor stuff, right? Youd have to foreknow shed be safe.Honors what makes us do what we do, said Trey. If we promise shell be safe, she will be.Then ask them, I urged. Please? Won t you do this for me? As my friend? A pained look crossed Treys features at that. Hed hinted before that he owed me for helping end the illicit tattoo ring last month. That would obligate any friend, let alone one instilled with a rigid sense of honor. I knew then, too, that more than honor was on the line here.Trey and I were friends with more in mutual than Id ever realized. We both were part of groups that wanted to control our lives, often in ways we didnt like. We also had domineering fathers. If Trey and I didnt have such debate goals, we might have laughed about all this.Ill ask, Trey said. some(prenominal)thing told me he too was thinking of our similarities. Because its you. But I cant make any promises.Then ask now, growled Eddie. We dont have time to waste. And Im guessing Sonya doesnt either.Trey didnt deny it. I hesitated, suddenly wondering if this was a smart choice. What would happen if we let Trey out of our sight? Would it be better if we really did drag him to Dimitri?And Sonya how much time did she have left?Now, I reiterated to Trey. You have to get in touch with them now. Dont go to class. It was probably the first and only time Id say those words.I swear, said Trey. Ill call them now.The bell rang, ending our satisfying. Although, if wed had the chance to save Sonya at that moment, I knew each of my friends would have walked off campus then and there. We let Trey go, and he headed back toward his dorm, not toward our classes. Angeline newly free from suspension departed with Jill while Eddie and I walked to history.That was a mistake, he said, face grim as he stared at where Trey had gone. For all we know, hes going to disappear, and well have lost any chance we had at getting Sonya back.I dont think he will, I said. I know Trey. Hes a good person, and I could tell that even if he thinks Strigoi need to be exterminated, hes not 100 percentage sure of Sonya. Hell do what he can. I think hes feeling torn right now, caught between w hat theyve told him his whole life and what hes starting to see with his own eyes. vowelize like anyone else you know? an inner voice asked.Id sort of hoped that Trey would give me an answer right away say, by chemistry. But he wasnt there either or anywhere else at school the day. I supposed these things took time, and my patience and faith were rewarded at the end of the day with a text from him Still checking. Some are willing to talk. Others need convincing.Eddie didnt take Treys message as concrete proof when I showed it to him, but I didnt think Trey wouldve said anything if hed skipped town. Eddie wanted to get together with Dimitri and discuss strategy on this new development. So, we decided to take a group trip downtown. I sent the summons to our family to meet outside the East dorm in a half hour. Jill was the first one to arrive, and she came to a halt when she saw me.Wow, Sydney your hair.I glanced up from where Id been answering a text from Brayden, telling him I could nt hang out this weekend. What about it?The way those layers are styled. They perfectly complement your face. She was looking at me in that weird way again. Well, yeah, I said, hoping to change the subject. Its a, um, good haircut. Sorry we had to get rid of Micah earlier. It took her a few seconds, but my distraction snapped her out of the hair-induced trance.Oh, no. Its okay. I mean, things are getting weirder between us anyway.Oh? Micah had seemed as chipper as ever, the last time I saw him. You guys are still having problems?Well I guess I am. I really like him. I love hanging out with him and his friends. But I just keep getting reminded of how nothing can happen with us. Like, this morning. Theres a whole other world we have going that he cant be a part of. And I cant stand the thought of lying to him or keeping him out of my life. I might have to do it for real. End things. I know Ive kind of said that before, but now I mean it.Were here for you if you do, I said. I technical ly meant it, but if Jill came sobbing to me afterward, I wasnt entirely sure what I should say. Maybe I could find a withstand on appropriate breakup counseling techniques before she did the deed.A wry smile crossed her face. You know whats silly? I mean, I dont want to go jumping from one guy to another and I do still care about Micah but Im starting to notice what a really good guy Eddie is.Hes a great guy, I confirmed.Moroi and dhampirs being together are discouraged when theyre older, but now I mean, I knew some who got together at St. Vladimirs. She gave an embarrassed laugh. I know, I know I shouldnt even be thinking like that. One guy at a time. But still the more I see Eddie hes just so brave and so confident. Hed do anything for us, you know? Hes like some storybook hero in real life. But hes so dedicated, hed probably never be interested in someone like me. No time for dating.Actually, I said, I think hed be very interested in you. Her eyes widened. Really?I wanted to tell her everything. Instead, I chose my words carefully, unwilling to give away his secrets after hed spoken to me before about letting him handle his own personal affairs.He talks all the time about how smart and competent you are. I think hed decidedly be open to something. He also talked about how he wasnt worthy of her love, but that resolve might fade if Jill actively went after him.She grew lost in thought, and no more was said on the topic when Eddie and Angeline came walking up. We drove into town, and I dropped Jill and the two dhampirs off at Adrians while I ran a few errands. Waiting for Trey was agonizing, and I needed distraction. Plus, I was low on some Alchemist supplies and wanted to make sure I was up to full forcefulness before any venture into the Warriors camp.My phone rang as we were wrapping up. It was Trey, and I stepped outside an herbal store to take the call.Okay, he said. Youre good to go. Theyll meet with you this night just you. Anxiety and excitemen t raced through me. Tonight. It seemed surprisingly soon, yet that was exactly what I wanted. We needed to get Sonya out of there.Ill take you there at seven-spot, Trey continued. And well, Im sorry but youll have to go blindfolded. And Ill be checking to make sure no one follows us. If they do, everythings off.I understand, I said, though a blindfold for certain made the venture scarier. Ill be ready.Thank you, Trey.Also, he added, we want the sword back.I made arrangements for him to pick me up at Adrians, since I had a feeling Dimitri and Eddie would have a lot to say to me beforehand. In fact, I called them as soon as I was off the phone with Trey, to give them a heads-up. I also called Stanton to give her an update. It occurred to me I should have checked with her sooner, but Id wanted a definitive answer from Trey first.I dont like the idea of you going alone, she said. But it does seem unlikely theyd hurt you. They really do seem to stay away from humans us in particular. And if theres a chance to get Karp out of there well. That would save us a lot of fallout with the Moroi. Stantons tone told me, however, that even if she thought Id be safe, she wasnt so optimistic about Sonya. Be careful, Miss Sage.Adrians apartment was filled with tension when I arrived. Dimitri, Eddie, and Angeline were clearly agitated, probably because they were being left out of the action. Adrian, surprisingly, looked upset too, though I couldnt figure out why. Jill watched him with concern, and they kept staring at each other, unseen messages undoubtedly passing to her through the bond. At last, he averted his gaze, like he was ending a conversation. Jill sighed and walked toward the others in the kitchen.I started to speak to Adrian, but Eddie beckoned me forward. Were debating on whether to give you a weapon or not, he said.Well, the answer is not, I said immediately. Come on, theyre blindfolding me. Do you think they wont search me for weapons too?There must be a way, sa id Dimitri. Since we were in air conditioning, he wore the duster.I cant let you go in there defenseless.Im not in danger, I said, feeling like Id been repeating the same thing all day. They might be crazy, but Trey says if they give their word, theyll last out to it.Sonya doesnt have those guarantees, Dimitri pointed out.No weapon is going to help me save her, I said. Except for my reasoning. And Im armed with that about as well as I can be.The dhampirs still didnt seem happy. They went back to arguing amongst themselves, and I left them to find some water. Adrian called to me from the living room. Theres diet pop in there.I opened the refrigerator. Sure enough, it was stocked with all kinds of pop. And, in fact, it had more food than Id ever seen. Another benefit of Nathan Ivashkovs generosity. I grabbed a can of Diet Coke and joined Adrian on the couch.Thanks, I said, opening the can. This is the next best thing you could have to gelato. He raised an eyebrow. Gelato? Sounds like dessert to me, Sage.It is, I admitted. The mundane topic was comforting amidst all the tension. Its kind of your fault for bringing it up yesterday. Now I cant stop thinking about it. I wanted some at dinner last night, and Brayden talked me out of it which is probably why Im even more obsessed with it. Ever had that happen? Once you cant have something, you want it that much more.Yes, he said bitterly. It happens all the time.Why are you so down? You think I should have a weapon, too? With Adrian, it was really hard to guess where his moods would go.No, I get your point, and I think youre right, he said. Not that I like the idea of you going there at all.I have to help Sonya, I said.He analyse me and smiled. I know you do. I wish I could come with you.Oh yeah? You going to protect me and carry me out of there like you threatened to do last night? I teased.Hey, if thats what it takes. You and Sonya. Ill toss one of you ever each shoulder. Pretty manly, huh?Very, I said, happy to see him joking again.His amusement faded, and he became serious-minded again. Let me ask you something. Which is scarier walking into a den of crazy, murdering humans or being with safe though kind of wacky vampires and half vampires? I know the hang-up you Alchemists have with us, but is the loyalty to your own race so strong that I dont know that the people themselves dont matter?It was a surprisingly stocky question for Adrian. It also echoed my trip to the Alchemist bunker to see Keith. I was reminded of how Keiths father hadnt cared about his sons moral character so long as it meant Keith wasnt on good terms with vampires. I also thought back to the alley and how obstinate the Warriors were about hearing any truth but their own. And finally, I looked over at the dhampirs arguing in the kitchen, continuing to brainstorm covert ways of keeping Sonya and me safe, no matter the risk.I turned back to Adrian. Id take the vampires. Loyalty to ones kind can only go so far. Somethin g in Adrians face transformed, but I hardly paid it any attention. I was too struck by the realization that the words Id just uttered were akin to high treason in the Alchemists.Eddie and Angeline left later to get us dinner, and I let them take my car, so long as Eddie drove. While they were gone, Dimitri tried to drill in some more self-defense techniques, but it was hard to learn very much in so short a time. I kept thinking of Wolfe warning us to avoid dangerous places. What would he say about me walking into a den of armed vampire hunters?Eddie and Angeline were gone for a while and finally returned, angry at how long the restaurant had taken. I didnt think we werent going to be back in time, said Eddie. I was afraid you wouldnt get food before your mission.I dont even know if I can eat, I admitted. Despite my earlier brave words, I was starting to grow nervous. Oh, you can keep those in case you need the car. Hed walked over to my purse with the keys and dropped them in anyway . Are you sure?Positive.He shrugged and then fished the keys out again. Adrian, to my surprise, watched him with narrowed eyes and seemed upset about something. I couldnt keep up with his moods today.He stood up and walked over to Eddie. by and by a few moments, they moved even farther away and seemed to be having a whispered argument, one that involved a few glances at me.Everyone else looked uneasy and suddenly jumped in with any conversation topics they could find. I could only stare back and forth, feeling like I had missed something important.Trey called me at seven on the dot, saying he was waiting out front. I rose from my chair and picked up the sword, taking a deep breath. Wish me luck.Ill walk you out, said Adrian.Adrian, warned Dimitri.Adrian rolled his eyes. I know, I know. Dont worry. I promised. Promised what? Nobody elaborated. There wasnt far to walk since he lived on the ground floor, but when we stepped outside, he caught hold of me, his work force resting on my arms. A jolt went through me, both at the touch and the unexpected gesture. His only displays of tenderness were usually with Jill.Sage, he said. For real. Be careful. Dont be a hero weve got plenty of them back there. And no matter what happens, I want you to know that I never doubted what youre going to do. Its smart, and its brave.You sound like its already happened and failed, I said.No, no. I just well, I want you to know that I trust you.Okay, I said, feeling a little puzzled. I again had the feeling that I wasnt being told something. Hopefully my plan will work.I needed to walk away, out of Adrians grasp, but couldnt quite do it. I was hesitant to go, for some reason. There was safety and comfort there. Once I left, I really was walking into the lions den. I lingered a few moments more, safe in the circle we made, and then reluctantly slipped away.Please be careful, he repeated. Come back safe.I will. On impulse I took off my cross necklace and pressed it into his hand. Thi s time, keep it for real. keep onto it until I return. If you get too worried, look at it and know that Ill have to come back for it. It goes really well with khakis and neutral colors. I worried he would give it back, but he simply nodded and squeezed the cross tight. I walked away, feeling slightly vulnerable without it, but hoped it reassured him. My discomfort suddenly seemed like a small thing. I wanted Adrian to be okay.I got into the passenger seat of Treys car and immediately gave him the sword. He looked about as miserable as he had earlier. You sure you want to go through with this? Why did everyone keep asking me that? Yes. Absolutely.Let me see your cell phone.I handed it over, and he turned it off. He gave it back, along with a blindfold. Ill trust you to put this on yourself.Thanks.I started to slip it on and then, on impulse, looked back toward the building one last time.Adrian was still standing there, hands in his pockets, face concerned. Seeing my gaze, he managed a small smile and raised one hand in what? Farewell? A grace? I didnt know, but it made me feel better. The last thing I saw was the flash of the cross in the sunlight, just before I cover my eyes with the blindfold.I was plunged into darkness.