Anton had barely peeped in the door of the boys’ temporary bedroom before retreating. Connor had thought he would want a full inspection of some sort, so was grateful when his ancient Sire turned with an enigmatic smile and squeezed his hand on the way past.

The arrival of the Fl’aath elders later the next day was an extremely tense moment, and it was up to Connor to present the rather distraught parents of the Fl’aath negotiators, the eggs he had so carefully rescued. But the elders of the demon clan had all seen the tape of the so called ‘negotiations. The violence, the result, and the gentle reverence with which the full blood Aurelian had treated their now yet to be hatched sons, gave credence to the rumors regarding the ruling house of Europe. Magnanimous, just, noble and enduring.

There was no need for explanations regards the vampire clans in their region, the Fl’aath trusted the Aurelian Court now above all others. And Connor’s promise that any vampire agitators would be dealt with by either the clans of the Court, or the Slayer in the region was taken to heart. And the presence of the ethereal Immortal as the youngster’s surrogate Sire leant even more weight to the pledge.

Connor also explained the fate of his own High Master and Consort, expressing his distress at the extreme regression suffered by the Fl’aath two. He also gave his word that *when* a reversal spell was found, the Fl’aath would be contacted immediately.

After the last statement, a rather squat, aging female Fl’aath stood. She cradled her egg, her - until the previous day - grown son, in her arms. She addressed the group through Anton for those not fluent in Fl’aath. “My adored son is not lost to us, for he is here as he was when I first tended him in his first hatching. I thank you, Connor Aurelius, and feel for you, as you too have lost two brothers to time. Those touched were innocent to this plot.

“Should you restore our sons we will rejoice all the more, but regardless, you have our ruling family and our entire clan’s pledge of allegiance for all time. You saved our two favorite sons when you might just as easily have walked away. We honor you and the Aurelian Line.”

Connor stood and gave a polite bow to the Fl’aath elder, not missing her cooing and petting of the egg as she sat back down at the end of her speech.

“I thank you for your kind words Madam. Indeed our Aurelian household grieves for your sons’ plight along with our own. We have been ‘played’ by external forces it seems. Forces that would have the balance of our nations destroyed. Over the last couple of months, I have come to understand the extent to which my dear brothers and my Sire have worked tirelessly to build and maintain such a balance across all Europe, indeed the world. I am honored that you will join us in this more local struggle for peace and urge you to share what you know.”

Connor looked to Anton after his speech, and registered the immense pride in the Immortal’s face.

What ensued was a watershed of information. The Fl’aath confirmed that their interpreter had come from Wolfram and Hart, and had agreed to work for them gratis on the grounds that he ‘believed in their cause’. They knew he was a warlock from the outset (the magical signature unmistakable) yet thought little of it. In hindsight, it had seemed rather odd that there was such a high level negotiation required for what was in essence a simple case of territorial rights, and  particularly that there needed to be such a fuss about venue.

Master Pepe arrived late in the day and was extraordinarily relieved to find that the hostilities were not just over, but that all concerned were working together to prevent any such misunderstandings in the future. He brought news that one of the renegades had been captured, and that, under careful ‘handling’ by a couple of enthusiastic young vampires, he had confessed to being recruited by a Wolfram and Hart, Paris Office – special branch representative. There was only one name the outlawed minion could recall before he was dusted, “Morgan.”

It was all Connor, the Immortal and Willow needed to hear.

Images of the staff wielded for the spell and every known detail regards the case flashed through the secure Wiccan network. They sought the name of the warlock capable of this level of black magic, his name and his acolytes. Alas it would all take time.

Connor and Anton walked toward the Mistress’ bedroom resolving to transport the young ones home the following day. They had discussed the possible destabilization and implications for the Court should the situation drag on, but the Clans had stuck by the leading couple after their accident so there should be some time to ‘play with’ with regard to organizing that. It was more the original perpetrators of the current plot that the two were worried about. I was too dangerous to keep Spike and Xander at the coven despite the wards and numerous magical protectors. Both Destroyer and Immortal realized that W & H now had two new very young and vulnerable targets to ‘play with’ should they be so inclined. And there was no doubt, Lilah would always be inclined.

It was decided that a quick trip in Anton’s private helicopter was the quickest way to transport the boys with just over 100km to cover – via road taking a number of hours due to mountains and narrow country roads. The vehicle arrived the following morning.

………………….

It was almost thirty eight hours since Connor had slept (and he couldn’t really remember when he had last eaten) as he eased open the door of the Mistress’ bedroom, Anton hard on his heels. He felt strangely ‘jetlagged’ and swayed worryingly. Anton caught him around the waist and maneuvered him to the end of the bed.

Connor’s head throbbed with a fierce headache but he managed a smile and a ‘thanks’ nonetheless.

As they seated themselves, two sleepy little boys emerged together from under an enormous pile of rumpled bed clothes, discarded pillows, and recently hugged soft toys.

Anton seemed to have the same influence on the boys as he had on their larger – and somewhat less human – versions. The pair smiled innocently at each other then slid off their respective sides of the enormous bed and sidled up rather shyly to stand in front of the Immortal.

Anton moved to squat down on the floor and wait for them to approach him. William had the thumb of the hand that also held up the edge of his enormous T-shirt, firmly planted in his mouth, and dragged his bear by one paw with the other. The rather bewildered little lad forgot to remove it as he stood examining their guest with wide blue eyes.

Xander rounded the corner of the large bed with his stuffed bear firmly grasped against his front, Panda caught in a solid double armed hug.

Anton’s warm baritone quashed their nerves, “Well hello William… Alexander. I don’t imagine either of you remember me, but I am hoping you will very soon. I think Connor has told you that you have both been rather ill of late, so I thought you might like a bit of an adventure and a holiday in a lovely big house in Switzerland. Do you know where that is?”

Anton’s perfect upper class English diction put William instantly at ease – he sounded like Uncle Richard, who was ever so nice. The tiny lad pulled his thumb from its safe haven and gave Anton and Connor a broad smile. “Switzerland is over the channel and has lots of mountains and Uncle Richard when skiing once. And…  But…  will Mother and Papa know where we are?”

“Oh, they won’t be worried I’m sure.”

Xander looked decidedly confused and more than a little concerned. The panda was let drop to the ground, to be held only by one monochromatic paw, “Is that near Disneyland? ‘Cause if it is, then that’s a long way, and I’m not sure my Dad will let Mom come get me if I’m far…”

Anton pulled the worried brunette to him by his free hand and hugged him close, then freed him a little to look into the deep chocolate eyes. Anton conveyed his sincerity and pledged his protection in a way the young boy understood, even before the words were said, “We will take care of you Xander. And will be sure to deliver you home afterwards. So, are you happy to join us?”

The young chap looked as though a weight had been lifted, hauled up the panda for another hug, then brightened even more and asked “Will there be pony rides?” then looked immediately doubtful, “Ummm… I don’t mind if… I can just watch… but…” Anton hugged the young lad and panda close again and whispered, “I’m sure we can find a pony for you to ride.” A teary young boy settled into the embrace and simply said, “Oh. That would be… really good.”

William was still standing a little distance from Anton and as ancient kindly green eyes raised to meet baby blue, the small boy, still clutching his new stuffed toy to his side, put his free hand on his hip in a resolute gesture and addressed the Immortal most seriously. “Well I hope we can go soon… Sir… he has been very sick and… and… I could help him with his pony.” The little lad had been so forthright and serious to that point that it was all Anton could do not to smile… but he refrained, as he noted that at no time had little William requested anything for himself.

Anton held out his right hand and addressed the preschooler most seriously, “I give you my word as a gentleman. Xander will have a daily pony ride, should he wish it, at your new venue. And your generous offer to assist him is most welcome.”

The very serious little boy held out his hand – which Anton took. They shook hands ‘as gentlemen’ and William said, “Agreed” while Anton simply nodded and smiled.

……………

The following day saw the delivery of two outfits for each of the boys plus a set of pajamas each. The young wiccan, Sabini, who had arranged the purchases was pleased at her judgement of their sizes – William was wearing a size recommended for three year olds whereas Xander was most definitely a size four to five. The tiny shirts, sweaters and jeans were comfortable and practical. Xander took it all in his stride but William was utterly thrilled that he was allowed long pants (though fussed a little with the strange underwear). The shoes were a bit more problematic – but both eventually sported small, practical walking boots, Williams jeans puddled a little at the tops of his.

Two rather over excited little boys (bears in tow) were finally strapped into their places on Anton’s helicopter and squealed their delight as the rotor started. Connor did notice however that Xander went very quiet and looked somewhat queasy as they took off. He leant forward and put a large hand on the lad’s knee. Xander pulled Panda in a little tighter, managed a rather rueful smile and rallied as William began a commentary of all the things he could see below.

The flight was over all too soon but as they landed on the lawn in front of their enormous home two sets of eyes went wide and Xander whispered in awe, “It’s a castle!”

They were guided across the lawn and wide gravel driveway and both still too busy staring up to say much more. But as the front door opened William (who had been holding Anton’s hand while Connor held Xander’s) looked up at Anton for a moment, and catching his eye said, “Is this your home?”

“Sometimes, little one. This is the home of my closest relatives and that includes Connor over there.”

“Is he a duke or something?”

“I suppose you could say something like that or perhaps you could call him a prince really, as his half brother is one of the rulers of Europe. You are related to them both you know… and to me too.”

“I am? But Mother says we don’t have anyone royal in our family?”

“Ah well… she could not have known.”

William frowned a little and did not join his little friend as Xander bounded ahead of Connor and up the sweeping staircase. Then his eyes lit up, “Is it because you are foreign?… Connor talks strangely.”

“Indeed we are both ‘foreign’ little one, Connor grew up in America and I here on the continent for the most part.”

William’s eyes narrowed a little, “So is Xander from America too? ‘Cause he talks like that too.”

“Yes dear heart, he was born in America. But he is here now with you. Now why don’t you follow him up the stairs and find your room while I arrange some luncheon for us.”

Satisfied with the answers William raced after his small companion, his bear bumping its way up the stairs behind him.

......

Anton watched the scene and smiled, then turned to toward the study. Gregor would arrange the food while Anton set about assuring the protection of his three Childer now they were home... He and Connor would have much to do that evening.

He sighed as he settled into Spike's leather office chair and booted up the computer, it never seemed be an easy life for the ruling couple...