Episode Thirteen Sons of the Dew All humanity is passion; without passion, religion, history, novels, art would be ineffectual. Honoré de Balzac Miss Olivia was eager to accept the Jackal's invitation and visit Château Columba, despite local gossip concerning dovelies. Riding her horse, Basque, to the appointment appealed to the Peyton girl's love of the outdoors and adventure, plus the spring air was bracing. When she arrived, having not seen much of the Jackal following their assignation amidst the forest's yule logs, Juan Carlos was quick to squire the Christmas conquest through the main hall and out to the rear of the château. "Come out with me to the terrace, Miss Olivia," the cunning one intoned. "We'll sit a spell, look out across the valley and plan our quest for new Sybils," he said with a devious grin. "New Sybils?" Olivia asked, a slight frown line disecting her fair brow. "What's wrong with me and Maddie? I also have another great friend and colleague back in the States who is a bona fide Pythia - how many priestesses do you need to be happy?" she laughed, then stopped mid-chuckle when Juan Carlos' frown put an end to any merriment. "You must learn to be less possessive a friend and share me and the Cybersybils with your fellow Pagan sisters. In fact, a couple of nice Pisces girls would bring refreshing water to your Earth and Fire team...your group needs more...compassion...yes, that's just the thing! You might think I don't care, but you are mistaken - I have consulted many ancient astrology books on the matter, just to please you. Why else didn't I call more during the past five months unless I was consumed with thoughts of you?" One arm was around Olivia's waist while the other made a sweeping gesture. "There's so many women out there who need us, Olivia - you don't expect me to ignore them all, do you? What would Eros do?" "I'm sorry," the confused woman stammered, feeling as though she should apologize although she did not want to ask Juan Carlos' pardon for knowing her own vision. "It's just that..." "My dear Miss O, listen. You've given me a complete and perfect revelation of a new Jerusalem. This..." JC's intense gaze again sought the valley, "is part of that revelation. Yet this..." he lifted her face to his, "is what made it possible for me to see the future in all its potential glory." The two returned inside Columba and took a seat by the fireplace in the study. Olivia was stymied by Juan Carlos' behavior, not certain if he was still interested in her amorously or not, yet she remained silent and waited for the mysterious man to make the first move.    Text Copyright © 1999 - 2005 cybersybils.com All rights reserved.