Willful and independent slayers,Crichlowe pointedly returned.Surely you can see how that worries them.
Does it worry you?Giles challenged the older man with an insolent scowl. It was getting difficult to get a read on Crichlowe. Was he for this change, or against it?
Why trouble yourself over what I think,the other man countered as if intuitive.The Council certainly doesn't give a fig about my opinion. There are people, whoever, that think as you do. Individuals that might carry influence upon the Council's decision.
Except for you, I have yet to meet any of them,Giles grumbled bitterly. Crichlowe nodded sympathetically, his next comment taking Giles completely by surprise.
I could make that arrangement, if you're interested.The suggestion staggered Giles. Was Crichlowe saying that he held some special sway over the Council, or was this some sort of test of his loyalty? He searched for some appropriate response, not ready to commit to such a tempting promise. Throughout history, there were always factions opposed to those in power. Why should this new Council be any different? While it would be good knowing they had an encouraging ally to their cause, he was unsure what such a meeting would gain, or whether it would be worth risking the Council's ire. Still, anything that would render this stressful experience more positive would be welcomed, especially if it led to success for Buffy's school.
For in the end, that was the one thing most important to him.
I would be very interested in meeting these people, indeed,Giles replied when he had finally found his voice.
Good! Then, carry on,he smiled, sweeping his cane in the direction of the great doors before them.Stepping back, Crichlowe encouraged Giles to open those doors, and enter the great hall waiting beyond. As Giles passed over the threshold and looked around, taking in the spacious surroundings. He found this room at once noticeably different from the Council chambers at the opposite end of the hall, and could palpably feel that change immediately affect his disposition.
While as imposing in size, this space was designed to impress, not intimidate. Missing were the threats of power implied by weaponry hanging on the walls. Instead, the décor reflected calming landscapes, and photos of the family that lent a friendly atmosphere to welcome those warmly invited into its personal graces.
This was the library, or so had been used when the castle had been converted for the use of paying guests. Great wooden bookcases covered the bulk of the room's walls. The one exception was the area facing outward toward what appeared to be the summit's edge. This wall boasted floor to ceiling windows and a pair of French doors, all of which overlooked a paved area with some pleasant gardens before suddenly dropping off to provide an unobstructed view of the town below.
The spectacular vision was enhanced by the sophisticated furnishings scattered about the space. There were multiple clusters of chairs and small side tables, the intimate areas designed so that guests could gather and sit in comfort to chat, or take advantage of the hundreds of books around them. Antique rugs softened the stone floors underfoot, and there was plenty of lighting to brighten the room's interior. This was a room that read as home, though on a decidedly grander scale than most people would know.
One feature the library shared with Council chambers was the presence of a great rectory table positioned toward the back of the room. To Giles' astonishment, the surrounding chairs were occupied by a dozen waiting people engaged in amiable chatter. Their conversation came to an immediate halt, however, as his presence became known, and they all turned expectantly to face his direction.
Seeing that he had interrupted some sort of meeting, Giles quickly drew up short, and drew a breath to begin his apology, but a poke at his back from Crichlowe's cane sent him tripping forward again, guiding him toward the group.
There were two empty seats waiting, and Giles felt himself being steered toward the one at the table's empty head. As he took his appointed place, Chrichlowe assumed the position to his right side, his grin sharing some secret with the others gathered about the table.
I suppose introductions are in order,Crichlowe started.And as host of these proceedings, that honor falls to me.He began, gesturing to each person around the table in turn, rattling off names. Most were unknown to Giles except through reputation or inference, while some he recognized personally from his years as a Watcher. There were also a few more recent acquaintances. Familiar faces met during his travels around the world as he collected potentials in the hope of saving them from The First's Bringers.
Seated to his immediate left was Thomas St. Germaine. A middle-aged man, Giles knew very little about St. Germaine. They had met during those first days after his graduation from university. Young and ambitious, they were eager to begin their newly chosen careers as Watchers, and within weeks, each had received their assignments, and were never again to meet until today.
The next to be introduced were Millicent Westlake and Agnes Newbury. Sisters, they had long since retired from their service as Watchers, and would have had more in common with Giles' father's generation than his own.
Eduoard Mercier had traveled from across the channel from his home in Rouen, France. Giles had first met the man a few months earlier when the young potential in his care, Ninnette Leroy, was murdered by The First's minions, and Mercier had barely escaped the same grim fate.
The international forum included a representative from Spain as well. Fernando Alvarez was in his late twenties, and a fresh young face within the group of Watchers. Giles could see that he was excited to be counted with those at the table, and eager to make his mark within Watcher ranks by being part of these proceedings.
Traveling from the region of South Africa, M'Buto Friday was a large and cheerful man with a smile that flashed easily. He possessed a booming laugh to pair with it, and used both to counter his otherwise intimidating presence.
Seated across from Friday was Cassandra O'Brien, a woman who could easily have played the role of a James Bond love interest. Fetching and young, she dressed the part of the intellectual beauty in a form tailored suit, and wearing her coppery blonde hair pulled loosely back in a knot. Giles suspected her glasses were a mere prop to reinforce the fact she was more than a pretty face, which she wore with an apparently uneasy weight.
To her side sat Nikkos Papadakis. A dark haired and swarthy built dealer of antiquities, Papadakis called Athens his home. As with Mercier, the Greek had recently lost his potential to The First. Sofia Christofi's murder had been particularly brutal, and Giles had arrived within only hours of her death to find Papadakis broken and defeated by the loss of his charge. The two Watchers had spent that night together drinking Sans Rival Ouzo chilled in straight shots, and honoring the passing of a life taken so soon.
Another familiar face at the table was old Angus MacAlister. Known to those under his tutelage as
The Bear, MacAlister was an expert in the use of a sword, a skill he passed on to many young Watchers, including Giles. He was a popular man to have at one's side in a pinch when a fight erupted at the pub, and Giles could personally attest to the man's bruising strength when handling a weapon, which he had unfortunately experienced during the course of their many training sessions together.The last three chairs were seated with older retired Watchers that Giles didn't personally know. There's were names he'd only heard in passing conversations. Lucinda Seaton. Graham Harrington. Vijay Singh Barnala. These were Watchers from times past, their age having earned them a chance at a peaceful retirement, but they had put off the start of those quiet Golden Years understanding the importance of bringing change within the Council.
So now you've met the cast of recreant insurrectionists,Crichlowe announced.At least those of us willing to put our necks on the chopping block. There are others. Those too frightened to show their faces. They're waiting out the shift in Council seats before making their move. Once the wounded have been weeded out from the ranks, they'll step forward, and join with those of us who survive. But for now, you'll simply have to make do with us.
Of course, we all know who you are,the older man chuckled.Rupert Giles. Upstart rebel. The man who would have us believe a slayer could as easily survive an apocalypse as a half-off sale at Harrod's.
I'm certain she would find the latter a preferable challenge to her particular skill set,Giles affably returned.
The floor's yours, my boy,Crichlowe grinned, bowing his head toward Giles. He took the last empty seat, leaving the younger Watcher to stand alone at the head of the table. His bony hand touched a bound report lying before him, one of a dozen spread among those seated.Cassie there managed to get a copy of your proposal, and ran off a copy for everyone. We've done the reading, and we're prepared to hear what you have to tell us about this training school for slayers.Giles had been waiting for this moment. A rush of adrenalin fill his veins, and sent his heart nervously racing a bit faster. He looked around him at the table of eager faces. It wasn't the audience he had originally expected, but it would do.
Whatever comes of all this,Giles slowly started.I'm grateful for the opportunity to share what I feel is a vision for the future. Our future. Those of us who are Watchers, and the many slayers out there who will come to stand with us against the forces of evil.
We've all survived a difficult chapter in our organization's history. I can only hope we've learned something valuable from these terrible events, that they allow us to grow stronger, rebuilding upon those worthy traditions of the past, and reconciling with the changes that will be necessary for our continued existence as Watchers.Giles paused a moment, directing his gaze toward the men who had recently lost their potentials, then lingering sympathetically upon his host.
Standing here today, I consider myself one of the fortunate. I've lost less than some, though I'd venture to say not one of our numbers has gone unscathed by these trying times. We've seen our comrades fall in battle. Tended to our wounded. Buried our dead. And now that the fight is at a stalemate, it has been left to those of us remaining to ensure the mission continues.
For heed my word, there will always be evil. This war we wage will never truly be over. And it is in keeping vigilant that we best honor those who have given up their lives, so that in some small way we might bring a purpose to their sacrifice.
But to do that in all good conscience we need avail ourselves of every opportunity at our disposal. We've been handed an unprecedented advantage. No longer is there a single slayer, a Chosen One to lead the battle. Now there are hundreds of newly enacted slayers, presenting an untapped potential that could conceivably turn the tide of this struggle for generations to come.Giles could feel a dozen pair of eyes staring, awaiting every word for some divine inspirational message. An instant of panic tightened his throat, his words suddenly paralyzed within his mouth. Gone was his confidence, fleeing with the speech he'd so diligently practiced to say. Everything had come to an abrupt halt as the room closed in around him, his heart sinking with every silent second that ticked away.
Giles nervously swallowed, his courage bolstered as he pictured the faces of those eager young slayers who would benefit from this proposed training academy. They were depending upon him to come through with the money for this school. More importantly, Buffy was depending upon him. If he expected to succeed he would have to convince these people this venture was in all their best interests, and he wasn't going to accomplish that with maudlin lectures about duty and honor. He needed to connect with his audience, appeal to them at a personal level. It was time he looked at this from a new perspective.
My apologies,he said when he had finally found his tongue.I had prepared that speech for the Council. Buffy told me it was a bit pompous and long winded, but she thought they would appreciate that sort of thing.
Your girl's bang right with that one,Crichlowe croaked with a chortle.Pemberly would have invited you to sit there next to him, and we would have lost another good man to the blasted Council bureaucracy.
I'm certain he would have quickly changed his mind when he heard this next bit,Giles returned.I'm here on behalf of all the recently enacted young slayers. We are all aware of the importance of preparing a potential for that possible day she may be called upon to become a slayer. For generations Watchers have been tasked with this duty. And while that role has in no way diminished in importance due to this shift in circumstance, our numbers today are significantly inadequate to answer the demand for that instruction.
In these past months, I was privileged to have witnessed what I feel may become the protocol of the future for our slayers. While it was born out of the necessity of trying times, the results were no less than astonishing for the improvidence of the situation that we faced. Within the short time she had, Buffy Summers drew together a powerful and formidable army of young girls from what had only weeks before been a frightened batch of run-up potentials, some of whom had been completely unaware of their calling and had absolutely no training.
While it would be tempting to say she performed a bloody miracle, what she accomplished was not due to mere luck or any otherworldly intervention. It was intensive training, dedication to the cause ahead of her, and a unique camaraderie with her fellow slayers in arms that brought about what might be perceived as the impossible.Giles paused, as much for effect, as to fight the sudden catch that had risen in his throat.
It would be easy to accuse me of prideful boasting when I say the slayer in Buffy shone most brilliantly when the situation was at its direst and dimmest moments. And you would have every right to do so, for I am indeed proud of what she has become, proud of what she is, an extremely selfless young woman with the fortitude and wisdom to act as a general when the need arises. A leader that isn't afraid to make the same sacrifices she asks of her people, and who will go the extra distance when required.
And yet, for all her toughness and courage, she manages to retain that spark of humanity required to inspire. It is that caring, that, if you indulge me in coining a phrase, her very 'Buffyness' that has made her different from other slayers of which we've read. It is a quality that has allowed her to survive and rise again and again against the insurmountable. To fight against that force which she has been told she cannot conquer, yet she somehow defies all odds, and not only does she defeat, but does so with decided presumption, and with what can only be described as bally cheek.His comment brought a round of appreciative chuckles from his audience. In that brief interim as Giles collected his thoughts, one of the elder sisters, Agnes Newbury spoke up.
Your Buffy sounds absolutely fascinating,the woman pronounced.And you have every right to sing her laurels. But she is quite young. And while she has endured under the pressures of being a slayer, she has had you at her side to guide her. What makes you think she's capable of running a training school on her own? She has neither the education required to be a teacher, nor the experience to get a successful business venture off the ground. If you will pardon my caution, these are points that we need to consider.
You have every right to your questions,Giles replied.And it is my intention to place those doubts to rest. While this concept of a training school is Buffy's idea, and I don't wish to take away any of that credit, she is not alone in this, any more than she was ever was without assistance as my slayer. I have given her my pledge to stand by her in this operation, to offer my advice, my life skills, even what financial assistance that I have. That is how much I believe in her idea. How much I believe in her.
She also has the help of a devoted team behind her, several companions willing to lend their time, their hands and their respective talents to the task wherever they are needed. They include a powerful witch with genius skills at the computer, a knowledgeable carpenter and construction foreman, and a budding young research assistant who can offer moral support that is unparalleled.
These young people have been there at her side for the last seven years, since almost the inception of her slayer calling. They have stayed with her through life and its misfortunes, facing repeated danger, several apocalypses, and this latest confrontation against The First. I can guarantee they won't consider abandoning her at this time in her life.
And who are these people?asked Angus MacAlister.And why haven't we heard of them before?Giles frowned, confused.
If you've read any of my journals, I've made constant mention of them, and others as well.
You need to remember, Rupert,Crichlowe harrumphed.While as a Watcher charged with an active slayer you have had access to your predecessor's writings, no one else here has shared that unique position. Only Mercier and Papdakis, who have trained their own potentials, have had the opportunity to access your journals. Many of us were restricted of that right by the past Council, and it is only recently that your story has been made available, and then in a Council sanitized format.
I don't understand.Giles responded.I thought that every Watchers' diaries were available to any who wished to read them.
So it has been for many years as far back as I can remember,Graham Harrington, the elder Watcher sitting next to Crichlowe confirmed.But there was a point somewhere about five years back where the Council impounded those records, and one required special permission to gain access. Especially if it concerned anything having to do with the current slayer.
In other words,Crichlowe further extrapolated.Your journals in particular had become suspect, and only a privileged few on the Council were reviewing them, and releasing a heavily redacted version to those of us with the tenure to force the action, and who demanded transparency.
So you see, Rupert, your journals for all purposes were never read by the masses. They, and many of the other Watchers' works burned with the previous Council when the library was destroyed.
We've had one hell of a time trying to recover those lost records,MacAlister added, his brogue thickening with his voiced frustration.And all this Council crinkum-crankum bickering isn't helping one bleeding bit! The idiots can't wipe their own ar. . . , err, nose without taking a vote.He slid an apologetic look toward the women sitting around the table.Sorry, ladies,he contritely proffered.I have a tendency to forget my manners when talking about those gormless witlings.
No need to apologize, Angus,Millicent Westlake spoke on behalf of her sisters in arms.We've all had to deal with this new order of The Watchers' Council. These times have been trying for all of us.
Which is why we have all come to the agreement that something has to change,Cassandra O'Brien pertly snipped in her best no-nonsense tone.And since the Council seems both unwilling and unable to recreate itself, then perhaps we should seek that change within the newest members of this organization, the very slayers themselves.
Mr. Giles,she continued, directing her comments toward their prime speaker.I'm not in the habit of thwarting tradition, but it would seem to me that with so many girls to train, and so few of us Watchers, that allowing one of their own to step up to fill that role would be both practical and logical. Your Buffy is one of our longest lived girls, and I'd say that alone qualifies her to teach the others.
My point precisely,Giles echoed.While Buffy has never professed to any expertise in the various forms of martial arts, or weapons combat, she is adept at staying alive by using any means at her disposal. But what she feels is a more important lesson to impart to those she will train is the desire to fight for their cause, whatever that may be. Whether they choose to protect friends and family, or to serve a higher purpose in keeping the anonymous masses of the world itself safe from evil, Buffy believes that each girl needs to focus on what is important to her, for ultimately, that is where she will find the source of her strength and inspiration, her will to continue to fight and live for the next battle. While there are no statistics on slayer burnout, I'd wager we've lost many a girl to the sad truth that their work is never completed, that no matter how much evil they manage to erase from this world, there will always be more out there awaiting the chance to make its move. Keeping alive becomes the ultimate slap in the face of an enemy that refuses to accept defeat.
To survive is to thwart one's enemy. An interesting philosophy.This was from Vijay Singh Barnala, one of the oldest Watchers sitting that day at the table.One has but a single life to give up for a cause, but to live and fight again keeps the enemy forever on the defensive, never to be able to claim victory.
It would seem we are in agreement that Rupert's girl has the proper stuff to teach the others her craft,Crichlowe announced.Now as to the matter of running a business. . .
In that area, again, she would not be alone,Giles informed those at the table.For several years I was in possession of a thriving business. What principals I practiced there can be easily transferred to the operations of the slayer's training school. I understand your concerns, and am willing to provide the necessary records to prove those profits, which I fully intend to invest within this school. That is how deeply I believe in this cause.
And we appreciate your dedication to your slayer, and would expect no less from her Watcher.said Thomas St. Germaine, the man to Giles' immediate left.I believe I've heard enough. Does anyone have additional questions? No? Then I suppose it's time we take a vote.Giles had been standing throughout his talk, and turned to leave and allow the panel their privacy. His path was suddenly blocked by the obstacle presented by the long reach of a familiar black cane.
And where do you think you're going?Crichlowe brusquely demanded.Sit down. This isn't the bloody Council. We don't hide our intentions in secretive decisions. Besides,he looked to his fellow panelists.I believe we're all in agreement.He received a unanimous round of nods from his companions.Congratulations, Rupert. You are now the proud founder of your very own slayer training school.
I…I don't know what to say.Giles was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion. His knees became wobbly, refusing to stay locked, and he found himself dropping into the empty seat.This. . this is. . I don't know what to say,he repeated for lack of any other words.
Thank you would be a good place to start,smiled Lucinda Seaton, speaking as the motherly voice of age.It is my opinion that good manners are always in order.
Of course,Giles breathed. He could feel the large grin that was now ringing his face.Thank you, thank you very much. I owe each and every one of you a great debt. I promise, the trust you have placed in Buffy and myself is not misguided. We intend to give this school our very best effort, and ensure its success. And as part of our end of this bargain we will keep you all completely appraised of what is happening every step of the way.
That would be only appropriate, considering,St. Germaine returned.And once you are up and full running, we hope to receive an invitation to see your school. I personally look forward to that day.
Much as I would like to join you all,Crichlowe sighed.These old bones aren't much for travelling these days.
I'm with Basil on that one,Agnes smiled. She was joined with nods from several of her elder companions.You younger Watchers can do the leg work. I'll make do with the traditional approach, and ask you all to bring back plenty of pictures.While there had never been any sense of uneasiness in the room, with the main business now done and out of the way the atmosphere became considerably relaxed. Those around the table stood up, and began to mingle, making the best of the comforts afforded by their environment and their host. Crichlowe called the castle staff to bring tea, though more than one of the impromptu faux Council went straight for the harder stuff. Alcohol was poured, glasses raised in friendly toasts. Giles found himself the center of attention as he mingled with the group, visiting each in turn to thank again.
Tea arrived, and Giles availed himself of the ceremonious drink. He found it easy to chat with the people in the room, and enjoyed the next hour renewing old acquaintances and making several new ones. It was the first time in months Giles had the chance to let down his guard, and act like a regular person, not the mother hen he'd been for all the younger charges for whom he'd been responsible. No bills to worry over, nothing important that required his immediate attention. Most of all, no adolescent persons demanding he fix, or do, or arbitrate some silly argument. Simply tea, and adult conversation. It was absolute bliss.
By the time Giles had come around to speaking again with Crichlowe, he was ready to focus on the business at hand. The two men had settled in before the room's huge fireplace, their chairs positioned to offer them a small break of privacy from the others who continued to chatter, and laugh.
I'd like to thank you once again for all you've done,Giles started. The older man quickly cut him off with a gesture.
I have my reasons,Crichlowe replied.Not the least is giving this blasted Council the what for it deserves. Old guard, or new, they haven't changed one bloody bit. They don't have the proper respect for us elders, or you younger chaps. If you're not part of the Council, your opinions aren't worth the time it takes to hear them.
I'm not exactly the person to best defend the past Council's actions,Giles countered.We've had some problems getting on.
That's no surprise, given your history. As difficult as they made access to your journals, the more many of us suspected something was going on. And then, when you were let go, the whole thing came to a head. It's important you know, not everyone agreed with that decision. There has long been a faction of Watchers who believe we should have done away with the cruciamentum. It's a point those ponces down the hall have yet to get round to with their voting.
I could have stood a few extra friends about that time,Giles sighed.
I don't doubt things were difficult for you,Crichlowe nodded.I had a dear friend back in my younger days. Edmund Worley. His potential was called only weeks before her birthday. She never made it through that blasted test. What a waste of a young life. And for what? The next slayer had no more experience, and she never even made it through her sixteenth year. This has to change.
I couldn't agree with you more. And I'm sure you would have Buffy's vote as well.
I'm sorry I'll never have a chance to meet your girl, Rupert.The older man grew pensive, obviously reflecting on some private matter. Giles was too polite to pry, but his host decided to share his thoughts.
I'm an old man, my boy. I haven't many more days left to me. No time to wait about for changes. If I want to die believing things are better than when I came, I need to act now.
This school of yours. . .of your slayer's,he corrected himself as Giles opened his mouth to remind him.This school is the legacy I hope to leave behind. That's why I'm putting the funds from the sale of this place behind it. As I said, you're near as close to a relative as I have at this late point in my life, and while all we may have in common is my missed chance at romance, it's enough to satisfy this old codger.
Besides,the elder Watcher chuckled.I can't wait to see Pemberly's face when I finally tell him that it's his money setting up your school. That's right, my boy,Crichlowe continued.I've agreed to sell this place to the Council. Soaked them for every penny I could get. Even threw in this little event of theirs as a free enticement to sweeten the deal.
And now I truly am forever in your debt,Giles graciously smiled.I don't know how I'll ever repay you such a generous loan.
That the beauty of it, Rupert. You won't have to worry about that. Think of it as my gift for slayers present and future. It's my contribution to a better world for all. And none of that nonsense about not being deserving. We both know you and your slayer have earned every penny of it in your blood and service. Just make this old man happy with one promise.Giles nodded, still stunned by Crichlowe's charitable gesture.
Whatever you want, I'll do my best to see it done.
You keep that Buffy of yours alive. Give her everything she needs. For if you're the grandson I very nearly had, given how you feel about her, she's undoubtedly my great granddaughter. I wish you both success. And when those girls passage out, you made certain they know every moment of their lives carry an importance beyond this world, and that one doddering old man believed in them.
It will become a part of their graduation, I promise,Giles assured the older man.
Excellent. Then might I suggest we celebrate with something more than tea? I believe there's a bottle of Laphroaig lying somewhere about. That is, if Angus hasn't found it yet.Calling over a member of his castle staff that continued to linger for just such a purpose, Crichlowe sent him on the errand of rustling up the scotch and some glasses. The man returned with a tray several minutes later, and after deftly pouring the two Watchers two generous drinks, left the bottle behind before discreetly disappearing somewhere within the room.
Crichlowe raised his glass with a nod toward Giles.
To a new future,he grinned.And to hell with those Council bastards!
I'll drink to that,came a voice from over Giles' shoulder. It was Angus MacAlister, and he was hoisting his own glass in honor of the toast.
Is there anything you won't drink to, Angus?St. Germaine chuckled.
Not much,he admitted.
Then to the future it is,another voice chimed in. A round of boisterous cheers went up as whiskey and tea were raised, and ceremoniously tossed back with the toast.Joining his companions, Giles swallowed the amber liquid in his glass. He used a bit more caution than some in the room, choosing to imbibe in a generous sip rather than a single gulp. As the initial alcohol burn slid over his tongue, a faint sweetness touched his palate, soon followed by a distinctive peaty flavor roiling with smoke and fire. It was a good beginning to what promised to be a productive trip after all, and Giles sat back, yielding to the comforts of his chair. He could meet up with Andrew later to discuss how things had gone with the Council. For now, he was content to linger and relish in the victory for Buffy's school. After all, he had earned the luxury of an afternoon spent among his fellow Watchers and peers.