I moved out of John's arms and slid into Amelia's embrace next. "I'm so glad to see you looking so well," she whispered quietly in my ear. I nodded my head, knowing I didn't need to answer.
"Hi Krista," Jenna said as I finally turned to her. Unlike the others, she waited to give me a hug, choosing instead to study me critically for a moment, much like Lynn would do. Their uncanny similarities made me smile. Jenna returned my smile before giving me a quick hard hug.
Paul and Keith, who were Amelia and Jenna's Links, were the last to pull me in for bone-crushing bear hugs. I giggled at their apparent happiness to see us.
"So, what's the plan Haniel," Paul asked once all the greetings were out of the way and we were all sitting on the oddly matched furnishings scattered around the room.
"When Jacob and his three other band members arrive, we will load up the provisions and sleeping gear that Robert and Shawn informed me you would need," he said in his typically formal way.
"Yeah, we kinda figured that. My question leans more toward what our plans are once we head out."
"The journey in motorized vehicles will take approximately five hours. I will be joining you there," he said, never being one to travel by traditional human methods.
Sam giggled. "Wow Haniel, talk about being a diva."
Haniel's expression at her words made us all burst out laughing. Picturing Haniel as the classic stereotypical role of a diva was comical.
Haniel had learned enough from hanging out with Sam and I over the summer to understand that Sam's remark was less than flattering, which made it even more hilarious.
"Haniel the diva, oh my lord, my side hurts!' Kieran chirped between the laughter bubbling out of her.
All seven plus feet of Haniel waited patiently while we finished laughing ourselves out. After several moments our mirth finally dissipated.
"Can I continue?" He asked Sam pointedly.
"Um, sure, sorry about that Hannie," Sam said in a tone that made it clear she really wasn't.
"Once we all convene at the location I have indicated on the parchment," Haniel said, indicating the map behind us on the dining room table, "We will set out on foot. The Dark Angel has chosen his headquarters wisely. There are no roads or trails that lead to Victor's headquarters. We will have to create our own path through the rough uninhabited terrain of Mt. Shasta"
"Then how does Victor get to his Lair?" Shawn asked.
I grimaced at Shawn's choice of words.
"He uses the motorized flying machines that seem quite popular with your military," Haniel said, clearly searching for the proper phrase.
"Helicopters," I provided, giving him some help.
"Ah yes, he uses helicopters to enter into his secure location. A word of caution however, once we are on the mountain, Victor will be aware of our presence. He will use whatever means necessary to deceive or destroy us. It is essential that you understand that Victor now possesses greater strength and ability than any of you have ever seen. He is no longer a mere pawn for the Dark One, but an ally, and is treated as such. His powers will equal mine in many aspects.
"What do you mean?" Sam asked, all joking gone from her voice.
"He will have many different resources available to inhibit the success of our mission."
"Like Daemons?" Sam asked.
"Daemons like you have never seen," Haniel answered without elaborating.
"Will they be worse than what we've dealt with before?" Sam asked, gnawing on her lower lip.
"Dude seriously?" Shawn said, clearly aggravated that Haniel had Sam worried.
"It's okay," Sam said pulling out of Shawn's arms. "I don't need it to be sugarcoated. What kind of Daemons?" She continued, turning toward Haniel for clarification.
"Daemons come in many different forms. To describe them all goes beyond my abilities."
"What else will we be facing?" I asked, noting an undercurrent in Haniel's vague explanation.
"It is impossible to know precisely what means Victor will use. For now, you should prepare yourselves for attacks in many different forms."