His voice echoed throughout the chamber and his followers shuddered and flinched to hear it. "Imagine my embarrassment if the Old Ones were to be greeted by an Order of the Aurelius stinking of human cattle." The Master touched his chest with a clawed hand. "How do you think that would reflect upon me?"

Lorimer bowed his head in respect. "Then why do you tempt us so with the likes of these?"

The Master stopped pacing and glared at him. "Must I explain everything? The ritual to sunder the Hellmouth is a complex one and special guidance is required if we are to be successful." He approached the children. "These three shall be the instruments for this counsel." The Master patted each upon the head. "Three untainted vessels are needed to communicate with those who wait beyond the veil."

Lorimer fell to his knees in front of him. "It was not my intention to question your greatness, Master. It is just that we are so hungry... "

The others upon the altar quickly looked away, suddenly concerned with their individual tasks.

The vampire lord raised his hand for silence then motioned for the Deacon to rise. "That will be enough, Lorimer. There will be no grovelling on this extraordinary day."

Lorimer climbed to his feet as his master came to him. "You are most merciful, my lord."