Francis Forwarder met Niki and Malika at the top of the stairway leading to the grotto.

      "I'd like to talk to you for a moment, if I may," he said to Niki.

     "Of course." He was throwing the greatest party that anyone could have at any time and thrown for them. Plus, this man, this being, intrigued Niki. If given the chance, she would just love to sit and chat with him for hours, get to know him, become his friend.

    "Actually, there's somewhere I'd like to take you. There's something I feel you need to be a part of."

     Now Niki was really intrigued. "How long are we going to be?"

     "I'm not certain, but it shouldn't be long enough so that anyone would miss you."

     "I'm bringing Malika."

     "As you wish, but the invitation is for you alone."​     

     "In that case, I'm definitely coming," Malika said.

CONTINUE

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