Secret Of The Crest by Demetra Gerontakis Page B

but I really think we should postpone the rest of the points for today and just go back. And by the way, Mr. Gregor here will be needing time to do some explaining for all those lies he said back there!’
       ‘I absolutely agree,’ continued Cassandra. ‘I played along with everything only because I was so good at drama class back in high school I thought I’d try again but that didn’t stop me from being scared out of my wits!’
       ‘It sure didn’t seem like you were scared but you played a damn good role I must say. You almost had me believing that you and Gregor were actually together!’ Sarah said smiling.
       Cassandra caught up to Gregor who was leading the group down the trail and she stopped him pulling on his shoulder.
       ‘What is most important is that Gregor tells us what happened back there. Gregor what was that fiasco?’
       ‘Those were ghouls back there. I know all too well. Unless you were all family members it would be impossible to keep them from draining your blood. Every year that has passed, I have seen them in the woods drinking from any passerby. Once, they drank from a tenant we had accommodated and left him lifeless.  They had done their homework well. They knew he had no family and finding him as humble as Mr. Mintitos was well, it made them all the more attracted to him. I found them over and over again taking the lives from the innocent. When I saw them today, for the first time I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to protect you. Animals are easier to stand up to. I am very sorry for taking you to such a secluded place and putting you all in danger like that.’
       ‘No apology is necessary, love. We all came out of our own accord’ Rebecca said. All the others agreed with her.
       ‘Thank you all for being so understanding and quick to play to sudden tune. Come along, we can do the other points tomorrow.’
       They all moved at a quick pace as going down the mountain was easier than walking up it.  Gregor was silent the whole way back. He had too many secrets and had told too many lies already. How was he to keep them all safe without revealing himself? His greatest problem now was keeping the couple from coming to the inn. He needed to plan fast and find a way to keep everyone safe until their departure. That he had to do without raising suspicions upon himself. For the very first time Gregor was distracted with fear. Fear of being uncovered, of loosing his sister again and of unwillingly hurting the people he came into contact with. He couldn’t stop thinking.
       Finally, they arrived back at the inn and Gregor woke to the sound of his grandmother’s voice. Marina was outside watering her vigonias on the front porch.
       ‘Back so soon? I didn’t expect you until at least six or so.’
       They all greeted her and retired to their rooms. All except Rebecca. She slowly turned to Gregor.
       ‘I’d like to thank you for the tour today. It was exhilarating. Would you like to join us later for dinner?’ she shyly asked him.
       ‘After what I put you through today, anything you ask of me, I will not deny but I actually would love to have dinner with you of my own accord. The others won’t mind will they?’
       Of course not! We all enjoy your company. So, see you later!’
       Rebecca ran the stairs to her room with a great big smile on her face. All the while, Marina watched Gregor’s facial expressions and read him like an open book. She waited for the silence and then asked him.
       ‘What has happened? You look as though death is chasing you.’
       ‘Worse! When we were still at the falls we were taken by surprise by the Stefanou cousins. They showed up out of nowhere.’
       ‘How did you maneuver that meeting?’
       ‘I lied, I told them they were relatives and that Cassandra was my fiancé. It worked for the moment but something tells me they won’t give it up.’
       ‘This is very bad Gregor! We must have the