Katelina's thoughts were barely settled when Maeko, Jorick, Verchiel, and Jamie were called to the dock. They took their places and a guard announced them, introducing Maeko as "fledgling of Jorick."

The gold robed vampire banged the gavel. "The inquiry has begun."

A vampire in the left box puffed himself up and Katelina held her breath, waiting for accusations about Maeko's age. Instead he asked. "What were you doing in China?"

China?

When no one answered ...