The Truth In Justice

[EvanStar4506]

This story begins after season 6 of the series with just the characters from the Original movie and Highlander series only. The year is 1997 to 1998. Be prepared to go back in time and enjoy!
(Some mild language and love scenes)

The world was going through a very dark cycle when Immortals were born. There was slaughter and bloodshed making progress impossible.
Divine intervention was necessary to prevent extinction. Therefore when a candidate was killed, the body became changed with energy, heat and power. This was the birth of Immortals.

Now Immortals were born every year so there could never be only one. If there was, then mortals would be lost. The mortals and immortals both need each other. Also Immortals must do combat with the evil that exists and sometimes more powerful. All the mortals in the world could never hope to defeat this malevolence. The Immortals could never be, without being mortal first.
The Immortals were born to do this epic battle. Good versus Evil. It will never end or so we thought….
Chapter One

It was eight months since Duncan MacLeod killed Liam O’Rourke and said good bye to his friends. He left the barge in Joe's care and flew off to Africa.

As the second year since Richie's death came ever closer, he was inevitably pulled back to Paris. He was drawn near to the place of triumph and personal tragedy. Reflections of that past still haunted him.
No welcome home greeted him. No friends or party. He opened the barge back up on the eve when immortal history would change.

He awoke up from a troubled dream by morning and sat on the edge of bed, running his fingers through the lengthening brown hair that now brushed his shoulders.

His stomach growl, but ignored it. Food was the last thing on his mind right now.
The air was sweet with the hint of flowers from a vendor near-by and an early spring breeze was blowing in through the open portal.

Although not ready to confront what occurred that made this day any different, he knew it was time. It was now two years exactly to the day Richie was killed.
As he dressed in slightly worn denim jeans and a blue pullover shirt, he took no sword for the errand he would face.

Looking around the space called home, the simple barge with his books and artwork. He was glad to return, but its sparseness stared back at him, mocking his loneliness.

He straightened the bed and thought about his usual breakfast, but he wanted to finish this task and be done with it. Picking out a short leather jacket, he put it on and locked the door behind him.

Less than an hour later he was walking among rows of trees and head stones.
Duncan was almost at Richie’s grave site when he had that feeling that an Immortal was nearby and the uneasiness that put him on alert. He stopped and stayed behind a tree to look around.

There, sitting on the ground, crossed legged by Richie’s grave was a woman. She was wearing dark clothes and her sword on the ground beside her.

Her head was slightly bowed and her light brown hair was covering part of her face. She didn’t look around or acknowledge he was there watching her. Holding a rose to her face she kissed it, and laid it down near the grave marker.

Fingering the metal emblem in his pocket, he waited patiently, giving her as much time as she needed for privacy. His thoughts about Richie were uncertain.

After about five minutes she stood and picked up her sword to slide it into the harness on her back. She walked away without looking back. Her long strides were quickly taking her out of range.

Caught off guard, MacLeod thought of going after her and stopping her to talk but it didn’t seem right to run across the cemetery.

So instead he went over to Richie’s grave and looked down to where she sat. Observing the single white rose and a photograph, he knelt down and picked them up.

Looking at the picture, he felt curious. It was just a snapshot of Richie sitting on a motorcycle holding the woman he saw.

On the back of the photograph he read, "All my hopes and dreams went with you, Love Beth."

Duncan studied the photograph again and wondered why Richie had never mentioned this woman before. He had talked of other girlfriends, why not this one.

He then put the photograph in his pocket and held the rose up to smell it; her tears on the petals moistened his cheek, than Duncan let out a long sigh.

He closed his eyes, seeking some easy forgiveness he wished he could feel. "Richie, I’m sorry." He couldn’t say it enough times.

There could be no closure as long as he accepted the blame. Ahriman made sure Duncan MacLeod still dreamt of that night. Whispers of guilt always plagued his sleep.

He took a keepsake out of his pocket to bury next to the marble headstone. "Ride well my brother." He said quietly, pushing it into the dirt.

Standing up, he walked slowly away feeling the heavy heart within, still holding the rose.

(Part 1)

[EvanStar4506]

(part 2) Chapter one

The sky clouded over as Duncan drove over to Joe Dawson's place, Le Blues Bar. Passing the many beautiful parks and gardens so prevalent in Paris along the way, but his mind was not on their beauty.

Joe Dawson, his best friend for more than five years and ever present Watcher. At times he was willing to lend him information when in need. That was until a year ago, when Ahriman was defeated.

Joe went on a quick vacation to see his niece in the United States, but returned when MacLeod disappeared without word except the request to take care of the barge.

Thinking back over the past year Duncan knew how that scandal had changed Joe. Now it was time to pay him a visit. The past year they had spoken only once by telephone.

When he arrived there it was still early afternoon so he went around back and found the door unlocked. After a quick rap upon the door he went inside closing it behind him. The darkness within matched his mood.

Joe seemed to be expecting his visit and called out, "I'm back here." He was in the storage room going through some boxes.

From the doorway, Duncan noticed there were some of Richie’s things scattered about the room.
Remarking as he walked in he said, "Seems this is the day to reminisce." and sat down near the door on an old chair.

Joe looked older than his years and his nearly white hair was now sprinkled with a few black ones. But his clear blue eyes still showed the strong desire he had for life.

He tried to smile a greeting to his friend, but it came out faint saying, "I’ve kept these things so long, I don’t know what to do with them." He dropped the personal treasures back into a box nearby.

Mac looked at the odd assortment that made up the young immortals life. All he had taken were Richie’s riding gloves. Deciding against picking through the items, he held out the photograph taken from the grave.
"Did Richie ever tell you of an Immortal named Beth?" He asked in expectation.

Dawson took the photograph from him and studied it closely, read the back then studied the front some more before handing it back to him.
"I remember Richie did tell me of one particular Immortal woman he met. He didn’t mention her name, but he did describe her pretty well. It could be her." replied Joe, giving a quick smile.

"What did he say about her?" asked Mac, leaning in closer.
In a reminiscing tone, Joe answered him. "During his travels, Richie said he came upon a battle and watched out of curiosity being impressed by this woman's style. Afterwards he said he introduced himself and asked her if she could show him some moves."

Mac interrupted, "I trained him to fight well enough."
"Yes, you did." Agreed Joe continuing, "But her style was so unique, Richie mentioned never seen its manner before. When she agreed, he stayed with her for a several months. He said he learned a great deal about defense fighting and he hinted they were more than just friends."

Mac tried to understand why Richie would confide in Joe and not himself.

He handed the photograph back to Joe and inquired, "What made her so special? See what you can find in your Watcher files about her."

"Sorry Mac, I don’t think I should." stated Joe, not accepting the picture. Then he asked, "Why the sudden interest?"

"I saw her at Richie’s grave this morning." He replied, "I want to find out more, that’s all." turning the photograph over in his hand.

Joe stayed firm, "Then you should have talked to her when you had the chance. So track her down yourself." He stood up feeling a little unsteady from the hours of sitting.

"All right I will, but can you at least give me her full name, please?" Mac asked, standing up and holding the photograph out once more.

Joe looked uncertain, measuring up his need to know. He relented taking the photograph, "I've spoiled you haven't I."

Mac gave a grateful smile and his eyes crinkled at the corners. "Thanks Joe."

They left the storage room and locked the door to shut up the memories once more.
Joe Dawson went limping into the next room where he kept his private computer files of the Watchers Chronicles stored.

Duncan MacLeod walked tiredly into the customer area of the bar and sat at a table, looking around he saw few things had changed. The pictures of the great blues artist still lined the wall. Most of them personalized to Joe.

The air smelled faintly of cigar smoke from the night before. The small stage for the band held only a few chairs and stands.
He took out the rose from his jacket pocket and was lost in thought.

Joe took his time researching what information to give Mac. "Not too much, but just enough." He thought. After scanning the photograph, a match was made. Scratching the end of his short beard, he read the screen.

"What is he going to get himself into?" Joe said to himself, printing up the pages. Standing up he slowly made his way to the other room.

"Why do you want to look for her anyway?" asked Joe, sitting down at the same table with Mac. He symbolically drop the photograph between them.
Mac looked reserved, but replied, "I just want to explain to her what happened to Richie, maybe try and clear up the past."

"Oh, not because she is good looking," teased Joe, watching Mac smile back.
"This is it," clearing his throat, he began reading, "Elizabeth Windsor, A.K.A. Bethany Wallace are the only names I have and her whereabouts just say she’s in Paris. That is until I update my files later."

Duncan pondered this and then inquired, "Is that all you’re going to tell me?" He looked at Joe with appeal in his brown eyes.

"I’ll make you a deal." Joe bargained, seeing his weakness, "I’ll give you what stories I have, true or not, if you help me?"

"Agreed." he said, holding out his hand, "Now tell me what you have."

Joe laughed at Mac’s impatience and began reading. "O.K. here goes; it seems she has a two hundred year history, parts of it blank. She was good at hiding. Surfaced in 1790 and spotted by our people in Devonshire, but stayed out of all entanglements that went on during the late 1800’s in England. She went into a convent and would stay for 20 years and then move to another. She was in Scotland for many years. As for challengers, she fights like a madwoman and wins.”

Joe looked up from the paper, "Quite a feat to go over two hundred years as an Immortal and never take a head or to lose yours."

MacLeod questioned, "How do you know she has never taken a head if part of her history is missing?"

"All the reports say she’s refuses their head and remains a loner." Joe went on to say, "And so far no challenger ever went back for more." Joe concluded, "Last of all, she keeps no friends. That was until Richie showed up in 1995."

Mac asked "That’s all you have? What about details like who she really is?" He snatched the papers to look for any more facts.

"What do you need details for? But a deal is a deal, right?" Joe said, taking back the papers.

Mac responded with, "That still doesn’t prove that she’s never had a first quickening." He was trying to decide if finding her was worth the trouble. He picked up the photograph off the table and looked at it again.

Joe replied, "Who knows? If Richie knew why she won’t take a head, he didn't tell me." He waited a moment for Mac to be ready to hear his request.

[EvanStar4506]

(part 3) chapter one

As he thought this information over he finally asked, "So what's bothering you, Joe?"

"It's Amy, she signed up to go back into Watcher training." He answered not looking happy about it.

"Isn't that to be expected? She did get the assignment before she was ready." He remarked.

Joe nodded and remained quiet for a moment before he spoke. "Yes, but the specialized field she requested was intelligence."

Mac whistled his surprise, "Why would that interest her?"

"She wouldn't tell me." Joe said, with worry aging his once youthful face.

"That first assignment must have changed her more than she let on." Duncan speculated, remembering how sinister Morgan Walker had been.

"I'm confiding in you as a friend because I need your help." Joe said, full of torn emotions.

MacLeod nodded for him to continue, leaning closer he mirrored the seriousness in his friend.

Joe related what the past month had been for him. "I went by to see Amy’s mom just as a friend. Well she was actually glad to see me."

Joe smiled slightly, "That was until Amy walked in. She pretended not to care, but there in front of her was her mom and me renewing our friendship, just talking." He shook his head sadly.

Duncan asked, "Why should that bother her?"

"It shouldn't but all she saw was her mom’s infidelity from 20 years ago. And she decided it was my fault." Taking out a small picture of Amy with her mom, he showed it to Mac.

"I assume you’ve already tried reasoning with her?" MacLeod asked, looking at the picture seeing the resemblance to Joe.

Amy had his smile with the dimple in the cheek. Her short brown hair that framed her face gave her the appearance of being younger than she was.

"Mac, if you could have seen her the last time I did at a Watcher meeting. Her face was hardened and she should no emotion at all when I told her, I loved her." Shaking his head, he threw his hand up in a gesture of surrender.

"But you're her father. How can she resent you like that?" He said, trying to understand with what his friend felt.

Joe shook his head saying, "I don't know but I want you to find her. Tell her I'm not giving up and to give me a chance, I’ll do whatever it takes." He pleaded, "You owe me."

Mac nodded and promised, "Anything for you, Joe. If you get me the address of the camp she's at, then I'll try to see her."

Joe smiled at his friend's promise, taking his hand and shaking it. "Thanks Mac, this means a lot to me."

"You’re welcome." He replied, "Right after I find Elizabeth and tell her what happened to Richie."

"How soon will that be?" asked Joe. "I’ll try and get her location for you later."

"Do that, I’m hoping tomorrow I can track her down." He looked at the other picture that had him intrigued. She was just an ordinary looking girl with light brown hair and a pretty oval face. But those watery gray eyes were such an unusual color.

Pocketing the rose with the photograph Mac then spoke up, "I’m going to have lunch, care to join me for old times?"

Joe smiled, "Sure if you’re buying, but I can't leave right now."
Mac proposed, "Tell you what, I’ll get some take out and bring it back. We can eat here." Standing up he pushed the chair in.

"I think that will work." agreed Joe, also standing up and stretching his back and arms.

"Then I’ll be right back." said Mac, going to the back door. Giving Joe the thumbs up signal he went out and shut the door.

The rain was just starting and he looked up to judge the darkness of the clouds. Decided against an umbrella, not minding a little rain, his jacket would survive.

His thoughts turned over what Joe had told him. "An Immortal who has been two hundred years on this earth and never killed is a rare thing."
He slid into the front seat of the green SUV. Thinking about what brought him back and then seeing Joe again, he sighed heavily. The only thing he didn't regret was the memories that remained.

[destiny]

This is great, EvanStar. More, please. :)

[EvanStar4506]

This is great, EvanStar. More, please. :)

I have 33 chapters for the first book and the posts limit me so I have to split up the chapters. If everyone bears with me, I'll eventually post them all.


Chapter 2

Joe Dawson went back to his computer and brought up the information again. He sat down and read more on Elizabeth Windsor but still had so many questions. Where did she come from and when was she made an Immortal.

When Duncan MacLeod returned a half an hour later with a hot lunch, Joe was there letting him in and he looked outside before shutting the door.

"Looks like a long rain." He commented, going over to sit down.

Duncan sat down as well and unpacked the meal opening up the containers of Potato soup seasoned with leeks and a vegetable salad for himself. For Joe, a steak sandwich, his favorite. As they ate, they swapped stories.

Joe related a story about his early life growing up. Not wanting to say he'd heard it before, Duncan listened politely.

"So I was just this kid growing up in St. Louis, hearing the vendors in my neighborhood as they called out, "Straaawberries" their voice made it sound just like a song."

Mac grinned on cue, eating the best part of his salad with slow even bites and savoring the taste.

Reminiscing further Joe said, "In those days I heard the Blues on the street near where I lived and started playing with school friends." He gave a chuckle, "Yeah, we played until our fingers hurt."

Of all his talents, Joe always wondered why Mac never learned to play an instrument. Maybe it just wasn't in him.

Said Joe quietly, "I couldn't go a day without it, Mac. Music is everything to me."

Then drinking the last of the soup, Joe felt its warmth flow into him chasing out the cold as the rain was heard pounding the windows.

The two friends reminisced for a while, Duncan recited to Joe reports on the past eight months in Africa and why he wanted to be left alone.

As the afternoon lengthened, Joe went to the bar and poured two drinks of the Scotch Malt liquor Mac favored.

"That encounter with Ahriman somehow changed me." Mac confided to his closest friend. "I tried to understand it and even accept what happened to me."

He sat down with the tray and asked, "What exactly do you mean?"

"Joe, I know I haven’t seen you much this past year, but do I seem different?" asked Mac, folding his large hands around the glass.

Thinking for a moment before he replied, "Yes, different in that you’re quieter and brooding, not so quick to laugh and joke around."

Duncan agreed, "I know that but I feel different physically. Sometimes I almost feel mortal again." He confided to his watcher, “Keep this out of your report but I had a wound from a fight and it took a long time to heal.”

Joe looked concerned and asked, “How long did it take?”

Duncan answered, “All day.”

He went on to say, "I have strange dreams where I'm still trying to defeat that demon, but the ending is always different. Then I wake up in a sweat and remember that he’s gone."

[EvanStar4506]

(part 2) chapter two

"You still feel responsible for Richie’s death." Dawson said, knowing the answer.

Nodding slowly, Mac looked into his glass. "At times it comes back." He filled it again with Scotch.

Joe arched his eyebrows, "Then it sounds like Ahriman is a sore loser and is trying to get back at you the only way it can in your dreams."

Joe thought of the obvious, "What about holy ground?"

Duncan answered, "No, it doesn't work. Those dreams still haunt me there. I just try to take each day as it comes."

"Whatever you say Mac, just let me know if those dreams become too real or they don’t go away." replied Joe, checking his watch for the time.

He nodded, then asked, "What’s has been happening with Methos?"

"He was staying in Greece writing his chronicles again." Dawson revealed. "Methos has taken on an air of complacency. At least that's the way it appears. He called me a few days ago and wanted to see me."

"Maybe he doesn't want to fight anymore." said MacLeod, smiling at the thought.

Joe nodded, "I know you’re not as quick to take a life as you used to. I see that you still don't have your sword at all times." he remarked looking at the short jacket Duncan wore.

"I know it but don’t lecture me anyway." He said, feeling defensive.
Both men sat in silence while finishing their drinks. They were each thinking of times past when in mortal years that time wasn’t very long ago.

Outside the rain had been pouring down for some time without sign of letting up. Duncan rubbed his eyes and stretched, not wanting to go outside in the rain right now. The Bar was warm and inviting.

He then inquired, "Joe, any chance I could crash on that couch in the back room?"

"For you anytime," He replied, standing with effort.

Helping him up Duncan said, "Thanks, I’ll see you in a few hours."

Going to the back room, he closed the door against the noise from the bar as people were just arriving. The rain continued as everyone watched from inside the warm environment.

Intending to take a short nap, he took out the picture to ponder the features. In the dim light from the window he studied the two happy faces. He felt a twinge of jealousy.

[EvanStar4506]

(part 3) chapter two

Later that night…
Joe listened to talk of the museum opening while he served drinks and watched the empty tables fill up fast.
The Indigo Band played exceptional that night making the listeners dances with the music.

As Duncan slept, he tossed and turned on the couch as quick dreams came and went, all except one dream.

It started as whispers then became clearer, "Duncan MacLeod is a coward that kills his friends. How many friends have YOU beheaded just to exact your brand of justice?" the laughing pierced his soul.

Duncan shouted, "NO! It wasn’t like that."

The voice came at him again, louder. "Prediction MacLeod, before this year is done you will kill another friend.

Horton's image appeared before him and was there taunting him, "You’re a selfish bastard and I dare you to kill me. Duncan MacLeod, I STILL CONTROL YOU DESTINY."

Horton was dressed in all black with a rose in the lapel. He waved his hand causing Mac to accompany him to a place of judgment. It resembled a hell like none he could imagine.

The scene became a rocky pit with smoke and fire around the battle ground, next Horton summoned previous battles that now expanded becoming surreal taking on a distorted form. They were Immortals that deserved execution in Duncan’s eyes.
All paraded by him taunting their death. They were all there; Nefertiri, Grayson, Piton, Sendaro, Caleb, Cahill, Jim Coltec, Michael Kent, Voshin, Paul Karros, Axel Whittaker, Lucas Kagan, Kalas, Ingrid Henning, Kronos, Otavio Consone, Liam O’Rourke and the faces kept coming as he lost count.

Richie Ryan appeared last before Duncan, his face looking twisted and sinister. He said, "Mac, I never thought you would kill me! Why did you do it? I can’t believe how dumb I was to trust you!"

MacLeod cried out, "YOU WERE MY FRIEND! I LOVED YOU LIKE A BROTHER!"
Beth appeared briefly with accusing eyes; she stood before him saying nothing.

Duncan reached out trying to explain, "Elizabeth, you have to believe me. I didn’t kill him to gain his power." But she slowly shook her head as Horton looked on laughing.

At that moment something gripped his shoulder and shook him hard. He started to turn and hit whatever was there.
He was finally awakened by Joe, who was shaking him and peering at his face saying, "Hey, stop yelling Mac, the customers are asking who I have locked up back here."

Mac sat up still holding the picture and asked, "What time is it?" Rubbing his eyes he then looked around, still shaken by the nightmare.

"It's after midnight and the rain has stopped." He answered, looking concerned. "Are you all right?"

Duncan acknowledged him and got to his feet. "I’m all right now, I need some fresh air." The music that blared as he opened the door made him pause.

Joe spoke up, "Mac wait, here's the address for you. Amy is staying outside Paris."

Duncan turned and nodded his head, taking the paper from him. "Thanks for the use of the couch. I’ll see you tomorrow." putting both the paper and picture in his pocket.

After saying goodbye, Duncan made his way to the back door of the bar. Opening it, he quickly went out and shut it after him.

The cold air made him zip up his jacket. He looked at the stars noting the clouds were gone. He asked himself, "How many times have I navigated by those stars?"

Stuffing his hands into his pockets and walking fast, his reflections keeping time with his footsteps.

He walked on going to his car he had parked around the corner, barely noticing anyone else on the street. Turning down the alley for a shortcut, he was too occupied to keep his senses alert. He didn’t feel anyone was near until it was almost too late.

Only his reflexes saved him as a sword came slashing past his head. Duncan dropped to one knee feeling the air as the sword swished by.

"I am Kerger." The opponent said while swinging his shining blade toward Duncan’s neck. “I don’t care about rules.”

The man facing him was medium build with black hair and a lopsided grin. He looked young, even for an Immortal. His coat was white and showed his movements quite well in the faint light.

Duncan replied, "Only fools don’t care about rules."

As he was getting up and backing away, he measured up this Kerger and found him too green to be much of a threat.

Kerger stated, "I challenge you and I’m going to have your head."

"Not exactly fair is it?" He asked, looking for an opportunity to play this out.

"I don’t need fair, just for you to die" Replied Kerger, moving closer ever threatening.

Duncan was candid as he glanced down the ally for any sort of weapon. "Don’t think for a second I’ll be an easy kill. Scums like you are always after me."

Refusing to back away further, he stood his ground gesturing for his opponent to make the first move.

[EvanStar4506]

(Part 4) Chapter two

Kerger laughed loudly but the intimidation had the desired affect. He was becoming unsure crouching down on the defensive.

Duncan circled around, going along the wall and looking for anything to use.
Beginning his attack, Kerger began stabbing and slashing knowing he had the advantage of sword against skin and muscle. His grin widened with the false bravado he wore as armor.

The fight was all one sided, but as he was dodging and ducking, Duncan found a metal rod against the wall in a puddle of rainwater.

"This will do." He said picking it up and holding it like sword.
Swinging the rod, it hissed through the air missing Kerger by a fraction and making him retreat some, giving ground to MacLeod.

Then both men locked weapons and struggled for the upper hand. Duncan kicked as hard as he could underneath the sloppy guard pushing Kerger back. Only the wind was knocked out of him and he came right back, cutting through Duncan’s sleeve into his arm. He felt the blood trickle down his arm.

Kerger smiled saying, "I’m sorry did that hurt?"

Duncan felt someone else nearby but he didn’t divert his attention and wondered briefly if someone had influenced this attack.

Kerger came after him again swinging the sword with wide strokes. He was blocked by the metal rod and Duncan hit back again and again until Kerger was against the wall.

Duncan got close enough to grab the hilt of the sword wrapping his large hands over Kerger's.
Pushing the attack aside while keeping his hold tight and yanking with all his strength, he was able to roll his opponent on the asphalt pulling the sword from his grasp.

He paused for a moment and looked around. He saw the silhouette of a woman near the entrance of the alley leaning against the wall watching the battle. Duncan turned back to his opponent who had gotten up to face him.

He warned him, "I’m not taking your head this time so you better leave now and don’t ever fight me again!" Holding the sword in a threatening manner, He noticed how cheap it was.

"I’ll fight you again MacLeod, next time I’ll win." was the idle threat. While glancing in the woman’s direction, Kerger ran off without his sword.

Duncan turned to the woman in the shadows, waiting for her to make the first move.

She took a few steps and looked amused with a half smile that played on her face in the faint light. She said. “I wondered why you didn't have your sword and I was curious to see how you would manage.”

He tried not to return the smile, instead he frowned saying, "You could have least thrown me a sword."

In the shadows Ahriman waited also. "Champion, destiny will have to fight me for you. But in the end, I will still have your soul along with...hers.

[EvanStar4506]

Chapter 3

She spoke with a smooth voice and said, "How generous you are Duncan MacLeod.”

He disposed of the cheap sword by breaking it and throwing it into a trash bin. He watched her step forward until the lamp shown clearly on her appearance.

He asked her, "Were you following me?" Looking intently at the features he had already memorized.

She shot back, "Why did you take my picture and the rose off of Richie’s grave?" Stepping closer she held out her hand and asked, "May I have them back?" Appearing annoyed she watched him with an air of expectancy.

He noticed everything about her in that brief moment. She wore a soft blue woolen blazer, tight denim jeans and short brown boots. Her figure was athletic and compact. He could see she wore no jewelry of any kind. Her sword was strapped to her back in the open.

He felt embarrassed while reaching into his pockets and handed back the two items she requested.
He explained, "I was curious about you and I needed the picture to ask about you from a friend."

She pointed out, "All you had to do was ask me while I was there, but that doesn’t explain why you took the rose." Holding the now wilted rose up to her face.

"I'm not sure, just impulse I suppose." He replied and then asked, “Were you following me?”

"No, I just knew where you hang out, so after checking around I waited for you to show up." She told him as she folded the picture and rose inside a handkerchief then put it in her pocket.

He asked her, “I’d like to tell you about the last year Richie was alive if you care to walk with me.” He turned and indicated his car at the end of the street.

Walking with him Elizabeth said, "There was no death record I could find, just a grave stone.”

He asked her, “What name can I call you?”

She answered simply, “Beth.” Then asked,” How long did you know him?”

He shrugged replying, “Maybe five or six years.”

Glancing his way she mentioned, “He said you and Tessa took him in.”

Duncan explained, "Yes, I knew him even before he was an Immortal. We became good friends."

Stopping abruptly and grabbing his jacket sleeve for him to face her, Beth asked, “Were you there?”

He hesitated longer telling her, “Yes, but it’s very complicated.

She demanded, "Then I want to know the truth about how he died."

Opening the car door MacLeod insisted, "What I have to say can wait until we get to my home."

She looked uncertain, but then taking off her sword she nodded her head and got in.

Paris is a wondrous city at night, especially after a rain. A light reflecting off the wet streets and for a while the air is so fresh.
As the river front came into view, the lights from across the city sparkled brightly making the old barge seem magical.

He parked in front and before he could go around and open the door, she was already stepping out. Seeing the barge moored on the River Seine, she looked puzzled and asked him, "You live on a boat?"

He told her, "It’s a renovated barge, and it’s my home." He frowned a little, "Didn't Richie tell you that I lived on a barge?" prompting her forward.

She shook her head, "No he didn't, but he talked of your exploits mostly." She smiled back, leaving him to guess what she meant by that.

Walking towards it, He said fondly, "I've lived in a lot of interesting places in my lifetime, but this barge holds special memories for me."

She admitted, "I must say, it's one I haven't tried." Putting the sword back to where she felt comfortable she followed.

Leading her up the small gangplank, it was past 1:00 am as he unlocked the door to show her in. He turned on some lights and gestured to a chair.

She looked around the tasteful yet simple interior and she could see that this guy was still a bachelor. Removing her sword and coat she sat down.

[EvanStar4506]

(part 2) chapter three

He asked her, "Why do you keep your sword there on your back? Doesn't anyone question you about it?"

She smiled faintly for a moment then said, "It does come up often but I carry the credentials for sword training and exhibition. When other Immortals see it I think it deters them somewhat."

Duncan took off his leather jacket and examined the cut sleeve. "Another jacket ruined." He commented to himself, tossing it on the bed. He rolled up the shirt sleeves and covered the slow healing cut with a bandage.

He asked, “Would you like a drink?”

When she nodded he poured a drink for each of them, handing her one which she accepted. Then he began to tell her the truth.

"A little over two years ago, an old man approached Richie and I walking home from the Opera late one night. The old man was an archeologist and discovered that a great evil was once again free upon the earth after 1,000 years of imprisonment. At that time for every 1,000 years one Immortal is chosen as Champion to do battle for the world and defeat the evil demon called Ahriman.

I happened to be the one chosen, but before Professor Landry could tell me how I was to do battle, he was killed by Ahriman.
Finding the answers took some time and during that time Ahriman tricked me into doing battle with my sword."

He stopped his narration finish his drink and refilled his glass. Looking to see if she wanted more, she shook her head no.

Then he continued, "I was fighting apparitions of past enemies as they circled and taunted me at the old racetrack. Also Ahriman took on the face of Richie and was testing my loyalty; tormenting me, shooting me with a gun and making me fight him."

Beth interrupted, "How could he or it take the image of Richie? And why should it do that?"

"Because it's a demon, he used a sword to make me battle terribly enemies of the past. That’s when Richie himself walked up to me. He couldn’t see what I was fighting because it was all invisible to him. I killed him before I realized it wasn’t Ahriman."

He finished his drink still hating that moment and looked at her in time to see her reaction.

There was shock and then rage. Jumping up she smashed the glass down drew her sword facing him and throwing the sheath as well, she advanced on him.

In anger she said, "You’re telling me a demon used you to kill Richie? Well I don’t believe it!"

Duncan backed away defenseless except for his words, “Richie was my best friend you have to believe me. I could never intentionally kill him!"

Beth kept her sword up, saying, "I've sworn to avenge his death. I know he was your friend." She came closer her face a mirror of pain.

"I was his teacher. I brought him into my home!" he insisted.

She countered with, "You killed your friend and yet still live?" With tears in her voice she asked, "You took his Quickening? How do you live with that?" Beth waited expecting an answer.

He searched his heart and told her, "I know you want your own justice, but I can’t give you that!"

She came closer still holding him at blade point, "That's too easy an excuse. I should kill you." ending her sentence in a whisper.

Throwing his glass against the wall and shattering it, he held his arms wide and asked her, "Do you want to see how much guilt I’ve carried around because I was the one who killed him!" he cried out. Stepping forward he pressed her blade tip into his chest.

"Yes! I want to see that you still pay for your betrayal!" Said Beth with vengeance but she didn't push the sword through his flesh.

He nodded his head, "I do every day. I stopped carrying my sword except when I expected to fight. I left myself open like tonight, like now. I don’t know when my last battle will come, but part of me wants it!" He stared her down until she looked away.

He asked her quietly, "Do you want my head now, by the rules?"

[EvanStar4506]

(Part 3) chapter three

She looked back to him, her face showed the battle going on inside, fighting the desire to kill him now. They both stood there unmoving, each trying to figure the other out.

Beth was slow to put her sword away. She was trying to absorb it all and said, "I’m not ready to believe you and I'm not sure Richie would have."

Relief showed as Duncan agreed, "No, I don't think he would have."

They both took a moment to cool down. Beth went over to pick up the sheath and cover her sword. Duncan picked up some pieces of the broken glass.

Only their rapid breathing was heard as each brought their emotions under control separately thinking. “Now what?”

She turned around and asked him, "How were you able to defeat this Ahriman without a sword because this story is too unbelievable."

Duncan threw the pieces of glass away and could feel the adrenaline slowly melt away. He went to get another glass for himself and poured a cognac, needing something stronger.

Clearing his throat he saw that she was still waiting, standing there watching him. He collected his thoughts to recite the moment exactly how he described it to Joe Dawson.

"Ahriman could be defeated, but only by non-aggression. It was useless to fight it. When I learned how to control my anger I realized how powerless Ahriman was. I needed to accept evil as being apart of me. I had to become one with it. Without my fury it had no substance. Without my pride it had no form. Without my hate it had no being." He felt the memory still fresh after almost a year.

She was hearing what he said but it was too strange. "To become one with evil." the thought made her shudder. Her mind accepted his fate, "A demon used a friend to kill Richie." She felt tears in her eyes, but held them back.

She looked at him standing there looking sad and told him, "I’m going to tell something of my past with Richie. Sit down please."

She watched him sit and then sat down across from him and tried to collect her thoughts. It was so hard for her to open up like this.

She quietly said, "Richie befriended me because I was alone and when I wanted no friends around, he stayed."

She paused and smiled again to herself, cherishing the memory. "Richie was a good friend and he made me feel happy. We had some great adventures together and I loved him in my own way." She stood to get another glass and pour a drink.

Duncan was unsure how she wanted him to respond so he asked her, "Why do you think he never mentioned you to me before?"

She let a tear fall as she whispered, "Probably because I broke his heart." Sipping on the liquid as it warmed her throat.

She looked at Duncan while struggling with a truth she had kept locked up. "I was the one who refused to make our relationship permanent. I think that’s why he left me and went back to Paris."

He said, "That would explain his attitude when I saw him again."

Trying to change the subject he asked, "So how have you managed to go 200 years without ever, I assume taking anyone’s head?"

She looked at him startled. Her eyes narrowed asking him, "How could you know that?"

He leaned back and answered, “I found out a few things about you too.”

She didn’t answer for a while looking into her glass and Duncan wondered if she would. Then controlling her voice she said, "I learned to flight like hell and I don't take heads."

He asked out of curiosity, "Then you’ve never had the Quickening?"

Beth thought this over and said, "So you were spying me out? Why." Sitting down and crossing her arms.

Duncan acknowledged, "I was curious about you. Richie didn’t talk about you, but there you were at his grave site."

"Richie also talked to me about the Quickening until I told him my reasons." said Beth, not answering his question.

Trying to understand her fear, he reasoned. "I know it seems a little scary but there’s nothing to it after the first time it’s like having a little something extra inside."

She laughed out loud, "Is that all you think I’m afraid of to receive the Quickening that all Immortals wish for?"

She leaned closer to him and stated, "You first have to behead another Immortal, Right? I cannot do that."

Crossing his arms he questioned her, "You were ready to take my head a short while ago. What’s the difference?"

She answered quietly, "That was just rage. It’s a difficult thing to control, you should know that."

Then standing up to look out the portal she explained, "I came to Paris to see Richie because I missed him. Instead I find you and an incredible story. Not what I was expecting."

“We never get what we expect.” He said to her.

She went to the door buttoning her coat and strapping on her sword. "I knew only another immortal could have killed him. You gave me some of the answers. Now, if you will excuse me, it’s morning."

"So where are you staying in Paris?" He asked, standing up as well.

She answered, "Just a hotel a few miles from here." She looked away reaching for the door knob.

"I’ll drive you back." He insisted, getting his jacket then seeing the cut sleeve again.

"No! Thank you." Said Beth, she paused by the door and looked at him with an expression of pain. "I need to be alone right now."

He nodded his understanding and held out his card with his cell number he indicated, “If you have any more questions.”

She took his card looking at it and put it in her pocket. Instead of opening the door, she seemed to change her mind, "Could I see your sword?"

He asked, "My sword? Sure it’s right here." He went over to a small trunk and opened it. Taking out his sword and removing the cloth, Duncan showed it to her with mixed feelings of pride and regret.

She exclaimed, "The katana!" Then she asked him, "I would like to challenge you to combat, no blood shed of course. Just a friendly bout, let’s say tomorrow?"

Containing his surprise, MacLeod had to ask, "Well, I don’t know, do you still want revenge?" Tucking the sword under his arm and leaning on the door frame he studied her.

She answered back, "Maybe yes, maybe no. Tell me are you afraid?" She stared at him without blinking.

He replied, "No, I accept your challenge," feeling his excitement build.

She smiled briefly, "Until then." Firmly closing the door behind her, she walked down the steps as tears fell onto her cheeks.

Duncan stood there by portal watching her leave, feeling a loss. He wondered, "I think I might have made a mistake." But still hoping he was wrong.

[EvanStar4506]

Chapter 4

It was past sunrise so Duncan took a quick shower and put on clean clothes. He made a promise that he wanted to keep but he was also in turmoil.

He slipped his long coat on and felt the familiar fit fall into place. Attaching the Katana to his side, he was complete.

On the way to see Joe, Duncan was still deep in thought as he drove carefully pondering his strange meeting with Beth.

His dark eyes looked ahead at the road, but not seeing any details, he drove by habit.
His thoughts kept going back to her challenge as he parked his car at the rear of Le Blues Bar and went in. Joe was just reading the morning paper and looked up when Duncan entered the room.

Joe asked, "How was your night? Have anymore dreams?"

"No, I didn’t sleep at all last night." He stated.

Joe commented, “It must be an immortal thing. You don’t look tired.”

Mac explained, "I met Beth on my way home after I had a run in with a guy who challenged me. I had no sword, but this guy, Kerger, didn’t care. I fought him off and managed to take his sword away."

Going behind the bar, Duncan picked out a glass and poured some juice from the pitcher kept in the small refrigerator.

"I told you not keeping your sword at all times was a mistake." said Joe looking angry, "Especially now."

"I know and I have learned my lesson." He came back around and looked chastised. He held open his coat saying, “See its back.” Sitting down he continued, "Beth was there watching and then went with me back to the barge." He became quiet as he recounted in his mind the late night hours.

"Well, what happened?" asked Joe. He took out a pen and wrote down some notes.

Duncan replied, "Nothing. We just talked, sort of."

"All night about what?" asked Joe while his pen stopped writing.

"Yes, all night." He answered seriously, "about Richie, and a few other things, while she tried not to kill me."

"Are you kidding me?" asked Joe in disbelief.

"No and I’m seeing her again tomorrow." he confided, sipping the cold pineapple juice.

"You think so? Tell me what you are going to do next, have tea?" Joe commented.

Duncan shrugged a little then answered, "She wants a combat."

"What!" Joe exclaimed, "You’re asking for trouble if you fight a woman who wants revenge."

"Like I haven’t done that before," smiled MacLeod, "Besides she has me intrigued. She told me no blood shed and remember she never takes a head."

Joe pointed out, "That doesn't mean she won't start with yours."

"An excellent point, Watcher, I'll keep my guard up." said Duncan holding up his fists in a boxing pose.

Changing the subject Joe asked, "When are you going to see Amy?"

"Right now, I promise." said Duncan setting the empty glass down and smiling again. Getting up to leave he waved good-bye. "I'll let you know how it goes."

Joe waved back as the door closed. The empty room echoed briefly, reminding him of his loneliness. Standing up and turning on the jukebox, he wanted to fill the place with sound.
Making his way around the tables, he put the glass in the sink and went to write his reports.

The strange tales about renegade watchers were just coming to his attention and it spelled trouble.
Sitting down on the cushioned chair, Joe Dawson remembered back to all the loves he had known and lost. Putting his cane aside, he rubbed his eyes, not feeling the tears. "I know I'll find love again..." His thoughts trailed off as he focused on the papers in front of him.

[EvanStar4506]

(part 2) chapter four

MODERNE SAINT GERMAIN HOTEL

Beth went to her hotel room and stayed the rest of the day. Struggling with what she had learned. "Duncan MacLeod killed him." Those words tore at her heart.

Taking out her sword she threw it across the bed ranting, "How could he kill his friend and receive the power like that!"

She took out the picture Richie had given her, the one of him and MacLeod and the last letter he wrote her.

“Dear Beth, I wish I could see you again. I hope you didn’t mean what you said in your last letter, please don’t be hurt. I couldn’t stay there anymore. Come to Paris and I’ll treat you to the sights. Give me a chance to make it up to you. Love Richie Ryan

Parts of her hated MacLeod for making her rethink the revenge she sought. She wanted to take his head, but her memory of everything Richie told her stayed her blade. "He’s my best friend, and the most honorable man you could ever meet."

Falling onto the bed she stared at the wall. “Richie, Would you want me to kill him?" Her question went unanswered. Repeating her vow again in her head, she allowed sleep to come.


Duncan MacLeod drove to the Watcher camp outside Paris where Amy was supposed to be at. Parking a distance away, he took out his binoculars. He kept watch, noting who came and went.
He finally spotted her when she left in a car, alone. He followed her until she stopped to fill up with gasoline. Duncan parked close by then he got out taking a small map with him.

Walking over to her, he opened up the map and asked, "Can you give me directions to the Louvre?"
She was startled as she turned around. Looking at him she said, "I recognize you. You’re Duncan MacLeod."

"You got me." He smiled, "I need to talk to you about Joe Dawson." Taking the pump nozzle from her, he put it away.

"I don't want to talk about Joe." She said with a hardened look.

"Don't be so negative towards him." Duncan said, "Do you think it's easy for him? He's had a difficult life."

"Don't lecture me, I've read his bio. I know what Vietnam did to him!" She said, becoming upset.

He asked her, "Then why can't you give him a chance?" Setting his hands on his hips he looked at her determined to have it out.

"He had almost twenty years to get in touch with me. I don't want him in my life." Her blue eyes pierced Duncan's resolve.

"If that's how you want it, then I'll tell him even if it breaks his heart." He said turning away to leave her there.

Amy faltered, "Wait!" She went to stand in front of him. "Tell him if things could be different. Then I'll give him a chance."

Duncan frowned asking her, "What do you want changed?"

"He has to give up being a Watcher. If he retires then I'll see him." Having said her ultimatum she went to her car and got in. Starting the engine she glanced at Duncan before driving off.

He was stunned by her request as he watched her leave. "How can I tell Joe that?" he wondered out loud.
He went slowly back to his car and got in to sit there and contemplate next to the road.

He began to question her statement thinking, "Maybe Joe should retire." he started the engine and drove back to town.
Going around the block he passed up Le Blues Bar and kept going. He decided to tell him tomorrow, choosing other errands to take care of.

Getting back home late, he put his groceries away and looked through the bills he just paid. Tossing them aside he was feeling angry at his nagging conscience of not seeing Joe. After changing into some loose fitting clothes, he started doing a work-out to clear his mind.

As Duncan's finely chiseled body went through the moves that long since become second nature, his mind drifted through time.
Remembering the many friends he had loved and lost. Some lost their heads to the blades of other Immortals. Others like, Michael Moore, Tommy Sullivan had died by Duncan's own hand.
The mortals like Charlie DeSalvo and Diane Terrin, had only one life and one death.

Darius, Fitzcairn, Sean Burns, on and on their faces flashed before Duncan as his kata intensified; sweat pouring in streams off his long lean frame. And Richie, always Richie was there.

Muscles aching and the kata complete, he collapsed in a heap on the floor and began crying. It had been more than a year since he promised himself "no more tears" over Richie's death, yet when the memories would torment him, it felt like yesterday.

The emotions finally subsided and he slowly pulled himself to his feet, emotionally and physically drained.

Although he had the outward appearance of a man in his mid thirties, at the moment, the Immortal felt every minute of his four hundred plus years.
His bed was a welcome friend and as Duncan closed his eyes, his last thoughts were of Beth and tomorrow’s combat.

[EvanStar4506]

(Part 3) chapter four

Watcher camp
Five miles outside Paris, Amy was focused on the computer screen in front of her, but her mind was elsewhere.

The room was small and only a few other students were there. They were a hand picked for their quick thinking and abilities to study under a master programmer.

Clearing his throat her instructor Karl demanded, "Amy, you appear distracted, you must consternate on what’s in front of you!" He was a short, balding man in his fifties but a wizard with computers.

"I’m sorry sir, but I just remembered that yesterday was my mother’s birthday and I forgot to call her." explained Amy, hiding the true reason for her distraction.

"Do it when you have time." He tapped her shoulder and pointed at the screen, "Now for you to open those files, I want you to show me how you break the access code."

Amy set to work trying all the variations on numbers that was possible to break the wall that was before her. It took hours and even though it was a test, she knew she could not fail.

Late into the night, the other students had left hours ago, Egan came to see her. He stood behind her and began rubbing her shoulders. She gave a small sigh.

"Take a break, Amy." He commanded, turning her chair around. Pulling her up to him, he kissed her with a light passion. "You are beautiful." He whispered in her ear.

"I’m glad you came to see me, but you’re always so busy." She said, putting her arms around his neck.

"Yes, and I keep you busy too." He smiled at her, "You broke the code. And what you thought was just a test was really an important file I wanted."

"Is this something illegal?" She asked, glancing at the computer screen, seeing the information in a new light.

Egan laughed at her innocence, "You’re still thinking like a child." He touched her face gently. "You broke into something Top Secret, but I’ll protect you from any retribution." He promised.

Amy looked afraid at first but as Egan kissed her, she began to see advantages in the power that Egan held for her. She kissed him back enjoying feelings that he gave her.

[EvanStar4506]

Chapter Five

Methos packed up his journals and boarded the plane leaving Greece. He was so agitated he almost didn’t see he was being followed so he slid up behind a group of tourist and pretended to be with them. He could always spot a tail several feet away.

"Just six more hours flight time and I’ll be in Paris." He thought finally sinking into his seat, putting a sleep mask on. He hoped no one would disturb him, except the stewardess.

He discovered something ominous that troubled him.
The Watchers had elected a new president only last year. He was the best choice. No one could have foreseen what the man would turn into. Methos wondered what could have triggered this behavior and why the other Watcher chapters didn't stop it.

Falling asleep he dreamt of his reign as one of the four horsemen a time when he rode without a conscience. That time in history had so many advantages he could not count them. He was treated with loyalty and respect. He kept obedient and beautiful slaves. He didn’t have to fear the other Immortals he rode with. His wishes were always fulfilled.

As he relived the glory days and wanted it all, Methos wasn’t aware that in his dreams, Ahriman was feeding on his desires and even channeling them in another direction.

Then he started seeing horrible things about his friends, Immortal and mortals dead or dying. He was in chains and appeared beaten. He saw Alexa and she was saying. "MacLeod did this to you. You must destroy him!" Methos gasped for air and woke up.

The plane was descending and he realized he had slept the whole time. Wiping the perspiration from his face he felt so strange thinking of the dream. He had never dreamt of anything so vivid and disturbing.


Paris
At the same time Ahriman was busy with another dream. "Oh, to twist the knife in MacLeod's heart." It gloated. "He is so easy to manipulate." A red fog floated around the barge while MacLeod slept.

Duncan was walking around a small Japanese village. It looked very old and he judged it to be around the late 1700's.
The natives looked somber and were moving toward a central square. They glanced up as they walked passed him but not speaking.
He followed them out of curiosity and because he felt he should. Everything looked eerie as if looking through the fog.
He then noticed a raised platform where the people were gathered around to watch. Two people were on the platform. He went closer to look.

A Samurai warrior stood there and a woman wearing a white Kimono was kneeling on a cushion with her hair tied back and her face was painted white. She looked like Beth.

The woman had a small dagger which she cleaned with water and wiped it with a clean white cloth. Next she opened her gown and let it fall past her pale pink shoulders.

The Samurai took out his sword and it flashed briefly as he made himself ready.

Duncan recognized this ritual with sudden clarity at what was about to happen. He tried to push forward through the crowd and stop what was about to take place, but the people around him prevented it.

"No!" He shouted to stop them from continuing.

The woman looked straight at him then plunged the dagger into her abdomen and did the required two cuts before the Samurai bought his sword quickly down upon her neck.

Duncan screamed in frustration as the blood soaked the platform. Her body slowly crumpled. Closing his eyes, he tried to shut out the image he’d just witnessed.

Hearing some music he looked up and saw a different setting, where a funeral prier was set up and Beth had been placed there. Her head lay where it should with a scarf on her neck to cover the wound. Flowers were scattered upon her and in her hair. She looked beautiful in death.

Duncan approached it looking sorrowful and noticed a man standing there. As he turned around he saw it was Horton! Duncan felt horror and hatred with this man near him.

Pointing to the body Horton said, "Duncan I want you to know that if you get involved with her, she will die.”

Duncan countered with, "You mean you will have her killed!" Wishing he could put his hands around Horton's neck again.

"Kill this sweet thing?" He touched the cold cheek. "No, you will do that all on your own. I’m just giving you fair warning." said Horton, smiling wickedly.

Duncan moved between Horton and the body, pushing him back. "You used me to kill Richie Ryan. You killed Sophie Baines in order to get to me, used her brother. So I think you would kill Beth." He concluded with certainty.

"There’s where your wrong, my lad." said Horton, fading slowly. "I have no more power in the real world. Even tormenting you in dreams is becoming difficult. So I give you this one last bit of foresight. If you get involved with Elizabeth Windsor she will die...because of what you are."

The image was now fading but his voice became louder, "Are you sure you didn't want to kill Richie Ryan?"

Horton faded out completely as the laughing died away. Duncan looked at the body that represented Beth so closely.

[EvanStar4506]

(part 2) chapter five

He thought on those words, but said, "Why did he have to tell me that now." Feeling he was beginning to wake up, he heard the phone ringing.

He came awake reaching for the receiver, nearly rolling out of bed in the process, but catching himself and the receiver by the forth ring.

"Hello," Said Duncan, sounding groggy, "MacLeod here."

"Hi, it’s Beth, remember me?" came the reply.

He answered, "How could I forget, what can I do for you?" relieved to hear her voice.

"I didn’t know you were a late sleeper, I can call back later." She determined,

Late sleeper, Duncan looked at the clock; it read 6:30am. He yawned and said, "No, this is fine. What did you want to talk about?"

Beth told him, "Our combat of course. I thought this morning would be a good time. Not many people around. We could go to the park."

It was a good plan he said, "I’ll be ready in half an hour, should I pick you up?"

"No need to I’m on my way out the door. My walk should take me that long. Or if you like I can walk slowly?" She teased him.

He challenged her, "Run then and I’ll still be ready."

She said, "On your mark, get set, go!" then hanging up. He heard the ring of acceptance in her voice.

Duncan bolted out of bed, half an hour didn’t give him much time. Jumping into the shower, he was finished and dressed in fifteen minutes.

He wanted to be comfortable for this "little bout" and wore his black Khakis and a gray Shaker sweater. He slipped into his black Loafers. He tied his hair into place with an old hair tie made for him by Tessa. He still kept everything she had made for him.

Then, while eating some imported strawberries for a short breakfast, he did his warm up by stretching, but he still thinking about the dream.

"Maybe there would be an accident in combat and I will behead her." But he rejected that idea.
"No, impossible, couldn’t happen." He was determined to be cautious.

He was still mulling over what could go wrong when he felt her approaching. She felt different than other Immortals, Duncan didn’t know why except that it was probably because she never had the first quickening.

"Good morning." He said cheerfully as he opened the door before she could knock.

"Good morning yourself." she replied, not even out of breath. "All ready I see."

She was dressed in brown pants and a light blue pullover turtle neck. Her coat was cream colored wool that fit snugly around her waist. She had pulled her hair back into a tight braid, ending with a red ribbon.

"I'm always ready for a work out." He said picking up on her good mood.

She asked, "Prepared to lose?" smiling mischievously.

"Today you’ve met your match." He said, "You’ll lose against me." Smiling broadly back and thumbing his chest.

"Do you want to bet on that?" She asked, holding out her hand. Duncan looked at her hand remembering the dream.

He looked serious for a moment but said, "Sure, loser buys the winner breakfast. And I’ll be real hungry when we’re through."

She noted his expression She answered, "Agreed, because you’ll be buying me breakfast." taking Duncan’s hand and shaking it.

Then he said, "Shall we go?" Letting her hand drop, he turned and picked up his sword and put on his coat. Going outside he locked the door.

It was a cold, beautiful morning as they walked to the park. Both were thinking their own thoughts because each had a separate agenda.
He was content to just walk beside her as she hummed to herself quietly. He didn’t recognize the tune, but it was haunting.

When they arrived at the park, they found a good place with trees far enough apart and thick grass. The early morning joggers were gone and there seemed to be enough privacy.

Putting their coats aside, Duncan smiled and asked, "Could I see your sword?"

She smiled back, knowing his curiosity and held it out for him the hilt first.
He accepted it carefully and holding it up to the early morning light, he felt the sword's weight. The hilt was bound with compressed animal hide that would conform to only one hand.

Shaped in a long taper the blade had been polished recently, but with the usual scratches and nicks apparent from many battles. He doubted that anything could break it.

"I've never seen a sword of this type used by an Immortal. Who made it?" asked Duncan, still looking at it.

Beth took the sword back from him saying, "My father worked on it before he was killed. Then I befriended a Sword smith who tempered and finished it. He also taught me some fighting skills."

He commented, "It seems too long a blade for your height. How are you able to fight with it?"

She pulled on a pair of tight leather gloves smiling at him.
"I compensate." She answered and then inquired, "Now are you ready?" Taking her stance, feet apart, knees bent, the sword held parallel with the ground, free arm out stretched.

"Yes," He replied, "I’m ready." Duncan yawned acting bored, looking closely at his katana, rubbing his finger over a scratch.

She said, "Don’t play if you can’t bear to lose." aggressively beginning her attack, by springing forward and slashing upward to carry herself under his guard.

Duncan easily countered the attack and made her go on the defensive. He pushed his attack making her dance around trees, not taking his eyes off her sword.

Beth was testing him. She dropped down again bringing her sword up and holding it like a baton and deflected his sword sideways, pushing with both hands and throwing him off balance.

He quickly came back with a sweep of his sword to miss her as she held her blade with the gloved left hand to deflect his momentum.

Standing tall she spun around before Duncan guessed her action, as he ducked turning away, her sword brushed inches from his neck.
She said, "Don’t blink while staring at personal fear." Then jumping back, she held her sword high. "Don’t cry out loud with out your tears."

He laughed at her, "So you’re giving me poetry instead of a fight."

They came together again and the swords scraped in unison and locked. She could see the light perspiration on his face and smiled.

Letting go from the effort it took to keep their swords tight, she stepped back, pushing and guiding again to the side.
Duncan lurched, but recovered quickly standing back making the comment, "Beth, when are you going to make it interesting."

She bowed low and said, "I was testing you."

He grinned at her saying, "I'm warmed up now." moving forward to engage her sword again.

His feet shuffled quickly and he quickly tapped her sword side to side, testing her agility next and feeling her strength through the length of the blade.
A few people walking by stopped to watch, thinking it was a practice session for some type of exhibition.

Beth just glanced their way and smiled, playing up to them. Using wide strokes and twirling around her then kept Duncan on the move chasing her one moment and then retreating.

He realized her strategy was perfect timing. He might have the lighter and quicker sword, but she kept her guard up like a wall.

Laughing and having fun, she was feeling such exhilaration battling with Duncan MacLeod. Richie had told her he was good. A few more people walked up and applauded quietly watching the "show".

While he felt uncomfortable because of the rule to never fight another Immoral in front of mortals, but this wasn’t a fight to the death.
At least he didn't think so.

[EvanStar4506]

(part 3) chapter five

The uneasiness of the dream still lingered in the back of his mind and he over compensated his caution in an effort to make it not come true.

Beth sensed his hesitation and couldn't guess why. So she couldn’t resist showing off with spins making the heavy sword carry her momentum into a dance of the flashing metal blade.

Feeling mesmerized, Duncan looked for an opening, deflecting the blade if it passed near him. He waited until she slowed down to clash with her sword.

He managed to stop her cold and held her in place, watching her get mad at him for the trick. It became an impact testing strength as their Immortal Combat continued.

Duncan asked between swings, "Getting tired yet?"

She shook her head with perspiration on her face, "No, are you?" continuing to push her attack then retreat tactics.

"No, I just thought you might have had enough." He replied with the emphasis on enough striking harder.

Beth wasn’t conceding and continued to give the crowd something to cheer about with seeming near misses and the pretend slips she did so well timed it looked real.

Duncan was constantly trying to anticipate her, but she wasn't giving away secrets.

The crowd was a little bigger and now was cheering with any close call. Their applause was distracting to MacLeod, but Beth was used to it and focused on how to trip him up.

He didn’t want to lose, but was afraid of winning the hard way, realizing that’s why she always won, she never quit.

Beth wasn’t afraid and dug deep on her reserves as she attacked earnestly, beating him back with her ferocity until he was against a tree.

“Enough of this,” he said and came down hard on her sword riding it to the hilt. He stopped her fun and she frowned holding her ground.
He smiled and pushed her back and whipped around. She countered but slipped on wet grass and dropped to the ground. Duncan checked his momentum and stopped an inch from her neck and she reached up and pushed the blade aside.

"I win." he said smiling and breathing heavily, he said, "I can see why no one ever fights you again. Once is enough!"

She replied, “I was done anyway.”

The crowd gave its applause and cheered. Beth pulled her sword back and reached up for Duncan’s help. She then pulled him close and kissed him softly.

The people still there murmured their approval enjoying the romance as Beth broke off quickly. Smiling shyly she said, "I believe I owe you breakfast."

She saw his reaction and turned away afraid of what she saw. Getting on her coat, she put her sword away in the harness. Glancing at him, she saw him still standing there looking at her while he accepted a few congratulations from people as they left.

She picked up his coat and walked back to him he turned to her. Slipping his sword into the belt holder, he was mulling over the event.

"I know the perfect place." He said, taking her arm and leading the way. "There’s an outdoor Cafe that has the best..."

"Don’t tell me, I like surprises." She said turning to get into step with him.

As they walked, Beth chatted about the places Richie took her to, not realizing how much Duncan needed to hear about his friend.
Richie's memories always came flooding back to him with all it's happiness of their shared friendship. Duncan no longer held off the sensations but welcomed them.

[renate]

just like all the Highlander episodes :):)

Renate

[EvanStar4506]

just like all the Highlander episodes :):)

Renate

You know it Girl! What are you a speed reader???
:D


Chapter 6

They walked for a few blocks, until they came to the outdoor cafe Duncan liked to frequent when he was in Paris. Sitting at a table, he ordered for the both of them. While they waited for the meal he thought of a question to see how much she would readily tell him.
He asked, "Where did you grow up?"

Beth thought for a moment and then said, "In England. It was a very small village near Brighton. My father was a blacksmith and my mother was well respected as a healer with herbs."

"I have a friend who works on my sword occasionally and I’m sure he could finish your sword to make it more balanced and even a little decorative." said Duncan trying to be kind.

"Thanks, but no. I like my sword the way it is. I’m too used to it to change now." She replied.
The waiter came to the table with strong coffee; Beth poured herself a cup and waited for Duncan to finish before asking her own question.

She said, "Where did you get your sword, the Katana? Were you in Japan?"
Two memories hit Duncan, the one of last nights dream, and when he was in Japan in 1778. "Yes, I was in Japan many years ago and a friend I made there presented me the sword. He was a very honorable Samurai."

That was all he would say. Each one was now quiet, not wanting to tell everything about certain past memories. Sipping his coffee, Duncan felt like he was being watched. Before he met Joe Dawson he would have just dismissed it as people being curious. After knowing about watchers, he wasn’t too sure. He thought about asking Beth if she knew about watchers.

“Beth”, he began, “I want you to know you can trust me and I want to be able to trust you.”
She looked at him intently sensing something important he was about to reveal. “Yes, you can trust me and I do trust you with my head at least.” she commented.

“Good because I want to tell you something about me, the past and the present.” He started telling Beth about Richie and what the clashes with mortals and immortals alike.
In-between stories which felt like History lessons to Beth, their breakfast arrived.

“I’ve been involved in some politics and you need to know about it because it affects all immortals and the ones called watchers.” concluded Duncan.

Her head was swimming by now with all the facts he gave to her, “I have never heard of watchers, but some of it makes sense.” She commented, “Thank you for trusting me with your past, but I don’t know what it has to do with me?”

He held up one finger and pointed at her, “That is a good question and one I can answer later when we go see my friend Joe.”

“Oh another surprise?” she asked smiling.

“Kind of a surprise,” he said motioning for the waiter to bring the check. “Do you like music?” he asked.

Her eyes crinkled with thought as if trying to read his mind. “Richie told me about a musician friend he had. Is this the same friend?”

Duncan nodded, “Could be if he was talking about the Blues.”

Beth held her hand out for the check but Duncan waved her off saying, “That’s all right, I’ll get it.” He paid the bill and tipped the waiter. Taking Beth’s hand, they walked to a waiting taxi at the curb that had just dropped off a passenger and went to secure it.

A man at the table nearby also got up to leave. After watching the two get into the taxi, he steps over to a pay phone and dials a number.

The ride over to Le Blues Bar was slow going with the heavy traffic that was always a problem in Paris by noon time. They passed the time with small talk of nothing important.
After thirty minutes they were getting out in front of Le Blues Bar. Duncan paid the driver and they went inside together.

First thing Duncan sees is Methos sitting at a table with a beer.
Methos calls out, "Duncan you’re here, and you brought a friend."

Macleod went to shake the old immortals hand saying, “I haven’t seen you for…how long?”

Methos shrugged and commented, “I just flew in last night and came straight here.”

A moment later Joe came out of the back room, looking rumpled from sleep and worry. He glanced at Beth.

Duncan introduced her, "Ah, Joe, this is Elizabeth Windsor, Beth this is Joe Dawson, my friend and a great musician."

[EvanStar4506]

(part 2) chapter six

Beth shook his hand then noticed the tattoo on his wrist. She asked, "Why do you have that?" touching the imprint with her fingertip.

"It’s a Watcher tattoo I've had mine a long time. Why do you ask?" Joe replied, curious to her apparent interest.
She looked at Duncan with raised eyebrows, “This is what watchers are?”

She gazed at the tattoo a moment longer to recall the past, a time when she scarcely knew what she was. A time with no family or friends and the loneliness with anger would eat at her.

“Beth, what is it?” Duncan asked, “What do you remember?”

"I have memories of a man following me so many years ago. I grew tired of the cat and mouse game we played, so one night I surprised him and knocked him out. Going through his things, I found a book with writing but I couldn’t read at the time, and I saw a tattoo." She continued to hold Joe's hand; he was content to let her.

"When he came awake, I questioned him but he wouldn’t talk. I gave him all my usual warnings about not pestering me. I think he gave up because I didn’t see him after that." She concluded.

Joe laughed, "I'm not surprised. There are many blanks in your history. As a historian I'd like to know more about you. Perhaps you could fill me in sometime."

"I’ll think about it." Said Beth, "I like my privacy." She let go of his hand and smiled.

Looking at the newbie, Methos asked Duncan, “Can she be trusted?”

Duncan answered, “Yes, I believe so. We had a deep discussion this morning and I say she can be involved.”

Even Joe supported the idea he commented, “I did a background check and she’s not working for them.”

Beth secretly felt strange at being talked about but happy thinking of being included in such a group that Richie had called friends for so long.

"Tell us what you have, Joe?" asked Duncan, as everyone was finding a chair to sit in.

"Something sinister is happening and I just found out about it a few weeks ago but I waited to confirm my suspicions." began Joe,
"It seems the Watcher president of the Chapter here in France is secretly having rich Immortals swindled."

Methos quietly told all present what he suspected about the Watchers.
"Mac, a few of my friends had their assets frozen and then a short time later they disappeared. I traced the tampering back through three accounts to the Watcher Chapter here in France."

Duncan became apprehensive He asked, "Watchers interfering again? I thought the new agreement would prevent that."

"It did, but things changed after the new president was in place." Methos revealed.

"Are you telling me that the killings have started again?" Asked Duncan,

"No, I'm not certain about that part." said Methos with a wary expression, "But Watchers are stealing."

Duncan was thinking about what this conflict with the Watchers could mean again. His anger was obvious, "Isn't this something a Tribunal should be called for."

Joe agreed, "Yes, I just discovered that except Egan has been donating large amounts of cash into the Watcher World Fund."

"So what does that have to do with interference?" demanded MacLeod.

"So it means that Egan is buying his freedom.” explained Methos, “As long as the money flows no one will stop him or question him."

"Something else you need to know." continued Joe, "Other Immortals are joining Egan to save themselves and for the hit money."

Beth became upset by this strange news and the realization that mortals have known about Immortals for so long. To be taken advantage of by a mortal was giving her a reason to fight them.

"Now that we’re aware of the danger, how can this renegade Watcher be stopped?" asked Joe, thinking about his long dead brother-in-law and what he cost the immortals and watcher trust.

Duncan commented, "Money buys a lot of protection."

"Infiltration then assassination works for me." said Methos.

"That works only if no one else takes his place." replied MacLeod.

"I’ll join them and find out what's going on." suggested Beth, standing up.

Methos said, "No, you can't do it, they'll spot you as a fraud." “You’re too squeaky clean.”

[EvanStar4506]

(part 3) chapter six

Joe agreed, "There is someone already in place. You don't need to prove anything by joining them."

“But” she started to say.

"And..." Duncan interrupted her, "You have no idea about the extent of the corruption. It's too dangerous."

“Watch yourself. This is no game and Egan is no fool." warned Joe Dawson, who was old and wise in the ways of Watchers.

Beth declared, “I’m just not used to taking no action when I sense a threat and from what you’re telling me, this mortal seems like a big threat.”

Methos replied, “Don’t worry about seeing some action soon because you will.”

"If you wait here I'll get the architecture plans for the compound and we'll look for a weakness." Joe instructed, standing slowly. “Beth, could you help me?”

He went towards a separate storage room, the one that also held the boxed remains of a young Immortals life.

Beth followed him, “I will be happy to help.” glancing at Duncan with a smug smile.

When she was out of sight, Methos asked the Highlander, “Where did you find her?”

“I’ll tell you but don’t say anything,” Duncan answered. “She used to know Richie about five years ago and came to Paris looking for him.”

Methos gave a low whistle and leaned closer asking, “Then what happened?”

“Well, I told her the truth and convinced her not to kill Me.” said Duncan with a finality that told Methos not to ask any more questions.

“No way!” Methos exclaimed, “She can’t be that naive.”

“Just let it drop, I’ve handled it.” Duncan insisted.

“Juicy gossip? I can’t wait to tell Amanda.” Methos said with glee.

It took only a moment for Joe to locate what they would need as he moved aside other boxes to get at the rolls of blueprints he collected.

Beth helped move some of the boxes and then noticed something familiar in one.

Picking up a motorcycle helmet she said, "Richie's helmet. You've kept it all these years?"

Joe glanced at her and nodded, "I thought I might take up motorcycle riding." He kidded her and then said, "If there's anything here you want, please take it."

Beth was hesitant as she looked into a few boxes, letting the memory of him come back to her and she smiled. Putting the helmet back in the box, she pulled out a bandanna that Richie used to wear and then tied it around her neck.

It still smelled faintly like him. She stood up and decided she wanted nothing else.

Joe handed her the blueprints that he had taken from the casing that preserved it, but stopped her from leaving yet.

He asked her, "I’d like to ask you a few questions on your childhood and your past as an Immortal?"

She gave a long sigh knowing the memories that would be unleashed should she choose to tell him.

"I would consider it." She relented, wondering if she could trust this Watcher and needing to ask him questions as well.

"I understand." said Joe, smiling his best and asking, "Can I take you to dinner while you think about it?"

Beth returned the smile, "Joe Dawson you are a charmer. How can I say no?"

"Good, tonight then I’ll pick you at seven." He said, taking her arm to escort her out.

When they walked back into the main room, Duncan noticed the colorful bandanna around her neck but didn't comment.

He and Methos then pushed two tables together and unrolled the plans. Each one taking a chair and holding down a corner. Four heads bent over to study the drawings made some time ago.

After an hour nothing had been accomplished except that four opinions didn't agree.

Joe rubbed his eyes and stood up, "You three keep looking and I have to get to work."

He started getting the place ready for patrons that would be arriving for the early happy hour. Also a band was coming any time now to set up for practice.

A moment later Methos said, "Now I'm sure these are passageways." pointing to the bottom portion of the layout.

"But are they secret?" asked the highlander.

"Only one way to find out" the old man answered, tracing with his finger the area in question.

Mac questioned him, "Go there, or ask someone?"

"Both." Methos answered, winking at Beth.

"I take it you know what your doing?" She asked him, wishing for some action herself.

"Sure do, so I'll let you know later." assured Methos. Standing up he rolled up the plans again and looking at his watch, said, "I'm leaving now. Tell Joe what I'm hoping to find."

"Just come back in one piece?" requested Duncan.

Methos laughed as he went to the back door, He said, "This is me Macleod. When have I not been successful." and then waved to them and shut the door quickly before Duncan could answer.

The band arrived and was setting up the equipment now, so Duncan asked Beth, "How about continuing our discussion over dinner?"

She answered, "I can’t, I've already made plans and I have to go to my Hotel to get ready. I’m taking a taxi back, care to join me?"

"No, I can't leave yet. I need to talk to Joe first." said Duncan. "Let me call you later?" He smiled to show his interest.

"No, maybe tomorrow would be better." Then smiling a little mindful, she walked over to Joe and said her good-bye and left with Duncan staring after her.

That's when he realized his heart held a hollow ache for Tessa as the memory of her faded. He knew he never allowed himself to love a woman as deeply since Tessa. He also knew he was acting irrational and he wanted to make sense of everything he felt.

"I can't open up to her." He told himself, but he knew it was too late. He chose to ignore what Horton predicted.

"She is an Immortal and a good fighter." He convinced himself because her image now made his heart respond with feelings he used to ignore.

He remembered how it was with Tessa. She was the only mortal he dared to love for so long. He almost gave up everything to have her back again with Horton holding her ghost before his eyes over a year ago.

Duncan looked over to where Joe worked diligently preparing for customers that always crowded the best blues bar in town.
He couldn't put off any longer the news Joe was waiting to hear. He asked himself, "Is bad news better than no news?" Shaking his head undecided to whether he would want to know himself.

[brilliant!MacLeod]

Absolutely fantastic,I love it!!!
Just like the old times back again!:D
Thank you,I can´t wait for the next part...

[EvanStar4506]

Absolutely fantastic,I love it!!!
Just like the old times back again!:D
Thank you,I can´t wait for the next part...

Hi and thanks for reading it, all writers love feedback!

Chapter 7

Duncan signaled to Joe that he needed to see him in private. When they were in the back room with the door shut, Joe asked, "What happened with Amy? You did see her, right?"

Duncan nodded sadly, "Joe, she wasn't too happy to see me and you’re right about that fact that she doesn't want you in her life."

Joe was unhappy by the news, but he wasn't sure what else to expect, "Thanks for trying, Mac."

"You’re not going to like this, but she did give a condition if you want to see her again." said Duncan seeing hope in Joe's eyes.

"What is it; I'll do anything if she gives me a chance." He insisted, gripping Duncan's arm.

"Even quit the Watchers, Joe?" He asked.

Joe looked sick just to consider quitting especially now. He ached all over from age and the arthritis he endured. It would be so easy to give up.

"I can't," said Joe in despair, "I can't quit."

"I knew you wouldn't." Mac consoled him, gripping Joe's shoulder in understanding.

"How could she ask that of me?" cried Joe.

"I don't know her motives." said Mac, and then he suggested, "Perhaps to get you out of the way?"

"Then she's going to have a long wait." replied Joe as he became resigned to the idea that he wouldn't see Amy for a while.

"Methos is going to find out about some secret passages we saw on the plans. Tomorrow we should know something more." Duncan informed him.

Joe nodded, still upset by Amy's condition given to him. He opened the door to leave, "Thanks again for trying Mac."

Duncan followed him out asking, "Do you want me to come by here later?"

Joe shook his head and kept walking past the large bar to the small stage. He picked up his prized possession and began to finger the strings, a motion that always brought him comfort.

Amy, his daughter was beyond him now. She chose to keep him out of her life and it broke his heart. He sat on the stool put there for him and strummed the first song that came to him.

Duncan went out the front door, with his mood mirroring Joe's. Hailing a taxi, he slid into the seat keeping his sword hidden on his lap.
Giving his address he sat back to think. Why did Egan need to subvert Immortals and steal their money? Watcher presidents certainly did live well.

Immortals needed the Watchers and visa versa. The relationship between Mortals and Immortals was a tenuous thing held together with a string of trust. Each trusted the other.

The Immortals, who knew, trusted the Watchers with their secret and whether they realized it or not mortals silently trusted immortals with their vigil against evil that threatened both races.

He wished he could tell Beth how he felt, what she made him feel. His thoughts turned constantly until he neared the barge.
Getting out, he paid the fare and took a few steps. He felt a shiver go through him and knew someone was already there. He approached carefully, checking the lock.

It was picked! Only one person would have the nerve to pick his lock.

Opening the door he saw Amanda sitting on his chair, eating a sandwich.
Smiling broadly, he said, "I’m surprised to see you Amanda, even though I should have expected the visit. Come here sweetheart, how are you?"

Standing up and smiling back, she said, "Yes, you should have. I expected to find something better to eat." Making a face, she put the half eaten sandwich on the table. She went to him and embraced him warmly.

"Can I guess why the visit or do you want to tell Me." asked Duncan, holding her gently.

"I’ll tell you." She said, looking up to his brown eyes. "I missed you," seeing him rolls his eyes to guess an ulterior motive. "What?" She asked him.

“You haven’t talked to Methos today have you?” he asked her.

Amanda wrinkled her nose and said, “Oh is he here in town?”

"Don't play games Amanda. Just tell me why your really here." said Duncan wrapping his arms tighter around her waist so she couldn't avoid his stare.

She gave the appearance of relenting, "All right, I was threatened by a couple of Immortals and I came here to hide out."

Looking anxious and putting her arms around his neck she asked, "You would protect me, right?"

He hugged her back, "Yes, you know I will."

She bent her neck up and kissed him, showing just how much she missed him.

Duncan returned the kiss, trying not to let his confusing emotions come through. He remembered what they felt for one another during a time when they clung to a love out of need, and a need to be loved.

He closed his eyes, holding Amanda close and smelling her sweet hair. He thought, "I have two women on my mind. I’m really in trouble now."

Amanda knew him too well and said, "That wasn't a very warm kiss." She looked deeply in his eyes asking. "Is there something wrong you're not telling me about?"

He stood back from Amanda and gave a weak smile saying, "I’m glad your here. Let me take you out to dinner."

“And what else is going on? She prompted him to spill his secrets.

He said evasively, “I’m hoping this situation can be cleared up before anyone gets hurt.” He saw her expression and explained, “I’m hungry right now so let’s go eat.”

Letting go of her hand, Mac went over to the closet to change his shirt to a deep maroon. Then he put on his black coat with the strap that held his Katana always ready.

Amanda's mood stayed cautious as she watched him, "Can we go to my favorite restaurant?" She finally asked him.

"What, the one called Pierre? It wouldn’t have been my first choice, but if you insist." He told her, taking a tie with him.

Picking up his sword next, he slipped it into place. As they went outside, Duncan secured the door against everyone, except Amanda.

A cold evening breeze was blowing, making them button up their coats as they walked to get Duncan's car from the garage.
Amanda disliked Paris weather in early spring and wondered when Duncan would pull up anchor and move to a warmer climate.

[EvanStar4506]

(part 2) chapter seven



**Several miles away, Joe had picked up Beth in his car and he took her to a nice little restaurant. If privacy was what she wanted then she had keep her sword under wraps. After ordering dinner Joe tried to be very charming, asking a few easy questions.

He started with, "Just tell me a little on your childhood."

Beth laughed quietly, feeling modest. "I had a normal childhood," She began, "There were friends and my brother. I played games, learned to do all the things expected of a child back then." She continued, unable to stop the memories when they came. "I grew up and took the place at my mother's side to become a healer.”

He asked her, “What were your family’s names?”

She replied, “My mother name was Rose,” she watched him write on his little note pad, and then said, “My father’s name was Jonathan and my brother was Joram.”

Joe remarked, “That’s an unusual name, Joram.”

She explained, “Yes, well I was adopted, I figured out later and named Elizabeth. Years later my mother became pregnant by some miracle and had a dream about the name Joram.”

“So what else did you do?” he asked her.

“When I was engaged, I planed a spring wedding." She ended shortly and looked down, afraid to let the rest out.

Joe asked gently, "What happened?" trying to catch her expression.

Brown hair covered the sides of her face while her gray eyes looked like distant rain clouds. She said, "That I can’t tell you."

He replied, "I understand if it's too painful to talk about."

She said in a whisper, "I don’t know why it happened to me." Her eyes lost their innocence.

Joe reached over to cover her hand with his. "I feel sorry for what you had to go through." He always hated giving broad remarks, but he didn't know what else to say.

She hesitated then began quietly, "Our small village was just a pinpoint on a map but we were invaded by evil men, Immortal men looking for other Immortals who were living in our village."

She stopped because the waiter brought a bottle of wine and poured. Beth took a sip then, after a moment, continued.

"Joe, I grew up with these people and I never knew what they were. Everyone was being killed by beheading. When I saw the Quickening, I was so terrified. I ran while my family was killed. I thought I had gotten away, but they found me." She stopped again, not willing to continue, still hating the memory and the need to hold back tears.

Joe sympathetically told her, "I remember reading in the Watcher chronicles about the Templar Massacre. There were also Watchers slaughtered that day." He looked sadly at her, "It was assumed there were no survivors."

Beth gave him a sarcastic smirk then commented, "Yes, I guess you could say I'm a survivor."

Finishing her wine, their dinner arrived so they ate in silence. She wanted to forget what had been said. Joe couldn't help but go over it in his mind. Putting the pieces together it almost all fit but he still had questions.

Arriving at Pierre’s, Duncan put the tie on. They stood in line and each tried to guess how long the wait would be.

After twenty minutes Duncan finally said, "I’m hungry now and I know a place where we can get a table right away."

Amanda pouted, "Probably because the food isn’t that good."

Duncan said, "The food is good and besides what we have to discuss is more important than your pallet."

"All right," she relented again, "This time, Mac. But you owe me dinner here on a better night."

He promised her, "Next time, I'll make reservations."

As they walked back to the car, Duncan pulled the tie off relieved with its absence. He opened the car door and held it for Amanda. The drive to the other restaurant gave him time to think, but his thoughts kept coming back to one Immortal.

The conversation continued between Joe and Beth. She narrated between bites, "My family was poor by today's standards, but we were close."

"To family past and present, may we never forget them." said Joe, holding up his glass, thinking of his daughter. As he toasted her, he saw her face change expression.

She finally asked him, "I need to know about the night Richie died?"

Joe inquired, "Like what?" sipping his wine.

She probed, "Were you there? Did it happen as Duncan says?"

Joe nodded slowly, "Yes, I was there right after it happened, and I believe Mac."

She let out a long breath, not wanting to know but the need was there. She said quietly, "I'm still trying to believe him."

He asked her, "What did Richie tell you about him?"

"All kinds of stories and that I could trust him.”He’s the most honest Immortal you’ll ever meet" he said. I thought he was exaggerating."

"No, he was right about that." said Joe.

She was feeling at the same time seeing someone immortal walk into the restaurant.
Glancing their way Duncan looked surprised, but he just waved from across the room, going on with Amanda to their waiting table.

Joe saw where she was looking at Amanda walking with Duncan. He said, "That’s just Amanda and they’re old friends. She probably came to see him for the same reason Methos did."

Beth said, "And why should I care." But not believing her words.

"So what’s the verdict?" asked Joe, "Do you believe MacLeod, or do you still want revenge?"

She answered, "I haven't decided yet." Conscious it was the wrong thing to say to this Watcher.

But Joe gave a chuckle, "I told him he would have his hands full trying to figure you out."

Beth gave a quiet chuckle as well, "Oh you can bet I'll keep him guessing."

Just as she sat down, Amanda saw Joe was eating with a woman and was curious, "Who is Joe having dinner with?"

Duncan answered, "That is Elizabeth Windsor. She was a friend of Richie’s years ago. I didn’t realize they were having dinner here."

“She came here to see Joe?” she asked.

“Kind of” he admitted, “She wanted to find out what happened to Richie. Now can we drop it?”

Amanda asked, "No Mac, now tell me what’s up with this girl?" As the realization dawned on her that the buzz emanating from that Immortal was very different.

Duncan chose from the small wine list and told the waiter what he wanted. When they were alone he answered her question.

[EvanStar4506]

(part 3) chapter seven

"She wanted to find Richie and then asked me how he died." Duncan said, trying not to appear uncomfortable.

"How did she handle the truth?" Asked Amanda, knowing he would always be truthful.

"Not very well," Admitted Duncan, "She wanted to kill me."

Amanda's eyebrows went up. "What changed her mind? It had to be more than your charm." She teased.

Duncan looked serious, "I gave her the chance to challenge me and she didn't accept. She could have killed me if she really wanted to."

"Have you asked yourself why she didn't take vengeance on you?" Amanda pointed out seeing what he did not.

"I think I know why." said MacLeod and he leaned forward to answer quietly, "She has never killed before and that's not an easy thing to do even with revenge in your heart."

Amanda questioned, "And this girl, you hardly know has found a way into our click?"

Duncan countered with, “That’s what happens when you miss the brain storming sessions at Joe’s place.”

“Oh stop, you are a terrible liar, Duncan Macleod.” Amanda said with a feminine wisdom far older than the younger immortal sitting there.

He confessed to her, "I know it sounds crazy, but she is unique and I‘ve been thinking about her more than I should."

Amanda told him, "Maybe I should challenge her," feeling a little jealous.

Duncan looked almost upset, "Don’t say that, Amanda we have bigger enemies out there."
“Okay, change of subject please.” she relented and looked at the menu one more time.

Joe and Beth finished their meal first and when leaving the restaurant, stopped by Duncan’s table to be polite.

"Hi, nice to see you Amanda." said Joe, "This is Elizabeth Windsor, Beth this is Amanda."

Making the introduction so Duncan wouldn’t have to, Joe said, "We’re going back to my place if you two want to come by later for drinks."

The two women exchanged looks and a quick hello, not bothering to shake hands.

Duncan stood up and said, "Thanks, I think we’ll do that."

Joe smiled and shook Mac's hand, "Good then, until later? Enjoy the food here, it's excellent."

Beth gave Duncan a quick smile and a good-bye, and then followed Joe to the front door.

Amanda smiled her good bye and watched them go, saying, "That's a big sword under her coat."

"That's right and she can use it too." replied Duncan.

His remark brought more questions to her mind, but Amanda held off for now spying the waiter coming towards them with a loaded tray.

The dinner was delicious and the wine consumed, while Duncan narrated a short version on the crisis now looming before them.

Amanda didn't appear at all surprised. "I know something about it. That's why those guys were after me."

Duncan looked sharply at her, "How long have you known?"

"Only a few weeks." she answered. Quietly she told him what happened to her. "I was a Cannes for the festival hoping to run into you there, when two Watchers cornered me and made me go with them using a gun. In the car an Immortal called Felix was waiting. He said I had to join Egan or die."

"Seems rather dramatic." said Duncan, looking serious.

The waiter stopped at their table long enough to bring the check. When he left she continued. "Well I pretended to along with their plan until he told me what Egan wanted."

Amanda leaned closer to whisper, "They want me to set up a large scale heist. We’re talking a million in dollars."

He was alarmed by her story, "You? But you've never done anything that big."

"I know that and they should know that as well. So that’s the only information I have." explained Amanda, looking around as if they were being watched.

"Sounds like the Watchers want money for something bigger than Immortals." He guessed, "But what, is the million dollar question."

"Duncan?" Amanda's voice quivered with uncertainty. "I feel trapped. What if I can't do it and they take my head?"

Duncan reached out and caressed her cheek telling her, "I won't let them take your head." He promised with all his heart.

She smiled at him, trying not to let her fear show through the tears in her eyes at hearing his words. The last caring words he said to her the night before he left Paris was, “You make my heart glad. You always have.”

[EvanStar4506]

Chapter Eight

The two figures hid outside the compound observing the guards. The Watchers were using a one hundred year old Chateau’ they had accrued eight months ago.
One man had straight dark hair and an easy going manner for a middle aged man. Jonah and Methos had been friends for the past three years. He took over after Dr. Amy Zoll left and did some of the jobs that Adam Pierson no longer did in the Watcher organization.

Jonas whispered, "It’s like an armed camp."

"How did you sneak out?" asked Methos equally quiet.

"Before dark I made excuses to be out and didn’t come back." He confided, "Now they’ll be looking for me."

"Will you be restricted?" asked Methos.

"You better believe it." replied Jonas, looking nervous.

"What will you tell them?" Inquired Methos worried about his friend.

"The usual story about getting drunk, forgetting the time, passing out." He smiled in the dark, "I’m a very convincing."

Methos pulled out a small paper he had copied from the larger schematics and held up a miniature light for Jonas to see and asked him. "Do you see these lines? Are these secret passages?"

Jonas studied the paper and replied, "I think I know where this is."

Pointing past the main gate he said, "Over there is a block wall that appears solid. But if you hit it at the crack with a dagger until you hear the “click” you have to push it open."

"Does it go both ways?" asked Methos.

"I didn't follow it very far before I had to turn back, but it did go in the direction of the courtyard." answered Jonas.

Methos questioned, "Who else knows about this?"

"I can't say who else knows. It's a secret." said Jonas with the emphases on secret.

"I’ve seen enough, let’s get back to my place." Methos told him.
"You’ll be safe there. I don’t think I want you going back. It’s better if you just disappear."

“Methos, Joe wanted me to stay inside. He says there are bigger plans he needs to know about.” Jonas insisted.

“That may be so, but I have plans too,” replied Methos, “and right now what I say goes.”

As the two men quietly departed, the guards were none the wiser.

In the dark behind the two parting figures, another shadow detached itself from the hedges and followed at a distance of 20 yards. His breathing was slow and heavy. His concentration was intense.

Methos and Jonas began moving erratically through out the city making sure no one could guess their true destination.

After a while Methos told Jonah, "I know we're being followed by an Immortal. Be careful so we don’t get split up."

They hugged the buildings and eventually made for the underground train.
Down below they paid to go on the next train. Methos turned around as the Immortal following, caught up with them boarding the same car.

Talking to Jonas, Methos said, “We need to get clear of this crowd.”
Methos pulled Jonas with him past the few passengers from one compartment to the next one until they found an empty car in the rear.

The menacing immortal followed them not even slowing as he joined them and drew out his sword.
The man said quietly, "I’m Kevin Santiago and I challenge you Methos."

Moving in the empty car, Methos took out his sword and said, "This is a mistake, we shouldn’t be fighting each other. The Watchers are interfering, we must not become pawns."

Kevin looked over to where Jonas was hiding behind some seats. "Then let me kill that one cowering behind you." He said, while the train picked up speed.

Methos insisted, "I can’t let you have him. He’s a friend trying to help me stop the Watchers."

Kevin said, "I’m going to kill someone tonight and it might as well be you." He began his attack without hesitation.

Methos brought his sword up quickly and nearly broke his opponent with the impact. He pushed himself off the seat and used the pole to shield him.

Jonas watched the two men battle as was his job for 20 years, but he wished he could be farther away this time.

Kevin used his attack with short quick strokes, keeping Methos from being able to attack in return. But Methos met every stroke while looking for an opening.

They moved up and back down the aisle hacking off anything not metal. A window was shattered and the wind blowing in made it harder for Methos to see.

Kevin laughed at him. He said, "Your power will soon be mine old one!" punctuating every word with his sword. "I’ve searched a long time to find you."

Methos answered back, "Don’t think I’ve survived this long to be taken by you." cutting through some of his opponents thick jacket.
Attacking first right handed then left handed, Kevin had pushed Methos back until he was against the door. Jonas was just behind him and off to the right.

Kevin bragged, "Of all the Immortals, I swore to get you!"

Methos held tightly to his sword as the battle turned into a test of strength. Kevin was only slightly stronger and slowly his sword crept closer to Methos who was straining with the effort.

Jonas saw his friend in trouble and kicked at Kevin's kneecap with all his might. Kevin buckled and went down hard.

Kevin shouted, "I’ll Kill You!"

Before Methos could bring his sword up to take his head, Kevin lunged forward driving his sword through Jonas, twisting it and cutting him to the spine.

In shock Methos couldn’t react fast enough and stop the senseless death of Jonas.

Kevin recovered, and this battle wasn’t over.
Rage filled Methos and he channeled it through his sword coming at Kevin, chopping quickly making him retreat.

Kevin expected rage and countered with rage of his own. He wanted the power of a 5,000 year old Immortal and that greed overcame any fear he might have felt.

Jumping back onto a seat Kevin loomed high in an attempt to come down on Methos head. But Methos slipped on the blood that was running down the aisle.

The sword missed his head but cut into his side and Methos struggled to squirm out of close range. Kevin laughed harder and advanced on the prone man.

Methos appeared frightened, but waited his chance, holding tightly to his sword.

Kevin said, "This is the end of your reign Methos, I shall enjoy your Quickening!"

Bringing his sword point down, Kevin ran Methos through in the middle, before he could withdraw and strike at the neck, Methos grabbed with one hand the blade piercing him and swung his sword quickly slashing at Kevin's exposed neck.

Pushing the blade off him, Methos couldn’t move as the body dropped onto him and sprayed blood everywhere.

He was trapped as the Quickening began. His last thought was of Jonas, his friend. Grieving, the lightening struck with force.

The dead body was picked up and thrown back against the window, shattering all of them by the force and sent it onto the tracks.

Methos twisted and turned with each impact of energy making the lights on the train explode.
He fought the blackness as his eyes closed. The roar went through him and vibrated his soul.

The train’s speed was interrupted, but didn’t stop as the engineer tried to figure out the problem, but after five minutes he was able to start the engines again.

An intense humming came at him, worse than an Immortal buzz. He felt it grab his heart.
Methos sat up screaming with pain, "NO! It can't be!" Knowing it could be none other.

The intensity almost choked him, "The stories were true? Have I lived so long that I fear the Gathering?" He asked himself.
He stood up in a daze and tossed the head out the shattered window, the sword as well.

Looking at Jonas, laying there, cut nearly in half, he knew what he had to do. He had to leave his friend behind. Tears filled his eyes as he picked up his sword, said good bye and left the train when it stopped.

[EvanStar4506]

Chapter Nine

At Le Blues Bar, the music was picking out the moods of the audience. Beth listened with a thoughtful expression that Joe couldn't read.

He passed her a glass of Vodka she requested and asked her, "If you could live anywhere, why did you pick the most remote areas?"

She told him, "Living off the land, you can get in tune with nature. I survived on very little and I liked it that way."

Joe asked her, "I saw in your file that you used the name Bethany Wallace for a while. Why did you change it?"

She looked pensive and then answered, "Wallace was on my mother's family side, she was Scottish. I tried to fit in with her people when I explored parts of Scotland. After a few years I didn't feel like staying. They wanted more from me than I was able to give."
Joe asked, "What do you mean?" refilling his glass as well as hers.
She shrugged, "You know, Get married, have kids, settle down. It wasn't for me. At that time I didn't know what being Immortal really meant. When I found out, I was glad I didn't stay.”

Then her eyes looked thoughtful, she said, “Growing up, I used to wonder why I didn’t look much like my parents. Joram looked just like my father, but I looked like neither.”

"Tell me then, where did you get your training?" He asked, "Because the fighting skills that kept you alive aren't that easy to learn."

"From all kinds of people.” She admitted, “When I stayed at a convent the first time it was for survival. There I met another immortal woman who was very kind. I used to fight as a woman possessed when instinct took over. With Mora, I was able to develop skills with a sword that no one else could teach me." She revealed in earnest.

Joe continued to push her and jot down notes asking, "What other kinds of relationships did you have?"

Beth took a long slow drink, unsure of what he meant. "Besides the friendship I had with Richie? I used visit other villages like the one I grew up in, befriending for a while, some people living there. Then I would move on."

"Why is that?" asked Joe, forgetting to write that part down.

"I was always trying to relive the past." She said, her eyes looking distant again. "After 200 years you realize you can never go back."

She took another drink to dull the memory. Listening to the song in the background played by the band, "Still Stuck on You", she felt a tear spill over and went to brush it away.

Joe caught her hand and said, "Beth, are you ready to dig up that past?"
"I’m trying." She said quietly, "I trusting you, right?"

Joe took his hand away, but not before brushing away her tear. She smiled a little and told him.

"I trusted Richie, with more than anyone else before him and since." She swallowed the rest of her drink then refilled the glass.

"So what's keeping you here?" asked Joe, "You could have left Paris right after you found out. Are you looking for vindication?"

This question went straight to her motives, "I don't know what I want now." Her eyes held Joe's with evident pain. "I wanted Richie's love again."

Joe told her gently, "Not all love is looked for. Sometimes it comes to you unasked."

She became almost angry, "Why open myself up like that? You don't know what I felt when Richie left me and what his death did to me. Even worse that MacLeod, his friend, killed him!"

She swallowed the rest of the vodka letting the fire course through her. Setting her glass down with a thud, she was feeling drunk.

Joe moved the bottle out of her reach and told her, "Now Duncan MacLeod is an honorable man in a world where most men are not. So stop blaming him."

Beth reached past his arm and took the bottle back, filling her glass again. Joe put his hand over the rim of the shot glass and said, "That doesn't help." his eyes piercing hers. “Believe me.”

"All right, last one." She said pushing his hand off and downing the drink in one swallow.

"You wonder why I'm angry." Beth’s eyes held Joe's until he nodded his head yes. "Do you want me to finish telling you about what they did, after those evil men caught me? How I became an Immortal?"

Her gray eyes went distant as she recalled a day, her last day as a mortal.

[EvanStar4506]

Near Brighton England, 1785

Early morning snow covered the ground as the weeks before spring was still only a wish, a dream that vanished quickly after waking.

Elizabeth pushed her way through the snow path carrying a small bundle. The efforts making her breath come out in big white puffs. Her skin was pink with cold and her hair was coming out of its braids.
She pulled her shawl closer around her shivering frame then turning her thoughts to Ronald once more. He was overdue from Brighton as he visited to trade for food, a necessity in winter.

When Ronald proposed to her, Elizabeth was afraid her parents wouldn't approve because he was poor. But he won them over with his sincerity and hard work and had already set money aside for a spring wedding.

Elizabeth was bone tired from helping to deliver a baby last night. She had been in the middle of catching only a few hours sleep before being roused by her mother to take these herbs that were sorted and packaged to the mid-wife.

Arriving at her destination, she knocked on the small wooden door and it opened immediately. The woman standing there looked even more tired and unkempt.

"Here are the herbs you wanted." said Elizabeth, handing the bundle to Madera. She started to come in, but Madera stopped her.

"Thank you child, but Hannah is here to help me this morning. You go back and get some sleep; you’ve had a rough night too."

Elizabeth nodded and was grateful as she turned back the way she came. Her feet were cold and she looked forward to taking off her shoes to sit near the fire and sleep a little.

She smiled through her weariness knowing that Ronald would be back soon and happy to see her. She knew she loved him when he held her close and told her all his dreams under last week's full moon.

Back inside the small house the Windsor family shared, Joram, her eight year old brother, was actively cleaning up the kitchen after their mother left to tend a neighbor’s child who was sick with the croup. Elizabeth sat down and took off her worn shoes.

Father was outside in his workshop already heating the furnace coals and working the bellows. Jonathan was almost finished with his secret project and wanted to show the elders his sword so they would commission one from him.

Joram looked over to his sister, saying, "Bethy, you were talking in your sleep last week about something bad and I wanted to ask you about it."
He continued washing dishes while watching her closely.

Elizabeth sat with her bare feet on the little foot stool warming by the fire. Picking up the sewing to be done, she told him. "Joram what possibly could I say that would be bad?"

"You kept saying there was fire, and that you can't help them." He looked at his older sister with worry on his face.
Elizabeth frowned for a moment and she bent to her sewing as if the stitches could bring into order what those words did to her.

She said quietly, "Honest Joram, I don't know what it means."

He put down the washing cloth to stand before her. "But mother said to always listen to your dreams, Bethy. You must know, tell me! What did you see?"

His eyes now showed more than fear. She shook her head, "I can't tell you, Joram. It might come true if I speak of it."

His boyish face gave no hint of his resolve. He scowled at her, "If you won't tell me, then tell father."

"Father's almost finished with his sword. He has no time to listen to my silly dreams." She pointed out.

"But mother said..." Began Joram but he didn't finish, as a scream was heard coming from outside.

Jumping up, Elizabeth was at the door in three steps. Wrenching it open, she had recognized that scream. Joram became frozen in place with fear.

Her best friend was laying on the ground cut open making the snow red. Six men leading horses were already going house to house setting them on fire and pulling people out to stand in the snow.

Elizabeth went back inside shutting the door and baring it. She grabbed Joram's hand to pull him out the back door. She met father there, holding the still red hot sword in his gloved hand.

"Get into my workshop and hide." He ordered, going past them. His face was set with determination.

Jonathan went around the house to the street facing the central square where everyone was gathering. He saw the men stop at the elder's house.

The last house happened to be what they were seeking. One man signaled the others to keep the villagers in place. He held a torch to the shingles until it caught fire.

Their rogue leader shouted, "Come out now Simon, I've tracked you down. Your ten years of hiding here is up. I challenge you!"

The six men stood back with their swords up threatening the shivering inhabitants and waited for what was to come.
Before the house was fully engulfed four people came stumbling out holding out swords as well. Coughing from smoke, they met their attackers with skill.

Jonathan watched long enough, and then his outrage took over. Coming from behind, he attacked one of the outlaws and cut him with the sword, burning flesh as it went into him.

In Jonathan's blacksmith shed, Elizabeth led her brother into the corner of the room and began pushing him into a cubby hole and sliding a board in front.

"Don't make a sound Joram. I'll come back for you!" She ordered and promised at the same time.

"Where are you going?" He asked in muffled voice.

"I have to find mother. Now be quiet." She answered.

Looking at the makeshift hiding place, she was still afraid for him, but she went out the door closing it.

The outlaw screamed and turned around. His eyes were blood red and he swung his sword at Jonathan's head cutting it from his shoulders. He reached behind, trying to dislodge the burning sword from his back. He screamed and fell over into the snow.

Elizabeth went back through the house, looking out the window to see if her mother was with the others. She was in time to see her father struck down and beheaded. Covering her mouth with her hand to keep from screaming, she could only watch.

The battle between the ten Immortals was terrifying, but Elizabeth watched anyway. She never thought the elders could fight so valiantly.

One of them fell and was instantly beheaded. The sight made her sick. Without thinking she went out the door, walking in slow motion towards her father's body.

The air was split with a terrible sound and the ground seemed to shake as well.
Elizabeth fell to the snow, covering her ears looking at the lightening that came from a cloudless sky.

The screams of the villagers matched those of the Immortal in quickening. It brought on more beheadings to silence them.
Elizabeth climbed to her numb feet and began to run away towards the forest. Behind her another quickening started and the flashes seemed to chase her.

Tears ran down her face as she saw in her mind's eye the people being slaughtered.
"I can't help them." Her breath came out in gasps turning to sobs. "I can't help them."

She ran until her legs gave out. Falling in the snow, she crawled into a large drift and buried herself as much as possible.

Smoke drifted through the trees to her hiding place and she could smell burning flesh. She prayed, "Please don't let them find Joram."

Elizabeth wanted to fall asleep and turn it all into a bad dream so that when she awoke, all would be as it was. Becoming colder by the minute, she then slept the numbing sleep of lost innocence.

When she did awaken, it was to rough hands pulling her out of the snow saying, "Here's one that got away. Who wants her?"

"I want her." said a voice that sounded coarse and unnatural.
Her clothes were ripped, but Elizabeth was determined not to cry out from fear.

The numbness in her body kept her from feeling most of the painful things they did.
They delighted in trying to make her scream out, breaking a few bones and cutting the tender flesh.

Elizabeth’s mind was far away as the assault continued with each man outdoing the other in atrocities.
She knew this would be over when she died and she prayed for that moment. Before the blade came down and pierced her lung, she thought of Joram and her people.

[EvanStar4506]

Chapter Ten

Inside The Presidential Suite at the Watcher’s compound, Joshua went to Egan. Giving him several reports he said, "Dawson is getting Adam Pierson and Duncan MacLeod involved what should we do?"

Reading the reports and one stood out from the others, He remarked casually, "First put MacLeod's name on the Hit List." Turning back to his computer he added. "He is responsible for at least four Watcher deaths, correct?"

Joshua affirmed saying, "Yes he is. That was some story about Ahriman. What about Adam?"

"You leave Adam Pierson to me." Egan instructed him, "Now go, I have work to do."

Joshua left Egan alone to do as he was commanded; knowing their leader always had a reason for what he ordered.

Next Egan read “Elizabeth Windsor in Paris only three days and met with Duncan MacLeod. They participated in a mock combat in front of mortals and later met with Joe Dawson, also Adam Pierson. Her return ticket to USA is in two weeks.”

“Why is her name important?” Egan searched his memory but didn’t find a connection.

The next paper he looked at gave the update on Immortals working for him. He saw the name Kevin Santiago crossed off the list.

In the back of his mind Egan Lasco made plans within plans, "What am I going to do with you Methos?"

He sat there thinking back to when he first became a watcher. The friends he made gave him a sense of security for the first time in his life.

A few years later, his best friend was killed trying to uncover and verify a rumor of an Immortal older than Methos, who at one time masqueraded in the Watcher organization as Adam Pierson.

A fact he painfully uncovered through cross checking of reports and notes left by Adam Pierson along with notes made by Dr. Amy Zoll. It didn't take a genius to put the two together as the same person.

When Egan read the reports by Joe Dawson on Ahriman, he felt betrayed. He did not believe in this demon and for Dawson to request that the records be sealed and preserved to last 1000 years, was next to lying under oath.

He focused once again on the computer screen in front of him. He smiled knowing he would have his revenge on Dawson and MacLeod.
Soon his eyes half closed and an influence now pervaded the room causing certain memories to return.

Le Blues Bar
Duncan and Amanda walked in the front door and waved to Joe across the room.
He was trying to wave Duncan off, but he saw them make their over through the crowd.

“I can understand now why you feel the way you do about quickenings and beheadings.” He told her, “but you don’t have to let it ruin your life.”

"Nobody can imagine how vile another human can be. The unspeakable things they did made me wish I had died. Even now why I fight so hard to keep my head, I don’t know! Except that I don’t want to die like that!"

Duncan, only hearing the last part of her speech, jumped to the only conclusion and said, "Nobody wants to die like that."

Elizabeth turned and stood up too quickly stumbling as Duncan caught her, she pushed away and staggered to the ladies room, crying.

"What did I miss?" asked Duncan, sitting down. Amanda pulled up a chair to sit between both men.

They were at the back table farthest away from the other customers so Joe tried to relate to Duncan some of Beth’s history without betraying the trust she had given him.

Twenty minutes passed before Beth came back to the table. Duncan stood up and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Amanda can I talk to you over by the bar?" he requested taking her hand.

"Of course Mac, you can order me a drink." said Amanda winking at Joe as she stood up.

As they walked away Joe said, "That Amanda, she's really something."

Beth nodded feeling shy after making a fool of herself, crying in front of Joe and then running away. So she just sipped her water and tried not to think about it.

Amanda asked Duncan, "What am I going to do about Egan's request?"

He suggested, "You can play his game or keep running, Amanda. Or you can turn and fight with your cunning mind."

"Running I can do, cunning I can do” Are you talking about a shell game?" She turned to the bartender and ordered a Dry Martini.

“Bringing Egan Lasco to financial ruin would stop him.” suggested Duncan. “Think about it Amanda, who else could do it?”

Amanda could see that Duncan was dead serious and he was right. She replied, “I don’t know where you get the idea I could ruin someone financially.”

Duncan tapped his fingers on the bar, "You’ve nearly brought me to that point on a few occasions.” he said, paying for her drink.

Amanda hated it when he pointed out the obvious. "You must be exaggerating.”

"Now if you want to survive, and you will if you play their game then stop Egan." Mac took her by the shoulders and looked intently at her, drilling his words into her.

Nodding her head Amanda agreed, "I know you give me a lot of credit and I do have some tricks up my sleeve but I also have the feeling that this... girl is more than just a passing interest."

Joe touched Beth’s arm to gain her attention, he asked her, “Can I give you some fatherly advice?”

She nodded and replied, “I would appreciate it.”

“The past can keep hurting or make you stronger.” He said, “The only way you can know for sure is to let it go.”

MacLeod said, "I'm not sure how much time I have before they come after Me. I doubt I'll be excluded, but Joe can't find anything out for me without tipping them off."

He dropped his hands looking past her to the table where Joe and Beth were talking; even from a distance he could feel her.

He admitted then, "I'm not sure why other than it's something beyond me. Like when I fought Ahriman. It was something I had to do."

"Where does that leave me, except to masquerade as some high price thief?" said Amanda glaring at him.

"You thought I had all the answers?" he asked her.

“Usually you do, but this is bigger than the both of us." She admitted.

Duncan nodded and stated, "If it were just a social visit, I would say I’m all yours, but it’s not and I can’t.”

Seeing her expression, Duncan asked her, “Do you need any money to get started.”

She leaned in close to whisper in his ear, “I’ll need more than money, but it’s best if you don’t know the details.” The she asked out loud, “Do I need to get my own ride home?”

He nodded saying, “Maybe, if you don’t mind.”
She pouted, “Yes, but then I’m not helpless.”

Duncan watched her go over to the band area to join in some dancing and he knew she would be alright.

Amanda was like an immortal cat with a few thousand lives. She always landed on her feet and had every male around wanting her.

[EvanStar4506]

Outside of Paris

In a modest country home with a small garden, Frank McFadden's eyes lost their focus as he listened to a summons no one else could hear at that moment. A hum, a soft ringing, it kept changing as it went through him.
"The Gathering!"

It grew in intensity as it went continuously into him as if a presence or essence was actually there. A wail began deep inside him as he fought its control. He stumbled to his room and fell across the bed. His wife was there in a moment by his side holding his head and feeling the call as it emanated through him.

He commanded, "Aaahhhggg... There Can Not Be Only One!"

When the possession subsided and he felt in control again, Frank told his Deahna, “This is the biggest deception of all time. It must be a false gathering call, but who has the power and could do this?”

Deahna said without a doubt, "Soon all the Immortals will hear it and some will go insane with confusion and fear." She intoned, "They will fight to become the last one."

Always present, looking through the gateway of time, the demon smiled his contentment. "Yes, and when there is only one of you left. I will rule again!"

Le Blues Bar

Duncan made his way back to Joe’s table. He sat down with a thoughtful expression and requested, “Keep an eye on her for me?”

Joe told him, “I always do?” turning to Beth he asked her, “Have you had enough tonight?”

She nodded looking a little sleepy and replied, “I think so. I’ll call for a car.”

MacLeod suggested, “Let’s get some fresh air and then I’ll take you back to your hotel.”

Thinking it over she turned to Joe and said, “I’m glad we talked even though it was painful”

He patted her hand and said, “If there’s anything I can do for you, let me know.”

She promised and then looking at Duncan she asked him, “Free escort and taxi? Sure why not.”

“Don’t get into trouble,” he told them, “I’m getting too old.”

“Thanks for the concern Joe,” as he helped Beth to her feet, “we’ll be fine.”
The two walked through the crowd passing Amanda with a quick good-bye they were out the door in minutes.

Amanda came over to sit with Joe. She commented, "I don’t think Mac knows what he’s really in for."

He agreed, "Nobody ever really does Amanda. If we did then it wouldn’t be a mystery."

She leaned forward and whispered, "Joe, I need your help."

Hearing her tone he asked, "What can I help you with?"

"Find out where I stand on Egan’s list and I'll do the rest." said Amanda standing up to leave.

Joe waved good bye as Amanda returned the wave. He watched her until she was gone.
Amanda left the bar right after them and saw which way the couple was going. Resisting the urge to follow them, she went to the waiting taxi.

He got slowly to his feet with his cane always by his side and limped to the back room, opening the door, another figure now occupied the couch. He shut and locked the door. Keeping the room dark, Joe asked the first question.

He wanted to know, "What’s going to happen next?"
The voice answered, "Egan is giving orders to systematically take out every Immortal in the area he can’t subvert, but only a handful has joined."

"Why? What does he want them to do?"
The voice answered, "To be his henchmen, bodyguards, essentially his bondsman but it hasn’t been that easy, last question."

Joe asked, "Can anyone get close enough to kill him?"
The voice chuckled long and quietly before answering. "If you were a fly you could get close, but even then I wouldn’t give you any odds. He is too well protected."

Joe nodded to himself and left the room. Closing the door he knew the informant would be soon gone, back into hiding. "Moles" were good at staying hidden.

The bar was still crowded so Joe stayed around to talk to the regulars and serve some drinks. Then he played a few sets with The Indigo Band to bring his mood out of the black hole it was in.

Back at the Watcher compound

"Amy you are my protégée. I’m teaching you everything you wanted to know." Egan said with impatience.

"I know Egan. Your personal interest means a lot to me. I just don’t know if I can do everything you want." She said, taking his hands in hers.

His dark eyes met her blue ones in a test of wills. She looked away and he knew he won.

"Amy, you will work at the computer until I get Darken Enterprises in a take over bid." He caressed her face with a gentleness showing he controlled her.

"But the hours that will take..." She began.

"Quiet! Don’t whine to my face." Egan pulled her to him in a tight embrace. "You want to be with me? Don’t you?"

Amy nodded slowly, "I have no choice, do I?"

He chuckled softly, "You handled Morgan Walker, so I think you can handle me."

Her blue eyes began to tear up as he kissed her roughly, taking her backwards to the bed behind them. She let him, knowing his control was complete.

Afterwards when Egan was asleep, Amy got up and put on a robe. She sat at the computer and went to work on Darken Enterprises.

Amy thought about Joe, as she worked and she was hoping MacLeod could keep him from getting involved in this. Her request was meant to send him a message, "Please Get out Now."
Amy was doing all she could to get Egan the money without disposing of the Immortals.

Remembering back to the night of taking her Watcher Oath, she still believed it with all her heart. She knew they were interfering, but Egan's alternative was worse.

So she made Egan fall in love with her hoping to gain some control. Instead he controlled her.

[EvanStar4506]

Chapter Eleven

Duncan and Beth walked from Le Blues Bar down the block. The evening air was fresh smelling and the street lights shone on their faces as they talked quietly. Passers by glanced at the striking couple.

Beth felt nervous and hoped Duncan didn’t notice. He did notice, but he was nervous as well. Making small talk was all he could think of doing.

“What am I doing?” he thought, “This isn’t a date.”

They walked until they came to the Park. Only a few people braved the cool air to take pleasure from the atmosphere. The newly planted flowers filled the places with their wonderful scent.

Beth finally felt comfortable enough to let down her guard a little. "I have to tell, I was resentful of you because I was going to break my vow and avenge Richie’s death."

Duncan was quiet and let her go on, looking at the well lit path in front of them.
She admitted, "I was sure that my first Quickening by killing the one who killed Richie would heal the pain I was feeling."

He told her, "You can’t heal that kind of pain by any Quickening."

She pointed out, "How could I know that. So I’m back to where I started." She walked on without talking further, her eyes down, thinking.

He reached over to take her hand and she let him, but didn’t look up.
They walked until no one else was around. Duncan stopped and turned to Beth looking at her with serious expression.

The moon was showing its first quarter and cast a faint light. He told her, “I know you wanted to be here now with Richie. I hope you allow me to stand in for him and be your friend.”

She answered, “For the moment, I’ll say yes, but I’ve decided not to stay.”

He questioned, “With all that you know, where will you go and outrun the watchers?”

Hesitation filled her mind and she wanted to believe it wouldn’t touch her. Looking at him thoughtfully she said, “If I go back to the states, they won’t come after me because I don’t have anything of value.”

He asked her point blank, “What about this morning when you were ready to fight them?”

A moment later they both felt an immortal approaching. Reaching into their coats, they brought out their swords simultaneously.

Even though it was night with very little moon light, both recognized Kerger when he came close enough to challenge them.

He taunted, "Here I am, Kerger, to challenge you, Duncan MacLeod. I mean to finish you this time." He held up his new sword.

Beth answered first before Duncan could. "You should fear me because I’ll make you beg to die." She warned him, surprised by her own vengeance.

Stepping forward, Duncan told her, “Beth, please let me fight my own battle."

Embarrassed she replied, "Oh, sorry, go ahead then I’ll...Ah, be over here." She put her sword down behind her back and gave them room.

Duncan stepped over to Beth not taking his eyes off Kerger, he shed his long coat and handed it to her.

Duncan held his sword high and said, "By the rules this time."

"Yeah sure, why not." said Kerger with malice.

Beth didn’t believe him, but kept quiet. Standing by a large tree, she whispered, "Be careful."

Duncan grinned as he attacked; this Kerger was not very bright. They clanged swords and repeatedly chopped branches off nearby trees as the weapons flew back and forth seeking targets.

Lunging forward and catching Kerger's blade, MacLeod pushed him aside into bushes that supported his weight.

Kerger hit back and rolled off the bush, stumbling as they kept fighting then going deeper into the park as the moon was disappearing.

He skirted his way around, getting closer and then feinted to the right, quickly cutting back to the left catching MacLeod's arm and sliced it neatly.

“Ha,” he said in triumph, “You fell for that one again.”

Duncan's sword hit back just as quickly and pierced Kerger in the stomach causing a deep puncture wound.

Kerger pulled away and swatted Duncan's blade away, retreating again to keep distance between them.

Kerger’s wound bled internally and he was showing his pain. Cursing and spiting blood he wouldn't stop, holding his sword up, he gestured for MacLeod to attack.

Duncan’s arm bled slowly not closing up as quickly as it used to, but he ignored it. Circling around trees and bushes, he saw Kerger give ground until he could back away no further.

He took out a gun and aimed at Duncan's heart. "Looks like I can't win against you unless I cheat MacLeod."

Duncan felt irritated by this, "You have no honor Kerger if you shoot me. Know this, before you can take my head, Beth over there will kill you."

Duncan held his breath hoping his bluff wouldn't be called, knowing that Beth would at least stop Kerger if it went that far.

Breathing loudly, Kerger glanced at Beth standing there with her sword out. He was uncertain of what to do. "I must finish you MacLeod. This is my last chance." He held the gun out getting ready to shoot.

Duncan asked bluntly, "Why is this combat your last chance?" Not advancing on him.

Kerger looked around saying, "Don’t you know about, them? The Watcher’s, they're everywhere spying." He continued in frightened tones. "I can’t get away from them. One told me that if I could kill you they would leave me alone."

Stepping into the shadows, Beth disappeared from view. Making her way she circled back to the men.

Duncan sadly shook his head telling him, "They will never leave you alone Kerger, they will always be watching you, even in bed."

Kerger looked ready to fire the gun. He growled his anger and said, "I'm going to kill you!"

Beth came up quickly from behind holding her sword; she pressed it into his back, "Drop the Gun!" She commanded.

Kerger threw the gun away, but turned his attention back to MacLeod.
He charged quickly and Duncan had to go backwards dodging the blade to get in position for a good counter attack.

Kerger had both hands on his sword slashing at Duncan continuously, using up all his energy on that one quick attack.

He was running out of clear space and Duncan hated trampling the flowers. When he saw Kerger spent, he knew it was time.

Stopping his retreat, Duncan dropped down to his knee then bringing his sword point up into Kerger. Standing quickly, he pulled the blade up and out. Spinning around, he beheaded Kerger in one stroke.

He looked to where Beth had stood. She was gone and his new coat was lying on the ground.

[EvanStar4506]

He knew why she left, but he couldn’t go after her as the Quickening began. He wished more than once he could describe the feeling that the Quickening always brought. He saw the glowing begin at the headless corpse and travel up to him.

Duncan opened his arms to embrace the power of the electrical Quickening that seemed to bring everything into focus. At that moment he heard it.

An intense humming began like a thousand bees went through him. It reminded him of jumping into a frozen lake.

"The Gathering!" screamed Duncan as he felt it overwhelm his senses.

Beth had stayed long enough to see that Duncan would win, and then quickly ran off down the path the way they had come.

She heard the thunder and his scream as the lightening struck. Tears were on her face as she kept putting distance between herself and Duncan even through she knew it was irrational.

She had the flashback, running with the Quickening behind her while her family was killed.

She thought, "I should have stayed and tried to confront my fear."
Stopping at the entrance of the park she had the sensation that another immortal was nearby. Maybe Duncan was still in danger.
Turning back, she thought to warn him and ran, guessing the way back.

She ran until she felt him ahead. Stopping she called out, "Duncan, are you there?"

A rope snaked out and dropped around her head, pulling taunt. A Watcher told her to shut up as he dragged her behind the bushes. She never felt him nearby and she struggled to reach the sword on her back. Pulling it out she twisted out of his grip. Standing up she faced a gun.

Up ahead, another Immortal stepped out to meet Duncan when he came into view.
The Watcher held her at bay and told her to remain quiet.
Duncan still held his sword and heard the commotion in the bushes. He called out, "Beth, can you hear me!"

"She can’t answer you. She’s such a weak thing, why do you put up with her?" Alan asked him, smiling wickedly.

Alan was an Immortal slightly taller than MacLeod. With light brown hair that showed under the park lamp. His dark skin showed he was a native of the Deep South.

Duncan said with hostility, "I don’t think that’s any of your business, so just move over there and I’ll let you live."

"Kerger is finished, so I’m challenging you and so on until you’re finally defeated." Alan stated, drawing his sword. "Some Champion you are." Showing contempt, he spat on the ground.

Duncan dropped his coat and held his still blooded sword up with both hands. He asked, "Why do the Watchers want me dead. I saved them from Ahriman."

Alan stated, "So you say, but all I know is there is a large bounty if I kill you." He advanced on Duncan, "No more talking now Fight me!"

Duncan knew that one battle right after another put him at a disadvantage. He also knew Beth was in trouble or she would be out here issuing her warnings.

He asked him, "Don't you hear the Gathering summons yet?"

Alan replied, “What are you saying? There is no gathering.”

MacLeod replies, "I accept the challenge, only because I have no choice. What’s your name?"

In a bored manner, he replied, "I am Alan Callente, now you know."

“Oh that’s funny,” Mac said, “I suppose you’re hot too?”


Taking his stance in the light of a park lamp, he forced Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod to deal with him.

Duncan backed slowly into the shadows away from the lamp using darkness as his cover. Alan followed him.

"Good," he thought, "Keep coming." When there was some distance between them, he bent down to rub his bloody sword into some dirt; it cast no glint in the faint moonlight.

Beginning his attack in the dark, Duncan chopped and pushed him back and around obstacles. Alan was surprised and kept on the defense blocking and countering the swift attacks.

Unsure of how much danger Beth was in Duncan decided to keep this battle short. Dancing out of range, again he bent down quickly, not giving Alan time to guess his motives.

Getting a handful of soil he feinted then lunged forward to toss the dirt into Alan’s face and stepped back. Alan screamed a curse in anger as dirt flew into his eyes and blinded him.

Holding his sword on his arm, Duncan watched long enough for Alan to realize his fate.

"You should know that I don’t have time for generosity tonight. Sorry about that." Said Duncan, as Alan tried to wipe his face clean on his sleeve.

Duncan attacked again and Alan countered somewhat, but unable to see, he failed.

Knocking the sword aside, Duncan easily beheaded Alan. Taking a chance, Duncan ran a few yards knowing the Quickening would find him swiftly.

He found the Watcher in the bush and at that moment he aimed and shot Beth in the heart. Her eyes looked hurt and she dropped in slow motion.
The lightening found him and for the second time streaked after Duncan MacLeod. He stood back from Beth so she wouldn’t be caught up in it. The Watcher was terrified by the look on MacLeod’s face.

He struggled over to a tree and held onto the trunk channeling some of the force away from him. The call was louder this time and he wanted to hold his ears from the sound of it, but it came from within his mind.

The Quickening left him stinging. Waiting for it to pass, he groaned with effort. He hated feeling vulnerable right then.

"Don’t kill me and I’ll report back anything you want me to say." pleaded the Watcher, on his knees.

Feeling the Quickening subside, he knelt beside Beth and felt for her breath. Her face was so blue it appalled him.

Regaining some strength, he said, "I’ll let you live to tell Egan that if he doesn't stop, I'll come after him myself."

The Watcher promised, "I swear it. I’ll try to remove your name from the hit list."

"Then go before I change my mind." He said, breathing out his fury.

The Watcher left in a hurry and Duncan sat down next to Beth waiting for her to come around and his strength to return.

Duncan cursed out loud, "Damn Ahriman and his predictions!"
He was furious at the Watcher’s foolishness.

He touched her face, but she still wasn't breathing yet. Knowing it could take awhile, Mac felt strong enough to carry her now.

Getting his coat on and putting his sword away, he felt the cut still hurting. Duncan picked her up and checked for her heartbeat. It was too faint he couldn’t feel it.

Duncan carried Beth all the way to his car a few blocks away. As people passed him, they looked concerned but didn't question him.
He put her in the car and drove home. Having been shot it would have been easy enough for the immortal to finish her off.

When he parked in front of the barge, he heard her breathing slowly begin. Going around to the passenger side, he carefully picked her up and carried her up the plank to the door when she came awake fighting him.

Duncan held her struggling, telling her, "Stop, Beth it’s me, you’re all right now." He set her feet down but still held on to keep her from falling over.

She looked in pain and started to shake. He unlocked the door quickly, and helped her down the steps inside, guiding her over to sit on the bed.

She stopped shaking, but was still unresponsive when he talked to her.

"Beth, look at me!" He pleaded, holding her face in his large hands.

She touched her throat with a look of fear in her eyes appearing as dark storm clouds.

She couldn’t talk at first and just made little cries. Duncan then took her hands in his; they were cold as he rubbed them.

He repeated the command, “Beth, can you talk to me now?" Her eyes finally focused and she looked at him.

She struggled with her voice coming out as a whisper, "Duncan, I don’t know what happened. Something shattered inside me and I feel so numb."

He nodded his head for her to go on. "Take your time and tell me what happened."

"I have never died since my first death. I saw a memory from my past when I became an Immortal, although I didn’t know it at the time." Her voice was in pain but came in stronger.

He then insisted, "You have to tell me about it."

Regaining her composure, quietly she asked, "You want to know the moment I became an Immortal? What took place?"

She got up and walked away from him to look out of the portal. The scene played out in front of her eyes in the dark. A scene no one else could witness.

Beth took out her sword and showed him some words that were scratched on it. He failed to notice it before, "That’s the date when I died. I had it inscribed so I would always remember."

Duncan heard her tone and knew it wouldn’t be pleasant, death never was. "Yes, you must tell me. I can help you deal with that pain." He went over and stood behind her.

"Didn't Joe tell you anything?" She asked him, not turning around.
"No, not all of It." he admitted.

She continued in a faraway voice, "When you see your entire village beheaded you never forget. The massacre left me with no one. My people were gone in a day."

Duncan listened knowing that the telling would help her. The narrative lasted an hour.

[EvanStar4506]

Chapter Twelve

Six months ago...

As Egan sleeps, Ahriman draws closer. A mist of influence glides over his unconscious mind a dream forms. Egan Lasco can not escape its power.

The dirty blond hair boy was bruised and blood stained as he hides behind a trash can in an alley. Trying to disappear from his tormentors, he keeps his movements quite.
The clothes he wears have held onto months of dirt. He looks at the world with dark, almost black eyes. He smells the refuse with its rottenness and eatable things. No one else wants it, but Egan does.
He quickly peeks in the trash can and takes out a half eaten banana.

Crouches down to begin eating, his little mind hears a voice saying with a measure of humor. "Little Egan, look at all the money in the world and none for you."

The laughing is spiteful. Egan feels his anger rise at the voice, but he is also helpless.

The voice Whispers into his mind, "One day when you are in power you will know what to do."

Egan is no longer afraid or angry and listens with his mind to the whispers. "You must take what was never given you. Then you will have more then you ever dreamed of."

At that moment his attackers find him hiding. He can feel the punches and kicks as they drag him out into the open. The beating continues until he wakes up.

Egan screams as he sits up looking around expecting to see the gang there, but he is alone. He is now a man with expensive clothes. The light blond hair is well cut. His face is clean shaven and handsome. His dark eyes still look at the world through that filter of poverty.

His bedroom is lavish and a comforting light by his bedside. He lies back remembering the details of the nightmare.

His first thought is, "After all these years why did I dream of my childhood?"
He thinks about all his accomplishments when he was accepted as a watcher.

Egan began working his way up through the ranks, proving his worth by becoming the youngest Watcher President of the France Chapter in only three years.

He realizes there was one objective still not complete. The dream jarred his memory for a reason.

Retracing the path taken by Immortals, Egan realized how much he resented their longevity. The riches accumulated for centuries. It was now time to put the Immortals in their place.

Closing his eyes Egan contemplated the past, "Because of their greed and longevity, I was so poor. My mother made me leave into the unforgiving streets because there was no money."

He could hear his secretary knocking softly asking if he was awake. Smiling Egan replies, "Yes I’m awake."

Continuing his thoughts with a new purpose, "There is much work to begin and so little time for mortals." His smile turned bitter, 'Why did I not see this before."

The demon Ahriman boasts, "Because I did not want you to. Timing is everything my puppet. The Gathering is being heard and you will now know why this was the time."

The master demon’s form was a reptilian body that had dark red scales he favored so much. It was easier to move in this dimension that he was banished to. His eyes burned with ice as cold as his blood.
"My pet project will soon be complete and all the Immortals will believe the myth, There Can Be Only One!"



Barge on the River Seine

MacLeod handed Beth the glass he had refilled which she accepted gratefully drinking it in one swallow.

"I’m not sure how long I lay there, but my heart burned and began to beat again. I became aware and I struggled to breath. There was a light covering of new fallen snow on me and I sat up."

She stopped to look at him, the wonder showing on her face. "I saw the world so differently. The sky was so blue. The silence was overwhelming. My senses felt so intense. My heart still burned."

"What did you do then?" He asked, leaning back against a post.

She answered, "I went back to my village and saw what was left and picked up father's sword lying there."

She slowly shook her head, looking distant, "Everyone was dead by beheading. Eventually I found Joram beheaded as well. I couldn’t bury them at all, Duncan. I found Ronald dead on the road outside the village. I had to leave everything it as it was. I felt a rage deep enough to seek vengeance but I wasn't sure why I lived again that’s when I vowed to never kill as those men had." She sat back, drained by the ordeal.

Mac remembered the same sensations, the wonder of it all, the need to know what happened. It was like that for all newly born Immortals. The intensity was something you could never forget. When you have your first quickening, it stays with you.

He hated hearing stories of men without honor, killing women, destroying towns for sport. He knew it was a past that Methos had once participated in. He knew that acceptance wasn't forgiveness.

"Beth, I can help you let go of that past." He told her, standing before her with compassion.

She shook her head filled with sorrow and stated, "It’s not that easy. They killed that part of me."

Reaching up to stroke the tears off her cheek, he told her, "I don’t believe that. I think you have the capacity move beyond it and live fully again." He took a hold of both her hands.

"I can’t stop the memories from haunting me." She insisted, pulling away from him. “I’ve kept them buried this long.”

He stood back, "You're right. We both have memories that have haunted us for too long.” He suggested, “We'll start with meditation."

Duncan pulled out a mat from a closet and took off his shoes and sat down. "Here sit down like this. Come on it won’t hurt." He told her.

Beth relented and did the same, sitting across from him with her hands in her lap.
He told her to close her eyes, "Now I want you to picture a safe haven in the forest where you can go when you feel threatened."

She did as he asked, feeling exhausted, but willing to be free of this experiences if he could help her.

Over the next few hours, Mac understood why Richie couldn’t help her through this. It was all so complicated. There were painful memories that suppressed her growth as an Immortal. She lived on raw instinct alone.

[EvanStar4506]

Using a technique he remembered from Sean Burns by making her digress back in time to become her own champion was nearly impossible.

He instructed her, "In your mind, see yourself with a sword in hand coming at those men who attacked you."

Her eyes closed tightly and hands in fists, she nodded her head, trying to do as he asked

He continued, "You must strike at them, don't stop until you've driven them back."
Her breathing quickened and her mind traveled to that time and she struggled with the image before.

He ordered her, "See your other self on the ground afraid, but unhurt. Kneel down and help her up. Tell her it's all right now that she's safe."

"I can't!" She said, "She won't come to me and the men are coming back."

"Hold your sword up and keep them away." Mac replied, pressing the hilt of her sword in her hands.

Beth felt the reassurance in his voice and gripped her sword to try again. She said out loud, "Come here to me Bethy. I need you!"

The frightened girl in her mind refused again saying in return, "You need your pain to survive. It's the only reason you've survived."

Beth opened her eyes and screamed "I need my pain!" holding the sword now pointing at Duncan, her eyes wild with fear.

He persisted in remaining calm, "You have survived, but at what cost?"

"No! You can't change the past!" She insisted.

"I'm not changing the past. I'm helping you to understand it!" He said, trying to get through her chaotic emotions.

She screamed in defiance, "Leave me alone! I want my pain! It helps me survive!"

Not giving up, he continued. "Your pain will kill you. From inside it will destroy you!" He moved back out of range of her sword.

She felt panic rising in her. Getting up she ran quickly for the door.
He refused her that, catching her around the waist and pulling her to the floor and taking her sword away. He commanded, "You’re not leaving until I know you’re free of this."

She cried out, "Who I was died 200 years ago!" As she struggled with him, her hair came loose and fell around her face.

He said without pity, "Then you have no need of my help."

He let go of her and stood up, saying with decisiveness, "All right then leave. I can't befriend you if you refuse it."

Beth was shocked into silence and she stood up feeling lost. Looking around the barge and realized how much she wanted to stay.

Instead of leaving she walked over to fall across the bed, moaning her anguish. Her hair covered her face and she began to sob quietly.

Duncan knew she was at the stage now where crying was the best therapy. His memories of Sean Burns told him that and much more. He picked up a blanket to throw over her and then moved her to one side.

Turning off the lights, he lay down on his bed making himself comfortable. Covering up with a quilt he carefully put his arm around her to offer comfort.

He wondered, "How she could survive this torment so long keeping so much pain locked inside."

Beth struggled with the beast that devoured her. She rocked herself for comfort in the dark. She quietly called out the names of her family long dead. "Mama, Papa, Joram?" Trying to remember their faces, even briefly, she couldn’t.


Amanda’s taxi ride back to her hotel was slow. She kept looking over shoulder out of the back window, knowing the car following her was driven by a Watcher.

"If Egan thinks I'm going to play his game the way he wants, then he can go to hell." Amanda's thoughts mirrored her stubborn defiance. "I am no man's slave."

Her musings drifted back to all the times when a man believed she could be controlled. Amanda remembered the poverty and what it took to never be that hungry again.

Why should she use her talents to aide Egan Lasco, was a bitter irony. Her anger continued to build and her thoughts circled like a raven from above.

"To give money to this mortal goes against everything I stand for. I have never given anything to mortals. Friends yes, but not many mortals can stay my friend...for long."

"Driver," Amanda called out, "Turn here and drop me off." She would walk the rest of the way through the small back alley.

The taxi stopped at the curb. Amanda got out and paid the man. Glancing at the headlights approaching, she took off in a quick walk covering much ground before the car turned into the alley.
Zig zagging down more streets and alleys, Amanda was sure she lost him and began to relax. She walked behind a group of people coming out of the theater and blended in.

"What did it matter anyway? They know where I will turn up. Why do I play these games?" She asked herself, only half listening to the conversation going on around her.

To kill a Watcher was unthinkable but it was beginning to seem a reality she would have to face sooner or later. "What would MacLeod say?" She asked herself.

As if a conjecture that came from nowhere, Duncan MacLeod was asking himself that same thing.

[EvanStar4506]

Chapter Thirteen

It had taken Methos a while to get back to his place last night. Covered with blood, he stayed out of sight deep in the shadows. He went up the back stairs to his apartment as everyone else slept.
When he finally made it to the door he unlocked it. Looking down he saw an envelope addressed to Adam Pierson. He recognized the stationary and it looked like a summons from the Watchers.

Entering the front room he looked around to be sure no one was waiting for him. Heading for the bathroom he started the water in the tub. Not even waiting until it was full, Methos slid in, clothes and all to sit there and lament.

The water could wash the blood, but not the pain he was feeling. Pulling off his clothes he dropped them soaking wet next to the tub. While he went through all the motions of washing, rinsing and climbing out to dry off, he did so with no feeling or thought. At last getting into bed where even there, he could find no solace.

Barge

After the nightmares of last night, Beth awakened to the morning light of reality. It was time to confront the past once and for all.

She slid carefully from under the warm covers next to MacLeod. She looked at him and smiled. His features were softened and a tiny crease showed between his eyebrows giving him a look of concentration.

She quietly put her shoes on and wrote a note, leaving it on the table. Looking around the barge, she was amazed on how much calmer she felt. Only a few days ago she was ready to kill him, but now that anger was gone.

Without waking him up, Beth tucked her sword under her arm and whispered good-bye. She left the barge without a sound to break the morning’s stillness.
The walk from the barge to the hotel was heavy thoughts that occupied the mind of Elizabeth Windsor.

Le Blues Bar

Joe awoke with a start from another dream about Vietnam. He still had them, still hated them. He decided that getting up early would give him the chance to get more done. Putting the word out to all the Watchers he could trust wasn’t going to be easy.

Slipping into a robe, Joe pulled himself into his chair. He used it when he didn't want to bother putting on his artificial legs to go to the next room.

He moved into position in front of his computer to begin composing more E-mail messages to send. He needed something that wouldn’t arouse suspicion. But no matter how carefully he worded it, he realized anything he sent out would arouse suspicion.

He tried to get information from his “mole” on the status of Amanda, but he wasn’t in the secret chat room they had set up to speak in code when the need was urgent.

Next he called Methos at his apartment. It rang several times and when Methos finally answered the phone he sounded terrible.

Joe asked, "What happened to you?"

It was a moment before Methos would answer, and when he did, Joe could barely hear him. "Jonas is dead."

Joe swore to himself then said, “I’m sorry my friend, tell me everything."

Methos complied with a recitation admirable for a man in pain. "We were coming back from The Watcher compound to my place. An Immortal Kevin Santiago was following behind and cornered us on the underground train. He killed Jonas before I killed him."

Methos wanted to hang up but there was more. "Joe," He said to the now silent man.

"The Gathering is here." He whispered.

Joe asked in a disbelieving tone, "How could you know that?"

"I heard it...No, I felt it during the Quickening." Methos was beginning to loose it. "I fear the joke is on me." He gave maniacal laugh.

"What do you mean?" Dawson asked, trying to keep him talking.

Methos would say no more and not wanting to answer Joe’s questions, he hung up and disconnected the phone.

Joe hung up, but quickly dialed again. No answer. Then he dialed another number.


Barge

When Beth had fallen asleep, Mac heard her talking in her sleep about demons. Resisting the impulse to wake her, he finally fell asleep as dawn was nearing.

Later that morning he awoke in a rumpled bed, twisted in the quilt. He realized he had no nightmares this time. He felt some relief knowing the power of Ahriman was beginning to weaken.

When he untangled himself to get up, he looked around and found a note on the table under a glass. He quickly picked it up, reading it as he felt her absence.

"Dear Duncan,
I thank you for last night. I can never repay you for your patience and help, but I have to be alone for a while and sort through the rest of my pain.
Maybe I’ll make peace with my past so please don’t worry about me. Beth"

He stilled the panic that was rising and read the note again. She said she might be leaving, maybe there was still was time.

His first thought was, "I have so much to do. I need to call Joe or maybe her hotel first, then Joe." While dashing about the barge getting ready, the phone rang.

Duncan answered it saying in a hurry, "Beth, I have to tell you..."

"Mac, it’s me Joe, hold on there I have news of my own."

He asked, "Joe, what could be so important?"

Joe answered, "Sounds like Methos is in trouble."

Hearing Methos was in trouble, he forgot about Beth for a moment. "Tell me what’s happened." asked Duncan, sitting on the bed half dressed.

Joe replied, "His friend Jonas was killed during a combat." Joe paused for a moment to say with hesitation, "Mac, Methos said the Gathering is here."

"I know,” replied Duncan, “I heard it too."

"Well, you could have told me ASAP." said Joe in exasperation.

"I'm sorry, but there wasn't time Joe." answered MacLeod.

"Methos hung up and unplugged his phone after dropping that bombshell on me. I need you to go over to his apartment and get him for me. I need to talk to the both of you." instructed Joe.

"All right I’ll go and get him if you call Amanda. We’ll all meet at your place." said Duncan, while pulling on a clean shirt.

Joe asked, "What about Beth, I take it she’s not there. What happened?"

"She had to go out." He mentioned, as he pocketed the note. "I’ll try and get a hold of her next." He promised to himself, hanging up his phone.

Duncan grabbed his sword and tucked it inside his coat. He was about to leave when he spied her red ribbon lying on the floor.

He picked it up to put in his pocket. Taking the keys out, he locked his door in a hurry. Duncan jumped off the side of the barge going to the car unlocking the driver's side.

[EvanStar4506]

Snatching the parking ticket off the windshield, having forgotten to put the car away, he got in to reeve up the engine and then sped off.
MacLeod didn’t stop for anything and the drive to Methos’ apartment was a blur accompanied by near misses and screeching tires.
His thoughts revolved around Beth, Methos and the Gathering.

Parking quickly and charging up the steps he paced while waiting for the elevator.
Methos wouldn’t open the door even though Duncan was pounding on it. "Methos open up!" He commanded.

Mac could feel someone inside, but no sounds were heard. Finally he got tired of waiting and kicked it in.

Methos was standing in the middle of the room with his Ivanhoe sword pointing at Duncan. He eyes looked glazed over and he was wearing only blue shorts as sweat poured down his face.

"Methos put down your sword unless you’re challenging Me." commanded Mac in a warning tone.

Methos smiled a little, "Then I guess I’m challenging you."

"I’m not accepting then, you can wait for the Gathering." He insisted, taking a tentative step inside and closing the door behind him.

"I’m not going." Methos replied with conviction, but his quivering lip betrayed the emotions at war within.

Walking slowly towards him, Mac reached out and took the sword from his grasp, relived that Methos had no intention of really fighting him.

Mac said gently, "Can we talk about it then?"

Methos was showing his panic, "I'm not going to the Gathering. So you can just turn around and leave."

"I can't leave because I promised Joe that I would bring you along. He needs to see us." said Duncan, leaning the sword against the wall near the bedroom door.

"Maybe I don't want to see him." Methos said even more determined to be stubborn. He went to the little kitchen and poured a drink of cold water, feeling it calm the fire he was feeling inside. Wiping his eyes, he refused to look at MacLeod.

"Please get dressed Methos. Or I’ll drag you outside with only your shorts on." Duncan said, refusing to let Methos test his patience.

Methos looked thoughtful for a moment and nodded his head. "All right, it's the least I can do."

"Good." Mac smiled, "I'm glad you changed your mind. It's easier than carrying you."

Methos growled a little going to his bedroom, snatching up his sword as he entered and closing the door with a thud.

Duncan went to the telephone and plugged it in. He dialed Joe's number. When he heard it being picked up he said, "Joe, everything is okay now and we'll be leaving here soon."

Joe replied, "Glad to hear it and Amanda isn't too happy either for that matter so we're going to be a real cheerful bunch I can tell you right now."

Duncan sighed as he hung up the receiver, "Poor Joe, he is really stretched thin between us three."

Methos went to the closet and picked out some clothes, pulling denim pants on and picking out a sweater, he quickly stashed the sword inside and shut the wardrobe door.

Partially dressed, he went back into the front room asking Mac, "You seem to be in a huff this morning. Something else happen that I should know about?"

Mac told him, "Last night I had two Immortals trying to kill me one right after the other. I believe it was under direct orders of the Watcher President." Standing in the doorway he crossed his arms watching for Methos' reaction to these accusations of betrayal.

"They said that because of me four Watchers died. That Ahriman was just a fable. Now I have my proof that Egan is ordering the death of Immortals. And you know this is more than just interfering in the Game."

He hesitated looking at his old friend sitting on the couch with an expression of disbelief. Mac said, "They were going to kill Beth too."

Methos looked at him in despair, "This should have never happened. Everything I studied on the Watchers when I was with them showed me that they were an organization with honor and pride in their historical records."

Duncan agreed, "They used to be, but not anymore, At least not this chapter. I want to find out how far it stretches. And I'll tell you right now that two quickening in one night were almost too much for me."

“Is that when you heard the call?" He asked, tucking the white T-shirt inside his jeans.
Duncan nodded, "Yes it was and it was very loud and unpleasant."

"Well I'm not going to the Gathering." Methos repeated with a definite look of defiance. “It’s just a big lie.”

"We have to go Methos; it’s who we are, immortals fighting evil." He insisted, coming over to the couch where Methos was sitting.

"They'll have us fighting each other until we're all dead." He tugged the sweater over his head, making his hair, in fact neater. "All but one, Macleod, all but one." then he leaned back on the couch, crossing his arms.

Mac began to reason with him. "You probably know more about the Game than I do. But I do know this, when I heard the summons, I knew that I was going."

"I'm too old. I always thought it was fable, never fact." He stared past Mac, his eyes looking lost.

Sitting down on the worn couch next to Methos he asked, "Did you ever meet the Grand Immortal?"

Methos answered quietly, "Yes, once about fifty years ago."

"Then he would be the one to see about this Gathering." Mac reasoned with hope.

"What could he know that I don't?" asked Methos, angry at the suggestion.

Exasperated, Mac told him, "Methos, you may be old and wise, somewhat, but the Grand Immortal has an insight that we don't have. He can tell us more about a possible Gathering."

Methos put his head in his hands and thought about what Mac was saying. "Maybe you’re right." Looking around his small apartment, he no longer felt safe. His eyes stopped on a painting he did a few years ago.

"Who painted it?" Mac asked, seeing where Methos was looking.

"I did of course." answered Methos. "Didn’t you know I was an artist?"

Mac replied, "It's a very good painting of us, but I have to question the Freudian significance of us dueling."

Methos explained, sitting back, "There’s nothing Freudian about it. We’ve occasionally had our little fights and this just represents one of them."

Mac went to study the picture more closely then commented, "You’ve captured the expressions quiet well. The storm in the background is very effective."

Methos sneered, "Aren’t you the Art Critic. I painted it just to amuse myself nothing more."

"I'm just explaining why I think it's very good." Replied Mac, feeling irked by his friends attitude.

Methos got up and went to the painting on the wall, taking hold; he yanked it off the hook. "Take it then!"

Both men saw the small listening device that fell off the frame. Mac picked it up and shook his head; putting it on the table he smashed it with the end of his sword.

Methos intoned, "Well, now they know everything we've said."

Going over to put his shoes on, he glanced at Mac who was still inspecting the painting as he placed it back on the hook.

Methos picked up the summons he found slid under his door last night, it read;
Adam Pierson, you are ordered to report to Watcher headquarters tomorrow for debriefing and reassignment. Sign, Joshua Gibbons

He wondered what they wanted from him and how he could turn this whole bloody mess around. "I guess I’m ready, we should go." He said. Pocketing the paper and putting on his coat.

Inspecting the door lock, Mac said, "It can’t be fixed."

"You shouldn’t have kicked it in." Methos pointed out, bending down to look at it.

Mac countered with, "Then you should have opened it." standing up and glaring at him.

"It doesn’t matter anyway, why do you always argue with me." Replied Methos as he went out the door.

"I’m not arguing, I’m stating the facts." said MacLeod, following him and shutting the door. He failed to notice that Methos left his beloved Ivanhoe sword behind, stashed in the closet.

[EvanStar4506]

Chapter Fourteen

The walls of his office still shone with soft light. The paintings came alive with the flickering shadows from tree branches swaying in the breeze. The taste of this man was drawn to pastel colors and comfortable furniture.

He sat in contemplation undisturbed for hours. By midmorning Egan Lasco made his decision. He signed the orders charging; Joe Dawson for lying to the Watchers and Duncan MacLeod for carrying out the fiasco.

Now two more Immortals, that were to serve him, are out of the game, killed by MacLeod just last night.

Egan rubbed his face with weariness and anger, "How dare they do this us!" He exclaimed again.
A quick tapping brought his attention away from the papers. "Come in!" he commanded.

The door opened and Joshua came in and stood before the giant antique desk awaiting Egan's acknowledgment.
Egan asked quietly, "What do you have for me?" noticing a transcript in Joshua's hand.

Joshua laid it on the desk. He cleared his throat and said, "Your orders were carried out. Adam Pierson is with MacLeod and this is what they talked about."

Egan picked it up and smiled as his eyes scanned it. His thoughts remained silent. "So there will be a Gathering after all. It seems Horton was right about Immortals. They will rule over us soon."

Joshua couldn't guess what Egan would do with this information. He knew there could be a panic in the Watcher camp if everyone thought about the Gathering as the end of all things.

Taking out another paper, Egan signed it and said, “I want an example made of Amanda Montrose.”
Joshua questioned the order, “Why this immortal? She is no danger to us.”
“Because by all watcher accounts, she is close to MacLeod and she can’t be trusted.” He held up his hand adding, “Whatever arrangement we made with her, I’m going to void it today.”

Egan wanted to hurt them and punish them for what they did, who they betrayed and all the lies those two propagated. "It is time." He said to Joshua, signaling an end to their meeting.


Driving through Paris on the way to Joe’s place, Duncan kept looking around hoping to see her. "Please let me see her."

Finally curiosity got the better of him. Methos asked, "Who are you looking for?"
He answered absent mindedly, "Beth, she was gone this morning when I woke up."

Methos remarked, "What is it with you and women, love them and they leave you. Well I say you're better off."

"Methos, I don’t tell you who you can care about, so don’t tell me." He requested.

“You seem rather intent on this girl?" asked Methos suspiciously.

Duncan shook his head before answering, "I don’t want to discuss it with you"

"You're really serious aren’t you?" accused Methos, "Well if she’s gone in the morning, you should forget about her."

Mac said, "She left a note." then handing it over to prove his point.

"It’s even worse than I thought." said Methos after reading it, and giving it back. “I still say let her do what she needs to and if she wants to talk to you again, then she will.”

"Methos, just keep this quiet, please?" He asked, in an effort to maintain composure.

But he couldn't help teasing MacLeod. Methos shrugged as he looked out the window at the traffic. "She said not to worry about her so I'd take that advice."

Parking in the alley behind the bar, they went in the back door and found Joe and Amanda waiting. Joe had some breakfast sent over from a restaurant.

He began telling them the latest news as everyone sat down to serve themselves the hot cakes and scrambled eggs. Amanda poured juice for everyone, making an effort to be pleasant.

Mac was too pre-occupied to say thank you to her, which wasn't lost on Methos or Joe.

Joe said, "Methos, I did some checking on some of the information you gave me yesterday. Nothing unusual was going on until three months ago. Then Egan started manipulating assets. Then strange things started happening. One Immortal was arrested by police and convicted of murder. Also Egan was able to take everything away from Harris Wayne before he could assume his new identity."

“That’s what I was telling you about.” He shot back, “It started quietly enough, but I’m afraid they are going for bigger gains.”

The expressions all around were frozen in place as Joe Dawson broke Watcher confidence to tell them this information.

"By the way someone on the inside relayed this to me, so need I say more about keeping this news strictly to this room only." He said, taking a bite of his cooling breakfast.

Everyone nodded in silence as they ate, each wondering about the Watcher and Immortal agreement that was being broken even as they sat there.

"That's about six months now Egan Lasco has been planning this secretly and slowly so no one would question it until it was too late." finished Joe.

"Now it’s too late." said Methos darkly. "What will happen if this Gathering moves closer?"

Joe remarked, "Something big and unpleasant, I’m sure."

"What Gathering? I haven't heard anything." said Amanda throwing her hands up. "You should have told me. I don't like being the last to know these things."

"Think about it." said Methos, "If she hasn't heard it yet and you and I have." He pointed to MacLeod. "That must mean that a Quickening directs the call to you faster." He concluded.

"Good deduction, Methos." said Joe, "Nice work."

Duncan MacLeod had other thoughts on his mind and right now he needed to follow up on one of them. He asked Joe, "I need to do a little checking on your computer is that all right?"

He answered, "Only if you make it short and sweet. I don’t anything traced back to me."

"I’ll do that. Ten minutes is all I need." Duncan replied, getting up and taking his plate with him.

Methos waited long enough then commented, "I think MacLeod is a fool of all times to become obsessed with a girl."

"Oh that," Said Amanda, "Yes, I know about it and where were you last night?"

Methos looked perturbed, "I was in the middle of a battle for life and a quickening that left my ears ringing. What about you, what danger were you in?" He asked her.

Amanda shot back with, "I'm trying to stay away from Egan's men and a blade with my name on it. So don't try and make yourself the victim here."

"Believe it or not but MacLeod is in the most danger so anytime I can help him, I will." said Joe, finishing off his breakfast.

What Duncan proposed to do didn’t take long. He looked into some old Watcher files on the Grand Immortal.
What he read made him angry. Many notations pointed a finger at Frank Maurice McFadden cooperating with Egan Lasco in betraying Immortals. They could be faked entries to discredit McFadden.

After reading the information he wanted; that included everything that went on the past three years ever since the Watchers and Immortal Agreement was signed.

[EvanStar4506]

He started to close out, but saw the mail icon lit and took a look. His heart skipped a beat.
The message read, "Joe Dawson, tell Duncan MacLeod to see me today. Sign, Frank McFadden."

The message was sent only 20 minutes ago so Joe hadn't read it yet. Flagging it he quickly typed in a reply and then sent it.

Did McFadden think he could be fooled? This was too important to pass up and looking for Beth would have to wait.

Sitting down he looked at each one in turn. "I didn’t want to say anything until I was sure." He looked harder at them and said, "If the Gathering is here, then there must be a connection between Egan Lasco and Ahriman."

“That’s a pretty big leap, Duncan. What makes you so sure?” Joe asked.

“There is no other explanation.” he answered, “The same time Egan began his vendetta, was the same time I started having the dreams with Ahriman posing as Horton again.”

Clearing his throat, Joe said, "What else have you found out?"

"I wanted to find out where the Grand Immortal lived and hopefully to see him. As it turns out, I saw a message from the Grand Immortal on your computer, asking to see me." said Duncan with his apprehension evident.

Joe reacted with shock, "Why would McFadden contact me to get in touch with you?"

"Why is a good question?" He commented, "It has to be about this gathering,"

Amanda said, "You have to go and talk to him."

Methos told them, "You go without me. I’m going back into the Watchers."

“What?” all three said at once.

"You can’t." insisted Joe, "They’ll be looking for you because Jonas was killed."

Methos had that look on his face saying, "Don’t be so dramatic, they won’t do anything to me."

He stood up refusing to look at anyone further. Taking his coat off he went over to the bar to pour himself a drink.

Everyone saw that Methos was without his sword. A sure sign that what he had planed did not appear to be fighting.

Amanda went to hug Methos from behind and whispered something in his ear. It made him smile briefly.

She looked at Joe and said, "I'll be waiting for you in the back room."

Next Joe went over to him and gripped his shoulder to say. "I will see you again." He then slowly walked past Methos into the room beyond.

Methos nodded his head, not meeting his gaze, watched Joe leave with a look of regret that he couldn't tell him everything.

Mac didn’t want to let his friend walk into a powder keg of danger. "I'm telling you not to go, Methos." He said going over to stand next to him.

Methos shook his head, turning to glare at him, "Don't presume to give me orders, Mac. I'm too old, I'm right and you know it."

Duncan's eyes questioned him for a moment, trying to fathom why Methos wanted it this way. He finally asked, "Why must you put yourself in their hands?"

Methos shot back, "Do I question everything you do?"

Duncan nodded his head yes, "Occasionally you do question me and for good reasons."

"I don't want your questions because I don't have any answers." said Methos, pleading with him.

"You better have an answer for this one," Said MacLeod, "Why did you leave your sword behind?"

"You’re smart so figure it out for yourself." answered Methos, staring at him with exasperation.

"Is it a martyr’s death you're seeking? Because if you are than it's a mistake." said Duncan, still persisting in this course of debate.

Methos now looked angry, "I'll forgive you this time because you don't see the broad picture."

He put his hands together trying to explain, "The Watchers have to be turned around. I can't stand by and let them be destroyed."

“What if this gathering is real?” asked Macleod. “What will happen if you’re not there?”

“Then if you are the last, you can come and find me.” Methos replied, “Then my death will mean something.”

"It doesn't have to be like this!" Duncan shouted with emotion.

Methos turned his back on him, "Leave me alone MacLeod." He said with obvious annoyance, "You have better things to do and places to go."

The two stood as still as statues with tension between them until Mac slowly turned away.

Opening the door to leave, Duncan Macleod looked back and for all he knew it would be the last moment they had together. It was a fight over what it means to go back into the Watchers without the protection of anonymity.


WATCHER AND IMMORTAL AGREEMENT
Hereby states that no mortal/watcher shall interfere with the Immortals in the process of their Game.
It is forbidden to aide one Immortal over another or to acquire a monetary gain of any kind at the expense of Immortals.
Theirs is a fight we cannot comprehend or aide in anyway. We must keep clean the observations and follow where ever they lead in the understanding that they do what is right and just.
This agreement was signed by the Grand Immortal Frank McFadden and President of the Watchers on 12-09-1995, on behalf of all involved.


WATCHER OATH

1. To be observant without being observed.
2. To always keep absolute notes on the Immortals.
3. To never interfere in their fight.
4. To stay out of harm’s way in the course of the battle.
5. To never speak of our mission to outsiders.

[EvanStar4506]

Chapter Fifteen


Beth had made her choice the morning she walked out on Macleod. Finally she understood her past and what it took end her pain.
She felt she had come full circle and would morn Richie no longer. What they could have had together no longer haunted her. First she went back to her hotel and packed all her belongings. Then she confirmed her plane reservation.

Beth wanted to stay and fight what was happening to immortals and the watchers, but she didn’t know enough to be much use. Her last errand was to visit Richie’s grave.

Sitting there, she took out both photographs she always kept. She saw how Richie’s death briefly brought them together. Wondering why fate would play a role in the lives of two Immortals.

She shook her head slowly, speaking to his memory "It’s your fault Richie, you should have never told me about him." Expecting no answer she continued, "You were right though, he is the finest Immortal I’ve met and the most gentle and honest, but I can’t stay and risk becoming involved."

"Why, out of the all the enemies out there, a friend was the one to kill you. I wanted vengeance for you Richie. I would have done it too if it had been anyone else, but him."

Suddenly a buzz feeling interrupted her train of thought. She couldn’t locate where the sensation was coming from. Getting up to circle a wide area, she knew it couldn’t Duncan because she would have seen him by now.

This Immortal was leading her and she wanted to know why. This was still holy ground and no one should fight her here. When she was out of the cemetery walking to a parking lot, Beth tired of this game so keeping her hand on her sword she called out, "Show Yourself!"

The Immortal who emerged from the building ahead was a woman. Her skin was a deep brown and her long black hair was tied back in countless braids. She wore tight fitting clothes and Beth could see many throwing daggers and stars in her belt.
There was an event nearby so the area was deserted.

She said, "I’m Lora Govern and I challenge you, even though you have weak power. You don’t deserve to be called an Immortal you are an anomaly."

"Well you don’t have to insult me on top of everything else." commented Beth. Loosening her sword, she told her. "Then prepare to lose."

Both women took out their swords and faced other. Beth measured this woman's stance and found her favoring the left side.

Lora whipped out a dagger and threw it before she could react. It stuck in her chest; Beth pulled it out and returned the throw with the same accuracy.

Lora deflected it away and smiled. The cut bled and Beth fought the pain, willing it away.
"I might make an exception and kill you." Beth remarked, holding the heavy sword pointing her way.

Lora stood back far enough and stuck her sword in the ground. Then she pulled daggers and stars out in rapid succession and threw them at Beth with deadly accuracy. Each blade was tinged with poison.

Most of them found a target; Beth pulled the knives out while trying to deflect others. She was now bleeding freely from a dozen cuts. A minute later, Beth could feel something foreign coursing in her veins.
Lora was relentless because her honor was bought and paid for with blood money.

Picking up her sword she came at Beth quickly driving her back with chopping motions making her retreat and stumble.
Laughing as Beth fell from loss of blood and poison, Lora stood over her to gloat.

"You’re such a little fish and not worth the effort. But the money was good and I was told to kill you, so farewell."

Beth lay there looking up at Lora as she brought her sword point down, stabbing her in the chest.

At that moment time stopped. Instead she saw the men who stood over her in the snow piercing her with the blade of their sword. It became apart of her and she faced her death.

As Lora brought her blade up again, Beth heard a loud shout and the dark immortal jerked around.

A police officer was bearing down on them with his gun drawn, looking intent on catching up to them.

She said, "I can't finish you off now, but no matter so until next time?" Touching her sword to her forehead as a salute, she ran away.

The Policeman came running up to look, speaking French, he told her, "I’m going to call an Ambulance so don’t move." going quickly to his radio in the police car.

Beth could only moan as she felt herself torn up. When the policeman was out of sight, she got up and then stumbled away, dragging her sword after her leaving a small trail of blood.

Looking for a place to hide, she climbed in the back of an old red pickup truck that was parked nearby and hid under the canvas. The truck started up and drove away from the scene, unaware he had picked up a passenger. Beth passed out and died for the second time in two days.

[EvanStar4506]

Watcher Compound

Methos took his time going over to the Watchers Compound. He instructed the taxi to stop far enough away so he could contemplate a little longer what he was about to do. He wanted spare his friends the truth of his intentions; they already voiced their outrage.

Getting out and paying the driver, Methos started walking forward, not even looking for the guards. He felt like a sacrificial lamb.

The guards came along side him as he reached the gate. Methos kept walking as the gate swung open allowing him to enter.
He was shown into the front office like it was a social call. Egan’s right hand man came in and introduced himself.

"I’m Steven; I was told you were here. May I ask why?" This serious Watcher displayed the mannerisms of a leader himself.

Methos knew who he was. He commented, "I need to talk to Egan, it’s important."

Steven commanded, "Nobody talks to Egan, you pass your message through me."

"I received the summons." He took out the paper and showed it him. "You called for me, so don't pretend not to know."

Steven read the paper quickly, seeing Joshua's signature, felt slightly betrayed.

Methos watched Steven carefully and realized that he didn't know what was going on. "This should be interesting." He thought.

Steven’s face looked indecisive as he left the room telling the guard to watch him.

Methos felt the wheels of the inevitable roll into motion. Soon he would know why the Watchers wanted him again.

Less then ten minutes later, Steven returned and motioned Methos to follow him.

"Egan is very busy, but he wants to see you." Steven told him as they walked quickly through the corridors.

He showed Methos to the courtyard outside where Egan was enjoying an early lunch. Steven was motioned to leave, as Egan turned his attention to him saying, "So, Adam Pierson is here. I'm so pleased you answered the summons. It saved us a lot of trouble trying to draw you out.”

He lowered his voice and said, “For starters I know you are really Methos.”

“I’ve been known by many names Egan Lasco, so why are you interested in me?” Methos said. “I may not be the one you should be bothering with.”

Egan laughed and said, “You are priceless, old man. You have no idea how much I need you.” He motioned his guest to sit.

Methos sat down and waited for Egan to get to the point.

Egan gestured to the table spread with delicacies and offered the immortal some lunch. “Please, help yourself.”

Methos picked up the teapot and poured the hot beverage. He said, “Please continue.”

Egan stated, “I need an advisor on certain, ah, delicate matters and I want you for that position.”

Sipping his tea, Methos was thinking and watching. Egan needed him and that gave him a real advantage.

“What would my official title be?” Methos asked, “Because I don’t want every Immortal coming after me.”

“Far from it,” Egan assured him, “You would be directing and advising me on where to send the immortals who have agreed to work for me.”

“You’ve got to be joking,” Methos exclaimed, “I will not be party to the murder of other less fortunate immortals.”

“Nothing quite that dramatic,” Egan replied, “But with this “gathering” approaching, I will need you to help with a large scale operation on those going to fight and those going to watch and record.”

Methos felt dubious and still not trusting Egan, he agreed. “I’ll do it as long as you don’t expect me to fight in this gathering.”

Standing up to leave, Egan gave this parting shot, "You are wise, Methos. I can't understand why you never became a Grand Immortal."

The guards left with Egan, and Methos was alone. He was thinking about the Gathering, but he was also smiling.

"He wants too much power and that’s how I’ll get him." Methos pondered Egan's parting words.

"I’m glad I’m not the Grand Immortal. It's too much responsibility. If I can stop Egan then the Immortals will have a chance at the Gathering without outside interference."

Yes, the wheel was turning and Methos only had to wait for it to click into place.

[EvanStar4506]

Chapter Sixteen

Duncan took most of the morning to drive to McFadden’s house on the outskirts of Paris. His current wife Deahna opened the door when he knocked.

She was a beautiful woman with dark, shiny hair and green eyes, wearing a smart looking suite. Inviting him in with graceful hand gestures, he followed her down a hallway. She opened the door to a private study.

She said, "We received the reply of your visit. Frank will see you in moment. Can I get you some tea?"

Duncan nodded, "Yes please, if it’s no trouble." he sat down to wait.

Looking around the study, Duncan could feel the history here. The books kept in air tight cabinets were hundreds of years old. He got up to look out of curiosity.

When McFadden came in, his wife was right behind him with a tray. He was a handsome man with red hair and blue eyes.
Frank took the tray from her and set it on the table. "I’ll pour my sweet; you can leave us alone now."

She smiled and closed the door after her. Duncan remained quiet out of respect while he poured tea for the both of them.

Frank then made the statement. "I summoned you here because of the Gathering."

He leaned forward handing Duncan a cup, and gestured toward the sweetener and milk.

Frank began the task of changing hundreds of years of myths and stories he knew every immortal must have heard. Over the centuries his research into the myths finally revealed the truth and not an easy truth at that.

"The deception over the millennium has been great." He began, "Lies have made all Immortals believe that the Gathering was the end. It is not."

Duncan interrupted, putting his cup down, "If the righteous Immortal is the only one left then humanity will be ruled by peace for eternity." He said, quoting the stories.

"Think about it" insisted Frank, impatient with the interruption, "How can an Immortal put himself above God?" He then continued in a measured tone.

"If there were only one Immortal left, evil could easily defeat him before any other Immortals were born to mature and fight the demon." Frank made clear the implications now.

"The birth cycle of Immortals could be stopped forever." He intoned as his eyes burned into MacLeod’s.

"Why can't the last Immortal be strong enough to defeat the evil?" asked Duncan still believing the myths. “What about all the prophecies told over the centuries? When did it become changed?”

Frank explained again, "Duncan, even if the last Immortal had all the power of all the Immortals, Could he defeat the Evil a million times older than he? That demon has much to gain from a blood bath."

"I don't understand what you’re talking about. Do you mean Ahriman?" Duncan asked, his tea now forgotten.

"Consider it MacLeod." continued Frank. "You went up against Ahriman; if you had all the power of all the Immortals, which means killing your friends, and killing me too." He forced Duncan to look at him with this knowledge. "How would you defeat Ahriman forever?"

With some confusion Duncan replied, "I honestly don't know how that would be done. I thought you would know."

Frank slapped his hand on the table rattling the tea set. "My point exactly No one has ever questioned what would come after a Gathering. Everyone assumed that the last one left would know what to do."

"So what will happen now?" Duncan asked McFadden. “What if this gathering was summoned by the demon?”

"The challenges will take place anyway because even if it’s a false call, they will still come and they will want to fight. But in an orderly fashion that is my job. Only the strongest and most worthy will survive."

"The rules of the Gathering are simple."
1. A challenge becomes set when two Immortals accept.
2. There is no time limit.
3. No interference. No exceptions!
4. The Game must continue until all have met the obligation.
5. All must acknowledge the Quickening.
6. The virtuous must defeat corruption.

"It sounds like a medieval tournament,” he commented as he shook his head. He was in a quandary, trying to take it all in. He wanted to believe that all the stories told over the centuries wasn't all lies.

McFadden saw his expression and said, "Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod, you must believe me when I tell you. There is no way an Immortal, the last Immortal, will destroy a Demon of great evil to rule with peace for eternity."

"Then what is our mission?" MacLeod demanded, "Because I have to know more."

"Before the Gathering the corrupt Immortals have a chance of defeating the righteous ones. Not exactly fair is it." Said Frank, "During the Gathering, let's just say the playing field will be leveled and the corrupt Immortals won't be able to draw upon their accumulated power to defeat those who have honesty in their heart."

Thoughtfully, Duncan asked, "Then what will become of immortals in the aftermath?"

"Afterwards the Immortals will be sufficiently strengthened to withstand thousands of years of onslaught from the evil that threatens all of humanity."

"If humanity makes it that far," said MacLeod, knowing the destructive nature of man.

"Oh, civilization will survive. Even when shaved down to a smaller population, but there will always be Immortals to help and guide them. We are the same and we are different, know that MacLeod."

He just nodded his head, unsure of what else to say.

McFadden sat back to finish his tea, letting all he said to sink in.

Duncan thought of Beth and her situation. Is she still in France or maybe she changed her mind. He took out the ribbon she had worn in her hair. Looking at it made him feel better. He didn't know at that moment she was in the back of a truck beginning to awaken after having died from the poison.
Noticing the ribbon, Frank asked, "So, you’ve found love again MacLeod? Tell me about her, is she an Immortal?"

Duncan answered quietly, "No, well maybe. Her name is Elizabeth Windsor. She has managed to live for 200 years and never have a first Quickening."

McFadden looked surprised and pleased by this news. "You feel in your heart she’s the one for you?" He asked, with expectation on his face.

"I’m not sure why." Mac replied. “But I do feel drawn to her.”

The Grand Immortal looked anxious this time, "MacLeod, I need your help at the Gathering. I’ve calculated by the stars and Six months from now it will occur at Glenshee, Scotland. All the Immortals will converge there."

"What about Egan and his crimes against the Immortals. When will he be brought to justice?" asked Duncan, still feeling betrayed.

"That remains to be seen doesn’t it MacLeod. The timing of his crimes is merciless. Influenced by Ahriman I'm sure. Another way to keep us busy." explained Frank.

He then proclaimed, "There must be someone on the inside that will help bring him to us for judgment."

"What do you need me to do at the Gathering?" MacLeod asked.

"I will tell you that when you arrive in Scotland." He stood up to escort him to the door.

"I want you to above all else make sure that Elizabeth Windsor travels with you and that she doesn’t break her vow to never take a head. And that’s an order." insisted McFadden.

Duncan looked surprised, stopping mid-stride on his way out the door. "How did you know about her vow?" He inquired, putting the ribbon away.

Frank smiled as he pointed out, "How else could she go so long without her first Quickening after becoming Immortal."

He looked doubtful saying, “I may not be able to bring her, she’s leaving for the states.”

Frank asked, “Do you have resources’ to find her?”

Duncan said, “Yes, but what if she doesn’t want to.”

He insisted, “You must find a way, MacLeod.” Going over to his cabinet he opened a book and read quickly.

Finding the paragraph he read, “An immortal woman with virtue and no quickenings shall be there to lead.”

MacLeod then asked, "At the Gathering, won't she have to fight to the death?"

Frank replied with authority, "No, by that time you will see that she must be excluded from all challenges."

Frank Maurice McFadden was the Grand Immortal for good reason. His insights were flawless.

Deahna appeared at the door to see him out, "Duncan Macleod," She kissed him briefly on both cheeks. She blessed him saying, "This is the time for all immortals to step up and be counted. May you become the brightest of all."

He smiled at her wisdom thanking her. The Gathering was no longer fiction as the facts followed him out the door and to his car.

Duncan was apprehensive about the Gathering as he started the car. But now he had other worries to contend with. Like where was Beth, and would she really say yes.

Watching the champion drive away with his mind full of new information, Deahna turned to her husband and said, “Why were you reading to him from my old journal?”

He explained, “I made that up to convince him I needed her at the gathering.”

She replied, “You know that’s going to come back and bite you in the ass.”
Shutting the door he agreed, “I’m sure it will.”

[pukkie]

Great!!!! :)

[EvanStar4506]

Chapter Seventeen


Beth woke up as the truck moved down the road. Feeling the vibrations she wondered how far she had traveled. Recalling the nightmare of her death, she smiled thinking. "I’m alive another day."

Peeking out from under the canvas she couldn’t tell by the scenery passing by where she was. The late hour showed she had been dead a long time. The driver must have made several stops and yet didn’t discover her there.
Thinking of her choices, to stay in the truck until it stopped, or roll out the back and take her chances on the road. After minutes going by she decided.

When the truck slowed down to make the turn onto a dirt road, she made ready to jump for it. She strapped her sword tightly to her chest.
Easing over the side, she dropped off and rolled into the bushes on the side of the road.

Getting up and brushing the dirt off her clothes, she watched the truck disappearing down the road. Checking the sky and the stars, she turned west and started walking.
Several cars passed her but none stopped to give her a ride. The hours went by and she had a cadence of thought that kept time with her feet. By the time she reached a payphone, her mind was set. Taking out some change and the card with Duncan’s phone number, she dialed.

MacLeod spent a restless evening going over what McFadden said and what else it could mean for immortals. Why Beth should go and why did he have to take her, didn’t make sense. All his calls and messages to her hotel were not returned. He began to think the watchers had already got to her.
By the time the phone rang, he was ready to drive the streets looking for any sign of her.

“Hello?” he answered.

She started off with a nonchalant, “Hi, how are you?”

She heard his sigh and then he asked her, “I’m fine, how are you?”

“Oh a little way from town, I was just checking the sights.” She replied.

He asked her, “Do you want a ride?”

She relented, “That would probably be faster, my plane leaves at 2am and I wanted to say good bye.”

He checked his watch and said, “Well, we can talk about that later. Where are you?”

She told him where they could meet and he said he knew the area. Hanging up the phone, Duncan knew of one way he could get her to stay.

Watcher Compound

Methos was feeling rather pleased with his assimilation so far. He went into the old library to look for his notes written and that had passed into Watcher History many years ago. This was one of the safe rooms he was allowed to wander through. Methos stayed there reading all day until Egan found him there.

Methos stood up to face him as he came into view. Egan had a thick notebook which he placed on the table.
Gesturing for him to sit, Egan said, "Methos, I place you on my personal team."

He gave to him a patch that had three circles intertwined with three stars in the middle. “This is for my generals,” Egan informed Methos.
“Wear it always,” he commanded.

Opening the notebook, he said, “These are my operations for the coming weeks. I want you to find out the time of the gathering and where.”

Methos asked, “Don't you have immortal scouts out there already looking for this information?”

“They may try but you will succeed.” said Egan. He steeped his fingers together to look through them. “Methos, you know the right people to talk to. How would you like a “mission?”

Methos replied, “Listen, I’m not Tom Cruise and I’m in no mood for a mission.”

Egan pulled out a paper and slid it towards Methos and said, “This is the address of Frank McFadden. I want you to go there, find out what information you can and then kill him. That way you can take his place at the Gathering, you don’t need to fight anyone else.”

Methos laughed at Egan, even though it was a dangerous thing to do. He said, “Egan you can’t expect me to kill McFadden. He is the next oldest Immortal when watchers were still new. Keeping him alive would further your plans better than killing him.”

“Why?” Egan questioned. In his mind, his plan was brilliant. Put Methos in the place of power and direct the gathering.

“For starters, by this time Macleod has already met with McFadden. We must watch them and any attacks that come their way. It will be several months before all have gathered and by that time we’ll know where.” stated Methos simply.

Egan looked at him thoughtfully considering his words. Methos continued saying, “You’re a little too gun-ho about this gathering when in fact it’s nothing to get flustered over, especially watchers.”

Egan stood up and closed his notebook saying, “I can see what an asset you are already, Methos.” he tapped his forehead, “You’re thinking a little deeper than I gave you credit for.”

Methos looked uncertain, wondering how he was going to manage this conspiracy. Plans within plans and he wished right now to be sitting across from Mac discussing the complexity of it over a game of chess.

He slowly smiled to Egan, "I think I'm ready to lead the troops."

Egan gave a chuckle, “The troops aren’t ready yet, but soon. In the meantime, you don’t have to stay in this old library; Steven will show you to a room.”

Methos nodded his thanks in return. “I’ll do that.”

Egan took his notebook and walked quickly down the hall with his mind already on other matters.

When Egan had left the room, Methos took the patch and gave a smirk, saying, “Wear this thing? I don’t think so.” He put it away in his pocket.

Steven had stood outside the door listening to the exchange. He turned to his brother standing with him. "I don’t like what he has planned for the gathering."

"Methos is one of us now, we're his family. He'll do whatever Egan wants." said Joshua, smiling, feeling the boss's triumph.

"Interfering with the Gathering could mean the end of us." Steven commented.

"Not if Egan has his way." Joshua said, to his older brother. "Steven you have to think bigger, without the need to watch and record the Immortals we become our own power and a power to contend with."

Steven countered with, “Do you really think they will kill each other off and not one will be left?”

Joshua replied, “That’s what the boss thinks.” He turned and walked after Egan.

Steven went into the library to show Methos to his room. Minutes later Methos lay in the dark thinking and listening. The bed was comfortable, but the decorations were minimal. The uneasiness came from hearing all the half whispered plans of espionage. The air ducts carried conversations from other floors.

He also heard Lora Govern being chewed out for not killing Elizabeth Windsor. This information made Methos cringe. "How far will they go?" He asked himself.

He heard Duncan MacLeod being discussed along with delusions of controlling him. Joe Dawson was talked about and labeled a traitor.

[EvanStar4506]

Hilton Hotel


Amanda packed all her suitcases and planed on leaving before morning. It was so easy to fix some stock reports and finance portfolios to reflect current and future gains.

Amanda was more than self sufficient and she knew her way around the finance world,
And she had only one down fall. It was picking stocks that should do well, but would eventually tank.
Duncan seemed to consider her talent a curse.

She received a message from Joe that moment about her status with Egan. The text message just said, “Run”

She already decided to go her own way. She fingered through some money she had lifted from Duncan’s safe. "He'll never miss it."

As she went to the door, it burst open and two watchers came in with guns on her, "You’re not leaving, are you Amanda?" asked Hanson.

"No, I was just on my way there. I have some important information for Egan." She explained, holding out a portfolio.

He took it and looked inside, "It might be what he’s looking for." He said, tucking it under his arm.

"We have another assignment for you." said Hopkins, taking some papers out of an envelope.
"You’re flying to Australia. When you arrive there you'll follow these orders." He handed them to her.

“I’m way ahead of you boys.” she told them. “I have my own reservations and I don’t need you to escort me.”

"Read them in the car," he instructed, “Because we are taking you there now.”

They took all her bags and escorted Amanda to the front lobby.

"Remember who you’re working for." said Hanson, keeping his small revolver out of sight.
Outside, she was put in the back of a black Limo and the driver sped off with Amanda as a temporary hostage.

She was briefed on the way to the airport on all that Egan wanted her to do; Who to contact, what scams to use. She thought they were all such armatures.


Le Blues Bar

Some of the e-mail messages he had sent out were returned with threats. One watcher wrote back: "I had considered quitting when this interference began, but I was told to quit was to die. So reconsider Joe."

Another Watcher replied with: "If you send anymore messages you will be targeted."

Joe’s "mole" warned him not to expect too much. "They won’t follow you because their too scared. Also Amy works for Egan and does all his computer business."

Joe heard this and was upset by the news, "Amy working for that guy? What would her mother say?" He wondered.

Still sitting at his laptop computer, he looked for patterns in accounts where Immortals withdrew large amounts of money then disappeared. After an hour he found an unmistakable pattern.

The banks all were here in Paris. The transactions were done by computer and on weekends.

"If Amy is doing the transactions, then it's sloppy of her not to change to other banks to throw off her pattern." He thought.

"The rest could wait for morning." Thought Joe, "I can’t do anymore right now." Leaving his computer on stand-by, Joe took himself past the bar area where a few patrons said "Hi", but didn’t stop him for any conversation.

In his small back room apartment, Joe allowed himself the release from all the tension. Shedding his clothes and artificial legs, Joe pulled himself into bed. In the dark he lay awake going over in his mind all the possibilities that this Gathering could bring.

[EvanStar4506]

Chapter Eighteen

Beth enjoyed the drive back with Duncan, at night with the cool air around. He listened to her recounting the battle, thinking also of the prediction. "That's two attempts now. Fate had intervened and she still lived!"

She asked Duncan, “Explain to me why the Watchers want to hurt us personally? Because I have never felt so targeted.”

"Maybe they know about the Gathering and fear it as well." He speculated.

Thinking about what McFadden had instructed him, He told her, “Beth, I’m not going to take you to the airport."

“I don’t understand,” she asked, “What’s happened since yesterday.”

“There’s some serious business going on and I was instructed to bring you with me to Scotland.” He explained to her, “There’s more about the gathering and you need to be there.”

“I don’t get it, you're going to be my bodyguard?” she questioned, “Because even though I’m not the best fighter, I don’t feel the urge like the gathering call is supposed to invoke.”

He told her simply, “You’ve never had a quickening.”

She countered with, “All the more reason I don’t need to be there.”

He let out a sigh of contained frustration thinking of another way to put it. “Beth, if the Grand Immortal requests your presence at the gathering, you can't refuse.”
She suggested, “If it takes the pressure off of you, then give me his number and I’ll call and tell him no.”

Duncan gave a nervous laugh saying, “That might not be wise.”

"Just take me to my hotel and I’ll get my luggage. From there I’ll take a car to the airport.” She told him.

A half hour later, they pulled up in front of the hotel and as Beth went to open the door, Duncan grabbed her arm told her, “I’ll take you.”

She looked at him with a doubtful expression and said, “You promise no tricks.”

He nodded his head, "Give me your key and I'll go get your bags. Are they packed?"

"Yes, I packed them before I went to Richie's grave." She said feeling like that was a life time ago.

He put the car in park and left the engine running, telling her, "If someone asks you to move it, just tell them I'll be right back."

Duncan was gone almost ten minutes before he returned, putting her bags in the trunk.
When he got back in the drivers side he remarked, "I also paid for the damages. Why did you trash your room?"

Beth felt her face turn red, "I was just venting anger. I was going to pay for it."

He chuckled at her because the room was a mess and the manager was very upset.

Driving to the main road to the airport, Duncan asked her, “So where in the states are you going?”

She replied, “After Richie left, I bought a condo in Oregon. I’m going back there and soon all this will be a memory.”

All of a sudden Duncan swerved sharply and left the main Highway, “Shit” he exclaimed, “I forgot to give you something.”

The looking at her closely he said, “Were you going to go on the plane in those clothes?”

She stammered, “No, I was going to change there.”

“Where,” he asked, “In a phone booth?”

“Don’t be silly,” she said, “Nobody does that anymore, do they?”

Arriving back to the garage, Duncan locked up the car. He held the door for her and took her bag out of the trunk.

She reached to take it from him, but he stopped her, “I’ve got it, that way you can’t run away.”

Duncan stopped on the roof area and held up his hand to get her attention. Their breath was coming out in little white puffs.

He told her honestly, “When you left and I thought I might not see you again, I felt like my world was incomplete.”

She gave him a quizzical look and said, “When I died again, I was beginning to think you were bad luck.”

He said with triumph, “And yet you called.” Seeing her moment of weakness, he bent down and kissed her capturing her lips until he felt her give in. She felt her heart give into the emotions that she wanted no part of.

Then they held each other as she rested her head on his chest hearing his heart. The sound of it felt eternal to her.
Beth looked up to him, and with a twinkle in her eyes she kissed him again letting her passion show.

He felt his desire rising to the point of not caring who could be watching. But he broke it off and looked in her eyes smiling.
He held her for a moment stroking her hair thinking of how much he wanted her.

"It wouldn't do to get carried away on the roof." He said, wanting to take the moment downstairs.

She gave a small laugh, agreeing with him and picked up her bag. As Duncan held her arm, she made her way down the steps off the roof.

He opened the door and turned on the lights and the longings they both kept in check surfaced quickly.
With their swords and coats in the way, they stopped briefly to help each other undress.

Duncan saw all the healed marks and dried blood left from her fight with Lora and real concern showed on his face.
He asked her, "Do you want to take a shower together?" dropping the clothes on the floor.

She smiled, asking, "How much can you do in a shower?" as she reached to undress him.

His grin widened, "I don't know, let's find out."

The barge's washroom was small but adequate. He turned on the water and adjusted the temperature for the shower and hoped the hot water would last.
He guided her into the small stall and they stood under the water together, touching most of their bodies while trying to soap each other up.

Duncan couldn't help himself and stopped to kiss her deeply. The soap between them made the sensations of their flesh come alive with desire.
The warm water started to run out so they had to rinse quickly just as it stopped making them laugh from the cold water that hit their warm skin.

He pulled her laughing, back to the bed to towel her off and marvel at the perfect symmetry of her body. She began to kiss the drops off his chest hidden amongst the curly brown hair.
He let go of her long enough to light some candles and turn off the lights to enjoy the soft glow.

Then kneeling in front of her, he kissed her from the navel up to her breast as she cradled his head, moaning her pleasure.

Duncan became impatient now he caught her up and laid her on the bed to escalate the passion between them. He whispered to her as his hands roamed her body, aching with desire as her hands touched him in return.

They kissed deeply to the point where his mind and body felt the delicious agony of what was to come.
Duncan pulled her on top of him to make himself apart of her and begin their journey to ecstasy. A small flame began deep inside as they joined their bodies and soul.

Beth gasped at the feelings that were created for them alone, she felt herself changing. This was something she had always waited for. To be made complete.
They collapsed together, still kissing each other's bodies. He brushed back her hair to look into her face and kissed her eyes next tasting her tears.

She smiled and whispered to him, "I feel like I love you so much."

"I love you too." He said quietly, "I promise I always will."

Duncan kissed her and eased her to lie beside him as she relaxed and soon fell asleep. He lay next to her, listening to her quiet breathing.
As much as he cared for Amanda, Duncan hadn't felt this kind of love since Tessa. His throat caught at the memory of the lovely mortal with whom he shared thirteen years.

They had just become engaged when she was kidnapped. Duncan had managed to rescue her, but she and Richie were shot by a teenage mugger that same night.

Richie had achieved Immortality, but Tessa had died in his arms.
"Richie, Tess, I love her so much. Am I doing the right thing?" Duncan's mouth moved, but the words were silent.
He closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, he could see the images of Tessa and Richie.

"Take care of her Mac, she's a good person." said Richie.

Tessa added, "Mac, it's time for you to go on in your life. We will always be apart of each other. Please...for me...for us...be happy. I love you."

"I love you too, sweetheart." whispered Duncan.

Then Richie and Tessa were gone. Beth was sleeping in his arms. Duncan gently kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes, then slept.

[EvanStar4506]

Chapter Nineteen

When dawn was making the room look blue, they both woke up and lay there holding each other enjoying the warmth and softness that comes after lovemaking.
Duncan remembered everything from last night and his heart had never felt so sure of one thing.
The pronouncement from the gypsy Carmen meant nothing to him at this moment. He knew he could marry Beth and not fear losing her to death.

"Beth, I never want to be apart from you again. I want you to marry me." His voice was low with emotion.

She answered in a reflective mood, looking up into his face. "Why do we have to get married? I can stay here."

"Let's just say, I'm trying to break a curse that foretold that I would never marry, and bury many women." He revealed to her.

Beth took this news with a feeling of anxiety. "Mac, you can't be serious. I couldn't marry you to just prove a curse false."

Duncan turned towards her and touched her face, "I need you. With or without a curse, this much I know." He brought forth his own sad memories.

"Several times I've been close to knowing what it was like to be married. It seems I was destined to never be that happy.”

Beth could see his pain and loneliness. It matched hers after Richie left. She had never realized the depths of what it meant to be so alone.

She wanted to say yes. "I can't marry you, not right now. Please understand?"

Duncan nodded and thought he could wait. Perhaps he rushed it too soon; the idea of marriage was a big step.

He said, "All right, but I'm not giving up. When we get to Scotland you might change your mind."

She asked, "What’s happening in Scotland again?"

"Remember, there's a Gathering in seven months." He explained.

"Oh yes, I remember now.” She recited, “You wanted to take me.”
She thought for a moment and then realized, “Was this your way to make sure I’d go without protest?”

He laughed and said, “It worked didn’t it?”

She playfully hit him saying, “You are such a beast.”

Duncan smiled at her, catching her hands and said, "Let’s see how long we can stay in bed before someone calls."

They both ignored their hunger to enjoy their new intimacy for as long as possible.

Shortly after 8am, the phone rang. Duncan and Beth groaned and parted. He picked up the receiver and said, "Whoever it is, I’m not home."

Joe said, "Mac, it’s me I need to see you as soon as you can get here."

Sitting up, Duncan asked "Tell me what’s up?"

"Amanda’s gone.” Joe replied. “The last thing she told me was about a trap she set for Egan.”

"Methos has been swallowed up inside the watchers compound. I can’t get a word to him and I'm not sure what they have planned. So are you coming by this morning?" asked Joe.

"Yes, I’ll be there in one hour, is that O.K. with you?" asked Duncan.

"Yeah sure, and bring some breakfast, I’m all out here." Said Joe and hung up the phone.

Duncan told her, "Duty calls." standing up to get ready for a shower, then pulling Beth up to kiss her again.

They bumped a few times in the small stall while they showered quickly, which wasn’t easy, and again the hot water disappeared making them get out.

Then she unpacked her overnight bag to get dressed.
He watched her dress with desire still in his heart while he picked out his own clothes from long habit.

Duncan unlocked his little safe and took out some currency and a small box. Handing it to Beth he told her, "Open it."

She peeked in the box and closed it again, telling him, "I can’t wear it, it’s too beautiful. I’ll lose it.” She protested, “I’m not used to rings."

He took the box from her and opened it. Despite all her objections, he put the ring on her finger.

"I want you to have it. It's only a promise ring with the promise that you will think about marrying me." He kissed her firmly silencing her.

She looked at the tiny stone that sparkled and felt suddenly shy. She nodded her head and said, "I promise."

Picking up her sword and tucking it inside her coat, while imitating Mac with her quick movement.

They both went out the door and Duncan turned to lock up.
Beth was in a joyful mood and said, "Race you!" and jumped off the side of the barge to beginning running.

He played along and jumped off the side to run after her, but with the head start, she reached the garage first. Laughing her triumph and turning to Mac as he caught up said, "I win this time."

"Do you want to drive?" He asked her, unlocking the door.

She shook her head saying, “I don’t know how. I never learned.”

Letting her in on the other side he asked her, “Did you learn to ride the motorcycle with Richie?”

She got in and said, “He tried but I just wanted to ride on the back.”

As he got in and started the car, she remarked, “I like to walk. I do a lot of thinking and I have lots of time.” Looking out the window as the streets went by; she said sadly, “Mortals are always rushing around like they have no time. I try not to get in their way or even be noticed.”

He nodded understanding her a little more every day. Now if only getting to Scotland unnoticed that would be remarkable.

Duncan stopped at a deli and bought pastries and coffee so he arrived at Joe’s place a little late.

When they both walked in, Joe took one look and said, "So when is the happy day going to be?"

Duncan hesitantly said, "It's not decided." grinning at him. "She's only promised to think about it."

Joe asked them, "Do you need my help." going over to Beth. He kissed her cheek and she kissed him back.

Duncan commented, "No, I don't need your help."

Rubbing his hands together he asked, "I’m hungry, what did you bring me?"

As they went to the table Beth said "Pastries and coffee." sitting next to Joe she opened the bag.

Joe's face lit up, "As long as their cream filled ones." He said smacking his lips.

Duncan sat down and asked Joe, "So, what is the reason we're here?" They took out the food and started to eat.

Joe said, "Methos could become a tool for watchers. I don't know why they want him, but my informant just told me Egan's orders are to make him into some king of General."

"I don't like the idea of Egan using him like that." Duncan commented.

"Do you think I like the idea of my daughter turning to espionage? Not just an ordinary Watcher/ Historian?" asked Joe.

Duncan replied, "I'm sorry Joe, you’re right. Amy is in this too deep."

Joe continued with "Notices flew over the Watchers web page about the Gathering. They seem to think they can control this big event."

"There's no way they can control It." said Mac.

"Whatever their true purpose is, you can't let your guard down." cautioned Joe.

Duncan stated, "Since this legendary Gathering is here. McFadden wants me to help him. How? I don't know yet. But we're going to Scotland and we have to be there early."

Beth spoke up, "Will we have to accept the challenges of other Immortals who show up early too?"

"No, we don't have to accept, but if Egan sends someone after us. We may have to." Mac reasoned.

"When did Egan send someone after you?" asked Joe, not liking the idea of important things being kept from him.

"It was at the park two nights ago. I fought two Immortals." admitted Duncan, "A Watcher said my name was on a Hit List."

Beth spoke up, “Joe, I already died twice.”

Joe swore, "That Egan has some nerve." Fighting back his anger, he told them, "I’m trying my best to get the authorities involved. I’ve written up complaints, but so far no replies.”

Duncan said, “I’m sorry for not telling you everything right away. I’m still in disbelief that this whole mess is even happening.” He added, “I fight and win, then that should be the end of it, right?”

“I know me too,” He admitted, "This is terrible timing but I'm having a small party tonight to celebrate the opening of the new wing of Blues Hall Of Fame in New York. We can't be there but there's no reason why we can't celebrate. And I've been planning this for two months. No one better mess with me tonight."

Duncan and Beth laughed at Joe's display of determination. "I'm sure they wouldn't dare Joe." She said and asked, "Is there anything we can help you with?"

Joe smiled at them and nodded, "Now that you mention it..."

[Victoria]

Hi Everyone,

I have uploaded the story for Evanstar4506 from chapter 1 to 33 into two files.

This is a much easier way to get it all at once rather than Evanstar4506 having to upload with a dozen or more different posts. Enjoy :)

[EvanStar4506]

Hi Everyone,

I have uploaded the story for Evanstar4506 from chapter 1 to 33 into two files.

This is a much easier way to get it all at once rather than Evanstar4506 having to upload with a dozen or more different posts. Enjoy :)


Thank you Victoria, but after some much needed edits, the posts here are outdated. I will post a link to the site where the story is posted with the revised edition.

http://holygroundforum.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=872

Happy Reading~

[irishunicorn65]

EvanStar4506,

I tried your link for the updated version of the story, but when I tried the message was the link was broken and couldn't connect.:( I would very much like to read your updated version! :DThe story is interesting, captivating, and I will be reading the other half today!:) I was able to download the two files from Victoria.
You should think about publishing it if you can get permission. I've almost read all the Highlander books I got based off of the series(they are available on Amazon.com). A good writer should be able to catch and hold a readers attention as well as to allow the reader to see the story in their mind. You have accomplished both extremely well!:D

PEACE,
Kellie