Chapter 3
He watched her while she slept, like he'd done for the past week. She was so young, and yet.... Duncan sighed and stood up, making sure not to disturb her. He rummaged through his closet and retrieved some sweats. He knew he wouldn't get much sleep, so he decided to do some katas instead of tossing and turning in his bed. He went down to the dojo and began his katas.
***
"You are my daughter! You will do as you are told!" Her mother's eyes were burning with rage. She motioned to her guards, "Lock her in her room until she bows to my will."
"Yes my Queen." The Warrior grabbed Rhiannon by her arms and dragged her off.
"Why do you still obey her?" She asked.
"She is my Queen, I am honor bound to protect her." The Warrior looked down, "When you are crowned I will obey you as well."
Rhiannon sighed, "I will never accept that crown. It is stained with too much blood and violence."
They reached her quarters and the Warrior pushed her in. "When you are willing to do as you are told tell the guards posted outside." She bowed and left, closing the door behind him.
Rhiannon ran to the door. "I will never yield to her insanity!" She cried, pounding her little fists on the door. She sank to the floor and sobbed, "Never. I will never abandon my people."
***
"Rhiannon!" Duncan had heard her sobs and was now trying to wake her. "Rhiannon wake up."
She woke with a start. "Never." She mumbled, shaking her head.
"Never what?" Duncan wiped her hair out of her face.
Rhiannon looked up, "I was dreaming. My mother, she..." Her voice trailed off.
"Did she hurt you?" Duncan noticed her shivering and wrapped his arms around her.
"Not just me, she hurt all of us." Rhiannon shook her head, "She should never have been crowned."
"Why not?"
She looked up, "She is insane. She is not a Guide, her decrees are random, and her punishments without just cause." Rhiannon closed her eyes and leaned into Duncan's embrace, "She wanted me to submit myself to the Oracle, knowing that I would never return, not as myself that is."
Duncan didn't say anything, afraid that if he did, she would stop talking and he was finally getting some answers, not that what she was saying didn't raise more questions though.
Rhiannon yawned. "You are my Warrior, you will never forsake me." She said this with an uncanny certainty. "I know you, my Shield, you will not dishonor yourself by breaking your vow. This is exactly why I chose you."
"You chose me?" Duncan asked surprised.
"Yes, I did not know who's home in invaded, but when I saw you I knew you were my Warrior. All I had to do was convince you to make your vow." She leaned back to look into his eyes, "Do not give in to your anger, it will only distract you from your duty. You had no choice in the matter Duncan, you never had. And now," she said yawning, "I want to go back to sleep."
He let go of her and stood up. "You will answer my questions tomorrow Rhiannon, and I will not accept 'No'."
She smiled, "We shall see what tomorrow brings Duncan. Goodnight."
"Goodnight." He walked into the shower and turned the water on. He adjusted the temperature to his liking and stepped in.
"Duncan?" Rhiannon walked in, wrapped in a towel, "Can you show me how to use that 'shower'?"
"Sure." He followed her into the bathroom and showed her. "It's easy, see? You just turn this for hot water and this for cold."
Rhiannon was fascinated, "This is quite an innovation, I must see if this will work at home, the servants will thank me on their bare knees if it does."
Duncan said nothing; he just adjusted the temperature to her liking and left the room.
She dropped the towel and stepped in. Rhiannon savored the sensation of water falling down on her; it was almost like the waterfall she used to visit, except this water was warm.
Duncan was in the kitchen preparing breakfast when he felt a familiar presence pounding on his conscious. Just what he needed, a visit from Methos.
The elevator stopped and Methos stepped out, walked directly to the fridge, took out a beer and slumped down on the couch.
"Hello to you too." Duncan said sarcastically.
"Hi Mac. I just talked to Joe."
"And?"
"Oh, nothing. Just wanted to see the newest damsel in distress."
Duncan took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "Rhiannon is not a 'damsel in distress'. She is a young girl who just happens to need my help."
Methos nodded, "Yup, that's what I said. So," he said looking around, "where is she?"
"Taking a shower." Duncan turned his back towards Methos and proceeded to prepare breakfast.
Methos smiled, and closed his eyes.
"Duncan?" Rhiannon stood in the doorway, wrapped in another towel. "Do you have something for me to wear?"
He walked to one of his trunks and retrieved a black skirt and a white blouse. "Here you go, they might be a little too big but it's all I have for now. The clothes we bought you should be dry in an hour or so."
"Thank you." She said and went back into the bathroom.
Duncan when back into the kitchen, "You want something to eat too?"
"Nah, I'd like another beer though." He held up the empty bottle.
"You know the way."
Methos sighed dramatically, "So much for hospitality." He got up, grabbed another beer from the fridge and sat on one of the barstools.
Rhiannon walked back in, "Who are you?" She looked at Duncan, "Is he another friend of yours?"
"Something like that." Duncan placed two plates on the counter, "Breakfast is ready."
Rhiannon sat down on the barstool next to Methos and began to eat. "This is very good Duncan, where have you learned to cook?"
"It was a necessity, either learn to cook or eat disgusting meals for the rest of my life. I've learned to enjoy cooking, meals somehow taste better when you make them yourself."
Methos studied her; she seemed to trust Duncan completely. There was also something in her movements that was familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. There were numerous wounds all over her body, the parts he could see anyway. Although they were healing he could see they had been severe. "Where did you get those?" He queried, pointing to the wounds.
"In my dream." She calmly replied.
"What?"
"In my dream." She repeated.
"Right! Well, that makes sense." Methos said.
"Let it go Adam, whatever she says brings up more questions." Duncan interjected.
Rhiannon smiled at him, "Don't worry Duncan, all will be explained in due time. Until then be patient."
"Yes Rhiannon." Duncan said in mock submission.
She laughed and turned to Methos, "Your name is Adam?"
"Yes."
"No it is not, but I will respect your decision to hide." She leaned forward and whispered, "I know who you were once, and I know who you are today."
Methos backed away and looked at Duncan, "What is she talking about?"
Duncan gave Rhiannon a disapproving look and turned to Methos, "Although I never told her anything, she knows about us. She also claims that she is not human."
Methos snorted, "Yeah sure. Mac this kid is delusional, take her to a shrink or something."
Duncan shook his head, "You haven't seen what I've seen."
"And, pray tell, what have you seen?" Methos sarcastically said.
Duncan told him what had happened the night Rhiannon broke into his loft. When he finished he leaned back and watched the older Immortal.
Methos looked at Duncan then turned to Rhiannon, "How long have you been planning this?"
"Adam! What I just told you is the truth. There were no wires. Her wounds are real."
"It is all right Duncan." Rhiannon softly said. "You are right," she said turning to Methos, "I have planned this, I secured myself with wires and at the right time lifted myself, then I cut myself. Again and again." She stood up and started to unbutton her blouse, "I did this all by myself." She turned and lowered the blouse.
Methos stared at her back; he had to admit that she couldn't have done those wounds herself. He leaned in closer and traced one of the lashes with his finger, "This one is older that the others." He examined the others, turned her around and looked at the wounds on her chest, "These are new. Whoever has done this, knew what he was doing. They will hurt, but they won't leave noticeable scars." He looked up, "Who did this?"
Rhiannon shook her head, "That is not important. I will never be in that position again." Calmly she re-buttoned her blouse and finished her breakfast.
"Okay," Methos slumped back on his barstool, "I will believe you didn't inflicted those wounds yourself, but not human? Come on!"
Rhiannon grinned, "Do you think you are human?"
"Of course I am human." Methos stated.
"How many years have you walked this earth?" She said, tilting her head.
"Ehm." Methos looked at Duncan who shrugged. "That doesn't matter. We look human; we eat, breath, sleep and die as humans do."
"You are certain?"
"Yes."
"Certainties can be fatal. You have not lived five thousand years on certainties. You know when to change your beliefs." She nodded, "I told you I know who you were once. You were Death." She looked at him sadly. "And now you hide from your kin. You fear them as humans once feared you."
Methos snorted, "I do not 'fear' Immortals, I just took an extended leave of absence from the Game, that is all."
"Why?"
"I was tired. Tired of all the killing, all the fighting. I still am, if not for Duncan I would never have come out of hiding." He looked a little embarrassed by this confession.
"Why?" Rhiannon glanced at Duncan, who had opened his mouth to speak, silently ordering him to remain quiet.
"I...." Methos blinked and shook his head. "How do you do that? I don't want to tell you anything, but here I am spilling my guts." He stood up and grabbed his coat. "Never mind, I don't want to know. I am out of here. Mac, I'll see you later." And with that he left.
Duncan just finished the dishes when the phone rang. "Duncan."
"Hi Mac, it's Joe."
"Hi Joe, what's up?"
"Oh, nothing much, your little friend just scared our elderly friend into a drinking frenzy, that's all." Came the sarcastic reply.
"What?" Duncan turned give Rhiannon a disapproving look; she was trying to take the receiver out of his hands. "Stop that." He whispered to her.
"Stop what?" Joe's voice sounded surprised and a little irritated.
"Not you Joe. Listen; keep him there until I get there. I won't be more than five minutes."
"Sure Mac, I just hope you know what you're doing. Are you sure it is safe to leave your little friend all by herself?"
"Who says I'm leaving her here?" Duncan was getting tired of her fidgeting and grabbed her by the arm and pushed her into the nearest chair.
"She can't come into the bar remember?"
"Right, ehm, listen just keep our friend there okay?" Duncan put the receiver down and turned to Rhiannon. "It is not polite to interrupt people when they're on the phone." He said.
"But..."
"No buts Rhiannon." He sighed. "Look, I know there are a lot of things you don't know, but that doesn't give you the right to demand answers or force someone into telling you their most inner feelings." He kneeled in front of her. "I have to go out for a while, you think you can stay out of trouble until I return?"
Rhiannon nodded. "Of course. However, I do not understand why I cannot go with you. You vowed to protect me. What if something happens to me and you are not here to shield me?"
"Nothing will happen. I will only be gone for half an hour, I promise." He stood up and grabbed his coat. "You be a good little girl now." And left.
Chapter 4
Rhiannon sighed, "He still does not understand." She walked to one of the windows and looked down, she saw Duncan getting into his car and drive away. "But Adam is his friend, Duncan needs to reassure him. Adam must understand I am not a threat to him or his kind." She smiled sadly to herself. "Not a threat! Adam has good instincts, he may not know who I am; he knows I can cause their downfall." She sat down and buried her face in her hands, "If I fail both our people will.... No! I will not fail, I must not fail." She stood up and walked back to the windows, knelt down, placed both hands on her heart and looked up at the sky, "I will not fail. I will bind Duncan and restore the ancient bond between our people. This is my oath to my people."
Duncan parked his car and got out, he opened the door to Joe's and braced himself for the familiar presence that pounded in his mind. It took a few seconds for his eyes to adjust to the dim light; he saw Methos sitting at the far-end of the bar and walked to him. "Hi."
Methos didn't respond, he just poured another drink.
Duncan gave Joe a questioning look.
"He started with beer but decided that he needed something stronger." Joe leaned against the counter. "Who am I to disagree?"
Sighing Duncan reached for the bottle.
"If you value your head you leave now." Methos' said in a dark tone of voice.
Duncan pulled his hand back, "Come now Methos. She was just playing a game, don't let her get to you."
Before Duncan could say another word he was lying on the floor with Methos standing over him, sword at his throat. "Let her get to me?" His voice was dead cold. "Oh no McLeod, this 'girl' is not playing some game. She knows exactly what she's doing. No matter though," he lifted his sword, "I won't be a part of this. You tell your little friend that I won't be dragged into this." He grabbed his coat. "I'm out of here. Bye Joe." Methos slammed the door as he walked out.
"Well that was interesting." Joe said. "You know what he's talking about?"
Duncan stood up, "Not yet. Rhiannon has a lot of explaining to do when I get back. I'll call you tonight, bye."
"Bye Mac." Joe smiled to himself, "This could get interesting."
By the time Duncan reached the loft he was steaming. He ran up the stairs, too impatient to wait for the elevator. "Rhiannon! I want answers, now!" He bellowed.
Rhiannon didn't react; she kept staring out the window.
"Didn't you hear me?" Duncan grabbed her arm and turned her around.
She calmly looked him in the eye, "I heard you, how could I not? You yelled loud enough to be heard in the next realm."
"Enough!" Duncan pushed her in a chair. "You will tell me everything. Right now."
Rhiannon placed her hands in her lap. "You deserve to know. However, telling you will take too long, there is another way. Do you trust me?"
"No. I don't trust you." He sat down on the couch.
She lowered her eyes. "This can be done without trust." She stood up and sat down next to him. She placed one hand on his chest and took his hand with the other. "I don't know if this will hurt or not, I have never done this with an Immortal before."
Duncan backed away a little. "Done what?"
"I will share my memories with you, not all though. I have memories I wish upon no one." Rhiannon took a deep breath. "Ready?"
"No." Duncan answered, but he leaned forward anyway. He wanted answers, now.
"Close your eyes."
***
"Mommy, look!" I want to show her what I've learned.
Mommy turns and looks down at me, "What is it now?" Her voice is cold as ice, as is her voice.
I levitate my doll and with a proud grin I let it float right in front of her.
She sighs and gestures, my doll bursts out in flames, "I told you, never bother me with the tricks those weaklings taught you."
I want to cry, my doll has been with me as long as I can remember, my mother watches me and I hold back the tears I feel in my eyes, not allowing them to flow.
She nods, "Good. I would have had Rennin punished."
I freeze. Rennin is my friend; I love him. "Rennin has nothing to do with my tears, Mother." I emphasize the last word. "He is to teach me the affairs of state, not emotion."
"Then tell me; who should be punished instead?"
I pretend to think, I don't want my friends to suffer. "Emer."
She looks at her Warrior, "Bring me Emer."
***
Rhiannon broke her link to Duncan. She leaned back, exhausted.
Duncan looked at her, "What did you do?" He stood up and walked to the window, "I remember a woman, my mother...." He stopped. "No, that was your mother. You placed a memory in my head? How?" He turned and sat down next to her.
She smiled, "I remembered something from a long time ago and allowed you to be me in that memory." She closed her eyes, "This takes more energy than I expected; I will not be able to do this again. I need a few days to regain my strength."
He looked at her and noticed the dark rings under her eyes. "Just tell me, don't exhaust yourself. You still need to heal from... whatever it was that happened to you the night we met."
A giggle escaped her lips. "Yes mommy Duncan."
He watched her while she slept, like he'd done for the past week. She was so young, and yet.... Duncan sighed and stood up, making sure not to disturb her. He rummaged through his closet and retrieved some sweats. He knew he wouldn't get much sleep, so he decided to do some katas instead of tossing and turning in his bed. He went down to the dojo and began his katas.
***
"You are my daughter! You will do as you are told!" Her mother's eyes were burning with rage. She motioned to her guards, "Lock her in her room until she bows to my will."
"Yes my Queen." The Warrior grabbed Rhiannon by her arms and dragged her off.
"Why do you still obey her?" She asked.
"She is my Queen, I am honor bound to protect her." The Warrior looked down, "When you are crowned I will obey you as well."
Rhiannon sighed, "I will never accept that crown. It is stained with too much blood and violence."
They reached her quarters and the Warrior pushed her in. "When you are willing to do as you are told tell the guards posted outside." She bowed and left, closing the door behind him.
Rhiannon ran to the door. "I will never yield to her insanity!" She cried, pounding her little fists on the door. She sank to the floor and sobbed, "Never. I will never abandon my people."
***
"Rhiannon!" Duncan had heard her sobs and was now trying to wake her. "Rhiannon wake up."
She woke with a start. "Never." She mumbled, shaking her head.
"Never what?" Duncan wiped her hair out of her face.
Rhiannon looked up, "I was dreaming. My mother, she..." Her voice trailed off.
"Did she hurt you?" Duncan noticed her shivering and wrapped his arms around her.
"Not just me, she hurt all of us." Rhiannon shook her head, "She should never have been crowned."
"Why not?"
She looked up, "She is insane. She is not a Guide, her decrees are random, and her punishments without just cause." Rhiannon closed her eyes and leaned into Duncan's embrace, "She wanted me to submit myself to the Oracle, knowing that I would never return, not as myself that is."
Duncan didn't say anything, afraid that if he did, she would stop talking and he was finally getting some answers, not that what she was saying didn't raise more questions though.
Rhiannon yawned. "You are my Warrior, you will never forsake me." She said this with an uncanny certainty. "I know you, my Shield, you will not dishonor yourself by breaking your vow. This is exactly why I chose you."
"You chose me?" Duncan asked surprised.
"Yes, I did not know who's home in invaded, but when I saw you I knew you were my Warrior. All I had to do was convince you to make your vow." She leaned back to look into his eyes, "Do not give in to your anger, it will only distract you from your duty. You had no choice in the matter Duncan, you never had. And now," she said yawning, "I want to go back to sleep."
He let go of her and stood up. "You will answer my questions tomorrow Rhiannon, and I will not accept 'No'."
She smiled, "We shall see what tomorrow brings Duncan. Goodnight."
"Goodnight." He walked into the shower and turned the water on. He adjusted the temperature to his liking and stepped in.
"Duncan?" Rhiannon walked in, wrapped in a towel, "Can you show me how to use that 'shower'?"
"Sure." He followed her into the bathroom and showed her. "It's easy, see? You just turn this for hot water and this for cold."
Rhiannon was fascinated, "This is quite an innovation, I must see if this will work at home, the servants will thank me on their bare knees if it does."
Duncan said nothing; he just adjusted the temperature to her liking and left the room.
She dropped the towel and stepped in. Rhiannon savored the sensation of water falling down on her; it was almost like the waterfall she used to visit, except this water was warm.
Duncan was in the kitchen preparing breakfast when he felt a familiar presence pounding on his conscious. Just what he needed, a visit from Methos.
The elevator stopped and Methos stepped out, walked directly to the fridge, took out a beer and slumped down on the couch.
"Hello to you too." Duncan said sarcastically.
"Hi Mac. I just talked to Joe."
"And?"
"Oh, nothing. Just wanted to see the newest damsel in distress."
Duncan took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "Rhiannon is not a 'damsel in distress'. She is a young girl who just happens to need my help."
Methos nodded, "Yup, that's what I said. So," he said looking around, "where is she?"
"Taking a shower." Duncan turned his back towards Methos and proceeded to prepare breakfast.
Methos smiled, and closed his eyes.
"Duncan?" Rhiannon stood in the doorway, wrapped in another towel. "Do you have something for me to wear?"
He walked to one of his trunks and retrieved a black skirt and a white blouse. "Here you go, they might be a little too big but it's all I have for now. The clothes we bought you should be dry in an hour or so."
"Thank you." She said and went back into the bathroom.
Duncan when back into the kitchen, "You want something to eat too?"
"Nah, I'd like another beer though." He held up the empty bottle.
"You know the way."
Methos sighed dramatically, "So much for hospitality." He got up, grabbed another beer from the fridge and sat on one of the barstools.
Rhiannon walked back in, "Who are you?" She looked at Duncan, "Is he another friend of yours?"
"Something like that." Duncan placed two plates on the counter, "Breakfast is ready."
Rhiannon sat down on the barstool next to Methos and began to eat. "This is very good Duncan, where have you learned to cook?"
"It was a necessity, either learn to cook or eat disgusting meals for the rest of my life. I've learned to enjoy cooking, meals somehow taste better when you make them yourself."
Methos studied her; she seemed to trust Duncan completely. There was also something in her movements that was familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. There were numerous wounds all over her body, the parts he could see anyway. Although they were healing he could see they had been severe. "Where did you get those?" He queried, pointing to the wounds.
"In my dream." She calmly replied.
"What?"
"In my dream." She repeated.
"Right! Well, that makes sense." Methos said.
"Let it go Adam, whatever she says brings up more questions." Duncan interjected.
Rhiannon smiled at him, "Don't worry Duncan, all will be explained in due time. Until then be patient."
"Yes Rhiannon." Duncan said in mock submission.
She laughed and turned to Methos, "Your name is Adam?"
"Yes."
"No it is not, but I will respect your decision to hide." She leaned forward and whispered, "I know who you were once, and I know who you are today."
Methos backed away and looked at Duncan, "What is she talking about?"
Duncan gave Rhiannon a disapproving look and turned to Methos, "Although I never told her anything, she knows about us. She also claims that she is not human."
Methos snorted, "Yeah sure. Mac this kid is delusional, take her to a shrink or something."
Duncan shook his head, "You haven't seen what I've seen."
"And, pray tell, what have you seen?" Methos sarcastically said.
Duncan told him what had happened the night Rhiannon broke into his loft. When he finished he leaned back and watched the older Immortal.
Methos looked at Duncan then turned to Rhiannon, "How long have you been planning this?"
"Adam! What I just told you is the truth. There were no wires. Her wounds are real."
"It is all right Duncan." Rhiannon softly said. "You are right," she said turning to Methos, "I have planned this, I secured myself with wires and at the right time lifted myself, then I cut myself. Again and again." She stood up and started to unbutton her blouse, "I did this all by myself." She turned and lowered the blouse.
Methos stared at her back; he had to admit that she couldn't have done those wounds herself. He leaned in closer and traced one of the lashes with his finger, "This one is older that the others." He examined the others, turned her around and looked at the wounds on her chest, "These are new. Whoever has done this, knew what he was doing. They will hurt, but they won't leave noticeable scars." He looked up, "Who did this?"
Rhiannon shook her head, "That is not important. I will never be in that position again." Calmly she re-buttoned her blouse and finished her breakfast.
"Okay," Methos slumped back on his barstool, "I will believe you didn't inflicted those wounds yourself, but not human? Come on!"
Rhiannon grinned, "Do you think you are human?"
"Of course I am human." Methos stated.
"How many years have you walked this earth?" She said, tilting her head.
"Ehm." Methos looked at Duncan who shrugged. "That doesn't matter. We look human; we eat, breath, sleep and die as humans do."
"You are certain?"
"Yes."
"Certainties can be fatal. You have not lived five thousand years on certainties. You know when to change your beliefs." She nodded, "I told you I know who you were once. You were Death." She looked at him sadly. "And now you hide from your kin. You fear them as humans once feared you."
Methos snorted, "I do not 'fear' Immortals, I just took an extended leave of absence from the Game, that is all."
"Why?"
"I was tired. Tired of all the killing, all the fighting. I still am, if not for Duncan I would never have come out of hiding." He looked a little embarrassed by this confession.
"Why?" Rhiannon glanced at Duncan, who had opened his mouth to speak, silently ordering him to remain quiet.
"I...." Methos blinked and shook his head. "How do you do that? I don't want to tell you anything, but here I am spilling my guts." He stood up and grabbed his coat. "Never mind, I don't want to know. I am out of here. Mac, I'll see you later." And with that he left.
Duncan just finished the dishes when the phone rang. "Duncan."
"Hi Mac, it's Joe."
"Hi Joe, what's up?"
"Oh, nothing much, your little friend just scared our elderly friend into a drinking frenzy, that's all." Came the sarcastic reply.
"What?" Duncan turned give Rhiannon a disapproving look; she was trying to take the receiver out of his hands. "Stop that." He whispered to her.
"Stop what?" Joe's voice sounded surprised and a little irritated.
"Not you Joe. Listen; keep him there until I get there. I won't be more than five minutes."
"Sure Mac, I just hope you know what you're doing. Are you sure it is safe to leave your little friend all by herself?"
"Who says I'm leaving her here?" Duncan was getting tired of her fidgeting and grabbed her by the arm and pushed her into the nearest chair.
"She can't come into the bar remember?"
"Right, ehm, listen just keep our friend there okay?" Duncan put the receiver down and turned to Rhiannon. "It is not polite to interrupt people when they're on the phone." He said.
"But..."
"No buts Rhiannon." He sighed. "Look, I know there are a lot of things you don't know, but that doesn't give you the right to demand answers or force someone into telling you their most inner feelings." He kneeled in front of her. "I have to go out for a while, you think you can stay out of trouble until I return?"
Rhiannon nodded. "Of course. However, I do not understand why I cannot go with you. You vowed to protect me. What if something happens to me and you are not here to shield me?"
"Nothing will happen. I will only be gone for half an hour, I promise." He stood up and grabbed his coat. "You be a good little girl now." And left.
Chapter 4
Rhiannon sighed, "He still does not understand." She walked to one of the windows and looked down, she saw Duncan getting into his car and drive away. "But Adam is his friend, Duncan needs to reassure him. Adam must understand I am not a threat to him or his kind." She smiled sadly to herself. "Not a threat! Adam has good instincts, he may not know who I am; he knows I can cause their downfall." She sat down and buried her face in her hands, "If I fail both our people will.... No! I will not fail, I must not fail." She stood up and walked back to the windows, knelt down, placed both hands on her heart and looked up at the sky, "I will not fail. I will bind Duncan and restore the ancient bond between our people. This is my oath to my people."
Duncan parked his car and got out, he opened the door to Joe's and braced himself for the familiar presence that pounded in his mind. It took a few seconds for his eyes to adjust to the dim light; he saw Methos sitting at the far-end of the bar and walked to him. "Hi."
Methos didn't respond, he just poured another drink.
Duncan gave Joe a questioning look.
"He started with beer but decided that he needed something stronger." Joe leaned against the counter. "Who am I to disagree?"
Sighing Duncan reached for the bottle.
"If you value your head you leave now." Methos' said in a dark tone of voice.
Duncan pulled his hand back, "Come now Methos. She was just playing a game, don't let her get to you."
Before Duncan could say another word he was lying on the floor with Methos standing over him, sword at his throat. "Let her get to me?" His voice was dead cold. "Oh no McLeod, this 'girl' is not playing some game. She knows exactly what she's doing. No matter though," he lifted his sword, "I won't be a part of this. You tell your little friend that I won't be dragged into this." He grabbed his coat. "I'm out of here. Bye Joe." Methos slammed the door as he walked out.
"Well that was interesting." Joe said. "You know what he's talking about?"
Duncan stood up, "Not yet. Rhiannon has a lot of explaining to do when I get back. I'll call you tonight, bye."
"Bye Mac." Joe smiled to himself, "This could get interesting."
By the time Duncan reached the loft he was steaming. He ran up the stairs, too impatient to wait for the elevator. "Rhiannon! I want answers, now!" He bellowed.
Rhiannon didn't react; she kept staring out the window.
"Didn't you hear me?" Duncan grabbed her arm and turned her around.
She calmly looked him in the eye, "I heard you, how could I not? You yelled loud enough to be heard in the next realm."
"Enough!" Duncan pushed her in a chair. "You will tell me everything. Right now."
Rhiannon placed her hands in her lap. "You deserve to know. However, telling you will take too long, there is another way. Do you trust me?"
"No. I don't trust you." He sat down on the couch.
She lowered her eyes. "This can be done without trust." She stood up and sat down next to him. She placed one hand on his chest and took his hand with the other. "I don't know if this will hurt or not, I have never done this with an Immortal before."
Duncan backed away a little. "Done what?"
"I will share my memories with you, not all though. I have memories I wish upon no one." Rhiannon took a deep breath. "Ready?"
"No." Duncan answered, but he leaned forward anyway. He wanted answers, now.
"Close your eyes."
***
"Mommy, look!" I want to show her what I've learned.
Mommy turns and looks down at me, "What is it now?" Her voice is cold as ice, as is her voice.
I levitate my doll and with a proud grin I let it float right in front of her.
She sighs and gestures, my doll bursts out in flames, "I told you, never bother me with the tricks those weaklings taught you."
I want to cry, my doll has been with me as long as I can remember, my mother watches me and I hold back the tears I feel in my eyes, not allowing them to flow.
She nods, "Good. I would have had Rennin punished."
I freeze. Rennin is my friend; I love him. "Rennin has nothing to do with my tears, Mother." I emphasize the last word. "He is to teach me the affairs of state, not emotion."
"Then tell me; who should be punished instead?"
I pretend to think, I don't want my friends to suffer. "Emer."
She looks at her Warrior, "Bring me Emer."
***
Rhiannon broke her link to Duncan. She leaned back, exhausted.
Duncan looked at her, "What did you do?" He stood up and walked to the window, "I remember a woman, my mother...." He stopped. "No, that was your mother. You placed a memory in my head? How?" He turned and sat down next to her.
She smiled, "I remembered something from a long time ago and allowed you to be me in that memory." She closed her eyes, "This takes more energy than I expected; I will not be able to do this again. I need a few days to regain my strength."
He looked at her and noticed the dark rings under her eyes. "Just tell me, don't exhaust yourself. You still need to heal from... whatever it was that happened to you the night we met."
A giggle escaped her lips. "Yes mommy Duncan."
