Chapter 28
The Loft
Duncan was forcing some clothes into a backpack when he heard the elevator rumbled into life, he glared at the elevator as he sensed another Immortal, he was in no mood for any visitors not even Richie who was the only other person with a key, so he continued packing. Duncan had just walked over to the desk when the gate lifted and Richie walked into the loft. "Hey Mac.I dropped by Joe's.he said you where going to Europe.that you have a lead on Dani.you know two can cover more ground than one", Duncan opened the desk draw and sorted out his passport from the other papers, "Thanks for the offer Richie.but I'm pretty sure I know where she's gone" Duncan said as he crossed the room, putting the passport into the pocket of the backpack.
Richie walked over and lent against the counter "Methos told me about what he found out.do you really think she's one of them?" Duncan turned around to face Richie "I really don't know Richie.she definitely suffered headaches mentioned in the text.and they got worse the more people she was around.and it's the only explanation we have at the moment" he said picking up his sword putting it inside it's case "but the first thing I need to do is find her.then I'll worry about the rest". Richie could see the concern on Duncan's face "well.at least she can protect herself.if someone comes for her I mean.it's not like she hasn't had any training" Richie said as he got himself a beer from the fridge, he held it up silently asking if Duncan wanted one as well but he shook his head.
"I see they didn't tell you everything then.it gets worse Richie" Duncan said as he nodded towards where the blue katana that lay in it's case, Richie's eyes followed Duncan's gaze and he nearly choked on his beer "she didn't take her sword!" he exclaimed putting the bottle on the counter "I'm going with you Mac.just give me an hour to pack" he said as he made for the door, Duncan grabbed hold of his arm before he could leave "No Richie.if what Methos found out is true.the fewer people she comes into contact with the better.I don't know what I'm going to find.besides I need you here".
"I'm sure that I could be of more help than that" Richie protested, Duncan put his hands on Richie's upper arms "I want to do this alone" Richie had seen that look in Duncan's eyes before and knew that to protest would be useless. Duncan picked up a piece of paper and handed it to Richie "I'm expecting a call from Cassandra.so I want you to stay here until she calls.Methos believes she can help Dani.so call me as soon as you hear from her.I left a message saying it was urgent.but I can't wait here"
"Ok Mac.do you need a ride to the airport?" Duncan shook his head "No I've a cab coming" Duncan had just picked up his backpack as the sound of a car horn sounded the arrival of the cab "Can you bring the other sword?" Duncan said pointing to the blue katana's case, Richie picked it up and followed Duncan down to the cab, as he placed the case on the backseat he turned to Duncan "I hope you find her.Mac" Richie said patting Duncan on the arm. Duncan smiled weakly "so do I Richie.don't forget to call me as soon as you hear from Cassandra.she could be Dani's only hope" as Duncan got into the cab Richie leaned in "no problem.as soon as I know you'll know" and with that he closed the cab door and watched it pulled away.
Duncan's plane landed at London Heathrow a little after 9am and as he had expected he was called into the customs area. "Good morning" said a rather portly gentleman behind the counter, wearing a UK customs uniform. Duncan was tired he hadn't been able to sleep on the plane, as his mind was turning over with all the details Methos had told him and the possible outcomes but he tried to be pleasant.
"Good morning.though it still feels like night to me" the man in the uniform smiled at him "can you tell about these swords?" Duncan put his hand into his inside pocket, taking out his passport and the swords transportation papers "I'm an antique dealer.and I have brought these over for a collector to examine.here are all the papers" Duncan said handing the papers over, the customs officer examined the papers in silence before looking up "so are you here just for business.Mr. MacLeod?" the customs officer said after looking at Duncan's passport "a bit of both.I have some relatives that I want to see before I return to the States" Duncan said as he looked at his watch, the time was passing and he didn't want to miss his connecting flight. Finally, the customs officer handed him his passport and papers "I hope you have a pleasant stay.Mr. MacLeod".
As Duncan left the customs area he put his passport and papers back into his pocket. He then found his connecting flight to Glasgow, checked in his bag and swords and made his way to the gate; he still had half an hour before the gate opened so he sat in one of the seats taking out his phone, he switched it on and dialled the loft. "Hi Richie.any news?"
"Yeah.Cassandra called a few hours ago.she said she understands everything but she can't meet you for a few days.so you'll have to cope on your own" Richie waited for Duncan to reply "Great" came the reply.
"But she did give me a recipe for some kinda herbal drink.that she said will help Dani until she can get to you.you'll need a pen and paper for this" Richie waited as Duncan found a pen and something to write on "Ok" Duncan said and then wrote down every detail of the instructions Cassandra had given Richie "You're sure that Cassandra said for Dani to drink this?" there was a muffled laugh at the other end of the phone "I checked Mac.boil it all together, strain and drink while still warm.they were her exact words.good luck getting Dani to drink it.I know I wouldn't" Richie replied. They both feel silent when the public address system sounded, when the announcement was over Duncan said "That's my flight.I'll call again when I've found her.you've got the numbers I can be reached on.and thanks Richie".
"No sweat.call me if you need anything else.and Mac I hope you find her". Duncan then turned off the phone and headed for the boarding gate.
Duncan managed to arrive in Glasgow with enough time to make his connection with the train to take him to Fort William. He tried to get some sleep on the train but what he had was fitful. When the train arrived at the station only a few people got off, Duncan walked passed the ticket collector and out of the station, he stood for a moment just looking around at the unfamiliar sites. It was bright but cloud still hung over the mountains and there was a promise of rain in the air. As he looked around he noticed the queue of cabs waiting for fares but he turned up his collar and walked away into the town, he knew that it was just a little more than 18 miles to the Inn and after being cramped in planes and trains for what had seemed like days, he thought the walk would be good for him.
He walked down the main roads that were busy with traffic, his mind wandering to times long ago when there were no roads here, just tracks that ran over the mountains. He remembered his last visit here to return the bracelet to Debra Campbell, that he had found in Paris and he smiled as he remembered his first encounter with Rachel and how furiously she had protected the Clan. How surprised she would be to see him here again but again this wasn't just a social visit. He hoped he was right and that Dani had come here because if she hadn't, he really didn't know where else to look.
Time and distance passed him as he walked lost in his thoughts and soon he stood by the monument that remembered the Highlanders who had waited for Bonny Prince Charlie at this spot. He leant against the wall that surrounded the monument tower and looked out over the Loch, no matter how much time past this would always feel like home. The image of mist covering the Loch and a small boat slowly emerging with Charlie standing at the stern filled Duncan's mind, he shook his head and smiled to himself 'how full of hope we all were that day' he thought as he turned away and made his way around the Loch towards the Inn where he knew this time the welcome would be very different from the last.
As he walked through the village up a little hill to the white building that was the Inn, there where two men sitting at the wooden table outside drinking, Duncan frowned they seemed to be the same men who were sat there the last time he was here, it was like time had stood still while he was away. He greeted the men the same as the time before and pushed open the small wooden door and stepped inside. The bar hadn't changed much either and he could see Rachel busy behind the bar, he quietly walked in a little further until the chatter had faded away to nothing and all eyes focused on the stranger. It was only as the silence descended that Rachel looked towards the door; it took her a few second to realise who had just entered the room.
A broad grin broke across her face as she rushed round the bar towards Duncan "Duncan MacLeod is it really you?" she asked, "Yeah.it's really me" Duncan replied smiling. Rachel then threw herself into his arms "why did yea not tell me you were coming? Duncan embraced her warmly "well.it was a kinda short notice thing.I hope you don't mind me dropping in unannounced" Rachel kissed him on the cheek "Och no.don't be daft.it's great to see you for any reason" she said as she lead him over to the bar "Is it a room your after?" Duncan looked down at the bar and drummed his fingers lightly against the wood "well partly" he said looking up at her. Rachel took down a glass and filled it with ale "so what is the other part?" she said handing the glass to him. "I'm looking for a friend.her name is Dani Angel" when Duncan realised that the name didn't mean anything to Rachel he continued, "She's in her late 20's, about 5ft 6ins, long black hair with deep blue eyes".
Rachel thought for a moment "there is a stranger camping in the far Glen just above the Loch.I've only seen her from a distance.as she won't let anyone near her." Duncan just knew that it must be Dani, Methos had said that she would shun contact as everything got more out of control "Can you take me to her?" Duncan asked "It's a long way by foot but if you help me with the horses.we could be there in no time" Rachel replied. Duncan then took a piece of crumpled paper out of his pocket and read though the list "If I sort out the horses could you make this up for me?" he said handing the paper to Rachel.
Rachel read through the list "this won't be very pleasant, Duncan.why do you want it?" Duncan raised his eyebrows, smiled and shrugged his shoulders and she knew that she wasn't going to get an answer "Ok.no more questions.you know where the stables are" looking back at the list "I think I have most of this.and I guess Morag will have the rest" Rachel saw a quizzical look Duncan gave her "Morag moved into the village about 10 years ago.she's into all that herbal healing stuff.I should have this done by the time you get back". Duncan leant across the bar and kissed Rachel "Thanks.do you have something I could keep it hot in?" Rachel playfully slapped him on the arm "away with you.we have to go soon or we will not get back before dark". Duncan finished the last of his ale and when to the stables.
When Duncan returned to the Inn, Rachel had two flasks on the bar and was chatting with some of the locals. As Duncan walked up to the bar Rachel looked up "Ok.I'll grab me coat," she said before disappearing out the back. Duncan looked around greeting the locals who were drinking there; it was then that his eyes fell onto where his father's sword was hung, the memory of the last time he had held it made him shiver, how close he had been to being lost in the madness, if it hadn't been for Methos he could've been lost forever. Rachel touching his arm brought him back to the present "Ok.let's get going" she said as she handed Duncan the two flasks "the blue one has coffee.the other has that concoction you asked for.and if it tastes anything like it smells.good luck in getting anyone to drink it". Duncan took the flasks and put them in his backpack. When he went outside Rachel had already mounted and she watched as he mounted the other horse, there was a case sticking out of the backpack and Rachel knew that it was a sword 'one day you'll tell what all this is about' she thought as they turned the horse and walked them through the village towards the Loch.
They rode around the edge of Loch Shiel passed the hotel, that overlooked the Loch, and round passed the visitors centre and the monument. The sun hadn't been strong enough all day to burn away the mist that lay over the mountains. They rode to the farside of the Loch before Rachel turned her horse to start the climb over the mountain into the Glen beyond. Rachel had only gone a short distance when she realised that Duncan had stopped, she turned her horse and walked it back, and it was then she noticed the distant look in his eyes. Rachel gently dug her heels into the horse's flanks until she had rejoined Duncan "is everything all right.Duncan?"
Duncan's eyes focused on her "is it much further?" Rachel pointed up the mountain "we still have a way to go yet" as she replied she could see the worried look that had covered his face "we had better pick up the pace then" he said as he urged his horse on. Rachel didn't need to ask him to realise that danger was nearby. Rachel caught up with him and they rode side by side up over the green grass and the purple heather that was just starting to bloom. "So.Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod.are you going to tell me what is going on?" Duncan smiled across at her "just a friend who is in trouble.more trouble than she knows". Rachel could feel fear rising in her; she then remembered Kanwulf "Is the village in any danger.Duncan?" Duncan shook his head "No.the village is safe".
No more was said until they reached the ridge and down below they could both see smoke rising from the ruins of a croft. Duncan could just make out a figure sitting just to one side of the doorway. As Rachel urged her horse on she found Duncan's hand restraining it "this is as far as you go Rachel.I must do the rest alone.take the direct path back to the Inn and stop for no-one.do you understand?" Duncan could see from her eyes that she didn't understand why he was sending her away but she would except it though, she leaned over and kissed him "you be careful.Duncan MacLeod.I'll have your room when you need it" Rachel said as she turned her horse around "and don't keep me waiting too long.do yea hear" these were the last words she said before she rode off towards the village.
The Loft
Duncan was forcing some clothes into a backpack when he heard the elevator rumbled into life, he glared at the elevator as he sensed another Immortal, he was in no mood for any visitors not even Richie who was the only other person with a key, so he continued packing. Duncan had just walked over to the desk when the gate lifted and Richie walked into the loft. "Hey Mac.I dropped by Joe's.he said you where going to Europe.that you have a lead on Dani.you know two can cover more ground than one", Duncan opened the desk draw and sorted out his passport from the other papers, "Thanks for the offer Richie.but I'm pretty sure I know where she's gone" Duncan said as he crossed the room, putting the passport into the pocket of the backpack.
Richie walked over and lent against the counter "Methos told me about what he found out.do you really think she's one of them?" Duncan turned around to face Richie "I really don't know Richie.she definitely suffered headaches mentioned in the text.and they got worse the more people she was around.and it's the only explanation we have at the moment" he said picking up his sword putting it inside it's case "but the first thing I need to do is find her.then I'll worry about the rest". Richie could see the concern on Duncan's face "well.at least she can protect herself.if someone comes for her I mean.it's not like she hasn't had any training" Richie said as he got himself a beer from the fridge, he held it up silently asking if Duncan wanted one as well but he shook his head.
"I see they didn't tell you everything then.it gets worse Richie" Duncan said as he nodded towards where the blue katana that lay in it's case, Richie's eyes followed Duncan's gaze and he nearly choked on his beer "she didn't take her sword!" he exclaimed putting the bottle on the counter "I'm going with you Mac.just give me an hour to pack" he said as he made for the door, Duncan grabbed hold of his arm before he could leave "No Richie.if what Methos found out is true.the fewer people she comes into contact with the better.I don't know what I'm going to find.besides I need you here".
"I'm sure that I could be of more help than that" Richie protested, Duncan put his hands on Richie's upper arms "I want to do this alone" Richie had seen that look in Duncan's eyes before and knew that to protest would be useless. Duncan picked up a piece of paper and handed it to Richie "I'm expecting a call from Cassandra.so I want you to stay here until she calls.Methos believes she can help Dani.so call me as soon as you hear from her.I left a message saying it was urgent.but I can't wait here"
"Ok Mac.do you need a ride to the airport?" Duncan shook his head "No I've a cab coming" Duncan had just picked up his backpack as the sound of a car horn sounded the arrival of the cab "Can you bring the other sword?" Duncan said pointing to the blue katana's case, Richie picked it up and followed Duncan down to the cab, as he placed the case on the backseat he turned to Duncan "I hope you find her.Mac" Richie said patting Duncan on the arm. Duncan smiled weakly "so do I Richie.don't forget to call me as soon as you hear from Cassandra.she could be Dani's only hope" as Duncan got into the cab Richie leaned in "no problem.as soon as I know you'll know" and with that he closed the cab door and watched it pulled away.
Duncan's plane landed at London Heathrow a little after 9am and as he had expected he was called into the customs area. "Good morning" said a rather portly gentleman behind the counter, wearing a UK customs uniform. Duncan was tired he hadn't been able to sleep on the plane, as his mind was turning over with all the details Methos had told him and the possible outcomes but he tried to be pleasant.
"Good morning.though it still feels like night to me" the man in the uniform smiled at him "can you tell about these swords?" Duncan put his hand into his inside pocket, taking out his passport and the swords transportation papers "I'm an antique dealer.and I have brought these over for a collector to examine.here are all the papers" Duncan said handing the papers over, the customs officer examined the papers in silence before looking up "so are you here just for business.Mr. MacLeod?" the customs officer said after looking at Duncan's passport "a bit of both.I have some relatives that I want to see before I return to the States" Duncan said as he looked at his watch, the time was passing and he didn't want to miss his connecting flight. Finally, the customs officer handed him his passport and papers "I hope you have a pleasant stay.Mr. MacLeod".
As Duncan left the customs area he put his passport and papers back into his pocket. He then found his connecting flight to Glasgow, checked in his bag and swords and made his way to the gate; he still had half an hour before the gate opened so he sat in one of the seats taking out his phone, he switched it on and dialled the loft. "Hi Richie.any news?"
"Yeah.Cassandra called a few hours ago.she said she understands everything but she can't meet you for a few days.so you'll have to cope on your own" Richie waited for Duncan to reply "Great" came the reply.
"But she did give me a recipe for some kinda herbal drink.that she said will help Dani until she can get to you.you'll need a pen and paper for this" Richie waited as Duncan found a pen and something to write on "Ok" Duncan said and then wrote down every detail of the instructions Cassandra had given Richie "You're sure that Cassandra said for Dani to drink this?" there was a muffled laugh at the other end of the phone "I checked Mac.boil it all together, strain and drink while still warm.they were her exact words.good luck getting Dani to drink it.I know I wouldn't" Richie replied. They both feel silent when the public address system sounded, when the announcement was over Duncan said "That's my flight.I'll call again when I've found her.you've got the numbers I can be reached on.and thanks Richie".
"No sweat.call me if you need anything else.and Mac I hope you find her". Duncan then turned off the phone and headed for the boarding gate.
Duncan managed to arrive in Glasgow with enough time to make his connection with the train to take him to Fort William. He tried to get some sleep on the train but what he had was fitful. When the train arrived at the station only a few people got off, Duncan walked passed the ticket collector and out of the station, he stood for a moment just looking around at the unfamiliar sites. It was bright but cloud still hung over the mountains and there was a promise of rain in the air. As he looked around he noticed the queue of cabs waiting for fares but he turned up his collar and walked away into the town, he knew that it was just a little more than 18 miles to the Inn and after being cramped in planes and trains for what had seemed like days, he thought the walk would be good for him.
He walked down the main roads that were busy with traffic, his mind wandering to times long ago when there were no roads here, just tracks that ran over the mountains. He remembered his last visit here to return the bracelet to Debra Campbell, that he had found in Paris and he smiled as he remembered his first encounter with Rachel and how furiously she had protected the Clan. How surprised she would be to see him here again but again this wasn't just a social visit. He hoped he was right and that Dani had come here because if she hadn't, he really didn't know where else to look.
Time and distance passed him as he walked lost in his thoughts and soon he stood by the monument that remembered the Highlanders who had waited for Bonny Prince Charlie at this spot. He leant against the wall that surrounded the monument tower and looked out over the Loch, no matter how much time past this would always feel like home. The image of mist covering the Loch and a small boat slowly emerging with Charlie standing at the stern filled Duncan's mind, he shook his head and smiled to himself 'how full of hope we all were that day' he thought as he turned away and made his way around the Loch towards the Inn where he knew this time the welcome would be very different from the last.
As he walked through the village up a little hill to the white building that was the Inn, there where two men sitting at the wooden table outside drinking, Duncan frowned they seemed to be the same men who were sat there the last time he was here, it was like time had stood still while he was away. He greeted the men the same as the time before and pushed open the small wooden door and stepped inside. The bar hadn't changed much either and he could see Rachel busy behind the bar, he quietly walked in a little further until the chatter had faded away to nothing and all eyes focused on the stranger. It was only as the silence descended that Rachel looked towards the door; it took her a few second to realise who had just entered the room.
A broad grin broke across her face as she rushed round the bar towards Duncan "Duncan MacLeod is it really you?" she asked, "Yeah.it's really me" Duncan replied smiling. Rachel then threw herself into his arms "why did yea not tell me you were coming? Duncan embraced her warmly "well.it was a kinda short notice thing.I hope you don't mind me dropping in unannounced" Rachel kissed him on the cheek "Och no.don't be daft.it's great to see you for any reason" she said as she lead him over to the bar "Is it a room your after?" Duncan looked down at the bar and drummed his fingers lightly against the wood "well partly" he said looking up at her. Rachel took down a glass and filled it with ale "so what is the other part?" she said handing the glass to him. "I'm looking for a friend.her name is Dani Angel" when Duncan realised that the name didn't mean anything to Rachel he continued, "She's in her late 20's, about 5ft 6ins, long black hair with deep blue eyes".
Rachel thought for a moment "there is a stranger camping in the far Glen just above the Loch.I've only seen her from a distance.as she won't let anyone near her." Duncan just knew that it must be Dani, Methos had said that she would shun contact as everything got more out of control "Can you take me to her?" Duncan asked "It's a long way by foot but if you help me with the horses.we could be there in no time" Rachel replied. Duncan then took a piece of crumpled paper out of his pocket and read though the list "If I sort out the horses could you make this up for me?" he said handing the paper to Rachel.
Rachel read through the list "this won't be very pleasant, Duncan.why do you want it?" Duncan raised his eyebrows, smiled and shrugged his shoulders and she knew that she wasn't going to get an answer "Ok.no more questions.you know where the stables are" looking back at the list "I think I have most of this.and I guess Morag will have the rest" Rachel saw a quizzical look Duncan gave her "Morag moved into the village about 10 years ago.she's into all that herbal healing stuff.I should have this done by the time you get back". Duncan leant across the bar and kissed Rachel "Thanks.do you have something I could keep it hot in?" Rachel playfully slapped him on the arm "away with you.we have to go soon or we will not get back before dark". Duncan finished the last of his ale and when to the stables.
When Duncan returned to the Inn, Rachel had two flasks on the bar and was chatting with some of the locals. As Duncan walked up to the bar Rachel looked up "Ok.I'll grab me coat," she said before disappearing out the back. Duncan looked around greeting the locals who were drinking there; it was then that his eyes fell onto where his father's sword was hung, the memory of the last time he had held it made him shiver, how close he had been to being lost in the madness, if it hadn't been for Methos he could've been lost forever. Rachel touching his arm brought him back to the present "Ok.let's get going" she said as she handed Duncan the two flasks "the blue one has coffee.the other has that concoction you asked for.and if it tastes anything like it smells.good luck in getting anyone to drink it". Duncan took the flasks and put them in his backpack. When he went outside Rachel had already mounted and she watched as he mounted the other horse, there was a case sticking out of the backpack and Rachel knew that it was a sword 'one day you'll tell what all this is about' she thought as they turned the horse and walked them through the village towards the Loch.
They rode around the edge of Loch Shiel passed the hotel, that overlooked the Loch, and round passed the visitors centre and the monument. The sun hadn't been strong enough all day to burn away the mist that lay over the mountains. They rode to the farside of the Loch before Rachel turned her horse to start the climb over the mountain into the Glen beyond. Rachel had only gone a short distance when she realised that Duncan had stopped, she turned her horse and walked it back, and it was then she noticed the distant look in his eyes. Rachel gently dug her heels into the horse's flanks until she had rejoined Duncan "is everything all right.Duncan?"
Duncan's eyes focused on her "is it much further?" Rachel pointed up the mountain "we still have a way to go yet" as she replied she could see the worried look that had covered his face "we had better pick up the pace then" he said as he urged his horse on. Rachel didn't need to ask him to realise that danger was nearby. Rachel caught up with him and they rode side by side up over the green grass and the purple heather that was just starting to bloom. "So.Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod.are you going to tell me what is going on?" Duncan smiled across at her "just a friend who is in trouble.more trouble than she knows". Rachel could feel fear rising in her; she then remembered Kanwulf "Is the village in any danger.Duncan?" Duncan shook his head "No.the village is safe".
No more was said until they reached the ridge and down below they could both see smoke rising from the ruins of a croft. Duncan could just make out a figure sitting just to one side of the doorway. As Rachel urged her horse on she found Duncan's hand restraining it "this is as far as you go Rachel.I must do the rest alone.take the direct path back to the Inn and stop for no-one.do you understand?" Duncan could see from her eyes that she didn't understand why he was sending her away but she would except it though, she leaned over and kissed him "you be careful.Duncan MacLeod.I'll have your room when you need it" Rachel said as she turned her horse around "and don't keep me waiting too long.do yea hear" these were the last words she said before she rode off towards the village.