Chapter 34
It was growing dark as they approached the Inn, Dani stopped as they felt the presences of another Immortal, and Duncan walked back to her, taking her by the hand "it's all right.it's a friend" Dani looked into his eyes and he could see she was frightened "how do you know it's a friend?" she asked, Duncan stroked her cheek "because I we met last night.it'll be all right come on" Duncan replied. Dani reluctantly followed Duncan into the Inn but as Duncan walked into the room his eyes met Cassandra's "Cassandra, it's great to see you but I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow" Duncan said as he walked over to where she was sitting by the fire "I managed to catch an earlier flight" Cassandra was aware of Dani's presence and she walked around Duncan, taking Dani's other hand in hers "and you must be Dani.Duncan's told me a lot about you" Dani let go of Duncan's hand and allowed Cassandra to lead her to the other chair at her table "Duncan could you get us something to drink.I want to talk to Dani" Duncan smiled and nodded before leaving the two of them alone.
Dani sat down in the chair opposite to Cassandra, for a few moments Cassandra searched Dani's eyes with her own, then she spoke her voice soft but haunting "Do you know who I am?" her voice felt like velvet as it entered Dani's mind pushing aside all other thoughts and images. "You're the lady from my dreams.the dreams that came before the nightmares" Dani replied. Cassandra took both of Dani's hands in hers "look into my eyes.you have nothing to fear.I'm here to help you" Dani looked into Cassandra's green eyes, they held a warmth unlike those of Hamilton. "You see many things.I sense the gift is strong in you" Dani broke the eye contact and looked away "it's a curse not a gift" she replied.
Cassandra lifted Dani's face so she could look into her eyes again "I see things as you do.and with training you will learn to control them.not them control you" Cassandra said as she placed Dani's hands on her face "open your mind to me.let me see what you see". Dani went to pull her hands away but Cassandra held them firmly, Dani fought to stay in control "let go.free your mind" Cassandra's words wrapped around Dani's mind like silken tendrils.
As Dani relaxed and allowed Cassandra to enter her mind, Cassandra jolted violently by the volume and power of the images that now flowed between them. Cassandra tried to break away but she couldn't move the colour started to drain from Cassandra's face, as the pain flowed into her.
Duncan was leaning on the bar watching the two women when he saw Cassandra's face drain of colour and her face contort with pain he rushed over to the table "Cassandra are you all right?" he asked but no reply came from either woman. Duncan there tried to take prise Dani's hands off of Cassandra's face "Dani..DANI NO.LET HER GO" the sound of Duncan voice broke whatever link there was between them, Dani's hands fell to the table, freeing Cassandra who collapsed back in her chair, her hands covering her eyes. Duncan took hold of Dani by the shoulders "What the hell was that all about?" Duncan demanded Dani looked up into his eyes and for the first time she saw anger. She leaped up and ran up stairs; Duncan had seen the hurt look in Dani's eyes and went to follow when he felt Cassandra's hand on his arm "leave her Duncan.sit down Duncan.please" Duncan looked towards bar "she needs to be alone for awhile.what she has seen has shocked her as it did me" Duncan crouched down in front of Cassandra "are you ok?" Cassandra nodded her hand touched his cheek "I'm fine.it wasn't her fault Duncan.I asked to see and she couldn't control it.now sit down we need to talk "so are you going to tell me what all that was about?" Duncan said as he sat in the chair opposite Cassandra.
Cassandra looked deep into Duncan's eyes "I'm so sorry.this maybe beyond any of us.Duncan".
"What do you mean?" The concern obvious in his voice, Cassandra laid her hands onto Duncan's "it's not easy to explain.the gift she has is very strong.if she can't control it, it could overwhelm her" Duncan squeezed Cassandra's hands "overwhelm her how?" Cassandra wished that she didn't have to tell him but he needed to be prepared for the worse "Duncan would you believe me if I told you that I have met Dani before?" Duncan looked thoughtfully at Cassandra "not another prophecy?" Cassandra shook her head "you could call it a prophecy or a legend but Dani has been in my dreams.but we shouldn't have met for a few more years.tell me how did she come to you?" Duncan told Cassandra all about Cristo and his obsession for Louisa which led him to Dani who was the image of her, she listened quietly until Duncan had finished.
"The legend tells of a chosen one who sees into the hearts of men and can heal their pain with the aid of the Triskele amulet.it's been around since before I was born Duncan. but it was lost centuries ago when it fell into the Nile during a battle between Asa and Barel.Barel hunted Asa to claim his gift.Asa knew that Barel was evil so to prevent him getting the amulet Asa threw it into the Nile just before Barel claimed his head.and it's been lost for centuries" Cassandra replied. Duncan placed his hand onto hers "and you think that Dani is this chosen one?" Cassandra smiled at him "I'm not sure but if she is.then there is a problem".
"What kind of problem?" Duncan started to get worried, as Cassandra didn't answer straight away "Cassandra?" "I won't lie to you Duncan, Dani wasn't supposed to become Immortal until she had the amulet.without it.she might share the same fate as Barel"
As Dani ran up the stairs she suddenly stopped when she heard Duncan start talking to Cassandra, she backed down the stairs, a few steps from the bottom she sat down on the wooden steps to listen.
Cassandra looked into Duncan's eyes "I wish I could tell you that everything will be all right Duncan.Dani has seen me in her dreams.and I have seen her" Cassandra stopped as Rachel brought her a brandy "I thought you might need this" she said as she put the glass down before returning to the bar "Thank you" Cassandra replied. "So you knew about her?" Duncan asked "I didn't see a clear image in my dreams.it was like I was being drawn to her but the link was not powerful enough for me to see her face clearly or where she was.what Methos told you was right.but she is more powerful than anyone I've ever known.even with the amulet it will take time." Cassandra could see that Duncan was finding this difficult to hear "Cassandra what happened to Barel?" She leaned forward "You must remember that Barel was evil to begin with but without the amulet he couldn't handle the power of the gift.he went mad.I'm not saying that it will happen but without the amulet Dani is walking on a knife's edge.on the one side there is madness and the other is evil.if she should fall." Duncan stood up with such force his chair fell backwards and clattered on the stone floor "and what then?" Duncan demanded as he lent against the fireplace. Cassandra stayed seated "Duncan sit down.and I'll tell you", Duncan picked up the fallen chair and sat back down "I'm sorry.it's just." she reached across the table and gently squeezing his hand she finished his sentence "you care for her a great deal.don't you?" Duncan nodded. "Duncan.this power can be used to help heal or it can be used to cause pain.even death in a mortals" Cassandra paused for a moment to collect her thoughts. "If Dani falters I may have to take her." Duncan wiped his hand across his face "no.no you won't" Cassandra was about to speak again but Duncan held up his hand, "you won't if anyone has to do it.it should be me" Duncan said with tears in his eyes. "You will try to help her won't you? .it can't end like that.Dani didn't ask for any of this.I won't let it happen" Duncan said as he got to his feet "I need some air" he picked up his coat and went out into the night.
As she listened tears started to roll down Dani's face, until today she hadn't really known what was happening to her or what it might mean but she had seen it for herself within Cassandra's mind and now her words confirmed all her fears.
Duncan turned the collar of his coat up against the chill that was in the air and his hands into the pockets. He walked down through the village, there were no street lights only the moon who's light was only interrupted by the occasional wisp of cloud. Thoughts racing through his mind he walked on, he took out his mobile phone and dialled Methos's number but it just rang until the answer phone came on, Duncan listened to the message and he waited until the beep "Adam it's Duncan I really need you to call me.there's something I need you to do.as soon as you get this message call me no matter what the time is" he closed the phone and carried on until he reached the loch, he sat on the wall which went round the monument, he held his phone to his chin he then flicked it open and dial Joe's bar. When the phone was answered Duncan spoke "Lou.is Joe there it's Duncan MacLeod" Duncan waited as Lou went to get Joe "Hey Mac how's it going?"
"It not going as well as I had hoped but what I really need is to talk to Methos.have you seen him.I've called his place but there's no answer".
"Sorry Mac he hasn't been in here in days.is there anything I could do?" Joe asked "Thanks Joe but it's best if you don't get too involved.just get him to contact me when you see him.he has my number".
"Ok Mac.but if you need me you know where I am" Joe replied "Thanks" Duncan replied before closing his phone.
It was growing dark as they approached the Inn, Dani stopped as they felt the presences of another Immortal, and Duncan walked back to her, taking her by the hand "it's all right.it's a friend" Dani looked into his eyes and he could see she was frightened "how do you know it's a friend?" she asked, Duncan stroked her cheek "because I we met last night.it'll be all right come on" Duncan replied. Dani reluctantly followed Duncan into the Inn but as Duncan walked into the room his eyes met Cassandra's "Cassandra, it's great to see you but I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow" Duncan said as he walked over to where she was sitting by the fire "I managed to catch an earlier flight" Cassandra was aware of Dani's presence and she walked around Duncan, taking Dani's other hand in hers "and you must be Dani.Duncan's told me a lot about you" Dani let go of Duncan's hand and allowed Cassandra to lead her to the other chair at her table "Duncan could you get us something to drink.I want to talk to Dani" Duncan smiled and nodded before leaving the two of them alone.
Dani sat down in the chair opposite to Cassandra, for a few moments Cassandra searched Dani's eyes with her own, then she spoke her voice soft but haunting "Do you know who I am?" her voice felt like velvet as it entered Dani's mind pushing aside all other thoughts and images. "You're the lady from my dreams.the dreams that came before the nightmares" Dani replied. Cassandra took both of Dani's hands in hers "look into my eyes.you have nothing to fear.I'm here to help you" Dani looked into Cassandra's green eyes, they held a warmth unlike those of Hamilton. "You see many things.I sense the gift is strong in you" Dani broke the eye contact and looked away "it's a curse not a gift" she replied.
Cassandra lifted Dani's face so she could look into her eyes again "I see things as you do.and with training you will learn to control them.not them control you" Cassandra said as she placed Dani's hands on her face "open your mind to me.let me see what you see". Dani went to pull her hands away but Cassandra held them firmly, Dani fought to stay in control "let go.free your mind" Cassandra's words wrapped around Dani's mind like silken tendrils.
As Dani relaxed and allowed Cassandra to enter her mind, Cassandra jolted violently by the volume and power of the images that now flowed between them. Cassandra tried to break away but she couldn't move the colour started to drain from Cassandra's face, as the pain flowed into her.
Duncan was leaning on the bar watching the two women when he saw Cassandra's face drain of colour and her face contort with pain he rushed over to the table "Cassandra are you all right?" he asked but no reply came from either woman. Duncan there tried to take prise Dani's hands off of Cassandra's face "Dani..DANI NO.LET HER GO" the sound of Duncan voice broke whatever link there was between them, Dani's hands fell to the table, freeing Cassandra who collapsed back in her chair, her hands covering her eyes. Duncan took hold of Dani by the shoulders "What the hell was that all about?" Duncan demanded Dani looked up into his eyes and for the first time she saw anger. She leaped up and ran up stairs; Duncan had seen the hurt look in Dani's eyes and went to follow when he felt Cassandra's hand on his arm "leave her Duncan.sit down Duncan.please" Duncan looked towards bar "she needs to be alone for awhile.what she has seen has shocked her as it did me" Duncan crouched down in front of Cassandra "are you ok?" Cassandra nodded her hand touched his cheek "I'm fine.it wasn't her fault Duncan.I asked to see and she couldn't control it.now sit down we need to talk "so are you going to tell me what all that was about?" Duncan said as he sat in the chair opposite Cassandra.
Cassandra looked deep into Duncan's eyes "I'm so sorry.this maybe beyond any of us.Duncan".
"What do you mean?" The concern obvious in his voice, Cassandra laid her hands onto Duncan's "it's not easy to explain.the gift she has is very strong.if she can't control it, it could overwhelm her" Duncan squeezed Cassandra's hands "overwhelm her how?" Cassandra wished that she didn't have to tell him but he needed to be prepared for the worse "Duncan would you believe me if I told you that I have met Dani before?" Duncan looked thoughtfully at Cassandra "not another prophecy?" Cassandra shook her head "you could call it a prophecy or a legend but Dani has been in my dreams.but we shouldn't have met for a few more years.tell me how did she come to you?" Duncan told Cassandra all about Cristo and his obsession for Louisa which led him to Dani who was the image of her, she listened quietly until Duncan had finished.
"The legend tells of a chosen one who sees into the hearts of men and can heal their pain with the aid of the Triskele amulet.it's been around since before I was born Duncan. but it was lost centuries ago when it fell into the Nile during a battle between Asa and Barel.Barel hunted Asa to claim his gift.Asa knew that Barel was evil so to prevent him getting the amulet Asa threw it into the Nile just before Barel claimed his head.and it's been lost for centuries" Cassandra replied. Duncan placed his hand onto hers "and you think that Dani is this chosen one?" Cassandra smiled at him "I'm not sure but if she is.then there is a problem".
"What kind of problem?" Duncan started to get worried, as Cassandra didn't answer straight away "Cassandra?" "I won't lie to you Duncan, Dani wasn't supposed to become Immortal until she had the amulet.without it.she might share the same fate as Barel"
As Dani ran up the stairs she suddenly stopped when she heard Duncan start talking to Cassandra, she backed down the stairs, a few steps from the bottom she sat down on the wooden steps to listen.
Cassandra looked into Duncan's eyes "I wish I could tell you that everything will be all right Duncan.Dani has seen me in her dreams.and I have seen her" Cassandra stopped as Rachel brought her a brandy "I thought you might need this" she said as she put the glass down before returning to the bar "Thank you" Cassandra replied. "So you knew about her?" Duncan asked "I didn't see a clear image in my dreams.it was like I was being drawn to her but the link was not powerful enough for me to see her face clearly or where she was.what Methos told you was right.but she is more powerful than anyone I've ever known.even with the amulet it will take time." Cassandra could see that Duncan was finding this difficult to hear "Cassandra what happened to Barel?" She leaned forward "You must remember that Barel was evil to begin with but without the amulet he couldn't handle the power of the gift.he went mad.I'm not saying that it will happen but without the amulet Dani is walking on a knife's edge.on the one side there is madness and the other is evil.if she should fall." Duncan stood up with such force his chair fell backwards and clattered on the stone floor "and what then?" Duncan demanded as he lent against the fireplace. Cassandra stayed seated "Duncan sit down.and I'll tell you", Duncan picked up the fallen chair and sat back down "I'm sorry.it's just." she reached across the table and gently squeezing his hand she finished his sentence "you care for her a great deal.don't you?" Duncan nodded. "Duncan.this power can be used to help heal or it can be used to cause pain.even death in a mortals" Cassandra paused for a moment to collect her thoughts. "If Dani falters I may have to take her." Duncan wiped his hand across his face "no.no you won't" Cassandra was about to speak again but Duncan held up his hand, "you won't if anyone has to do it.it should be me" Duncan said with tears in his eyes. "You will try to help her won't you? .it can't end like that.Dani didn't ask for any of this.I won't let it happen" Duncan said as he got to his feet "I need some air" he picked up his coat and went out into the night.
As she listened tears started to roll down Dani's face, until today she hadn't really known what was happening to her or what it might mean but she had seen it for herself within Cassandra's mind and now her words confirmed all her fears.
Duncan turned the collar of his coat up against the chill that was in the air and his hands into the pockets. He walked down through the village, there were no street lights only the moon who's light was only interrupted by the occasional wisp of cloud. Thoughts racing through his mind he walked on, he took out his mobile phone and dialled Methos's number but it just rang until the answer phone came on, Duncan listened to the message and he waited until the beep "Adam it's Duncan I really need you to call me.there's something I need you to do.as soon as you get this message call me no matter what the time is" he closed the phone and carried on until he reached the loch, he sat on the wall which went round the monument, he held his phone to his chin he then flicked it open and dial Joe's bar. When the phone was answered Duncan spoke "Lou.is Joe there it's Duncan MacLeod" Duncan waited as Lou went to get Joe "Hey Mac how's it going?"
"It not going as well as I had hoped but what I really need is to talk to Methos.have you seen him.I've called his place but there's no answer".
"Sorry Mac he hasn't been in here in days.is there anything I could do?" Joe asked "Thanks Joe but it's best if you don't get too involved.just get him to contact me when you see him.he has my number".
"Ok Mac.but if you need me you know where I am" Joe replied "Thanks" Duncan replied before closing his phone.