Chapter 37
'Why do I find it so easy to trust you.it's not just that your Duncan's friend.you seem very familiar to me' Dani thought as she followed Cassandra into the wood. They hadn't gone far when Cassandra stopped, Dani looked around but couldn't see anything; she walked over to where Cassandra was standing "why have we stopped here?" Cassandra held up her hand "watch" she move her hand from one side to the other. Dani watched wild-eyed as a cottage started to appear from the mist "this is why we stopped because we are here" Dani fought to speak "err.where.how.I mean how did you?" Cassandra laughed "there are many things you must learn.one day you will be able to this too.and maybe even greater things" Cassandra ran the back of her hand down Dani's left cheek "the gift is strong in you.so strong that you're going to have to be very careful" Cassandra then turned and walked to the cottage "careful of what?" Dani asked as she followed.
Cassandra turned the handle on the door and pushed it open a musky smell greeted them as the air that had been locked up for centuries escaped, the cobwebs in front of them moved in the breeze as the trapped air raced for it's freedom, Cassandra pushed the cobwebs aside as she walked into the cottage "not bad considering it's been empty for over 300 years" Cassandra said turning round to see if Dani was following her "it's been here all that time and no one has ever found it?" Dani asked as she ran her hand along the back of one of the chairs, she banged her hands together to dislodge the dust of time that she had picked up from the chair. "This will do nicely.come there is much work to do" Cassandra said as she found two brooms handing one to Dani.
A figure concealed in the shadows watched as Duncan got into the old Land Rover that belonged to Rachel "now it can stick in gear a little just give the stick a tap and that will sort it out" Rachel said as she went through the controls with Duncan "I have driven before Rachel" Duncan said "yes you might have but you've never driven anything like this.it can be a bit temperamental.well so would you be if you were this old" Rachel smiled when she realised what she had said "not to say that all things that are old are temperamental" a broad grin broke on Duncan's face as he watched Rachel try to recover with grace "Oh you!" Rachel exclaimed playfully hitting Duncan on the arm "now away with you.or you'll be late" Duncan turned the key and the engine spluttered into life "are you sure this will get me there and back?" Duncan asked as he leaned out of the window "just make sure you bring it back. Duncan MacLeod".
As Duncan drove the Land Rover down the main street Rachel watched until it was out of sight she then walked back into the Inn. A figure a long dark coat emerged from the shadows and walked slowly towards the Inn.
Fort William Station
Duncan drove into the station's car park a little after 2:30pm, he managed to find a parking space and after a short fight with the gear level he managed to reverse into the slot. He looked at his watch the train should have arrived 10 minutes ago but there was no sign of Methos, Duncan got out of the Land Rover and walked over to the station building. Methos wasn't inside either so Duncan went over to the ticket collector "excuse me but has the train from Glasgow arrived yet?" Duncan asked the man at the barrier who looked at his watch "it's running late but it should be here in the next half hour" Duncan thanked the man and when back outside, he found a bench and settled down to wait.
Duncan had heard several trains arrive before Methos appeared carrying a two brown bags "Mac.am I glad to see you" Duncan got up as Methos approached "Good trip?" Duncan asked taking hold of one of Methos's bags.
"An experience is what it was.and not one I care to repeat.I think I'll hire a car for the return trip," Methos said as he followed Duncan to the car "or maybe not" Duncan turned back and could see the look of disgust on Methos's face as he looked at the old battered green Land Rover. "Oh this.it's a classic" Duncan said as he unlocked the door "I can see that.but a classic what?" Methos exclaimed as he threw his bag in the back "tell me you didn't pay good money for this MacLeod" Duncan placed the other bag in the back and then walked round getting in the driver's door, leaning over he unlock the passenger door for Methos. "If you don't like it you can always walk you know.it isn't far" Duncan said as he put the key in the ignition "how far?" Methos replied, "only about 18 miles" Methos narrowed his eyes "just drive MacLeod before I change my mind and go home".
Duncan started the engine and then as he fought to get it into gear he looked over at Methos "it's just temperamental.you know how things get when they get old" Duncan said grinning at Methos "what exactly are you trying to say MacLeod?" "Nothing" Duncan said as he drove away.
The Cottage
After they had spent sometime cleaning the cottage Cassandra went through some techniques to try and help Dani filter what she was seeing and to focus on specific images. "What's next?" Dani asked but Cassandra had noticed how tired Dani was becoming "that's enough for today" she said as she walked over to the fire putting it out "I think we'll take a slow walk back to the village.we'll come back here tomorrow to continue your training" Cassandra said walking over to the door, Dani went to follow but stopped as something caught her eye. Cassandra had reached the door when she realised that Dani wasn't following her, she turned back to see what was delaying Dani "what is it? . What do you see?" she asked as she held the door open, it was a few minutes before Dani answered "I see a boy.he's asleep in that chair.his face is familiar.he's right there" the image faded as Dani pointed to the large wooden chair "did this boy have dark haired and was he wearing a kilt?" Cassandra asked Dani looked round "you saw him too?" Cassandra shook her head "no, not this time.the boy you saw was Duncan from a long time ago".
"But how?" Dani asked as she walked over to Cassandra who put her hand onto Dani's shoulder "it's an echo from the past.memories that are stored here.it shows that you are starting to focus the images you are seeing.in time you will be able to hold on to them for longer.but come now we should be going" Dani stepped through the doorway into the afternoon sun.
As they came to the edge of the woods Dani stopped, "Cassandra.do you think I will ever be able to control it totally?" Cassandra stopped at turned to face her "you have done well today Dani.but you must be careful the gift you have is very powerful.and in time you may become more powerful than me.it will take you a lot of work.you can not rush this.don't be tempted to take the easy path it will lead you into darkness". Dani searched Cassandra's eyes "what do you mean?" Cassandra motioned for Dani to sit "sit down and I will try to explain".
Dani sat down on a small mound that was covered in luscious green grass and surrounded by purple heather, Cassandra settled down beside her "I know you were listening the other day so I will not lie to you.there are dangers.the gift you have been given can be used to heal or to harm.it's easier to control it to cause pain.used in this way the power over people can be addictive.to use the power in this way will lead you on the path to evil.from which it is difficult to return" Dani swallowed hard she hadn't expected Cassandra to be so honest with her "can it kill?" Dani asked looking down at her hands, Cassandra lifted her head so that she could look into her eyes "yes.used against a mortal it can kill.it will cause harm and pain to an Immortal it could even cause madness.it certainly would allow you time to take their head".
"But surely if someone is after my head I can use it to help me?" Dani asked, Cassandra smiled at her "there are things that you can use without risk and I will teach how.but to take control over another's mind is where the danger lies".
"But surely it will be some time before I am able to control it like that or to be that powerful" Dani replied "this is the easy path.not much control is needed and you have all the power you need" Cassandra said getting to her feet "just remember doing the wrong thing for the right reasons is still wrong.your heart is good Dani" Cassandra said as she put her hand onto Dani's chest.but a heart sometimes doesn't allow the brain time to think before the body reacts.just remember my words and you will be all right" Cassandra then got to her feet "we must go now.you need to rest and Duncan should be back soon" she said as she extended her hand to help Dani to her feet.
'Why do I find it so easy to trust you.it's not just that your Duncan's friend.you seem very familiar to me' Dani thought as she followed Cassandra into the wood. They hadn't gone far when Cassandra stopped, Dani looked around but couldn't see anything; she walked over to where Cassandra was standing "why have we stopped here?" Cassandra held up her hand "watch" she move her hand from one side to the other. Dani watched wild-eyed as a cottage started to appear from the mist "this is why we stopped because we are here" Dani fought to speak "err.where.how.I mean how did you?" Cassandra laughed "there are many things you must learn.one day you will be able to this too.and maybe even greater things" Cassandra ran the back of her hand down Dani's left cheek "the gift is strong in you.so strong that you're going to have to be very careful" Cassandra then turned and walked to the cottage "careful of what?" Dani asked as she followed.
Cassandra turned the handle on the door and pushed it open a musky smell greeted them as the air that had been locked up for centuries escaped, the cobwebs in front of them moved in the breeze as the trapped air raced for it's freedom, Cassandra pushed the cobwebs aside as she walked into the cottage "not bad considering it's been empty for over 300 years" Cassandra said turning round to see if Dani was following her "it's been here all that time and no one has ever found it?" Dani asked as she ran her hand along the back of one of the chairs, she banged her hands together to dislodge the dust of time that she had picked up from the chair. "This will do nicely.come there is much work to do" Cassandra said as she found two brooms handing one to Dani.
A figure concealed in the shadows watched as Duncan got into the old Land Rover that belonged to Rachel "now it can stick in gear a little just give the stick a tap and that will sort it out" Rachel said as she went through the controls with Duncan "I have driven before Rachel" Duncan said "yes you might have but you've never driven anything like this.it can be a bit temperamental.well so would you be if you were this old" Rachel smiled when she realised what she had said "not to say that all things that are old are temperamental" a broad grin broke on Duncan's face as he watched Rachel try to recover with grace "Oh you!" Rachel exclaimed playfully hitting Duncan on the arm "now away with you.or you'll be late" Duncan turned the key and the engine spluttered into life "are you sure this will get me there and back?" Duncan asked as he leaned out of the window "just make sure you bring it back. Duncan MacLeod".
As Duncan drove the Land Rover down the main street Rachel watched until it was out of sight she then walked back into the Inn. A figure a long dark coat emerged from the shadows and walked slowly towards the Inn.
Fort William Station
Duncan drove into the station's car park a little after 2:30pm, he managed to find a parking space and after a short fight with the gear level he managed to reverse into the slot. He looked at his watch the train should have arrived 10 minutes ago but there was no sign of Methos, Duncan got out of the Land Rover and walked over to the station building. Methos wasn't inside either so Duncan went over to the ticket collector "excuse me but has the train from Glasgow arrived yet?" Duncan asked the man at the barrier who looked at his watch "it's running late but it should be here in the next half hour" Duncan thanked the man and when back outside, he found a bench and settled down to wait.
Duncan had heard several trains arrive before Methos appeared carrying a two brown bags "Mac.am I glad to see you" Duncan got up as Methos approached "Good trip?" Duncan asked taking hold of one of Methos's bags.
"An experience is what it was.and not one I care to repeat.I think I'll hire a car for the return trip," Methos said as he followed Duncan to the car "or maybe not" Duncan turned back and could see the look of disgust on Methos's face as he looked at the old battered green Land Rover. "Oh this.it's a classic" Duncan said as he unlocked the door "I can see that.but a classic what?" Methos exclaimed as he threw his bag in the back "tell me you didn't pay good money for this MacLeod" Duncan placed the other bag in the back and then walked round getting in the driver's door, leaning over he unlock the passenger door for Methos. "If you don't like it you can always walk you know.it isn't far" Duncan said as he put the key in the ignition "how far?" Methos replied, "only about 18 miles" Methos narrowed his eyes "just drive MacLeod before I change my mind and go home".
Duncan started the engine and then as he fought to get it into gear he looked over at Methos "it's just temperamental.you know how things get when they get old" Duncan said grinning at Methos "what exactly are you trying to say MacLeod?" "Nothing" Duncan said as he drove away.
The Cottage
After they had spent sometime cleaning the cottage Cassandra went through some techniques to try and help Dani filter what she was seeing and to focus on specific images. "What's next?" Dani asked but Cassandra had noticed how tired Dani was becoming "that's enough for today" she said as she walked over to the fire putting it out "I think we'll take a slow walk back to the village.we'll come back here tomorrow to continue your training" Cassandra said walking over to the door, Dani went to follow but stopped as something caught her eye. Cassandra had reached the door when she realised that Dani wasn't following her, she turned back to see what was delaying Dani "what is it? . What do you see?" she asked as she held the door open, it was a few minutes before Dani answered "I see a boy.he's asleep in that chair.his face is familiar.he's right there" the image faded as Dani pointed to the large wooden chair "did this boy have dark haired and was he wearing a kilt?" Cassandra asked Dani looked round "you saw him too?" Cassandra shook her head "no, not this time.the boy you saw was Duncan from a long time ago".
"But how?" Dani asked as she walked over to Cassandra who put her hand onto Dani's shoulder "it's an echo from the past.memories that are stored here.it shows that you are starting to focus the images you are seeing.in time you will be able to hold on to them for longer.but come now we should be going" Dani stepped through the doorway into the afternoon sun.
As they came to the edge of the woods Dani stopped, "Cassandra.do you think I will ever be able to control it totally?" Cassandra stopped at turned to face her "you have done well today Dani.but you must be careful the gift you have is very powerful.and in time you may become more powerful than me.it will take you a lot of work.you can not rush this.don't be tempted to take the easy path it will lead you into darkness". Dani searched Cassandra's eyes "what do you mean?" Cassandra motioned for Dani to sit "sit down and I will try to explain".
Dani sat down on a small mound that was covered in luscious green grass and surrounded by purple heather, Cassandra settled down beside her "I know you were listening the other day so I will not lie to you.there are dangers.the gift you have been given can be used to heal or to harm.it's easier to control it to cause pain.used in this way the power over people can be addictive.to use the power in this way will lead you on the path to evil.from which it is difficult to return" Dani swallowed hard she hadn't expected Cassandra to be so honest with her "can it kill?" Dani asked looking down at her hands, Cassandra lifted her head so that she could look into her eyes "yes.used against a mortal it can kill.it will cause harm and pain to an Immortal it could even cause madness.it certainly would allow you time to take their head".
"But surely if someone is after my head I can use it to help me?" Dani asked, Cassandra smiled at her "there are things that you can use without risk and I will teach how.but to take control over another's mind is where the danger lies".
"But surely it will be some time before I am able to control it like that or to be that powerful" Dani replied "this is the easy path.not much control is needed and you have all the power you need" Cassandra said getting to her feet "just remember doing the wrong thing for the right reasons is still wrong.your heart is good Dani" Cassandra said as she put her hand onto Dani's chest.but a heart sometimes doesn't allow the brain time to think before the body reacts.just remember my words and you will be all right" Cassandra then got to her feet "we must go now.you need to rest and Duncan should be back soon" she said as she extended her hand to help Dani to her feet.