Chapter 39
Screams echoed down the Glen causing Duncan and Methos to stop, they looked at each other and then back to where the scream seemed to coming from, Duncan started running, with Methos close behind.
Duncan stopped at the top of the ridge the fine rain glistening on his face, he could see Dani by the croft her hands on Robert's face as Duncan started to walk down the slope Robert fell to his knees. Duncan quicken his pace towards her the wind wiping his black coat open as he ran down the slop, Methos was close on Duncan's heels. Dani did not look up when she sensed the approach of another Immortal, she kept her eyes focused on Hamilton, and he was unable to break free of her gaze. Duncan watched as Hamilton raised his sword and Dani took hold of it.
Methos stopped he watched as Duncan walked towards them "Dani you don't want to do this.you know what you are doing is wrong don't you" Duncan pleaded, without looking at him Dani answered, "What I'm doing is wrong.what about what he has done?" Duncan stopped a few feet away "not like this Dani.you can't do it like this.I know that Robert killed Li Tse.but if you use your power to defeat him.you'll be lost forever.is that what you want?" Hamilton had fallen silent as Dani's attention was taken by listening to Duncan but he couldn't move his eyes from hers. Duncan could see her hand tightening on the sword "Dani he's my friend.don't do this.I don't want to lose you" Dani kept her eyes locked on Hamilton "He's not your friend.he doesn't know the meaning of the word.You see Duncan I've looked into his heart and it's cold and empty" a tear started to roll down her cheek.
"This isn't about Li Tse Duncan.not anymore.do you remember when you first met him.the bridge.and the slaves you were taking to freedom?" Duncan raised his arms up a little way and dropped them to his sides "yes.I remember". Methos stood watching Duncan trying to reason with Dani and he knew if he couldn't one of them would have to take her head. "Do you think they ever tasted freedom?" Duncan didn't reply "Well I'll tell you want happened to Joshua and his family.he sold them back the day after you left them with him.he watched Duncan as the family was split up.Joshua tried to stop them and paid with his life.and then what about Shaun O'Reilly.remember him?" Dani asked, "Has your friend ever told you what happened to him?" Methos noticed the horrified look on Duncan's face, which told that he hadn't. Duncan's mind raced back to another time.
California 1860
Duncan rode out of the dust towards a small wooden building with smoke rising from its chimney. Duncan dismounted tying his horse to the fence that ran around the wooden building as he walked over to the water pump the door to the building opened "What can I do for you stranger?" a young man about 25 with a head of wild red hair "I just want to fill my canteen if that is all right" Duncan replied it was then that he noticed the rifle over the young man's arm "I'm not looking for trouble just some water.and somewhere to bed down for the night" the young man came down the step and walked across the dusty ground "My name is Duncan MacLeod" Duncan said as he held out his hand, hesitantly the young man took his hand "Shaun O'Reilly.please fill your canteen.after all water is a gift from God not from man" Duncan pumped the handle and held his canteen under the stream of water until it was filled, he then screwed the cap on "Well Shaun.could you tell me if there are any farms around here hiring?" Shaun had let the rifle drop so that it pointed towards the dirt "I could do with a hand.I can't pay very much.but I can offer you the best home cook meals in the county, a clean bed.and a bath" Shaun replied he wouldn't normally offer to share his home with a total strange but there was something about this strange that just made it fill right. "With an offer like that I would be mad to turn it down" Shaun walked over a slapped Duncan on the back "Well, I had better introduce you to the person who cooks these wonderful meals.my wife Emily" as Shaun spoke a small thin woman with black hair tided tight on her head, Duncan could also see that she was heavy with child. Duncan wiped his hands on his trousers before offering it to Emily "it's a pleasure to meet you.I'm Duncan MacLeod" Emily laid her small hand into Duncan's and giggled as Duncan lifted her hand to his lips kissing it lightly on the back "It's a pleasure to meet you".
Duncan stayed with the O'Reilly's for several months helping to tend the fields, build an extension to their home for their unborn child and he was helping build the barn when Robert Hamilton rode onto the farm, Duncan greeted him warmly and Shaun and Emily welcomed him into their home because he was Duncan's friend. Robert worked alongside Duncan and Shaun on the building of the barn.
One day Shaun was down at the creek working on the irrigation system he had invented to get more water to his fields while Duncan and Robert were finishing off the barn. As he walked out into the water his feet moved the creek bed and the water became cloudy as Shaun stood trying to fix a broken piece of wood the water started to clear and then the sunlight glinted off something in the water catching Shaun's eye, he walked over and plunged his hand into the cool water grabbing a handful of creek bed, he stood up and opening his hand he pushed the dirt around until he found it and there glistening in his hand "Gold" Shaun said out loud.
Shaun dropped the small piece of gold into his waistcoat pocket and made his way back to the house he had intended to tell Duncan what he had found but shouts from inside the house sent a panic through him, he ran to the house throwing open the door. In the dim light of the house he saw Duncan helping Emily over to the bed, the sudden noise of his entry into the house caused Duncan to look round "Shaun.thank god Robert found you.I think Emily is going to have the baby" Shaun walked forward taking hold of Emily helping her to get into the bed "I haven't seen Robert.I don't understand.it's not due for a few weeks yet" Duncan looked up at Shaun "Emily fell down the step bringing us lemonade.where is Robert.we need to get the doctor" but there was no sign of Robert so Duncan grabbed his coat and then when back to Emily and Shaun "I'll have to ride into town and get him" Emily's hand restrained him before he could leave "there isn't time.the baby is coming" the two men looked at each other in panic "have you ever delivered a baby?" Shaun asked "I've helped before.Oh no.I'm not going to.I can't" Duncan replied as he looked in horror at what Shaun was silently suggesting "Duncan that's more than I have.please we need you.Emily needs you" Duncan's mind raced as he tried to think of other options but there wasn't any, he wiped his hand over his face "Ok we will need some hot water and clean linen".
Seeing Emily in such pain had been too much for Shaun and he had gone out onto the porch to smoke his pipe. Emily's shouts died down and Shaun turned to look at the door then he heard a slap and a baby cry, he dropped his pipe and ran back into the house to Emily's side. As he looked down on the small bundle in his wife's arms, Emily looked up smiling at him, her face glistening with sweat, "meet your son" as Shaun sat on the bed Duncan felt that he was intruding and quietly walked out to the porch.
A few weeks later all the work was done, they were all having supper one evening when Duncan looked around the table, he want to stay with this wonderful family but he knew that his time with them was over, if he stayed there was a chance the game would come here and he didn't want to put them in danger. Emily had noticed the look in Duncan's eye "What's wrong Duncan?" she asked, Duncan took a deep breath "I should be moving on" he said "No Duncan.your part of the family.please stay" she pleaded "I can't.I've stayed longer than I planned.all the work is done and you have another mouth to feed" Robert looked up from his meal "Duncan's right we should be going" Shaun really wanted Duncan to stay but he was relieved that Robert wanted to leave, he had never said anything to Duncan but there was something about this man he didn't trust.
The next morning at day break Shaun came out of the house to find Duncan and Robert saddling their horses "I wish you would change your mind and stay Duncan" Duncan turned to his friend "I can't.Shaun it's time for us to leave" Shaun sighed with resignation that he couldn't change his friends mind, his hand slipped into his waist coat pocket and found the small gold nugget "I haven't much I can pay you for all the work you've done around here" Shaun said as he hand a few coins to Duncan and Robert, he then brought out the gold nugget "here Duncan you have this.you can sell it when you get into town and share what ever it makes.it's the least I can do" Duncan looked down at the small gold nugget that Shaun had placed in his hand "Where did you get this Shaun" he asked "from the creek the day that little Duncan was born" Duncan could feel alarm raising as he looked at the nugget "Shaun you'll need this for your family what you've paid as is enough.in food and friendship.don't tell anyone about this.go into town to the register office.I know this land is yours but make the claim official.just the sight of gold can make sane men go mad"
Neither Duncan nor Shaun had noticed Robert's reaction to the gold. Shaun put his hand on Duncan's should "so you think there will be more?" Shaun asked, Duncan smiled and nodded "I'll go today.this will mean a lot to Emily and little Duncan.Thank you again Duncan.I'm going to miss you my friend" they shook hands before Duncan mounted his horse, "Goodbye my friend.you take care of that family of yours" Duncan said as he turned to wave at Emily who was standing in the porch with their child in her arms, then Duncan kicked his heels into the horses side and galloped away, Robert reached down and shook Shaun's hand before he too kicked his heels galloped after Duncan.
It didn't take Robert long to catch up with Duncan and they travelled together for a few hours before while taking a break Robert told Duncan that he was going to travel north to where he had friend, he did half heartily try to persuade Duncan to go with him and he managed to hide his relief when Duncan declined as he had plans of his own and it was here that they parted company.
"Yes Dani I remember Shaun O'Reilly.but what has this got to do with what you are doing now" Duncan asked. "Do you remember seeing the smoke.the next morning.do you remember what you found when you went back?"
Duncan thought and fought with his emotions as he remembers.
Shaun's Farm 1860
After seeing the smoke rising in the distance Duncan had rode his horse hard towards the rising smoke, part of him hoped that his gut feeling was wrong and he wasn't going to find himself at Shaun's farm but as he got closer the realisation grew that it could be nowhere else. As he galloped up to the burning buildings he leaped from his horse just letting it wander away he kicked open what was left of the door to the house, there where still flames inside but he couldn't see anyone "SHAUN.EMILY" he shouted, it was then that he heard a faint voice coming from the barn he rushed over and as he slid to a stop by the barn door just inside he could see Emily tears streaming down her face as she cradled her baby in one arm and Shaun's unmoving body in the other, her dress was torn, her normally tidy hair unruly and tangled fell over her shoulders. Duncan dropped to his knees in front of her "Emily are you all right?" but Emily didn't reply she just mumbled to herself, Duncan examined Shaun, his body was badly bruised and as Duncan moved Emily's hand away from his chest Duncan could see that a single gunshot had ended his life.
Duncan raised his hand to stroke Emily's face "I'm so sorry Emily" but she backed away from him "No please don't hurt me again.leave my baby alone" Emily said as she held onto the bundle in one of her arms while trying to put the torn piece of her dress back over her breasts. Duncan watched her, with a heavy heart and he realised that she must have been assaulted, Duncan looked around and found a horse blanket hanging on one of the stalls, he retrieved it and gently placed it around Emily's shoulders "Emily.it's me Duncan.let me see if little Duncan is all right" Emily looked up into his eyes "but he's fine.he's just sleeping" as she spoke she lent the child forward and it was then that Duncan could see the blood on the blanket that was wrapped around the baby. It took Duncan nearly an hour of quietly talking to Emily before she would give him the child and it was only then that his fears were realised, the baby was dead, his little skull crushed in on one side. "Who did this.Emily who did this?" Duncan demanded but Emily wouldn't answer and Duncan realised that the shook and horror of what had happened had shattered her mind.
After Duncan had buried Shaun and his son together her hitched up the wagon to his horse and drove Emily towards the town.
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Screams echoed down the Glen causing Duncan and Methos to stop, they looked at each other and then back to where the scream seemed to coming from, Duncan started running, with Methos close behind.
Duncan stopped at the top of the ridge the fine rain glistening on his face, he could see Dani by the croft her hands on Robert's face as Duncan started to walk down the slope Robert fell to his knees. Duncan quicken his pace towards her the wind wiping his black coat open as he ran down the slop, Methos was close on Duncan's heels. Dani did not look up when she sensed the approach of another Immortal, she kept her eyes focused on Hamilton, and he was unable to break free of her gaze. Duncan watched as Hamilton raised his sword and Dani took hold of it.
Methos stopped he watched as Duncan walked towards them "Dani you don't want to do this.you know what you are doing is wrong don't you" Duncan pleaded, without looking at him Dani answered, "What I'm doing is wrong.what about what he has done?" Duncan stopped a few feet away "not like this Dani.you can't do it like this.I know that Robert killed Li Tse.but if you use your power to defeat him.you'll be lost forever.is that what you want?" Hamilton had fallen silent as Dani's attention was taken by listening to Duncan but he couldn't move his eyes from hers. Duncan could see her hand tightening on the sword "Dani he's my friend.don't do this.I don't want to lose you" Dani kept her eyes locked on Hamilton "He's not your friend.he doesn't know the meaning of the word.You see Duncan I've looked into his heart and it's cold and empty" a tear started to roll down her cheek.
"This isn't about Li Tse Duncan.not anymore.do you remember when you first met him.the bridge.and the slaves you were taking to freedom?" Duncan raised his arms up a little way and dropped them to his sides "yes.I remember". Methos stood watching Duncan trying to reason with Dani and he knew if he couldn't one of them would have to take her head. "Do you think they ever tasted freedom?" Duncan didn't reply "Well I'll tell you want happened to Joshua and his family.he sold them back the day after you left them with him.he watched Duncan as the family was split up.Joshua tried to stop them and paid with his life.and then what about Shaun O'Reilly.remember him?" Dani asked, "Has your friend ever told you what happened to him?" Methos noticed the horrified look on Duncan's face, which told that he hadn't. Duncan's mind raced back to another time.
California 1860
Duncan rode out of the dust towards a small wooden building with smoke rising from its chimney. Duncan dismounted tying his horse to the fence that ran around the wooden building as he walked over to the water pump the door to the building opened "What can I do for you stranger?" a young man about 25 with a head of wild red hair "I just want to fill my canteen if that is all right" Duncan replied it was then that he noticed the rifle over the young man's arm "I'm not looking for trouble just some water.and somewhere to bed down for the night" the young man came down the step and walked across the dusty ground "My name is Duncan MacLeod" Duncan said as he held out his hand, hesitantly the young man took his hand "Shaun O'Reilly.please fill your canteen.after all water is a gift from God not from man" Duncan pumped the handle and held his canteen under the stream of water until it was filled, he then screwed the cap on "Well Shaun.could you tell me if there are any farms around here hiring?" Shaun had let the rifle drop so that it pointed towards the dirt "I could do with a hand.I can't pay very much.but I can offer you the best home cook meals in the county, a clean bed.and a bath" Shaun replied he wouldn't normally offer to share his home with a total strange but there was something about this strange that just made it fill right. "With an offer like that I would be mad to turn it down" Shaun walked over a slapped Duncan on the back "Well, I had better introduce you to the person who cooks these wonderful meals.my wife Emily" as Shaun spoke a small thin woman with black hair tided tight on her head, Duncan could also see that she was heavy with child. Duncan wiped his hands on his trousers before offering it to Emily "it's a pleasure to meet you.I'm Duncan MacLeod" Emily laid her small hand into Duncan's and giggled as Duncan lifted her hand to his lips kissing it lightly on the back "It's a pleasure to meet you".
Duncan stayed with the O'Reilly's for several months helping to tend the fields, build an extension to their home for their unborn child and he was helping build the barn when Robert Hamilton rode onto the farm, Duncan greeted him warmly and Shaun and Emily welcomed him into their home because he was Duncan's friend. Robert worked alongside Duncan and Shaun on the building of the barn.
One day Shaun was down at the creek working on the irrigation system he had invented to get more water to his fields while Duncan and Robert were finishing off the barn. As he walked out into the water his feet moved the creek bed and the water became cloudy as Shaun stood trying to fix a broken piece of wood the water started to clear and then the sunlight glinted off something in the water catching Shaun's eye, he walked over and plunged his hand into the cool water grabbing a handful of creek bed, he stood up and opening his hand he pushed the dirt around until he found it and there glistening in his hand "Gold" Shaun said out loud.
Shaun dropped the small piece of gold into his waistcoat pocket and made his way back to the house he had intended to tell Duncan what he had found but shouts from inside the house sent a panic through him, he ran to the house throwing open the door. In the dim light of the house he saw Duncan helping Emily over to the bed, the sudden noise of his entry into the house caused Duncan to look round "Shaun.thank god Robert found you.I think Emily is going to have the baby" Shaun walked forward taking hold of Emily helping her to get into the bed "I haven't seen Robert.I don't understand.it's not due for a few weeks yet" Duncan looked up at Shaun "Emily fell down the step bringing us lemonade.where is Robert.we need to get the doctor" but there was no sign of Robert so Duncan grabbed his coat and then when back to Emily and Shaun "I'll have to ride into town and get him" Emily's hand restrained him before he could leave "there isn't time.the baby is coming" the two men looked at each other in panic "have you ever delivered a baby?" Shaun asked "I've helped before.Oh no.I'm not going to.I can't" Duncan replied as he looked in horror at what Shaun was silently suggesting "Duncan that's more than I have.please we need you.Emily needs you" Duncan's mind raced as he tried to think of other options but there wasn't any, he wiped his hand over his face "Ok we will need some hot water and clean linen".
Seeing Emily in such pain had been too much for Shaun and he had gone out onto the porch to smoke his pipe. Emily's shouts died down and Shaun turned to look at the door then he heard a slap and a baby cry, he dropped his pipe and ran back into the house to Emily's side. As he looked down on the small bundle in his wife's arms, Emily looked up smiling at him, her face glistening with sweat, "meet your son" as Shaun sat on the bed Duncan felt that he was intruding and quietly walked out to the porch.
A few weeks later all the work was done, they were all having supper one evening when Duncan looked around the table, he want to stay with this wonderful family but he knew that his time with them was over, if he stayed there was a chance the game would come here and he didn't want to put them in danger. Emily had noticed the look in Duncan's eye "What's wrong Duncan?" she asked, Duncan took a deep breath "I should be moving on" he said "No Duncan.your part of the family.please stay" she pleaded "I can't.I've stayed longer than I planned.all the work is done and you have another mouth to feed" Robert looked up from his meal "Duncan's right we should be going" Shaun really wanted Duncan to stay but he was relieved that Robert wanted to leave, he had never said anything to Duncan but there was something about this man he didn't trust.
The next morning at day break Shaun came out of the house to find Duncan and Robert saddling their horses "I wish you would change your mind and stay Duncan" Duncan turned to his friend "I can't.Shaun it's time for us to leave" Shaun sighed with resignation that he couldn't change his friends mind, his hand slipped into his waist coat pocket and found the small gold nugget "I haven't much I can pay you for all the work you've done around here" Shaun said as he hand a few coins to Duncan and Robert, he then brought out the gold nugget "here Duncan you have this.you can sell it when you get into town and share what ever it makes.it's the least I can do" Duncan looked down at the small gold nugget that Shaun had placed in his hand "Where did you get this Shaun" he asked "from the creek the day that little Duncan was born" Duncan could feel alarm raising as he looked at the nugget "Shaun you'll need this for your family what you've paid as is enough.in food and friendship.don't tell anyone about this.go into town to the register office.I know this land is yours but make the claim official.just the sight of gold can make sane men go mad"
Neither Duncan nor Shaun had noticed Robert's reaction to the gold. Shaun put his hand on Duncan's should "so you think there will be more?" Shaun asked, Duncan smiled and nodded "I'll go today.this will mean a lot to Emily and little Duncan.Thank you again Duncan.I'm going to miss you my friend" they shook hands before Duncan mounted his horse, "Goodbye my friend.you take care of that family of yours" Duncan said as he turned to wave at Emily who was standing in the porch with their child in her arms, then Duncan kicked his heels into the horses side and galloped away, Robert reached down and shook Shaun's hand before he too kicked his heels galloped after Duncan.
It didn't take Robert long to catch up with Duncan and they travelled together for a few hours before while taking a break Robert told Duncan that he was going to travel north to where he had friend, he did half heartily try to persuade Duncan to go with him and he managed to hide his relief when Duncan declined as he had plans of his own and it was here that they parted company.
"Yes Dani I remember Shaun O'Reilly.but what has this got to do with what you are doing now" Duncan asked. "Do you remember seeing the smoke.the next morning.do you remember what you found when you went back?"
Duncan thought and fought with his emotions as he remembers.
Shaun's Farm 1860
After seeing the smoke rising in the distance Duncan had rode his horse hard towards the rising smoke, part of him hoped that his gut feeling was wrong and he wasn't going to find himself at Shaun's farm but as he got closer the realisation grew that it could be nowhere else. As he galloped up to the burning buildings he leaped from his horse just letting it wander away he kicked open what was left of the door to the house, there where still flames inside but he couldn't see anyone "SHAUN.EMILY" he shouted, it was then that he heard a faint voice coming from the barn he rushed over and as he slid to a stop by the barn door just inside he could see Emily tears streaming down her face as she cradled her baby in one arm and Shaun's unmoving body in the other, her dress was torn, her normally tidy hair unruly and tangled fell over her shoulders. Duncan dropped to his knees in front of her "Emily are you all right?" but Emily didn't reply she just mumbled to herself, Duncan examined Shaun, his body was badly bruised and as Duncan moved Emily's hand away from his chest Duncan could see that a single gunshot had ended his life.
Duncan raised his hand to stroke Emily's face "I'm so sorry Emily" but she backed away from him "No please don't hurt me again.leave my baby alone" Emily said as she held onto the bundle in one of her arms while trying to put the torn piece of her dress back over her breasts. Duncan watched her, with a heavy heart and he realised that she must have been assaulted, Duncan looked around and found a horse blanket hanging on one of the stalls, he retrieved it and gently placed it around Emily's shoulders "Emily.it's me Duncan.let me see if little Duncan is all right" Emily looked up into his eyes "but he's fine.he's just sleeping" as she spoke she lent the child forward and it was then that Duncan could see the blood on the blanket that was wrapped around the baby. It took Duncan nearly an hour of quietly talking to Emily before she would give him the child and it was only then that his fears were realised, the baby was dead, his little skull crushed in on one side. "Who did this.Emily who did this?" Duncan demanded but Emily wouldn't answer and Duncan realised that the shook and horror of what had happened had shattered her mind.
After Duncan had buried Shaun and his son together her hitched up the wagon to his horse and drove Emily towards the town.
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