Chapter 45
It was already dark as Duncan brought the old batter green Land Rover to a stop outside the Inn, the journey had taken him a lot longer than he had thought as the traffic had been really bad around Glasgow because of a bad accident. He turned the engine off and as he climbed out he stretched, his whole body ached from the journey. He lent back in to retrieve his jacket the cold night air made him shiver; he then locked the door and walked into the Inn.
The room was brightly lit and the warmth from the fire made Duncan's face tingle as he walked in. Cassandra stood up as he walked over to where she was seated "Duncan we were being to think you had got lost" Duncan smiled at her "No.there was an accident on the way back .cars all over the road" he said pinching the bridge of his nose as he sat down, he then looked around the room "Is Dani upstairs?" Cassandra looked him in the eye "I don't know where she is Duncan" Duncan sat forward on his chair "What do you mean you don't know". Cassandra reached out and put her hand on his arm "We were at my cottage I had gone outside to fetch some water.when I returned Dani was very upset.nothing I said to her would calm her.she ran off". Rachel came over with a glass of whisky for Duncan "Do you think we should look for her.it's getting really cold out" Rachel said as she put the glass down in front of Duncan.
Duncan looked up at her "No you two stay here.I'll find her" Duncan got to his feet downed the whisky and started for the door while putting his coat on "wait" Rachel called after him stopping him in his tracks, she then ran into the back room and came back with a blanket "you might need this.Dani didn't have a coat" Duncan took the blanket "Thanks.I shouldn't be long I have an idea where she would go", he then opened the door and disappeared into the night. Cassandra and Rachel exchanged concerned looks before Rachel broke away to serve at the bar.
Duncan walked towards the Loch the cold breeze made him button his coat, there wasn't a cloud in the sky, the stars covered the sky and the full moon shone down lighting the loch, in the light Duncan could make out a small figure sat on the ground by the shore, their knees pulled up tight to the body, both arms wrapped around them and their head resting on their knees. Before he was close enough to feel her presences Duncan knew that the figure was Dani. As he approached Dani didn't move she just kept looking out over the loch. Duncan unfolded the blanket, as he got nearer he could she that she was shivering, he placed the blanket around her shoulders before sitting down next to her.
"Cassandra said you were upset.do you want to talk about it" Duncan asked as he put his arm around her. Dani sighed, "Duncan do you think you have the right do what you want or should you do what you know is right?" Dani asked without taking her eyes away from the loch "Wow.that's a big question" he replied. "I mean is there ever a time when the desires of one person can out way the needs of the many?" Duncan pulled her closer to him "I really don't know how to answer that question.it's difficult to say without all the facts.Dani what upset you at the cottage.what did you see" Dani finally broke her gaze away from the loch to look into his eyes "I saw my path Duncan.what I should do.but it's not what I want" Duncan watched as a tear started to fall down her cheek, Duncan wiped the tear "Whatever you have to face we'll face it together.for as long as you need me" Dani went to look away but Duncan gently turned her face back to him "your need elsewhere soon and I can't go with you" Dani said as she pulled away and got to her feet, she walked to the waters edge, Duncan followed her putting his arms around her shoulders he turned her to face him. "Nothing is written we make our own choices" he said as he pulled her closer, Dani buried her face into his chest she didn't want this night to end "If only it was that simple".
Duncan pulled back and lifted Dani's face so that he could look into her eyes "you want to be with me as much as I want to be with you.that's all that matters.we can work around anything else" Dani smiled weakly 'Oh Duncan.I don't think you understand' she thought, Duncan felt her body start to shiver again "Come on you.let's get you inside.the others are really worried about you". Nothing more was said as they walked back to the Inn.
The Inn
Duncan and Dani had lost track of the time and when they opened the Inn door the place was empty except for Rachel and Cassandra who were clearing up. At the sight of Dani, Cassandra rushed over "are you all right?" the concern in her voice evident "I'm fine just a little tired.I think I'll go to my room" Rachel stopped Dani before she could reach the stairs "are you sure you don't want anything to eat?" Dani smiled at her "No thank you.I'm fine" Dani had just started up the stairs when Duncan called after her "I'll be up in a minute" Dani nodded silently and carried on up the stairs.
"Did you find out what happened.what she saw?" Cassandra asked, Duncan shook his head "No not really.she wasn't making a lot of sense.but whatever she thinks she saw really upset her.look I'm going to go to her I don't think she should be on her own" Cassandra smiled warmly at Duncan "I think it's for the best.we'll talk more tomorrow" Duncan then said goodnight to Rachel before climbing the stairs as he got to the top he heard Rachel ask Cassandra "What do you think is going on?" Duncan waited for Cassandra to answer "Sometimes the gift we have shows us things we really don't want to see.Dani will tell us when it's time.until then we wait".
When Duncan opened the door he saw Dani sat on the bed her sword in her hands, without looking up Dani spoke "It's amazing that something so beautiful can bring death". Duncan sat down beside her on the bed "On it's own a sword can't cause death.it takes the hand of a man to do that" he said as his hand covered hers "I don't know if I could do it.kill some one I mean" Duncan took the sword from her hands "when you have to you will.remember you were ready to take Robert's.Dani killing is part of our lives.we have to kill to survive.it doesn't mean that we enjoy it.I know I don't" Dani stoked her hand down Duncan's face "but you killed to save me" Duncan laid the sword on the bed "yes and I'll do it again to protect you" Duncan said as he pulled her closer, as their lips met Dani thought 'and I now know what I must do to protect you' she then allow her mind to clear of everything but the moment.
A pounding on the room door jolted them both awake "Duncan.Duncan" Rachel shouted. Duncan leaped out of the bed hurriedly putting on his trousers "OK I'm coming" he said as he rush across and opened the door "What's up.what's the problem?"
"There's an urgent phone call from the States.a man called Joe" Rachel replied "Joe Dawson!" Duncan exclaimed while trying to wipe the sleep from his eyes, Rachel had already reached the top of the stairs when Duncan started after her.
As they got to the bottom of the stairs Rachel picked up the extension and handed it to Duncan "Joe.what up?"
"Mac.I tried your mobile but it must be switched of or something.anyway we've got trouble.Richie's missing and there's been a fire at the dojo"
"Who is it Joe?" Duncan asked "I don't think it's an Immortal Mac.Richie's watcher saw Baxter and his buddies hanging around just before the fire started.he called the fire department and that must have been when they grabbed Richie" Joe replied.
"We'll be on the next available flight.see if you can find out anything else.and thanks Joe"
"Don't mention it.I'll pick you up when you get here" Duncan replaced the receiver "I've got to go.can you get us a cab to the airport.and I don't care how much it costs" Rachel nodded as Duncan rushed pass up the stairs. When he opened the room door Dani had packed his bag and had his clothes and sword ready but she was not dressed. "get dressed we're leaving" Duncan said as he put on the shirt Dani had laid out for him, she watched him but did not move "I'm not going with you Duncan".
Duncan stopped putting his boot on "What are you talking about I have to get back to the States.Richie's gone missing and there's been a fire at the dojo".
"I know but I can't go with you Duncan.as much as I would like to" Duncan walked over to her putting his hands on her upper arms "Dani this is no time to be difficult.we have to leave now".
"I'm not being difficult this is how it's meant to be.Richie needs you now.so I must let you go" Dani replied her eyes misting with tears. "But I need you" Duncan said as he ran his hands up and down her arms Dani cups his face in her hands "Duncan I will always be with you.here" her hand went to his chest "Just as you will be here with me" Dani said as she pointed to her heart "since you gave me the amulet everything has become clear for me, and I have to follow the path the amulet has shown me, I need to be ready to play my part in the prophecy" Duncan's hands cover hers "What prophecy?"
Dani smiles at him "I don't know all of it yet but I'm sure I will.just as I know we'll be together again one day.trust me" Duncan pulls her towards him until their lips met, he then pulls back and looks deep into her eyes "but your not ready to be on your own.you need more time to train".
"What I have to face.you can't protect me from.your needed elsewhere" Dani looks deep into his eyes "please Duncan don't make this harder.I want to go with you more than anything.you have to believe me.but this isn't about what either of us want but what needs to be" Duncan nods his agreement as he bites his lip to control his emotions as he puts his arms around her holding her close, he lays his head onto hers. "What will you do.where will you go?" Duncan asks, "I'm going to stay here for a while Cassandra has offered me the use of her cottage and then I suppose I'll go where my path leads me" they stand entwine in each others arms, as time seems to stand still. Rachel's voice at the door breaks into the silence "The cab is here"
"I'm on my way" Duncan said as he kissed Dani before picking up his bag and sword case, he then left the room. Duncan had only been gone a few moments when Dani pulled open the bedside draw and took hold of the small gold locket; she then grabbed her coat and ran barefoot down to where the cab was waiting. She stood by the door waiting as Duncan said goodbye to Rachel and Cassandra, who had been awoken but the commotion, Duncan looked over to Dani he could see a tear glistening in the moonlight on her cheek, he walked over "Hey.no tears" he said taking out one of his business cards from his wallet "here I want you to have this keep it safe.if you ever need me just call and I will come to you.it doesn't matter what the day is or the time" Duncan brushes a tear gently from her cheek.
"I know you said we will be together again but it doesn't make this any easier" Duncan's voice starts to break up "Duncan I want you to have this" Dani takes hold of Duncan's hand she turns it so the palm is facing upwards, she then placed a small oval gold locket in it "this was my mothers.well my adoptive mother.it is the only thing I have left of my parents.it's not worth much but I want you to have it.look after it for me" Duncan looks down at the locket "Dani I can't take this" Dani folds his fingers around the locket "yes you can.it is the only thing I have to give to you that shows how much I love you.you can give it back when we are together again" Duncan folds his arms around her as the tears begin to fall "I'm holding you to your word.if you leave it too long I'll find you" Duncan said as he held her tightly.
Dani pulled back so that she could see his face "Duncan.you and this locket are the dearest things to me.and one day we will all be together again.I promise you" Dani says as she wraps her hands around his hand that contains the locket "A very wise old lady told me that love will always find a way to bring two people who love each other.no matter the time or distance.so keep both you and the locket safe until our paths cross again.and trust me they will" Dani replied. Duncan lent forward and kissed her as if his life depended on it "Don't make me wait too long" he said as he turned and walked back to the waiting cab "Be Safe" he said as he got in. The three women watched as the cab drove away, the lights just a distant glow when Rachel went back inside. Cassandra pulled her shawl tightly around her shoulders "Come let's get back inside" Dani didn't protest just silently went inside. Rachel had made everyone a coffee and lit the fire, Cassandra guided Dani to the table nearest to the fire and they both sat down, Rachel busied herself getting things ready for the other guests breakfast, as there was no point in going back to bed now.
Cassandra lent forward and placed her hands on the table "Why didn't you go with him?" Dani raised her head to look at Cassandra "I saw what would happen if I did.I love him too much to put him through that.it's better this way" Cassandra could see the tears still in Dani's eyes and wonder how much Dani believed what she was saying "So you lied to him about being together?" Dani shook her head "No I didn't lie.we will be together again.I just didn't tell him how long it would be"
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It was already dark as Duncan brought the old batter green Land Rover to a stop outside the Inn, the journey had taken him a lot longer than he had thought as the traffic had been really bad around Glasgow because of a bad accident. He turned the engine off and as he climbed out he stretched, his whole body ached from the journey. He lent back in to retrieve his jacket the cold night air made him shiver; he then locked the door and walked into the Inn.
The room was brightly lit and the warmth from the fire made Duncan's face tingle as he walked in. Cassandra stood up as he walked over to where she was seated "Duncan we were being to think you had got lost" Duncan smiled at her "No.there was an accident on the way back .cars all over the road" he said pinching the bridge of his nose as he sat down, he then looked around the room "Is Dani upstairs?" Cassandra looked him in the eye "I don't know where she is Duncan" Duncan sat forward on his chair "What do you mean you don't know". Cassandra reached out and put her hand on his arm "We were at my cottage I had gone outside to fetch some water.when I returned Dani was very upset.nothing I said to her would calm her.she ran off". Rachel came over with a glass of whisky for Duncan "Do you think we should look for her.it's getting really cold out" Rachel said as she put the glass down in front of Duncan.
Duncan looked up at her "No you two stay here.I'll find her" Duncan got to his feet downed the whisky and started for the door while putting his coat on "wait" Rachel called after him stopping him in his tracks, she then ran into the back room and came back with a blanket "you might need this.Dani didn't have a coat" Duncan took the blanket "Thanks.I shouldn't be long I have an idea where she would go", he then opened the door and disappeared into the night. Cassandra and Rachel exchanged concerned looks before Rachel broke away to serve at the bar.
Duncan walked towards the Loch the cold breeze made him button his coat, there wasn't a cloud in the sky, the stars covered the sky and the full moon shone down lighting the loch, in the light Duncan could make out a small figure sat on the ground by the shore, their knees pulled up tight to the body, both arms wrapped around them and their head resting on their knees. Before he was close enough to feel her presences Duncan knew that the figure was Dani. As he approached Dani didn't move she just kept looking out over the loch. Duncan unfolded the blanket, as he got nearer he could she that she was shivering, he placed the blanket around her shoulders before sitting down next to her.
"Cassandra said you were upset.do you want to talk about it" Duncan asked as he put his arm around her. Dani sighed, "Duncan do you think you have the right do what you want or should you do what you know is right?" Dani asked without taking her eyes away from the loch "Wow.that's a big question" he replied. "I mean is there ever a time when the desires of one person can out way the needs of the many?" Duncan pulled her closer to him "I really don't know how to answer that question.it's difficult to say without all the facts.Dani what upset you at the cottage.what did you see" Dani finally broke her gaze away from the loch to look into his eyes "I saw my path Duncan.what I should do.but it's not what I want" Duncan watched as a tear started to fall down her cheek, Duncan wiped the tear "Whatever you have to face we'll face it together.for as long as you need me" Dani went to look away but Duncan gently turned her face back to him "your need elsewhere soon and I can't go with you" Dani said as she pulled away and got to her feet, she walked to the waters edge, Duncan followed her putting his arms around her shoulders he turned her to face him. "Nothing is written we make our own choices" he said as he pulled her closer, Dani buried her face into his chest she didn't want this night to end "If only it was that simple".
Duncan pulled back and lifted Dani's face so that he could look into her eyes "you want to be with me as much as I want to be with you.that's all that matters.we can work around anything else" Dani smiled weakly 'Oh Duncan.I don't think you understand' she thought, Duncan felt her body start to shiver again "Come on you.let's get you inside.the others are really worried about you". Nothing more was said as they walked back to the Inn.
The Inn
Duncan and Dani had lost track of the time and when they opened the Inn door the place was empty except for Rachel and Cassandra who were clearing up. At the sight of Dani, Cassandra rushed over "are you all right?" the concern in her voice evident "I'm fine just a little tired.I think I'll go to my room" Rachel stopped Dani before she could reach the stairs "are you sure you don't want anything to eat?" Dani smiled at her "No thank you.I'm fine" Dani had just started up the stairs when Duncan called after her "I'll be up in a minute" Dani nodded silently and carried on up the stairs.
"Did you find out what happened.what she saw?" Cassandra asked, Duncan shook his head "No not really.she wasn't making a lot of sense.but whatever she thinks she saw really upset her.look I'm going to go to her I don't think she should be on her own" Cassandra smiled warmly at Duncan "I think it's for the best.we'll talk more tomorrow" Duncan then said goodnight to Rachel before climbing the stairs as he got to the top he heard Rachel ask Cassandra "What do you think is going on?" Duncan waited for Cassandra to answer "Sometimes the gift we have shows us things we really don't want to see.Dani will tell us when it's time.until then we wait".
When Duncan opened the door he saw Dani sat on the bed her sword in her hands, without looking up Dani spoke "It's amazing that something so beautiful can bring death". Duncan sat down beside her on the bed "On it's own a sword can't cause death.it takes the hand of a man to do that" he said as his hand covered hers "I don't know if I could do it.kill some one I mean" Duncan took the sword from her hands "when you have to you will.remember you were ready to take Robert's.Dani killing is part of our lives.we have to kill to survive.it doesn't mean that we enjoy it.I know I don't" Dani stoked her hand down Duncan's face "but you killed to save me" Duncan laid the sword on the bed "yes and I'll do it again to protect you" Duncan said as he pulled her closer, as their lips met Dani thought 'and I now know what I must do to protect you' she then allow her mind to clear of everything but the moment.
A pounding on the room door jolted them both awake "Duncan.Duncan" Rachel shouted. Duncan leaped out of the bed hurriedly putting on his trousers "OK I'm coming" he said as he rush across and opened the door "What's up.what's the problem?"
"There's an urgent phone call from the States.a man called Joe" Rachel replied "Joe Dawson!" Duncan exclaimed while trying to wipe the sleep from his eyes, Rachel had already reached the top of the stairs when Duncan started after her.
As they got to the bottom of the stairs Rachel picked up the extension and handed it to Duncan "Joe.what up?"
"Mac.I tried your mobile but it must be switched of or something.anyway we've got trouble.Richie's missing and there's been a fire at the dojo"
"Who is it Joe?" Duncan asked "I don't think it's an Immortal Mac.Richie's watcher saw Baxter and his buddies hanging around just before the fire started.he called the fire department and that must have been when they grabbed Richie" Joe replied.
"We'll be on the next available flight.see if you can find out anything else.and thanks Joe"
"Don't mention it.I'll pick you up when you get here" Duncan replaced the receiver "I've got to go.can you get us a cab to the airport.and I don't care how much it costs" Rachel nodded as Duncan rushed pass up the stairs. When he opened the room door Dani had packed his bag and had his clothes and sword ready but she was not dressed. "get dressed we're leaving" Duncan said as he put on the shirt Dani had laid out for him, she watched him but did not move "I'm not going with you Duncan".
Duncan stopped putting his boot on "What are you talking about I have to get back to the States.Richie's gone missing and there's been a fire at the dojo".
"I know but I can't go with you Duncan.as much as I would like to" Duncan walked over to her putting his hands on her upper arms "Dani this is no time to be difficult.we have to leave now".
"I'm not being difficult this is how it's meant to be.Richie needs you now.so I must let you go" Dani replied her eyes misting with tears. "But I need you" Duncan said as he ran his hands up and down her arms Dani cups his face in her hands "Duncan I will always be with you.here" her hand went to his chest "Just as you will be here with me" Dani said as she pointed to her heart "since you gave me the amulet everything has become clear for me, and I have to follow the path the amulet has shown me, I need to be ready to play my part in the prophecy" Duncan's hands cover hers "What prophecy?"
Dani smiles at him "I don't know all of it yet but I'm sure I will.just as I know we'll be together again one day.trust me" Duncan pulls her towards him until their lips met, he then pulls back and looks deep into her eyes "but your not ready to be on your own.you need more time to train".
"What I have to face.you can't protect me from.your needed elsewhere" Dani looks deep into his eyes "please Duncan don't make this harder.I want to go with you more than anything.you have to believe me.but this isn't about what either of us want but what needs to be" Duncan nods his agreement as he bites his lip to control his emotions as he puts his arms around her holding her close, he lays his head onto hers. "What will you do.where will you go?" Duncan asks, "I'm going to stay here for a while Cassandra has offered me the use of her cottage and then I suppose I'll go where my path leads me" they stand entwine in each others arms, as time seems to stand still. Rachel's voice at the door breaks into the silence "The cab is here"
"I'm on my way" Duncan said as he kissed Dani before picking up his bag and sword case, he then left the room. Duncan had only been gone a few moments when Dani pulled open the bedside draw and took hold of the small gold locket; she then grabbed her coat and ran barefoot down to where the cab was waiting. She stood by the door waiting as Duncan said goodbye to Rachel and Cassandra, who had been awoken but the commotion, Duncan looked over to Dani he could see a tear glistening in the moonlight on her cheek, he walked over "Hey.no tears" he said taking out one of his business cards from his wallet "here I want you to have this keep it safe.if you ever need me just call and I will come to you.it doesn't matter what the day is or the time" Duncan brushes a tear gently from her cheek.
"I know you said we will be together again but it doesn't make this any easier" Duncan's voice starts to break up "Duncan I want you to have this" Dani takes hold of Duncan's hand she turns it so the palm is facing upwards, she then placed a small oval gold locket in it "this was my mothers.well my adoptive mother.it is the only thing I have left of my parents.it's not worth much but I want you to have it.look after it for me" Duncan looks down at the locket "Dani I can't take this" Dani folds his fingers around the locket "yes you can.it is the only thing I have to give to you that shows how much I love you.you can give it back when we are together again" Duncan folds his arms around her as the tears begin to fall "I'm holding you to your word.if you leave it too long I'll find you" Duncan said as he held her tightly.
Dani pulled back so that she could see his face "Duncan.you and this locket are the dearest things to me.and one day we will all be together again.I promise you" Dani says as she wraps her hands around his hand that contains the locket "A very wise old lady told me that love will always find a way to bring two people who love each other.no matter the time or distance.so keep both you and the locket safe until our paths cross again.and trust me they will" Dani replied. Duncan lent forward and kissed her as if his life depended on it "Don't make me wait too long" he said as he turned and walked back to the waiting cab "Be Safe" he said as he got in. The three women watched as the cab drove away, the lights just a distant glow when Rachel went back inside. Cassandra pulled her shawl tightly around her shoulders "Come let's get back inside" Dani didn't protest just silently went inside. Rachel had made everyone a coffee and lit the fire, Cassandra guided Dani to the table nearest to the fire and they both sat down, Rachel busied herself getting things ready for the other guests breakfast, as there was no point in going back to bed now.
Cassandra lent forward and placed her hands on the table "Why didn't you go with him?" Dani raised her head to look at Cassandra "I saw what would happen if I did.I love him too much to put him through that.it's better this way" Cassandra could see the tears still in Dani's eyes and wonder how much Dani believed what she was saying "So you lied to him about being together?" Dani shook her head "No I didn't lie.we will be together again.I just didn't tell him how long it would be"
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