Ewan pushed his horse until the animal's panting cries reached his hears.
Ewan gradually brought his horse to a slow trot, then finally to a stop. He
dismounted and led them to a nearby stream. The horse gratefully walked
over and drank the cool water. Feeling a bit guilty, Ewan walked over to
his horse; then gently began rubbing its neck. Ewan's thoughts began to
wonder back to what had happened earlier. His anger was slowly fading and
in its wake was shame. He felt embarrassed at what happened. He should not
have gotten angry with Cathain and he regretted what he said, remembering
the tears in those green eyes.
Their argument was stupid really. He was just so afraid that she was going to open her eyes one morning and realize that she wanted Conchobar instead of him. So afraid that he was going to lose her to him. The pain was just too great. His mind drifted back to his conversation with Lazar. What he said then was true, he would serve her until his last breath was drawn. Even if it meant that, he would have to do it from the shadows but he did not realize then just how painful it was going to be. To be so near her yet so far away. Not to be able to hold her, touch her, it was all just too maddening. With a groan, Ewan dropped to his knees, splashing water against his face. The frigid water attacking his senses, finally waking them up. He laid his hands against his thighs, his head hanging. "I've acted like an ass." Ewan said aloud to no one. His horse grunted then continued to drink more water. Ewan glanced at his horse, "I see that you agree." He leaned over to give a hard pat against the horse's side, "Sorry boy for pushing you so hard. I didn't realize," Ewan let the sentence drop. He sighed as the realization finally hit him and he understood why Cathain had been pushing him away.
She was just as afraid as he was. Afraid that he would leave her how Conchobar had done. Afraid to lose him how she had lost Deirdre and Iona. Ewan shook his head in shame. Why did it take him so long to realize it? His horse grunted again, Ewan could not help but smile. "Yes I know I was acting like an ass but no more. Come on boy lets go home. My love awaits." Ewan grabbed the reins and swiftly mounted. Ewan grinned, "There was one good thing that came out of this situation. I did manage to break the bastard's nose." Just as he was turning the horse around a scream echoed into the night. Even in with the pale light from the full moon, Ewan navigated his horse with ease. Soon enough they had reached where Ewan had last heard the scream.
From what Ewan could see there were two hooded figures. The tallest out of the two had a grip around the other's wrist. "Please just let me go!" There was no hiding the distinctive sounds of fear as the woman pleaded to be released. Ewan slowly pulled out his sword and silently crept his way towards the duo. With his sword, drawn Ewan had managed to sneak up behind the tallest of the group. The tip of his sword rested against the man's back, "Release her now." Ewan demanded. The man reluctantly released the woman's wrist. "Are you alright?" He questioned the woman but she made no sound, worst she made no move to get away. Could he have been hasty in his decision to get involved? Ewan had been so preoccupied with Cathain that he may have made a mistake in interfering. Within a split second, sword already drawn, the other man had spun around.
Quickly Ewan was on the defense, dodging thrust after thrust. When he finally regained his focus Ewan turned the tables and began attacking the man. The battle raged on for some time, but finally Ewan gained the upper hand, disarming the man of his weapon and threw a punch knocking the man down to the ground. Ewan towered over the prone figure, his eyes narrowed as the hood of the cloak revealed the man's identity. "Kellan?!" Ewan was pulled out of his stupor when he heard a woman's scream coming from behind him. He spun around just in time to see the woman charging after him with a sword in hand. Ensuing yet another fight.
Ewan was surprised at the skills the woman possessed. Besides Cathain, no other person was his equal. They fought back and forth neither gaining an advantage over the other. Somehow, during the deadly dance the woman had managed to disarm Ewan of his sword with a move that only one other person would know about and that was Kael. He backed away slowly as his mind reeling, trying to connect the pieces of the puzzle. He was snapped out of it with another scream, the woman charged forward, sword held above her head. Ewan ran up and held her wrist in his hands before she was able to bring the blade down on him. During the struggle the hood of the cape fell back and Ewan's eyes widen as he stared into familiar green eyes, "FIONA!"
"Hello Ewan," A wicked smile spread across her face, her voice was so cold sending a shiver down Ewan's spine. She struggled against his hold; the pressure he was causing was straining her grip on her sword. Ewan held her icy glare, "why are you doing this?" An evil laugh escaped her lips, "Revenge. Good-Night Ewan." It was a second too late before Ewan realized what was going on and everything faded to black. Kellan had sneaked up behind Ewan and knocked him out with a blow to the back of the head.
"Took you long enough to help, Kellan." He placed his sword back into the scabbard and brought a hand to his jaw. He moved it around making sure it was not broken after Ewan had punched him. "You always had a weak chin." He stared coldly at Fiona. "Why don't we just kill him now and get it over with. Then we can get paid." Kellan kicked Ewan's unconscious body. Fiona shook her head as she stared down at Ewan. "No not yet." Fiona's mind was reeling with ideas, "Grab his horse and lets head back to the cabin." Kellan sighed and walked over to grab the horse but the animal eluded and had managed to escape. "Idiot" Fiona whispered as she mounted her horse.
"There how does that feel?" Cathain asked as she finished wiping away the last remnants of blood from Conchobar's face. "It hurts." He stated. Cathain flashed him a small smile before getting up from her kneeling position in front of him. She picked up the basin full of pinkish water and called out for one of the servants to take it away. "I'm not surprised, your nose is broken." Cathain grinned. Conchobar reached out to caress her cheek but quickly averted his touch. She moved over to the window looking out into the night sky, staring at the full moon then out into the forest. Liam, one of the stable boys, had informed her that Ewan had angrily gone off for a ride. Thoughts of their earlier fight resurrected, along with the tears that began to resurface.
"You shouldn't waste your tears on him." Conchobar had moved up behind her, his hands resting on her shoulders. Cathain's head lowered as he turned her around, "He is not worth it, Cathain." He placed a finger under her chin, lifting her face up. He cupped her face with his hands, using his thumbs to wipe away the tears. She closed her eyes against his touch, his words sinking in. Unable to resist Conchobar leaned in to brush his lips against hers. Cathain eyes immediately flew open and she pushed him back. Conchobar stared back confused. "He is worth it to me." Cathain declared
"You don't even love him!"
"What makes you think I don't love Ewan?" Cathain exclaimed.
"Have you ever told him that you loved him?" Conchobar questioned.
"No," she whispered. A smug smile appeared on Conchobar's face. Cathain looked up and stared deeply into his eyes, a smile on her lips. "But that doesn't mean that I don't love him, I do." Her smile grew boarder, "I love him." Cathain sighed as she said it aloud. She had always loved him and was no longer afraid to admit it to herself. She chastised at herself for letting the fear overwhelm her. For pushing him away all this time because she was afraid of being hurt and left alone. Punishing him, no them by holding back. The possibilities of what they could have had if she had just let go of her fear. 'No more' she thought. "I love Ewan and there is nothing you or anyone can do to change that. I love him." She continued to declare, liking the way the words flowed from her lips. She was becoming giddy inside; she found herself anticipating Ewan's return. There was an aching need that had been growing inside. A need that always occurred while they were apart. She needed him, she needed her Ewan.
"Your love with him isn't real, Cathain. Our love is true!"
"I will not deny that I loved you once Conchobar but don't you see its over. I don't love you that way anymore. Moreover, I don't think ever you loved me, I think you loved what I could offer you. Power, power from this." Cathain held up her wrist. "Tell me Conchobar. Why did you come back here? What do you want from me, hm? The last time you called for me I was used to help defend your crown. So tell me why did you really come back?" Ewan's words ran through her mind. Could he have been right about Conchobar's motives?
Conchobar could see the blade swirl on her arm. As if daring him to try to lie to Cathain about his reasons for being here. He took a deep breath and exhaled, "Other forces are arising. I need your help to defend my crown once again." Cathain grinned and nodded her head, finally understanding. "But I also came back for you, Cathain." Conchobar added. Cathain raised her blade-clad arm and said, "Yet it is the power of the Llan An Cailleach you seek first. I am just a prize to you." Conchobar shook his head no. "I will not help you this time Conchobar. Good-bye." Cathain turned to leave.
"He does not love you, he too lusts after the Llan An Cailleach."
"No, he loves 'me' and I love him." Cathain threw over her shoulder, not bothering to turn around.
"You're love will not last, Cathain."
"It will! And it will span throughout lifetimes." She added with assurance.
"We shall see." Conchobar muttered under his breath as he watched Cathain leave.
Cathain was heading back to her room when Liam found her. The boy rushed up to her, panting for breath. "What is it Liam?" Cathain reached out to rub the boy's back as he leaned over to catch his breath. He straightened up and said, "Master's horse came back alone." Cathain's heart sank to her stomach, fear started to overwhelm her. "What?!" she exclaimed hoping that the boy was mistaken. "The master's horse returned alone. He's nowhere to be found." Cathain's heart began to race. She ran down to the stables to see for herself. Sure enough there was Ewan's horse but Ewan was nowhere in site. She reached out for the horse and the blade glowed on her wrist, showing her a vision of Ewan in a fight then being taken away. She gasped and tears began to well in her eyes. She looked down at the blade, the stone still glowing red, "guide me to him," She pleaded. She mounted Ewan's horse and the blade took them to the cabin in the woods.
"What are we waiting for Fiona? He's going to be here soon and he wanted us to kill him." Kellan said as he pointed to Ewan who was sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall, ankels bound, hands tied behind his back and a hood covered his head. "So this is what has become of the two of you? Assassins?" Ewan laughed, Kellan walked over and punched him in the face. "That was for earlier." Ewan continued to laugh, provoking Kellan. "You still hit like a girl." Kellan was about to hit Ewan again but the blade on his neck stopped him. "That is enough. He is just trying to get to you and it seems to be working. Leave him alone."
"Why are you doing this Fiona? What is it do you want?" Before Fiona could answer, she heard something outside the cabin. She motioned Kellan to see what was going on. He cautiously opened the door and stepped outside. Moments passed before Fiona heard anything. With the hood over his head, Ewan could not see anything but he could hear a struggle going on outside, followed by a loud crash. Kellan flew threw the door, his prone body lay unconscious on the ground.
Fiona placed the tip of her sword against Ewan's chest. She watched Cathain walk through the door. "My what an entrance you make." Fiona leaned down to pulling the hood off. Cathain winced at the visible bruises and blood she could see on his face. "Hello my love." Ewan flashed a small smile, his loving endearment tugging at her heart. She wanted nothing more then to run to him but her legs stayed rooted. Cathain's cold eyes stared at the woman. "Let him go." Fiona grinned, shaking her head. Cathain's body stiffened as Fiona dangerously caress the side of Ewan's neck with the tip of the blade. "Please," Fiona looked up, stopping what she was doing, "I'll give you anything you want. Just please let him go." Cathain watched as Fiona contemplated of her offer.
The other woman's eyes began to travel down Cathain's body, stopping when she found what she was looking for. Cathain's eyes followed Fiona's gaze to her right wrist, to the Llan An Cailleach. "That's a pretty bracelet." Cathain reached out with other hand, her fingers caressing the stone. "I want it." Fiona exclaimed. Cathain's head snapped up, her eyes widen in shock, mouth agape. There were so much she could have asked Cathain but she wanted the one thing she could not give. "No, don't give it to her Cathain. Don't." Ewan began to protest but was interrupted with a kick to the face. Cathain's anger flared and she took a step forward. Fiona quickly placed the blade against Ewan's neck, she pressed down slightly and blood began to flow down from where the blade rested. Stopping Cathain in place. "Why are you doing this? He hasn't done anything to you." Fiona's eyes flared. "He betrayed me and its you're fault. He was supposed to love me not you. But once I gain possession of the Llan An Cailleach," Fiona motioned to the blade, "then he'll have to love me like how he's done for you all those years." Cathain looked at Fiona shockingly. "Yes I know about the power you possess. You used it to cast a spell over his heart."
"This," Cathain held up her arm, showing her the blade, "will not help you win Ewan's heart." Fiona shook her head in disagreement. "Give me the bracelet." Fiona's voice was low and menacing. Cathain brought up her arm and stared at the bracelet, stuck between losing her love or her destiny. "Cathain don't." Ewan was kicked again in the face. He winced from the pain, his body sliding down until his forehead rested on the ground. "The bracelet." Fiona demanded again. When Cathain made no move Fiona, used her foot to push Ewan's onto his back, she raised the blade over her head and was about to plunge it down into Ewan's chest. "Wait!" Cathain pleaded, her voice trembled, eyes brimming with tears. The tip of the blade stopped, hovering dangerously over Ewan's chest. "All right you win. I'll give it to you." Cathain began to remove the bracelet from her wrist, Ewan's pleas was faintly heard, "No love. Please don't." Cathain held the bracelet in her hand, looking at it for the last time.
"Give it to me!" Fiona yelled impatiently. Cathain tossed the bracelet across the room and was shocked when it landed on Fiona's wrist. Quickly the glow of the stone grew an angry red. Transfixed by the blade's power, Fiona dropped her sword. With her, other hand she held her right arm as a burning sensation ran up from her wrist to her arm. She stumbled backwards against the opposite wall, ensnared in a tumultous wave of delirium. Cathain quickly moved over to Ewan, helping him to a sitting position. She cut the bonds to his ankles and was about to cut the ties on his hands when someone walked through the door, calling out, "Fiona!"
Cathain and Ewan were surprised to see Conchobar. His shock was evident when he seen Cathain. Ewan, even in his clouded state began to piece together the pieces. "You," Ewan declared, "You were the one that hired Fiona to kill me." Cathain's eyes widen at Ewan's implications. She looked over at Conchobar surprised to see that he was not denying it. Cathain helped Ewan to his feet; their only exit blocked by Conchobar and nearby was Fiona still caught in the blade's hold. "Yes I hired her. I found out who she was and I knew I could use her to get to you. I knew she'd kill you because she hated you as much as I do." Cathain stared disbelievingly, "Why?" she asked. "Yes I wanted the power of the Llan An Cailleach but I also wanted you back Cathain. I was wrong to have given up on what we had, casting away our love. I was a fool to have betrayed you. But I knew I couldn't have you unless I got rid of that boy!" A distinctive sound of metal echoed in the cabin.
"Its always about that witch!" Three pairs of eyes turned to Fiona. The blade reverted into its full gauntlet form, the sword gleaming in the firelight. "Fiona?" Conchobar's eyes widen in disbelief then amazement that Fiona was now wielding the Llan An Cailleach. Conchobar grinned, realizing that perhaps with this new development he could control the blade through Fiona. He stole glance at Cathain, yet he still wanted her. Perhaps he still could have both. He confidently walked over to Fiona. "You're wrong love. This is not about her; it is about you now. The wielder of the Llan An Cailleach. Together we can rule whatever we desire." Fiona smiled sweetly, "You're nothing but a liar but if it's the power of the blade that you seek then take it." Fiona brought her arm up and easily thrust the blade through Conchobar's chest, piercing his heart. He made a startled gasp, his mouth hung open, his eyes registering shock and disbelief. Conchobar's body slides easily from the blade and onto the floor. She turned her attention to Cathain and Ewan; there in her eyes held no remorse with what she had done. Fiona wickedly smiled, as she gave into the bloodlust.
Cathain picked up Fiona's discarded sword off the ground, pushing Ewan behind her. He swayed slightly on his feet, still disoriented from his encounter earlier with Kellan and Fiona. His body ached no doubt from Kellan taking cheap shots while he was unconscious. Fiona casually stepped over Conchobar's body, blocking their only exit. "You are not taking him away from me again witch." Fiona held the blade up. "He was never yours to begin with." Cathain raised her sword, "He's mine!" Cathain added. Fiona fumed and charged after Cathain. The clashing of metal against metal echoed in the cabin. Ewan could see Cathain was barely holding her own. With Fiona's skills aided by the blade she was quickly becoming too much. Ewan searched the room for a weapon when he eyed his sword near Kellan's unconscious body. Using the wall for support, he unsteadily made his way over. He pushed the nausea aside as he bent to retrieve his sword. Ewan stood up in time to see Cathain struggling against Fiona.
The force from Fiona's blow shattered the sword in Cathain's hand. Cathain stared in disbelief; the momentary of shock startled both women. Fiona quickly recovered backhanding Cathain across the face, sending her flying backwards onto the floor, knocking the wind right out of her. Fiona advanced on Cathain's prone figure and just before striking down on her another blade reached out and deflected the blow. Fiona jumped back, angry and confused she stared at her new opponent. "Why are you fighting me Ewan? Let me kill this witch so we can be together. Don't you realize that I love you and that I'm doing this for you, for us." A wave of dizziness caused as he shook his head slightly. "You are confusing lust with love, Fiona. You never loved me if you did you would not be doing this. I have and will always love Cathain. Not you or anyone will change that. If you do love me please Fiona stop this now." Ewan pleaded as he tightens his grip on his sword.
From behind Cathain could see the bloodlust running through Fiona's eyes. Ewan's words were having no affect on her; it only seemed to add to Fiona's anger. "Damn you both! If I cannot have you then now one will!" Fiona lunged forward, the blade at full force. Ewan tried to defend himself but combined with his weakened state and the power the blade was providing Fiona, he knew this was a battle he could not win. In that brief moment, he reached out to Cathain with his mind. "I love you, Cathain." Time seemed to have slowed and in that instant Cathain horridly watched as Fiona plunged the blade through Ewan's chest. The end protruding out Ewan's back his blood coating the blade, dripping down.
"NOOO!!" Cathain's heart-wrenching cry filled the cabin.
Unbridled fury overwhelmed her senses, her body. She pushed herself off the ground, rushing to Ewan's side, picking up his sword. Fiona tried to pull the blade free from Ewan's body but it remained, he brought up his arms, clasping the gauntlet in his hands holding it in place. She saw the knowing grin on his face. She tugged at her arm but the blade held in place. From behind Ewan, she watched as Cathain came rushing towards her, sword in hand. Cathain mercilessly thrust the blade through Fiona's heart. Cathain could faintly hear the blade return to its bracelet form. She gave one last shove, pushing until only the hilt pressed against Fiona's chest. The blade fell of Fiona's wrist, the clanging sound of metal rattled as it hit the floor. Cathain briefly stared down at her, her chest heaving up and down, her anger spent. She rushed over to Ewan; he had fallen to his knees and was about to fall back.
Swiftly she caught him in her arms and gently guided him back to the ground. Tears streaming down her face as she looked at him. "Ewan please don't leave me, please!" Her voice trembled as she pleaded for him to live. Her right hand covering his wound, while her other hand was cupping the side of his face. Ewan tried to speak but could not over the blood that was spilling form his mouth. Cathain leaned down to kiss his forehead then his lips all the while whispering her pleas. "Please don't leave me alone. I need you, Ewan. Don't leave me now!" Her tears were brimming over her eyes, landing on his face. She rested her forehead against his, their eyes locked with each other. She could see the light in his eyes slowly fading away. "NO Ewan! Don't leave me please!" She cried one last time, and just before the spark of light disappeared she whispered, "I love you."
Their argument was stupid really. He was just so afraid that she was going to open her eyes one morning and realize that she wanted Conchobar instead of him. So afraid that he was going to lose her to him. The pain was just too great. His mind drifted back to his conversation with Lazar. What he said then was true, he would serve her until his last breath was drawn. Even if it meant that, he would have to do it from the shadows but he did not realize then just how painful it was going to be. To be so near her yet so far away. Not to be able to hold her, touch her, it was all just too maddening. With a groan, Ewan dropped to his knees, splashing water against his face. The frigid water attacking his senses, finally waking them up. He laid his hands against his thighs, his head hanging. "I've acted like an ass." Ewan said aloud to no one. His horse grunted then continued to drink more water. Ewan glanced at his horse, "I see that you agree." He leaned over to give a hard pat against the horse's side, "Sorry boy for pushing you so hard. I didn't realize," Ewan let the sentence drop. He sighed as the realization finally hit him and he understood why Cathain had been pushing him away.
She was just as afraid as he was. Afraid that he would leave her how Conchobar had done. Afraid to lose him how she had lost Deirdre and Iona. Ewan shook his head in shame. Why did it take him so long to realize it? His horse grunted again, Ewan could not help but smile. "Yes I know I was acting like an ass but no more. Come on boy lets go home. My love awaits." Ewan grabbed the reins and swiftly mounted. Ewan grinned, "There was one good thing that came out of this situation. I did manage to break the bastard's nose." Just as he was turning the horse around a scream echoed into the night. Even in with the pale light from the full moon, Ewan navigated his horse with ease. Soon enough they had reached where Ewan had last heard the scream.
From what Ewan could see there were two hooded figures. The tallest out of the two had a grip around the other's wrist. "Please just let me go!" There was no hiding the distinctive sounds of fear as the woman pleaded to be released. Ewan slowly pulled out his sword and silently crept his way towards the duo. With his sword, drawn Ewan had managed to sneak up behind the tallest of the group. The tip of his sword rested against the man's back, "Release her now." Ewan demanded. The man reluctantly released the woman's wrist. "Are you alright?" He questioned the woman but she made no sound, worst she made no move to get away. Could he have been hasty in his decision to get involved? Ewan had been so preoccupied with Cathain that he may have made a mistake in interfering. Within a split second, sword already drawn, the other man had spun around.
Quickly Ewan was on the defense, dodging thrust after thrust. When he finally regained his focus Ewan turned the tables and began attacking the man. The battle raged on for some time, but finally Ewan gained the upper hand, disarming the man of his weapon and threw a punch knocking the man down to the ground. Ewan towered over the prone figure, his eyes narrowed as the hood of the cloak revealed the man's identity. "Kellan?!" Ewan was pulled out of his stupor when he heard a woman's scream coming from behind him. He spun around just in time to see the woman charging after him with a sword in hand. Ensuing yet another fight.
Ewan was surprised at the skills the woman possessed. Besides Cathain, no other person was his equal. They fought back and forth neither gaining an advantage over the other. Somehow, during the deadly dance the woman had managed to disarm Ewan of his sword with a move that only one other person would know about and that was Kael. He backed away slowly as his mind reeling, trying to connect the pieces of the puzzle. He was snapped out of it with another scream, the woman charged forward, sword held above her head. Ewan ran up and held her wrist in his hands before she was able to bring the blade down on him. During the struggle the hood of the cape fell back and Ewan's eyes widen as he stared into familiar green eyes, "FIONA!"
"Hello Ewan," A wicked smile spread across her face, her voice was so cold sending a shiver down Ewan's spine. She struggled against his hold; the pressure he was causing was straining her grip on her sword. Ewan held her icy glare, "why are you doing this?" An evil laugh escaped her lips, "Revenge. Good-Night Ewan." It was a second too late before Ewan realized what was going on and everything faded to black. Kellan had sneaked up behind Ewan and knocked him out with a blow to the back of the head.
"Took you long enough to help, Kellan." He placed his sword back into the scabbard and brought a hand to his jaw. He moved it around making sure it was not broken after Ewan had punched him. "You always had a weak chin." He stared coldly at Fiona. "Why don't we just kill him now and get it over with. Then we can get paid." Kellan kicked Ewan's unconscious body. Fiona shook her head as she stared down at Ewan. "No not yet." Fiona's mind was reeling with ideas, "Grab his horse and lets head back to the cabin." Kellan sighed and walked over to grab the horse but the animal eluded and had managed to escape. "Idiot" Fiona whispered as she mounted her horse.
"There how does that feel?" Cathain asked as she finished wiping away the last remnants of blood from Conchobar's face. "It hurts." He stated. Cathain flashed him a small smile before getting up from her kneeling position in front of him. She picked up the basin full of pinkish water and called out for one of the servants to take it away. "I'm not surprised, your nose is broken." Cathain grinned. Conchobar reached out to caress her cheek but quickly averted his touch. She moved over to the window looking out into the night sky, staring at the full moon then out into the forest. Liam, one of the stable boys, had informed her that Ewan had angrily gone off for a ride. Thoughts of their earlier fight resurrected, along with the tears that began to resurface.
"You shouldn't waste your tears on him." Conchobar had moved up behind her, his hands resting on her shoulders. Cathain's head lowered as he turned her around, "He is not worth it, Cathain." He placed a finger under her chin, lifting her face up. He cupped her face with his hands, using his thumbs to wipe away the tears. She closed her eyes against his touch, his words sinking in. Unable to resist Conchobar leaned in to brush his lips against hers. Cathain eyes immediately flew open and she pushed him back. Conchobar stared back confused. "He is worth it to me." Cathain declared
"You don't even love him!"
"What makes you think I don't love Ewan?" Cathain exclaimed.
"Have you ever told him that you loved him?" Conchobar questioned.
"No," she whispered. A smug smile appeared on Conchobar's face. Cathain looked up and stared deeply into his eyes, a smile on her lips. "But that doesn't mean that I don't love him, I do." Her smile grew boarder, "I love him." Cathain sighed as she said it aloud. She had always loved him and was no longer afraid to admit it to herself. She chastised at herself for letting the fear overwhelm her. For pushing him away all this time because she was afraid of being hurt and left alone. Punishing him, no them by holding back. The possibilities of what they could have had if she had just let go of her fear. 'No more' she thought. "I love Ewan and there is nothing you or anyone can do to change that. I love him." She continued to declare, liking the way the words flowed from her lips. She was becoming giddy inside; she found herself anticipating Ewan's return. There was an aching need that had been growing inside. A need that always occurred while they were apart. She needed him, she needed her Ewan.
"Your love with him isn't real, Cathain. Our love is true!"
"I will not deny that I loved you once Conchobar but don't you see its over. I don't love you that way anymore. Moreover, I don't think ever you loved me, I think you loved what I could offer you. Power, power from this." Cathain held up her wrist. "Tell me Conchobar. Why did you come back here? What do you want from me, hm? The last time you called for me I was used to help defend your crown. So tell me why did you really come back?" Ewan's words ran through her mind. Could he have been right about Conchobar's motives?
Conchobar could see the blade swirl on her arm. As if daring him to try to lie to Cathain about his reasons for being here. He took a deep breath and exhaled, "Other forces are arising. I need your help to defend my crown once again." Cathain grinned and nodded her head, finally understanding. "But I also came back for you, Cathain." Conchobar added. Cathain raised her blade-clad arm and said, "Yet it is the power of the Llan An Cailleach you seek first. I am just a prize to you." Conchobar shook his head no. "I will not help you this time Conchobar. Good-bye." Cathain turned to leave.
"He does not love you, he too lusts after the Llan An Cailleach."
"No, he loves 'me' and I love him." Cathain threw over her shoulder, not bothering to turn around.
"You're love will not last, Cathain."
"It will! And it will span throughout lifetimes." She added with assurance.
"We shall see." Conchobar muttered under his breath as he watched Cathain leave.
Cathain was heading back to her room when Liam found her. The boy rushed up to her, panting for breath. "What is it Liam?" Cathain reached out to rub the boy's back as he leaned over to catch his breath. He straightened up and said, "Master's horse came back alone." Cathain's heart sank to her stomach, fear started to overwhelm her. "What?!" she exclaimed hoping that the boy was mistaken. "The master's horse returned alone. He's nowhere to be found." Cathain's heart began to race. She ran down to the stables to see for herself. Sure enough there was Ewan's horse but Ewan was nowhere in site. She reached out for the horse and the blade glowed on her wrist, showing her a vision of Ewan in a fight then being taken away. She gasped and tears began to well in her eyes. She looked down at the blade, the stone still glowing red, "guide me to him," She pleaded. She mounted Ewan's horse and the blade took them to the cabin in the woods.
"What are we waiting for Fiona? He's going to be here soon and he wanted us to kill him." Kellan said as he pointed to Ewan who was sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall, ankels bound, hands tied behind his back and a hood covered his head. "So this is what has become of the two of you? Assassins?" Ewan laughed, Kellan walked over and punched him in the face. "That was for earlier." Ewan continued to laugh, provoking Kellan. "You still hit like a girl." Kellan was about to hit Ewan again but the blade on his neck stopped him. "That is enough. He is just trying to get to you and it seems to be working. Leave him alone."
"Why are you doing this Fiona? What is it do you want?" Before Fiona could answer, she heard something outside the cabin. She motioned Kellan to see what was going on. He cautiously opened the door and stepped outside. Moments passed before Fiona heard anything. With the hood over his head, Ewan could not see anything but he could hear a struggle going on outside, followed by a loud crash. Kellan flew threw the door, his prone body lay unconscious on the ground.
Fiona placed the tip of her sword against Ewan's chest. She watched Cathain walk through the door. "My what an entrance you make." Fiona leaned down to pulling the hood off. Cathain winced at the visible bruises and blood she could see on his face. "Hello my love." Ewan flashed a small smile, his loving endearment tugging at her heart. She wanted nothing more then to run to him but her legs stayed rooted. Cathain's cold eyes stared at the woman. "Let him go." Fiona grinned, shaking her head. Cathain's body stiffened as Fiona dangerously caress the side of Ewan's neck with the tip of the blade. "Please," Fiona looked up, stopping what she was doing, "I'll give you anything you want. Just please let him go." Cathain watched as Fiona contemplated of her offer.
The other woman's eyes began to travel down Cathain's body, stopping when she found what she was looking for. Cathain's eyes followed Fiona's gaze to her right wrist, to the Llan An Cailleach. "That's a pretty bracelet." Cathain reached out with other hand, her fingers caressing the stone. "I want it." Fiona exclaimed. Cathain's head snapped up, her eyes widen in shock, mouth agape. There were so much she could have asked Cathain but she wanted the one thing she could not give. "No, don't give it to her Cathain. Don't." Ewan began to protest but was interrupted with a kick to the face. Cathain's anger flared and she took a step forward. Fiona quickly placed the blade against Ewan's neck, she pressed down slightly and blood began to flow down from where the blade rested. Stopping Cathain in place. "Why are you doing this? He hasn't done anything to you." Fiona's eyes flared. "He betrayed me and its you're fault. He was supposed to love me not you. But once I gain possession of the Llan An Cailleach," Fiona motioned to the blade, "then he'll have to love me like how he's done for you all those years." Cathain looked at Fiona shockingly. "Yes I know about the power you possess. You used it to cast a spell over his heart."
"This," Cathain held up her arm, showing her the blade, "will not help you win Ewan's heart." Fiona shook her head in disagreement. "Give me the bracelet." Fiona's voice was low and menacing. Cathain brought up her arm and stared at the bracelet, stuck between losing her love or her destiny. "Cathain don't." Ewan was kicked again in the face. He winced from the pain, his body sliding down until his forehead rested on the ground. "The bracelet." Fiona demanded again. When Cathain made no move Fiona, used her foot to push Ewan's onto his back, she raised the blade over her head and was about to plunge it down into Ewan's chest. "Wait!" Cathain pleaded, her voice trembled, eyes brimming with tears. The tip of the blade stopped, hovering dangerously over Ewan's chest. "All right you win. I'll give it to you." Cathain began to remove the bracelet from her wrist, Ewan's pleas was faintly heard, "No love. Please don't." Cathain held the bracelet in her hand, looking at it for the last time.
"Give it to me!" Fiona yelled impatiently. Cathain tossed the bracelet across the room and was shocked when it landed on Fiona's wrist. Quickly the glow of the stone grew an angry red. Transfixed by the blade's power, Fiona dropped her sword. With her, other hand she held her right arm as a burning sensation ran up from her wrist to her arm. She stumbled backwards against the opposite wall, ensnared in a tumultous wave of delirium. Cathain quickly moved over to Ewan, helping him to a sitting position. She cut the bonds to his ankles and was about to cut the ties on his hands when someone walked through the door, calling out, "Fiona!"
Cathain and Ewan were surprised to see Conchobar. His shock was evident when he seen Cathain. Ewan, even in his clouded state began to piece together the pieces. "You," Ewan declared, "You were the one that hired Fiona to kill me." Cathain's eyes widen at Ewan's implications. She looked over at Conchobar surprised to see that he was not denying it. Cathain helped Ewan to his feet; their only exit blocked by Conchobar and nearby was Fiona still caught in the blade's hold. "Yes I hired her. I found out who she was and I knew I could use her to get to you. I knew she'd kill you because she hated you as much as I do." Cathain stared disbelievingly, "Why?" she asked. "Yes I wanted the power of the Llan An Cailleach but I also wanted you back Cathain. I was wrong to have given up on what we had, casting away our love. I was a fool to have betrayed you. But I knew I couldn't have you unless I got rid of that boy!" A distinctive sound of metal echoed in the cabin.
"Its always about that witch!" Three pairs of eyes turned to Fiona. The blade reverted into its full gauntlet form, the sword gleaming in the firelight. "Fiona?" Conchobar's eyes widen in disbelief then amazement that Fiona was now wielding the Llan An Cailleach. Conchobar grinned, realizing that perhaps with this new development he could control the blade through Fiona. He stole glance at Cathain, yet he still wanted her. Perhaps he still could have both. He confidently walked over to Fiona. "You're wrong love. This is not about her; it is about you now. The wielder of the Llan An Cailleach. Together we can rule whatever we desire." Fiona smiled sweetly, "You're nothing but a liar but if it's the power of the blade that you seek then take it." Fiona brought her arm up and easily thrust the blade through Conchobar's chest, piercing his heart. He made a startled gasp, his mouth hung open, his eyes registering shock and disbelief. Conchobar's body slides easily from the blade and onto the floor. She turned her attention to Cathain and Ewan; there in her eyes held no remorse with what she had done. Fiona wickedly smiled, as she gave into the bloodlust.
Cathain picked up Fiona's discarded sword off the ground, pushing Ewan behind her. He swayed slightly on his feet, still disoriented from his encounter earlier with Kellan and Fiona. His body ached no doubt from Kellan taking cheap shots while he was unconscious. Fiona casually stepped over Conchobar's body, blocking their only exit. "You are not taking him away from me again witch." Fiona held the blade up. "He was never yours to begin with." Cathain raised her sword, "He's mine!" Cathain added. Fiona fumed and charged after Cathain. The clashing of metal against metal echoed in the cabin. Ewan could see Cathain was barely holding her own. With Fiona's skills aided by the blade she was quickly becoming too much. Ewan searched the room for a weapon when he eyed his sword near Kellan's unconscious body. Using the wall for support, he unsteadily made his way over. He pushed the nausea aside as he bent to retrieve his sword. Ewan stood up in time to see Cathain struggling against Fiona.
The force from Fiona's blow shattered the sword in Cathain's hand. Cathain stared in disbelief; the momentary of shock startled both women. Fiona quickly recovered backhanding Cathain across the face, sending her flying backwards onto the floor, knocking the wind right out of her. Fiona advanced on Cathain's prone figure and just before striking down on her another blade reached out and deflected the blow. Fiona jumped back, angry and confused she stared at her new opponent. "Why are you fighting me Ewan? Let me kill this witch so we can be together. Don't you realize that I love you and that I'm doing this for you, for us." A wave of dizziness caused as he shook his head slightly. "You are confusing lust with love, Fiona. You never loved me if you did you would not be doing this. I have and will always love Cathain. Not you or anyone will change that. If you do love me please Fiona stop this now." Ewan pleaded as he tightens his grip on his sword.
From behind Cathain could see the bloodlust running through Fiona's eyes. Ewan's words were having no affect on her; it only seemed to add to Fiona's anger. "Damn you both! If I cannot have you then now one will!" Fiona lunged forward, the blade at full force. Ewan tried to defend himself but combined with his weakened state and the power the blade was providing Fiona, he knew this was a battle he could not win. In that brief moment, he reached out to Cathain with his mind. "I love you, Cathain." Time seemed to have slowed and in that instant Cathain horridly watched as Fiona plunged the blade through Ewan's chest. The end protruding out Ewan's back his blood coating the blade, dripping down.
"NOOO!!" Cathain's heart-wrenching cry filled the cabin.
Unbridled fury overwhelmed her senses, her body. She pushed herself off the ground, rushing to Ewan's side, picking up his sword. Fiona tried to pull the blade free from Ewan's body but it remained, he brought up his arms, clasping the gauntlet in his hands holding it in place. She saw the knowing grin on his face. She tugged at her arm but the blade held in place. From behind Ewan, she watched as Cathain came rushing towards her, sword in hand. Cathain mercilessly thrust the blade through Fiona's heart. Cathain could faintly hear the blade return to its bracelet form. She gave one last shove, pushing until only the hilt pressed against Fiona's chest. The blade fell of Fiona's wrist, the clanging sound of metal rattled as it hit the floor. Cathain briefly stared down at her, her chest heaving up and down, her anger spent. She rushed over to Ewan; he had fallen to his knees and was about to fall back.
Swiftly she caught him in her arms and gently guided him back to the ground. Tears streaming down her face as she looked at him. "Ewan please don't leave me, please!" Her voice trembled as she pleaded for him to live. Her right hand covering his wound, while her other hand was cupping the side of his face. Ewan tried to speak but could not over the blood that was spilling form his mouth. Cathain leaned down to kiss his forehead then his lips all the while whispering her pleas. "Please don't leave me alone. I need you, Ewan. Don't leave me now!" Her tears were brimming over her eyes, landing on his face. She rested her forehead against his, their eyes locked with each other. She could see the light in his eyes slowly fading away. "NO Ewan! Don't leave me please!" She cried one last time, and just before the spark of light disappeared she whispered, "I love you."