A gray day greeted the immortals and mortals. The clouds were still gathered over the island, but no longer angry. Just sad. This reflected the mood of the gathered individuals. But some were trying to lighten things up, too. Richie was cheerfully loading items into the barge, which had been released from its stone cradle. Darius was helping, smiling, even laughing every now and then.

Methos carried some things himself, and watched Darius thoughtfully. Joe walked alongside. He watched Darius as well, then turned to Methos, "Wow, what brought that about?"

Methos pursed his lips and said, "I think...perhaps the inevitability of sweet release? Some loads are too heavy for some to carry, Joe."

"That's it?" Joe asked.

Methos paused, "Without more information...that's my story for now."

"Hm."

Inside the villa, it was a bit emptier, both materially, and emotionally. Duncan looked around. For a 'cage', this place had been downright pleasant. Now, that it was time to move on...

"I'll kind of miss this place," Anne said. "I mentioned that it would make a great getaway, but Constanza said to me, 'No, it wouldn't.' When I asked him what he meant, he said, 'It was made for a purpose. It's purpose is complete.' And that's that."

"I suspect he knows what he's talking about, as far as that goes," murmured Duncan absently.

He then turned to Anne and said, "I want to thank you again for enduring all of this with us. You didn't have to, but you did. I'm very grateful."

"As I said, you are a good friend, Duncan. You needed me. So, here I am."

Duncan nodded and smiled, then continued, "I don't know how this is going to end, but it could get bad. You don't have to be along for the last part. When we get to England, I want you to head to Heathrow and don't look back..."

Anne started, then nodded, "You're right. My part's done. And I miss my family. And with what may be coming. Oh, there's a part of me that wants to see how this will end desperately. But...I want to get back to my family. Please, write to me, tell me how this wrapped up?"

"I promise," said Duncan firmly.

They then turned as Amanda entered the room, with a couple bags of clothes. "Duncan, could you be a dear?" she said, gesturing with the bags.

"Certainly," he bowed with a smile, and opened the door for her.

Amanda snorted, "Ha ha," and flounced through the door and headed for the barge.

Duncan looked out on the patio. Rebecca and Fitz sat at a stone table across from each other, a chess set between, a game well under way. Duncan moved away, to avoid hearing any part of their conversation.

Rebecca was composed, cheerful, but a wistfulness hung about her. On the board, Rebecca's position was advantaged.

"Getting tips from your cheering section, luv?" Fitz asked, surveying his position on the field.

"No, it's just me. I'm just good," Rebecca said with a wink. "They are quiet right now. Waiting. Oh, one of them just said she could use a cigarette. What does that mean?"

Fitz smiled and leaned back, "Oh, that just something one says denoting deep satisfaction, post coitus."

"Oh," Rebecca said with a smile. She then looked at Fitz seriously. "Fitz, I'm..."

"Don't you dare say it, luv," he said, serious.

"I made you break your vow..."

"First off, lass, you didn't make me do ANYTHING. I wished to. Second, you needed it. Your situation overrode the vow. Third, that isn't the first vow I've broken in my life. But on those VERY RARE occasions I have broken a vow, I've always good reasons for it."

Rebecca cocked her head, narrowed her eyes, "Always?"

"Well, sometimes."

Gaze.

"Occasionally."

Gaze.

"Ok, I've been frivolous with vows in the past, but I wasn't with this one. Nor were my reasons to break them frivolous, my dear. You aren't just a piece of fluff, don't ever forget that. But the idea that you aren't long for this realm..."

Fitz stopped and looked down. After a moment, he continued, "Rebecca, you are deserving of what good things you can squeeze out of what little life you have left. And I am HONORED you consider me a part of that." He sighed and continued, "The wound between me and Duncan isn't nearly as deep as it appeared last night, and it will heal nicely in time. Of this, I am sure. But you, lass, will you be alright?"

"Fitz, my life has been full, and you are a huge part of the reason why. Of course I'll be alright. Oh...checkmate."

"What?...Bollocks."

Finally, the barge was loaded and everyone was aboard. Fitz untied the barge, while Richie pulled up the anchor and took the wheel. The barge slowly came about and made its way through the gap in the rock wall surrounding the lagoon.

Setting their course for the British Isles, the barge made it's way along the Med, heading for the Atlantic. As they made their way away from the island, they saw the grey clouds gathered about it. Constanza suggested that they continue watching.

They did. And they witnessed the clouds eventually parting. When the clouds vanished, the island was no more.

The ocean journey went quietly. Music, conversation and quiet contemplation was the norm. But the group welcomed the lull. For the coming unknown lurked on the horizon. And as they drew closer to England, they felt it. A surge. A charge.

Richie looked at Duncan, "I can feel you again. Holy cow, I just realized that."

Duncan looked at the other Immortals around, "So can I."

Indeed, all the familiar Quickening sensations, they were there. And some new ones. Rebecca was like a bright chorus of voices shining forth. Darius? It was like a storm was raging in him. This alarmed Duncan. And Constanza? It was a feeling of conspicuous absence, rather than presence. Like he was a big ear for Quickening. Listening...

The Immortals looked around at each other, and at Rebecca, Darius and Constanza.

"What does this mean?" Duncan asked.

"The time is soon. When you arrive in England, please make your way to Stonehenge."

Constanza vanished.

"But..." said Duncan to the empty space Constanza occupied. He then looked at his companions. Amanda looked impatient. Anne, bewildered. Richie and Joe had "wha..?" expressions on their faces. Rebecca looked serious, but resolved, as did Fitz, who held her hand. Darius...unreadable.

Methos shrugged, "To Stonehenge, then. Salisbury isn't so bad this time of year."

At last, the rocky oceansides of the British Isles came in sight. Duncan had the wheel, and was talking with Joe.

"We've got Watchers out the yin yang in the UK. They've been following the migration of Immortals to the UK, and are completely bewildered about it. And nobody dueling? That has them thrown for a loop. That many immortals in that close space, and no one is fighting? They'll have questions for me after this is over, Mac."

"Well, Joe, you'll be able to answer them, as you'll have the front row seat. You'll be the one to make sure this part of the story is told."

"You got that right," Joe nodded.

"Can you get Anne to the airport?"

"You've got it. Agents will be standing by with an armored car. They'll see her all the way home," Joe confirmed.

"What about the rogues?" Duncan asked.

"They were there the day we got Amanda out of there, along with another faction we haven't identified. Fair bet they are in the area. They'll be looking for us, including Anne. Our agents will stay with her until this is over."

"Good." Duncan said.

And on a dockside, men in dark suits waited for Anne. She walked down the barge ramp, followed by Duncan, Amanda, Rebecca, and Joe. The others stood on the deck and watched her.

Amanda hugged and kissed Anne, as did Duncan and Rebecca.

Rebecca hugged her fiercely, crying. Anne wept a bit herself. She then turned and waved to Darius. He limply waved back and grimaced.

"Uh...thanx?" Amanda said, choking, "God, that sounds lame".

"You're welcome," Anne said with a smile. She then turned to the silent men. Joe nodded at them. They surrounded her and escorted her to the black Bentley standing by. She then turned and waved to them through the window as the car sped away.

Joe was on his cell phone, nodding, he then hung up and looked at his friends, "She'll be alright."

Duncan nodded, and the group turned and boarded again.

Soon, the boat would dock. Soon, the remainder of the journey would be completed. Soon, the story would run its course.

Eyes were watching...