Chapter 12: Can Love save the day?

The usual stuff: The concept and characters of Highlander are the property of Lionsgate Entertainment according to podcasts that I listen to – (Adrian Paul - The Sword Experience, Highlander Rewatch, and Blood of Kings). I have switched to a song at the beginning instead of a poem. I have been reading many old HL lyric challenges fanfictions based on songs. I am just writing this for enjoyment, and no monies are exchanged. Thanks to my beta reader and co-conspirator – JavaFirst

Chapter Text

Des'ree You Gotta Be – Lyrics

Listen as your day unfolds,
Challenge what the future holds,
Try and keep your head up to the sky,
Lovers, they may cause you tears,
Go ahead, release your fears,
Stand up and be counted,
Don't be ashamed to cry.

You gotta be, You gotta be bad, You gotta be bold, You gotta be wiser, You gotta be hard, You gotta be tough, You gotta be stronger, You gotta be cool, You gotta be calm,

You gotta stay together,
All I know, all I know, love will save the day. Time asks no questions, it goes on without you,
Leaving you behind if you can't stand the pace,
The world keeps on spinning,
Can't stop it if you tried to,
The best part is danger staring you in the face,

You gotta be, You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser, You gotta be hard, You gotta be tough, You gotta be stronger, You gotta be cool, You gotta be calm,

You gotta stay together.
All I know, all I know, love will save the day.

Remember, listen as your day unfolds, Challenge what the future holds,
Try and keep your head up to the sky, Lovers, They may cause you tears,
Go ahead release your fears.

You gotta be, You gotta be bad, You gotta be bold, You gotta be wiser, You gotta be hard, You gotta be tough, You gotta be stronger, You gotta be cool, You gotta be calm,

You gotta stay together, All I know, all I know, love will save the day, All I know is love will save the day.


Club Sanctuary on April 23, 2012

Methos continued his story to the group who had come to toast Rebecca's memory.


Flashback to 801 the Duke du Cléroy's castle.

Back in Lydia's room before the wedding

"Your bath is ready mistress." The servant girl told the Duchess with a cold smile. Then added, "The Lady Elizabeth will be brought back to your room if that is what you wish." She added through a pinched mouth almost sarcastically.

Lydia saw the contempt the staff showed toward her. They were not pleased to suddenly have an upstart from a different providence, become the duke's wife, and be in charge of the household. Plus there was no doubt to Lydia that the duke had been bedding all the maids regularly. "Yes. Understand that I soon will be your Duchess and that I need Lady Elizabeth, at my side. Inform the rest of the guards and household - that I am no fool, I know full well what you all think of me. Know this, I am to be the lady the Duchess du Cléroy. Remember I am no serf and am of noble birth. My father is the Duke de Paris Lutetia. He is one of the most powerful Dukes loyal to Charlemagne the Holy Roman Emperor and King of the Franks. Now - go girl and deliver my message! I will bathe myself." Glowering at the girl as Lydia barked an order to the servant girl in a voice loud enough for the men in the hallway to hear. Sure Lydia was afraid, anyone with an ounce of common sense would be, but she would not show that to any of these disrespectful servants.

Once the door was shut, and she was alone Lydia climbed into the bath, and her eyes filled with tears. She covered her face with both hands and collapsed into the tub sinking into the warm water. She thought about going through with this wedding and felt an almost uncontrollable chill go through her. She whispered a silent prayer, "Oh good Lord, I told Methos I would save him but I have no idea how to do this. Oh, Lord send me some help I can't do this all by myself. I need your divine assistance. Please oh Lord help me!" Her eyes were burning as she tried to wipe the tears away with her fingers.

It wasn't very long after Lydia stopped praying, there was a knock on her door. She splashed her face with the warm water so no one could see her tears as she put back on the stoic expression she had used when speaking to the servant girl.

"Lady Lydia, the lady Elizabeth seeks entrance," Came the cold hard voice of one of the guards.

"Let her and only her in. She will help dress me and I need no other." Lydia said as she lifted her chin and sat up pushing her shoulders back and trying to look calm and not rattled. The exact opposite of how she felt on her insides. But she was the Duke de Paris' only daughter and needed to act the part even if she felt it or not even if her heart was skipping a few beats.

"Yes, Milady." Answered the guard as Rebecca stepped into the chamber.

As soon as Lydia saw her, the harmonious presents of the older woman filled the room. "Are you well dear? You don't have to put on a strong face for me. I know just how frightened you must be." Rebecca began validating Lydia's concerns while looking straight at the girl as soon as the door closed.

"Rebecca, I'm so glad you're here, the household staff hates me, and I need a lady in waiting by my side to help me get through this day. I told Methos that I could save him, but I fear I cannot," Her voice quivered. Lydia slapped her hand over her mouth to silence the uncontrollable shivers in her voice.

Rebecca walked over to the tub, kneeling down and reaching out to lovingly stroke the girl's cheek. Then the older woman took Lydia's hand in hers giving it a loving squeeze. It was only; then that Rebecca saw just how young this child was. She could scarcely remember ever being this young. She knew she never had to deal with this degree of trauma back during her younger years. She had been the youngest daughter of a wealthy merchant in a place later called Minoa. The name of several Bronze-Age port cities on Crete an island between the Aegean and the Libyan Sea. The place's original name was lost to time, and its culture was destroyed long ago by a volcano. The term "Minoans" was coined by a British archaeologist in reference to Minos, the mythical king of Crete in Greek mythology. Now her home and the entire Minoan civilization would be only remembered by tales from myths and fables.

"I'm so glad you're here Rebecca. Darius told me you were like him, and yes, I know the secret of what you are and what the duke is now." Lydia forced a smile, knowing she would feel better just realizing this woman was on her side and was an old friend to both Darius and Methos.

"Let me help you out of the bath before you catch a chill, my dear. You know I can't tell you how many times Darius has told me he loves you as he would love his own child."

A faint smile flickered across Lydia's face as she spoke, "Father Darius practically raised me, and while I was still a child, I saw him die and come back to life. I know that Lord Marcus, Lady Ceirdwyn, and even Sir Methos are also like him. Because of that, you all are in great danger, I also know Father Darius will not kill the duke he has confessed he wants to save me, but that he cannot. But perhaps, you can explain to me who was this Emrys that Sir Methos spoke of?" The young duchess asked Rebecca trying to think of anything instead of her pending marriage and the likely death of the man she loved.

Rebecca stooped over to pick up several towels and a warm robe to wrap Lydia in. "Come here I will help dry you, and help you dress. I do not know how long we have before the duke will send his men back to the door."

Lydia nodded, and Rebecca helped her get out of the bath and start to dress in the lovely gown. Lydia's own father had taken time to pick it out himself for her wedding and sent it with the caravan. Few of the people here would have ever seen such a fine gown, sewn with pearls and layers of Parisian lace.

"So, you want to hear about Emrys?" She said with a soft, gentle voice as a relaxed smile crossed her face, Rebecca was glad to hear she could distract Lydia with a story and loved to speak of her old mentor.

"Oh, yes, please. This Emrys seemed to be someone who Methos considered very significant in his life. Someone he looked up to and is still grief-stricken over his death. With my marriage looming later today I need to think about something else right now. All of you have spoken about him, but I know nothing about him. Father Darius never has told me anything about any old wise, holy man."

"I completely understand why Darius hasn't spoken about Emrys, it must be a difficult memory for him. Emrys was someone that was of great magnitude to Methos and the rest of us also. It's a long story Lydia, but Emrys was a very old Immortal who was a wise and holy man. My first Immortal teacher sent me to him after I had survived my first hundred years. He sent me to Emrys, who had been one of his teachers, so I could continue learning about my life as an Immortal, and how I could be a positive force in the world."

"How old are you?" Lydia asked with amazement.

"Older than you can possibly understand. I have lived for over 2 thousand years. But Emrys was ten times older than me. As Methos is many times older than me also, but not as nearly as old as Master Emrys was."

"I know, Darius warned me Methos is very old and doesn't believe I should be with him." Lydia chewed upon her lips, she hated to admit that Darius and she had quarreled over the feelings she felt about Methos.

"I know." The older woman replied as she gently dried the girl's lovely light blond curly hair and busily combed out the tangles. I believe that father Darius is a bit overprotective when it comes to you, my dear. Methos and he have had their problems getting along since Master Emrys died. They were old friends when the priest was a warlord. I have hopes that in time they will be able to reconcile their differences. Methos believes it is the ghost of Emrys himself, that is haunting their relationship. You see as holy and wonderful as the old wise man was

Methos was one of the only people who could still completely exasperate him." Rebecca laughed at the memory of those two men bickering over nothing in particular.

"Also the good knight hasn't admitted to me that he is Immortal and like Darius. But that doesn't stop me from loving him. I am young Rebecca, but I am not a stupid girl. I am a duchess. The daughter of a duke. Darius has taught me to read and write, to fight my own battles, and most importantly, he taught me how to think my thoughts. I am afraid, and I still want to kill the duke. But the idea of cutting off his head sounds impossible. My plan is simple. I will marry him and when he is convinced, I am no threat to his well-being I will figure out some way to strike him down. Then perhaps I can use his sword to behead him." Lydia spoke bravely with a confident gleam in her eyes, sitting up with her shoulders back and having a sense of calm that surprised Rebecca.

"Such brave talk my little one, I can see why Methos fell in love with you. Your spirit is like few women I have ever known. I noticed you were crying when I came in. If we all live through this and you don't want to marry Methos, do not feel obligated to do so. When he falls in love, he falls very fast and very hard. If you're not in love with him too, he will get over it. He has loved many mortal women over the years and in time he will eventually move on."

"No, I do care for him very much. Sir Methos is everything I ever dreamed about and desired to have in a husband."

"I am sure you will someday realize he is far from perfect. He is a man after all, and the real strength in most marriages comes from us women. Plus he is Immortal and will not age and also, he can never give you a child. If you wish to be a mother, you must find another man or find some foundling to take in."

"I think all I need is to have him beside me, he is truly amazing."

"You say this now but wait until a few years when he becomes engrossed in one of his projects. This Man is like a sponge when it comes to knowledge. Learning is his true passion, reading and keeping his damn journals. When he is involved with one of his projects Methos can be distant, ignoring everyone and everything else. Lydia, he is far from perfect. The only man I ever met who was even close to being perfect was my old master Emrys."

"Please tell me about Emrys?"

"Yes, he was a very wise and holy man. Now sit, and I will fix your hair for the wedding, and I will tell you a story of the holy man known as Emrys."

"First tell me why you were introduced as Elizabeth of Trent and not Rebecca who Methos knows?"

"I have had many names through the years, and so has Methos. Frankly, I was surprised he used his true name here. He likely never believed he would be here long and definitely that this adventure wouldn't be ending with his possible death." Rebecca sighed. "Well, getting back to your question, I first met Emrys when I was called Rivka of Jerash. I came to him, so he could be my second mentor and teacher. I came to learn how to live my life as an Immortal. You see back in those times, women were on a more equal footing with men than they are today. A goddess was the head of all the gods, and the male deities were all under her rule. But even with that belief, I was still of smaller stature than most men and couldn't fight as well as a man. I needed to learn just how to survive in an ever-changing world. Most of all, I needed to learn how to endure, continue and help protect mortals. Emrys taught me all that, and more, he would have loved you too and understood why Methos does."

"So Methos loved him as much as you did."

"Yes, he was as much a father to Methos as Darius is one to you. You see Lydia, Sir Methos had lost all his people and even the lands that he came from were gone. Emrys taught me that the world that he knew when he was still mortal had changed. Even though the seas and coastline were different, many rivers had all changed their courses. The land we know today was different where there were grasslands once there had been great forest. And where forest now stands had been vast plains or lakes. Places that are deserts today were lush and green once. The world is a different place today than it was when Methos and Emrys were young. They were both alone back in the beginning and never met another Immortal. Emrys was a healer, a type of doctor for his people he called himself a shaman. He cared for his people, and they left him to live in peace since he was the one to minister and heal them. He also was a holy man and a priest for his people. In time all his people died, and he was forced to move on and became a wander. This is how Emrys met Methos, who was also alone in the world. But Methos' experiences were far different. Most Immortals and mortals he ran into were trying to kill Methos. That was until he met Emrys. Then things changed for both men."

"That's so sad," Lydia said as she dropped her shoulders and started staring down at her empty hands. "But what happened between Darius and Emrys? Why are Methos and Marcus so angry with the good father? I guess Emrys is dead now?" She turned to look up into Rebecca's face.

"Yes, but that story is a bit complicated. The year was 410, just a little less than 400 years ago. Darius was from a tribe of barbarians where he was a warlord with many loyal warriors following him. They were almost at the Gates of Lutetia and were about to invade the city and destroy it. They had already ransacked Rome and killed Marcus's mortal family. Emrys stopped him and saved Darius from himself." Rebecca said with a tear in her eye. "It is the tradition of our kind that when we meet, two Immortals fight each other, and one beheads the other. The winner takes all the power and knowledge from the loser of the battle. This transfer of power is called the Quickening. Darius had to fight Emrys and beat him if he wanted to march his troops on Lutetia. Emrys was very wise and the holiest of men. He knew he could beat Darius, but that would not stop Grayson Darius's second-in-command from marching into Lutetia. The old man realized the only way to stop the warlord from taking his city was to give Darius his Quickening."

"Why? Power and knowledge don't always change people's plans." Lydia questioned, "Wouldn't killing this Emrys just give Darius more power to take the city?"

"Yes, but sometimes a Quickening can change the Immortal who receives it. Emrys gave Darius what was later known as a white Quickening. It fundamentally changed who Darius was and transformed him from a warlord into a man of peace. Into a holy man who disbanded his army and turned away from evil and violence. Except now Emrys was gone, he died so that Darius could change. Methos and Marcus both don't understand why Emrys felt he had to die. They were angry at Darius for killing the old holy man and refused to understand why Emrys sacrificed himself. Both of them knew Darius before when he was a warlord. Marcus hated him for sacking Rome and Methos had been Darius the warlord's good friend for many years. In the end, Methos accepted the situation better than Marcus did. Marcus was the last student the old master ever had. Plus Marcus felt that if anyone should have gotten the old man's quickening it should have been him."

"That's such a sad story, but I would not be who I am without Darius to guide me. I am grateful to this Emrys for his sacrifice. I see that Methos is making peace with Darius, he is truly father Darius's friend. But I can tell by the way he speaks he still misses this Emrys."

"Yes, I think he will always miss the old man as I will too. But I was far away when the Quickening took place and even though I knew the master was dead I was happy to see the change in Darius. I realized my old master wouldn't have died if there was any other way to save the city and the people he loved. He always told me everything has a beginning and an end and his life would end someday, but his Quickening would still go on and continue to change the world. As is the destiny of all Immortals that we all will die someday and pass on our Quickening. But I am not a seer like Emrys was. He knew that no one will actually live forever, except maybe Methos."

"Why do you say that, isn't Methos destined to die someday too? Even the good book tells us that in life there is a time everything must die"

"True. But Emrys told me he never saw Methos' death, as for the rest of us oh yes, we will all eventually die. He said perhaps Methos will die someday too, but it was so far in the distant future he couldn't see it clearly. He may be a knight now but his destiny was to learn and to keep all the knowledge of mankind alive for future generations. Part of me is sad to see him going on alone, but then I think of mortals like you my dear. If he can find someone who really loves him, he will never be completely alone. You, Lydia, can love him and accept him for who he is, that's a very special gift to give him. He is like a brother to me and the only real family I have left. After this, all is over and we have killed the duke, you must promise me you will be a good wife to him. To love him with your whole heart."

"Yes, I will Rebecca. Do you believe I can win this dangerous game, I am going to play?"

"Yes, I do Lydia, but I truly understand how a woman such as you can overcome all obstacles and save Methos and Marcus. You must gather all your inner strength. You must be bold, and wise. You must be harder, and tougher than you ever have been before. Yet at the same time, you need to be calm, and cool and collect your thoughts while keeping your end game in sight." Rebecca's voice was calm yet very strong as she placed her hands on the girls' shoulders.

"And what is my end game, Rebecca?"

Rebecca bent down and whispered into Lydia's ear, "To save the day and kill the duke. Lydia all I really know is love will save the day. Your love for Methos might sometimes bring you tears, but your ability to love is the only way we will all get through this."

"But how am I to do this Rebecca? I know I am a big dreamer, but I have no weapons, but my wits and just love itself can't save anyone."

A brazen smile filled Rebecca's face, and she turned to face Lydia and continued to speak in hushed tones. "Here take this blade, it will help you to overcome the monster that the Duke has become." The older woman said as she produced a knife still in its white sheath that she wore on her hip disguised as part of her dress. "I can make this become part of your gown and no one will ever know it is there until you pull it out."

"Tell me how I can chop off his head with just a knife?"

"It's simple. When you are alone with the duke and he is in a vulnerable position thinking he is going to have his way with you. Then you will surprise him and will turn the tables on him. Then and only then can you cut him. Do it somewhere that wounds him most grievously. Like his belly or somewhere he was not expecting, maybe on a more private region like his Spindle, his Ploughshare, his Fiddle…"

"His Prick?"

"Yes, I do believe that is what the Vikings called it." Rebecca laughed.

"Rebecca, I have nine younger brothers, and the Manor house has many animals we keep. My father has the finest horses in the land. I know full well what you are speaking of, how men are different from women, and what a male and female do together. But don't tell Darius he still thinks I'm completely innocent and know nothing of men." Lydia giggled at how uncomfortable both women were with this conversation.

"Good." Rebecca sighed, happy and relieved that the girl was not uninformed of the ways of a man. "Then and only then when he is in great pain take the blade and stick it into his heart. Which is right here." Rebecca showed Lydia the precise spot. "It is just slightly left of the center of his chest. Be careful with this blade is very sharp, and once he is down and dying - call for his guards."

"But they will only think I have tried to kill him!" Lydia quickly sputtered out, frowning and looking pale and frightened.

Rebecca lovingly hugged her, trying to reassure Lydia. "Mistress Ceirdwyn told me he has a secret door in his chamber he uses to leave without anyone knowing. You will say that a man will come in through the secret door, attack your husband, and depart the same way. You will act frightened and very distraught and none of the men will be the wiser."

"Oh Rebecca, you have given me the answered to my prayers," Lydia said her eyes wet with tears.

Rebecca reached out and took Lydia's hands in hers. "This still will not be an easy thing for you to do. But now you have not killed him, only temporarily stopped him. But there is yet a harder part you must do. He will stay dead until someone pulls the blade out of his chest. You must not let anyone remove the knife until you have his men gathered around him. Then and only then pull out the blade. He will come back to life and attack you. You must be brave and call out that he is bewitched, and that the devil has brought him back to life. If you are convincing, enough of his men will rally by your side and save you from his wrath. You will be his legal wife and you must convince the men they must behead the demon who now possesses his body. Be brave, and they will follow your orders. They already are suspicious that he is working with the dark arts. I know the duke had the executioner behead an Immoral last night, so he could take the man's Quickening. His troops were extremely frightened of the lightning that he absorbed and were close to turning on him. But the Duke commanded them not to be afraid and fooled them into thinking the lightning came because the man he killed was a witch. You see how easy it will be to play them against him?"

"Yes, I do. It will not take much to convince them."

"One more thing, the final part of my plan will bring you some sorrow, but you must declare that father Darius be present. His presence will fool everyone into believing all this is true."

"How can his presence do that?" Lydia questioned while her eyes searched Rebecca's for an answer.

"The Duke's Quickening will go into the good father, you can say see how the duke's power attacks the priest. This will prove beyond all doubt that Duke du Cléroy was a witch and will intensify your power to take over ruling this hamlet. You can free the prisoners and stay until whoever is next in line to be the duke is contacted."

"Then I can marry Methos, which will be my right as the Duke du Cléroy's widow."

"Yes. And that will make sure the next duke cannot take you to be his wife. You will be free to leave and be happy."

"Oh, thank you, Rebecca, it is a masterful plan, now only if I can go through with it, we all will survive and be happy."


Club Sanctuary on April 23, 2012

Amanda smiled, "So it was Rebecca's plan, and she helped Lydia save the day!"

"Yes, we all knew how resourceful Rebecca was and how intelligent. Without her council, we all would have died." Methos answered.

"So was Lydia able to carry out the plan just as Rebecca had hoped?" Richie spoke up.

"Yes, and no, nothing is ever as easy as what we plan," Methos explained to the group who had gathered to remember Rebecca.

End of chapter