For their lunch date Richard had packed a picnic and took Kate to a secluded spot in a nearby park. From what she could discern, he had something important to discuss with her. Perhaps, she would finally learn about his past. He had once let it slip that he was a widower. Naturally she was very curious about this.

They had reached the point in their relationship where silence had become easy and comfortable. The blanket was spread out in the shade. Chicken, cake, and salad with bottles of water were brought forth. Kate served the salad while Richard sliced the chicken. The knife he was using was a little dull and it slipped off a bone into his index finger. He gave a sharp intake of breathe as his nerves registered the wound.

Kate looked up and saw the blood springing up. "That doesn't look good. We should go to the hospital for stitches. Here, I'll…what?" He was holding his hand up.

"It's fine, besides it'll make what I have to tell you easier. Watch my finger," he commanded.

She was confused but compliant. Seconds pasted slowly and nothing seemed to happen execept the blood kept coming. Then tiny blue sparks appeared. Her eyes widened in surprise as they began to repair the damage. When the sparks disappeared he wiped the blood away and his finger seemed as if nothing had happened.

Kate turned her gaze to Richard's face searching for some clue about what she had just witnessed. "How?" was all she knew to ask.

"No one is really sure how it happens or why it happens. I can heal from any injury, even death, short of decapitation," he paused to gauge her reaction. She was stunned but at least she seemed to believe him. "I know this is a lot to take in, but I love you, Caitlyn. I want you to know all of me."

"Is it hereditary?"

Richard had a sad look in his eyes when he answered. "No. Immortals can't have children and we're all orphans. It makes certain truths about immortality easier I guess.

"As far back as any Immortal can remember there has been a legend that the las Immortal would get some sort of 'prize' of ultimate power. There are enough of us who believe this to effect everyone. Most of us only fight each other when we have to but we carry swords for protection."

"Swords?" snickered Kate beginning to regain her thought processes. "Oh…you only die from decapitation." She shuddered at the thought. "So someone could just charge you with a sword at anytime?"

"Well," he chuckled, "there are rules. The fights are one on one, no interference once a challenge has been accepted. And no guns, we're vulnerable while we heal. Then there's the big one that few dare break because it always comes back to get you: no fighting on ground that is holy to any religion."

"If so few believe in this prize thing, why does it sound like you've had more than your fair share of duels?"

Richard spoke gravely, "Aside from settling a personal quarrel there is something very valuable to be gained. The winner recieves a montrous amount energy called a quickening from the loser. Quickenings are the ultimate union of pain and pleasure. Headhunters spend all their time taking every quickening they can."

"That's terrible!"

"It is," Richard agreed, "but what's worse is an Immortal who takes mortal lives in cold blood. Back in the 1880's before I knew about Immortals I met a man whose life had been stolen by another man named Bruce Barkow. When my friend died I promised to go to Wyoming and protect his widow. Unfortunately, Ann didn't know the truth and was allowing Barkow to court her. When things came to conflict Barkow forced Ann to marry him. He also had another young friend of mine killed. There was a shoot out. He shot me, Ann shot him in the back.

"Years later when I learned of my immortality, I also heard of an Immortal crime organization that had been led by Barkow. He had assembled six others to head up activities in the different terratories. When I realized that meant Barkow wasn't dead I decided to track him down and challenge him."

"Did you? And how do you recognize each other?" questioned Kate.

"Yes, I located him but I haven't challenged him yet. As for recognizing other Immortals, we can sense each other within a certain distance," explained Richard. "In fact, three of them are lurking in the woods over there."