Chapter 4
Victor Robbins
I
The morning had an air of crispness to it. Rhiannon slowly starts to stir. She peaks one eye at the alarm clock and sees that its five a.m.. Opening both eyes, she laid there staring at the ceiling. Was yesterday a dream? She wondered to herself. As she slowly sits up and rubs her eyes, she looks around the room. She notices that her mother had laid out her clothes for the round tonight. Yeah, yesterday happened. Smiling to herself. Stretching, she gets out of bed and goes to the window. The morning dew was spreading it spells slowly over the mountainside. Rhiannon began to go over yesterday's events in her mind. As she puts her clothes on, she thinks about how in the moment her eyes laid upon Duncan her life change. She couldn't explain how, but it did. It felt good and most of all it felt right. There were more changes in her life coming that she could guarantee.
Rhiannon made her way down the stairs turned the corner and came into the kitchen. Mrs. Taylor was sitting there having her morning coffee going over some bills. "Good morning Mama." She said as she walked over to the coffee pot. Her mother mumbled something to the effect of good morning to her. Looking down at the table, Rhiannon notices the demand of payment from Victor. Automatically she knew what had thrown her mother in such a mood.
"When did you get that?" Rhiannon asked as she pointed toward the bill. "Yesterday." Mrs. Taylor replied as she drank her coffee. "It will be okay Mama...In a couple more days you will never have to worry about him or another bill...at least for a while." Rhiannon sat down at the table across from her. Mrs. Taylor has a worried look on her face.
"You shouldn't have to do this...you're risking your life every time you fight...all it would take is one-slip of a sword and it's over. (looking up at Rhiannon) Maybe we should just this give all up and move on...and let Victor have it." This angered Rhiannon. "Mama, I know what I am doing (reaching down, she grabs her mother hand.) It won't solve anything by running away… Remember, we made a promise to Papa and I won't go back on it." Mrs. Taylor didn't say anything. She knew what she was saying was right.
Rhiannon sat there staring at her mother. The hard life Mrs. Taylor had led was written like road maps on her face. Her laugh lines were many, but it was her frown lines that showed greatly when she is in a mood like this.
"Mama, (kneeling next to her mother) I know you're worried and it not about the round ether." Mrs. Taylor frowns but doesn't say a word. "I won't let him hurt me. I can take care of myself. (trying to convince her) You and Papa made sure of that." Mrs. Taylor reaches down and places Rhiannon's hand into hers. "Rhiannon, Victor swore that he was going to have this place one way or the other. Victor gets what Victor wants. (with a tearful voice) It has always been that way. We both know he won't stop at nothing to get what he wants." With this, Rhiannon stands up. "You two have given up so much to build this place. The love and the lifetime you shared in this house. (tears welling up in her eyes) I'll be damn if I am going to let Victor or anyone else take it from you...not when you have given up so much." She turns and walks toward the door. "I'm going out...I'll be back in a couple of hours." Then slams the door behind her.
Duncan had come down the stairs as things got heated between them. He stood in the stairwell and heard everything that was being said. The heartbreak in both their voices. The youngness in hers. He understood where both of them were coming from. What concerned him most was this man Victor. He wanted to know why this man wanted this land so badly. None of the property could be built on. The government made sure of that when it made it a national park. Then it crossed his mind. Holy Ground. Whispering to himself. Then suddenly realizing that the immortal at the arena was Victor. The person who bought the deed from the bank was him. He was calling in the debt. With that realization, another thing occurred to him. That Mrs. Taylor was right, he probably won't stop at nothing.
After Duncan had heard the door slam, he came into the kitchen. Mrs. Taylor had gotten up and made her way to the sink. She stood there pretending that she was washing dishes.
"Good morning Mrs. Taylor." Duncan said as he got himself a cup of coffee. He notices Rhiannon's full cup of coffee as he sat down at the kitchen table. "Good Morning Duncan. (With a fake cheerfulness.) How did you sleep?" She asked him as she turns around. He could tell right away she had been crying. "Pretty well...The bed was nice and soft. It is a big difference from sleeping on the ground for three months." He happily said. She giggled, "Well I would say so." Mrs. Taylor comes over to the table and sits down. She can see the concern in his face. "You heard us didn't you?" Duncan looked at her carefully, studying her face. "Yes I did." It was all it took. She started to cry. "I am so sorry you had to hear that." "That's ok. Right now I am more concerned about what is going on."
Mrs. Taylor got up and poured another cup of coffee for the both of them. Sitting down, she begins to tell Duncan everything. How Victor came here 20 years ago and slowly started to buy up property, mainly along the Pigeon River. She explained how her husband and Victor fought over the burial grounds.
"Has anybody ever try and stop him?" "It does no good... He just thinks of another way to get around you to get it." This angered Duncan. "Has he threatened to hurt you or Rhiannon?" Mrs. Taylor sat there for a few minutes. Unsure if she should tell him the truth. She knew if she lied though, he would be able see right through it. "No…Just in words."
Mrs. Taylor went on to explain the lean and how he has been threatening them that he would take the house. That he has promised he would do anything to get this property. Even if he had to burn it down. Duncan just sat there and listened to her, trying not to show any emotion. Everything she was telling Duncan made him more outraged. He was sure that this man Victor knew what Rhiannon was. What he couldn't quite understand is why he hasn't taken her head. Why is he toying with them? He wondered. Was it the game? Duncan wasn't sure. He did understand why he wanted the land. That he was very sure of. With the gathering drawing near, Victor needed holyground to stay out of the game. So he could be safe from other immortals. It was something Duncan could understand all to well. What he couldn't understand was why here. Why did it have to be this holy ground? There were other lands that he could own and be safe. There had to be another reason. They talked a while longer. Then Duncan excused himself.
II
Meanwhile, Rhiannon was jogging down the road. It really wasn't jogging. It was more like running. It usually soothed her to run. However, this time it wasn't even making a dent. Her mind was going as fast as her legs. Suddenly she stops. "Damn him!" She screamed so loudly that the birds in the trees were startle and flew away. She stood there holding on to the back of her legs, trying to catch her breath. It was all getting to Rhiannon. Right at the moment, she probably could kill Victor. He pushes and pushes. She mumbles to herself. Rhiannon began to wonder if her mother wasn't right, maybe it was time to quit. Even if she won the round received the prize money to pay him and all the creditors, Victor would still find a way to take it. She couldn't understand why he wanted it so badly. All that Rhiannon knew was, her parents worked hard to keep this land. There wasn't going to be anybody to take it away it way from Mama. Victor would have to kill her first.
Watching from a distance, Victor takes another draw off his cigarette. He could tell by Rhiannon's body language. Something was bothering her. She must have gotten another demand letter. Taking another draw of his cigarette, he smiles. It delighted him to see her all upset. He could tell that his plan was working but only to a point. Although Victor knows, Rhiannon won't back down. Her stubbornness will make sure she sees this to the end. One way or another. He thought. Knowing that he might in the end have to take her mortality, Victor just wasn't ready to do this yet.He flicks his cigarette out of his car window and gets out. Now it's time to have some fun. He starts to walk slowly and softly over to where she was. He wanted the element of surprise, to scare Rhiannon and make her think twice.
Rhiannon was in the middle of a stretch, when Victor made his way behind her. He reaches from behind and grabs her by the neck placing her into a head lock. The shock of it causes her to scream.
"Shhhh or I'll break your neck in two." He snapped. Rhiannon instantly recognized his voice. It was Victor. "What do you want?" She demanded as she tried to hide the fact that she was scared. "You know what I want!" Victor said as he tightens his grip.
That was about the time Rhiannon reached down and grabbed his package. This time it was Victor who screamed. As hebrought his hands to grab them, she elbowed him right in his face. Victor stumbled back enough for Rhiannon to turn around and kicked him hard in his chest. He went flying into a tree. The bark of the tree dug deep into his back. Victor couldn't believe that she had just done that to him. He stood there stunned. Then without giving any thought, he lunges at her. Striking her in the face with the palm of his hand. The force from the blow knocked her down to the ground. As Victor starts to climb on top of her to strike her again, Rhiannon reaches up and grabs his shirt and skin, at the same time she placed her foot on his chest and flipped him as hard as she could. He landed so hard that it took his breath away. Victor quickly recovered and started at her again. Then suddenly his stomach knotted and all of his hair stood on end. It caused him to stop in his tracks. When he looked over his shoulder, he knew who would be standing there. It was Duncan.
III
Duncan was jogging down the same road thinking about the situation that Rhiannon was in. He had gotten half down the path when the feeling of another immortal hit him. The feeling was strong and hard. Instinctively he knew who it was. Victor is here. Then he heard Rhiannon scream and started to run toward the direction the scream came from. When he reached the end of the path, Duncan could see them. He watched as Rhiannon flipped Victor hard. Then in his horror he watched Victor get back up and started toward her.
"Hey you...Leave her alone!" Duncan yelled as he ran up to them. Victor snickered at him. "My quarrel is not with you." Turning away from Duncan, he starts toward Rhiannon again. "You heard me...I said to leave her alone." Duncan demanded again.
Victor turned toward Duncan. The expression on his face told Duncan that he wasn't going to give up until he finished what he was there to do.
Not wanting Rhiannon to know about herself yet, Duncan looked over to her and ordered, "Rhiannon I want you to get up and get out of here now." She slowly lifted herself off the ground but she didn't move. As blunt and direct as Duncan could..."Get out of here now Rhiannon!" She stood there still in a daze, unsure what to do. "Go now!" Yelling at her. Whether it was the look on his face or the sound of his voice, Rhiannon ran away. As she did, Duncan and Victor drew out their swords as they circled each other.
"Who are you?" Victor asked as he swung his sword in front of him. "I am Duncan Macleod of the clan Macleod…Who are you?" Duncan demanded as he movedinto a defensive stance. "Why my name would be Victor Robbins. (in an old southern voice.) This is of not of your concern sir…It would do you good to stay out of it." "And why would I do that…Mr. Robbins?" Duncan asked sarcastically.
This pisses off Victor. Taking his sword, he thrusts it at Duncan. In return, Duncan takes the tip of his sword and swats it away. "I told you that my quarrel was not with you." Victor scolded Duncan. Duncan didn't reply instead he swung his sword at Victor. However, Victor was ready for it, he swings his around and blocks Duncan's sword. They both step back and place their swords back in front of them in a defensive stance.
"Well, well, well did we take a shine to the little country pumpkin?" Victor inquired. They move around into another complete circle. "You know what she is…Why are you doing this…Are you wanting her head?" Duncan asks as he hits the tip of Victor's sword. "If she gives me what I want…and we both know why I want it… (smiling broadly now) I won't take her head. Well not for at lease another hundred years or so." Victor jokingly replied.
As he did, Victor takes a swing at Duncan. However, Duncan was ready for it. He moves over to the right of the blade so it would miss him. Then taking his sword in an upward motion, he blocks Victor's sword. Victor laughed at this as he started toward Duncan. It was about then when they heard the sirens.
"We will meet again, Duncan Macleod." "I…that we will!" As they both put their swords away, Victor smiled at him. "Until that day Mr. Macleod. " They nodded at each other. Then Victor walks away.
Duncan watched Victor leave, then started to make his way back to the house. A few minutes later, the police went by in a pursuit of someone else. A feeling of relief washed over him. He wasn't ready to try to explain why two grown men with swords were fighting. Above all, Duncan was relieved he showed up when he did. Victor looked as though he wanted to kill her right there. But the more he thought about it, Duncan realized what he wanted to do is scare her. He was making his way up the path to the house when he sees Rhiannon. If he wanted to scare her, he did. Thinking to himself.
Rhiannon was sitting on the porch swing with a terrified look as Duncan came onto the porch. He went to her and sat down. He could tell she had been crying. Running his finger across her face to her chin, "Are you ok?" She couldn't answer his question. All Rhiannon could manage to do is shake her head no. Duncan reaches out to her and places his arms around her.
Duncan sat there with Rhiannon in his arms. He held her as close as he could, letting her cry. Something she needed to do desperately. Victor had succeeded at his goal. She was completely shaken to the core. After a while, Duncan let her go. He reached over and wiped the last of Rhiannon's tears from her eyes.
"Are you going to be ok?" Duncan asked. Rhiannon paused for a moment, unsure how to answer. "Yeah, I think so. He just crept up behind me. (Attempting to smile.) If you wouldn't have shown up when you did… I don't know what would have happened. (taking a deep breath) So what happens when I left?"
Duncan studied her facial expression before he answered. He wasn't quite sure how to answer her. The truth wasn't an option.
"I just told Victor that it would be in his best interest to leave you and your mother alone." Rhiannon knew the moment that Duncan said his name that he knew everything that had been going on. That her mother had told him the whole sordid truth. But she knew he wasn't telling her everything that happened. There was more. That there was something Duncan was holding back.
"What did he say?" Rhiannon asked. Duncan paused before he answered her. He couldn't tell her the truth, not yet. "Nothing…we heardsirens and parted ways," he answered. They sat there for a moment in silence, uncertain what to say to next. It was Duncan who spoke first.
"Rhiannon, Please don't take what I am going to say the wrong way. But you need to be more careful." It had to of been the look Rhiannon gave. Duncan regretted it as soon as he said it. "Excuse me… I think I can take care of myself. Thank you very much!" She got up and started for the front door. Duncan grabbed her arm and to stop her. Turning Rhiannon around to face him, "Victor wants to hurt you Rhiannon…and he wont stop until he does." "So what do you suggest I do Duncan?" Rhiannon demanded. "Be more aware of your surroundings. Don't take anything for granted."
This only infuriates Rhiannon even more. "How dare you… What makes you think I can't take care of myself?" Duncan snapped back at her, "You weren't doing a good job a few minutes ago. (meaning for it to sting) Don't you understand? (reaching down he places his hand on her chin to make her look at him) He wants to hurt you! What happens earlier is only a taste of what he wants to do to you."
Rhiannon let down her defenses, realizing that what he saying was right. She couldn't understand why he wanted her home so badly. Tears started to stream down her face. It was all too real to her. Duncan reaches out and pulls Rhiannon close to him and holds her tight. They stood there while she cried again in his chest. He just held her close standing there stroking her hair. After a while, they let go of each other and walked back to the swing.
"What do you think I should do?" Rhiannon asked tearfully. "Walk away. Let him have it. This (spreading his arms out) isn't worth you life," She couldn't believe he said that. "I just can't turn my back and walk away Duncan...My parent's work to hard for what we have…just to give it up… I can't do that! (turning to face him) Haven't you ever stood up for what you believed in?" Duncan sat there and looked at her. He knew he had many times. However, he also knew that there were times a person had to walk away.
"Sometimes Rhiannon you just have to walk away." Rhiannon sat there looking at him, shaking her head. "Well this just isn't one of those times. " Duncan sat there for a minute and then asked "So what do you plan on doing to keep him from hurting you or anyone else? (getting frustrated) How are you going to keep him from taking your home?" "I don't know Duncan… All I can do is just try and do the best I can do to keep him from taking my home...(trying to convince him) I will win the prize money and see where that leads me...As for my safety...Well I guess I'll just have to watch my back." She didn't know whether she was trying to convince Duncan or herself. "Do you think if you win that it will be enough to keep this house and to keep him from coming after you?" Duncan asked. "I don't know...but it's a chance I have to take.." Rhiannon replied. Duncan sighed. He could tell that she was too head strong to get her to change her mind.
IV
Victor pulls into his driveway like a man possessed. He was enraged. He could just taste Rhiannon. Slamming the car door, he goes into his house, throwing his keys across the room. I had her in the palm of his hands when "he" shows up. Talking to himself. Victor walks into the dining room and looks out the window. The back of his house faced the river, from there he could see the shack. Holy ground was so close yet so far. There was one thing that was standing in his way now. Duncan Macleod. The little dance they just did, Victor knew he was good. Maybe good enough to beat him.
Victor really didn't want her head, not at this very moment. He had plans for her first. Many plans. One of which wasn't her head. She needed to grow and mature as immortal before it was worth taking. Then and only then would he take it, if he had too. Turning away from the window, Victor heads up to his bedroom.
Tonight's the night. He thought. One more step before the main round. In a way, he hoped Rhiannon would win in her round. Then he could see what she is truly made of. Maybe give her immortality. Then become her mentor. He laughs at the thought as he goes into the closet. Victor pulls out his 16th century suit and laid it on the bed. One thing is for sure. She sure can put a hurting on you. He thought as he rubbed his face. However, this new guy. Victor started to worry about Duncan. He knew this one was not going to let him have his way with Rhiannon or her family not without a fight. Victor could sense the man wanted his head today. There was some kind of loyalty and honor there. He couldn't quite understand why.
Victor felt after eight hundred years of living he needed a rest. He needed to gather up his strength for the gathering. It would soon be here, very soon. He needed time to get his senses together and prepare. Though there was a part of him that wanted to just lay his head down. Let them have his quickening and get it over with it. At one time, he had it all. Fame, fortune and even love. Then greed came along and took it all. It has taken over a hundred years for him to recoup.In order for him to be ready for the gathering, he needed to take a time-out. Get out of the game for a while. But in order to do that he needed that burial ground.
Victor felt the Tribal consul promised it to him long ago. He had a wonderful relationship with the Indians. They lived together in perfect harmony. That is until he fell in love with a beautiful squaw. A brave that she was promised to challenged him. He lost and died in front of the chief. When Victor came back to life, it spooked the chief. He told him that he was a sprit, that he was now part of the land and didn't need possession of it. Victor protested and the chief would have no part of it. Banishing him to live his days where he was slain. In order to keep the government from taking their sacred land, the Indians gave the land to the Taylor family. Now it is his turn to have it. Victor felt they had it long enough. He needed it. The Indians didn't need any longer. Moreover, in his eyes neither did the Taylor's. He waited long enough. No one was going to stand in his way.
Victor thoughts turned to Rhiannon once more. If she had just sold him the property and not been so damn stubborn. He would have let her stayed on the property. Now it has gone too far. A due or die situation. It was the principal of the thing. He hoped against hope that she would just give up. Not go after the prize money to pay him off. Just to sell the shack and go on with her life. However, Victor knew deep in his heart that was a false hope. Rhiannon never was one to discourage. If there were a slim chance of her winning, she would give it her all. He knew that's why she decided to go pro this year. She felt that she had a good chance at wining and getting the prize money. As well as she should think that. Rhiannon was good. One of the best Victor had ever seen. Knowing her as well as he does, she would give him one hell of fight. He could tell that today. He also knows it they face each other that he would have to kill her. That isn't what he wants. The land is all, nothing more. Victor goes to the night stand and picks up the phone. Maybe I should call and see if I could persuade Mr. Macleod into talking some sense into her. Thinking to himself as he picks up the phone.
V
Duncan and Rhiannon sat together in silence, both thinking about everything that was just said. Hoping that the other understood what the other one was trying to say. Duncan was the first to speak.
"What now?" Duncan asked, desperately searching for an answer on her face. "Take it step by step. That's all I can do." He knew she was right. Even though he wanted to protect her, she had to do what she has to do. Knowing in the end, all he can do is be there and protect her the best that he can.
"Okay then…If you do one thing for me." "What is that?" He held her with his eyes for a moment. Uncertain if he should do anything. In the end, deciding that he couldn't just sit back and let her deal with this alone. " If you let me help… in any way I can… If it is, just to be there for you or to protect you. Just let me help you." Rhiannon looked deep into his eyes. She could tell he meant every word. Believing he would do what he said with all her heart.
With tears in her eyes, all Rhiannon could manage to say was "Okay." Duncan pulls her to him. Knowing that she was safe with him as long as she was with him. She would always be safe. Or would she? He wondered.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, the phone rings. Mrs. Taylor answers it. The disguised voice on the other end asks to speak to Mr. Macleod. Telling the person on the other end to hold on, Mrs. Taylor comes to the door. Looking around she sees Duncan and Rhiannon sitting together on the swing. This causes Mrs. Taylor to smile to herself.
Clearing her throat, "Duncan you have a call." Looking puzzled, he gets up. "Do you know who it is?" "No…the man didn't leave a name," she answered. Getting up he follows Mrs. Taylor into the house. "Use the phone on my desk in my office. You'll have some privacy there." She said as she walked into the kitchen.
Going into the office, Duncan picked up the receiver, "This is MacLeod." "Hello Mr. Macleod. Remember me?" The voice on the phone asked. Duncan knew instantly who it was. "What do you want Robbins?" "I was checking on Miss Cleary." Victor replied in a devilish voice. "I am warning you to leave her alone!" Duncan demanded. "Not in the plans my man." "Leave her alone or I'll take your bloody head!" "Oh a threat. I'll tell you what…Convince her into giving me the land and I may give it some thought." "You know that is never going to happen Robbins." Duncan responded.
Then there was silence. A few seconds pass by. "Well then…just tell Miss Rhiannon that she will be hearing from me soon. That next time she might not..." Duncan cuts him off. "There will be no next time. I promise you that." "Then I will do what I must." Victor hangs up before Duncan has a chance to respond.
Duncan slams down the phone. He could tell he was serious. Now Duncan was afraid he had made it worse. He knew what his plans were. That it wasn't going to happen as long as he could prevent it. Taking a deep breath, he realizes that whether he wanted it or not, he was being pushed back in the game. Only way this immortal was going to quit is by taking his head. Though the thought didn't please him. Duncan knew he had to. It was the only way he knew to keep her safe. He made a promise to her and he was not one to break promises. His honor didn't allow it.
Leaving the office, he started to go back outside when Mrs. Taylor stopped him. "Rhiannon isn't here. She went down to the barn to practice with Ross." He stood there and just stared at her in disbelief as his heart was slowly rising into his throat. Duncan couldn't believe Rhiannon knowing what kind of risk she was taking. Then again, she is headstrong and didn't like to be told what to do. He could see this was going to be a problem.
As if Mrs. Taylor was reading his mind, "She said that she would see you in a little bit. If not, tonight at the round. She also told me to tell you that she would be ok with Ross. Do you know what Rhiannon meant by that?" Mrs. Taylor asked, probing. "I really don't know what she meant Mrs. Taylor." He answered, half lying to her. "Who knows what that child meant… Sometimes I don't even think she knows what she means. Anyhow, I'm going back to the kitchen, to finish baking for the bake off tonight."Mrs. Taylor said, knowing that Duncan was only telling her half truths. As she starts her way back into the kitchen, "Oh yea, you'll be fending for yourself tonight. I won't be home to make dinner tonight. (Winking at him.) I know you can find a nice place to have dinner…make sure Rhiannon eats too." The front door closes behind Mrs. Taylor.
Duncan stands there feeling deserted for a moment. Deciding that he would go up and mediate. The only comfort he could take was that at lease Rhiannon wasn't alone. Ross was with her. From what he could tell he was very fond of her and protective. He knew in his heart that Ross wouldn't let anything happen to her. At lease she was safe...for the moment.