Chapter 5
The Calm Before the Storm
I
It turned out to be another hot day. Ross and Rhiannon tried to practice. But it was way too hot in the barn, so they decided to go on into town. There they could practice in the school gym. The walk there was particularly quiet. This disturbed Ross. Usually you couldn't get Rhiannon to shut-up, Especially before a big match.
"Ok Rhiannon. What's up?" Ross probed. She didn't answer right away, debating whether or not to tell him what is going on. "Hey!" Ross grabbed her arm to stop her. "What?" She said as she stopped. "It's that Duncan guy huh?" "No, it's not him." Ross stood there and looked at her. He wasn't sure if she was telling the truth. "Honestly, It is not him!" Rhiannon protested. "Then what the hell is it?" Ross demanded. Rhiannon stood there wondering if she should tell him everything.
They started to walk again. "Ok Ross, here it is in a nut shell...I got a visit from Victor this morning." Rhiannon simply answered. Ross was completely shocked. "Are you okay?" "Yeah, scared the shit out of me. Victor came up from behind me. I never knew he was there." She answered. "Rhiannon, what the hell did you do?" Ross asked. Rhiannon stopped again to answer him. "Trying my best to kick his ass…Let me tell you, he was getting the better of me, until Duncan stepped in." She said it with relief. They started walking toward the school again. Ross couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"What did he do?" Ross asked, with a little disbelief. "Duncan got me the hell out of there, that's what he did! After that I don't know. (shaking her head) All he would tell me is that he warned Victor to leave me and Mama alone." "Do you think that Victor is going to listen to him?" Ross inquired. "What do you think Ross, has Victor ever listened to anyone? Especially when someone tells him to do something…No I think that this is going to get very ugly." Rhiannon stated as a matter of fact.
Theywent into the school, then into the gym. The room was completely empty. "Well thank God Macleod got there when he did. Victor would have probably really hurt you…You know how weird he has gotten." Ross said. Rhiannon shook her head in agreement. Neither one of them doubted it.
You could hear the clanking of swords a mile away or at least that is the way it sounded in the empty gym. They were practicing hard. This is what Rhiannon strongest at. Fencing was her game. Little did she know that one day it would come in handy. Ross was trying his best to keep up. She was blocking his every move. Ross could tell she a lot of frustration to work out.
"Ok.,ok...I quit Baby Girl." Ross said half laughing, half meaning it. Rhiannon gives him one more whack and quit. They stood there for a few minutes completely out of breath. "You're going to kick Doug's ass, tonight." "I better or I lose everything and Victor wins." Rhiannon replied. She knew that no truer words were spoken. If she doesn't win tonight, it is all his. They went and sat down on a bench, both of them soaking in sweat.
"So you like Macleod, huh?" Ross asked even though he already knew the answer. Rhiannon smiled. "It's something about him. I don't know what it is." She answered knowing full well that was a lie. It was all in his eyes. "Does he feel the same or is this one sided?" Ross inquired. "I believe he does." "He is a perfect stranger Rhiannon. Are you sure about this?" She smiled at Ross. He could tell she was falling hard. There was something different in her. There was a calmness that she never had. Duncan made her feel safe and that was something she never had.
"Yes Ross…More every time I am with him. I think about him constantly." She replied with honesty in her voice. "Baby Girl, I don't know how to tell you this…But your in love." That was the first time Rhiannon had heard it out loud. It blew her away.
Ross wasn't surprised though. He could tell yesterday. It was written all over their faces. It was something Rhiannon had needed for a long time. He was happy for her. But something held back the feeling a little. There was nagging question about Duncan that he could not quite shake. Something he was hiding not only from Rhiannon, but everyone else. Ross instinctively knew it was something about Rhiannon. She had always been different, never quite fitting in. Ross thought it was because of being thrown from one foster family to another. Never quite finding love or finding it in all the wrong places. Then Duncan comes along and the pieces start to fall in place. Ross began to think and believe that Duncan was her destiny. Nevertheless, he still had this nagging feeling that there was something much more. Much bigger than anyone could ever imagine.
Picking up their gear to get ready to leave, "Are you going back home or hanging out here?" Ross asked. Usually Rhiannon would have done the later. But with what happen earlier, she felt maybe she should go home. "I want to go home Ross...Maybe lie down and rest before the bout tonight. Do you mind walking me home?" "Sure, besides with what Victor did to you this morning…you shouldn't really be by yourself." Ross answered
Before they got half way out of the gym, Rhiannon stopped Ross, "Do me a favor...don't tell Mama what happen today…ok...I really don't want her to know about it. (pleading with him) She really has too much to worry about without me adding to it." Ross wasn't sure about keeping it from Mrs. Taylor, but agreed to it anyhow. "I won't tell….for now Rhiannon. Not until I have to. Deal?" "Deal!" Rhiannon joyfully agreed.
They walked outside into the hot air of the afternoon. Making their way down the path back to the house, Ross stopped abruptly. "I just want you to know that I will always be here for you Rhiannon." Ross reaching down and gives her a hug. She hugs him back knowing that he was telling truth. She has always been able to count on him. "Same here, after all you my big brother... right?" Ross started laughing. "Always Baby Girl…Always!" With that said, Ross took her home.
II
Ross and Rhiannon parted ways at the gate. Walking up the path way to the house, she notices that no one seems to be home. Which after all the excitement Rhiannon has had today, she welcomed it. Going to the front door and unlocks it. Setting her gear on the floor, she hollers out, "Hello...Is anyone here?" No one answers. Finally, I got the place to myself! Smiling to herself. She heads down the main hallway, when one of the floorboards creaked. It stopped her right in her tracks. She stood there listening. Even though she didn't hear anyone, Rhiannon could sense someone else was there. Her pulse was beating like a drum in her head. She slowly walks toward the den when she heard the floorboard creak again. Again she stops. This time she could feel someone coming up from behind her. Before Rhiannon could turn around, she felt someone touch her shoulder. Grabbing an arm, she flips him over her shoulder. As he landed, she realized who it was.
Duncan landed hard, flat on his back. Rhiannon stood there stun. It was the last person she expected. She runs over to him. Duncan was just laying there trying to catch his breath. Rhiannon knelt down next to him.
"Duncan...Duncan, are you ok?" She asks. Duncan takes a deep breath and then opens his eyes. He couldn't believe Rhiannon threw him like that. "I'm…I'm ok." He said still feeling out of breath. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know it was you." She apologized. Then all of a sudden, Rhiannon got a very angry look on her face. Duncan started to get back up, when she shoves him back down.
"What the hell did you do that for?" Rhiannon demanded, as she looked deep into his eyes. "I didn't mean to scare you." Duncan replied innocently. "Why didn't you answer?" Rhiannon smacked his arm. Duncan just started laughing. The facial expressions and gestures were a little too much.
"What the hell is so funny? Do you like your ass flipped across the room?" Rhiannon asked, as she climbed on top of him and started tickling him. They started rolling all over the floor. The next thing she knew Duncan was holding her down. "Are you going to quit?" Duncan teased her. Rhiannon was trying to look at him through some hair that fell in her face. " Are you?" Rhiannon asked as she blew at the hair in her face. They just looked at each other, waiting for the other to make their move. Rhiannon struggles a little bit under his weight. Duncan doesn't budge.
"Okay…Okay I'll make a deal with you." Rhiannon said as she struggled to get Duncan off her. "What's the deal?" Duncan enquired, chuckling at her. "If you move this damn piece of hair off my face, I'll quit." Rhiannon pleaded with him.
Duncan moved his hands so that his left hand was still holding both of Rhiannon's wrists. He took his right hand and gently brushing the piece of hair out of the way. Duncan could finally see her face. Rhiannon's eyes were dancing in the sunlight along with a smile that could warm the coldest of hearts. Rhiannon had stopped struggling she was just too tired to. She could finally get a good look at Duncan. His hair was all tossed. Half of which was still in the tie, the other half was in his face. She notices that he was still trying to catch his breath. "Now let me up!" Rhiannon demanded. Duncan shook his head no.
They stared in each other eyes for a few minutes, knowing what the other wanted. Duncan leaned down and kissed her. Not like the first time, this was different. For this kiss had passion. Gently he pressed on her lips opening them. Rhiannon's was eager to accept his. Their tongues swirled round each other. By this time, Duncan had let her wrists loose. She had reached up and placed her arms around his neck pulling him closer, kissing him deeply. Duncan turns her over putting her on top of him. Rhiannon's hair falls down around him. They begin teasing each other, pulling away in a mid kiss, making their lips hunger for more. Duncan reaches up and wraps his arms around Rhiannon pulling her closer to him kissing her passionately. Duncan moves her hair to the side and starts caressing her neck. He wanted Rhiannon in the worse way. He wanted to taste all of her, taking in all of her sweetness.
Then suddenly Rhiannon pulls away. Something is telling her not now. No matter what her body and heart was staying. It was her head that was telling her this wasn't the time or the place. Rhiannon smiled at Duncan as she placed her hand on the side of his face. He reaches up grabbing her hand and kisses it.
"What's wrong?" Duncan asked. Rhiannon didn't say a word. She leans down and gives him one last kiss. It was more a peck than anything else. Then slowly gets up. Duncan joins her looking and feeling confused. "What's wrong Rhiannon?" He asks her again as he places both hands on her face so he could look into her eyes.
"I can't explain it right now." Rhiannon simply said. " Its all right Rhiannon...I understand." Duncan places his arms around Rhiannon, pulling her close to him. He did understand probably more than she did. They stood there in silence. Their longing and passion would have to wait.
Rhiannon could have easily made love to him but something made her panic. She didn't quite understand why. So how can he? Rhiannon wanted to tell Duncan how she felt about him. How she was falling in love with him. How she didn't want to get hurt again. But for the moment Rhiannon was content in being in Duncan's arms. Listening to his heartbeat, Rhiannon thought about how he was so strong and yet so gentle at the same time. She could stay there forever. But something was holding her back. She could tell there was something that he was hiding. Even though deep inside Rhiannon trusted Duncan. Her whole being told her too. But as long as Duncan kept hiding whatever, he was hiding, she couldn't or could she?
Duncan stood there holding her. He loved the way she felt in his arms. He wanted her so much, to caress every inch of her. But he would have to wait until she was ready. So much has happened to her in the last day or two. Duncan couldn't blame her for wanting to wait.
Rhiannon slowly pulled away. "I've got to go and get ready. Tonight's a big night...Besides the round." Rhiannon said with excitement in her voice. "Oh really...Why is that?" Duncan inquired. "Duncan, Let me ask you question? (Duncan nods his head for her to go on) Do you know how to dance…I mean line dancing?" Duncan stood there looking at her with his eyes all big and wide. "I do know how to dance...maybe not line dancing. (smiling wide) But I'm willing to learn...why?" "Well, before the round tonight, they're having a dance at the hall tent. Good music and wine... Maybe a little bit of a good time." She said as she tried to persuade him. "Does eight o'clock sound good?" Duncan asked. "Sounds good." Rhiannon replied with a huge smile.
Rhiannon reaches up on her toes and kisses him softly on the lips. Duncan wasn't going to get by with a peck on the cheek this time. She was going to make sure of it. Duncan didn't fight it ether. He kisses her back. Things start to begin to heat up again. With every kiss their passion started brewing. Slowly Rhiannon forces herself to pull away. Not because she wanted to. But because she had to. "I'm going on up." Rhiannon said with hesitation in her voice. Not giving Duncan any chance to protest, she turns and goes up stairs.
III
Ross was making his way back to the fair. He was average size man very dark from the southern summer sun. Ross had lived in Elkmount all of his life. He loved it there. People were friendly and kind. It wasn't always like that. At first they shied away from him, mainly because the color of his skin. Rhiannon was the first to accept him for whom he was. She stood by his side when everyone else was turning their back. Rhiannon was just a teenager then. But still had a level head about her. That day, she stood there beside him, when everyone wanted to hurt him. She wouldn't stand for it. It took a child to reason with a bunch of men. Then again Rhiannon had always been like that. That's why Ross loved her so much. A true friend. It disturbed him to see what happening to her. He wanted so much to help her. But Ross didn't quite know how.
The sun was beating down hot on his back. Ross was rounding the corner of the dirt road, when someone calls out his name.
"Ross!" The voice said. Ross turned and looked to his left to see who it was. It was Victor. "Hey boy!" Ross turned around to look at him. "What do you want?" Ross asked. "We need to talk Mr. Williams." "And what would it be about?" Ross was unsure if he wanted to know the answer. "A mutual friend." Victor answered. "What about Rhiannon?"
Victor started to walk toward him. Then he stops about two feet in front of Ross. "You need to talk some sense into her." Victor demanded. Ross stood there and stared at him. Wondering what this mans next move was. "How can I do that?" Ross asked "Well I want you to give her a message. (moving slowly toward Ross) Tell her that...if she just doesn't give and give me that property...this is going to happen to her next." "What's going to happen?" Ross started to back up.
Out of nowhere Victor hit Ross as hard as he could with a billy club striking him in the head. It was so hard that Ross dropped to his knees in pain, placing his hands over his head. Victor then gave him a hard blow to his back. It caused Ross to lose his balance falling the rest of the way to the ground. Victor relentlessly kept hitting him and hitting him. All Ross could do is get into a fetal position and protect as much of himself as he could. By the time it was all said and done, Victor had left him completed bloodied and bruise. Victor kneels down next to Ross. He could tell he beat him badly but not enough to kill him. That's exactly what he was aiming for. Victor didn't want him to die.
"Now Ross...son, I'm sorry that you had to learn Rhiannon's lesson. (grabbing his hair) Tell her, next time it will be her…(pulling him up far enough to look at him) I am tired of playing this game with her. I don't care if she raises the money or not. I want that property. (looking Ross dead in the eye) Ether Rhiannon sells it to me or I take it. Ether way its mine." Victor lets go of Ross's hair with such great force that his head hit the ground. "Let her know Ross…Next time I am coming for her." With that said Victor turned and walked away.
Ross lay there for a while. His head and body ached from the beating. He tries to lift himself up, except his battered body wouldn't let him. All he could manage to do is sit up. Dizziness tried to set in, but he shook it off. Ross knew he had to get himself together. Victor was going to go after Rhiannon next. He had to get to her and warn her. Rising to his unsteady feet, he felt as though he was going to black out. Ross held onto a fence letting his head quit from swimming. Slowly he started to walk, stumbling along the way, stopping every few minutes to let his body rest. With every step Ross took his body just ached. The only thing that kept him going was that he had to get to Rhiannon to warn her. Knowing deep in his heart, that she wasn't going to take any of this well. She wasn't one to back down no matter whether her life was at stake or not. All this was going to do is make Rhiannon more determine to try and beat Victor at his own game. In the end, Ross knew that no matter what she decides to do he had to warn her.
Victor made his way down to the runway feeling very smudged about himself. Maybe now she'll give up. Knowing what he just did might be the only way Rhiannon would give up. Victor didn't want to have to do it. But it was the only way he knew he could get to her. By hurting the ones she loves. What was the best way to do that but go after her best friend. I hope that Ross can talk some sense into her…so that this was for not. Victor knew that was wishful thinking. One way of another he was going to get what he wanted. Even if he had to kill her mortal soul and make her immortal. That way she would be dead to everyone and she wouldn't have a choice but to walk away. But he didn't want to make her immortal yet. It wasn't in his immediate plans for her. Victor wanted nature to take its course. But he wants that land more.
In the meantime, Ross had made his way down the road, stopping every couple of feet or so to get his bearings straight. Finally he made his way up the walk way to the house and through the gate. Ross could see Duncan sitting on the porch. Seeing him there, Ross knew for the moment Rhiannon was safe. Once he realized that his body couldn't move anymore, collapsing to the ground.
Duncan had seen Ross fall as he came into the gate. He runs over to him. When Duncan turned him over, he wasn't expecting to see what he saw. Ross was so beat up Duncan almost didn't recognize who he was.
"Ross...Who did this?" Duncan demanded. Ross looked up at him, whispering. "Is Rhiannon ok?" "Yea, she's upstairs getting ready Ross (looking him over) What the hell happen?" Again Duncan demanded. "It was Victor, It…It is a lesson for Rhiannon (barely being able to speak) Victor said if...she didn't give him...(groaning with pain) his land, Rhiannon is going to be next!"
Duncan couldn't believe his eyes or ears. What was this man thinking by doing this? It was uncomprehensible to him that another person could hurt someone like this, not over land. This is crazy. Duncan said to himself as he helped Ross to his feet. Placing his arm around Duncan's neck, Duncan made sure most of the weight on him as he carrying Ross into the house. Taking him into the living room and lays him on the couch.
"You got to warn her Duncan...Tell her he's after her." Ross pleaded with him. "I will...First we got to get you looked at." Duncan starts to leave to use the phone when Ross mustered enough strength to grab him and force him to stop. "Please…don't call anyone…I'll be ok...I have had worse." Ross said trying to reassure Duncan. "Okay...okay...let me get some ice for your face." Duncan leaves long enough to get some ice.
"Are you sure (placing the ice on his face.) You don't want me to call someone to take a look at you?You've had taken a really bad beating." Duncan asked. Ross looked at him and shook his head yes "Yes, right now I more interested...in making sure that bastard doesn't hurt her. (letting out a small moan as he laid to his side) Rhiannon is going to have to give up on this...she is going to have to walk away...Victor is going to kill her if he doesn't." Ross said with terror in his voice. "I don't think Rhiannon is going to be willing to do that Ross." Duncan said simply. "It doesn't matter whether she wins the round now or not...He wants the land period." Ross replied.
Duncan knew Ross was absolutely right. It doesn't matter at all now. Victor was coming for her, immortal or not. Duncan knew in that moment he had really no choice but to tell Rhiannon the truth. To try and explain what she is. This was going to be the only way she had a fighting chance against Victor. To stop the head games and make the playing field equal. Once she learned everything she was and is. How the game played then she would have choice on how she is going to deal with Victor. Duncan had to take away the upper hand that Victor seems to have. The one card he had was to tell Rhiannon. He knew that Victor thinks that he would never tell her what she was. However, Victor was forcing his hand. Most important, Victor was counting on Duncan not telling her about her immortality.
IV
Rhiannon had heard all the commotion downstairs. It didn't sound good. She finished getting dressed and made her way down. She followed the voices to the living room. In no way was she prepared for what she was about to see. Rhiannon could see Duncan sitting on the coffee table, with someone lying on the couch. "What's going on Duncan?" When he stood up, Rhiannon couldn't believe her eyes. There was Ross on the couch, beaten so badly that the only way she knew for sure it was him, was the bracelet on his wrist that she gave him years ago.
"Oh my God…Ross!" (running to his side) What happen to you?' She asked him with horror in her voice. Ross looked up at her. He could see she was trying to be brave. But the tears were swelling in her deep brown eyes. She turned and looked at Duncan. By the expression on his face, she knew what happen and who did it. She sat down next to Ross on the couch. Laying her hand on his chest, Ross whined in pain. It made Rhiannon withdraw her hand quickly.
"Would someone one please tell me what is going on?" Duncan explained everything he knew about the situation. Ross mainly reiterated it. They could see the shock on her face. Her heart sunk Was this worth all this? Thinking to herself. "What I'm I going to do?" Rhiannon asked both of them. "It's a decision you are going to have to make for your self Rhiannon." Duncan answered frankly. "This isn't worth your life, Rhiannon... Its time to give up Baby Girl. It doesn't matter anymore (reaching up he grabbed her hand) Victor doesn't care if you get the money up or not. He wants this land period, or he is going to kill you." Ross pleaded.
Rhiannon stood up. She looked down at Ross and then at Duncan. She took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. "This is it. I can't do this anymore. Next time he's going to kill someone. I could never forgive myself if someone died because of me." She said with much sorrow in her voice. As tears were rolling down her face, Rhiannon lean down and kisses Ross on his forehead.
"I am so sorry…I'm going to take care of it. (looking over to Duncan) Can you help him upstairs?" Rhiannon enquired. Duncan could tell she was going to lose it. Rhiannon started toward the door when he stopped her. "Where are you going?" Duncan asked with concern in his voice. Rhiannon tried to smile, but all she could muster was a half a frown. "Don't worry. I'm not going after him…I…I just need to sort out some things. (taking a deep breath in) I'll be down at the shack…I'll be ok there." Duncan knew that was true. Victor wouldn't dare touch her on holy ground. "I'll be there in a little bit." Rhiannon looked at him, nodding her head okay. She knew if she said anything more she was going to lose it. Rhiannon turned and walked out.
A little while later after Duncan put Ross to bed, he made his way down to the shack. His thoughts were racing in his mind. It was time to tell her. He knew it was the only way she could make the correct decision. Whether he was making the right decision, Duncan didn't know. It would be the first time that an immortal would know about themselves before becoming one. Whether that was the right thing or not, Victor was forcing his had. It was the only way he could ensure that Rhiannon makes the right decision for herself. Whether it was now or at a later date on when she would be an immortal. Not wait until Victor ensured that it would happen.
Making his way down to the shack, Duncan could see Rhiannon. She was practicing with a make shift wooden dummy. More like hacking it to death. He could see she had a lot of frustration. A good thing it's a dummy. Thinking to himself. Duncan didn't want to tell her about herself in this manner. It was just so much has happened in the pass couple of days that he just didn't have a choice. She must feel her life is so upside down and I get to complete the circle. Duncan knew he was going to change her life forever. Nevertheless, this is something that can't wait. Rhiannon has to know her what her options was. She has to make her own destiny.
As Duncan walks onto the porch, Rhiannon gives the dummy one more powerful hit. It sent the dummy's head flying through the air, landing at his feet. He reached down and picked it up.
"So what did this poor guy do to you?" Duncan asked jokingly. "Its Victors head!" She said with anger in her voice not realizing how true her words were going to be one day. The sweat was just rolling down her face as Rhiannon tried to catch her breath. She walked across the porch where her gear sat she picked up the case for her sword. The case slid over the sword with a loud clap. Duncan stood there studying her. He could tell that her emotions were working overtime.
"How's Ross?" Rhiannon asked as she placed her sword down. "He was sleeping when I left him…I think he's going to be fine," Duncan replied trying to sound confident. When Rhiannon looked up at him, Duncan could see there was a great deal of pain written on her face. Indecision. Heartbreak. He could also see that she was in so much sorrow. Rhiannon turned from him and began to stare out over the river. Duncan places down the head and walks over to where she was standing.
"Rhiannon don't blame yourself…you had no way of knowing." Duncan said as he placed himself on the rail so he could see her face. "Who's else to blame? Just Victor?...If it wasn't because of me...(taking a deep breath)… He wouldn't have hurt Ross." Rhiannon replied with hurt in her voice. Duncan said nothing. He couldn't argue with her even though it was only half true. All Duncan can do is stare at her. He reaches out and grabs her hands.
"Before you make any decision about what your going to do Rhiannon, I need you to listen to me…(looking deep into her brown eyes) Then after I have said what I'm going to say… make up your mind based on that." Duncan asked. "Ok, I'll listen Duncan…But I don't know what it will change. I think Victor has pretty much made the decision for me." Rhiannon said with a heavy heart.
Duncan knew that wasn't true. For what he was about to tell Rhiannon would change all the decisions she had already made about her life. This wasn't going to be easy for Duncan. He knows that once he tells her. Rhiannon's life would never be the same. They went and sat down on the bench facing the river. Duncan places his arm around Rhiannon pulling her close to him. He was about to turn her world completely upside down. He just hoped that she will be able to handle it.