Chapter 9

The Past Remembered

I

The clock on the night stand said 3:00 a.m., as the lightning lit up Rhiannon's room. Rain was coming down hard echoing as it hit the tin roof. The oak tree branches on the south side of the house were scratching up against it. However, Rhiannon was unaware of all of this going on around her. She was in deep a sleep. Unfortunately they weren't pleasant dreams. A nightmare was in her dreams tonight. She tossed and turned as she moved from one side of the bed to the other. In Rhiannon's dream, Victor was running after her with a sword, slicing the air as he did. Rhiannon kept trying to run from him but she stumbles and hits the ground. She was struggling to get up but her legs felt like rubber. Rhiannon manages to get up onto her knees. As she starts to crawl away, Victor comes up from behind and grabs her pulling her head back exposing her neck. Victor takes his sword and raises high into the air. There can only be one! Echos into the air as he swings the sword. Rhiannon could feel the blade cut into her neck . . .

Lighting crashed outside her window at the same time Rhiannon woke up screaming. She sat straight up in her bed cover in sweat. Her dampened hair was matted to her face. Moving the hair away from her face, Rhiannon tries to see into the dark. She searches the room to see if anyone was there. Her heart sank for a moment when she did see something move. Once her eyes could focus a little bit more, she realized it was just the curtains. They were moving with the breeze that was coming into the windows from the storm. Once she realized there was no one there, Rhiannon began to tremble. She couldn't shake the memory of the dream. It played over and over. The fear of death washed over her. Her death. Lighting crashed again. When it did, It caused Rhiannon to shudder. With the next flash, she quickly got out of bed.

The cool country air chilled Rhiannon as it dried the sweat coldly to her skin. Rhiannon goes over to the windows and closes each one, backing off when she sees a flash of lighting. She hated lightning ever since she was a small child. Thunder really didn't bother her because it meant the strike was over. It was the lighting that scared her most. All her nightmares always dealt with lightning. Even this one. Lightning struck close this time. Rhiannon flinched. I got to get out of this room! She thought in a moment of panic. Unsure what she was going to do next. Rhiannon grabbed her robe off the post of her bed as lightning lit the room up again and left the room.

Rhiannon made her way into the hallway and slowly started down the hallway. She could hear the wind howling outside. The house creaked from the pressure of the thunderstorm. It was causing her to be afraid. Coming to the staircase, Rhiannon wasn't quite sure what she was doing or where she was going. All she knew that she had to find a safe place, but wasn't sure where that was. Rhiannon looked down the staircase that went down stairs and then looked up the other staircase that went to Duncan's room wondering which way to go. Lightning flashed again with a loud roaring rumble. Without thinking or hesitating she went up the staircase down the hall to Duncan's room. As she approaches his room, she heard a voice in head say, Go ahead Rhiannon . . . He'll keep you safe. Gently she knocks on the door.

Duncan had been awake for a while meditating. The storm had waked him up hours ago. It was in the last half and hour that it had gotten worse. As the lighting crashed outside, he could barely hear Rhiannon knocking on the door.

Duncan got up and walked toward the door, "Who is it?"

"It's . . . Rhiannon." She said in a whisper.

When Duncan opened the door, he could immediately tell that something was wrong. Rhiannon was standing there covered in sweat and trembling.

"Rhiannon, what's wrong?" Duncan asked as he pulled her in through the door.

Rhiannon didn't reply. All she could do is slide her arms around his waist. Duncan reaches behind her and shuts the door, then placing his arms around her. Lightning lit up the room again, making Rhiannon clutch her arms around him tighter. Duncan could tell she was really afraid. What he didn't know was why, though it really didn't matter to him. He was there for her ether way. Duncan stood there holding her tightly.

Still feeling groggy, Rhiannon felt safe in his arms. The nightmare began to slowly fade from her mind.

Duncan cradles her face in his hands, "Are you okay?"

"Yes. (gently pulling away) I had a nightmare…(looking out his window) and the storm really didn't help." Rhiannon answered.

Rhiannon made her way over to the fireplace and stretched out her arms to warm her hands by it. A flash of lightning flickers into the room with a thunderous roar behind it, causing Rhiannon to flinch. Noticing how frighten she was, Duncan walked over to where she was standing. He carefully placed his hands on her shoulders, so not to scare her. Rhiannon responded by leaning back into him pressing her whole body against him for support. Letting her, Duncan placed his arms around her, holding her close.

"It's going to be ok Rhiannon. I'm here." Duncan said, trying his best to comfort her.

They stood there for a long time. Listening to the rain hit the roof as they watched the glow coming from the fireplace. The storm still had a lot of power. Every few minutes there would be another flash of lightning. Rhiannon would flinch and Duncan would just hold her tighter.

"I'm sorry for waking you" Rhiannon softly said.

"I wasn't a sleep. (turning her around) Its ok Rhiannon . . . I told you I would always be here for you." Duncan replied with honesty in his voice.

"I know." Rhiannon replied.

"Come on let's sit down. (looking toward the window) It doesn't look as if its going to let up anytime soon. (guiding her toward the bed) So tell me what was the dream about?" Duncan asked as they both sat down.

Rhiannon sighed, "I really can't remember. Just bits and pieced (sounding relieved that it was fading) What I can remember was lightning . . . Victor. Him chasing me…I…I remember a sword (placing her hand at her throat)…cutting into my neck."

Suddenly a chill went through Rhiannon causing her to shiver. Duncan grabbed the blanket at the end of his bed and placed it around her.

"Just keep saying to yourself that it was a dream." Duncan said trying to console her.

Duncan could still see how scared Rhiannon was. He knew that she was trembling more from fright than being cold. That had to be one hell of a nightmare. Thinking to himself as he tried to warm her and calm her down.

Rhiannon looked at Duncan. It was the first time she had really since he pulled her into the room. He had no shirt on just sweats and by the look of it nothing else. A feeling came over her. A sense of loneliness and longing with passion all rolled up in one. Duncan brought out feelings in Rhiannon that she had never felt before. The longer she was with him the more she wanted him. She wanted his strong arms around her, holding and caressing her. Wanting to feel him inside her. Wanting all he had to offer her.

Duncan was feeling the same hunger inside him. Longing to taste her, to feel her. The passion inside him was getting to a boiling point. Duncan knew if he didn't make love to Rhiannon soon, he was going to bust. Before he realized what he was doing, he had reached out and touched her face. Gently Duncan glides his fingers down Rhiannon's cheek. Then placing both hands on her face, he drew her close to him placing his lips on hers. Slowly and gently, he inserted his tongue into her mouth. Rhiannon anxiously waited until he found hers. When it did, their tongues danced. They kissed each other as the passion began to build between them. Duncan slowly pulled away long enough to catch his breath. Then kisses her again more passionate than the first kiss. Duncan could feel himself fully aroused. Passion burning deep within him, but something inside said to wait. Reluctantly he pulled back. When he did, it surprised Rhiannon. She could tell he wanted her as much as she wanted him.

"What is it Duncan?" Rhiannon whispered.

Duncan looked at Rhiannon. He wanted to see if she was feeling the same passion he had. That he did. There in her eyes was the same passion and longing he was feeling. But he had to make sure this is what she wanted.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Duncan asked.

"Yes Duncan (touching his face) It is the one thing I am most sure of . . . (leaning over she teases him with a quick kiss then pulling back) I want you." Rhiannon said passionately.

Duncan looked carefully in Rhiannon eyes making sure this was right. All he could see was the passion she had for him. Every ounce of his being knew it this was right, but was she ready?

Duncan traces the outline of her face, "Are you sure?"

"Yes." Rhiannon simply said as her heart pounded in her chest.

Duncan gently kissed Rhiannon's lips as he placed his arms completely around her, pulling her closer to him. As he kissed her, Duncan could hear his own heart beating loudly in his ears. For the first time in a very long time he was nervous. As if this was the first time he had ever made love. With every kiss or touch, he trembled. Duncan could tell that Rhiannon was just as nervous as he was because she was trembling too.

Rhiannon slowly pulls away and stands up. In the glow of the fireplace Duncan watched, she takes off her robe. As it falls to the floor, he moves behind her. Placing her hair to the side, he begins to gently caress her neck and shoulder with light kisses. Then carefully and slowly, he runs his hands over the length of her body. Letting his fingers touch and feel every curve. Rhiannon turns around and slowly lifts the nightgown over her head. There she stood exposed. As the lighting flashed behind her, he could see every part of her body. Duncan's heart was in his throat. He had seen many beautiful women in his lifetime and had been with many beautiful women. However, Rhiannon took his breath away. Duncan takes Rhiannon in his arms and lays her gently on the bed. Looking in her deep brown eyes, he could see the passion building. Leaning down to kiss her neck, Duncan hesitates. They were just about the point of no return.

Looking deep into Duncan's eyes, Rhiannon could see he wanted her. It was in the way he touches her and kisses her. So why does he keep hesitating. Thinking to herself. It was really starting to bother her that he kept pulling away from her. Rhiannon knew this was going to complicate things between them. It really didn't matter to her. Down deep inside, she knew this was right. That it fell right. Her whole being was telling her that it was right. All she wanted to so was to make love to Duncan, to show him how much in love she was with him.

"Duncan . . . I know what I am getting into. (reaching up to touch his face) I know what I want and I want you." Rhiannon said as she looked deeply into his eyes.

It was what Duncan really wanted or needed to hear. He leaned down and kissed her more passionately than before. There was no hesitation in ether one of them. In return Rhiannon surrendered her whole self to Duncan. She had never been touched quite that way before. He was so tender and gentle. Most of all with each and every touch she felt loved. Rhiannon returned every bit of Duncan's love back. Every once in while, the lightning would brighten the room up enough that they both could see the pleasure and passion on their faces. It was something they both needed. They both have felt so empty in their hearts for so long. As Duncan entered Rhiannon, it filled the void that they both were missing. To feel the oneness with someone that only comes when someone is truly loved by the other. That within it self was enough to for fill both their needs as it filled their hearts.

II

They laid in each other arms as Rhiannon had slowly drifted off to sleep. Duncan on the other hand was wide awake. He laid there stoking her long hair. Duncan looked over toward the window. The storm was beginning to calm down. Every now and then a flicker of light would come through the window. Even as Rhiannon slept, she flinched. As Duncan watched the remainder of the storm, he wondered why it scared her so badly. As lightning flashed again, it suddenly dawned on him. The quickening. She dreams about quickenings. That explained why she was so afraid of storms. In her nightmares it was the quickening that terrified her. That he was sure of. Looking back out the window, he notices the storm had stop. Just quiet rain.

Duncan lay there and studied every curve of her body. The sheet that was wrapped around Rhiannon fell when rolled over to her side exposing her back to him. Her hair had fallen flat against the pillowcase. His fingers traced the out line of her body, from her hip to the nape of her neck. That was when for the first time he noticed it. It was a scar on the nape of her neck. It wasn't big enough to really notice, but it did catch his eye. Leaning in to take a closer look at the scar, he could see that scar was from a burn. Moving her hair away from the scar, he could see that it had a shape of something. That is when his heart stopped. The scar had initials. V.R. Instantly he knew whose initials they were. He branded her. Victor had branded Rhiannon like she was a piece of cattle. He was furious. Duncan decided as soon as Rhiannon wakes up they were going to talk about it whether she wanted to or not.

There were many questions Duncan had. They were all about Victor. There wasn't a part of Rhiannon that wasn't touched by him. Her heart. Her love. Duncan also believed that Victor scarred her soul. He could tell that when he made love to her. It felt as though she had never been touched with any kindness or felt any type of real love. Duncan was beginning to realize there was a lot he didn't know about her. Rhiannon stirred rolling onto her back as Duncan lay there and looked at her. How can anyone do that? He couldn't believe anyone could do that to another person let alone someone that they claimed they love. Duncan knew he had to be the one that takes Victor's head not Rhiannon. When it came down to it, he wasn't sure if she could do it. Then again after everything Victor had done to her, Rhiannon might be able to do it. The hatred alone was enough. Then thinking to himself, Would her soul let her? He wasn't willing to take that chance.

Rhiannon slowly opened her eyes. At first, she didn't know where she was. The room was pitch black. It took her a few minutes to realize where she was. Rhiannon looked toward Duncan.

"Hey . . . you're awake?" Duncan said smiling at her.

"How long have I been a sleep?" Rhiannon said as she stretched.

"About an hour." Duncan answered as he reached down and gently touched her face.

Rhiannon could tell there was something on Duncan's mind. It was his expression as well as his mannerisms. He looked as though he had the whole world weighing on his shoulders.

"Okay Duncan, spill it. (sitting up) What's on your mind?" She asked as she looked into his eyes, scanning them for any clue that put him in such a mood.

"We need to talk about Victor. I mean really talk. Not about immortality . . . but about you two." Duncan said trying to be as direct as he could be.

"Okay (turning on the lamp besides the bed) what do you want to know?" Rhiannon inquired as she pulled the sheet up to cover her breast, unsure where this was coming from.

Duncan sat there for a few minutes, unclear of what to ask first. Deciding to go with obvious, "Why do you have Victor's initials burned on your neck."

The expressions on Rhiannon face, was one of pain and sadness. She wasn't ready for that question. Rhiannon hadn't thought about that time in her life in a very long time, nor had she really had faced it. It was always on the back burner of her mind. Even with all that has happen in the last couple of months, it never crossed her mind. Rhiannon had totally blocked it out. It hurt too badly to remember.

"Truthfully . . . because I was his." Rhiannon answered as her mind was trying to remember.

"His? What do you mean . . . his?" Duncan was shocked at the way she answered him, like it wasn't a big deal.

"Duncan it was so long ago . . . more than fifteen years now . . . (sighing) . . . I was a different person then." Rhiannon replied, as she moved down to the foot of the bed.

"So you let him do that to you?" Duncan couldn't believe what he was hearing.

Rhiannon sat there and looked at Duncan. Now it was her turn to try and explain her pass to him. Rhiannon wasn't prepared to deal with this right now and she didn't want to. What she wanted to do was to keep it right in the pass where it belonged.

"I really didn't have a choice in the matter or rather I felt I didn't'." Rhiannon explained.

Duncan looked at her puzzled. Motioning with his hand as he said, "Go on."

"It was . . . (pausing) the way our relationship was." Rhiannon said trying to searching for a way to put in words.

"Listen Rhiannon. Ross told me what happened with you and him." Duncan bluntly said. He was tiring of the dancing around it.

Rhiannon paused for a minute. She wasn't sure what Ross had said and what she was willing to say. If she should tell him everything or just enough to pacify him.

"Okay . . . so I guess the next question is why." Rhiannon said more as a statement not a question.

Duncan could tell she was getting upset. It wasn't an angry type of upset. But he could clearly see she didn't really want to talk about this.

"I guess that would be the next question." Duncan said.

"Okay let's start with (sighing) A. . . . yes. I and Victor had a relationship. B... It was very abusive. (breathing in deeper) C. . . . I was madly in love with him and thought I could change him. D... I couldn't and I left." Rhiannon said as she searched his eyes to see if there was now difference in how he looked at her. She could tell nothing had change. Duncan still looked at her the same way he did an hour ago.

Duncan moves to the head of the bed. Placing his arm around Rhiannon. He pulls her close.

"I'm sorry if you felt as though I was prying." Duncan said, now regretting on the way he started the conversation. Rhiannon didn't reply to him instead she placed her arms around his waist and hugged him.

Rhiannon debated with herself whether she should leave it at that or should she tell him everything. She could tell if she didn't talk about it, Duncan wouldn't push the issue right now. However, he wouldn't let it rest ether. That it would eventually come back up again.

"I'll tell you what happened to me. But I want you to know that . . . everything that has been going on with him and me has nothing to with now. (taking in a deep breath) We were through a long time ago." Rhiannon said being as direct as she could.

Duncan kissed the top of her head, "I know."

Rhiannon pulls away from Duncan and sits all the way up. This was going to be something that had to be told eye to eye.

"Victor had charisma and class, at least that what I thought at first. He wined and dined me, sweeping me off my feet. (looking toward the window) Then things changed after I moved in and fast. I was so young I didn't know any better . . . It happened the night that I moved in." Rhiannon began to explain. There was so much pain in her voice.

III

1988

Rhiannon had walked into the bedroom to put away some of her things. The workers had just about finished setting up the bedroom. As she went into the walk in a closet to put some clothes away, one of the workers came to the door. Not saying anything at first, just staring at her up and down.

"Can I help you?" Rhiannon asked.

"No . . . it's just a shame you're with the likes of him." The worker responded.

"And what do you think is wrong with him?" Rhiannon snapped at him.

"I don't know . . . maybe such a beautiful woman could do much better than him." The worker answered.

Rhiannon finished hanging up the last piece of clothing. Then turning around to face the young worker, "Who do you think I can do better with (pointing) you?" Frowning at the thought.

Rhiannon began to walk passed him, when the worker stuck his arm out. "You never know until you try?"

Taking a look at him from head to toe, Rhiannon started to laugh.

"Listen, when you become a man (tugging at his hairless chin.) Then maybe we'll talk. Ok?" Rhiannon said, with a smile a mile long. She started laughing again as she walked out of the closet and then out of the room.

Unknowing to Rhiannon, Victor was listening outside of the bedroom. Stepping out of her sight, when she walked out of the bedroom. He was angry and at that moment, Victor could have killed her and the worker both. After Rhiannon walks down the stairs, Victor goes into the bedroom. Grabbing the worker's arm, he throws him up against the wall.

"With the likes of me . . . uh? " Victor asked as he reached up and placed his hands around his throat, squeezing with all his might.

"I didn't mean anything by it . . . honestly!" The worker replied with a sound of horror in his voice.

Victor again throws him. This time not against the wall, but clear across the room. He landed hard into the fireplace. The worker goes to his knees and grabs his back. Victor casually walks over to him and pulls his head up by the hair.

"I think son, you better leave before I kill you." Victor said very calmly.

The worker was petrified. The boy gets up and stumbles across the room. All the other workers were in shock. They couldn't believe what just happened.

"Everyone get out. I'll finish up everything." Victor demanded, snapping his fingers at the other workers.

Victor was furious. He couldn't believe that boy or Rhiannon. He knew from this moment on, he had to keep her in line. Victor was a very possessive man. He didn't like the fact of her talking to another man, not when she was his. How dare she? Victor thought to himself. He had to teach her a lesson, to show Rhiannon who was in charge. Walking over to the dresser, he pulls out a pair of handcuffs, then hooking them to each bedpost. Standing there for a few minutes, making sure that is where he wanted them. Turning around Victor sat down on the bed.

"Hey Rhiannon . . . would you come here please." Victor said in pleasant voice.

"I'm coming." Rhiannon replied back.

Victor sat there and listened as she walked up the stairs.

As she came into the room, "Hey Victor, what's up?"

Victor got up and walked toward Rhiannon. Pulling her close, he kissed her passionately. What

Victor did next surprised Rhiannon. Pulling her away from him, Victor slaps her. She loses her balance and falls to the floor stunned. She began pushing herself away from him.

"What the hell did you do that for?" Rhiannon asked, dazed and confused.

Walking over to where she was, he reached down and grabbed her hair. Rhiannon screamed.

"You know what you did and you need to be taught a lesson . . . I moved you into my home. (dragging her to the foot of the bed) I showed you love and this is the way you carry on behind my back." Victor exclaimed.

Rhiannon started to kick at him as struggled to get away. This time Victor belted her. The corner of her mouth started to bleed.

"Why . . . What did I do?" Rhiannon said to him she began to cry.

Victor knelt down, grabbing Rhiannon's face, "This is going to be the first and last time that you ever talk to another man. I'll promise."

Rhiannon could see that Victor meant every bit of it. He changed on her in an instant. Looking into his eyes, she could see nothing but coldness and contempt. Victor was still holding the bottom of her jaw, when he forced her to her feet.

"Lay down in the bed . . . face down." Victor demanded, as he pointed at the bed.

"Please Victor, it was just harmless flirting . . . nothing more." Rhiannon said, begging him.

Victor was hearing none of it. This time he slapped her with the back of his hand. She fell backward on the bed. Victor walked back over to his dresser and pulled out a whip. Rhiannon froze. Victor nonchalantly walked over to where she was. Bringing the whip up and with one smooth stroke, he struck her on the arm. Instantly a huge welt formed with a tinge of blood. She howled in pain.

Grabbing Rhiannon by her neck, "Now lay face down on the bed!"

When he let go, she did exactly what he said. Victor places one hand in one handcuff as Rhiannon started to tremble. Her mind started to shut down not understanding why he was doing this. After placing the other hand in the cuff, Victor stood and looked down at her. Rhiannon was trembling.

"First lesson . . . You will never talk to another man." Victor demanded.

Rhiannon was unsure if she should reply or not. Victor made that choice for her. Again he struck her with the whip, this time on her back.

"I promise." Rhiannon said as she screamed in pain.

"Good . . . very good. Now I am going to make sure that if you are ever with another man (cracking the air with the whip) he will know whom you belong too!" Victor promised her as he struck her again then promptly left the room.

Rhiannon laid there crying in disbelief. She couldn't believe he was doing this to her. Trying to remember if he had shown a clue he was like this, but all she could remember is his charm. Rhiannon shook all over. She felt her knees fluttering all on their own. Her heart pounded faster as she heard his foots coming up the hall. Rhiannon couldn't believe this was truly happening to her. Turning her head toward the door, she could see him holding a small box. Watching him, he takes out a small tool. A soldering iron.

"What hell are you going to do Victor?" She asked terrified.

"I'm going to make sure that every man knows . . . (turning it on) Whose property you are." Victor replied as he watches it turned instantly red on the tip.

"Victor please don't . . . I promise it will never happen again." Rhiannon begged.

Victor reached down and stroked her hair, "I'm sorry Rhiannon . . . it has to be done."

Grabbing and pulling Rhiannon's hair back, Victor exposed her neck. With the tip of soldering gun, he started to burn his initials in her neck. She cried out in a horrendous amount of pain. When Victor was done, he uncuffed Rhiannon and turned her over. Her face all bruised and battered stained with blood and tears.

"Now . . . as long as you do as I say and understand your lessons. This will never happen again." Victor said as bluntly as he could. Rhiannon didn't say anything. Just tremble.

IV

Present day

Rubbing the back of her neck, Rhiannon got up and walked over to the window. Standing there with the sheet wrapped around her, she began to watch the sun come up. Duncan sat there for a few minutes. Soaking up every thing she had just told him. His heart ached for her. The terror she had to lived through. What angered him was the fact that Victor was right. Every man she fells in love with, those initials will remind him whom she was with. That she was his property. But for Duncan it wasn't like that. He knew Rhiannon was a victim. Victor knowing what she was, he knew he could take it to the edge. If he killed her, she just would become immortal. The branding was for the game, to let all immortals know whom her head belonged to. But it was the torture that was going to cause Victor to lose his head. That not only did he scar her neck, he forever scarred her soul. No wonder she didn't want to talk about it, all she wanted to do is forget. He thought as he watched her stand there. Duncan got up and moved over to where she was placing his arms around her. He knew it took a lot to tell him.

"I'm so sorry for what he did to you." Duncan said as he held her tightly.

Rhiannon didn't reply. Her mind was in instant replay. Feelings, thoughts filled her mind. There were reasons why she didn't remember. Now with it all brought up it played on her emotions. When all she wanted to do is forget. They stood there watching the sunrise in silence. Both of them, trying to collect their thought and their feelings. For now, being in each other arms were enough for both. That is where Rhiannon felt the safest. Duncan removed his arms from around her and grabbed her hand, leading her back to bed neither of them spoke a word. Once in bed he places his arms around her. There they laid in each other arms. Their emotions were in overload.

Duncan couldn't help but admired Rhiannon. Her will to survive. Learning to take care of herself, making sure that it would never happen again. That was the only true gift Victor ever gave her. Looking down at her, he couldn't help but to think about Rhiannon's strength. Deep in his heart Duncan knew she wasn't strong enough to play the game with Victor, not emotionally. Duncan also knew he must now get back into game. Something that he has strived to stay out of, until the gathering comes. Its fate. Thinking to himself. In his soul, he knew he couldn't stay out of the game for long and running away wasn't the answer. This time it would be different for him. He was going to have to face all his fears and demons head on. He knew this. Besides, most of all Duncan wanted Victor's head. More than he ever wanted anyone else's. He wanted that evil bastard dead.

Laying their listening to his heart beat, Rhiannon mind turned to Duncan. Wondering what he was thinking and feeling. She didn't want anything to change between them, hoping against hope that Duncan didn't hate her for pass. There was much more to learn about her. Things in her pass that she was not proud of and would like to forget. She wasn't that person anymore. It hurt Rhiannon to tell him what happened. She could tell that it bothered him. That it enraged him. It was written all in his eyes. She knew deep in her heart that he was going to make Victor pay. His honor would not let it be any other way. Rhiannon lifts up enough to look Duncan in his eyes.

"Duncan . . . what are you thinking about? You haven't said much. Are you mad at me?" Rhiannon asked sounding concern.

Duncan rolls over on his side. He reaches out and touches her face.

"I could never be mad at you . . . not over this. That was not your fault." Duncan replied, being as sincere as he could be.

Rhiannon looks deep into his eyes. She believed him with all her heart Duncan meant it.

"Then what is it?" Rhiannon wondered.

Duncan takes in a deep breath. He was trying to keep his Scottish soul from showing,. "I really don't know. I'm angry. Not at you . . . At him! To think that highly of himself…to think that you are his property."

"Duncan . . . I have learned to deal with it. It's as much as part of me as everything around me is. (sighing lightly) In a lot of ways . . . I'm thankful." Rhiannon said

"Thankful?" Duncan Interrupted.

"It has made me what I am today. I didn't wallow in self-pity. I gathered strength from it . . . I grew from it." Rhiannon tried to convince him.

Duncan lay there for a moment, then smiling widely, "You know something . . . your amazing."

Duncan leans in and kisses her. Pulling away, Rhiannon catches her breath. There was one more thing she needed to ask before their passion gets the better of them.

"So have we decided on what we going to do about tonight?" Rhiannon wondered what his answer was going to be.

Duncan sits up completely and turns to face the window. Rhiannon moves up behind him and puts her arms around his neck. Reaching up he rubs her arms.

"I'm going to take his head." Duncan simply said.

"Duncan we have gone over this….this is not your fight." Rhiannon said calmly as she moves next to him and sat down.

"You don't have enough experience to fight Victor. He'll be too much for you." Duncan said trying to convince her.

"Okay . . . Then I should runaway right . . . What does that solve? (looking directly in his eyes) You cannot fight my battles for me. Sooner or later I have to learn to do this for myself." Rhiannon said half angry, half hurt.

"Yes . . . but only after you become immortal and you learn to fight. To play the game . . . Right now you have to be careful. (reaches out and touches her face.) You're not an immortal. When you become one Rhiannon, your will be venerable right at the moment. He can take your head right then and there." Duncan replied, trying to be as direct as he could.

Rhiannon looked at him and then looked out the window. She watches as the sun was now coming up the mountain range giving the sky an orange glow. Rhiannon knew he was right. She didn't have the capabilities right now to fight him. There was going to be no way of learning how in the short time that they had before it came down to the wire.

"All right Duncan." Rhiannon said

"All right what?" Duncan said confused.

"All right . . . Go ahead and fight him." Rhiannon said, giving up the argument.

Duncan looked at her, unsure if he heard her correctly, "Your okay with this?"

"No. (Taking a deep breath.) But maybe your right. I know deep in my heart that I can't beat him . . . I just trust that you can." Rhiannon acknowledged.

Duncan reaches up and places his hand on her face, "I can. You'll just have to trust me. "

"That I do Duncan . . . more than you'll ever know. " Rhiannon replied looking deep into his eyes.

Duncan reached over and kissed her again. He wanted show Rhiannon the love that he knew she deserved as well to show her that her pass didn't matter to him. That all he wanted to do is love her with such kindness and gentleness that she deserved. Duncan hoped not only to touch Rhiannon heart with his love but her soul as well. To love her in ways that she never thought a person could love some her. They made love again that morning with a soft quiet passion, without the lightning or rain. For the sunshine came in that picture window, not only warmed their souls, but warmed their hearts as well. For they were in love. A love neither had ever known nor experience. Something brand new to both of them. Right now, the world was going to have to wait.. At least for this one moment, they had peace and each other. By the end of the day, both of their lives will be changed forever.