Chapter 11
Winner Takes All
I
The crowds were gathering in the afternoon sun at the main tent for the final round. Just about everyone in town was there with one exception, Rhiannon. She couldn't bring herself to come. Not knowing deep in her heart, she should have been the one fighting Victor, not Doug. Of course for Victor it really didn't matter whom he fought. He knew that he won what he wanted most, the land. With that out of the way, the rest will fall into place. Not only will he have the land but he will have the one thing that he has dreamed for years. Rhiannon. It was the promise Victor had made to her many years ago. Now it was time to for fill that promise.
As Victor made his way down to the tent, people were stopping him wishing him luck while others were cursing him under their breath. Victor didn't care one way or the other. He just wanted to get the bout over with so that he can begin with his plans. Just one person stood in his way, Duncan Macleod. He knew that in order to get to Rhiannon he would have to get rid of Macleod. There wasn't any doubt in Victor's mind that he was going to be a problem. This was making things a little more complicated. However, in the long run, It didn't matter to him. Rhiannon was his long before Macleod appeared. His brand that he placed on her said so. She was his, immortal or not.
Winter of 1989
The phone was ringing as Victor came into the house. Picking up the phone, he hears a familiar voice. "Hello?"
"Hello Victor." The voice replied. Victor smiled.
"Well hello Rhiannon….It's so nice to hear from you." Victor said sarcastically.
There was a long pause before Rhiannon replied, "The reason why I called Victor is I need my belongings…(timidly) I wanted to know if I can get them."
"Rhiannon . . . Are you sure that you still want this?" Victor asked.
"Victor . . . Lets not do this. I didn't call to fight or to argue. I just want my things." Rhiannon replied calmly. Victor started to get furious.
"There are things that we have to finish first." Victor said angrily.
"Then we'll have to do it by phone Victor. (being stern) I'm not coming there." Rhiannon replied. He knew deep in his heart that she meant it, no matter how he begged.
Victor truly loved Rhiannon. She was so different from the others, because she loved him unconditionally. That was something he had never felt before, but it was his ego that got in the way. He couldn't bear for another man to touch her or even talk to her for matter. Victor wanted Rhiannon to be his and his only. Most of all Victor wanted to control her, so he had no choice but to give her the lessons. He didn't want to give them to her, but it was the only way he could dominate Rhiannon. Every one Victor gave, he regretted. He knew in his cold heart it was too late for them. Nevertheless, Rhiannon would always hold a special place in his heart. That was the single and only reason she was still alive. Sitting down in his chair, he felt a little defeated. Victor did know he still had the upper hand. Her immortality.
"Okay Rhiannon you can have your belongings. But there is one thing I have to tell you." Victor said calmly.
"Yes, Victor. (being cold) And what would that be?" Rhiannon asked.
"I will give you your freedom now . . . but one day we will cross paths again (being confident) and I promise you . . . I will do everything in my power to destroy you and your life. When that happens you will be mine again!" Victor said with determination. Rhiannon knew that he meant it.
"I believe you would . . . But I promise you this Victor, you will never get that chance again. (taking a deep breath) I will die first before I spend the rest of my life with you!" Rhiannon said with such fearlessness that it took Victor by surprise.
There was a pause of silence. Victor was unsure on how to respond to what she just said.
"Rhiannon . . . what I did, the lessons I gave you . . . I did because I loved you. (whispering) I do hope you believe that." Victor said full of regret.
"I truly believe you think that you did… I think the problem wasn't that you love me Victor. It was you wanted complete control over me. (calmly) You wanted me to be what your idea of me was. At first, I tried . . . It's just better this way. For the both of us . . . Before one of us kills the other." Rhiannon said, regretting everything that had happened between them.
Victor knew that she was lost to him forever no matter how he begged or pleaded, "I'll send all your belongings to your mother."
"That will be fine. Victor, take care of yourself." Rhiannon said. Before he could respond, she hung up the phone.
"You to . . . my love. You too." Victor softly said as he placed the receiver down, knowing that there will come a day, in which Rhiannon would be with him. That he will make good on his promise to her.
Present Day
Remembering everything that was said between them, Victor knew that moment was now. He had done his best to stay away from Rhiannon, but her willingness not to stay out of his business with her mother has made it impossible for him, not to keep his promise. Rhiannon was forcing his hand and had to make her pay for insubordination. By not giving me what I wanted the first time, making me go through all the aggravation…You'll pay Rhiannon. Victor wasn't only going to take everything that was a value to Rhiannon, but he was also going to take her mortal soul. Then he could have what he wanted most, her immortality.
As Victor made his way into the tent, his mind turns again to Duncan. He was the one person standing in his way. His body shook with jealousy every time he thought of them together. He had been hearing rumors about them two and it made his blood boil. Victor wanted Macleod's head on a silver platter so that he could present it to Rhiannon. There will be no other man, immortal or not that I will let have her. Victor thought as he angrily pushed the curtain to the side as he made his way into his room. Victor knew this one would protect her until he lost his head. He could see that with the one brief encounter that they had. Too much honor. Macleod will be hard to beat, Victor knew this with every ounce of his being. If he steps in my way so be it . . . Off with his head. After tonight, Victor knew that the battle with Macleod will start, but it was way too late to even think about turning back. Victor wanted what he wanted and he would be damn if he didn't try to get it. In order to get what he wanted, Victor would have face MacLeod. However, he was going to have to wait. Victor was going after what he wanted most, Rhiannon.
II
There was loud heavy metal music vibrating the study where Duncan was quietly reading. Attempting to ignore it, he kept reading. That was until Mrs. Taylor came into the room.
"Okay Duncan, what did you do to piss her off?" Mrs. Taylor asked madly.
Duncan looked up at her quite shocked. "I didn't do any thing to her Mrs. Taylor. I have been here . . . trying to read."
"Then something has pissed her off . . . it's the only time you hear that blasted devil's music!" Mrs. Taylor said as she stood there waiting for Duncan to do something.
"I'll go and find out? " Duncan asked her with a confused look.
Mrs. Taylor motions for him to get up and pointed in the direction of the stairs. "Go on . . . See why she is so pissed!"
Duncan placed his book down and slowly heads for the stairs. He stopped long enough to point up the stairs and Mrs. Taylor gesturing for him to go on up. Duncan smiled at her as he did as she told him to do. This kind of tickled him, he hadn't been ordered to do something by an elder in a very long time and it felt good. It was as though he was part of a family again. It was feeling he hoped would never end.
Climbing to the top of the stairs, the music grew much louder, vibrating the walls of the upstairs. So when Rhiannon is mad she listens to metal. Amused at the thought. Faceless Man by Creed was streaming throughout the hallway.
Now I saw a face on the water
It looked humble but willing to fight
I saw the will of a warrior
His yoke is easy and His burden is light
He looked me right in the eyes
Direct and concise to remind me
To always do what's right
Again I stand against the Faceless Man
Duncan stood there at the door, listening to the words of the song. He thought to himself that this must be the way Rhiannon felt about everything that was happening in her life right at that moment. When the song ends, Duncan begins to knock loudly. The next song begins without her answering. Deciding to go on in, he opens the door slowly. He looks around the room to see Rhiannon lying in the middle of the floor. Her eyes shut completely into the music. Rhiannon had a look of concentration about her. It didn't seem as though she wasn't pissed at all just needing to mellow out. As Duncan went to reach down to touch her, Rhiannon opens up her eyes. He motions to the stereo gesturing for her to turn it down. Slowly Rhiannon gets up and turned down the stereo enough so that they can hear each other talk.
"Like your music a little loud do you?" Duncan jokingly asks.
"Was it bothering you?" Rhiannon asked
"No (shaking his head yes) more like your mother." Duncan told her.
"That I can believe. She tells me all the time I shouldn't listen to that devil worshiping music." Rhiannon said as she giggled.
Duncan let out a little laugh, "That's pretty much what she said."
Rhiannon turns and she walks over to the window. She needed to tell Duncan that she told Ross about them today. He had a right to know. She just wasn't quite sure how he was going to take it. Especially after he made a point of telling her that she should not tell anyone what they were.
"I have a confession to make." Rhiannon said with apprehension in her voice
"What would that be?" Duncan asked.
Duncan could tell that she needed to tell something to him. And from the way she said it. He wasn't going to like it. Duncan goes over to where she was standing and places his arms around her.
"I know you told me never to tell anyone one what we are . . . (breathing in deeply) But there was one person I had to tell . . . Ross…I just had to. (with worry in her voice) I'm sorry if it upsets you that he knows . . . but Ross is my best friend . . . I trust him. Not only with this but with my . . . our life. (taking another deep breath) I had to tell him…I had to. (pleading her case) I know he won't tell anyone. I promise!" Rhiannon declared.
Duncan reaches up and squeezes her shoulders slightly, "Rhiannon I understand. I'm not upset. (kissing her neck) . . . There isn't any reason to explain . . . I trust him too and I'm glad you had someone you can confide in . . . its okay I promise."
Rhiannon didn't attempt to explain herself anymore. She could tell that it really didn't bother Duncan that she told Ross. That he trusted her judgment. It was hard for her to be accepted on her word alone. Never has anyone other than Ross has trusted her that much.
Duncan turned her around and grabs both of her hands, "I do have one question?"
"And what would that be sir?" Rhiannon asked in her most southern voice.
"Can we turn it off?" Duncan asked
"What off?" Rhiannon said confused.
"The stereo." Duncan said simply.
"Oh that." Rhiannon replied giggling.
Rhiannon stood on the tips of her toes and kissed him teasingly on the lips. Then slowly went over and turns off the stereo. Duncan watched her carefully. Her body language was telling him that there was more bothering her than her telling Ross.
"Are you going down to watch the bout this afternoon or go to the award ceremonies?" Duncan asked.
Rhiannon went and sat down on the daybed, "No . . . There really isn't any need to . . . Are you?"
Duncan walked over to where she was and sat down. He reached up and moved a piece of hair that was in her face and then placed her hand into his.
"I was thinking about it…Just to let him know that I am still here and that I am watching him." Duncan answered.
"Oh believe me he knows you're still here." Rhiannon responded.
Duncan shook his head in agreement. There was no doubting that Victor knew he was there. Duncan also knew that he was factoring him in, in whatever plan Victor was hatching. Rhiannon also felt the same thing. She knew Victor well. Whatever he had planned, Duncan was a big part of it.
"We do need to talk about tonight." Rhiannon simply said.
"Let me worry about tonight. (lifting her head) What I want you to do is go down to the shack where you will be a little safer. At least there you'll be on holy ground." Duncan insisted. Rhiannon was a little taken back at what Duncan had said.
"All that will do is protect my immortality . . . quite frankly Duncan I am still quite fond of my mortal soul." Rhiannon said bluntly.
"Rhiannon . . . If you don't go to holy ground you'll have no soul to protect." Duncan replied being as direct as he possibly could
Rhiannon looked deeply into his eyes. Windows to the soul. What she had seen was that he was afraid. Afraid for her. They both were feeling it. Victor was coming for her today. All he wanted was to make sure that she was safe. Rhiannon knew this.
"Okay Duncan I'll go . . . (running her fingers through his hair) Just be careful with Victor. He can be very cunning . . . I just don't want you to be caught off guard with him." Rhiannon said with a little apprehension in her voice.
"I promise I'll be careful and watch my back. Just trust me okay . . . Go down to the shack and as soon as I am done meeting him tonight . . . I'll come there and get you." Duncan said trying his best to reassure her.
Rhiannon shook her head okay as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Duncan reached around her and held her tight. He could feel how frightened Rhiannon was. Every muscle in her body was tense just at the thought of Victor. After tonight, she'll never have to worry about him again.
III
The crowds were cheering and applauding as Victor made his way out onto the field. Doug was standing in his corner acting confident. Victor gives him a grin knowing that he couldn't possibly win. He knew that Doug knew this also. Not even in my league. Victor tipped his hat to him then went out to the middle of the arena and waves his hat to the audience. They replied back in a loud thunderous applause. That pleased Victor immensely but it was time to get on with it this. He had things to do today and this was just getting in his way.
The announcer finished stating his dialog and stepped away from the arena. The bell rings and the match begins. Doug was a big and clumsy man at fencing. He wasn't as polish as Victor was. He clearly didn't have the style or the charm that comes with fencing. Doug was just straight forward in your face type of fighter. It was clear that he was going to be no match for Victor and Victor knew this. Taking advantage of it, Victor decided to play with Doug's head.
"Well sir, are you going to use it or play with it." Victor said trying to get him to make the first move.
Which it worked, Doug lunged forward and attempted to jab at him. Victor just moved back laughing at him.
Victor took his sword and tapped the tip of Doug's blade, "Come on now boy . . . you can do way better than that."
Doug swung his sword striking hard against Victor's blade. With that, the battle had begun. You could hear the clang of the blades hitting each other as it echoed throughout the arena. With every stroke Doug gave, Victor met his with equal strength. It was Doug's weight that was a disadvantage for him. He couldn't move as quickly as Victor. However, it was his strength that took Victor off guard. For every swing and connection, Doug would meet his with equal or stronger swings. Right then left their blows met. Each blocking the others swing. That was until Doug brought his sword down hard against Victor's, which cause him to lose his footing. Victor caught himself before he hit the ground.
"Oh you think you're smart . . . huh boy?" Victor said nastily.
Doug didn't utter a word but smiled. Victor lunged for him. Doug blocked it. Right, left then Left, right again. Victor swung the sword around to the right. Doug met him with a left. Doug was trying to keep up with him, but Victor could see that he was slowly wearing down. He kept at Doug with a series of swings. The swords were hitting hard. That is when Doug cut him. He brought his sword up and across the front of Victor. This surprised Victor. He couldn't get his sword up fast enough to block it. The blade cut right into his clothes. This enraged Victor.
Looking down at his cut, Victor smiles and points his sword at Doug, "You're a dead man."
Ether Doug was too exhausted to fight anymore or afraid that Victor was definitely going to kill him. His fight wasn't there anymore. One could see that he trying. Doug was perspiring and breathing hard, meeting every hit of Victor's sword. However, it wasn't enough. He just couldn't keep up with Victor. Victor swung around to the right, but quickly turns to his left before Doug knew it slicing his arm with such force that it cut into his bone. Doug let out such a horrifying scream as he fell to his knees in pain. It causes a hush in the arena. The referee came out and took one look at Doug's arm and shook his head. Then raised his hand to sound the bell. The paramedics ran into the arena to Doug's aid. Victor seemed unconcerned. He looked over to Doug pointed his sword and smiled. A look of triumph was written all over his face.
Seeing that the paramedics seem to have everything under control, Victor turned around and bowed to the audience. The crowd returned the favor with a round of applause. Giving the crowd one final bow then he turned and started to walk off the field when Victor felt the buzz of another immortal. He's here. Victor searched the stands and the crowds looking for Duncan, but there was no sign of him. That was until he turned around to head back the tent. Duncan was standing at the opening of the tent waiting for him. Duncan nodded over at him. Victor in return nodded back at him as he continues to walk toward him. Now I wonder what he wants. Victor already knew the answer, Rhiannon.
Duncan was standing at attention now, waiting for him. Victor attempted to walk past him without stopping, but Duncan reached out and grabbed him by his arm.
"You and I need to talk." Duncan said in a calm but stern voice.
Victor jerks his arm away, "Is that so? It wouldn't happen to be about a mutual friend would it?"
"You know it is . . . meet me at the church in an hour." Duncan demanded.
"Oh really? Well sir it will have to be in two hours. I have prior commitments. After all . . . as you can see I won the main event. I have to get my awards among other things." Victor said, looking eye to eye at Duncan, smiling. Victor could tell this man was not afraid of him.
"Then in two hours. (without blinking an eye) But I am warning you . . . stay away from Rhiannon." Duncan directed him.
Victor studied him for a moment before he answered, making sure he chose his words carefully. "My business with her had nothing to do with you."
"That is where you are wrong. You made it my business when you decided to go after her, then her family . . . This is first and only time I am going to warn you…stay away from her." The expression of Duncan's face or the tone of his voice didn't change. It remained calm and stern.
"Hmm . . . well have to see won't we . . . in two hours sir." Victor tipped his hat at him. Duncan nodded his head, as they turned and went in different directions.
IV
Rhiannon had made her way down to the shack. It was late afternoon. It was the time between where there are more shadows than light. As she stepped onto the porch she could see and hear the creek moving fast under her, from the rains the night before. It was making a roaring sound as it rushed by. She stood there for a few minute, watching and listening. It always astounded her how everything looks new and fresh after a good rain. Like a good cry. Mumbling under her breath.
Making her way toward the middle of the porch Rhiannon wondered to herself if she really was safe there. Holy ground. It still seemed so unreal to her like she was living a dream or a nightmare. As she laid her gear down onto the bench, she looks over at the spot where Duncan came back to life. A shiver went down her spine at the thought that one day she was going to do the same thing. Shaking her head, she began to think about how hard it must have been to live centuries. To watch people you love fade out of existence, while one struggles to survive. Looking out at the water, Rhiannon thought about how Duncan had to survive. Not just the times that he had live in, but not to lose his head at the same time. To kill people because "there can be only one."
Rhiannon was having a hard time excepting all of it. It really wasn't the fact of living forever. She could manage that fine. It was the game. The hunt. Could she take someone head if it came down to it? Could she kill someone just to be the one? Her mind was going in a hundred directions. She didn't know if she could do it. To kill someone and take ones head. Just to survive. Could she? If it came down to it, could she really kill just to survive? Shaking her head as Rhiannon tried to clear the thought out of her mind. Right now girl, you need to worry about staying a mortal a while longer. That is when her thoughts turned to the one person who was going to change her life. Victor. How was she going to keep Victor away from her? Knowing deep within her heart, her soul that it was impossible. There was going to be no way she couldn't change her destiny. Her fate. In the hearts of hearts she knew that it was going to be Victor that will make her immortal. There was no doubt in her mind.
Deciding that she needed concentrate on what was going to keep her alive, Rhiannon opened her case and pulled out her sword. Taking a soft cloth, she runs it down the length of the sword making it glisten in the sunlight. Then walking over to the wooden dummy she centers it. Tapping its stump with her hand that once held its head. Sorry about that big guy. Rhiannon grouches into a defensive stance then thrusts her sword forward. Gliding it through the air letting it comes down, striking the dummy's side. She let out a yell and turns around thrusting the sword backwards into the dummy's stomach. Then taking the blade, with upwards movement and carves a line from the stomach to what was left of its throat.
Rhiannon continues to practice. As she did, she was unaware that someone had come up onto the porch moving silently toward her. She was to involve at that moment in her fencing, ignoring the slight pain that was behind her eyes, believing that it was caused by the sun, not an immortal. She just continued to attack the dummy with all her might. Concentrating on it as if she was really dueling. Rhiannon turned around and struck the dummy straight into its heart. That is when she caught a glimpse of a figure standing over by the bench. When she turned her head to focus on whom it was, her heart sank. Every fear and nightmare Rhiannon ever had were coming true. There stood Victor in all of his glory. A feeling of doom came over her. She knew what he was there for and it wasn't for any deed signing.
"Hello Rhiannon." Victor said smugly.
Rhiannon just stared at him at first, not sure of what to do or to say. "I thought we were to meetafter the fair tonight?"
"I moved up the time…besides that can wait. I have a proposition for you."
Rhiannon didn't reply at first. She walked passed him with her sword still in her hand and went into the shack. Victor followed her. Rhiannon made her way to the table. Placing her self so that the table was between them.
"So what is the proposition . . . Victor?" Rhiannon asked in the calmest voice she could find. Trying her best not to show Victor how truly scared she was. Victor already knew. It was written all over her face.
"Well . . . It's like this . . . I will let you keep it all Rhiannon, the house, the shack and the land. (speaking calmly and evenly) But there is just one condition." Victor replied.
"What would that condition be?" Rhiannon asked, unsure if she wanted to hear the answer.
"Will its very simple Rhiannon . . . That you come back to me." Victor responded without one bit of hesitation in his voice.
Rhiannon just shook her head. She couldn't believe what she just heard. It was the last thing she expected Victor would say. It never even crossed her mind that he would even suggest such a thing. But by Victor's expression on his face, she knew he was serious.
"It's over Victor. It has been over for a long time . . . You know that . . . I can't and I wont live that life again. Never again Victor . . . never!" Rhiannon replied as she raised her voice.
Victor facial expression changed again. A look of anger came over it. He took a step toward her, but Rhiannon pushed the table forward blocking his way.
"You belong to me! You have always been mine…I gave you your freedom. (hitting the table with his fist) Let you have your life back . . . but its time to come home Rhiannon where you belong!" Victor demanded.
"No Victor . . . it was over a long time ago. Nothing has changed . . . Nothing! (bluntly) I don't love you any more!" Rhiannon said as directly as she could.
"It's him . . . isn't it. Macleod." Victor said in hurtful voice.
"No, Victor . . . It's you . . . I don't love you . . . it's over . . . it has been for such a long time." Rhiannon pleaded.
Victor was turning more furious by the moment and Rhiannon knew it. Looking around the room, she couldn't see anyway out but back the way she came in. She started to edge herself toward that direction.
"Rhiannon, do you remember my promise . . . I promised you that if you were to cross me . . . I would destroy you and everything that you love . . . (Pleading with her.) I'm giving you a chance to keep that from happening . . . to let you keep everything . . . just come back to me . . . and you can have it all." Victor said it with a voice of sincerity.
"No. Victor. You have already destroyed everything. You destroyed us along time ago . . . and besides . . . it you wanted me back . . . why would you do this to me . . . to my family . . . (being smug) No you have what you wanted . . . you have my home and my land . . . but you know something Victor?"
"What is that Rhiannon?" Victor asked.
" I'll be damn if you have me . . . I'll die first." Rhiannon said being as direct as she could.
Victor started to laugh loudly. It echoed all through the shack. Rhiannon knew that laugh well. He always had laughed that way just before he gave a lesson. But she had one thing on him that he didn't know. That she knew she was immortal. As she gripped her sword tighter, a thought crossed her mind. Holy ground . . . he can't kill me. The thought starts to settle her mind knowing that he couldn't take her head there. She would have a second chance if he did take her mortal soul. Then another thought came into her head. Can Victor take her mortal soul on holy ground? Unsure on what the answer was Rhiannon knew she had at least one soul was safe here. At the moment, it was the one that counted the most.
Victor began to go toward her, but Rhiannon stood her ground extending her sword out toward his direction causing him to stop.
"Rhiannon give it up. You can't hurt me…Many have tried, but they all were defeated." Victor said factually. Rhiannon paused for a moment, puzzled at what he just said.
"I won't go back to you Victor. (going into a combat stance) I can't and won't live that life again." Rhiannon challenged.
"You can't win Rhiannon you're not that good." Victor replied confidently.
"I'll give it my best shot." Rhiannon said.
"I don't want to do it like this . . . I really wanted to do this as painlessly as I could." Victor pleaded.
"What do you want to do painlessly . . . kill me or punish me?" Rhiannon asked.
"You'll see my dear . . . you'll see." Victor replied in a whisper.
Victor stood there for a moment and shook his head. Then slowly he pulled his sword out of his coat. Victor swung his sword in a circle in the air then lunged it toward her. Rhiannon stepped back out of the way of the blade. Victor then picked up the edge of the table and turned it over. Rhiannon didn't flinch. Remain calm . . . its show time. Right at that moment, Rhiannon felt as though she had been training for this moment all of her life. She felt her destiny, her fate at hand.
Rhiannon stepped back from Victor placing her sword at her side and her hand out to balance herself. Victor thrust his sword toward her. She blocked it and brought the sword down. Their blades rubbed against each. Then Rhiannon lunged forward with a swing from the right coming down hard against his sword. It pissed Victor off. He came at her with a right, then a left. Rhiannon matched each swing with a counter swing each proving to be harder than the other. It surprised Victor how much strength she had in each of her swings. It was something that he didn't expect. Then Rhiannon started her counter attack. One stroke after the other came fast and furious. That is when she struck him, cutting his arm deep.
Victor laughed loudly, "You're much better than I remember.…But that's okay Rhiannon . . . I love a challenge."
Rhiannon didn't reply she just let him have the satisfaction of boasting. Bringing her sword down, Victor blocks it holding her there.
"Why don't you give up? You're going to lose one way or the other." Victor said being self-confident.
"Nah…I don't think so Victor." Rhiannon said as she brought her sword out from under his, moving it in front of her in a back and forth movement as she tied to keep him at bay.
Victor begins to more toward her waiting for an opening. Victor brought his sword straight down in front of Rhiannon. She blocks it. Back and forth, right and left they went. The blades were striking hard. Hard enough to where there were sparks coming from the swords. Victor came around and down with his sword. Rhiannon tried to block it, but was unable. He sliced her leg from her knee down to her ankle. Rhiannon screamed in pain as she fell forward onto her knees. Trying with everything she had not to lose her concentration. Rhiannon brings her sword up and above her head blocking his next swing. Then bringing her sword down coming around on her knees, and strikes him in his ribs. Victor gasps in pain and takes a couple of steps back. Sweat was rolling down his face from the pain. That is when a look of sheer evil came over his face. It was a look that has haunted Rhiannon for years. She bolted for the door trying to run, but all she could manage was a hobble. She was in a tremendous amount of pain. Making it to the door, Rhiannon turns to see where Victor was. He was still standing in the same spot.
"There is no where to run Rhiannon. We can ether finish this now or later. Ether way you'll still mine!" Victor yelled. Rhiannon knew he was right, but she also knew he was stalling for his wounds to heal a little more.
"Lets finish this now!" Rhiannon demanded as she yelled back at him, taking her sword and motioning him to come on.
Rhiannon had a enough. It was ether sink or swim time, but one thing was for sure she knew that she couldn't live the life she had with him again, not never. Victor also knew it was time even though he didn't want to do it like this. He wanted to give her an easy death one of mercy. To introduce Rhiannon to immortality in peaceful and a serene manner, but Victor could see it wasn't going to be so. Even though he truly did love Rhiannon, Victor wasn't going to let her treat him like that. One way or the other she will learn to respect him and love him. Even if it took Victor centuries. By giving Rhiannon immortality, she'll be indebted to him. She will need a teacher. She'll be grateful that it will be him that teaches her how not to lose her head. However, at this moment it was time to make her immortal.
Victor started to move toward her. Rhiannon had already moved out to the middle of the porch. Her leg was causing her a tremendous amount of pain. She attempts to get into a combat stance trying to balance herself as she waited for him. The roar of the river was in the background as Victor casually walks over to where she was. They began to walk around each the other, hitting the tips of each other's sword.
"Are you sure you want to do this . . . It's your last chance?" Victor asked, taunting her.
"I rather die than live my life with you Victor Robbins. Do you hear me (striking the tip of his blade) I rather be dead!" Rhiannon said being as direct as she could.
Rhiannon swung her sword around in front of her, then lunging toward Victor. Their swords crashed loudly against each other, both with equal blows. That was until Rhiannon made her fatal mistake. She came around swinging her sword to the left leaving herself wide open. Victor blocks it and then taking his sword and thrusts it forward piercing her chest. The blade goes straight through to her heart. Rhiannon gasps and grabs the blade of the sword trying to pull it out of her. The pain was so unbearable it brought her down to her knees. Looking up at Victor, she struggled a smile at him. Knowing that he may have won the war, but their battle was beginning in ways that he would never comprehend. Rhiannon's breathing was becoming more swallow. In one last ditch effort she attempts to bring her sword back up, but Victor kicks it out of her hands. Looking deep into her eyes, he pushes the sword all the way through her. Rhiannon screamed.
The sound of it bounced off the mountain ranges, like an eerie melody. A look of peace came over Rhiannon's face. She was dying. Victor pulls the sword out of her. She slumps over. Kneeling down next to her, Victor turns her over. Taking his hand, he pushes her hair out of her face.
"Remember I told you . . . your mine forever Rhiannon. You'll see," Victor whispered to her.
Mustering what breath Rhiannon had left, "Never . . . (gasping) I promise you!"
Rhiannon spat in his face. Victor went to raise his hand to smack her, when he realized she was gone. He sat there for a few minutes. Just looking at her, relishing in the fact that she was all his. Rhiannon's beauty was more brilliant than he noticed before. As if she was an angel. Now he truly had everything, her home, her land, and best of all her immortality. Most of all Victor will be there when she wakes up and takes her first immortal breath.
That is when a sense of urgency took over. Victor couldn't let Rhiannon wake up on holy ground. His ability to control would be totally gone. He needed to be able to control her because when Rhiannon wakes up, she is going to be hard to handle for a while. If he needed to take her head, Victor wouldn't be able to do that there. Besides he had to get her away from there before Macleod finds out. Gently he reaches down and picks her up.
Victor looked down at Rhiannon in his arms, "I always keep my promise."
Victor slowly and carefully begin to make his from the shack. He began to think about what he was going to have to do next. Victor knew he only had one more obstacle to get over. That was Duncan Macleod. He knew that he had a fight on his hands with him. Especially now that Rhiannon was immortal. Victor knew that it was going to be his sense of loyalty that is going to have Macleod come for him. His sense of honor and protection is going to be fierce. However, Victor first had to get Rhiannon situated and try to keep her away from him. Then he will be able to deal with Macleod. When it comes down to it, in the end it was really all about the game. After all "there can only be one" and the winner takes it all. However, little did he know that his winning streak was about to end abruptly. That Victor's whole world was going to come crashing down because there was one thing he didn't count on. That was Rhiannon.