Chapter 12

After Death Comes Life

I

The air had some how changed. It had crispness to it, which caused Ross to shiver in his sleep. Even though he was cold, Ross was covered in sweat. Tossing and turning as he dreamed. In his dream, Ross could hear Rhiannon calling for him, her voice in a panic. She needed his help. But no matter what he did, he could not get to her. Ross was running around everywhere searching for her, still not finding her. Then Rhiannon's voice changed, it became softer. Ross could barely hear it now. He continued to look for her and calling her name. His heart was racing. Ross was in a panic, trying his best to find Rhiannon. Then out of no where came a shriek that he will never forget. It was a scream that went completely through him. As it did, it sent every nerve in his body on fire. Then there was dead silence. Ross jerked awake, sitting straight up as he slowly opening his eyes not quite sure where he was. Ross looked around the den trying to focus, searching for something familiar to him.

Once Ross realized where he was, his mind started to replay the dream. It was about that time, when a horrible feeling over come him. It was a feeling that Rhiannon was in trouble. It's just a dream Ross . . . just a dream. Ross ran his fingers through his hair trying to shake the feeling, but couldn't. Ross looked over at the grandfather clock. It said seven o'clock. That is when it crossed his mind that there couldn't be anything wrong. That it was just a dream. It wasn't even time for Rhiannon and Victor to meet. They're not to meet until after the award assembly and that won't be until after eight o'clock. Ross knew that Duncan was going into town to watch the matches and meet up with Victor. Perhaps even warn Victor to leave Rhiannon alone. For a slight moment, the panic he was feeling was beginning to settle down.

Ross glanced back at the clock. Another thought entered his mind that let the panic back in. If Duncan was in town . . . Where could Rhiannon be? Just as that thought enters his head another thought entered. His heart started to race. It occurred to him that Duncan might have sent her to the shack to try and keep her safe. Holy Ground. That thought just confused Ross more. Suddenly it struck him. Everything rushed at him at once, realizing that Victor could have ambushed Rhiannon there. It would only be her immortal soul that was safe there, not her mortal soul. Ross had to be sure Rhiannon was safe one way or the other. If anything, just to reassure himself that it was just a dream and nothing more than that. That Rhiannon was fine. That his mind was just playing tricks on him. Getting up to make his way out the back door, Ross stops at the desk. Just long enough to write Mrs. Taylor a note on the board that he was looking for Rhiannon or Duncan asking her if she would keep them there until he had gotten back.

As Ross made his way down the ravine, he could feel his heart pounding hard in his chest. Climbing over the rocks and then the tree stump, he makes his way down to the shack. That's when Ross first notices how still everything was. There were no birds singing or insects buzzing. Even the creek was still. In the distance he could see the shack. Somehow it looked different, as if there was no color to it. Everything appeared to be like in a black and white movie, more black than white. Ross was a firm believer that everything around you is living. When something tragic happens it leaves an imprint on everything around it.

Coming up onto the porch, Ross could see that every thing was in disarray. He could tell that there was one hell of a fight there. It was once he climbed onto the porch that a feeling of complete sorrow took over. Looking toward the middle of the porch, Ross could see Rhiannon's sword. Next to the sword, there was a pool of blood. Yet, there was no body. Panic settled in as Ross wondered where she could be. For a moment, he thought Rhiannon could be hiding, turning around he walked into the shack. It was also in shambles. The table and chairs were thrown around and there was blood too. It was everywhere. However, there was still no body.

It was about then when all the alarms went off in Ross's head. He realized at that moment that Victor had made Rhiannon an immortal. That Victor cornered her there and then took Rhiannon mortality. Then afterwards he took her away, probably back to his homestead. Heading back to the porch, he began realizing what he had to do next. Ross had to get the one person who can save her. Duncan. There was just one problem. Ross had no clue where to look for him. All Ross knew was he was in town somewhere probably looking for Victor. Ross decides he should at least give it a try to look for Duncan.

Kneeling next to Rhiannon's sword, tears began to run down his face. Ross's hand trembled as he picked up her sword. He could see how bloody it and everything else were. Slowly he walks over to the bench and places it in its case. Pulling it close to him, Ross held onto it tightly. He knew that once everything was said and done and God willing, Rhiannon was going need it. Ross's heart was broken into two as he looked around at the shack. He could see Rhiannon put up one hell of a fight. However, in the end it didn't make a bit of difference. She still lost. What she lost was what she feared the most, her mortal life. How scared Rhiannon must have been to face Victor.

Suddenly the sadness Ross felt for her left and anger took its place.He was mad at himself, mad at Duncan, mad at Victor but most of all mad at the situation. Hoping that if he could find Duncan, he would be able save her. That it wasn't too late for Rhiannon. Ross knew what Victor as capable of doing to her. He remembered every thing that Victor had ever done to Rhiannon and what he could be doing to her now. He was so terrified for Rhiannon. It took everything she had the last time to pull through it. Still to this day Rhiannon hadn't fully recovered from it and now this. Ross hoped that she was strong enough to hold on, to get through all this in one piece. Just to keep fighting him until they get there. Taking one last look around the shack, Ross prays that they get there in time enough to keep Victor from taking Rhiannon's immortal soul, like he took her mortal soul. Most importantly that there will be enough of what is left of her immortal soul to be able to deal with the cruelty that he knows that Victor is going to do to her.

II

There was a tremendous thud as Rhiannon's heart began to beat again. With it brought a rush, almost like electricity, that pulsed throughout her body. It sent every nerve throughout her on fire. Then the pain came. A horrendous amount of pain as her lungs began to inflate with air. Rhiannon starts to gasp for air. With the first breath she attempts to take, the blackness that engulfed her started to fade. A bright white light had taken its place like being in a cloud. Upon taking the second breathe, Rhiannon let out a scream. It echoed throughout the room she was in. The pain was so unbearable. The whiteness that she was surrounded in had faded away. Whining in pain, she grabs at her chest as she slowly opens up her eyes. Rhiannon took small and swallow breathes to keep the pain away, trying her best not to move. Letting her eyes move not her body as she looks around the room. She tries her best to focus. But what she could see she wasn't recognizing. There wasn't anything thing to her that was familiar, not yet.

Rhiannon closes her eyes again. Her mind began to have a hundred thoughts run through it as she tried desperately to remember exactly what had happened. Slowly it started to come back to her. As it did, it replayed itself in slow motion. Remembering the last words that she had heard Victor spoked to her before she died. Your mine forever . . . Terror slowly started to creep in. Trying to sit up, Rhiannon cries out in pain again. Her chest felt as though her heart was ripped out from her. Again she tries to get her eyes to focus on her surroundings. It only took a few more minutes for her eyes to finally adjust. When they did, they got as black as coal. Rhiannon's heart started to beat wildly in her chest.

"It's the lesson room." Rhiannon whispered softly.

Closing her eyes, Rhiannon tries to collect her thoughts. Even though there were a thousand of them coming at her at one time, along with a thousand of questions. Slowly Rhiannon let her eyes open again. Looking over to her left, she could see the torture wall. There it held all of Victor's weapons of dominance. His whips, chains and other exotic devices. Rhiannon began to shake knowing exactly how each one felt. As she looked up at the ceiling, there were tears started to run down her face. She was unable to bare the thought of what may lay in store for her or wanting to face the fact that she could be kept there for the rest of her immortality. She swore under her breath that there was no way that it will happen. Then vowing to herself that she would fight him to the bitter end, no matter what Victor does to her. Closing her eyes again, she took her fists and pounded the sides of the bed. Rhiannon was mad. She was mad at herself, for getting into this situation and cursed herself for not beating him. Frustrated in the fact of knowing she could have.

Bringing her hand up to her chest, Rhiannon could feel that her wound was almost healed. With every breath that she took, it was getting easier and easier to breathe. The pain was lessening little by little. She lay there feeling her body healing. She knew right now resting was the best that she could do for herself. Rhiannon knew that she was going to need every ounce of energy to fight Victor. Rubbing her hand over her chest, she could feel her wound closing. There was nothing but a cut now. Rhiannon was amazed at how little time it took for her to heal, even though her breathing was still labored. It must take a little longer for the inside to heal.

Slowly Rhiannon sat up, pushing her hair back out of her face. The pain was getting more bearable minute by minute. Rhiannon moves to the edge of the bed letting her feet touch the floor. As she attempts to stand, her legs began to tremble. Realizing she is unable to stand just yet, slowly shesits back down. Her legs were still too weak to support her weight. Letting out a sigh, Rhiannon looks down at her shirt. It was covered in her blood. Opening the first couple of buttons of her shirt, she looks at the healed wound. As she ran her fingers over the scar that was left, Rhiannon still was unable to believe what had happen to her. Her thoughts turned to Duncan. At that moment she was having mixed feelings about him. Rhiannon was blaming Duncan one minute for sending her there and then blaming herself for going. Most of all she was mad because they both thought she would be safe there.

As the pain subsided, reality set in. She was now an immortal. There was no way around it. An immortal. Just the thought of it scared Rhiannon. She wasn't sure of what her future was going to bring her. Deep inside Rhiannon was unprepared for any of this. She wasn't ready to play the game or even try to keep her head. I don't even know all the bloody rules yet. Rhiannon knew that was one of the reasons that Duncan tried to keep her safe. There is so much he had to teach her, much to learn. However, it is way too late to worry about that now. Rhiannon knew deep in her heart that she knew enough about the game to keep herself alive. There was one thing Duncan could never teach her. That was how to survive. Rhiannon knew only to well how to do that. It was her best skill. That was the only skill that was going to keep her alive.

Then Victor slammed into her mind like a roar of a lion. Rhiannon wasn't sure how she was going to keep him at bay. At least now I'll know that he is coming. Rhiannon was so glad that Duncan told her what she was, about some of the rules of the game and the basics of how the game was played. That was the only true advantage she had over Victor right at that moment. Rhiannon had to let him believe that he truly had her, it was her trump card. Knowing Victor as well as she did, he was going to push her as far as he could. That he was going to try and take her will as well as her mind. Then go after what he wanted most, her soul. However, this time, for the first time in her life, Rhiannon was ready for Victor. She was the one who held the cards and when the time is right, she'll play her last card.

Deciding what she needed to do now was to rest, Rhiannon laid back down. Closing her eyes, her thoughts turn to Duncan. She knew deep in her heart that Duncan was going to make Victor pay and pay dearly. Rhiannon hoped that when Duncan takes Victor's head that she would be there. It wasn't just for revenge even though that was a big part of it, but also for closure. So she could finally put an end to all her nightmares. Then her mind began to wonder, if Duncan could take Victor. What if he loses? Rhiannon shuddered at the thought. You must have faith . . . Rhiannon . . . faith. Scolding herself. It ran against her grain to have blind faith in someone and then place all your trust in one person. However she knew that there really wasn't any choice. Rhiannon had to rely on Duncan. There was no way she could take Victor. Hurry Duncan. Rhiannon mumbles to herself. She was praying that he figures it out what had happen and soon.

Opening her eyes, Rhiannon let out another sigh. All of the pain was about gone now. There was just a dull ache in her leg. Staring up at the ceiling, she began to feel overwhelmed. Rhiannon was feeling terrified and scared all at the same time. It was all beginning to be too much for her. Tears started to run down her face. She had the fight of her life in front of her. If she didn't fight, Victor was going to torment her for the rest of her immortal life or worse yet take her head. Refusing to believe that this was her fate, Rhiannon swallowed hard as she tried to stop the flow of tears. Rhiannon let the anger she had felt for Victor over take her. She wasn't going down without a fight. He'll have to just take my head . . . because I refuse to ever live that life again! Vowing to her self.

"Never!" Rhiannon said out loud for the whole world to hear.

III

The bell in the church tower rang eight times, as Duncan made his way up the stairs. Looking around him, he could see that the tents were being taken down. The fair was definitely over with. In a small way, this depressed him. If it wasn't for the fair, he would have never met Rhiannon, nor would have his life changed. Whether it was for the better or not remained to be seen. Duncan was glad just the same that it did happen. Opening the church doors, Duncan was in awe. The church was magnificent. It had a stunning brightness to it. It had a beauty that took his breath. As the door closes, he steps into the entrance way. A feeling of calm and peace over took him. As Duncan made is way in, he marveled over the brilliant white pillars that lined themselves down the center of the church. The altar was made of mahogany. There were stain glass windows from the floor to the ceiling of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Looking up, one could see the pain staking time it took to paint each section of the church's ceiling, all of it done in stunning detail of the Resurrection of Christ.

Duncan ran his fingertips over the top of the pews as he walked down the aisle, noticing the craftsmanship and hard work that were put in each one. Duncan decides to sit down in the middle of the church. Stretching his arms out across the pew, he embraced the warmth and peaceful surroundings as he basked in a moment of complete solitude. It was the only time an immortal can feel safe. It was a small taste of heaven. Suddenly a cool breeze flowed into the church. Giving Duncan the chills as it cools his skin. Looking at his watch, he notes that the time. A quarter passed eight. A rush of panic came over and in an instant Duncan thought of Rhiannon. Somehow he sensed that she was in danger. It was so incredibly strong feeling. He didn't quite understand why he felt it. He just did. With that revelation, Duncan knew at that moment Victor wasn't going to show. Duncan felt foolish to believe that he could have some sense of honor. Getting up from the pew, Duncan sighs, knowing that this rare moment of solitude was over. Later he would wish that he could have remained in the solitude, in this rare moment of peace.

Duncan turns to head out the church, when the main door started to open. It causes him to stop in his tracks as he watches and listens. Even though he couldn't sense an immortal, Duncan places his hand inside his coat and rests his hand on the butt of his sword.

"Duncan, are you in here?" The voice asked.

"Ross?" Duncan replied in complete surprise as he takes his hand out of his coat.

As Ross comes the rest of the way into the church he answers, "Yes it's me."

Ross had an appearance of panic about him. Duncan immediately knew why.

"Its Rhiannon isn't it?" Duncan demanded.

The answer was written all over Ross's face. He had a look of sheer panic. His body language had an expression of uneasiness.

"I went to the shack . . . Duncan . . . Victor has her!" Ross said panicked.

Duncan looked at him confused, unsure he had just heard what he had said. As he motioned for Ross to sit down, "Now what happened?"

Ross sat down on the bench. Duncan could see that there was fear in his eyes.

"I went down to the shack . . . To check on Rhiannon . . . (taking deep breaths) something told me to go to the shack to see if she was okay. (shaking is head.) Anyway . . . (looking wide eyed) It was a wreck Duncan . . . My god it looked as if world war three took place. Furniture scattered all over. (Looking down on the floor) . . . That is when I found her sword." Ross said. Standing up he opens the case as he slowly takes the sword out. Duncan could see that there still was blood on it.

"Rhiannon's sword?" Duncan asked in disbelief as he takes it from Ross.

"Yes Jesus . . . Duncan there was a pool of blood next to it . . . There was blood all over the place." Ross replied.

Duncan got up and began to pace back and forth, then abruptly stopped. Looking down at Rhiannon's sword he knew what this meant. Turning around, "Ross . . . that can only mean Rhiannon is an immortal now."

"I know . . . I know." Ross replied with sorrow in his voice.

All this took Duncan by surprise. He didn't think Victor would go to the shack. Being that it is holy ground, he really thought Rhiannon would be safe there. Only for a moment did, he thoughtVictor would take her mortal soul there, but he dismissed it. Now he was regretting that thought. Duncan sat down next to Ross and handed Rhiannon's sword back to him. Unsure what to say to each other, both into they're own thoughts. They both were feeling very confused, hurt and angry. It was Ross that had broke the silence.

"What are we going to do Duncan? Victor is going to hurt Rhiannon. That I can guarantee! (Turning to Duncan) He hurt her so badly before. That we almost lost her . . . (breathing deeply) She has come so far . . . " Ross's voice trailed off.

Duncan looked hard at Ross. He knew what he was saying was true. Duncan could feel Victor's presence when he held Rhiannon and when they had made love.

"We'll get her back Ross. First things first . . . I want to go to the shack . . . It's not that I don't believe you Ross . . . but I have to see what you seen. I have to know for sure that it happened." Duncan said, his voice heavy with regret.

"I understand . . . But are you sure though?" Ross asked wanting to make sure this is what he wanted to do.

"Yes . . . Ross. I have to know for sure. So I know for sure what I have to do." Duncan replied with a heavy heart.

Ross sat there for a minute unsure about even taking Duncan there. He wasn't sure Duncan was ready to see what he had seen. AfterDuncan did, what washe going to do? As if he was reading Ross's mind.

"There is another thing Ross . . . and if you don't want to do this I'll understand." Duncan said.

"What is it Macleod?" Ross asked.

"I'm not going to be able to go after Victor by myself . . . I am going to need your help." Duncan asked.

"Anything you need." Ross replied as he meant it with all his heart.

Duncan studied his face. He could see Ross was eager to do just about anything that was necessary.

"You'll have to do everything I say. Everything . . . No matter what you see or hear." Duncan said as blunt as he could.

This grabbed Ross's attention. Ross looks at Duncan carefully. There was a look of a warrior ready for battle. Then under that look there was another one, a one of revenge and pure hatred. Ross knew that Duncan was talking about immortals and this Game that Rhiannon told him about.

"Duncan I know . . . you live by a difference set of rules. Rhiannon had explained it all to me . .. what she understood it to be." Ross insisted.

"It's just something's aren't going to make sense to you. Things are going to happen that is going to go against your sense of reality. (looking deep into Ross's eyes) Don't question it . . . Just do it any way." Duncan explained.

"Trust me . . . I fully understand what has to be done." Ross said confidently.

Duncan could see the sincerity in Ross's eyes. He could understand now why Rhiannon had explained everything to Ross. He was a man of honor and trust.

"Ok then we need to be going." Duncan said.

Ross hoped that not only that Duncan had enough faith in him, but also that he had faith in himself. Standing up, one thing did cross his mind. Could Duncan beat Victor? Ross could tell that Duncan was a man not to mess with. Ross bet with himself that Victor finally did bite off more than he could chew with this one. As Duncan motioned Ross to come on, Ross places Rhiannon's sword back into its case, and held it close to his heart. They both hope that they can get to Rhiannon in time before they lose her.

IV

Rhiannon couldn't lay there in bed any longer. She had to get up and start moving around to build up her strength for what will be lying ahead. Rhiannon's head still felt light as she placed her feet over the bed. She sat there for a few moments trying to get her composure and gather her strength. Rhiannon rose slowly, holding on to the bedpost. Looking around the room as she held on tightly, she tries to memorize where everything was in the room. Rhiannon knew that she would be need to know where everything was when Victor came for her.

Gathering enough strength she finally lets go of the bedpost. Taking small baby steps, she walks toward the door. Rhiannon knew that the door would probably be locked, but she had to try it anyway. Slowly turning the knob, her instincts were right. It was locked. Carefully turning around so that her head wouldn't spin, Rhiannon heads for the window at the other end of the room. Holding her breath, she pulls the back the curtains. What Rhiannon found was a brick wall instead of a window. Damn it! Screaming inside her head as she slumps into the chair next to the brick window. Rhiannon looked around the room trying to figure out if there was a way out. There was none.

Rhiannon pulled her legs up to her body and silently started to cry. It would be the last time she will allow herself to cry. Trying to get all the self pity and fearfulness out now. Because when it was time, there will be no way Rhiannon would give Victor the satisfaction of seeing her cry or to let him know how scared she was of him. Right now the only thing that she was going to have any control of what happens to her are her emotions. That was what she had to work most on now. So when the game begins, her emotions will be in check enough to play it.

After a while Rhiannon looks down at her blood stain clothing. Remembering the pain of the blade as it punctured her heart, she placed her fingers in through the rip that it left.

Whispering to herself, "God, I need to get out of these clothes."

Glancing over to the closet, she decided to see if Victor had any clothes in it. Getting up very gradually letting the sense of dizziness leaves her. Rhiannon slowly makes her way to the closet. Turning the knob she opens it. Rhiannon was stunned at what she found there. In the closet was some of her clothing. Oh he had this planned for a long time. Shaking her head. Walking inside, she searches for an outfit. However all she could find were dresses. No pants, sweat pants or any kind of pant. It didn't surprise her any. Victor always hated to see any woman in anything but a dress. Rhiannon always wondered why. But knowing what he is and how long he has been around it made sense to her now. At that moment it didn't matter to her what she wore, just as long as she got out of those bloody clothes. Picking herself out one, Rhiannon goes into the bathroom and begins to change.

Standing there naked, Rhiannon looks at herself in the mirror. There wasn't a hint of evidence that showed that she had died. The hole in her chest was nothing but a scar now. Wondering if the scar would remain there forever, just to remind her of what she once was. The gash on her leg was completely healed. Running her fingers over where the wound was, it amazed as well as depressed Rhiannon. Living forever and to never to age, to always look exactly as she does today forever. Looking at herself from head to toe in the mirror she scrutinized every inch of her body, noticing every imperfection and every flaw that she had. Finally it starts to sink in, that this is what she will look like for the rest of her immortal life. Never to age, never to go old. Rhiannon tried to convince herself that at least it happened now not at seventy. It still didn't comfort her any.

Turning on the shower and Rhiannon slowly stepped in. Letting the warmth of the water sooth and wash the blood off her. She was amazed at the amount of blood that had covered her. Looking down at the tub, she watched as all the blood ran down the drain. Sitting down in the bathtub letting the water hit her back, she sat there and cried. Letting all her tears wash away with the blood, down the drain. After a long while, Rhiannon got out of the shower and got dressed. Satisfied in knowing that she was fully cleaned of all the blood that had covered her.

Stepping out of the bathroom, Rhiannon went to the dresser in search of a brush. That is when she noticed it for the first time a picture of her and Victor from a long time ago, when they were truly happy. She stared at the blank smile that was on her face a flood of memories rushed at her. Not all of them bad, but not all was good ether. It began to overwhelm her. She couldn't believe after all these years that Victor could still love her that much to still have a picture of her laying out in the open for everyone to see. The thought of Victor longing for her made Rhiannon sick to her stomach. Suddenly it struck her, Its all head games . . . It a part of the sick game he was playing. Rhiannon knew that Victor wanted her to think he still loved her. To try and make her second guess herself. However, if by chance Victor was longing for her. That was too bad. Rhiannon felt nothing but hatred for Victor.

"I'm wise to you Mr. Robbins!" Rhiannon whispered to herself.

Placing the picture face down and picking up the brush, Rhiannon walks over to the chair. It was much easier to walk now. No more baby steps, but full complete steps now. Sitting down, she begins to brush her long brown hair. Rhiannon starts to go over in her mind how she was going to deal with Victor. How was she going to beat him? Wondering if she even could, especially after losing to him today. Then her thoughts turned to Duncan. Does he know what happened to her? Where she was? Did he even know? Most of all, what was he going to try and do to get to her, to save her from this nightmare. Rhiannon could feel the tears start to well in her eyes. Swallowing hard to try and keep them down.

It was about the time she felt it. It came at first with a sudden pain over her eyes. Before she could place her hands up to her face, the pain left and in its place was a constant buzz. Then the buzz traveled to every cell, every nerve in her entire body. A feeling of electricity rushed through her. Rhiannon realizes what she was feeling was the presence of an immortal for the first time. Victor! Her heart began beating frantically in her chest. A feeling of shear terror came over her. Hearing the sounds of keys jingling, she quickly looked over at the door. There was a sound of the lock being turned. Then the doorknob turned. The door opening . . .