Chapter 13
Let The Game Begin
I
It was almost eight thirty by the time Duncan and Ross made their way down the ravine. In the clearing, Duncan could see the shadow of the shack as it loomed over the creek. Duncan notices what Ross did the first time he had came down there. There was stillness to everything. The air. The creek. There were no birds singing or crickets playing. Just complete and absolute silence. It seemed as if nature itself was in mourning.
"Do you feel it Duncan?" Ross asked.
Duncan didn't answer. He just nodded his head yes. As if he spoke, it would disturb the silence that nature was playing. As they came up to the shack, it also had an appearance of being in a state of grieving. It had a much more darker appearance than it had before, a look of gloom. As Duncan made his way up on the porch, he could see that everything was in disarray. He could see that Rhiannon indeed put up one hell of a battle. It appeared to Duncan that not only did the fight take place out on the porch, but also the majority was done inside the shack. But the biggest impression he got was that Rhiannon fought hard to keep her mortal life.
Duncan knew how good Rhiannon was. So he couldn't help to think that something happened for her to lose. She had to of fallen or left herself wide open. Then again, no matter how good at fencing Rhiannon was, she lacked the eight hundred years of experience that Victor had. Turning to say something to Ross, Duncan observed that where Ross was standing there was a pool of blood at his feet. Judging by the amount of blood that was there, it left no room for any doubt that she had definitely become an immortal. Duncan looked around at the porch to see if there had been a quickening. A feeling at ease washed over him when he could find no trace of one. That was the whole point of coming to the shack to make sure that Victor only took Rhiannon's mortal soul. Duncan watched as Ross walked over to the end of the porch to sit down on the bench. He could tell Ross was having a hard time dealing with all of it. He just stared out at the water.
"Do you know where would he take her?" Duncan inquired, as he sat down next to Ross and placing his hand on Ross shoulder.
Ross didn't answer at first. He just stared. That is when Duncan noticed that Ross wasn't staring at the water, but at the woods.
"Probably at his house of horrors . . . (saying it crudely) It's across the creek, about half a mile through that clearing. (pointed in the direction of the house) If you look hard enough, you can see the outline of the house." Ross replied.
Staring through the clearing, Duncan could barely make out the outline of the house. He sat there a while studying it. His mind couldn't help but wondered what could be taking place inside that house. Knowing that if they didn't act fast, Rhiannon would be lost to him. Duncan's mind raced trying to figure out a way to get to her and save her.
Duncan turned to Ross, "Have you ever been inside?"
"Yes (slowly) Victor has it like a fortress . . . Fort Knox to be exact. It has security cameras and laser beams. The finest in surveillance equipment . . . (proudly) I helped design his security plans." Ross answered.
Duncan looks across the creek again. Smiling back at Ross, "So you know if there are any gaps in his security system."
Ross looked up and then turned to Duncan. " There aren't any gaps . . . (with confidence in his voice) but I do know all the in and outs on how it works. I did set up the equipment so I know the codes that we need to at least get us in half way."
Duncan stood up and began to pace. He knew what he had to do. He just wasn't sure how to do it. Besides that, Duncan wasn't sure if he wanted to get Ross involved. To place him in that much danger, but Duncan knew deep in his heart really had no choice but to have Ross help him. It was the only way he could get to Rhiannon.
" We have a problem Ross." Duncan declared.
"Yea and I know what the problem is . . . How are we going to get in there to Rhiannon?" Ross said.
"I shouldn't ask you to do this. This isn't your fight. (with a voice of uneasiness) Besides, it isn't fair to place your life into jeopardy to do this." Duncan said with a voice of apprehension.
"Woe there a minute Macleod . . . (standing up) this isn't just your fight, but my fight too. (grabbing Duncan's arm) Rhiannon is like a sister to me. (raising his voice) I just can't sit back and do nothing . . . knowing damn well what Victor could be doing to her. So this is just as much my fight as it is yours!" Ross said angrily.
Duncan could see how much Ross truly cared for Rhiannon. There was a definite bond there, one of true friendship and of love. Duncan tapped his shoulder as he looked into his eyes, showing him that he understood exactly where he was coming from. Ross nodded okay and sat back down. Feeling at ease now that Duncan knew that he was in it for the long haul.
Duncan walked over to the railing. He stared hard through the clearing. He could just make out the outline of it. Then turning around toward Ross, "You'll have to go into the house by your self."
Ross looked a little confused, "Why I can get you in there without him even knowing you're there."
"It doesn't matter whether he sees me or not . . . Victor will be able to sense me . . . so he will know I'm coming ether way . . . It is you I'm concerned about." Duncan explained.
"Don't be concerned about me . . . Remember I helped design it." Ross said with a sound of arrogance.
Each of them was going over in their minds what they should do in order to get to her, both not quite sure how they were going to do it.
Ross walked over to where Duncan was standing, "So how are we going to get her out?"
An idea popped into Duncan head but he wasn't sure if it would work. But they have to try it. Then take what comes with it once they do it.
"You will have to go in and turn off all the alarms . . . And you have to make sure that he doesn't know that your there once you get inside. " Duncan said.
"I can do that . . . From there the rest will be on you." Ross smiled widely as he said it.
Duncan looked back out at the clearing as his thoughts turn to Rhiannon, wondering where Victor could possibly have her.
"Where would Victor keep Rhiannon at?" Duncan asked as his voice cracked a little.
Ross's heart started to beat fast. It was really the first time he had given it any thought as to where he would have her. That when the one place Ross knew Victor would keep Rhiannon.
"He probably has her in the lesson room." Ross quietly replied. Duncan didn't like the expression that Ross gave when he answered him. He had a look of sheer fear.
"The lessons room?" Duncan inquired.
"It is what he called it after his first lesson he gave Rhiannon . . . (with an expression of worry.) Ever since that day, when she did something that wasn't to his liking Victor would take her to the lesson room. To beat her . . . To teach Rhiannon a lesson." Ross replied with a sound of sorrow in his voice.
Duncan's heart sank. He knew if that is where Victor had Rhiannon at, her sanity was into play now. Victor needed to break her to get her under his control completely. Just like he had done so many times, with so many others. All of this was unknown to Ross. He had no idea what Victor's pass profession was. Duncan knew one thing for sure. Rhiannon was going to be the last one who will ever experience that room.
"Do you know where that room is?" Duncan asked.
"Yes . . . But . . . There is a lot of security in that part of the house." Ross replied as he realized that Duncan was on to something.
"Somehow, we have to get you up there, while I deal with Victor." Duncan responded.
Duncan knew that he was going to have to use Ross to get her out of there, just in case things go wrong. They stood there looking toward Victor's home as they quietly devised a plan to get to Rhiannon. They discussed several different strategies, knowing that they couldn't just settle on one plan since it will probably change once they get there. They talked about what may happen or what may not happen. After putting some sort of a tentative plan together, they both noticed how late it was getting. However there was one more thing Ross felt they needed to discuss, Rhiannon.
"What is going to happen now that Rhiannon is an immortal?" Ross asked, a little afraid of what the answer is going to be.
Duncan looked over at him. The concern Ross had for Rhiannon shone greatly in his eyes. He could see that Ross was afraid for her. Afraid of what this all will mean.
"She has a lot of learning to do . . . about the game and how to defend herself. How not to lose her head. (pausing for a moment, as he noted the look of distaste on Ross's face) And a lot of soul searching. Ultimately it lies with Rhiannon and how she going to deal with her life from here on out." Duncan answered.
Duncan wondered or a slight moment if he went too far with his answer. Then realizing he didn't. Ross soaked up everything he said, knowing that she was going to need all the help Duncan was willing to give her. The best thing that he could do was just be there to support Rhiannon on whatever she decides to do with her immortality.
Ross looked Duncan square in the eyes, "Are you going to teach her?"
"As much as I possibly can . . . (placing his hand on Ross's shoulder) I can promise you that!" Duncan replied as he tried his best to reassure him.
Ross could see the sincerity in Duncan's eyes as well as the concern. Best of all he could see the love that was blooming between Duncan and Rhiannon. That was enough to satisfy him. But he had one more question.
"Do you think she is a wake yet?" Ross asked with a voice of hesitation.
It caused Duncan to pause for a moment. Turning around, he surveys the destruction that was left on the porch. "Soon . . . If not already. Rhiannon put up a really good fight Ross. (taking a deep breath) . . . Depending on what type of wounds she received, along with the mortal one . . . That will be how long it takes for her to recover from it."
Ross turned around and scrutinized the front porch. With the blood bath had taken place here, he wondered if she could be immortal. That this was a dream. Looking back at Duncan, Ross realized what he was doing was wishing it to be.
"Do you think . . . (hesitating as he swallows hard) That Victor is aware . . . That Rhiannon knows what she is?" Ross voice broke as he asked.
This also caused Duncan to pause. He really hoped not. That was Rhiannon's only ace in the hole.
"Lets hope that he doesn't Ross . . . (being cautious) because if Victor even suspects Rhiannon knows she is an immortal . . . He will take her head! (pausing for a moment) Right now Victor thinks he has the upper hand . . . (With a voice of concern.) She'll be smart to keep it that way for a while longer." Duncan answered. Ross shook his head in agreement. Knowing how good Rhiannon was at poker, there was no doubt in Ross's mind that Victor won't know unless she wants him to.
The sun had almost set completely as they started to make their way across the creek. It was time to do what they need to do to get Rhiannon. Duncan begins to prepare his mind for what laid a head. He knew that Rhiannon was depending on him. All the reservations he had about not joining the game, has been placed to the side. Duncan was coming to realize, as long as there is a fight between good and evil, he will always be part of the game. No matter how hard he tried to fight it. That this fight, was a good enough reason to join back into the game. Victor has destroyed to many lives and constantly gotten away with it. Duncan would rather be damn if he lets Victor continue to destroy Rhiannon's life. This was the final straw. Every thing else looked small in comparison to what Victor had just done to her. Victor chose her destiny for her. Now he was going to choose Victor's destiny for him. The destiny for all immortals.
What made Duncan so furious was that Victor didn't play by the rules of the game. He had broken every rule, knowing that preimmortals were not part of the game until they lost their mortal life. However, Victor down right hunted Rhiannon and did it on holy ground. Where she thought she would be safe. What angered him more was it wasn't because of a challenge. It was because he wanted to dominate her as he had done with so many others. All for the quickening. Victor was going to try and do the same to Rhiannon. Deep in Duncan's soul told him it was going to try and do it soon When I get you Victor you will pay . . . and pay dearly!
II
Time stood still. Everything appeared to be in slow motion. Rhiannon watched as the doorknob turned ever so slowly, purposely. She adjusts herself in the chair to meet her capture, placing her feet firmly on the floor as her heart pounded hard in her chest. Rhiannon took in small shallow breaths, inhaling then exhaling very slowly. She was trying to calm herself before Victor came into the room. Struggling to clear her mind as she attempts to focus. Rhiannon preparing herself for what was going to happen.
Even though she knew deep in her heart that this was every nightmare she ever had. That it was all coming true and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Rhiannon placed her hands together in her lap, folding them. It was a small effort to try and hide the trembling. As the door opened, Rhiannon held her breath.
Victor was taken back when he opened the door. He half-expected Rhiannon to be quite insane about now. Instead, he found her sitting in the chair with her hands folded having all her attention completely focused on him. It wasn't at all what he pictured. Closing the door behind him, Victor gradually walked toward Rhiannon. Then he stopped in the center of the room.
"So I see we have woken up." Victor said smugly.
Rhiannon looked him straight in the eyes, attempting to hide her emotions. She was trying her best not to falter.
"How did you do it?" Rhiannon asked as she hid the fear in her voice.
"How did I do what Rhiannon?" Victor asked
"How did you trick me into believing you killed me? That I died?" Rhiannon demanded, as she silently prayed that he didn't see through her as squeezed her hands together harder.
"But Rhiannon you did." Victor answered smartly.
"What game are you playing Victor? (staring him in the eyes) So how did you do it?" Rhiannon demanded again.
Victor stood there and stared at Rhiannon. Her eyes were like a caged animal.
"It's as simple as this . . . I killed you and you came back to life." Victor replied as if it was an everyday occurrence.
Rhiannon knew she had better start flipping out or he was going to catch on. She was no way near ready to play her trump card.
"Go to hell Victor . . . I'm not buying any of this . . . I did not die. (standing up with her hands in a fist) . . . I'm standing here quite alive . . . so lets quit with the head games." Rhiannon said nastily.
Rhiannon stood there shaking like a leaf. She didn't have to act that part. Terrified didn't even come close on how she was feeling right at this moment. Victor flung his head back in laughter, like a demon possessed. Then abruptly stopping. A look of complete evil came over his face. Before the look had a chance to register in Rhiannon's mind, Victor charged for her, grabbing her left arm.
"Well I guess I'm going to have to show you . . . Now don't I?" Victor said coldly.
Trembling, Rhiannon's fight or flight responses took over. Her senses took complete control. From out of no where, Rhiannon belted Victor. Her right fist came around and before Victor had a chance to react, she gave him a right cross. It almost knocked him off his feet. He grabbed the table with his left hand for support. Making sure that he didn't lose the grip he had on her on her arm. Strong little shit! Victor was pissed. Rhiannon had completely taken him by surprise. He was furious at himself for not expecting it, angry with her that she had the balls to hit him.
Getting his footing, Victor turned and hit Rhiannon with the back of his hand. Her head snapped to the side from the force of the blow. Blood ran from her lip. Oh darling this is just the tip of what I have to show you. Victor attempted to pull her by her arm across the floor, but Rhiannon fell to her knees in an effort to keep him from doing it. Reaching down Victor pulled Rhiannon head back by her hair.
"Rhiannon . . . we can ether do this the hard way or the easy way. It 's up to you," Victor declared, secretly hoping that she takes the hard way.
With Victor's hand still wrapped around her hair, Rhiannon slowly pulls herself up. You know what he's going to do next, so lets get this over with. Arguing with herself.
"What the hell are you going to do . . . Kill me again?" Rhiannon blurted out.
"Now that is a thought! . . . (Victor grins) . . . Come over here. (pulling her hair) I have something I want to show you!" Victor said as pulls her over toward the punishment wall.
Rhiannon cringed. She didn't know if could handle any of this. Taking down a handcuff, Victor placed it over her left hand. It caused her to tremble. Victor just smiled. You have her full and undivided attention. The insane voice in his head said. By this time, he didn't have to pull her over to the bed. Deciding it was best to go with the program, Rhiannon walked over to the bed on her own. Taking the other end of the handcuff, Victor hooked it on the bedpost. Victor was in his glory. This was the best part of showing an immortal what they truly are. He relished in it.
Reaching in his back pocket, Victor takes out a pocketknife opening it up, and then flipping out the biggest and sharpest blade. Looking down at Rhiannon, Victor smiled. He was getting the exact reaction he wanted from her. Her eyes shined with absolute fear.
"Now . . . this will only hurt for a minute. I promised." Victor said excitedly.
Victor could feel Rhiannon trembling with fear. He pushes Rhiannon down onto the bed. Reaching down for her right arm, he pulls her sleeve up so that the forearm is completely exposed. Taking the blade, Victor cuts into her skin like it was butter, running it across her forearm to her wrist. Blood began to flow profusely. Rhiannon let out a scream that echoed throughout the whole room. The pain was intense. Her arm was burning and stinging.
Rhiannon looked down at her arm. The blood flowed from her arm like it was a river. Then suddenly it stopped. A Feeling like some jolts of electricity pulsates throughout her arm. Rhiannon's jaw dropped as she watched, simultaneous as her arm healed. There was no trace of the wound left just blood. Rhiannon shook her head as she took her free hand and wipes the blood away. There was no trace of a cut at all. It amazed her. Just like Duncan! Looking up at Victor, Rhiannon could tell he was enjoying all of this. She was giving him the exact reactions he wanted.
"This can't be happening." Rhiannon said in disbelief as she continuing to play the game.
It caused Victor to laugh. He was basking in Rhiannon's terror as well as her horror. He enjoyed every bit of it. Revenge has away of making you relish in ones misfortune and Victor was indeed relishing in her misfortune.
"Oh but dear it is. I told you that you would be mine forever . . . (reaching down and brushes the hair from her eyes.) You are an immortal now . . . You can never die. You'll never to grow old. You will live forever . . . (smiling widely) . . . And your whole purpose in life will be to serve me . . . And when I'm done and you're broken in, You will serve me forever." Victor said in a voice that could only be described as pure evil.
Rhiannon could see the wickedness that shown in his face. Whatever goodness Rhiannon thought was there, was gone. Watching Victor carefully, she was trying to choose her next response wisely.
"Ok . . . So I'm immortal . . . I can buy that. (In very sarcastic voice) But what makes you think you own me . . . I thought we had solved that problem years ago?" Rhiannon smartly said.
Victor smiled. He could see that it was finally it was sinking in, "Oh but I do. The scar on your neck says so. Remember? (Taking his fingers and tracing the outline of her face) . . . Don't you remember . . . The promise I made you?"
Rhiannon whole body started to shake uncontrollably. She indeed remembered the promise, but she also remembered the promise she made to herself.
"Don't you remember what I said about your promise . . . doesn't the word . . . (Saying it bluntly) Never . . . come into mind," Rhiannon replied as bluntly as she could.
"Well Rhiannon . . . I guess never has happened. (smiling) You're here aren't you. As I see it . . . you're here for all of eternity." Victor said coldly.
Something took a hold of Rhiannon as her mind went into over drive. It was like every fear, every nightmare, she ever had come true at once. A sudden feeling of panic over took her. She started pulling at the handcuffs.
"Victor, this isn't funny any more . . . Let me go!" Rhiannon yelled at him.
This was what Victor was waiting for. Rhiannon was completely losing it. He was going to keep pushing her, until she goes over the edge.
"Now Rhiannon you know . . . you should never question what I say. Has it been that long? ...Hmm?" Victor asked as he walked over to the wall and took down another pair of handcuffs and a long leather whip.
"Victor please dont!" Rhiannon whispered
"Maybe it is time to give you a lesson . . . to welcome you home." Victor simply said.
"Why Victor . . . (her voice began to quiver) . . . what have I done to you that had been so terrible that makes you want to do this?" Rhiannon asked as she was tried desperately to keep it together.
"My oh my . . . we have forgotten haven't we? Remember pulling out the gun Rhiannon? Remember leaving me? (smiling widely now) Me begging you to stay? (walking back toward her) . . . I promised you then you would pay and unlike you . . . I always keep my promise." Victor said as he cracks the whip in the air.
"Yea but you let me go . . . Why didn't you just do it then? Why the wait?" Rhiannon yelled, fighting off the tears. Victor didn't reply he just cracked the whip again.
Rhiannon was in full panic. Pulling hard at the handcuff, she tried to force her hand through it. All she was managing to do was having the cuff cut deep into her wrists.
"Please Victor . . . (begging) I can't do this again! I'll do whatever you want!" Rhiannon pleaded. She pulled herself completely up onto the bed and then pushed herself up against the headboard.
"Oh my dearest Rhiannon's . . . A lesson isn't learned unless it's taught. It's obvious you have forgotten everything I taught you." Victor cruelly said as he snapped the whip slicing the air with a whistle.
"Victor . . . please don't do this . . . You don't have to do this." Rhiannon continued to plead to him as she kicked her feet at him.
"Now Rhiannon . . . Just think of this as a free lesson . . . Here on out. You'll have a clean slate. (Flashing an evil grin) . . . As long as you do everything I tell you, you'll never have to have another lesson again." Victor replied.
Victor walked to the edge of the bed and smiled down at her. Rhiannon looked up at him as started to shake even harder. She knew what he was going to do next. Rhiannon began to question herself on how much longer she was going to be able to play this game.
"Give me your hand Rhiannon." Victor demanded of her.
"No!" Rhiannon answered as she tried to kick him away. But it was in vain
"I said . . . give me that damn hand!" Victor said. Then he reaches down and snatches her other hand and places into the end of another handcuff.
"Oh God . . . Victor please don't do this." Rhiannon still was pleading.
Victor dismissed her pleads, "Now like a good little girl that you are . . . flip over."
Rhiannon hesitated for a moment then did exactly what she was told and laid face down on the bed. She held her breath as Victor took the other end of the handcuff, Victor secures it to the other bedpost. Reaching down, he tears the back of her shirt off exposing her skin. Victor stood there for a few minutes and stared at Rhiannon's trembling body savoring the moment. Taking his hands, he runs them across her back. Rhiannon dared not protested. She just flinched in response to his touch. It would do her no good to try and plead any more. It would just cause her to get it worse. Worse than she was already going to get it and it was going to be bad. Rhiannon knew the pain all to well. As she lied there, her body began to shake. There were no more words spoken between them. Just the sound of the whip as it ripped through her skin and the uncontrollable screams that followed.
III
The forest was totally dark. Black was its color. The only light that shone was the full moon over the mountainside. Ross was up a head a little farther than Duncan, instructing him of a hole or a rock that was in their path. Ross knew these mountains like the back of his hands. Therefore, Duncan graciously took his advice. Coming out of from the thicket into the clearing, Duncan saw it in the distance. It was the outline of Victor's house. Calling it a house was an understatement. In reality it was an old plantation. In its hay day, it probably was a magnificent manor. Today from a hundreds of years of punishment from the weather, it looked like an old cottage. Still, it was beautiful with willow trees and pecan trees surrounding the entire house. The porch had an old fashion swing with rocking chairs to match. Even with the beautiful it processed, one could see there was a darkness about it, pure adulterated evil. There was horrible unspeakable events had transpired there, one of pain and brutally. That thought sent a chill down Duncan's spine.
They stayed among the trees letting the blackness hide their shadows. About a thousand feet from the house, Duncan reached out and grabbed Ross's arm.
"We can't go any farther Ross . . . He'll sense me if we do." Duncan whispered. Ross turned his head and shook it with the understanding what Duncan had meant.
Back tracking a little, they crouch down behind some bushes looking around and studying the grounds. The house itself, looked deserted. Even though all the lights were on, it had a very eerie appearance to it. As though the house itself was disturbed. Ross crouched up just a bit and looked to see if there was anyone on the grounds. Once he was satisfied, he sits completely down. Reaching into his bag, he pulls out some rope and a flashlight.
Grabbing Duncan by the arm, "There is an entrance around back through the servant quarters . . . I can probably go in through there to disarm the alarm. What are you going to do?" Ross asked.
"I was thinking of walking through the front door." Duncan simply said.
"You got to be joking!" Ross whispered with a voice of uncertainty.
"No . . . No I'm not." Duncan said seriously.
Ross looked at him and frowned. Unsure he was hearing what he was hearing. Ross didn't like where this was going. He thought the element of surprise was better. Nevertheless, Ross understood where Duncan was coming from. That Victor could sense him whether he snuck up on him or came right out in the open.
"Ok if that's what you want to do . . . But I do I have an idea . . . (trying to sound confident) that might help us keep the upper hand . . . With a guy like him, we need the upper hand." Ross declared.
Duncan just looked at him. The look that was on his face, he could see Ross had some sort of a plan.
"What would that be?" Duncan asked willing to hear him out.
"Ok . . . look. There are two entrance ways to the upstairs. One is the servant corridor and the other is the main hall. (pausing to see if Duncan was paying attention) When I go in and disarm the alarm. I'll make my way through the servant corridor. Victor never goes through there . . . It's beneath him." Ross explains
Duncan nods in agreement. Ross continues, "Wait for ten minutes . . . it will give me time to get up there. You said once you go in there he'll sense you right?"
"It really depends on how much power he has . . . it could be as soon as I walk through the door or until I walk up on him." Duncan answered unsure where Ross was going with this.
"All right . . . Now Rhiannon will feel your presence also?" Ross asked.
"Yes" Duncan answered simply.
"Good . . . While you make your grand entrance . . . it will cause Victor to go off guard. Hopefully come after you. That will give me a chance to get to her." Ross said trying to sound positive.
Duncan mulled it over. It sounded really good. Rhiannon would know that they were there once she feels his presence. While he was busy with Victor, Ross could help her escape. It had to work. They needed to get Rhiannon out of there before Victor kills her.
"Sounds like it could work." Duncan said in agreement.
Ross looked at him and smiled, "Lets not forget I was the one who designed the security plans. I know every inch of the house."
"Ok just don't leave yourself open. Watch your back." Duncan replied as he patted Ross's back.
Duncan felt this could really work. That at least they could get Rhiannon out and away from that mad man. After she was safe, it would be his turn to make Victor pay for ever harming her or any woman. Ross lifted up once more and looked at the house making sure that every thing was still clear. He just had one more question for Duncan, to him it was the most important question.
"Once I get Rhiannon out of there, where should I take her?" Ross inquired.
"Take her to the shack." Duncan said as he lifted himself up long enough to make sure of his surrounding.
Ross sat there and shook his head no. He wasn't sure if he heard him right, "Are you sure Macleod . . . I mean . . . after what already has happened to her?"
"That is where Rhiannon will be the safest at. She is now an immortal . . . Victor can't touch her there now. That's why he had to bring her here away from holy ground." Duncan said as he tried his to reassure him.
Ross shook his head okay. If Duncan was right that could explain why Victor didn't take Rhiannon's head there. Turning to Duncan, he looks right in eyes. Making sure he was telling the truth.
"I don't want her hurt again." Ross simply said with a heavy heart.
Placing his hand on Ross's shoulder, "Trust me." Was all Duncan said.
Deciding that he had no real choice, Ross had to take that chance. Duncan hasn't lied to him yet. Turning to say okay, Duncan stops him. He motions to his ear for Ross to listen. At first, it wasn't that clear. Muffled. It sounded as though a wounded animal caught in a trap in real pain. It was at the same moment when they both realized what it was. It wasn't an animal. It was someone screaming. They both looked at each other, unsure if they were really hearing what they thought they were hearing. Then the scream came again.
"You don't think . . . ?" Ross went to ask when Duncan places his fingers to his lips to quiet him.
Other scream. This was a scream that came from deep down. One of tremendous pain and hurt. This time they both realize the voice. Both of their hearts grew very heavy.
"Rhiannon!" Duncan whispered to Ross.
There was one more horrifying scream. Then complete silence. They sat there completely still. Then the screaming began again. Duncan was beside himself. Anger had begun to rise up from deep inside him. Every time another scream was heard, it raised higher. It shook him to the core knowing. Victor was torturing Rhiannon. At that moment, he was powerless to help her. Ross on the other hand was trembling. His heart totally ached for her. He knew that Victor was destroying everything it has taken the pass ten years for Rhiannon to over come.
Unable to stand it any longer, Ross turns to Duncan and in a force whisper, "We have to get her now Duncan!"
"I know Ross! Go on and go to her . . . I'll wait here." Duncan replied.
Ross noticed there was a complete change in him. It was in his posture and composer, like a soldier waiting to capture his enemy. Suddenly just as it started, there was one last great horrific scream then total silence. It sent a chill down Ross's spine. Duncan had a look of complete relief.
"Ten minutes?" Ross asked.
"Ten minutes." Duncan repeated.
Watching Ross creeps through the bushes, Duncan sat down with his back toward the house. Reaching in his coat, he pulls out his katana.
"It's time to finish this Victor. (looking down at his watch) Hold on just ten more minutes Rhiannon . . . just ten more minutes." Duncan begged.
IV
There was one final crack of the whip echoed throughout the air. That followed by a horrible scream. Afterwards silence fell in the room. Rhiannon lay there trembling. Every ounce of her body was screaming. Her back felt as though it was on fire. Except for her mind, it was totally numb. Rhiannon couldn't help the screams. They came from deep within her. Every nightmare and fear that has plagued her the last ten years had come true. There was only one thing that satisfied Rhiannon, but displeased her captor. She did not cry. There was not one tear. Rhiannon kept the promise that she made to herself by not giving Victor the satisfaction of seeing her cry. Even though every muscle throughout her body throbbed. She could no longer feel her arms or hands. They were in a state of numbness. But the welts on her back she did feel and they burned.
Catching Victor out the corner of her eye, Rhiannon could see that he was coming toward her. She began to tremble with fear. Victor reached down with his hand gently touching her on the arm. Was it a moment of caring or compassion? Rhiannon was unsure which. Then she heard the click of the handcuffs being undone, one then the other. Rhiannon slowly brings her arms down to her side as every muscle spasm with pain. Attempting to turn over onto her back, the pain was too intense to move. She just continued to lie there on her stomach.
Victor sense Rhiannon was in a great deal of amount of pain. He watched as she tried to turn herself over with no success. Victor casually walks over to the chair and sits down and watches her.
"The pain will subside soon . . . Rhiannon. Just give it some time." Victor coldly said.
Victor watched as Rhiannon turned her head slowly toward him. Her eyes were as black as coal. It caused a shudder to go down Victor spine. He could clearly see the hatred poring from her soul. The pain Rhiannon was suffering was showing greatly on her face. However there was something that did alarm him. There was no tears just complete hatred. It disturbed Victor. Even though Rhiannon's spirit was almost broken, Victor knew there was one thing she was clinging on to. It was not to let him see her cry. Somehow he was going to have to break down that wall to be able to have her totally.
Rhiannon managed to sit up even though she was clearly in agony. She struggled to get some sort of control of her body. Moving to the edge of the bed she let out a moan as her feet touch the floor. Her body was becoming awake. It was tingling with a strange sensation as it was slowly beginning to repair. However, the pain was immense. Her back was on fire. It was stinging and burning at the same time. Rhiannon desperately wanted to cry. Although with every minute that passed by, her body healed a little bit more. Moaning with every move, she attempts to stand up. However, she wasn't very successful. Rhiannon brought her body back down on the bed gently.
Rhiannon could see Victor out of the corner of her eye, sitting there like he had just won a huge prize. This caused her to become furious. Victor was treating her like he possessed her and no one possesses her. She was getting tried of playing this game of his. It wasn't worth the torture. Anger started to control her mind and her thoughts. In this new life, Rhiannon was Victor's equal in every way shape and form. Her immortality saw to that. The fear was leaving and being replaced with courage. She knew the time was near. It's almost time to stop this game now.
Rhiannon was feeling her body healing. It wasn't complete healed yet but it was close. Now it was time to play her trump card. It is time to be the one in control, to up the sakes. Acting like she still was in pain, Rhiannon scooped out the room. Her eyes shifted slowly from one end of the room to the other as she attempted to look for some sort of weapon. It was time to fight for her life. She was not going to go through this for the rest of her immortal life. Rhiannon swore to herself years before that she would never be beaten down to nothingness. She swears to herself that this will be the last time Victor ever does this again. Looking around room, her eyes rested on one weapon. One she definitely knew how to use. It was the one thing that will even everything up. Victor's sword. He had it next to him. Rhiannon knew the only way she was going to get Victor to stop torturing her was to get away from him. There was only one way for sure that she could get his attention away from the sword and totally focused on her. She had to get under his skin.
Looking at him coldly, Rhiannon asked in the most smart-ass voice she could find, "So what's next Victor?"
The question shocked him. Victor wasn't ready for her to confront him just yet.
"What do you want to be next Rhiannon?" Victor inquired
"What do I want to be next? (coldly) . . . Hmm . . . No the question is . . . What, are you going to do to me next?" Rhiannon asked.
Victor studied her. He wasn't sure of the meaning behind the question.
"Nothing, unless you cause something to happen." Victory said coldly.
Rhiannon took in a deep breath and slowly got off the bed, "Hmm . . . So I take it the lesson is through for now."
"Unless you would like to have another lesson." Victor replied.
"Ok, Fair enough, I do have one question." Rhiannon was standing completely now, making sure her feet was securely on the ground.
Victor motions with his hand for her to go on.
"What's with the sword?" Rhiannon innocently asked.
Victor didn't know how to reply. He didn't want to give her any information that she didn't need to know yet.
Choosing his words carefully Victor replied, "Protection."
"From what?" Rhiannon questioned.
"From other immortals" Victor simply asked her.
"Other immortals . . . Why would you need protection from other immortals?" Rhiannon inquired, trying her best to act as innocent as she could.
Victor stared daggers into her. He didn't want to be playing twenty questions with her. What he wants was her silence but he was just getting the opposite.
"Just because . . . You shouldn't worry about things that don't concern you." Victor was starting to get pissed and Rhiannon knew this.
"Sure Victor whatever you say . . . But that really doesn't make any sense to me. (she starts to walk toward him casually) . . . Come on tell me why would you have to have protection. Let alone with a sword . . . little medieval don't you think?" Rhiannon said as she tried to get his goat.
"Drop it Rhiannon." Victor warned.
"No!" Rhiannon said defiantly
This caused Victor to pause. A look of frustration appeared across his face, which caused Rhiannon to stop in her tracks. She could tell this was making him furious. Rhiannon wasn't sure if she should keep going or not. But dismissing that thought she began to walk toward him again.
"Rhiannon . . . I wouldn't push the issue . . . that sword is the least of your worries." Victor said as directly as he could.
Rhiannon stopped again and stood there mulling over her next move, but her mouth was quicker than her mind, "Oh really . . . and what would that worry be? It seems to me that from what you told me . . . we can't die . . . So why would you need protection from immortals?"
Victor glared at her. "In time you'll know why and understand . . . Right now you only need to concern yourself with your immediate problem."
"And what would that be, having another lesson taught?" Rhiannon instantly regretted it the moment she said it. You're really trying to piss him off aren't you.
Victor was becoming irritated. Rhiannon could clearly see it written on his face. Determining that she needs to give him a little more of a push. She had to get him to come at her so he would leave his sword unattended. She couldn't do this anymore. She wasn't going to take another lesson. It was time to tip her hand. Moving toward him again, watching his moves very carefully. Victor suddenly stood up stopping Rhiannon cold.
"It could easily be arranged Rhiannon. The more lessons you learn . . . the better you will listen and do what is expected of you!" Victor exclaimed.
"Oh Victor, believe me I have learned my lesson . . . I understand clearly what is expected of me. Not because you have taught it to me (taking a deep breath) but because I have already been taught . . . More than you'll ever know." Rhiannon declared.
Victor was baffled by her reply but only for the moment. About the same time he realized what she meant, Rhiannon had already sprung her surprise.
V
Staying in the shadows, Ross crept up to the house. Stopping every few steps to look and listen. The military taught him well. Teaching him everything, from how to walk, talk and how to kill. However, his most valuable training he learned was electronics. That gave him his expertise in security and what he lives on today. There wasn't an alarm system out there that could out wit him, not even his own. Making his way to the door, he looks over to where Duncan was. There was no sign of him. Not unless you had a trained eye and knew what to look for. He's good. Must have been a military man at one point. Quietly making his way to the servant's door, his mind drifted off. Ross wondered how it was fighting through the centuries. He couldn't comprehend the horrors and pain Duncan must have seen. Coming to the door, Ross tried to shake the thought off. Looking toward where Duncan was hiding, Ross watched as Duncan slowly lifted up his head then disappeared again. Satisfied that Duncan was still there, Ross began to work on getting into the house.
Meanwhile, Duncan kept a close eye on Ross as his thoughts went over everything that had transpired to day. In his mind he blamed himself for everything that had happen. Then slowly his thoughts turned to Rhiannon. Duncan wondered if she was okay. Hearing her screams did something to Duncan. It sent images floating into his mind of what Victor was doing to Rhiannon. He could still hear the horrible screams that came from deep within her soul. It angered him and at the same time it broke his heart.
Duncan could not stand the feeling of helplessness. Still watching Ross, there was a sudden surge of rage came across him. So much so that every muscle and joint ached. He knew he was wrong for feeling like this but what he longed for the most was vengeance. He wanted to make Victor pay for what he has done to Rhiannon. Most of all, Duncan was bitter with himself for leaving Rhiannon in that position. His ears still rung with the last words she spoke to him before he left her. All that will do is protect my immortal soul . . . quite frankly Duncan I am still quite fond of my mortal soul. Shaking his head, trying to get the words to quit ringing in his head. Looking down at his watch, six more minutes. He wondered what kind of progress Ross was making with the alarm.
Ross in the meantime, was making perfect progress. Glancing down at his watch he sees he has five minutes left. Taking out a small screwdriver from his nap sack, he goes to work. About minute and half later, he had the faceplate off and was poking at the wires. One of the wires arched. Not enough to burn him, but enough to make it smart. Shit. One more minute goes by and he is done. Ross makes a hand gesture and signs to Duncan that he is done. Watching, he sees Duncan slowly raise his head. Ross didn't need to do any thing more. He knew that Duncan had seen him. Reaching down, he slowly he turns the knob as he pushes on the door. For a brief moment he held his breathe. Nothing. This caused a huge grin to cross his face. Chalk one down for the good guys. Taking one last glance over to Duncan, he goes in.
Watching him go into the house, Duncan sat back down. Taking a quick look down at his watch. Two more minutes. He knew that Ross had cut it short. Whether or not he disarmed the alarm or not, he was going in. Duncan was glad all the same Ross had managed to pull it off. It settled Duncan's mind little. Knowing that no matter what happens now, that Rhiannon will be safe now. He just hoped it wasn't too late for her or them. Duncan hoped that she forgives him for everything. At that moment he was blaming himself enough for the both of them. The anger rose again. This time he let it wash over him, consuming him. Letting the anger be everything he was going to need to beat him. Taking a careful look at his watch, It's time Victor. It is time. Creeping his way toward the house, his thoughts turned to Ross. He Hoped that Ross was going well with him and that he made it in okay.
Ross had worked his way up the back through the servant quarters. It ran adjacent to the walls of the back house a half a floor below. The hallway was completely dark except for the flashlight that he brought. There were cobwebs all along the corridor. It had a look as if it hadn't been used for years. Coming up to the door of the main hallway, he stopped, listening to his surroundings. He knew that it would be only a few minutes before Duncan would come in. But the waiting was wearing on his nerves. As he came to the door, he began to hear voices. It sounded like someone arguing. Placing his ear to the door he listening carefully. He couldn't quite make out the voices. They were muffled. He could tell that it was definitely an argument. Ross strained to hear what was being said and who it was.
Almost instantly realized whose voices they were. Rhiannon's and Victor's! Listening closely, Ross could hear them arguing about needing a sword. Suddenly there was a loud crash. It shook the ground underneath him, causing him to back away from the door. Then came complete silence. Ross's heart went into his throat. Duncan, you better hurry up. Ross was straining to hear when the arguing started it again. It still was very muffled. He decided to place his ear back to the door. The shouting was getting louder and clearer. Ross could tell by the way Rhiannon was speaking she was scared but she was also fed up. About the time Victor started to respond to whatever she said to him, it is when he heard the second crash. It caused him to jump. The noise sounded as if something was coming through the door. Ross took a deep breath. He realized that Rhiannon was backed into a corner. That she couldn't take it any longer. There was a sound of desperation in her voice. It scared Ross. He began to pray that Duncan would hurry up and show up. Knowing from the sound of Rhiannon's voice, she had enough. That she was taking matters into her own hands.