Chapter 14
The Losers and Winners
I
The look that was on Victor's face was priceless. Before Victor realized what Rhiannon was up too, she had knocked his feet out from underneath him. When Victor fell, he landed on the floor hard, knocking the wind out of him. His sword that was next to him went across the room, hitting the wall and then the floor with a loud crash. It all happened so fast that Victor was dazed and confused. Unsure of exactly what just had happened to him nor believing that it just happened.
Rhiannon glanced down at Victor, she knew that she had caught Victor completely by surprise. She knew that if she didn't take advantage of the situation right now, there was no turning back. Victor would have her for the rest of her immortality. Rhiannon looked around the room and found where the sword landed. She ran across the room snatching up the sword with lighting speed. However, she was unprepared for the heaviness of Victor's sword. Rhiannon held it unsteady at first. But, just as Victor sat up, she firmed her grip around the base and held the sword out in front of her like it was her own with steadiness and pose.
The look that came across Victor face when he realized that she had the sword caused Rhiannon to smile. This wasn't anything he was expecting to happen. He wasn't prepared for her to fight him back. Especially after just taking the lesson he dealt her. What Victor wanted was for her to cower to him and not to stand up for herself. So for him, this was a blow to his ego. For Rhiannon it was the first time she felt she was in control. That she had the ability to stop this madness. That finally, she was the one in control and not Victor. This act of defiance had Victor completely beside himself. He couldn't believe that she had the gall to do this.
Standing there looking Victor dead in the eyes, Rhiannon heard her inner voice whispered to her that she had the capability to take him. An immense sense of power was coming deep from with inside her. It felt as though all her senses were revealing it self to a new self awareness. That Rhiannon's soul informed her of what she could and will be. This new declaration rocked her soul. You can take him Rhiannon . . . You have to. She knew if she didn't stand up to him now Victor surely would make her his slave or worse take her head. She had already died once today and wasn't willing to do it again. That was if she could help it. However, there was still shadow of self-doubt. Rhiannon knew she had to push that thought to the side. Whether or not she could take Victor, she really had no choice but to take that chance. It was self-preservation now.
"Rhiannon give me that sword . . . Or your going to make me do something I really don't want to do." Victor said with a voice of unnatural calm as he slowly lifted himself to his feet still gasping for air.
Rhiannon stood there holding her ground. She held the sword firmly out in front of her.
With her newfound confidence Rhiannon spoke to him slowly and calmly, "Victor, I'm done . . . We are not playing this so called game of yours any longer. (pointing the sword at him) I know the truth . . . I about know everything."
Victor stood there for a moment, in a complete daze. Realizing at that moment, what Rhiannon had meant.
"So how long have you known, Rhiannon?" Victor asked.
"How long have I known what Victor?" Rhiannon asked calmly.
"How long . . . (his voice changed to anger) . . . have you known what you are?" Victor demanded.
Thisinfuriated Victor that Rhiannon knew all along that she was immortal. That she could deceive him. Victor began to move toward her, but Rhiannon gave the air a short slice with the blade. Victor immediately stepped back.
"Does it matter Victor how long I have known? ...What should matter to you is that I know the whole bloody truth! I know all about the game . . . (with a fiendish smirk on her face) and all about the rules. I know how to kill you . . . I know that I can take your head and get your essence . . . your quickening. Most importantly I know the one main rule . . . that there can only be one!" Rhiannon said with indignation.
"Ah . . . So I see Macleod did tell you." Victor stated, as he took a step backwards from her.
For the first time Victor looked at Rhiannon in a different light. This placed a new spin on his plans for her. If Rhiannon truly knows about herself, it won't be as so easy dominate her. No immortal wants to watch his back for all eternity. Victor cursed Macleod under his breath. It went against the rules to tell preimmortal what they were. The only reason he could think that Macleod would even tell her was because of Holy Ground and that Macleod must have known that he was coming for her. This wasn't at all what he had planned. It is going to be hard to control Rhiannon, now that she knows everything. It's going to be even harder not to take her head. Though, Victor really couldn't help but admired Rhiannon courage. To let him thrash her with a strap, it showed a lot of tenacity on her part.
Rhiannon slowly smiled at Victor. Whether he believed it before or now, there was no denying it she was his equal.
"Yes Victor, Duncan did tell me . . . (taking a step backward) . . . And for once, you have but no choice to look at me as an equal. (smiling widely) For your head comes off just as well as mine." Rhiannon replied as she placed herself in a defensive stance.
Rhiannon held the sword out in front of her as she continued to point it toward him. Victor immediately understood what she was doing. His mind was in a full spin. Victor was unsure if Rhiannon really understood what she was about to do. Yet he wasn't going to take a chance ether way.
Victor stood in front of her with his hands at his side, "Oh my dear Rhiannon, please tell me you're not challenging me . . . For one I have nothing to defend myself with . . . (with a calm and steady voice) . . . Secondly, you wouldn't last ten minutes with me."
"Oh really." Rhiannon replied with no emotion, all the while heart was pounding hard in her chest.
"Besides darling . . . you're more valuable to me with your head (taking a small calculated step toward her) but if I have to . . . I will take it." Victor declared.
Rhiannon stood completely unchanged. Unchanged in her stance or the look of determination she had on her face. The feeling that started a few minutes ago deep inside her had started to move throughout her whole body. The fear that had griped her before, has completely left her. It was replaced with a new strength. A strength that reassured her of the person she truly always has been. Taking a couple of steps away from him and moving toward the door, Rhiannon twirls the blade in front of her.
"Well my dear . . . (with sarcasm.) Lets put it this way . . . Let me go and you will not lose your head today." Rhiannon said as she points the sword at Victor.
Anger overwhelms Victor. There was no way he was going to let her speak to him like that. Suddenly and with such force, Victor knocks the table to the side and lunges for Rhiannon. She takes a step back, swinging the sword in front of her to keep him at bay, slicing the air right to left in a crisscross manner. As she moved the sword back and forth. Rhiannon drew on everything that she had learned in the pass ten years. Victor reaches out and attempts to grab the blade of the sword. Rhiannon sharply pulls back on the sword and away from his grip. Then bringing the sword around in a circular motion, Rhiannon slices deeply into Victor's arm. Then she brings the sword back in front of her and goes back into a defensive stance.
As Victor grabs his arm, Rhiannon reaches behind her for the doorknob turning it. Then with a backward kick the door flings wide up. She turns around and starts running toward the stairs. This turned out to be a very grave mistake. As Rhiannon makes her way to the balcony, Victor comes up from behind her. Grabbing her hair, he tosses her back down the hallway. As Rhiannon falls, the grip she had on the sword was lost. The sword came up out of her hands and flies over the balcony. Victor then reaches down to grab her when Rhiannon instinctively kicks Victor hard. He lands down at the head of the stairs.
Trying to get her feet, Rhiannon trips on the rug and falls hard on her knees yelling out in pure pain. Looking toward the stairs, she could see that Victor was flat on his back at the head of them. As she struggles to get to her feet, Rhiannon felt it. There was a loud buzz that pulsated through her head and then throughout her body. Instinctively Rhiannon grabs her head. Once the buzz subsided she knew instantly knew who it was.
"Duncan!" Rhiannon whispers to herself.
Rhiannon knew if she was going to have a chance to get out of this, she had to get down those stairs to Duncan. As she runs to the stairs and starts to take her first step, Victor stretches out his hand. He reaches out and grabs her around her ankle causing her to fall. She tried and grabbed a hold of the railing but there wasn't anything she could do to stop herself from falling. Rhiannon falls all the way down the staircase to the very bottom of the stairs. When she landed at the bottom, Rhiannon's head smacked hard against the marble flooring. As she began to lose unconsciousness, Rhiannon could hear Victor laughing horribly at the top of the stairs.
II
Meanwhile as this was all going on, Ross at that moment was in the middle of debate with himself. He had the door to the servant's hallway cracked. There Ross watched the struggle between Rhiannon and Victor. Ross stood there paralyzed in fear because he knew he couldn't do anything at that moment to help her. He had to wait for Duncan in order for their plan to work. Ross's heart went to his throat when he saw her fall down the stairs. He was completely beside himself. Arguing with himself, not to stand there and do nothing. But knowing he had to wait.
Then came the laughing. At that moment, Ross knew Rhiannon was in deep trouble. He was unclear at what to do next. Looking out the servant's door, Ross watched Victor go down the stairs. In his head, Ross started to debate with himself. He knows he really should wait until Duncan gets there to make any kind of move. It became obvious to him that Duncan may have not made it to the house yet. Nether one of them acted as if they felt presence of someone else. The little that Ross knew about immortals, he knew that one of them should have felt Duncan by now. Whether he was there or not, Ross knew had to something and it had to be now. Ross knew that Victor would beat Rhiannon or worse for betraying him. He couldn't wait any longer for Duncan. Ross had to act now. Praying under his breath that he was doing the right thing, and everything will fall into place. God willing.
Thinking and plotting, slowly Ross cracks the door open just enough to place his head out to look down both ends of the hallway, being satisfied that no one was there. He slowly and softly steps out into the hallway. Ross crept his way down until he came to the lesson room. As he eyes slowly glanced into the room, Ross stopped abruptly. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Tears began to swell in his dark brown eyes. The room was in shambles. But what instantly caught Ross's focus in the room was the bed. There was blood all over the sheets. It had looked as though someone had took a squirt gun and sprayed the bed with blood. A wave of nausea came over him. Ross knew what Victor did and it made him sick. Victor did what he did best. He gave her the lesson's that he gave so long ago. He took his whip and tore her apart. That where the screaming was coming from. Victor slashed Rhiannon with the whip.
Even though he tried to fight it, Ross's eyes reluctantly moved toward the center of the room. He notices the pool of blood in the center of the carpet. Ross couldn't be sure whose blood it could be. He just hoped it wasn't Rhiannon's. Looking around the rest of the room, he could see that the furniture was over turned. Ross concluded that was the crash he had heard. That it had to be when Rhiannon tried her best to over take Victor and try to get away from him.
Ross reluctantly turned and starts to heads down the hallway. As he did Ross counted in his head, how many steps he was taking. Ross had a feeling that this would probably need to know this once they try to make their way out of there when he got to Rhiannon. That is if he got to her in time. Coming to the head of the stairs, Ross slowly peered over the balcony. He could see Victor standing over top of something or someone. Ross wished under his breath that Victor would move. Even though he knew who was laying there. Almost as if Victor heard his wish, he moved and kneeled down next to Rhiannon. Ross's heart began to quicken. Watching Victor, Ross could see that he had picked up the sword. He was unclear at that moment what to do. Whether he should go down and try and save Rhiannon or wait and see what Victor is going to.
As Ross leaned in to get a clearer look, his foot hit something. The noise echoed throughout the hallway. Quickly Ross stepped back so that he would not be noticed. Evidently Victor didn't care or didn't hear it, because there wasn't any kind of reaction from him at all. It was like as if he was preoccupied with something else. That's when Ross realized that he felt it. At that moment, Victor was unconcerned with him but more concerned with Duncan. Ross leaned back over the railing just in time to see Duncan come in through the front door.
A few minutes earlier before Ross watch Duncan come in the front door. Duncan was making his way across the court yard with the moon as his only light, trying his best not to make a sound. He was like an animal on the prowl. As Duncan stepped onto the porch, he felt a strong presence of an immortal. This presence was a powerful one. It caused Duncan to pause for a moment. This presence wasn't one he had felt before. It wasn't Victor's immortality he was feeling. This feeling was all together different.
Suddenly Duncan realized whose existence that he was feeling. It was Rhiannon's. If Duncan was already sensing her, which meant that she had a strong and powerful essence. This makes her more vulnerable to Victor. Even though she hasn't taken any heads, Rhiannon's power alone would give Victor more power than he had before. As if she had taken many heads. Just because her essence was that strong. This caused a great sense of protection on the part of Duncan. He was feeling more responsible for her than ever knowing deep in his heart what he had to do.
As Duncan came to the door, he felt the second wave of immortality. This one he felt before. Victor. Anger swelled deeply within him. This was one immortal Duncan was going to enjoy taking his head. Standing at the door, his mind drifted for a moment. As he remembers hearing the screams that Rhiannon made. How terrifying and horrible they sounded. Along with the tremendous amount of pain that was in each of the screams. Reaching down to turn the knob, Duncan heard shouting. Then there was a loud commotion. He stood there for a moment, listening. Then suddenly came a huge crash, a thud, followed by laughter. Then complete silence.
Duncan stood there for a few minutes wondering what just happened. Unsure if he should go in or wait. He wasn't sure if his immortality was felt when he came on the porch or not. Knowing as much power Rhiannon has, she had to of felt him. However, he was unsure about Victor. There were times that he felt the presence of immortal before they sensed him. Duncan was hoping that this was the case with Victor. As he opens the door, his thoughts turned for a moment to Ross, wondering where he was at and how close he was to Rhiannon.
III
Victor stood over top of Rhiannon wondering when she was going to come to and how he was going to handle her when she did. Foolish girl. He thought as he knelt down to brush the hair out of her face. He could see that there was a puddle of blood under her head. Victor knew she hit her head hard on the marble floor. That it may have even caused her to die again for the second time today. Victor reached down and felt her neck to see if he could find a pulse. There was one but it was faint.
" Oh Rhiannon . . . you are going to have one fine headache when you wake up." Victor said as he smiled to himself.
That is about the time it hit Victor, an enormous buzz. The feeling was familiar to him. It was one who had taken many heads. About the time he realized who it was, Duncan had opened the front door and came in. Victor slowly rose up with his sword at his side. The look that was over Duncan's face was one of a warrior. Victor knew instantly that he was being challenged.
"Well, well, well . . . if it isn't Duncan MacLeod of the clan MacLeod. " Victor said mocking him.
Duncan looked down where Rhiannon laid. His heart was racing in his chest. Duncan could see the pool of blood under her head. He could see there was a blackish red color under her head. It was clear to him that she took one hell of a fall down the stairs. She laid there perfectly still. There was no doubt in his mind that she was still out cold. Along with the blood under her head Duncan also noted her clothing that was tattered and torn. Duncan could see that Rhiannon looked as though she was healing or healed. He still could see the beating she took by the look on her face. Her face was in a state of torment.
"What have you done to Rhiannon?" Duncan demanded as he brought his sword out and down in front of him.
Victor starts to laugh, "I haven't done anything to her. The only person that has done anything to Rhiannon . . . is herself."
"How? ...By loving you? ...(moving toward Victor) By being immortal? Or was it because she left you!" Duncan said angrily.
"That sir is my business . . . Rhiannon was mine long before you. (laughing loudly) She always has been. (placing his sword in front of him) I am just taking back what belongs to me. So I can do anything I choose to do with her or to her . . . That is my business Mr. Macleod . . . not yours!" Victor snorted back.
"Oh see . . . Robbins that is where you are wrong . . . It is my business . . . It became my business when you took her life and made her an immortal before her time. (stepping toward Victor) It became my business when you kidnaped her and then tortured her!" Duncan replied with contempt in his voice.
Victor steps back away from Rhiannon. Casually he moves to the center of the room. All the time making sure that he kept his sword out in front of him. So that he could be ready to defend himself against Duncan.
"I never tortured her Macleod . . .What I did was teach her a lesson (being confidant) Rhiannon knew when she did something wrong . .. That there was a punishment to be done. A lesson to be learned. (placing his sword out to the side) She made a choice to defy me . . . Rhiannon was warned (smugly) if she ever left me she would receive a lesson that she would never forget. So indeed Macleod, Rhiannon did choose and receive the lesson that I promised her so long ago." Victor said righteously.
"Rhiannon didn't choose to get or receive a lesson from you . . . Come on Robbins . . . what sick and twisted mind do you have? To think that someone . . . anyone deserved to get beaten down and then call it a lesson . . . Who do you think you are to her? What makes you think you can do that to her?" Duncan voice was full of bitterness.
"Because Mr. Macleod . . . A long time ago . . . Rhiannon was given a choice to be mine . . . and she chose me. She knew what that entailed. That it meant that I owned her . . . That Rhiannon would belong to me. (smiling) That is when she was branded. It was to ensure that Rhiannon would be mine forever . . . I know you seen it. (motioning to back of his neck) It is where she carries my mark. That in itself . . . states that she is mine!" Victor sneered.
"Rhiannon wanted to be with you . . . to love you . . . not be your property, but for you to love her." Duncan explained.
"I did love her Macleod and Rhiannon in return loved me back . . . The brand just ensured it. It was given to make sure that if anyone ever thought of having her for themselves. . .Like you . . .They would see the brand and know who she belongs to. . .(laughing). . . And that Dear Mr. Macleod is me. Rhiannon belongs to me and always will." Victor arrogantly replied.
"Rhiannon is not your property Robbins . . . She isn't cattle or stock. Rhiannon is a human being as well as immortal . . . therefore, she belongs to no one! To you or to no one. That is why you could never control her. Rhiannon is and always has been her own person . . . no brand or mark can change that!" Duncan shouted at Victor.
Victor slowly places his sword in front of him, placing the tip of his sword toward the ground. Anger began to rise up in Duncan. He knew that the only way Rhiannon could truly be free of Victor would only be by his death. Duncan twirled katana deliberately in the air then carefully placed his sword out in front of him in a defensive stance, using his left hand out to his side for balance. He moved slowly toward the center of the room where Victor had moved to. As he did, Duncan looked around at his surrounding committing to memory every thing that was around him.
After he looked around the room, Duncan let his eyes drift from where Rhiannon laid at the foot of the stairs and then slowly to the stairs and then up them. As he did, Duncan could make out a shadow of man outlined on the wall. A sudden sense of relief came over him. Immediately he knew who it was. Ross! There was no doubt now that Rhiannon would be safe and far enough away the game so that she doesn't get hurt anymore. Duncan would have to trust that Ross will stick to the plans that they made. Get to Rhiannon fast enough to get her out of there and to holy ground, before they began to fight.
Victor stepped slowly toward Duncan. Taking small-calculated steps, Duncan had moved toward him to meet in the middle of the room.
"Ah . . . Are you challenging me Mr. MacLeod?" Victor asked defiantly.
"What do you think? I can't sit idly by Robbins and let you destroy her life." Duncan replied.
"Is Rhiannon truly worth that much to you? (swirling the sword a couple in front of him, then points his sword) Is she worth your head Macleod?" Victor asked with contempt in his voice.
A grin came across Duncan's face. It was a smile that looked like a cat caught a canary in a cage. It took Victor a little by surprise. It made him wonder why Duncan was smiling.
"The question is Mr. Robbins is she worth yours? Duncan asked smugly.
Taking a step closer toward Duncan, "Tell me why Rhiannon is worth that much to you? Huh? Why MacLeod? Is it because you want her for your self . . . to have her indebted to you for the rest of her life?" Victor asked searching for the reason Duncan was willing to challenge him.
"No . . . It's because no one owns Rhiannon! And if I have to take your head to make sure that it doesn't happen. That she is no longer your so-called property . . . then so be it! Duncan answered.
Duncan then twirled his sword around in front of him. Then taking the tip of his sword he lays it onto the tip of Victors. Victor removing his sword forcefully, from under Duncan's sword. As he did, Victor takes his sword and thrusts it outward pointing it directly at Duncan.
"It's not the matter of who owns her Mr. MacLeod … it's the matter of what is mine." Victor simple replied.
"We will have to see about that." Duncan rudely said.
Duncan could tell this was going nowhere really fast. He took his sword and just hit the very end of Victor's sword, just hard enough to let Victor know that he was meaning business. That he was tired of playing this word game with him. In return, Victor becomes enraged. Lifting his sword up he thrusts it at Duncan. Duncan blocks it and does a complete turn around and begins to hit Victor's blade. Right, left then left and left. But Victor was ready for every blow Duncan gave, for Victor blocks each and every one.
"I just have one question Victor . . . Why do you feel like you have to own her . . . and not just Rhiannon but all the others that you have done this to? Why not just take their heads? Why do you have to toy with them?" Duncan enquired.
"Power Macleod . . . Power. It's what all of us immortals are after...Power. We are all in this game to win. So in the end . . . It's all for the greater good. To be the one . . . and if I can have a little fun and pleasure at it then so be it . . . Its just one less immortal to worry about." Victor said bluntly.
"You know that this isn't the way the game is played." Duncan said with distaste.
"Oh but isn't it? I just choose have pleasure with it. To make it more interesting. How boring it is if all we did is do what we are doing right now . . . just fight to be the one. In this way I not only get pleasure from it . . . but I ensure that I have will have enough power so when it comes time to be the last . . . I will have the chance to be the one." Victor proudly explained.
"But you leave them without a choice . . . no way to really defend themselves. They don't have a chance . . . therefore they have no dignity . . . no honor!" Duncan berated him.
"No, that's not truth. They all had choices (smiling widely) it is whether they are going to serve me and do as I say and live a little longer or die now. It's call self preservation." Victor replied.
This infuriated Duncan, "No more Robbins That's not self-preservation its just plain evil . . . There will be no more . . . No more pain and suffering at your hands. Rhiannon was your last!"
They start to circle around each other. Tapping their swords at each other.
"I'm going to enjoy taking your head MacLeod. After I take yours . . . I may just take hers." Victor said to provoke him.
"Come on!. . . Come on!" Duncan shouted at Victor as he motions to him with his hand. Then he goes after Victor with full force. Duncan blocks the swing of Victor's sword and then comes around with a right cross, almost knocking Victor off his feet.
IV
Ross stood above the stairs on the balcony being as still as he could listening to every word that was being said between Victor and Duncan. When he heard the harshness and contempt in Duncan's voice, a sense of urgency came over him. Ross knew it was just about time to put their plans in action. He stood there patiently waiting for the perfect time to strike. Trusting that he will know when it would be time to go into action. Ross stood there listening carefully, paying attention the different tones in both of their voices. There was a sound of apprehension in Victor's voice. It wasn't one of concerned but one of unsureness. There was no mistaking the tone in Duncan's voice. His was one of determination and anger.
Ross could hear their voices began to rise. Each voice was more intense than the voice before it. That is when it happened. There was exchange of words and Duncan telling Victor to come on. Then came the sound of swords hit against each other along with a crash. He looked over the railing in time to see Duncan land a right cross to Victor's chin and watched him stumbles back. Ross knew that it was the perfect time to make his move, now that Duncan had Victor completely occupied. Slowly Ross started down the stairs taking one step at a time, being as quiet as he could be. When he came to the landing, Ross could see Duncan and Victor dueling in the center of the room. They were so into fighting each other that neither of them had seen him come down the stairs
Looking down to the bottom of the stairs Ross could see Rhiannon. She was starting to come to and trying her best to sit up. Realizing that he had to get to Rhiannon before she completely woke up. Very slowly and quietly, Ross started down the rest of the stairs. He tried to stay as close to the wall as possibly so he couldn't be notice but still be able to keep an eye on Duncan and Victor. Ross would stop every few steps in ensure that neither of them could tell that he was there. They were so involved in fighting each other neither of them even glances his way. As Ross reached to the bottom of the stairs, he could tell that Rhiannon was trying to stand up. However, she was having a hard time at it. Rhiannon kept falling back down. Ross could tell that Rhiannon had no sense of balance. Finally she managed to get to her feet. When she did, Rhiannon began to fall backwards. Ross moved silently and quickly jumping down the next couple of stairs. Grabbing Rhiannon in time enough to keep her from falling down again.
Rhiannon felt familiar hands around her waist trying to steady her, allowing them to completely hold her up as she slowly lifted her head. When she opened her eyes to see who had her, tears started down her roll down it her face. Rhiannon just collapsed in Ross's arms.
"Its okay Baby Girl. I've got you." Ross softly reassured her.
Rhiannon places her hand on his face to see if it was real, "It is truly you?"
"It's me." Ross said as he kissed her softly on her forehead.
"But how?" Rhiannon said dazed.
"It's a long story . . . right now lets get you out of here . . . Can you walk?" Ross asked gripping her waist tightly.
"I think so." Rhiannon replied.
Rhiannon turned to try and walk when she heard the crashing of metal. When she turned her head to see what was going on, Rhiannon began to tremble. A feeling of sheer panic came over her. In front of her were Duncan and Victor fighting.
"What is going on Ross?" Rhiannon demanded.
"Duncan challenged Victor . . . in order to get you out of here . . . (struggling to hold her up) . . . We need to go now Rhiannon just in case he loses." Ross explained.
"But!" Rhiannon said in protest.
"We have to go now Rhiannon." Ross said with a determined voice. Reaching down, he picks her up without a sound and he carries her to the stairs.
As Ross carried her, Rhiannon tried to focus on her surroundings. Everything seemed so far away and distorted. She places her hand up to her head. It hurts so badly. Every sound that was made seemed to echo, magnified a hundred times. Ross gripped her even tighter and slowly started up the stairs. Reaching the top of the landing, Ross sets her down for a minute to get a better grip. However, Rhiannon slid down the wall onto the floor of the landing. Sitting there she places her head in both of her hands.
"I can't go any further Ross . . . my head hurts so badly . . . please I have to rest a minute and try to get my bearings." Rhiannon pleaded.
"Okay Baby Girl . . . but only for a minute." Ross said giving in.
Ross sits next to Rhiannon and places his arms around her and lets her gradually sink back into him, letting her body and her head rest on his chest. Rhiannon closes her eyes and opens them again as she tried really hard to focus on what was going on in front of her. It was all a blur to her. Slowly Rhiannon closes and opening her eyes again. She finally could see figures in front of her. As her eyes begin to adjust a little more clearly, Rhiannon's heart race again. There was an intense battle raging in front of her. It was something out of a medieval story. She couldn't believe her eyes. The game that Duncan had explained to her was really happening in front of her. Rhiannon held her breath with every strike or blow that was made. It was truly everything he had told her.
Ross held Rhiannon for a while. Together they watched what was going on in front of them. It was truly a battle to the death. As Ross held Rhiannon, he could feel her heart beating hard in her chest. He could tell that this was terrifying her. Moving his arms from around her Ross stands up. Reaching down, he grabs Rhiannon's hands and pulls her up. Grabbing her around the waist, he tries to lead her up the second flight of stairs, but Rhiannon refuses to budge.
"Ross . . . we have to stay." Rhiannon protested.
"No . . . we can't. We need to leave now Rhiannon. Duncan can take care of himself." Ross said with determination in his voice.
"I can't leave him." Rhiannon begged.
Ross leans down and kisses Rhiannon on the cheek. "We have no choice. I have to get you to holy ground . . . I made a promise."
Rhiannon shook her head no. She wanted no part of whatever promised Ross had made to Duncan.
"Duncan is here because of me Ross." Rhiannon explained
"Macleod knows what he was doing. He's doing what he has to . . . to protect you. (lifting her head to look into her eyes) But in the small chance he doesn't win, Macleod wants you on holy ground to be safe . . . and that Baby Girl is going to be what we do!" Ross told her without giving her a choice in the matter.
Rhiannon pushes Ross away from her, "No! I can't . . . I won't leave him."
"Please Rhiannon, we have to go. If not because of being safe . . . do it because Macleod wants you to." Ross begged.
Rhiannon turned and looked at Ross. She had huge tears in her eyes.
"It's not fair Ross. It's my fight to bare." Rhiannon said as her voice cracked.
"Some times darling you have to let someone fight your battles for you. This is one of those times. (grabbing Rhiannon's shoulder he turns her around) Take one more look . . . and lets get to where you will be safe." Ross said firmly.
Slowly Rhiannon turns to see what was happening. However at that very moment Victor had come around and down slicing Duncan's leg. Before Rhiannon could stop herself, she screamed. It took both Duncan and Victor by surprise. Looking toward the staircase they could see that not only was Rhiannon on the landing but so was Ross.
"Rhiannon, get out of here!" Duncan shouts out to her.
"But Duncan." Rhiannon implored.
With Duncan distracted, Victor came up with the sword and lunged it toward Duncan, but his reflexes were working over time and blocked it.
"Ross! . . . Get her the hell out of here . . . NOW!" Duncan yelled to Ross.
Victor lunged again this time coming across and sliced into Duncan's chest. Not enough to do any real damage, but enough to make it sting. Turning and looking up at Ross and Rhiannon, Victor smiled an evil grin.
"Boy . . . I think it would be wise just to leave Rhiannon . . . If you don't. . . not only will I take their heads, but yours too!" Victor said with a voice of pure disgust.
That is when Victor moved toward Duncan, not with the sword as but with a kick. Not quite blocking it, the kick knocks Duncan off his feet. That was the time Ross picked Rhiannon up and started carrying her up the second set of stairs. Rhiannon nudged Ross to stop. But he didn't.
Rhiannon looked over Ross's shoulder and shouted, "Duncan!"
"Go Rhiannon get out of here now . . . I'll be okay . . . Remember trust in me." Duncan begged her.
This Victor infuriated, "Rhiannon you better not go. . .if you know what is good for you! . . . Did you hear what I said?"
Rhiannon glared at Victor. She gave him a screw you gesture and then slowly she let her eyes shift toward Duncan. The look in Duncan eyes was enough. It told Rhiannon that she needed to go, so that he could finish this madness. Ross seen it also and started up the staircase with her.
V
Duncan watched as they made their way up stairs. With her safe, he now could concentrate on what he has was there to do. Victor on the other hand was furious. He knew instantly that this was their plan all along. There was no way he is going to let Duncan get away with it. They started to circle each other, watching each other closely. Waiting to see which one was going to make the first move. With Rhiannon gone, both of them knew the fight was certainly on. There will be no one else but them. No one was there to interfere. Victor hits the floor with the tip of his blade. Then raises his sword above his head in a defensive stance.
"I have had just about enough with you MacLeod." Victor said angerly.
Stepping back, Duncan raises his hand and again motions for him to come on "Let's get this over with Robbins!"
Their swords out in front of them. They charge toward each other with full force. Duncan with his sword across his chest and Victor's sword above his head. Victor thrusts at Duncan with his sword out and right. This was too simple a block for Duncan. He comes up and blocks the sword and move's Victor's arm to the side. Then with a massive kick to his mid section, he lands Victor clearly across the room and up against the table in the center of the room. Duncan runs up to him and tries to place the sword up against his neck. Instinctively Victor blocks it and hold's Duncan's sword at bay."
"You think you won don't you (breathing hard) by getting Rhiannon out of here. Where did you send her . . . to holy ground?" Victor asked.
Duncan gets as close to Victor's face as he could, "At least you will never touch her again!"
Victor pushes Duncan away and stands straight up.
"That may be true Duncan . . . but I will make damn sure you won't be ether." With that said Victor pushes this sword out and brings it up. Then with a swoop down that caused the air to whistle. Duncan just stood there and smiles.
The sounds of the swords echoed in the room. One clang then another. Every once in a while you could hear the swords spark, as if it was pulsing with electricity. They fought everywhere. In the main hall, on the furniture and then knocking things down off the tables and walls. One blow and strike after another. Right then left. Round house kicks and fists. Each of them blocking the other blows. Every once in a while one would leave themself open, just enough to cut the other to know that they meant business. But with each hit of other's sword or blow to the other's body was finally leading to the end.
It was Duncan who finally had enough. He could see that Victor had become slow and tired. His blocks weren't as strong as he started with. This is when Victor makes the ultimate mistake. He leaves himself wide open and Duncan takes full advantage it. Instead of going after him with his sword, Duncan extends his foot out and kicks Victor squarely in the face. This caused Victor to land hard onto his back. When he landed it knocked his sword out of his hand and across the room. Even with his breath and strength knocked out of him, Victor attempts to get his feet. But Duncan places his foot onto his chest and held him down. He stood over him with his sword up in the air. Victor looks up at Duncan. It was in that moment Victor knew he was beat. Duncan looked down at him with a look of disgust and hatred.
"Robbins . . . consider this a lesson learned . . . that no matter what . . . in the end there can only be one!" In one smooth stroke, Duncan takes his head.
The air filled up with a huge electrical charge. Duncan could feel the electricity move up his back to his neck and then to his head. Every hair on his body stood on end. Duncan slowly stretched his arms out. Taking his sword Duncan points it toward the ceiling. There was a slow rumble filled the air. Suddenly a small bolt of lighting stuck the tip of the blade. It ran down his arm and then went throughout his body. Then it was followed by an even larger strike. This strike engulfed his whole body. Not a part of him wasn't touched by this strike.
Then the air quickly filled up again with electricity. Duncan pushed his sword farther toward the ceiling, helping the quickening to come to him. At first it was slow as if it was just a slap. One small strike after another. Then without notice a fury of lightening bolts came. One bolt then another one. Each strike was harder and longer than the one before it. It struck him so hard that it the quickening comes rushing out, from the tip of his sword and out his fingers and toes. The quickening just finally engulfed him completely. To the point that you didn't know whether the quickening was coming in or leaving out.
With each and every strike, everything about Victor rushed in. Duncan could feel him move throughout his body. Showing him every thing that he had done. All that he was. All of Victor's knowledge hit Duncan with every bolt. Some things he didn't want to know. He tried hard to push it out of his head. All the violence all the torture. What Duncan tried to keep was his compassion and his love for Rhiannon. In some small twisted way Victor did love her. Duncan took in all of his knowledge of fighting and protecting himself. The rest he tried as hard as he could to push it out.
As Duncan pushed all of the evil that Victor possessed out of him, the quickening began to strike everything around him. One bolt hit the chandelier scattering it. Another bolt struck the table in the main hallway breaking it completely into two pieces. Then the quickening knocked down the walls of the old plantation. As it did it set it on fire. There wasn't a place in the old house that wasn't touched by the quickening. Even the lesson room was completely engulfed in flames. Then finally as the quickening let loose the last of its power. Letting the air slowly released the last of its energy. Striking Duncan one last time. Then it was done. Duncan falls down to the floor onto his knees. Using his sword as a crutch to hold him up. Duncan let his body relax.
Meanwhile just as Duncan was getting ready to take Victor'shead, Ross was still carrying Rhiannon when they had made it to the servant's door in the main hallway. Placing Rhiannon down, Ross opens the door. Taking a good look at her, he could see that she slowly gaining her strength back.
"Do you think Baby Girl . . . that you are able enough to walk now?" Ross asked as he still held her up.
"Yeah I think so." She quietly replied.
They started down the hallway making their way to the back stairs when Rhiannon felt it. There was a feeling that came over her that she could never describe. She knew in that instant that someone lost the game. She could feel the power of an immortal leaving its body. Then Rhiannon felt the other immortal begin to receive its soul. Turning to Ross, a look of loss came over her face.
"Ross it's over." Rhiannon simply said.
"What is over?" Ross asked confused in what she was saying.
"The game." Rhiannon said.
"But how could you know that Rhiannon . . . ?" Ross asked unbelieving what she had just said.
As if the heavens were answering Ross, the quickening began. When the first strike hit. Rhiannon screamed. At first she was petrified to move. That was until the next lightening hit. Without giving it a moment thought even though her body was wracked with so much pain. Rhiannon started to run. When she made it to the bottom of the stairs and flung the door wide open. As Rhiannon ran out into the moon lit field, it was about the time when another bolt of lighting struck. Lighting up everything around them. It frightened her so badly that she fell straight to her knees and covered up her head trying to hide from it. Ross ran up behind her and knelt down next to her.
"What is going on Rhiannon?" Ross asked innocently.
"The quickening has started! . . . It means that means someone has lost their head Ross . . . their soul!" Rhiannon said with sadness.
As Rhiannon said that, the quickening was starting to take root. There wasn't any part of the old plantation that wasn't struck by the quickening. There was lightning coming from everywhere. Striking every bit of the house. As it hit, it went through the windows and the roof, wherever it could. All this amazed Ross. He was utterly hypnotized by the strikes. Looking up toward the sky, what impacted Ross the most was that there wasn't a cloud anywhere in sight. Only the moon in its full and white glory. Yet there was lightning. Ross wondered how lightning could come out of nowhere.
Rhiannon on the other hand was frightened. Frighten of the lighting but most of all about Duncan. She slowly raised her head and looked over to the house. As she did there was another bolt that hit the house. Rhiannon screamed and covered her head again. She began to tremble uncontrollable. Ross reached down and placed his arms around her. Trying his best to comfort her. Sitting there in Ross arms, Rhiannon finally gets the courage to look at what was happening around her. They sat there and watched as the house was torn to shreds. The quickening blasted out the walls of the plantation, as it set the roof on fire. It was too much for Rhiannon to bear. Ross could feel Rhiannon shake as he held her tightly as he could. That is when Ross knew it was time to leave. He had to get her to holy ground. Just in event that Duncan lost. Slowly he stood up and lifted Rhiannon to her feet.
"Rhiannon you need to get up . . . We have to get to holy ground . . . get you to where you'll be safe just in case Duncan . . . " Ross trailed off.
"I know." Rhiannon plainly replied.
Rhiannon knew it would do no good to argue with Ross. Right at that moment she was too afraid and terrified at the same time to argue.
"Do you think you will be able to walk to the shack?" Ross inquired.
"Yes . . . I . . . I think I can . . . with your help." Rhiannon answered.
Ross shook his had okay as he reached down and placed his arm around her waist and started to guide her. There was one more crack of lighting, shaking everything around them. They both turned around to take one more look at the plantation. There wasn't a place that wasn't touched by the quickening. They turned and looked at each other. Ross bent down and kissed her forehead. Without another word to each other they started for holy ground.
VI
After the quickening was done, Duncan knelt there for a few minutes letting everything settle within him. He could feel that Victor now was a part of him. Everything he had ever done whether it was good or evil, all of his knowledge and power were moving within him. Focusing hard to keep only what Duncan needed or wanted, then trying his best to clear the rest of it from his mind. Once his mind cleared, there was a strange smelled that suddenly had hit him. Smoke. As Duncan looked around him, he realized everything around him was on fire. Instantly knowing that he needed to get out there right then and there.
Duncan tries to run toward the front door, when he heard a crack. Looking up he watched a beam comes crashing down in front of him. Causing him to jump back. Duncan turns and runs toward the back of the house. Trying to make his way through the smoke filled house. Duncan was beginning to choke on the smoke. It was burning his lungs making him cough. His eyes were burning too, making it hard for him to see. Realizing there wasn't a spot anywhere in the house that wasn't on fire. Duncan knew that the only way he was going to escape was getting as close to the ground as he possibly could. Getting down on his knees, Duncan starts to feel his way out. Crawling he goes to the dining room. Seeing that there was a tablecloth on the dining table. Duncan pushes everything off the table, as he wraps the tablecloth around him.
Shielding himself, the best he could from the fire Duncan crawls into the kitchen. It too was on fire although it didn't look as bad as the rest of the house. There was a sound of fire crackling behind him, lifting the cloth Duncan looks around. As he did the main wall between the dining room and kitchen fell behind him. It caused Duncan to dive landing hard up against the kitchen sink. Lying there with his back against the doors of the sink, Duncan tries to see if there was a back door in the kitchen. Peering through the smoke he could just barely see a small amount of light coming in the window of a door across the room.
Standing up, Duncan turns around to the sink. As he choke and cough, Duncan turned the water on in the sink. Taking the tablecloth, he places it under the faucet. Duncan made sure that tablecloth soaked up every drop of water. That there wasn't a dry piece of cloth on it. Making sure that it was completely soaked. Duncan then draped the soaked tablecloth around him. Getting back down low to the floor, he slowly crawls toward the door. Moving his way through the smoke and fire as he moved over the ambers as well as pieces of debris and broken furniture.
Duncan could now see the door clearly now. He had maybe another twenty feet to go to the kitchen door. Pulling the cloth further over him, making sure that his head was completely covered. Duncan decides get up and make a run for it. He had gotten about a foot away from the door when he heard a snap. Looking up Duncan could see that the ceiling was caving in. He reaches for the door when the ceiling fell with a thunderous crash behind him. Duncan dove out the door to keep the ceiling from landing on him.
The door and himself landed hard outside the house. When Duncan along with the door hit the ground. It took whatever breath he had left with it. It caused him to passed out for a few minutes. As he wakes up coughing and his lungs and eyes still burning, Duncan was able to raised his head in time to watch as the house slowly start to collapse towards the center of itself. With a thunderous sound the plantation collapses into a huge mass. That's when Duncan heard the sirens. Knowing that it was his cue to get out of there before the fire or police department got there. There was no way he could even try to explain to them what happened.
When Duncan reaches where the ravine was, he turned around and took one last look at the plantation. There was nothing left just some smoke and smoldering ambers. He was still coughing hard as his lungs burned with from the heat and smoke from the fire. However Duncan knew that he would be healed soon. That it was a small price to pay to save Rhiannon. For the most part Duncan was glad not only for her but for himself. Realizing that he can be out of the game only for so long. That no matter where he tries to hide, the game will still find him. Most of all it was by his choice no one else that he was back in the game. That was what was most important to Duncan. That this was his choice and his choice alone. Whether or not he liked it Duncan will always be part of the game. Until there is only one.
As Duncan crossed the ravine he could see the shack in the distance. Duncan's thoughts now turned to Rhiannon. Wondering if Ross and her made it to the shack and that she was safe. He wondered how she was doing. If she was coping with everything that had happened to her. Hoping that Victor didn't destroy any part of her being. That he hoped in time, Rhiannon could get over all this and be okay. At least now, Rhiannon could indeed live her life as she was meant to. To be truly free to be or do what she wants. Never to be in fear of that kind of life again. From here on out it was all up to Rhiannon. But right at that moment, Duncan was more concerned on how she was. In his mind all he could hear was the screams. The terrible screams.