Methos' Drunken Tales
Special thanks to RJ Bingham - u/2428181/R_J_Bingham - who encouraged me to keep writing. I would like to especially thank my Beta reader/editor - FerretKid. I suggest everyone read her fan-fictions especially her new story (get ready for a shameless plug) How To Win Friends and Influence Immortals at - u/2825702/FerretKid - Thoughts are in italics. My story was written for enjoyment purposes only. It was not written for profit, and no copyright infringement is intended. I love feedback so please leave a review!
Chapter 3
The Duchess and the Rascal
She Walks in Beauty
By Lord Byron
She walks in beauty, likes the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies
All that's best and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which to gaudy day denies.
Reading Byron's poem She Walks in Beauty always sent Methos' thoughts to his wives and lovers. Tonight, he couldn't help but think of one woman in particular; Lydia.
April 23, 2012 - Paris France - Club Sanctuary
Methos got a fresh beer; picked up the Midleton whiskey then waltzed over to where the Group was seated. Placing the liquor on the table before him Methos sprawled out on a comfy chair and began unfolding his tale.
"The early Romans thought Lutetia was nothing more than a swamp full of mud huts and never envisioned how valuable the city would become. In 52 B.C. the Roman Empire under Julius Caesar seized the city and made it part of the Roman territory known as Gaul. In 405 A.D., Darius the Goth met the oldest Immortal alive, Emrys, outside the city gates as he led his army to the sea. The ancient holy man fought Darius to prevent the warlord from invading Lutetia."
Methos finished off the bottle of Midleton Very Rare, and cleared his throat. "Darius defeated the ancient holy man and received his quickening, then he disbanded his army, saving the city. As you know Darius became a man a peace, but what you don't know is an echo of the ancient holy man stayed within him for over four centuries. Before he took the white Quickening, barely a foul word fell between Darius and I. But after, it seemed I got on his nerves and he never did figure out why. Of course I..."
Joe interrupted "Hell, I can think of a couple of reasons why you got on his nerves! I can easily think of about twenty ways you get on mine!"
Amanda hushed the old Watcher while giving Methos a killing look.
Oh Joe you do amuse me so, I will miss you so much when you are gone. The old Immortal smiled and continued.
"Darius never left Lutetia and in the ninth century he was in the service of Duke Lambert as the family priest. Lutetia was part of the Holy Roman Empire under Charlemagne, beginning to grow in importance as a center of trade. The Emperor knew he couldn't control such a large area as the Frankish Kingdom and being an enterprising man, he practically invented the franchise system. He allowed the Dukes of the Franks to do as they wished within their own borders, so long as they followed his rules in general and paid him an appropriate annual fee. Of course, there was a lot of political jockeying between the Dukes, generally with their daughters involved as pawns in marriages."
"Lydia was the only daughter of the Duke Lambert du Lutetia. Her powerful father had arranged a marriage between her and the Duke du Cléroy du Aquitania. Lambert controlled much of the traffic on the Seine in the Neustria providence. In lower Aquitania, du Cléroy controlled travel on the Tarnus River. The union had received the blessing of Emperor Charlemagne, would unite the two families, and greatly increase their power base. It would also increase trade along the rivers, allowing more money to flow into Emperor Charlemagne's coffers."
"Methos, why the history lesson? I thought you were going to tell us a story and I all can hear is the Duke of somebody or other from some place that doesn't exist any more!" Richie complained, "I thought this was a love story!"
"Well forgive me for giving you a little background information." Methos scowled and took a swallow of beer. "So this is what world has to look forward to from Generation X, since they all have ADD!"
"Hey old man if you want we can take this outside." Richie challenged
"Calm down Rich," MacLeod dropped a hand on the shoulder of former student.
"Mac I know Methos has been around the block a few more times than me, but why does he always get away with this bullshit?" Richie confronted his mentor.
"First, don't drag MacLoed into this. Second, I only implied your generation has no appreciation of the past, no sense of history, and the attention span of an ant." Methos spat at Richie. "Personally I blame video games."
"Methos, you're not helping." Amanda took the glass of beer out of his hand.
"Hey, I was drinking that!"
"And you can have it back after you apologize to Richard and tell us the story." Amanda smiled at her old friend with false sweetness.
Methos pointed at Ceirdwyn. "Why are you here tonight? I know it isn't to honor Rebecca's memory, and this story is more about treachery than love."
"Methos, of course I'm here to honor Rebecca. Quit trying to get out of telling the story."
Joe broke in again. "Excuse me, I have been waiting fifteen years to get something other than Methos' damn cliff notes about Lydia and I was promised a story, so can you all just sit down, shut up and let him tell the damn story?" Joe chastised, all the Immortals immediately sat back and yielded the floor.
Methos hid a smile, casually looking at the old watcher and chuckled under his breath. I guess I have tormented you long enough my old friend. We crave each other company but I know you figured that out by now. Or for the first time I'm wrong and you're just a good watcher doing his job?
"You're quite right Joe, I did promise to tell the story. If Amanda will keep giving me a fresh beers and the peanut gallery can keep quiet," Methos smiled in his peculiar way at Richie and Ceirdwyn. "I'll get on with it."
Richie gave him a glare before smiling refreshing his drink and sat with the rest. Much to Amanda's annoyance Ceirdwyn curled up next to MacLeod, as Methos continued his yarn...
805 Lutetia (Paris)
Lydia, being only sixteen, knew nothing of the political jockeying around her. Her head was still filled with childhood dreams of fairy tales, true love, Knights, and men of honor. That changed the night before she left home when her Stepmother, crying at the parting, warned her about the realities of her life ahead. Her future husband was twice her age and had no children. Lydia would become a prisoner in his castle with nothing to do but bear sons for the Duke, and if she were unable to do so she would face the same fate as his first two wives - a mysterious death.
In order to travel safely, she was sent to Duke du Cléroy with Father Darius as her chaperon, an arrangement she appreciated since he had been her tutor, confessor, and friend since the death of her mother. He suggested she dress as a nun and her father's soldiers as priests so they would appear to be on a religious pilgrimage. Hoping it would lessen their chances of being attacked by thieves or an enemy of either Duke.
The trip had been very difficult for the young lady used to comforts provided by wealth. She was not prepared for travelling in the back of a wagon in the rain for week, until they became stuck axle deep in the muddy road. Everything was wet, everything stank, and everything was likely molded. She hated the disguised soldiers, she hated the rain, she hated the waiting, and but most of all she hated her upcoming marriage.
"Father Darius, the rain is finally stopping. How long will it take for the mud to dry and the roads become passable? How many more days do you think we have to until we reach Duke du Cléroy's lands?" Lydia pestered him with questions born from nervousness.
"Lydia, you ask far too many questions. But, I suppose I have only myself to blame for you becoming too deep a thinker."
"Because when I asked you to teach me reading, math, and philosophy, you did?" Lydia smiled at her mentor.
"Yes, and it is not a woman's place in this world to supply the answers. You're far too smart and read too much for your own good, my child."
After her mother died, Darius saw the Duke cared only for his sons, lovers, and new wife. He recognized Lydia had a quick wit and a sharp mind but had no one to care for her other than the nuns. Being gentle women, they had no idea how to raise a precocious girl. Therefore, he spent hours teaching and debating his young charge, spoiling her with the attention he would have given his own daughter.
Once when they were walking in the countryside, a wild boar charged Lydia. Darius drew his sword and wounded the beast, saving her and forcing it to flee, but not before it gored the priest. The Lydia was frantic with worry over the good father's injuries - until she saw his skin heal before her very eyes. More curious than frightened she begged to know why and Darius revealed his immortality to her.
Darius' belly growled forcing his mind back to the present reality. Reaching into the pockets of his robe, he pulled out bread to share a meager breakfast with his young charge.
"We should reach Duke du Cléroy's lands in about a week, six days if we're lucky and find the old Roman roads. That is, if we don't find more problems with the wagons or run into anyone on the way." Darius held her face between his large hands. "I'm still keeping your fate in my prayers, I have a feeling the Lord will not abandon you to a cruel life."
"Father, I know you are a man with many secrets and I understand you are older that I can conceive. There must be some ancient knowledge you can use to stop this marriage." Tears ran down Lydia's face hoping for a miracle. Thinking of the stories she'd heard of the Duke's cruelty was enough to start her trembling.
"Lydia my child, it is not in my power to provide something only God can do, so we must trust in Him. The Emperor has blessed your union and I can do nothing to stop it. However, I will speak to the Duke personally regarding the way I expect him to treat you. Until then we can always pray for a miracle."
Darius smiled and kissed Lydia on the forehead. He hated to turn her over to a man known far and wide as a monster. However, if he did not carry out his orders, the Emperor would have him beheaded. Also, this union would keep peace between the two Dukes. Therefore, even though it pained him personally, he would follow his Emperor's orders.
Since it had been raining for the best part of a week, travel on the dirt road had become impossible. At last, the sun broke through the clouds and began to warm things, but the wagons were firmly planted in the mud. They wouldn't be moving before the road dried. Therefore, the troop found sanctuary in a meadow, laying things out to dry on the grass. Lydia tried to help until she got shooed away so much, she gave up and stayed out of the way by reading under a tree with her guards standing near.
The priests and nuns were preparing for mid-afternoon prayers when about two dozen armed men broke through the trees, preceded by a hail of arrows falling without warning. Before their own weapons could be drawn, Lydia's guards were targeted and killed. They were only the first to die. Lydia scrambled and hid behind her tree knowing it gave her little protection if arrows were to find her.
Darius had made a vow centuries before to not participate in the game, but he still carried his faithful sword at his side. There were innocents to protect, and he believed God would forgive him for wounding a few bandits. He fought well, avoiding serious injury and awkward explanations, but outnumbered as he was he couldn't stop the murdering of the priests.
The situation was grim. The five with military training had been targeted and killed immediately, leaving the group nearly defenseless. The bandits easily found Lydia and demanded she remove her wimple, revealing her long blond hair and identifying her as the daughter of Duke Lambert. The bandits, seeing Darius led the troop of priests and nuns, told him to drop his sword, or the remainder of his people would be slaughtered.
"We only need the Duke's daughter, we have no wish to kill any more holy men." The leader of the bandits looked at Lydia with a leer. "Don't worry pretty one, we won't harm a hair on your head, you're far too valuable."
Darius, the surviving men, and the nuns were tied and fastened to the wagons with nothing to do but pray. As Lydia was thrown onto a horse and taken away, Darius felt the intrusion of another Immortal's Buzz. He looked down the road, hoping to recognize the approaching man riding lazily on horseback. This was not the time to meet a head hunter or someone who still held a grudge against the former warlord.
The man approaching was tall and thin with a distinct profile.
Could it possibly be his old friend? Had God sent the miracle he was praying for? Few Immortals Darius knew had the courage - or stupidity - to take on twenty-four armed criminals. Even fewer Immortals could kill without remorse.
The last of the attacking band fled into the forest as the coming Immortal moved his horse into a canter to hurry his approach.
"Darius, you seem to have gotten yourself in another dilemma, my friend. I tried to warn you living as a monk would get you nowhere." The new arrival laughed as he slid off his horse and cut Darius free.
The two Immortals released a few of the brothers who could finish taking care of the others before stepping away to speak in private.
"Methos, your timing is impeccable, but it is my charge who is in a predicament. I need your help."
"Darius, the last time I laid eyes on you fifty years ago you needed my help and I almost lost my head! What is the problem this time?" Methos was already shaking his head no.
"My charge, the Duke's daughter, was just kidnapped by those bandits you scared off. You must help me save her, she is an innocent child!" Darius' words were fraught with tension. As he saw the tall slender man continue to shake his head, Darius' tension gave way to anger. "Methos, you owe me! It's the right thing to do, and you could use a few more good works to help balance out your soul with the Almighty, you old self-centered bastard!"
"Darius, I haven't heard this much passion in your voice in centuries! Get your sword and a horse and we'll both go to rescue the child." Methos gave Darius a strangely familiar half-smile while looking the priest in the eyes. "Oh" The old Immortal paused "By the way, how old is this child and where were you taking her?"
Darius belatedly and unhappily remembered Methos' penchant for knowing every detail, down to the most insignificant. Then the old priest saw mischief play across the other Immortal's face.
"Methos don't get any ideas! She is but sixteen and I am taking her to marry Duke du Cléroy. It's an arranged marriage approved by Emperor Charlemagne himself. Now she has been kidnapped and we need to save her." Darius knew his friend and prepared himself for the coming onslaught. Methos had a bad habit of pointing out others mistakes and questioning you on them.
"Darius! If you care for this child why are you doing this?" Methos eyes grew wide at the mention of the Duke's name.
"We're wasting time Methos." Darius's voice strained with guilt that he had let his charge be taken. If it were four hundred years ago every bandit would be, at this moment, dying at his feet.
"Is she worth my time, or is she a spoiled brat?"
"Lydia is charming, intelligent, kind, and beautiful! Now, are you going to help, or do I give you a sermon on the value of atonement and put you in sackcloth and ashes, old man?" Darius yelled as Methos chuckled deep in his chest. Darius could only guess what was going through the other Immortal's mind, most likely some sort of mischief.
As they rode off together, Darius remembered the good old days and how much Methos enjoyed a good hunt. Not that long ago, Darius would have been the Immortal with the grin on his face, enjoying the thrill of the chase. Now, he was limited to praying and depending on a man he knew he could not completely trust.
It was past nightfall when the two friends caught up to the bandits and made their camp a safe distance away. The kidnappers were having a feast and the smell of fresh deer roasting was intoxicating to both Immortals. They had both been warriors and were used to traveling fast, which meant no time for hunting, so neither had been eating fresh meat recently.
Methos told Darius to stay put while he scouted a bit, and the priest easily acquiesced.
The oldest Immortal crept close to the camp and hid himself where he could observe and plan. Besides eating a heavy celebration dinner the bandits had brought out ale. Methos smiled to himself with pleasure at his good fortune. Drunken men with full bellies would only make his job easier, all he had to do was dispatch the six sentries he counted if the rest were asleep.
Methos remained in place and his patience was rewarded at last when he spotted Lydia, seemingly unharmed, her feet bound and tied to a tree, hands free at the moment to feed herself. One of the scoundrels left the fire and tried to kiss her. The little Duchess slapped him so hard it echoed into the forest. The next time a man approached her, Lydia spat in his eyes.
Methos had his sword out, ready to forget his plans and charge into camp when he stopped. The leader revealed himself, warning his men and to leave the merchandise untouched. After all, a noble born virgin was worth so much more, he reminded the lot of them.
Lydia proudly sat herself down, happening to position herself perfectly for Methos get a good look at her in the combined light of the full moon and campfire. She had a perfectly oval face, cute button nose, and lines that showed she must have a dimple, though it was hiding while she maintained her brave face. Her hair was tousled and disheveled but it still shined as golden as yellow silk from China and fell in soft curls past her shoulders.
Darius was right; she was a beauty and had spirit, too. Most spoiled brats of nobility would be sitting and crying, but not Lydia. She didn't have a tear stain on her cheek, but she remained defiant to the end. Darius said she was only sixteen, but there was more to this girl than simply being the daughter of a Duke. Methos remained in his hiding spot longer than he should have, taking time to stare at the young Duchess and marveling at her bravery.
It was late and the men were falling asleep when Methos returned to Darius. He described the bandits and their camp carefully for Darius, and they set about developing a plan while eating a little jerky with bread and water.
As the two Immortals waited for the bandits camp to fall asleep, Methos questioned Darius about Lydia's character. He learned that she helped at the church and could often be found caring for the serfs in the area. She was educated, well read, could sing, and enjoyed playing the flute. Methos decided she was definitely not a child; she was a young woman of talent and great depth.
It had been over a hundred years since a head hunter brutalized and killed his last wife, since then Methos convinced himself it was better to remain celibate and alone because the game was far too dangerous. Even casual sex could be used against him. Better to keep his heart in a cold dark place. It was impossible for him to ensure a lover's safety, so Methos had decided to avoid love at all costs.
Much to Methos' surprise it was happening again. He was falling in love. The problem was Methos never seemed to have control over the emotion of love. Every other emotion he was able to control, containing with ease - anger, pain, and jealousy. He even lied to himself, saying he didn't feel grief, but falling in love still turned him into a fool. And to make matters worse, Methos seemed to always fall in love at first sight. Emrys had always warned his student it was a dangerous practice to fall in love as he did, with his entire mind, body, and spirit. But as much as he tried, it was one thing Methos couldn't master.
Methos' breathing deepened and he bit his lip. He could feel the walls he had built around his heart beginning to crack. He remembered watching Lydia spit in that bandit's eye and not being able to take his eyes off her.
This is a very bad idea! The girl is Darius' charge, and only sixteen and no, I can't do this! The girl is promised to a monster, who will become an Immortal. The Duke du Cléroy will never father a child; Darius will discover that the moment they meet. But if I don't intervene it will be too late for sweet Lydia.
Methos took a deep breath and smiled at Darius, glad he was well practiced in hiding his thoughts. It was so easy to imagine the feel of the fearless blond in his arms. I can save the girl, and then introduce myself. I can be extremely charming and by the time Darius finds us Lydia will be completely in love with me. Sure, he'll be angry, but in five or ten years he'll cool off. I won't meet another woman like her in ten lifetimes, if ever. Yes, Lydia is very special indeed. Sorry old friend, I'm going to make her mine.
Methos decided to change their initial plan a little. "Darius, these men are full of beer and meat and all will soon be sleeping. I can easily kill the six sentries, then you get Lydia out of the camp and I will be here with the horses."
"Oh, only six sentries? Methos my friend, can you kill every guard without raising suspicion?"
"Dammit Darius, do not mock me. Do you doubt what I am capable of?"
"No Methos, I know exactly what you are capable of, I've heard many of the horsemen stories. But why are you taking on danger like this for me?" Darius demanded.
"I said I would help, so I'm helping. You want me to change my mind? Do not bring up the horsemen again or I swear I'll leave and you won't see me for a thousand years." Methos threatened with a lie, knowing he wanted Lydia safe and would do anything to make it so.
"I am sorry my friend. I know we're not the men once were and now I need you to do the things I cannot. But I also know there is little you do without exacting a price in return." The old priest sadly stated.
"We can discuss my price later, now time is too short. Just do your part and let me do mine. The girl knows you so she will come with you without question?"
Darius nodded.
"Good. Then give me some time to accomplish my task and we can get out of this place." Methos whispered back.
"May God be with you my friend, or whatever gods you worship." Methos disappeared into the night before Darius finished the blessing.
Darius never heard a sound, but when Methos returned the priest could see by the light of the full moon that his friend's hands were covered in blood.
"Now it's your turn my friend, I cleared your path." Methos smiled as he took advantage of the small stream and began washing the blood of the dead men off himself and his sword.
Darius' stomach tightened, he abhorred killing, but there seemed to be no other choice. No matter what else he told himself, wasn't that the real reason he had brought Methos with him? Would God forgive him for using Methos as an instrument of death to save Lydia? These were not moral dilemmas Darius wished to think about at the moment.
Darius blended into the night well in his robes. Methos was right, the heavy food and drink had put the remaining men in a deep slumber. Lydia hadn't rested but stayed vigilant, her eyes growing wide as she saw the approaching shadow. Darius pulled his hood back and smiled at her while lifting a finger to his lips for silence.
For the first time since her kidnapping, Lydia let her guard down and tears of joy fell across her cheeks. Darius cut her ropes and they escaped as quietly as they could. Once they were well away from the camp, Darius hugged Lydia, then grasped her hand and broke into a run until they reached Methos.
"Lydia, this is Methos. He secured the camp so I could go in and get you. Methos is an old friend of mine from the days before I was a priest." Darius explained, hinting to her that Methos was also an Immortal. "Now, we are still too close to these brigands, let's ride as quickly as we can."
Methos gently took Lydia's hand in his while bowing and kissing her fingers. "It is an honor to serve such a brave and fine lady. However Darius is right, we need to make a timely exit before these bandits discover you're missing. I would be honored if you would ride with me on my horse." Methos oozed charm and poise.
Darius cringed knowing his friend's way with the ladies. He determined this was one time Methos was not going to win.
"Thank you, but not necessary Methos. I am the lady's chaperon, she should ride with me." Darius insisted.
"Gentlemen, there is no reason to fuss over me, I would be thrilled to ride with my champion Methos, since without his help I would not be saved." Lydia and Methos exchanged smiles.
She does like me! Methos thought, making his smile brighten.
Darius groaned internally. Oh no! She's falling for Methos and he's going to ride off with her, I knew I saw mischief in that rascal's eyes! "Methos! Lydia! We must get back to the caravan. Dear child you must ride with me, you have no idea what type of rascal this man really is!"
"But Father Darius, you told me he is your friend, and he saved my honor and my life." She continued to smile at Methos.
"He will steal that honor from you faster than you can count girl. Methos is great man to have in a fight, but not around an innocent virgin who is already promised in marriage. Now come to me child, and we will get back to the wagons. Methos you will not use her and toss her away like you have so many other women." Darius' voice grew in volume and anger. A bad thing, since they were so close to the bandit's camp.
"Darius don't fill her mind with lies! I will protect you, Lydia, and as for the Duke du Cléroy, I will never let him touch you. Now quickly, we must leave before any of your attackers should awake." Methos took her hand and lifted Lydia up on his horse before Darius could get between them.
Darius raised his sword to Methos' neck, "If you intend to take her you will fight me first!"
"Don't be a fool Darius. You gave up the game long ago, and it would only be a bloodbath. Besides, I could never kill you; you are one of my dearest friends! I promise to return Lydia to you, I just wish talk to her alone. I am long past the days of forcing my attentions upon a lady and I promise not to seduce her." Stepping forward, Methos brushed the sword away.
Darius looked at Lydia, waiting upon Methos' stallion. "It's too late my friend, you have already seduced her. But Methos, why this girl? You can have any woman you want while she has a purpose, you must leave her."
"Darius, old friend I have been alone longer than you know. Let me talk to Lydia, then I will return her to you unblemished." Methos' try to keep his voice a whisper but it broke with passion.
Darius did not find his words comforting. "Will you return Lydia to me still a virgin? From the tone of your voice I doubt that would be possible. I thought I was the priest and had taken a vow of celibacy, what's your excuse?"
"Priest, you ask me what was my excuse is? It's the game and those of our kind who don't have any rules. Another Immortal murdered my last wife in front of my eyes."
"I am sorry old friend, truly I wish you no such pain, but we all know these are the chances we take when a mortal becomes part of our lives. How you can stay in the game for so long I will never understand, nor did Emrys."
"You think I don't already know these things? This is far from the first time something like this has happened to me."
"Methos do you know how to define insanity" Darius looked his friend right in the eyes not worrying if this angered him or not. "It is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. So why do keep up this insanity? Leave the game and come with me, follow after peace and live on holy ground."
"I could never be a holy man like you it's not in my nature and Emrys understood me far better than you do! You do not even have the right to mention his name!"
"Methos, I cannot change the past, what happened was meant to be. The Lord..."
Methos quickly interrupted the old priest. "I could no more walk the path you chose than you could walk mine. I'm not sure anything is meant to be, except that tonight - for the first time in over a hundred years - the world is becoming a place of beauty once more. Darius do not deny me this!" Methos managed to keep his voice in a whisper, though anger and passion made it break occasionally as he spoke.
"Methos, I know when your passion starts to burn by that look in your eyes. I've seen it before and I see will again. Give Lydia to me for her protection. In time you will find another woman to love, you have before, surely this one young girl is not your destiny."
Darius put his hand on his friend's shoulder and dropped the volume of his voice even further. "My friend I feel your pain but what are the years these mortals live - but dust in the wind to us? I love mortals too, but you throw away a century mourning one woman you have spent but a few years with. You know these mortals all die while we will still go on forever. My God Man! You know this better than myself! Give Lydia to me she has already been promised to another."
"Fine, but only for now," Methos said as he gently lifted Lydia off his horse. Darius got on his mount as Methos guided her over to the priest. Before helping Lydia onto Darius' horse Methos took her in his arms and kissed her.
He kissed Lydia as she had never been kissed before, as a man in love kisses the woman of his desire. Her mouth opened to his and she had her first taste of a man. His tongue swept over hers and Lydia could feel his growing need pressing against her. Her head was spinning and she could no longer breathe, as she melted into Methos' embrace. It was intoxicating as he tightened his arms around her body, pulling her closer to him and pushing his passion into her very soul. Lydia yearned for the short kiss to never to end and the memory was burned in her heart forever.
Methos finally helped her mount her chaperon's horse as Darius glared at him in anger. Lydia gave him a lingering look of bliss, wishing that he had never released her from his embrace. She only wanted to feel the touch of Methos' hands and his lips upon hers.
Darius set his rage aside and forced himself to relax. "Methos, are you coming with us or waiting for the bandits to find you?"
"Neither, I am going to kill the Duke du Cléroy. Darius keep her safe for me." Methos looked straight into Lydia's eyes while gently kissing her hand once more. "Lydia my body goes, but my heart remains with you." Methos bowed to her, mounted his black stallion and galloped away.
The ride back to the caravan required riding through the rest of the night, a long ride made longer by Darius' refusal to speak of Methos or answer any of Lydia's questions. As soon as they arrived at their camp, the priest awoke the survivors and ordered that the caravan to restart their travels immediately.
Lydia rode in her wagon alone, begging for solitude, using her ordeal as an excuse to remain sequestered. When Darius rode beside the wagon, he could hear her weeping.
Damn you, Methos. She was happy until she met you and now I want to kill you for doing this to her. You are the only man who can make me wish to break my vows. Darius shook his head, looking at the heavens. Methos you damn rascal, I want to save her too. I beg the Lord please forgive me and protect you. Watch your head old friend.
End chapter 3
Chapter 4 - The Warrior Queen
