Disclaimer: I do not own Highlander Davis/Panzer does, this story is only written for fun and enjoyment not for profit. Rated M for language and mature situations.
I want to thank my Beta reader R.J. Bingham. Please go and read R.J. Bingham's Fan-fictions, they are all well written and very enjoyable.
Chapter 12
A visit from Methos and the truth about Kronos revealed
Cassie saw a light coming from the deck, and felt a buzz of an immortal, she went and opened the door to see Gwen drinking a glass of brandy and looking out over the ocean.
"Gwen you're up late, something wrong?"
"Just the usual reason, I took a quickening tonight and you know I can never sleep after I take a quickening, besides Luke and John just helped me tuck Joe into bed he got quite drunk while waiting for me. What's your excuse Cassie it is pasted 2 am?"
"I was talking to Duncan and I got him to tell me a few things, about you and Methos, why didn't you ever tell me?" Cassie said.
"Duncan's got a big mouth! He should learn to keep it shut when it's nothing to do with him, so what did he say, tell me. Zhandra I can only explain so much, I am who I am and can't change that. I protected you from some facts because you were not ready to accept them. Because of what happened to you at the hands of the horsemen you may never be able to accept them. Nothing changes the fact I am who I am and I did things in the past I do not regret. I have my own reasons, and came from another time than you did because life was different 4500 years ago when I was born. I offer no more of an explanation than that." Gwen sad sadly.
"Duncan told me that Methos was your first teacher; he bought you in a slave market and freed you Gwen from a terrible life. Duncan told me, you were sold into a brothel as a whore by your own husband after he discovered you were an immortal. Once in the brothel you where beaten and raped many times on a daily basis and killed but you never would tell anyone the whole story except that it went on for almost 450 years until Methos saved you. So as much as I hate Methos for what he did to me, you loved him for what he did for you. Then all the time you trained me, you hid that from me because you loved me too and knew I couldn't understand your actions. Was it really almost five centuries you were a slave forced to work in the brothels?"
"Yea, I think so, calendars were different then but Methos and I tried to figure out what the passing of time had been, for me one day just slipped into another and nothing changed, except when the immortals started coming. I took twenty head in those brothels, and discovered what I was, but still could not escape."
"Methos tamed me he thought, but when he would not protect me when Kronos came for me, he betrayed me." Cassandra confessed.
Cassie you really believe that he betrayed you just because he did not challenge Kronos to save you? If Methos had done that Kronos would have killed him. Who do you think put the knife in Kronos tent, or wiped away your foot prints in the sand so no search party could follow you? Zhandra, sometimes you are such a fool. Who could not take your head when Kronos got the horsemen back together, and tossed you in the river instead? Who fought Silas, rather than see you die? Have you ever put two and two together and got four? No you always in your anger get ten? People change, times change, Methos has changed, but can you accept it, NO."
"He killed my people, raped me, killed me made me his slave."
"Yea he had a different concept of women back then as all men did. I too was his slave, but there was no need to tame or rape me, many other men had already done that job. Methos tried to hold back, and just be my teacher, it lasted over three months. Then passion over took both of us. I think I didn't know any other way to relate to men but to submit to them. At the time I thought I really was in love with Methos. I have only loved three men in my whole life, my first husband, Methos and Joe. Zhandra I had a bad fight with him shortly after I found you, I didn't ever tell him I had you as my student. I did tell him what he was doing with the horsemen was wrong and I was angry at him for the raping of virgins and keeping other immortal women as slaves. He told me about you, and that he cared for you, and felt guilty about not coming to your aid when Kronos took you. That he feared Kronos, so he did what he could to help you escape. Believe it or not you know I have never lied to you." Gwen looked deep into Cassandra eyes.
"I don't know what to say, or what to believe I have hated him for three thousand years, that's not easy to let go of Gwen."
"I know. I do not expect you to either, but can I call a truce. Methos is Joe's friend, he was drinking with Joe tonight, and Joe wants him to come to the wedding. OK I'm not thrilled about it either. But Cassie can you call a truce not for my sake but for Joes, Joe wants him here. I rather not myself but we all must make concessions for the ones we love, he is one of Joe's best friends."
"Gwen I will think about it, you have given me a lot to think about. I have another question I have asked you before and you would not answer? Did you know Kronos, before he was a horseman? You never were afraid of him, even Methos was afraid of Kronos but not you, what was that about?" Cassie asked.
"Oh that's another long sad story Cassie, I would rather forget, Kronos is dead now, and so are my secret vows to him. Let it remain in the past where it belongs."
Then there was a knock at the door.
"It's past 3 am who would be coming to your house this time of night"
"Maybe Luke and John forgot their keys," Gwen said as she walked to the front door and opened it, to her surprise Methos stood there.
"Candy gram!" the old immortal said with a smile.
"It almost 4 AM and I don't see any candy, what are you doing here?"
"You looked stressed and I know you would be up since you can never sleep after you take a quickening. I sobered up and had too much caffeine, was looking for someone to talk to. Can I maybe have a bite to eat since this backwards country doesn't have all night diners. It's just a social call don't get bent out of shape Gwennie."
"Cassie and I were just having brandy on the deck, you remember Cassandra."
"Did you tell her this house was built on holy ground?" Methos asked?
Cassie heard the comment as she walked to the door, "So social calls from mass murderers and rapist, at 3:45 AM Gwen you do keep a busy calendar."
"Cassandra that was 3000 years ago are you ever going to let it go, and yes this house is built on holy ground, I helped pour the foundation myself; it was a church and cemetery 100 years ago. So if it's OK with the lady of the house I am coming in. I don't want your head so don't fight me. I am better than you and your witch powers do not work on me. Please let's call a truce for the wedding and we can take up our personal issues at some later date." Methos stated in a very business like tone.
"It's my house so you Methos can come in, and Cassie hold your tongue, I don't need a war here, Joe is sleeping. So why did you come Methos, you over caffeinated yourself while sobering up, I think Joe and I should just get married quickly so everybody will go home and give me back my peaceful life." Gwen shook her head.
"Gwen I am still trying to deal with the fact that you were sneaking off to have romantic rendezvous with him." Cassandra pointed at Methos, "while I was telling you how horrible him and his horsemen treated me. And you never answered my question about Kronos, how you were not afraid of him when every one else was?" Cassie stated.
"Yea, I always wondered about that too Gwennie, he tried to get Caspian and others to take your head but he wouldn't do it himself? Kronos even gave you permission to stay at the camp with the horseman's protection. That was so
un- Kronos like of him. At the time you convinced me it was for my sake but after thinking about it for a few thousands years I don't think that was the reason?" Methos asked Gwennie.
"Methos I thought you were looking for munchies not to interrogate me, the refrigerator is right over there. I am not now or ever answering question about mine and Kronos' relationship." Gwen replied. Then Gwen thought she had said the wrong word, relationship, and corrected herself quickly hoping but knowing Methos had already heard it. "I meant to say what I knew about Kronos."
"No you said the words mine and Kronos' relationship, Gwennie you had a relationship with Kronos? You never say that word unless you were involved with the person. I heard you talk about Joe and your relationship, your and my relationship, a relationship with a student, your relationship with the General your husband. You never use that word unless that person is special to you and more than just a passing fancy. That's the problem with knowing someone for over two thousand years, I know you, now stop trying to weasel out of this what was your relationship with Kronos?" Methos's words were calm but strong, and he walked right up to her and reached out grasping her forearms, and looked straight into Gwen's eyes.
Cassie was surprised so see how quickly Methos demean had changed, it sent a shiver down her spine. "Methos you were invited in here by Gwen now leave her alone."
"Its OK Cassie, I can take care of myself. Now take you hands off me Methos or you will find a knife in you back, and you know what I am capable of." Gwen smiled at him.
Methos dropped his hold on Gwen "I am sorry Gwennie, Its just you've been lying to me for eons about Kronos. I just wanted to know the truth; I do apologize for my action. I had no right to ask you. So do you have something for a sandwich?" the old immortal gave Gwen his famous half smile.
"Yea have a seat and I will make you a sandwich, Cassie you want one too?" Gwen asked as the fount door opened again this time with Luke and John rambling in singing pub songs and a little surprised to see the immortals sitting at the kitchen table and Gwen making sandwiches at 4 am.
John chirped in "I would like a sandwich too Gwen, and Luke why don't you pop some popcorn. Great 4 am munchies and Gwen who are your guests?"
Luke answered for Gwen "John meet Cassandra and Methos, two immortal I never thought I'd see sitting at a table together, but both friends of Gwen and Joe. So what you guys been talking about?" Luke innocently asked.
"Luke, don't start anything! If this wasn't holy ground there would have been blood on my floor right now. It's Methos and Cassandra what do you think we were talking about the weather? And you know better than to bring John in at 4 am his parents are here! Honestly Luke don't ask stupid question." Gwen was more upset now than she had been earlier in the evening.
"Sorry Gwen you were discussing the horsemen, which you never told me anything about. I know I was your watcher but there is just reams of info I have on you that I know nothing about. So I am going to shut up now." Luke said as he tried to escape the room.
Methos said. "Luke you said and I quote - I was your watcher but there is just reams of info I have on you that I know nothing about. Exactly what dose that mean?"
"Gwen you know if Methos wants to know something I not the best at keeping secrets from him, he was a pro from the Spanish inquisition. Please just tell us Gwen it's been eating away at your soul for way too long. It's not like it was anything you planned or could control. It was just part of your past, so many things in our lives we do not choose. This whole thing was never your fault you fell in love with the wrong man. It's about time you told them, and stop feeling guilty. 4500 years is too long to hang on to something you couldn't change." Luke encouraged Gwen.
"I never said I was part of the Spanish inquisition." Methos defended himself, but looked at Gwen with wide eyes waiting to hear what revelation Luke was encouraging her to tell him and Cassandra.
"Luke it's not like telling them is going to change anything, except make things harder for them, and I don't want to hurt either of them. Luke they will not understand and just in the end hate me."
"Why would we hate you Gwen, I have known you forever." Methos softly said, "there's nothing you have done in the past that would make me think ill of you."
"Methos did you ever ask Kronos where he got that scar on his face." Gwen opened up looking at Luke.
"Well let put it to you this way Kronos wasn't the warm and fuzzy type, he wasn't into sharing stories of his pre-immortal days" Methos smiled.
"He was gored by a bull while bull jumping, because he was distracted and trying to tell me a joke. Bull jumping was a dangerous sport but one of the favorites in my culture. It's played like this, you waited for a bull to run straight at you and then do a somersault off it back and land perfectly, then get out of the way of the next bull or do it again."
Both Methos and Cassandra looked surprised, and almost said in unison "Kronos was from Minoa, and you knew him there."
"Well that half right Kronos was from Minoa, he was a soldier, eight years older than me and I met him when I was 12, bull jumping. Once he was injured that was when I was 16 and father didn't like him either. I was very head strong and insisted that we take him in to our home to nurse him back to health. He was a nobody, an orphan, raised by the soldiers, to become a soldier. On the other hand my parents were the high Priest and Priestess of the temple. Cron was not the type of man my father wanted me to marry. But he was a good soldier and got results for the King, and by the time he was 28 he became a General. I refused all my suitors, from all the best families, even a royal marriage, because I was in love with a soldier. But I was 20 so my father gave in, he hated Cron, he knew he was a cruel man; but love is blind especially to a 20 year old girl who had loved him for years." Tears filled Gwen's eyes as she told the story.
"So Kronos was the General." Methos reached out and touched Gwennie' hair and tried to comfort her. "Now I can understand how a husband could do what he did to you, knowing Kronos as I did, your father was right he was a cruel man."
"Methos, that is only part of the story." Gwen said as she pushed his hand away from her. "And this is the part you will hate me for, and Cassie will hate me for, because I could have killed him, stopped all the madness, back in 2140 BC. But I couldn't do it. Some where deep inside of myself I still loved him, and I couldn't kill him. Remember when we first came to the camp and Kronos was so angry we were together, he said like two dogs in heat. He was also furious you had stayed away for 50 years and had been teaching me. Kronos had planned for you to bring me directly to him, hoping 450 years in the brothels had broken my spirit, and he could be my teacher, and his mate. As soon as he could Kronos got me in his tent and we were going to have more than a talk."
"Gwennie what happened? I believe he had sent me and Silas to buy supplies and promised me to protect you." Methos said with a worried look on his face.
"He told me of how he became immortal and how he still loved me, and the plans he had for the two of us and I said no. We fought but I used my knifes plus two he had from his own tent to pin him down one in each arm and his legs so Kronos could not move. I stood over him ready to take his head, and I couldn't. I summoned up all the pain I had felt he had given me and still I couldn't take his head. Somewhere lost inside him was that young soldier I had fallen in love with. I was a dreamer; or maybe I was just stupid I guess. If the roles were reversed he would have killed me. So instead I made a deal with the devil, for you Methos." Gwen looked down and couldn't look anyone in the eyes.
"What do you mean a deal with the devil for me?" Methos eyes widened at the thought.
"I made a vow I would let him live, if he let you live. Kronos was planning to kill you for your betrayal of not bringing me back. I was to be one of his horsemen, his bride forever at his side, you were expendable, because you cared too much and he knew that. I traded a life for a life. Kronos's life for yours. Oh he wanted you just a tougher version of you, not the one who walked into camp with me that fateful day. In time Kronos got what he wanted from you. He got what he wanted from almost everyone except me. Part of that deal was I could be with you without you ever receiving any punishment from Kronos. It was like rubbing salt in his wounds, knowing he could never have me but you could. Brothers sharing all things except the one thing he wanted most. He always knew I could kill him; my mystical power made me stronger than him, but I kept my vow. The last part of the vow was never to tell you Methos, until one of us was dead. I could have stopped the madness, saved your people Cassie, stopped the horsemen from ever riding, but I didn't. I wanted my revenge more than I wanted to stop the madness; I wanted to see him in pain. Perhaps this is one of the reasons he went mad, it was my entire fault. If only I had killed him that day," Gwennie sadly lamented.
Methos stood up and looked away from Gwennie, this was not the story he had expected to hear. She had used him, to hurt Kronos, and he was angry. Yes Methos had used Gwennie too, but somehow he felt it was an acceptable thing for any man to use a woman, in that day and time. But Gwennie had used him as a weapon of revenge and he never knew it.
Cassandra was still getting over the shock that Methos and Gwennie were lovers and now she knew Gwennie could have stopped the killing but made the choice of revenge instead. Cassandra didn't buy for one moment that Gwennie still loved Kronos, no it was for revenge.
"But Gwennie my people he killed all of them, and countless more and you could have stopped him, at any time. Kronos knew you could kill him anytime you wanted to and you never did. It wasn't to save Methos because he still would have been alive after you killed Kronos. Don't lie to me, you did it for revenge. To flaunt it in his face that he couldn't have you but Methos could. You did it for you own selfish reasons. Was I the same, you said we were sisters, but in truth you wanted to toss it in Kronos face what he had once was now yours."
"Partially, yes but I held you to no vows and taught you to be free and strong. You're right yes I did tell him after you left me I did teach you to use your magic and be beyond his reach. Kronos was furious at me for that, and what better revenge than to see you go live your life away from his grasp. Do you hate me for that Cassandra? Because I would do it again. I made my choices, I can't go back and change the past" Gwennie held her head up and accepted the judgment Cassandra and Methos, were going to give her. "I haven't heard from you Methos, what says thou?"
Methos turned and looked at Gwennie with cold eyes "You were using me, to hurt Kronos, was everything you said to me a lie? Were you using me from the very beginning or did it start that day in the horsemen's camp? I can't believe I was so naïve, you didn't love me at all. I was just a weapon for your revenge. When did you hatch this plan? I told you where we were going and who we were going to see, Cron, Kronos the names aren't that different you must have known years before we even went to the camp. Gwennie I never believed for one moment that you were that deceitful."
"Methos, I believed Cron was dead, I never knew until that day in the horsemen's camp. Then as soon as I saw Cron my plan was to kill him. After realizing how simple it was to just kill Kronas, my plans changed. I did love you, truly I did, but why couldn't I use that love to hurt him. Cron had made my live a living nightmare for almost 500 years. I wanted to make his life a nightmare in exchange. It was a two for one deal in my mind. I never meant to use you Methos; it just ended up that way. Later when you became cruel like him, and even though I didn't like you very much that way, why stop seeing you when it caused Kronos pain."
"So you did use me as a instrument of your revenge." Methos could hardly believe his own ears. "Remember when I told you Gwennie we were alike, well I didn't think until this very moment I was just saying that to hurt you. I always believed you were the better half of me, you saw thing that were bright and beautiful, and balanced the darkness in my soul. But that's not true you and I are just like two sides of a mirror, reflection of much the same back at each other. I don't know how I lived all these years and never saw the darkness in your soul. I guess I saw what I wanted to see. But that's not who you are, maybe I was right when I put you on that plane in Seacouver, it was all a lie." Methos said sadly.
Luke was now regretting he had pushed Gwen to tell the long horrendous truth, "The sun is coming up maybe we should go outside and get some air and watch the sun rise and let the dust settle here before anyone does anything rash."
"NO, Methos you are angry at me, get your sword as soon as the sun is up and I will get mine and we can have this out the old fashioned way. Its holy ground right so we can't take each others heads, but we can fight to the death and at least work out some of this friction between us. What do you say?" Gwen asked Methos.
"So it's on the roof we go, Damn me building this house on holy ground, but at least I have the satisfaction of running you through a few times. But ground rules, a fair fight, so leave all your knives here including the stiletto down here." Methos insisted.
"OK but the same goes for you, only swords, I know the trick you do with the knife." Gwen said.
"I learned it from you," Methos smiled.
End chapter 12
Methos gives Gwen a Refresher Course - Sword Fighting 101