Chapter Fifteen

Sitting there by the gravesite Elizabeth took out a photograph of Richie and Duncan sharing a drink at where she now recognized as Joe's place.

Speaking quietly she said, "Why? Out of the all the enemies out there a friend was the one to kill you. I wanted vengeance for you Richie. I would have done it too if it had been anyone else but him."

She went on to say, "You tried to help me in so many ways but it's not your fault that you failed..." her voice trailed off. With the sound of finality she stated, "I can no longer grieve for you." She stood up and looked at the headstone for the last time.

Suddenly the humming sensation of an immortal interrupted her departure.

Retracing her steps, she walked out of the cemetery to the deserted parking lot. The immortal still remained hidden. Quickly Beth tired of this game. While keeping her hand on her sword she called out, "Show yourself!"

The immortal who emerged from the building ahead was a woman. Her skin was deep brown and she had long black hair tied back in countless braids. She wore tight fitting clothes and Beth could see many throwing daggers and stars in her belt.

The woman said, "I'm Lora Govern and I challenge you in the game but you don't deserve to be called an immortal you are a freak."

"Well you don't have to insult me on top of everything else," commented Beth loosening her sword and pulling it free.

Circling the area, both women faced the other taking mental notes on fighting abilities. Beth measured this woman's stance and found her favoring her right side.

Lora whipped out a dagger and threw it before she could react. It stuck in her chest. Beth pulled it out and returned the throw with the same accuracy.

Lora deflected it away and smiled. The cut bled and Beth fought the pain willing it away. She said through clenched teeth, "I might make an exception and kill you."

More daggers and stars came at her in quick succession and Beth deflected some while trying pull out the ones that got past her defenses. She was now bleeding freely from half a dozen cuts. A minute later Beth could feel something foreign coursing in her veins.

Holding up her sword Lora came at Beth quickly driving her back with chopping motions making her retreat and stumble. Beth fell from the effects of the poison and Lora stood over her to gloat.

As she brought her blade up high, Beth heard a loud shout and the dark immortal jerked around. Several yards away a police officer was bearing down on them with his gun drawn looking intent on catching up to them.

Lora said, "I can't finish you right now but no matter so until next time?" Then she ran away.

The Policeman came running up to look at her injuries. Speaking French he told her, "I am going to call an Ambulance so do not move." He went quickly to his radio in the police car.

Beth could only moan as she felt weak with blood loss. Then before he returned, she got up and then stumbled away dragging her sword after.

Looking for a place to hide she climbed in the back of an old red pickup truck and hid under the canvas. A few minutes later, the truck started up and drove away from the area, unaware he had picked up a passenger. Beth closed her eyes and died for the second time in two days.

Watcher Compound

Methos took his time going over to the Watchers Compound. He instructed the taxi to stop far enough away so he could contemplate a little longer what he was about to do. This was it and no turning back once inside. If he succeeded then the watchers of this chapter will be free from a tyrant. If not…he could soon be dead.

Getting out and paying the driver, Methos started walking forward not even looking for the guards. He felt a sense of hope that he could make a difference.

The guards came along side him as he reached the gate. Methos kept walking as the gate swung open allowing him to enter into the front office as if it was a social call. A few minutes later, Egan's right hand man came in and introduced himself.

"I'm Steven and I was just informed of your visit." This serious Watcher displayed the mannerisms of a leader himself. He quietly asked him, "May I ask why?"

"Hello Steven," Methos stated, "I need to talk to Egan and it's important."

Steven replied, "Nobody talks directly to Egan you pass your message through me."

"I received the summons." He took out the paper and showed it him saying, "You called for me so don't pretend this is a surprise."

Steven read the paper quickly and seeing Joshua's signature with his title he felt slightly betrayed.

Methos watched Steven carefully and thought, "This should be interesting."

Steven's face looked uncertain as he left the room telling the guard to watch him. Less than ten minutes later, he returned and motioned Methos to follow him.

"Egan is very busy but he wants to see you." Steven told him as they walked quickly through the corridors. He showed Methos to the courtyard outside where Egan was enjoying an early lunch. Announcing the visitor Steven was motioned to leave.

Egan turned his attention to him saying, "So Adam Pierson is here. I am so pleased you answered the summons. It saved me a lot of trouble trying to draw you to us." He lowered his voice and said, "For starters I know you are really Methos."

"I've been known by many names Egan Lasco so why should I interest you?" Methos asked.

Egan laughed and said, "You are priceless old man. You have no idea how much I need you." He motioned his guest to sit.

Methos sat down and waited for Egan to get to the point. Egan gestured to the table spread with delicacies and offered the immortal some lunch. "Please help yourself."

Methos picked up the teapot and poured the hot beverage. He said, "By all means continue."

Egan stated, "I need an advisor and I want you for that position."

Sipping his tea Methos was thinking and watching. Egan needed him and that gave him a real advantage. Methos asked, "What should I advise you about?"

Egan assured him, "A certain event has come to our attention. I want to know more about this gathering."

"You've got to be joking," Methos exclaimed, "What makes you think I know anything about it."

"You've spoken to Duncan MacLeod and you personally know The Grand Immortal." Egan replied, "But when this gathering becomes imminent, I will need your help."

Leaning forward Methos whispered, "Attending a gathering is a fire I'm not willing to play with."

Egan commented, "That is still far in the future and there is enough time for me to change your mind."

The two men watched each other while Egan finished his meal and contemplated his carefully laid plans. Finally, he asked Methos "Is it possible you could send word to Frank McFadden asking him to visit here and meet with me?"

Not willing to trust Egan, Methos explained, "I only met the man once and I don't know if he is willing to help you."

Standing up to leave Egan said, "You are wise Methos. Soon you will understand the bright future watchers will have with me as their leader."

The guards departed with Egan leaving Methos sitting alone. He was thinking about the Gathering but he was also smiling. Sipping the rest of his tea Methos pondered Egan's parting words.

"He wants too much power and that's why he will fail. If I can stop Egan then the Immortals will have a chance at the Gathering without his interference."

The Art of War

"Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated." - Sun Tzu