Chapter Sixteen
Somewhere in Scotland
Days and nights passed uneventful as the pair traveled by bus into the more remote parts of Scotland. Finally, Frank insisted they needed to walk as the sun began descending in the sky, the Grand Immortal told Connor everything about his last encounter with Ahriman and what befell his friend and champion Tyrone. Connor listened intently trying to put himself in Duncan's shoes.
Frank McFadden told Connor, "This is not just a journey this is my destiny. I have been waiting a thousand years for this Gathering to happen. When Duncan became champion and defeated Ahriman, I knew it was only a matter of years now."
After a moment, Connor asked, "I want to know more about that part of immortal history and the champion role. How had this conquest of a demon changed Duncan?"
Frank said, "You have a right to know because it could have been you, Connor. But first, let's make a small fire," he requested.
Connor searched out the best wood for the fire and used some matchsticks to start a small flame. Feeding it steadily, it grew enough to give warmth without too much smoke.
"How did Tyrone die?" asked Connor.
Minutes passed before Frank answered, "He wanted death for years after his wife was killed. He just wanted all the pain and memories to end. I refused to let him go after other immortals. I kept him close and watched his every move. One day he asked me to train with him for an hour, just to stay sharp. He told me there were some sword techniques he wanted to teach me.
At first, it was basic drills but then it became more aggressive and Tyrone locked my sword with his behind his head. He stopped and held me there to look into my eyes and said, Good-bye my brother, be strong. Then he pulled and turned and with that action it caused my sword to decapitate him."
The emotions surfaced in Frank even after two thousand years.
"I know that technique," Connor said nodding his head, "It's meant to trap your opponent but if you turn one way instead of the other, you behead yourself."
Clearing his throat Frank said, "He got his wish. He was free and left me to carry on. A thousand years later, I became the Grand Immortal with the knowledge from absorbing all of Tyrone's memories and through the encounters with Ahriman."
The campfire had died by this time so Frank said, "Good night, Connor we travel by first light."
Connor took the hint to ask no more questions. He turned over in his blanket and pretended to be fast asleep. Nevertheless, he lay there thinking about what it would have been like to be in Tyrone or Duncan's place when they fought the demon. With feelings of sad relief, he fell asleep snoring loudly.
Watcher Compound, France
The morning after what Egan felt was his greatest triumph the letter came. The US Watcher President was requesting originals of his stock statements and right away.
Picking up his telephone, he called Joshua directly. He spoke with barley-controlled rage, "I want a meeting code black!"
As he waited for them to get there, Egan paced the floor looking for something to smash. If he had a weapon in his hand, he would have killed someone. Right at that moment with rage brimming over, the two men he waited for burst into the room.
Holding out the paper crumbled in his fist, he snarled, "This summons could be the death of us!" Gaining control, his mind went to work for a solution.
He said, "Now I want all the documents converted to originals good enough to fool the council for as long as it takes."
Kendal said, "Yes sir, I will get my man on it." He stopped at the door and hesitated.
Egan demanded, "What now?"
He timidly asked, "If I may ask why the other statements were not good enough?"
Egan glared at him and then answered sarcastically, "What do you think it didn't fool them! Just do a better job and go straight to the source at the bank."
Kendal left the room with a hurried, "Yes sir."
Turning back to Joshua, Egan said, "We need to secure this château from a possible take-over by the council if things don't go our way at least until the gathering happens and they turn their attention elsewhere."
Joshua suggested, "What if we put someone else in place in name only and submit proof that you've stepped down."
Egan's mind already jumped two steps ahead and he countered, "You will talk to the council when they request a meeting and state that I've made some mistakes and becoming more unstable so I'm no longer in power. Tell them you are stepping in to keep everything running smoothly until such time as they can appoint another Leader."
Egan was now rummaging through his desk taking out his notebook, "First things first. I will answer the summons along with the original documents if they press the matter you will step in and take the heat away as long as possible."
Joshua nodded and said, "And when the gathering happens and we win…"
Egan finished the sentence, "All will be forgiven and we will be heroes."
Scotland
Korbin's flight from Jamestown sent him straight south to Dumbarton. He was full of anger at the immortals he met there and the way they threatened him. The first one who tried to fight him and the second one acted as if he owned the place. He kept thinking, "I had that girl and I should have killed her."
Weeks passed with Korbin none the wiser or closer to his goal. He broke into one cottage that was empty and he stayed there mulling over his next destination.
One evening after drinking most of the liquor, Korbin fell asleep in the largest bed with his sword tucked under him.
Ahriman saw his moment to control one so easily persuaded. The red mist descended around the cottage obscuring it from sight and Korbin was completely possessed.
Horton/Ahriman came into the room where Korbin lay sleeping. He touched the man's arm sending a shock through his body. Korbin jumped up with a yell.
Seeing the man, Korbin reached for his sword. Horton put up his hand saying, "Stop! If you want revenge on Elizabeth Windsor, you will listen to me."
Korbin held back from striking but he kept his sword ready. He then asked, "How do you know about her?" Not sensing him as an immortal, he questioned, "You're not like me, who are you?"
Horton smiled and said, "I'm your ally and more powerful than anyone else. I am the leader for the Gathering."
Korbin smiled back recognizing evil for evil. He asked, "So you want me to find Elizabeth Windsor?"
Horton replied, "Yes, you must find her and kill her before the gathering starts."
Korbin answered, "I can do it but she has protection from Duncan MacLeod and others." He declared, "I'll have to know their direction of travel and destination so I can kill her."
Horton agreed saying, "All in good time, I will guide you and show you why you must kill her." He moved his hands together and then opened them to show a clear ball. Inside a tiny baby moved. "This…thing grows inside her and it will bring nothing but destruction."
When Korbin had seen enough, Horton smashed the illusion in his hands wishing it were that easy. He looked hard at Korbin and promised, "You will succeed if you do exactly as I say."
Horton turned away gesturing at the wall, "Look over here," he commanded. A map appeared. He instructed, "This is the way they are going." A line traced the map from his direction going north." He ordered Korbin to track with extreme caution. He told him, "Wait for the right time, you will know when to kill her."
Korbin studied the map before it shimmered out of existence. He promised, "I will go and kill them both. At the Gathering I want my reward."
"As it shall be," agreed Horton.
The red mist evaporated from the cottage and Korbin felt his mind swim with power. He felt like he could kill a hundred Immortals. Wrenching the door open, he ran with his sword into the early morning light.
.
