Chapter Eighteen
During the next two weeks, Frank McFadden and Connor MacLeod traveled through Scotland in a meandering course. Every morning Frank would get up at sunrise, stand facing each direction for a moment and then announce which way they were going that day.
Every day Connor would ask, "Why are we going this way?" To which Frank would reply, "I'm searching for someone."
As they walked, Frank told Connor about immortal combats from two thousand years ago. He told him why the rules changed. He said, "Over time the combats between immortals went from barbaric to an age of enlightenment. A belief in tradition for honors sake."
Connor asked, "When did mortals become watchers and begin writing about us?"
Frank said, "One of the earliest recorded events I came across centuries ago during my travels was a verbal accounting of an immortal combat kept secret within a chosen female circle."
Connor asked, "Why this special group?"
McFadden smiled and said, "This tribe began writing down strange events that occurred. Eventually I decoded their language and discovered much history. Forgive me if I embellish on the story."
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438 BC
Central Macedonian Plain
Maru stood looking out over the once fertile land that had been their home. Devastated by fire the day before, the terrain appeared otherworldly. Charred animal flesh and plants littered the ground.
"Bantu," he called to his mate, "there," he pointed and then walking carefully through the still smoking ground to the beast thoroughly cooked.
The small woman was modestly dressed with her brown hair tied back. There was a sparkle in her green eyes as she came up next to Manu.
Thunder in the distance and rain in air meant a storm was coming. "Now," he commanded, "Cut fast." They both started cutting the flesh under burnt skin tossing the chunks of meat into a basket. They worked quickly until the basket was full.
The prickling sensation started from the back of his head and Maru turned around holding his knife ready.
The tall dark-skinned man strode into view coming straight for Manu. In his hand was a weapon made from hardened metal shaped to a point.
"Bantu, run!" he shouted. She looked up and took the basket of meat hurrying away. She did not know why this man came for her mate. She just knew that everywhere they went these strange men would find them. From behind a fallen tree, she peeked out and watched.
He was slow but so strong his first strike came at Manu's head. Being quicker and lighter, Manu moved just out of reach and parried the strike with his staff and then cut with his knife the opponents arm near his elbow.
"Who are you?" Manu shouted, "Where do you come from?"
The big man grunted in pain but said, "Zeon has come for you from a land you will never see."
The two immortals faced each other and when Manu saluted, Zeon charged forward swinging his long metal rod. Manu sprang back and stayed just out of range of the strange weapon.
Zeon changed hands with his weapon and charged again. This time he threw it and it struck straight through the middle of the smaller man. Pulling out the crude blade, Manu dropped to his knees begging for his life.
He said, "I'm a protector, don't kill me."
Zeon held the weapon higher and replied, "If you can't protect yourself, then you can't protect others." The edge of the blade struck Manu's neck severing most of the flesh. His body fell over and Zeon chopped again cutting between the head and the shoulders.
Bantu held her breath to keep from screaming. She knew one day this might happen and what would come next. Because he lost this battle, the sky would open up with light. It was just like before when he would win. She remembered his words, "If I ever lose, keep watch for others like me. Keep it a secret."
Zeon began yelling with pain and shook with the light that burns everything.
Holding back her tears, Bantu took the basket of meat and went quietly away to mourn her mate. She feared the man would come after her next. The noise behind her soon faded.
However, the dark immortal did not sense the woman and she was not his goal. Taking the knife from the ground, he went over to the half-eaten carcass and started cutting off pieces of flesh and ate his fill.
Alma saw her friend walking towards her in the early morning light. Her face streaked with dust and tears. She ran to her and took the basket of meat from her as she collapsed to the ground.
"He is gone." Was all Bantu would say. She let Alma hold her as she sobbed her pain and grief.
Finally, she gained control and said, "I cannot do it anymore. I cannot watch."
"You must," Alma said, "You know the most about them."
Bantu wiped her face and the tears away she replied, "Yes, but I will not love them anymore."
Just then, the chief elder of their village emerged from his hut. Holding a small newborn up high, Jannos declared loudly, "I claim this boy as my own. It shall be so."
The other villagers gathered around the elder giving him their best wishes for the child to be strong and healthy.
Bantu looked at Alma and asked, "When did this child appear?"
Alma answered, "Last night after little Jannad died, the Mylar woman brought the babe telling Jannos it had no parents or village."
Bantu nodded her understanding. She stated, "An unclaimed, that's how it starts." She stood up and told Alma, "Take some of the meat to Jannos for tribute and give the rest out to those in need."
Alma questioned, "Where are you going now?"
She did not answer right away. Going over to her home she had shared with Manu, Bantu gathered up a few personal things she wanted to bury with his body. Maxtor appeared in the doorway. He said, "Alma told me you need help."
Bantu nodded and replied, "I will be grateful for your help. Your mate is wise." Picking up the shroud and digging stick they left together walking silently.
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Frank McFadden ended with, "That is why Watchers are important and why some of the first ones were women who would remember when the unclaimed babies showed up and recorded the first death. These orphaned people became changed. They married some and discovered they could bear no children with them. Over time they evolved into historians and watchers."
Connor took this all in and said, "I can see why because women never forget anything."
Frank laughed and slapped Connor on the shoulder. He said, "You are so right my friend and here we are."
Just then, his cell phone rang. Frank and listened to Duncan's news about retrieving the meteorite and his new bodyguard Ursa. Giving his congratulations to both, he said goodbye.
McFadden closed the small phone and said, "There now Duncan had accomplished his task and ahead of schedule."
They had come to the edge of a dense forest and stopped while McFadden checked his compass. Stepping through the branches he said, "Have a machete ready to clear a path if necessary."
Connor preferred the forest it felt safe. He stayed in front of Frank cutting stray branches as they walked.
Frank told him, "The person I am looking for is very good at hiding in the forest but won't come out for just anyone that's why I brought you along."
Connor gave his distinct laugh, "Am I the bait?" he asked chopping at a few branches.
Frank looked unsure of the word. He said, "I wouldn't call you bait more like a reunion."
They walked on for several miles as the trees blocked out the setting sun.
After a while, Connor spoke up, "Well now I am intrigued."
"Good," said Frank, "Because I think we're close enough. Let's set up camp here."
It was almost dark when they made the fire and Connor cooked up his best stew in ages so he bragged.
Sitting near the glow of the campfire and with their bellies full, Connor took a drink from his flask. His face was thoughtful and a subject came to his mind that had never bothered him too often through the years. He had always let it go until now.
Connor ventured forth this question, "How can immortals exist?"
McFadden stood up to get more sticks for the fire and brought it back to life while he formed his reply.
His answer surprised Connor with its simplicity. He said, "Immortals are born mortal like any other baby except it is possibly abandoned. It seems normal but the genetics are unknown as to why some unclaimed are chosen and some are not and it is not certain until death. Then that is the instant when immortality asserts, we are made."
"Yes death changes everything." Connor said quietly still pondering the words.
Frank spoke up, "Connor, I need you to go over there," pointing in a southerly direction, "and collect more firewood."
Pointing east Connor replied, "There's more firewood right over there."
Frank insisted saying, "I want you to go over there and don't come back until you have an armload."
Connor gave McFadden a look as if he had lost all his senses. Grumbling to himself, he set off in the area so ordered.
"He's just the Grand Immortal," he said quietly picking up sticks and branches.
Connor mumbled under his breath, "He knows everything."
With his arms becoming full, he tripped over a rock and dropped his branches. "I can't see over here!" he called out.
"Stop complaining," said Frank.
Connor bent over and started picking up his sticks and the offending rock. That is when he heard a low growl. His eyes slowly went up and locked onto a glowing pair of embers not more than four feet from him.
He dropped the rock and the growling stopped. Taking a step back, he called out to McFadden, "Frank, what have you done!"
At that instant, the large wolf jumped clear off the ground and onto Connor's chest, knocking the air from his lungs and his body went limp.
Standing up and looking at the wolf, Frank McFadden demanded, "Is that any way to treat your guest?"
The wolf gave a quick howl and ran off south while Connor lay unconscious. Frank called after the retreating form, "We'll be there soon."
Taking a bottle of water, he poured it on Connor's face and said, "Wake up it seems we have an invitation. It's time to meet our host."
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