Chapter Twenty Six

Scotland

By early morning, one immortal quietly left the cabin with the two sleeping immortals inside. Frank made his way to the road and hitched a ride into town. He first went to the telegraph office and sent a message to his connection inside Russia. Then he went for supplies and a car rental before going back to the cabin.

Connor met him at the door saying with mock indignity, "I thought you would never get back. She has been all over me." Taking the bags from McFadden he asked, "What did you get?"

Cassandra came up behind Connor and took the bags from him saying, "You were all over me. Mmmm smells good."

Frank shut the door and announced, "Eat quickly and pack, we're leaving in an hour."

"You have news then?" asked Connor.

Frank sat down on the couch and taking his breakfast sandwich from Cassandra he said, "Not yet, but I want to be there when the shipment arrives."

Cassandra began eating and going over in her mind how much it would take to clear an area that big. She swallowed her food before asking, "Did you order everything? Even the hallucinogenic drugs?"

Frank nodded and answered, "Yes, enough to put in the water supply and spray for airborne effect."

Having second thoughts, Connor asked, "Are you sure no mortals will be sick or have any long term effects?"

Thinking for a moment, Frank answered, "It won't be that strong, just enough to make them not question staying in the area."

As quickly as they started their meal, it was finished. Cassandra took the time to freshen up for the long journey. The men loaded up the car and quietly talked of a different scenario.

Connor took Frank aside and asked him, "I'm worried about Duncan if "she" dies. I don't know what he will do."

Frank nodded, "I'm worried too. He will need our support and friendship to get through this."

Cassandra came up behind them asking, "Get through what?"

"The gathering," Connor replied, "I'm driving, right Frank?"

"Most assuredly," He replied. Taking Cassandra by the arm, Frank asked her, "Did you pack the rest of the mead?"

Sufficiently distracted, Cassandra answered, "Yes, but I don't expect it to last for long." Then she asked, "Why does he get to drive? I know this area too."

Frank ushered her in the car and said, "We'll take turns. Right now we need to get to to Perth Airport."

"Yes sir," Connor said as he steered the car on the dirt road and out of the hidden grove of trees. If you looked back, the small cottage would be no more.

North Sea

The immortals boarded the ship in Le Harve without incident. Methos locked up all the swords. The day before departure, Joshua had his Ivanhoe retrieved from his townhouse and despite some objections; he kept it by his side.

Standing on the deck of the Luxury Yacht INEVITABLE keeping watch Methos said for the hundredth time, "I hate sea travel."

For its size, 49.80m, everyone was relatively comfortable even if some immortals did share a room. The boats engines set to the fastest possible indicator despite the captain's objections.

"If we only stop for fuel, we should get there in three and a half days," said Methos.

The time was moving quickly now and all the immortals, even Deahna seemed ready to meet any challenge.

He recalled her words, "Know your heart before you battle because the meteorite will decide."

He had told her defensively, "I know my heart!"

Then last night he had dreamt of the four horsemen again. It was so real he could taste the blood of the innocents.

Interrupting his thoughts, Terrence came rushing up and said, "You've got to hear this."

Methos followed him to the common area where the radio was broadcasting the latest news report.

"For whatever reason, all the planes, trains and automobiles are being booked or rented. All routes to central Scotland have been busy this year more than the usual tourist season."

"There you see?" said Terrence, "Everyone knows we're coming."

Methos laughed and replied, "No they don't. Look, in a few weeks no one will remember." He stood firm. "This is just a curiosity noted by one news station, nothing more."

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Three other immortals raced through the night as if to beat the sunrise. Carl drove his leg of the journey focused on the road ahead while Amanda and Jeremy slept in the back seat.

As the dawn began to light the sky, he called out, "Wake up, someone else has to drive now."

He pulled the car over to the side of the road and turned off the engine. The three got out briefly to stretch before getting back in. Amanda took over the driving and Jeremy sat in the front with her.

Carl lay down in the back, pulled his jacket closer and said, "Don't wake me." Then he fell asleep immediately.

Jeremy glanced back taking note before asking Amanda "Is he going to sulk the whole way?"

She replied, "He's jealous so don't make him mad my dear or your head will be first."

He commented casually, "I'm not going to challenge him. But," he scooted closer kissing her neck and whispering, "I do want you all to myself."

"Oh hush," she told him, "I'm not going to sleep with you."

He kissed her cheek again commenting, "But I am wearing you down."

She laughed and told him, "Wait until you meet Duncan MacLeod."

He sighed and sat back remarking, "The boy scout." Rubbing his hand through his hair he stated, "Every time you bring him up it kills the mood."

She smiled and promised, "If we survive this gathering then we will go away for some fun."

"Now you're talking," he told her, "Besides, I feel like I can take on a hundred immortals."

With mock surprise, she asked him, "A hundred?"

Embarrassed, he admitted, "Well, maybe a couple."

The car continued on course all that day drawing ever closer to their destination, only stopping for food or gasoline. They occasionally passed other immortals who shared the same burning desire deep within their soul.

.