Chapter Thirty Two
It was only the first day of the gathering but already there was tragedy. At nightfall, a small group stood giving comfort to each other; Frank and Deahna McFadden, Amanda Montrose, Methos, Grace Chandel, Connor and Duncan MacLeod.
The gravesite was in a secluded corner of the church at Glenshee. As the moon began to rise, they prepared her grave. They carefully wrapped her body with muslin and placed it in a hastily built coffin. Her face was showing pale and peaceful. All the mourners could see her body intact.
Frank McFadden spoke first, "This is a rare moment when immortals come together to bury one of their own. Most pass unnoticed but she was a gem beyond what I expected." His emotions took a hold of him and he stopped to wipe his eyes.
Deahna stepped forward and she took Frank's hand saying, "May her spirit wait for us in the dawn of time, our thoughts seek her 'till that place we too shall find."
Duncan stood closest to the coffin looking down, unmoving. She looked so serene.
Finally he spoke, "Too many memories haunted her." His voice choked up and he dropped to his knee saying, "May she have that peace now."
Methos went to him and put his hand on his friend's shoulder. He was shaking as he continued to grieve. Having only known her briefly Methos said, "I think she was very strong and her heart was full of courage."
Quietly, Amanda began singing.
"The twilight falls and light is fading,
I hear the call but am I sleeping…
I cannot stay, I'm going home,
The winding way, I must go home.
The path before is a shadow,
This other world love can't follow.
The memories wane as I cross over,
All under heaven draws me closer,
I lay down my sword, no more to fight,
I'm going home, this starry night."
The baby Evan began crying in Grace's arms. She went to Duncan and said, "I was a witness to her beginning and her end. She did shine unselfishly."
Connor spoke last, "She had the most gracious presence. She was force to contend with and I can't believe she is gone."
Amanda came closer and put her hand on Duncan's arm. She said gently, "You need to let her go now so we can bury her."
Duncan allowed them to help him up but turning back one more time, he bent down and kissed her face, whispering, "Good-bye Beth, I'll see you in my dreams."
Amanda, Methos and Frank came forward. They set the lid on the coffin and held it while Frank carefully tapped the nails in place. Then everyone took a rope and lowered the coffin into the grave.
Duncan felt his heart going with her. When it was all the way in, each one dropped their rope and said, "Peace in the beyond."
The ceremony was complete. Deahna, Amanda and Grace turned away and walked to the cars parked on the street.
Together the men shoveled dirt into the grave to cover it completely. Working in silence, they walked around to pack the soil. Duncan spoke quietly, "I haven't a stone to mark your place, Beth."
"I'll get her one." Frank promised, "And I'll clear it with the church as well."
Duncan just said a quiet "thank you" and continued to place small stones around the perimeter.
They watched him a moment longer before Methos said, "The girls are waiting, we should go."
Frank agreed saying, "Even now Ahriman could be planning something devious."
"Can I just have a moment alone?" Duncan requested.
"Sure, cousin," said Connor, "We'll wait in front." He placed the katana near his feet saying, "Be careful."
The three men joined the women at the cars and took turns holding the sleeping baby.
Methos remarked, "For such a little guy, he has quite a presence doesn't he."
Amanda touched his little hand saying, "He is such a miracle."
Franks commanded, "This secret must remain within this tight circle. His birth has weakened Ahriman and there's a good chance we will defeat them all."
Duncan sat by her grave feeling in his heart such longings not wanting to let go. He whispered to her, "I just wanted more time. I'm sorry I didn't keep my promise."
The moonlight shimmered around him playing tricks with his eyes. In his mind, he saw her smiling and laughing. Reaching out his hand to the images, he heard a whisper, "You could have her back. All you have to do is walk away."
A moment of hesitation made him shudder while Duncan questioned the price they would all pay if he abandoned them. The tears of grief dried upon his cheeks and a slow resolve crept into his heart. Standing tall and taking up his katana he said aloud, "I will never walk away."
As the demon presence departed, the feeling of love surrounded him. Duncan MacLeod was ready to stand with destiny.
.
