Witness
Chapter summary: Joe meets Cassandra.
Between these:
H-H-H-H-H
I put connections and thoughts Joe makes and has simultaneously or in parallel with ongoing events. This indicates there is no loss in time between the conversation or event above and below.
H-H-H-H-H
~ o ~ x ~ o ~ x ~ o ~ x ~ o ~ x ~ o ~ x ~ o ~ x ~ o ~ x ~ o ~ x ~ o ~ x ~ o ~ x ~ o ~ x ~ o ~ x ~ o ~
After getting up I invite Toy, and those of the team that aren't currently Watching, for lunch, breakfast or dinner, whatever suits. I'm used to keeping different hours from others. But with a spec-ops team on duty, I suspect they'll have even more so.
Toy's laugh at the mixed invitation confirms this.
Not much later I serve omelets, cereals, and steaks, according to peoples wishes.
I've met most of them. Toy and Adam were new to me yesterday, the others are familiar from the last time Cassandra was in town.
H-H-H-H-H
Of course, I didn't know that Andrea Stall was "not picked up" by Koren back then. She's not a trainee anymore, and one of the two permanently assigned to the Spec-Ops team. She's also from a multi-generational Watcher family and doesn't have the Tattoo. That could be a reason she wasn't taken by Koren…
Steven, that I met last time, and Adam, both lack the Tattoo as well. I've never gotten a good explanation to why some of the Watcher families don't have the Tattoo. Or why it's not all of them. Just a: "We do our oaths a little differently, more like baptism and later confirmation."
Worth remembering: There were a couple from other multigenerational Watcher families, including Shapiro himself. But there wasn't a single one from a "Old Family" among the Hunters, or among Shapiro's followers.
H-H-H-H-H
I get plenty of jokes about asking for permanent assignment here due to the excellent ground service. But there's no real talking business during the meal.
I remember this as a thing in the group, from last time, and respect that. Knowing those things always smoothens the initial phases of working together.
The two that are to take over Watching Duncan and Cassandra leaves when we start packing up. For the two that'll be returning I set aside a salad and bread, pointing out where they can find fish or stake to go with it, to those staying.
The salad and stake, or fish, has become a staple food in my private kitchen after my introduction to it. It's surprisingly popular with the customers in the bar, and not just the girlfriends either.
Methos has also provided me with a recommendation list for the best beer, red and even white wine for my entire menu, it only cost me each dish trice and the drinks with it. Considering the dinner conversations, I think I need to push my cook to come up with a couple of new ones.
That is unless Methos disappears permanently because of this.
Since I don't actually have to make a profit on the bar, and usually have Watcher business to deal with, we don't open for lunch. The bar opens at 5 PM for the evening crowd only.
Despite that, the bar does break even most months. Which is rare enough to keep Admin off my back about how it's run.
This also means we're in no hurry when we sit down with coffee for the more serious discussions.
O ~ O ~ O ~ O ~ O
The Phone rings before I've time to sit. It's Duncan asking if he can come over to the bar. He knows I'm usually here from noon at least.
I tell him "Sure come right over." Then tell the others. "Duncan 's on his way, he didn't mention Cassandra."
Everyone immediately starts to pack up and make sure there's no trace of eight people having had breakfast.
I pour the coffee in a thermos for them and put on new, with an appropriate amount for two to four. It wouldn't be the first time Duncan brings someone without warning me.
While we're at it, Toy gets a call. Hanging up, he turns to me with a worried frown. "They say Duncan and Cassandra are on the move, could be coming here." He looks indecisive. "Do you want some of us to stay?"
I think it's more likely she'll want to use me for information than outright kill me. For now at least.
With more people in the room I suppose it's less likely she'll try to use the Voice, but also less likely she'll tell me what's going on.
"No." I shake my head at Toy. "I've a recorder behind the bar, I'll start that when they enter. Please, don't let me leave the bar guys."
Duncan under the influence of Cassandra is a terrifying thought, usually I would count on him to keep her within certain limits. I pray that I'm as immune to her Voice as other Watchers have appeared to be.
A sharp look before he promises. "We won't."
I actually don't have more than a couple of minutes to get nervous, a good thing since that's enough to almost change my mind.
O ~ O ~ O ~ O ~ O
Duncan seems himself, the on the hunt for evil Immortal himself at least, when they barge into the closed bar. He introduces Cassandra, she snorts and more or less ignores me.
I serve them coffee and ask Duncan what he wants.
Duncan makes Cassandra tell her story. She begins reluctantly, but as she continues it becomes almost an obsessive recount of a terrible kind.
The story of a girl, and her First Death in the hands of raiders. How they killed her, and everyone else, for no reason but their pleasure.
Then she goes on and on about their camp, her first day as Immortal. Detailing it as dirty ragged and unorganized with a dozen or so horses, and perhaps the equal amount of slaves. Saying that everyone in the camp considered them gods cruel unpredictable and all-powerful.
Telling us how they went on undefeated for a thousand years, feared over the whole known world. Raiding raping and killing everyone they came across.
Suddenly Cassandra goes back in her story.
She tells us about her upbringing. Everything about her and her people, the mortal teacher, her father. How little they had, and how unprepared they were for the Horsemen's attack. Details pouring out of her like a waterfall, unstoppable and with crushing power.
Only to suddenly be back in the camp of the Horsemen again. More details, different details, as if she's remembering another camp with different people. She keeps talking about it as the first day, describing several other camps with new people, but always the first day. Finally, Cassandra collapses in Duncan's arms exhausted.
The Horsemen of the apocalypse?! A thousand years! Cassandra is irrational and obsessive, but perhaps that's understandable if she was one of those slaves. Broken and kept for that entire time, probably worshipping them like the others. It could've been literally thousands of different camps and, if the slaves were mortals, thousands of different slaves as well.
If she wasn't so detailed, and at the same time inconsistent, it would be easier to feel for her.
Okay, the fact that she has spent the last year hunting The Messenger, "Methos", torturing and killing every Disciple and Watcher she's been able to get her hands on, makes me biased against her.
Still, I can see that being reminded of something like that could push just about anyone over the edge. But I do think she is over the line to insane at this point, the question is can she get back?
The Chronicles are full of stories of Immortals going crazy. Some do make it past that, with help and/or time, most don't. I've already noticed she's in the right age for snapping…
I just hope she's not taking Duncan with her.
Cassandra collects herself somewhat and excuses herself for the restroom.
O ~ O ~ O ~ O ~ O
I've already forgotten most the details of what Cassandra told, only the feeling of terror, fear and death remains. Something about this nags at me, but I can't place it.
Duncan waits patiently as I try to hunt the issue down in my mind. I can't get it together. It's not comprehensive.
You're kidding me right? The Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse, like in the Bible?" It got to be some kind of elaborate joke…
"No like in the Kentucky Derby."
"Oh, great! We'll phone my bookie, Mac. Who're we betting on War Famine Pestilence…" I quip at Duncan's sardonic answer, even reaching for the phone.
"Death." Cassandra interrupts me, back from the restroom and much calmer now, less crazy in her eyes this time.
Fuck she's serious, like for real? "You're serious?" I need this confirmed. Duncan's level look brings home how serious he is.
"Dead serious." Duncan confirms, with just a tiny touch of gallows humor.
I try to reason with them. I mean sure they would've left an impression on Cassandra, but "The Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse?" There are been plenty of real raiders over time, no need to pull up myths.
I suggest they were symbols, not real people.
Cassandra dryly informs me it wasn't symbols that killed her people and is about to leave.
Duncan stops her, telling me the Horsemen were Immortals, naming one of them Kronos.
I try to think, it needs to be an old one… "Kronos..." Actually it does sound like something a raider around the first centuries CE could call himself, but I'm not supposed to know how old Cassandra is. "...sounds like something from the dark ages..."
"Bronze, actually." Cassandra interrupts tartly. "I know, I was there."
Oh... Hell, no! The Iron age started somewhere between BCE 1200-600. No way she's that old, that'd make her around 3000 years! A look at Duncan confirms he believes her, the age and the story.
Fuck, I should've left town when Methos called! There's no way he doesn't know more about this. Not if both are older than 3000. Bloody hell, I'm screwed!
At least it seems Cassandra isn't going to cut me into pieces with Duncan around, thank God for small blessings. But I better be useful, or she might change her mind.
"So what d'you want me to do?"
"Find Kronos." Cassandra says with a tone of disbelief, her look tells me she thought it was obvious what they wanted.
"How?" What does she think? That he's in the fucking rolodex? "I mean, even if this is for real, I've never heard of this guy before…" I look at Duncan, hoping he'll have some common sense at least.
I definitely know, at least the basics, about all Immortals over 2000. They're not that many. None of them fits in this story. Under any name, damn it!
Unlike Cassandra, that is about to leave again, Duncan doesn't take offense. He just looks me straight in the eyes, dead serious. "Yeah, but you have heard of Melvin Koren..."
"Yeah…" Of course, I have, what's that got to do with…
Duncan waits until I get it. Melvin Koren, Core, is Kronos. Kronos is Death, the fourth Horseman of the bloody Biblical Apocalypse!?
I promise to see what I can find out and they leave without further delays.
This explains so much. And Duncan's on the Hunt alright! All that incredible self-control and capacity already singularly focused on this. Cassandra won't need to use her Voice on him. Not to make him hunt down Melvin Koren, Kronos...Death?
O ~ O ~ O ~ O ~ O
I sit down behind my bar trying to sort out what was actually said. But it's no longer clear, if it ever was. I can remember the desperation and anger, the terror and disgust of the tale. But no details. I distinctly remember her telling about details, even thinking some were inconsistent. But I can't remember a single one anymore!
Perhaps we've underestimated, or misunderstood, how she uses the Voice on mortals.
After a long time, Toy joins me.
"Cassandra and Koren, she called him Kronos, are both from the bronze age." I tell, repeat, whatever, the one thing I remember clearly right now.
"Please, tell me you remembered to push record when they entered…" Toy answers silently.
"Yeah… Yeah I did." I confirm. I'd forgotten that I did until Toy reminded me. "I can't remember what she actually said, the emotions yes, but not the words. Either I'm not as immune as others, or we need to be careful." I inform him.
"Very careful. Me neither." He informs me grimly.
Oh Lord… Not good, not at all. "Any of the others remember anything?"
"The others left." He explains. "I could be a helping hand that came in early, but all of us would've been difficult to explain. Adam and Tara went around to the front."
In case I was leaving with them… Good thinking, I nod. "So, we've no way of knowing what we're up against in this." Then suggest. "How about calling Sarah and or Adam, tell them what we know. Then you and I listen to the recording without anyone else. Depending on the result we take it from there?"
Toy looks a little shaken. "You think the recording can affect the others?!"
"Not a fucking clue! But I prefer to be over cautious rather than "infect" I use fingers to make air quotes. "the others. Last I heard she wasn't supposed to be able to affect people out of her line of sight either. And not Watchers, but that we knew could be wrong."
He agrees and makes the call. A conference call, to both Sarah and Adam, telling them what happened, and that we'll be listening to the recording now.
O ~ O ~ O ~ O ~ O
We sit down together to listen.
It's even less coherent than I remember. The abundant details are not making any sense, and the emotions are strong. I feel terror and grief for her family, and disgust for the Horsemen, even if it's all very confused.
When the recording is out, I watch Toy pace the room for another minute. He is even more affected by the emotional impact, and muttering that we have to stop Kronos.
I sort of agree, but rather not do it just because Cassandra said so. If I'm about to make a decision to go Hunting any Immortal I want to be absolutely certain it was my decision.
Besides I suspect it's a rather pointless decision, Duncan and Cassandra together will see to that.
"You do realize that us going after Koren, Kronos, whatever, would make us Hunters?" I'm gratified to see that this snaps Toy out of it instantly, making him stop to stare at me.
I've not had a long time to get to know him, but I don't think he's frightened very often. Now he looks about as terrified as I feel.
He swears, in some language I can't place at all, before collecting himself. "A recording shouldn't be able to do that! I still can't remember any details!"
I look at him, a little surprised. "Ok, so it's not as clear as it usually is. Normally I'd be able to remember a conversation word for word. But I can remember some details this time… You remember no details?" Now I know what felt wrong before, I didn't even realize that I had been affected at first!
He frowns then looks up at me with a hard face. "Not a single word!" He informs me grimly.
We call Sarah again. She's worried, but suggests it can be a residue emotion from when we first heard it. She also wants us to talk to Steven.
"Of course! I should've thought about that myself." Toy exclaims. Obviously annoyed at himself.
"Actually. Yes, you should've... How about you take a walk, go to the gym, or play some guitar. To distance yourselves a little. Then listen one more time, to see if it gets easier. I'll send Steven over to talk with you."
"No!" I interrupt her. "It's too dangerous. Two Watchers in Cassandra's grip is already too much."
"Joe. If you let me finish what I was saying!" Sarah says sharply.
At the same time as Toy snaps. "Don't interrupt her."
Both has a lot of authority in their voices, and neither sounds like they're going to let it go.
"Sorry." I mutter. I've become used to being alone, or in charge, these last years. Right now, I'm neither. I know how to work in a team and they're right, interrupting people isn't part of that.
Sarah takes up where she was interrupted. "He's our expert on Immortal Powers, and specifically Cassandra's. No, he won't listen to the recording, only help you find the right tools to get rid of whatever it is. Give him an hour, to eat breakfast in peace, first. Are we clear?"
"Yes mam!" Toy grins, continuing far more seriously. "You're in charge until we're absolutely certain I'm not under any influences."
"Yes." Is Sarah's only comment before she hangs up.
"I take it he was Watching Duncan and Cassandra this morning?" I note.
"The whole night, actually. We try to have as many as possible available for the days. Two that take turns sleeping so they can work the day if necessary." Toy explains. "You know, I think the gym is a good idea. I'll be back in ninety minutes."
"Yeah, I'll probably be on the stage. Sarah's pretty sharp huh?" I liked her from the last time, and Toy doesn't seem to have any issues with letting her temporarily take the lead.
"Brilliant, and steady as bedrock. The only reason she isn't a team-leader is because the former Head of Europe was a misogynic, and probably racist, ass. She's not permanent on the American Continent, or Spec-Ops, otherwise Tanner would've made her team-leader anyways." Toy agrees.
O ~ O ~ O ~ O ~ O
Sarah was right. A couple of hours later I feel a lot more grounded.
Steven reminds me a little of Adam, Methos, when we first met. Scary smart, enthusiastic secure in his knowledge, but shy about other things.
Steven is quite young, 28, with a British accent. Not exactly the same accent as Methos, but British definitely. He's is also Old Family, with no tattoo and the same last name as Andrea.
I worked for a James Stall when I first started as a Historian. He was local Head of Research, and married to a local Head of Operations, in Birmingham UK. Not sure exactly how any of them are related, but pretty sure that they are. Andrea and Steven could be siblings, except the more than 10 years age difference. Not that it matters, both are professionals.
I'm in the middle of a mindless rant about the best comfort foods to Steven when Toy returns. He also seems to be in a much better mood.
We begin with trying to explain to Steven what we felt happened.
Steven seems fairly unsurprised. "I've almost expected something like this. Cassandra's Voice requires precise control and focus. Something she obviously lost entirely when seeing Koren...
We actually know a little bit about how it works without the necessary control and skill. Roland Kantos' early Chronicles shows that he did have the ability to persuade or intimidate even before becoming Immortal. Cassandra only developed and taught him to control it.
It was a long process, and his failures shows how unpredictable the effects can be without the proper control. As far as we've been able to figure, it's a matter of projecting their own emotion or frame of mind onto the...
Recipient, is probably the best word considering. You know it's not always a victim. Cassandra has used it help others too. The same way Sean Burns did with his, similar, Power.
However, I imagine the necessary control is difficult when you lack control of your own emotions. Also, at least in Roland Kantos case… And to a lesser extent for Sean Burns, that could be because we had no Watcher on Sean Burns his first time...
Anyway! There seems to be a further destabilizing emotional backlash when using it uncontrolled." Steven looks up to see that we're still with him before smiling a little.
"Considering Cassandra and Duncan MacLeod returned directly to the loft when leaving. And that Cassandra has been in the Dojo dancing since. First with Duncan MacLeod, and the last half hour alone. I think we can assume something similar in her case."
He turns to me adding. "Duncan is currently at the university library."
"Thank you." I'm grateful, and feel better knowing Duncan is okay.
"You're saying this could be an unintended side effect?" Toy seems to have difficulties deciding whether to be relieved or terrified about it.
Steven nods. "Yes. And actually both your reactions are very interesting.
Also, we've seen no indications of Cassandra manipulating Duncan MacLeod, the way she did the last time. Can be that she's unable to, with the shock of seeing Koren."
"She doesn't need to." I point out. "Duncan's got enough history with Koren… Kronos, that he'll happily hunt him without her involvement at all. That he already considers himself her protector, is just extra incentive." Thank God Methos has left, or Duncan would be absolutely frantic!
"...Chronos the Renaissance Father of time? Chronos the Titan, father of the Greek gods? Or Chronos the first being and beginning of time?" Steven is exited. "Well, actually we don't know exactly the difference between the two last, but Chronicles from pre-Greece definitely separates those two. I wish we could give ordinary Archeologists and Anthropologists access to the oldest Chro…"
"Pause!" Toy seems far more amused than anything.
The outpour stops mid word. Apparently not the first time this happens.
"Not the first, Cassandra specified bronze age. I hope neither of the others, the man's frightening as he is, without involving old Gods!" Toy answers.
"Oh... Watcher protect us." Steven mumbles. "Yeah, that would be bad. Especially since we don't know exactly why Immortals stopped being terrifying to begin with." He agrees.
Uh, what the fuck? "Stopped being terrifying?"
Steven immediately launches into a lecture. "Most old Chronicles have been "rationalized" when translated. Tweaked to fit the current norm of morals and beliefs. Not religious beliefs as such, but the worldview of the time when translated.
It's still being done, unfortunately. If you read the old Chronicles in their original, or at least oldest preserved, versions. Immortals are extremely powerful, and capable of doing things that are considered ridiculous today.
The Chronicles describes things witnessed by sworn Watchers, you know "miracles", like parting the ocean so people can pass, and similar. But have been edited later, to be "less superstitious".
Three to four thousand years ago, playing with the weather, various levels of healing, controlling animals, but also people to some degree, were all considered normal abilities for an Immortal.
The oldest Chronicles also describes the new abilities they gain when taking a head. And estimated most Immortals to be older than a millennium. Uh, actually… Estimated most to be several millennia. But the current official interpretation states that it is "unlikely that so many would be that old".
They still admit to significantly higher average age. The lower average age today is contributed to the easier travel, mostly.
This is probably partially true. Another fact often overlooked, is that the old Immortals rarely Challenged each other, even when they met. And mostly went out of their way not to become direct enemies." He pauses a little with an apologetic glance at us, but Toy looks as interested as I'm, so Steven continues.
"Then suddenly, some three thousand years ago, during what is called the bronze age collapse, Immortals stopped being visible. We lost two thirds of the Immortals we were Watching, in less than a century. Only one third of those were confirmed Quickenings, the rest just vanished.
The remaining older ones were overheard telling their students about The Gathering. That's some of our earliest mentions of The Gathering. The thing is. Since then, it has become rare for Immortals to have "abilities" and the old ones remaining lost or stopped using theirs too…"
I look to see what Toy thinks about this, meeting his eyes when he does the same. We're both at loss of words momentarily.
"That's not what they told me at the Academy." I point out. Holding back a wince, because "Adam" would've stopped talking at even this minimal hint of disagreement. Luckily Steven isn't Methos alter ego.
He just frowns disgusted. "I know. We're currently fighting for the "right" to make accurate re-translations of the oldest Chronicles. "For the sake of historical accuracy" is the most successful argument, this far.
I mean, yes, it's possible, even likely, that some of the accountings are excessive, or plain wrong. Seriously, how would we know if the Immortal was really responsible for creating the earthquake, even if the Watcher was standing next to him? Does it really matter if he controlled the earth, or was just able to predict it months ahead, down to a timing of moments, for some other reason?"
I chuckle a little at the familiar sarcastic snap in his voice, and suppress my urge to answer with a: Could've asked them nicely. And how did Methos pick up a British accent anyways? It can't possibly be his original language after all…
But Steven's question was serious enough. "How do you mean predict?" I ask. Sure, some Immortals have abilities, but make earthquakes?
Steven glances at Toy, who gives him an encouraging gesture. "So, around BCE 2100 there was a small war about the border between two... nations. Each lead by their respective God, the Immortals Hadad and Ningk'al. The first years neither of them got directly involved.
According to Ningk'al's Watcher, they had made an agreement to let the Mortals battle it out and don't get personally involved. Something Ningk'al had told her people and they respected.
Hadad's Watcher mentioned no such things.
Eventually Hadad marched with his army to Ningk'al's home. The invading Immortal took her head without a fight and tried to claim the land and people with mixed results.
Half a year later Ningk'al's Teacher came to avenge his Student. Hadad ran away before the Teacher, An-Murru, could Challenge.
But Hadad didn't run back to his own Nation, instead he ran from one Immortal to another, trying to get their protection. Hadad's Chronicles consequently shows him as betrayed and heroic in his hunt for aid. Not for himself, but for his people.
All the other Chronicles show a very different story, where Hadad is the one lying and betraying those around him.
Hadad finally found a protector, Ilen Bilu'lu.
An-Murru told Ilen Bilu'lu that he had until the Equinox to kick Hadad out or An-Murru would destroy the city. The Equinox was about two months later and Ilen Bilu'lu tried to negotiate an agreement between the two other Immortals before that.
All three Watchers/priests were present at several of the negotiations, and at least one of them at all of them. Hadad's Watcher consequently had a different interpretation of the events, but his reports still correlate word for word when the others were present.
The three Watchers exchanged copies of their Chronicles every opportunity they had, well aware at least one of them would not get out of this alive.
In the end, no agreement was found. Ilen Bilu'lu was becoming desperate. He clearly believed An-Murru's threat, but felt compelled to stand by his word to protect Hadad.
An-Murru agreed to a compromise, purely out of respect for Ilen Bilu'lu's predicament and trustworthiness. He agreed to give Hadad one month's head start. Hadad refused to leave, he just demanded that Ilen Bilu'lu keep him safe, as promised.
The day before the Equinox Ilen Bilu'lu went alone to attempt one last negotiation.
An-Murru refused to promise to stop hunting Hadad forever, the only deal Hadad would accept. Ilen Bilu'lu accepted this, as he trusted An-Murru to keep his word and wouldn't give such a promise himself either.
They withdrew for a private meal before Ilen Bilu'lu returned to attempt an evacuation.
When Ilen Bilu'lu returned to the city he told Hadad that an agreement had been made. Hadad would be forever safe in the center of the city, but outside of that Ilen Bilu'lu would have no authority after tomorrow. Ilen Bilu'lu then told his people they were to leave the city before noon next day, it now belonged to Hadad.
The Watchers did a last exchange of Chronicles before parting ways.
At exactly midday the next day an earthquake hit the city, and a sinkhole swallowed the center almost out to the city wall, that fell in on top of it all.
The next day An-Murru and Ilen Bilu'lu confirmed together that they could feel Hadad's Presence under the former city, before they declared the entire place cursed and forbidden to enter.
Then they changed the run of the river so the area wouldn't be as attractive to live in, before leaving the territory together."
Steven gives us an apologetic shrug. "That's the abbreviated version of the original Chronicles.
The "rationalized" version says the three Immortals argued until an earthquake hit the city and buried Hadad. It completely ignores that the city was evacuated before that. It also says that it was the earthquake that changed the course of the river, and that Ilen Bilu'lu, with his people, moved to a better place after this.
As I said; we don't know whether An-Murru was responsible.
Can't the current interpretation just include the past one, without tampering with it any more than necessary? It's bad enough we've left translating it until there's almost no one who can anymore! But is it right to remove pages upon pages of transcribed conversations between Immortals? Just because it "doesn't fit" the "approved" version?" He asks angrily.
H-H-H-H-H
Ouch, basically I agree with him. I didn't know we did that… I probably should've known. I've listened to Don and Adam having similar rants for years, only less specific on the details. Or perhaps I haven't listened all that carefully.
Damn it, it was Methos! Realizing it was Methos ranting about it, sure makes me think about it a little differently. It could well have been the past of a friend of his being butchered, I should've paid more attention!
Methos has let it slip, I'm not sure how consciously, that a large part of why he's interested in The Watchers is that we preserve the history of Immortals, that would otherwise be forgotten.
He also strongly dislikes putting false information into Chronicles, some of our most enlightening conversations have been about errors in different Chronicles. I'm not sure how he would react to us knowingly removing or altering things…
Of course, right now I would really like to have a firm "No" on the "Did he conjure an earthquake?" question. But based on that story I'd say "Probably".
That certainly raises the question why Immortals stopped being terrifying. And yeah, let's not involve old gods, please? I've enough with mind altering and mutilating Immortals, thank you!
H-H-H-H-H
Toy nods unsurprised. Not sure if it's real, however, he has regained control of his features. "As interesting as I find this. And Steven I'll definitely be asking you more about this later. Is there something we can do about our current problem?"
"Uh, sorry I got carried away." Steven smiles a little embarrassed. "You've both spent time grounding yourself, I think the effect should have lessened just from that.
From my studies of Roland Kantos, and Sean Burns early years, I've seen that the unintended effects tend to be volatile, but not long lasting. What really worries me, is that you got as affected as you did, Toy. Really, Joe should've been much more affected than you."
He frowns, focused now. "Actually, I don't think there's any proven, or even suspected, instance of someone being affected without direct eye or physical contact.
On the other hand, if you hadn't been forewarned and prepared, we might never have known that you were affected…" He looks at us a little apologetic.
Huh, he's got a point. Scary thought.
Steven continues with a shrug. "We know from before that being focused on a task, will make it harder to be affected. I suggest you sit down and attempt to transcribe what was said. Pausing and rewinding will create natural breaks and help you focus."
Toy might be a little uncertain, but nods in agreement.
I'm not too happy about the thought of hearing it again, but I already knew I'll have to at some point.
O ~ O ~ O ~ O ~ O
I make sure everything is ready for opening time. Then call Elisa with a heads up that I might disappear and will definitely need her to deal with the day-to-day business.
Elisa likes Duncan and Richie, finds Amanda hilarious. And she prefers to deal with administrative work rather than Watching. Basically, she's my Second in Command both as Regional Head of operations and in the bar. Especially since Mike left with Richie.
That she gets along with Adam, and he likes working with her, is another bonus. We complement each other very well, I've no idea how I could've dealt with being both in charge and Watching Duncan without her.
When all is arranged, Toy and I order food from our local Italian restaurant and discuss our doings so far.
Toy reports that Duncan has returned to the Dojo with several books on biblical history and similar.
Duncan has an agreement with the University that he can use their library for research on items he comes across. Apparently, he has also put in a request for some copies and works from other Universities as well.
Toy shakes his head a little amazed. "They must really like him, some of the books he has been promised we would have difficulties getting hold of."
I smile a little. "His "Introduction to European History" is one of the most popular seminars, and has been since he moved to Seacouver. It's an engaging and interactive experience, that has increased the general interest of history overall. The University would do a lot to keep Duncan coming back." I explain.
Toy nods with a grin. "That makes perfect sense. You think he would let you take some copies before he returns them?"
I honestly don't know, normally I wouldn't have asked him. I'm sort of hoping he'll offer, to help me find Kronos, but I doubt he'll think of that.
Duncan has never shown any interest in what we actually put in the Chronicles, or how our organization works. As long as we don't hunt "innocent" Immortals… No. That's unfair. He doesn't think we have the right to hunt any Immortals, that should be left to other Immortals.
It's actually something Methos mostly agrees with Duncan on, not that he has told Duncan that. Still, it's a rare enough thing that they agree on a moral action, that I'm ready to use it as a general moral guideline, if not a Law.
Methos hasn't voiced any general personal opinions on using Watcher information to find Immortals, that seems to be more situational for him.
"I'll ask if a good opportunity rises." I promise Toy.
Then we are out of excuses and find separate rooms for our work.
Even using shorthand I have to pause and rewind several times. Some of the times it's not me that's the issue. Cassandra's story isn't coherent, there are gaps and inconsistencies that frankly makes me wonder how she's even able to handle her day to day living.
Then I remember she wasn't crazy before seeing Kronos, not that crazy, at least. And that she's been with Duncan since.
I worry about Duncan, and try to make sense of what she actually did tell us.
O ~ O ~ O ~ O ~ O
I'm doing my first set when Toy comes out in the bar, he looks tired.
After my set, we sit down in the office to compare notes and questions.
Toy's first out. "Do you know when domestic camels became common enough that a poor tribe would have them?"
"Nope, but I assume it depends on where in the world they were. Cassandra is quite fair skinned, so "dark skinned" doesn't really tell us much. I do know that stirrups weren't invented until CE something, however." I add my five cents.
"I've a list of questions, and no answers. Core, Koren, Kronos, whatever, really shook something lose in her. I mean she wasn't entirely stable before, but definitely within normal for her age…" Toy sighs. "Right, her age might be wrong too."
"Yeah." I agree. "From how she described the Horsemen's camp; I find it difficult to imagine that no one could stop them.
I mean, sure they were Immortals, but even Immortals can be temporarily killed. Thousand BCE there were several large civilizations that should've been able to deal with that. More than one used beheading as capital punishment.
Nothing Cassandra described, in any way, hints at any hidden powers or some kind of planning behind their actions. Quite the opposite, actually. She describes them as cunning, yes, but basically stupid and uncontrolled. No organization or larger scale planning.
We have Chronicles of several groups of Immortals that have tried that, none of them managed to continue for over a century, as far as I know." I will have to check that.
But about Cassandra: "How she describes her own treatment is brutal and violent, but not terrifying or unusual, in the context of the times, or her position as a war-prize.
Hell, if I remember correctly, most female Immortals in that age would've considered themselves lucky to have a group of Immortals keeping them alive. They were generally considered trophies, until someone decided to take their heads, rather than keeping them.
I mean honestly… What Koren did a decade ago sounds a lot worse, and they didn't balk at being shared either. I don't know man… It got even more confusing when I read the transcript." I complain.
Toy makes a face. "You have some points. Either way, we will have to dig deeper into the group of Immortals staying together for a millennium part. But I'm pretty sure they said at the Academy that Immortal couples sometimes manage to get along, but groups actually living together, never more than a century." He agrees, then counters. "About her treatment, it could be a matter of experience. Theirs, in how good at breaking someone they were. Hers, in that she must've been quite young, not to be married yet, and apparently completely unaware of anything outside of that tribe."
He got points too, I nod. "If she knew of the Horsemen, she must've known about the possibilities of raiders." I argue, mostly because it feels good to be able to think about it rationally.
"To know, as stories told for children, and to comprehend, are two quite different things." Toy answers quickly, with a little grin.
H-H-H-H-H
How easily that grin could be misunderstood. Toy isn't unfeeling about Cassandra's situation or flippant about what happened. Actually, I would almost prefer him a little bit less sympathetic to Cassandra at this point. He's just as relieved as I about being able to consider what was said.
H-H-H-H-H
He continues thoughtfully. "But that the tribe had no protection at all, that's a little strange. As Cassandra described it, they didn't even have weapons to defend themselves with, no lookouts or anything…"
"I suppose she could've been unaware of the lookouts, if she was as young and naïve as she appears." My turn to defend her. Then I argue against myself. "But she doesn't look like she died that young."
"Mm…" Toy considers it a moment. "But in many societies a girl being trained as priestess, shaman or healer would not be expected to marry. Still, she might not have been considered a part of the decision process of the tribe either. She may well have spent years learning things, without actually gaining any of the experiences a "normal" girl would."
A nock on the door reminds me that it's time for my second set. "So, will you come listen when I play, or look through our transcripts, to make sure we wrote the same?" I ask Toy, climbing out of my chair.
Toy sighs. "I'll try to get the latter done before you're finished, that way I've a reward to look forward to."
That's a pretty nice compliment. "I'll try to make it a long one." I promise.