Chapter Three
A man stood in the street, illuminated by the dim glow of a streetlamp. His wild, unkempt hair framed a face twisted in rage. In his hands, he held a gleaming sword, the metal reflecting the faint light. He was muttering under his breath, his eyes locked onto Richie's with an unsettling intensity.
"Finally found you," the man growled, taking a step forward.
Richie's grip tightened on his crutches. "Oh, hell no."
Duncan and Connor were suddenly behind him. Duncan placed a firm hand on Richie's shoulder, pulling him back while Connor stepped forward, positioning himself between Richie and the armed man.
"Who the hell is this?" Richie hissed, his heart hammering.
"Trouble," Duncan muttered grimly.
The man lifted his sword, pointing it at Connor. "You think you can keep him from me?" His voice was thick with malice. "You can't protect him forever."
Connor smirked. "You can try and take him."
Before Richie could protest, Connor unsheathed his own sword, the steel singing as it left its scabbard. The two men circled each other, the air between them thick with tension.
Richie's pulse pounded in his ears. This was insane. This was really happening. Again.
"Duncan," Richie whispered, "we should go."
"Stay behind me," Duncan ordered, his voice leaving no room for argument.
The stranger lunged, and the clash of steel against steel rang through the night.
Highlander fanfiction
NOT SO SMART
Disclaimer: I don't own highlander or any of the characters
Chapter 3
Richie's instincts screamed at him to run. He had seen enough—more than enough—to know that he did not want to be anywhere near this fight. While Connor and the stranger locked swords, he bolted trying to run between the two men fighting, as fast as his injured leg would allow.
He barely made it two steps before a strong arm wrapped around his waist, yanking him back. Richie kicked and struggled, but Duncan held him tight, preventing his escape.
"Let me go!" Richie snarled. "I am not sticking around for this!"
Duncan tightened his grip. "You're not running out into a fight you don't understand."
"I understand enough! That dude's got a sword! That's all I need to know!"
Duncan hoisted Richie up despite his struggling, carrying him away from the battle. "Trust me, Richie. You don't want to get in the middle of this."
As much as Richie wanted to fight back, his ribs ached, his leg throbbed, and Duncan was way stronger than he was. Finally, exhausted, he slumped against Duncan's chest.
Below them, Connor and the stranger clashed again, their swords sparking under the dim light. The sound of metal rang through the night, and Richie realized, with a deep, sinking feeling, that his life had really changed forever.