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Post by galen on Sept 17, 2007 19:14:13 GMT -5
Seacouver.
Galen MacQueen backed away from Michael de Lioncourt's headless corpse; he closed his eyes. All too aware of what was going to happen next. The dark Gray skies opened in brilliant sunlight as The Quickening flowed out from de Lioncourt and into Galen MacQueen. The quickening lifting Galen up off his feet as lightening struck him. It was the most powerful quickening Galen had ever felt in all his years. He saw de Lioncourt's entire life thru his eyes. From his days as a young mortal to his first lesson with Immortal Adrian Parker. Friends like Christopher McCready, Chris Kaytarn, and even his kinsman Vincent. Battles with many Immortals, women of his life from Anne Richards to Cathrene. 515 years of life flowed into Galen while at the same time the windows, front doors, and the rooftops of de Lioncourt's mansion were either blown open, shattered outward or inward or caved in....
Galen awoke screaming and sweating. Six months gone and the dream persisted. He looked at the clock on his nightstand. 6:15 AM The meeting with Daniel and Audrey Rafferty wouldn't take place until 10 or 11. He laid his head back onto his pillow and took a couple of deep breathes.
The Frenchman was a causality, an old rival of Galen's had targeted de Lioncourt by murdering his niece. When Galen tried to talk to Michael he was forced to defend himself, even at the cost of de Lioncourt's life. Galen played The Game centuries longer than de Lioncourt but Galen got the feeling that de Lioncourt was a more experienced fighter than he let on. Even now as time passed MacQueen is still left wondering just who exactly was Michael de Lioncourt.
He rose from his bed, walked over to his closet, put on his robe, then walked downstairs to his kitchen. He switched on the coffeepot and turned on the small television to MSNBC. He sat on a stool by a counter and briefly glanced at his mail. Most of it was junk that could easily be disposed of. When the coffee was ready he got a cup from his cubbard and poured himself a cup. He turned off the TV and sat thinking about the past couple of days.
He received a call from Audrey Rafferty from his home office in Glastonbury on a Monday evening. She offered him a position in the new firm she and her new husband were establishing. He was referred to them by his professor in Law School. Professor Ryan Harcroft Esq. Who also taught Daniel back in the mid 1980's. Galen told Audrey that he would think it over and give her a call the next day, Once he did a meeting was set up and the wheels of a partnership start in motion.
"But why Seacouver?" Galen had wondered. "Why not New York or Los Angles or London, possibly Glasgow?" It wasn't the first time Galen had visited the city in question and nor would it be the last time. There was something about Seacouver he disliked, but he couldn't place his finger on it.
Before the meeting he'd start setting up his new home office. He had a modest home by the beach and a great view of the ocean. It was a three bedroom house that Galen bought at a reasonable price. He'd be damned if he would live in the city.
Finishing his first cup, Galen placed it in his "stylistically modern" kitchen, ran back upstairs to shower and shave. Returned to the kitchen fifteen minutes later and refilled the cup. he walked to the living room and headed to the door on the right. Inside the small room was boxes mounted upon boxes.
Galen stared at the boxes and sighed. "It's going to be a long morning." He thought.
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Post by galen on Sept 22, 2007 11:39:33 GMT -5
Driving into Seacouver from Seattle, Erik Canuteson got the feeling that he wasn't the only Immortal within the city. The car was a rental: a 2003 Volvo he picked up from Sea Tac International Airport. He was a viking on a mission. Two weeks before his wife and his three year old daughter met their end at the hands of Abhir Qaynan in an attempt to draw him out of hiding and back into the game. The loss devastated Erik in a grief he never knew existed before.
After the funerals Erik closed up his antiques store, packed a few belongings, and headed back towards his homeland of Sweden where he would train and grieve at the same time. The day before he set out Erik got a call from an unknown source that Abhir was going to be in Seacouver within the next week and now that Erik was here, all he had to do was wait and scout out the city.
He rented a room at the Seacouver Marriott, unpacked his belongings then decided on grabbing something to eat. Figuring that a ride around the city wouldn't be a bad idea at all.
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Post by galen on Sept 25, 2007 13:08:00 GMT -5
Audrey Rafferty, wife of attorney Daniel Rafferty was sizing up Galen as they sat across from each other at an outside table in a restaurant that prided itself on it's fine Irish and English cooking. Audrey appeared to be about 39 to 43. Long red hair tied in back, green eyes and the mouth of a secretary. She even dressed like one and if MacQueen knew any lesser he would have mistaken her for one and not one of the west coast's top attorneys.
Daniel Rafferty appeared to be in his early to mid fifties. His black hair gray at the sides, cut neatly. His blue eyes also appeared to be judging Galen. He took a sip of his Guinness and pondered what the man sitting across from him and his wife could be thinking.
"Your case history is very impressive Mr. MacQueen." Audrey began. "Tell me, would you be happy working in a up and coming firm?"
Galen sat back and thought about how to word his next answer. "I suppose so." He began. "Although from what I've come to understand, American law seems a bit complex from European Law. Especially British law."
"It's not really all that complex." Replied Daniel in a slight Irish accent. "It just depends on the branch of law a person chooses to practice. Our firm will just handle Family Law..divorce cases and the like. Criminal law would be too time consuming and tax law too confusing. We could branch into constitutional law Should there be a need for it. Seacouver has a good percentage of illegal immigrants that flow into the country from here. Audrey and I get about a ton of people coming to us asking about citizenship law and rights of illegals."
"On top of that We don't want to get involved in the political aspect of criminal law or tax law. But we..Daniel and I...wouldn't mind doing Property law also, and bringing in people who see what we're trying to build and work along with us." Audrey replied.
Galen nodded. "I see. The less time in the courtroom-"
"-the better." The Rafferty's replied in unison.
"So you want mediators along with attorneys?" MacQueen asked.
"Something like that. " Daniel responded. "Audrey and I have a standard to not work inside a courtroom unless it's absolutely necessary. We believe that the disputes that don't involve time in the courtroom are the best kinds of cases."
"Mediation is the attorney's most powerful tool, at least that's what my professor said at Harvard Law." Audrey explained. "We don't want to tax our clients with a trial expense unless we have to."
"Even then if a case does go to court and we lose we don't charge." Daniel explained.
Galen smiled. "That's very humane of you two."
"So, the only remaining question Mr. MacQueen is, will you join us?" Daniel asked.
"Who recommended me?" MacQueen asked.
"A friend of ours but he works in a rival company so to speak." Daniel explained. "His name is Nathan Long, good man and a great attorney. He might be wanting to join us also."
"That is if we can somehow lure him into a position he'll like." said Audrey.
"I've never met the man." Galen replied.
"Well somehow he's heard of you." Audrey explained. "Daniel and I told him we were starting up a firm and he recommended you himself, Personally I'm glad he did."
"So whaddya say?" Daniel asked. "Partners?" He held out his hand.
"Partners." Galen agreed, shaking Daniel's hand."
The rest of the lunch was spent with them three conversing. It was agreed that Galen show up at the office tomorrow to get started. As he approached his car to return home however he was met with another surprise.
The buzz of another Immortal, somewhere close by.
"Well, if it isn't the once and future king." Erik said, a smile appearing on his face. How are you doing...MacQueen?"
"Well well, Erik the Awful." Galen replied. "To what do I owe the honor?"
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Post by galen on Sept 25, 2007 18:22:14 GMT -5
England. 1056 AD.
Galen looked down at the body at the person he just killed. He looked around at the warriors under his command, they were still fighting hard but the battle had belonged to them. It had been a hard summer with the Normans and Saxons constantly invading.
However, Galen spent the winter and spring training his troops so that by the time the savages came, they'd be met with Britain's most powerful force to date. And like the Picts and Irish of old, the saxons and Normans decided to land south of Scotland and marching they're way past Hadrian's Wall; which Galen was very familiar with.
With parts of the wall crumbling or completely in ruin, it was easy for the invaders to cross over into British territory. And once word came to Galen's ears about the invaders laying seige to a town or village he and his men would set out and drive the invaders back.
He had taught his men well, perhaps too well. Galen looked across the bloody field and saw about five of his soldiers fallen. He knew they would be facing an adversary that didn't know the meaning of the world retreat. So he did his best to train his men to fight hard and hold their ground.
The viking Galen had killed had revived. He had been correct, the viking was an immortal and he was glad he was out of hearing range. The viking got to his tried to get to his feet but found it hard, to Galen he looked disorientated, the markings of a person who has just discovered his Immortality.
The viking screamed out a curse. "My head!!"
"Oh good. You speak english." Galen said.
The viking got to his feet and tried to reach for his sword, but couldn't find it.
"I thought you killed me." He whispered.
"I did, but now you're something diffrent. Who are you?"
"Erik the Awful." He touched the wound to his chest. "I-I'm alive?"
"For the moment." Galen answered. "And if you want to stay alive you'll sound the retreat and never come to Britain under the flag of war. If you do I'll finish what I've started. Am I understood?"
Erik looked at the man in front of him. Wishing to kill him on the spot.
"If I refuse?" Erik asked.
"Then my men and I slaughter your people and send your bodyparts back to your homes."
Erik laughed. "What's your name?"
"My name is Artorius Castus, Promise to leave Britain now and you along with your men may leave free and in peace. Mark my words well Norseman and recognize my face for in the future we may meet again, hopefully not in time of war."
"Fine." Erik agreed; a harshness in his voice. "But one day..if we meet again..it will be much diffrent."
Erik the awful backed away from Galen and headed to the trumpeter to sound the retreat. As the horn blew and the invaders started to flee, Galen hoped he really had seen the last of the man.
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Post by galen on Sept 26, 2007 13:10:33 GMT -5
Present Day:
Erik the awful had looked unchanged from Galen's first encounter with the viking. The long blond hair was cut short and instead of the long beard, Erik sported a soulpatch. MacQueen judged that the other Immortal must be very fit. Erik stood probably about 6'6 in and the green eyes that stared at Galen seemed to penetrate his heart and soul. The black trenchcoat worn loosely over the Viking's frame, along with the purple button up shirt and black slacks.
Galen meanwhile, thought about his sword in the boot of his car, but from the look of Erik he didn't intend to fight and if he did Galen could probably fight him unarmed.
"I take it this is a social call?" MacQueen asked, the distrust not hidden in his voice.
"More or less." Erik answered. "You're not the one I'm looking for but since you're in town maybe we should meet up after all? Besides, it's not everyday a person gets the chance to meet the mofo who stabbed him thru the chest."
"So? You tried to invade my country. You want me to sympathetic?"
Erik snorted. "We DID invade, we took what we wanted. We even settled right in with you all."
"You didn't belong."
"Neither did Rome."
MacQueen sighed. "What do you want?"
"Not that it matters to you, but there's an Immortal here that did me and my family alot of harm. He murdered my wife and daughter. I heard he was in town so I've come to face him."
"I see. And the name of the Immortal?"
"Abhir Qaynan." Erik answered. "You ever hear of him?"
Galen narrowed his eyes at Erik. He tried to calculate the chances of he and Abhir being at the same town? Was Galen being followed? And if so, for what purpose?
"Let me give you some good advice." Galen replied. "Go back to your home and train."
Erik laughed. "And why should I do that?"
"Because Abhir isn't just a killer. He uses a bizarre strategy that he conceives as an advantage. He's a very powerful Immortal who is older than you or I. He won't just kill you if you fight him, he'll hunt you...torture you..he'll make you play a labyrinth of cat and muse with you that you'll be blinded by anger and confusion."
"How do you know him?" Erik asked.
"He and I have been fighting for well over a thousand years." Galen answered. "Believe me, you want no part of him."
Erik stood silent for a moment. Whether he was judging Galen's words remained skeptical to MacQueen.
"No." Erik answered. "He chose to pick on the wrong man if he thinks he can get away with what he's done, with all he's ever done. I shall find him, and i shall have his head."
Galen rolled his eyes. "This is the last time I'll ask you to reconsider." He said. "He's too powerful for you or me alone."
"What are you going to do Artorius?" Erik asked. "Get in the way? Defend an enemy?"
"I'm trying to save your life!" Galen yelled. "If you have a wish to go and die at his hands then by all means go onto glory Viking. But if you have a shred of intelligence go home and train. He'll come for you again and perhaps the next time you'll kill him...perhaps."
"Forget you MacQueen." Erik scoffed. "I didn't come here to have my ear talked off. After I finish with Abhir, you're next. Call ya."
Erik turned away from Galen and proceeded back to his car. Galen just stood there and sighed. Cursing the hotheaded viking for his rashness. Galen didn't doubt that Abhir would kill Erik, but not before he would make the viking suffer more, Alot more.
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Post by galen on Sept 27, 2007 12:31:20 GMT -5
Seacouver was home to only one mosque, located near the downtown section. Galen found it somewhat difficult to locate on mapquest but he was sure he knew Abhir would be there.
MacQueen waited right outside the front entrance, leaning on the driver's side of his car.. He arrived just in time for the final prayer session of the day and as soon as people started to trickle out he kept his attention focused.
The african american man who just left the building sensed the buzz of another Immortal, he was bald with brown eyes and dressed casually well in black dress slacks and a rolled up white sleeved shirt. He felt eyes staring at him and cast his glance east and west. When he finally saw Galen he smiled.
"You look well." Abhir greeted as he approached Galen.. "I didn't expect your presence so soon MacQueen. Are you stalking me?"
"I'm here on business. A viking told me you were in town." Galen answered.
Abhir nodded. "Canuteson. What has he told you?"
"Oh he just gave me your usual M.O. Abhir, nothing special...or original."
Qaynan ignored the insult. "It was fun, bringing that pompous twit down to size."
"You've gone too far this time." Galen said, the menace dripping in his voice. "He'll hunt you down no matter where you go. Killing Immortals is one thing but a mortal woman and child?"
"Ah, so you don't know the whole story do you?" Abhir asked.
Galen remained silent for a moment, unsure if he wanted to hear more.
"Go on." He finally said.
"Erik Canute son is responsible for the murder of a descendant of mine." Qaynan explained. "I'm just rightfully seeking vengeance."
Galen laughed at the last remark. "You're such a hypocrite."
"You're lucky...damn lucky I'm not armed MacQueen. Otherwise I would have cut your head off for that remark."
"Feel free to try anytime Abhir. Matter of fact let's make it later tonight."
"No. I don't think so." Abhir replied, smirking.
Galen remained where he was. "Excuse me?"
"I'm not here for you this time Galen MacQueen. The viking will seek me out and I shall kill him. Until then. I wish you luck on whatever it is you're here for."
"WE still have unfinished matters from Seattle Qaynan. Or is it that you've forgotten de Lioncourt so soon?"
"All in good time MacQueen. All in good time." Abhir replied. Then he started to chuckle as he began walking away.
Galen remained where he was until Abhir was well out of his line of sight. Then he got in his car and headed home.
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Post by galen on Oct 13, 2007 11:16:07 GMT -5
Abhir's speculation was proved correct as during his morning prayer ritual he felt the presence of another Immortal. He softly raised himself up from the mat he was using and quietly made his way to the front of the mosque. He envied the other people who were giving thanks to Allah for whatever reasons they had.
Erik stood at the front gate. His overcoat fully buttoned to protect him from the chilly weather. He wished he hadn't worn baggy pants. As soon as Abhir appeared he smiled and hoped his foe could read the menace in his eyes.
"I was expecting someone else." Abhir said softly.
"You have me instead." Erik replied.
"Nevertheless, I'll have to find a more remote place to pray. Why are you here?"
"To talk. I want to know why?"
Abhir seemed confused. "As to your wife and child?"
Erik nodded. "
"Simple. In 1374, Marrakesh, you murdered a relative. It's as simple as that."
Erik thought long and hard on what Abhir had said. Retracing the years; then it dawned on him.
"He raped a woman under my protection and he was a thief. It's as simple as that."
Qaynan rolled his eyes. "Oh you are a troublesome one. Shouldn't you be on your knees begging for forgiveness?"
"Our kind has only one form of redemption." Erik answered, locking his eyes with Abhir.
"Fine Canuteson. Time and Place?"
"2 AM. The lighthouse on the western side side of town. Dress in black."
"See you then." Abhir said. He nodded to Erik and re-entered the mosque, leaving Canuteson at the front of the building.
Erik actually wondered if Abhir would stay inside all day.
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Post by galen on Oct 15, 2007 21:25:09 GMT -5
Galen MacQueen recieved the call from Erik around 1:30 AM. He was just about to retire when his phone rang. Erik's only words being: "We finish it now, the lighthouse at 2:30." Then he hung up and if Erik could have seen the stupified look on Galen's face he would have laughed heartily.
Traffic in Seacouver was kept to a bare minimum. However the rain that progressed as at first a drizzle now fell to a moderate downpour. It was about 2:20 as he got to Seacouver's lighthouse and once he heard the clanging of steel, MacQueen knew a fight was alreadly on.
Galen ran towards the sound as he possibly could. He already suspected Erik had challenged Abhir but his eyes confirmed it. Instantly his sword was in his hands, however the rules permitted him to remain standing where he was.
Erik was defending from Abhir's thrusts; then Qaynan switching tact and moving to a lunge/parry/lunge movement. A few of Abhir's movments had done some damage to Canuteson as his shoulder, right leg and left wrist were cut and bleeding. Abhir had a deep scratch on the right side of his face, his falcutta then burying itself deeply into the viking's abdomen.
Erik screamed in pain. He thrust his bastard sword into Abhir's left ribcage. His mistake being that he twisted the blade causing Abhir to scream louder and for Erik's blade to get stuck. Abhir then kicked Erik in the face which caused the viking to fall on his back. He then turned onto his belly to retreat a few paces, but Abhir quickly stabbed Canuteson in his back, lefty center. Abhir then simply walked over to Erik's head, picked him up by the hairs of his head then raised the falcutta.
"There can be-" Abhir said, locking eyes with Galen.
"Qaynan!" Galen roared. "Leave him al-"
"-only ME!!" Abhir roared. Slicing his blade across Erik Canuteson's neck and severing his head from the rest of his body.
MacQueen stepped a few paces backwards. Canuteson's quickening enveloped Abhir Qaynan in a whirlpool of blue and with lightening. Galen wanted to believe he had just witnessed a murder but he knew better.
As the quickening ended, Abhir fell to his hands and knees. Galen decided to spring into action there and then. He first ran to Abhir's sword and kicked it away then he drew his sword and held it to Abhir's neck.
"I should end your life right here." Galen growled. "You murdered an entire family."
"It wasn't the first MacQueen." Abhir replied. Both looking at Galen's face and trying to catch his breath. "I doubt it will be the last."
"The next time you wish to try your strength against an Immortal Qaynan remember to look me up. I'll be in town. But for the moment remember this: every breath you take from tonight onward you owe to me. Your life is now mine."
"We'll meet soon enough MacQueen. Until then I suggest you thank Allah that we haven't fought just quite yet."
Galen had heard enough, he kicked Abhir to the ground then thrust his sword thru Abhir's heart. There would be people around in a few hours, if Galen was lucky perhaps someone would call the police and have Abhir arrested. Then he had a creative sapark run thru his head. He returned to his car and found some rope which he bound Abhir's feet and hands with. Then he collected Abhir's sword and drove to the nearest payphone a few miles away and gave the police an anonymous call. Aftweward he drove to the nearest bridge and threw the falcutta over, hearing the sword splash into the waters below.
When he returned home he poured himself a tall glass of whiskey from his kitchen cubbard and looked out into the sky on his patio. Why did Canuteson invited him to the duel? Was Erik hoping that after Abhir defeated him did he hope that Galen would simply take Abhir's head? Granted Galen had the perfect opportunity to but his judgment deemed it was a low tatic. Better for Abhir...wretched as he is...to regain his strength and try at some other point in time.
Galen MacQueen made a silent vow to Erik that he would be avenged. He'd do everything in his power to see Abhir receive a life sentence for the murder of his family and for Erik's murder as well. Galen smiled to himself, it might be not much of a total victory; but at least it was a good start.
End.
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