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Post by colin on Oct 17, 2007 12:46:33 GMT -5
In his dreams Colin heard the voice. He saw himself laying dead on the makeshift stretcher, while his comrades from the clan MacLeod held his body as the chieftan spoke. His sword and shield lain across his chest. A look of serene peace on his own face.
"A warrior came to us without a clan. He fought for us, he died for us. He lived a stranger, but in death he is a highlander. From today onward he shall be known as our brother Colin MacLeod, of the Clan MacLeod."
Colin couldn't see the agreement from the other clan members, not could he at the time see his comrades raise their swords in his honor. But he can remember hearing the chant.
"COLIN MCLEOD OF THE CLAN MCLEOD!! COLIN MCLEOD OF THE CLAN MCLEOD!! COLIN MCLEOD OF THE CLAN MCLEOD!!!"
His eyes sprung open. Sunrise. He had been sleeping on his side and rolled over to find Katie still sleeping. He rose silently and pulled on a pair of shorts that were laying on the ground close by. Colin walked silently out of his bedroom to his kitchen and made some coffee. As he got his first cup, he sat at the table nearest the kitchen window.
He thought about Gregor, the man who had taken him as his own son. About his wife Elizabeth who acted as his very own mother. Centuries had passed but Colin never forgot about them or any other McLeod ever since.
And apparently, the clan MacLeod hadn't forgotten about him either.
He had been sent an invitation to the McLeod reunion in Glenfinnan. He didn't know how they found him but it was requested he'd come, back to the very home he help build so long ago.
"You're nervous." Katie's voice had brought him back to the present. She was dressed in her pink bathrobe, her black silk nightie slightly showing.
"Aye." Colin admitted. "I honestly don't know if I have a right to go there."
"Why not?" Katie asked. "You're a MacLeod. You're just as much a member as anyone of them."
Colin continued to stare out of the window. "Perhaps." He admitted.
Katie went over to Colin, placing her hands on his shoulders and kissing his neck.
"Everything will be fine." She soothed. "I'll be with you all the way. Besides, it might be fun and you actually might enjoy yourself."
Colin patted her hand, stood up and wrapped his arms around her waits and held her close to him.
"Have I told you how much I love you?" He asked.
Katie smirked. "Not today ye haven't." She said in a mock scotch accent.
"Well, I do." Colin replioed. Kissing her on the lips.
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Post by colin on Oct 17, 2007 15:30:38 GMT -5
The drive to Glenfinnan took about an hour and a half. Colin and Katie breakfasted together, got dressed, then loaded they're Range Rover with suitcases and Colin;'s katana. Katie asked why he was bringing the sword along to which Colin replied that he would feel naked without it.
Colin had met Katie in December of 2005 and had fallen in love on New Years Day. However, Colin kept his immortality a secret from her due to the fact that she wouldn't believe if he told her or that he wanted to keep Katie away from that part of his life.
During the drive from the Isle of Skye to Loch Shiel, Katie recounted times about family trips to the highlands.
"I had a grandmum who lived in Glasgow, on our way up Mum would pull into the beachside and my brother and I would lunch on the shores, she would also show us the plains and told us that clansmen would fight on these grounds, how almost everywhere in Scotland was considered sacred ground." She explained. "She also told my brother and me that her and my dad wanted to live by the sea. How we came to Liverpool leaves me stumped."
Colin laughed. "You never asked her?"
Katie shook her head. "None of my business."
Colin kept his eyes on the road. The sky outside was beginning to turn from blue to gray.
"So Colin, how do you know the MacLeods?"
He cleared his throat before answering. "I was adopted a long time ago."
"Oh."
Once they arrived in Glenfinnan Colin and Katie checked into a inn called The Swan. Katie told Colin she was going to make a phone call to her mum, then probably unpack and take a nap. Colin just told her he was going to go for a walk to clear his head and that he would be back.
During the whole drive Colin could think of nothing except for Gregor and Elizabeth MacLeod, and as he walked he found himself navigated towards the MacLeod family plot. It was expansive, the resting place of generations of MacLeods dating back to the early 1300's.
Over seven hundred years passed, and Colin knew where to find Gregor's resting place. He knelt down to the markers of his adopted parents.
"Gregor, Elizabeth. My Father and Mother. I know it's been a long time since I paid my respects, but I wanted you both to know that I've never forgotten you. The both of you took me under your wings as if I was a foundling babe. For as long as I live I shall never...ever...forget the kindness you've shown me."
He remained like that for a few minutes until he heard footsteps approaching from behind. Colin stood and turned to see a woman with brown hair beginning to gray at the sides, her hazel eyes seemed to pierce into Colin's soul. Her blue jeans were a bit muddy, her brown boots even more so. She wore a cream sweater and a black leather coat.
"Either your trespassing or you're here for the reunion." She said with a light Scottish accent. "Which is it?"
"The reunion. I'm Colin MacLeod. You?"
"Rachel MacLeod." She answered. "It's nice to find you after all this time."
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Post by colin on Oct 18, 2007 14:31:20 GMT -5
"Why is that?" Colin asked.
"I was the person who sent you the invite." Rachel answered. She crossed her arms and gave Colin a scowl. "You're not the first MacLeod to re-appear as of late."
"That so?"
"Aye. A while back there was a Duncan MacLeod who wanted to discover his highland roots, I actually met him a few yards from here. Sometime afterward a Connor MacLeod re-established his ties to the clan. Now there's you."
Colin remained silent.
Rachel continued. "Funny thing. There was a mention of a Colin who was adopted by Gregor and Elizabeth MacLeod. He fought by Gregor's side against the English, he died but people said he came back to life."
"Interesting story." Colin agreed.
"The legends say that Gregor protected Colin MacLeod from the rest of the clan and told him to live with honor. But my question is...who are you really and where did you come from?"
Colin sighed. The woman was harsh in her critique, he knew he'd have to act carefully in order to not give himself away.
"Let's just say.." He began. "...that Colin MacLeod started his own family which branched out away from the traditional MacLeods."
"You have proof?" Rachel wondered.
Colin nodded. "I've got a family tree proving it, and authentic documentation."
"When can I see? I know alot of the elders would be interested also."
"Just tell me where I can bring them." Colin stated, her cold demeanor was beginning to irritate him.
"Fine." Rachel conceeded. "MacLeod keep. Are you familiar with it?"
Colin fought to keep back the word intimately.
"I know where it is." He answered. "See you then."
Rachel gave him one final glance over. "Enjoy your stay."
He walked back to the inn, contemplating. It had taken him more than a few centuries to provide certifiable documentation. Creating his very own family that stemmed from him starting in the middle to late 1300's to the present. It was a personal hobby he enjoyed, it was tough to create but it would serve it's purpose.
Katie was still asleep as he re-entered the room. He crept to the bed beside her and napped for the rest of the afternoon.
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Post by colin on Oct 18, 2007 19:30:23 GMT -5
MacLeod Keep.
Colin handed his papers over to Rachel, who in turn handed them over to Adam and David MacLeod. The two men were middle aged, either in their late fifties to early sixties. Adam had salt and pepper hair and stared at Colin with chestnut eyes while David was bald and had a light blue tint to them. They were dressed alike and said nothing as they inspected Colin's papers.
Katie held Colin's hand as they sat patiently across the two. Rachel sat at Colin's right, glancing from David and Adam to Colin.
"Astounding. Completely astounding." David remarked.
"They're authentic?" Rachel asked, disappointment in her voice.
"It seems they are." Adam confessed. "He's brought birth and death certificates for every member of the original Colin's kin. Amazing how they've been kept so perfectly well."
"From what I understand, everything had been kept in glass for preservation." Colin explained.
"It's quite a risk to bring them here." David remarked. "However I'll need to carbon test something. Only then can we be sure. Adam?"
Adam McLeod cleared his throat, he took off a pair of heavy glasses, replacing them in his coat pocket. "The writings seem to be authentic. I can't see any semblance of a forgery.
"I guess that's settled then." David speculated.
Rachel, and Katie looked confused.
"What is?" Katie asked.
David pointed to Colin. "He IS a MacLeod."
Adam laughed and walked over to Colin, his hands outstreched.
"Welcome home Colin MacLeod." He greeted.
Colin smiled. "I- I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything lad." David replied hugging Colin. "You're a MacLeod and you always have been."
Katie kissed Colin. "Congratulations."
"David or I will send these off to the records in Glasgow and Edinburgh at first light tomorrow." informed Adam. "In the meantime enjoy the reunion Colin, and once again; welcome to the family."
David and Adam gathered the fragile documents then walked out of the room. Leaving Rachel alone with Colin and Katie.
"You'll forgive me if I'm a wee bit skeptical." Rachel said.
"Why?" Colin and Katie asked in unison.
"As I've said before, it seems that MacLeods are just popping up out of thin air. You may have proof but it'll take more than paper to convince me. There's something about you Colin MacLeod that doesn't seem right. I'll be keeping my eyes on you."
With that she walked out of the room. Colin and Katie left the keep but walked around the area, surveying the glens.
"She was rather rude." Katie pointed out.
"Don't think about it." Colin reassured her. "Rachel is just doing what she can to protect her family. She has a right to be defensive."
"But you gave her proof of who you are, where you came from. What else does she want?"
Colin knew. Rachel wanted the truth. Perhaps in time maybe Colin would tell Rachel, maybe Katie also. But until then Colin wouldn't reveal himself.
"Go." He heard Gregor repeat in his head. "But remember, you are Colin MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod. Live with honor..highlander."
"She'll come around." Colin finally said. "For now we give her space and we enjoy ourselvs."
Katie nodded, Colin wrapped his arms around her.
"Are ye hungry?" He asked.
"Famished." She answered. "Where d'you suggest we go?"
"How about a picnic?" Colin suggested. "We find some horses and ride out into the glen and enjoy the rest of the day?"
"Fine with me." Katie hooked her arm around Colins and walked off to find a stable.
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Post by nathan on Oct 19, 2007 17:37:39 GMT -5
Nathan found out where Colin was heading thru one of his superiors.
He wondered what Colin was up to and why he was there. He was aware of Colin's relationship with Gregor and Elizabeth MacLeod. His chronicle was very detailed at that period of time. Gregor loved Colin like his own son and Elizabeth MacLeod doted upon Colin as well.
But a family reunion? It was dangerous.
He was sitting in a Starbucks on the way to Glenfinnan reading a newspaper and drinking a mocha. Nathan had run into COlin a few times and conversed just as many and Nathan never revealed his identity as a Watcher to Colin. However Nathan did wonder what Colin would think if he had...or if MacLeod even knew of the Watchers.
Suddenly his cell phone rung. He picked it out of his coat pocket, switched it on, and put it to his ear.
"Nathan." He greeted.
"It's Javier." Javier was a historian within the orginization. "The council wants you to Q&A someone when you get to Glenfinnan."
"Who?" Nathan asked.
"A Rachel MacLeod." Javier answered. "She's mortal, but she's been in contact with Duncan MacLeod more than twice. Find out what she knows and if you deem it nessacary, begin training."
Nathan looked perplexed. "The council approve this?"
"They're the ones who thought it up. There's three Immortals with the same last name and it's almost a sure bet one of them might win The Prize. Rachel MacLeod might either suspect or know something. They want you to find out."
"Understood." Nathan answered. He hung up the phone and replaced it back into his coat pocket.
He finished his coffee and wondered how exactly he was going to perform his assignment without running into Colin MacLeod. But on the other hand, life was full of challenges...
Nathan made a mental note to thank the council for this particular challenge.
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Post by colin on Oct 19, 2007 19:59:05 GMT -5
Glenfinnan.
"So Mr. MacLeod, what's the plan?" Katie teased as she was dressing.
It was mid morning by the time Colin and Katie awoke. The previous night was spent at a dinner party with numerous MacLeods. Colin and Katie both lost track of how many hands were shaken or introductions said. The atmosphere of last night was warm and inviting. It reminded Colin of both being with previous MacLeods and his army when he fought against the Roman occupation.
"You want breakfast?" Colin asked, drying his hair then putting on some clothes.
"I could do with a bite. What time are the games?" She asked.
Adam and David MacLeod addressed the assembly last night as desserts were being passed from one table to another that tomorrow the games would being. It would be like the traditional Highland Games, but just smaller.
"Around 11 I think." Colin answered. He yawned. "Coffee sounds good right about now."
"Mmmmm, mochachino." Katie said. "Followed by ham and eggs."
"And potatoes." Colin added. "You ready?"
Katie replied that she was as she tied her shoes.
They walked downstairs to the lobby, unknowingly walking past Nathan Long and headed for a table in the cafe. Nathan gave them a cursory glance as he signed his name in the guestbook and paid for his room.
Colin and Katie brunched quietly, talking among themselves. Afterward they drove to MacLeod keep and did the normal reintroductions. Colin actually started to feel at home as 'relatives' talked to him and participated in the games.
That joyfulness was broken by the presence of another Immortal nearby.
He approached Colin by putting a hand on his shoulder.
"I am Jason Carter. Which MacLeod are you?"
Colin and Katie abruptly turned and stared at Carter. He was shorter than Colin by inches. His brown hair was cut short. His jaw square and the look he gave Colin looked as if it could cut diamonds.
"Colin MacLeod. What's it to you?"
"Everything." Jason answered. "I don't know if you've ever heard of me but I'm a big deal among our kind."
"What?" Katie asked.
Colin turned to her. "Get us some drinks. I'll find out what he wants, I'll meet you at the stables."
"Ok." Katie replied. She kissed him and headed off, Colin returned his attention to the other Immortal.
"Why are you here?" Colin asked. Narrowing his eyes on Carter.
"What?" James asked. "It isn't obvious?"
Colin didn't move a muscle.
"Then let me explain." Jason answered. "I've only been alive for about 34 years but no matter where I go I keep hearing talk about how some MacLeod or other keeps defeating worthy Immortals. So I figured I'd crash the shindig and try my mettle against one."
"You came looking for a fight?" Colin was perplexed. "Why?"
"You stand in my way for The Prize." Jason remarked. "Simple as that."
Colin laughed right in Jason's' face. "You're incredibly stupid aren't you?"
"I'm not the one laughing MacLeod. Do you accept my challenge or not?"
"Go away and come back when you've actually got skills. I'm not going to fight you. Grow some hair on your chest."
Before Jason could say anything, Colin walked away from him and headed back towards Katie.
Jason Carter took a long hard look at the back of Colin MacLeod. He felt worse than insulted, he felt like Colin had arrogantly slapped him in the face.
"You'll regret that." Jason whispered. "Yes, you definitely shall."
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Post by nathan on Oct 20, 2007 12:42:52 GMT -5
Nathan slept well during the night and woke up early. He dressed and headed into the cafe where few people were seated, eating or drinking a beverage of their choice. He ordered coffee, scrambled eggs, french toast, sausage then sat down at a table nearest the fireplace. The lighting was dim and to Nathan it provided a perfect serene early winter morning setting.
His cell rang as he finished his eggs. He dug it out of the breast pocket of his black leather coat, flipped it on and put the reciever to his ear.
"Hullo?" He greeted.
"Nathan. It's Abbie." The voice on the other end greeted. Abbie was one of Nathan's favorite Watchers. "We might have a problem."
"Go on." Nathan said, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Well, my spoiled little rich boy might be in your area. Headhunting."
"Colin's at a family gathering." Nathan informed Abbie. "Who's your assignment again?"
"Jason Carter." Abbie said, not hiding the disgust in her voice.
"He's on the potential rogue list isn't he?"
"Carter's bloody well on the way to landing at the top." Abbie explained. "He's done nothing for the past two years except train and test his guts and steel against opponents."
"Shouldn't he be in Aspen or Paris rubbing elbows with other snobs?"
"It's not the ski season yet." Abbie answered. "The idiot left his journal behind when he left for Scotland."
"How do you know he's here?"
"He has a list of people to kill and your boy is number five on said list."
Nathan cursed. Getting the attention of a few people in the cafe.
"If he comes across Colin, he'll be dead."
"Believe me Nathan nothing would please me more, but Carter's connected."
"Oh?"
"Jason Carter is the son of Alexander Carter. Know who he is?"
"Never heard of him."
"Alexander is a Co-Chairman of Microsoft. Third down from Bill Gates."
"Sonofa-"
"Get the picture now?" Abbie asked.
She didn't have to ask. Nathan could see it in his mind. Colin beheads Carter and the surviving family funds a manhunt for the murderer.
"When can you get here?" He asked.
"I'm packing my bags and heading over to LAX now. Nathan, if MacLeod-"
"We'll do our jobs Abbie. We handle it and we keep it quiet. Just get here soon."
"Over and out." Abbie replied. Nathan put the phone back in his coat pocklet. He quickly ate his french toast and gulped down his coffee. Paid his bill then drove towards MacLeod keep.
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Post by colin on Oct 20, 2007 16:01:55 GMT -5
Colin and Rachel decided to take a walk together outside of the MacLeod residence. The two of them rode on horses through glens and mountainous areas with Rachel mostly asking questions about Colin and his life.
"So, have you found what you came for?" Rachel asked.
They stopped by a small lake to let the horses drink. Colin looked at the surrounding area. The scenery was beautiful but alittle bit different from what he used to remember.
"Do you have a problem with me Rachel? Or are you this stand off'ish to everyone?"
"I don't like strangers." She answered. "It's that simple."
"Then why invite me?" Colin wondered.
"Because I had to know if you were authentic; or if you were another pretender with the same surname."
Colin sighed. "Trust me, don't trust me. I don't care either way. I don't have any intentions of hurting you or the rest of the MacLeods by pretending to be someone I'm not. You don't trust me; that's fine. So I think I'll spare you any more heartache and leave."
Colin took the reins of his horse and started moving him in the direction back to MacLeod keep. Only when he mounted his horse did Rachel say anything.
"Colin wait, I'm really sor-"
As she spoke Colin raised a hand to silence her. He felt the presence of another Immortal nearby, and drawing closer. Ever since the meeting with Carter Colin decided to keep his katana nearby. He was glad he brought it along with him today.
Coming towards Colin and Rachel was Jason. A Sabra in his right hand pointed at Colin.
"Get out of here Rachel."
"But-"
"Now!" He shouted at her.
She quickly got on her horse and galloped off. Colin was thankful that she wouldn't see what was about to happen. He dismounted the horse and tied the reins to a nearby tree and unsheathed his katana.
He stood a few feet from his horse and took a defensive stance. Jason slowed his horse to a trot as he neared MacLeod.
"Well well well. Looks as if I've found you without a friend." Carter taunted. "Lovely girl, not into older women myself but..well taboos are obsolete."
"If you want to see forty," Colin warned. "-you'll go away. Now."
Jason stared at Colin directly in the eyes. He dismounted his horse and took a few practice swings of his saber.
"Can't." Carter answered. "I want the prize and you're in my way of obtaining it. Look, make it simple on yourself and just give in. One way or another I'm going to get-"
Colin interrupted Jason's rant by making the first attack. He swung the katana overhead, taking Carter by surprise. Jason proved to be inexperienced. He could only defend himself as Colin overpowered him for movement and strength.
Jason retreated a few paces, but Colin kept pursuing. Jason's attacks were slightly remarkable but Colin deflected and blocked anything Jason could throw at him.
Wanting to end it quickly, Colin kicked Jason in the chest which sent Carter stumbling backwards three feet. Colin then turned the blade of his katana downwards so it pointed to the ground. Jason attacked once more to which Colin deflected Carter's blade, Colin then took hold of Jason's left arm and plunged his blade deep into Jason's ribcage, feeling the blade cut through bone and puncture a lung.
Jason screamed, he fell to his knees and dropped his saber. Colin kicked it away. He slowly pulled the katana out of Carter's side, keeping a firm hold of his left arm.
Colin then quickly swung the katana in the direction of Carter's arm and severed his left hand.
"A bit of advice." Colin said, as Jason lay on the ground clutching his bloody arm. "Keep practicing."
He left Carter to 'die' where he was. He remounted his horse and rode back to MacLeod keep. On the way back he thought what he would explain to both Rachel and Katie.
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Post by colin on Oct 21, 2007 13:40:17 GMT -5
As Colin returned to the stables, freed the horse from the blanket and saddle, he was approached by Rachel and Katie. They both had a worrisome look written on they're faces. Except for Rachel who had given Colin a scowl that could melt butter.
"So." Rachel greeted. "You mind telling us who that guy was?"
Colin shot Rachel a look of disbelief. "What did you tell her?" He asked, nodding to Katie.
"She told me everything." Katie answered. "I shouldn't have been surprised that you should find someone here who wanted to pick a fight."
"It's taken care of." Colin replied, stalling to form his next words carefully. "He won't be coming around here again."
"Did you kill him?" Rachel wondered, surprise appearing on her face.
"No. I just taught him a lesson."
Katie and Rachel looked at each other, unsure but yet unafraid. After a moment Colin could see the both of them ease up somewhat.
"You had me worried Colin." Rachel confessed. "Don't ever scare me like that again."
Colin gave her a nod. "Sorry."
There was a knock on the stable's main doors. All three turned to see the Stablehand.
"Excuse me Rachel, but you have a visitor waiting for you in the front hall."
Rachel looked at her watch. "Who is it?"
"He wouldn't say, he just requested an audience with you."
She turned her attention back to Colin. "I'm not dropping this, we WILL talk."
Colin and Katie watched Rachel walk away, Katie tugged on Colin's arm.
"Are you going to tell me what happened? Or just close up like before?" She asked.
"Let it go." Colin said softly.
"Colin-"
"No." He said quickly. "Perhaps I'll tell you all about it in the future but for the moment Katie, just trust me."
He kissed her on the forehead and they walked arm and arm back to the cafe.
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Post by nathan on Oct 21, 2007 19:59:13 GMT -5
It wasn't difficult for Nathan to request and audience with Rachel MacLeod. Even though he thought it would be didn't mean that he wasn't going to try. He had a job to do after all.
Rachel, upon seeing the finely dressed man, who appeared to have briefcase thought he was either selling something or was going to give her a speech about being charitable.
"You wanted to see me?" Rachel asked.
"I did. My name is Nathan Long, is there a place we can talk?"
Nathan extended his hand in greeting. He smiled, mostly to ease her and to let her know that he wasn't here to spoil any fun.
Rachel shook his hand. "Follow me." She said, and led him to the library on the first floor.
"Can I offer you anything to drink?" She asked, walking to a pitcher of water by the door.
"No thank you." Nathan replied as he sat down in a chair. "I wanted to talk to you today about Colin MacLeod."
She immediately forgot the water and looked at him. "You know him?"
"Of sorts." Nathan explained. "We're acquaintances mostly."
"So?" Rachel wondered. "Is he like a criminal then? I knew David and Adam were wrong about him." She went on to tell Nathan about Colin's alleged ties into the family.
"I don't doubt that he's an actual MacLeod." Nathan said after she had finished. "But it seems that you're unsure of him."
"There just seems to be more to him that he's telling us." She replied. "Like how he knows Gregor and Elizabeth MacLeod and the first Colin, the stranger who Gregor loved as his own."
She cast Nathan a glance that asked of help.
"Please." She begged. "If you have anything that could be of help don't hesitate to let us know."
Nathan's cellphone vibrated. He dug it out of his pocket and found he had a new text message. He replaced the phone back into his pocket, and stood to leave.
"If I had any time today I would tell you about Colin." He began. "But for the meantime all I can say is that you're right. There is more to him than you'd expect. However, it's not what you might think."
He reached inside his hip pocket and gave Rachel a business card.
"Call me in a few days if you want to learn who Colin MacLeod truly is. Until then just be civil towards him and don't tell him that you or I spoke."
Rachel took the card. "Look, what IS this all about?"
"If I told you, you might not believe it. So think carefully Rachel. Call me in a few days time and I'll explain everything. This conversation never happened, understood?"
"Y-yes. I understand."
Nathan smiled and left MacLeod keep. He drove to Glasgow International Airport to pick Abbie up.
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Post by nathan on Oct 22, 2007 16:39:05 GMT -5
"I have to find Carter." Abbie said, looking out to the road of Nathan's Aston Martin.. "What time is it?"
Thankfully for Nathan, Abbie had been waiting right outside the airport. She carried one suitcase which Nathan stashed in the boot. They shared a brief greeting and got down to business.
Nathan checked his watch. "Almost five, why?"
"He'll be meeting friends at a pub called The Draconian. Ever hear of it?"
"No." He admitted. "You know the way?"
"Keep on the road until you reach the I8, get on that and until you go about two miles-"
"Just tell me when we get close." Nathan said; smiling.
They arrived at the Draconian in less than twenty minutes. To they're luck Jason Carter was there as well. The two Watchers chose a table nearest Carter, they ordered drinks and kept a less than casual glance at the Immortal.
Jason was drinking alone. His severed hand bandaged up and still bloodstained. He had bottles of whiskey, vodka, and Bourbon and a glass in front of him. Abbie's eyes almost popped out of her head when she glanced at Carter.
"Ohmygod." She whispered. "Did your guy-"
"I'm guessing so." Nathan answered, speaking low and softly. "It hasn't been the first time Colin severed a hand."
"When was the last time?"
Nathan thought backwards. "1898. The Watcher back then wrote that Colin wanted to teach the Immortal a lesson in manners."
"We know what happened to the other one?" Abbie wondered.
"Killed on a cruise ship in the mid 1930's." Nathan explained. Their drinks came and Nathan lit a cigarette.
"Well hopefully the bastard learned a lesson." Abbie remarked, then taking a sip of her drink.
"All the same we'd better keeps tabs on both of them. Something tells me that it's not the end yet."
"Don't talk like that Nathan, it's so..."
"Final?"
"Yes."
"By now you should know how it goes Abigail." Nathan informed her. "If Jason left Colin alone he doesn't die, if he continues to give him a hard time..."
"I know." She said. "We'll have to wait and see."
"Exactly."
Jason Carter paid for his drinks and left the pub. Nathan and Abbie waited and extra five minutes.
"I guess it's go time." Abbie remarked. Nathan nodded and paid for the drinks. The two of them headed for the inn where Colin and Katie were booked into. Abbie got herself a room across from Nathan's then they began to plan out a course of action.
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Post by colin on Oct 23, 2007 17:03:49 GMT -5
"You make me nervous when you sharpen that sword." Katie whispered.
Colin awoke early. He rarely got any sleep last night because Jason Carter was on his mind. He wondered if Carter would have the smarts enough to leave town or even better, to just be cool. He felt alittle guilty for cutting off Carter's hand also.
Katie had slept alright but awoke when she heard Colin faintly sharpening the katana. She dressed and looked out of the window of the room. It was a misty day in Glenfinnan and the sky hinted at rain.
"It's alright." Colin soothed. He sheathed the katana and put his whetstone on a table on the side of the couch he was sitting on. "I doubt I'll be needing it today."
"Colin, what was Rachel talking about yesterday?"
"Just some goon." He fibbed. "Probably he was going to rob Rachel and I."
Katie turned to face him, a look of sadness in her eyes.
"Is that really what happened?"
Colin walked toward her, put his arms around her wait and kissed her forehead. "Yeah."
Katie held him tightly. "I'm worried."
"Why?"
"What if you see him again? What then?"
"I'll handle it if he comes around Katie. He won't hurt us or spoil our good time."
Katie wished she could believe that, but something inside herself nagged that this wasn't the end of the issue. Colin got dressed, sheathed his katana inside the inner scabbard of his brown trenchcoat and the two of them went downstairs for a light breakfast then drove to MacLeod keep.
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Post by nathan on Oct 23, 2007 19:35:28 GMT -5
"So that's him." Abbie whispered in Nathan's ear. "THAT'S Colin MacLeod?"
Nathan and Abbie arrived at MacLeod keep before Colin and Katie. The two Watchers did they're best to avoid Colin, Katie, and Rachel. They blended in with the other MacLeods and various people there. Watching the games going on and partly enjoying the merriment.
"In the flesh." Nathan answered. 'What were you expecting?"
Abbie shrugged. "You think he knows about Connor or Duncan?"
Nathan considered the question. "Nothing indicates he has. Maybe sometime he'll meet them both."
"So, why are we here again when we SHOULD be looking for Carter?"
"Well Abbie, if an Immortal cut off your hand what would you be doing right now?
Abbie watched Colin wrap his arms around Katie as the two of them watched the games.
"He wouldn't be thinking of a second match." She replied. "I mean, he's practically disabled now-"
"Is he?" Nathan asked. "And all the others who use one handed swords? Are they disabled also?"
Abbie sighed. "No. But if he comes here to-"
"He will. You know him best of all. His pride was also butchered along with him. He'll be back."
"So we wait?"
Nathan nodded. "Yes."
Abbie crossed her arms."I should take a desk job before it's too late."
Finally Nathan understood it. "You've never seen an Immortal die?'
"No." She confessed. "I just wish Carter would bugger off to Maui or back home."
Nathan put an arm around her. "Carter started it, he intends to finish it."
"And no matter what the outcome...dammit Nathan, how can you be so subjective?"
"Because WE have to be. You know the rules."
Nothing more was said. They observed Colin and Katie along with having a good time themselves.
While five miles away, Jason Carter was just getting into his rented car and driving down to MacLeod Keep. He had formulated a plan and was hellbent on seeing it through.
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Post by colin on Oct 24, 2007 13:37:15 GMT -5
Colin and Katie were enjoying the log toss. Rachel kept her eyes on the two. Colin felt that something within Rachel had changed, whether it was her demeanor or mannerisms he could only guess. He didn't take any notice Nathan or Abbie either.
Rachel left the crowd, possibly to go work on festivities or help the cooks in the kitchen. Neither Nathan nor Colin noticed her absence. Colin and Katie went to get some food and something to drink when Colin felt the presence of another Immortal. He stiffened and cast a glance left and right to spot the Immortal.
"Colin, what is it?" Katie asked.
He turned his attention to Katie. "Stay here. I'll be back."
Colin got up from the table he and Katie were at and walked around the entire area of MacLeod keep. The presence was inside him and all around him. Usually if an immortal was nearby he could pinpoint his or her location. However the area was huge and there were a good number of people here.
He had an inner notion to check up on Rachel, just to be sure she wasn't in danger. Colin slowly walked inside MacLeod keep and searched for her. Checking everywhere on the first floor, then the second. He asked other people if they had seen her to which they replied they hadn't.
It was when he noticed that the presence was gone that he got nervous. He asked a maid about where she lived to which she said that she lived in the third floor, first room on the left. Colin raced up the main staircase up to the third floor and found a note pinned to Rachel's door.
It read: I have her. I'll be in touch. -Carter.
Colin crumpled the note and threw it on the floor. He headed downstairs quickly and back out to make sure Katie was alright.
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Post by nathan on Oct 24, 2007 14:49:56 GMT -5
Moments later:
Nathan read the crumpled note and swore. He should have stuck closer to Rachel instead of observing Colin. He could have kicked himself for being so careless.
He had noticed that Colin must have felt another Immortal nearby, and had followed him. Nathan told Abbie to keep a close watch on Katie as he tailed Colin. He put the crumpled note in his pocket and returned to Abbie.
"Colin and Katie just took off, he looked like he was in a hurry." Abbie informed Nathan when he returned to her.
Nathan presented the note to Abbie, she read it, heaved a sigh then returned it to Nathan.
"We might not have much time." Nathan said. "Come on."
"Where to?" Abbie asked.
"Simple." Nathan explained. "We wait outside the inn for Colin, he'll take us to Jason Carter."
"Shouldn't we call the police?"
Nathan shook his head no. "That's interference."
"But-" She objected.
Nathan started walking to his car and Abbie followed suit. "We're wasting time standing here Abbie. One way or another it's going to end tonight and we need to prepare."
Abbie and Nathan got back into the Aston Martin and drove back to the inn. They parked out of eyesight but yet kept a line on Colin's Lotus. Waiting patiently for Colin to lead them to Jason Carter for what might be the final round.
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