Quest, Reversal In Time

Quest, Reversal In Time

by

Frances Rolfe

Rating: PG-13, angst

Key: ****** Scene change,
Italics Thoughts

Summary: Duncan has decisions to make.

Disclaimer: HL and company are property of Panzer/Davis.

A/N: Sorry this chapter is so short, but the story is building to a climax, so hang in there with me.

fr

Chapter 17

What Lies Ahead

As the two Immortals were walking back to the pueblo, Methos noticed a glum look on his lover's face. "What are you thinking, Pahana?"

Duncan returned his thoughts to the present and sniffed the aroma of the camp fires' burning wood. This was such a peaceful village. He hated the thought that he might've brought destruction to it. "It's all my fault, Methos. The Clan ought to know Quetzalomeyocan imingming for me. They need to be ready. I wish I could do something for them."

Methos touched the younger man on the shoulder and turned him to face him. "He's coming for me, too, Duncan. He's Immortal, too, you know. It's up to us to fight him."

"I want him," MacLeod murmured, a hard look now altering his features. "He's mine, not yours."

His lover nodded. "If you say so, but I'll be there in case anything goes wrong."

Mac walked on, still lost in worry. Methos glanced at him and sighed. Pahana would always place others' welfare ahead of his own. Whether the innate trait was good or bad, it was and would always be part of what made Duncan MacLeod who he was.

Duncan said, "We need to warn them of what's coming, Methos. We need to tell them about the Toltecs, so they can be ready. I'll speak to Owl about it."

"Okay," Methos agreed. He made a solemn vow to himself at that moment. No matter where their paths would lead them, he would be MacLeod's side to protect him. He couldn't help but wonder if he would protect Duncan from external dangers or from himself.

* * * * * *

The male members of the Buffalo Clan, Rising Star, Mica and Pahana met in the main kiva that evening. After a smoking pipe was passed and pleasantries exchanged, Owl got down to the main topic of conversation.

"Pahana, you and Mica had something to tell us," Owl began.

Duncan nodded. "Yes, Owl, we do. Unfortunately, it is not good news. When we, Mica and I, fled the Toltec city of Tula, we think we were followed."

He was interrupted by the alarmed exclamations from the Catori men.

Rising Star raised her hand. "Let us hear what my husband has to say before we discuss what we shall do."

MacLeod continued. "There is an angry Toltec named Quetzalomeyocan who wasn't pleased when we abruptly left the city. He'd intended to sacrifice me to their gods."

Another outbreak of exclamations arose, and the Scot waited until the clamor again died down. The men who'd accompanied Pahana on the expedition had seen the Toltec Warrior Priest at the Chaco Canyon gatherings. Pahana needn't tell them how extremely dangerous he was. They also knew their meager weapons were no match for the Toltec and his men. Their fear shone on their fire-lit faces.

"When Quetzalomeyocan comes, I shall fight him to the death," Duncan announced.

This time, Rising Star gasped and laid a soft hand on MacLeod's arm. Duncan covered it with his own and gave her a reassuring smile.

Methos had been quiet. He now spoke. "I shall also be here to help you fight them. I have lived with the Toltecs for many years. I know how they battle; I can help you."

Running Antelope leaned forward and blatantly asked, "Why did you come with Pahana if you were living with the Toltecs?"

"Because I grew tired of the sacrificing of innocent men, women and children, and because I wanted to follow Pahana. He has great magic and strong medicine."

The men nodded their heads in agreement with what the lighter skinned foreigner proposed.

"What should we do?" Owl asked Pahana.

"Check your bows and sharpen your tools. Keep them at your sides at all times, even in the fields. The women and children should remain in the pueblo and not venture out alone," MacLeod instructed. "When Quetzalomeyocan and his band come, Mica and I will go out and meet with them. If it's necessary, we will lead them to the bottom of the slope near the pueblo. Everyone will be there in hiding and at our signal, we will attack the Toltecs."

Duncan exchanged a long look with Owl and Rising Star. "It is vital, however, that none of you try to battle Quetzalomeyocan. He has a spirit power that only Mica and myself know. We are familiar with that force and can deal with him."

One of the other men asked, "What if they come in peace and wish only to talk?"

Owl raised his hand to silence the comments and nods of his fellow tribesmen. "Then, we will listen and allow them a chance to say what they will. But, in the end, Pahana and his new friend will have the final decision as to our actions toward them."

They continued to make plans for the defense of their village on into the night.

* * * * * *

Late that night, Rising Star lay cuddled in Pahana's comforting arms. She felt it was time to share her disturbing dreams with him. "Pahana, I have been having visions since you have been gone."

Duncan raised up on an elbow and looked down on the Catori woman. "What kind of visions?"

Rising Star turned to him and ran her long fingers through his unbound hair. "Dreams of you dressed in strange clothes that I've not seen before, those in which you did not sleep well and tossed and turned."

"And then what happened?" he quietly asked.

"Then, I came to you in your dreams and kissed you upon the lips and told you everything was all right and to go back to sleep."

A cold chill raced up and down MacLeod's spine. Those were the same dreams he'd experienced the three our mur months before he left Seacouver, bound for Arizona and the kiva where he'd been sent back in time. Almost afraid of his next question, he, nevertheless, asked, "Where were you during this time?"

Rising Star leaned in and kissed his pursed lips with her pillowy ones. "I was dead," she replied simply.

Duncan expelled the breath he hadn't known he'd held and flopped over onto his back. He crossed his right elbow over his eyes and fought the tears that threatened to form. Everything was going as his nightmares and Rising Star's vision had said it would. Lemuel Priest, the nightmares, the cool lips, his coming back to avenge her
death. There, he'd thought it, the tragic ending he'd hoped and prayed would not come to pass. Yet, the time was eminent and even Rising Star herself was dreaming the same thing. "Dear God!" he whispered.

The young woman pulled his arm away from his face, her gaze alone forcing his haunted eyes to open. "I am not afraid to die, Pahana. If it will save my people and you, I am not afraid."

"My dear, sweet treasure," he murmured as he pulled her towards him and kissed her. "What have I done to deserve the love of two people like you?"

"Me and Mica?" she coyly asked.

His heavy eyebrows lifted. "How did you know?"

"A woman, a wife, knows these things, Pahana. She knows when her dearest love's heart is divided."

"I am sorry, Rising Star."

She placed a single finger over his lips to prevent him from saying anything else. "The Great Spirit has decided this fate for me. Besides, Mica will take care of you after I'm gone. I am glad. He loves you very much; it is in his eyes."

Duncan bent down and kissed Rising Star's forehead, then her nose and finally, her lips. "I love you, too, Rising Star. Never doubt that. You will always have a special place in my heart."

The Catori woman smiled. "I know you do. You care for both of us, just in different ways. It is fitting for you. It is the Great Spirit's will. I am not jealous." She reached down and clasped her surprisingly strong hand around his hardening shaft. "Enough talk, my husband. Now, you must perform your husbandly duties."

Duncan snickered and nodded. "Your wish is my command, milady." He then drew her nearer to him and proceeded to adore her ravishing body until late in the night. A part of him was torn with the guilt of loving Methos and Rising Star, two very important people in his life. Methos' feelings would be hurt. Yet, he knew he wouldn't have the lovely young woman at his side much longer. Methos would understand.

* * * * * *

--TBC--
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