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Quest, Reversal In Time	By : highlandgirl Category: G through L > Highlander Views: 1888 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Highlander: The Series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 16
- 17
- 18
Quest, Reversal In Time

Frances Rolfe

Rating: PG-13, Slash

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

Summary: The two Immortals prepare for the Toltecs' visit.

Disclaimer: Panzer/Davis owns the HL concept and its characters.

Chapter 18

They Come

Early morning found Methos and Duncan dangling their legs off the plaza's outer wall. They'd been discussing mutual acquaintances, namely Darius. Duncan told him of what would be his first meeting with the legendary warrior priest. Methos, in turn, revealed that he'd known Darius when in the third century, when he'd raided southern Europe with Grayson at his side.

"Did you ride with them," the Highlander asked, a knowing smile on his face.

Methos cocked his head and grinned, "What do you think?"

Mac's voice dropped low. "Were you there when he took the Holy Man's head?"

The ancient Immortal nodded. "Yes, I never did find out the old man's name, but it happened just like it's told. Darius was one of the most cold-hearted bastards I'd ever known back then, rivaled Kronos in fact. Then afterward, it was as if he'd turned a page and became a carbon copy of that ancient one. I've never seen a cataclysmic quickening quite like that one." He paused and added, "Have you ever heard of a dark quickening?"

MacLeod's face paled as his memory flashed back to Coltec's and how it had drastically altered his entire psyche. Methos had saved him that time, too, but for some reason, he didn't want to divulge that bit of oncoming history. He couldn't cope with all the evil deeds he'd done, not right now. Duncan's throat clogged up, but he managed to say, "Yes, yes, I have."

"It was the total opposite. I've never seen Grayson so upset. He and Darius used to be as close as brothers, but he was enraged when Darius put down his sword and refused to conquer the whole of France. When the men saw the change in the general, they deserted in droves. They'd trusted Darius but not Grayson. He was left with perhaps a hundred followers instead of the thousands Darius had led. I don't know if he'll ever forgive him.

Duncan met his eyes, his color improved. "No, he didn't forgive him. Not even when I took his head."

Methos' eyebrow ld atd at that piece of information and quizzed MacLeod until he'd told him the story.

"You want to hear something strange, Methos?"

"Of course, what is it?"

"Rising Star told me that before I came here from the future, I'd been living here six months. That couldn't be right. I don't understand it."

The older Immortal was silent for a while before he said, "What do you think it means?"

"I haven't a clue, Methos. I don't even know how I'll get back to my own time."

Methos wrapped an arm around Pahana and hugged him tightly. "Guess we'll just have to wait and see."

Duncan nodded, befuddled more than ever.

"Let's spar," Methos suggested.

"With what? A knife?"

The older man grinned, "Come with me. I'll show you." He led the way to his pack and removed a pair of obsidian swords wrapped in cloth.

"You made these?" Duncan asked in awe.

Methos nodded, "Yes. The new world doesn't have iron yet."

"They're beautiful," Duncan complimented his lover. It had been months since he'd worked out and eagerly took his stance when Methos tossed him one.

After several moments of mock combat, Methos panted, "You're good!"

"So are you, old man!" Duncan gasped, stooping down and balancing his weight on his muscular haunches.

A small group had gathered to watch the Immortals practice, but when they saw they'd stopped, they began to disperse. MacLeod waited until they'd moved off and asked in a low voice, "Where is your Ivanhoe?"

Methos grinned. "You do know all about me, don't you?" When he saw Duncan's grin, he said, "It's still in Paris. Darius is keeping it for me until I return to the continent. Which might not be too much longer, perhaps." He wiped off his blade with a cloth and asked him, "What if you take Quetzalomeyocan's head, would that send you back to your own time?"

MacLeod grew serious. "I'm not sure. I don't even know if I'll be able to defeat him, Methos. It might but it might not either." He then shrugged his broad shoulders and stood up, easily swinging the sword in his right hand. "If it doesn't, I'll join you and we can sail together."

"But, if you came with me, it would mean leaving Rising Star. Have you thought about that?"

Duncan nodded. "Yes, but I don't think she expects me to stay, however it comes out. She's a very astute person for someone who's supposed to be an ignorant savage."

"Yes, she is, Duncan," he agreed, "anveryvery lovely one at that." Methos glanced over MacLeod's shoulder. "Speaking of whom, here she comes."

"Pahana, you did not come to eat, so I brought food to you," the dark-haired beauty greeted, a large jar balanced easily on top of her head. "There is enough for you, too, Mica," she added as she joined the men on the ground. Removing three small bowls from the lid of the larger vessel, she spooned a serving of beans into two of them and handed both Mica and Pahana one of them. She then portioned out another one into the third bowl for herself.

"Mm-m, smells good, Rising Star." Methos bragged. "If I had such a one as you back in Tula, I'd still be there and left this good-for-nothing," nodding toward MacLeod, "to fend for himself."

The woman's tinkling laughter floated into the humid air. "I do not think you will find anyone to compare with Pahana, Mica."

Duncan blushed and dropped his head, his long hair hiding his embarrassment. "Rising Star!"

Both his lovers laughed in amusement at his reaction. Methos tossed him a hunk of corn bread. "Here, eat it before I take it all."

As the three adults sat in the meager shade and enjoyed the small repast, Running Antelope's voice carried across the mesa to them.

"Pahana, they come!"

Both Immortals set their bowls to the side, the meal forgotten.

The Catori jogged over to them and squatted d "Th "They come, Pahana. There are six Toltecs and Quetzalomeyocan leads them."

"How far away are they?" Mica asked.

"One day's journey," the Catori replied. "One of the Hawk Clan in the next village came to warn us." Running Antelope paused and accepted the cup of water Rising Star offered him. "He is coming for you, isn't he, Pahana?"

"Yes," Duncan agreed, but I do not want you or Owl or the others to interfere. This is our fight, Mica's and mine."

The Catori wanted to argue that he was now a member of thclanclan and would be defended, but he wisely held his tongue.

"At least, it will be over," Methos mumbled.

"Yes, one way or the other," MacLeod concurred.

The Scot held out his arm and his Catori wife cast herself into his arms. He would hate to say good-bye to Rising Star and Methos, but at least the old man would be there in the future waiting for him when MacLeod returned to his own century.
That is, if I can return, he thought with a shudder.

The two Immortals discussed their plans. MacLeod wanted to meet the Toltec Immortal up on the mesa, well away from the pueblo village, but Methos disagreed. He reminded Duncan that he needed to be in the kiva so that, if it was possible for him to return to his own time, the Catoris' spirits would be able to help him. The Highlander saw his viewpoint and reluctantly agreed.

* * * * * *

Duncan and Methos insisted that all the women and children hide in the caves of the surrounding mesa. Rising Star refused to go, insisting that, as Clan Mother, she should be at her husband's side when they arrived.

The men, with the exception of Pahana, Owl, Mica and Running Antelope, scattered throughout the pueblo homes to offer what meager protection might be had. Foremost in Duncan's mind was the fact that despite the Catori's bravery, they were still farmers and ill-equipped to fight a full scale battle. That meant, it would be up to Ms ans and himself to protect them. Hopefully, once Quetzalomeyocan was defeated, the others would willingly leave. First, however, MacLeod wanted to feel them out, to see what the Toltec shaman had planned.

The Toltec Warrior Priest scaled the ladder from the valley floor to the pueblo's plaza. His headdress and robe were the same multicolored ones he'd worn at Chaco Canyon. A sword was strapped to his back and his favorite obsidian knife was tucked into the top of his red kilt. Topiltzin and the other Tula men followed him and gathered around him in a half circle. Because of his height, he towered head and shoulders over his men, the Catoris and the Immortals.

Duncan and Rising Star stood quietly beside Owl who stepped out bravely to meet the Toltec leader. Methos was just behind them.

"Welcome to the Buffalo Clan Village, Quetzalomeyocan. You have come far," Owl greeted them.

The Immortal's piercing black eyes focused upon Pahana. "We are on a trading journey to the northern mountains. I wonder if you might have room for us, so we can rest a day or two?"

"We will share what meager fare we have. Our crops are not as abundant this year as in the past."

Quetzalomeyocan glanced around the empty rooms. He knew they'd hidden most of their people. "I saw how dry your country is." The Toltec then faced Rising Star. "Who is this lovely person honoring us with her presence?"

MacL sil silent until now, stepped forward. "This is Rising Star, the Clan's Mother and my wife," he introduced.

The Toltec Immortal bowed low and swept out his left hand in greeting. "I am honored to meet you, Rising Star." He then looked at the two Immortals and said, "I see you, Mica, and Pahana, made it safely here. I look forward to talking to you both."

Duncan could feel Methos bristling behind him, but he knew this was neither the time, nor the place to do battle. Therefore, he said, "We will talk, but first, you and your men need food and rest."

Rising Star spoke up, "Yes, I will have refreshments brought to you, Honored Guest. Come this way."

The three Immortals exchanged a prolonged silence that conveyed their impending fight before Quetzalomeyocan followed Rising Star, both MacLeod and Methos right behind him.

* * * * * *

--TBC--
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Quest, Reversal In Time