Chris's Chronicles Book 1: Part 5:
The end of the beginning...
Glenfinnan: 1668- Three months Later
Jordan was walking down the dirt road of Glenfinan, Scotland, one day. It had been three months since she had left Amanda and Rebecca, and luckily she hadn't run into any other Immortals. She had spent the time traveling, doing things she had never done before, but living each day scared of being confronted by another Immortal.
It was getting late, and Jordan who had been looking for a place to stay all day, was about to give up. She decided to camp in the woods, and had dismounted off her horse when she got the buzz. She drew her sword and looked around. There in the distance she could see a figure moving towards her. As it got closer, she heard the voice in the dark. "I am Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod."
"Duncan?" she asked as she withdrew her sword and held up her lantern to get a better look.
"Jordan? Is that you?" She ran up and hugged her former teacher and smiled. "Where's Amanda?"
"I do not know. I left she and Rebecca three months ago. I have been on my own since."
"Out here? All by yourself?"
"No, I have been traveling around Europe. You?"
"After you and Amanda left, I spent time in London and here. I'm from here."
"Have you seen her since we left?"
"Once. It was a few months after you left for Rebecca's. We didn't get along on friendly terms."
"Duncan, I am sorry for everything. I was scared and confused then. I..."
"There's no need for an apology or for you to stay here alone. You may stay with me and Connor."
"Your kinsman? I am not welcome there."
"Any student of mine is always welcomed at Connor's. It's safer than staying here alone. Come let's go." The two got on their horses and rode to Connor's castle.
Connor was outside when the buzz hit him. In the distance he could see two horses. Duncan had left earlier, and should have been back by now. He was still really a young Immortal, and Connor often worried about his kinsman. Duncan had taken his first head years ago, and he was good, but Connor couldn't help to think 'what if'.
As the two horses rode up, Connor noticed it was Duncan and what looked like a girl. It was dark and it was hard to tell. When they dismounted, Connor could see that indeed it was a very beautiful girl, just a bit on the grungy side.
"Leave it to my Duncan here to ride off and come back with a pretty woman in his grasps." He said as he kissed Jordan's hand. "And you are?"
"Connor, this is Jordan. The student Amanda and I were training. Jordan, this is Connor MacLeod, my kinsman."
"Same clan, different vintage." He said with a smile. It was a little joke between he and Duncan. "Nice to meet you. Are you staying?"
"If it is ok with you, Duncan said I was welcome."
"Any student of Duncan's is as welcome as he is. Come, let's get you settled in."
The three Immortals stayed up most of the night talking. Jordan had cleaned herself up and put on a clean dress while Connor and Duncan fixed dinner. Jordan loved to hear the stories of Duncan when he was "just a lost puppy" as Connor stated it. Jordan was still wary around unknown men, but she had a feeling Connor was ok. She warmed up to him more quickly then she had with Duncan when they first met.
The next day, Connor and Jordan were out sparring when they got the buzz. The three had been drinking, and Jordan was not fighting as well as she usually did. She was hoping it was Duncan because she was in no mood for a challenge.
When the horse stopped and the rider dismounted, Jordan turned pale. "Mars." She said.
Connor saw her turn white and then tried to remember where she had heard the name John Mars. Then he remembered Jordan talking about the guy that killed her. "You are not welcome here." Connor said as he drew his sword.
"My challenge is not with you MacLeod, not yet. It is with Jordan."
Jordan looked towards Connor. She knew the ale they had been drinking had weakened her and she could tell Mars had been drinking as well. Connor could see the fear in her eyes, and wished Duncan were there. There was nothing Connor could do, the challenge had been made. Jordan had to fight, even in her state. Connor nodded encouragingly and Jordan drew her sword.
Mars made the first hit, and Jordan was caught of guard as she tried blocking it and her sword vibrated from the force. She stepped back and caught her breath. Mars came towards her again, but she stepped into the arc and was able to slash his chest causing him to retreat back a few steps. She lunged forward and tried it again. He blocked her and sliced into her leg. She fell on the ground in pain, but was able to cut him right below the knee.
Knowing it would take a few moments for her leg to heal, Mars thought he had the advantage. He tried to attack her, but she took her rapier and stabbed him in his heart. Within seconds, he was dead. When her leg healed, she stood up and walked towards Connor.
"You're just going to leave him there? Take his head."
"Not while he is dead, it would not be right." She said. "If he still wants to fight when he comes to, then I will fight again." She sat on the ground, rubbing her leg. It had healed quickly, but it was still stiff. A few minutes later she felt Mars come back to life and she stood up using her sword for balance. Connor had gone back into his castle, and watched through the window of his room. He knew Jordan wasn't going to finish the fight unless she had to, and he knew Mars wasn't going to let her off that easy. Mars stood up and charged towards Jordan. She swung her sword towards him, hitting at the wrist. He dropped his sword and fell. Jordan looked down at him and knew this time he would not get up. She raised her sword and took the final swing. Mars's head rolled to the ground and Jordan stood there waiting. She had seen a Quickening, but wasn't sure what it was like. The white energy escaped Mars's body and floated above Jordan before hitting her. As it did, she cried out in pain. Her body spasmed as the power raced through her body, engulfing her in pain. When it was over, she fell to the ground crying. Connor walked out of the castle and towards her. "It's over." He said as he kneeled beside her. "Mars can never hurt you again." Jordan nodded and tried to stand. Connor helped her up and steadied her. "I know, I know." She said as she smiled. "Do me a favor." "Anything." "Tell Duncan good-bye for me. Do not let him know what happened." "You're leaving?" Jordan nodded. "Promise me you will not say anything. Even if he asks." "But why?" "Because I am ashamed." She picked up her sword and headed towards the stable and her horse. Connor just stood there and watched her ride off.