Clan McCallister.

[Mistress Silver]

Those who had been trailing after us have been lost deep within the unnaturally thick fog and could not track us by sight. As for kelpie's hooves, that too wouldn't be tracked as a kelpie leaves no marks on the earth.

"Ye realize what ye 'ave done?" His voice is a boom of thunder that almost startles me.

"An' what would tha be?" I ask loudly.

"I was ta be questioned, but na now. Ye'r sister might be 'eld accountable for ye'r actions," he said solemnly.

I nod, confirming that I am already aware of this problem. "I am merely taking ye ta a safer place. I will then return ta tha keep, after ye answer a few o' me questions."

The fog suddenly clears and the kelpie plunges into the protective forest surrounding my grove. If I were wearing my brooch I might have touched it for good luck, but I am not wearing it today. The forest already knows me and anybody that accompanies me will not be harmed by the many enchantments and natural protectors held within the trees.

The kelpie halts at the edge of my grove as usual and the man dismounts. He carefully moves around the kelpie, keeping a wide margin of space between himself and the fairy, and into my grove.

Without any warning I launch into an interrogation of my own. "Why were ye at tha keep?"

"Ta do as me Laird told me ta do," he replies easily.

"An who is ye'r laird?" I ask.

"Lady Brianna's only cousin," he answers amusedly.

"An why did ye kill me sister's promised?"

"I did na kill anyone, I was there ta make sure tha na one else was 'urt. An I would 'ave succeeded, but tha men would na listen ta me and attacked stupidly."

"Ye were sent ta kill me sister?" I ask, confirming what he was implying.

"Aye, little lass, I was." His face is blank and a twitch of annoyance slaps at my patience.

"I will return for ye, do na try ta leave as ye will find ye'r self right back 'ere. An respect me trees, ye will find it very uncomfortable should ye try an defile me grove." I warn.

The kelpie leaps into trees and we disappear from sight. The most basic enchantment of the forest was the lack of direction and the confusing fact that anyone trying to enter finds themselves right back where they started.

"Sister, do na fear. Tha wicked witch is 'ere," I murmur sourly.

 

[LadyChance]

Beth

Hearing the English Lady ask about her Knight, I quickly speak up hearing the grumblings for her other guards. "Ian was sent to watch over you as you approached and when the guard was left there alone Ian took it that it might mean trouble. So he thought it best to bring him in, no harm has actually befallen him honest. I was mainly so there would be no confusion with him being left with all the weapons."

Knowing full well that I spoke the truth to the Lady, but understanding if she still did not believe my explanion I give her a small smile of apology. "I do promise however he will be checked upon by our healer to make sure that he will awake with nothing more then a slight headache."

Turning to look about the room I catch the eyes of one of the chamber maids, beckoning her to me, I quickly explain that I am in need of the healer for the Knight and that he is to be made comfortable. Then telling the maid that I wanted a full report on how the man in question is doing. I watch her rush off to do my bidding, knowing the healer would soon return with her.

I hoped that this would help solve any offence that the situation might have created with the unconcience Knight. Once again I turn back to the Lady, "if you will excuse me but a few moments I shall check to your room. I understand that you might want to have a guard placed as watch for you. So I shall make sure he has a chair or pallet to sleep upon. The rest of your guards are more then welcome to bunk her in the main hall. I can have a tub and water brought to you for freshing if you would like."

Eyeing the room once more I notice that Fearcharia, Lord Gavin, as well as M'Lady has all left. Sighing softly, turning to walk across the hall heading for the stairs. Thinking as I go that today was just going to be one of those days, the type where you just wanted to climb back under the covers and sleep until the next day.

Setting the Ladies room to rights didn't take long, as well as finding a rolled pallet and chair for her guard. Making sure to add a bit more wood to the room, thinking the English Lady might like the warmth. Then making my way back down the stairs, to hear a few whispers of how the Lady Fearcharia has removed the prisoner from the Keep. "Quiet you two, I believe there are some stables to clean to keep your wagging tongues from speaking such lies. Off with the both of you and do not let me see you the rest of this day or I shall have you both whipped for display before the keep. The Lady Fearcharia would do nothing to harm her sister, and I will not hear of you speaking as such again."

Feeling the anger with the two servants grow even more as I watch their faces pale then running to get out of my sight. I knew they would indeed hide and not come in until they were sure that I was not about. Shaking my head I move quickly down the remaining stairs, knowing I needed to find M'Lady and speak with her. How could anyone think of the Lady Fearcharia in such a way. She was not evil and would never harm her sister nor put the keep in harms way. I knew this with all that I was and I would not stand by to hear of such being said.

Being M'Ladie's best friend gave me the abilities to run the Keep in her times of need. It was a good thing that this was to be since I foreseen more trouble brewing and knew I would be needed even more. I just thanked the gods that I was not the Lord or Lady here. I would not want the headaches that came with those titles, I preferred just to be as I was.

 

[RoneLith]

Gin stood against a tree on the edge of the Druids forest simply waiting. He knew full good and well that trying to traverse the forest of a Druid was stupid, not impossible for him but stupid. It would do no good anyway he suspected that she had wanted to get her own answers out of the man, this he could forgive. It was the way she had done it that his caused his anger to rise. He was sure that his mistress would have allowed her to question the man, knowing her sisters power, but to steal him away that is only going to invite trouble. He sighed, the trouble of youth. He waited for her to come out of her forest, he only wanted to ask why he would betray the trust of her sister for that man.

 

[LadyFairy]

Brinna stood after assuring herself that the men would recover in short order, and faced lord Gavin. Aye my lord we shall speak with my sister i would hear her reasions for doing such. If ye will await me in the studdy. i need ta see ta the english lass who has come ta my Keep. My sister should be returned by then, and we can discuss what is ta be done.

Moving to the stairs she gave lord Gavin her trust, by letting him follow behind her insted of insisting he move ahead. Ian stayed behinde to help the men to their feet when they woke making sure to give them a tounglashing they soon wouldnt forget.

 

[poohlive]

Gavin went to the study with reluctance. He didn't want to, he'd rather gather his men to follow the witch and then kill her as soon as they came near. But, he didn't want to start a war. As much as this hurt, as much pain that went through him, being betrayed over and over again, he just wasn't ready to start a war.

He could finish one. Oh yes. If that was the case here, and he was beginning to think that it was, then he could finish it. He would finish what they started, with blinding fury, but he would not start it.

"She lies... she has since the beginning."

Gavin stared at the empty study, trying to find the source of the sound. There was none though, none that he could see. The witch, had the sister returned, coming for him now? His sword already drawn, he awaited for her to show herself.

"I am not your enemy, General," A tall lithe form appeared, from the shadows of nothing. He caught himself, dropping back. A witch, not the sister, not the druidess here in the keep, but another. A friend? She had said she was not his enemy.

"Why do you hide then? Why have I not seen you before?"

"Because I have not needed to show myself. I was helping your cousin here, he asked me to come along in secrecy. My lord Gavin, he was murdered, assasinated. It was the druidess. She lies, she has from the beginning. She has the power to go to someone's mind and make her lies sound true."

Gavin gave a wondered glance at her. Could this be true? No, no, something else was going on. He saw she had the same fire, same power in her eyes as Fearchera had. Yes, she was another druidess, but did that make it all true? No, she could be anyone, even working for the druidess.

Her words did ring true though. In his gut, her words rang perfect truth. He didn't see her muttering under her breath, or the small swirlf of fingers around a leave, the incantation to make her words seem more true than they were, but he trusted her.

"Take this," She gave him a necklace. It was a leather strip with a single talisman, a colored rock that held power and beauty all its own.

"It stops her from using her power on you, getting into your head. If you are to question her, you must wear this. Otherwise, her lies can sink in, and you will not know the truth."

Like an awe filled child, he came up to it, touching it with wonder. She helped him put it on, tucking it under his clothing.

"Do not take it off, for any reason," With the Talisman on, her words rang even more truth. He could not help but nod his head and understand her. Yes, it made so much sense now. She was here to help, she was going to help him. Yes, and the witch Fearchera would pay. She had killed his cousin, she had used friends to do it for her, and now she was protecting them.

"For any reason, you understand? Don't let anyone touch it. Keep it safe. Question her, and you will know the truth. And you will be the one to kill them all, Lord Gavin. Burn them for their treason, make them see the true power of the McNeil clan."

Again Gavin nodded, but his eyes were a vacant stare.

The lady vanished again in the shadows, leaving the study to himself. He checked the talisman to see if it was tucked away, far from prying eyes. A power against the dark witch. He would hold onto it with his life. His hand gripped the sword so hard, his knuckles whitened.

Yes, they would question, and they would see... and then, all loyal to Fearchera would pay. They will fall under his sword. A war had begun, and he made a promise to finish it.

One way or another, he would finish it.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Wherein Lady Elaine Takes Her Lumps

Lady Elaine took a deep breath, subduing her anger under the realization that if the Scotch wished to hang the lot of them, there was little they could do. Unarmed, the knights could indeed give quite an account of themselves. Even so, the one she dispatched to watch their weapons was overcome.

And with the talk of death, blood, murder, and revenge about, Elaine feared that lacking any certain culprit, an English lady might proove a sufficient scapegoat.

"Very well," she responds in measured tones, yet still with an icy edge to them.

"My men, and myself, could use freshening indeed."

Again, she turns the ivory cylinder over in her hands, wanting no more than to deliver it, and to leave post-haste to forget ever venturing to the Northlands.

 

[LadyFairy]

Finding Beth. Brinna had not bothed to take the time to change into formal attire. There were too many things happing for her to worrie too much about formality. Asking Beth which room the English Lass had been placed in to wait her arrivle Brinna made her way to it.

Entering the room she said. Forgive me fe'r not attending ye sooner Lass. I am Liard Brianna McCallister, and i am afraid the gods have no been kind this day. She said moving the rest of the way into the room and motoning for the lady to sit. So that they could discuss whatever it was she had come here for.

Sitting down with her she asked.Forgive my curiousness Lass, but What brings an English lass such as ye'r self ta McCallister Lands?

 

[shadowoftheheart]

"Of course, my apologies for coming at so dark a time. I have at my father's command a missive to you. Though it may not be known to you, my father's father was amongst the English knights that did make attempt 'pon your lands some three years afore. That he did meet his death here on McCallister lands, and afore he fell did slay a share of your kinfolk.
"Be it known, that I have come on a mission of peace, that the state approaching war between our families be at an end."

She bows her head, and hands to Brianna the ivory cylinder. The opening has in wax her father's seal, and has not been opened so far as can be told.

 

[LadyFairy]

After reading the massive Brinna new that with all else that was happing she couldnt give it the proper attention it needed at the time. Looking up at the Lady she said. I shall need more time to consider yer father's request fe'r peace.. As i am in the middle of a crissis at the moment, but ye and ye'r men are welcome ta stay until i am able ta give the messive my full attention. I shall have My lady's maid Beth see ta yer needs.

Looking at the Lady Brinna could see that she was indeed tired from her long ride. McCallister Lands were far from the boarders of england, away from much of the war that James was waging against the english. Brinna had to actually admire the woman's courage in making it there at all. Is there aught else i can do for ye in the mean time lass? Brinna asked, and waited for her to reply.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

"No, indeed not. At such a time, in such troubles, that you consented to see me at all, is ineed quite enough. The Poole family has lost much, as sure as Clan McCallister has as well, in this late unpleasantness. In such times, one must ... look to one's family, to one's own folk. I trust you can understand. In such mean time, luck to you in your dealings."

Lady Elaine felt nervous. She had hoped to deliver the missive with a courtsey, before the assembled Clan, her knights resplendent behind her. This, she felt, was no way to be an emissary. Better a poor emissary than the gallows' whore, she reminded herself grimly.

She managed to stand as Lady Brianna prepared to leave, and give a small sample of the courtsey she had practiced each night, to add respect and grace to the presentation of the missive. It somehow seemed pathetic in this little room, with its weak fire and pervading atmosphere of gloom.

 

[LadyChance]

Beth

Standing quietly outside the Ladies room I over hear what is being said, as M'Lady comes out she motions for me to follow her. Leading me to a side room before speaking to me.

Quickly she explains what has happened with the escaped prisoner, and that Fearcharia has indeed been involved. But for what purposes no one was for sure, tho she was the one who put the guards out and took the man away. Hiding him somewhere, from us to keep him safe.

Giving a quick shake of my head, "No M'Lady Fearcharia would not do anything to harm this keep nor you. It is not her way, she believes in balance, not turning the odds."

Feeling as if I am showing to much loyalty towards the Lady Fearcharia I bow my head shutting my mouth to listen further without speaking. Hearing the dreaded words from M'Lady that indeed the Lady had tipped the scales with her actions.

Then as if the thoughts were to much for M'Lady to think on anymore she changes the topic to another that catches me off guard. Asking me my advice about the English woman and her guards. Whether we should make peace now and send her away. Or keep them here, with the possibly of her being to blame with the deaths. Feeling proud that M'Lady has asked my opinion I open my mouth to speak then closing.

Thinking upon the options left to us I could see that danger the English Lady was in if she remained here. But if we sent her away to quickly she may take it that we had something to hide. Such was the difference of being the rock and a hard place. Walking about the room I weight everything quietly in my head, looking to M'Lady as she watches me and concerned look upon her face.

Finally I answer her as honestly as I am able, "M'Lady I would send them away with a guard as quickly as possible. Sign the missive send it with one of her men now, do not let anyone know which has it. Then send her and the remainder of her guards along with a few of ours, to make sure that she makes it back to English soil. I feel that there is something evil among our mists, and it is not the Lady Fearcharia. If we do not send away the English now we take the chance that they will be used against us." Seeing her give a nod of her head, a small smile coming to her lips.

I watch her walk over to the desk taking up the quill and ink, signing her name to it to agree to peace. With a small missive of her own as to why we sent the English Lady back to her home as quickly as we could. She then rolls it putting it in a carved canister handing it to me. With instructions to take it to the Lady, explaining that she feels as if she is being watched. That I am to take them outside of the gates to explain what is to happen and why outside of the Keep. Then I am to prey that they make it safely to their home, with the missive.

Nodding my head silently I move from the room to carry out the orders that I have been giving thinking of the guards that I would send and why. Knowing that most of them were married and trustworthy of their loyalties to M'Lady. Making my way back to the Ladies room, knocking quietly upon the door. Hoping the whole time that my advice to M'Lady was sound enough to carry us through this dangerous time..

 

[Mistress Silver]

As I near the keep I feel the presence of a despicable soul from my past, but quickly it fades. I know who it is and my blood freezes at the thought of that woman's presence within my sisters keep, within my second home.

She has always hated me for what she claims should have been her's by birthright. If she had gotten the power that my mother possessed, plus my natural talent for it, she would be using it to manipulate the king to her favor.

My sister . . . in blood and by mother . . . hates my guts so greatly that she erased my past completely. Killed our mother and father with her charms and enchantments. Things mother could have easily destroyed, but she had not been watching for the deceit of the wicked soul.

If she has touched Brianna in any manner I will kill her. Hunt her down and destroy her corrupted soul. The kelpie has insisted that it accompanies me permanently until it feels that I am safe alone. I'm not sure what it thinks it can do to protect me that I can't, but I gratefully accept the company.

I dismount the fairy and walk quietly into the keep, the guards squeeze at their weapons and eye me with simmering hostility. I brush them off as if they don't exist and in a manner they don't. What have they done to influence the future or history? Impregnate the local lasses and fool around with the wenches? Huh, what a grand accomplishment.

It is with a grim amusement that I watch as a guard dash of to inform the Brianna and the others of my arrival. I suppose it is now true that I am the wicked of the good. A shame really, I wonder briefly if they will burn me at the stake. Would Angus, Brianna, Beth . . . how would they fight for me? If it came down to it, no matter how gallantly they fight for me the people will demand satisfaction. Majority rule. A grim thought, but one that will never be achieved.

Now, which of those inside of the keep has spoken to and been infected by my vile sister? I better help the poor fool before he hurts himself or others around him.

With my hood in place, my face and eyes hidden in shadows, and my single soul of company, I walk elegantly to face the corruption that will spread no further.

 

[LadyFairy]

After Beth left with the messive Brinna had given her Brinna went to find Lord Gavin in the study and had just entered the room when one of the guards came rushing in. Forgive the interuption my lord , My lady but the Lady Farcharia has returned.

Brinna nodded her thanks to the knight and truned to lord Gavin. Shall we go speek with my sister M'lord.. I know ye ha manny questions ta ask. I myself have a few. She said indicating that he lead the way from the room.

Brinna could feel that something had changed in Gavin he seemed calm where he was upset before. It was almost as tho he had come to a decision of some kind. M'lord Gavin.. Are you well? Brinna asked as they left the room.

 

[RoneLith]

He had misjudged her exit from her forest and cursed druid luck. Just as well he thought, he had no buisness asking her about her thoughts; what would it have gained him anyway? He knew her heart to be pure and protective of his Mistress, she was just young and silly to take the prisioner away as she did. It was time he returned to the keep. He ran fast, faster than any man should have been able his feet barely making the slightest of sound and would easily be dissmissed as wind. The soft soil in his country made it easy for his light feet to traverse without sound, he assumed that it would also be good for farming. Yet many in the surrounding lands have troubles and live a hard life, he wondered if it was laziness or ignorance that drove them to that hard end? Ignorance could be fixed but if the people were just lazy that's a disease that is harder to mend. He reached the keep not long after Farcharia had, truly she would be suspected. He would wait, his Mistress had not called for him, he knew Brianna's heart should would not want any harm to befall her sister. If anything happened she would at the most be banished from the lands and his Mistress would set her up with a home in her forest and visit her from time to time. No, her life was not in danger from her clansmen, that was not the problem. Gavin, his previous masters cousin he would push for death and if he was forcefull enough he could get it.

He noticed him then he was comming out with Brianna, the fire in his eyes was intense and his sword was white knuckle tight in his hand. He seemed possessed with anger, he shouldn't be with his previous master having no heir the title of Liard of his clan would fall to Gavin. He should have more control and restraint than this, something or someone was fueling his emotion. He simply would wait and see hiding in the tall pines nearby from his vantage point he could see everything and his sharp ears picked up their voices with ease. It also allowed him a great spot to arrive quickly should he be needed or called. Just in case he placed his hand on a small dart coated with the same paralytic poision as the star he had used on the, albiet poor, assassin earlier.

 

[poohlive]

"My cousin just died, m'lady, and as yet no one has given me a decent answer for his death. No, I would say I am not all right. I won't be for a long time."

He moved out with the guards, showing their way to where the sister now was. She had come back. A mistake on her part, or perhaps ignorance. She refused to believe anyone could, or would stand up to her power. The witch would find out though, she would find out soon enough. Power came to us all, and no one can abuse it too much, not when it came to his family.

"You have much to explain..."

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Elaine hears the soft rap at the door, and takes a deep breath.

"Enter."

She watches the door, hoping that it is Lady Brianna, with word that the peace is signed. She has become worried, with all that is happening around her, that she is in mortal danger.

She is in a strange land, an enemy land, with too small a bodyguard. Still, she expected courtesy to hold true, that as an emissary, and a lady, that even an army of James' warlike Scotch should by all rights treat her and her bodyguard with respect. She has not had the experience yet to know such things are rarely found outside story-books, but even so the sense of this was creeping up from the pit of her stomach.

 

[Mistress Silver]

Emotions run rampant within the keep and I wonder at all of the confusion. Sure, someone died and an attack has rattled the people. But why? I myself have been caught in the aftermath, but no more.

Many things have to be done. The English woman must be tended to, it isn't polite, nor does it reflect upon our name, with the treatment she has thus far received.

The kelpie has yet to abandon me and this earns its share of bewildered looks from many of the people. However, even with all of the attention I do not send the fairy away, the horse has become a confidant and one that I need.

"You have much to explain..."

I pause and turn to see Gavin and my lips curl with distaste. He has talked to her, the disgusting leech, and I wonder what foolish lies he has been told.

"I need ta explain ta na one. Ye 're na one ta be demanding answers 'o me, Gavin." I reply quietly.

"Ye may ask 'o me an I may or may na answer, tha is me choice. Ta begin I will ask ye if ye 'ave seen . . . me sister. I am na speaking 'o Brianna."

I move toward Gavin and the kelpie follows me closely. He has a look in his eyes, one that I have seen in my blood sister's all too many times. Is Gavin weaker than he lets on? I will soon find out.

 

[Mistress Silver]

Oops

OOC:

Sorry about that, I am having "one of those days", lol. I think I need some chocolate . . .

 

[poohlive]

Gavin stood solid in his spot, not fazed at the magical creature at her side. She had told him that this witch had many allies. Gavin would believe it, he would believe all she had told him.

The talisman felt good around his chest, strong. He could see no more fire within her eyes, the power diminished. Not gone, but diminished. The talisman rang true, it inheeded her power, at least as far as he was concerned. He felt safe with it around his waist.

"I spoke with a friend, I don't know your other sister. You left with the prisoner, took him out of this keep, and now he is not here to be questions. Why? What would he have said to us, maybe that you were behind the attack, maybe that it wasn't an attack on your sister at all, but rampant assasination of my cousin? You have done a lot, by any other standards you would be already taken out to the gallows. You are lucky this is not my keep, or I would not keep you alive long enough to be questioned. Where is he? And why are you hiding him? What are you hiding? Why do you need magical creatures to ally around you?

 

[Mistress Silver]

"If this was indeed ye'r keep, Gavin, it would 'ave most certainly been an assassination by me own two 'ands an ye would be tha one dead. I 'ave taken tha man an' placed tha lad under me own protection. I 'ave stashed tha man so tha ye will na be able ta lay ye'r savage 'ands upon his body. As for tha kelpie? Tha fairy is 'ere on its own choice, ta guard me back from those tha have false 'onor."

I have no doubt in my mind that my sister has targeted him as her work horse. He has the temper and the unfortunate "blind sight" that will allow her petty enchantments to take hold.

"Just what 'as me sister told ye, lad? Tha I am evil? Tha you are in tha right ta kill me? I bet ye she 'as even given you a trinket 'o some sort. 'O course, ye were so mystified by 'er presence tha ye forgot ta ask 'er any important questions an' 'ave tha mind ta pursue a decent answer. Do ye know 'er name? Why she wants ta help ye? Did ye even care ta question 'er timing?" I ask calmly.

I turn to the kelpie with a grim look in my eyes. I am beginning to think that the poor soul may be too far lost in his own forest to be reasoned with. If only I can get a clue from him, maybe then I could discover the purpose for my sister's presence her in my home.

 

[poohlive]

"Her own words," Gavin flared at the lady of the keep, pointing at Fearchera as if she had just confessed murder, "Her own words that she is protecting him. Protecting an assasinator from justice. You have heard it. I ask now for vengeance from my poor cousin lost in this keep from people moved by her own hands. I want her strung up for part in my cousin's death. I want the man she is protecting found and killed."

She would lie to him, try to twist truths around, like her sister said she would. Gavin thought it better that he knew the truth now, before he talked with her, before she could spread her lies.

"The McNeil Clan sees evidence enough of her treason, as its new representative, I ask for vengence of our fallen leader. If you do not give it, I will consider it as aiding in an assasination attempt."

He spoke as the leader now, the Laird. The man destined to bring his family the revenge it deserved. This would not go unheeded, he refused to have it swung under the rug.

 

[Mistress Silver]

"I am na protecting 'em from justice, Gavin. I am protecting 'em from a mindless barbarian. Ye do na want justice, ye want revenge. It 'as na dawned on ye yet? Strange men within tha keep? A stranger showing up at jus' tha right time ta help ye? What a coincidence, wouldn't ye say? If you charge me and want my death for the assassination of ye'r cousin? I will also demand ye'r death, Gavin. For working with me sister in an attempt ta murder me. Also for tha death of a valuable resource."

I turn to my sister, my facial expression hidden in shadows, and say, "Brianna, ye were there in person. Was . . . Gavin's cousin assassinated? Or did he die in tha line of a fight protecting an innocent?"

My body turns slightly toward Gavin, "Ye'r cousin protected tha innocent. Why do ye seem ta seek ta destroy them?"

 

[poohlive]

"She told me you would lie, try to twist words and thoughts. She said you would turn this around. This is not about who is innocent. We are beyond that. This is about your willfull act of treason by protecting a man who killed my cousin. That in itself is punishable by death."

Gavin could feel fury rising up within him, hate and pain. Something made him hold onto that image of his cousin, laying on the floor, blood pooling around his still warm lifeless body. Gavin could not take it out of his mind, no matter how hard he tried. And it infuriated him more. He had to see vengeance, he must.

"There is no other way."

A voice inside his head. It was smooth, smooth as silk, and as it spoke, he could feel it running inside his head, filing the cracks, plowing out the confusion. A soft feminine voice, it touched at him, and made him thankful for its presence.

He repeated the words in his head, "There is no other way."

Her voice spoke for him, moved his lips, gave him that calmed stare, that determination that he lacked in the beginning. It was all so clear now, so understandable. He was the leader, and he needed to do this. There was no other way.

No other way? Was that his thought, or hers? It didn't seem to matter much anymore, no. All that mattered was Fearchera now. He must kill her. He must follow it to the end.

"Turn her over... or I will be forced to take her myself."

 

[Mistress Silver]

"Ye 're wrong, Gavin. 'Tis na 'bout me or ye. One is never beyond innocence, either. For if ye dare ta go beyond innocence ye will kill more than ye can protect. As a warrior, ye 're ta protect through tha method of fighting. Nothing more." I tell him clamly.

"There is no other way." I hear him say.

"Odd isn't it? Tha ye would say tha last words tha my sister said ta our mum an' da before she killed them, isn't it?" I ask coldly.

"Turn her over... or I will be forced to take her myself."

I lower my hood and step to him till we are almost touching. I have to crane my neck to look up at him, though he may be taller and physically stronger, he is no match for me in soul. Not as of now, maybe in the past, but not now.

"Take it off, Gavin," I tell him softly. "Work with me, na against me. I do na care if ye think I am as evil as tha others, but ye owe it ta ye'r cousin to do tha right thing. Without me, who will be able ta save ye'r soul from tha pit ye 'ave fallen into?" I ask quietly.

Through the entire encounter I have not used any of the power I wield against him, but if worse come to worse? I will attack him and show him that the enchantment given to him is meaningless, affecting only his mind and not me. Then again, the world survives on surprise . . .

 

[poohlive]

Maybe... he did want to listen to her, to find out what happened. He desperately searched for answers still, as his mind reeled at what was taking place. God, was he really thinking of going to war? His job as general was to end wars stupid people started, not to start them himself.

He would have listened to her, in the beginning, when he first came in, when all the confusion was right at the surface, and his body yearned for answers not justice. No one had given him either, though, and he could feel the twisted fingers on his soul, pushing him forward.

Turning, spinning, so lost inside himself. He begged for answers and truth, and they came to him. She came to him, her voice so calm, so soothing. She would take care of his problems, this problem. He would just lead his men to victory, she could handle everything else.

He felt so thankful for that, and retreated inside himself as a voice that sounded like his own spoke for him.

Gavin's eyes turned cold, too cold, and that moment of confusion, pleading with Fearchera was gone. It was replaced with a look that reminded her too much of her sister.

"You've heard the arguments," Gavin turned his head to Brianna, the lady of the keep, "You must decide what is to be done now."