Who art thee Conor? Disclaimer: I don not own any of the character mentioned below. They belong to Universal Studios, The Fox, Roar producers, and writers etc... Other character that may be mentioned, in any form of role, are the single creation of my dull mind. ******************************************************** Conor stood staring out over the land, his left hand resting comfortably on the hilt of his sheathed sword. His left shoulder was still a little stiff from the wound inflicted by Morgan's crossbow. His eyes broadened as he remembered the young woman who had saved his life. She had saved him, and he had promised not to let anyone take hers. He had failed to keep his promise, but he knew she was free of her curse now... Conor raised his eyes to the sky. He raised his arms to the air and roared. The power of all that was living surged through him and voiced itself. The young Prince then fell to his knees in fatigue. His blood was running wildly through his veins and he stood up refreshed with a clearer mind. He took a deep breath and went home. "Conor, where have you been? I was out searching for you." Fergus declared as he saw the young man enter the sanctuary. "I was out thinking Fergus. No harm in that." Conor moved to his hut and went inside. Fergus followed him. "How's you shoulder?" Conor shrugged, "It'll be fine." He turned to look at the older man. "What is it Fergus?" A moment of silence past between them. "You've been acting strangely these past few days. People are talking Conor." "Let them," And with that the young man exited the hut and went to the pool of water at the foot of the waterfall. Fergus stepped out after him and watched as Conor knelt down to scoop some of the clear cold water into his cupped hands to wash his face. Catlin moved to Fergus' side and her gaze also rested upon their leader. "Did you talk to him?" The experienced warrior nodded. "He chooses to ignore it." Catlin couldn't help but worry for him. He had been fairly quiet and quite reserved but that didn't bother her as much as what she felt had changed in him. Tully joined them, "Some Leader." He said then left again. Conor looked up. They were looking at him again. He got up and gazed about unsurely. *I wouldn't trust him.* Tully's voice echoed through his head. *What good is a leader that can't be trusted?* Memories of his friends questioning his orders flashed before him. His destiny? 'How can this be my destiny?' He thought solemnly. *It was you or the sheep. The sheep were already taken.* "Conor," The young man saw Catlin standing next to him, "What's wrong?" Conor smiled. "Nothing. What kind of ideas has Fergus been putting in your head?" She didn't answer him. His attempt at humor increased her worry. Conor smiled, "Excuse me." And with that he turned on his heels and left the creek. Catlin watched as he headed up the stairs to the outside world. Top side, Conor walked aimlessly in no particular direction. Galen was wrong. He would never become his father. His father had been a great leader. People followed him without fear or distrust. No one would have questioned him....'I am not my father!'...Conor remembered his angry words and the hurt that had been hidden behind them. He was getting no where with the confederation of tribes. 'Boy...' That's what they called him... Even Fergus... 'Boy'... No one called Tully a 'boy'. But him. What was it that drove people not to trust him? 'Have you ever ridden a bull off the cliffs of Monin?' Tully's voice echoed in his head. 'No.' - 'I wouldn't trust him.' Conor glanced up at the sky. The cliffs of Monin...Riding a bull off those cliffs would be like declaring war against all of Rome with a one man army! If Tully had done it though, how hard could it be? Monin was only a one day ride from here. It wouldn't hurt to visit. Tonight then. When they are all asleep. Conor drew out his sword...his father's sword. The blade was strong and sturdy. It had been past down in his family for many years and had protected them. His father had chosen Aiden, his older brother, to be the clans protector. He shifted the sword blade in the sunlight and stared as the rays of the sun reflected off it's smooth surface and razor edges. He held it before his face then he drove it into the ground. 'Someone... someone help me...' Conor asked desperately. ********************************************************** Conor sat up and pushed back the soft furs. He went to a corner of his tent and changed into his usual attire. Carefully, he attached his scabbard and sword about his waist and pulled on his boots. He grabbed his bag, in which he had stashed some food and dry clothes, and slung it over his shoulder. He pushed back the skins that covered the entrance to his hut and peered outside. All was dark and silent, somewhere a campfire burned lightly and trees cast shadows on the ground. He stepped out into the open and carefully made his way out of the sanctuary. ********************************************************* Fergus got up, "I'll go get him." He said and made his way to the end of the sanctuary, where Conor's hut lay alone within the rocky wall at the side of the waterfall. Fergus pushed aside the skins and stepped inside, "Conor." Fergus looked around. He was already up? Fergus retraced his steps back to where Catlin and Tully were eating their breakfast. "He's not there. He probably went out somewhere." Fergus picked up his mug and sipped the luke warm water. He lowered the mug as a young lad came up to them. Catlin smiled, "Hello Damon." The lad was an orphan who Conor had brought back to the sanctuary one day. He had adapted well, and had taken a great liking to their leader. She smiled to herself as she remembered the unpayable deed Conor had done by freeing her from her pursuers. "Conor says he will be gone for one day." The boy said quietly. "Gone? For one day?" Fergus repeated in surprise. "Laddy did he say where he was going?" The boy shook his head. "Conor promised he would come back." He answered hopeful. Catlin stroked his hair. "If Conor said he will be back, then he will be back Damon." The boy smiled happily and ran off. Catlin turned to look at Tully and Fergus. "I'm going to give that lad a whomping when he gets back! Prince or no Prince!" ********************************************************** Conor rode the whole night through and on through the day. It wasn't until the evening that he reached the cliffs of Monin. The young Prince dismounted and stroked his horse. The beast stared at him curiously. It looked right past his exterior and right to the center of him. Conor stepped back cautiously. There was intelligence behind the animal's eyes...Knowing intelligence. He'd seen that look before... Where though, he simply couldn't remember. His horse's eyes became curious, then soothing again. Conor gave the animal a final pat and walked towards the cliffs' edge. Monin stretched out to his left and right and treacherously down and down. "Do you want to jump?" Conor jumped back from the edge. This had not been the voice from his head. He had heard it! He swung around and scanned the empty, almost desert like environment. Those had been Galen's words before he had taught him to hear the Roar. "Right here..." It whispered as the wind blew through his hair. The docile breeze surrounded him and whispered to him, "Believe Conor... Believe..." Conor shut his eyes, and he swayed in the arms of whatever was holding him. Claire appeared in his mind, his brother, his mother, his father. They spun and weaved in his head and vanished as swiftly as they had appeared. Conor collapsed to the ground in an unconscious heap. ********************************************************** Several hours later, Conor stirred uncomfortably at the sound of a snort and pawing hooves. His eyes slid slowly open and he stared blankly at the darkening sky above. Another snort... Conor bolted up right and onto his feet, his hand reaching instinctively for the handle of his sword. He froze. A huge pitch-black bull stared him square in the eyes. It cocked it's head and snorted again. The young Prince began to back peddle cautiously to his mount. The great bull watched him curiously. Conor reached his horse and easily swung into the saddle. He gathered the reins and whirled his horse around to face the awaiting Bull. 'Ever ride a bull off the cliffs of Monin?' Tully's question echoed in his memory. Conor urged his horse into a gallop and charged for the bull and the cliff's edge. The Bull stood fast and calm, staring down the rider of the stallion that was bearing down upon him at great speed. A hundred feet... fifty feet... Conor made eye contact with the animal. It showed no fear, no distress. Forty feet... It stared back at him and seemed to ask: "What do you think your doing?" Thirty feet...This was stupid! Twenty nine feet... What would he prove? Twenty eight feet... That he could drive a defenseless animal to plummet to his death? Twenty seven, twenty six feet...And why wasn't the animal running away? Twenty five feet... Why was it just standing there? Twenty four feet... was it just accepting it's fate? Twenty three feet... Accepting it's destiny? Twenty two feet... Destiny... Conor pulled violently on the reins and the horse dug in it's heels abruptly. It's momentum carried it to it's hind legs and the animal reared, almost deseating it's rider. When all four of it's hooves had hit the ground again, the horse snorted and shook it's head disapprovingly. Conor jumped out of the saddle and walked towards the Bull that still stood motionless, staring at him. It's gaze softened. "Search your heart Prince...Who are you...And believe Prince..." A voice sounded melodiously. Conor couldn't place where the voice had come from. It seemed to be coming from every where, from all direction... From behind him, in front of him, from his left, his right, from on over head, from the ground he stood on, from his horse, the Bull before him... and from within him... He closed his eyes and shook his head. When they reopened, the Bull was no longer there... ********************************************************* "Fergus! Fergus, wake up." The warrior groaned and turned to face the voice that was addressing him. His somnolent eyes focused on Conor. He jumped out of bed, "Where were you? What do you think you were doing leaving like that? What's gotten into you boy?!" Conor sighed and waited for the older man to finish. "It's not safe to be venturing out all day with the Romans out there! Use your head boy!" Amazingly, Conor found that Fergus' words had little effect on him. He smiled inwardly, "I heard a voice Fergus," The warrior calmed suddenly. Had Conor finally gone mad? "What voice? What are you talking about?" Fergus asked as he started to dress. "A voice Fergus, it spoke to me, it knew who I was!" Fergus gave him a grave backwards glance. "It asked me who I was and to believe." Conor added becoming pensive. Fergus watched him a moment. "Believe what? And who are you? You are definitely not the boy I knew a few weeks ago!" Conor frowned, "I don't know..." The Prince turned to leave. "Be outside we're practicing today." He declared and disappeared. On the practice range, the people were awed by the effort their leader was putting out. Tully pulled up his horse next to Fergus'. "What's gotten into him?" Fergus haunched, "Who knows..." Catlin joined them her bow in her hand. "Help! Please, help!" Someone yelled running into the practice field. Conor reined in his mount. A young man darted full speed towards them. Conor walked his horse towards the others. "Help! My village is being attacked! Please! They can't hold on much longer!" The man stumbled before them. Conor, Tully and Fergus dismounted as Catlin helped the man get to his feet. "Who is attacking you man?" Fergus asked. The man fought to catch his breath, "...Romans..." He stammered. Fergus and Conor made eye contact. "Yorla! Get this man a horse!" Conor ordered. Immediately, a man came back leading a horse. The practice ground had gone quiet and they were all awaiting orders from their leader. The Prince mounted his horse again, "Fergus round up half of the fighters to go with us. The other half will stay here and protect the sanctuary in case of attack," Conor declared. Fergus nodded and split up the people. They rode at breakneck speed, following the young man to his village. They slowed to a trot as they neared their destination. "Everyone through the front gates and circle around the village!" Conor ordered. He raised his sword and charged in through the village gates followed by Tully, Fergus and Catlin. Catlin stood her horse in a quiet open space and pulled an arrow out from behind her and let it fly; it's head found it's way through a Roman heart. Tully pulled out his whip and lashed out happily at all that dared challenge him. "Yeehaaa!" He exclaimed laughing. The tongue his whip encircled a Roman waist and swung him into a nearby wall. The body crashed heavily to the ground and lay motionless. Fergus was engaged in a ferocious fight with three Romans and was doing remarkably well. He swung his blade about. Metal clanged on metal. The sound echoed through the falling bodies of Romans and of their own people. Fergus' blade ripped through one of the soldiers' flesh and forced him to stumble back. The soldier stared at the deep gash on his side. Blood was streaming at an alarming speed. He stood up clumsily and ran off. Fergus wheeled on the other two Romans. The two soldiers slowly backed away. Fergus laughed as they suddenly turned and bolted for the village gates. Fergus glanced around and saw Conor being surrounded as he was sparring with two soldiers. "Conor!" Fergus warned. The Prince took a side ways glance and noticed the soldiers gathering around him. Catlin had heard Fergus' scream and had sent her arrows screeching through the sweaty air and killing two of the soldiers. Fergus rushed to help out his friend as more Romans gathered about their leader. Conor raised his sword to strike at one of them but someone had taken hold of his arm and was twisting it painfully behind his back. The man he was trying to strike approached him and he jumped and struck a kick at the man. The hit disrupted his center of gravity and the man twisting his arm behind him was able to drive Conor to the ground. Several soldiers pounced on him and bound his hands and feet. Another straddled him and punched him out cold. Fergus dove on the roman soldiers in a furry. He had seen Conor get taken down and he was raging! He threw aside the soldiers in an attempt to reach Conor. He got there to late. The lead soldier had hauled Conor onto a horse and was taking off with several reserve soldiers following suit. He turned to run for his own horse but found a roman already in the saddle laughing and galloping off. "Those bastard Romans!!!" Fergus growled angrily. Catlin and Tully ran up to his side. "Well what are we waiting for? Lets go after him!" Catlin ordered as she prepared to take off. Fergus grabbed her arm, "We can't just go rushing after him. This was probably all set up. Don't you think they're waiting for us?" Catlin struggle to get away from his hold on her. "We have to get him back!" she declared. "Catlin. Look around you. Our people are tired. Attacking them now would be useless. We would be sacrificing ourselves without getting hold of Conor. What good would that do us?" Catlin relaxed. Fergus was right. *Conor... Oh Conor... We're coming... We're coming for you...* "Well let's make a plan and get some food for everyone then let's go!" she said and took off. Fergus and Tully watched her go in surprise then turned to give each other a surprised look. "I'll round everybody up. You get going on the plan." Fergus nodded and watched as the young man left his side. Fergus sighed. This mission would have to be planned with careful precision. Everyone's life was at stake! Conor groaned and his eyes opened painfully. Darkness was all around him. H's back was against a cold damp hard wall. He tried to move and found that his hands had been chained and his feet bound together. "Ahhh... The Prince has finally awoken..." A soft voice sounded. Conor's body became rigid and tense. "Who's there? Where am I?" Conor demanded. "Why, you're here my young Prince..." The soft voice answered rather amused. Conor was frustrated, "Where is "here"?" He demanded his temper rising. "Tsk tsk... That's no way to speak with me..." The voice was still calm and quiet. Conor saw a hand emerge from the darkness it's owner dwelled in. The long fingers motioned towards him. Conor felt a sudden fear weld up inside his gut. A large over weighted man emerged out of the darkness on the other side of him. He was a giant with heavy leather clothing which were rather soiled. The man grinned ecstatic, showing the few missing yellow teeth. He went straight to Conor and the young Prince dared to stare him in the eyes. Then the man smiled and Conor had to turn his face away from the unbearable, stomach churning smell that oozed out from his rotten mouth. The giant backed away a step then took off the young man's top. Conor turned to look at the man in shock. "What do you think you're doing? Get away from me you bully!" Conor countered disgusted. The other man, who still lurked in the darkness laughed, "You are in no position to give orders. Prince!" The voice emphasized the last word. Conor winced at the name. He hated that title. He was no prince... "Who are you? What do you want?" Conor demanded ignoring the man's previous statement. The Giant standing before him turned him around. Conor's face hit the cold brick wall painfully. He knew by the pain he felt that his cheek bone was probably bruised. Conor tried to turn and see what the Giant was doing and was instantly slammed back against the wall. A loud crack slithered through the still, stale silence and lashed out on his back. Conor hung shaking with shock. No sound had escaped from his shivering lip. He knew what was happening, but his mind seemed incapable of registering the enormity of what was being done to him. The thundering crack rang out through the silence again and sliced through his body. Conor's eyes had closed with the sound and the pain that ran up and down his spine and back and forth along his legs and arms. The whip bit into his flesh again and again, and even to Conor's amazement, he had not let a word of pain escape from him. The man in the darkness sat and watched with curiosity. This boy, had more courage and strength than he had earlier believed. The Giant's lashes were by no means forgiving. This 'Prince' was more then he expected... "Longinus! We have to free him! His people are going to come after us! We can't kill him..." Diana exclaimed worried. Longinus made his way towards her. He took a lock of her hair between his fingers. "Don't worry I won't have him killed, but I will destroy him..." Diana moved away from him. Did he not care for their safety? Her safety? Longinus was an immortal but she... She could die... "He will live Diana, but he won't a have a spirit..." Longinus reassured her then he smiled to himself at the brilliance of his plan. He could destroy this whole island and all it's people with the destruction of one 'boy'! He laughed uncontrollably. Diana watched with fright. She had never seen Longinus laugh. "I'll order someone to bring him food and water." She said softly. Longinus waved her away and went to stare out the window. Suddenly The Roman's eyes widened. His pupils dilated and his body became rigid. He fell stiffly to the ground. 'A man walked towards him...his face hidden in a cloud like state. He enignmated light... The good... A hand raised and dark brown eyes emerged from the mist and focused on him... It was then that he experienced a light pressure as it hit his chest...' Longinus gasped for air as he reached to sit up. Sweat poured down his face and body. And he trembled. What did this mean? Was someone coming for him? To destroy him? He smiled, what a welcomed release that would bring him! Then the smile faded, the blow of power had been weak, much like a breeze. It couldn't hurt him... That Prince will pay for his pain! Meanwhile Diana had ordered for a slave to go below in the dungeons to bring food and water for the prisoner. Ishnia walked with grace down the spiraling uneven steps into the darkness. The candle in her hand brightening the way three feet in front of her. She reached the bottom and brought the candle around to find the man that was supposed to be down here. On the left far wall of the area a body hung motionlessly. She swallowed nervously and went to him. "I brought food and water..." She whispered out of habit. The man did not stir. Was he dead? She gently reached to lift his head. The eyes opened weakly and stared back at her, bright and soft looking... She smiled sadly and soaked a crumb of the bread in the water she brought and offered it to him. Conor refused. "Please! Eat... I won't hurt you..." She cooned. The man's cheek was badly bruised and he had a faint sign of an emerging black eye. Conor refused her again. She pursed her lips, "How will you help us if you die?" She asked amazingly calm. The Prince's eyes focused on hers. She gave him a sad smile and brought the softened crumb to his dry coarse lips. Conor finally accepted the bread. "Who are you?" He asked taking a ragged breath. "I'm Ishnia, Conor." She answered him softly. He looked at her, "How do you know who I am?" He asked suspiciously. "I heard Queen Diana and The Roman God talking..." Conor's body became tense. Diana and Longinus... "You're not a Roman?" Ishnia shook her head... She broke off another piece of bread and dipped it in the water. "I was taken from my home a few months back...I'm like you and the others." Conor accepted the bread she brought to is lips. "A lot of people are counting on you Conor... Stories have reached us...Stories of how you dare to challenge the Romans and their mission...Our hopes arise from those stories..." She made eye contact with him and her eyes shone in appreciation. Conor twinged uncertainly. He sure didn't need all this pressure! Ishnia fed him the remainder of the bread then served him the last of the water. "Will I see you tomorrow?" He asked as she turned to leave and take the light with her. "I hope so..." She answered. "We are all with you Conor..." She added then left him alone in the interminable darkness. Fergus sat pensively around the fire. If his plan wasn't perfect the Roman's could use Conor as a shield or simply kill him. He better be alive! They had better not hurt a single curly strand of his baby blonde hair! Fergus chucked a pebble into the fire. The key would be to get in unnoticed The main objective, to get Conor back safely. Revenge would have to wait until a later date... "Fergus?" Catlin broke through his train of thoughts. "Hmmm?" He looked up at the young lady, "What is it lass?" Catlin sat down, "Everyone's ready Fergus." She declared a hint of nervousness in her voice. The Warrior nodded and reached for his sword. "Let's get moving then." Fergus ordered and got to his feet. He made eye contact with Catlin. She looked afraid. The only other time he had seen the lass afraid was the day Conor had helped her gain her Freedom. "We'll get him back Cat, I promise you!" Catlin tried to show a smile that she couldn't bring herself to put on. Fergus understood and nodded. He placed an arm around her shoulders and they met the others outside. Fergus mounted his Horse and led the band South towards the Roman fort. ******************************************************* "There isn't much time... They are coming for him." Longinus declared till calm. Diana sighed and placed her wine goblet down. "Will you be finished with him before they get near?" She asked trying to hide her worry. Longinus went to sit by her. He took her hand in his, "I would not endanger your life Diana..." The Roman Queen smiled pleased. "It's time to visit our Prince." He added and quietly left Diana's chambers. Conor raised his head glumly. Longinus smiled, "It's almost over young Prince. There is only one more thing. He slowly approached the young man chained to the wall. "Everyone you loved, everyone you still love, they'll all be killed by you!" Longinus declared with a twisted smile. Conor's face shifted into one of horror. "You're crazy! I'm not killing anyone for you! Get away from me!" Conor yelled as the Roman freak's fingers moved to touch his face. Conor kept shaking his head out of Longinus' reach but there was so much he could do chained to a brick wall! The Roman had finally clasped Conor's head between his hands, "Now, it all slowly ends..." His thumbs moved onto Conor's temple and gently applied pressure. "NO! No! No! Agghhhrr!" Conor fought to free his head from the Roman's hands. Longinus smiled as he felt the power flow from him and into the subject before him. "See them die, Prince!" Longinus spat. He closed his eyes in ecstasy. Conor screamed loudly. Fear echoing from deep within his soul! "Stop! No! Stop!" The young man struggled frantically to free himself. He tugged madly at the cuffs that were binding his wrists, cutting his flesh and spilling his blood over the cold metal. The warm life giving fluid ran down his arms but Conor was only aware of the excruciating pain that the images in his head were producing... *Conor Stood watching with a smile. "No! Father please! Please!" Claire begged her eyes pleading. The man standing before her drew out his sword. Claire turned to look at Conor. The man she loved smiled and moved to her Father's side, "Sorry Claire. It just wasn't meant to be." His own voice echoed through his head. Gar nodded in agreement, "You disobeyed me child! I will not tolerate treachery! Especially from my own blood!" Claire looked repeatedly from her father to Conor to her father to Conor... "Conor, we could leave! Find a boat," The prince shook his head and turned to Gar. "Get rid of her, she talks nonsense." Gar nodded and swung his sword at the sobbing girl before him. Metal hit flesh and ripped through vital organs. The blood of the innocent girl, spilled from her heart to the ground beneath her feet...* "No! No!! Please!! Claire! No! I didn't! I didn't..." Conor screamed helplessly. The scene repeatedly forced it's way into his mind, into the deepest corners of his memory...His still grieving heart... "Claire! I wouldn't! I wouldn't!" He declared in a desperate whisper... *Conor walked into his parents hut. His fingers clutched tightly around 'the dagger'. There lay his parents lying in each others arms. Both their faces enigmating the love they felt for each other. It was sickening! He walked up to the bed. He raised 'the dagger' in anticipation. Smiling sadistically he brought it down, piercing first one heart then the other...* "No! Don't! Mother! Father! No! No! No!" Conor shook spasmodically. He yanked forcefully against the chains that were binding him. His hands were covered in blood, physically and spiritually. "Please..." He whispered his eyes shut tightly...It was then that another scene hit him; The murder of his brother. ******************************************************** Diana sat erect in her chair. "NOOOOOOO!!!!" She shuddered. That boy's screams were soul wrenching! "Claire" Diana stood up and went to her window. She sighed. Longinus was a great Sorcerer but could he manage to instill man-made memories into another living, breathing person? And what was the meaning of that vision he had? There are no other sorcerers around these parts. How could there? On this pitiful little island? "Hmmph!" She turned around to face the door of the chamber. "Hmmmm..." Silence... There was plain simple silence. The door swung eerily open and Longinus seemed to float into the chamber. "It's done." He said simply and made his way to the bed. "My poor Longinus! Has it drained you so?" She asked making her way to him. She sat down and caressed his face. "How did it go?" Longinus rested his head against the pillows. "All is well My Queen. The Prince is being taken away as we speak. There is no danger to us...for the moment..." The eternal man's eyes closed and he fell into a deep sleep. Diana stroked his wavy blond hair smiling happily to herself... Catlin surged on ahead. "Slow down Lass!" Fergus ordered. "We've waited long enough. He could be dead by now!" The young warriess replied angrily. Fergus brought his horse up to her. He reached over in his saddle and yanked on Catlin's horse's reigns. "Fergus! What the-" Fergus motioned for her to be silent. They were on the border of the forest. He turned to look behind him at the awaiting people. Raising his right hand, he slowly lifted a finger. When the third one was raised, the groups will report to their posts. He was about to raise his third finger when Catlin screamed and bolted out of sight. Fergus looked around him in surprise. "Fergus, There! It's Conor! She found him..." Tully exclaimed pointing to the left. "Wait here." Fergus ordered to the others. He waved Tully to follow him and they joined Catlin. Fergus became pale as they approached Conor's spiritless body bound tightly to a post. The two men dismounted and approached Catlin who was frantically trying to untie the young leader. The two men were astound by the ferocity with which Catlin was slashing at his binds. "Don't just stand there! We have to get him down!" Fergus immediately unsheathed his sword and struck at the numerous ropes. Tully caught Conor as his body fell. They laid him to the ground and Catlin and Fergus dropped to their knees by Tully and their leader. "He doesn't look too good..." Catlin said her voice wavering ever so lightly. "Let's get him back, now!" Fergus said getting to his feet. He brought his horse near. With difficulty, the two men raised Conor onto Fergus' mount. Catlin and Tully steadied the unconscious young man as Fergus got up behind him. "I got him." Catlin And Tully nodded and rushed to their horses. They joined the others, "We return to the sanctuary." He ordered and took off. The others followed all feeling the urgency with which Fergus had took off. Conor was badly injured... Fergus placed the young leader on his bed. With gentle fingers he unlaced Conor's top and carefully removed it. He heard a gasp and turned to see Catlin and Tully behind him. Both were white faced, "Catlin, Lass, go fetch the Healer." He ordered. Catlin was about to object when Tully grabbed her arm and led her out of Conor's hut. "No..." Fergus turned to look at the young man. "Lad can you hear me?" He asked taking Conor's hand. The young man pulled away weakly. "What have they done to you boy..." He asked himself in a whisper. Conor stirred recklessly in his sleep but did not wake. Tully, Catlin and Madhia quietly entered the hut. At seeing the leader, she rushed to the bed side and fell to her knees. "Whipped... They whipped him... I can make a poultice that will take care of these." She fingered the wounds from the whip. She stroked Conor's hair. The others watched her. Madhia was one of the older people of the sanctuary. Her hair was gray, her skin wrinkled but fire burned in her eyes and her every movement dictated strength and pride. She touched him all over, "There are no broken bones. Bruises, but nothing is broken." She stood up and stared down at Conor. She briefly laid a hand on Fergus' shoulder then left the young leaders hut. Catlin came to kneel by Conor's bedside. "We should have went after him sooner Fergus! Now look at him! He lays here lifeless!" Catlin stated enraged. Fergus laid a hand on Catlin's shoulder, "There was no other way Lass. Don't you think I feel badly? I had to make the decision! There were many of our friends' lives at stake! Would you have had them charge into the Roman camp run-down and unprepared?" Catlin remained silent a moment, "We didn't have to take them! We could have gone ourselves, with a plan!" Fergus sighed, " You don't know what you're saying Catlin." Catlin grew tired of listening to Fergus. She took Conor's hand. *Look at this!* She wanted to yell at him. "We should take off his wrist band and that bracelet. "Fergus said reaching for Conor's other hand. Tully who had been standing behind them in silence now spoke, "I'll get some water so we can clean it." "Warm the water Tully." Fergus said before the other man left. Catlin undid the bracelet from Conor's wrist and looked at it. Burned into the leather read: Conor, son of Derek And Eileen. She looked up at Fergus, "I'm sorry, Fergus." The warrior smiled, "Let's just think about the task at hand." Madhia returned with a small wooden bowl. Fergus and Catlin made room for her to settle down between them. Fergus watched, as The Healer took some of the green looking poultice, and made a face. Conor was lucky in respects that he wouldn't be eating it! Madhia rubbed the poultice on all of the leader's wounds then stood up. "I will make some more for later." She said to Fergus. The man nodded. Madhia glanced briefly at Catlin. *Poor child...This must be taking it's toll on her...* She thought to herself. She then left them to stand vigil over their fallen comrade... Catlin watched as Conor tossed uncomfortably like a small child trapped in a nightmare he can not conquer. She wiped the beads of perspiration that appeared about his face with a damp cloth. "No... Please...I wouldn't!" Conor whimpered frantically. Catlin tried to calm him to no avail, "Conor, please! It's o.k. you're o.k....Shhh...Sleep, Conor, Sleep..."She cooed trying to conceal the anxiety from her voice. All his fears, his weaknesses, what ever they may be, were being revealed to her as she stood sentry over his sleeping form. "Claire... Please..." Catlin froze. He sill dreamed about her...She swallowed the pang of pain that was rising in her. "It's alright Conor..." She continued. "Claire!" Conor yelled bolting upright in his bed gasping for air. The impression of the killings of loved ones still draped heavily upon him. "Shhh.... It's o.k. Conor. You're safe..." Conor looked at her as though for the first time. "Catlin..." He whispered unbelievably. Catlin smiled and nodded, "It's me Conor..." The Prince impulsively drew her into a welcomed embrace. His body trembled lightly with various pains. He felt Catlin's arms tighten around him. Supporting him. He felt warm in her arms but also grew aware of the wounds that had been imposed on him. He pulled away regretfully and tried to smile. He looked about him unsure of his whereabouts. "We found you not too far from their fort. Two days ago..." "Two days?" He repeated softly. Catlin nodded, "Wait here. Don't move!" She ordered sternly. She stood up and stared down at him then left the hut. "Fergus! Conor's awake!" Catlin declared with joy. She immediately dashed back into the young leader's hut and went to sit on the bed beside him. Conor briefly looked at her. She didn't like the uncertainty in his eyes. She saw something else there too... Fergus and Tully appeared and quickly approached the young man. The warrior smiled, "Ah, boy it's so good to see you up!" He declared laying a large hand on Conor's back. The Prince simply smiled. "It's good to have you back, Conor." Tully added grinning broadly. Conor studied him carefully. Madhia entered the hut and signaled for the others to clear away from the patient. She examined the leader's eyes. Satisfied with the little spirit that glimmered there, she continued with her examination by checking all his wounds. She touched his cheekbone tenderly. Conor winced. "It'll heal. They all will..." She said placing a hand on his and giving it a gentle squeeze. She stood up and glanced at Fergus, "I will prepare a special broth for him." She said and quietly left. "How do you feel boy?" Fergus asked taking a seat on the bed. Conor hesitated as flashes of Claire and his family's murder flashed in his head. "I'm alright." He looked at his bandaged wrists. He hadn't even noticed the cuts or the bandages until Madhia had checked if they were healing cleanly. Fergus, Tully and Catlin all exchanged glances. Conor was suppressing something. "Conor?" A soft, bashful but concerned voice sounded from the outside. Conor smiled, "Come in Damon." The little boy pushed aside the skins and stepped into the hut. The candles illuminating the cave like hut gave Conor's otherwise pale face a soft, warm look. The young boy smiled relieved at seeing their leader looking happily upon him. "Conor!" He ran to the young man's bed and jumped up beside him. "I knew you'd wake up! I told everyone you would!" The boy declared and reached out to hug the young man. Fergus, Catlin and Tully stood unconsciously smiling at the sight: A small orphaned boy, his arms wrapped lovingly around a young man much in the same situation as himself. Conor's eyes opened and he raised his gaze to look upon them. Conor drew away and looked at the boy, "You are getting stronger." He exclaimed. Damon nodded, "I want to be just like you and Fergus." Fergus laughed, "Well then you best be getting to bed then! A strong warrior always gets a lot of sleep!" Damon nodded and waved to Conor before he ran out of the hut. Fergus now turned on Tully and Catlin, "You all best getting your rests as well." Tully agreed, "See you in the morning Conor." The young leader nodded. He turned to Catlin. The first friendly face he had seen after...after Ishnia...He would free her. "Goodnight Conor," Catlin's voice broke in to his thoughts. He looked at her and nodded. Slowly, unwilling to leave Conor she left his hut and went to hers. "She looks tired." Fergus turned to study the young man, "She has been sitting by your bed side for a few days now. She refused to let anyone take her place." Conor didn't say a word. "What happened Conor?" Fergus finally asked. Conor took a deep breath, "I woke chained to a wall. In their dungeon." He hesitated. "Where they whipped you." Conor nodded, "And where- Longinus did something. He had his fingers on my head..." Conor fought the images that were unraveling themselves in his head yet again. His hands when to his spinning mind. "I see myself... And I killed them Fergus...I killed her..." His eyes came into contact with his older friend. "And I killed her...all of them..." Conor's voice trailed off. Fergus stared at him in shock, "Killed who? Who did you kill?" He wanted to shake the man. What was Conor talking about? Conor looked at his friend and advisor. Fergus still hurt. The Warrior remembered those few days as clearly as he did. The picture, the pain and the guilt was still very raw...in both of them. He would not burden Fergus with his visions, "Sleep Fergus..." Conor groaned uncomfortably as he tried to lie down. He opted to lie on his side. "Sleep...I'm tired Fergus." He sighed as he finally got himself into an acceptable sleeping position. Fergus pulled the furs up over Conor. He took a step back and brought a stool over to Conor's bed. He sat and watched the young man rapidly falling into another disturbing sleep. What did Conor mean? Did he kill someone while he was there? No. That couldn't be... Who then? Claire... Was it Claire he was referring to? Why would he think he killed her? And the others? What others? His family? Fergus became solemn. Their family... Fergus shook the thought out of his head. Conor was murmuring something in his sleep. Fergus strained to hear Conor's troubled whispers. "What are you saying?" Fergus said more to himself then to Conor whom he didn't want to wake. "Claire..." Fergus' heart sank. So he was dreaming about her... Thinking about her. He was then also thinking about his family. But why would he say that he killed them? It didn't make sense... Sometime during the night, Fergus fell into a restless sleep... His family was being slaughtered again... Conor's eyes opened and he looked around him still surprised that he was back at the sanctuary. It was hard to believe he was really there. Fergus sat asleep on a stool by his bed. Always by his side. Always the protector. He pushed himself up, his face twisting in discomfort. His breathing came fast and he tried to quiet them. He lifted the corner of the furs, his wrists hurt, and stepped out of bed. He glanced around and found a clean shirt. He pulled it on taking breaks after every subtle movement. When he had it on he stood leaning against the cold rocky wall of the hut, catching his breath and waiting for the burning pain of his back to stop. His composure returned to him and he made his way outside. The sky, that he could see through a whole at the very top of the cave was still dark with lightening streaks breaking through. He quietly made his way to the river. The soothing sound of running water increased his acceptance of his regained freedom. He went down on his knees and looked at his reflection. On the surface of the water he saw someone he had never seen before. Staring back at him was a fairly pale young man. He had a sore looking black eye. One side of his cheekbone looked the color of a ripe prune and his lips were cut and slightly puffy. What alarmed him the most was the pitiful look in the man's eyes. Conor swallowed and looked away ashamed at what he had become. He wanted desperately to be the man he was before the arrival of the Romans! If he could only remember who that person was! Conor straightened. Catlin. She sat on a large rock staring up at the sky through the hole above the sanctuary. Conor stood up and carefully made his way towards her. Catlin turned at the sound of footsteps. Conor smiled lightly at her. She relaxed, his smile always had that effect on her. "Conor, you should be in bed. Resting." Conor carefully sat down beside her, "Sure, like you right?" Catlin turned away smiling. "How's your back?" "It hurts." They were both silent. "What happened Conor?" Catlin finally asked as she was not able to hold her concern back any longer. She raised a hand to Conor's injured face and turned it so that she could see his eyes. Pain harbored there...unbelievable pain... He broke away from her, "They had me chained to a wall. Longinus stayed in the shadows at first... and he ordered his man to... whip... me... It was so dark Catlin...and cold..." Catlin knew the feeling. As a slave she had often been thrown in the dungeon after one... or several of the men...had...had had their way with her... "Ishnia, she came to see me the first time. After the... whipping. She fed me..." Conor's eyes broadened at the memory of her words to him. She had to be freed... "Go on Conor," Catlin urged. She sensed that he had been very open about his feelings once, and that was the way he had dealt with things. Now he was bottling them inside and was inexperienced at how to release them. Conor sighed, "Longinus...He did something..." The young man shook his head wanting to forget. The images nudged their way in his consciousness. *His hands were covered in blood. Before him lay four massacred bodies. Aiden, his mother, his father and Claire... Ohhh... Claire...* "Conor!" Catlin called louder as she gently took his hand, being careful to avoid the bandages that covered his wound. Conor blinked and stared at her. "What did he do to you? Please Conor... I want to help..." He shook his head sadly, "You can't help me Catlin. No one can, not even your God. My family... Claire... They're gone..." "No Conor. You're wrong. They're right here." She placed a palm over his heart. "They'll always be there. Where ever you go. You see they live within you." Conor's eyes met hers. "Longinus, he...I ordered Claire's murder...I killed them all... My parents, my brother...Everyone..." Catlin pulled away in surprise at the statement, "Conor! What are you saying? You never killed anyone without just cause, let alone order anyone's death. No one...Not Claire's..." Conor buried his head in his hands. His blond curls protruding through his long slender fingers, "I can't get it out of my mind! All I see is blood! Blood! My hands... Their blood is on my hands!" "No Conor! No..." She carefully pulled him into her arms, not wanting to hurt him. "It's not true... None of it... What ever Longinus did, he did it to slow you down, to slow down the cause. You're the key to the union of this Island and if he can slow you down or stop you, Rome would be able to conquer us. Don't believe it Conor. You have to fight it." Conor pulled away. How was he to fight something that renders him into a state of paralysis? *Claire...Oh. Claire...* "Let them go, Conor." Conor dropped his head into his hands again. "Catlin, what am I going to do?" Catlin was going to rest a hand on his back but refrained from doing so. "Heal Conor, grieve, you have to let them go. It's time to move on." Conor looked up at her. She gave him this warm smile that he just couldn't resist. Yes... It was time to let them go... He reached unsurely for the hand that rested on her knee. He clasped his fingers around it. Catlin gave him another of those beautiful smiles. He looked up at the sky as golden rays broke through the pale background. They sat together quietly watching the arrival of the new day. "Conor!" The young leader released Catlin's hand and turned to see Fergus storming towards them. Conor grinned lightly. "You're supposed to be resting! Now come on Madhia is waiting, she has her poultice made." Conor stood up and giving Catlin a final smile headed back to his hut. Fergus studied Catlin. What had they been talking about? He wondered curiously. There was definitely something brewing... He smiled at Catlin and went after Conor. Fergus pushed back the leather flaps to the hut and stepped inside. The young Leader and Madhia looked up at him. The Healer was spreading her healing goo with a smooth hand over each and every sore and cut of his body. "It's good to see Catlin at ease again. She has been really worried for you." Conor took a short look at him. "She prayed for you the whole time and watched over you like a hawk. She wouldn't let anyone take her place by your side..." Fergus informed him. Was he understanding what he was trying to tell him? "She's very loyal." Conor exclaimed simply. Madhia snuffed a smile that threatened to take over her face. She reached into her pot and scooped more of the medicine onto her fingers. "You are healing quicker then I expected." She declared not wanting to add her thoughts on their conversation. "It must be the company he's been keeping lately..." Fergus said grinning. "What's that supposed to mean?" Conor asked defensively. Madhia stood up, "That is all. Get some food into him and make him rest." She told Fergus. "You could address me you know Madhia. I'm not unconscious anymore." The elderly lady smiled at him as you would a child. "Yes of coarse I could, but my words would be in vain wouldn't they?" And with that she left his quarters before he could reply. Conor turned to look at his older friend, "So? You still haven't answered me." Fergus grinned and drew a stump to Conor's bed as the young man carefully pulled on his tunic. "What? Are you blind boy?" Conor frowned. Fergus laughed wildly. He really had no idea what he was talking about. Better let him discover it for himself. Conor's eyes focused on his father's sword which leaned against the rocky stone wall. The light coming from the numerous candles set up around the room cast small lively shadows over it. He got up and went to fetch it. He pulled it out of it's sheath, "I don't deserve my father's sword Fergus." Fergus sighed, "Conor there is no one else to carry it. And if there was, you would still be 'The One' to honor your family's name with it. Your Father would be proud of your work. Don't doubt that." Conor grimaced, "Would he?" He looked up at Fergus then re-sheathed his father's sword. "Aiden would probably have had the whole Island united by now." Fergus stood up and went to Conor who had turned away from him and was carefully placing the sword back against the wall. Fergus gently placed a hand on Conor's shoulder, "No he wouldn't have. Aiden was amiable, yes, but it wasn't his destiny. Destiny choose you because you are the one who can do it." "And I should succumb to it right?" "Succumb?" Conor laughed lightly, "You don't know what it means?" Fergus' lips tightened into a straight line. "It means to give into." "Well then, Succumb Conor. Succumb!" Conor laughed again. It was good to have Fergus around. Not only as a protector but as a friend. His best friend. "Thanks Fergus." Madhia walked into the cave like hut with a bowl of broth. She crossed the room and handed Conor the bowl. "Stop talking and drink up." She ordered sternly. Conor glanced at Fergus a smile hanging at the tips of his lips, and brought the bowl to his mouth and sipped the hot liquid. "Hot!" He gasped almost spitting the soup out. Fergus broke out laughing, his hands resting on his hips. Madhia smiled, "Finish up, then into bed with yah." Nodding as Conor attempted to take another sip, she turned and left the two men. "Conor?" Conor coughed with surprise. Fergus smiled and adjusted his stance. Conor lowered the bowl, glancing at his friend, he called for Catlin to enter. "I just wanted to make sure you were alright." She said looking at Conor who showed his appreciation in a most tender smiles. Fergus cleared his throat, "I've got some wood to cut." He glanced knowingly at them then quickly made his way out. Catlin focused her attention on the leader again. Conor shifted nervously. Catlin noticed, "What's going on?" Conor haunched unwanting to share the conversation Fergus and he had shared about her. Conor took another sip of the broth. "What do you think Madhia puts in this?" He asked her as he turned the bowl in his hands then took one long sip to finished it. Catlin grimaced, "I don't think I want to know." "I heard that." The old healer cracked as she appeared, "And I'll remember that when you need me!" "I'm sorry Madhia." "Hush with you now. It's time for Conor to rest." She relieved the young man of the bowl and instructed him to get in bed, "Where's that Warrior of yours? He was supposed to make sure you got some rest." "Fergus has work to do Madhia," Conor grimaced as he settle down on his side. "Well get some rest." She repeated and left again. Catlin watched her go. "She was just teasing you Cat." She smiled unsurely. She pushed a stool towards his bed and sat down. "Tell me about your family." His family was a subject she was curious to know about and one which was less painful to her. Conor adjusted the furs covering him, "What do you want to know?" He asked quietly. Catlin haunched. He just had to talk about them. Re-live the past in order to let it go. "Anything. What about some of your adventures as a child." "Adventures?" "You must have had little adventures!" Conor smiled, "Well I guess I did... I used to run off into the woods to..." "Diana my Queen, Offaly, the village to the West by the sea, has been destroyed. New slaves await you in your courtyard." The soldier informed from his knees. Diana smiled, "Good work. I want the men divide in two parties now, and raid Offaly's neighbors." The soldier got to his feet and bowed, "Yes my Queen." Diana watched him scurry away. She turned to Longinus who was staring out the window at the courtyard. She went to his side. Outside, dozens of women and young children were being herded like cattle into the courtyard. Her lips curled into a smile. "What do you plan on doing with them Diana?" Longinus asked in a soft quiet voice. "I thought the men needed some action to spice up their dull lives. Away from their wives in Rome for such a long time! They'll need someone to keep them warm during the winter!" Longinus glanced briefly at her then moved away from the window. "And the children?" "They will be raised as one of us, of coarse. Once the 'peasants' of this island are eradicated, we will need to populate it with our own." "The memories I have instilled may be working now...but I would not underestimate the young man..." Longinus said pouring wine into his goblet. "Why? You are a great sorcerer Longinus. Give yourself some credit. Conor is finished!" Longinus took a swallow of the hot wine, "No... He'll be back... I have seen it...The girl Catlin, your slave, she heals him as we speak..." He sighed, "No... That boy is stronger than neither of us expected..." Diana turned to look out the window again her hair flung sharply behind her. He can think what he wants...For now Conor is gone and she was going to take full advantage of his absence! *Conor Stood watching with a smile. "No! Father please! Please!" Claire begged her eyes pleading. The man standing before her drew out his sword. Claire turned to look at Conor. The man she loved smiled and moved to her Father's side, "Sorry Claire. It just wasn't meant to be." His own voice echoed through his head. Gar nodded in agreement, "You disobeyed me child! I will not tolerate treachery! Especially from my own blood!" Claire looked repeatedly from her father to Conor to her father to Conor... "Conor, we could leave! Find a boat," The prince shook his head and turned to Gar. "Get rid of her, she talks nonsense." Gar nodded and swung his sword at the sobbing girl before him. Metal hit flesh and ripped through vital organs. The blood of the innocent girl, spilled from her heart to the ground beneath her feet... Conor's surrounding started to fade. The night vanished but day did not appear... Everything stood frozen, the soldiers about him, Gar, the murderer of his love, and Claire, her body torn and lifelessly sprawled on the ground. "Conor..." The young man looked in the direction of the familiar voice. Catlin seemed to materialize before his eyes. "It's time to go Conor... To let go of the past..." Conor shook his head and looked once more at Gar then at his Love. "It didn't happen this way... Don't you feel the Love you have for her? Now why would you throw that away?" Conor made eye contact with her. He would never have hurt Claire... He couldn't... Just like he would not have killed any of his friends.... "Let it go Conor. Claire is gone... and it's time to move on..." Fergus emerged through a brief flash of light, "Claire loved life Conor. She loved your life. By cutting yourself from it, she dies again." Fergus went to Conor's left while Catlin made her way to his right side. "Let's go Conor. It's time to move on." Catlin said and Fergus and her slowly led Conor away from the bloody scene. The young man smiled and willingly followed his friends.* Conor's eyes opened carefully. He sighed sadly... Claire... He pushed himself up gently. "Ouch..." His whole body still hurt, but he felt unbelievably better. He felt as though a great burden had been lifted off his shoulders. He crawled out of bed and left his hut. Outside, he squinted and allowed for his eyes to adjust to the brightness. He smiled. His friends were siting around fire eating. He made his way towards them. "Conor!" Catlin exclaimed surprised. The young man smiled and sat down on the log beside Fergus. "Are you hungry?" Tully asked holding out the basket containing bread toward their leader. Conor happily took the basket off of Tully's hand, "Thanks, I'm starving!" He took a piece of bread and laid the basket on the ground before him. The others watched, eyebrows raised, as Conor hungrily ate. Conor looked down at the crashing waves on the edgy rocks below. A whole cycle of the moon had taken it's course and his wounds had healed nicely. There was hardly a scar to see, on the outside... It had been a long while since he had last been here... He looked up at the sky and as far as he could see. He took a deep wavering breath. It was time to let them all go... He raised his arms to the sky and roared. His voice carried far out to sea through the air reaching out to outer lands. The ground beneath his feet trembled at the familiar energy and the sun made a brief appearance to shine upon him, in an otherwise sunless sky. The young man's voice trailed to a halt and he stood taking rapid breaths. Suddenly, the thick clouds began to roll thunderously away and a hawk took to flight. The ground shook and the waves beat down upon the cliff with ferociousness. Every living thing cried out to him. Everything had changed. His eyes widened, the land had suffered...Every living thing was in pain, tainted with evil. A hint of guilt crawled into his soul but the roar pushed it away and filled him with reassuring comfort. Conor smiled at the feeling of pure self assurance. "Who are you, Boy?" A voice questioned amongst the loud howling of the Roar. Conor looked around in surprise. It was that voice again! The voice that had asked him this very question when he had visited the cliffs of Monin! He knew that voice... It was all too familiar. "Who are you?" It demanded again. Conor slowly raised his head and tossed his hair into the sea breeze. Confidence and knowledge seeped into his veins and into his blood. His father's blood... His father's blood ran through his veins... A smile broke free of his tightly pursed lips. "I AM CONOR! SON OF DEREK! LEADER OF THE CONFEDERATION!" He yelled in response. The wind carried his answer away and scattered it across the land. The hawk that was hovering above circled over his head then darted higher and swooped from side to side, looping and fainting. The Roar's volume increased and everything reached out to him. He felt the power pass through him and he welcomed it. 'I am Conor, the only surviving son of King Derek and Queen Eileen.' The Roar began to retreat, each spirit finding it's way back to it's physical embodiment. Conor turned on his heels and retraced his steps back to the sanctuary. A refound happiness embedded on his soul. "Fergus, I need your help." Conor declared as he passed by Catlin, Tully and Fergus who were siting quietly talking. "It's time to take action." The three friends looked at each other. Each had been caught off guard by Conor's declaration and the note of authority and confidence behind it. Both of which, had been non existent for the longest time. Fergus got up and went after Conor. He approached the young man's hut. Pushing back the skins he stepped inside. Conor looked up to see who had entered then continued with what he was doing. Fergus' eyes rested on Conor's hands which were busying themselves with putting on his wrist band and his bracelet. Though his wrists had healed a while back from the abrasions, Conor had been reluctant to wear them. Neither Tully, Catlin or himself had ever mentioned it but they knew that the day Conor would once again where them, would be the day that he would be truly healed. "They feel tighter." Conor said as he did up the lace of the wrist band. "Maybe you've gotten fatter." Conor glanced at him, "Me? Put on weight? It's you who should be worrying Fergus. Why in your old age, your lucky not to be as big as an ox, or even more so! You know how old men gather fat about their whole body!" "Fergus frowned and was about to retaliate but refrained from it when Conor's humoristic flare vanished and his fingers passed gently over the burned-in inscription of his leather bracelet. "It should read 'Conor, son of the Proud parents: Derek and Eileen'" Conor smiled lightly and tied it around his left wrist. "Fergus I need you to make a plan to get us into Diana's stronghold. We have to free Ishnia and the others that she has under her power." Fergus nodded, "Sweet Brigid, It's about time we did something!" Conor grinned, "Well stop wasting time old man! Get on it!" Fergus waved a stern finger at him but not being able to find the right words to express his feelings at that moment, tossed the thought away and left Conor's hut. Conor laughed with a triumphant modesty and drew 'his sword'. Tully sat quietly by the small fire. Its flames casting shadowy dances on the cave walls. His eyes focused on a mug that lay resting on the single person table in the corner. He pulled all his energy and glared down the mug. He raised a hand to point his energy towards it. He squinted in his effort and beads of sweat from the effort appeared about his forehead. He dropped his arm in exasperation. "This is hopeless Galen!" Tully declared raising both his arms and his eyes towards the heavens, "I'll never become a real magician..." He added softly this time. He poked at the fire with a stick, "I need your guidance Galen. How can I become like you if you're not here to show me what I can do?" "Galen's watching you Tully, he's watching us all..." Tully snapped around and got to his feet, "Conor!" The young leader went to him and placed a hand on the other man's shoulder. He was walking past Tully's hut when he had heard him cry out to Galen. Tully took his seat by the fire again. "You shouldn't be listening in on people Conor. There is such a thing called: privacy." Conor sat down by the fire as well. "I wasn't listening in on you. I was heading to my hut when I heard you yell at Galen." He clasped his hands together and studied his comrade. "Is something bothering you?" Tully immediately shook his head, "No I'm fine... You?" Although he trusted Conor, he just couldn't get himself to show it. Conor smiled, "I've got everything under control." He answered simply. It was easier to say that then to explain what had happened outside on the cliff. Even now he still wasn't too sure what had happened... not exactly... He had a feeling Tully wasn't quite telling the truth but he didn't push the point. He got to his feet, "Get some rest Tully. You'll need it... We all will." Tully nodded meeting Conor's stare. Finally the young leader turned and left the hut. Tully sighed and concentrated on the mug again. He raised his hand and pointed at it, pooling all of his energy and mind into trying to push it off the table. After several minutes of several intense energy pooling, he finally gave up. He slowly got up and went to his bed where he got under the furs. His hands resting under his head, his unseeing eyes gazing up at the cave ceiling. "Tully! It's time to get up!" Conor said walking into the dark hut. Tully groaned and slowly crawled out from the warmth of the furs. "Didn't you get any sleep last night?" Tully nodded as he started putting on his chest protection. He yawned. Conor was worried, "Maybe you should stay here." "No! I'm going Conor! You can't make me stay out of this fight!" "Fine. I was just suggesting anyways..." Conor answered surprised by the manner in which Tully had responded. "I'll be out in a bit." Conor nodded. That was his cue to leave. He took a final look at Tully then left the man's hut. Outside he met up with Catlin and Fergus, "He's coming." Was all he said of Tully's lateness. Fergus studied Conor's set jaw and tense body. This attack would be a true test of the sound healing of Conor's scars. Tully ran up to them, "O.k. I'm ready." Conor nodded and motioned for everyone to make their way outside. Catlin moved closer to Fergus, "Do you think he's ready for this?" Fergus haunched, "We'll know soon." He was worried for Conor and was planning on staying very close to the young man throughout the rescue. Catlin was just as tense as Conor. He laid a hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry Lass, I'll be watching him the whole time this time." Catlin tried to smile, "I know..." She answered softly. Fergus would try but something could happen that could separate them... and if that happened...She shuddered. She didn't want to think of the consequences. "Conor's a tough lad, he'll be alright." Fergus tried to assure her. He didn't think he had been to convincing. He hadn't even convinced himself. He didn't doubt Conor's bravery, he just wasn't sure what the Romans would do if they got their filthy hands on him again... They reached the surface and stepped out into the dark morning. The awaiting horses neighed in welcome. Catlin saw Conor's figure move about the men. She silently made her way to his horse. "Take care of him." She whispered stroking it's sleek muscular neck. Her eyes picked up on Conor's form making it's way towards them. "Is everything alright Catlin?" He asked making contact with her blue eyes. Though it was dark, he could still clearly see her eyes...those beautiful blue eyes. They said so much! "Don't worry Catlin, everything will be fine." "But Conor-" Conor placed a finger on her lips to silence her, "Go. We have to leave now." He moved away from her as Fergus brought his horse towards them. He gathered the reins and swung into the saddle. Catlin watched him mount his horse then went to her own. "Everything alright Conor?" Fergus asked. The young Leader nodded as his eyes followed Catlin's shadowy form. "Let's get moving!" He declared. He clucked and dug his heels into his mounts sides. It was at the brink of very early morning. The land lay in silent darkness, suddenly the ground began to shake, a slow rumbling scratched the peace of the night. The rumbling steadily increased... then suddenly flashes of glimmering hooves flashed through the blackness; shattering the stillness. Near to a hundred thundering hooves shook the earth, declaring to the world that the Roman chain of evil would soon be broken... "My Queen! An army of riders are headed this way! It was spotted that they were being led by the young man they call Conor." A guard said bursting into the dining chambers. Diana stared at Longinus who slowly got to his feet, "How can that be?" The ghostly man turned his gaze upon her, "I warned you Diana, but you were too occupied in your grand plan to populate this island with the mating of your soldiers to those women you keep in the dungeons." Diana raised her chin, "Hmmmph!" She turned to the guard. "Get all troops out into the courtyard. I want them stopped. Take no prisoners!" The guard nodded. He bowed obediently and rushed out of the Roman Queen and the silent wizard's presence. He rushed down to the courtyard, "Listen up, everyone. We attack the band coming our way. Kill them. The Queen does not want any prisoners!" Soldiers ran to the gate, others mounted their horses and were planning on welcoming the attackers before they reached the fort, others remained in the courtyard, and others, stood century over the main area of the fort, where their Queen would remain and watch over their progress. Conor slowed his horse to a trot as several riders bursted through the gates and were heading towards them. He glanced at Fergus. "You didn't think this would be easy did you?" "Of coarse not! I'm not daft Fergus." The Champion smiled, "Well lad?" Conor drew his sword and raised it. Glancing shortly over his shoulder at the anxious fighters behind him, he roared and kneed his stallion into a charging gallop to meet the Roman defenders. Fergus rode along side his leader. He was ready for this fight but was Conor? He focused his attention on the Roman soldiers. Suddenly he swerved his horse sharply to the right, braking away from Conor's side, as a soldiers drove between them. Fergus' eye immediately searched for Conor. He signed as he saw the young man fighting hard and well. He blocked the steel blade that threatened to spill his guts and drove his own sword into the man that held it. He grabbed the reins and tried to make his way back to Conor's side. Fergus roared angrily. "Get out of my way, you roman bastards!" He growled lashing out with his sword. Conor pulled his sword from the soldier's body. The man's eyes met Conor's... He was no different then himself. He was following orders, that's all. The goodness could be seen in his eyes. He smiled sadly at Conor, then his eyes closed and he slowly fell off his horse. The body tumbled to the ground in an awkward heap. Conor grimaced as a hoof landed on the man's chest. This man had probably had family in Rome, he deserved better than this. He looked up at the fighting going on around him, and all the bodies that lay upon the soil. They all did... "Conor!" Catlin yelled stringing her bow and letting her arrow fly. It's sharp triangular tip pierced through a soldier's chest. The man's mouth closed abruptly and he dropped the raised sword with which he was to strike down Conor. His body stiffly dropped off his startled horse. Conor nodded his thanks to Catlin. He squeezed his knees about his horse and disengaged from the fight. It was time to take the Fort... Conor slowed his mount as he met more resistance in the courtyard. Fergus came up alongside him. The two men dismounted and entangled themselves in the mass of perspiring bodies. Their followers bursted through the gates and threw themselves amidst the clashing swords and flying arrows. Conor parried a blow that was meant to decapitate him and threw a left handed punch at the man. The soldier fell back stunned then came back charging at him. Conor moved aside, and slashed out, cutting the man's side. The confederation's leader had no time to react for he was soon drawn into another fight. This soldier, who was slightly more decorated than the others, proved to be a more worthy adversary. The Roman's sword striked Conor's and drove his weapon out of the young man's grasp. Conor dodged a swipe to disembowel him and ran to where is sword lay in the trampled dirt. He grasped the hilt and rolled away from being hit by the soldiers downward strike. Conor sprang to his feet again and found himself backing down under the officers attack, but he was by no means beat. The dismal expression about Ishnia's face, the bloodied body of his murdered love, and the slaughter of his entire family and friends, emerged into his consciousness. Anger filled his grieving soul, and gave him a strength that pushed him beyond his physical limitation. The young Prince's jaw was set, his eyes two pools of brown fire, and his arms became part of the steel sword he brandished. He pushed forward and the roman backed up in defense. Conor didn't want to kill this man. He fought hard, but like the other men, he didn't fight with hatred. He was just doing his duty. Suddenly the man gasped and stiffened before Conor's eyes. The young man looked around him in surprise. The soldier's eye gradually closed and he collapsed to the ground an arrow protruding from his back. *Must have been a stray arrow...* Tully threw his weight to the back of his horse and brought his mount to it's hind legs. The horse's hoofs pawed madly through the air knocking any soldiers that got too close. As he brought his horse down he saw Conor glance around him then at his opponents body that lay before him. Unsuspectedly, a man stepped out of the shadow a dagger in his hand. Tully's eyes widened and he urged his horse in his friend's direction. "Conor! No!" He yelled at the top of his lungs. For some reason he extended his hand towards the strange man as if he could reach out and push him away. Longinus's gaze traveled away from his target and his eyes met the dark man's... The man from his vision... The man raised his hand and as it happened in his dream, a burst of unexpected energy hit him square in the chest. Longinus was knocked backwards. Conor had glanced at Tully's call. He spun around to see the subject of Tully's focus, and immediately fell into a his battle stance. Longinus glared at Tully. The dark man had spoiled his best opportunity to get rid of this pesky leader that refused to fade into the background. He looked at Conor, "Enjoy the extra time." He said as he paled. Then he was gone. Tully reached his side, "Are you O.k. Conor?" The young leader watched as Tully dismounted, "Yeah... What was that?" He asked stunned at what he had just witnessed. Tully's eyes widened as the realization of what he had just done sunk in. "I... Wow!" Conor clasped a hand on the other man's shoulder, "Galen would be proud..." Tully smiled, "Thanks." The simple statement meant a lot. Galen had been like a father to him and he had always wanted to make him proud. Fergus and Catlin ran towards them. Both of whom, Conor noticed looked exhausted, and with good reason. Both had fought like he had never seen them fight before. "Diana and many of her guards have just left." Fergus informed them. Conor nodded and his eyes scanned the grounds... Bodies of both the romans and his own people lay scattered about the tainted land. The smell of blood and perspiration filled his nostrils. He felt sick... Fergus rested a strong hand on the young Prince's shoulders. "We have to give them a proper burial... All of them" He added softly. "Ishnia!" He exclaimed and ran to the main structure of the fort. His friends followed him, they all wanted to meet this Ishnia, who had captured their young friend's affections, and who had most likely kept him from breaking. They all needed to thank her. The four friends carefully entered the dungeon. Catlin shuddered but was determined to enter the familiar nightmare. "Conor!" A woman's voice sounded happily. The slaves all began to yell in joy at the sound of the name they had heard so much of. His clothes were muddied and covered in blood, but all they saw was the warm sunny light that he carried about him. "Fergus, the locks." Fergus stepped forward and swung his mighty sword at the locks that held them prisoner. Bundles of women clamored out from their cages, rushing to thank the people that had stood before the evil and regiven them their lost freedom. Ishnia approached Conor. She smiled overjoyed. She was free... It was so hard to believe that it was so... What she was going to do and where she was going to go was beyond her. Conor pulled her into his arms. "You're free, Ishnia..." The woman nodded her head. Her eyes opened. Standing quietly watching was a young woman she had seen before. She had thought that she had died... "Come back with us." Conor whispered to her. Then he looked at the others, "You are all free to return to your homes. Those of you who have no where to go are welcomed to join us." The slaves broke into a roar... Conor released Ishnia. She nodded, "I will join you." The Leader smiled with satisfaction. He moved away from her and went to Catlin who was a little pale, "You didn't have to come." Catlin grinned, "Yes I did." Conor nodded in understanding. It was time she too faced the past. The women and the few children that were with them slowly made their way out of the dungeon. Conor looked around him. This had not been the dungeon he had been in but it was very similar to it. He accepted what had happened, after all it had forced him to find himself again. He smiled as he saw tears of freedom in the eyes of young woman who passed them. War would be for a good cause if only to see the people regain their freedom. From out of the confusion of elation, a little boy came to stand before Conor. Catlin and Conor looked at him reassuringly. The young leader kneeled, "Hello," "Are you Conor, the son of Derek? The one who leads the fight against the Romans?" He asked carefully as he eyed the man before him. A gentle confident smile spread across the Young Prince's face and he nodded, "I am." THE END ***Valerie*** ***a.k.a. Speedy87*** Nomad and Roarior *chungykv@intergate.bc.ca*