For Centuries - Season 1 [Completed]

Saturday Night At The Pearl, Volume 4. Episode 33B

Lucas' Playlist: "Ordinary Love ", U2

It felt so anachronistic. Adapting to one's time was a constant struggle for immortals, and here we were, acting actively archaic and preparing for a sword duel in the courtyard of an old mansion. It made no sense to me. I knew they were afraid and proud, and that all these conventions were reassuring for them but I did not think it was a good enough reason to risk one's life.

Titus was a great warrior. I had seen him fight twice or thrice over the centuries and I had been impressed. But I trained too, since the beginning of my immortal life, and I knew it would be a fair fight.

***

Aidan

I can't stay home waiting. Going to The Pearl. Please be safe.

Elise

I will. Anna does not know. Do not tell her.

And if something happens to me, please give her the letter I left in my office at the club. And take care of her.

***

The courtyard was lightened by large spots which created high contrasts on the walls and the ground. The only thing missing was a camera crew to look like a film set. Something felt unreal. Abosede, Jimena, Richard, and Achraf were there, but they were not alone. A handful of other immortals had joined the party, probably curious to see the outcome of this event.

Titus was waiting for me. I greeted everyone with a nod and he made a sign to Jimena. She started the ritual with ancient words which were supposed to have the power of blessing the fighters and their weapons. I felt the weight of my sword in my hand and I focused.

***

Dear Anna,

I remember as if it were yesterday the night when you pushed the door of The Pearl to ask me for a job. I knew right away that you were a special person. And every day since then, I have been amazed by your kindness and your strength. So much has happened. I want you to believe in yourself and to live your life to the fullest. If you need anything, I know that Ethan will be there for you. You will find in my home office many things that could be useful, and especially my diaries. There, you will read everything that I have to say to you. I just want to tell you that I always considered you as a daughter and that I love you. I wish you the best.

Elise

***

The sound of metal against metal. Testing the adversary first, trying to find a weakness. The determination in his eyes. He was strong, but so was I. He was fast too. Most of the time I could anticipate where he was going to hit before he did it. But not every time. The blade cut through the cloth and through the skin of my arm. It threw me off balance.

"Stop!"

Titus, and everyone with him, turned their heads towards the voice. It was Anna screaming, and out of breath. She came right at us and I made a sign to Titus who took a step back.

I rushed towards Anna. "What are you doing here?"

"Aidan told me about the duel. I found you with a spell. I couldn't let you do that, Boss."

"Sweetie."

"Please, you cannot risk your life like that."

"I am going to be fine."

"And if you are not? I cannot lose you, Boss. I can't," she said with tears in her eyes.

I put my hand on her cheek. "Anna. I am sorry, but I have to do this. You cannot intervene."

She was very upset but she saw  that she could not prevent me from fighting. She hugged me frantically and I said in her ear: "I love you, sweetie." The words could not come out of her mouth to answer me. She stayed still and I went back to Titus. Metal against metal again.