Highlander Resserection Book One The Promise

Richie's Return

Methos arrived at the stone circle at day break to start the preparations. He setup the alter and drew the circle into the dry earth. It had been almost two thousand years since he had done temple preparations but once he started it seemed like just yesterday. Methos had always preferred the pagan ways to the current religions they always seemed much more real and sincere.

Once everything was set to his satisfaction Methos sat down in the middle of the circle and began meditating. It was going to be a long night and he wanted to have a clear head when the ceremony began.

At about six in the evening Duncan showed up with a basket of food Diana had cooked. She had been worried Methos had forgotten to eat. Duncan stood just outside the stone circle. Methos had already changed into his robes and had markings on his face from long ago.

“I take it you’ve played this part once or twice?” Duncan joked.

Methos opened his eyes and stood up stretching slowly. He turned and noticed the basket “A few times. So is that for me?” He asked indicating the basket.

“Diana said I better make sure you’re fed.” Duncan grinned as he continued “Her exact words while packing it were… If he doesn’t want to eat then sit on him and force feed him.

“She said that did she.” Methos replied with a smirk “Well then I guess you better hand over the food.” Duncan handed over the basket and Methos opened it and set up the food. He noticed that there were three plates. He understood and made three equal plates. Methos handed one to Mac who gave him a questioning look and then placed the other one on the alter. He lit a candle and whispered a prayer.

“May the spirits accept this humble offering. Blessed be.” Methos finished and walked back to where Mac was sitting.

“What was that?” Mac asked gesturing toward the alter.

“How old are you McLeod?” Methos asked sarcastically.

“Four hundred and some change, why?” Mac replied.

“I would have thought you being that old and having a degree in history would recognize an offering to the spirits.” Methos reasoned as he began to eat.

“I understand what it was. I just never saw you do anything spiritual before. I didn’t think you believed in any religion.” Duncan shot back.

“I have my moments and Celtic Paganism has been a favorite of mine for a very long time. Besides with what we’re doing tonight a little extra help couldn’t hurt.” Methos shrugged.

They finished eating in silence both caught up in their own thoughts. Before they knew it the food was gone. Methos started clearing the dishes and containers, putting them neatly back into the basket.

“OK, who are you and what have you done with my friend?” Duncan joked as he started helping Methos clear everything away.

“Ha ha very funny.” Methos said as he made a face “How much longer till the others arrive?”

Duncan pulled out his pocket watch “About another twenty minutes. Why?”

Methos looked around “Just enough time.” He said more to himself than Duncan. Methos walked over to the alter and pulled a beautifully crafted dagger out of a sheath at his waist “Do you believe in magic Highlander?” Methos asked with a smirk.

“I would have said no before Arimon came along. Now I think anything is possible.” Duncan said as he watched Methos lift the dagger into the air. Duncan felt a breeze begin to blow around him somehow the coolness of the air was comforting.