Future Past PT2.

Posted on Fri Sep 11th, 2026 @ 8:41am by Captain Kevin, Lord Kilbane of Sanquhar & Commander Milani

10,071 words; about a 50 minute read

Mission: Delivering on the undeliverable.
Location: Earth
Timeline: Current.

Kevin arrived at the place where Alistair had said Milani had told them to set up the traps and ambushes, dismounting her horse he looked around. He couldn't sense her though their mind link, so he knew she wasn't in the immediate vicinity and that caused him to begin to worry. "Where is she?" he said out loud to himself, at which point her horse wandered off to some trees and began pawing the ground. Fascinated by what it was doing, he walked across and looked at the ground, there were foot prints!

"Two...no...make that three sets..." he said, then he saw that some of the grass close by was flattened. "Someone either lay in wait for her, or something else happened" he went on, scratching his chin. Standing up, he looked around and saw more sets of foot prints leading off in another direction and he walked across a crouched down to look at them, "Just two sets here, and one's very deep..." he added. He looked around and saw that there were some very tall trees with easily climbable branches, so he walked across to the tallest one and climbed up to highest safe vantage point, sitting on a sturdy limb. Taking out his four folding spyglass and began to scan the area around him, that's when he saw the encampment, "Westmoreland..." he said. That's when it struck him, and looking back down at the ground where the deep set of footprints were he said, "That's why one set are deeper than the other, Milani must have been discovered, captured and carried back to 'his' camp."

Hurriedly he climbed back down to the ground and over to Milani's horse. A plan, as such, was already forming in his mind as he gathered the horses reigns and tied them to the tree he'd climbed up, "I think we'll need you a little later, sorry to tether and leave you here, but you're my best hope to get out of this quickly."

He looked back up at the top of the tree where he'd been sitting and worked out the route to Westmoreland's camp and set off, not waiting for Alistair, Harris and the others, there was no time time to waste. Taking care to be in cover, he made his way to the edge of the camp and sat still, watching and listening for anyone close by. In his mind he called out to Milani, ~Milani, Milani it’s Kevin are you hearing me, are you okay?~

Milani lay breathing quietly at the underside of the tent. She began to have an itch in the back of her mind as she took out a small knife that had been concealed in her boot. “Milani, Milani it’s Kevin are you hearing me, are you okay?” She smiled as she opened her mind. She had not been sure if the mental link they had shared after the ‘dragon planet’ was still there and it felt like an imprint in her mind, more of a letter than a voice conversation. She cleared her mind and opened the part of her brain that was needed to communicate. “Kevin, it’s Milani I can hear you. Do not worry I am fine and am in the middle of the enemy camp , I am about to enter the General’s tent to find something to help us. Meet me on the edge of the clearing with a fast horse and I will be with you as soon as possible, repeat I am all right.” She heaved with the effort of the communication and, for a moment lay still reorienting herself.

Concentrating her effort on the inside of the tent she once again took her knife and slowly and quietly began to slit the heavy canvas until she could slide inside. She stood listening then began to move to the table where she remembered seeing the maps. She picked up a pistol lying on a camp chair and slid it into her belt as, quickly and silently she gathered up as much as possible from the table, maps, papers and a small glass of an amber coloured liquid which she drained. It tasted good and she filled the glass again draining that. Suddenly a sound outside let her know the tent flap was opening and she slipped behind the screen that hid the Generals sleeping area.

“WELL FIND HER” Westmorland’s voice thundered as he noticed his table has been cleared. “DAMN HER TO HELL!” He shouted. “Find her Jensen or it will be you rank!” he said in an icy voice. Slowly she lay down and began to roll slowly under his sleeping cot and lay still listening to the mayhem outside.

Kevin got the reply from Milani, and though his initial relief at getting a reply, his fear then took over as she told him she was just about to enter Westmoreland's tent. He was about to try and dissuade her from doing so, then held back, she was right, if she could find anything to help aid their side in defeating the Earl's army it would be a tremendous coup. He trusted that Milani knew what she was doing, if anyone could do the job of gathering Intel, it was Milani. He backtracked the way he'd come and was once more with Milani's horse, and as scared as he was for her safety, both he and the horse could do nothing but wait for her safe return.

Milani lay under the cot thinking about her escape route. As she slowed her heart rate and her breathing down she began to relax. First rule of escaping, don't get caught, she said to herself. Westmorland was standing at the tent opening as noise was all around. then she saw it, a spare uniform, boots and a sword and hat. She waited until he had left the tent and gently she extricated herself from the cot. She pushed all the papers into a small satchel and quickly dressed. She knew she would not pass muster close up and the uniform was not that of an ordinary soldier but all she had to do was get a few yards start. Then a soldier walked across her path with a horse and she stepped out. It was lucky he was leading it from the other side so all he could see was a heavily braided coat.

"I will take the horse Soldier" she said in her best deep voice, grabbed the reins and led the horse away. Mounting quickly she shouldered the satchel and put her heels to the horses side. The horse jumped from a standstill to a gallop around the back of the tents.

"STOP THAT HORSE" a voice shouted but she was already halfway to the woods. "Kevin, get on your horse Milani shouted in her mind as she broke through the trees.

Kevin looked up as Milani's voice sounded loudly in his mind. However, what he saw was a horse coming roughly in his direction, atop with a rider dressed in the uniform of Westmoreland's army. Drawing his sword, he was about to raise it when he noted that the rider was not actually aiming his way but was instead heading to the woods behind him. As the horse flashed past him, he briefly saw Milani's face and everything fell into place, she'd managed to get out the camp and was now beating a hasty path back towards their own army. He reached for the reins of his horse and quickly got on, turning it back towards the trees and kicking it's flanks. The horse took off at a gallop and soon he was close behind Milani.

The twigs of the lower branched flicked Milan’s cheeks as she galloped, she could not sense anybody following her as she headed towards a newly planted row of sharpened sticks. She moved faster and asked her horse to jump at the last minute escaping the deadly injury below her. She began to slow as breathing heavily she entered her camp. Stopping she looked around behind her to see Kevin coming up fast behind her. Jumping off she took the saddle bag and handed her horse to someone. “Walk him slow and feed him well, he saved my life.” She said smiling to a small lad who took him as she waited for Kevin her heart singing to see him safe.

Seeing Milani's horse jump a piece of ground, looking for all the world as normal, reminded Kevin that traps had been put down and he got his horse to jump over the exact same area. The sound of those following them from Westmoreland's camp had now faded so Kevin believed they'd escaped and he now spurred his horse back into a gallop. Soon after, he made their own camp and seeing Milani he pulled his horse up and handed the reigns to one of his own stable hands, telling them to wash the horse down, give it plenty to drink and feed it well. He clapped it as it was slowly lead away, and he turned back in Milani's direction and ran over to her. He help her in a close embrace, kissing her head and cheeks, then her mouth.

Drawing back, he looked at her and said, "Are you Ok Milani, you've not been hurt in any way?"

“I am fine Kevin, I foolishly got myself captured and decided to turn it to our advantage. Did you get the Greek fire?” She asked.

Kevin looked at Milani with a 'you know you should have been more careful' look, but he also was glad she was fine. "Yes, we got the Greek fire thanks, it's been stored at the far end of the camp, well out of reach of doing anyone any harm."

“Here” she reached into the saddlebag and pulled out the papers. These were in his Graces desk so I thought they might be interesting, I didn’t have time to look through them.” She handed them to him and then spoke softly. “I heard you calling so we still have some mental connection.” She stroked his cheek and then noticed the crowd watching them. “Ahemm,”she said. “We don’t have long although it looked like the army were bedding down for the night.”

His face tingled at her touch and he was just about to reciprocate when Milani cleared her throat and almost imperceptibly nodded towards the crowd watching them. "Yes, thank you, we'll have to study them, see if it gives us an idea of Westmoreland's plans. Although they may be bedding down, we best triple the sentries just in case they plan a surprise attack during the night. Well, now that you're back safe, you should have something to eat and rest for a while, catch your breath so to speak."

Milani nodded thankfully and entered the makeshift tent. She poured herself some venison soup and a glass of wine. Slowly she removed her shirt and noted her wound had begun to bleed and looked red. Betazoids were very prone to infection and the level of pain made her realise there was indeed significant infection. "Where is Shon when you need her?" she said as she changed her dressing. There was no point in telling anyone she thought as she wound a strong belt around her waist to support the dressing.

Tearing herself a piece of bread she mopped up the soup double quickly and drank the wine. Sitting on the chair she began to fall asleep.

MacFinlayson entered the tent, "Please forgive the intrusion Lady Milani, but there are some things I need to talk to you about. The wound you have, if I'm right, isn't healing and there's a reason. The dirk I used when I stabbed you had a poison on it, one that I was taught about by the Druids I lived with. It keeps the wound from coagulating thus causing the person stabbed to bleed out eventually. However, there is a antidote, and I have it here, if you'll allow me to tend and heal you."

Milani stood unnerved by his appearance, she touched her wound and brought back blood on her fingers. "I knew this was not a usual wound damn it!" she exclaimed as she sat down. "I will not have you touch me unless Kevin is here." She said.

"There's another thing, and I mean nothing by this, both yourself and his Grace are people out of time, you ought not to be here" MacFinlayson added.

As for being out of time we are on our ship and this is his program which he runs, it is a part of his life and we have run it before. This is just a program of photons and pasitronal commands but something has brought us here for a reason and we must see it through.

"I have no idea of the things you speak of Lady Milani" MacFinlayson replied, "what is here is real enough, and his Grace I'm sure would testify to that. I understand you wishing him to be here as well so I'll have him sent for." He moved back to the tent entrance and looked outside. Seeing a passing youngster he bade the girl to find Kevin and bring him to Lady Milani's tent.

Sure enough, some ten minutes later Kevin appeared at the tent entrance and asked, "What's all this about MacFinlayson, I was going over the maps to figure out what Westmoreland's up to. MacFinlayson explained about the dirk, why Milani wanted him there, how her wound wouldn't heal properly and how that could be fixed.

Kevin looked at Milani and then crossed over to her, "My darling, if he can mend the wound, the sooner the better. I trust him, and I believe he's speaking the truth about healing you."

Milani looked at MacFinlayson. “I really do not like, or trust you. You stab me with a poisonous blade and then you offer us the army of the dead to fight our battle.” She sighed and sat down watching the blood trickle through her fingers, “but it looks like I will have to trust you do not kill me.” She smiled at Kevin, “oh by the way on my way out of their camp I put my little ‘pop gun' down the barrel of their largest cannon which, of course will explode when they try to use it. Now” she said to MacFinlayson do your worst.” She lay back, “please Kevin, watch him.”

"Oh, I certainly will Milani, you can be assured of that" Kevin replied, taking out his dirk and standing by her side. He looked at MacFinlayson and added, "One false move, one deviation from trying to heal the Lady here and this goes into your skull, understand?"

"I do your Grace, I understand completely" MacFinlayson replied. He moved over to Milani's side and began to peel away the dressing she'd placed on the wound and as he did he said, "I also understand why you don't trust me Lady Milani, or my offer of the army of the dead to help win this battle. However, I also know of the importance of keeping these lands in the hands of the Scottish people, and we don't have the numbers in real fighters to take on Westmoreland's army and win. Many of those who have decided to join his Grace aren't soldiers they're farmers, labourer's, crofters, fisherman and such like, they have no battle experience, so the army of the dead will be required to help us win."

Now that the wound was revealed, he washed it gently with some clean linen. Taking the bag he'd brought with him, he set it down beside him and reached inside and at once Kevin stepped forward, his dirk raised, "Slowly MacFinlayson, whatever it is you're doing, do it slowly."

"I'm just bringing out a poultice to place on the wound your Grace" he replied, slowly lifting a small white parcel from the bag and laying it down beside Milani. Kevin nodded and stepped back, lowering his dirk, "What's in the poultice?" he asked.

"Various herbs, leaves and a potion the Druids taught me to make that will help heal the wound and seal it quickly" MacFinlayson answered. He took a little water from a bowl next to him and poured it on the poultice, "At first you'll feel a little sting Lady Milani, that's just the poison in the wound being neutralised, it'll only last a few moments then afterwards you may feel a little warmth on the wound, that's the potion taking effect and beginning to heal the wound."

He took a long strip of clean linen, and as he placed the poultice on Milani's wound, he began wrapping the long piece of linen tightly around her waist. Once he was done, he stood upright again and said, "There' it's done, you should be feeling the effects of the wound healing very shortly."

Milani nodded, in fact she was beginning to feel a little better already. She really had not realised how ill she had felt. She moved into a more comfortable position and, then found herself on the floor the ground shaking. She laughed, "well that's their big cannon gone and, I presume a large amount of men as well," she sighed and stood. Turning to MacFinlayson she said. "I have not felt the army of the dead yet, we must make sure our people do not look. That is how they recruit you know," she looked askance at MacFinlayson showing her displeasure. She took Kevin's hand and kissed his fingers. Increasing sounds outside the tent made them look towards the tent flap. She sighed, "I was hoping to get some sleep."

Kevin in return kissed Milani's cheek and replied, "You rest my sweet, I'll go and see what the commotion is."

Looking at MacFinlayson he said, "Get the advance guard up front now!"

"Immediately your Grace" MacFinlayson answered him, turning and running out of the tent. He could hear orders being shouted as he exited and at once he grabbed hold of Harris, "What's happening?"

"Westmoreland's sent more scouts, our outer guards didn't see them till they were right on top of them" Harris replied, shaking his arm from MacFinlayson's fierce grip. MacFinlayson didn't stop his hard stare as he said, "His Grace want's the advance guard up front now, see to it!"

"Since when do you give orders here?" Harris answered harshly.

"Since your outer guards fell down on the job!" MacFinlayson replied, equally as harshly, "It's his Grace who's ordering it, I'm merely following those orders and YOU are in charge of the outer guards and advance guard!"

Harris gave him an evil stare but didn't reply, instead ran off to get the soldiers ready. Kevin exited the tent and ran over to MacFinlayson, "Are the advance guard prepared?"

"Harris is getting them brought up now your Grace, they'll be here momentarily" MacFinlayson answered.

Kevin looked around, "We can't have all these people doing nothing but wait. Collect the Greek Fire and bring it to the front of the camp, have it set up by the wood line at the entrance to the camp, I'll fetch Lady Milani, she'll know how to set it."

"Yes your Grace" MacFinlayson answered, running off and grabbing six able bodied men to help bring the Greek Fire up the wood line. Kevin turned and ran back to the tent and once inside he quickly moved over to Milani, "I know you need rest my darling, but I need you to organise the Greek Fire's use at the front of the camp. I heard MacFinlayson and Harris argue, it would appear Westmoreland's sent more scouts and they got by our outer guards but not far enough to reach our camp yet. The jars are being brought up now and put by the wood line at the entrance to the camp. Are you up to doing that?"

She nodded, finished her glass of wine and stood buttoning her clothes. “I had better be the one to handle the Greek fire and I have chosen three I think will be able to handle it, they need a good aim straight and true.” She took his arm. “I don’t know why this is happening or what the outcome will be but I could not think of anyone I would rather be with…” she took his face in her hands and softly kissed him. “For good or for ill Captain Kevin, Lord Kilbane of Sanquhar. Now, lead on MacDuff” as she smacked his behind and laughed.

The kiss with Milani was soft and sensuous, Kevin didn't want it to end. "I don't know either my darling, and there's no-one I'd rather be with than you as well." As she smacked his behind, her laugh melted his heart, it was so endearing and warm, not faked but genuine and honest, "Yes your MacDuffness, onwards and upwards...that came out wrong...as did that...I wish my brain would stop coming up with inuendoes!"

She laughed, “just watch your six Kevin and close your eyes when you feel icy cold……”

As he exited the tent he saw Harris and jogged across to him. "How many guns do we have Harris?"

"Six muskets from the castle M'Lord, and four pistols brought by those who had them" Harris replied.

"That's not many" Kevin continued, "but it's what we have so we'll have to make do with them. Right, pick our best shots and have them set up a double skirmish line fifty paces behind the the area where the Greek Fire's going to be used from. Are the canon cleaned and ready to fire?"

"I've just come from them your Grace and yes, they're cleaned and ready" Harris replied.

"Good...good..." Kevin answered, scratching his chin and he looked to where best to set them up. "Have them brought up and put one hundred paces in front of the area where the Greek Fire will be. Tell those manning them that they fire four canon balls on my mark and then beat a hasty retreat back to the gun skirmish line, their swords at the ready."

"We could have some of them scatter along the tree line your Grace, just in case some of Westmoreland's soldiers try coming at us through the trees" Harris said.

"Yes, good idea Harris, damned good idea, I see why my Father trusted your council" Kevin replied.

Harris gave a slight bow at the waist, "That's very kind of you to say so M'Lord."

Kevin clasped his hand onto Harris' shoulder and continued, "This could be a bloody day for us all Harris, I just hope that MacFinlayson is able to summon his army of the dead 'if' we need them." Harris nodded in agreement, "I'm not trying to put a downer on it, but it's highly likely we will your Grace, we're outnumbered and we lack fighters with experience."

Kevin nodded, "Right, carry out your orders Harris and get MacFinlayson up front where he...they...can be used. And Harris, thank you, you're a very loyal friend of the family, let's hope we can celebrate a victory together after this is all over."

Harris bowed his head, he'd never heard himself referred to as a 'loyal friend of the family before', and as he looked up, he met Kevin's stare and spoke with a slightly quivering lip and hoarse voice, "It's been my privilege your Grace..."

"Kevin..." Kevin interjected, "You've earned the right to call me Kevin, Harris."

Harris smiled though tears that he was fighting back, "It's been my privilege...Your Grace" he finally said.

Kevin smiled and laughed, "Very well, be on your way my man, and keep your head on your shoulders."

Harris nodded, turned and jogged off. Kevin looked round to the tent and saw Milani coming out, and as he walked back to meet her, he smiled lovingly at her, "Are you ready my sweet?"

Milani did not answer her mind already on her supply of Greek fire and what was needed to ensure the maximum killing range. She had been so used to killing and pretending not to care that it returned so easily when she opened her heart to it. Her eyes began to change as her pupils dilated and her prefrontal cortex began to increase as the probable cost of the coming battle enfolded her. Taking a sword she had purloined from the tent she threaded it into her belt as she walked over to the supply and the women she had specially chosen to use it. Women were often the better when it came to killing she mused, and she had not told Kevin of the things she had done. Her eyes closed as she thought of his death and what that would do to her. Would she continue on the ship, return to Betazed to feel the wrath of the council or run herself through?

Reaching the women she shrugged. She would do her duty. “Ladies, thank you for volunteering for this dangerous task. Our mission is to kill as many of the enemy as we can. But be aware that, if not thrown correctly with your slings it could be your own graves you will be being buried in. You will be behind the carts and the barricades to, hopefully avoid the guns. You will all be given five fires to launch as the first soldiers reach us. They should be so thick as to ensure maximum reach, the fire will spread from one to the other and they will not be able to put it out. If you slings do not work then just throw as far as you can. When you have delivered your fire move away.”

Milani looked around for MacFinlayson to see him watching her. He smiled and touched his forehead to her and she looked away.
“To finish, if and when I tell you to close your eyes you must not open them until I tell you to do so. Any questions?” She asked.

Kevin was somewhat surprised that Milani didn't even acknowledge that he'd spoken to her, but instead walked straight past him and kept on going. For just a moment, he stared at her, an anger rising within him. This was a day that would define whether or not the freedom of the people under his care, people he loved unconditionally, was maintained or lost, possibly for ever.

"Fine, be like that" he said after her, then turned and walked in the other direction, the anger now apparent on his face. He found Harris, "Are we set Harris?" he asked brusquely.

"The lines have been set your Grace, four some fifty yards behind the Greek Fire throwing line, and the four behind them have our canon in situe, evenly spread" Harris replied, then added, "Is everything alright your Grace, if I may observe, you seem a little tense?"

"I'm fine!" Kevin snapped back, then bowed his head. Looking up again at Harris he said, "I'm sorry Harris, I shouldn't have snapped at you like that, my apologies old friend."

Harris nodded, "I have thick skin your Grace, is there anything I can do to help with whatever it is?"

Kevin smiled wanly and put his hand on the older mans shoulder, "Just being here and keeping me in check is more than enough Harris, thank you. Now, if you could make your way up to the front line, I'll join you shortly."

Harris nodded and moved away. Kevin watched as he did, then he turned his head towards where Milani and the ladies were, he hoped they'd be ready when he needed them to let loose the Greek Fire. He walked the line where the soldiers with the canon were, nodding encouragement to them as he did, and finally it was time to make his way to the front line. He ran quickly to get there, and walked out in front of his people.

"My friends, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here. We fight this day to keep what is sacred to us alive and well...and ours!" he began, "My family, along with yours, have been custodians of this fair land for generations and we will not give it up for anyone, let alone a country bumkin like Westmoreland and his ilk. Today, we draw a line in the earth, they shall not challenge us lest they taste the wrath of our determination and anger. This day, we send packing those who would dare to try and forcefully take what is rightfully ours. Today we stand shoulder to shoulder like a formidable wall that will not be breached, that will come crashing down on their heads with a bloody vengeance if they dare try. My friends, what we do this day is for us and our families, so be stout, be brave and above all be courageous. Let your arm be strong and your aim steady...FOR SANQUHAR!" he cried.

"FOR SANQUHAR, FOR SANQUHAR, FOR SANQUHAR..." they all shouted back to him, waving their weapons and swords in the air. Kevin moved back to in front of the middle of the front line, then drew his sword. In the distance, there were suddenly cries of death and cries for help and he knew that some of Westmoreland's troops had fallen into the traps that Milani and her people had set. He knew it wouldn't hold the main troops up for long, and he was right for a few minutes later he saw them coming down the pathway into the camp.

He raised his voice, shouting, "MAKE READY!", then the charge from the other side came, this was it.

Milani looked round her eyes searching for him watching as he drew his sword. She turned back, “ready fire!” She ordered as she took a bowl herself. “Aim for the third row!” she cried then began her call. “DEATH, DEATH, DEATH, over and over again which the women with her took up. “Fire” Milani shouted as the women stood from behind the carts and threw their first fire towards the marching men. The first pots hit immediately exploding over the heads and amongst the men passing for a man on fire to the next soldier and the next. Then the screaming began as their sergeants shouted at them to hold ranks. Despite the exhortations some began to drop as the men behind them also caught fire.

“WELL DONE” Milani shouted. “AGAIN” she called as the women stood and threw their fire. Then, one of the women caught a bullet trough the temple and dropped. Milani threw hers and ran to Mann the empty cart. One of the soldiers had reached the cart and discharged his musket. The bullet grazed her shoulder and she screamed and pulled him towards her taking his eyes out with her fingers. He dropped clawing at his face as she took his sword and musket and fired it taking someone off his horse.

The Greek fire was now having a terrible effect on the close packed troops and the ranks broke. Some ran towards the women and Milani jumped in front now fighting. They had no chance against her and, as she fought more she began to enjoy it. The ladies continued the dreadful onslaught against the troops the effects of the heat now beginning to tell on them.

Kevin looked round as Milani told her women to throw the lit Greek Fire jars into the oncoming soldiers attacking them. "It's to early!" he cried, he'd wanted at least six or seven rows of the enemy closer to them before the jars were to be thrown, that way they could half the troops coming towards them, half in front of the fire, half behind, but that plan was now mute. There was a certain satisfaction though he drew though from seeing the troops around where the lit jars fell catch fire and in their panic to try to put the fire out those troops set fire to some of the around them. However, that was short lived as a call suddenly went up from Harris, "YOUR GRACE, THE TREES, WESTMORELAND'S TROOPS HAVE COME THROUGH THE TREES!"

In his haste to set up their own soldiers and canon, Kevin had not taken into account that they could have been flanked by Westmoreland with him sending some of his own soldiers on a round about route to circumnavigate a head on fight. "DAMN!!!" Kevin cried, then shouted to Harris, "Turn your group around to fight them as they come through the trees, we'll continue with the main assault attack!"

Harris nodded and began shouting orders to those around them, but it was to late, Westmoreland's soldiers burst out from the treeline and began attacking Harris' ranks. Kevin's mind raced as he tried to calculate how he could fight on two fronts with limited room to manoeuvre, the fight could be over before it had really begun. Then MacFinlayson came into his eyeline...

"MACFINLAYSON, IF YOU SAY YOU CAN SUMMON A DEAD ARMY, NOW'S THE TIME TO PROVE IT, HELP HARRIS AND HIS SOLDIERS!!!!" he yelled.

MacFinlayson at once closed his eyes, reached out his hands and began reciting an incantation. With Harris' soldiers now in a fierce hand to hand combat situation, all looked lost, but suddenly the earth around where Harris stood began to shake and shudder as fleshless arms and ghoulish upper torso's appeared through the sod, swords raised...the army of the dead were awakened.

Milani was engaged in a fierce fight with several soldiers with fixed wicked looking bayonets. It almost looked like a dance as she struck and twirled using her blade to devastating effectiveness. "Cold" she said as a feeling of being frozen swept over her. She could not think or move for a moment then shouted "DOWN" hoping that the women could hear her. She threw herself down falling on the contorted bodies of the men she had just slaughtered burying her face in the red jacketed body below her. The freezing wind swept over her as she felt something move. A light touch cold on her neck and sweeping over her body. She thought of Kevin hoping that he was doing the same. 'MacFinlayson' she thought as she felt her brain begin to freeze. It felt like feet sweeping over her as screams began to ring out all around her.

Wave after wave of enemy troops kept coming headlong at Kevin and those he was fighting alongside. Slowly but surely, no matter how viciously they fought, the weight of numbers from Westmoreland's side cut Kevin's numbers down, and finally he knew that they were no longer able to hold the line, "FALL BACK TO THE SECOND LINE!" he yelled, parrying a swipe from the sword of an enemy officer. He stood his ground as those around him fell back yard by yard, and once he saw that they were nearly at the second line, he himself began to slowly move backwards. It had taken a few minutes for MacFinlayson to get the incantation to take effect, but as Kevin reached the Harris' line, what was left of it, he saw the ground tremble and tufts of sod began exploding upwards. It was then he heard Milani yell the warning to her own section to get down, and he himself called out loudly, "EVERYBODY DOWN NOW, COVER YOUR EYES AND DON'T LOOK UP TILL i TELL YOU TO!!!!!"

He watched as all of those him from his army hit the ground and covered their heads with anything that came to hand, and with final glance towards MacFinlayson, who was deep in a trance now, he hit the ground himself, grabbing a cape and covering his head. For moments that seemed eternal, nothing happened and then screams of pure terror and fear started to go up. It went on and on and Kevin found himself stuffing mud into his ears to try and stop those horrible screams from reaching him, but to little effect. The sound of clashing swords and bullets being fired mixed with the screams and rose into a crescendo and suddenly there was silence, a silence that almost hurt. Kevin didn't look up, he waited and waited to see if there would be anymore screaming or shots fired, but they didn't come. A hand was placed on his shoulder and Kevin almost shouted in fear as the cape was removed from his head and the familiar voice of MacFinlayson spoke.

"You can stand up now your Grace, it is done" he said to Kevin. Kevin stood up, his eyes still closed as if he feared opening them would bring about his death. "You can open your eyes" MacFinlayson said, so slowly Kevin did and the sight that he saw sent a shiver down his spine, all around them were the bodies of Westmoreland's soldiers, each and every one of them dead, frozen fear and contorted looks on their faces. It took a couple of minutes for Kevin to come to terms with what he was seeing, and finally he turned and looked at MacFinlayson, "Where are the army of the dead?" he asked.

"Back in their own realm your Grace" MacFinlayson replied, "And there they will remain till we are gone before they come back and claim those that they've killed here this day."

Kevin was to numb with what he was seeing to answer back, he just nodded slowly. Harris approached them both and stood beside Kevin, "It's a sight you'll never forget your Grace, but now is not the time to dwell on what's happened here, it's time for us to leave this place of death and destruction to return to the Castle Sanquhar to grieve those we've lost and celebrate their sacrifice to keep this land ours."

Again, Kevin found he couldn't answer, he was just to overwhelmed. Harris could see it would take Kevin some time to come back to being himself, if that were possible, so he began shouting orders to the survivors to collect as many guns and ammunition from the dead enemy soldiers and cart them up to be taken back with them.

Kevin suddenly snapped out of his dwelling and realised he needed to find Milani to make sure she and her women soldiers were ok. He ran towards where they had been throwing the Greek Fire at the enemy troops, and as he reached the spot he called out, "MILANI, MILANI, ARE YOU HERE???"

Milani found herself covered under bodies of those slain and those to be taken by the army of the dead. She shivered and ‘owed’ as she moved her sword arm, it would be sore for a while. She pushed the bodies aside and stood gasping as she eyed the field. It looked to her mind like a great wind had blown a field of wheat over. She shivered and turned seeing the women with her slowly standing.”MILANI” she heard and turned to see Kevin flying towards her.

“We are okay, all of us.”She tripped into his arms her face pressed into his coat her hands searching him for wounds. Silently she began to cry, something she had not done for years. Can we go home, home to the castle?” She asked. “I have finished with death for a while and I would love a drink!” She sniffled and laughed. “It felt so bone chillingly cold I never really believed it would happen.”

“We shall my sweet, but first we must make certain of something, that Westmoreland is either dead or on the retreat back to his own land” Kevin replied, “but if you’re not up to it, I completely understand, Harris will accompany you back to Sanquhar Castle and I’ll join you once I’ve determined what’s happened to him.”

"NO" Milani said. "We will finish this together but, I am not sure there will be anyone left alive. I get the idea that the army of the dead do not leave behind those who look. At least the horses were left, and where is MacFinlayson?" She looked into the staring eyes of the dead. "Those we killed are the lucky ones." She grasped his hand as they searched.

It took quite a while for them both to search through the bodies of the dead enemy soldiers, and in the end they couldn't find Westmoreland's body. "If he's not here, perhaps he's back at the camp they set up" Kevin said. He looked around the scene at those soldiers who lay in grotesque positions, and as much as he tried to not have pity on them, being the enemy, he found that he did, it was a horrible way to die.

Seeing Harris, he called him over. "How can I be of service your Grace?" Harris asked, to which Kevin replied, "Gather up our fallen and have them taken back with us, then have some of our people gather up all the guns and ammunition from the dead and load them onto our carts so that we can take them back to the castle. Also, find the horses Westmoreland's army brought with them and hitch them onto the cannons and have them brought back to the castle as well, there will probably be canon balls, wicks and gunpowder so bring all that too. Lady Milani and I are going to Westmoreland's camp to see if we can find his body there. Don't wait for us, once you're ready to leave, head back and we'll see you there."

"Very good your Grace" Harris answered, nodding his head, turning and shouting out orders.

Kevin turned to Milani and said, "We'll take your horse, she's fast and we need to get to Westmoreland's camp before nightfall to search it."

It didn't take long for them both to ride the horse to the enemy camp, and on seeing the devastation there they slowly brought the horse to a halt and jumped down. There weren't as many dead bodies here, but it was still a horrific scene and Kevin took no delight in seeing the horror on the faces of the dead around them. He saw what looked like it could be the main tent, and walking hand in hand with Milani, he lead them there. Entering inside, he saw that there was no-one there...or was there. A soft whimpering came from behind a screen, and slowly, Kevin made his way over, hand on the hilt of his sword. Reaching it, he placed his hand on top then tore it aside, ready to fight whatever was behind it if needs be.

"NO...NO...DON'T HURT ME..." the person kneeling on the ground, holding their hands in front of them, eyes tightly closed shouted.

"WESTMORELAND!!!!" Kevin said in a loud growl.

The whimpering Westmoreland slowly opened his eyes and looked at Kevin, "Kilbane..." he whispered, "I saw my soldiers die horribly in front of me, I don't know how but they just fell over, screaming like banshees. I ran back inside here to get away from whatever it was that was killing my men, you have to save me, you have to save m..."

Kevin drew his sword, lunged at Westmoreland, and drove it through his enemy's open mouth and out the back of his head.

"No I don't" Kevin hissed, then pulled his sword free. He watched as Westmoreland slowly slid to the ground, a stunned look on his face. Kevin turned to Milani, "It's done, Westmoreland is dead, as is his army, and we're taking the spoils of war back to the castle with us...along with our honoured dead. It's time for us to leave and go home."

Milani turned sickened by the loss of life she saw all around her. Taking Kevin's bloodied hand she squeezed it unable to verbalise her feelings. "I want to go home, home to the ship," she waved an arm, "None of this," she said bitterly, "none of this is real. Why have we had to do this, what sick fuck mind has trapped us here?" she asked knowing there was no real answer. as they rounded the corner MacFinlayson stood by the cart which the women were loading with the weapons of the dead.

Suddenly Milani snapped and ran towards him pushing him back her hand around his throat. "I't's you you bastard, everything that has happened it's your doing!" Her hand tightened cutting off his air completely as she wished she had a sword in her hand. "FUCK YOU" she shouted and, as suddenly as the feeling had come upon her she felt empty. Letting him breathe once again she said "Please, send us home."

MacFinlayson breathed raggedly as he attempted to reply to what Milani had said, “It’s not up to me for you to go home M’Lady, that must be your choice, and that of his Grace. Were it to have been mine, I’d have had you leave before the battle commenced. I don’t think you quite grasp the situation, what you see here is a battle of consciousness and you’re almost at the end of it all, but there’s still one task to be fulfilled, and it’s one you must face together with his Grace, with a guaranteed positive outcome.”

Milani pushed him away and he staggered back at the force with which she pushed him. Turning around she looked at Kevin. “Have you any idea what he is talking about?” She asked as she walked to him the violence leaving her.

Kevin pondered MacFinlayson’s words carefully, “There’s obviously more to this situation than we realise” he replied to Milani, “Think of it this way, if this were a corrupted programme, how would you define what’s a virus and what’s the countermeasures?”

Milani picked up some swords and rifles and placed them in the cart that Harris was filling with arms. She spoke to the women who helped with the Greek fire thanking them, all the time thinking about what Kevin had said. “If you ask me the virus in this program was Westmoreland and his army. I do not think you designed it for this massive loss of life. If I was able to access the files I would look for the corrupted part of the program and wipe it.” She looked at him tiredly. “I am done for the moment, I have to eat and sleep. Harris?”

“Yes Milady?” He said.

Milani smiled at him, “Can you please make sure our dead are taken to the castle, we do not know when the army of the dead will appear to take the souls and I do not want our dead to join them.”

Harris touched his cap and frowned turning away to see to her request.

She moved to Kevin’s side wanting to feel the closeness, slipping her fingers into his she said.” Let’s go home love.”

"Yes, of course sweetheart" Kevin replied, and added "I was thinking the same about the virus, yet, I think there could be more to it."

He pushed the thought from his mind and smiled wearily at Milani, "It's time to leave this place of death and destruction and focus on our own people."

With the carts now fully loaded with their honoured dead, guns, ordinance and provisions, plus the captured canons along with their horses, Kevin helped Milani up onto her horse and got up behind her, holding her close to him. The journey back to the castle took a few days, there being no danger, Kevin didn't push the people to hard, he allowed them to go at their own pace, and bit by bit he bid farewell and gave thanks to those who had rallied to the call. Finally, they arrived back at the castle and Kevin gave Harris orders to see to the honoured dead first, ensuring they were treated with dignity as they were taken from the carts to be readied for their final resting place.

Coming down from Milani's horse, he helped her dismount and stood looking at her. "You know, I could become quite attached to someone such as yourself, are you currently seeing anyone?" he asked, trying to make a little light-heartedness in the dimming light of the day.

Milani laughed quietly as she leaned into him. "I'm sorry but I am involved with someone currently and, I am hoping he wants to be very involved with me." John the stable lad rounded the corner to take her horse. "John please make sure all the horses have extra mash tonight, it's been one hell of a day." He nodded blushing.

"Let's go in," she said opening the castle door and entering to the warmth and glow of the sconces. She unpinned her hair, "I need a bath, some dinner and a little brandy by the fire then I can think clearly about our predicament. Care to join me?" she asked lightly.

Kevin walked in behind her and he watched as Milani's hair cascaded down her back, it took his breath away. "Yes, I'd like that" he answered, taking her hand and slowly leading them upstairs towards the bedrooms. Coming down the other way was Mrs Shepherd, and when she saw them both she stopped and curtsied, "Your Grace, Milady, it's good to have you both back safe and sound, I've been praying for your safe return and my prayers have been answered."

"Thank you Mrs Shepherd, we both appreciate that very much" Kevin replied, "though I have to report that some of our people didn't make it, they died bravely defending our land. Their funerals will take place over the next few days in accordance with their families wishes, could you please see to it that when they come here to view their loved ones that there's provision made for them, rooms, food, drink, clothing...whatever they require."

"I shall your Grace, everything will be taken care of" Mrs Shepherd replied.

"Thank you" Kevin said, "but now, Lady Milani and I will be retiring to bathe and rest up for a little while. Could you please have the kitchen prepare something for us to eat in a couple of hours in the study and have a fire lit and brandy decanted to be brought along with the meal please."

"Of course your Grace, I'll see to that once I've made sure arrangements are made for the families coming here" Mrs Shepherd replied, then she curtsied again and carried on down the stairs. Kevin nodded as she left them and then carried on up the stairs. At the top, he stopped and turned to face Milani, and taking her hands he said, "I'll have preparations made for you to bathe my sweet, and once I've seen to myself I'll come and join you."

Milani nodded dog tired and entered her rooms. She wearily divested herself of her gore spattered clothes and bundled them up. A sudden burst of temper, or something she really did not recognise made her throw them into the fire that had hastily been made up. One of the maids was carrying the buckets of hot water to fill the bath so she sat naked on the chair by the fire and waited. A noise made her rise and stand by the window. They were bringing the dead in slowly, reverently. "So many" she whispered.

Suddenly she wanted Kevin naked and aroused in bed with him making savage love to her making her forget the last few hours.

Kevin had entered his own room and sat down beside the lit fire, before him sat a decanter of whisky and a empty glass. He reached forward and took the stopper off the decanter and placed it on the table. Picking the decanter up, he moved it towards the glass and began to pour a measure, his hands shaking as he did causing the glass to clink on glass. He hadn't realised till that moment how tired he was, and how much the recent events had actually affected him. True, he was the Laird of the castle and it's lands, and true, the defence of it and the people under his charge was his responsibility, but at the end of the day, he was still just a man, a man who had his faults and was scared. Placing the decanter back down, he raised the glass shakily to his lips and gulped the liquid down. He poured another, then another and then another, feeling the need to almost drown out the thoughts than ran amok through his mind. A gentle knock on the door was followed with it being opened and Harris entering, "The bodies of our honoured dead have been brought into the castle your Grace, and sentries set up to guard them."

"Thank you Harris, and thank you for all you've done for us over the last few weeks" Kevin replied.

"I'm at your service at all times in all things your Grace" Harris answered, bowing his head. Kevin stood up and walked across to him, "Yes, yes you are, as are all the household here, and we appreciate this more than you all know. I've decided to give you all a proper thank you, and I'll not take no for an answer. In the morn, gather all the household staff and tell them to pick three acres of land in the estate, and say to them that it will be there land from now on. There's no rent to be paid, and the land will be given to them and their descendants in perpetuity, all I ask is that they provide 'some' food for the castle. whatever it may be."

Harris blinked a few times and finally said, "Your Grace, that's more than generous, I don't know what to say."

Kevin place an hand on his shoulder, "You don't have to say anything Harris, just give give the grateful thanks of myself and Lady Milani to them all for what they've done this day to allow us to keep our land a free one."

Harris gulped back a sob, looking to be stoic, nodded his head and bowed it, "I'll see to it first thing your Grace."

Kevin took his hand off of his shoulder, turned back to the table and sat down, "Thank you my friend, and now go and see to yourself and the rest of the household, make sure everyone has what they need this night, heaven knows they deserve it."

Harris smiled, "As your Grace asks" he answered, then bowed his head again and exited the room. Kevin shed his clothes and walked through to the bathing area of his room and got into the warm water. He allowed it to soak through him, warm his body and cleanse the blood and mud from himself, "If I never fight another battle in my life I'll be grateful" he said to himself. In his minds eye, he could still see the battle happening, his people fighting, clawing, gouging, biting...and many of them dying. He also saw the courage of the ladies who Milani had fought alongside with the Greek Fire, many of them youngsters brave, so brave, fighting for all they were worth and he was so grateful for their courage and for the leadership of Milani who encouraged them. Falling asleep for a little while, he woke up with a start, but then sighed as he realised he was still in his bath. Washing then getting out and drying himself, he stood by the warming his body before wrapping himself in his robe. He walked to the door, opened it and exited onto the landing and walked to Milani's room door. He knocked gently and opened the door, "Milani my love, it's Kevin, may I came in?"

Milani had fallen asleep naked and exhausted on the bed. However a quiet sleep had eluded her and she was stuck in a nightmare. Westmorland had her bound and held whilst he struck Kevin's head off whilst she watched. She did not scream not wanting to give Westmorland the pleasure of seeing how much she cared. However she was dying inside and thrashed around on the bed trying to release herself from her bonds.There was nothing she wanted more than to plunge her sword into him and to watch him slowly die as she cut out his entrails. "KEVIN" she shouted as she slept.

Kevin rushed into the room when he heard Milani shout his name. See her writhing in her bed, he ran over to her and began trying to calm her down, “I’m here Milani, I’m here…” he said as he held her close in an embrace.

She woke suddenly held tight in his arms and breathed a sigh of relief. Pushing him to arms length but still holding on to him she asked him if he was okay and sighed.

“Yes, just a little sore in places” he replied, smiling.

"I though once this was over that whatever, whoever is holding us here would return us to either the ship or the simulation, computer arch?" she said with the sudden realisation she had not tried the simplest thing. Nothing happened as she had feared. A low knock on the door happened. "Come in," Milani said.

Mrs Shepherd entered carrying a tray with tea, sandwiches and cake. Putting the tray down on the small table she said, "sorry to disturb you Milord, Milady but I thought you might enjoy a hot drink and a bite to eat. I have also asked the maid to light the fire in here seeing as it is getting dark." Having said that she left gently closing the heavy door behind her.

"What in the Gods names are we going to do Kevin?" Milani asked.

“That I’m not sure about my sweet” Kevin replied. He was just about to add something when there was another knock at the door, “Come in” Kevin said, without thinking of the fact it was Milani’s room. The door opened and Harris entered, “Forgive the intrusion your Grace, M’Lady, but MacFinlayson says he urgently needs to see both of you in the stable yard.”

“Can’t it wait, we’re both pretty tired” Kevin answered.

“He was most insistent it was urgent your Grace” Harris said.

Kevin sighed, “Very well, we’ll be down shortly, and this had better be worth it.”

Harris nodded and withdrew, Kevin stood up and looked at Milani and said, “No rest for the wicked then.”

Milani sighed, "to be truthful I just wanted to spend some time with you" she said as she stood and quickly threw her clothes on.

Once she was ready, Kevin opened the door for her and exited the room once she’d done so. Taking her hand, he walked slowly down the stair and through the castle finally arriving out in the stable yard where they could see MacFinlayson waiting. “What do you want MacFinlayson?” Kevin asked.

The man walked over to them and bowed his head, “As you can see, a storm is coming this way your Grace” he replied, pointing at the dark sky as thunder sounded and lightning flashed.

“What of it?” Kevin asked.

“It’s time for you to both go from here” MacFinlayson replied, throwing his arm up above his head and suddenly pulling it down. A bolt of lightning struck the ground a few yards in front of Kevin and Milani, and Kevin once more saw a white light, then nothing.

Slowly he opened his eyes and began looking around to see if Milani was alright, then he saw it, the familiar surroundings of the Thall’s transporter room…
Ll
Milani gasped as the familiar surroundings of the transporter room materialised around her. She laughed wondering to herself what it had all been about. "So much for our vacation," she said. "I wonder what is next for us?" she said.

“Hopefully something that’s very mundane” Kevin replied, lying down then rolling over and laughing loudly.

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