That Old Black Magic by Winnie

Chris Larabee sighed as he looked at the new colt standing beside its mother. The animal stood on unsteady legs and took its first step. This was something he loved to watch and prided himself on the fact that his horses were the best in the colonies and could rival those of the horse breeders in England .

"Another beaut, Chris," Tanner said and leaned on the corral fence. "Thought of a name yet?"

"Thunder," Larabee answered.

"Thunder? Why?"

"Did you see that storm yesterday? I doubt we've had one like that in years."

"Yeah, Miss Lizabeth says it s har…harbi…"

"Harbinger?"

"Yeah, that's it. Called it a harbinger of danger. Says we'd best be real careful," Tanner explained.

"I have never been one to believe in superstitions like that, Vin . Honestly, Liza best be careful no one hears her talking like that or she will be up before the magistrate as a witch. I do not believe in witchery, but that does not mean others see things as I do. I'd hate to see the townspeople up in arms because they think she is seeing things she should not," Larabee explained and turned toward the driveway leading up to his house.

"Expectin' comp'ny?"

"No," Larabee answered and stared at the buggy as it came closer. There was something vaguely familiar about the woman seated in the back, but he couldn't quite place her. He'd met so many women since being accepted in the upper echelon of colonial society, but somehow he knew that was not where he'd met this raven-haired beauty who turned to stare in his direction.

"Sure seems a shame not ta be there ta meet her, Chris. Want me ta go up there and show her some real charm?"

"I do not think so, Tanner. You keep an eye on Thunder, maybe muck out the stalls while I take care of the lovely lady." Larabee didn't hear Tanner's near silent curse as he walked slowly along the path toward his home. The buggy stopped at the main doors to his house and he watched as his guest stepped out onto the gravel walk. Again, Chris was struck by the familiarity of her walk as she turned toward him.

"Christopher, darling, I have missed you so much."

The sultry voice was a jolt to his body and a brief flash of fear niggled his senses before she reached him and drew him into a wanton kiss. Chris knew he should pull away from her. She risked Scandal and ruining her reputation with such public wanton behavior, but she had always been his weakness whenever she was near, except when Sarah came into his life. He drew away from her touch at the thought of the woman he loved more than life itself. He'd lost her and their son when their ship had been boarded and torched. Sarah and Adam Larabee were dead now, but their memory would forever be a part of him.  

"Are you going to invite me inside, Christopher?"

"Yes, by all means," Larabee said, offering his arm to the newcomer. He turned to look over his shoulder and glimpsed Tanner watching him closely. Seated in the buggy was an older woman who Chris did not recognize, but from her dark clothing he knew she was in mourning. He nodded to the Texan when the man moved to help the veiled woman down.

"Christopher, I do not believe you know my Aunt Hildegard Petrie. She was Joseph's aunt, but she is such a dear heart," Ella introduced the matronly woman who now stood beside her.

"Please to meet you, Miss Petrie," Larabee told her.

"Thank you, Mr. Larabee," Hildegard said and lowered her eyes behind the black lace veil. "I am afraid this trip has taken a toll on me."

"Oh, Christopher, Aunt Hilda is not as young as she once was. Perhaps one of your servants could show her to a room where she could rest?"

"Of course," Larabee said and motioned for Harper who appeared in the doorway. "Liza, would you show Miss Petrie to the guest room?"

"Certainly, Master Larabee," his parlor maid as she crossed herself and whispered a silent prayer before leading the veiled woman into the house.

"You have such a…lovely home, Christopher. How many servants see to your needs?"

"Nothing ever changes with you, does it, Ella?" the blond asked when they were inside his home. He led her to the parlor, and felt her standing to close for comfort, but unable to pull away from her.

"Now, Christopher, you used to tell me how much you loved me for who I was and that I should never change," Ella Gaines whispered coyly as she melded her body against his.

"That was a long time ago, Ella, things change. I changed," Larabee said and pulled away from the woman. He looked at the portrait over the mantle and knew there could never be anyone to take her place.

"Who is she, Christopher?"

"Her name is…was Sarah Larabee and she is…was my wife," he corrected, a deep sadness coming through in his voice.

"What happened to her?"

"She was murdered, along with our son," Larabee explained and reached for the bottle of Sherry. "Would you like a drink?"

"Yes, please, but only if you join me," the seductress spoke softly as she sat on the soft settee. She watched him pour two drinks and knew she had to work fast. The time of fire was nearly at hand and she needed to make him hers before she could succeed in her plans.

"Would you like something to eat? I could have Liza make sandwiches."

"Yes, please, Christopher, I am terribly hungry and the trip from Portsmouth has worn me out," Ella explained.

"I will be right back," Larabee said and hurried from the room in an effort to put some space between himself and his visitor. It worried him that her wanton behavior could ostracize her from society, but Ella had never been one to conform to tradition. He was surprised that she'd brought Hildegard Petrie along with her and wondered why he felt sorry for the woman. There were times when he wondered if Ella really was a witch, but could never really believe in such foolery. He found Elizabeth ‘Liza' Harper quivering in the kitchen and frowned when she jumped at his touch. "Liza, is something wrong?"

"I…I…no, Sir, nothing is wrong," the woman said, her eyes searching the area behind her employer.

"Liza, perhaps you should lie down for a while," Larabee suggested. The woman had not worked for him very long, but she was well liked in spite of her skittish mentality.

"No, Sir, I am fine," Harper lied.

"How is Miss Petrie?"

"She is resting. May I prepare something for you and your guest?"

"Yes, my guest is hungry and I would like you to make some of those finger sandwiches of yours," Larabee explained.

"Yes, sir, would you like me to serve them in the dining room?"

"No, just bring them to the parlor and see if Miss Petrie would like anything," Larabee told her. "Thank you, Liza," the blond said and turned away once more. He walked into the room in time to see Ella Gaines lift both glasses and frowned when she looked as if he'd spooked her.

"Oh, Christopher, I was just coming to find you," the woman covered and handed him a glass.

"I went to tell Liza to make sandwiches. Your aunt is resting and Liza will bring her some refreshments."

"Thank you so much. Hilda is a wonderful soul, but I'm afraid she's always been sickly," Ella told him.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Larabee said and took a quick swallow of the red liquid. The sweet tasting Sherry was not his normal drink, but he kept a supply around because most of the ladies who came to call preferred it to the stronger ales and whiskeys usually guzzled by his male guests.  

"You still have the finest taste, Christopher, in liquor and furnishings," Ella told him when they returned to the settee.

"Thank you, Ella. So did you ever marry that lord?"

"No, I'm afraid Handsome Jack Averil was not for me, but…" She turned away and wiped at her eyes before feeling a hand on her hand and turned back to her host.

"What is wrong, Ella?"

"He does not seem to want to take no for an answer."

"Is that why you came here today?"

"Yes…and no," Ella said and watched him drink more of the amber colored liquid. She loved how it moistened his lips and craved the taste of him once more, but first she had to make him her own. The first step was in the liquid itself. A potion of her own that would make him easier and more susceptible to her wiles. She knew Chris Larabee would never come to her willingly, but she had ways of making men bow at her feet and many were now willing to do anything she asked of them.

"Where is he? Did you want me to speak with him?"

"He is in Portsmouth Village , but I am sure he is already on his way here. I told him about us, Christopher. About the love we shared. I am sorry if that puts you on the spot, but I needed to get him to leave me alone. I am truly sorry, but I had to come here to warn you that he may very well come after you!" Ella leaned against him and sobbed against his chest.

Chris felt his own heart beating in his chest as he listened to her words. He hated that Ella Gaines could not see that he had not and never could love her. He'd told her during their time together that he was not ready to marry and that his feelings for her could never go beyond friendship. That was one of the reasons so many years had passed since their last meeting. She'd wanted him to bed her and he'd refused, but not wanting to take no for an answer she'd lured him into the stable where she removed her clothing and danced for him. He'd grown angry and reached for an old horse blanket and covered her with it, telling her that if his friendship was not enough, then he could not see her any more. He'd left her father's ranch and never returned. Soon after he'd met and fallen in love with an Irish beauty that had chained his heart to her own. He said nothing of Ella's scandalous behavior to anyone, preferring not to ruin the lady's reputation.   

"Ella, I am sorry, you know I …"

"I know you do not love me, Christopher, but please, you can not send me away. Jack Averil is not a man, he is a monster and I cannot live like this anymore. Please, Christopher, you have to help me," Ella cried.

"Ella," Chris whispered and rubbed his eyes when the room seemed to dissolve around him.

"Christopher, what is wrong?"

"I…I am not sure. I do not feel very well," Larabee said and looked into her eyes. Something about them called to him and he licked suddenly dry lips before a woman's voice shook him out of his daze.

"Mr. Larabee, I have the sandwiches you asked for," Liza said, turning away from the scalding look sent her way by the raven-haired beauty.

"Thank you, Liza," Larabee said, blinking rapidly in an effort to rid himself of the building headache.

"Would you like me to serve tea?" Harper asked.

"Ella, would you like tea?"

"No thank you. The Sherry is fine," Gaines said and reached for her glass.

"That will be all, Liza, but perhaps you could bring some sandwiches to Vin . He is working with the new colt," Larabee explained.

"Yes Sir," the maidservant said and hurried out of the room.

"Ella," Larabee frowned and tried to remember what they'd been talking about, but the headache continued to build until he sank heavily onto the settee.

"Oh, Christopher, I see you still tend to overindulge in the finer things in life," Ella said and smiled as she placed her lips against his. "I will show you just how much I love you, Christopher Larabee. You will reign as high priest and answer only to me. My coven will welcome the strength of your bloodline."

Chris did not understand the words she uttered close to his ear, but he shuddered uncontrollably as he felt his body enfolded in a pair of soft arms. He briefly understood that she'd done something to him, but before he could clasp onto it, he surrendered to the potion she'd slipped into his drink.

"You are mine now and forever. I will kill anyone who comes between us, Christopher, for you are my destiny." With those words, Ella again placed her lips against his and whispered the ritual words of enchantment. In one week all of her dreams would come true and she would dance beneath the moon with this man she coveted and possessed. It would take all her potions and spells, but he was worth it and she reached into the bodice of her dress. Her hand clutched a gold locket and she heard the dying screams that had freed Christopher Larabee of his unwanted marriage. For he was hers and she would fight to keep him, she would kill to have him, and that was something few people knew and understood.

Vin looked up from tending the colt and smiled when Elizabeth Harper appeared at the corral gates. He continued to smile in welcome to the older woman, but it disappeared when he saw the look on her face. He took the plate of sandwiches and the glass of water she'd brought with her, but placed them on a stump before turning back to the woman. Something was troubling her and Vin looked toward the house as a chill swept down his spine.

"Miss Liza, is ever'thin' all right?"

"I am not sure, Mr. Tanner, but something about that woman troubles me. I have seen the likes of her before when I was younger and worked for the Masters family, before leaving England . She is an unsavory sort and I fear she is bad news for Mr. Larabee. They were in the parlor when I left."

"What did she do that's got ya so distressed?" Tanner asked.

"Beside the fact that she showed up unannounced…I'm not rightly sure, but mark my words, Mr. Tanner, if Master Larabee is a friend to you then it will be up to you to watch over him and make sure she does not get her claws into him."

"Claws?" Vin asked, troubled by the woman's choice of words.

"Yes, claws. If she is anything like the woman who came after Jeffrey Masters then Mr. Larabee is in danger." Elizabeth stared into the blue eyes that reminded her of a summer sky and reached out to touch his forehead. She knew from past experiences that what she was about to do was dangerous, and if discovered she would be cast out or burned for being a witch. She'd known from a very early age that she was gifted with special sight and used it only when a life was in danger. She liked working for Master Larabee and wanted to stay on, but the time was nearly on hand for her to leave. She'd come here to save a man's life and now she knew who she could trust. Vin Tanner would receive her message subconsciously and act on it when the time came. Taking a deep breath she began to speak in a soft monotone that kept her subject in a deep trance until she released him.

"Heed my warning, Mr. Tanner, for I know of what I speak and I have seen things no man or woman should have to see. Stay close to Master Larabee and be ready when the time comes, for he will need your strength and your courage. The woman will use many things to turn her victim away from those he cares about and you will have to endure his wrath and stay close no matter how hard he pushes you away. You will need help on the Eve of Samhain for she is strong and will fight to keep him with her forever. You will have no memory of what I've told you and will think you have acted on your own."

Elizabeth ‘Liza' Harper released her hold on the younger man and watched him shake his head. She knew he would not remember her touch and that he would act on her warning when the time came. Liza had learned that people condemned anyone who could use "magic" to get their way, but her magic was used to save lives whenever possible. Chris Larabee was a good man and already had enough tragedy in his life without becoming involved with the woman who had come to call.

"Mr. Tanner, are you all right?"

"I d…dunno," the horse trainer mumbled and wondered why he could not remember what had happened since he spotted Miss Liza coming his way.

"Maybe you need to rest…"

"No…no I'm fine. Ya were sayin' somethin' ‘bout claws?"

"Oh, yes, the new stable cat certainly has sharp ones and she is not afraid to use them," Harper said.

"Yeah, she does," Tanner agreed. "Well, I best get back ta work."

"Not until you have eaten something," Liza told him before turning and hurrying back to the house, glad she'd managed to get the message, albeit subconsciously, to Larabee's friend.

Vin watched her go as if in a trance and finally looked at the food she brought to him. ‘Need to get Buck out here,' he thought, frowning when he realized he had no idea why the urge to see Wilmington was so strong.  

Ella stared at the man she held and felt someone watching her. She didn't lift her head, but smiled inwardly at the thought of another witch present in Larabee's home. She placed her lips against Larabee's and bit until she tasted blood, before lifting her head and looking at the door. The woman standing there was someone she'd sensed several times in her journeys, but had never had the misfortune of meeting her. She knew her name through the covens she'd visited and felt strength when she used it.

"Elizabeth Harper, how nice that you are here."

"You should leave this home and all who live here and find someone else to use your black magic on!"

"You are the one who needs to leave before I decide that you belong in hell. Surely an old hag such as you does not have aspirations of becoming Chris Larabee's lover."

"I have no intention of becoming involved with Master Larabee except as a servant ready to do as her employer wishes."

"Do not pretend with me, Elizabeth. You have searched for your lover for many years, but this man is not who you seek. I have already begun to possess him as a woman and his soul will be pledged to me at the Eve of Samhain."

"He does not deserve this…"

"Deserve what? Deserve to live in luxury with the woman who loves him?"

"You do not love him…you covet him because he spurned your advances. He loved his wife and son…"

"Do not…" Ella's eyes darkened with fury as she released her hold on the sleeping blond and stood to her full imposing height. The room seemed alive with electricity as the two opposing forces stared at each other. Ella knew she was much stronger than the old witch who stood framed in the doorway and she threw back her head, cackling with glee when a hint of fear shone in Harper's eyes. She walked toward the woman and towered over her before speaking once more. "Do not mention that woman or her whelp in my presence ever again or I will make you wish you had never been born!"

"Chris Larabee will never truly belong to you!"

"Yes, he will!" Ella smiled at her nemesis as she turned back to the sleeping form on the settee. "We shall become one on All Hallows Eve and we will be unstoppable because of my power."

"You are a witch, Ella Gaines, and you must be stopped."

"You forget, Elizabeth , you are also a witch and if you continue to interfere I will empower the demons of darkest hell to hunt you down and destroy everything you are. Mark my words, Elizabeth Harper, for you know I have the strength and the will to do anything I wish." Ella walked to the settee and smiled as a soft moan escaped from her intended. "Leave us now."

Harper knew she had no choice and turned away from the scene in the parlor. She knew Gaines was not only stronger, but that she did not have a conscience, which meant she would do anything to make Chris Larabee hers and damn anyone who interfered. She'd checked on Hildegard Petrie, but the woman shied away from any talk of her niece. She hoped Larabee's friends would be able to help him, but the strength lay in their number and they would all need to be at the unholy ceremony in order to defeat the evil that now invaded the Larabee home.

Part 2

Chris watched Vin Tanner working with the horse and knew there was not another man alive who could sooth the skittish mare. He missed talking with the trainer, but since Ella Gaines' arrival the day before, Tanner had not been up to the house. Now Chris needed him to get a message to the others and bring them to the farm in case Ella was right and Jack Averill acted on his threats.

"Vin, I need to get a message to Buck and the others," Larabee said when Tanner turned toward him.

"Trouble?"

"You might say that," Larabee told him.

"This got anythin' ta do with yer lady friend?"

"Yes, it does. She is in trouble with a man named Averill and I told her I would help make sure he does not bother her anymore. He's got his men with him in Portsmouth Village and I'd rather not be caught with just me and you and the stable hands to defend this place."

"All right, when do ya want me ta leave?"

"Right away."

"What if he shows up before we get back?"

"It will probably take him some time to find out where she is. I figure it will take you a couple of days to find the others and get back here. I can protect her until you get back."

‘Yeah, but who'll protect you from her?' Tanner thought. He nodded and moved into the stable to saddle his horse. Somehow, he knew that everything hinged on his being able to get the others to Larabee's farm before the Eve of Samhain. He frowned as something tugged at his subconscious, but shook it off when Larabee came to stand beside him.

"Find out what you can about Handsome Jack Averill."

"I'll see what I can do. Ya watch yer back, Larabee."

"That is supposed to be your job, Tanner," the blond answered before heading back to his house. For some reason a chill swept through him and his limbs grew heavy, but he shook it off when he reached the door. This was his home and there was nothing to hurt him within these walls. He didn't see the woman hidden behind the curtain as she smiled, a cold calculating grin that did little to add warmth to her face.

Ella could not get enough of Chris Larabee, but she checked on her aunt before joining him. Hilda would not be causing her any problems, but she had her uses, especially where decorum was concerned and society demanded she travel with a companion. That was the main reason Ella kept her around and she'd been able to control her with the use of herbs, spells, and potions. When Ella first married Joseph Petrie, Hildegard had been a buxom beauty who kept her on her toes, but things had changed once Joseph died. Hilda was now just a figure, a means to an end that would allow her to stay with the man she desired without people condemning them both. Once she was sure her aunt was sleeping and would not awaken, she joined her spellbound lover in the dining room.

Ella Gaines sat across the table from Chris Larabee and smiled when he poured them both a glass of blood red wine. She'd slipped a small concoction into the bottle before the blond joined her. She'd already taken the potion that would counteract the one in the wine and knew she would be sharing more than the dinner table with this man. She sipped the liquid and smiled with pleasure as she licked her lips.

"This is a wonderful bouquet, Christopher. Is it one of yours?"

"No, Buck has become very good at choosing fine wines since he acquired the inn at Portsmouth Village ."

"Buck! As in Buck Wilmington?   I didn't know he was still around. Has anyone managed to get him to fall in love yet?"

"No, Buck is still very much available," Larabee answered.

"Do you think he will ever marry?"

"Maybe," Larabee thought about the ill-fated voyage that had taken his wife and son from him, and had a devastating impact on Buck Wilmington's life.

Ella watched Larabee's face and easily read the sorrow etched in the deep lines on his handsome face. "Christopher, are you all right?"

"I'm fine, Ella, just thinking about something," Larabee answered and sipped the wine. He licked his lips and stared at the woman seated across from him as she drank from her own glass. Something about the way she stared at him sent searing heat through his body, but he knew he would not act on it. His mouth was suddenly dry and he thought he saw her lips moving, but he could not hear the words. The air had suddenly become un-breathable and his lungs felt ready to explode. He tried to break contact with Ella Gaines, but it seemed an impossible feat as her eyes and alluring voice held him entranced.

"Christopher, Liza would like to know if you want her to serve coffee."

"No…no thanks," Larabee said, frowning when he looked at his plate. He couldn't remember eating the food and yet his dish was empty. He reached for the bottle of wine, poured a fair amount of crimson colored liquid into his glass, and drank half the contents before his eyes were once more captured and held enthralled. The temperature in the room seemed to have risen and he felt tiny beads of perspiration break out on his forehead. The glass toppled from his hand, spilling the remnants of the wine on the pristine white tablecloth, reminding him of spilled blood as it spread across the linen. Chris reached for his napkin, and missed twice before his fingers finally latched onto it and brought it up to his face. He didn't know what was wrong with him, but a hand on his arm had him gazing once more into the dark eyes that both chilled and thrilled him.

"Come, Christopher, you are tired."

"I am tired."

"I know and you need to rest."

"Need to rest," Larabee repeated in a soft monotone that sent fear into the heart of Elizabeth Harper. She silently prayed that Vin Tanner would find the others and get back before it was too late.

Chris awoke to a feather light touch against his cheeks and for a moment was transported back in time, but the spell was broken when he inhaled the scent of the woman who lay next to him. His eyes opened to darkness and his head felt as if it would explode, reminding him of the drinking binges he had after Sarah and Adam's deaths. He struggled to sit up, cursing himself for a fool as dark hair was outlined against a pure white pillow. He knew immediately who the woman was, but for the life of him he could not remember how she'd ended up in his bed. He knew he had to get her out of his house and out of his life, but first he would have to deal with Handsome Jack Averill. He stood and grabbed for his clothing, swaying dangerously as the room around him blurred and pain lanced through his skull once more. He sat back heavily, cradling his head in his hands. He sat there for several long moments, waiting for his head to clear before looking at the raven-haired beauty who shared his bed.

"Ella," Larabee said and touched her bare shoulder.

"Hmm," the sorceress whispered and opened her eyes. The moon cast shadows across the room and she turned onto her side to reach for the desirable man sitting beside her. "The sun is not yet up, My Love, come back to bed."

"Ella, I am truly sorry, but this was a mistake." Chris thought about the scandal if Hildegard Petrie caught them in such a position and knew he had to end this now.

"Mistake, Christopher, whatever do you mean?"

"I mean this…us…you in my bed. It is wrong…"

"It is not wrong, Christopher. Not when two people love each other."

"Ella, I do not…I have never l…loved y…" He suddenly grabbed at his head as once more tiny explosions were set off leaving him weak and nauseated.

"You do love me, Christopher, and you will come to accept that once the others are out of the way," she intoned, staring into his eyes while chanting softly.

The words made little sense to Chris Larabee, but he felt himself losing touch with reality as the woman's eyes glowed like red embers from a fire that threatened to burn his soul. His heart beat too fast and his chest heaved as he felt his mind overridden with the evil that lurked in his bed. Her hands touched his cheeks and she bent over him, mouth opening as she pressed against his lips. He felt his strength leaving him as if she had drained his essence, but deep in his mind he fought against her touch until he passed out once more.

"Damn you, Sarah Connelly! You will not be able to protect him much longer! I will have him as my chosen high priest and no one will stand in my way!" Ella cursed the dead woman's soul to hell as she clutched the locket in her fingers. Once she rid her intended of the woman's memories, he would truly be hers and the locket could be destroyed forever.

Vin rode Peso into Portsmouth Village and kept his eyes open for any trouble that might cross his path. He cautiously bypassed a group of British soldiers and headed directly toward the inn owned by Buck Wilmington. He recognized several villagers and greeted them before dismounting in front of Wilmington 's establishment and hurrying inside. He quickly spotted the owner and JD Dunne standing beside the desk and walked over to them.

"What brings you to Portsmouth , Vin?" Wilmington asked.

"Chris sent me. He wanted you and JD and the others out at the farm."

"Trouble?" Dunne asked, instantly alert.

"Ya could say that. Chris has a lady friend stayin' with him…"

"And you call that trouble?" Wilmington teased, but inside his thoughts were of the problems this could cause his friend.

"She might not be trouble, but the man that's chasin' her could be," Tanner explained, glad they were alone in the room.

"Who is she and who is the man chasing her?" Dunne asked.

"Woman's name is Ella…"

"Ella Gaines?" Wilmington asked, his eyes wide as he remembered their last meeting. The raven-haired beauty had bewitched Larabee and had nearly been his downfall, but Chris had managed to shake her from his life. If she was back, Chris was really in trouble.

"That's her. The man's name is Handsome Jack Averill and Chris wants us ta find out everythin' we can ‘bout him."

"I have heard that name down at the docks, but I have never seen him," Dunne supplied.

"Do you know anything about him?" Wilmington asked.

"Just that he is an unsavory sort and would sell his own mother to get what he wants. I heard tell of him selling slaves, but I do not know if that is true or not. Last I heard the soldiers were looking for him and he headed out before they caught him," Dunne explained.

"Any idea where he was headed?" Wilmington asked.

"No, but if he is looking for Chris' guest it is likely he headed that way," Dunne answered.

"Ella told Chris he'd be comin' after her," Tanner told them.

"All right, then I guess we best get the others and head on out to Chris' place," Wilmington said and the others readily agreed.

Chris awoke to an empty bed, scowling as the scent of burning wax assaulted his senses. He sat up and looked around the room until he spotted Ella Gaines sitting at his desk. She wore a long black gown and was bent over something he couldn't see, but it was her chanting that grated on his nerves. He stood up and silently walked across the room and frowned when the woman quickly hid whatever she was looking at by standing and wrapping her arms around him.

"Good Morning, Christopher. I thought you were going to sleep all day."

"Ella, we need to talk," Larabee said, keeping his eyes diverted from hers as he forced her to sit in the chair once more.

"About what?" Ella pouted.

"Last night…this morning...you being in my bed…"

"I know," Ella smiled as she tried to make eye contact with him. "It was wonderful, Christopher, and I must say you have not lost your touch."

"My touch…?"

"Why, yes, you always were rather vigorous in bed and I do love how you mark your lovers."

"Mark my lovers?" Larabee asked as their eyes met and he found himself sinking into their depths.

"Of course, now it is my turn to mark you. Come back to bed, my love, and I will show you how good we are together. It is our fate…"

"Our fate…"

"That is right, Christopher, now lie back and relax."

Chris watched her move around the room, but could not speak or move as her words droned on in a hypnotic tone that left him helpless against her. Something about Ella Gaines had always scared him and as he watched her walk toward him, holding a black candle high above her head, he was truly frightened. She chanted unintelligibly, let the black gown drop from her body and quickly straddled him. He watched, transfixed as she tipped the candle and didn't react as the hot wax touched his skin. The pain was sharp and intense, but he lay still while she slowly poured the wax onto his chest. Chris had no sense of time, just of the extreme pain and nauseating scent of the wax hitting his unprotected skin. He knew he should put a stop to this, but his body felt leaden and his eyes remained fixed on the woman who straddled his body and chanted the same words as the wax rained down on his bare chest.

"I have marked you, Christopher, and in five nights' time you and I will be wed under the stars and before the others of my coven. They will accept you and worship you as they do me. We will sacrifice…"

Chris heard her, but his mouth was dry and his head had begun to pound once more. His chest felt on fire as she placed the black candle on the table beside his bed and traced her fingers along the trail of wax on his chest. He winced when she began to remove the evidence of what she'd done, but he knew whatever design she'd made would be easily seen as a burn.

"I will kill anyone who tries to interfere with our joining, Christopher, for you are and always will be mine, and only mine, for as long as we live. Our sacrifices and alliance with the dark forces will ensure that we live forever," Ella assured him, smiling at the blank staring eyes and the slack features. She hated taking him this way, but until their true joining she would need to resort to potions and spells to keep him at her side.

"Forever…"

"That is right, My Love, forever, joined not only in our mortal bodies and mind, but as dark soul mates."

"Soul mates…"

"Yes, Christopher, come see how I have marked you and know that our love was foretold for centuries," Ella crooned softly and helped Larabee to his feet. She brought him across the room to a mirror she'd placed there at dawn. She wanted him to see that he belonged to her and that she would do anything to keep him at her side.

Chris moved as if in a trance and stood before the mirror. The lines made by the hot wax seemed to be in a haphazard formation, but he soon realized it was an intricate design he'd seen once before. As a young man he'd seen the same marks on the floor of a house he'd stumbled upon during a storm. At the time there were black candles burning at each point of the design and he knew it was called a Pentagram. A star used in the practice of witchcraft, but there was a slight difference in the one that marked him.

"I see you recognize the mark, Christopher, but there is a minor difference with this Pentagram. I'm sure you have noticed that it is inverted and that, My Love is my coven's true strength. There are many different covens of witches and I assure you many of them are not as strong as mine, because our members are chosen for their need to worship Satan. Ours is a not a new religion, but it is not spoken of because some fear the witch hunters. You will understand more when you are initiated into our fold in five days' time. You must not tell anyone of our ritual or of the mark you now wear. You will not remember this conversation, but you will want me…need me…crave me and only me until the night we consummate our joining." Ella smiled when Larabee's eyes began to close and knew she had to get him back to bed. "Come, my Love, you need to rest."

"Rest…" Chris let her lead him back to his bed and crawled under the blankets. There seemed to be no strength left in his body and he sighed as he let her enfold him in a thick blanket of darkness that seemed to smother him.

Elizabeth Harper stood before the window watching as the storm continued unabated. The wind whipped the leaves and dust into a frenzied dance. Rain pelted off the rooftops and turned the green lawn into a vast pool of green water. Thunder shook the house to the rafters while lightning paved a zigzag path across the turbulent sky. She fingered the rough hewed amulet in her pocket and knew this symbol would help protect her from harm, but what about Chris Larabee? She felt someone watching her and turned to face the hated woman who stood framed in the doorway.

"Nothing can protect you if I thought you worthy of my anger, Elizabeth , but I have more pressing things on my mind than a mere witch with only moderate powers. I have to leave, but I will return before nightfall. Christopher is sleeping and is not to be disturbed until my return. My aunt is resting and she is to be left alone!"

Elizabeth watched the woman leave and returned to gazing into the storm. She knew in her heart that Ella Gaines was right and that she did not have the power to fight the evil that had invaded this land. The only chance they had of saving Chris Larabee was in the hands of his friends, but right now they were not close enough to do anything to stop the woman who now controlled her employer. She softly chanted several incantations and hoped when the time came she could help those who cared about Chris Larabee.

Several times she checked on Hildegard Petrie and found the woman deeply asleep. She wondered if Ella Gaines was using something to keep the woman in such a state, but there was nothing she could do for now.

Ella Gaines thrilled at the tempest that ravaged the land. It bespoke of the master's blessing on her plans and she moved quickly to the stable to ready her horse. She would not need the buggy today and quickly saddled her black steed before mounting up and riding out into the storm. She raced across the muddied ground and along the narrow path for close to a mile. She knew the others would be waiting for her and smiled inwardly when she thought of Handsome Jack Averill. The man really did love her, but understood that he was not to be her chosen lover. He would be dealt with swiftly if he thought to harm her true intended. The wind whipped her hair around her face and she lifted it to the sky as lightning danced across the ground at the animal's hooves.

As the storm increased in intensity, Vin knew they would have to stop for the night or risk injuries to both the animals and their riders. They'd found Nathan with Josiah and after explaining what Chris wanted the two men had easily agreed to accompany Vin, Buck, and JD to Larabee's farm. They made a quick stop at Ezra Standish's mercantile and it didn't take much to entice the gambler into joining them. Standish knew of Handsome Jack Averill and had even played cards with him on more than one occasion. The man cheated badly and was driven out of many of the well-known establishments. Vin reined Peso in and waited for the others to join him.

"What is wrong, Vin?" Wilmington asked.

"Why are we stopping here?" Dunne frowned when he drew alongside Sanchez.

"The storm's gettin' worse. There's an old barn not far from here and I think we need ta take shelter till this blow's over," Tanner answered.

"Vin is right. This thing is getting worse by the minute," Jackson observed and the five men followed Tanner along the storm swept land to the shelter of the abandoned barn, unaware that things were conspiring against them ever making it to Larabee's farm.

Ella laughed when hellish light bathed the land around her once more. She recognized the opening ahead of her and quickly made for the clearing. The storm did not touch the inside of the glade and she dismounted in front of the stone altar made by her followers. She smiled when Jack Averill moved to pull her into an embrace and cooed softly in his ear.

"Did you miss me, Jack?"

"You know I did, Ella. I cannot get enough of you. When can we be together again?"

"Not until the night of the joining. I need to stay as I am until Christopher is mine."

"I wish you would let me get rid of him. He does not love you as you deserve to be loved."

"Perhaps not, but there will come a time when he will understand his lot in life. He is to take his place beside me and together we shall bring forth the forces of evil and take what should have been ours."

"How can you be sure you will be able to keep Larabee in line?"

"Oh, Jack, have you not figured it out yet? I have been controlling those around me all of my life and to think that a mere mortal could resist me is simply insane."

"I am insane, Ella, insane with my love for you. Please…"

"Sh, Jack, do not make me angry, for you will not like me when I am angry. Remember the last time?" Ella asked and felt Averill nuzzle her neck.

"I…I remember, my love, but I cannot resist you."

"We have many preparations to finish before the ceremony, Jack," Ella said, pushing the hapless man away from her. "Did you get word to the sister covens near New Berne?"

"Yes, they are sending their High Priestess and High Priest to bless your joining," Averill explained.

"Well done, Jack," Ella said, for her plans depended on the representatives of each of the thirteen covens being on hand for her joining with Chris Larabee. She smiled and slowly gazed around the clearing, and knew things were indeed proceeding as planned.

"How long can you stay, Ella?"

"I am afraid I have to get back before morning, Jack, but I will try to come out here before the Eve of Samhain."

Jack pulled her into his arms, kissing her once more before releasing her and helping her mount the black steed. He remained in place and watched as Ella Gaines rode out of the clearing and into the deadly storm.

Elizabeth knew she should heed Ella Gaines' warning, but she ignored the hackles on the back of her neck and knocked at Larabee's door. When no answer was forthcoming, she pushed it open and stared into the dim interior until she made out the bed set against the back wall. Thunder continued to rumble through the darkening sky and she sensed rather than heard the approaching horse. Easing the door closed she quickly made her way back to the kitchen and pretended to be busy with preparing the evening meal. She heard the front door open and looked up to see her nemesis staring at her.

"Christopher and I will be eating in his room. Make sure the meal is properly prepared and brought to us," Ella ordered and turned away without waiting for an answer.

Elizabeth shivered as icy fingers raced down her spine, chilling her to the core. Four days had passed since Ella Gaines' arrival and there were many changes in the household. She prayed Larabee's friends would soon arrive or it would be too late for everyone concerned.

It was mid morning before the storm finally relented and the six men saddled their horses and mounted up once more. Very little was said as Tanner took the lead and they rode single file toward Larabee's farm. The tension between them increased with each passing minute and the urgency of their journey was uppermost on their minds.

Part 3

  "Hello, My Love, how do you feel?" Ella asked. During the night she'd doused him with several potions that would make him more pliable and easier to handle. In two days she would join with Chris Larabee under the brightest moon. There were still those who would try and prevent their joining, but she would fix it so they could not interfere.

"I am tired," Larabee answered weakly.

"That is to be expected, Christopher. You have been ill for so long and you need time to build your strength back up," Ella explained and ran her fingers through his blond hair.

" Ill ?"

"That is right…"

"S…Sarah?" Larabee whispered the name and tried to focus his eyes on the woman seated next to him. He didn't see the vicious gleam in Ella's eyes as she cursed the woman once more.

"Sarah is dead Chris. She died on the ship…"

"Dead? Ship? How d… do you know about the ship?"

"You told me. Do you not remember , you wanted me to know about the woman who tried to take you from me?" She reached for the cup of herbs that would once more dull his senses and allow her to control his memories.

"Sarah… love her," Larabee said before drinking the sweet liquid.

"No you do not, Christopher. Sarah was using you. She never loved you! Adam was not your son!"

"No!" Larabee fought past the pain her words caused and tried to come off the bed, but she pressed him back on the pillow and touched the inverted pentagram drawn on his chest. He sucked in air as the room once more seemed stifling and it burnt his lungs each time he tried to breathe.

"Yes, Christopher, she was no good and tried to keep you from me. Others are going to stand in the way of our happiness, but you will not let them stop us."

"Will not let them stop us…"

"You will kill anyone who tries to interfere with our future."

"Kill anyone…"

"That is right, My Love," Ella said and grew angry when there was a soft knock on the door. "Sleep, Christopher."

"Sleep…"

"Yes, sleep and I will take care of everything."

"Take care of everything."

Ella smiled at the blank look that covered the handsome face and eased the blankets over his body before opening the door. Elizabeth Harper stood on the other side of the room with a tray of food in her hands.

"What do you want?"

"I thought Mr. Larabee might be hungry. I made his favorites !"

"Put them on the table and leave!" Ella ordered.

"Is Mr. Larabee feeling ill? He is usually out of the house and checking the horses…"

"Mr. Larabee has found a better way to spend his time," Ella said, smiling lewdly as she held the door for the other woman to leave.

"I could…"

"You could do as you are told and not bother us unless summoned," Ella warned.

Elizabeth looked at the sleeping blond and hurried from the room. She knew she had to find a way to help her employer until his friends arrived, but Ella Gaines was stronger than she was and seemed to have the dark forces under her control. Again she fingered the amulet and chanted the words she'd learned from a gypsy woman before coming to America .

Ella could feel them coming closer and knew the six men could have a detrimental effect on her plans. She turned her attention to the entranced man on the bed and began to speak slowly, hypnotically, intoning each word as Larabee stared into her eyes.

"They will hurt you, Christopher."

"Hurt me…"

"That is right. They will try to keep us apart, but you will not let that happen, will you, Christopher."

"Not let that happen…"

"You will kill anyone who tries to interfere."

"Kill anyone…interferes…"

"The people who want to keep us apart are coming, Christopher and they will lie to you and try to keep us apart, but you will not allow that to happen."

"Not allow…"

"That is right, my love. We are destined to be together and we will not let anyone stop us from being happy. When the others arrive you will tell them they are not needed. Tell them that Jack Averill has seen the error of his ways and will not return."

"Averill…gone…"

"Yes, now you must tell Vin Tanner…"

" Vin w…went for help…"

"No," Ella said and helped him sip more of the potion. She needed him under her complete control if she was to succeed. Her voice never changed as she spoke to him of their future and how they would have everything they ever wanted. Taking a deep breath and placing her hand over his heart she smiled. " Vin is going to try and stop us, Christopher. He is not what he appears to be… Vin Tanner appears to be a man, but he is truly a monster…"

"No… Vin …"

"Yes, he is, Christopher, and when you see him again you will see his true form, for he is a demon possessed and he is here to hurt you. He has taken your friends and turned them against you. They will not believe you when you tell them of our love."

"Our Love…"

She smiled inwardly when Larabee's voice signalled he was back under her control once more. She felt the others growing closer, but did not fear them for Chris was hers now and in two nights' time their love would be consummated with the ritual sacrifice planned on the Eve of Samhain . She leaned down and placed her mouth against his, a forceful kiss that was sealed with the taste of blood as she bit into his upper lip and smeared the spilled blood over both their lips.

"You are mine, Christopher, as it was foretold," she whispered and felt her body react to the coppery taste in her mouth. This was something she'd done before, but never had it been so sweet, so invigorating. This man was everything she craved and he had been pledged to her from the beginning. She took a deep breath and stared into the eyes that would soon be filled with an unholy lust that could only be quenched by their joining. She touched her hands to his cheeks and waited for his eyes to close before lying next to him on the bed.

Vin felt the pent up tension ease as the familiar house came into view. He knew Larabee would probably be with the horses at this time of the day and he aimed his mount toward the stable. The others quickly reached him and they formed a unified line across the trail leading to the farm.

" Vin , where are the horses?" Wilmington asked of the empty corral.

"Maybe Chris just didn't get around ta puttin ' them out yet," Tanner suggested, but there was little strength in his voice.

"Chris would never neglect the horses like that. Something is wrong," Wilmington told him. "I am going to check the house."

"All right, Buck, we'll check the horses and meet ya there."

"I'm going with Buck," Dunne said and turned to follow the older man.

Ella Gaines stood before the window, softly cursing the return of Vin Tanner and the men he'd brought with him. She knew they meant trouble for her and would interfere with her plans for Chris Larabee , but she would not let them break the spell he was under. The more of the potion she used the deeper Larabee became entangled in her web and the harder it would be for anyone to make him believe anything except what she told him. She could control him easily now with the sound of her voice. She turned to look at the sleeping blond before stepping out of the room and silently walking toward the woman moving toward the door.

Elizabeth Harper smiled when she heard the approaching horses. She hurried to the door and pulled it open. The six men were a welcome sight and she breathed a sigh of relief. She was no longer alone in her fight to save Larabee from the seductress who now shared his bed.

‘You should have left when you had the chance, Ella. These men will help me stop you,' she thought.

"Do not be too sure of that, Elizabeth . I told you Chris Larabee is mine and if you are as smart as I think you are then you will leave and take those men with you before it is too late."

Harper was startled by how easily the woman had snuck up behind her, but she quickly recovered and stared back at the cold woman. "They will fight you, Ella."

"I am sure they will, but they can not stop what has been in motion since the beginning. We have been pledged for all eternity and there is nothing you or those men can do to stop what is to happen." Ella watched as the handsome womanizer rode up to the house. Buck Wilmington had always been wary of her, but she knew how to handle him. She saw him turn toward the younger man who accompanied him before climbing the three steps and looking at her.

"Ella Gaines, it has been a long time."

"It certainly has, Buck. I must say you have not changed…much," Ella said, smiling as she hugged him.

"Neither have you, Ella, your beauty is as timeless as the sunshine."

"Oh, Buck, that was pure…"

"Hogwash," Dunne finished.

"Oh my, that was not quite what I had in mind, but it certainly does seem to fit. Please come inside," Ella said and turned to the other woman. " Liza , would you see that there is plenty of food for our guests?"

"Where is Chris?" Wilmington asked, noting the tension between the two women before Harper turned to leave the room.

"He is resting. I am afraid he has not been sleeping well. My Aunt Hilda is staying with us, but she is in mourning and has been staying in her room. I have been caring for her, but when Jack Averill showed up…"

"Averill was here?" Dunne asked.

"Yes, he showed up early yesterday, but Christopher had a talk with him and Averill left. I am afraid he was not pleased, but it seems that he believes that Christopher and I are betrothed."

"What?" the rogue asked, his face showing his surprise.

"Yes, Christopher told him we are to be wed…"

"Guess that was smart if it got rid of Averill," Wilmington said, frowning when he saw the look on her face. "It was just a ruse?"

"No, Christopher and I are to be married, Buck. I know that comes as a shock to you, but you must remember we have had feelings for each other for a long time."

"Ella, Chris…"

"Do not say it, Buck," Ella warned as they moved deeper into the house. "I know you were never very fond of me, but you know Christopher and I were good for each other. We…"

"Were like storm clouds waiting for an excuse to unleash their fury," Wilmington supplied with a half smile.

"Buck, I know you do not really approve of me, but you know how I feel about Christopher. I love him and want only what is best for him. Surely you can see that."

"I do not know, Ella, this just all seems too quick, even for you," Wilmington told her and looked up as four men entered the house and joined them. "I do not believe you have had the pleasure of meeting these gentlemen, well except for Vin that is."

"No, I have not had the pleasure," Ella said, smiling sweetly at the newcomers.

"This is Nathan Jackson, Josiah Sanchez, JD Dunne, and Ezra Standish."

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Gentlemen," Ella said.

"I assure you the pleasure is ours, Dear Lady," Standish said, reaching for her hand and placing a chaste kiss on top before releasing his hold once more.

"Pleased to meet you, Miss Gaines," Jackson said.

"Ma'am," Sanchez said, keeping his distance as he tried to get a read on why this woman's presence should raise the hackles on the back of his neck. Ella Gaines was indeed a rare beauty, but there was something unnaturally cold in her that set his nerves on edge.

"Chris is resting right now, but Liza is making dinner for us. Please help yourself to Sherry or Brandy and I will see if he is awake," Ella explained and stood up to leave. She felt Tanner watching her, and met his eyes. This man was strong and if anyone could cause problems for her it was the head trainer. She would deal with him if and when the time came. Until then she would keep a close watch and make sure he did not get too close to Chris Larabee .

Vin watched her leave and turned to face the others, a worried frown marring his features as he spoke. "Seems like Miss Ella is a mite comfortable bein ' she's only been here a few days."

"Ella always goes after what she wants Vin and I can tell you boys this…I have seen her set her sights on Chris before and it damn near got him killed," Wilmington explained.

"How did he get away from her?" Dunne asked.

"Not rightly sure on that, JD, seems like a lot of things happened all at once. Chris was hurting when I found him, but Ella was nowhere around. He never talked about what happened…least not to me. It was not long after that he met Sarah Connelly and things changed for him and he settled down."

"How did Ella find him after all this time?" Jackson asked.

"I am not sure, but Chris is invited to all the social functions and knowing Ella, she has probably insinuated herself into more than a few of them. She probably saw Chris and figured she would pick up where they left off."

"You think he is really gonna marry her?" Dunne asked.

"I do not know, but to be honest I hope not. Ella is not good for Chris," Wilmington supplied.

"There is something about Ella Gaines that just does not fit," Sanchez told them.

"What are you feeling, Josiah?" Jackson asked. Sanchez was an ex-monk and Nathan trusted his instincts.

"I am not sure, but the woman is not what she seems," the man explained and grew silent as the maidservant joined them. He felt her watching him and nodded imperceptibly when he met her gaze. This woman was an ally, of that he was certain, and he knew he would need to speak with her alone. As a monk he'd seen many unexplainable things and his belief in the Lord's work was strong in his heart in spite of his loss of faith.

Ella stood watching the sleeping blond for several minutes before walking to the bed and sitting on the edge once more. She gently touched his cheek and waited for the familiar green eyes to open. When they did she knew he was still in the trance she'd placed him in.

"Christopher, our enemies have arrived."

"Enemies…"

"That is right, My Love, and they want to interfere with our happiness. We cannot allow that to happen."

"Not happen…kill…"

"Yes, you will kill them, but not yet, Christopher. We have to make certain everything is in readiness and that our master looks favorably on our union."

"Master…union…"

"I am going to release you from this trance, but you will not remember anything I have told you. You will know only that we love each other and that we are to be wed."

"Love each other…"

"That is right, My Love. You will tell your friends that you are happy and that you realized that I was the only woman you could ever love. You will tell them that if they try to interfere in our plans then they will not be welcome in our home."

"Not welcome."

"Very good! Wake up, My Darling," Ella said and watched as the slack features suddenly changed. "Hello, Christopher, did you sleep well?"

"Very well, Ella," Larabee said and pulled her to him. He kissed her long and deep and left them both flushed and breathless. "Come back to bed."

"I would love nothing more, but we have company."

"Send them away," Larabee insisted.

"That would not do, Christopher. They are your friends and deserve our hospitality."

"Not if it takes me away from you."

"It won't, at least not for long," Ella vowed and helped Larabee to his feet. "You must get dressed."

"I do not want to get dressed. I want to make love to you," Larabee said and pulled her to him once more.

"Later, Christopher, we cannot keep them waiting or they will grow suspicious." She reached for the clothing she'd selected for him and helped him get dressed. When she was done she stood back to admire his body, lust evident in her eyes and the way she moistened her lips. "You're still the handsomest man I have ever known."

"And you, My Love, are still a liar," the blond said, linking his arm with hers as they walked out of the bedroom.

Vin watched the couple as they entered the formal dining room and again felt a chill when he looked at Ella Gaines. The woman was definitely not what she appeared to be, but he could not explain what he meant by that.  

"Welcome back to my home, gentlemen," Larabee said smiling as he led the woman to the table and held the chair out for her.

"Thank you, Mr. Larabee ," Standish said. The meal spread out before them smelled wonderful and their stomachs rumbled appreciatively.

"Please, help yourselves," Ella said, smiling as she reached for a ladle.

" Yer forgettin ' somethin ', ma'am," Tanner said.

"Am I? Oh, how rude of me. Christopher I do apologize for my behavior ."

"No need, Ella, you did nothing wrong," Larabee assured her and smiled as he kissed her hand.

"I should have let our guests…"

"Our guests?" Wilmington asked, troubled by the woman's possessive attitude.

"That is right, Buck…ours," Larabee answered simply and took his seat at the head of the table.

"Are you two planning on taking up where you left off?" Wilmington asked.

"You might say that," Larabee answered. "I have asked Ella to be my wife and she has graciously accepted. We will be married in two days' time."

"The Eve of Samhain ?" Sanchez whispered and stared at Ella Gaines.

" Samhain ?" Dunne asked.

"It is something I learned during my travels in Ireland and Scotland . In some places it is also called the Festival of the Dead," Sanchez explained.

"You are a well learned man, Mr. Sanchez," Ella said, inwardly cursing the man for his wisdom and knowledge.

" Oiche Samhain is said to be a night when the veil between the worlds is lowered, and residents of the underworld, good and evil, are free to roam the earth. It is a time sacred to the moon, and called for sacrifices…"

"Come, Josiah, surely you do not believe in all that? Next thing you will be telling us is that the Salem Witch Trials were well founded," Jackson said.

"I believe most of the people charged with witch craft were innocent, but that does not mean there are no witches. There are stories from every country that speak of witches and believe me I have heard some that are simply tales told by people who are afraid of anything or anyone they consider different. I have seen people put to death simply because they looked different or disagreed with someone…did that mean they were evil…no, but there are those who throw stones no matter who is right or wrong."

"What does that have to do with my marrying Ella in two days?" Larabee asked.

"Hopefully nothing, but it does seem rather strange that you would hold such a blessed event on such a day shrouded with supernatural overtones," Sanchez answered.

"Josiah is right, Chris, why not wait until after…" Jackson began, but was startled by the strongly voiced protest the woman.

"No!" Ella spat and felt seven pairs of eyes staring at her. "I mean…I do not want to wait."

"You will not have to, Ella," Larabee said when her hand came to rest in his. "We will be married as planned.

"Why not get married tonight or tomorrow. Josiah could do it," Dunne suggested.

"Ella wants to be married on the 31 st and we will be married then. I would be honored if you were all in attendance, but I will understand if you decide not to."

"We'll be there, Chris," Tanner said staring pointedly at the woman as he spoke.

"Where is the happy occurrence to take place?" Standish asked.

"We have yet to discuss that," Larabee answered, "But whatever Ella decides is fine with me."

"It is unseasonably warm for this time of year, and I would love to take advantage of it."

"You want to get married outside?" Wilmington asked.

"Yes, the fall colors are perfect," Ella answered softly.

"Then we shall have our wedding outside," Larabee insisted.

Wilmington 's gaze met Tanner's and he knew they were both thinking the same thing. Everything about this wedding seemed wrong and rushed and he knew there was something strange about Larabee's behavior , but there didn't seem to be anything they could do to change his mind.

"Thank you, Christopher," Ella crooned. These men would soon find out that she would have things her way and damn anyone who tried to stop her. She felt someone staring and smiled when she saw Josiah Sanchez staring at her. The man knew more than he'd let on and could prove to be a dangerous adversary, but she had faced adversity before and triumphed and there was no doubt in her mind that in two days she would have the world at her feet and Christopher Larabee in her arms for all eternity.

Part 4

Ella smiled as she watched the men preparing for the wedding they expected would take place the next day. She'd woken to the sounds of men working outside and had quickly dressed to investigate. She knew it was late, but she'd been awake until dusk, making sure her intended was prepared to deal with everything that would take place before the Eve of Samhain. The front of the house was being readied for the nuptials that would not take place, at least not here. The clearing was being readied and they would be leaving tomorrow to make the final preparations. Christopher would be coming with her and if any of the others decided to come along she would make sure there was a welcome ready and waiting for them.

"Ella, are you okay?"

"I am fine, My Love, but I think I need to go for a ride to clear my head," she whispered and stared into his eyes, breathing with him as she entranced him once more. "You will continue with the preparations until my return and then we shall retire to our room until tomorrow morning."

"Tomorrow morning…"

"That's right, Christopher. We have many things to do before the ritual joining tomorrow night. Watch these men for they are your enemies."

"Enemies…"

She released him from her touch and smiled as he shook his head. "Are you all right, My Love?"

"No, I want you."

"You are insatiable."

"When it comes to you I agree," Larabee whispered.

"I will return and perhaps we could forego the evening meal or take it in our room," Ella suggested and smiled as he readily agreed to the plan.

"I will have Vin saddle your horse for you. Do you want me to come with you?"

"I would like nothing more, Christopher, but I think one of us should be here to oversee the preparations."

"I guess you are right," Larabee said and reluctantly released her.

Buck watched Larabee as he made sure everything was going as planned and took a deep breath before walking over to the busy blond. This was not the man he knew and cared about. This was a man on a mission, working as if possessed. "Chris, things are moving a mite quick, aren't they?"

"I don't know what you mean, Buck."

"You and Ella, are you sure this is right?"

"Course I am. She really is something else, Buck," Larabee said, but didn't meet the womanizer's eyes. "Got a lot of work to finish before tomorrow, Buck, so if you are done…"

"Not done, Chris," Wilmington said, placing his hand on his friend's shoulder.

"Don't touch me, Buck!" Larabee spat and pulled away.

"Sorry, just wondering why the sudden need to marry Ella Gaines. Do you love her like you did Sarah?"

"Sarah did not love me, Buck, she used me," Larabee said and hurried away without a backward glance, leaving a stunned Buck Wilmington staring at his back.

"Vin, are you okay?" Sanchez asked.

"I dunno, Josiah, just feels like somethin's wrong here. I ain't ever seen Chris like this. It's like he's under a…a…"

"A spell?" Sanchez asked, and saw the shaggy head nod imperceptibly.

"I know it's stupid, Josiah, but she's done somethin' ta him, bewitched him or somethin'."

"It is not stupid, Vin. There are those who practice witchcraft. I don't mean they sacrifice babies, but there are potions and herbs that can affect a man's mind and body. Perhaps she has been feeding him something. If we can find out what it is then maybe we can give him something to counteract it," Sanchez suggested.

"I seen a lot of things, Josiah, some of ‘em pretty strange, and I ain't sayin' I believe in witches and spells and such, but she's done somethin' ta him and we need to help him."

"Did I see her riding out?"

"Yeah, she took her big black. Chris said she needs ta clear her head, but I'm thinkin' it's somethin' else."

"Why don't you ride after her?"

"I was thinkin' ‘bout doin' just that," Tanner said and hurriedly saddled Peso.

"Vin, you be careful. If she is a witch, she is one who delves into the black arts and not one to forgive and forget. You watch your back, Son."

"I will, Josiah, y'all watch Chris'."

"We will," Sanchez said.

"Where is Vin off to?" Wilmington asked.

"Gone after Ella."

"He best be careful," Wilmington said softly.

"Vin knows what he is doing. Where is Chris?"

"Overseeing the wedding preparations. He is working like a madman and snapping orders at everyone. Have you seen Ella's aunt Hilda?" Wilmington asked, leaning against the corral.

"No, I cannot say that I have, but Ella did say she was in mourning. What is really bothering you, Buck?"

"It is just not like Chris to do this, Josiah. I saw what he was like with Ella before. Living on the edge, doing things and not giving a damn who got hurt, but that changed when he met Sarah. Lord knows he loved that woman and that little boy of theirs and that is what makes this so wrong. It is like he has forgotten all about them."

"Chris would not do that."

"I did not think so either. You know what he just told me?"

"What?"

"He told me Sarah never loved him…that she used him. Can you believe that? I was there, Josiah. I know how much they loved each other and for him to say that is…"

"Not like Chris," Sanchez finished.

"Exactly, what the hell are we going to do?"

"We stay close and make sure nothing happens to Chris. Something tells me Ella Gaines has more plans than just saying I do tomorrow."

"We have to find a way to get through to Chris," Wilmington said. "Maybe we could knock him out and hide him somewhere until after this Ouch Samhain thing."

"Oiche Samhain," Sanchez corrected. "I do not think that would be wise, Buck. We need to deal with Ella Gaines and her plans; otherwise she will just come back. Stay close to Chris and watch him even closer."

"I will, Josiah," Wilmington said and hurried away once more.

Ella knew she was being followed and smiled inwardly at the thought of taking care of one of her lover's friends. She could read the signs as easily as any good tracker and raced toward the clearing. Once there she would have help in taking care of Vin Tanner and he would be an unwilling sacrifice the next evening. She entered the clearing and quickly dismounted, motioning for Averill and several others to join her.

"What is wrong, Ella?" Averill asked worriedly.

"Vin Tanner is following me. Take several of your men and bring him to me!"

Averill smiled and chose three men he trusted for both their loyalty and their size. He led them out of the clearing and set the trap he'd put in place the day before. He motioned for two of his men to go to the opposite side, while he stood with the third man. They heard the horse approaching at a full gallop and grabbed the rope. Using the trees around them, the four men pulled the rope tight just as Peso came through the thicker part of the trees. Horse and rider tumbled to the ground when they encountered the trap but neither seemed to be injured.

Vin grabbed for Peso's reins, but missed them as something struck the back of his head and he sank to his knees. Again he tried to regain his feet, but a second blow to his face sent him all the way to the ground. His vision blurred as he heard cackling laughter and he was turned onto his stomach while someone bound his arms and finally pulled him to his feet. He blinked his eyes as blood dripped into them and finally focused on the woman dressed in a black hooded cloak.

"Well, Vin, it seems you are determined to interfere with my plans! Do you not want Christopher to be happy?"

"Not with the likes of you!" Tanner spat, crying out as a blow was delivered to his lower back.

"Do not speak so disrespectful of The High Priestess of New Berne!" Averill warned and raised his hand to deliver another blow.

"No, Jack, do not kill him. He will be much more useful as a sacrificial lamb at tomorrow night's ritual to honor Satan and bring the ceremony the proper essence."

"Bitch!"

"No," Ella laughed as she stood over the injured man. "The proper term is witch. Secure him and make sure he does not escape before the ceremony tomorrow night or heads will roll!"

"Yes, Mistress," Averill said lewdly grabbing the prisoner and dragging him into the clearing.

Ella stood where she was until Averill returned and smiled when she felt his arms around her body. This was something that would stop after her joining, but for now she let his hands glide over her breast even as his lips nuzzled her neck.

"Why must you be such a temptress, Ella? I fear you have bewitched me now and forever."

"Jack, you have always known that I am betrothed to another. He is my soul and will become my mate tomorrow evening under the blood red moon."

"I should kill him and make you my own!"

Ella rounded on the unsuspecting man and wrapped her hands around his throat. Her eyes glowed red as her nostrils flared and her fingernails became pointed talons. She squeezed until his eyes bulged and blood dripped from the puncture wounds on his throat before dropping him into the dirt. She stood above him snarling as he cowered before her, reminding her of the wretched street urchins she'd seen in London . She forced herself to calm down and eased her body back into the beautiful creature she was, before bending down and using her fingers to grasp the shaking man's chin.

"If you ever contemplate such a deed again I shall see that the animals tear you limb from limb. Do I make myself clear?"

"Y…yes, Mistress," Averill answered, eyes downcast as he breathed in the foul stench of her breath.

"Good," Ella stood and walked toward her horse once more before turning to her would be lover.

"Why do you leave?"

"I have lost any yearning I had for you, Jack. See to it that Tanner remains here and make sure no one harms a hair on his head until I return."

"Yes, Mistress," Averill said and watched the woman leave. He turned to see Tanner bound upright to a tree on the far side of the clearing and felt his anger boil. He knew he could not touch this man, but animalistic instincts kicked in and he sought a second prisoner, who had made the mistake of wandering too far from the road. The man was semi-conscious with his hands bound behind his back. Averill strode quickly toward him and began kicking the helpless man. He heard the others move away even as the blood rage rushed through his brain. Again and again he kicked out, brutalizing the victim until the man was a mass of bloodied wounds and no longer cried out. Averill stood over his prisoner and knew instinctively that he was dead. Turning toward the shocked onlookers he grunted before speaking. "Get rid of that!"

Two men rushed forward and quickly grabbed the body and dragged it deeper into the wooded area behind them. No animal would dare to come near it for they could sense the evil that permeated the area. Jack Averill cursed angrily as his body craved more violence, but there was no one else he could victimize. Glaring angrily at Vin Tanner, Averill vowed he would be the one to kill Larabee's right hand man the following evening.

Josiah stood up and rubbed his back as the sound of an approaching horse reached his ears. He fully expected to see Vin Tanner returning, but instead he saw Ella Gaines on top of the black steed as she rode through the gates and up to the stable. He glanced sideways at Nathan Jackson, but neither man spoke of the missing man, hoping and praying he'd show up when the woman entered the house.

"Did she seem in a hurry to you?" Jackson asked.

"Sure did. Is Chris still out back with Buck and JD?"

"Last I saw of them they were trying to get rid of that big stump. Did you not say Vin went after Ella Gaines?"

"Yes, he did."

"Something tells me he might just have run into some trouble."

"Maybe, Nathan, but Vin can take care of himself."

"What if she found out she was being watched?"

"Then Vin would be in danger, but until we find out what Ella Gaines is up to we have to stay together. Something tells me Vin is safe as long as Chris is here with us."

"So we keep Chris at the farm and make sure someone is with him at all times," Jackson suggested.

"Exactly," Sanchez said and went back to work. He knew there was no way a wedding would take place here tomorrow, but they needed to make Ella think she was not under suspicion.

Elizabeth Harper knew the minute Ella Gaines returned to the farm and an involuntary shudder ran down her spine. She knew things were happening very quickly and it would all come to a hellish end the following night unless she could stop Ella Gaines and her followers. She felt the woman's presence and looked up from the cup of tea she'd been drinking.

"Where is Christopher?"

"Do you not know?" Harper asked.

"Do not play games with me, Liza, because you will not win. You are but a novice where I am concerned," Gaines said, her eyes glowing slightly as she twisted her hands in midair.

"I am not afraid of you, Ella."

"Is there a problem here?" Larabee asked upon entering the kitchen.

"No, My Love, we were just discussing what your maidservant should prepare for this evening's meal," Ella said and turned to wrap her arms around the blond. "Did you miss me, Christopher?"

"Always, Ella, have you seen the garden?"

"Not yet," the woman answered. "I wanted to make sure Liza knew her place."

"I know my place, Miss Gaines," Harper told her. "Mr. Larabee is there anything you would…"

"Anything Ella told you to make is fine by me," the blond said and led the sorceress from the room. He held her tight until they reached the bedroom and smiled when she closed the door behind her. "I need you."

"And I need you, Christopher, but first we should have a glass of wine," Ella said and reached for the bottle she'd placed on the table before leaving the farm. She poured two glasses and smiled when Larabee accepted his, downing it in one gulp before reaching to take her in his arms. Ella knew her lover would soon be helpless in her arms once more and secretly hoped they would simply spend the remainder of the night in the bed. She knew he would sleep and that was perfect for her plans, plans that would see the other five under a sleeping draught and spell that she would conjure.

"Ella…"

"Sh, Christopher, be still and let me take care of you."

Chris felt detached from his surroundings as the potion took hold and soothed him toward sleep. He heard her voice, felt her touch and felt revolted, but he could not stop what was happening to him.

"That's right, My Love, sleep and rest for tomorrow night you and I will be together for all time." Ella watched as his eyes closed and quickly poured the untouched wine back in the bottle. There was enough of her potion inside to ensure that each of the remaining men would sleep through the night and well into the next afternoon. By the time they woke from their drugged sleep she would be gone and so would Chris Larabee. Reaching for the small bottle in her pocket she filled the bottle to the top once more, and realized the extra drug could easily kill them. She smiled at the thought of the sacrifice they would make to her lover.

As darkness began to spread across the land, Vin Tanner felt chilled to the bone. His captors lit a small fire at the center of the clearing and were standing naked before it chanting obscenely. He knew now that Josiah was right about Ella Gaines and her followers. They were not witches, but devil worshippers and the incantations were supposed to call forth Satan's approval on the coming events. Jack Averill stood away from the others and Vin began to realize this man did not want Ella Gaines and Chris Larabee together. The chanting intensified as one of the satanic worshippers threw something into the flames and sparks leaped high into the air creating a macabre dance of smoke and flame.

‘God help us,' Tanner thought as his eyes began to close and the sound of the voices diminished.

"Where is Chris?" Wilmington asked when Ella Gaines joined them in the dining room. The five men were worried about the missing man, but with the storm once more raging outside they could not search for Tanner.

"He was not feeling very well and I told him to sleep. He insisted I join you for dinner," Ella explained.

"Maybe I should take a look at him," Jackson suggested.

"Oh, but he has only just fallen asleep. I believe he has worked so hard that he has worn himself out, but if you are still worried then you can examine him after we eat. In fact I insist that you check him over…after all we have a very busy day tomorrow," Gaines explained, frowning when she looked at the empty seat across from her. "Where is Mr. Tanner?"

"He rode out earlier today and has not returned," Dunne explained as Elizabeth Harper served the evening meal.

"Oh my, I do hope he has found shelter from this storm. Would you gentlemen like some wine?" Ella hid her smile as she filled each glass with the amber colored liquid.

"Thank you," Dunne said and sipped from the glass.

"A rather delicious bouquet," Standish said after testing the wine. "It does pleasure the palette."

"Is this one of Chris' wines?" Sanchez asked.

"I am not sure, but I found several bottles and suggested we use it to toast our marriage tomorrow. What do you think?"

"It is quite good," Jackson agreed.

Ella watched the men drink the wine and knew it would not take long for the potion to work. She sipped at her own glass, but did not drink enough to affect her. Out of the corner of her eye she caught movement at the door and knew Elizabeth Harper was watching her. She tipped her glass slightly and inwardly laughed when the woman backed away. Ella knew Harper was no threat to her, but she was going to make her sorry she'd even thought of interfering in her plans.

Harper hurried away from the dining room once Ella had caught her spying, but she was not going to give up. Chris Larabee did not deserve to be handed over to a group of satanic worshippers and she would not let Ella Gaines win. Somehow she had to stop her and she could not do it alone. There were several covens in the area and although she was not a member of any of them, she knew she could trust at least two of the older high priests. She knew the covens were secretive, afraid of being caught, but they practiced their beliefs behind closed doors or far away from ‘civilized' people. When the others turned in for the night, Harper knew what she had to do. Ella Gaines would be defeated, and when she was, a dark part of the practice of witchcraft would be cast aside once more.

Ella slid beneath the covers and ran her cold fingers down the length of Larabee's body. A tingle of excitement raged inside as she felt him move beneath her touch. She heard him moan and smiled in delightful fascination that she could elicit a response from him even in his drugged state. Settling her body against his she stroked the blond hair from his forehead and sighed contentedly as she drifted toward sleep.

Chris felt something cold against him and tried to move away from the touch, but his body would not respond to his mind's befuddled orders. Icy fingers touched him and he moaned in pain, but could do nothing to stop what was happening to him. Darkness reached for him once more, but this was a cloying, choking obscurity that threatened to drown him in a sea of evil. There was no escaping it and he sank deeper into the nightmare realm where Satan's minions chanted and reached for him.

Harper knew the farmhouse she was looking at belonged to Elias Keating and his wife Martha and that theirs was one of the strongest and most secretive covens in the area. The couple was childless, but they were well known for their willingness to lend a helping hand. Many did not know the fact they practiced witchcraft, and only and only a chosen few were accepted into their fold. She took a deep breath before mounting the stairs and tapping at the door. It was late and a chill wind had begun to blow before she'd left Larabee's farm. Pulling her shawl closer around her body she knocked at the door once more.

"What do you want?" a woman asked without opening the door.

"Mrs. Keating, I must speak with you and your husband."

"It is late…"

"I know, but please, it is important!"

"Come back in the morning."

"It may be too late then. Please, Mrs. Keating…a man's life depends on you."

"Who is it, Martha?"

"Some woman, she wants to speak with us."

"Tell her to come back tomorrow."

"Please, Mr. Keating…"

"Come back tomorrow…"

Elizabeth leaned against the door in frustration, and listened as the footsteps moved away from the door. It came to her suddenly that there were things happening the next night that would need these people to be involved. She renewed her attempts to get their attention and pounded on the door until it was opened. Before her stood a tall man with greying hair and heavy sideburns holding a candle in his right hand.

"I warned you…"

"Please, listen to me…"

"I…"

"It has to do with the ritual tomorrow night!" Elizabeth said and saw a flicker of fear in the man's eyes. "I know who you are, Mr. Keating, for I too practice witchcraft."

"Leave my home!"

"Please, listen to me. Ella Gaines is not what she pretends to be!"

"I have no idea who you are talking about!"

"She is not a witch, Mr. Keating, for she practices the black arts. She worships Satan and her followers are going to be at the ritual on the Eve of Samhain. Ella Gaines…"

"Come inside, Child," Martha Keating ordered and pulled the younger woman into the house as her husband closed the door sealing them from the outside world. "What do you know of Ella Gaines?"

"She is at the home of my employer, Christopher Larabee."

"Larabee? I know of him by reputation. The man knows horses."

"Yes, he does, but he has been bewitched by Ella Gaines and I fear that tomorrow night she and her followers will call on the evils of the underworld to bless their joining."

"I am sorry, Miss, but we can not…"

"Elias, we can trust her."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I can see it in her eyes. She is a true believer and has not yet reached her full power. Come sit down, Child, there is much to talk about."

"You believe me?"

"What is your name?"

"Elizabeth Harper."

"When did you come over from England ?" Martha asked.

"A year ago, but I have only worked for Mr. Larabee a few months."

"You were sent for a reason," Elias informed her. "Tomorrow night is an important night for us and one which could have a devastating impact on any person who wishes to practice witchcraft. We have had many signs that a powerful new sect was discovered in England , but they disappeared a few years ago. We believe Ella Gaines is the High Priestess and that she intends to expand her coven until she is strong enough to control the lives of everyone she is in contact with."

"She has invited the High Priest and Priestess of each of the covens in this area to join the ritual tomorrow evening," Martha explained and looked deep into the newcomer's eyes. She had always had a gift for reading those around her and this woman seemed to have a strength that came from within.

"Do not trust her," Elizabeth whispered.

"We do not. There is more going on than just a ritual joining tomorrow night. Ella Gaines had her reasons for including us in her plans. As you said she is a believer in the dark practices and her plans for my husband and I go beyond having us witness her joining. She has tried to keep her plans secretive, but there are several of our craft that realize having all of us in one place is trouble. Ella Gaines is in for a surprise tomorrow and I believe you will play an important part in our plans. Will you help us stop her?"

"I will do anything," Elizabeth readily agreed. She listened intently to the aged couple and knew their strength would help save not only Chris Larabee, but the others as well. She reached for the amulet around her neck and listened carefully to Elias and Martha Keating.

Vin stretched taut muscles and continued to work on the ropes binding his arms. The skin was abraded and he could feel the blood on the ropes and with each small move of his wrists the substance made the surface stickier. Throughout the day several of Ella's followers performed rituals and rites that would call forth the dark forces in hopes of adding their blessing to the joining of his friend with their high priestess. Vin closed his eyes and concentrated on what he was doing, but his fingers and hands were growing numb and made it hard to work. He shifted slightly on the ground and prayed no one noticed he was awake as he tried to breath past the throbbing crescendo inside his skull.

‘God help me!' he thought as the day wore on and the aches and pains intensified.

Elizabeth looked at the couple once more before turning away from the house and beginning her journey back to Larabee's farm. The time was almost at hand. A time that would see them grow stronger with the utter defeat of Ella Gaines and her dark minions. There was only one way to stop the evil Ella had planned and that was to destroy those who followed her and release Chris Larabee from her spell.

‘ Elizabeth , your strength is in your beliefs and lie within your heart. Be strong and confident and we will defeat this deadly enemy before it destroys us. You will not be alone, Elizabeth , we will all be there.' Elias Keating's words repeated in her mind, as she took deep cleansing breaths. The small bottle given to her by Martha Keating was held tightly inside her cloak and she chanted the magical spell again and again in hopes that the potion it held would be strong enough to counteract whatever the evil woman had fed the five men the night before.

It was late afternoon on the Eve of Samhain when Ella slid her legs over the side of the bed and reached for the silk robe to cover her body. She looked at the sleeping man and knew he would be waking before long, but she had to be sure the others would not present a problem once she was ready to leave. She opened the door and entered the hallway before looking around. The only sound to reach her ears came from the sleeping men and she smiled as she checked each one. With the amount of potion she'd put in their glasses, Ella was confident they would not be interfering with her plans.

Moving into the kitchen she frowned when there was no sign of Elizabeth Harper. The fact that nothing had been prepared for the day's meals told her all she needed to know. Harper may practice witchcraft, but she was not strong enough to put up anything but a token resistance. Smiling inwardly, Ella walked back to the bedroom and stood beside the bed. She'd known from the start that Chris Larabee belonged to her and only her. They may have been separated for a time, but that would not happen again for she was taking steps to ensure they would not be separated again. Touching the chain around her neck, her hand came to rest on the locket. It belonged to her now, as it was meant to be and tonight Chris would see that it was in its rightful place.

Reaching for her clothing, Ella quickly dressed and sat on the edge of the bed. The potion was still in his body and would keep him pliable to her wishes until the time was right. She touched his cheek, feeling the warmth flow through her at the simple pleasure of touching this man. Licking her lips she placed her mouth against his and relished he scent and taste of him before calling his name.

"Christopher, it is nearly time."

"Time…"

"That is right, My Love, time for us to be joined forever. Time you took your rightful place at my side."

"At your side…"

"Yes, Christopher. The time of our joining is almost at hand. Open your eyes, Christopher," Ella smiled when the green eyes opened and stared up at her. They seemed blank, but she knew that was caused by the potion she'd been feeding him and would remain like it until the ritual ceremony took place. Once the joining started he would be clear of the influence of the drugs, but he would be unable to stop the events that were taking place. "Tonight, My Love, you will truly be mine."

"Truly be yours…"

Ella smiled as she helped him into the black pants, shirt and jacket she'd chosen for him. He would wear the clothing until the ceremony began and the marks were placed upon his body. Marks that would bind them together in a ceremony wrought with blood. Taking a deep breath she looked around the room and moved to the window. The evening air had a chilling bite to it and she smiled as she thought of his naked body covered in goose bumps and shivering beneath her touch.

"Tonight, My Love, is ours…"

"Ours…"

Ella helped him stand and linked her arm through his before walking out of the room. There was no movement from the men who slept haphazardly in different rooms and no sign that Larabee saw them. He moved only when she signalled and stared straight ahead upon exiting the house. Ella led him toward the stable and inside, smiling when the horses shied away from her. The only one who didn't was her own black steed and she released her hold on Larabee before standing in front of him.

"Christopher, I need you to saddle our horses so we can leave here."

"Leave here…"

"That is right, My Love, tonight we begin our life together."

"Life together…"

She watched him move slowly toward the horses and admired his strength and agility with the animals as he quickly saddled the two they would be using. She walked beside him as he led them outside just as darkness began to overtake the land. This was the night she'd waited for and her body and mind tingled with anticipation as they mounted up and rode side by side away from the house.

Elizabeth reached the farm just as Ella Gaines and Chris Larabee rode through the gates and disappeared along the trail. Hurrying inside she checked on Hildegard Petrie and found the woman deeply asleep and un-wake-able. There was nothing she could do for her until after she took care of the six men. She went into the kitchen and grabbed the pitcher before filling it with water and adding the contents of the bottle. She forced each man to drink from the pitcher and breathed a sigh of relief when the first one showed signs of regaining consciousness. Elizabeth knew this man was a holy man and quickly helped him sit forward when his head began to clear.

"Josiah, please, we need to get the others and saddle the horses."

"Liza? What happened?"

"Ella Gaines is not what she appears to be."

"Ella Gaines?" Sanchez asked, his mind unwilling to function properly.

"She is practicing in the dark cults, Josiah and we need to stop her."

"Stop who?" Wilmington asked, rubbing his temples.

"Ella Gaines. We need to stop her from completing the ritual tonight or it will be too late for your friends."

"How do we stop her?" Sanchez asked, climbing unsteadily to his feet.

"We need to ride out to the clearing where the ceremony is taking place. Once there it will be up to all of you to get Chris and Vin out of there."

"What about you?" Jackson asked.

"I will be fine. There are others of my kind…"

"Your kind?" Dunne asked bewilderedly.

"I am a witch, JD," Elizabeth said and smiled at the look that came over the young man's face. "There are different sects in witchcraft just as there are different religions. Please do not judge us all…Ella Gaines indulges in the black arts. Tonight, if she succeeds she will become the strongest sorceress to ever walk this world. She will take the soul of Chris Larabee and turn his beliefs against him. She will use him to gain the trust of men in high places and corrupt their families. She must be stopped."

"Do you know where the ritual is to take place?" Standish asked upon joining them.

"Yes, we need to ride now if we are to save them," Harper told them. She hurried toward the door and was glad the others were not questioning her further, for what they had to do this night could still end in the deaths of both Chris Larabee and Vin Tanner.

Vin heard the sound of approaching horses and looked toward the entrance to the clearing. They'd released his bonds, but only long enough to strip him to the waist and tie him between two stakes that were driven into the ground. An inverted cross had been drawn in blood on his chest and a piece of black cloth was used to gag him. The darkness was kept at bay by a fire set in the center of the clearing. The number of people involved in the upcoming ritual had doubled with the advent of cloaked and hooded men and woman who stood side by side facing the entrance. His heart thumped inside his chest when he recognized the horse and rider. Chris Larabee was dressed totally in black and seemed unaware of his surroundings. Whatever had been done to him was keeping him docile even as Jack Averill reached for Pony's reins. The horse shied away from his touch, but could not escape the hands that held him in place.

"Christopher, the time is nearly at hand."

"Time is nearly at hand…"

"That's right. Jack is going to take our horses while we complete the ritual."

"Complete the ritual…"

‘God help us,' Tanner thought as he watched the circle close around Ella Gaines and Chris Larabee. He now knew why the second set of stakes had been prepared as Larabee's coat and shirt were removed, leaving his skin bare to the chill wind that swept through the clearing. He watched as the blond was led to the stakes and his wrists and ankles were bound to them, leaving him standing in an upright spread eagled position much like his own.

"And how has Mr. Tanner been behaving?"

"Like a perfect prisoner, although his wrists do seem the worst for wear," Averill said, smiling lewdly as he looked from Tanner to Gaines and back again.

"Oh, yes, I see what you mean," Ella said and used her finger to touch the mangled flesh on her prisoner's right wrist. She smeared the blood on her lips and used her tongue to lick it clean before smiling and turning away from the horse trainer. "Is everything prepared?"

"Yes, Mistress, everything is in readiness," Averill answered and watched as the woman motioned to the thirteen members of the existing covens. "They have each been allowed to drink from the cauldron."

Josiah, Buck, and JD hid in the dark recesses beyond the fires glow and anxiously waited for Harper's signal. Ezra and Nathan had accompanied her to the opposite side of the clearing. It would be up to them to release Larabee and Tanner and get them away while the members of New Berne's secret covens rid the area of the darker nature of the beast.

"Very well." Ella smiled, and threw something toward the fire. The flames raged higher and cast an eerie red glow around the dark clad members and Ella smiled as their hoods were peeled back revealing each face to her. She lifted her hands, showing an inverted pentagram on the palm of each one. The symbols glowed crimson seeming to take on a life of their own as she stood before each member and touched her palm to their forehead. The symbol burned, but the followers did not react as she passed them and finally stood before Chris Larabee. She stared into his eyes and pulled the locket from around her neck, but he continued to look straight ahead even as she felt the full power she held in her grasp. She heard Averill leading the others in the chant that would call forth the dark forces and give her the power to snatch victory through the deaths of the weak. Ella reached out and touched Larabee's cheek and smiled when there was no reaction. She liked him this way, but there was something to be said for a man who could think and do for himself. She began to chant softly, running her fingers along the mark on his chest as Averill placed a chalice in her left hand. Holding the locket in one hand and the chalice in the other she pressed the cup to Larabee's lips and watched as he drank the warm liquid.

Vin could see the woman's face, but Larabee's was hidden from his view. Whatever she was giving him seemed to be having an effect on his body as tremors seemed to start in his arms and legs. Movement from the hooded members caught his attention even as the chanting intensified.

Chris blinked his eyes and gasped as the liquid hit his stomach and began to race through his body. He trembled uncontrollably and cried out as he jerked his arms and legs.

"Be still, Christopher, the time has come for us to be together forever."

"What the hell are you talking about, Ella?" Larabee spat as the liquid cleansed his body and mind, releasing him from the bewitching enchantment.

"I love you, Christopher…"

"You have a funny way of showing it!" Larabee said, frowning when the chanting seemed to reach a fever pitch. He heard the sound of muffled cries and tried to look beyond the darkness. He spotted a second figure trussed up in much the same way he was and cursed the woman standing before him. "Let him go, Ella!"

"I am sorry, My Love, but I have plans for him. When the ritual is complete you will help me convert him to one of my followers and he will help us."

"Like hell!"

"Sh, Christopher," Ella said and placed her finger to his lips. "I know you will not do it now, but when the time comes you will do exactly what I say."

"No way in hell…"

"Actually, My Love, hell is to play a major role in this," Ella said and dangled the locket before his eyes. She saw the pain in his eyes as he looked from the open locket to her face and back to the locket again. She smiled inwardly at the look of defeat on his face.

"Sarah's locket," Larabee whispered and felt as if he'd been stabbed through the heart, as he looked at the smiling face.

"It should have been mine, Christopher, and now it is."

"How did you get my wife's locket?"

"The captain gave it to me for services rendered. I could not allow her to take what belongs to me. I could not let you go on living in a loveless marriage!"

"BITCH!" Larabee cried and fought the ropes that held him to the stakes. He felt the animalistic rage flow through his veins and snarled at the woman before him. "I'll kill you for this!"

Buck Wilmington cursed the woman as Larabee's voice reached them. He knew Ella Gaines had been involved in the deaths of Sarah and Adam Larabee, but until the covens made their move there was nothing he could do to help the two captives. He felt Dunne and Sanchez holding him back and realized he'd nearly moved into the clearing in spite of the knowledge that it would probably get them all killed.

"Not yet, Buck," Sanchez warned and breathed a sigh of relief when Wilmington nodded.

"Nathan, you and Ezra get ready," Elizabeth Harper ordered and pulled the dark hood up to cover her hair and face, but turned to the man once more.

"Be careful, Miss Liza," Jackson ordered as the members of the thirteen covens stood tall in the eerie glow of the fire. He looked at Ezra and knew the merchant was ready. Their job was to free Vin Tanner and get him away from the ritual site while, Buck, JD, and Josiah released Chris Larabee. He made the sign of the cross on his chest and sent a silent prayer that things went well.

"Christopher, that will not happen. I will kill anyone who tries to come between us, My Love…"

Chris struggled as he heard the distinctive crack of wood splintering, smiling when he saw the realization dawn on Ella Gaines' face as he pulled his wrist from the ropes and moved to release his other hand.

Ella's breath caught in her throat as Larabee freed himself from his bonds.

Chris saw the locket in her hand and grabbed it, pulling it free as he heard Averill curse and saw the flash of a long blade when the man moved between him and Ella Gaines. Larabee reacted instinctively as the blade came toward him, but was hampered by the ropes still attached to his ankles. He thought he heard Vin cry out a warning as the clearing erupted with shouts and screams. He concentrated on keeping the blade from digging into his flesh, even as he fought to stay on his feet.

Josiah, Buck, and JD reacted instinctively when they saw the firelight glint off the blade in Averill's hand. They heard the chanting from the other members of the covens and the screams from Ella's followers as they forced their way toward the captive blond. Hands grabbed at their clothing and nearly brought them to the ground as the chanting increased to a fever pitch.

Nathan and Ezra moved at the same instant as Elizabeth Harper and were also met with resistance from those loyal to Ella. Ignoring the warring practitioners, the duo quickly made their way to Vin Tanner and Nathan pulled his knife from the sheath as Ezra tore the black cloth from the horse trainer's mouth.

"Help Chris!"

"Buck's got him," Jackson explained as he hurriedly cut through the ropes, relieved when Standish grabbed the quaking form before he fell face forward on the ground.

"Chris!" Ella screamed as she watched Averill push the blade toward the blond's unprotected chest.

Larabee reacted instinctively and his opponent took advantage of the momentary lapse as he relaxed his grip and brought the knife down and upward into the blond's right side. Chris gritted his teeth as the blade bit deep and again heard Ella Gaines call his name. This time he didn't react, but grabbed the knife from his side as Averill stepped back, a smug look on his face.

"Die! You bastard!" Averill spat and turned to race after the fleeing form of Ella Gaines.

Chris used the knife and quickly sliced through the ropes as three men reached him. They formed a protective barrier between their friend and the members of the coven as cries of agony replaced the earlier chanting.

Jackson and Standish each grabbed an arm and supported the injured man as they raced toward the entrance. The screams had reached a fever pitch, but as Harper had told them, there was nothing they could do except get Larabee and Tanner to safety.

"Ezra, get the horses!" Jackson ordered when they eased Tanner to the ground.

"Nathan, n…need to help C…Chris."

"They will get him out of there, Vin," the healer said reassuringly and turned to gaze into the clearing. The fire seemed to have lost much of its force and did little to illuminate the battle taking place around it. He placed a hand on Tanner's shoulder and held him in place while Standish gathered the animals and returned with them.

"Chris, we need to get out of here!" Wilmington ordered.

"Not until I kill that bitch!" Larabee spat, the fire glowing off the blood covered blade as he pulled his arm from his friend's hand. "Get Vin out of here!"

"Nathan and Ezra have Vin," Sanchez said, following the blond as a dark form on an even darker horse appeared on the hill above the clearing.

"BITCH!" Larabee screamed above the cries of death surrounding him.

"Josiah, get them out of here!" Elizabeth Harper ordered as the covens surrounded Ella Gaines' followers.

"You heard her, Chris, we need to go!" Wilmington shouted as the horse they watched threw up its forelegs and bolted into the darkness.

"Chris, come on!" Dunne said, but stopped when he spotted the bleeding wound in Larabee's right side. "Buck, Chris is hurt!"

"What the hell?" the womanizer cursed when he too spotted the wound.

"Leave me be!" Larabee shouted and again tried to go after Ella Gaines.

"No! Damn it! We need to get out of here and let Nathan take a look at you!" Wilmington ordered.

"She killed them, Buck!" Larabee said and whirled on his long time friend, groaning as the movement tore at the wound. He held his left arm tight against his side as his body began to shake and he became aware of the pain in his side.

"Buck!"

"I got him!" Wilmington assured the younger man as he caught Larabee and threw him over his shoulder. He could feel Larabee fighting still, but the man was also in pain and in need of Nathan Jackson's expertise. He followed Dunne through the center of the clearing, ignoring the few that were still on their feet and fighting until he was through the entrance. He saw Vin leaning against Jackson as Standish held the reins of their horses. "Nathan, Chris is hurt!"

"Damn!" the healer said as Sanchez eased the injured man from Wilmington 's shoulder. He cursed the blood smeared all over the man's side and reached for the cloth Dunne held out to him. "We need to get him back to the house."

"N…no!" the blond spat and tried to get to his feet, but was held fast by Wilmington and Sanchez.

"Chris, you are not going anywhere!" the womanizer snapped.

"N…need to g…go after her."

"We will, but right now we need to get you and Vin taken care of," Sanchez said.

"No," the blond spat and reached up to pull Wilmington closer. "N…need to go a…after her now. S…she killed them, Buck."

"Killed who, Chris?" Wilmington asked as Larabee released his hold and held out an object clutched tightly in his right hand. "My God…is that…"

"I…it is Sarah's locket…she s…said the captain g…gave it…it to h…her…had them k…killed…need to…need to…" the blond's strength gave out and he collapsed against Wilmington as he tried to keep his eyes open. He didn't see the sorrow and pain that raged through his friend's eyes when he spoke. "G…get the b…bitch…"

Buck swallowed the emotions waging war within his soul and could no longer stop the anger building inside him. Ella Gaines would pay for what she'd cost Chris…for what she'd cost him. ‘Damn your black heart to hell, Ella,' he thought.

"Easy, Chris, we will get her…but not until we get you and Vin home," Sanchez assured the blond.

Chris was only vaguely aware of being lifted onto a horse and strong arms encircling him. He couldn't find the strength to open his eyes, but he clutched the locket as if it was a lifeline of hope. He leaned heavily against the broad chest and drew in a shallow breath of air as the horse's movement reminded him of the wound in his side. Someone had wrapped him in a coat, but he still shivered in spite of the added warmth.

"I got you, Brother, we will have you home and in bed in no time," Sanchez said and looked to the right. Tanner rode Peso, but Wilmington was ready in case the younger man needed help. The cries from the clearing diminished with each passing step and they silently prayed for Elizabeth Harper and those who practiced her craft with her.

Part 6

Vin stretched taut muscles and continued to work on the ropes binding his arms. The skin was abraded and he could feel the blood on the ropes and with each small move of his wrists the substance made the surface stickier. Throughout the day several of Ella's followers performed rituals and rites that would call forth the dark forces in hopes of adding their blessing to the joining of his friend with their high priestess. Vin closed his eyes and concentrated on what he was doing, but his fingers and hands were growing numb and made it hard to work. He shifted slightly on the ground and prayed no one noticed he was awake as he tried to breath past the throbbing crescendo inside his skull.

‘God help me!' he thought as the day wore on and the aches and pains intensified.

Elizabeth looked at the couple once more before turning away from the house and beginning her journey back to Larabee's farm. The time was almost at hand. A time that would see them grow stronger with the utter defeat of Ella Gaines and her dark minions. There was only one way to stop the evil Ella had planned and that was to destroy those who followed her and release Chris Larabee from her spell.

‘ Elizabeth , your strength is in your beliefs and lie within your heart. Be strong and confident and we will defeat this deadly enemy before it destroys us. You will not be alone, Elizabeth , we will all be there.' Elias Keating's words repeated in her mind, as she took deep cleansing breaths. The small bottle given to her by Martha Keating was held tightly inside her cloak and she chanted the magical spell again and again in hopes that the potion it held would be strong enough to counteract whatever the evil woman had fed the five men the night before.

It was late afternoon on the Eve of Samhain when Ella slid her legs over the side of the bed and reached for the silk robe to cover her body. She looked at the sleeping man and knew he would be waking before long, but she had to be sure the others would not present a problem once she was ready to leave. She opened the door and entered the hallway before looking around. The only sound to reach her ears came from the sleeping men and she smiled as she checked each one. With the amount of potion she'd put in their glasses, Ella was confident they would not be interfering with her plans.

Moving into the kitchen she frowned when there was no sign of Elizabeth Harper. The fact that nothing had been prepared for the day's meals told her all she needed to know. Harper may practice witchcraft, but she was not strong enough to put up anything but a token resistance. Smiling inwardly, Ella walked back to the bedroom and stood beside the bed. She'd known from the start that Chris Larabee belonged to her and only her. They may have been separated for a time, but that would not happen again for she was taking steps to ensure they would not be separated again. Touching the chain around her neck, her hand came to rest on the locket. It belonged to her now, as it was meant to be and tonight Chris would see that it was in its rightful place.

Reaching for her clothing, Ella quickly dressed and sat on the edge of the bed. The potion was still in his body and would keep him pliable to her wishes until the time was right. She touched his cheek, feeling the warmth flow through her at the simple pleasure of touching this man. Licking her lips she placed her mouth against his and relished he scent and taste of him before calling his name.

"Christopher, it is nearly time."

"Time…"

"That is right, My Love, time for us to be joined forever. Time you took your rightful place at my side."

"At your side…"

"Yes, Christopher. The time of our joining is almost at hand. Open your eyes, Christopher," Ella smiled when the green eyes opened and stared up at her. They seemed blank, but she knew that was caused by the potion she'd been feeding him and would remain like it until the ritual ceremony took place. Once the joining started he would be clear of the influence of the drugs, but he would be unable to stop the events that were taking place. "Tonight, My Love, you will truly be mine."

"Truly be yours…"

Ella smiled as she helped him into the black pants, shirt and jacket she'd chosen for him. He would wear the clothing until the ceremony began and the marks were placed upon his body. Marks that would bind them together in a ceremony wrought with blood. Taking a deep breath she looked around the room and moved to the window. The evening air had a chilling bite to it and she smiled as she thought of his naked body covered in goose bumps and shivering beneath her touch.

"Tonight, My Love, is ours…"

"Ours…"

Ella helped him stand and linked her arm through his before walking out of the room. There was no movement from the men who slept haphazardly in different rooms and no sign that Larabee saw them. He moved only when she signalled and stared straight ahead upon exiting the house. Ella led him toward the stable and inside, smiling when the horses shied away from her. The only one who didn't was her own black steed and she released her hold on Larabee before standing in front of him.

"Christopher, I need you to saddle our horses so we can leave here."

"Leave here…"

"That is right, My Love, tonight we begin our life together."

"Life together…"

She watched him move slowly toward the horses and admired his strength and agility with the animals as he quickly saddled the two they would be using. She walked beside him as he led them outside just as darkness began to overtake the land. This was the night she'd waited for and her body and mind tingled with anticipation as they mounted up and rode side by side away from the house.

Elizabeth reached the farm just as Ella Gaines and Chris Larabee rode through the gates and disappeared along the trail. Hurrying inside she checked on Hildegard Petrie and found the woman deeply asleep and un-wake-able. There was nothing she could do for her until after she took care of the six men. She went into the kitchen and grabbed the pitcher before filling it with water and adding the contents of the bottle. She forced each man to drink from the pitcher and breathed a sigh of relief when the first one showed signs of regaining consciousness. Elizabeth knew this man was a holy man and quickly helped him sit forward when his head began to clear.

"Josiah, please, we need to get the others and saddle the horses."

"Liza? What happened?"

"Ella Gaines is not what she appears to be."

"Ella Gaines?" Sanchez asked, his mind unwilling to function properly.

"She is practicing in the dark cults, Josiah and we need to stop her."

"Stop who?" Wilmington asked, rubbing his temples.

"Ella Gaines. We need to stop her from completing the ritual tonight or it will be too late for your friends."

"How do we stop her?" Sanchez asked, climbing unsteadily to his feet.

"We need to ride out to the clearing where the ceremony is taking place. Once there it will be up to all of you to get Chris and Vin out of there."

"What about you?" Jackson asked.

"I will be fine. There are others of my kind…"

"Your kind?" Dunne asked bewilderedly.

"I am a witch, JD," Elizabeth said and smiled at the look that came over the young man's face. "There are different sects in witchcraft just as there are different religions. Please do not judge us all…Ella Gaines indulges in the black arts. Tonight, if she succeeds she will become the strongest sorceress to ever walk this world. She will take the soul of Chris Larabee and turn his beliefs against him. She will use him to gain the trust of men in high places and corrupt their families. She must be stopped."

"Do you know where the ritual is to take place?" Standish asked upon joining them.

"Yes, we need to ride now if we are to save them," Harper told them. She hurried toward the door and was glad the others were not questioning her further, for what they had to do this night could still end in the deaths of both Chris Larabee and Vin Tanner.

Vin heard the sound of approaching horses and looked toward the entrance to the clearing. They'd released his bonds, but only long enough to strip him to the waist and tie him between two stakes that were driven into the ground. An inverted cross had been drawn in blood on his chest and a piece of black cloth was used to gag him. The darkness was kept at bay by a fire set in the center of the clearing. The number of people involved in the upcoming ritual had doubled with the advent of cloaked and hooded men and woman who stood side by side facing the entrance. His heart thumped inside his chest when he recognized the horse and rider. Chris Larabee was dressed totally in black and seemed unaware of his surroundings. Whatever had been done to him was keeping him docile even as Jack Averill reached for Pony's reins. The horse shied away from his touch, but could not escape the hands that held him in place.

"Christopher, the time is nearly at hand."

"Time is nearly at hand…"

"That's right. Jack is going to take our horses while we complete the ritual."

"Complete the ritual…"

‘God help us,' Tanner thought as he watched the circle close around Ella Gaines and Chris Larabee. He now knew why the second set of stakes had been prepared as Larabee's coat and shirt were removed, leaving his skin bare to the chill wind that swept through the clearing. He watched as the blond was led to the stakes and his wrists and ankles were bound to them, leaving him standing in an upright spread eagled position much like his own.

"And how has Mr. Tanner been behaving?"

"Like a perfect prisoner, although his wrists do seem the worst for wear," Averill said, smiling lewdly as he looked from Tanner to Gaines and back again.

"Oh, yes, I see what you mean," Ella said and used her finger to touch the mangled flesh on her prisoner's right wrist. She smeared the blood on her lips and used her tongue to lick it clean before smiling and turning away from the horse trainer. "Is everything prepared?"

"Yes, Mistress, everything is in readiness," Averill answered and watched as the woman motioned to the thirteen members of the existing covens. "They have each been allowed to drink from the cauldron."

Josiah, Buck, and JD hid in the dark recesses beyond the fires glow and anxiously waited for Harper's signal. Ezra and Nathan had accompanied her to the opposite side of the clearing. It would be up to them to release Larabee and Tanner and get them away while the members of New Berne's secret covens rid the area of the darker nature of the beast.

"Very well." Ella smiled, and threw something toward the fire. The flames raged higher and cast an eerie red glow around the dark clad members and Ella smiled as their hoods were peeled back revealing each face to her. She lifted her hands, showing an inverted pentagram on the palm of each one. The symbols glowed crimson seeming to take on a life of their own as she stood before each member and touched her palm to their forehead. The symbol burned, but the followers did not react as she passed them and finally stood before Chris Larabee. She stared into his eyes and pulled the locket from around her neck, but he continued to look straight ahead even as she felt the full power she held in her grasp. She heard Averill leading the others in the chant that would call forth the dark forces and give her the power to snatch victory through the deaths of the weak. Ella reached out and touched Larabee's cheek and smiled when there was no reaction. She liked him this way, but there was something to be said for a man who could think and do for himself. She began to chant softly, running her fingers along the mark on his chest as Averill placed a chalice in her left hand. Holding the locket in one hand and the chalice in the other she pressed the cup to Larabee's lips and watched as he drank the warm liquid.

Vin could see the woman's face, but Larabee's was hidden from his view. Whatever she was giving him seemed to be having an effect on his body as tremors seemed to start in his arms and legs. Movement from the hooded members caught his attention even as the chanting intensified.

Chris blinked his eyes and gasped as the liquid hit his stomach and began to race through his body. He trembled uncontrollably and cried out as he jerked his arms and legs.

"Be still, Christopher, the time has come for us to be together forever."

"What the hell are you talking about, Ella?" Larabee spat as the liquid cleansed his body and mind, releasing him from the bewitching enchantment.

"I love you, Christopher…"

"You have a funny way of showing it!" Larabee said, frowning when the chanting seemed to reach a fever pitch. He heard the sound of muffled cries and tried to look beyond the darkness. He spotted a second figure trussed up in much the same way he was and cursed the woman standing before him. "Let him go, Ella!"

"I am sorry, My Love, but I have plans for him. When the ritual is complete you will help me convert him to one of my followers and he will help us."

"Like hell!"

"Sh, Christopher," Ella said and placed her finger to his lips. "I know you will not do it now, but when the time comes you will do exactly what I say."

"No way in hell…"

"Actually, My Love, hell is to play a major role in this," Ella said and dangled the locket before his eyes. She saw the pain in his eyes as he looked from the open locket to her face and back to the locket again. She smiled inwardly at the look of defeat on his face.

"Sarah's locket," Larabee whispered and felt as if he'd been stabbed through the heart, as he looked at the smiling face.

"It should have been mine, Christopher, and now it is."

"How did you get my wife's locket?"

"The captain gave it to me for services rendered. I could not allow her to take what belongs to me. I could not let you go on living in a loveless marriage!"

"BITCH!" Larabee cried and fought the ropes that held him to the stakes. He felt the animalistic rage flow through his veins and snarled at the woman before him. "I'll kill you for this!"

Buck Wilmington cursed the woman as Larabee's voice reached them. He knew Ella Gaines had been involved in the deaths of Sarah and Adam Larabee, but until the covens made their move there was nothing he could do to help the two captives. He felt Dunne and Sanchez holding him back and realized he'd nearly moved into the clearing in spite of the knowledge that it would probably get them all killed.

"Not yet, Buck," Sanchez warned and breathed a sigh of relief when Wilmington nodded.

"Nathan, you and Ezra get ready," Elizabeth Harper ordered and pulled the dark hood up to cover her hair and face, but turned to the man once more.

"Be careful, Miss Liza," Jackson ordered as the members of the thirteen covens stood tall in the eerie glow of the fire. He looked at Ezra and knew the merchant was ready. Their job was to free Vin Tanner and get him away from the ritual site while, Buck, JD, and Josiah released Chris Larabee. He made the sign of the cross on his chest and sent a silent prayer that things went well.

"Christopher, that will not happen. I will kill anyone who tries to come between us, My Love…"

Chris struggled as he heard the distinctive crack of wood splintering, smiling when he saw the realization dawn on Ella Gaines' face as he pulled his wrist from the ropes and moved to release his other hand.

Ella's breath caught in her throat as Larabee freed himself from his bonds.

Chris saw the locket in her hand and grabbed it, pulling it free as he heard Averill curse and saw the flash of a long blade when the man moved between him and Ella Gaines. Larabee reacted instinctively as the blade came toward him, but was hampered by the ropes still attached to his ankles. He thought he heard Vin cry out a warning as the clearing erupted with shouts and screams. He concentrated on keeping the blade from digging into his flesh, even as he fought to stay on his feet.

Josiah, Buck, and JD reacted instinctively when they saw the firelight glint off the blade in Averill's hand. They heard the chanting from the other members of the covens and the screams from Ella's followers as they forced their way toward the captive blond. Hands grabbed at their clothing and nearly brought them to the ground as the chanting increased to a fever pitch.

Nathan and Ezra moved at the same instant as Elizabeth Harper and were also met with resistance from those loyal to Ella. Ignoring the warring practitioners, the duo quickly made their way to Vin Tanner and Nathan pulled his knife from the sheath as Ezra tore the black cloth from the horse trainer's mouth.

"Help Chris!"

"Buck's got him," Jackson explained as he hurriedly cut through the ropes, relieved when Standish grabbed the quaking form before he fell face forward on the ground.

"Chris!" Ella screamed as she watched Averill push the blade toward the blond's unprotected chest.

Larabee reacted instinctively and his opponent took advantage of the momentary lapse as he relaxed his grip and brought the knife down and upward into the blond's right side. Chris gritted his teeth as the blade bit deep and again heard Ella Gaines call his name. This time he didn't react, but grabbed the knife from his side as Averill stepped back, a smug look on his face.

"Die! You bastard!" Averill spat and turned to race after the fleeing form of Ella Gaines.

Chris used the knife and quickly sliced through the ropes as three men reached him. They formed a protective barrier between their friend and the members of the coven as cries of agony replaced the earlier chanting.

Jackson and Standish each grabbed an arm and supported the injured man as they raced toward the entrance. The screams had reached a fever pitch, but as Harper had told them, there was nothing they could do except get Larabee and Tanner to safety.

"Ezra, get the horses!" Jackson ordered when they eased Tanner to the ground.

"Nathan, n…need to help C…Chris."

"They will get him out of there, Vin," the healer said reassuringly and turned to gaze into the clearing. The fire seemed to have lost much of its force and did little to illuminate the battle taking place around it. He placed a hand on Tanner's shoulder and held him in place while Standish gathered the animals and returned with them.

"Chris, we need to get out of here!" Wilmington ordered.

"Not until I kill that bitch!" Larabee spat, the fire glowing off the blood covered blade as he pulled his arm from his friend's hand. "Get Vin out of here!"

"Nathan and Ezra have Vin," Sanchez said, following the blond as a dark form on an even darker horse appeared on the hill above the clearing.

"BITCH!" Larabee screamed above the cries of death surrounding him.

"Josiah, get them out of here!" Elizabeth Harper ordered as the covens surrounded Ella Gaines' followers.

"You heard her, Chris, we need to go!" Wilmington shouted as the horse they watched threw up its forelegs and bolted into the darkness.

"Chris, come on!" Dunne said, but stopped when he spotted the bleeding wound in Larabee's right side. "Buck, Chris is hurt!"

"What the hell?" the womanizer cursed when he too spotted the wound.

"Leave me be!" Larabee shouted and again tried to go after Ella Gaines.

"No! Damn it! We need to get out of here and let Nathan take a look at you!" Wilmington ordered.

"She killed them, Buck!" Larabee said and whirled on his long time friend, groaning as the movement tore at the wound. He held his left arm tight against his side as his body began to shake and he became aware of the pain in his side.

"Buck!"

"I got him!" Wilmington assured the younger man as he caught Larabee and threw him over his shoulder. He could feel Larabee fighting still, but the man was also in pain and in need of Nathan Jackson's expertise. He followed Dunne through the center of the clearing, ignoring the few that were still on their feet and fighting until he was through the entrance. He saw Vin leaning against Jackson as Standish held the reins of their horses. "Nathan, Chris is hurt!"

"Damn!" the healer said as Sanchez eased the injured man from Wilmington 's shoulder. He cursed the blood smeared all over the man's side and reached for the cloth Dunne held out to him. "We need to get him back to the house."

"N…no!" the blond spat and tried to get to his feet, but was held fast by Wilmington and Sanchez.

"Chris, you are not going anywhere!" the womanizer snapped.

"N…need to g…go after her."

"We will, but right now we need to get you and Vin taken care of," Sanchez said.

"No," the blond spat and reached up to pull Wilmington closer. "N…need to go a…after her now. S…she killed them, Buck."

"Killed who, Chris?" Wilmington asked as Larabee released his hold and held out an object clutched tightly in his right hand. "My God…is that…"

"I…it is Sarah's locket…she s…said the captain g…gave it…it to h…her…had them k…killed…need to…need to…" the blond's strength gave out and he collapsed against Wilmington as he tried to keep his eyes open. He didn't see the sorrow and pain that raged through his friend's eyes when he spoke. "G…get the b…bitch…"

Buck swallowed the emotions waging war within his soul and could no longer stop the anger building inside him. Ella Gaines would pay for what she'd cost Chris…for what she'd cost him. ‘Damn your black heart to hell, Ella,' he thought.

"Easy, Chris, we will get her…but not until we get you and Vin home," Sanchez assured the blond.

Chris was only vaguely aware of being lifted onto a horse and strong arms encircling him. He couldn't find the strength to open his eyes, but he clutched the locket as if it was a lifeline of hope. He leaned heavily against the broad chest and drew in a shallow breath of air as the horse's movement reminded him of the wound in his side. Someone had wrapped him in a coat, but he still shivered in spite of the added warmth.

"I got you, Brother, we will have you home and in bed in no time," Sanchez said and looked to the right. Tanner rode Peso, but Wilmington was ready in case the younger man needed help. The cries from the clearing diminished with each passing step and they silently prayed for Elizabeth Harper and those who practiced her craft with her.

Chris became aware of his surroundings and wished he'd stayed where he was, but the pain had hold of him as he was passed down from the horse and supported between Standish and Jackson. Chris looked to the side and spotted Tanner being supported between Wilmington and Dunne and hoped the younger man was not hurt too badly. He bit back a cry of pain as he took a step toward the front door and they made their way inside and moved quickly toward his bedroom.

"Help me get the coat off him before he lies down!" Jackson ordered.

"I…I can do i…it…"

"Just be still, Chris!" the healer warned.

"Is there anything I can get you, Mr. Jackson?"

"I am going to need hot water and bandages. Chris, where did you put those supplies I gave you last month?"

"I…in the hall cl…closet," Larabee answered, moaning as he lay back on the bed.

"Bring those too, Ezra!" Jackson ordered, silently cursing when Wilmington eased Tanner onto the chair beside the window. He knew there was no point in telling the other man to lie down until he was sure Larabee was going to be all right. "Stubborn fool!"

"Which one, Brother?" Sanchez asked with a grin.

"Both of them!" Jackson admitted as Larabee fought to get up once more.

"Need to go a…after h…her!"

"What you need is to let me take a look at that wound or the only place you will be going is to your grave. I am not going to stand by and watch you kill yourself! Josiah, he tries to get off that bed you sit on him!"

"As you wish, Nathan," Sanchez said, smiling as he moved closer to the injured blond.

"Best do as he says, Chris, don't think yer strong enough…"

" Vin , I would not say another word if I were you," Dunne said when Jackson turned his fiery gaze on the horse trainer.

"I will be taking a look at that hard head of yours when I am through with Chris," the healer warned.

"Buck, g… go after her…bring the b…bitch back," Larabee pleaded.

"I will as soon as Nathan finishes with you and Vin ." Wilmington vowed and shared Larabee's rage at Ella Gaines, but right now the living took precedence over the dead.

"I will go with him, Chris," Dunne said and saw the gratitude in Larabee's eyes.

"Now, Chris, looks like Ezra found the supplies and I need to get this cleaned up," Jackson said as Sanchez moved back.

Chris tried to speak, but fatigue and blood loss coupled with shock conspired against him and his eyes closed as nausea and pain washed over him. He moved his hand away from his side and moaned as Jackson began removing the blood soaked material. He tried to be still, but the mounting pain sent tremors through his body and just before he lost consciousness he thought he heard Jackson curse.

Vin woke from a nightmare and sat bolt upright in the bed. He looked around the bedroom and slid his legs over the edge until his feet touched the cold floor. He knew JD and Buck had left at first light to search for Ella Gaines and wished he'd been able to go with them, but he knew Jackson was right about the concussion he was suffering from. Taking a deep breath, he remembered where he was and rubbed at his aching head before searching for his clothes.

"Nathan!" Tanner called when he realized what must have happened. He was about to call again, but the door opened and Ezra Standish entered the room with a tray of food.

"Good morning, Mr. Tanner, I do hope you are not suffering from another malady such as…"

"Ezra, do me a favor and stop with them big words. Where did Nathan hide my clothes?"

"I would gladly reveal the location, since it was a most inappropriate tactic, however I fear his retaliation…"

"Don't give a damn about retaliation…"

"I do, Mr. Tanner, for he has revealed what the consequences are and I am a victim of a very delicate stomach."

"Damn it, Ezra!"

"Why don't you try this delicious…er… "

"Tell, Nathan, I want my clothes!"

"I will endeavor to do so at my earliest opportunity, however," the gambler grinned when he reached the door and turned back to face the younger man. "I am needed at my establishment so it will have to be in a couple of days. My sympathies, Mr. Tanner."

"Sonofabitch! Ezra!" the horse trainer spat when the door closed. He stood on shaky legs and pressed a hand to his brow once more before sinking back onto the bed. He waited until the pain and dizziness subsided and stood once more. Pulling the blanket off the bed, Vin wrapped it around his shoulders and held it in place as he walked to the door and pulled it open just as Sanchez was about to enter.

"Well, I must say I am impressed with your choice of clothing," the older man said with a grin as he held the door for the horse trainer.

"Where the hell are my clothes?"

"I believe they are hung on the fence to dry," Sanchez explained and walked beside the injured man. He knew from Jackson that Tanner would probably have dizzy spells and headaches for several weeks and that he would need to be watched for the next day or two especially.

"Could have found something for me ta put on," Tanner grumbled, but grew quiet when he looked into Larabee's room. The healer looked worn out and Vin swallowed his complaints when he looked at the sweat soaked blond. "How is he, Nathan?"

"He is fevered, Vin . The knife Averill used on him was probably filthy and it has caused some infection. I am leaving the wound open until I am sure it is safe to close it up. Did you eat?"

"Not hungry…"

"Eat anyway! Sit down," Jackson ordered and turned to the older man. "Josiah, bring his tray in here."

"Certainly," Sanchez said and hurried from the room.

"Is he goin' to be all right?"

"I do not know, Vin, but knowing Chris I would have to say yes. He is going to have to take it easy for a while, but as long as he does not do anything stupid the wound should heal."

"Did Buck and JD leave yet?"

"They left at daybreak. Should be back in a few days depending on what they find." Jackson watched as Larabee fought to open his eyes. He reached for the pitcher of water and poured a small amount into the cup as Sanchez returned. "Josiah, help me get this into Chris."

"I…"

"You'll stay out of the way," Jackson scolded as the horse trainer moved to help. He saw the scowl, but was glad he didn't have to argue with the younger man as Sanchez moved to lift the blond forward.

Chris licked at dry lips as voices penetrated the fog enshrouding his mind. Somehow he managed to force his lids to open and he turned his head in an effort to find the locket he knew hung beside him. He sighed and turned back toward his friends once he was sure it was still there.

"Chris, I need you to drink this," Jackson ordered and placed the cup at Larabee's mouth. The blond drank several small sips before groaning and closing his eyes.

"I think he is out again, Nathan," Sanchez said, but was surprised when the green eyes shot open once more. "Easy, Chris."

"G… get me u…up!"

"Where do you think you are going to go?" Jackson asked.

"Need to…to go after Ella!"

"Not right now you don't," Jackson warned. "Right now you need to be still before you set that wound to bleeding again."

"You best listen to him, Chris. He spent last night sitting beside your bed making sure you did not did not bleed to death. You lost a lot of blood and Nathan lost a lot of his patience so right now I would listen to him real careful or you might just find yourself on the wrong side of his temper," Sanchez warned.

" Chris, probably won't do ya any good to get outta bed anyway. Seems Nathan has taken ta hidin' our clothes," Tanner scowled at the healer as he spoke.

"Only way I can keep you both where I can watch you!" Jackson told them. "Chris, listen to me. That wound has been bleeding for a long time and I only just got it stopped. You move around too much and it will start again and I am not sure I could stop it. Buck and JD left this morning to search for her. You trust them, don't you?"

"I t…trust all of y…you."

"Good, then trust me to do my job and trust them to do theirs," Jackson said and eased the blankets away from the injured man.

"S…sorry," Larabee mumbled, gritting his teeth as Jackson worked at removing the soiled bandages.

"Apology accepted," Jackson said sympathetically, shaking his head when he saw the raw wound. "Josiah, would you bring me some hot water and clean bandages? Vin , stay put and finish eating. Chris, feel up to drinking a little more water and maybe some broth?"

"Think so," Larabee said and gratefully swallowed the liquid. When Sanchez returned, Chris smiled weakly when Jackson sent him on a second errand. He tensed up when Jackson removed the bandage and heard the healer speaking to him as he tried to stay conscious. He heard Tanner talking to Jackson , but the words were muffled and far apart as he gave into the pain and fever raging through him once more.

Buck shook his head as he looked at the clearing before him. It had taken him and JD nearly an hour to clear the brush from the entrance. In the five days they were searching for Ella Gaines nothing had turned up. They'd stopped at several farms, but came away with nothing each time. No one had heard or seen anything of Ella Gaines or Jack Averill and it was beginning to look as if the duo had escaped cleanly. Upon returning to the house on the eve of Samhain they'd discovered Hildegard Petrie had also disappeared, leaving nothing behind to prove she'd ever been there. As night began to close around them once more the two men decided they needed a fresh start and rode back to the clearing.

"Are you sure this is the right place, JD?"

"I know it is, Buck. See those two rocks along the outer edge of the trees?"

"I see them," Wilmington answered.

"Those are the ones I used as markers when we rode out this way the night of the ritual. I figured we might need to come back here again."

"Then how the hell do you explain this?" Wilmington said when they moved into what was supposed to be a clearing. There were trees spread throughout the area and the ‘clearing' they thought had been there was totally grown over. "It would take a lot more than two days for this much stuff to grow."

"I know, Buck, but I swear this is the place," Dunne said, totally shocked by what he was seeing.  

Wilmington shook his head, walked back toward his horse, and mounted up. There was something eerie about the clearing and the newly grown forest and he wanted to get away from there as quickly as possible. Even the horses seemed nervous about being this close to the area and he shivered when Dunne finally moved to join him.

"So, what are we going to do now?"

"Not much we can do, except go back to Chris' and tell them about this."

"They will not believe us."

"Well, hell, Kid, I do not believe us and I am seeing it for myself," Wilmington said before turning his horse and riding away from the clearing.

Vin watched the horses in the corral and let his mind wander over the last few days. There were things happening that could not be explained, including the disappearance of Elizabeth Harper. She had not returned since the events on the Eve of Samhain and he began to think she truly had been a witch.

"Are you okay, Vin?" Sanchez asked, joining the younger man at the corral.

"Been better, Josiah. Chris okay?"

"Nathan is worried about his fever."

"Damn," Tanner said softly. "Did he have ta tie him down?"

"You know he did, Vin . It is not like he wanted to do it. Chris thrashing around like that was not doing him any good and Nathan's worried about blood loss."

"I know, Josiah, just hate seein' him like that."

"We all do." Sanchez studied the younger man's face and knew there was something else the horse trainer was thinking about. "What else is bothering you, Vin ?"

"I just keep thinkin' ‘bout Miss Liza. What do ya think happened ta her?"

"That is something I can not answer. She has not returned, yet her belongings are not in her room."

"Don'tcha think that's strange? I mean the woman lived here the last six months or longer and now it's like she never existed. I keep thinkin' maybe there is somethin' ta this witchcraft."

"You and me both, Vin, but I do not think it would be wise to go talking about such things to anyone. I would hate to see another witch hunt, especially when you remember Elizabeth Harper saved us all from Ella Gaines."

"Do ya think Ella Gaines'll come back?"

"She is a woman scorned and obsessed. She will come back, of that I am certain, but as long as we are here to help him, Chris will be okay." Sanchez assured the horse trainer before returning to the house.

Vin stayed where he was for several minutes watching the horses and smiling as one came over to him. He patted the animal's neck and continued to grin when it whinnied and returned to the center of the corral. The headache he'd held at bay since waking was coming on full force and he headed back to the house before it grew worse.

Buck Wilmington ran his fingers through his hair as he entered the house. The news he had to impart did not set well with him, but there seemed no point in continuing the search for Ella Gaines when everything about that night seemed to have disappeared with her. ‘Next time,' he thought with chilling certainty because Ella Gaines had done the unconscionable and cost him more than most people would ever know.

Josiah Sanchez was standing in the kitchen doorway with a cup of coffee held out to him and Buck gladly took it before asking. "How are they, Josiah?"

"Vin is grumbling about not being allowed to ride for a few more days."

"He's doing better then?"

"Yes…"

"Chris?"

"He's still alive. Burning up with a fever and hell bent on going after Ella Gaines. Any luck?"

"No, the woman seems to have disappeared," Wilmington said and followed the older man toward Larabee's bedroom. What he saw sent a shiver of fear down his spine. Larabee thrashed on the bed, fighting against the restraints that held him in place and mumbled feverishly while Tanner and Jackson cared for him.

"Nathan, how is he?" Wilmington asked worriedly.

"He is not doing very well right now, Buck," Jackson answered and turned back to the bed when Larabee moaned and opened his eyes.

"B…Buck?"

"Right here, Chris," Wilmington said and sat on the edge of the bed.

"D…did you f…find her?"

"She is gone, Chris. We could not find any sign of her and I do not mean just around that clearing. There is nothing there either!"

"What are you talking about, Buck?" Jackson asked as the others came into the room.

" Me and JD tried to find her trail, but there was nothing. We went back to the clearing and to see if we could pick it up there." Wilmington shook his head in disbelief as he continued. "There was nothing there. Not even a sign of the fire they had going. I swear to God it looks as if no one ever walked on the ground there."

"What the hell does that mean? We were all there!" Tanner said.

"I know, Vin , but you would not say that if you saw it now," Wilmington explained. "I am telling you there is nothing there, just some old trees, a couple of rocks, shrubs and nothing else. Even the entrance was grown over. It took me and JD nearly two hours to clear the entrance."

"Buck is telling you the truth, Vin. If I had not seen it with my own eyes I would have a hard time believing him too," Dunne assured them.

"Where do you think you are going, Chris?" Jackson asked, glad they'd had the fortitude to tie the blond down.

"N… need to find her, Nathan!"

"It will have to wait until you are back on your feet, Brother," Sanchez warned, having seen the anger come over the healer's face. In the week since the stabbing, Jackson had used everything he'd learned to keep the blond amongst the living and in spite of that, they'd nearly lost him several times.

"N…no…"

"Chris, ya best do as Nathan says and when yer back on yer feet we can all go find her," Tanner said tiredly.

"Please…"

"That is not going to work this time, Chris. You need to rest and heal…not like the last time because I refuse to be a party to you trying to get yourself killed. Sarah would not have wanted that…would she?"

"Buck…"

"Would she, Chris?"

"No," Larabee said, slumping back against the pillows in utter defeat. He remembered the torment and pain after finding out the two most important people in his life were gone from him and how hard this man had fought to keep him anchored to this life, even through his own blinding loss. Pain was nothing new to Chris Larabee and he shifted on the bed until he could see the locket hanging from the bedpost. Sarah's locket, the symbol of love he'd thought was lost with her. Now, at least he knew who had killed her and why, but until he found Ella Gaines his blood thirsty need for revenge would have to wait. She was out there…waiting…and he could feel her near, but his friends were right. He looked into Wilmington 's blue eyes and nodded before slipping toward a healing sleep.

The dream came again and Chris woke bathed in sweat even as the remnants of the nightmare faded. All he remembered was Ella Gaines on a black horse and her promise that she would someday return for him. His answer was always the same when he told her he'd be waiting for her.

Buck watched as Larabee moved stiffly along the fence of the corral. Jackson had told them all he was healing, but would still need time to regain his strength. The fever was gone and the stitches would be coming out soon, but the blond no longer badgered them to let him ride or go after Ella Gaines. Buck knew something had changed and he prayed the blond would not go after the woman alone. He was leaving to go back to Portsmouth and wanted to be sure his long time friend was truly okay.

"I know you are there, Buck," Larabee said, smiling when he heard the soft expletive.

"I hate when you do that."

"You should know better than to sneak up on a man."

"I was not sneaking."

"True, I could always tell when you were around."

"How are you feeling, Chris?" Wilmington asked.

"Sore, but otherwise okay," Larabee answered honestly.

"Nathan says he will take out the stitches tomorrow."

"I know."

"You sure you are okay?" Wilmington asked and saw a slight smile touch the soft green eyes.

"Not a hundred percent, Buck, but I am getting there. What time are you and JD heading back?"

"Right after lunch. Promise me something, Chris."

"Not sure if I can, Buck."

"You do not even know what I was going to ask."

"I do not have to. I know you well enough to see that Wilmington worry. You are wondering if I am going to go after Ella."

"The thought had crossed my mind."

"I won't need to, Buck. Ella knows where I am and she will come back. When she does I'm going to end it once and for all."

"Alone?" Wilmington asked, eyebrows rising expectantly.

"No, that is something I will not do again, Buck. You, Vin , and the others are part of my life now and I no longer need to do things alone. Sarah told me that, but I never really understood until now." Chris reached into his pocket and touched his fingers against the shiny object nestled there. A symbol of the love he shared with Sarah Larabee, one that was far stronger than the hatred he felt for Ella Gaines. He drew strength from his memories and knew that when the time came he would turn to the six men for help, until then he would watch for signs and know when the evil was amongst them once more.

END