Absolute knowledge gives you absolute power, and I will let no one and nothing stand in my way of these. James Horton “I have just been unanimously elected head of our Hunters’ organization,” James Horton announced with a bit of swagger. His men congratulated him then Peter asked, “How is this going to affect our mission?” “We are the justice this world so desperately needs. We answer to no one now. It simplifies things immensely when you are the highest authority,” he replied, savoring the feeling. Highlander Imagine: The Eye of Odin An RK Books production www.RK-books.com ISBN: 978-0-9777110-7-2 Copyright © October, 2019 by Wendy Lou Jones Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Jones, Wendy Lou Highlander Imagine: The Eye of Odin by Wendy Lou Jones Fiction: Historical │Western / Historical │ Romance / Action & Adventure Library of Congress Control Number: 2019915098 All rights reserved Highlander Imagine Series This work was fully authorized by Davis-Panzer Productions and Studiocanal Films Ltd; however the content is wholly an RK Books original fan creation. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part, in any form, and by any electronic, mechanical or any other means now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopy, and recording or in any information storage and retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of RK Books. RK Books may be contacted at http://www.RK-Books.com/contact This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’ imagination or are used fictitiously. They have no existence outside of the imagination of the authors and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. Any resemblance to persons now living or dead is purely coincidental. RK Books Rochester, Minnesota U.S.A. First printing: November 2019 Cover photograph from Dreamstime.com & Davis-Panser Productions Inc. Contact the Author: www.RK-Books.com Highlander Imagine: The Eye of Odin Book IV in the Highlander Imagine Series A NOVEL BY WENDY LOU JONES & LILIANA BORDONI Other Highlander Imagine books in the series Book I Highlander Imagine: For Love’s Sake Book II Highlander Imagine: Beyond Infinity Book III Highlander Imagine – Code Name: Immortal Introduction For more than a decade, Duncan MacLeod had managed to slip away from the concern and dangers of being an Immortal. For a time, he had been able to enjoy a romantic and carefree respite with the lovely and talented young artist, Tessa Noël. But before he had had a chance to taste more than a brief, sweet moment with her, the reality of his immortal existence came crashing in on their lives. With the arrival of the pre-Immortal Richie Ryan, followed closely by Connor MacLeod, hot on the trail of the immortal Slan Quince—and determined to take his head—the reality of the Game was suddenly within his Seacouver home. Realizing that their gift of carefree tranquility together was at an end, both knew they had to make important decisions about their future together in this time of the Gathering. After barely escaping death by the hands of a mortal assailant in their Seacouver home, Duncan and Tessa decide to begin a new chapter in their lives, as husband and wife, on their floating home in Paris, France. But once again, their house-warming peace was shattered by the Game, this time with Tessa taking an Immortal’s head and unexpectedly being injured by his Quickening. Inspired by her recent experience in ways she never imagined possible, Tessa was determined to move forward in her new life. Soon, her hand was not far from a sword, as Grace Chandel and even Connor assisted in her introductory training—much to Duncan’s displeasure. Duncan’s fondness for one particular group of South American llama statues unexpectedly placed him in the line of fire of a very old Olmec Immortal, Kawill. He had been searching for the same statues that Duncan made a point of rescuing from his excavators. When his thoughtless brag brought Kawill to him, Duncan had stood firm on his principles. These artifacts belonged to the culture that had produced them. They were a part of their ancient heritage and not for sale. According to Kawill, an ancient text—written by the Immortal Balam, chief priest of the Olmec island nation—showed how these statues could be used to open a mystical portal to the Immortal’s Source. Kawill intended to have these statues at any cost. He believed the ritual would assist him in becoming the final Only One before the Gathering. Refusing to acknowledge what he considered, superstitious mumbo-jumbo, Duncan took the Olmec’s ultimate, bizarre challenge at Teotihuacán, virtually on the steps of Holy Ground. At the beheading of his enemy, Duncan came face to face with the power he had dared to scoff at, nearly resulting in I everyone’s death. Wounded far worse than even he believed possible to recover from, Duncan learned a bitter lesson which rocked him to the very foundation of his psyche. Richie’s decision to leave Duncan and Tessa, so soon after this event, only reinforced the Immortals’ saying, ‘There comes a time when every Immortal must go their own way until the final Gathering,’ brought one more moment of pain for everyone. Back at home, a frustrated Duncan was trying unsuccessfully to subdue Kawill’s willful Quickening. His frustration only upset and endangered those he came in contact with. He soon realized he must try another approach. Merlina, their recently adopted collie, appeared to be his best four-footed therapist and ice-breaker when she led him to the new immortal priest who was a temporary replacement for Darius. With Duncan’s personal resolve now strengthened, he is finally ready for some peace and quiet in his married life. But a knock at their door brings Connor’s girlfriend, Annelise, with some very unwelcome and troubling news—Connor is missing and in danger. Wishing that he had never seen her, but fearful that she might be right, Duncan and Tessa patch her broken story together and reach an alarming conclusion— Horton is alive, the Hunters have returned and they are now after Connor. After a harrowing journey on the Orient Express, Duncan discovers the truth behind her words and their adventure. Annelise’s brother is missing under very strange circumstances and she intends to rescue him. After her heroic moment finally arrived, she was herself taken aback by an unexpected turn of events, and a brother who had no need of a rescue. With the unexpected arrival of Connor, who had been trailing them, Duncan and his cousin discover the darkest secrets of this Hunters’ organization. Hoping to eliminate the Hunter threat once and for all, Connor and Duncan are both called to do battle. But when the dust of the Quickening settles, Horton is not amongst the dead. Now the search is on before James Horton and his men can kill again. II Prologue Seven days ago: The sun reappeared once again from behind another cottony cloud that floated lazily across an early June Texas sky. On the earth below, William Shepherd paused and pulled the wide-brim of his worn, gray Stetson hat down over his eyes. So much for my shade, he thought casually as he reached for his hammer once again and resumed pounding a stubborn nail into a fencerow post. With another strand of fence wire secured, Will walked to his waiting horse, Grillo. Patting his side, he lifted another pouch of nails from the saddle- bag then wiped his brow across his blue, work shirt sleeve. Almost all gone, he thought as he looked toward the few head of longhorns grazing on a knoll in his pasture. They’re not wanted anymore, but I’ll keep a few of `em. They carry more than just memories for me, they’re a part of all our history. Patting Grillo’s shoulder, he took a casual sip of water from his canteen before pouring a little into his leather-gloved hand and offering it to his horse. Screwing the cap back on, he looped it over the saddle horn. “Fence isn’t going to finish itself, Grillo,” he said and pulling his hammer from his belt, he began slowly walking back along the fencerow. Grillo ambled slowly after him, pausing to nibble a few blades of grass when Will stopped to work. Almost unnoticeable at first, an unexpected sound began overshadowing the gentle sound of the wind that was blowing relentlessly across the open plains. Finally, Will paused in mid-stroke and looked around. Far off in the distance, he saw two all-terrain vehicles, their riders driving erratically. As they were weaving and circling, a cloud of dry Texas dust went flying each time they zig-zagged. “Damn drunken college boys,” he said as their whooping and hollering became audible. “If they keep coming like this, they’ll be into my fence in no time,” he grumbled. An almost unconscious tickle in the back of his mind caused his brow to crease noticeably. Drunk? It isn’t even noon yet. What gives? A small alarm went off in his head as he realized how close they were now weaving to the fencerow. When they hit my barbwire fence, they’ll— He gave a shrill whistle and waved his hat high in the air. 1 WENDY LOU JONES & LILIANA BORDONI “Hey! You damn drunken fools—watch where you’re going! Stop!” he shouted.