Chapter thirty -- Witchblade Karma

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Date Posted: 22:07:00 11/09/02 Sat
Author: Spin
Subject: Chapter thirty
In reply to: Spin 's message, "Revelation" on 22:34:06 05/20/02 Mon

~*~

Ian still sat in his car long after arriving at the mansion. Lazar�s words were unrelenting as it ran through his mind. Could he really break free from Irons? Would Sara ever accept him as her protector if nothing more? Could it all truly be possible? The significance of his words held hope. Something Ian had longed for as far as he could remember. Especially after those first few beatings or �lessons� as Irons would say. He had wished and dreamed of another life outside of the one he had now. As the years went on, along with the punishments, his hope diminish to a tiny speck of light hidden deep in the depths of his darken and tormented soul. Obscured behind the layers of self-doubting, repulsion, and insecurity. Imbedded over the years thanks to Irons constant reminder that he could never be a normal man.

It was until the moment he had seen her that the light started to grow. The rays of hope breaching beyond the barrier not only through his soul but also through his entire being, his entire way of living. For once making him doubt his liege to Irons. Going up against years of training and teachings. Remembering how he had gone against Irons orders and instead learned to listen to his instincts, to his heart.

�. When in doubt look inside yourself�

Lazar told Ian to look inside his mind and heart. The image of Sara�s face flashed the moment he closed his eyes. Her beauty etched deep into his memory. Perhaps it was possible. Lazar was right he had been confusing his loyalty to Irons with gratitude. After all it was Irons that made him the dangerous assassin that he was. A lethal and loyal warrior. But it was Sara who made him more then just that. He was her protector, her wielder knight. She may not want to accept it now but he was going convince her. Ian Nottingham was good at persuasion. He had a new purpose in life. To live and protect the wielder of the Witchblade. This time not willing to die for her but instead fight to live and stand by her side. The two small scars on his left wrist throbbed lightly. The feeling he felt earlier crawled up his arm and bathed his body in a warm afterglow.

�I suppose the Witchblade agrees with me.� He mused as he stroked the faint scars with a leather-clad finger. Ian soon opened his eyes and got out of the car.

Immediately as he stepped over the threshold a surge of apprehension ran through his body. The throb in his left wrist no longer warm and comforting was unexpectedly cold. Could it mean that Irons knows about his visit with Sara? Should he prepare for yet another beating? As he neared the doubled doors that lead to the den he could hear voices carry through the slight opening. Ian moved closer but hesitated to enter. His eyes widen when one of the voices he recognized was his own.

�When will I fight?�

Irons grinned as he recalled the same question asked by then a much younger Nottingham. He eyed his servant as he stood in front of the fireplace, in the middle of the den. Still like Ian but yet this one held confidence as he held his head up. Irons� response was the same as it was those many years ago.

�Soon enough.� Irons, with cane in hand, began to circle his new servant. � Now tell me what do these words have in common: Intimidation ... temptation ... abandonment ... rejection ... opposition ... Titillation ... enigma ... seduction?�

As Irons stood behind his servant and swung his cane over Nottingham�s shoulder. With lighting speed, much like Ian, Nottingham crossed his arms at the shoulder and trapped the weapon with his elbows. Behind him Irons smirked and nodded obviously approving of Nottingham�s exceptional skill. Irons continued to twirl the cane in his hand as he made his way in front of Nottingham.

�Is the picture getting clearer?"

�These are all stratagems for controlling Sara Pezzini.� Irons took the handle of the cane and tucked it under Nottingham�s chin.

Cerulean and caramel eyes boar into each other. Irons looked into the dark abysmal depths of Nottingham�s eyes and saw an empty void. �Had Immo been right about this one? Should he be worried about Nottingham�s so called aggression levels?� Irons thought. No, perhaps not an empty void there was something flickering behind those eyes. But in the blink of an eye Irons couldn�t recognized what he had seen.

�For containing her. I had envisioned a scenario in which Sara would become a member of our family and you could serve us both.� Nottingham grinned at the idea of them being a �family�.

Irons lowered the cane and turned to walk away. A bit unnerved by Nottingham�s wicked grin. He cast aside the feeling and continued to speak.

�However, Sara Pezzini is a lioness. Fascinating as a zoological specimen, but worthless as a pet. And yet ... invaluable for the blood that courses through her veins.� Irons thoughts had wondered he didn�t hear the door open.

��Ian, are you so willing to leave your Lady�s Sara�s side? To leave her vulnerable against the evil elements that is after the Witchblade? Are you willing to break the vow you�ve made lifetimes ago to serve the wielder? Do you want your Lady to meet her untimely demise, alone?��

�And it's her blood you covet.� Ian�s seething voice echoed in the den as he walked in. Finally having heard enough of Irons� plans for Lady Sara. It didn�t take much more convincing for Ian to chose. The fire in the great hearth burned and crackled. Mimicking the sounds of the connection between Ian and Irons finally breaking.

Ian focused on both men as he made his way towards them. Making sure to keep his distance from them. Ian glared at that the mirror image of himself. Who was this person who stood before him with his face? A twin brother? Nottingham glared at his predecessor, the corners of his mouth rising into an evil smirk. Ian face remained stotic but he heart was beating against his chest.

�I�m so glad you could join us this evening, Ian. I would like to introduce your successor.� Irons stood beside Nottingham. His right hand heavily patted the shoulder of the other. Irons leaned slight on the cane he held. His eyes never leaving Ian. Wanted to observe any reaction. Unfortunately he didn�t expect the condescending smile on Ian�s face.

�So this abomination is want you and Dr. Immo have been hiding deep in the bowels of the mansion. A replicate of me? A clone?� Irons could feel the tension in Nottingham�s shoulder pulsating under his hand. With a hard squeeze from Irons Nottingham obediently stood frozen. Even from the distance that set them apart Ian could see the rage running through the clone�s eyes.

�Ah, but you see Ian, he, is so much more superior then you. His very skill far exceeds yours. And he is solely loyal to me.� Ian caught the look on the clone�s face as his eyes quickly glanced side ways towards Irons. Ian doubted that Irons had much control over this one. Which only made the clone much more dangerous.

Perhaps Irons was right and the clone�s skills far exceeded Ian�s. �No� Ian thought. The only difference between the two was the control they had over their emotions. Without control this clone was far from dangerous. Ian cursed at himself at the thought he was going to willing give up his life only to leave Sara alone to deal with this maniac on the loose.
�His devotion to me will not falter unlike you.� Irons grinned.

�Let me deal with this weakling traitor, master.� Nottingham�s hands were ready balled up into fist. His body ridged with adrenaline coursing through his body. Nottingham was ready to fight and all Irons had to do was say the word. Irons held the clone back with one arm crossed over his chest.

�No, you have your orders. Go and continue your vigilance over Sara Pezzini.� Ian�s eyes went wide with fear. Irons smiled at the obvious reaction from Ian. Before Nottingham left Irons added, �Remember you are not to make contact with her until I say.�

With a loud groan Nottingham left the den through the other side entrance that lead to the back of the mansion. But not before provoking Ian with an evil smile and commenting, �Don�t worry Ian I�ll watch her well.�

Ian was conflicted to follow the clone or to stay and finish his confrontation with Irons. Apparently his decision was made for him. His legs were rooted in place and he couldn�t move. As much as he longed to be by Sara�s side, Ian knew this was important. Besides Ian had a feeling that Sara, even with the clone loose, was safe for now. He watched at the clone disappeared, leaving him alone with Irons. Ian�s doubts were slowly rising as he stared at the man who raised him since he was a child.

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