TheWorthlessSon

Author: ShyWillow

Distribution: Feel free just let me know where it's going.

Rating: NC-17

Pairing: Liam/?(Female)

Spoilers: There aren't really any spoilers.

Disclaimer: All characters that have appeared on Angel are owned by Joss Whedon,

David Greenwalt & Co. All the other characters belong to me.

Summary: This is my interruption of the events that happened leading up to what was seen in the flashbacks in The Prodigal.

The Worthless Son

Galway, Ireland 1753

�He was seated at a desk in the Offices of the O'Connor Iron Export Company, rubbing his temples, trying his best to make sense of the shipping manifests before him. He did not understand why his father would not let him work in the foundry proper. That was where he would be of better use to his father in his opinion, not doing paper work that made his head ache. He loved working with his hands and believed himself damn good at working iron. But his father insisted that he learn the family business at the management level and there was not he could do to change his father's mind. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, opened them and tried hard to understand the paperwork before him.

�The office door opened and Liam cringed when he saw his father walk into the room. He braced himself for the on slot he knew would come when his father saw that he had made no headway with his work.

�"In the name of God, Boy, what have you been doing?" Sean O'Connor blared when he saw his son still sitting behind the desk with the same amount of work on it as there had been before he had left to go inspect the foundry.

�"Working sir," Liam mumbled as his father walked around the desk to gaze over his shoulder.

�"Oh aye, working you say," Sean said in a mocking tone. "More likes daydreaming again. Keep your head out of the clouds Boy! Go and get out of my sight and let me do it seeing as your incapable."

�"Father I can do the work if ye will just ..." Liam started as his father pushed him out of the chair he as on.

�"I said get out of my sight," Sean said cutting his son off, "you worthless piece of flesh." He sat himself behind the desk and started doing Liam's work without giving his son a second glance.

�Liam stood, his shoulders slumped and scowled at his father. As he turned to go he muttered, "Yes sir father. Whatever you say father."� Feeling dejected he left his father's offices. "You want me out of your sight father well I can most certainly accommodate you," and as he said that he left The O'Connor Iron Export yards and walked toward the center of town.

~*~*~*~*~*~

�Liam walked the streets of Galway aimlessly for a couple of hours lost in thought. He wondered how it was possible for one son to be such a disappointment to his father. His thoughts were a whirlwind that would not relent. It was almost sun set and he knew he should go home but he had no desire to do so knowing his father would be there. He decided to go and take a walk by the shore line hoping to sooth the ache in his head that had not yielded sense he left the foundry earlier. The sight of Galway bay had always had a claming effect on him. He loved watching the waves come in and go out again as if they were stroking the earth in a lover's embrace.

�When he reached the Bay he saw her sitting on a rock gazing out at the water. She was a beautiful sight to behold. Her waist length auburn hair cascaded down her back and floated in the breeze. The glow of the setting sun's rays gave her ivory skin a golden hue and Liam knew without seeing then that her eyes were as green as emeralds which sparkled when she smiled or danced when she laughed. A warm rush of longing came over him as he observed her and he smiled.

�He walked over to her and gently placed his hand upon her arm. When she felt his touch it startled her and she let out a gasp of surprise. She turned to see who had been so bold. "Good sir, you frightened me half to death," she said with her hand held to her breast to try and still her beating heart.

�"I am truly sorry my lady." Liam responded with a mischievous grin. "I did not intend to scare ye so."

�"Indeed."

�Liam drank in the beauty of her eyes and traced the side of her face with his finger. "My beautiful Allison what a pleasure it is to see you here." He bent down and kissed her tenderly on the lips.

�When he finally released her lips she gazed into the chocolate brown eyes of the man she loved. "It is a pleasure to see you here as well."

�He tore his gaze away from Allison's and looked over her head and out upon the bay. Despite the warmth he had felt at seeing his love Liam was still disturbed by what had occurred with his father earlier in the day. He felt Allison's hand press against his cheek and he looked down at her once again.

�Allison saw Liam's smile had faded and worried about him. "What troubles ye so my love?"

�He tried to smile but was not very successful in his attempt. "Nothing to concern yourself with."

�"Is it your father again?" she asked even though she knew that it was. There was very little that upset Liam as much as his father did.

�Liam put his arm around Allison and they seated themselves upon the rock that he had found her on. "Let us not talk about him and ruin such a grand sunset."

�"Liam, please, tell me what happen between you and your father," she pressed.

�"Ally I really do not see the sense in it."

�"Liam..."

�"It is always the same is it not? Once again I was unable to do what he wished to his satisfaction. Once again I am nothing but a thorn in his side."

�She took his hand in hers and held to her, "Liam it cannot be as bad as all that can it?"

�"I can never please the man. He is a boar. No matter how hard I try to do as he wishes it is never good enough for him!" He pulled his hand from Ally's grip, stood up, and pace in front of her. "For as long as I can remember I have never been able to measure up to his standards. Never quick enough. Never strong enough. Never smart enough. Never capable of being anything else but a good for nothing worthless son."

�Allison watched and listened as Liam ranted on. She could not help but feel distressed at the pain that he was in. She loved this man so that she could not bear to see him this way. "My love, please clam yourself and come sit with me once more." She patted the rock where he had been sitting only a short while before.

�He stopped his pacing to look at her. She smiled tenderly at him and he could see the sparkle in her eyes that he had imagine when he first came upon her. She held her hand out and again beckoned to him to come and sit. He paused for a moment and then took the hand she offered and did as she had asked him.

�When he was seated she turned to him, "Liam, my love, you are not a worthless man. You are the most intelligent, tender, kind hearted soul that I know." She laid her head on his chest and held him tightly. Liam could not see how God how seen fit to let him have such an angel in is life as he now held in his arms. Neither said another word as they watched the sun set below the water.

�After awhile of just enjoying each other in silence Liam gently kissed the top of Ally's head, "You best be going now. Your father will be at his wit's end from worry about your being out so late."

�"I can stay if you need me to," she said as she tilted her head up to him.

�"No, you should go." Even as he said these words he wished she would stay.

She looked so beautiful sitting there in his arms that the urge to kiss her over powered him. He leaned down and hungrily possessed her mouth with his. His kiss was so full of passion and love that Allison could scarce breath when he finally relented.

�"Oh Liam you do know how much I love do you not?" she asked her voice barely above a whisper.

�"God knows why you love me so but yes I do know and I love you as much if not more. Now please go before I change my mind and never let you leave." He kissed her again and then helped her off the rock, "Do not worry I will be alright."

�"Are you leaving as well?" she asked.

�"No, I think I shall stay here awhile longer."

�Allison gave him one last smile that went straight to his heart and blew him a kiss before she left. Liam watched her take her leave and kept looking in her direction even after he was no longer able to see her. When he finally gave up his sentinel he returned to their rock, sat down and gazed out at the peaceful water.

~*~*~*~*~*~

�When he finally returned home Liam was greeted with a cuff on the back of head as soon as he entered the door. "Where have you been?" hissed his father, "We have company this evening you lout."

�"I am sorry father I completely forgot we were having company this evening."

�Sean glared at his son. "'I am sorry' is that all you have to say? Indeed you are a sorry son."

�"I told you father I forgot. It was an innocent mistake." Liam rubbed his head where it still stung from his father's welcome.

�Just then Liam's mother arrived beside his father. "Gentlemen please keep your voices down our guests will hear you." She looked from her son to her husband, "Sean Mr. Keith is awaiting you in the drawing room. Why not go and join him and I will help Liam make himself presentable then we will join you as well."

�Sean grunted his agreement and glare briefly at Liam before returning to his guests.

�Liam's mother smiled sweetly at her son as she led him to the kitchen. She went to the sink and filled a bowl with water, brought it to the table and placed down in front of her son. She turned to fetch a wash cloth, returned and gave it to him as well.

�"Thank you mother and not just for the cloth."

�"Why do you rile his ire so son?" she asked him.

�He looked at his mother's loving face and confessed, "I do not try to mother it happens on its on accord."

�"But ye know how easily his temper flares. Please try and be on your best behavior this evening. Do not give him any more cause to become angry. Now finish with your preparations and let us adjourn to the drawing room shall we? Mr. and Mrs. Keith and their daughter are quite anxious to see you."

�"Did I miss dinner?"

�"I am afraid so." Liam sighed at his mother response. "I had Anna prepare a plate for you. You may have it after the Keith's have departed."

�Liam kissed his mother on the cheek, "Thank you again mother you are the greatest."

He finished washing his face and hands, pulled his hair neatly back and retied his queue, looked over at his mother and asked, "So do I look presentable?"

�She came over to straighten the ruffle at his neck a patted him lovingly on is cheek, "the picture of decorum." He followed her to the drawing room to greet their guests.

~*~*~*~*~*~

�Mr. Owen Keith was the proprietor of The Keith Iron Works the only other iron foundry around large enough to be of any competition to the O'Connor's. Sean O'Connor had been trying for the longest time to convince Mr. Keith of merging their two companies in order to increase each others profits. So as a result Sean invited Mr. Keith over for drinks or dinner quite often and he usually accepted the invitations but he always came alone. After the shock of his home coming faded Liam at last realized what his mother had said as he entered the drawing room, all the Keith's were there this evening. As he regarded the guests Liam's stomach started to twist into knots. He did not know why but something about having Mr. Keith and his family there unsettle him.

�As he walk into the room Liam's little sister Kathy smile and waved to him. He went over and lovingly ruffled her hair. Then he went over to Mr. and Mrs. Keith, "Sir, my lady, please accept my most humble apologies for been detained so late," and then he went over to Sarah their daughter, "My dear Sarah, how lovely it is to see you again. You have grown into quite a young lady since last I saw you; at your twelfth birthday I believe." �

Liam bent down to kiss her hand and the young Miss Keith blushed to very bright shade of crimson. After all the pleasantries were over Liam seated himself next to his sister and prepare for a very long and boring evening.

�"Now that you have seen fit to join us Liam," his father began, "we can get to the reason for this gathering tonight." At this Liam sat up straighter and looked around the room. "Liam, Owen here has seen fit to accept my offer to betroth you to his daughter Sarah."

�He could not believe what he had just heard. 'What?"

�"You heard me boy, you and Sarah are to be wed."

�"Surely you jest?" Liam asked

�"I assure ye Liam; Sarah will make a good wife." Mr. Keith said.

�"I will not marry her father!" Liam shouted

�"You will do as you are told!"

�"Never will I marry her. She is but a child!"

� Liam's mother spoke up, "That's why the betrothal son, so that you and Sarah may get to know each other and then when she reaches the appropriate age you can marry."

�Liam jumped to his feet, "I will not marry her for I wish to marry another!"

�Sean was irate, "Surely you do not mean that whore Allison O'Neil?"

�"She is not a whore, she is the woman I love and she loves me!"

�"What does love have to do with it? A tramp is a tramp. The only thing she loves about you is my money!"

�Liam could not endure it any longer and leaped at his father. He shoved Sean on to the divan and was about let his fist fly when he felt someone pull on his arm. He turned to see Kathy holding on to his arm with tears rolling down hear face. "Liam, please do not do this!" she begged him. He let his arm drop to his side, "I am sorry Kathy," he said. Then he look at the man he had been about to beat into a lifeless pulp, "I best leave before more harm is done here." He held back the urge to spit in his father face and left the room. The next sound that was heard was the slamming of the front door.

~*~*~*~*~*~

�Allison had just fallen asleep when a tapping at her window awoke her. She groggily got up to see what was causing the sound. When she pulled back the drapes, she saw that it was Liam at her window. She stared in disbelief as she lifted up the pane of glass. "Liam, what in the name of the Lord are you doing?"

�"Ally come away with me," he begged her.

�"What are you talking about? And keep your voice down my parents are in the next room," she whispered.

�"Please Allison come away with. Come with me and leave this God forsaken town behind us."

�"Have ye gone mad?"

�Liam reached through the window and grasped Allison's hands in desperation. "Ally, please, let us leave Galway forever."

�"Liam what has gotten into you?"

�"Allison do not make me beg anymore. Do you love me?"

�"Yes I do, ye know that."

�"Then come away with this night."

�Ally did not know what to make of Liam rash behavior but something in his manner made her believe that this was very important to him. "Where would you have us go at such a late hour?"

�"Anywhere that our hearts desire."

�"Why not wait until the morning?"

�"No," Liam almost shouted then he lowered his voice again, "We must leave now, tonight."

�"Liam I cannot just leave in the middle of the night. What would my parents think?" Ally was trying very hard to make him see sense.

�"I do not care what your parents or mine think. I will not let anyone dictate to me how I will live my life any longer."

�"Ye had another argument with your father."

�"An argument is not exactly what I would call it. He went to far this evening. He wanted to marry me off to the daughter of his business rival. I was to be used as a pawn to get what he desires most."

�"Keith Iron Works." Allison muttered in a whisper.

�"I will not let him do it Ally. I told him it was you I wished to marry. Come away with me tonight and we can be married in the first church we see."

�Allison was blown away. "Liam O'Connor are you proposing?"

�Liam looked upon the face of the woman who he love so desperately and smiled. He bent down upon one knee which forced Allison to stretch further out the window too see him. "Allison O'Neil would ye do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

�Ally's face beamed when she smiled and gave him his answer, "Yes I will," she said breathlessly.

�Liam stood up and they embraced each other through the open window. He showered her face with kisses his heart beating rapidly with the joy he felt. When his kisses finally reached her lips he poured all the elation he felt into a long and passionate kiss. A hunger arose inside him and the longer the kiss lasted the more the hunger overwhelmed him, so much so that he had to pull away from her. With his breath coming in quick gasps he looked into Allison's eyes and there he could have sworn he saw the same hunger reflected back at him.

�When she felt herself able to speak she asked Liam to give her but a moment so that she could dress and pack a small bag. Allison could not believe that she was truly going to runaway and marry the man she loved. Her wildest dream was about to come true.

�Liam watched her as she went to do as she said. He waited impatiently for her to return. After what seemed an eternity to him she reappeared at the window. She passed him her bag and he set on the ground. He then held her around the waist and hoisted her out of the window and then set her gently down in front of him. He pulled her into is arms and held her tightly before taking her hand and leading her away from her parents home.

� They walked in silence until they were a safe distance away from the house then Allison pulled on Liam's hand to stop him. "Where are we going my love?" she asked.

�"As I told you, away from Galway."

�"How far do you expect us go this night? We have no food or supplies of any kind and no where to get them. All the merchant's shops are closed for the night."

�Liam frowned a bit dismayed by her words. "Of course you are right I was not thinking."
"Yes you were thinking, it was just with your heart instead of your head," he heard her say. Liam laughed to himself at her remark and turned around to look at her. He could see that Ally was fatigued and remembered that he had woken her from her night's sleep. "We will go to one of the local inns in town and get a room for the night. In the morning we will get what supplies we need and be on our way." She smiled gratefully at her beloved and they proceeded towards town.

~*~*~*~*~*~

�They had gone to a couple of inns and found them to be inadequate. When they reached the Horse Shoe Inn the hour had grown very late and they decided that it was one of the better places they had seen so far. They entered the establishment and went up to the front desk. As they waited for someone to come to the desk Allison looked around and noticed that the place was very well kept. Then they saw a filthy looking little man coming toward them. �"At least this place is cleaner then the rest," she whispered to Liam.

�"Can I help you?" asked the proprietor as he approached the desk.

�"Yes we would like to rent a room for the night," Liam answered.

�The Inn keeper gazed at the couple with a smirk spreading across his face. "Just the one room?" he questioned.

�Liam glared at the man. Feeling his anger raising he wanted nothing more then to wipe the leering look off the grubby man's face. "Yes just the one room."

�"Are you not Sean O'Connor's son?"

�"What is it to you if I am?"

�"Oh, nothing sir, I happen to have the pleasure of being acquainted with your father. A very generous man he always is." The Inn keeper held out his hand in hopes that Mr. O'Connor's son tip as handsomely as his father did for his discretion.

�"My father?" Liam questioned staring at the man's hand. He was stunned at what the proprietor was suggesting. His father had come to this establishment for sinful liaisons and had bribed the grimy little man for is silence. "How dare you?"

�"Liam just pay the man for the room please and let us retire," Allison pleaded with him.

�Liam looked from the Inn keeper to Ally and back again. "Here is the money for the room," he said emphasizing the word room. "Now would you be so kind as show us to it."

�"If you will just sign the registry I will get your key," the man said with a foul look on his face. Liam signed his name in the book then held out his hand to Allison and followed the Inn keeper up the stairs to their room.

�It was a small room which contained a little hearth, a desk and a bed. Liam closed the door behind them and went to the desk and laid Allison's bag upon it. Ally stood by the door watching as Liam made for the bed, sat on it and grabbed his head between his hands. "I cannnot believe it," he said, "my father, the good and honorable Sean O'Connor, has been betraying my mother in this very Inn. No, let me rephrase that, I can believe it. A hypocrite that is what he is. Looking down his nose at me all these years and he's the one who is worthless."

�"Shh, my love let us not speak of him," Allison sat next to him and stroked his back soothingly. "We are about to embark upon a new life together. He is the past, leave him there."

~*~*~*~*~*~

�Downstairs the Inn keeper summoned one of the kitchen lads. "Yes sir?"

�"Do you know where Sean O"Connor resides?" he asked the lad.

�"Yes sir I do."

�"Good, then I want you to deliver this message to him." The Inn keeper handed the kitchen lad a folded piece of paper. "Be sure that you deliver it into his hands only and no others."

�"Yes sir." The boy took the note and left the Inn.

�"That will teach the young Mr. O'Connor that it would have been wise to pay for my silence," he said as took another mouthful of ale.

~*~*~*~*~*~

�Liam raised his hand to Allison's face and brushed a strand of her auburn tresses away. He searched her face looking for any trace of regret that she might have been feeling about having left her home to go with him. He could see none. The only thing he could see was her undying love for him.

�He pulled her closer to him and lowered his head to kiss her exquisitely shape lips. He took possession of her lips and shamelessly opened them with his own so that he could explore the inside of her mouth with his tongue. Allison responded in kind, taking her cues from his lead, she slowly entwined her tongue with his. Her hands entangle themselves in his hair untying his queue.

�Without giving up her lips Liam carefully laid her down on the bed. He ran his hand along her face and down her neck and lower still to her breasts. He cupped one in the palm of his hand slowly and lovingly kneading it with his fingers. He then moved his hand to the other one and showed it the same attention. His kiss became more demanding as his hand glided along her stomach and then to her leg. He gradually gathered the length of her skirts up pass her thigh and laid his hand on the skin he had exposed. Her leg was as soft as silk as he leisurely caressed her. Higher and higher his hand went until he reached the junction of her legs. He stopped the exploration of his hand and tore himself from their kiss. "I think it may be best if we stopped..."

�Allison pressed a finger to Liam's swollen lips. "Do not think my love," and with her hand around his neck she pulled him to her again.

�Before their lips met he whispered uncertainly, "Are you sure?" Her answer was a deep all encompassing kiss.

�He did not need anymore encouragement. His desire for her seemed to be taking on a life of its own. Liam brought his hand from her skirts back up to her neck. He undid the first button of her blouse a little hesitantly but he grew more confidant as he continued to unbutton the rest.

�After he had freed her from her clothing he took a moment to ravish her with his eyes delighting in every nuance of her body. Her skin was smooth and unblemished; her breasts were round and firm just big enough to fit nicely into the palm of his hand. Her nipples were a delicious shade of rose and the velvety down where her legs joined was the same rich auburn of her luxurious hair.

�He brought his mouth down to one of her nipples and flicked his tongue over the erect peck. Allison gasped at the tingling sensation that coursed through her at his touch. Liam, encouraged by her reaction, proceeded to take the nipple into his mouth and suckle it. Allison's breathing quickened with anticipation as he let her breast go and started trailing kisses down her stomach until he reached the nest of hair that hid the treasure he was seeking. He gently spread her legs apart so he could position himself between them and then placed his mouth to her mound. He darted his tongue out and tasted the juices that had started to flow from her. She tensed as he licked at her. Her desire grew to an insatiable level as he work his tongue like a man possessed. Allison trashed about the bed as she reached the peak of ecstasy.

�Liam's own desire raged as Ally climaxed. He was growing very hard and felt himself straining against his breeches. He stood up and hastily disrobed. When his last article of clothing fell to the floor he descended to the bed and positioned himself on top of Allison. He took her mouth in a demanding kiss as he slowly entered her. As he pushed through the barrier of her maidenhead he felt her wince in pain. He knew he should stop and let her become accustomed to the feel of him inside her but he was unable to. He worked himself slowly and gently inside her until her pain subsided. As Allison's juices began to flow more abundantly Liam started to thrust faster and faster. They both found release in an explosion of euphoria. He kissed her once more and lay down upon her blissful spent.�

�Liam rolled off of Ally and laid next to her tenderly tracing patterns on her still warm skin as he observed her. "Are ye alright?" he inquired his voice filled love and concern.

�She looked at him with tears in her eyes. "I never dreamed I could be as happy as I am at this moment."

�"Then why the tears?" he asked wiping away a teardrop that rolled down her cheek.

�"They are tears of joy my love, nothing else." Allison turned into Liam and they fell asleep basking in the aftermath of their lovemaking.

~*~*~*~*~*~

�They were awoken by the sound of the door crashing open. Liam jumped to his feet intending to put himself between Allison and the intruders. Ally gasped when she saw who had made their way into their room. Mr. O'Connor and her father stood in the doorway their faces clearly showing how appalled they were at finding their children naked upon the bed.

�"Father!" Allison cried in dismay.

�"Get yourself dressed girl you will be coming with me!" her father roared.

�"No she is not," Liam told Mr. O'Neil. "She is coming with me and we are to be wed."

�"How dare you presume to tell me what to do with my daughter you defiler of young girls?"

�"Father please?" Allison pleaded.

�"Shut your mouth girl." Mr. O'Neil stormed to the bed and wrenched his daughter out of the bed shoving her clothes at her.

�Liam tried to free Ally from her father's clutches and was rewarded with Mr. O'Neil's fist slamming into his jaw. Liam fell to the floor surprised by the strength of the impact.

�Allison quickly put her clothes on as Liam regained his wits about him. He stood once again about to reach for Ally when his father came the put himself between Liam and his love.

�"Let him take his daughter boy it is none of you concern any longer."

�"Get out of my way!" Liam pushed his father aside but was too late. Mr. O'Neil had already dragged his daughter out of the room. Sean grabbed Liam by the arms and struggled to hold is son back as Liam strained against him trying to get to Allison.

�"Allison!" Liam yelled. "Liam!" He heard her scream then he heard her no more.

�"You will learn to mind me boy," Sean told his son.

�"Let me go," Liam snarled.

�"You are never to see that tramp again do you hear me?"

�"I will definitely see her again father and I will marry her. Now let go of me!" He wrestled against his father fighting to get free.

�Sean tightened his hold on his Liam. "I have made sure you will never see her any more. I have given her father enough money to book her passage on the first ship sailing to the America's so that she may live with her aunt."

�"You bastard!" Liam yelled at his father.

��Sean let go of his son and slapped him across the mouth. "Watch your mouth boy. Now put on your clothes and we will be on our way."

�Liam struggled with his clothes, in a hurry to leave and catch up with Allison. "I will not go with you."

� "You will do as you are told!"

� "I am going after Allison."

�"You will not find her. Do you think her father foolish enough to just bring her home? She is on her way of town by now." Sean called after his son.

�Liam ran from the room pulling on his boot as he went down the stairs and out into the street in front of the Inn. He could not see Allison anywhere. He cried her name but there was no answer. He ran as fast as he could to the O'Neil's house taking every shortcut he knew.

When he arrived at the house he pounded on the door with his fist. No one answered. He continued pounding and bellowing Allison's name until her mother finally opened the door. Her face was tear stained and she looked at Liam with contempt.

�"Where is Allison?" he asked her is voice full of raw emotion.

�"She is gone Liam. You will never be able to see her again. Now leave, I do not wish to see you ever again." With one last grief ridden look at the man responsible for her daughter's departure she slammed the door in Liam's face.

� He stared at the door in disbelief then he turned and walk down the path to the street. As Liam approached the gate he fell to his knees, the sorrow he felt causing him great pain. "NO!" He yelled to the heavens tears spilling across his face. When he� finally believe himself capable� of standing he got up and walk out the gate leaving all his hopes and dreams there behind him.

~*~*~*~*~*~

�He found himself wandering the streets of Galway once more. The pain he felt from the loss of his beloved Allison weighted heavily on his soul. The depths of his despair tormented him.

�His wandering took him to the door of a tavern. He went inside sat at a table and shouted at the bar keep to bring him an ale. He spent the rest of the night drowning his sorrows in mug after mug of ale.

~*~*~*~*~*~

It was early morning before he returned home very intoxicated. He stumbled into the house laughing at his clumsiness. His sister was the first to see him.

�"Liam! Where have ye been? Mother and I have been worried sick."� Kathy was appalled by the state her brother was in. Never had she seen Liam drunk. As far as she knew her brother never drank to access.

�"Well, hello there, my sweet Kathy. How are you this grand morning?" He tried to ruffle her hair but missed, lost his balance and fell to the floor. He started to laugh again.

�"Shh Liam, father will hear you. He was furious when he returned last night. Trust me you do not want to see him this morning." Kathy was worried for her brother. She despised the way their father treated Liam and she tried to help her brother any way that she could.

�At the sound of Liam's laughing Sean descended the stairs and saw his son sprawled on the floor. The smell coming from Liam offended his nose. "You reek of ale boy and God knows what else."

�Liam grinned at his father, "aye father that I do indeed."

�"Wipe that stupid look off your face and stand up you good for nothing lay about. Thanks to your little escaped last night Owen Keith has called off the betrothal and wishes to have no further association with our family."

�"What you mean to say father is that you lost the one thing that you wanted most in your life is it not? Well I say turnabout is fair play." Liam stood up, pushed his father aside, went up to his room and fell upon his bed seeking the oblivion of sleep.

�It was dark again by the time Liam awoke. He changed his clothes and went down stairs, headed toward the door as he grabbed his cloak.

�"Where do you think you are going?" His father called from the kitchen.

�He didn't even look at his father when he answered. "Out."

�"No you are not. You will stay and eat dinner with your family."

�Liam opened the door and left the house with out saying another word. He went back to the tavern he had been at the night before and once more began to drink away his sorrows.

�And so that was what Liam's life consisted of for months. Drinking and whoring, gambling and brawling trying desperately to forget his lost love Allison. On and on it went until one fateful night when he met a beautiful blond woman in an alley beside the tavern who promised to show him the world.

The End

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