�As I told you last night, your place is at Veronica�s side. And this new event tells me what I need to know. The time has come for you both to fulfill your destinies.�
�Mother? What are you talking about?� Veronica wore a look of confusion and it was shared by everyone but Summerlee and Marguerite.
It was understandable that Abigail�s words had that effect. Marguerite hadn�t told the others about their conversation the night previously. It wasn�t that she was keeping it secret, but between being worried about Abigail�s health and now this business with Roxton, she hadn�t had the chance.
�I told you all that you each had a part to play in the events to come. Marguerite happens to have one of the leading roles. Veronica,� Abigail turned to her daughter, �I promised you I would help you when the time came and now it has. You and Marguerite must trust each other for in these trying times you must rely on each other implicitly. There can be no turning back and no times for doubt.�
Veronica still wasn�t sure what her mother was talking about but she nodded her acceptance. �Of course I trust Marguerite. I trust her with my life.�
Abigail looked grim. �I am pleased to hear this, however it is not only your life that hangs in the balance.� Her eyes shifted over to Marguerite. �Remember what we talked of last night, Marguerite. I told you the decision would not be as easy as you thought. The temptation for you may be great, but you already know what will happen if you make the wrong choice.�
Marguerite knew what Abigail was referring to. The dreams that had been haunting her for weeks had not been premonitions but visions of the past, she knew that now. She remembered the look in Morrighan�s eyes when she gave up her own life to save Marguerite�s; there was regret in them. Morrighan had accepted her fate and was ready to die. But maybe she knew the burden that would be placed on her descendent and sent her a warning. Each step that Marguerite took closer to Avalon, the more urgent the warnings became. It wasn�t until this point that Marguerite fully understood the situation.
It was a burden she didn�t think her shoulders could bear. Dren knew that Roxton was the only thing that would make her hesitate in making her decision. It wasn�t fair; the decision seemed an easy one and she knew what Roxton would say if he was there. The fate of the world was more important than him. She loved him more than she ever thought she could, and the fact that this decision was laid on her was one that tore her up inside. His fate was in her hands, but then again, so was the fate of everyone else�s. What was she going to do? She knew that she couldn�t go on living without Roxton by her side. Signing his death warrant would be like forfeiting her own life. She would go on living because she wasn�t the type of person to give up, but it just wouldn�t be much of a life without him with her.
But there was still time. She didn�t have to make a decision right this very minute. There was still hope she could find Roxton and until then she wouldn�t give up. Marguerite, strengthened in her resolve, nodded at Abigail. �I remember, Abigail. But while there is still a breath left in my body I won�t give up on him. I can�t. You can call me foolish or reckless, but I know what I�m doing. Now someone get me my pistol, I�m going out there to look for him.�
Abigail sighed and frowned but honestly wasn�t expecting a different answer. Her friends who knew her even better than Abigail weren�t surprised either. They, however, would have better luck in reasoning with her.
Malone was closest and could see Marguerite�s hands shaking. Her anger was dissipating and with it her energy. �Marguerite, you�re in no condition to go out looking for him. You�re hurt and you should be resting. You won�t be helping Roxton if you hurt yourself more looking for him.�
Anger flashed in her eyes as she regarded Malone. �Damn it, Malone! I am not going to let them kill him!�
He threw up his hands and tried to get her to calm down. �Relax, Marguerite. I�m not saying we should give up on him. I only said you were in no condition to go out looking for him. You should stay here, and we�ll look for him.�
�Malone, I don�t-�
Malone took her hands and stopped her from talking. �Marguerite, do you trust me?�
Marguerite looked shocked at his question. �Of course I do, Malone.�
�Then listen to me and stay here please. We�ll find him, I promise.�
She looked into his eyes and sighed. Another man she had grown to love over these past three years, but this one as a brother. She knew before he went on his quest that he would be a great man, and now that he had returned she had seen the drastic change. Physically he was the same, but his soul had changed. He had more confidence in himself. He wasn�t in doubt anymore. He had found his inner balance and knew where his path lay. �All right, Malone. Bring him back.�
He smiled and hugged her to reassure her. �Good. Now I don�t have to worry about Roxton throttling me after we get him back.�
Summerlee moved to stand next to Marguerite while Malone and the others prepared to go looking for Roxton. Veronica was already ready and walked over to the group after they gathered their weapons but Abigail stopped her.
�You cannot go with them, Veronica.�
Veronica looked puzzled. �Why not?�
�It is not safe even in the city anymore. You are still flesh and blood, Veronica though you are a Protector. If something happens to you, then their victory will be assured. You and Marguerite must both stay here.�
Veronica wanted to go looking for Roxton but considered her mother�s words. She could trust Challenger, Finn, and Malone and she could stay behind with Marguerite. She was hurt and she could use a friend to talk to. �All right, Mother.�
�Come, my dear.� Summerlee and Veronica led Marguerite to a chair. �Let me take a look at your head.�
Marguerite sat down but her eyes followed her friends as they walked out the door. Malone met Marguerite�s eyes as he walked out the door and she knew he wouldn�t stop until he found Roxton. She smiled her thanks and he nodded as he followed the others out.
�Don�t worry, Marguerite. Everything will be all right.� Veronica reached for Marguerite�s hand and squeezed it while Summerlee smiled to comfort her and got to work bandaging her head.
�I hope so, Veronica.� Marguerite leaned her head back against the wall and let Summerlee deal with her head. She continued to hold Veronica�s hand as she closed her eyes. Her body was there but her thoughts were all with Roxton. She could only pray he was safe and that her friends would find him in time.