Fate's Illusion (6/?)
Title: Fate's Illusion
Pairing: Demi/Selena
Chapter: (6/?)
Rating: 14A-R for language
Summary: It's been 4 months now. 4 month's since the princess' had met. 4 month's building a friendship. 2 month's loving eachother. And 2 month's sneaking behind their families back's...
As dawn arrived on the third day of Demi's stay in Saint Peter's, the rebel woke and lay staring at the straw ceiling while she listened to the slow rasp of her own breathing.
After a few moments of striving to recall the exact events that took place, Demi carefully hoisted her torso up off the soft bed and rested her weight against the thick stone wall.
Selena was nowhere in sight...
"Good morning, princess." It was that old woman who had tended to her the previous day.
Demi just dipped her head politely. Her eyes fixed upon the woman as she pushed open the window curtains.
"Looks like it's going to snow again," Her voice dismal. "I'm just getting to old for these seasons."
"I believe we all favour the spring and summer over the cold months of winter. I can somewhat understand how this season has been taking it's toll on the elderly though..."
Demi watched the woman take a seat on a near by stool.
"What is your name?" The princess asked.
A glint of surprise emerged from the woman's deep green orbs, "Gwendalyn" she spoke. Her slim withered hands gently starting to untie the bandages that enwrapped the rebels wound's.
"It sounds very wise, I like it."
"Indeed, now hold still while I finish dressing these." Her brow wrinkled in concern. Those green eyes studying so intensley Demi could almost feel them boring into her flesh.
"Thank you for helping me."
"You're welcome young one"
"I must ask though...Where is Selena?"
Gwendalyn's wrinkles deepened. "With the prince I'm afraid...She was forced from your side yesterday once you fell asleep. With the wedding approaching it's no surprise..."
With a groan Demi fell back against her pallet, swinging her good arm over her eyes to keep the world hidden. There was nothing her, nor anyone else could do to stop the wedding from occuring.
The woman studied the trouble girl thoughtfully. "I see that you have suffered."
Demi frowned. It was quite obvious. Anyone who were to gaze at her would notice the bandages covering the gnarled inflictions. And yet...As Demi pulled her arm away to stare at the woman, it seemed as though Gwendalyn had seen something beneath the surface, as well.
Demi felt an inexplicable urge to unburden herself to this woman who tended to her. Yet she resisted.
Tranquility was soon disrupted when a loud bang echoed through the building. The large wooden door at the front of the church had carelessly been kicked open allowing the frigid air the crowd the room.
Gwendalyn's attention had now redirected to the disturbance. Eyes narrowing she glowered at the insensitive nuisance who approached.
Demi felt that familiar heat boil within her chest as she watched Jose come near.
"Leave us," he demanded. His eyes never leaving his wounded sister as Gwendalyn shuffled away to attend to other vocation within the church.
Certain they were now alone, Jose let the fury within his orbs burn through towards Demi. "You fool," he cussed.
Demi just stared up at him. Quite amused by his inability to contain his rage. "Can I help you?" she asked.
"You ruined our plans, damn it!" The mans cheeks flushed from light pink to a beet red. "How in gods name are you to joust with these lacerations!" he fumed.
Demi scoffed, "easily..."
Jose became silent, eager to hear what little scheme his younger sister was about to create.
"You postpone the wedding until spring. This includes the tournament. By then I'll have had enough time to mend and strengthen my arm. If you grant me this, I can almost garentee you a victory and eternal glory."
Jose's expression hardened, his brow creasing once more. "I swear on mothers future grave...If you do not grant me a victory from the tournament I shall have your head swiftly removed from your throat, do you understand!" he shouted. Eyes aflame, tension becoming clear as veins swelled from his temples and brow.
"I shall award you victory, but only if you postpone it all. You know very well you need me for this brother. Give me the proper time to heal..."
Jose's face was masked with resentment as he studied his sister. "You have until spring, no longer!"
With that, the man swung on his heel and stormed out of the church. His boots thudding loudly with the stone floor.
During the weeks stretching into months that followed, Demi's torment filled the halls of the Church of Saint Peter.
Often she felt like an infant, barely able to walk around the cold stone chamber that Gwendalyn had so kindly offered to her.
The strength in her torn ligaments was returning slowly with each passing day. But not without straining herself to stand and painfully working the impaired muscles beneath her scarred flesh.
Selena was often at her lovers side. Helping her to her feet when she needed it. Supporting the girl when she staggered, her bad leg buckling beneath her own weight.
And then came the anguish of flexing and stretching the muscles in her right arm and shoulder. Learning to swing the full load of a sword all over again.
Selena often questioned Demi as to why she was so determined on weilding a blade so soon during recovery. The rebel never gave the princess a proper answer and just continued in her rehabilitation.
One morning, some time after Demi's more cumbersome suffering. She actually ran. In full flight around the fortress courtyard, weaving in and out of columns, leaping over stone benches and the small pond that rested in the yards center.
She was becoming stronger and with that, proving to her insensitive family that she was very far from being destroyed by some petty wolf assail.
By midmorning, during the first week of May, a storm had subsided. In it's wake, the enitre world seemed newly reborn. Sunbeams danced on rain-washed leaves. Curling columns of mist rose from every glade. The forests colors shone more vivid, its smells struck more fresh.
It was then after witnessing the occurance that Demi and Selena both understood, for the first time in their lives, that the earth was always being remade, that life was always being renewed. That it may have been nearing noon of that particular day, but it was still the very morning of creation.
It was May, and in May even a dreary kingdom could seem lovely.
Beyond the front gate's of the realm. In the open meadow that the princess' had once visited so many months before when the ground had been clear of snow. The two girls loafed.
Selena resting on the immense rugged boulder, carefully leaned back against the rough trunk of an elm. A small book open in her hands while her eyes eagerly scanned through the pages.
Above her on a low limb, Demi sat wedged up against the elm's harsh trunk. A dagger being fiddled between her finger tips as she kept an eye on the horizon.
After minutes of silence passed, Demi wrapped her hands around the bark and let herself drop over the side of the bow.
For a moment she hung there, swaying like a tree in a gale. Selena eyed the woman for a short moment before shaking her head and smiling.
Demi let go. Landing with a swift thump into the bed of grass.
"At times I sometimes question just how infantile you really are" Selena quipped. Closing her novel and resting it down beside her thigh on the cold boulder.
Demi lifted herself from the grass and smacked the dust from her trousers. Her brown eyes shifting up to gaze at her princess. "Hm, and sometimes I question if you really aren't attracted to my 'infantile' habit's."
Slowly, the rebel crept up onto the massive rock and slumped down beside Selena. The suns rays brightly shimmered off the princess' soft brown locks casting steaks of golden copper. It caused her eyes to sparkle and her creamy complexion to glimmer.
The sight caused Demi's heart to race with desire.
Selena was not oblivious to Demi's stare that was so filled with persistent aspiration. It caused her cheeks to flush.
"What?" She asked, somewhat feeling diffident.
"Nothing, I just couldn't help but notice how beautiful you look today..."
Selena couldn't help but surrender to a smile.
Leaning in she rewarded the rebel with a soft kiss, "why Demi, are you flirting with me?"
"Of course not, My words to you come straight from my heart."
"What else does your heart dare to say?"
Demi smiled a little, shifting over a closer so she could lightly brush her nose against Selena's cheek. Her lips trailing teasingly to her ear where she kissed tenderly, "that I love you, Selena. That my heart belongs to you..."
Selena smiled and it was like the sun coming out after the rain, "I love you too. So much, Demi...So much."
The rebel drew Selena into her arms. Holding her close and in a protective manner.
Though they were currently at peace, both knew now that spring had arrived, the postponed wedding would be approaching quicker than ever. Especially since their families had been dashing around the past week getting ready to begin organizing the event.
Demi also knew Jose was keeping a close watch on her as well. Often curious to see if she had regained her strength with the months he had granted her to heal.
From his own perspective, she appeared to have recovered just fine. Set aside from the gnarled scars casted upon her flesh.
Sometimes when both women lay naked up in the soft loft of the barn, Selena gently traced her finger tips across the hard pink ruts lacing Demi's shoulder and bicep. To the princess, it only made her rebel appear even more alluring.
"Come, we should head back before dinner. Don't want to disrupt their heinesses now do we?" Demi leapt off the large rock into the soft tall grass. Patiently waiting for Selena to follow.
The princess did not jump, but instead carefully climbed down. If not for her dress she might have followed Demi's bold lead. But as of now it just wasn't a wise option.
The two girls walked hand in hand over to Firefly who had been grazing in the tall grass.
Demi, as usual, aided Selena up onto the horses withers, and shortly followed. This time she surprisingly offered the princess the tethers which the girl accepted.
It only took a fifteen minute romp to arrive at the front gate's of the realm.
Demi was loud, hollering up at the guards to allow them passage.
It was easier to be together during the day because the royals never became suspicious of the girls activities with one another.
Night time was a different matter all together.
Once inside the roads of the kingdom, Selena lead Firefly back to the stables where he was untacked, watered and tethered to his stall.
"Demi, a word" came a sudden voice from the threshold of the barn.
The two girls, both startled by the unanticipated sound, whirled around to face Jose.
Demi couldn't help but smirk as she stared towards her older brother.
Selena on the other hand appeared to be somewhat frightened as he approached. Demi took notice of the woman shifting nervously beside her and quickly took a slight step forward to put some distance between Jose and his future bride.
"Whatever needs to be said can be said right here," With orbs aflame, her stare almost peirced the man.
"Very well-"
Without warning his hand shot out and took Demi's scarred arm into a solid clutch, squeezing to the point her veins buldged and she yelped in pain.
Selena gasped as her betrothed lashed out like a viper and began to crush her lovers arm.
"Stop it!" she cried. Dashing forward and placing her small hands over Jose's, trying with all her might to pry open his grasp from the deep ruts.
Jose smirked as he glared into his sisters narrowed eyes. Clearly seeing the torment he could cause her. He loved it more than anything.
"Spring is here" he stated, "which means the wedding fast approaches next week, along with the tournament...My guess is you'll be right there cheering for me. If you're not, I'm sure mother and father will be extremely disappointed."
Demi knew he was trying to get under her skin. He knew very well she wouldn't be on the sidelines. She'd be in the arena with the other competitors.
He was going to set her up. Everything was going to go his way...It just wasn't fair.
"Well we all know I'll be there brother" her face contorted.
"Indeed."
Roughly he let go of his sisters bicep. His eyes now fixed upon Selena.
In an uncivil manner he gripped her jaw and brought her lips crashing against his own. Sliding his tongue over the crevasse between her lips.
All Demi could do was watch him violate her lover. Wanting nothing more than to drive a sword straight through his black heart...
Once Jose finished with Selena he released her then nodded to his sister, "by the way, nice strong arm."
With that, he turned and left the two girls alone.
Selena felt her eyes become misty and Demi pulled the woman in close before she began to sob into her strong shoulder. The princess was scared for the both of them.
"Why did you become so tense earlier when Jose met us in here?" Demi asked, her back resting on the soft straw pallet beneath them.
The rebel did not forget how the princess had taken a step away from the man. The look of disquiet that had shrouded her eyes.
Selena was coiled up beside her lover. Listening intently to the steady beat of Demi's heart. Thumping in a soothing rythem to her ears.
And then, talk of Jose.
"I just...I-" Selena paused. Carefully hoisting herself up onto an elbow to meet eyes with Demi.
It was clear by the expression on her face that the rebel cared deeply for her.
But Selena also feared that with that amount of love, there could come a line of rash actions towards anyone who harmed her...
After chewing on her bottom lip and pondering what the right decision might be. Selena decided she could not keep secrets from Demi.
"When I'm alone with him...Whether it be day light or night...He takes advantage of me. Even though he is forbidden to touch me thoroughly until after the ceremony, he tests it. Seeing just how far he can get each time before I break down and cry...And with that rule, he doesn't get very far."
Demi felt a knot constrict within her parched throat. So this was why she was so scared of him...He was toying with her emotions. Abusing her both mentally and physically...No one was around to protect her either.
"Selena if only I had known..." Demi felt her hands ball up into tight fists. So tight that her knuckles turned white from lack of curculation. "I'll kill him" she hissed.
Selena's eyes widened at her love's remark, "no! you mustn't." She let her hands grasp the chest of Demi's tunic.
"If you harm him there'll be consequences. Our parents will not stand for the heir to be beaten down...You will be forced to the stocks! Or worse, flogged...I couldn't bear to see you hurt again Demi."
The rebel hesitated, troubled doubt appearing on her face.
Selena was right...Jose could play with their emotions until his hearts content. And there was absolutely nothing they could do to stop him...
Pairing: Demi/Selena
Chapter: (6/?)
Rating: 14A-R for language
Summary: It's been 4 months now. 4 month's since the princess' had met. 4 month's building a friendship. 2 month's loving eachother. And 2 month's sneaking behind their families back's...
As dawn arrived on the third day of Demi's stay in Saint Peter's, the rebel woke and lay staring at the straw ceiling while she listened to the slow rasp of her own breathing.
After a few moments of striving to recall the exact events that took place, Demi carefully hoisted her torso up off the soft bed and rested her weight against the thick stone wall.
Selena was nowhere in sight...
"Good morning, princess." It was that old woman who had tended to her the previous day.
Demi just dipped her head politely. Her eyes fixed upon the woman as she pushed open the window curtains.
"Looks like it's going to snow again," Her voice dismal. "I'm just getting to old for these seasons."
"I believe we all favour the spring and summer over the cold months of winter. I can somewhat understand how this season has been taking it's toll on the elderly though..."
Demi watched the woman take a seat on a near by stool.
"What is your name?" The princess asked.
A glint of surprise emerged from the woman's deep green orbs, "Gwendalyn" she spoke. Her slim withered hands gently starting to untie the bandages that enwrapped the rebels wound's.
"It sounds very wise, I like it."
"Indeed, now hold still while I finish dressing these." Her brow wrinkled in concern. Those green eyes studying so intensley Demi could almost feel them boring into her flesh.
"Thank you for helping me."
"You're welcome young one"
"I must ask though...Where is Selena?"
Gwendalyn's wrinkles deepened. "With the prince I'm afraid...She was forced from your side yesterday once you fell asleep. With the wedding approaching it's no surprise..."
With a groan Demi fell back against her pallet, swinging her good arm over her eyes to keep the world hidden. There was nothing her, nor anyone else could do to stop the wedding from occuring.
The woman studied the trouble girl thoughtfully. "I see that you have suffered."
Demi frowned. It was quite obvious. Anyone who were to gaze at her would notice the bandages covering the gnarled inflictions. And yet...As Demi pulled her arm away to stare at the woman, it seemed as though Gwendalyn had seen something beneath the surface, as well.
Demi felt an inexplicable urge to unburden herself to this woman who tended to her. Yet she resisted.
Tranquility was soon disrupted when a loud bang echoed through the building. The large wooden door at the front of the church had carelessly been kicked open allowing the frigid air the crowd the room.
Gwendalyn's attention had now redirected to the disturbance. Eyes narrowing she glowered at the insensitive nuisance who approached.
Demi felt that familiar heat boil within her chest as she watched Jose come near.
"Leave us," he demanded. His eyes never leaving his wounded sister as Gwendalyn shuffled away to attend to other vocation within the church.
Certain they were now alone, Jose let the fury within his orbs burn through towards Demi. "You fool," he cussed.
Demi just stared up at him. Quite amused by his inability to contain his rage. "Can I help you?" she asked.
"You ruined our plans, damn it!" The mans cheeks flushed from light pink to a beet red. "How in gods name are you to joust with these lacerations!" he fumed.
Demi scoffed, "easily..."
Jose became silent, eager to hear what little scheme his younger sister was about to create.
"You postpone the wedding until spring. This includes the tournament. By then I'll have had enough time to mend and strengthen my arm. If you grant me this, I can almost garentee you a victory and eternal glory."
Jose's expression hardened, his brow creasing once more. "I swear on mothers future grave...If you do not grant me a victory from the tournament I shall have your head swiftly removed from your throat, do you understand!" he shouted. Eyes aflame, tension becoming clear as veins swelled from his temples and brow.
"I shall award you victory, but only if you postpone it all. You know very well you need me for this brother. Give me the proper time to heal..."
Jose's face was masked with resentment as he studied his sister. "You have until spring, no longer!"
With that, the man swung on his heel and stormed out of the church. His boots thudding loudly with the stone floor.
During the weeks stretching into months that followed, Demi's torment filled the halls of the Church of Saint Peter.
Often she felt like an infant, barely able to walk around the cold stone chamber that Gwendalyn had so kindly offered to her.
The strength in her torn ligaments was returning slowly with each passing day. But not without straining herself to stand and painfully working the impaired muscles beneath her scarred flesh.
Selena was often at her lovers side. Helping her to her feet when she needed it. Supporting the girl when she staggered, her bad leg buckling beneath her own weight.
And then came the anguish of flexing and stretching the muscles in her right arm and shoulder. Learning to swing the full load of a sword all over again.
Selena often questioned Demi as to why she was so determined on weilding a blade so soon during recovery. The rebel never gave the princess a proper answer and just continued in her rehabilitation.
One morning, some time after Demi's more cumbersome suffering. She actually ran. In full flight around the fortress courtyard, weaving in and out of columns, leaping over stone benches and the small pond that rested in the yards center.
She was becoming stronger and with that, proving to her insensitive family that she was very far from being destroyed by some petty wolf assail.
By midmorning, during the first week of May, a storm had subsided. In it's wake, the enitre world seemed newly reborn. Sunbeams danced on rain-washed leaves. Curling columns of mist rose from every glade. The forests colors shone more vivid, its smells struck more fresh.
It was then after witnessing the occurance that Demi and Selena both understood, for the first time in their lives, that the earth was always being remade, that life was always being renewed. That it may have been nearing noon of that particular day, but it was still the very morning of creation.
It was May, and in May even a dreary kingdom could seem lovely.
Beyond the front gate's of the realm. In the open meadow that the princess' had once visited so many months before when the ground had been clear of snow. The two girls loafed.
Selena resting on the immense rugged boulder, carefully leaned back against the rough trunk of an elm. A small book open in her hands while her eyes eagerly scanned through the pages.
Above her on a low limb, Demi sat wedged up against the elm's harsh trunk. A dagger being fiddled between her finger tips as she kept an eye on the horizon.
After minutes of silence passed, Demi wrapped her hands around the bark and let herself drop over the side of the bow.
For a moment she hung there, swaying like a tree in a gale. Selena eyed the woman for a short moment before shaking her head and smiling.
Demi let go. Landing with a swift thump into the bed of grass.
"At times I sometimes question just how infantile you really are" Selena quipped. Closing her novel and resting it down beside her thigh on the cold boulder.
Demi lifted herself from the grass and smacked the dust from her trousers. Her brown eyes shifting up to gaze at her princess. "Hm, and sometimes I question if you really aren't attracted to my 'infantile' habit's."
Slowly, the rebel crept up onto the massive rock and slumped down beside Selena. The suns rays brightly shimmered off the princess' soft brown locks casting steaks of golden copper. It caused her eyes to sparkle and her creamy complexion to glimmer.
The sight caused Demi's heart to race with desire.
Selena was not oblivious to Demi's stare that was so filled with persistent aspiration. It caused her cheeks to flush.
"What?" She asked, somewhat feeling diffident.
"Nothing, I just couldn't help but notice how beautiful you look today..."
Selena couldn't help but surrender to a smile.
Leaning in she rewarded the rebel with a soft kiss, "why Demi, are you flirting with me?"
"Of course not, My words to you come straight from my heart."
"What else does your heart dare to say?"
Demi smiled a little, shifting over a closer so she could lightly brush her nose against Selena's cheek. Her lips trailing teasingly to her ear where she kissed tenderly, "that I love you, Selena. That my heart belongs to you..."
Selena smiled and it was like the sun coming out after the rain, "I love you too. So much, Demi...So much."
The rebel drew Selena into her arms. Holding her close and in a protective manner.
Though they were currently at peace, both knew now that spring had arrived, the postponed wedding would be approaching quicker than ever. Especially since their families had been dashing around the past week getting ready to begin organizing the event.
Demi also knew Jose was keeping a close watch on her as well. Often curious to see if she had regained her strength with the months he had granted her to heal.
From his own perspective, she appeared to have recovered just fine. Set aside from the gnarled scars casted upon her flesh.
Sometimes when both women lay naked up in the soft loft of the barn, Selena gently traced her finger tips across the hard pink ruts lacing Demi's shoulder and bicep. To the princess, it only made her rebel appear even more alluring.
"Come, we should head back before dinner. Don't want to disrupt their heinesses now do we?" Demi leapt off the large rock into the soft tall grass. Patiently waiting for Selena to follow.
The princess did not jump, but instead carefully climbed down. If not for her dress she might have followed Demi's bold lead. But as of now it just wasn't a wise option.
The two girls walked hand in hand over to Firefly who had been grazing in the tall grass.
Demi, as usual, aided Selena up onto the horses withers, and shortly followed. This time she surprisingly offered the princess the tethers which the girl accepted.
It only took a fifteen minute romp to arrive at the front gate's of the realm.
Demi was loud, hollering up at the guards to allow them passage.
It was easier to be together during the day because the royals never became suspicious of the girls activities with one another.
Night time was a different matter all together.
Once inside the roads of the kingdom, Selena lead Firefly back to the stables where he was untacked, watered and tethered to his stall.
"Demi, a word" came a sudden voice from the threshold of the barn.
The two girls, both startled by the unanticipated sound, whirled around to face Jose.
Demi couldn't help but smirk as she stared towards her older brother.
Selena on the other hand appeared to be somewhat frightened as he approached. Demi took notice of the woman shifting nervously beside her and quickly took a slight step forward to put some distance between Jose and his future bride.
"Whatever needs to be said can be said right here," With orbs aflame, her stare almost peirced the man.
"Very well-"
Without warning his hand shot out and took Demi's scarred arm into a solid clutch, squeezing to the point her veins buldged and she yelped in pain.
Selena gasped as her betrothed lashed out like a viper and began to crush her lovers arm.
"Stop it!" she cried. Dashing forward and placing her small hands over Jose's, trying with all her might to pry open his grasp from the deep ruts.
Jose smirked as he glared into his sisters narrowed eyes. Clearly seeing the torment he could cause her. He loved it more than anything.
"Spring is here" he stated, "which means the wedding fast approaches next week, along with the tournament...My guess is you'll be right there cheering for me. If you're not, I'm sure mother and father will be extremely disappointed."
Demi knew he was trying to get under her skin. He knew very well she wouldn't be on the sidelines. She'd be in the arena with the other competitors.
He was going to set her up. Everything was going to go his way...It just wasn't fair.
"Well we all know I'll be there brother" her face contorted.
"Indeed."
Roughly he let go of his sisters bicep. His eyes now fixed upon Selena.
In an uncivil manner he gripped her jaw and brought her lips crashing against his own. Sliding his tongue over the crevasse between her lips.
All Demi could do was watch him violate her lover. Wanting nothing more than to drive a sword straight through his black heart...
Once Jose finished with Selena he released her then nodded to his sister, "by the way, nice strong arm."
With that, he turned and left the two girls alone.
Selena felt her eyes become misty and Demi pulled the woman in close before she began to sob into her strong shoulder. The princess was scared for the both of them.
"Why did you become so tense earlier when Jose met us in here?" Demi asked, her back resting on the soft straw pallet beneath them.
The rebel did not forget how the princess had taken a step away from the man. The look of disquiet that had shrouded her eyes.
Selena was coiled up beside her lover. Listening intently to the steady beat of Demi's heart. Thumping in a soothing rythem to her ears.
And then, talk of Jose.
"I just...I-" Selena paused. Carefully hoisting herself up onto an elbow to meet eyes with Demi.
It was clear by the expression on her face that the rebel cared deeply for her.
But Selena also feared that with that amount of love, there could come a line of rash actions towards anyone who harmed her...
After chewing on her bottom lip and pondering what the right decision might be. Selena decided she could not keep secrets from Demi.
"When I'm alone with him...Whether it be day light or night...He takes advantage of me. Even though he is forbidden to touch me thoroughly until after the ceremony, he tests it. Seeing just how far he can get each time before I break down and cry...And with that rule, he doesn't get very far."
Demi felt a knot constrict within her parched throat. So this was why she was so scared of him...He was toying with her emotions. Abusing her both mentally and physically...No one was around to protect her either.
"Selena if only I had known..." Demi felt her hands ball up into tight fists. So tight that her knuckles turned white from lack of curculation. "I'll kill him" she hissed.
Selena's eyes widened at her love's remark, "no! you mustn't." She let her hands grasp the chest of Demi's tunic.
"If you harm him there'll be consequences. Our parents will not stand for the heir to be beaten down...You will be forced to the stocks! Or worse, flogged...I couldn't bear to see you hurt again Demi."
The rebel hesitated, troubled doubt appearing on her face.
Selena was right...Jose could play with their emotions until his hearts content. And there was absolutely nothing they could do to stop him...