Previous part of Heboca.

***

Chapter 10

 

 

 

The hawk sat on a wooden beam in the stable and preened. It clucked its displeasure over its rain-soaked feathers and stretched them out in an attempt to dry them.

 

Toshiko watched its grooming with a slight smile on her face. "Are you hungry?" she asked.

 

Cocking its head at the sound of her voice, the bird chirruped.

 

"Do you understand me, Milord Heboca?" Toshiko moved closer to where it was perched and reached out a finger to caress the feathers covering its breast.

 

Thunder rumbled overhead and the rain pattered on the roof of the stable they'd taken refuge in. A lantern lit the small space, while the body heat of the animals kept it warm.

 

"You know, my favourite thing to eat is hawk," the little thief continued. "I used to kill one every night. Now I'm taking care of you." 

 

She chuckled softly, turning to stare out at the streets of the village. "It serves me right for getting involved in this nightmare. Daymare more like." She paused. "A night without a day; a day without a night. What's that supposed to mean? It makes about as much sense as the rest of it!"

 

The hawk began chirping and moved restlessly on the perch.

 

"Sunset," Toshiko murmured, watching the bird fidget. "I'll...I'll wait outside," she said, turning to leave.

 

Pausing in the doorway, she spied something that made her smile. Twisting around, she held out her hands and said, "Hold on for a minute, okay?"

 

Dashing through the rain, the thief put her skills to use and purloined a bundle of clothing from the back of a wagon. Running back to the stable, she laid out the articles of clothing over a low wall.

 

"I can't vouch for the fit," she commented. Heading back out into the rain, she closed the stable door behind her, calling back to the waiting bird. "Take your time, milord!"

 

**********

 

"Sir?" Toshiko called through the wall. She'd taken the opportunity to change into a rough, homespun dress that she'd found. Receiving no response, she knocked on the door. "Milord? I'm coming in."

 

Thunder rumbled again, covering the sound of the door opening.

 

"Sir?" she called, peeking into the dim stable before stepping inside.

 

A dark head peered over the stable box, bright blue eyes piercing the gloom.

 

"It's me, remember?" Toshiko asked as the young man hesitantly walked into the open.

 

The dark red tunic and rough leggings accentuated his height and his colouring. Holding out his arms, he looked down at himself before glancing at Toshiko.

 

"You?" he asked. 

 

Toshiko nodded.

 

"Thank you." He looked towards the stallion. "How is he?" he asked softly.

 

She knew he wasn't asking about the horse. "He's alive, like you. He's full of hope, like you." Toshiko grinned. "He left you in my charge." Ianto's startled gaze caused her to grin wider. "He said, ‘Tell him we two speak as one and he will follow your instructions as my own.'"

 

Ianto rolled his eyes sceptically. "Did he, now?" he questioned, smirking.

 

Toshiko's dark eyes sparkled with merriment. "I sw…"

 

"No, don't swear." Ianto laughed quietly. He stroked the stallion's forehead, murmuring softly, "Good evening, Goliath."

 

He rested his head on his hand and looked sideways at Toshiko. "He's taking us back to Eryrau, isn't he?"

 

Not knowing what to say, Toshiko just nodded.

 

Ianto turned his face away and sighed heavily. Running a hand through his dark hair, he set his shoulders and straightened from his leaning position.

 

"All right then," he said, a small smile on his lips. "What are your instructions, fy llygod*?"

 

"Hmm," she pretended to think for a moment. "Well, I instruct you to sit beside a warm fire, have a cup of dark ale and listen to some cheerful music."

 

"Music, hmm?" Ianto asked with his eyebrow raised in amusement.

 

"Perhaps even dance," Toshiko challenged saucily.

 

"Dance?" he yelped in disbelief.

 

Grinning mischievously, Toshiko curtsied. Holding out her hand, she looked up into those stunning blue eyes. "Milord, may I have the honour of this dance?" she asked breathlessly.

 

"Now?" Ianto asked looking around the rough confines of the stable.

 

"For practice," the little thief replied, grabbing his hand.

 

Ianto chuckled and allowed her to lead him to the middle of the floor. He bowed and began moving them in time to the distant music coming from the village tavern.

 

They laughed as they spun in the circles of the dance. Toshiko caught glimpses of the young, playful man the Captain had obviously fallen in love with. Saddened at the tragic story she found herself involved in, she missed a step and fell back into a manger full of hay.

 

Ianto leaned against the half-wall of Goliath's stall to catch his breath. Straightening back up, he held out a hand to help her to her feet, still chuckling lightly.

 

"It has been a long time since I've done that, fy llygod," he teased. "I think I'll take my cup of ale now."

 

"All right," she replied. Grabbing a thick cloak, she also picked up the Captain's family sword, struggling to carry it in one hand.

 

"Do you also intend to be my protector?" Ianto asked, gesturing to the weapon.

 

Looking down in embarrassment, Toshiko retorted, "More like he'll kill me if I lose it." She grasped the sword with both hands as Ianto spread the cloak over both of their heads to protect them from the rain.

 

They exited the stable, Ianto teasing Toshiko about being forced to fight a duel over her stealing their clothes. Concentrating more on not getting wet than on where they were going, they ran right into a horse standing in the middle of the street.

 

Looking up, Ianto found himself staring directly into the empty eye holes of a pelt from a black wolf. The colour drained from his face and he reached his hands out towards the dripping hide.

 

"No," he whispered in anguish. He covered his mouth with shaking hands, choking back the sobs that threatened to overwhelm him.

 

"Ianto?" Toshiko queried frantically. "Ianto, go back inside."

 

"Ianto?" the rider questioned nervously, a shocked look on his face. "Ianto ap Joennes?"

 

Ianto gave another terrified look at the pelts draped over the rider's saddle and bolted into the stable.

 

Toshiko laboriously raised the heavy sword, steadying it in her hands. "If you raise a hand to him, you'll find it lying in the mud, next to your head," she said fiercely.

 

The rider chuckled maliciously. "Easy there, lass, you'll hurt yourself with that giant knife if you aren't careful." He nudged his horse's sides and trotted off down the lane, his laughter trailing behind him.

 

When he was out of sight, Toshiko turned back to the stable, intending to try and calm Ianto down. Before she could take a step, the doors burst open and Ianto exited astride Goliath, urging the stallion into a canter.

 

"Ianto," she called after the rapidly departing figure. "Ianto!"

 

Ianto neither acknowledged her cries nor slowed his horse down, disappearing quickly into the rain-drenched darkness. Toshiko's shoulders slumped as she staggered back to the stable.

 

"Oh, the Captain is going to kill me," she moaned fretfully. "He's going to kill me."

 

**********

 

Ianto urged Goliath through the forest, his head bent against the pouring rain. He refused to lose his captain to a backwoods trapper. He'd kill the man himself before he let that happen.

 

Peering through the trees, he spied the trapper's horse tied to a low-hanging branch. Dismounting, he pulled his dagger from his boot and crept forward on noiseless feet.

 

A wolf howled in the distance and Ianto prayed that his lover was far away from the danger lurking in these woods. He entered a small clearing, not seeing the dark shape of the trapper on the path behind him.

 

The baying of the wolf sounded closer now. He could hear the loping gait of an animal running toward the clearing and gripped his dagger tightly in his hands.

 

Suddenly a trap was sprung to his left. When he turned in that direction, another was sprung to his right and then another behind him. 

 

"Show yourself, coward," he shouted, turning this way and that in an attempt to find the unknown hunter that was playing with him.

 

A low growl came from the woods and then an anguished yelp as another trap was sprung. This time because an animal had stepped on the triggering mechanism.

 

Ianto turned and rushed heedlessly through the underbrush, only stopping when he saw a bulky figure kneeling on the wet ground next to the still form of a wolf caught in a trap.

 

Raising his dagger, Ianto prepared to plunge it directly into the trapper's unprotected back. He must have stepped on a twig, snapping it in half, or made some type of noise because the other man suddenly turned around, crossing himself fearfully.

 

A vicious snarl had them both turning to face a second wolf that crouched in the clearing.

 

"Jackson," Ianto gasped in relief.

 

"A black wolf," the hunter exclaimed. "Her Grace the Bishop was right about the demon's familiar!"

 

Ianto made a startled sound as he realised the Bishop had sent a hunter after them to trap the wolf. He swung back to face the hunter and saw the man reach for a large hunting knife. Kicking out, his leg caught the other man on the shoulder and knocked him off-balance.

 

The trap snapped shut on the man's neck and Ianto turned away in revulsion at the macabre dance of death taking place on the forest floor.

 

His eyes met the golden eyes of the wolf. They stood staring at each other for long moments before the wolf dropped its head and ran off into the forest.

 

Ianto fell to his knees, buried his face in his hands and wept. He wept for the Captain, for the little thief that had been drawn into their nightmare world, for the death of the simple man the Bishop had pulled in and used as a pawn, and he wept for himself. For the shattered dreams of love that had fractured around him.

 

He didn't notice Toshiko watching him from the edge of the clearing, silent tears running down her cheeks at the sight of his tormented grief.


Chapter 11

 

 

Toshiko could smell wood smoke and what smelled like fish cooking before she even opened her eyes. Feeling the ground move underneath her, she quickly sat up and looked around her.

 

"Good morning," Captain Harkness greeted her from the foot of the bed of boughs she was resting on.

 

"Good morning, Sir," she replied.

 

The Captain indicated the fish cooking on a spit over the fire. "You were looking a little pale, so I got you something to eat," he explained, smiling affectionately at her.

 

"What a night," Toshiko groaned throwing off her blanket and rising to stretch.

 

"What happened?" Harkness questioned, chuckling at her slow movements.

 

Not wanting to alarm the man, Toshiko brushed off the episode with the hunter with a quick, "Nothing I couldn't handle, Captain."

 

The piercing cry of the hawk greeted them as it soared on the morning air currents. The Captain raised his arm in a familiar ritual as Toshiko stretched to work out the kinks in her shoulders.

 

The hawk swooped down and settled onto the little thief's arm, startling both humans. Toshiko chuckled nervously, noting the astonished look on the Captain's face.

 

"T-that's a good little hawk," she stammered glancing back and forth from the Captain to the bird perched on her arm. "Go on, now, milord Heboca. Go on to your master."

 

"Last night," Harkness began, eyes narrowed suspiciously.

 

"What about it?" Toshiko asked. She kept her eyes on the hawk, still trying to get the bird to go to the Captain.

 

"Tell me about it," the Captain encouraged.

 

"What's to tell?" the little thief demurred. "Go on, Heboca. We got into a bit of trouble on our way to an inn."

 

"You took Ianto to an inn?" Harkness asked with his eyebrows raised in astonishment.

 

Glancing sideways at the Captain, Toshiko replied, "Well, first we had to go to a stable."

 

"A stable?" the Captain questioned, confused. "What did you do in a stable?"

 

"We had to change clothes," she answered absently.

 

"What?!" the Captain exclaimed.

 

"Not together," Toshiko hastened to assure him.

 

"You left him alone?"

 

"No! No, never." 

 

"So you did change clothes…"

 

Exasperated, Toshiko held the hawk out to the Captain. "Here, take him."

 

After transferring the bird to the Captain's arm, Toshiko walked a little ways away. Turning to look back at the pair, she attempted to explain.

 

"He's the most wonderful man I've ever met," she began, rolling her eyes at the Captain's slight pout at her unintentional slight. "I can't say I haven't had my fantasies. But the truth is all he did is talk about you."

 

The tension left the Captain's frame at her words and his eyes softened as he looked at the hawk on his arm. Toshiko lowered her gaze and turned away from the adoration that suffused the man's face.

 

"Every moment you spend with him, I…" The Captain paused smiling in self-deprecation. "I envy you."

 

Toshiko turned around again, startled at the revelation.

 

"Tell me," Harkness requested, striding towards her. "You can tell me everything he said." Grasping her shoulders, the Captain looked into her soft brown eyes. "And I warn you, I will know if the words are his or not."

 

Toshiko turned away, wondering how to say what needed to be said to convince the Captain. She rubbed the back of her neck, still trying to work out knots from the night before.

 

Turning back to face the waiting man behind her, she began. "He was sad at first," she said. "He talked about the day you met and he cursed it."

 

She saw the sorrow creep into the Captain's vivid blue eyes and hurried on with her account.

 

"But then I saw him remember how happy you were together, before the Bishop's curse." Toshiko was glad to see hope spread across his face. "He loves you more than life, Captain. He's had to."

 

A melancholy smile crept across his expression. "Did you know that hawks and wolves mate for life?" he asked softly. "The Bishop didn't even leave us that. Not even that."

 

He turned and walked away, leaving Toshiko once again with tears pooling in her eyes at the tragedy of it all.

 

**********

 

"On your way to Eryrau to kill the Bishop," Father Owain said, climbing up the incline to where the Captain sat astride his stallion on the road. "Why won't you listen to me? In two days time you can face the Bishop in the cathedral with Ianto by your side and break the curse."

 

"I will be in Eryrau tomorrow," Harkness stated. "And one way or another, there will finally be an end to it."

 

Toshiko rose from where she'd been filling the water skin. "One day, more or less, what does it matter?"

 

"You, too?" the Captain asked.  "Stay here then, with the mad priest."

 

"No," she replied. "I'm going with you. How will you get inside the cathedral without my help?"

 

"I will get in without your help," he insisted, nudging the horse to start moving.

 

Toshiko and Owain watched as the Captain rode away, the hawk perched on his arm and his sword gleaming brightly in the winter sun.

 

"Thank you for trying, Toshiko," Father Owain murmured. "And for standing up for the truth."

 

"I should have known better," the little thief replied. Owain looked at her askance. "Every happy moment in my life has come from lying." Chapter 12

 

 

 

"There you are, fy llygod."

 

Toshiko jumped, startled at the sound of Ianto's voice. She'd been standing at the edge of the forest and hadn't heard him walk up behind her.

 

"Have you seen my knife?" Ianto asked, rummaging through the Captain's saddle bag. "It was here just a moment ago."

 

"Ianto?" Toshiko questioned softly.

 

The young man continued searching his belongings, muttering to himself about not being able to find anything.

 

"Ianto, this may be our last evening together," Toshiko continued.

 

Ianto turned to face her as he sat back on the ground. "Why?" he asked, frowning in confusion.

 

"I…I didn't want to tell you until I believed," the little thief said. She stepped closer to the man sitting on the ground, noting the slight pout of his lips. She found herself wondering when the last time he'd had a friend was.

 

"Believed what?" Ianto enquired, sighing irritably. His shoulders were slumped, his eyes downcast; the very picture of dejection.

 

Toshiko fought the urge to wrap her arms around his shoulders and comfort him. Don't get distracted, Mouse, she reminded herself. You're doing this for him, after all.

 

"I think we can break the curse," she said confidently. "We have a plan."

 

Ianto's gaze snapped up to look her in the face. "You and Jack?" he asked hopefully.

 

She shook her head. "No."

 

Father Owain came up behind her, placing a hand on Toshiko's shoulder. They both saw the roll of Ianto's eyes as he inclined his head in greeting.

 

"Tell me."

 

**********

 

"Would you please stop hitting me in the kidneys?" Father Owain demanded as Toshiko chopped at the frozen ground in the hole they were digging.

 

She was pushed over when the priest lost his footing throwing out an armful of soil. Dropping the sword, Toshiko tapped the cleric on the shoulder.

 

"Owain," she growled. "This hole isn't big enough for both of us."

 

"Let's just hope it's big enough for the wolf," he replied grumpily.

 

The howl of a wolf carried through the night air and Ianto shushed them quickly. "He's coming," he breathed, getting to his feet and taking a few steps away from the hole they'd been digging.

 

Toshiko climbed out of the hole and ran to his side. The wolf's howls were growing closer.

 

"Milord, we're just covering the trap," she panted.

 

"All right, fy llygod, good," Ianto replied absently, waving a hand to acknowledge her words. "Good, he'll be here soon."

 

Toshiko rushed back to help Owain cover the hole with pine branches. They could hear the running footsteps of the wolf on the snow covered ground.

 

Crouching near the disturbed earth, she saw the dark shape run into view. "He's coming across the ice," she called.

 

Ianto spun around, his cloak flaring out around him and took a step onto the frozen surface. The terrifying sound of ice cracking was followed by the frightened yelping of the wolf.

 

"No!" Ianto yelled, taking another step forward. The ice cracked menacingly under his feet and he dropped down, attempting to spread his weight out across the surface while still trying to get to the struggling wolf.

 

Toshiko sprinted across the frozen ground, dragging the Captain's sword behind her. "Wait, milord," she begged. "Please, Ianto, wait!"

 

"Toshiko, hurry," he pleaded, his voice breaking. "He can't get out, it's too thin."

 

Inching her way slowly across the unstable surface of the lake, the little thief saw Ianto reach the thrashing animal and grab hold of it, keeping its head above the water.

 

She carefully knelt on the ice and, adrenalin lending her strength, raised the sword above her head thrusting it through the ice. She quickly tied a length of rope to the hilt and continued making her way to the pair struggling in front of her.

 

"Toshiko, I can't lift him out," Ianto screamed. "Help me, please. I can't lose him now."

 

"I'm coming, Ianto," she answered. She could barely hear Father Owain's shouts over the yelps and whines the wolf was making. Toshiko grasped Ianto's legs and tried to pull him back from the fragmented edge of the hole.

 

"No, don't," he commanded, resisting her attempt. "I'm losing my grip on him."

 

Realising what she needed to do if they were going to save the wolf, Toshiko slid carefully past Ianto and into the frigid water with the struggling animal. The next moments were always a blur to the little thief. Filled with shouts, growling, wet fur, claws and the bitter chill of the dark water.

 

When next she was aware of her surroundings, Toshiko was slumped on the ice next to Ianto. He held the wolf gently in his arms, his hands and face buried in the sodden fur.

 

Looking up at the approach of the priest, Ianto declared, "We must live, Father – as human beings." He paused to catch his breath. "Our lives are in your hands now."


Chapter 13

 

 

Adrenaline and fear kept Toshiko awake long after their ordeal on the ice. They'd built a large fire to combat the effects of the freezing water.

 

Father Owain had fallen asleep on a pallet close to the fire. Ianto and the wolf were curled up together in the hole they'd dug to trap the wolf.

 

Toshiko crept to the edge of the hollow and peered down at the pair within. Wrapped in furs and blankets, Ianto was pressed against the wolf's back. His fingers were wrapped in the shaggy, black hair, stroking the animal unconsciously.

 

She knew he was asleep by his deep, gentle breathing. Even though his eyes were closed, they were moving rapidly behind his lids and there was a faint smile on his face.

 

"What are you dreaming about, milord Heboca?" she whispered.

 

**********

 

Ianto checked the missive in his hand and grinned. Only Jackson Harkness would think of using the armoury as a rendezvous. Still, it was private – especially this late at night.

 

Entering the main room, he paused and reread the instructions. ‘There is a door behind Gruffydd ap Lleywelyn's suit of armour. Enter and follow the staircase down. There is a wooden door at the bottom of the stairs. I'll be waiting. J'

 

His breath caught in his throat when he entered the small room at the bottom of the staircase. Candlelight flickered brightly from several sconces around the room. He had a vague vision of soft pillows and animal skins on the floor before strong arms enveloped him and a pair of lips descended to his.

 

"Jack," he gasped when they finally broke for air. "I thought you were on watch duty tonight."

 

Chuckling softly, Jack turned to the low table in the corner of the room and poured two goblets of wine from an earthenware jug.

 

 "One of the blessings of being Captain of the Guard," he explained. "You can assign someone else to take the watch when it's your turn. I just wanted to spend some time with you, Ianto ap Joennes."

 

Accepting the goblet held out to him, Ianto took a sip, his glance straying to the pile of skins and pillows on the floor. "And what would you intend to be doing during this time spent with me, Captain?"

 

"Whatever your heart desires, love," Jack whispered, cupping his hand on the younger man's jaw. "I just want to be with you."

 

A blinding smile of happiness lit Ianto's face and he set his goblet back on the table. "I want to be with you, too, Jack." He grasped the Captain's hand and led him to the makeshift bed.

 

Settling back amongst the furs, Ianto threaded his fingers through Jack's hair; pressing soft kisses to his lips, his jaw, and his neck. "Show me what it's like to be your lover, Jack," he entreated. "Make me yours."

 

He could feel the shudder that raced through Jack's body at his words and smiled. Melding their lips together, Ianto's hands busied themselves untying the laces of the Captain's shirt.

 

Jack's hands were similarly occupied and soon they broke apart to pull their shirts off over their heads. Ianto gasped at the sight of the smooth skin of his lover's chest, so different yet the same as his own. 

 

His fingers trembled as he reached out to caress the flesh bared to him. He was startled when he felt Jack shiver at his touch. Ianto looked up to see that the older man had his eyes closed and his breathing was fast and shallow.

 

"Jack?" Ianto murmured, watching the Captain's long eyelashes flutter open to reveal deep blue eyes almost black with arousal. "Touch me. Please?"

 

"Are you sure, Ianto?" Jack's voice was low and husky with desire but there was restraint there, too. 

 

Ianto knew if he said no, Jack wouldn't push for anything further and knowing that made it easy. He grasped Jack's hand and brought it to his mouth. "I'm sure, Jack."

 

He heard the other man's gasp of pleasure as he drew the Captain's fingers into his mouth and began to suck. His eyes remained steady, Jackson's indigo gaze held captive in his own. He pressed his body closer; rubbing his groin enticingly against Jack's answering hardness.

 

"Ianto," the Captain breathed. "My Ianto."

 

"Yes, yours," Ianto acceded. "Only yours."

 

Anything else he was going to say was silenced by Jack's lips devouring his. Arms wrapped tightly around him as their tongues duelled passionately in a fight where there were no losers.

 

Unfamiliar sensations ran rampant through his veins. Jack was using his hands, mouth, tongue and teeth to explore the planes and hollows of his body and Ianto could only hold on and let the feelings wash over him.

 

Hands, calloused from extensive training with blade and crossbow, moved confidently over the skin of his torso. The weight of another body pressed him back into the soft furs of their makeshift bed. Smooth skin slid against smooth skin, a light sheen of perspiration easing the friction between their chests.

 

The Captain whispered words against his flushed skin – words like "need" and "love" and "beautiful" and "mine". The words and the feel of Jack's hot breath caressing his bare skin left Ianto speechless. Only moans and soft gasps passed his lips.

 

He could feel hands at his waist, working the laces of his breeches free. Cool air flowed over his hips and legs as Jack pushed the breeches off over his feet. Before Ianto could begin to get chilled, Jack was covering the younger man's body with his own; his lips capturing Ianto's in another ardent kiss.

 

Ianto scowled lightly at the feel of rough wool against his burgeoning erection. Plucking at the laces on Jack's breeches, he murmured against the Captain's lips, "Please, Jack. I want to feel you – all of you – against me."

 

Jack rested his forehead against the other man's shoulder and took several deep breaths. "I don't want to rush you, love," he mumbled. "I don't want to hurt you and I am afraid that my self-control won't last if I feel you with nothing in between us."

 

"Daft idiot," Ianto scolded. "Even if you lost your self-control, you need to trust that I'd stop you if you were hurting me. I'm a virgin, not a shrinking violet, Jack."

 

The Captain's startled gaze flew to the younger man's face. The sheepish expression in his eyes caused Ianto to laugh out loud. "I know you're not a shrinking violet, Ianto. I am being an idiot aren't I?"

 

"Definitely," Ianto chuckled. He rolled over, trapping Jack beneath him. "I guess I'll just I'll just have to remind you of a few things."

 

He lowered his head to the Captain's chest and licked a deliberate strip from the hollow of his throat to the light dusting of hair below his navel. He grinned when he felt minute tremors in the stomach muscles beneath his lips.

 

Loosening the final laces on his lover's breeches, he peeled the fabric down, freeing Jack's straining erection. Leaning down, he swirled his tongue around the head of his lover's cock, savouring the bitter salty taste in his mouth.

 

"God, Ianto," Jack groaned. "That feels so good."

 

Ianto felt the Captain's hands on his head, fingers threading through his hair. He opened his mouth and took just the tip of the older man's cock into the moist heat, sucking lightly.

 

The sounds Jack was making travelled down Ianto's nerve endings and settled low in his belly, spreading warmth throughout his body. He'd done this. Reduced Jackson Harkness, Captain of the Bishop's Guard, to this quivering state of pleasure.

 

In that moment he knew, as much as he belonged to the Captain, the Captain also belonged to him. Releasing Jack's cock with a soft pop, Ianto kissed his way back up his lover's chest. Wrapping his arms around the other man's shoulders, he fell back onto the soft nest of furs, pulling Jack over on top of him.

 

Gasping at the sensation of his cock rubbing against Jack's, Ianto whispered, "Show me, Jack. Show me that I'm yours. Please."

 

He knew the Captain had conceded defeat by the way the man seemed to melt into his embrace. Distracted by the fervent meeting of their mouths, Ianto didn't notice what Jack was doing with his hands until he felt a slick pressure against the puckered opening of his arse.

 

Tensing at the unfamiliar feeling, Ianto heard Jack soothing him with low words and comforting murmurs. He relaxed his legs, opening his body further to the tender caresses and gasped with mingled pleasure and pain when one oiled finger penetrated the tight ring of muscle.

 

"Shh, love." Jack's voice seemed to come from a distance. "Just relax and let me prepare you."

 

Absently noting that the Captain seemed to have recovered his confidence, Ianto concentrated on relaxing his muscles around Jack's finger. He felt himself start to loosen up just as Jack slowly began to move his finger in and out of the tight hole.

 

The Captain added another finger, lightly massaging and stretching Ianto's opening. His fingers brushed against a bundle of nerves in Ianto's body and the younger man bucked his hips up off the bedding with a low cry.

 

"Jack, God, do that again," Ianto pleaded clutching the Captain's shoulders and tossing his head back and forth on the pillows.

 

"You look so beautiful like this," Jack murmured, adding a third finger and thrusting slowly. "Sprawled out and open just for me. Your skin flushed with desire. Perspiration gleaming on your skin in the candlelight."

 

"Jack, Jack, please…" Ianto was nearly incoherent in his passion. "More, please, Jack. I need more."

 

His whimper when Jack removed his fingers was lost in the demanding kiss that followed. Acceding to the urging of the Captain's hands, Ianto turned over onto his stomach. The soft fur rubbing against his neglected cock caused a strangled moan to catch in the back of his throat.

 

He felt Jack's lips on the back of his neck as his lover's weight draped over his back. The blunt tip of the Captain's cock was poised at his entrance and he moved restlessly, rubbing his arse enticingly against the oiled shaft in a mute plea to be taken and filled.

 

The Captain obliged and pushed slowly in, pausing to let Ianto adjust to his intrusion. Ianto felt like he was stretched impossibly tight around Jack's cock and tensed up, increasing the slight burning sensation of skin stretched too far. He curled his fists in the bedding and willed himself to relax.

 

"That's it," Jack crooned, scattering kisses across Ianto's shoulders and neck. He ran his hand up and down the younger man's side, encouraging him to ease his muscles.

 

Taking a deep breath, Ianto felt his muscles loosen and draw Jack further in. He was surprised when, instead of pushing inward, the Captain slowly pulled out until just the tip of his cock was still inside of Ianto.

 

"Jack?" Ianto queried turning his head to look at his lover. The sight he beheld was enough to steal his breath away.

 

The Captain was covered in sweat; corded muscles stood out on his neck, shoulders and arms, highlighting the strain of controlling his body's desire to pound into the body beneath him. His face was suffused with pleasure, pupils blown, and eyes almost black with desire.

 

Ianto thrust back experimentally and revelled in the low moan that escaped Jack's lips. He moved again and caught his breath as Jack's cock slid deeper into his body. 

 

"My god, Ianto, you feel so good," Jack panted, the strain of holding back evident in his voice.

 

"So do you, Jack," Ianto replied reaching back and grasping his lover's thigh. "Show me what to do. Please."

 

Jack pulled his hips back again before rocking forward, going deeper with each gentle thrust. "You are doing everything right, love, trust me," he gasped as Ianto instinctively clenched his muscles around Jack's cock. "Talk to me, Ianto. Tell me what you're feeling."

 

Knowing that he was blushing, Ianto buried his face in his arms. He wasn't sure he could do what Jack was requesting.  Engaging in love-making was one thing, talking about it while you were doing it was another.

 

"Ianto?" the Captain questioned softly, stilling his thrusts and running a calming hand across the arm Ianto had hidden his face in. "A-are you all right?"

 

Ianto kicked himself mentally when he heard the slight uncertainty in Jack's voice. He'd known the other man was nervous about hurting him but he'd let his momentary embarrassment override his desire to let his lover know that he was fine. 

 

"I'm all right, Jack," he murmured. "I'd be even better if you'd keep moving." He reinforced his words by thrusting back against the other man.

 

Jack chuckled softly as he began to move again, thrusting forward until he was buried balls deep in the younger man's body.

 

Ianto adjusted his position, drawing his knee up underneath him to open himself further. He gasped in delight as the new angle allowed Jack's cock to stroke the bundle of nerves deep inside of him. His vision blurred as the Captain unerringly hit that spot with each thrust.

 

"Jack," he groaned. "So good. Please, I…" 

 

He rubbed his aching cock against the furs under him, but the friction wasn't enough. Reaching beneath his torso, he pressed his palm against his arousal and began to rub.

 

"I've fantasized about this," Jack breathed against Ianto's neck, pressing hot, open-mouthed kisses along the younger man's neck and shoulders. He began to move faster, thrust deeper. "How it would feel to sink into your gorgeous body and claim you as my own."

 

"Yours, Jack," Ianto panted. "Only yours." He was thrusting back against Jack and forward into his own hand, pleasure mounting in a tight spiral along his spine.

 

Jack worked his hand underneath Ianto and laced their fingers together on the younger man's cock, fisting the heated flesh in time with his thrusts.

 

Ianto began to shudder, an exquisite tightening beginning to spread from his spine to his balls. "God, Jack, I'm…Jack," he shouted as sensation washed over him and he climaxed, come spilling over their joined hands and onto the furs and skins beneath them.

 

Jack's thrusts stuttered as Ianto's orgasm caused the younger man's body to clamp down around his cock. His rigid control deserted him and he began to pound into his lover's arse.

 

"You're mine," he growled, thrusting deeply into the tight channel. "Say it, Ianto," he demanded.

 

Breathlessly, aftershocks still shooting through his body, Ianto replied, "Yours, Jack. Always."

 

The words were enough to fling Jack over the edge and he stilled, emptying himself into his lover, crying out wordlessly as his orgasm ripped through him.

 

Collapsing together in a boneless heap on the makeshift bed, Ianto felt Jack's softening cock slide from his body and whimpered at the loss of contact. Turning over, he stared into the Captain's deep blue eyes, drowning in the love he could clearly see reflected there.

 

"I love you, Ianto ap Joennes," Jack declared using a trembling hand to brush the sweaty curls from Ianto's eyes. "You are mine, just as I am yours – forever."

 

"Forever," Ianto echoed. "I will love you until the end of my days and beyond, Jackson Harkness."


Chapter 14

 

 

 

The sky was lightening with the approaching dawn when Toshiko saw Ianto's eyes flutter open. She watched as he turned his head to look at the wolf, longing in his beautiful blue eyes.

 

His fingers tightened in the wolf's rough fur and she was startled when a golden light seemed to glow around his knuckles. The sun was just peeking over the mountains and the light crept slowly across the snow covered field to the depression in the earth where the cursed lovers rested.

 

Ianto sat up, his hand held out in front of him, the sunlight shining through his spread fingers. Light surrounded both of their forms and Toshiko found herself trembling in anticipation of the dual transformation she was about to witness.

 

The wolf's fur seemed to shimmer and suddenly the Captain's body lay where the animal had been. His eyes opened, still the golden colour of the wolf, but shot through with deep blue. He lifted his head and turned to look at the man crouched beside him.

 

Ianto's trembling fingers covered his mouth as he watched the transformation of the wolf into his lover. It had been so long since he'd seen that handsome face. Their eyes met and they reached for each other, yearning palpable in every look and every movement.

 

Toshiko could feel tears running down her cheeks, but didn't wipe them away. She knew she was witnessing something very private, but she couldn't tear her gaze away from the two men in front of her.

 

The Captain's eyes changed from the golden eyes of the wolf to the deep cerulean blue of his own eyes. At the same moment, Ianto's eyes changed from their normal azure to the golden eyes of the hawk.

 

Wings fluttered and the shrill cry of the hawk shattered the early morning quiet as it took off, flying through the air. 

 

The Captain surged forward, his arm outstretched, hand grasping at empty air. The sun bathed his bare skin and glinted off the tears streaming down his face. He clutched his empty hand into a fist and pounded the frozen ground; his cry of pure anguish echoed off the mountain side and he slumped to the ground, his head buried in his arms.

 

Startled, Toshiko finally found the strength to move and ran as fast as she could away from the tragic scene she'd just witnessed.

 

**********

 

Toshiko sat wrapped in a blanket next to the small campfire that Father Owain had built. He sat across from her, not saying anything; both of them waiting for the one they knew would soon join them. She could hear footsteps approaching through the snow behind her and steeled herself for the question she knew was coming.

 

The footsteps stopped. "Tell me one thing," the Captain demanded. "Where is my father's sword?"

 

"It's gone," Toshiko stated baldly. "It fell through the ice last night crossing a river."

 

"Damn you," he grated, standing next to where she sat. "That sword was the last bit of honour I possessed."

 

Toshiko looked up at the angry man towering over her. "Your plan wasn't a mission of honour," she scoffed. "The jewel you wanted to place in the pommel of the sword would've just been a symbol of your meaningless death."

 

The Captain turned his back on her and stalked a few paces away.

 

"There's a chance for life now," she implored. "A new life with Ianto."

 

"I needed that sword to kill the Bishop," he hissed swinging around and lunging toward her.

 

"Harkness, listen to her," Father Owain stood up from where he'd been silently watching their argument.

 

Toshiko stood up as well. "Go ahead, Harkness," she spat. "Kill yourself, kill him, too." She pointed to where the hawk sat perched on a branch. "You never cared for him as much as yourself anyway."

 

The Captain had grabbed her arms during her tirade and, at her last words, he pushed her violently away. Losing her footing, she landed in the snow, grunting in pain.

 

Rolling slowly onto her back, she saw the Captain staring at her chest and looked down. The laces on her shirt had come loose and the deep red welts from the wolf's claws showed clearly on her pale skin.

 

"What is that?" Harkness demanded, looking towards the priest.

 

Giving the other man a cold look, Owain replied, "That happened last night when she saved your life." His eyes turned pointedly toward the lake and the broken ice that was clearly visible.

 

The Captain's shocked gaze drifted from the priest's face, following his gaze to the ice-covered lake on the valley floor and then to where Toshiko still sat on the ground, re-fastening the laces on her shirt. He hung his head in shame at his previous actions. 

 

"Forgive me?" he asked quietly, looking down at her through his lashes and reaching out a hand to help her up.

 

Toshiko looked up at the Captain and smiled, tears crowding her eyes. She accepted his hand, nodding her forgiveness as he helped her to her feet.

 

Harkness grinned that heart-stopping smile of his and pulled her close. He hugged her tightly, speaking in her ear. "I'll show you idiots how to cage a wolf." Chapter 15

 

 

The rickety cart paused outside the walls of Eryrau. Ianto breathed a quiet prayer as Toshiko slipped out of the back, verifying with Father Owain on where to meet before sprinting away on silent feet.

 

They lurched forward again and he glanced back at the shrouded cage that held the wolf. Please let this work, please, he begged silently. Don't let him have done this for nothing.

 

A cry of "Open the gate!" drifted to him as the cart approached the entrance to the city. Chains creaked as the drawbridge was slowly lowered in front of them. Torchlight cast flickering shadows over everything, making Ianto feel like they were entering the gates of Hell.

 

"It will be all right, Ianto," Owain murmured. "This will work, you'll see. Soon you'll be reunited with Jackson, confront the Bishop together and break the curse."

 

"I hope you're right, Father," Ianto whispered back. "If you aren't and anything happens to him, I will make you pay."

 

Looking askance at the young man sitting beside him, Owain snorted. "You've been spending too much time around Harkness," he sneered. "You're starting to develop his penchant for suicidal revenge."

 

"Just shut up and drive this pile of twigs," he replied testily, pulling his cloak tighter around his body. He knew he was acting like an ungrateful brat, but his nerves seemed to be bypassing his good manners.

 

He glanced to his left as they crossed the bridge and thought he saw a shadowy figure slip into the water from the bank of the moat. Wishing Toshiko good luck, he faced forward again, eyes cast downward; listening to Owain muttering under his breath.

 

"Halt," a rough voice bade them to stop. 

 

Glancing up through his lashes, Ianto saw one of the Bishop's guards striding towards them. He couldn't tell for sure, but thought he vaguely recognized the man…Adam something or other…but he couldn't quite remember.

 

"What have we here, little priest?" the guard questioned inspecting the cart carefully.

 

"Ah, a surprise gift, my son," Father Owain said expansively. "For Her Grace, the Bishop – from the, uh, from the people of my parish."

 

The guard reached out and yanked the blanket covering the cage back. The wolf lunged at the man, teeth bared and snarling; making him rear back in surprise.

 

"A fine pelt for her wall, don't you think?" Owain smirked as the guard walked back to the front of the cart.

 

"And who is this?" he asked, pulling Ianto's cloak off his shoulders. He looked back at the wolf snarling and snapping in its cage and drew his sword. "I've never had the pleasure of killing a wolf before," he said a malevolent grin on his face.

 

"How strange," Owain chuckled. "That's exactly what the Bishop said. I'm sure she would understand you depriving her of that pleasure," he said sardonically. "She's a very forgiving sort of woman."

 

The soldier hesitated before sheathing his sword and urging them on. Ianto let out the breath he was holding as the cart began to move forward again.

 

"That was close, Father," he muttered. "Too close."

 

"Aye, well, even the Bishop's guards aren't complete blockheads," Owain grunted manoeuvring the cart through the narrow streets of Eryrau.

 

Ianto, a ghost of a smile playing on his face, reached out and squeezed the priest's hand that was closest to him on the reins.

 

**********

 

Toshiko eased her way into the water and watched as the cart holding her friends was ushered into the city. She looked up at the forbidding walls in front of her and sighed.

 

"I've come full circle," she murmured to herself. "Escaping only to come back and risk capture again." 

 

She began to swim quietly around the moat, sticking to the shadows to avoid detection. At last, when dawn was close to breaking, she came to spot where she'd escaped through the broken drain.

 

"You can do this, Mouse," she whispered. "For Ianto and the Captain. You can't let them down."

 

Taking a deep breath she submerged herself under the water, opening her eyes to get her bearings. She swam steadily towards the broken drain and worked her way through the opening, careful not to let her clothing catch on the damaged bars.

 

Her lungs felt like they were on fire due to lack of oxygen and she had to fight her body not to try and take a breath until her head was above water. Kicking strongly, she broke the surface and sucked in a deep, gasping breath of air.

 

Treading water, she panted softly until her breathing regulated and she began to swim through the tunnels. She reached the branch leading to the drain in the cathedral and climbed up the rungs, positioning herself to carry through her part in the Captain's plan.

 

"Now I just have to wait," she said quietly. "Wait and pray that everything turns out all right."


Chapter 16

 

 

Bells rang out across the country from the city of Eryrau. Praise, they proclaimed. Come to worship and praise!

 

**********

 

"Your Grace?"  

 

Gwyneth's head snapped up from her preparations and she glared at the underling that had just entered her rooms.

 

"When I am ready," she barked, her attention going back to the hand-maiden placing the rings on her fingers.  The young priest bowed respectfully and left the chamber as another maid placed a stole around her neck. 

 

Gwyneth's body warmed with an unholy desire at the feel of soft hands and the sight of nubile flesh surrounding her.   Closing her eyes, she threw her head back and let the maids continue dressing her.

 

********

 

Sunlight bathed the city as thunder rolled in the distance and clouds swirled overhead.

 

Owain walked around the corner of a building and looked anxiously at the Captain standing in front of him. "Soon," he promised, excitement spread across his face. "As soon as the clouds dissipate."

 

Harkness coaxed the hawk onto his arm, glaring at the priest. "It's day, you drunken fool," he spat. "Just like the day before and the day before that."

 

They could faintly hear the chanting of the monks as the Bishop made her way to the cathedral for the celebration.

 

***********

Toshiko also heard the procession from her perch underneath the drain and knew it was almost time. Holding her knife between her teeth, she grasped the grating above her and pushed.

 

The heavy tread of soldiers entered the great hall ahead of the procession and Toshiko knew she would have to wait until everyone had entered before moving the grate and climbing out.

 

She cursed quietly to herself when someone stood directly on top of the grating, blocking her in. "Great, now what do I do?" she muttered.

 

Grabbing the knife out of her mouth, she looked up at the feet of the man standing above her. Noticing they were the soft shoes of a nobleman or priest and not the steel of a soldier, she got an idea.

 

Using her knife, she began to poke upwards gently, restraining her laughter as the rather heavy-set clergyman shifted his feet to avoid the sharp point. Biting her lower lip, she peered upwards and thrust the knife directly at the sole of his foot.

 

Crouching back under the stone lip of the grating, Toshiko covered her mouth as the clergyman and the man next to him discussed the possibility of rats in the cathedral. Finally they both moved away, evidently deciding the further away from the rats the better.

 

Toshiko waited a moment and then carefully raised the grating, setting it aside slowly to avoid it making a sound against the marble floor. She climbed through and scurried to hide behind a pillar.

 

Peering around the column, she saw the Bishop mounting the dais. Grabbing an acolyte's robe that was hanging nearby, she struggled into it and flitted from pillar to pillar towards the back of the sanctuary and the huge double doors.

 

She watched as two of the Bishop's guards closed the doors and lowered the heavy beam, locking the padlock to ensure that no one would disturb the service.

 

**********

 

"There's no time left," Harkness insisted, swallowing past the lump in his throat as he stroked the hawk's soft feathers. He affixed the leather hood over the hawk's head to keep it calm and looked into Owain's eyes. "The mass will be over soon and I can't wait for you any longer."

 

He looked towards the cathedral. "If Toshiko has done her job, I can kill the Bishop now, or never."

 

"No, Jack, this chance will never come again," Owain pleaded trying desperately to convince the man to wait.

 

Nodding his agreement, Jack reached into his saddlebag and drew out his dagger. "You're right," he said. "If the service ends peacefully, you will know that I have failed in my quest."

 

"B-but, Ianto?" Owain questioned looking anxiously between the Captain and the hawk.

 

Jack lowered his eyes, sorrow shadowing his face. "I…I…" He held the hawk closer to his chest, listening to its distressed chirping. "I beg you," his voice broke as he looked directly at the priest before him. His blue eyes were swimming in tears. "Please, take his life. Quick and painless."

 

"I can't do that," Owain gasped, misery radiating from every pore.

 

"Yes, you can," Jack replied forcefully. "It would be cruelty to damn him to a half-life like he's lived these past two years. That's not what he wants."

 

Owain lowered his head in shame and guilt. "I couldn't do it."

 

"Have you ever considered that this is what God intended all along?" Jack asked his voice grim.

 

Owain's shocked gaze flew to the Captain's face. Seeing the stern determination reflected in the sober blue eyes, he nodded. "I will not fail you again, Captain."


Chapter 17

 

 

Toshiko leaned nonchalantly against the heavy, oak door, her hands behind her back as she watched the elaborate ceremony taking place in front of her. She knew the time was growing short and worked frantically to unlock the heavy padlock.

 

**********

 

Jackson Harkness, former Captain of the Bishop's Guard, rode his stallion through the deserted streets of Eryrau. The black horse pranced majestically, hooves striking the cobblestones in a staccato beat.

 

His ebony cloak billowed behind him in the slight morning wind and he carried his ceremonial sword unsheathed in his hand. It wasn't the sword of his ancestors, but it was a good, strong blade and would serve him well today.

 

Approaching the gates of the cathedral, he pulled his horse to a stop and stared calmly at the lieutenant that blocked his way.

 

"As one who was once your Captain and, God willing, will be again," Jack declared. "I ask you to let me pass."

 

The lieutenant urged his horse forward. "Captain Harkness," he stated beginning to draw his sword. "I have my orders…"

 

The Captain's gauntleted fist flew out, striking the other man and knocking his weapon to the ground. He raised his sword and pointed it at the man's throat, daring him to try anything like that again.

 

Bowing his head in defeat, he moved his horse out of the Captain's path and signalled for the soldiers on foot to break formation and let the Captain through.

 

Jack lowered the visor on his black helmet and continued with his pursuit of vengeance.

 

**********

 

Toshiko cursed to herself as she attempted to pick the stubborn lock on the doors. "Open, damn you," she exclaimed, not noticing that her activities had attracted notice.

 

She glanced anxiously behind her and saw a guard threading his way through the congregation towards her. She turned back to the door and frantically worked on the lock, releasing the catch and pushing the bar out of the way.

 

The guard swung back his weapon as she climbed onto the elaborate door carvings to pull back the bolt above her head. Just as he was about to strike, she heard a horse outside the door and clung as tightly as she could so she wouldn't go flying when the door opened.

 

Startled as the doors crashed open, everyone in the sanctuary turned to see what was happening. Captain Harkness sat astride his mount, framed in the archway. 

 

Urging the stallion forward a few steps, the Captain turned his head to Toshiko. She grinned impishly at him and gave him a mock salute. His answering smile was brief but bright, like a ray of sunshine before an eclipse.

 

She watched as his focus narrowed to just the woman standing alone on the raised dais at the apse of the cathedral. He nudged the stallion forward, hooves ringing implacably on the marble floor.

 

The crowd parted like the sea in front of him; monks and clerics and priests scrambling to get out of his way as he rode relentlessly up the length of the nave. His eyes never left the dark eyes of the woman standing still as a statue in front of him.

 

Toshiko looked away from the Captain as another set of hooves clattered in the corridor. She shrank back from the door as Captain D'Couer rode through on his own horse.

 

"Harkness," D'Couer shouted to his former Captain.

 

Jack saw the cold triumph flare in Gwyneth's eyes and became even more resolved that she would not live to see the end of this day. He pulled on the reins, turning his stallion to face his former second-in-command.

 

Not pausing, both men spurred their mounts forward, swords clashing against each other as they met in the middle of the nave. They turned at opposite ends of the cathedral and made another pass, weapons flashing and throwing sparks.

 

Neither man gave an inch without a fight. They skirmished back and forth across the nave, causing the observers to scramble out of their way.

 

Toshiko didn't stay to watch. She ran out the door and down the cobbled streets to where they'd left the cart. Crawling underneath, she breathed a sigh of relief when she spied the long, narrow bundle wedged into the slats.

 

She ran back to the cathedral and entered in time to see D'Couer, unhorsed, throw his helmet at Harkness. The headgear flew through the air and shattered the stained glass window high in the ceiling.

 

Roaring his frustration, D'Couer pulled Harkness off his steed, dragging him down to the floor. They struggled upright but before D'Couer could do anything, Harkness punched him solidly in the stomach before backhanding his head.

 

D'Couer down, Captain Harkness grabbed his sword and stalked relentlessly towards the Bishop. Other guards tried to stop him, but he would not be denied in his advance.

 

Mounting the stairs, he was surprised when D'Couer tackled him from behind. Twisting in the other man's grasp, Harkness used his legs to push the man away from him – forcefully. D'Couer couldn't regain his footing and fell backwards, hitting his head on a pillar.

 

Thunder rumbled, and the day seemed to dim and become brighter at the same time. Jack looked up at the broken window and saw a very strange phenomenon. The dark circle of the moon was passing in front of the sun and suddenly he understood what Owain's strange words meant.

 

"Night without a day and day without a night," he murmured, removing his helmet and tossing it away. A wild hope surged in his heart and he quickly looked to the Bishop.

 

He could tell from the look in her eyes that she knew what was happening. She darted forward, staring at the singularity and he surged to his feet.

 

"Owain," he called even though he knew the priest couldn't hear him. "Wait!"

 

Jack ran towards the doors of the cathedral, but was stopped short by D'Couer stepping in front of him, sword held low. Jack smiled grimly. "You're dead," he stated.

 

D'Couer jerked his head in acknowledgement and smirked knowingly. "You can try," he snarled.

 

They fought fast and viciously. Swords clashed and fists flew. Perspiration trickled down their faces and their lips were twisted in identical sneers.

 

The noise of their fight was the only sound in the room until bells started to peal. Disengaging from his opponent by the simple act of punching him in the face hard enough to daze him, Jack stared at the soldier pulling on the bell ropes.

 

"Nooo!" His anguished shout tore through the room. He stepped forward and stopped in disbelief. Closing his eyes in grief he whispered, "Make it quick, Owain."

 

**********

 

The bells rang across the city from the cathedral and reached Father Owain in the outbuilding he was hiding in. The hawk chirruped from where it sat on his arm.

 

"Forgive me," he choked and grasped the dagger tightly in his hand.


Chapter 18

 

 

Toshiko's heart broke when she heard Jack's tortured cry. Time seemed to freeze around him, as if he were encased in ice. 

 

A movement from D'Coeur broke the tableau. Jack's shoulders set in determination and the look of grim resolve on his face when he turned around caused a ripple of gasps to run through the spectators.

 

It was the look of a man who had nothing left to lose and he tore into D'Couer with ferocity. Toshiko rushed along the side of the nave, keeping pace with their battle. She struggled to untangle the Harkness family sword from her borrowed robe.

 

Both men had lost their weapons when she slid the broadsword across the marble floor to Captain Harkness. Her heart caught in her throat when slid it past her intended target just as D'Couer retrieved his own sword.

 

The two men continued to exchange blows. Toshiko was sure all was lost when D'Couer kicked the Captain in the chin, sending him reeling to the floor.

 

D'Couer raised his weapon in both hands, intending to bring it down and stab his former captain through the heart. As the sword descended, Jack rolled toward his opponent and then back onto the flat of the blade, tearing the weapon out of D'Coeur's hands.

 

Harkness continued to roll, grasping the weapon behind him and swinging it around in a slow arc just as D'Coeur lunged forward. The blade slid easily between the man's ribs and he fell to the floor, his final breath escaping from his lips in the form of his former captain's name.

 

Jack stood up and staggered to where his family sword lay abandoned on the floor. He grasped it unsteadily in his hands and looked at Toshiko with wonder and gratitude in his eyes.

 

She nodded her head, acknowledging his appreciation and watched as he turned and stalked purposefully towards the Bishop.

 

Another guard tried to block his way, but was dispatched with ease. He approached the place where Gwyneth was waiting calmly. His blade wove an intricate pattern in front of her eyes, but she ignored it.

 

"If you kill me, Harkness," she said smugly. "The curse will last forever." She shook her head and played what she thought was her best card. "You must think of Ianto."

 

A sound that was part laugh and part sob escaped the Captain's throat. "Ianto," he rasped, "is dead."

 

The Bishop's eyes flickered at his statement, but there was no other reaction.

 

"Damn you," Harkness whispered. "Damn you to hell."

 

He raised the sword over his shoulder, prepared to bring it down in a death blow on the Bishop's head.

 

"Jack?" 

 

The strength seemed to leave his arms at the sound of that voice. It was a voice he hadn't heard in almost two years and the only voice he'd listened for.

 

He turned around, his face alight with awe and hope and love. He saw the one person he'd never thought he'd see again standing in the centre of the room.

 

"Ia – Ianto?" Jack's voice broke, emotion overwhelming him. 

 

Toshiko could see the struggle for control on his handsome face and held her breath as he turned to the Bishop.

 

Gwyneth's eyes were closed and her face turned away from the lovers. Jack rushed forward and grabbed her, dragging her forward and forcing her to her knees.

 

"Look at him," he growled when she covered her eyes with her hands. Shaking her, he shouted, "Look at him!"

 

Her arms slowly lowered from her face and she gazed at the man standing tall in the middle of the cathedral.

 

"Look at me," Jack demanded, holding onto her hand and moving in front of her.

 

Gwyneth's eyes shot to meet his, a look of pure fury twisting her features.

 

Jack backed away slowly, holding his sword pointed firmly at the Bishop's heart.

 

"Now," he whispered. "Look at us."

 

The Bishop was visibly trembling but she refused to look away from the Captain.

 

"Look at us!" Jack shouted.

 

Gwyneth raised her head and fixed her eyes on both of them together.

 

Toshiko started as a hand was placed on her shoulder and she turned to see Father Owain standing behind her.

 

"It's over," he attested. "The curse is broken."

 

They watched as Ianto took a hesitant step towards Jack. The Captain walked toward the lover that had been restored to him in a daze, dropping to his knees when they would no longer hold him up.

 

Ianto's hand was stretched out and trembling as he walked to where the Captain knelt in front of him. He reached out and then pulled his hand back as if he was afraid that by touching Jack he'd wake up from a dream.

 

The Captain grasped his hand and pulled the younger man closer. Muffled gasps escaped their lips as their hands touched for the first time in two years.

 

Ianto opened the hand that Jack clasped to reveal the leather hood and jesses from his days as a hawk. His eyes hardened as he looked away from his lover and towards the Bishop.

 

He pulled away from Jack and continued up the centre of the nave to stand in front of the woman who had caused all of this misery. He looked down to where she still knelt on the steps and opened his fist. 

 

The bits of leather dangled from his elegant fingers and, with a look of utter disdain, he dropped them at her feet. Dismissing her as unworthy of any more of his attention, he turned around and began walking back to his lover.

 

Gwyneth knew that she had lost but her hatred wouldn't allow her to let them go. She was the Bishop of Eryrau and no man could spurn her and get away with it. Rising to her feet, she grasped her crosier and held it in front of her like a spear.

 

"He chose you over me," she muttered. "But I'll be damned if I will let him have you."

 

"Harkness!" Father Owain called out a warning.

 

Not even stopping to think about it, Jack grasped his sword, turned around and threw it directly at the Bishop. It flew through the air, turning end over end until it buried itself in her body, throwing her back and pinning her to the wooden penitent's rail.

 

Ianto stared in shock and revulsion at the dying woman who was responsible for the deaths of so many people.

 

Gwyneth struggled to say something but her throat just gurgled and with a froth of blood coating her lips, she closed her eyes and exhaled for the last time.

 

With her death, a tension seemed to leave the room. Ianto returned to the Captain's side and rested a trembling hand on his head. Jack laughed breathlessly and clasped his lover's hands in his own before getting to his feet.

 

Toshiko wiped the tears of happiness from her eyes and hugged Father Owain, kissing him on the cheek. They turned and started to leave.

 

Ianto and Jack were making their way to the door when Ianto stopped in the middle of the room. He turned and cupped the Captain's face in his hands.

 

"Oh, my god," he gasped, laughing in disbelief.

 

Jack kissed the fingers that were re-discovering his face. A smile flashed across his face and he whispered his lover's name. "Ianto."

 

They came together in an embrace, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss. 

 

Jack pulled back slightly, unable to take his eyes off of Ianto. His gaze wandered over his lover's face, cataloguing the changes two years had wrought.

 

"You let your hair grow," he whispered, running his hands through the longer strands that curled around his fingers.

 

Ianto chuckled, busy doing an inventory of his own.

 

"I love you, Ianto ap Joennes," Jack murmured. 

 

"As I love you, Jackson Harkness," Ianto replied softly capturing Jack's lips in a languorous kiss.

 

They broke apart only when the need for air became a necessity. Ianto looked over Jack's shoulder and saw Toshiko and Owain slipping away in the shadows. He nudged Jack and indicated the pair quietly making their escape.

 

"You two," Jack called out. "Come here."

 

Father Owain grasped the Captain's outstretched hand. "May God's blessings be with you both," he declared.

 

"I bless the day that He brought you back into our lives, Father," Jack replied. "And you, Toshiko the Dormouse – and you." He hugged her to him tightly.

 

When the Captain released her, Toshiko turned to Ianto and grasped his hands.

 

"You are the truest friend we could ever have, fy llygod," Ianto said, leaning close and kissing her on the cheek. "Thank you."

 

She didn't know what to say and just kept staring into his gorgeous blue eyes until Owain stepped in and grasped her hand. Turning her away from the lovers, the priest led her to the doors.

 

"I fully expect to see you at the Pearly Gates, little thief," he instructed.

 

"I'll be there, Father," she replied. "Even if I have to pick the lock to get in!"

 

fin

***