Houston, uncertain of his decision, listened to his arguments. "War is inevitable. We will go no matter what decision I make."

"But do you want to be right in the middle of it?" Methos questioned. "Do you want to be responsible for the thousands of soldiers that will die?"

"I've already been down that road, in 1812," Houston replied. "The state is joining, and I have to decide."

"My advice, don't. Forgive me," Methos apologized before going on, "but you are too old to be playing with these young fish that politics has netted. I say it's time to retire. You asked my opinion, and I have given it to you."

Exiting the room, he sought out his own. Pausing in the hallway, he recalled the years he had spent with the Houston's. The time had been wonderful. It was like having his own family. But he was feeling that perhaps it was time to leave and start on his journey again.

His entrance into his room was halted when "Doctor Adams!" was yelled from down the hall. Methos turned to see one of Houston's men. "Yes?"

"Governor Houston wishes you to join him in the meeting," the man replied and lead him to the conference room.

This surprised him. Only moments ago, he had left his company, and already he had called a meeting, or perhaps it had already been called. Several delegates were seated around the table and Houston was ready to begin once his good doctor friend arrived.

"Gentleman, I have asked you here on the matter of the Confederacy." Houston was dressed as elegantly today as he had been the day he told Methos of his plan to run for governor. "In the name of the constitution of Texas, which has been trampled upon, I refuse to take this oath. I love Texas too well to bring civil strife and bloodshed upon her."

Methos met his eyes; how calm they were. When the smile lit his face, Methos knew that his friend had truly resigned. Once the delegates and other men dispersed, Houston placed his hand on the doctor's shoulder. "Come, we have much celebration to do."

A month later, the war began. A year later, the Houston's and Methos included had traveled to Huntsville where the family rented the Steamboat House. In no time, it felt just like all the other households Methos had lived in with them.

Though he enjoyed their company, once again he felt it was time for him to move on. He had spent almost five wonderful years with "his" family, and although he knew he was in no way imposing, the time to leave had arrived.

Finally, he revealed that the ex-governor had pneumonia. Mrs. Houston consoled her children while their father died. Methos did all that he could to save the old man, but even his efforts were not enough.

"My friend," Houston weezed as he attempted to sit up.

Methos waved to him to cease his struggle. Houston complied. "Yes, I am here."

After catching his breath, the old man continued. "It has been a pleasure to know you, Doctor."

Biting back tears, which he never shed, Methos nodded in return. "It has certainly been an honor to know you sir."

Houston's hand gripped his friend's. "There's something I want to tell you before I die."

To the point, Methos thought silently. "You, oh great one, are not going to die so easily."

The best smile Houston could offer appeared on his weathered face. "John Quincy Adams once said, liberty is a power to do as we would be done by."

His grip loosened, and Methos watched helplessly as Houston took his last breath. At last, a single tear escaped from its imprisonment.

Duncan could only shake his head. "Would you mind explaining to me exactly what you're talking about? Be sure to include this whole Ambrosi business."

Reminded again of the situation at hand, Methos ignored the request. "What exactly happened between you and Ambrosi?"

Here he goes again, Duncan thought. Over the years he had known the oldest living immortal, he never ceased to annoy him.