Disclaimer: I own nothing of 'King Arthur', anything unrecognizable from the movie is from my own imagination however.
Summary:A third prisoner is found in the dungeon at the home of Marius Horonius, one who would change the course of destiny for Arthur Castus and his Knights. (Cliché story I know, GawainOC)
A/N: This story starts when Arthur and the Knights are on their final mission to pick up Alecto. I am aware that it is very cliché, the whole 'another girl in the dungeon joins Knights', so if you don't like it don't read – constructive criticism is always welcome however flaming is a waste of time and benefits no one. Hope you enjoy!
The Other
Chapter One
Nara was dimly aware of movement around her as she sat against the wall, the chains that held her arms captive above her head digging cruelly into her skin.
Why? She thought weakly as she tried to make herself more comfortable without jarring her bruised and battered body more then necessary. Why was I so foolish as to let my guard down? Filthy Romans and their vile ways! Nara shivered as she felt a rush of fetid breath near her face.
"So the she-devil is awake then?" A wizened voice muttered. "The Lord wishes for me to purge you of your sins so you may enter the holy land." Nara's eyes opened slightly to see the filthy man move to a box at the other end of the building that was her prison. Her breath constricted in her chest as he proceeded to search through the contents, removing a coil of leather. Nara bit down on her the inside of her cheek until the metallic tang of blood flooded into her mouth. She had yet to give them the satisfaction of screaming when they carried out the torture they called 'cleansing'. Nara tried to block out the whimpers and moans that filled the cold room of other poor souls that lay imprisoned as her captor advanced towards her, muttering under his breath, what she supposed were words to his God. Nara thought of rolling plains and blowing winds as he lifted his arm to bring down the whip when the sound of a door banging open halted him. He quickly moved to the bottom of the stairs as the second of her captors flew down carrying a woman who appeared half dead in his arms. A richly dressed Roman followed him, halting when the stale waft of rotting flesh reached his nose.
"Filthy pagan woman! A blue devil! You know what to do" He turned and hurried up the stairs as Nara's attention was once again drawn to the two men speaking hurriedly.
"Put her in the end cell" the authoritative one stated, "We will deal with her later, I must finish with this one" he continued as he gestured to the limp form of Nara. She closed her eyes as the pain began; glad when she finally felt darkness engulf her.
Nara guessed four or five days had passed since the Woad woman had been locked up in the dungeon with her, the other elderly people had passed leaving the two women to bear the full 'purging' of the three men in total. When they were given a reprieve and the men left, they had conversed for a little to think of anything expect the dungeon they were holed up in, although it would be short lived. Marius's wife would appear when the three priests were out sometimes, bringing bowls of water and food. She would try her best to ease the pain but there was little she could do for Nara.
A family was locked up at a time, two young parents and a small boy. Nara did not know the state of the boy except Guinevere confirmed that the parents did not last a day before moving to the next world and did not know how the boy, Lucan, faired. Nara soon lost track of all time, becoming only vaguely aware of her surroundings and Guinevere's quite encouragement to hold on.
vvvvvvvvv
Arthur Castus and his Knights had ridden hard to carry out the final order of Rome. They bore down on the villa of Marius Honorius, bringing their horses to a halt as the gates closed before them. The Knights glanced around at the gathering peasants and foreboding fog as the guards spoke to them from above the gate.
"Who are you?" They called. Arthur fixed his gaze on the guards,
"I am Arthus Castus, commander of the Sarmatian Knights sent by Bishop Germanius of Rome. Open the gate" He ordered as he too looked around at the gathering crowd before his attention was once more drawn to the gates as a richly dressed Marius strode forward.
"It is a wonder you have come!" he exclaimed, bringing his hands together. "Good Jesus, Arthur and his Knights." Marius moved to grab the reigns of a horse, the beast and its owner shying away from his hand. He glanced around before fixing his attention on Arthur. "You have fought the Woads? Vile creatures." He stated, a statement which Arthur did not reply to.
"Our orders are to evacuate you immediately." Marius looked at his guards before scoffing, "But that is impossible!" He was ignored.
vvvvvvvvv
Nara heard the pounding of hoof beats reverberate through the dungeon from above, drawing her out of her semi-conscious state. She could hear the quite noises from above, allowing hope to flair at the thought of someone freeing her, before quashing those emotions just as quickly. No one could help her know. She heard Lucan and Guinevere shifting as the three priests conversed tensely before two disappeared up the stairs, the third remaining to read from his book. A short time passed before Nara and Guinevere's attention was focused on the door, small thuds could be heard. Guinevere looked at Nara, a silent conversation being held between the two, it sounded like they were being walled up. Nara shifted uncomfortably at the thought, sending a jarring pain coursing through her body. Sighing heavily she closed her eyes, naught could be done.
She did not move when the quite thuds ceased and were replaced by a crash and boom, voices drifting down to them from the stair well. The priest at his book did not move, he continuing his chanting. More voices, more pain, Nara thought sadly as Guinevere moved further into the corner of her small cell. Heavy footsteps descended the stairs, the chants of the priest halting as he looked up.
"Who are these defilers of the Lord's temple" he spat as he looked upon Arthur and the Knights. He didn't receive a reply as one pushed past him. The men looked around the dungeon in silent horror as the smell of decaying flesh assaulted their senses; the remains of bodies hanging from chains on the walls or caged. The three priests stood, unsure of what their reaction should be. Nara did not pay the voices any attention, not wanting to allow her hope to rise as a voice ordered to look for those alive.
The four Knights, Arthur, Dagonet, Lancelot and Gawain moved through the dungeon, cutting at chains and opening the wells that lined one wall. Nara did not bother to move or open her eyes; if it was a dream she never wanted it to end. It was not until she felt a calloused hand move some mattered hair from her shoulder, and gently feel for a pulse on her neck that she let her head turn and allow her eyes to open blearily.
"Do with me what you will, I do not care anymore" she hoarsely whispered as her gazed slowly focused on the male face before her. A shaggy mane of hair and a sparse beard was all she could make out before her eyes closed once more. The man looked at her with concern, "I am here to help." Gawain stood,
"Arthur! This one is still alive," as Dagonet also called out. Turning he approached the priests, "Where are the keys?" he growled, his sword held threateningly in his hand. One priest pointed a shaking hand at the wall, a set of keys hanging from a hook. Gawain yanked them off the wall as he brushed past Dagonet with a small boy, falling to his knees before the girl before quickly guessing at a key that would open the shackles that held her to the wall. On the third try he got it and Nara let herself slump forward as sheer joy coursed through her as her arms were finally let loose. Before she hit the ground Gawain caught her, swinging her into his arms. She weekly tugged at the front of his shirt,
"Lucan and Guinevere" she said as he strode forward. Gawain looked down at her, "Aye Arthur and Dagonet have them" Nara was slightly disorientated as he carried her out of the darkness of her prison and into the weak light that burned her eyes after having not seen it for so long. When her eyes had adjusted she glanced around, relieved to find that her two fellow prisoners were being tended too. A water skin entered her line of vision, "Here." Nara's rescuer spoke quietly as with a shaky hand she brought it to her lips as he supported her head. Nara turned her face skywards to welcome the snowflakes that fell from the darkening sky as she took a deep breath of fresh air, looking for Lucan. A tall muscled man held him while another smaller man held a water skin as a snippet of conversation reached her ears.
"His arm is broken!" The big man nodded his head in agreement, the smaller man continued, "and his family?"
Nara answered the question, "Dead."
The men looked at her, but her attention had already moved to the man who strode towards them, the man who imprisoned her. She shifted uncomfortably. "Stop this madness" he yelled, directing his attention towards Arthur who held Guinevere. "What is this madness?" Arthur growled. Marius was unfazed, "They are all pagans here!"
"So are we!" retorted one of the Knights. Marius continued regardless, gesturing angrily at Nara, "and she, she murdered her own people!" Nara struggled against the man that held her, a strangled 'no' escaping her lips before she fell still again.
"They refuse to do the task God has set for them! They must die as an example!" Arthur stood, furious, "You mean they refused to be your serfs!" Marius looked at him in contempt, "You are Roman, you understand. And you are a Christian." He turned to his wife, "You kept them alive!" he cried as he slapped her hard across the face, sending her into the mud. Arthur in one fluid movement slammed his fist into his face, sending him flying to the ground, his sword appearing at his throat. The man looked up at him,
"When we get to the Wall you will be punished for this heresy." Marius threatened.
Arthur spoke to him though Nara could not catch what he said. It was the priest who had caused her so much pain that caught her attention next. "I was willing to die for them." He spoke wistfully, "yes, to lead them to their rightful place." Everyone stared at him. "It is God's wish that these sinners be sacrificed, only then can their souls be saved." It was not until the priests had been roughly pushed back into the dungeon by the peasants that Nara felt her anger towards them lessen slightly. A small smiled swept across her face as the wind blew gently through the valley, swirling the white snowflakes around, unperturbed by the sounds of approach drums. She slipped into darkness.
A/N: First chapter completed, which I hope everyone enjoyed!