A/N: I wanted to do something different. And I was ready a book called Queen of the Amazon, (which I have got the title from) written by Judith Tarr. I wanted to try out a different story with a different time, and I think I have written too many Lord of the Rings stories, so I made one with King Arthur. I hope you like it!
Disclaimer: don't own any of the characters that are famously recognized. I only own the ones that none of you recognize.
Chapter 1
An old man sat by a fire in the open fields. Many men, woman, and children sat about the circle that was made, as some stood next to their family, friends, loved ones. They waited patiently for the old man to begin his tale. He was wrinkled in the face, long white hair framed about his dark skin color, and a long, emerald green cloak clutched tightly around his small, hunched over figure.
His pale gray eyes looked at the small tribe that was slowly decreasing into extinction. Then, the old man spoke up. His voice strong and firm, despite his appearance of a fragile elder of the tribe.
"We all know the story. We all know the characters. We all have a favorite we love so much. But what of the other side of the story? What of the blood shed that became to the tribe because they needed their help. The silent people. The demon people. The strong women. Amazon women. The one tribe with many names. What if their story was never told but in the family? What if I knew the truth? Will you listen…?
"This is about a tribe ruled by a single woman. The first in so many decades. She was a strong leader. A strong queen. From being a hunter, a mother, a queen, a friend, and a sorceress; she was needed. She didn't believe in destiny or faith, until it happened to her that is. Though, she was not of their blood.
"She ran away after her home was burned down and was found by the previous king, Culas. He took her in, and raised her as if she were one of their own. She was respected, liked, and a great hunter and warrior.
"She sometimes went back and forth between the Roman Empire to find out rumors and information needed. While also visiting the one family she found out to have. She became popular within the city as she kept on disappearing one day, and reappearing the next.
"But as she became queen, trouble began to brew within their borders. She tried to fight back the enemy, but they were too great, and the tribe was losing greatly of their land, and in numbers of their kin. She needed to contact two tribes urgently. The Woads, led by Merlin the magician, and Artorius Castus, a knight of the Roman Empire. Also known as Arthur, King of Camelot.
"Though this story takes place before Artorius is king. This is the story of love, hatred, betrayal, friendship, and alliances. If you like to listen, feel free to make yourself comfortable around the fire. Pick up a cup full of wine. Listen closely to my words… and feel the magic between the lines."
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She couldn't fight any longer. Her people were getting tired, as well as herself. Many of her people have died all ready, and she did not want to risk no more. So she yelled a single word that would have not been used, unless it was an emergency… and a defeat against their last kinsmen.
"Retreat! Retreat back to the forest!"
Her people killed or pushed back the enemy and ran back to their homeland. Once her people were safely behind the safety of the trees, the Queen of the SomBra tribe looked to their enemy and slowly backed into the shadows of the trees, disappearing before the Saxons eyes.
Running through the trees, the queen caught up to her long time friend, and her second in command.
"What are we to do, Aurora? We cannot keep losing our homelands to these beasts!"
"I know, I know Nínael." Aurora sighed. "You must keep in charge for a while, Nínael."
Nínael frowned, looking to her queen. It did not take too long for the group that was left to stop within a clearing full of huts and many people ready to greet them. Aurora walked in the middle and called out in a loud voice.
"I know that we have lost many of our kin today. And as it is, I believe we must reunite once more with our old alliances."
Many of the people begin to protest, as the elders nod their heads in agreement. The queen put up a hand, silencing the villagers.
"I know it is not what you may like. But if we do not reunite, our people could die forever. As our lands will than belong to the Saxons."
Aurora looked around, the villagers who showed their agreement and understanding. They knew their queen was right, and would not do such a thing if their tribe was in danger; which at this point it was.
"I will try to be back as soon as I can. But for now, Nínael will be in charge."
The villagers gave their approval and went to their original routine with a hint of fear the Saxons getting into their village
Aurora begin to walk towards the largest hut in the middle of the clearing, Nínael following.
"I will go to the Roman Empire to visit my uncle, for he is leaving to the Hadrian's Wall in a few days time." Aurora took a deep breath. "I would try to get the help of the legendary knights made of Sarmatian men. I am sure Arthur will understand. And Nínael," Aurora looked to her. "I need you to send word to the Woad leader, Merlin."
Nínael nodded, as the two women entered the hut. Nínael quickly walked over to a makeshift desk and took out a piece of parchment and coal. She began to scribble down a letter of peace and alliance once more to Merlin the magician. As she continued to write, Aurora studied her friend.
Nínael had long blonde hair and crystal clear blue eyes. She had a dark skin complexion, as did all of the villagers, and was well built, as all the villagers should be. A dark brown skirt that was slit in various places hung loosely upon her hips. A strap of the same dark brown color covered her breast, as smaller bands covered her wrists. She had small designs on her arms, as well as her upper shoulders. They were tattoos representing the tribe which they belong too. Aurora has them as well, though on her abdominal and lower back.
Aurora walked to the side and began to take a set of Roman armor out, as well as a dress and shoes. A small girl of nine years old walked into the tent.
"Mama, may I come with you this time, please?" The girl pleaded, her dark green eyes big and hands clasped together in front of her.
"No, Ertha. If my uncle finds out I have a daughter, he would shun me, for Roman Christians could not bear a child unless they are married. And married under the church." She said as an after thought.
Ertha sighed, as Nínael smiled sadly and stroked the girl's dark hair.
"Do not worry Ertha, now that your mother will be gone for a while, we will be able to have fun."
Aurora turned around, as she begun to put on the dress. "What do you mean 'be able to have fun'? We always have fun when I am around, mind you."
After putting on the dress and packing the Roman armor and a few other things, Aurora walked out of the tent, followed by her daughter and friend, to see her black stallion ready to leave. She gave her pack and doubled-edged swords to a stable boy, as he straps it on to the horse. Aurora looks to her second in command.
"Please be careful, and try not to get into any small battles with the Saxons, unless needed to."
"I know, I know. Do not fret so much." Nínael smiled, knowing her queen only wanted to keep her people safe.
Aurora nodded and took in a deep breath. She kneeled in front of her daughter.
"Behave, Ertha, and try not to get into too much trouble this time, while I am gone. I don't know how long I will be this time, but I assure you I will come back to you."
Ertha nodded and hugged her mother, as Aurora gave her a kiss on her forehead.
"May the estrellas protect you hija." She whispered before standing up. "I will contact you as much as possible, Nínael."
Nínael nodded, as Aurora mounted her horse, saying last farewells to her people. She give her horse a hard kick to his side, making him go into a gallop.
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On top of a hill, Aurora looked towards the gates guarded by Roman soldiers. It took her at least two days to get to the heart of the Roman Empire. How she hated it, yet love the Empire at the same time. Though it is slowly being destroyed, as she was to find out that Pelagius was killed. And by her uncle nonetheless. Pelagius was a great scholar, who believed in free will. Aurora's uncle didn't like it, and sent to assassinate the great scholar.
Aurora patted the side of her horse neck.
"We are back once more, Sirdail. Let us hope it would be a short experience for the both of us."
Sirdail shook his head, neighing in protest. Aurora took out a black cloak and clasped it on her shoulders, putting on the hood.
"Yes, I hate it too. But it is home, for a part of me still wish to be here but with my parents." Aurora whispered, trudging Sirdail forward.
It didn't take long to reach the gates, which the guards stop her by forming an 'x' with their spears.
"Who are you? What business do you have here?" One of the guards asked.
"I am Aurora Naranjo, niece of Bishop Germanius."
Aurora slightly pushed back her hood, the guards bowing to her. They brought their spears to the side of them.
"You may be on your way, Lady Aurora. But you must be warned that your uncle is to leave soon."
Aurora urged Sirdail forward. "Good. Right on time." She said more to herself than to the guards.
Aurora reached her uncle's house just as he walked out of it, wearing his Roman armor.
"I see you are to trick the enemy, uncle."
Bishop Germanius looked up startled. He than smiled as he saw who it was exactly. Germanius walked forward, arms wide open.
"Lovely niece, how are you?"
Aurora got off Sirdail and embraced her father.
"I am fine, uncle. How are you?"
"Fine. Just getting ready to leave to Hadrian's Wall."
Aurora widens her eyes as though she were shocked to hear such news. She than smiled mischievously.
"May I please go uncle?"
"It is a matter of business; I doubt you'll have any fun."
"Oh, please, uncle. I wish to leave these borders. Please."
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It has taken almost two weeks to barely reach within the borders which reside Hadrian's Wall. The Bishop has told Aurora, now disguised in the Roman armor she had, what he was planning to do. He was to free the Sarmatian Knights, though not until they bring a Roman family to the safeties of the fort. In truth, her uncle did not wish to free the knights. But he had no choice for the fifteen years are now up.
They were riding down a small path, a forest to their right, and hills to their left. Aurora was riding in the back of the small group, feeling uneasy. Seconds later, war cries were suddenly heard. Cursing under her breath, Aurora saw it to be the Woads.
'Did not Nínael send warning to Merlin?'
Aurora thought, as she was force to fight back. She was doing fine, trotting over the Woads, and slashing them with her sword until her horse was shot in the chest with a few arrows. Aurora was thrown off the horse, sighing in relief that it was not Sirdail who she was riding. Aurora took out her double-edged swords, twirling them in taunting. The Woad attacked first, Aurora blocking his attack easily, and killing him with a swift slice across the chest.
Hooves upon the ground than could be heard to their left, so Aurora turns to see seven knights riding in. They slashed the Woads with their swords, ax, and arrows. Aurora paid attention back to the fighting and blocked a blow that was aimed for her neck. Struggling slightly, Aurora put all her strength into pushing the Woad; trip him, than thrusting her sword into his chest.
"I am sorry." She whispered, looking up for any more Woad's.
None came her way as the fight was now over between the Roman soldiers and the knights. She saw one still alive near by and ran over to him. Aurora placed her sword at the Woad's neck, kneeling down to him.
Quickly looking around, Aurora gave the Woad a message.
"Tell Merlin that I am sorry for what has happened to his kinsmen. But I could have not blown my cover. Tell him to either reach me, Aurora, Queen of the SomBra, or my second in command, Nínael. That I must need an answer from him as soon as possible. Understood?"
The Woad nodded. Nodding, Aurora quickly looked up to see no one looking at her way, and stood. She nodded her head towards the trees, a sign for the Woad to run, which he did. Aurora turned and walked forward to hear the conversation between a fat man and the monk.
"God help us. What are they?" The monk, Horton, said breathlessly in fear.
"Blue demons that eat Christians alive." The fat man answers as he was to follow his leader but instead turned sharply at Horton and points a finger at him. "You're not a Christian, are you?"
Horton begins to whimper; clasping his hands together in front of him and begins to pray.
"Does this really work?"
The fat man mocks Horton for a while and opens his eyes.
"Nothing. Maybe I'm not doing it right." He chuckles, along with the other knights.
"It does work, if you truly believe in it." Aurora speaks up, walking forward.
The knights all turn to her, frowning in suspicion.
The leader of the knights walks towards the Roman soldiers upon their horses. The soldiers take their swords out as one steps in front of the leader. At the same time so do the knights, forgetting Aurora, and walking behind their leader.
"Stand down."
Aurora heard her uncle say. The soldier blocking the leader's way moves to the side, as the leader walks forward.
"Arthur! Arthur Castus. Your father's image." Germanius says, getting off his horse. "I haven't seen you since childhood."
"That is because you haven't had the time since the wars and battles begun, uncle." Aurora says, walking around the knights. "And they killed my horse. Luckily, the Woad's were not able to touch my Sirdail." Germanius pats Sirdail's neck, smiling.
Once again, their suspicion flares even more, as Aurora walks towards them. She takes off her helmet, long, light brown hair falling down her back. The knights, but Arthur, are taken back by a woman disguised as a Roman soldier. Arthur smiles.
"Bishop Germanius, Lady Aurora. Welcome to Britain. I see, Bishop, that your military skills are still of use of you." Arthur looks to the carriage as he says this.
Two soldiers take out the dead decoy.
"And it is nice to see you once more, Lady Aurora. It has been what? Five, six years since I last saw you?"
Aurora only smiled. "Yes. Five sounds about right."
"And where do you go, if I may know?"
"If only you knew, Arthur. If only you knew." Aurora said, a glint of mysterious in her eyes.
A/N: How was it? Please review!