Twenty days ago Rowan and her men were given orders to go to Hadrian's Wall. Rowan would be joining the famous Sarmatian Knights. Her men were to accompany her. After Rowan would leave, her brother Aiden would become commander. Two days before arriving at the Wall, Rowan and her troop were ambushed by rebel bandits. Ten of her men died in battle. All that remained now was Rowan, Aiden, and two other knights, Marcus and Egan. Nobody was willing to give up information.
Her captors were a band of thirty some men that wanted whatever was not theirs. And Hadrian's Wall was the perfect place to attack. Yet they were not going to attack blindly. Their leader, Slone, took the remaining prisoners and would torture them each day. After hours of torture Slone finally needed rest. "Take her back and make sure she doesn't escape." Two men came and carried Rowan to the prisoners tent. The pain Rowan felt was almost unbearable. The men tied her to a pole that was across from her brother. Blood oozed from his wounds, but he was still alive. Marcus and Egan were on either sides of the tent. They, too, were badly bruised and beaten. "Rowan, are you okay?" She turned back to Aiden. "Yes, I'm okay. I just don't know how much more they are going to wait before they kill us." "Don't worry." Before Rowan could respond, she fell unconscious. Aiden watched over her protectively. He would die before he would allow harm to come to her.
Lancelot strolled into the dinning hall a little late. All of the other knights were already seated. Arthur had something important he had to discuss with his men. "Knights, I have just received our new orders. The band of troops that were coming to Hadrian's Wall were attacked. Our orders are to travel west and rescue any survivors." All the knights understood. "Who attacked them," Gawain asked. "A rebel band of nomads." "What about the knight that is to be joining us?" "We do not know." The knights grew quiet. Each was greatly anticipating their new arrival. After a moment of silence Arthur rose. "We will be leaving first thing tomorrow." They just hoped they still had time.
Rowan was still unconscious when the rebels came and took Aiden away for questioning. Aiden put up a struggle but it was useless. For the better part of the day Aiden was beaten. "If you and the others do not begin to talk, we will kill the girl. Now if you want to stop her suffering you will cooperate. " Aiden was not about to give into false threats. Slone would not kill Rowan, he believed she had too much information. All Aiden did was spit at the feet of Slone. "Fine have it your way. Take him away." When they brought him back Rowan was awake. "Aiden, you okay?" "Yes. Listen Rowan I don't know how much longer we have but I just want you to know I am so proud of you." "Don't talk like that. There is still hope." "They said that if I do not start answering, they will kill you." "Never give in Aiden. No matter what they say or do." "I swore to protect you and that is what I will do." Rowan was about to protest but two rebels came and took her way. She struggled but they overpowered her. "Stop fighting. You know there is no point.," said one of the captors.
Night had fallen. A great cover that the knights could use to their advantage. They had been traveling for the past two days. Several guards were on post around the encampment. Tristan made easy work of them. After the guards were taken out the knights advanced. Before they could reach the first tent they were spotted. "So much for surprise attack," Bors called as he slashed through his first opponent. As the knights fought, they searched for possible captives. Galahad and Gawain finally found the prisoners tent. Quickly, they freed Aiden, Marcus, and Egan. As the knights helped the three out Aiden started to object. "My sister. Help her." "Where is she," Galahad asked. "With the leader." Galahad turned to find most of the knights finishing off their fights. "There is still more prisoners," Galahad called. Aiden led the way. Even though he was badly hurt, the excitement of freedom gave him strength. As the knights neared the tent, Slone came out accompanied by four guards and Rowan, with a knife at her throat. She was badly hurt, on the brink of unconsciousness. "Come any closer and I will kill her." Arthur stepped forward. "Let her go." "I don't think so knight. She is my way out of here." Rowan began to struggle. "Just kill him," she said. "Shut up you stupid girl. Now let me pass knight." Arthur drew his sword. "No." Rowan fought more causing Slone to hit her, making her pass out. This was the perfect opportunity. The knights attacked the guards while Aiden went after Slone. Slone let Rowan drop and then ran. Aiden caught up with him and they dueled. Aiden slashed at Slone knocking him off balance, Aiden was about to go in for the kill when Slone grew his knife and plunged it into Aiden. Slone fled into the nearby woods leaving his victim to die. Dagonet found him near death. "Please tell my sister I love her." Those were Aiden's last words.
