The Other Sister

A/N: So I recently just watched King Arthur again and decided to go back and take a look at my earlier fanfic. Needless to say I was a bit disappointed with how I chose to go about things (I pretty much just made my character (Olwyn) Guinevere with a different name and just followed the script the whole way through without trying to flesh out the plot or add to it in anyway).

So I am going to take another crack at this story and see if I can't make it a bit more original. Also I am going to write it out in 3rd person instead of 1st. I feel that I can do more with the story if it is in 3rd person. So I hope you all enjoy it. Read and Review!

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Who would be free themselves must strike the blow. Better even to die free than to live slaves. – Frederick Douglass

In the predawn of the morning a silence laid upon the land. The transparent mist danced and wove itself across the hills and cliffs. The grass stretched itself up to the lightening sky and swayed in the whispering breeze that spoke of days of old. The days when freedom was a reality and not a bitter memory or a hopeful thought. No animal or human stirred as night transformed into a glorious day.

Past the rolling hills and crevices a forest stood sturdy and strong. It had stood there since the dawning of the world. The top of its treetops disappeared into the clouds and the trees trunks were as thick as five able men. The trees stood proudly in the pre-morning blaze; they had seen many events in their long lives. They had witnessed happiness and love and had gazed upon the horrors of hatred and war. They had stayed firm and strong when enemies had wished to cut them down. They were an ancient forest that would live upon the land forever and not be hacked away at by the greed of man.

It was in this forest that a single soul stirred. Dashing past trees with the quickness of a nymph a young woman raced. Her feet didn't make a sound as she gracefully treaded over the dew laden ground and she left no marking or trail behind her. The simple green dress she wore whirled at her ankles revealing her leather sandals while her long blonde hair whipped behind her.

No sound shattered the silence of the peace that resided in the heart of the forest. The only sound that could be heard was the beating of the girl's heart as it thundered within her chest. She agilely leapt over a fallen log and never stumbled as she continued to run. She was guided by the wind that pushed her ever forward as it swooped past her.

It would not be too much longer…

The trees that surrounded her began to thin as the land rolled upward and left the flatness of the forest behind. The girl gathered her skirts up in her hands and sprinted up the rocky hill as her feet slapped the dark earth beneath her feet. Finally, she came to her desired destination.

She stood at the crest of a dune that overlooked miles of beautiful terrain that was her homeland. Her cheeks were mightily flushed and she struggled for breath, but that didn't matter to her as she turned her head eastward. She had made it in time to witness the sunrise. The sky that had only been ebony minutes before was now a lit with gentle pinks and purples and oranges. The girl looked to east to the far off sea and gazed as the golden sun made its ascent into the sky.

Beams of light fell upon the frost covered ground as the fog retreated into the shadows to outrun the sun's warmth. The rays of the sunshine hit her fully as she placed her arms out before her and closed her eyes to allow the warmth of the rays to seep into her bones so that it would keep her warm in cold places. She did not know how long she stood there before she opened her bright blue eyes.

She was Olwyn. She was the second child of Merlin. And more importantly she was a Woad. She belonged to a tribe of people that had inhabited the island of Briton since before any of them could remember. It was said that her people had lived off the land since the forest had been young and mystical; in a time of true magic. But no one truly knew how long that the Woads had called Briton their home.

Olwyn sighed as a soft breeze caressed her pale cheek. She wrapped her arms around herself as her head tilted to the south where Hadrian's Wall lay out of sight. A quiver of inexpressible feeling surged through her body as she thought of the Romans who had enslaved her homeland so many years before. She had lived all her life as a slave to the Roman world that ruled south of the great wall. It was only by fear and superstition that stopped the Romans from traveling past the wall and into her world.

Olwyn shook her head to shake away those dreadful thoughts that had been clouding her mind for the last several days. She needn't no longer fear the Romans. It had been whispered in the trees that the Romans were leaving the island they had claimed centuries ago to return to Rome. Soon Olwyn would no longer be a slave. Soon the Woads wouldn't have to hide in the shadows and the forests in wait of freedom. Soon her people's dreams would be a tangible reality.

The thought of freedom caused a broad grin to spread across her face as goose pimples sprouted up her arms at the mere thought of absolute freedom. Olwyn's grin stayed with her as she turned on her heel and began the trek down the hill and back into the forest. She walked with a purpose as her arms stayed crossed her against her chest.

With the sunrise the forest seemed to have come alive. Creatures of all sorts were ambling through the woods as shattered beams of light filtered through the thick leaves above them. Olwyn walked as many thoughts filled her head and she became unaware of herself. It was not till she heard a twig snapped that she realized her vulnerable position out in the open. She froze as her eyes darted to the trees stretched out around her.

If she had only been paying attention she would have realized that she was being closely watched. Taking slow and deliberate steps she hid herself behind a tree and pressed herself against the rough bark. She reached into her dress and pulled out an old dagger that had served her well in the past.

A swoosh of air past her ear and then a thud as an arrow embedded itself into the bark of the tree only inches above her head. Olwyn looked up at the arrow and recognized it as Woad design. Thee earlier fear faded as annoyance took over as she sheathed her dagger.

"Think you're so clever, don't you?" she muttered aloud as she stepped out from her hiding spot.

"You might as well come out now…sister." Light, almost silent footsteps came bounding up behind Olwyn as she inwardly sighed and allowed the inevitable to happen. A moment later a thin body crashed into her as the two ended up on the forest floor. Olwyn gave a groan as musical laughter erupted next to her. Olwyn turned onto her side and gazed at her younger sister Guinevere.

Guinevere was the radiant sun to Olwyn's shimmering moon. She was a lion with the appearance of a lamb. She was a beautiful young woman with a stout heart and a determined mind. Her tangled brown hair curled around her face as brown eyes lit up with delight to see her elder sister. Olwyn had been her caretaker since their mother's death years ago when the two had only been children. The two loved each other fiercely and were each other's protectors.

"What are you doing out here Guinevere?" Olwyn asked as she sat up and brushed grass off of herself. Guinevere jumped up and offered Olwyn her hand as she pulled her older sister to her feet.

"I was looking for you," Guinevere explained as the two began walking back to their tribe. "You were not in your bed when I woke up."

Olwyn looked down at her feet as she crossed her arms over her chest once more. "I was looking at the sunrise." she said quietly as Guinevere glanced at Olwyn. Though she had only walked the earth for eighteen years she was an insightful human who could read others easily.

"You were thinking of Daearen, were you not?" she softly asked as a small smile flickered across Olwyn's face. Yes, Daearen had entered her mind as she had witnessed the sunrise. His presence in her mind was as firm and strong as he had once stood before her.

"Olwyn," Guinevere began as her sister looked at her, "It has been weeks since his disappearance over the wall. You must accept the fact that he is not returning."

"I know," Olwyn said as Guinevere raised an eyebrow. "It's just going to take time I guess to realize that he is dead."

Guinevere reached out and lightly touched Olwyn's arm as they stopped and turned towards each other.

"You know that I am here for you whenever you need me?" Guinevere reminded Olwyn as she chuckled and nodded.

"Yes, I know. And I want you to remember one thing, sister dearest."

"What's that?" Guinevere asked as their home came into view. Olwyn smiled as she nudged her shoulder into Guinevere's.

"That I am the older sister." she continued walking and ignored the bark of laughter that rose from Guinevere's lips as the two walked into camp. Though only a half hour past sunrise the Woad campsite was bustling with activity. Children were gleefully running around the camp as their joyful laughter filled the air. Brightly dressed women went about their business as they lugged children on their hips. Men were sharpening their tools and preparing for hunting as the Woads had started gathering food for the upcoming winter.

Guinevere and Olwyn smiled and greeted their fellow kinsmen as they walked through the camp. Olwyn's grin grew as she saw a large group of children eagerly sitting before a Woad elder named Aderyn. As she and Guinevere walked past the enthralled group Olwyn heard only a snippet of Aderyn's story.

"…and then he pulled the sword from the grave…"

She did not have to hear another word to know who Aderyn spoke of. He spoke of the great Roman commander who lived across the wall that split Briton into two different worlds. The Roman commander's name was always spoken with begrudging respect and reluctant awe. The Woads feared and hated him, but yet they also saw him as an important figure shrouded in mystery.

He was Artorius Castus.

Olwyn's mind once again became filled with thoughts of the legend and the man that was Arthur of the Romans. When she had only been a lass her father had told her and Guinevere great tales of Arthur and his Knights. Olwyn had hung off every rich word her father had told her.

Guinevere too had heard Aderyn's words and had narrowed her brown eyes. "Why does he speak of that Roman as if here were a god?" she sneered to Olwyn as Olwyn glanced at her younger sister.

"To many of us he is. You know that many of our tribesmen think he can do anything; that he is invincible."

Guinevere harshly snorted as she shook her head and her curls went flying. She clenched her fists as her voice lowered and became crisp and cold.

"Why do so many love and fear him? He is a traitor to his own kind; a Briton who has turned his back on his country."

Guinevere's words were true. Arthur was half Briton and had lived his whole life on the Island of Briton. Yet, he had long ago pledged his allegiance to Rome and had served them for fifteen years by killing anyone who defied the Roman Empire. Many a Woad had died at the end of Arthur's mighty sword Excalibur.

"Let's not speak of this any longer," Olwyn advised to her sister. She could clearly see that Guinevere was beginning to get worked up. An upset Guinevere was never fun to put up with.

"In a few weeks the Romans and Arthur Castus shall be gone from these lands and we will no longer have to fear or admire them."

"How are you always so wise, Olwyn?" Guinevere asked with a smile as Olwyn laughed and shrugged.

"When one has you for a sister, one must always be levelheaded." she retorted as the two sisters shared laughter. They continued walking past the crude dwellings and further into the trees as they saw a familiar figure in this distance. It was Eirian, the eldest child of Merlin and his only son. Merlin's daughters began walking to their older brother who seemed trouble.

He was a tall, strong man who strongly resembled their father. His hair was the same shade as Guinevere's, but he shared Olwyn's blue eyes. Guinevere had taken after their father, Olwyn after their mother and Eirian was a brilliant mix of the two. Eirian had become an able warrior and Merlin's second in command over their tribesmen.

Eirian stood with his back to Olwyn and Guinevere. His shoulders were tense and his stance was taunt and rigid. Olwyn and Guinevere exchanged worried glances as they came up to Eirian.

"What troubles you brother?" Olwyn asked as Guinevere placed a hand upon her brother's shoulder. He turned to them with dark eyes.

"Father is speaking with the elders." Though he said nothing else they could hear the silent message in his words. Without another thought Guinevere stalked silently forward as both Eirian and Olwyn inwardly groaned. They came upon the hut where Merlin often held his council. Noiselessly the three children of Merlin crept up to the side up the hut as they split up and stood in various places. They pressed their ears to the mud-like foundation and concentrated on the muffled voices from within that seemed to be arguing.

"We must defend ourselves against those Roman wretches!"

"Why should we risk ourselves now when the Romans are leaving?"

"They will never truly be gone, unless they are killed off!"

"I have heard from a reliable source that an important Roman bishop will be traveling to the wall within the next few weeks. We should strike then."

"Attack a Roman bishop?! The Romans would have our heads."

"Silence." Merlin's deep and wryly voice spoke strongly around the room as his councilmen all quieted. Olwyn's own heart fluttered at hearing her father's voice. He had a commanding aurora that caused all who met him to deeply respect him. Merlin's children leaned further into the hut as Merlin began to speak.

"We have a more pressing matter at the moment than Roman bishops I am afraid, my friends. Yes, it is true that the Romans are pulling out of Briton to return to their own empire-"

"And we will have our freedom!" A man enthusiastically exclaimed as cheers and howls followed his statement. Guinevere, Olwyn and Eirian exchanged matching grins as silence once more fell upon the hut.

"But with their departure a new evil will arrive upon our shores. I have foreseen a greater and worse enemy coming to our homelands."

A tense silence fell upon the hut as Guinevere looked to Olwyn. Olwyn could only shrug and lean in further to hear her father's voice.

"At this very moment a great campaign of Saxons are sailing across the sea to our lands. If we do not take a stand against them when they arrive then I fear for the survival of our race."

"But Merlin, how can we every hope to fight the Saxons? They destroy everything they touch."

"At least the Romans are civil, the Saxons are barbarians!" Another councilman interjected as he received grunts of agreement. Merlin bleakly chuckled.

"My friend, the Romans would say the same of us."

"Merlin, what are we to do? We cannot defend ourselves against the Romans and the Saxons. Our numbers are already stretched thin."

Impossibly Merlin's children still attempted to lean in further to hear their father speak. Olwyn closed her eyes and could almost see her father scratching his mangled beard as he contemplated his next move.

"The stars shall be quite abundant tonight," Merlin began solemnly, "I shall consult them and we shall continue this pressing discussing tomorrow."

Eirian, Olwyn and Guinevere bolted from the hut before they could be caught by any of the departing councilmen. It would not reflect well on Merlin if all three of his grown children were caught eavesdropping like three petulant children. The three children of Merlin walked through the woods as each thought over their father's words.

"I cannot believe this." Olwyn was the first to speak as she brought a hand to her forehead in an attempt to stop the headache that was beginning to build.

"We must go to war with the Saxons, it is the only way." Eirian said grimly as Olwyn glanced at him.

"And be slaughtered like animals?" she asked as he glared at her.

"If we do not fight they will kill us anyway…or worse, make us their slaves."

Guinevere's head snapped up and a brilliant fire was ablaze in her eyes. She looked between her two older siblings as she stepped forward and passionately exclaimed, "I will be no man's slave! I will die free, before I ever submit myself to an eternity of bondage."

She turned on her heel and quickly strode into the trees as Eirian and Olwyn watched her go with heavy hearts. Olwyn sighed and resigned herself to go after her sister, but Eirian stopped her by grabbing her wrist.

"I shall go after her." he released Olwyn and pursued Guinevere into the forest as Olwyn watched till he disappeared from her eye of sight. She now stood alone in the early morning chill as she wrapped her arms around herself. She did not know how long she stood there before she felt a comforting presence behind her.

"Olwyn," Merlin greeted his oldest daughter as she turned to face her father. She weakly smiled at him as his dark eyes bore into her own light ones.

"Walk with me," he told her as he began walking in the opposite direction of where Guinevere and Eirian had run off to. Olwyn walked quietly beside her father as her mind swam with so many conflicting thoughts. They walked for a long time without saying anything before Merlin remarked,

"I had forgotten you and your sibling's talent for eavesdropping on conversations that are not meant for your ears."

Olwyn looked up startled and was glad when she saw no anger in her father's eyes. She still blushed and looked down at her hands and she began twiddling with her thumbs.

"Is it true?" she asked a moment later as she and Merlin came to a clearing within the forest.

"Is what true, daughter?"

"That the Saxons are coming." Olwyn exclaimed as she looked fully into her father's eyes. He stared back a moment before slowly nodding. Olwyn's shoulders sagged. She had known the truth, but having her father confirm it only made it a thousand times more real.

"The Saxons ruin everything they touch, you know that father."

"I do." Merlin agreed as Olwyn sighed and hugged herself again.

"Will we fight them?" Olwyn asked as Merlin raised his eyes up to the sky.

"Perhaps," he spoke delicately as Olwyn bitterly snorted and remembered her conversation with her sibling's only minutes before.

"Guinevere is already preparing for battle, as is Eirian."

A fond smile came upon Merlin's aged face as he thought of his youngest child. Guinevere was a spitfire that always said what she believed and never apologized for it. She was clever and a true vixen. Merlin's smile only grew as he looked down at Olwyn. She was a spitting image of her dead mother. She was wise and strong spirited, but with a tame and gentle disposition. But even she would go to war for what she longed for, freedom.

"Some burn white hot with the intensity of their emotions," Merlin remarked as he described his youngest child. Olwyn raised her eyes to intently watch her father. "And others merely simmer with their deepest feelings, but that does not mean that they are not as worthy as the other.

"Olwyn, you are wise beyond your 21 years. You do not jump headfirst into conflict as does Guinevere. You do not let your emotions control your judgment. But for the things you believe in you have the courage of a great bear."

Olwyn smiled towards her father as a gentle breeze blew in from the west. It wrapped itself around Olwyn as she closed her eyes and turned her head up to the sky. Merlin gazed upon his eldest daughter who shared his love of nature. He was connected to this land. His blood was rooted in the earth. The trees spoke to him and the wind carried him news. He belonged to this land.

That same gift had been passed down to Olwyn. He knew that most mornings she crept into the forest to watch the sunrise. As a girl he had often found her sitting high in trees and gazing at the clouds. She had loved to frolic through the grasses and danced up and down the hills. Even now she belonged to this land as he and his tribesmen did.

"What does the wind tell you, daughter?" he asked as she kept her eyes closed and gently swayed in the breeze. It caressed her cheeks and flowed through outstretched fingertips.

"A change is coming," she whispered softly as Merlin gazed at her. "Like the ever changing tides a new era is upon the land. An era unlike anything it's ever seen before."

She opened her eyes suddenly as she turned to her father.

"What is it?" he gently asked her as she blinked and looked to the trees.

"The land is whispering a name." she confided to him as he only watched her gravely.

"And what name would that be?"

Olwyn could easily hear the name whispered into her ear as she shuddered in the breeze. She looked once more around her, but she knew that the land would not lie to her.

"Arthur."

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