Chapter one.

Lilly was tired and weary from the long journey. She had travelled on her own so none of the soldiers would have to waste their time. She rode onto the courtyard, where she went looking for someonte to take her to the king. A man in chainmail and red cloak approached her. "Can I help you, my lady? You look lost." The knight asked. "Yes, thank you. I am want to request an audience with the king. My name is Lilly Talltree, daughter of Lord Talltree at the western edge of the kingdom. We are in great need of help." She told the knight. "I see. I will find a somoene to stable your horse, and a room where you can freshen up. After that I will take you to the King." Lilly got down from her horse. "Thank you, sir?" "Sir Leon." Lilly smiled. Thank you Sir Leon."

Lilly was lead to a room, while Leon went to the King. He found him in the throne room, discussing with Lancelot, Gwaine and Merlin. "Sire. A young woman has arrived, claiming she is the daughter of one of the lords near the western border. She says her father needs your help." He told the room. "Judging by your tone you're not entirely convinced." Arthur said. Leon sighed. "No, I am not. She was comepletely alone, no-one to accompany her. But she seemed sincere my lord." Arthur thought about it. "Let her in, even if she is lying, she will not dare to harm anyone here." "She is still washing up, she has travelled great distance." Leon said. "Gwain, see if she is ready. And bring her here. You are a good judge of character, see what you make of her." "Rightaway." Gwain answered, and left.

Lilly was almost done when she heard someone knocking at the door. "Lady Talltree? My name is Sir Gwaine. If you are almost finished, I will take you to the King." She heard from the other side. She tied her last boot and opened the door. "Thank you Sir Gwaine. And you can call me Lilly." The handsome knight looked a bit surprised to see the lady's clothes. He had expected a simple but nice dress. However, before him stood a girl wearing leather trousers and leahter breastplate. He took his form back quickly and smiled at the young lady. "Lilly it is then." They started walking toward the throneroom. "So tell me, lady Lilly, why does your father send his young daughter all the way across the country on her own?" "It was my own choice, I didn't want to keep any of the few soldiers we have from fighting the bandits. And I can take good care of myself." Lilly answered. Gwaine smiled. "I'm sure you can. Still it's dangerous for a young lady out there on her own. Without any weapons." He was fishing. "I can hold a sword just fine thank you, but I am more skilled at archery. My father had me trained in the arts of combat, just like any boy would have been trained." By now they had reached the throneroom. "Smart man. Were here." Gwain gestured to the big doors Lilly would have walked past. "Oh. Thank you." She said politely as Gwain held the door for her, he just smiled.

"Lady Talltree has arrived, my lord." Gwain called the attention from everyone in the room. Merlin had gathered all the other knights for Arthur. Gwain gestured to Lilly that she should take the floor. Lilly walked into the centre of the room and got to her knees "Sire, I am Lilly Talltree from the bluehills. My father has sent me to ask for help. Our land and the villages are being attacked by bandits, and our army is by no means strong enough to hold them back. The will reach the castle is a few days, and my father is too old and too ill to fight. The only hope we have left is help from Camelot sire. Please help us." By the end Lilly was almost in tears. "Stand up, lady Talltree. If you don't mind me asking a few questions before I agree." Lilly got up and nodded. "Why did your father sent you an your own, if you were his only hope, surely he would have made sure you were protected." Arthur asked. "There were two men chaperoning me at first. Untill we got to a small village at the border of our land. They were under heavy attack, so I told them to help the villagers. I had to get to Camelot as quickly as I could. I know I look like a small, weak girl, but I am much stronger than I look. I can take care of myself when needed." Lilly answered. "Back home I am the head of the archers, and I am handy with the sword as well. I had no doubt I would make it here alive." She continued. "If you are so brave and strong as you suggest, why not stay and fight?" One of the knights asked. "I alone cannot fight a dozen men at once. The bandits are far greater in number than our soldiers. My father is a good man, and even though I can fight as well as any soldier, he is still worried for my safety. He wanted me to be as far away from the danger as possible. Please Sire, I'm begging you. Help us." Lilly was getting desperate now. He had to agree, he had to send help, he had to.

"Off course we will help you. Men, we leave tomorrow at dawn. Lady Talltree, you are welcome to stay at Camelot as long as the battle goes on." Arthur decided. "Thank you Sire. But please let me come with you, I want to help my people. My father trained me in combat just like any would have been trained, I can fight." Lilly asked. Arthur looked around at the faces of his knights until his gaze found Gwaine. Gwain nodded, and Arthur decided. "You can come with, but you will be treated no different that any of us." "Thank you Sire, Thank you." "Gwain show her to her chambers."