The Last Priestess: Part III
Chapter One:
The one thing Anabelle Abbott hated when traveling back to Camelot was the splitting pain that tore through her body when rushed across time lines. Moving through the different lei lines could tear anyone apart. Anabelle had much practice at these trips years ago, but after not doing it for some time, she had forgotten about the toll it could take. The one thing she loved was being in a place that she had called home as easily as her own. She honestly wasn't sure just how long she had been gone, and at which point she would come back to. Was Arthur King yet? Had he married Guinevere? Would his war against magic have begun yet? Anabelle had no idea. She wondered how Arthur would feel about her return as she stared up at the massive castle gates. The time lines had fortunately transported her close enough to the citadel, which meant that she didn't need to walk far.
"Stop there!" She heard a guard call out to her. Anabelle stopped and waited, placing the two bags she'd had time to pack by her feet. "State your purpose."
Anabelle gave a heavy sigh. "I'm here to see the King. He is expecting me." She knew that whether Arthur had become King, or Uther still ruled, they would both accept her into this fortress.
"We are not under to orders to expect any visitors for the King tonight." Another guard informed Anabelle. His tone was condescending, and Anabelle was never one to allow any man or woman to speak down to her. She grew frustrated, shifting her pleasant tone to one of contempt.
She knew how she should solve this problem. "Go and get Sir Leon. Bring him here." She instructed. "He will know my purpose."
The guards hesitated for a few moments, looking to one another. One of them finally walked in the direction of the castle, still turning to watch Anabelle's movements.
"What am I going to do?" She questioned under her breath. "I'm a tiny woman with no weapon." She had to wait longer than she'd expected before hearing Leon's voice coming closer. She finally saw his face in the dimly lit area. Seeing him after such a long time, had caused of wave of adrenaline and dizziness. Everything came rushing back to her, and it was too much all at once.
"She is insisting upon seeing you, and she is incredibly demanding." The guard told the Knight.
Leon was in full view now. "What is your purpose here so late?" He must have been sleeping, because he looked exhausted. "The King is not expecting anyone tonight."
"Leon." Her voice spoke before everything went dark, her entire body succumbing to the vertigo.
Anabelle heard her name spoken once by the Knight. A pair of arms caught her before she hit the ground. The next thing Anabelle heard was Leon barking orders to those around him.
"Wake the King! Tell him Anabelle has returned. I am taking her to Gaius. She is unwell and unconscious."
Another few minutes or hours, Anabelle wasn't sure how much time had passed, but she was coming around. She smelled herbs and tonics in the room. It smelled similar to the room that Emrys worked in. Her eyes started to blink open and she remembered that she would not see Emrys for a good amount of time. She saw Gaius standing above her with another young man at his side.
"Anabelle?" Gaius questioned. He had aged since last she saw him, but she would know his face and kind tone anywhere.
"Gaius." She sounded happy to see him, but her throat was dry. "Where is Arthur? Where has Leon disappeared to?"
Gaius didn't yet answer her, but spoke to the other man. "Merlin, go and tell the King that the Princess is awake." Anabelle froze, unable to look at the man again yet.
"He will want to see her." The voice replied.
"He may see her first thing in the morning. She needs to rest now."
"You want me to refuse the King?
"Yes. Go." Gaius insisted.
Anabelle looked over to Gaius, settling her nerves. "That was Merlin?" She asked.
Gaius gave a nod, understanding why she would ask this specific question. Her Emrys, or at least the young version of him had arrived to Camelot at this point. Anabelle smiled as Gaius helped her to sit up. He handed her a small tincture of liquid.
"What is it?" She asked, looking at the odd coloring.
"It is crushed yarrow and peppermint root."
She tilted her head to the side. "Yarrow is for relaxation and fever. I don't think I have a fever, so…"
Gaius was impressed by her knowledge of herbs. "You have been studying your herbs."
"I have a good teacher."
Gauis made her lay back down. The tonic would force her to relax in no time. Anabelle woke a few hours later, unable to coerce her body back to sleep. The sun had not yet reached the horizon, but light was starting to show outside. She laid still, staring up at the ceiling for enough time before deciding that she wanted to see Arthur. She wanted him now. She wanted the comfort of her friend. Gaius was asleep on the opposite side of the room, and she had no clue where Merlin slept. She sat up, and touched her bare feet to the cold stone floor. She'd been wearing shoes—expensive ones when she had arrived. She looked around the floor, spotting them at the end of the bed. Slipping them onto her feet, she snuck out of the room, and through the castle halls. Despite the light outside, it was still dark in the castle. Anabelle never liked night through the castle passages. It creeped her out to see shadows from the torches, dancing along the stone walls. She knew her path pretty well though. She walked down a few stairwells, and through the long corridor with thin archways. The wind made the most terrifying sounds as it hit against the outer walls. She arrived to Arthur's room, contemplating a knock. Normally she would have knocked, but the silence told her that he was likely asleep. She pulled up on the handle, opening the wooden structure. She had to push with her whole body to open it far enough to squeeze through.
The King was not asleep. In fact, he was wide awake, walking away from the side of the room she stood on. She watched him stand perfectly still, his back still to her when he reached the wall. He placed his palm to the stone, lowering his head just the slightest bit. When he turned, Anabelle swore his heart must have skipped. He looked shocked and happy all at the same time.
"Anabelle." He said her name for the first time in a long time, smiling at the comfort it still brought. He started to walk towards her as she began her trek to him.
"I couldn't sleep. I wanted to see you."
"Gaius wouldn't let me see you until morning."
"Is that why you are still up, carving a path into your floor by pacing?" She mentioned his walking. She stopped when he did, both only an arm's reach from the other.
"Why are you here?" Arthur asked her the inevitable question.
"I told you, I couldn't sleep. I wanted…"
"No, I don't mean this minute, here in my chambers."
She knew what he'd meant.
"Don't misunderstand my question. It isn't that I'm not thrilled, overjoyed, and incredibly happy to see you again." He paused, his arm reaching out, pulling her to him without any sense of hesitation. In one swift movement, she was in his arms, hugging herself to him. Arthur held her close, breathing in the scent of her hair and faint perfume. "Nothing has brought me more enjoyment than hearing of your return." He said. "I've missed you."
Anabelle wrapped her arms around him tighter, noticing the physical changes in her friend. "You want to know why I'm here in Camelot again."
Arthur nodded. "Yes."
The next hour saw Anabelle Abbott and Arthur Pendragon talking nonstop. They talked until sun up just before Merlin entered to see both bodies asleep beside each other. Arthur woke because the sounds Merlin made setting out food were bound to wake the sleeping Princess.
"Keep it down Merlin." Arthur stated. "I don't want to wake Anabelle." He kept his voice low, carefully moving from his bed to talk to Merlin. "I need you to find Leon. Tell him that I am calling an assembly of the Knight's Council this morning."
"But the Council just met yesterday." Merlin argued
"I know that." Arthur kept a cool tone. "But this is an emergency."
"To do with her?" Merlin pointed to Anabelle.
"Her name is Anabelle." Arthur informed the other man, who didn't seem to trusting of the sleeping woman.
"Who is she to you?" Merlin tried to seem casual as he fished for information. "I mean, how do you know her?"
Arthur smiled a smile that Merlin had not seen in some time. "She is my friend. I've known her since we were children. Our fathers were very good friends too."
"She is quite beautiful." Merlin mentioned. "She is just your friend?"
"Her beauty has not escaped me." Arthur agreed. "And she is very protected by myself and Leon. Do not get any ideas Merlin." The King warned.
"Leon knows her too? How well?"
"Leon would give his life and soul for her as easily as he would for me."
The two men quieted further when Anabelle began to stir. She rolled over, and Arthur immediately pushed Merlin back out the door. The Princess woke fully awhile later, looking around at her surroundings again. She recalled her late night trip to Arthur's room. She saw that her friend was finishing getting ready for his day, turning to her as she sat up in a full stretch, pulling down the skirt of her dress.
"Good morning." Arthur greeted, seeing her smile.
"Good morning Arthur." Anabelle swung her legs over the edge of the bed as she was joined by her friend.
"I have called a meeting with the Knight's this morning." He explained, taking her hand with his. "I would like you to join us. I need you to clarify everything you've told me to them."
Anabelle was hesitant to agree. She knew the rules of the Knight's Council and their meetings. It was a boy's only club. No girls allowed. She nodded her head anyway.
She stood from the bed, her hand still linked with Arthur's. With her free hand, she straightened her dress, and searched for a comb or hairbrush. Arthur was helpful in her search. After she was ready, the two made their way down to the meeting hall together. Anabelle stopped when they reached the double doors. She knew there was a bunch of Knight's inside who might not understand her arrival. She turned to Arthur.
"Arthur, correct me if I'm wrong, but I have always been under the impression that the main rule of this Council is that it is solely meant for Knights and Kings. I am neither Knight nor King."
Arthur knocked on the door, and both doors opened for the pair. "I am making an exception to the rule this time Anabelle." He told her. "What you have told me is of great importance, and these men will need to know your purpose here." He kept hold of her hand as they entered together.
Anabelle looked around this room too. She had never been granted access inside, so this was all new to her. She stopped cold, looking at the single table in the room. Arthur felt the pull on his hand as she stopped.
"That's the round table." She pointed out to him. She knew he would not understand its true and ongoing significance, but the fact that she was allowed even once to see it with her own eyes was exciting.
Arthur brought her along to his side, showing the solid friendship he and Anabelle held together, even after time had passed. Anabelle sat beside the King as Leon gave up his seat. She looked around at the group of men who blatantly stared at the woman in their midst. She did a double take at one point, seeing another familiar face at the large table. She searched her brain for his name. Mordred, she remembered then. He was still as attractive as she'd remembered him. His eyes shined briefly before he looked to the King, who called the Council to order. He was about to speak, before interrupted by Leon, who anxiously looked at him.
"Before we begin, with the King's permission, I would like to…" Leon searched the face of the King, then turning his head down to Anabelle.
Arthur understood the bond Leon held with Anabelle as well. It was not unlike his own closeness with the Princess.
"Of course." Arthur permitted.
Leon moved a step closer to where Anabelle sat. She turned around to see him hold his arms out. He wasn't waiting long before she was out of her chair, held in his arms with a hug, lifting her feet from the floor.
"I have missed you dearly Princess." He spoke to her, knowing the other Knights watched closely as she took just as good care of him as he did for her.
Anabelle leaned back a few inches, being set back to the floor. Her hand touched to the side of his face.
"You are looking much better this morning."
Anabelle pursed her lips. "I guess I wasn't as prepared for the anticipation of seeing you and Arthur." The two hugged again, separating as Arthur offered Leon the opportunity to introduce Anabelle.
"Knight's of Camelot," He spoke formally, and Anabelle smiled up at him, "it is my honor and privilege to introduce her royal highness, Princess Anabelle Abbott."
Arthur smiled a genuine smile too. "Anabelle is a close friend of mine and that of my family. She is my best-friend." The King said. "And she has unfortunately been away for many years. She returns to Camelot under dire circumstances."
When he turned to her, Anabelle knew it was her turn to address the men. "As Leon and Arthur have said, I am a Princess. I've returned to Camelot under the advice and insistence of my family and trusted advisers." She paused as all eyes stared at her, and a few men were already whispering. Anabelle hated public speaking with a passion.
"You don't look like any Princess I've ever seen." She heard one man speak up as Leon sent a scolding look to him.
Anabelle remembered that she wasn't exactly dressed appropriately for the time era. Her dress covered her upper thighs before cutting off, and it had definitely been noticed. Her eyes went to Leon as he removed his cloak, giving it to her.
"Your bags are in your chambers." He whispered in her ear. "You can change after we are finished here."
Arthur began to speak again, knowing there were a few more points that needed clarification. "When I said that Anabelle is a friend of my family, I should have mentioned that she, her father, and occasionally her mother are visitors welcomed with open arms and hearts from a future monarchy."
There was an expected stir of emotions and comments shooting through the room. The words magic and witchcraft were thrown out and Anabelle shuddered. She knew that magic of any kind was still feared in this time. It was up to her to alleviate any concerns or misconceptions.
"It is not, nor has it ever been magic to bring me here to Camelot. Advances in Science and Technology are the common tools used in my time, making it possible for me to see Arthur and his family." She inhaled deeply before continuing. "While it is Science and Technology that bring me back, it is magic that I am running from." She now had the chance to further explain her circumstances. "I am next in line to take my place as ruler. I have prepared myself to take on the daunting tasks and responsibilities expected from any ruler, but I traveled here to ask for the help of the King, and by extension, his Knights. The man I was supposed to marry has become a potentially fatal threat to me. He has threatened my life and the lives of those closest to me. I was reluctant to leave only because I worry for the lives of my family, who have also gone into hiding. It was my highest adviser who convinced me that this was a necessary journey."
"Can you not just have this man arrested my lady?" Another Knight inquired. "Your father is King. Does he not have that power?"
"Trystan has diplomatic immunity. He must actually physically bring harm to me first."
She felt a hand grasp hers. "You are safe here and you may always stay as long as you wish." Arthur said with an agreement from Leon.
After the question and answer period of the nobles and Knights, Anabelle was nearly out the doors at Leon's side. The men had sworn to protect Anabelle as they did their King, and Anabelle was happy to finally be finished with any public speaking. She caught Mordred's eye again before he left the room with a few other men. Anabelle slowed her pace then, watching the relaxed and happy look on the King's face go to anxious and guarded. She knew that look. Something was wrong. The King was listening to whispered comment from a man who was not a Knight, and was yet to be introduced to her.
"Leon?" She looked back up at the man, as his head tipped down to look back at her. "Who is that man at Arthur's side?"
Leon glanced back at the King, giving a curious look. "You mean Merlin?"
Anabelle looked momentarily struck. "That's Merlin?" She smirked to herself. "I would love to meet him later." Her comment surprised Leon.
"So, that's the type of man you like?"
Anabelle coughed, shocked by his assumption. "No." She replied. "It's… hard to explain." She left explaining how Merlin figured into her life out of their conversation.
Walking out of the room, she had not expected any of the Knights to still be standing around the path she and Leon needed to take. Anabelle now looked at some of the men closer. Many were quite attractive, but Mordred was nowhere to be seen. Anabelle gave a frown. She and Leon were stopped by one of the men, and Anabelle smiled as he did.
"Anabelle, this is Gwaine." Leon grumbled, knowing it was a bad idea to introduce his friend to Gwaine. A very bad idea.
Gwaine took her hand, kissing her wrist as his eyes looked straight at her. "Princess," he spoke in a sultry tone, sending Anabelle's head spinning. "It is my sincere pleasure" he emphasized the word, "to meet you."
Anabelle took her hand back from his, tying now to figure this man out.
"Okay, we're leaving." Leon stated with finality.
Anabelle nodded, walking past Gwaine, whose eyes still had not left her. Anabelle caught her pace up to Leon's, making their way to her room.
"For future reference Leon, that was the type of man I like." Anabelle pointed out to Leon's dismay.
"No Anabelle." He argued. "He may be your type, but that is exactly why I will not allow that to happen."
Anabelle laughed at him. "I said he is my type sweetie. I did not say I would act upon anything." She was happy when they reached the door to the room that had always been hers.
Leon opened the door for her, and waited as she entered. It was just as she remembered. She saw that Leon was about to leave, but she didn't want him to yet. They were having so much fun together.
"I am going to change very quickly, but I was hoping to catch up with you." Anabelle offered.
Leon was all too happy to spend more time with his Princess. When he'd said he missed her, he had truly meant it. He agreed to go for a walk with her so that they could go on talking, but first he intended on setting Gwaine straight.
"We will meet in the gardens." He planned. "Give me just a few minutes."
Anabelle agreed. It would take her a bit of time to change her clothes and look more presentable, so she was perfectly willing to give him the time he needed.
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"Who is she really? Why is Arthur so protective of her? Who is she to him really?
"He is more than protective of her. He is careful with her. Did you see how he took her hand? They even walked in holding hands." Percival mentioned.
"Why are they only friends?" Gwaine spoke up, replacing his sword to the armory. "How the hell is that possible? Does Arthur go blind every time he looks upon her? Her face alone is intensely beautiful, but…"
"She is quite good-looking." Percival added.
Gwaine gave a head tilt. "That is an understatement." He finalized. "I don't think I could just be her friend. I would have no problem bending to every wish and desire she might command."
"You will do no such thing." The men heard a harsh tone in Leon's own statement as he entered the room. "She is off limits to you." He directed the order specifically at Gwaine.
Gwaine held his hands up in surrender to his brother. Mordred stood behind Gwaine. He laughed to himself. Anabelle's arrival would at the very least prove to be entertaining just to watch Gwaine get shot down by a pretty woman for the first time in a long time.
"She may be off limits," Percival dared to push the issue, "but admit it Leon, she is absolutely positively…"
"OFF LIMITS!" Leon snapped with a shout. The men around him swore the walls shook. They gave up, still looking for him to agree with them. He did.
"She is the most beautiful woman I know." He sort of confessed. "She is also my friend, and the King's closest friend. Touch her-even consider the idea of touching her, and I can guarantee that you won't have to worry about me chopping off your…" Leon paused, gaining the effect and reaction needed. "head." He finished, walking back out of the room to meet Anabelle.
"Leon." Anabelle happily greeted her Knight again, holding her hand out to him. She had changed into a much longer dress, covering her legs at the very least. She had also changed into her gray flats to match the black and gray in her dress. Her hair was pulled up in a clip, and she was ready to talk with the man joining her.
Leon took her hand with his, leading the woman into the gardens she loved so much. He watched as she noticed all of the flowers in bloom.
"Where did you go?" She asked him as they strolled along the grassy paths. She knew he wouldn't and couldn't lie to her.
"I went to have a chat with Gwaine. I informed him in no uncertain terms that you are strictly off limits to him."
"Just him?" Anabelle joked with him.
Leon gave her a mock look of admonition.
"Why would you make Gwaine alone off limits to me?" She was curious to hear what his response might be.
"I see that look in his eyes when he sees you. Then I see the same bloody look in your eyes." He lowered his head. "I do not need the stress it will bring when you break his heart Anabelle. It will not happen."
Anabelle stalled her pace. "What exactly is your plan? Are you planning on watching me all day and all night?"
Leon contemplated the idea. "No." He resolved. "That might be too demanding a job. I'm going to watch Gwaine all day and night."
"He is quite charming though."
"I'm sure you would think so." The Knight was absolutely going to be watching the two.
"Tell me about the other Knights." Anabelle changed the subject, knowing it was killing Leon to continue thinking she might let anything happen between her and Gwaine. It was fun for her, but probably detrimental to Leon's health and psyche.
The two went on talking. By the time they had returned inside the castle, both were laughing hysterically, holding each other up, walking past more Knights, who were each and every one stunned to see Leon looking far less serious. Anabelle had always been good for him. The man was close to being doubled over in laughing fits as Anabelle detailed the events in her own life. She had a way of making even the bad things sound funny. The pair had undoubtedly found their comfort zone again. They recovered from their laughter, noticing that they had reached the front doors of the castle. Leon saw Arthur and other Knights preparing for another journey. Anabelle knew that Leon needed to speak with Arthur, so she went to talk to another man she knew a little less than Leon, but she had known him briefly nevertheless.
"Go." She told Leon. He took off down the steps while she descended slower, considering whether or not going to talk to Mordred was a good idea or not. She had no idea where they stood, if anywhere at all. She stood back, watching him finish up his own preparations.
He rounded the front of his horse, coming face-to-face with the woman who had disappeared on him, and then shown up again.
"Hi." She said without much emotion yet.
He tested her patience by not yet responding.
"You're going on this journey with Arthur." She made her words into more of a comment than a question.
"Yes my lady. It is our duty to join and protect the King on all missions."
She nodded, stopped short of saying more as Arthur's hand touched to her shoulder. She spun around and saw the concern pass through his eyes.
"I would not leave you like this if it weren't necessary." He told her.
"I know something is wrong. I saw the look on your face after the conference this morning."
"Anabelle," Arthur held up a hand to stop her.. "It may be nothing. I honestly don't know what it is, but I am leaving Leon at your side while I am gone."
Anabelle lifted onto her toes, kissing his cheek. "Don't be gone too long. We still have much to talk about." She whispered, letting him go. Mordred had already started with the rest of the pack, so there was no more she could say to him yet.
