This chapter will take on many and I mean MANY points of views. And some of the subtler problems of the story will be started in this chapter.

Reunion 3

Habren and her older brother, Tarkan, blinked and turned to one another in awe and shock. Mother wasn't going to like this one bit! They thought as one. Their mother, Queen Ama of the Lion Tribe, had been the most supportive of Lancelot's marriage to the Wolf Princess, Agrimpasa, after all. She couldn't believe that her older brother was now a father of THREE children. He must have been extremely blessed by the Gods to have such fertility in only five years.

Habren smiled to herself as she stared at her, apparently, new sister-n-law. Emogen's stance shows a gentle elegance, and her aura is much like my own. Lady Emogen, my brother's wife, is a serene woman who knows how to traverse the wilds of the world of politics like a master.

Emogen felt Lancelot's sister's eyes on her and matched Habren's stare with equal serenity. She placed her hand in Lancelot's elbow and said sweetly, "Perhaps, you'd like to meet the children. That way, Lord Tor can properly apologize to his nieces?"

Habren's smile widened as she thought Oh yes, she WILL be a wonderful opponent!

Tarkan replied in her stead, "Yes, that would be great! So, Lancelot, how old are your children?"

Tarkan was amazed. His brother was acting differently from what he remembered of him. Granted, he was only eight when Lancelot was taken twenty years ago, but he did remember a lot from that time in his life. His brother was never one for political practices, and he always tried to act silly while he was training with their father, Babai. To see his brother, so involved in the politics of this Kingdom was definitely not what he had been expecting. Then there was the fact that his brother was dressed up like rich nobility. His brother had ALWAYS told his father and mother that the clothes that he had to wear at the faulty council meetings were scruffy and impractical for their lives. He swore up and down that he'd NEVER wear formal clothes! Yet, here was his brother in formal, impractical, ELEGANT clothes and he looked right at home in them. His brother was definitely not acting like what he'd expected him to. This would take more thought, but first NEICES AND NEPHEW!

Lancelot watched his younger siblings and bit his lip. They looked a bit shell shocked, and to be honest, he could understand why. He wasn't acting like the silly, egotistical teenager that they no doubt remembered. He shook his head, that Lancelot was long gone. He had died when the Roman's came, and he was forced to grow up very quickly to survive in the new world he found himself in twenty years ago-Briton. He saw their eyes lighten up and, the First Knight breathed a bit easier as he answered with a proud beaming smile, "The twins, Erlina and Enid, are four years and four months old. My son and heir, Cadman, is a year and four months old."

He grin grew even larger when Habren said excitedly, "Let's go then! I can't wait to meet them!"

Atilla had been watching the interactions of the Lion Tribe heirs with disgust. To him the Lions were the weakest link in their superior races beliefs. He was enraged at his Gods for allowing the Lions to have the best fighting abilities of all eleven tribes. It was only because the Lion Tribe produced the best fighters that allowed them the honor and power of the royal tribe. How they can like and or tolerate half-breeds and people not of our pure Sarmatian blood is beyond me? He thought in revulsion. He felt sorry for Tor because Habren would force him to apologize to two mongrels.

He snorted at Princess Habren's excitement at meeting three half-breed mongrels and stepped in with an important air, and exclaimed superiorly, "PRINCESS HABREN, I am ashamed by your actions! You're bother, the CROWN PRINCE of our most powerful tribe, has married himself off to a whoring British piece of trash and you are supporting this by wanting to meet his mongrel children!"

Many of the other Sarmatians were grunting and yelling their support of Attila's words.

This is not going well at all. Thought Tarkan darkly as most of the Sarmatians, who supported mixed marriages, remained silent.

Tarkan bit his lip as his brother-n-law, Habren's husband, Melean (Mel-e-in), stepped forward and said loudly, "SILENCE ALL OF YOU!"

The entire Sarmatian court became silent very fast; Habren smiled at her husband. He was an excellent politician, and knew how to control the flow of discussion well between the Sarmatians.

The hall was so silent that the double zings of Lancelot's Twin Sarmatian Demon Blades as they were pulled from his sheaths, were unmistakable.

The Knights and their wives were silent. They knew this was Lancelot and or Arthur's field of battle. Their King and First Knight were the only two trained in such diplomacy. It was hard as hell, but they'd remain silent, but alert. Each Knight smiled grimly as they fingered their weapons-out of sight of the Sarmatians of course!

The Knights watched silently, but with sharp, protective eyes as Emogen and Cordelia, their Lady of Peace and their Queen, bit their lips and move to stand behind their husbands. They knew that no matter how much they wanted to say something, the Knights knew that the two women knew Arthur, and more importantly, Lancelot, had to deal with the Sarmatians. He does have more experience with them after all. They thought proudly but tiredly. But, the women would show their support nonetheless with pride. These two men were their family and nothing gets in the way of family-nothing. Not even family from the past.

Lancelot was incensed. How dare that old fool call my wife and children those names! He felt a dark rage come up from the deepest corners of his mind as he thought I'll show him why I'M the First Knight and second best fighter in all of Briton! I'll show him just how weak and vulnerable he truly is. No one speaks of my friends and family like that-not even the people of my past.

Lancelot placed the two blades at Attila's throat and said hotly but amazingly enough, it also sounded calm-like to everyone in the hallway, "My WIFE, as you so hideously put it, My Lord Attila, is NOT a whore nor is she a piece of British trash. Also, my children are NOT mongrels; they were born in purity and not in wedlock. My tribe, the most powerful of the eleven tribes, as you've so recently and arrogantly announced, accepts mixed marriages-this you know well. If my mother or my father-for that matter-have problems with my children, their GRANDCHILDREN, they can go to hell for all I care. Besides, I live here in Briton now. My home is here. I will not return to Sarmatia to marry Agrimpasa or whoever my mother wants me too. If you utter one more word of filth about any of our children, so help me you will not live to see the Steppes of Sarmatia again. Do you understand me?"

He shrugged internally to himself and added I won't kill him, I won't kill him, I won't kill him…it'll serve me nothing but trouble later on.

Lancelot sighed as Arthur squeezed his shoulder in approval. He immediately calmed down. It amazed him that Emmy and Arthur could do that so easily even after all these years. Not even his parents could contain his rage when it showed it's self when he was a child.

The Sarmatians were shocked once again-Habren most of all. Her brother had just threatened the life of one of their Tribal Leaders! Mother and Father will not be pleased with his actions regarding the "Rules of Engagement", (the process of how to interact with other Tribal Leaders). But, she also felt a clump of fear settle in her belly. If her brother did not return, there would be no wedding to unite the Wolf and the Lion Tribes. The consequences of this would be great. She, for a moment, forgot that her brother was already happily married and had three children. In that moment, she forgot the Lion Tribe's most important law: if a Sarmatian man is married to a woman of non-Sarmatian blood and is blessed with children, only the death of the wife can nullify the marriage.

Tarkan couldn't believe his eyes or his ears. His elder brother, whom he had adored all his life, was not coming home! But his place was in Sarmatia! I don't care about Lancelot marring a Briton or having children with her. I also know mother and father won't either once they calm down. Their parents would just be happy to have Lancelot home, and Ama would be ecstatic to have grandbabies to spoil and tell stories too. He just HAD to convince his brother to come home! He MUST! He wouldn't leave without his older brother. Not only would his mother skin him alive for NOT bringing Lancelot home, she'd force him to marry Agrimpasa in Lancelot's place. No matter how much I love my brother, I refuse to marry that btch and whore!

Arthur had, had enough. He placed a strong hand on his friend's shoulders and said, "Lance, put the swords down. I think you've made your point. Sir Randolph…"

The long forgotten announcer, jumped to attention and cried out, "Yes, your Majesty!"

Arthur nodded and said, "I think we all need to calm down before this becomes a fight to the death. Will you continue to take them to their chambers?"

Sir Randolph nodded and asked, "Should I bring in Sirs Morton, Alrec, Brenden, and Marc?"

Arthur shook his head and said, "No, just take them to their chambers. Tell them were they can access the public places, and then, when they are settled bring Lady Habren, Lord Tarkan, and those of similar beliefs to The Circle. There they will meet the children should they wish it."

Sir Randolph nodded and said sharply, "Yes sir! Right now, all of you follow me!"

Habren looked sadly at her brother and walked away. This was not how she imagined how her meeting with her brother would go.

Galahad spoke up, "Was that such a good idea Arthur? To have them come to our chambers? What if…"

Arthur cut in, "I said to bring them to our Circle not to our chambers. They will meet the children in the Hall of Justice."

Alma hugged herself and said, "I don't like it. I don't trust them Arthur. What if they hurt the children? Despite the words of our husbands, most of them seem to think like that horrible Attila."

Gawain placed his arms around his wife and said soothingly, "Don't worry, Briana and Belaya will remain by our side through it all. I won't even let Agrimpasa touch them unless they are in my arms."

Arthur turned to Lancelot and asked, "Well…?"

Lancelot sighed and said warily, "This is not going well at all Arthur. Plus, it'll only get worse, I fear. There is only so much Habren and Tarkan can do. I think we should just send them on their way to Hadrian's Wall, let them see the graves, and then boot them off the island as fast as we can. What they do next is up to them. I…I just don't care right now."

He stood straight and said as he stared into Arthur's eyes, "No one, and I mean, no one says those awful things about my family and gets away with it Arthur. No one."

He turned to his wife and as he pulled her close asked, "Are you alright, my maiden?"

He felt Emogen sigh against him and said, "I will be. But, Lance, please, don't ruin this for them all. Your tribesman seemed like they truly wanted to meet the children. At least let your tribesmen meet our children."

Lancelot sighed. He didn't know what to do. I want Habren and Tarkan to meet the twins and Cadman, but there is always the possibility that one of the haters could get close to them. What should I do…oh why did these Sarmatians have to come crawling here! Why couldn't they have just remained in Sarmatia?

Agrimpasa, fraternal twin sister of Galahad and younger sister of Gawain, was steaming silently to herself as she followed the others up an absurd amount of stairs. She impatiently swiped her curly blond hair out of her face, and glared at her SUPPOSED sister-n-law. How will I gain the honor and prestige of Clan Lion if I cannot marry Prince Lancelot? Mother ruined me for anyone else when she made me sleep with that horrible Clatus when I was ten. Lancelot's destined to be MY husband! Not that British louse's! How could he do this to me! He KNEW we were to be married upon his return! How could he stay here in this horrible place and marry that ugly, fat cow?

She stopped momentarily and looked into a mirror that was hanging on the wall near her. I mean, what's not to like about me? I'm tall, strong willed, I know how to fight like the women of old, I am beyond gorgeous, and I have natural female instincts. What more could he want? That btch that holds him is ugly, has fat around her middle for the love of the Gods, AND I bet she can't fight like I can! Just what does Lancelot see in her?

Agrimpasa was shaken out of her thoughts, by Habren's shrieking voice, "Agrimpasa, come one! Don't lag behind!"

Agrimpasa growled and glared at the more powerful princess. Just once, just once I'd like to grab her tiny neck and squeeze it for all I'm worth. That'd teach her to not order ME, High Princess of the Wolf Tribe and betrothed of High Crown Prince Lancelot, future Queen of the Lion Tribe, around like some common waif!

Another member of the Wolf Tribe, Garen, cousin of Gawain, Galahad, and Agrimpasa, was walking calmly beside his cousin and glanced at her worriedly when she growled. He knew this was going to get ugly, and he wasn't even including the whole mess with Tor and the others that supported him and his ideals. Agrimpasa had become an evil, ugly person as the years went by. He should know; he had stood by her as she transformed right before his eyes. He blamed his aunt, Queen Malana of the Wolf Tribe. She had poisoned his sweet cousin into becoming this ugly woman-like creature. She did this because she, his aunt, wanted absolute power. Agrimpasa was nothing more than a tool his aunt was using to gain the power of the Lion Tribe. He sighed. He hoped Agrimpasa would control herself when they met Gawain and Galahad's family.

He was honestly happy for his cousins. He was happy that they lived through the entire fifteen years of Roman servitude, found love and happiness, and had children. His only sadness was that his brother, Gareth, was no longer alive. I don't need to visit the graves of the fallen Knights. I now know, that if he isn't here in Camelot as a Lord now, he is dead.

Agrimpasa frowned as she thought, I must gain Lancelot's favor! But how can I do that? He's married and has children! But…yes, that might work. I could flirt with him and make his sweet British wife, mad! Then they'll fight right in front of their precious babies and she'll run off and cry like the weak btch she is! She grinned evilly and added happily to herself as she entered a large room; After all, he couldn't have changed very much in twenty years. Once a flirt, always I flirt I say!'

Lancelot sighed again and pulled his wife away and said, "Sir Morton! Will you go to the Circle of Wings and escort Lady Fulucina, Lady Blythe, and the children into the Hall of Justice. And make sure that the twins hold their tongues until the visitors make the first offense."

He saw, out of the corner of his eye, Arthur smiling at him proudly. He couldn't help but feel a thrill go through him at that. He had always done everything in his power to make Arthur proud of him. He snorted and thought I guess, even with age, I still can't help but crave his approval and smiles.

Bors patted him on the back and said while chuckling, "You handled that a bit badly Lance. You acted like me there for a little bit! I mean, aren't ya supposed ta be the smart, diplomatic one?"

He rolled his eyes and restated firmly, "No one says those things about my family, Bors, no one."

He saw Bors' eyes darken in agreement to his words and stood straighter. This was no time to show how he felt about their visitors. It was time to fight fire with fire. If the Tribesmen of the Bear and Horse were going to shout their way across this battlefield, and tell them of their plans so easily, he'd fight right back by using their own words against them. After all, he's had enough practice these past twenty years.

Arthur nodded and said, "Well then, lets go to the Round Table. Once there we'll discuss how to send the Sarmatians on their way. I'm sure Sir Randolph will escort our visitors the long way around, so we'll have enough time."

The Knights smiled evilly at their King's words. The castle, while most would think it to be oddly built, actually had a reason for it's odd configuration. It was meant to confuse the visitors that they felt had wronged them. It was also a way to show their courage to all others. After all, most Kingdoms's had their nobles and royalty living in the highest point of the castles. With how the castle was built, their Wings were on the first floor and easily accessible to anyone who needed them. Their inner chambers, their bed chambers, and the children's rooms, were more heavily protected and only those who knew the right combination could open the heavy iron doors once they had been shut.

"So, how will we get them to the Wall without to much fuss?" asked Tristran as he squeezed Ula's hand.

When they were alone, Habren spun around and pointed an angry finger at Atilla and said, "How DARE you! It's because of you that Lancelot acted the way he did! How are we supposed to bring our sons home, when they see how you and Tor act to those they love!"

Atilla, a sixty-two-year old man, carelessly brushed the long feminine finger way from his chest, and said crossly, "They shouldn't have mingled with the filth that live here in the first place, Princess."

Tarkan placed a hand on his sister's shoulder and said strongly, "Atilla, you maybe the Leader of Tribe Horse, but WE are the leaders here-not you."

He added, "Our people are dying, Atilla, without more blood to add into our own lines, we will soon cease to exist. Why can't you see that!"

Atilla took a step forward and said pompously, "The Sarmatians are a strong, proud, race! We've withstood the demons of Rome; none can hurt us now! All we need to do, is take the Knights home and MAKE them sire more sons to bring our people back to the greatness they once were!"

Miskoc, another of Dagonet's Tribe, but a friend of Dagonet's instead of a rival, stated, "You are as delusional as the Romans are. We ARE dying out, and it's because of how our tribe and the Bear tribe think. The Lion, Wolf, Panther, and Snake tribes are thinking correctly, not us. It's through the accepting beliefs of their tribes that we WILL survive, no matter how small our people will be."

At Miskoc's words, many of the tribesmen of other tribes the supported the Bear and Horse Tribes, became silent. To hear one of the Horse Tribesmen admit, out loud, that the beliefs of his people were wrong was a startling thought.