Big thanks to everyone that has read and reviewed this story so far. I do have a plan, and I know exactly where I'm going with this, so hopefully you'll stick with me. Sorry tht it took so long to up-date, one moment it was saturday, the next its thursday. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Gwen the badass is about to be born.

Enjoy!

"I'm sorry my lord, but she's gone. Her trail has run cold."

"There's always a trail Leon. She would have had no need to hide it."

"I know you don't want to admit this sire, but…"

"I just want to know that she's safe. No more. Find that trail. Take Percival and Gwaine."

"Elyan?"

"No. I know he's loyal to me and the Kingdom, but no matter what happened, she is his sister. I'd rather not test his loyalty right now. Put him in charge of the southern patrol."

"Yes my lord." Bowing, Sir Leon left the room.

Arthur was nervous. In fact, he was more than that. He was terrified. Terrified that he had sent Guinevere out to her death with no protection. Sir Leon wasn't saying it, but bandits or slave traders could very well be the reason that she had left no trail, and he felt sick to the stomach. What else could he have done? The council wanted her head, and he couldn't be seen to be taken for a fool. He had given her the best chance with banishment, allowing her to make a new life for herself somewhere else. She had made her choice when she had met with Lancelot that night. Feeling sick again, he turned his mind away to other matters, though no matter what he did, his thoughts always came back to her.

She hated the way he looked at her, his gaze lingering on every part of her body that wasn't her face. He wanted her for sure, but he hadn't acted upon it. Yet. For a month now, Gwen had played her part for him without a hesitation or mistake. The perfect slave, with only her masters needs in mind. She hoped that it appeared that way, but Horis was clever and perhaps wouldn't be completely taken in with her new apparent loyalty to him. Even knowing this, she knew she had to act soon, before anything did happen from Horis's side. The plan was simple. Horis held all the keys to every part of this castle in his chambers, and Gwen needed the one for the side-door. It wasn't as heavily guarded, and it was closer to the forest for her to make her get away. She already had managed to gather other clothes from the wash room, and had concealed them by sewing them discreetly within the dresses Horis made her wear. She smiled. Her father may have taught her many skills, but it was her mother's that was about to save her life from slavery. Now all she had to do was enact her plan, and it had to be the right moment, when Horis was as far away from his chambers as possible. And that time was now. Walking towards Horis she made sure to pretend not to notice a bag on the floor. Tripping over, the jug she held went spilling over the front of his clothes.

"I'm so sorry sir. Please, let me help you." Dabbing a cloth over his shirt, she fussed over him, muttering continued apologies. "No, that's going to stain for sure. You'll have to change immediately."

Snapping him out of his thoughts, for he seemed to be enjoying her touch, he replied, "Yes, your right." Following behind him, she apologised again.

"I have another." He grunted. "Now get back to serving the men."

"But sir, I'll have to take your clothes immediately to the wash room once you take them off."

He grunted again, but did not dismiss her. Excitement grabbed her. Her plan was working, and soon the key and freedom would be hers.

Elyan knew why he had been sent on the southern patrol. Even though he had been given command of it, something that he had not been entrusted with before, he knew that it was just a ploy to get him out of the way. And it wasn't because of the ghost possession that had happened a week ago, either. It was Gwen. Arthur was looking for Gwen. Not to bring her back to Camelot, but instead to check on her. Gwaine had a big mouth that always seemed to reveal too much when he got drunk. Elyan should have been glad of the news and that at least there was some effort being made to check on his sister's safety. But he wasn't. She should never have been banished in the first place! He had been angry and hugely disappointed in her. How could she have done that? To Arthur, Camelot and to herself? Gwen, who spoke of honesty, loyalty, of always doing the right thing, and yet she had succumbed so easily. Oh, he was mad at her, which was why he hadn't even been able to say goodbye. A decision that he now completely regretted. Gwen may have done something unthinkable, but she was still his little sister, and like Gwen had done to him in the past, he should have stood by her. Father would be so disappointed in him.

He knew that Arthur didn't want to test his loyalties, by sending him on the patrol to find Gwen, but Elyan's loyalties were already in motion. As soon as he got back to Camelot, he was packing his bags and following his sister into exile.

She waited till he was behind the screen to change, and she jumped into action. Making sounds as she fussed what clothes to bring over to him, she cast her search for the keys. They could be anywhere.

"Where's my shirt?" he barked.

"It's coming sir." Grabbing any old shirt, she draped it across the screen and continued her search for the keys.

"Get me my other belt."

"Where do you keep it?"

"The drawer beside my bed."

Of course! Beside the bed. How could she have not thought of that? Opening the drawer, she found his belt and several sets of keys. Grabbing the one with red material attached, that symbolised the eastern side doors, she placed it into the hidden pocket she had created. Handing Horis his belt, she picked up his stained clothes, and made for the door.

"What do you think you are doing?"

Turning around, she placed the most innocent look on her face. "I'm taking these to the wash room sir. I'll have to be quick, if you want these stains to come out."

"I never liked that shirt anyway." Walking steadily towards her, Gwen began to panic.

"I'm needed in the hall sir, so the sooner I get these in the wash, the sooner I can return there."

Closing the gap between them, he took the clothes from her hands, and threw them aside. Taking hold of her waist, he put his lips to her ear. "My enchanting lady, you willingness to help is most welcome. As is your body." Roughly kissing her neck, Gwen could do nothing as he held her firmly in place, and hoped that he wouldn't feel the keys in her pocket.

"Please sir. Don't…" Kissing her fully on the mouth, Gwen tried not to be sick. Struggling to get out of his grip, he pushed her against the wall.

"Don't struggle my lady. You'll only make this worst for yourself. Arthur has missed out leaving you unspoiled." Grinning, he continued kissing her. Letting go of one of her arms, he began undo his trousers, and pull up her dress. Gwen knew she should be panicking, but suddenly everything was crystal clear. Feeling along his waist, she grabbed the handle of his small dagger, and looking him squarely in the eyes, she plunged it with all her strength into his neck.

Next time: Gwen escapes, and makes a discovery in the woods. What/who could it be?

(Would really appreciate some feedback on my Elyan pov. He didn't come very naturally to me, and I hope that he came off ok.)