Author's Note: To all my reviewers thank you very much and hopefully I haven't lost any of you since it takes me forever to post a new chapter. This chapter is a bit longer than the other ones. I hope you enjoy it! Please read and review!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from King Arthur, everything else is my own.
Tristan looked at them as if they were mad. He had grown annoyed that he had loss his concentration, and had failed during a mission. "What?" Tristan asked. Rarely did he go out on a leisurely trip and if he did, he went alone.
"Well, the girls and I think that all of you have been cooped up in the fortress for too long so we decided to take you somewhere." Connor explained. "There is a town not too far from here that has the best ale and some of the finest people you'll ever meet. It's isolated but it is our favorite home away from home." Often Connor and his sisters sought refuge in the small town of Cobh when they wanted to get away and recollect themselves. The people of that village were like family to the royal siblings.
"So what say you Tristan?" Isolde said, "Are you ready to have a bit of fun?" She flashed him the same wicked smile that made his heart pound. How could he refuse? He couldn't help but grin back at her.
"Let's go."
They rode quietly and swiftly in the cover of the night sky. They passed the main rode and turned onto a beaten path that was covered by the brush. One could easily miss the path if its existence was not known to the traveler. No one knew that they had left, not their servants, their guards, not even their father. Abram would never allow for his children to venture out without their guards let lone at night, but their spirits were wild and could not be contained. At least for one night, just one night, they could forget their crowns and their duties and be ordinary men and women.
They rode for what seemed to be miles and miles. Just as they seemed to have gotten lost, a dim light began to appear before them. It seemed to get brighter and brighter as they raced even faster towards the light. Then suddenly, they came crashing into the middle of the town. It was strangely deserted, but in the distance, music could be heard. Galahad opened his mouth to say something but was cut off when an elderly man, followed by what they assumed to be his wife came rushing towards them.
"Connor my boy 'bout time you came to visit us!" the old man said. He smiled warmly at the visitors, the wrinkles from his old, weathered faced scrunched together, as he laughed with joy. His wife, a slightly rounder smaller character, though none the less jolly, dusted her weathered hands on her apron as she spoke, "I see that you have brought some friends with you. Good the more the merrier." She chuckled. Connor, followed by Caitriona and Isolde leapt from their horses and embraced the old man and his wife.
"And who are these fine people?" The old woman asked. She smiled warmly at them.
"This is Arthur, King of Britain. These are his knights, Lancelot, Dagonet, Bors, Gawain, Galahad, and this," he took Kayley's hand in his; "this is Lady Kayley."
"Ah I see." The old woman replied. She couldn't help but smile as she noticed the softness in his voice as he mentioned the later. 'It's good to see the boy has fancied a girl.' She thought. "I am Fidelma and this is my husband Diarmaid."
"Arthur?" The old man said in awe. "My Lord, it is an honor! I've heard tales of you and your men. Why you beat those barbaric Saxons back, outnumbered none the less." Arthur smiled as he shook the man's hand. "You know, I use to be quite the soldier in my days…" He was cut off when his wife's hand made contact with his arm.
"O come now old man, don't go boring our guests," His wife scolded. "They've had a long day and I'm sure they would like to do something other than listen to an old badger like you." She said. "Come, my husband and I will tend to your horses now go on." She smiled. They thanked them as they followed Connor to the tavern.
When they arrived at the tavern, the knights were in awe of the structure. It wasn't a normal building but an actual cave. It had always been there, Connor explained, but throughout the years the people of the town had dug out more room so that it could also be used as a shelter. The cave itself was magnificent. It was spacious, definitely enough to hold the entire town incase of an attack. It was also well hidden among the trees and vines that covered the entrance. Inside, the cave was decorated with tapestries and banners passed down from generation to generation. Tables were set up along the sides to allow enough room for dancing. Musicians played on a small plateau on the north side of the cave. In the center the people danced merrily to the light hearted tune. Their dancing was different though. It wasn't graceful or rehearsed like at the welcoming ceremony. These people danced wildly, as if they were free spirits of the earth.
They sat at a table and were immediately given some ale. As they drank, they were surprised at the way it tasted. It wasn't bitter, but was strong and tangy and full of spices.
"This is good!" Galahad said. They all agreed as they happily consumed beverage after beverage.
After having a reasonable amount of ale, Caitriona got up and went straight to Arthur. She grabbed his hands and pulled him with her, "Dance with me!" she giggled. He followed mesmerized by her boldness and they were lost among the people. Immediately, Connor and Kayley followed, holding hands. Galahad just moaned and let his head fall harshly onto the table. Tristan merely ignored his young comrade as he kept a watchful eye on Isolde. She had excused herself from the group to converse with some people. A familiar figure came into view beside Isolde. "My lady I have yet to have the pleasure of dancing with you. May I?" He bowed to her.
Isolde laughed heartily at his antics and he pretended to look hurt. "I suppose I could grace your presence with a dance," she tried to keep a straight face as she continued, "But don't get any ideas, I carry a blade in my sleeve and I won't hesitate to change your religion." Lancelot laughed as he took her hand and gently led her away.
Tristan clenched his fists as he felt a split second of jealousy that he quickly subdued. She was beautiful and graceful as she floated across the floor. She donned another green gown that flowed smoothly, like summer grass against a soft breeze. White flowers decorated her hair that, even in the darkness of night, shone with vibrant fury. She smiled at Lancelot as he spun her around with such surprising elegance, and laughed when he winked at her. And all Tristan could do was watch. He watched with envy and regret as they move in unison across the dance floor.
Finally the dance ended. Lancelot bowed and gently kissed her hand before he left. He passed by Tristan who glared daggers at him. He looked for a moment and decided that it would be best if he sat somewhere else. He felt eyes staring at him and when he turned, he wasn't surprise to it was Isolde. She stood there in the middle of the dance floor staring at him as if daring him to dance with her. Then suddenly, she disappeared among the crowd and Tristan quickly scanned the room for her. He was stunned when she appeared right beside him. 'Damn' woman!' Tristan cursed to himself. She sat in front of him and placed her chin in her hands. She looked at him for a moment before she said, "Well?"
"Well what?" Tristan responded annoyed. He didn't like the fact that Isolde was able to sneak up on him.
"Aren't you going to ask me to dance?" She said smiling.
"No." he answered sharply. Quickly her smile faded as she just stared at him dumbfounded. Tristan saw a flash of anger in her eyes but she quickly masked it.
"Fine." She said coldly. She got up and left. 'I'll be damned if I let him spoil my evening.' She thought to herself. But to tell the truth, she was upset. She hadn't expected such a cold reaction from Tristan, especially since he seemed to open up to her the night before. She sat down next to Dagonet. Silently she slumped in her chair. Having seen what had just happened, Dagonet turned to her and said, "He didn't mean anything by that Isolde." She turned to him sharply and opened her mouth to say something but he continued, "he just doesn't open up to others, it's who he is, doesn't mean he doesn't care."
She stared at Dagonet for a moment. Care? About me? She thought. Quickly she shook the thought off. No use in false hopes. She sat in silence for awhile, wondering if she had ruined their friendship last night.
Out of nowhere, a drunken Bors appeared and slumped himself over Isolde's chair. "Isolde," he said rather loudly, "can u teach sme to dance? I want to sprize 'Nora."
Isolde laughed heartily. "Of course Bors, but wouldn't you rather wait until your sober so you can remember?"
"M'no." He said as he swayed back and forth. "I wont 'ave the curage to." He slurred.
"Alright then." Isolde laughed as she helped Bors to the dance floor.
Never before had Isolde endured so many injuries dancing. Occasionally Bors mumbled sorry as he stepped on her toes, knocked knees or swung her too roughly. She had to give him credit though; he was trying so hard not to make a mistake.
"So how long have you and Vanora been together?" She asked. She figured that maybe by talking Bors would loosen up and not focus so much on dancing.
"Ever since I can remember." He said. She could tell by the way he spoke of her and his children that he loved them very much.
She smiled at him. If only she could love like that. "I would like to meet her some day." She said.
Finally the dance ended and not a moment too soon. Dag had to escort Bors to the table while Isolde limped her way back.
For most of the night, Isolde avoided Tristan as much as she could. She spent most of her time dancing with her siblings or talking with some of the townspeople. She had danced with most of the knights and even managed to lighten the spirits of a gloomy Galahad. And now she now found herself sitting next to Dag. She waited a moment before she turned to him and asked "Would you care to dance Dagonet?" He nodded and they left together. He gave Tristan a quick glance who in turn glared at him. Dag smiled at him innocently and offered Isolde his arm. 'This should be enough.' He thought to himself. Once again Tristan was forced to watch Isolde dance with another man.
It's not that he didn't know how to dance, nor was he afraid of rejection. He was a graceful dancer and confident, but when it came to her, everything changed. He was beginning to feel vulnerable, and he hated that feeling. Long ago he had pushed his feelings aside, convincing himself that he had nothing to lose. It made him a fierce warrior. Doing that has kept him alive. Being around Isolde brought back those feelings and for once, he was unsure of himself.
The sound of Kayley giggling brought him out of his thoughts. She was sitting at the end of the table next to Connor. He had his arm wrapped around her and was whispering into her ear. He looked around him and noticed that the crowd of people had slowly begun dwindled down. Soon the tavern would close and they would have to go home. Suddenly the music stopped as the musicians prepared to play a new song. Acting on instinct, Tristan got up and walked towards Dag and Isolde. Dag was already about to return to the table. As he left the dance floor, he looked at Tristan and had to fight to keep himself from smiling. His plan had worked, now all there was left to do was see how it all played out. Isolde had her back to him so she wasn't able to see him standing right behind her. When she turned around, she nearly jumped out of her skin. "Tristan, you startled me." She said. They stared at each other for a moment and she became annoyed. She was about to make a rude remark but had decided otherwise. 'No telling how he'd react.'
The music began to play once again, but this time it was different. It wasn't the same fast paced light hearted music. This one was slow, and beautiful, almost celestial. "May I have this dance?"
Her jaw nearly dropped and she had to refrain from asking him to repeat what he said. She smiled coyly at him as she said "Of course." Her heart pounded in her chest. 'Finally!' she thought. Inside she was giddy but she refused to let it show. She waited for Tristan to take her hand. Instead, he bowed to her and she in turn did the same. She looked, her eyes questioning him.
"My Lady," he said as he held out his hand to her. Isolde was speechless. Gently she placed her hand in his. As soon as they connected, it was like lightning coursing through their bodies. She looked at their hands and then back at Tristan and was even more surprised to see that tender look in his eyes. He smiled at her, something neither she, nor any of his comrades had seen before as he led her to a clear spot on the dance floor. And together they moved, gracefully, almost as if they were floating, their eyes never losing contact. By then the knights had returned to the table, exhausted.
"Where's Tristan?" Gawain asked Dag. He merely shrugged and tried his best to act as if he didn't know anything.
"He's over there look!" Galahad said. They all looked to where Galahad was pointing. Their mouths dropped open slightly as they watched the scout gracefully move on the dance floor. "I've never seen him dance before…" Galahad said puzzled. The others murmured in agreement.
"We've all had a bit too much to drink." Dag reasoned. He knew that it was rare for his friend to show any interest in a woman and if he did the affair was always brief and emotionless. But the way he looked at her was different and he wanted for his friend to happy, even if it was for a little while. 'I guess Morgain is right, I am a hopeless romantic.' Dag chuckled to himself. Everyone but Arthur seemed satisfied with his answer. He was about to say something to Dag but was interrupted by Connor.
"That is a lover's dance." He said to no one in particular.
"What?" Gawain asked.
"We'll, legend has it that the fairy princess, Aoife had disguised herself as a mortal to escape a loveless betrothal. When she wandered into town she met Bran, the son of our clan's most powerful leader. Neither of them knew who each other was, being that he too disguised himself. They fell in love while they danced to this song. It has no name and only a few know how to play it and even fewer recognize the melody. It is said that the music draws soul mates together and reveals their true feelings…"
"Well you're just full of stories aren't you?" Galahad interrupted. He took one last sip of his ale and stormed away from the table. Gawain got up to follow him, but was held back by Dag.
"Leave him alone lad, it won't do you any good to go after him." He reasoned.
Galahad knew that he shouldn't have snapped, but it was almost too much for him to take. He knew that he was losing Kayley and that it was his own fault. But no matter how much his head told him to let her go, his heart pleaded for him to keep trying. "Tomorrow," he said, "Tomorrow I'll really impress her. I'll tell her how I feel and she'll forget all about him." He reasoned.
They were all speechless for a moment be fore Dag added in nervously, "It's just a legend, it doesn't mean that they love each other," he reasoned. "Besides, Isolde is a lovely woman and she danced with us all, even Bors.'" He pointed to his comrade who had long since passed out on the table. They decided to drop the matter and sat in silence, and occasionally they looked at Tristan and Isolde.
The music came to an end all too soon. Those on the dance floor clapped in admiration for the musicians. Tristan and Isolde stared at each other, both trying to find the right words to say. There were feelings growing inside, feelings that had always been there but they never dared to explore. Tristan placed his hand on her cheek and gently brushed his finger tips against her skin. Suddenly, a young boy appeared beside them, breaking the spell. "My Lady, the master bard requests that you sing a song." The boy said. "He said that he's an old friend of yours."
Isolde smiled at the boy. The room grew quiet while they waited for her response. "I would be honored to sing for all of you." The crowd cheered at her response and made their way to their seats. She looked at Tristan for a moment before she made her way to the stage. She embraced the master bard and they exchanged a few words. Then he instructed his companions and they began to play a slow melody.
Upon a darkened night
the flame of love was burning in my breast
And by a lantern bright
I fled my house while all in quiet rest
Shrouded by the night
And by the secret stair I quickly fled
The veil concealed my eyes
while all within lay quiet as the dead
Oh night thou was my guide
of night more loving than the rising sun
Oh night that joined the lover
to the beloved one
transforming each of them into the other
Upon that misty night
in secrecy, beyond such mortal sight
Without a guide or light
than that which burned so deeply in my heart
That fire t'was led me on
and shone more bright than of the midday sun
To where he waited still
it was a place where no one else could come
Isolde never kept her eyes off of Tristan. It was as if they were alone and she sang for him only.
Oh night thou was my guide
of night more loving than the rising sun
Oh night that joined the lover
to the beloved one
transforming each of them into the other
Within my pounding heart
which kept itself entirely for him
He fell into his sleep
beneath the cedars all my love I gave
From o'er the fortress walls
the wind would his hair against his brow
And with its smoothest hand
caressed my every sense it would allow
Oh night thou was my guide
of night more loving than the rising sun
Oh night that joined the lover
to the beloved one
transforming each of them into the other
I lost myself to him
and laid my face upon my lover's breast
And care and grief grew dim
as in the morning's mist became the light
There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair
The room was quiet for a long time, speechless. There wasn't a man or woman in the crowd who had a dry eye, (except of course for Tristan). He sat there, staring at her in a trance. Finally, they slowly snapped out of their trance and applauded. The master bard rose from his seat and embraced Isolde. "You've made me so proud Isolde, I've never had a better student."
"Thank you Elric," she said. She left the stage feeling different. She couldn't explain why she felt what she did. For the first time in her life, she felt peaceful… and excited as she approached her companions. She didn't know what to say. They all crowded around her and complimented her singing. She merely smiled as she watched Tristan.
The hour was late and Connor advised that they should return to the fortress. So with haste, they returned to the safety of Donaghee. They had stayed out late, but surprisingly no one had noticed their absence. This perturbed Connor a bit but he was grateful at least this time.
Exhausted, they all retired to their quarters, except for Tristan and Isolde. Not wanting this feeling to end, Isolde beckoned him to follow her. They hid in the weeping willow talking and laughing. Though the feelings that took place when they danced weighed heavily on their minds, neither one of them was willing to discuss it. They sat in silence for a moment. Suddenly Tristan broke the silence. "Sing to me Isolde." Her head shot up and she looked him in the eyes. He looked at her so lovingly, how could she refuse?
Gently she began to hum a melody before she sang:
My young love said to me, "My mother won't mind
And my father won't slight you for your lack of kind"
And she stepped away from me and this she did say:
It will not be long, love, till our wedding day"
As she stepped away from me and she moved through the fair
And fondly I watched her move here and move there
And then she turned homeward with one star awake
Like the swan in the evening moves over the lake
Isolde stopped. She couldn't keep singing. "Tristan what's wrong?" She asked him. Without warning, he leaned over and gently cupped her face. He kissed her gently on the lips. Though the contact was light, it was as if they were hit by lightning, ask waves of new feelings and desired coursed through their veins. He began to pull away only to have Isolde grab onto the back of his neck and deepen the kiss. Slowly she parted her lips allowing his tongue to explore. What started out as a delicate kiss now became full of passion and hunger. Tristan finally gathered this resolve and pulled away. She looked at him, questioning him and he answered. "Isolde, you must go now." He breathed heavily. Why did she make him want her so badly?
"Why?" She was heartbroken and embarrassed at her behavior.
"Because if you stay here with me any longer, your honor is at stake. Please," he pleaded. She nodded her head in understanding and left abruptly. Tristan moaned as he fell backwards onto the soft earth.
Isolde had just about reached her room when she heard the muffled sound of the trap door sliding behind her. She turned quickly to find one of her men, Donal emerging from the entrance.
"My Lady, Taranis of the Breago Clan has just attacked Cobh," He said. Isolde's heart dropped.
"Did you alert the rest of the men?" She asked. He nodded. Quickly she entered her room and began to dress in her riding clothes. "Make ready my horse, I shall follow shortly." Quickly he left the way he came. She finished getting ready and opened the trap door in the hall to follow Donal, unaware of the pair of dark eyes that had been watching her the entire time.
She knew that they were too late, as they rode with haste to the town she had just been in. Once they arrived she jumped off her horse and ran to see if there were any survivors, followed by the rest of the soldiers. This was a sight that she knew all too well, the desolation and destruction that was left behind by Taranis and his men. The town was empty of carnage, and immediately she knew where they had attacked. She ran to the tavern and with a heavy heart was proven correct. The cave, which had served as a safe haven for it's villagers, had become their slaughter house. Once again, it was foolish to hope for any survivors. They searched the bodies in vain.
An object glimmering in the corner of her eye caught her attention. Quickly she walked towards the object and knelt on the ground. She lifted it up only to find that it was Elric's harp bathed in blood. She held it close to her as she knelt in silence. Stiffly she stood and turned to face Donal, "Bring some wood in here and burn the bodies."
"What?" He was in shock. "They deserve a proper burial!" He was outraged, how dare she suggest such a thing?
"A burial ceremony will take to much time, if we are to stop them we have to move quickly. You there," she pointed to the three youngest soldiers, "take care of the bodies, then once you are through, head towards Donaghee and tell my father what you have witnessed." She mounted her horse, "The rest of you, we hunt." Quickly Isolde walked towards her horse and mounted. Without waiting to see if any of her men would follow, she rode off down the beaten path. She knew where they were heading towards next.
The town of Aldergrove was about ten miles from Cobh and Isolde was certain that the town was their next target. She only hoped that she could reach Taranis and his men first.
Off they rode towards Aldergrove, desperately trying to cut them off before it was too late. Surprisingly, the light from their camp could be seen a few feet away. Isolde directed them to surround the camp. They were not to attack before she gave the order. She waited a few minutes. Ok Isolde what's the plan? She knew that they were outnumbered and by attacking Taranis, she would lose more men than the last time. Unwilling to take that risk, Isolde sheathed her sword and told Donal to keep to the shadows. "Keep the men in line, and no matter what happens, do not attack until I say to do so, got it?" He nodded.
She took a deep breath and walked from her hiding place in the brush. Deep down her mind was telling her to turn back, but her heart was telling her to move forward. "Taranis!" She shouted. "Taranis of the Breago Clan!" She shouted once more. Her men were appalled that their beloved leader had made such a bold move, but did all they could to obey her orders. Deep down, Isolde knew what she was doing.
A huge figure emerged out of one of the tents, his muscles glistening with sweat. He must have been at least six feet tall, his orange hair falling in tangled locks behind him. He smiled an evil grin as he tossed his ax back and forth. "And what do I owe the pleasure of your company little lady?" She knew what he was thinking and she couldn't help but shudder if he went through with his intentions.
"I am Isolde, daughter of Abram," She said. He was obviously shocked. Quickly he prepared to withdraw his sword, but she interrupted him. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," She said. "You see, my men have got you out numbered and surrounded." She bluffed. "If you so much as make a false move, my men will move in and slaughter all of you."
He looked at her as if he didn't believe her. At that moment, Donal shot an arrow that landed right by his right foot. Taranis nearly jumped back. He laughed, "So what is it you want then?"
"I am here to make a deal, we can end this all here and no more blood needs to be shed tonight." She took a deep breath.
"I'm listening." He said.
"A duel." She said. "If I win, you must leave our lands and make haste to your own only to never come back, if you win, I am your prize to do with as you wish." His men began to laugh amongst themselves.
"Agreed he said."
So what did you think? PLEASE REVIEW!
Songs were in order:
"THE DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL"
Words by St. John of the Cross; arranged and adapted by Loreena McKennitt
Music by Loreena McKennitt
"She moved through the fair" I don't know who wrote it but it is also performed by Loreena McKennitt.