Change in Darkness
Chapter seven
Tristan led me back to the familiar building that had been my home before all of this. I smiled and took a good look at the knight's personal area. A quiet thought clicked in my mind. I was going to be alone more so than ever now. Before I was taken away there were always the shuffling sounds of Dagonet in the other room or Bega's soft snores. Pain gripped at my heart like claws but I pushed the feeling back and squeezed Tristan's hand. I felt his eyes on my while we walked up the steps to our level. Happy memories of spending time with the knights here made me smile faintly.
"Come," my scout murmured and pulled my hand forward. I followed him until we stopped at a familiar room. It hadn't been the destination I had thought but the sight of Tristan's room made me smile a bit more. He pulled me in but left again only to return with one of my old night gowns. I laughed softly and took it from him.
"Turn around, I'm not going to change with you watching," I caught the slight turn of his lips before he followed my directions. I couldn't help but roll my eyes as I quickly changed into the night gown and then move over to him. As quietly as I could I went up to his back and pressed myself against him. I felt his body relax slowly as I wrapped my arms around his waist, locking my fingers together at his stomach. I hadn't realized it until now but Tristan had been waiting for a moment alone with me since that first moment on the lake. It was terrible to know that Dagonet's death had to be another reason to draw us closer.
I felt his hands cover mine as he completely relaxed. I gently pressed my forehead against his back and let out a sigh. It had been far too long since I felt this comfortable. But in the back of my head I knew that this peace wouldn't last long. I had to savour it while I could. Soon the Saxons would be at our doorstep, banging their drums and speaking in their harsh, angry language. I felt my scout turn in my arms and his own wrapping around my shoulders and pulling me closer to him.
He tugged me over to his bed and easily sat down and maneuvered me into his lap. With his arms curled around my body and his chin resting on top of my head I drifted off to sleep.
Nothing feels better than being rudely awoken by loud thumping on the wooden door. I groaned and snuggled closer to Tristan's warm chest until I heard him groan as well. "Tristan, you need to come see this," Galahad's voice floated through the door, alerting both of us that it was urgent. Tristan sighed heavily and squeezed me to him before sitting up. I noted quietly to myself that he had taken off his armour without my even knowing and had stripped to only his trousers. He glanced over his shoulder to me and smiled tiredly.
"Stay here and try to get some more sleep. I'll go see what's happening," he murmured. I simply rolled my eyes and found my way off the bed. He gave me a frown that obviously said that he didn't mean for me to come as well.
"I won't be able to sleep anymore anyways. I'm used to only getting a bit of sleep at a time now," I shrugged and slipped on the slipper-like shoes Tristan had brought from my room. He sighed again and stood as well, finding his tunic and cuirass then pulling on his boots. Once we were completely ready, Tristan is his usual clothing and me in a light night gown that flowed easily over me as I walked; we left the room and made out way to the wall.
Even just a slight glance made me shutter. Torches and camp fires lit up the other side or Bardon Hill, just in front of the forest. Thousand s of lights flickering in the darkness. I looked over at the others and frowned. None of them, including Tristan, looked comfortable with the current situation. Then again, who would be? I walked over to Lancelot and hugged his arm for dear life, gazing out at the fires. I could feel the spirits of the land being unsettled by the intruders. Their dancing lights were dim and almost hollow looking. I shuttered once more and opened my mouth to speak but hurried footsteps cut me off. Arthur and Guinevere were racing up the stone steps to join us. When they got to our small group both looked over the wall and stared in shock for just a moment.
Arthur gave us each a searching look and I noticed that most of the men either looked away or gave each other warning glances. Then the Roman officer turned and peered over the ledge. Many of the towns people of Castellum. Every person, man, woman, child passed worried words back and forth. I could hear their whispers from my place beside my brother.
Finally Arthur looked back at him, an expression of determination set on his face. "Knights, my journey with you ends here." My eyes widened and my grip of Lance's arm tightened. "May god go with you." And with that the Roman-Britain man walked back down the steps, back the way he had come. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Guinevere give Lancelot a hard look and he simply shook his head. I grasped my brother's hand and squeezed tightly.
"Go, try to talk him out of it," I murmured as I released the dark knight. He gave me a look heavy with grief before he went after his friend. I walked over to Guinevere and gave the woman a tight hug. "I know that you will be fighting out there tomorrow. Please keep safe and watch out for my brother." The Woad woman simply nodded before following after Lancelot and Arthur. I sighed heavily before hands wound around my waist. I leaned back into Tristan, careful not to put too much pressure on my back.
When dawn a rose the next day we were ready. The villagers would be leaving in a large caravan with the knights to get a safe distance away. If Arthur won, which was doubtful, they would go back and help the wounded. If not they'd at least have a chance before the Saxons came after them. But it was today that the feeling stirred inside of me again. Two familiar visions flashed before my eyes every so often. The girl in Lancelot's arms and the smoky battle field where many would die.
I glanced up onto the hill and smiled sadly at the dark figure there on horseback. He was clade in traditional roman armour and a long stall was in his hand with a flag flapping in the wind. I rode near the back with the knights around me and Vanora and her horde in front. Fulcinia and Alecto were somewhere near the front, riding in their large wagon. Bega and the other Sarmatians rode behind them, far away from any battle as I could get them. And Lucan rode with me, seated in front of me where I could keep an eye on him. Smoke flared past us as the workers moved quickly, trying to work out Arthur's plan to the best of their abilities.
A loud whinny cut through the silence as we passed. I looked back at the figure of Arthur, standing alone with a great army before him. The others looked as well and I heard Tristan's hawk, Amice caw softly as she rode on Tristan's arm. The sound of a sword being drawn rung around us and Bors dashed out onto the field, holding his sword up in the air.
"Artorius! Ruuus!" There was an echo of silence after Sarmatian battle cry that had escaped Bors. We all watched for the shadow's reply, hope in our hearts.
"Ruuuuuuuuuus!" The answering cry made my heart tighten. Tears weld in my eyes as Bors rejoined our line. I gave him a teary smile that he returned with one of his own.
"Wolf, why are you crying?" Lucan asked, tilting his head to meet my eyes. I tightened my arm around him and sniffled.
"Because Lucan, no matter where I go after this, there will never be another man like Arthur. I will always remember him and his deeds. Just like I will always remember my knights." I whispered to the boy, feeling my voice shake as I spoke. He looked at me for a long time before nodding slowly. I knew he didn't understand, but I knew he would someday.
The sound of drums echoed in my ears. I knew that soon the battle would soon begin and the only thing that could keep my heart calm was the knowledge that all my loved ones were safe. Just as that thought went through my mind the horses went crazy. Neighing and stomping around in circles. I squeaked slightly, tightening my grip on Lucan as Ewell thrashed his head back and forth.
"Woah boy, calm down," I murmured as the stallion backed up. I caught a glance at the knights and found that I wasn't the only one having difficulties. "Ewell, easy." I leaned forward and pressed my hand to the black stallion's neck, patting his and trying to ease his nerves. Never had he reacted like this before. Ever.
Once they were calmer I sighed. While sliding Lucan down from the horses back I helped myself down and looked my steed in the eye, stroking his cheek. "You always know best right? Well sir knight, I hope you are right about this," I whispered and leaned my head against the beast. I looked up at Tristan's voice.
"Hey, you're free now," his hawk lifted from his arm and sailed into the open sky. I followed her with my eyes until there was nothing left to follow. My eyes went back to my scout as I walked over to him, leaving Lucan with Ewell. He slipped off Cadmon and took my hand, leading me to the cart where they had all of their weapons and armour. The others joined us and quickly became preparing.
I watched in silence, taking in each and every one of my knights. Gawain, Galahad, Bors, Lancelot and finally Tristan. I didn't know if I'd ever see them again but I knew where I was needed. These people had no other protection besides the cowardly Romans and me. As soon as word that the battle was over I would be back. Finally, once they had prepared fully I went to each. First was Bors.
I smiled sadly and took the man's hand. "Bors, you take care of the others, alright? And yourself. I don't wanna be picking up your family after all of this if you end up dying. And who would tease me about being short?" I asked, getting a smile from the bald man. He leaned down and hissed my forehead and patted my shoulder before moving on to his children and lover.
"Don't even say it. I don't want any good byes because I will be back. Don't you worry, Ailith," Galahad interrupted, seeing me look at him with slightly teary eyes. I laughed softly and went over to hug him tightly.
"You know what? I would have loved it if you were my brother. No offence to Lancelot or anything," I told him and I got a laugh back. Next I turned to Gawain, probably one of the hardest people to say good bye to. I went to take a deep breath but was instead was scooped up into a tight embrace. Golden hair blocked my eyes as Gawain pressed me to him.
"Be safe little wolf, protect them all for us, alright?" he whispered to me. My eyes filled with tears once more and I wrapped my arms around his shoulders. I nodded my head as he let me down and pushed me into Lancelot.
"You're not going to cry on me are you?" He instantly asked. I frowned at him and punched his arm.
"No stupid! I was going to tell you not to die out there because I love you too much. You're my big brother and you always will be." I walked over and kissed his rough cheek before hugging him. He returned it fiercely, inhaling as I pressed myself as close as I could.
"Be good little sister," he whispered before releasing me and walking over to Aelred. Finally I turned to the last of the knights and felt my heart tighten. Tristan stood waiting with the traditional Sarmatian battle armour on, looking like he was ready to march off to his death. I sucked in a breath and ran over to him, throwing myself at the scout. I felt his lips touch the crown of my head as I inhaled his scent.
When I pulled away from his chest I turned my head up to look at him. There was no way that I could not be this close with his about to leave. I reached up and brushed the hanging hair from his eyes. "Tristan, please don't die today," I whispered, my voice shaking more so than I could ever remember. He smiled down at me and leaned down.
"I promise that I will come back to you, no matter what the form. Because you know what? You are the woman I love and the one I will love for as long as life goes on," he murmured against my lips before leaning down fully, capturing my lips gently. I pressed back, wrapping my arms around his neck. Once he pulled away I kissed his lips once more and moved back from him. I went over to Cadmon and patted the grey stallion.
"Take care of him, alright?" I whispered and kissed the steeds cheek.
When I stepped back to join Lucan and Vanora they all mounted. I felt my tears finally spill onto my cheeks as they each waved good bye. All except for Galahad who gave me a large grin. I waved silently back until their backs where turned. And at the last possible moment I opened my mouth wide and yelled at the top of my lungs.
"Ruuuuuus!"
All of the knights belong to the wonderful creators of King Arthur. Ailith is mine though, you can't have her!
Ahhhh! I was so sad while writing this chapter. I know what will happen which makes it all the sadder. But I really hope you guys liked this chapter. I put a lot into it even though it's shorter. but hey, quality or quantity, right?
So, I'll be going out of the city over the break and I don't know as of yet if I'll be able to take my laptop with me. So, there may be a delay in the next and maybe final chapter. I really hope it's not the last one. Hmm, no. I refuse to finish it just yet.
Anyways, please review guys! Your reviews are wheat give me inspiration to keep writing!
Love ya~
