CHAPTER EIGHT: Tracks
Elena had been crouched next to Dagonet for what seemed like forever. He, along with Gawain and Galahad, was very alert. They peered through the trees and at the roadway they had just evacuated. Every bird that flew caused them to twitch.
Galahad, she could tell, was very nervous; he was shaking in his skirt. Dexter was caught exiting the carriage and one of his arrows almost went through him. He apologized quickly, saying it was a mere accident, though Elena couldn't help but wonder if it really was.
On a more important note, who were these Raider characters Arthur spoke of? In all her years, Elena had never heard of suck folk. They must obviously be dangerous if they had to leave the trails because of them. But why? Why would these people pose a threat? Would they attack at will? Elena was sure the knights in her company would not provoke a battle. Despite the little time she had spent with them, she knew they were not blood hungry. Perhaps these Raider were?
Elena jumped at the sudden crack of a tree branch. She yelped loudly before she realized it was only Lancelot approaching. She sighed heavily, shaking her head. She felt so stupid for jumping like a frightened child.
"Careful Princess," he said softly, awaking his ever famous grin. "You must be silent when hiding from Raiders."
Arthur and Bors approached just seconds later. "And why," began Elena, tired of sitting in the bushes, "are we hiding from Raiders exactly?"
"Because they are not the friendliest of people," stated Lancelot, dismounting. "They are very unpredictable."
"Life is unpredictable, Sir Knight, people are not." Elena brushed a few leaves from her dress before continuing. "What do they want?"
"A certain cargo any man would want."
Elena looked up quickly and saw Tristan in front of her. There he went again, popping out of thin air. He did that a lot. And she hated him for it. Tristan stared at her, she knew, but she dared not stare back. She had no desire to get caught in those eyes, though she did wonder what they looked like.
Noticing Tristan's disheveled look, Elena self-consciously straightened her hair. She glanced at him quickly before speaking. "The only cargo we carry is my clothing," she started. "Do you really mean to tell me they would rob us for a few dresses?"
"Princess, we can only hope they would want the dresses. But I highly doubt it." Tristan said nothing else as he walked past her. She watched him walk, taking cover in the tree line closest to the roadway. He turned back, watching her for a brief moment, before turning his attention else where.
And then, as if someone spelled it out, Elena understood what Tristan meant. She backed herself into the nearest tree, leaning on it for support. The realization of the danger she was in stabbed her like knife. She knew exactly what type of cargo men like them would want.
"Milady, are you well?" Arthur approached her, his sword drawn. "You have not taken ill, have you?"
"No," she started, "I…we…do you not think we should move along?" Elena met his eyes.
"Milady, you must trust us-"
"Do you not think we have lingered here long enough," she shrieked in a high pitched whisper, interrupting Arthur.
"We will do everything we can to keep you safe, Milady. Worry not."
"What if it is not enough," she began. "What if they…" She fought back the future tears threatening to spill. "No…we can easily take another path! I cannot stay here! Have your scout inspect another road! Make him find another way!"
Elena and Arthur went back and forth, their voices steadily rising and the Raiders were getting closer. If they got any louder, Tristan was sure the barbarians would hear. He had hoped that they would ride past and continue on the southern roads. But unfortunately, luck was not on their sides today.
The front rider, the captain of the group more than likely, stopped his horse suddenly. The large man peered down at the ground, as if he were looking for something he had lost.
And there they were, the wagon tracks clear as day.
i do not own king arthur. wish i owned lancelot though, :-) sorry for the short chapter. my muse is gone. i may repost this chapter; i haven't decided yet. any-who...happy reviewing!
