Love for a Lionheart

Chapter 10: Run

With shaking hands, Skye carefully poured a cool liquid into a small vial before placing a stopper over it and lining it up next to several other small containers filled with the same liquid. During her time as a prisoner in her own bedchambers, exactly a week, she had managed to make a dozen herbal medicines and antidotes with herbs Merlin, Alissa, or Gwen brought to her from her garden.

Sighing, Skye began to pace her room. Shaky hands were only half of what ailed her. Since her imprisonment she had grown incredibly antsy, agitated, and even more angry. Though instead of outbursts, her anger simmered in the pit of her stomach and she wanted more than anything to slap the sinister smirk off of Morgana's face. Before she could do that, she needed to get out of her blasted confinement!

Opening the door to her chambers, Skye was greeted by the grim faces of two young knights who immediately barred her way. "We have orders to make sure you do not leave, Lady Skye."

"Oh I know," said Skye, mentally cursing the fact that there were guards at her door 24/7. "I just get bored and was hoping to talk. You know, prison is never fun."

The guards looked at each other as though they had a telepathic conversation going, then looked at her, figuring she was a young woman who couldn't get very far if she made a break for it. Finally they nodded, relaxing their stance but not letting her get passed the entryway of her room.

"So," Skye looked into the eyes of her guards. Most of them usually honored her request and talked with her for a bit, but today her guards were as silent and solemn as death. "Why do you look so upset?"

"This morning there was word that a patrol of knights were killed by Cenred's men. It was a massacre, every last one of them dead. Sir Leon is also among the dead."

Skye took an involuntary step back, shocked by the news, especially of the death of Sir Leon. Skye was particularly fond of him. He was unlike other knights, he didn't walk around with arrogance as most other did, and he was truly loyal and caring. "Why? Did Cenred's men enter our land?"

"They didn't enter the land," one of the knights corrected her. He was more conversational than his companion who continued to take his duty as guard seriously.

Skye shook her head, not understanding. "Then why would he massacre our knights? Is he seeking war?"

"He meant to make an example of trespassing," the knight explained. "The patrol was found on the borders of our lands and Cenred's patrol attacked when they crossed that border."

Skye pressed a hand to her throat, horrified by the news. Before she could respond, Gwen showed up carrying a tray of food and two knights to relieve the other two knights by her door.

"What is the prisoner doing out," one knight asked gruffly.

"I'm not out, I'm still within my confinement," Skye pointed to the ground where her feet were still within her doorframe.

The guard who reprimanded the other two eyed her warily before looking at the two young knights. "You are not allowed to socialize with your prisoner again. You two are dismissed!" The two guards at her door nodded and hurried off as the new guards took their posts.

Skye felt a twinge of guilt at the reprimand the two young guards received as they walked away. Gwen walked past the guards, and Skye firmly closed the door behind her. Setting the tray down on the table, Gwen removed the covered to reveal a hot supper that Skye was still privileged to eat. However, since her "arrest", Skye had been wary about eating things, fearful that there was poison in it, a quick "do-away" gift from Morgana. Though since the news of the massacre, the last thing Skye wanted to do was eat.

"I heard what happened," Skye said, as Gwen walked to her medicine table, looking at all of the vials of freshly brewed antidotes.

"Then did you hear Sir Leon returned alive and well?"

"What?!"

Gwen turned to Skye and nodded. "This evening just before I brought your supper, Sir Leon showed up as healthy and alive as ever. He is meeting with the king and Arthur right now."

"How does one man manage to walk away while an entire patrol is killed? I know Leon is a great knight, but still…"

"I don't know," answered Gwen, shaking her head. "It's a miracle." She looked at Skye who slowly paced in circle. To Gwen, Skye looked like a caged lion, ready to pounce. "This also means that releasing you any time soon as been pushed back. Cenred's attack has been made top priority."

Skye winced at that fact. "I need to get out of here, Gwen, I'm going mad." With a heavy sigh, Skye sunk into a chair, pushing her plate of food away. "I'm almost tempted to write to Aidan so they will appeal on my behalf."

"I see that backfiring," Gwen stated.

"I know." Skye her temples, closing her eyes for a moment. "So what do I do?"

Gwen shook her head. "I don't know, Skye, I don't know."

There was a knock on the door before one of the guards peered in and looked at Gwen. "Time's up, you need to go." Gwen nodded and walked over to Skye and squeezed her hand.

"You'll figure something out," she whispered before she left.

"I hope so," Skye responded as the knights closed the door after Gwen.

A few hours later, Alissa showed up to help Skye prepare for bed, replaying the news of Sir Leon's arrival. It was when Skye was sitting in front of her vanity so that Alissa could help her brush out her long hair that Alissa produced a small folded piece of parchment from sleeve.

"From Merlin," she said, as she began to brush her lady's hair.

Skye carefully unfolded the small slip of parchment, smiling lightly at Merlin's messy writing that was cramped into a small space. He told her that he was leaving at dawn with Arthur, but he didn't know where or when they'll return. He told Skye to be very careful because he had a bad feeling about something. Finally he said that he would come back for her…"I promise".

Folding the note carefully, Skye put it on her table, deciding she would dispose of it once Alissa left. Alissa continued to brush out Skye's hair, concentrating on the strands in her hand to give Skye privacy to read the note. Looking up at the mirror, Alissa realized Skye had been watching her all this time.

"Is something wrong, my lady?"

"I…I don't know," Skye admitted and adverted her gaze. Alissa frowned and brushed Skye's hair in silence as she watched Skye seemingly wrestle with the desire to speak and keep quiet.

"Alissa?"

"Yes, Skye?"

Skye smiled when Alissa used her name instead of calling her "my lady" or "Lady Skye". This simple act reminded Skye that Alissa could be trusted.

"Alissa," Skye started, biting her bottom lip. "I need you to promise me something."

Alissa's hands stilled from brushing and she gave Skye her full attention. She had grown to love the liaison between Camelot and Aidan like a sister. "Anything, Skye, you know I am loyal to you. I know we haven't known each other long but from the first day I was assigned to be your maid you have shown me nothing but kindness and you have always been consistent in your words and actions, this is why I can be loyal to you, and overall loyal to Camelot. If this is about you and Merlin, your secret is safe with me."

Skye's cheeks flushed. Very few people knew about her and Merlin. She knew that Arthur and Gwen suspected something, but Merlin and Skye were never around them in order for them to confirm their relationship.

"Thank you, Alissa, but no, that's not it. I need you to promise me you will be careful these next few weeks. Promise me, you'll do whatever it takes to protect yourself. I doubt that because of this accusation against me I will be of much help in a time of trouble, and you have such a kind heart, I don't want anything bad to happen to you." Skye turned around in her seat and took Alissa's hands in hers. She smiled gently at her maid with kind blue eyes and a trusting face. "Promise me you will be very careful and protect yourself, no matter what it takes."

Alissa bit her bottom lip; there were so many things she wanted to say. She wanted to tell Skye about her magic, but she wouldn't. She didn't want to make the promise either, because she feared that the promise would make her do something she definitely didn't want to do, like betray Skye. As she looked into Skye's unwavering brown stare, Alissa finally nodded with a slight smile. "I promise, Skye."

"Good." Skye smiled and gently squeezed Alissa's hands before she let her go. "I think I'm ready for bed now," said Skye, pulling her hair over her shoulder as rose. Without second thought, she pulled her maid into a hug.

Alissa was startled at first, but then hugged Skye back. More than anything she wished that Skye was truly her sister.

Skye pulled back and smiled up at Alissa. "You know, once all this is over, we'll go on a walk. I want to hear all about your life. You're a hard worker and an even better friend."

"I would like that," Alissa agreed as a grin broke across her face. "Good night, my lady," she said, dipping into a habitual curtsy before leaving the room.

With the door securely shut behind her, Skye retrieved Merlin's note from her vanity. Placing it in the palm of her hand, Skye murmured a single word before the note burst into tiny flames without scorching her hand.

***/***

Skye never slept that night. Instead, as soon as Alissa was dismissed she set to work. Opening the large, ornate trunk at the foot of her bed that could only be accessed by magic, Skye extracted several things she hadn't needed in quite some time. The first being clothes she used to wear when she believed she was simply the daughter of a huntsman.

Shrugging off her nightgown, Skye quickly changed into the familiar tight black leggings, and long lavender tunic that ended just above her knees. A soft feminine leather vest went over her tunic that required to be laced in the front. Completing her outfit was a pair of black, short riding boots. Skye paused in front of her full-length mirror for a moment. Pushing back her waist-length chestnut colored hair, Skye was pleased to know that her clothes still fit her for the most part, except for the slight tightness in the chest area. Pulling her long hair into a secure ponytail, Skye wasted no more time.

From the trunk, Skye pulled out two large satchels. In one satchel, she filled it with extra garments, money that she had saved, and several jewels tucked away in a secret compartment. The second satchel was filled with Skye's potions and antidotes and two books that contained recipes for the potions. Everything she couldn't fit into her satchels were stored in the trunk and locked away with magic once again.

With everything prepared, all that was left was to write the letters. Sitting at the wooden table in her room, Skye began to address and write three letters, occasionally pausing to rub her glowing pendant in though. The first was to Katherine and Henry in Aidan, the second to the future king of Camelot, and the third to Merlin, her dear lionheart.

It took the remainder of the night for her to write the letters. By morning the next day when Alissa entered the room with breakfast, she was startled to find Skye sitting at the table with three letters lined up neatly and a small vial.

"My lady," said Alissa, regarding her mistress carefully. She noted the shadows beneath Skye's eyes and the common wear she was dressed in.

"Are there guards at the door?"

"No, my lady, they usually don't come for another hour—"

"Close the door, Alissa, and lock it," Skye said in a voice that would not be disobeyed.

Placing the tray of food on the table, Alissa hurried to fulfill the request. "Skye," she questioned, walking back to the lady.

"Alissa I need to know that I can trust you with my very life."

Alissa stared at Skye who met her eyes with such a fierce gaze that even the strongest warrior would lose capability to lie to her. Despite Skye's beliefs that she was not fit to be royalty, Alissa immediately knew that at that moment Skye was a warrior before anything else. "Yes, Skye, my loyalty is to you."

"Good," said Skye. Looking down at the three letters and vial before her, Skye's stomach was in knots as she thought about what she was asking of Alissa.

"Alissa, it is not safe for me in Camelot," Skye began. "I must go into hiding for a while. You will be the last person to see me, and that is very dangerous for you, that is why I ask you to drink this. It is a sleeping drought. I cannot bear the idea of physically harming you, so I believe this will be easier. I will make it look as though I attacked you. But before you drink it, please, take these three letters, hide them somewhere and when you awaken and it is safe, please send these to who they are addressed to. Can you do all of this for me, Alissa?"

"Yes, my lady," Alissa answered without wavering, glad to be of service in any way possible. "But Skye, where will you go?"

"I cannot say," answered Skye. "Not because I do not trust you, but because I wish to protect you as much as possible."

"How long will you be gone?"

"I, I don't know," answered Skye, her nerves shaking her voice. "Until it is right for me to return to Camelot."

Alissa nodded and took the letters Skye had for her and tucked them safely in her dress. Picking up the small glass vial, Alissa held it up to the sunlight, contemplating the clear liquid.

"Wait, Alissa." Skye stood from her seat and embraced the girl. "Thank you," she whispered, squeezing gently. "Thank you."

"You are welcome, Skye," Alissa answered, responding with a squeeze of her own. "I will miss you."

"I'll miss you too."

With a nod, Alissa uncorked the vial and downed the potion in one gulp. Quickly, her eyelids grew heavy and Skye quickly caught the girl and gently eased her to the ground. Quickly acting, Skye discarded the empty vial, gathered her satchels and threw on a cloak. Using the heavy breakfast platter, Skye let it fall to the ground with a loud bang right next to Alissa's head.

Pulling the cloak's hood up, Skye opened her room doors. Seeing that the hall was empty she quickly made her way out of the castle, expertly avoiding knights and servants by quick thinking and hiding. Soon she was out of the castle, and just as she walked past the gates of the palace the bells rung, signaling an escape.

***/***

Sometime later, all the letters were delivered:

To Katherine and Henry Fell of Aidan:

I hope this letter finds you well. By the time you get this, trouble may have been caused by my escape, and for that I am truly sorry. But I have been convicted of crimes I did not commit. Just know that I am safe and in hiding. It seems to me that you, Lady Katherine, and my father have a skill for not being found and it is my turn to see if I have that same skill. Protect Aidan, and help Camelot. I believe Arthur will be a good king when the time comes. Do what it takes to create an alliance. Let them search the kingdom and prove that I cannot be found. When the time is right, I will return, and try to right things. Until then, take care.

Skyelynn Fell.

***/***

Arthur Pendragon of Camelot:

By the time you get this letter, I cannot say what has happened in Camelot, I do know that nothing good has happened. I know that you do not believe I would betray Camelot, and I beg of you to believe me now that this act of escape is not one of betrayal, but of necessity. As long as Morgana is around, Uther will never believe me, and I fear that if he were to believe me, it would be too late for me, so that is why I must hide. I urge you to continue to seek peace with Aidan. We are a small kingdom, but we are fierce and loyal. We will be loyal to Camelot, especially when you are king.

Lady Skyelynn Fell, noble of Aidan, comrade of Camelot.

***/***

Merlin:

It seems we are always just missing each other, doesn't it? I know that you promised to return, and I intended to wait for you. Yet I could not be imprisoned any longer. I know that as long as Uther loves Morgana, I would never be free, or worse. I am sorry that we must be separated again. I pray for the day where we can finally be together with no more separation and no more running. Until then, be very careful, Merlin. Morgana has magic; I know this because of my pendant. It has always glowed in Camelot and I now understand it is because of her. I don't know what I've done to deserve her hatred, and that is why I must flee. Not because I fear her, but because of her position in the royal court. Against her, my word is nothing to Uther.

I will miss you, my Lionheart. When the time is right, I will return, and if you will still have me, I'll return to you most of all, Merlin. I know you will take care of Arthur despite his stubbornness, but never forget to take care of yourself too. Also, look after Alissa, my servant. She is a good girl, although shy, she is very loyal and a good friend.

All my love,

Skye.

Author's Note: I'm so sorry it took me forever to update. I'm really really sorry.

Also...my original intent for the plot has changed...so if the story doesn't "flow" with what was written in the past, I'm sorry, but it's going in a new direction. Still MerlinxOC and some ArthurxGwen, so no worries. (:

Merry Christmas!