Disclaimer: I don't Highlander (or Stargate when I get to it)

Rating: Warning this chapter is K+

Beta Reader: None (other them myself and my computer – we argue a lot :p) Update: Since this has been reloaded, it was beta read by Fanlass

Reviewers: CubsKing – Thanks for the information. I hope you continue to enjoy it.

Nedy Rahn –Thank you for the information and the PM's. The information was interesting and useful.

Starshinedown –Thanks for reading.

Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who sent a PM, I've made the corrections to the chronicle in chapter 9. This chapter contains Arthurian Mythology. I wrote this chapter to co-inside with what was mentioned in Season 9 of Stargate SG-1 where they used the mythology as a main story base. Update (2014): I went through each chapter to fix any mistakes; if I've missed any please let me know.

AAD

478 years after Chapter 9….

Chapter 10: Lasting Impressions

513AD - Southern Britain

Nyssa urged her horse on following the path worn by years of travel through the forest. She's been travelling through Britain for weeks, never stopping long in one place. Her wandering ways had taken her from Rome to Pompeii. Thankfully, she hadn't been in Pompeii when Mount Vesuvius had erupted. She had left a few days before the city had been buried in ash and pumice.

After centuries of wandering, she still felt there was more to see. That had brought her to Britain, that and the stories told of Camelot. Of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

She patted her horse's neck, ducking under a low-lying branch. She straightened in the saddle. The black stallion reminded her of Ramses. He had the same temperament, the same fire.

The path opened into a clearing and the smell of death hung in the air. The bodies of two Knights lay sprawled face down, a young blond headed woman sat bond and gagged against a tree. She was noble born by her attire, the Knights, Nyssa was sure were from Camelot.

Four burly bandits came from the shadows, swords drawn, leering at her.

"Well, well, what do we have here? A young pup?" the leader jeered.

Nyssa draw her sword from the scabbard strapped to her back. With her hair tucked into a fitted hood and dressed in a tunic, jacket and trousers. It was easy to mistaken her for a young man, which had been her intent, right from the beginning. She swung her leg over the horses head and slid gracefully off the beast. "I am no young pup," she retorted.

"Is that so," he chuckled. "You're going to be dead."

"You can try," she warned.

Their attack was sloppy, three meeting their deaths quickly. The fourth fought more bravely, a lucky strike lacerated Nyssa's sword in two. When he lunged at her, she thrust the broken sword into his gut, right up to the hilt.

"Like I said," Nyssa snarled. "I am no young pup." She let go of the sword.

He fell to his knees stunned and then at her feet, dead.

She wiped her hand on her trousers, pulling a dagger from her boot she hurried over to the noble woman and freed her. "You are safe now, milady."

The blond headed woman rubbed her wrists. "My thanks, kind sir."

Nyssa smiled and pushed back the hood, her braid fell out and over her shoulder. "You're welcome, milady."

"You are a woman," the noble born said astonished.

"I am," Nyssa helped her to her feet. "I am Alisha Cornwall." She tucked the dagger back into her boot.

The thundering of hooves got their attention, the noble woman moved closer to her champion.

Nyssa shoved her gently behind her, silently wondering if the bandits had friends. Especially now she was without a sword. Not that she needed one to defend herself. She could do that with her dagger.

Riders rode into the clearing, Camelot colours flying. The noble woman smiled in relief and stepped from behind her champion.

"My husband and his Knights," she revealed.

Nyssa was a little surprised knowing who this woman was she'd saved. "Queen Guinevere?"

She nodded and rushed to her husband after he dismounted, going into his arms. "Thank the lord you are here," she whispered. "We were attacked and Alisha came to my rescue." She smiled and stepped to his side noticing the Knights were eying her saviour suspiciously. "Alisha Cornwall, my husband, King Arthur."

Nyssa bowed her head. "It is a great honour, Sire."

Arthur was a handsome man, striking in every way. "The honour, Alisha Cornwall is mine. You have saved my wife. You are well skilled it seems."

"I did what I had to, Sire," she informed him. "And I would do so again." Either that or run like hell, she thought to herself.

Arthur smiled, as if he knew what she was thinking. He turned away. "Lancelot, gather our fallen brothers and let us return to Camelot."

A sandy headed Knight, bowed. "Yes your majesty." He and the other knights hurried to do so.

The King turned to his wife's champion. "Alisha Cornwell, will you accompany us to Camelot? I wish to reward you for your bravery."

"I would be honoured, your Majesty," Nyssa agreed and turned and whistled, her horse came over to her.

Guinevere laughed melodiously. "He is beautiful, Alisha, what do you call him?"

"His name is Amir, it means Prince in Arabic," Nyssa patted his nose. "I won him from a Prince who though he could out ride me, he was wrong."

Arthur laughed. "You are a woman of many talents, young Alisha."

And not so young, she mused to herself. "Thank you, your majesty," she smiled and bowed her head.

Lancelot returned. "Sire, we're ready to leave," he informed. There was still distrust in his blue eyes when he looked at the woman who had saved his queen.

"Then let us mount up and be on our way," Arthur insisted.

"Yes, Sire," Lancelot announced and returned to his horse.

When Arthur mounted, Nyssa helped Guinevere to mount his horse, sitting behind him, before any of the Knights could.

"Thank you, Alisha," she thanked.

"You're welcome, Milady," Nyssa said and then mounted herself.

The Knights had mounted, their fallen Knights carried with respect. Guinevere insisting her champion rode with her and Arthur. Nyssa was happy too as they started towards Camelot.

"Tell me young Alisha, how is it your alone?" Arthur inquired. "Surely your family would be concerned for your welfare."

Nyssa gripped her reins a little tighter. "I have only my brother's, Sire. It was they who have looked after me since our parent's untimely demise."

"And will they wonder where you are?" Guinevere asked her.

Nyssa shook her head. "No," she smiled. "They told me to go out and see the world. That is what I am doing."

"Your brother's must have faith in you," Arthur noted.

One does, the Immortal thought. "They have taught me well, Sire."

Lancelot rode next to her. "Was it your brothers who insisted you attire as a man?"

"It was. The ruse has saved my life more than once," Nyssa replied without hesitation. "Do I offend thee, Sir Lancelot?"

Lancelot felt his Kings gaze on him and swallowed back a snap comment. "No, you do not."

Nyssa laughed. "You hesitated, Sir. I believe I do."

Arthur found it amusing. "I believe Lancelot, Alisha is right."

"I apologize," Lancelot said and bowed his head to her.

"You are forgiven," Nyssa responded smiling.

The Knight smiled back, and then laughed with her. He held out his hand to her. Nyssa reached out and grasped his forearm, as he grasped her. "You are worthy, Alisha Cornwall."

"And you have much to learn, Sir Lancelot about women," she mused and released his arm.

"Especially this one," Arthur told his friend, smiling.

"I do indeed, Sire," Lancelot agreed finding it amusing.

The ride to Camelot was without tension. As they entered the King and his wife was welcomed back by their people. At the Castle, the two fallen Knights were carried with respect to the chapel. Arthur dismounted and lifted his wife from his horse, the reins given to a squire.

Nyssa dismounted, looking around. Camelot was as amazing as their stories to of it. The hair on the back of her neck prickled and she turning seeing an elderly man in wizard robes come down the stairs to them carrying a staff.

Arthur smiled. "Merlin, your premonition was right. Guinevere is safe and we have found her champion."

The wizard bowed his head. "It gladdens my heart to see you well, Queen Guinevere," he said and then looked directly at Nyssa. "And you, Alisha Cornwall. Welcome."

Nyssa raised an eyebrow. "You know who I am?"

"Indeed I do, young one," Merlin said.

His gaze for a moment chilled her; he knew more than he was letting on.

"Come Alisha," Guinevere insisted.

Nodding, Nyssa gave the reins to the squire and followed the King, his wife and the wizard into the Castle. Lancelot was at her side, staying with her as they entered and walked into a large room. At its centre was a large round table.

Arthur watched her walk around the table, running her fingers over its surface. There was something about this woman, she was more than she seemed. "Tell me, Alisha Cornwall. What reward can I offer thee?"

Nyssa had been thinking about it herself, she turned, standing behind his chair. "I ask only for two things, Sire."

"Ask, Alisha Cornwall."

She smiled. "A sword and a home within your kingdom for as long as I wish to stay?"

Guinevere couldn't help but smile. "Alisha did lose her sword saving my life."

Arthur nodded, agreeing. "I will have my own sword maker craft you a sword that will be of my design," he stated. "And I insist you stay here in the castle. My home, Alisha Cornwall is yours. "

She bowed her head. "I am honoured, Sire."

Merlin smiled. The Immortals arrival at Camelot had been foreseen by him, now having her there. She was as impressive as Oma had said she was.

AAD

Merlin watched the Immortal sparing with Lancelot. In the months she had been with them, Nyssa had made an impression on all of Arthur's Knights and the King himself. She could hold her own against any of the Knight of the round table. She had a tactical mind that had astounded them and made them admire her. The King and his Knights listened to her advice, as did the Queen, who had become good friends with her champion.

Arthur true to his promise had a sword made for her that was unique. The Arthurian, as it had been dubbed. Was made from a metal none had ever seen before. He, Merlin had given it to Arthur.

"Spying, Merlin?" Arthur inquired as he joined the wizard.

The elder man chuckled. "I am much too old for spying young, Sire."

The King laughed softly and watched the woman and the Knight. Mostly he watched his wife's champion. "She is quite remarkable, is she not, Merlin?"

"She is, Sire," the Wizard agreed. "Her brother's have taught her well."

"Indeed they have," Arthur stated engrossed. "If I were not already married, Merlin, I would take her as my Queen."

"She could teach you much, Sire," the elder mused.

Arthur laughed lightly. "On that, my old friend I have no doubts. She has taught Guinevere much in her time here."

"You are surprised by her knowledge," Merlin declared.

"As you have pointed out yourself, Merlin, Alisha is not like other ladies of my Court." The King noted. "She can be as dangerous as any Knight I have known one moment and as tender as a lover the next."

"Indeed she can, Sire," the Wizard, agreed.

"There is more to the Lady Alisha Cornwall then she reveals, Merlin," Arthur announced. He winced as the person in question brought Lancelot to his knees, her sword at his throat. "Perhaps one day my friend she will trust me enough to reveal her secret."

Merlin nodded. "Perhaps, Sire. When the time, is right."

Arthur agreed with that, and then smiled as both 'Alisha' (Nyssa) and Lancelot sheathed their swords and walked towards them laughing happily. "We are blessed, Merlin by her presents."

"That we are, Sire," Merlin granted. No matter how long the Immortal stayed with them, Merlin knew she had made an impression on all at Camelot. In addition, when the time came for her to leave, she would be solely missed by all.

AAD

Extracts from the Nyssa Chronicles – Translated by Dr Daniel Jackson

513 AD

– While traveling through Southern Britain, using the alias – Alisha Cornwall, I see a young noble woman being assaulted. I manage to fight off her attackers, but the blade of my sword is lacerated in two. The young noblewoman thanking me and once her husband and his Knights arrive, I realize this woman is Queen Guinevere. On the King Arthur's insistence, I ride with them to 'Camelot'.

Arthur, King of the Britons offers me anything I wish. Needing a place to stay, I ask only for a home in his kingdom and a new sword. Arthur grants my request. His own blacksmith makes me a sword using an unknown metal; Arthur has the sword is designed and crafted to his specifications, making sure it is weighed and balanced perfectly for my use; he names it the Arthurian sword. It is one of a kind. (I am 1541 years old)

519 AD

– During my time at Camelot, I train with the Knights of the Round Table. Arthur thinks Lancelot is bestowed with me, though I must admit the Knight is a man of honour. Of course I know Arthur and Guinevere are trying to play matchmaker, I think I have been counselling the Queen a little too much in the art of pleasure. It seems she wishes all to be as happy as her.

Merlin, who I have taken as a confidant, says I should tell Arthur my secret. He insists it has to be done. Trusting the wizard, I agree. The next morning I ride with Arthur, away from Camelot and confined in him. I cut my hand and he watches the wound heal. He thinks this is a magical. I assure him it is not and reveal my Immortality. He agrees to keep my secret after Merlin appears out of nowhere and tells him it is imperative he does. (I am 1547 years old)

520 AD

– After 7 years with them, Merlin arrives one night at my chambers in the castle and informs me that another Immortal is in the area and I must leave. He is insistent and so is Arthur, who has me dress as one of his Knights. Merlin draws me into his arms before I leave and whispers that Oma is still looking over Methos and I. I am a little stunned by his words, but manage to smile and nod. After bidding farewell to Arthur, I leave Camelot under the disguise of riding to deliver a message. (I am 1548 years old)

[Side Note: It is my belief that Merlin was an ascended being, though I am not sure what he was doing at Camelot at that time – Dr Daniel Jackson]

To be continued in – Chapter 11: Life, love and ascension

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