Percival lead the pair of them away to the heart of the mountaintop settlement. Quite understandably, the small worn roads and streets were devoid of people, minus the odd few seeking shelter inside their homes. Percival walked to the doors of one of the larger houses. "Please go inside."

All of them entered… but the inside was completely black. Complete darkness fell when Percival eventually closed the door behind them before casting a flame in her palm for light. All of their shadows flickered from the light of the flame, casting them far across the room. Taira got closer to the light to talk. "So what do you have to tell us?" Percival flicked her visor up, revealing her yellow eyes. Her sword was drawn and pointed at both Taira and Sabre. Sabre was bemused and stood forward. "Percival? What do you think you're doing?"

Percival spoke quickly. "Lancelot is dead… murdered by Gawain, he now resides as a hermit in the north of Avalon. Galahad… Lancelot's son has fled to a new kingdom and as for Lamorak… It is rumoured that he remained in the castle. The only chance I have of protecting MY people is what I am about to do now." Sabre looked at her… "Just what is this..?"

Percival came forward almost in response. "This place is the only one capable of crafting weapons of superb quality, this is what is saving my people…" Her voice quivered, "I apologise princess… but I must hand you over… If I do not, I lose my people, as well as my life style…" Taira shook her head, "B-but, but… Merlina will be in control… Is that what you want?" Percival laughed, "Merlina..? She is but a puppet in this game… you both have much to discover yet."

Sabre had heard enough. "She will not be turned over… not on my terms you don't!" Percival laughed the challenge off. "Warrior, you do not understand. Everything that HAS happened has already been prophesised… Lancelot's passing, my betrayal, the choice that YOU will personally have to come to make… much more is happening than you could ever comprehend." Sabre looked back to Taira sternly. "Why am I only hearing of this… 'Prophecy' now?" Taira shook her head, she was in shock. "I-I didn't know of one…" Percival too shook her head. "You are blind child… and why? Because your parents ordered that any mention of the prophecy be kept from you… and naturally, us as knights obeyed."

Sabre carefully began to unsheathe his own 'blade'. The orb in his whip began to crackle into life, casting a greenish-light to the room on top of Percival's flame-cast shadows. "Prophecy or no prophecy… I'm not letting you take the life of the only ally I have in this war!" Percival lowered her blade. "Heed me, there is still time… I can help you to escape given the chance. I do not wish to kill you princess, or you traveller. It would be a stain upon my honour I received from the good king," Taira glared back at Percival. "Percival… normally I would trust you with everything… but how can you expect me to believe this?"

"You have to… Just as your father once did."

Sabre's whip began to settle. He replaced it cautiously and listened in. Percival's voice lowered… She seemed wary of anyone that could have been listening, even with just the three of them. "I shall escort you to the north boards… from there you can descend the mountains and into Avalon's plains easily. You will be safer there. My ending is already cast in stone… but the prophecy claims… 'when land and sea join hands in the crown, the kingdom will forever prosper'. You can still be the queen that your mother and father always wished for Taira, just do not allow the Grand Master defeat you, or Merlina for that matter…"

"So there IS another apart from that witch…" Sabre chimed in. "Keep your voice down!" Percival hissed at him angrily. "He is always present… always listening… always watching…" Taira looked at Percival and nodded. It had been the first time in memory that she had remained entirely silent, taking all this information in. Sabre, keeping his voice much lower… "What will we find in Avalon?"

"Plains… fields mostly. There is a large stone relic there… It's said that is where Gawain is presently living. You may find him… however I am unsure how much help he will be." She sighed. "But still… it'll be much safer for you there than it will be here. It is also away from the sight of the castle. They will not be able to see you." Sabre looked back at Taira, and then to Percival. "We may be running… but it will at least give us chance to formulate a plan to retaliate."

Taira nodded. "Let's go, it's the only plan we have… for now." Percival nodded herself in agreement and headed outside. "Now, follow me. We must hurry! Quickly! Quickly!" She ushered the two of them from the house and into the streets again. "You must leave here before he arrives here expecting me to hand the pair of you over!" Sabre sighed and subtly glared as she became pushy. "So much for the importance of keeping a your voice down…"

Percival rolled her eyes at the comment and dashed in front of them, leading them into smaller side-alleys and to the edge of the settlement. Taira just grabbed hold of Sabre and dragged him along as she followed the knight. "Just come on…" Sabre, being dragged along for the ride couldn't help but question. "These are back streets! How will this take us any closer to the plains at the bottom of the mountain?"

"Because it will lead you to the back of my settlement, there is the quickest route down the mountain and AWAY from danger and into the planes… go back the way you came and you will more than likely run into a demonic trap" She stopped as the alley emerged and into an open area. The back gate of the settlement. Sabre looked to Percival briefly before looking beyond the gate. "This is where we part… Let's get out of here." he looked back to Percival briefly before opening the gate. "Don't expect me to forgive you for what you've done just yet… Not only has MY life's work and legacy been lost by these acts, my ancestors' legacy also."

She looked back at him and nodded. "Likewise warrior… I have lost much pride for my own acts…" She held out her hand, catching Taira's arm before she turned away, "Princess, no matter what happens, the Black Cauldron will always have an allegiance to you whether I represent it or not." Taira bowed her head in thanks. "Thank you Percival." Percival gave a brief smile before she let Taira go. "Wait… Take this." She untied her scabbard and handed it to Taira. "This is one of my newest swords I have been working on. It will serve you much, much better than that old training sword attached to your waist." Taira took it and nodded, "Thank you again… All the best to you Sir Percival."

They disappeared through the gate and down the mountain… The plains extended for miles and miles below them. The sky remained the ghoulish shade of purple as they had been, but the land was relatively untouched. As they headed down the mountain, Taira was silent. What had just happened was tugging at her mind violently. Mainly this prophecy that was unknown to her up until now. As she walked, she half-heartedly tied Percival's scabbard to her belt.

"It's that 'Prophecy isn't it? You have hardly said a word since she spoke of it…"