Wow, I am on a roll! Two chapters posted in about 24 hours! Maybe I can finish the story soon. Oh, how bitter-sweet that will be. After this chapter I might need to do some experimenting with possible situations and eventual outcomes. I'll do my best so that everyone is happy. Thanks very much to my faithful readers who have been reviewing and thanks to faithful readers who choose not to review though reviews are very much appreciated! Keep up the reviews! Cheers!
Chapter 13: What is Best and What is Forfeit
The storm had calmed momentarily, and while a few of the knights tried to settle down for the night, others were finding that quite impossible. Bors paced in front of the fire while Arthur sat, his eyes fixed on the flames. Galahad fidgeted a few feet away, listening to Bors aimlessly rant, asking the same questions all of them were thinking.
"I mean, why would anyone-? What has Rhiane ever done to-?"
"No one said it was Rhiane who did anything to upset anyone, Bors," Arthur said.
Bors shook his head, and grumbled.
"I don't think we should be focusing so much on why rather than who," Galahad said.
"That shouldn't be too hard. There aren't that many culprits to choose from," Bors said.
"It wasn't the Romans. We know that," Arthur said.
"I wouldn't mark them off right away," Tristan joined in, taking a seat next to Arthur.
"The Romans have no motive as far as we know," Arthur said.
"As far as we know, Arthur," Galahad stated, darkly.
"Woads," Tristan suggested, "They have their motives."
"How would the have gotten through the wall to her though? Plus, that doesn't explain why they'd take Rhiane. The motives are against Rome and ourselves not her," Bors argued.
"Bors, you consider Rhiane your daughter, right? The daughter of a Sarmatian Knight would be some matter of a leverage to them, wouldn't she?"
"While that is a very good point, Tristan, let's focus on the mission at hand shall we?"
"Arthur, I don't give a rat's ass about the mission for your bloody Romans. How can you expect me to worry about some pompous, wealthy Roman family when my daughter is god knows where being held captive by god knows who?!"
"Bors, I understand, but there is nothing we can do for Rhiane until we get back to the wall."
"We can't just do nothing!"Galahad snapped, "She could be dead by the time we get back!"
Tristan grabbed Galahad by the collar and led him away from the discussion.
"You need to control yourself, pup. None of us are happy with the situation, but we can't afford to lose our heads."
"I'm going back to the wall and finding Rhiane!" Bors shouted as he stormed away from Arthur.
"I'm going with him," Galahad said, brushing Tristan hand off his shoulder and heading in the same direction Bors went.
"The Romans will have our heads if we abandon the mission. Then, you can bid your freedom a fond farewell," Tristan called after him.
"I don't care! Rhiane needs me!" Galahad shouted back.
"Whoa, there, pup. Bors isn't going anywhere and neither are you. Arthur isn't about to let him leave and I'm not about to let you, yet again, be brash and do something stupid," Tristan said, seizing the back of Galahad's tunic.
"How is that everything I do is brash and stupid?"
"Pup, your heart's in the right place, but you tend to act on impulse and don't think your actions out."
"Then what do you suggest I do?" Galahad demanded, turning to face him.
"What Arthur said. Get through this mission and then we'll figure what to do about Rhiane. It's still a few days before we arrive at the Roman's house. Plenty of time for you to get some thoughts straight."
Tristan patted him on the back and turned to leave him.
"What do you do, Tristan, when you care about someone? How do you know what to dare and what not to dare for them?" Galahad asked.
"It's hard to know, Galahad. Most people would say listen to your heart, but I question how well that works. What I do know, Galahad, is that when you do care for someone you have to give up a lot for them, and there will be times when the favor is not returned."
"I'd give it all up for Rhiane."
"I know, pup, but you have to keep in mind that you are not the only one who cares about Rhiane. You have to keep her best interests in mind at all times...even if they don't include you."
Galahad fell silent for awhile. "Is that why you're helping me? Rhiane's best interests don't include you?"
"That is one reason. I'm not the best for her. It would not be in her best interest to be with me."
"I wish I could go back and fix everything, then maybe-"
"You don't have that option. Fix it in the present."
"I'm not sure I know how."
"Then, you need to figure out how, Galahad. If fear controls your life, then your life is forfeit," Tristan said strenly.
Galahad noddded. Tristan walked off and disappeared into the night, leaving Galahad alone with his turbulent emotions.
"Then, my life is forfeit."