As promised, another very long chapter. Hope you guys like it ;)
Percival looked pale from standing for so long but he kept his head up, listening as everyone mauled over what he had just said to them. The map showed the details of Lazarus's fort which Percival had dissected for them, showing the weak spots and most defenceless points in its structure as well as the number of men guarding each post and how many Lazarus had protecting him. He felt tired, still slightly feverish so he leaned against the table for support.
"Arthur, he needs to sit down." Amaya spoke, drawing the king's attention first to her then to Percival before nodding.
"Forgive me. Please, sit down." Percival sighed with relief and drew up a chair, sitting down and he instantly felt better.
"Thank you." He murmured and the king acknowledged his gratitude whilst looking over the fort once more.
"You say that the most likely way of getting inside is to scale the walls." Arthur repeated then tapped a finger to the western side of the wall. "Right here."
"It is his strongest side." Percival explained. "He expects someone who attacks him to try and smash through the walls so he does not have it guarded as well as the other side as it is thick enough to withstand many blows. He has archers positioned in the barracks in these towers and below which he has shoot down anyone foolish enough to try and break in from that side." Percival touched the map and turned it around. "But if you were to scale the wall with ladders whilst drawing attention away from that side, you would be in the keep and you would have a better chance of getting the gates open from the inside." Arthur nodded his head once more then looked to Percival quietly, a slight frown creasing his brow.
"How do you know so much?" Percival sighed, looking down in shame.
"Because I am Percival Lazarus. His son." Everyone stared in shock save for Guinevere who bristled and leaped to her feet.
"You feed us false information!" She accused, pointing her finger at him with a snarl. "Guards!" Two guards leaped forwards but Amaya stepped forwards and blocked the way, lifting her chin definitely which made Guinevere's blood boil. How she hated that woman. The guards made to shove her aside but she held firm and Galahad instantly leaped forwards to defend his sister but Arthur's voice called out loudly.
"Enough! Put your swords away." The guards bowed their heads and complied, shooting an apologetic look to Amaya who nodded her head once in understanding then turned to face the king.
"He does not lie." Amaya told him quietly, placing her hand on Percival's shoulder and he looked up to her with surprise. Why was she still defending him? He had initially lied to her, yet she still trusted him? "He speaks only the truth."
"How can you know?" Guinevere demanded, rising to her feet swiftly.
"I know." Amaya answered with a small shrug. "I believe him." She turned and looked to Percival who slowly bowed his head respectfully to her. "He does not want power or the title of prince. He only wants to be an honest man. Am I correct, sir?" Percival nodded his head.
"Indeed you are, my lady." He answered her quietly. "I am no great leader of men nor a ruler of a kingdom. It is my fault that we lost the battle against you by the cliff but I was only obeying my father's wishes. I have always been taught to honour the orders of your father and could not disobey him." Satisfied, Amaya looked to Arthur who watched Percival carefully. He registered the calmness that surrounded him and the slight shame in his eyes. Perhaps he was telling the truth.
Arthur looked across the room, his advisors with their stiff lips and narrowed eyes and his knights who looked like they would rather be anywhere else in the world rather than here. His eyes rested on Amaya who was watching him calmly. He did not know what had prompted him to invite her to this meeting but he had done so without thinking, though he was glad of her company.
To him, Amaya held a solid presence, one that he seemed to trust and rely on from time to time when court became too much. Guinevere relished in the attention the courtiers gave her, their congratulations on her pregnancy making her glow but it only made Arthur uncomfortable, however when Amaya saw sense to whistle them away, he found it easier to relax. She truly was a good friend.
"We shall wait for our scouts to return." Arthur decided then waved his hand, signalling that everyone could leave. The guards took Percival away but not before he had murmured his thanks to Amaya who simply nodded her head in return. She waited behind, letting everyone leave until only she and Arthur remained.
"I trust his word." Amaya said to him quietly. "I know it is not my place…"
"You have as much right to speak as I do, Amaya, do not worry." Arthur said, beginning to strategize his attack. "What I need to know is whether or not you plan a grand escape to follow after us when we march for Lazarus's fort." Amaya chuckled.
"I shall do what my king commands this time." She replied simply, stepping up to the table and glancing over the drawings.
"Although I am inclined to ask you to remain, your skill with a bow equals that of Tristan's. A part of me wishes to ask you to accompany us, though I doubt your brother will appreciate the request." Arthur murmured, frowning in thought. "You see, if we can get our own archers onto the west wall, I will need only those with the best aim to keep the path clear so that the gates can be opened. You and Tristan are undoubtedly the best in my entire army." Amaya warmed at the face at Arthur's compliment and he noticed the slight redness to her cheeks. "It is true."
"I am honoured by your praise, Arthur." She told him, tilting her head to the side. "But if you attack the eastern wall at the gates, surely your men will be cut down by the archers if we cannot get onto the wall fast enough?" She questioned him.
"We will put up the shields to hold back the arrows. We may lose a few men but it will have to be timed so that we can move forwards continuously then enter the gate without stopping, which will limit the casualties we take." Amaya nodded her head in understanding.
"Then would it best to attack in darkness?" Arthur nodded his head.
"We shall have to try and approach without them knowing." He winced slightly. "Though I am not sure how we are going to hide an entire army." Amaya turned to the map and looked over the land, biting her lip.
"You could split the forces." She suggested and Arthur looked up. "Place a battalion here, just outside Lazarus's lands in this clearing. It is defendable on higher ground so they will be able to ward off any attack he may decide to form on them." She traced her finger along the parchment then stopped at the marked hills. "Whilst the rest slip through here. If the other battalion can draw the attention then you might be able to go unnoticed."
"Possible." Arthur mussed thoughtfully then he smiled. "If you were born a man, I would make you into a knight and a councillor."
"But I am a woman, so I shall give you my help where I can." Amaya returned. "It may be wise to send false reports of your numbers to Lazarus, telling him when you plan to attack but then mount the charge early so that he is caught unawares. I have seen this tactic many times through my travels." She looked up at him blankly. "You would be surprised how much you learn working for a general." Arthur chuckled.
"You listened at key holes?"
"I listened, yes. Sometimes he had me in the room serving wine and would talk. I learned much, surprisingly." Amaya shrugged then stepped back. "I shall leave you in peace." She curtseyed to the king and he bowed his head respectfully before letting her go.
Amaya lifted her head as she stepped out of the room, her eyes meeting Guinevere's. Instantly she was on her guard, watching the woman as she glowered coldly at her. Slowly the queen stepped forwards, unfolding her arms to invade Amaya's personal space which made her temper spike but she kept it controlled.
"I warned you not to meddle in our affairs." Amaya arched an eyebrow then spoke without meaning to.
"You should be more careful with your own affair." Guinevere's hand darted out to slap Amaya but she caught her wrist and gripped it tightly, making the woman gasp as she crushed the joint easily but did not more damage than that. "Court is a dangerous place, I have learned." She began slowly, holding on still as the queen tried to tug away. "If you insist upon doing what you do then leave me well alone. I shall tell no one depending on the gender of your child. When it is born, then I shall decide what to say."
"I'll kill you." Guinevere hissed sharply, finally snatching her hand away. "I'll have you dead before I let you ruin me." Amaya rolled her eyes at the empty threat. The queen's eyes burned with rage. "Do not think me light hearted to not mean it! I have fought with Saxons, I am the Queen of Briton!"
"And I am just a maid. One who has fought beasts and men all her life, journeyed across the continent and ocean to find her brother then joined a battle to protect him." Amaya replied simply, stepping back whilst holding the woman's glare. "You do not frighten me."
"You should be afraid." Guinevere challenged sharply. "You will die before I allow you to whisper poison into my husband's ear." Amaya smirked slowly, enjoying how she could rile up the proud woman so easily.
"I think you should be kinder towards me." Guinevere spat but Amaya continued. "Seeing as I am the only one you could ask to protect them whilst you remain here, completely useless on the battlefield." The woman paused, understanding her meaning.
"Why would you protect him?" Guinevere demanded hotly, pursing her lips. "Why not let him die and be done with everything?"
"Because I am not that cruel, Guinevere. Also I know that Arthur relies heavily on him. I cannot abide your disgusting behaviour but for the moment, Arthur needs you both. So I shall do what I can to keep everything in balance." Slowly Guinevere's face dropped, her mouth gaping at her.
"Would you? Would you watch out for him?" Nodding her head, Guinevere sighed with relief then closed her eyes. Suddenly tears sprang to her eyes and she buried her face in her hands, sobbing quietly as she sank to the floor. Without realising it Amaya stepped forwards and crouched beside her, placing an arm around the queen's back and she leaned into the embrace, crying still. "Forgive me, Amaya, I have been horrible to you. Working you to the point of exhaustion…I am cruel! Cruel and heartless! Why? Why can I not be satisfied with just one?"
"The heart is a complicated thing, Your Grace." Amaya murmured softly to her, stroking her hair to comfort her. "I cannot understand you at all, but I can only offer you my advice. Stop. Just stop before you get caught. Birth this child, pray that it is a girl then remain faithful to Arthur to give him a trueborn heir. You will destroy yourself with guilt if you carry on like this Guinevere." The queen looked up in surprise as Amaya used her name. She was shocked to see the older woman looking down at her with such warm tenderness that she began to sob all over again, gripping onto her.
"What goes on here?" Arthur demanded with concern. "Guinevere, are you hurt?"
"It is just the pregnancy, my lord." Amaya intervened with an assuring smile. "Mood swings are not uncommon." Guinevere quickly pulled herself together and smiled as her husband knelt before her, brushing her face dry.
"I'm alright." She assured him, touching his face tenderly. "I do not know what came over me." Arthur smiled with relief then helped his wife to her feet then offered Amaya a hand which she took to help her stand with her irritating skirts making it difficult for her to rise without overbalancing.
She nodded her head gratefully then left Guinevere in Arthur's care. Rubbing her head, Amaya sighed. She did not imagine her life to become so complicated when she had started out her journey to search for Galahad. Suddenly she was trapped in a web of affairs, wars, magic, damsels in distress and a scout who made her heart thud like a drum every time she looked at him.
Shaking her head Amaya looked to the sky outside, seeing that the sun was beginning to set so she returned to her room, changed into her breeches, shirt and an outer layer before pulling on cloak Amaya had borrowed from Vanora's extensive wardrobe of spare clothes for the court ladies. The simple steel blue cloak warming her as she drew it around her then walked towards the stables.
Tristan had said earlier that he would meet her in the woods so Amaya tacked Arluin up then rode out, trotting leisurely along as people cleared off the road for her to ride by. Some looked at her disapprovingly at her apparel but Amaya paid them no mind. If they thought her clothes now were bad, they should have seen what she used to wear in the summer when back in Sarmatia. Barely anything.
As Amaya approached the gates the guards nodded to her and she returned the gesture, cantering through then headed for the trees. She rode down the path for a time until she saw Tristan just ahead of her, waiting. "Tristan." She greeted warmly as he looked down at her, his eyes boring into hers deeply before he turned his horse around.
"Come." He said to her so Amaya followed, pushing Arluin into a canter to keep up with Tristan's horse, which snorted to Arluin then rubbed his nose briefly before Tristan pushed him into a gallop. Amaya smirked to herself then leaned lower in the saddle, clucking her tongue and Arluin happily picked up the pace, streaking ahead of Tristan who chuckled to himself then took up the challenge, racing to catch up.
They rode hard through the trees but when they approached a fallen branch on the road, Amaya slowed Arluin down to a canter to take the jump safely, sailing over cleanly with more lift than he really needed. Amaya leaned over Arluin's neck as he flew then sat up again on the landing, turning her head to watch Tristan clear the jump before together, they slowed to a walk.
Amaya looked to Tristan as he turned his horse's head, pulling out in front of Arluin to Amaya followed, letting him lead her off the track and deeper into the trees. He led her deeper and deeper into the forest until Amaya did not recognise a stick or stone. They had not spoken for a while but Amaya was comfortable with the silence, merely enjoying Tristan's company as he suddenly stopped.
"We are here." He announced then nodded forwards. Amaya saw a break in the trees where sunlight streamed down in a dusky gold colour. She dismounted and tied Arluin up, loosened his girth then walked towards the treeline.
When she stepped out into the open, Amaya could only stare at the wondrous sight before her. She dropped to the ground, sitting to enjoy the view of the sunset, filling the entire sky with its bright beams turning the trees into bright copper standards, the open grassland now a sea of gold with the slim waterfall catching the sunlight in its droplets, casting a shimmering arc of colours across her vision.
After a moment she felt Tristan sit down behind her and she breathed in sharply but silently as his hands went to her stomach and held her to him, his head resting against hers. For a long time they said nothing, simply gazed out to the serene and magnificent land before them. Amaya leaned back into Tristan who sighed deeply, slumping against her as he finally let all the tension go from his body.
One thumb gently traced a line across the back of her hand and Amaya enjoyed the roughness his touch brought as it reminded her even then of the strength of his character and that he truly was a warrior. However with that thought brought back the knowledge that soon, they would once again be going to fight.
"Tristan?" She murmured and he grunted quietly, signalling he was listening. "If Arthur asked me to come with the army, or I asked to go, what would you say?"
"I'd say you were a damned fool." He answered gruffly but lifted his head to rest atop hers. "But I would not argue." She smiled slightly, reaching a hand back to tangle in his hair, one hand finding a braid which she ran through her fingers.
"I do not know what I should do." She admitted. "Everything seems so complicated."
"It will not get easier." Tristan informed her bluntly but gently caressed her face, his fingers tracing the lines of her lips then brushed against her cheeks. "But it will be alright." Amaya turned around to face him, looking into his eyes carefully. He gazed back at her expressionlessly but there was a degree of warmth in his eyes that he struggled to express to her. He had worn the mask too long, it seems.
"If we defeat Lazarus, what will happen? Will everything become peaceful again?" He shrugged.
"Depends if we defeat him." Tristan answered. "The snake is likely to flee before we can get to him or when he sees that he is finished. If we cannot corner him then he will only return with another army. He is a very wealthy man with influence, he will not give up so easily." Amaya frowned.
"I do not understand. Why do men want power so much? It makes no sense to me." The scout chuckled quietly, a touch of a smile on his face as his fingers continued to touch the soft alabaster skin of Amaya's face before reaching behind and untying her hair, letting it drape across her shoulders and frame her face so that he could touch its silkiness.
"Because it means they have more control. To be king is to rule an entire country." Tristan explained softly, his eyes flickering between her eyes and her locks which he was admiring secretly. "It makes them stronger, wealthier and gives them the means to take even more for themselves." Amaya rolled her eyes.
"And I thought life in my clan was hard. All we ever worried about was when the next meal was coming." He nodded his head in agreement. "Do you remember your family?" He nodded his head once more.
"I was raised by my grandfather. My parents died when I was young and I had no other siblings. He will have passed away by now." Tristan murmured quietly, turning his eyes towards the sunset which was now barely more than a sliver of light over the horizon. "He was the one who taught me how to shoot and how to carve a bow, though he was blind he could still make the best bows in the territory." Amaya thought back to her life. The description struck a bell in her mind.
"Do you mean Dunstan of the Roxolani?" Tristan nodded her head and Amaya's eyes widened. "I met him, several times. My tribe used to trade with his when we caught fish and he would give us rabbits, hares and sometimes a boar depending on the numbers of our catch." Tristan watched Amaya carefully as her eyes widened further. "I went with my father to see him as my father needed a new bow. Your grandfather taught him how to carve his own…" The memory flooded back to her and she drew back from Tristan, staring in shock as he slowly began to smirk.
She could see it all clearly. The small cluster of tents nestled against the cliff to shield them from the wind. Amaya rode in front of her father, wrapped in a cloak to keep out the chill as his large hand rested on her shoulder though he looked ahead sternly, his brow furrowed deeply as she twisted her head to look up at him.
They were met with a welcoming cluster of men, who held their bows and spears proudly as Amaya's father dismounted then left her on the horse, striding forwards to converse with one of the men. Amaya fidgeted in the saddle and the chestnut stallion snorted, stomping his hoof in irritation so she did her best to sit still.
Turning her head Amaya scanned the rocks but saw a flicker of movement. Her eyes darted back and the shape of a boy quickly slipped back behind the rock. Before she could watch to see if he returned, her father lifted her from the saddle. "Come Amaya." He said to her, guiding her forwards. "There is someone I wish for you to meet." Amaya looked back over her shoulder to see the boy peek out from behind the rocks, smirking slightly with dark, tangled tresses before scampering away.
Her father pushed her towards a tent and Amaya instantly focused on where she was going, tilting her head curiously to the side as her lips parted, staring in awe at the massive stag horns that were mounted on the doorway, nailed to the beam as an animal skin hung in the gap to keep out the chill.
Pushing aside the skin, her father let her enter first. "Dunstan, it is good to see you again." He greeted and a shadow shifted at the back of the tent, the head lifting as he breathed deeply.
"Ah, my friend Galehaut." The man stood and turned, stepping towards them and Amaya stared as the light slowly reached his face. The man was blind. She had never seen a blind man before so she watched with interest, her young mind wondering what it was like to be unable to see. "And I sense you are not alone. Who is the young child with you? Your son?"
"Daughter." Her father corrected, patting her shoulder. "Best shot our clan has to offer. She is very good." Dunstan pursed his leathery lips slightly then reached out a hand. "Go on." Her father encouraged so Amaya boldly stepped forwards and touched the blind man's hand, letting him settle it on her head then map out her features.
"Rather plain looking, aren't you?" Amaya shrugged.
"Beauty don't feed people." She answered then held out her hands for him to feel her fingers and run his thumbs across her palms. A smirk tugged at his lips and he nodded approvingly, touched her cheek then stood.
"You are right. She has the right hands for a hunter. I suppose you need another new bow?" Her father replied that this was the case. Dunstan sighed, rubbing his face with one hand before nodding. "Alright. I shall give you one in exchange for ten fish and a basket of flints. Next time you visit, bring your family with you. You will be staying a few days so that I can teach you how to carve your own bows, saves me the trouble of carving one for you every six moons." Her father chuckled.
"Agreed. Amaya, go and amuse yourself for a while." Grateful to be excused, Amaya darted outside and instantly ran to the river. She watched the water before throwing a stick into the shallow depths, racing it downstream with a widespread grin. She watched as the water deepened, becoming swifter and stronger until the stick was snatched away from sight.
Pouting in annoyance Amaya looked a little way ahead, frowning suddenly. She crept forwards, seeing several boys wrestling. They were only playing but Amaya saw a pair getting too close to the edge, their attention diverted. One of the boys called out in warning and they stopped, blinking in surprise before drawing back.
Amaya saw the shaggy haired boy and tilted her head to the side, wondering why he had been watching her clan as they had arrived. Curiously she slipped closer, crouching behind a cluster of rocks. She couldn't hear what they were saying but they looked to be around her age, perhaps a little older. One of them punched a friend's arm playfully, grinning as they raced away but the shaggy haired boy remained, sitting down on a rock with one leg bent as it rested against the stone.
In his hand he lifted a knife and began to rub his thumb across the blade, flicking away any dust or rust. Amaya frowned once more then stood, approaching him as quietly as she could, tip toeing slowly. "I know you're there." The boy told her and she froze, pouting.
"Aw! You spoiled it!" She threw at him, folding her arms across her chest. "You're no fun." She decided and he chuckled, turning to look at her with piercing eyes. The plain looking girl blinked at him before smiling broadly, her white teeth flashing as she showed him that she was friendly. The boy's eyes fixed on that winsome smile and his heart was stolen from him in that moment, carrying towards the girl as he could not hold back a tiny smile in return. She was charming, it was hard not to like her or even love her. She had a naturally bright charisma about her that simply buzzed with energy and young life but her smile was the selling point, the point where the boy knew he would be tied to this girl in some way, though at the time he did not know how. Ignoring her after, the girl blinked in surprise then narrowed her eyes at him, regarding him carefully. "I'm here with my papa. We're trading fish with your clan." She explained and the boy nodded his head.
"I know."
"Why were you watching us?"
"I was scouting." He replied simply, shifting to look at Amaya properly then seeing the confusion on her face, he explained further. "I was watching for danger but I saw your envoy approaching, so I told my clan you were here."
"Oh." She relaxed, understanding now. "Are you an archer?" She asked him, pointing to the bracers he wore. He nodded his head. "I'm an archer too! My papa said I'll make a good hunter someday since I can already catch squirrels and I even shot a rabbit once." She told him proudly, stepping forwards. "Do you have a bow?" He nodded his head again, watching the water trail by. "Is it in your tent?" He nodded once more and Amaya scowled at him. "You're no fun to talk to either. All you do is nod." For the last time he nodded his head. Rolling her eyes Amaya turned around but stiffened, gasping in fear.
Instantly the boy looked around then jumped to his feet, pulling Amaya behind him as the three wolves snarled, creeping closer. Amaya whimpered in fear as the boy lifted his knife, one hand held back to crudely protect Amaya. Without thinking, she screamed as loudly as she could.
The noise made the wolves all flinched then snap at the children, who backed away a little until Amaya's heels touched the edge of the lip that dropped into the river. She whimpered, praying that someone had heard her but the three terrifying beasts growled, their muzzles wrinkled deeply but the boy snarled back at them.
There was shouting and Amaya breathed a sigh of relief as she saw shapes beginning to run towards them carrying spears. The three wolves, however, did not back away. The centre one stepped forwards and bunched up its hind quarters, preparing to spring forwards. With a loud squeak Amaya grabbed the boy's arm and ripped him backwards as the wolf leaped, throwing them both into the river.
As the cold shot through Amaya she froze in shock, her natural instinct to gasp but she clamped her mouth shut. As a clan of fishers, Amaya knew how to swim exceedingly well and her mother had taught her what to do when in a fast running river.
She allowed the current to take her but she kicked with her feet, angling herself for the surface. The moment she broke free, Amaya took a deep gulp of air then held it as she was dragged under again. Keeping her focus, Amaya fought to keep her head above water which became easier as her struggling body warmed up, burning as she continued to fight to remain above the surface.
Then she saw the boy go under. She yelped in fear for him then kicked forwards, going with the current and she shot forwards, letting herself go under then fumbled to find the boy, who was struggling to even get his head up.
Amaya growled inwardly, fighting with all her strength before her hands brushed against the boy and she instantly latched on, dragging him upwards with her. Together they kicked and struggled but Amaya guided them around the rocks, kicking off them to try and reach the bank but the current only snatched them back again.
When they heard the panting of the wolves chasing after them, Amaya's eyes widened and she clung onto the boy even tighter, his arms wrapped around her securely. When a gush of water threw them at the bank, Amaya this time kicked away from it as jaws snapped at her head, making her scream in fear.
"Papa!" She yelled as loudly as she could. "Papa!" Suddenly she heard the thundering of hooves and she looked up. "Eurich!" She beamed at the horse who lifted his head, carrying Amaya's father as he levelled an arrow at one of the wolves as it leaped at him, shooting it down.
Several more riders caught up, shooting down one more wolf as the last was skewered by a long spear. "Don't let go of each other!" Amaya's father roared and the girl looked up to the boy as he began to go limp and unresponsive. His legs giving out, they were dragged under and Amaya heard her father bellow in fear. "No!"
Refusing to give up, Amaya locked her legs around the boy's waist, holding her breath as her lungs burned for air. When the water threw them back up, Amaya tucked her knees into her chest, dragging the boy's head up into the air for him to breathe as she searched for something to latch onto to keep them from going under again.
Her arms beat the water, keeping her afloat as she was taken further and further away from the bank, her father riding to keep up along with the other hunters. "Amaya, catch onto the branch!" Her father pointed and the small, completely terrified girl looked ahead. The current was beginning to grow stronger, dragging her under briefly but she fought with the last of her strength, teeth chattering loudly in her skull as she scrambled to lunge for the branch but it slipped through her numb fingers. The she saw the edge of the cliff.
"No! Maya!" Her father shouted as she was dragged closer and closer.
"Papa!" She screamed, the boy torn from her grip. "No! Come back!" She lunged for him, scrambling to grab his sleeve and lift his head back up over the water just as the ground gave out beneath them. Her eyes widened and nothing could hold back her scream as she tumbled forwards, her fingers losing their grip as they both tumbled downwards.
Amaya hated heights and this experience did not help to appease her fears. In fact, it made them worse. Her scream continued as she tumbled over her head before she sucked in a deep breath and angled her body, pushing her hands out in front of her and straightened her body, panicking inwardly though she remembered her mother's lessons.
All too soon she struck the river below and she curved upwards, hearing the splash of the boy falling in with her. The current easer but the heavy rush of water pulled them both further and further down. Amaya struggled against it, feeling the heavy weight crushing her shoulders as she could not find the strength to kick upwards.
The churning motion of the water rolled her over as she curled up, whimpering inwardly as she thought of little Galahad, only just ten years old. She hated to imagine his face when her father told him that she was dead. It broke her heart knowing that he would sob endlessly as they were closer than any brother and sister that ever lived.
Shivering she began to feel faint, Amaya realised that she was suddenly moving upwards. The current slammed her against the rocks, causing her body to ache more but the change of direction was pulling her to the surface along with the boy, who floated aimlessly above her. With one last kick, she broke free of the water and sucked in all the air she could.
Whimpering Amaya pushed the boy towards the bank then dragged herself up, turning to yank him up with her as much as she could before collapsing beside him. Realising he still wasn't moving, she pummelled her fist into his chest. "Wake up!" She bellowed and he jerked forwards, expelling the water from his lungs as he coughed and spluttered. Satisfied he would live, Amaya flopped onto her back and gasped for air, shivering uncontrollably.
"I hate heights." She whimpered and the boy looked at her incredulously.
"We nearly drowned…" He gasped for air, turning over to crouch on his hands and knees. "And you're afraid of heights?" She nodded her head.
"You weren't conscious when we went over that fall." She shot at him then looked to the waterfall before frowning. "Oh, it doesn't look so high from down here." Suddenly the boy began to laugh, making Amaya look to him with a frown. "What's so funny?"
"You are. You are ridiculous." He declared then shook his head to loosen the water from his tangled tresses, making Amaya giggle as they flew at her. She curled up, still shivering from the cold grip of the water until she felt the boy gently touch her arm.
"They'll be down here soon. There is a path that leads from the cliff top down through here." He said to her but lifted Amaya into his arms, holding her close and she melted into him, seeking his comfort which he readily offered. "Thank you for what you did." He said to her quietly, rocking her in his arms slowly and Amaya was lulled by the sensation. "You saved my life."
"Meh. I held your head above water. Not really a fete worthy of praise." She brushed off, still shivering. When she heard the Eurich pounding towards them, she lifted her head and the boy stood, letting her go as she ran forwards unsteadily. "Papa!"
"Thank the gods." He breathed a sigh of relief, leaning down and sweeping her up into his arms, holding her close then wrapped her up in his cloak. "Come, let's get you warm." He murmured and turned his horse around as one of the other hunters pulled the boy onto the back of his horse. Amaya turned her head to look at him, offering a wide smile before curling up into her father's warm embrace all the way back to the village.
"Grandfather." The boy greeted the old blind man as he listened for the horses, exhaling with relief as he approached the boy feebly, his hands searching the air before he found his grandson. Dunstan pulled the boy into his tight embrace as Amaya was taken away by some women, stripping her down to dry her in a tent, dress her in some borrowed clothes then sat her beside a fire whilst the healer fussed over her, sticking her finger into her mouth.
Enraged, Amaya bit down on the invading finger than poked around in her mouth, making the woman whip it back with a yelp. "The she-wolf still has her fangs, I see." She scowled at Amaya who curled her lips into a snarl until her father touched her back.
"Be nice, they are trying to help you." He scolded but Amaya did not let her come anywhere near her again, hiding in her father's cloak until finally, he was satisfied she was well enough to ride home. As he lifted her up into the saddle Amaya looked around, scanning the faces until she found the shaggy haired boy. She smiled to him brightly and waved, making him shift with a smirk, lifting his head as he nodded to her then darted towards the rocks, climbing up and disappearing from sight.
As they rode away however, Amaya looked behind her, hands holding onto her father's belt and she saw the boy crouching on the cliff top, watching her leave. He stood up slowly, bow in hand and she gazed longingly at the weapon for a moment before switching her gaze back to him. He lifted a hand in farewell and she lifted hers in return.
Not three days later, the Romans came to take Galahad away. Two weeks after that, she and her father returned to the village to trade once more with their mother. The boy was gone.
And she never saw him again in the land of their forbears.