Chapter 26 [Cell Beneath Radegund's Palace]
Arthur sulked in the stygian black. His neck and wrists still ached despite being dragged away from the stocks twelve hours earlier. His stomach growled and turned queasily from whatever was in the gruel and water. His back had stopped burning fortunately. Still he stewed….
He was a king not a slave….
Gwen needed him….
Camelot needed his rule once more….
Morgana, you never stop, do you? He frowned indignantly at the thought of his sister sitting on his throne. I pray you, my Subjects, stay strong during this occupation! He recalled her enactments during the previous usurpations…and the pain they'd caused. I will be free. Some way, some how….
Then the key turned in the lock allowing the heavy oak door to swing open.
A slender dark haired woman in Amazon leather armor glanced about anxiously. She placed a torch in the holder to the left of the door. Then she set a small wrapped bundle on the cell floor and shut the door behind herself. "Greetings, Arthur of Camelot."
"What's this? The temptation committee? Here to show me how to be a good servant?" he assumed sarcastically.
"Keep it down!" she hissed. "A little gratitude would be called for." She unwrapped the bundle to reveal a good sized piece of bread. "It's fresh." She held it out to him.
His eyes lit up at the offering. He accepted it with a nod. "Thank you. And you are?"
"I am Elena, a member of Radegund's royal house. Before you ask, no, I don't care for men or patriarchy. I don't agree with how you're being treated however. If you're to serve along with me, I'd rather it be cordial," she introduced herself.
"That's going to take some getting used to," he admitted in between bites of the meal. He sipped on the water. "Again my thanks."
"You're welcome," she noted primly. "I'd offer to wipe your face but it would be noticed. Please keep this secret. I will return when and as often as I can." She smiled before gathering up the towel she'd used to wrap the food and shut the door behind herself. Then she secured it taking the light with her.
He shook his head in wonder. I don't believe it. An Amazon who takes pity on men? Unreal! Still he knew there was virtue in all people. He just needed to find it.
A spark in the dark could provide hope, it seemed…..