A/N: My special thanks to Naneku and s. .nieuwkerk and every reader that ever show his support by following or favoriting this story.
-26-
Sinful Sunset
To an easily flustered young aristocrat, a tavern could be a frightening place. Back in Epithelium, Yseult had heard the servants speak about it in hushed tone and she never thought that one day she would understand the meanings of these whispered innuendos. But what Yseult still did not quite understand was how a place could be on one side so troubling and on the other side so fascinating. How could one be so close to commit a sin and forsake its soul and still not care one bit about it?
Watching quietly from behind the counter, Vanora smirked mischievously. She knew a corruptible young bird when she saw one. Her beautiful golden mane hidden behind a dark veil, Yseult had soot and barley floor on her face, her lips were smeared with red. She looked like an exotic melancholic disaster in a crowd full of men. Their routine well-learned, all the girls lit the torchlights for the night. The room vibrated with chairs and benches scratching on the floors, doors knocking, and heavy footsteps, men shouting at each other, voluptuous noises, and heartbeat-like noises. Ignoring the chill firmly lodged in her spine, Yseult remained just as resolutely rooted to the spot, her eyes wide like a stunned bird. The smile of Vanora only broadened.
The blonde took a sharp intake of breath. There was not enough room in there to breathe or enough food to eat but it seemed like no one really cared. The main room was full of wearied and battle-worn soldiers. Only in Epithelium, Yseult have seen so many gathered at the same time. She did not even remember it being so crowded, so chaotic. They were all ordering at the same time and chasing the favors of the girls, girls who attended their every need all too eagerly.
- Will you be alright, dear?
Yseult turned toward Vanora, eyes wide. Was she really asking? No, she was so far from being alright that she already forgot what it actually felt like to be at ease somewhere. She took a deep breath. There were so many people gathered in the same place doing unsightly things. How did she manage to put herself in such an undignified position? Some might ask. Well, she actually sneaked out of the home of Tiberius on her own free will. No one had compelled her to lie to her guardians. She did not even know why she lied in the first place. She had no business standing where she stood. What would her mother had said if she knew she stood in the middle of such place? What was she thinking this afternoon when Vanora told her that she would need more help during the night shift? Not much, it seems. Her mind went blank and she just nodded eager to be of assistance. She should have trusted her inner instincts, the same instinct blown away with the wind when Lancelot started to talk to her and Amery called it Lancelot fever and she developed certain urges… She was an idiot really.
- I know it appears that we are a little bit crowded these days since Commander Tiberius had called for assistance. But really it looks worse than it is. All my girls can handle this much. Right?
Gillian nodded as she passed by with a large plate full of empty cups. A little bit crowded? Well, Yseult managed to nod shakily. If she wanted to call a convoy of two hundred soldiers from the southern outposts a small crowd, suit herself. Vanora smiled again reassuringly and patted Yseult's head.
- I am not sure I can do this, Vanora.
Amery stood not far from them. Trix, with the darkest hair, was busy strapping her blonde counterpart tightly into her pastel blue almost see-through dress. Both girls snorted at Yseult's comment. Vanora gave them a pointed look.
- Sure, you can. Look at you! You look amazing! Nobody would recognize you like this. Ask Amery!
Always so obedient, Yseult turned immediately to Amery for answer. Young Amery only yawned without shame as Trix finished a bow.
- Amery, what do you think? She asked again.
Yseult smiled clumsily. Amery, looking spectacular as per usual, just shrugged in answer.
- I do not really agree with Vanora. To me, you look ugly as usual.
- Well, thanks, Amery. That is comforting.
Amery nodded satisfactorily. Though comforting was not exactly what she was going for early, she was only too happy to oblige.
- Amery, say something nice to her. All she needs is a little bit of confidence. All I need is time to feed my children and rest. I am exhausted. I've been here all day. Yseult, here, is the only one who can count and write besides me and Sylena. Since our sister does not plan to come out of her room until her stupid stinking spouse comes back with my own stinking useless man that barely leaves me with one option.
- I could go feed the children. She could go die in some dark place. Amery said chirpily.
Too chirpily for Vanora's good, the brunette just groaned in answer.
- Did you listen to me at all, Amery? I don't think you understand me. I am plain exhausted. I can barely stand. I need to sit my lovely behind somewhere and rest because that is what you do when you are with child. You sit somewhere and you make them. Something you could have known if you ever had a child…
- A child, me? Please do not speak of such things! In time, I don't say! But it would literally ruin my perfect figure! My livelihood and yours depends on that wonderfully shaped and proportioned figure since I am the favorite among our patrons!
Yseult nodded hesitantly, finding logic in that statement. Amery's juvenile features seemed to attract a lot of attention more so than the other girls. It seemed fair to say that a pregnancy will impaired seriously their revenues. A very pregnant Vanora looked both blondes sideways and snapped.
- Listen, dolls, I am going to kill you both, step over your dead bodies, do a happy dance, and threw your lovely remains in the pig's barn.
Yseult winced a little bit startled. What did she said? Amery was also surprisingly defeated.
- That's mean, Vanora! What do you want me to say?! I don't want her to be my boss! Ask Trix instead!
- I am not here. Don't ask me anything.
- Whatever she's useless and clueless as a person!
- And you are unkind and callous, Amery. Did someone ever tell you this? Yseult retorted.
- Bite me, Pig face.
- Amery! What is wrong with you? Yseult! Don't take her words to heart! Amery! Say something nice to the awkward little princess so she could feel good about herself and I can finally go home and nurse all my children to sleep.
Amery appraised the other girl with a critical eye then nodded.
- You look like a common whore, Yseult.
Vanora gave her another pointed look. Amery shrugged.
- I mean it as a compliment!
- Thank you Amery!
- See, everything is perfect.
- I am sorry Vanora I really want to help you and… I am flattered you thought about me… and that you trust me enough to consider…
- It's not about trust, honey. It's about my feet, my tired little feet, and the money. It's about the money. Do you understand the difference now?
Yseult nodded with uncertainty.
- You can count, right?
- I know basic arithmetic.
- Ary…what? What is that? A new cult? Amery teased.
- Mathematics.
- What? Amery frowned again.
- You know the basics. What you need to know to manage your house…You know.
Amery's face remained blank.
- Sure, you're at that age too…I thought every girl my age had that kind of education….
- Of course you do, sweetheart, you are pretty, smart and very noble-like. See my girls, they're not royalty but they're pretty enough. They can't read and some of them are dumb as rocks. However they are healthy and wonderful. They can dance and sing. They will ride a man until he twist and beg them to stop. Don't blush, Yseult my darling! This is really hard work. One smile of them and these men behind me will fetch into their purses all night to buy for more. So your job will be quite simple. You are the ugly one.
- I beg your pardon.
- There's always an ugly one. Amery cut in.
She was really excited to see where the conversation was going.
- What?
- Simple. You're the one who don't get screwed tonight. You're the one keeping her legs tight. I know it won't be difficult. You are in your cycle. You were born ugly. You have horrible burns down there. I don't know. You can be creative. You're the one no one wants. You stay behind the counter. You keep tabs. Your mind has to be sharp. You stay sharp and monitor everything. Any trouble, you gather together. Any trouble, you come and get me. Your mind however has to stay on the money.
- O-h right!
- I repeat myself. You do not get screwed tonight in any way. You are in charge.
Amery groaned at that. Vanora patted her head.
- This little one here will give you the most trouble. Men will want her. She is young. She is fair. She looks innocent but she is naughty indeed. She sleeps with dark evil princes. She is exotic. They will fawn over her. She is so charming. They will crave for one smile of her. But they will not want to pay. What do you do then?
Yseult frowned.
- I don't get…screwed? She whispered hesitantly.
- A quick learner, I like that. You're perfect. Girls, have a good evening.
On these words, Vanora waddled her way out the tavern. Yseult felt her blood turn cold. What did she just say?
- What just happened?
- Well, you just got handed the keys of a brothel, your highness. Congratulations Idiot!
Amery smiled deviously.
- Go to work! Yseult groaned.
- Go to hell!
Amery walked away, laughing.
I am you but you are not me yet.
The wind whispered. Morgan closed her eyes and let the breeze play with her hair, soothing gently her skin. When she opened them again, it was like a brand new world, shimmering in gold and amber like the last light of the summers. It was minutes before darkness took over and she could see again.
The twins walked side by side. Calybrid was chatting with Harkin. Ignoring the others, the wild child stopped to stare at a blooming poppy, its petals a brittle red. In her eyes, it was just a spot of dark in an ocean of grey and white. Summer was still there. She crouched, eyes glowing with a luminous almost translucent spark. A crisp dead leaf was blown away by the wind. It changed directions constantly mirroring the sad state her heart was in. She was unsteady, not knowing where to look to find the answer, not knowing where the road she was currently traveling was supposed to take her. Was she really as selfish as they say? Was she evil? What happened to her good intentions?
Perched on an old oak tree, SnowBlossom observed the strange behavior of her mistress from afar. Then the blonde slowly dropped herself gracefully behind Morgan. There was something she needed to discuss with the girl, some things she felt compelled to say.
- Snow? Mother Morgan? Are you coming? Calybrid asked.
- Go ahead. I just need to speak to our lady. We won't be long. Wait for us near the boat.
Calybrid nodded with uncertainty. Calysto just shrugged silently and led her twin and Harkin away. Morgan observed the sky. What was the Goddess waiting for? What was she supposed to do? What if something happened to Tanjin?
- You spoke well. You were quite eloquent earlier with Merlin. I was quite impressed my Lady.
Morgan nodded.
- Thank you. Though I do not deserve any praise. I just stated the truth. I could barely help.
- But we are really helping in the sense that we should not interfere in these affairs. Following the rule is the right thing to do. Furthermore, it's what Mother Vivian would have wanted. I mean we just have to wait to see how things unfold and then we will make our move when the time is right.
Morgan nodded again.
- I am sorry I doubted you.
- It is alright.
- No, it was not. What you told your sister Guinevere saddened me for some reasons. This thing about Mother being used to people…not trusting her. I did not want you to think at any given time as if I did not trust in your abilities. Even if you were not raised with us…You have Vivian's blood running through your veins. She also chose you. You are one of us now. I apologize for making you feel mistrusted. I do trust your opinions on certain matters. I simply want to help you in making the best decision you can as it is my duty to do so. After all, Mother Vivian asked me to guide you and teach you…
- My, Snowblossom, what a heartfelt apology!
Snowblossom blushed faintly. Strands of hair almost as white as frozen snow swirled in the wind.
- Well, I know I wasn't fair to you. However, I have to admit it was not easy for me to lose her. I had to lose her to you first. Then I had to lose her to the Goddess…It broke my heart. You arrived among us… and you spent all her last moments with her… I wanted them. I wanted to keep a little bit of her with me. So I guess I can be resentful sometimes.
Tears fell down her pallid cheeks. Morgan clenched her fingers together behind her.
- Mother Vivian held a great deal of affection to you. She always have.
- Well, yes, she did… She was…
- …Important to you. I understand. She finished quietly. I pray that you find peace knowing that she is in a better place.
Morgan fixed an invisible spot in front of her.
- She was my guide and my only love and I do understand that she had to go. The pain was too great for her. It was her time. But my heart still reeled at the idea of being separated from her. I can barely breathe when I think about her. You two have not known each other for nearly as long as I've known her. She was extraordinary. Decades passed by and I knew only her.
That admission made her looked subsequently older all of her sudden. Morgan acquiesced silently. The words slashed at her heart. But she silently crushed the pain. She was used to it. She was used to all of it.
Snowblossom went quiet again. She was not selfish enough not to see the collateral damages her words had done.
- I apologize. I know you sometimes feel as if she abandoned you as an infant. But there was not a day when she did not think and talk about you. She loved you so much, Lady Morgan. She was so proud of you.
She did not feel like she was abandoned. It had never been a matter of feeling. She was abandoned. She was the unwanted child. She was the wild child no one wanted to claim. It was a fact. Hard and concrete fact. She was discarded at birth.
- She loved me? Well, she left me. She did abandon me as a child. Merlin, and his family, with all their faults, raised me. She did not. It is alright. I am passed hunting for affection. I think I finally understand my purpose here… and that is… something else.
Snowblossom was suddenly startled by the coldness and the rough maturity in her voice and she swallowed hard.
- Do not look so surprised. My family has never been conventional. Our relationships had always been out of norms. So it is true I loved Mother Vivian as a teacher. She helped me in accepting who I am. She gave me a place where I belong. I am indebted to her. But she is not my mother and she is not my love. When I think about it, love is a feeling beyond me. Affection, sympathy, is something I could grasp. But all that heart has ever known is rejection and pain. That is how I connect with the Goddess. That is how I see what I see. I don't know any other way.
- I…You… I…
- She chose her duty over me. She chose you instead of wanting to be a mother and if it gives you any feelings of comfort, I do not resent either her or you for it.
- Mor… Lady Morgan…
Snowblossom gasped and took a step back.
- I do not know what to say, your grace.
- There is no need for words between you and me Snowblossom. I feel blessed to have such a good advisor by my side. However I know you will doubt me again and again… That is how it is supposed to be. You and I… fighting each other over truth and lies.
Snowblossom snorted, before finally realizing the real meaning behind the words.
- We are not going home, are we?
- Of course we are. We are simply not in a hurry to do so. Don't you like taking a stroll in the garden of our Goddess?
- Our customs are centuries old. This…here… It is you stomping on our traditions. The rules are clear, Morgan. Blood should not be spilled during mourning time. We should not meddle in the First Men affairs.
- See, I know Snowblossom. I know the rules. You made me quote them every hours of every day for the past two years.
- It was so you could learn! Vivian…said…
- I did learn… I learned plenty.
- You're insane if you think you can take part in this war and not spill blood. This is not a game.
- Well, didn't you swear to protect, guide and obey me?
- Your grace…
- Did you not?
- I did. You… are the Lady of the Lake. You were chosen by her.
Morgan looked up at the sky again.
- But I thought it was just me… But there is something not quite right about you, I always felt it. I realize it now. I want to trust you. But you scare me. Did Vivian even know this side of you? I wonder.
Morgan shrugged with amusement.
- You always do… this… You are not answering any of my questions.
- I can assure you I am not planning anything with my father.
- But you're keeping secrets. I don't know what's in your head. I used to know with Vivian… She told me…everything! With us… she shared… We shared everything!
Morgan stopped abruptly.
- In my head, Snowblossom, there is only death! You want me to be completely honest? I want you to understand that this is not about you or Vivian. This is my path. My mission. This is what I was born to do. That kingdom so dear to your heart, your lover gave it to me as an inheritance! I did not ask for it. I only make do with what I have. As for your trust, again I did not ask for it! She retorted vehemently.
Snowblossom raised an eyebrow at that. Surprised by her own outburst, Morgan bit her lips nervously and tried to gain back her composure. Calybrid, Calysto and Harkin came out from behind the trees. Of course, they saw and heard everything. Morgan pursued her lips.
- I am sorry you do not like what you see. I am not Vivian.
- It is not your face but your actions that has me most worried. You have no idea what you are doing, Morgan. You are playing with fire. You've only been on this throne a few days… and already the power is corrupting you. You won't last…You must step back and...
- And what? You take my place?
Calybrid gasped and her eyes widened in surprise at that. Snowblossom said nothing. Morgan smiled.
- I can see also these things. I am not that blind.
- You don't know me…
Before Snowblossom could extend her thoughts further, a raven flew above them and Morgan lifted her left hand. Tîl landed gracefully on her index. The blonde was once again rendered speechless as she watched Morgan stare into the eyes of the little bird. The brunet started to laugh.
- I am sorry… I am truly sorry for the interruption. I have no more time for a trial. Tîl can be quite rude. Ravens tend to be when hungry. Anyway we must hurry.
- Where? Calysto asked, frowning in distrust.
- I finally found a way to end all this.
Morgan said.
- A way?
- I found him.
- Who? Calybrid asked again.
- My next sacrifice.
The blonde gulped hard, feeling cold suddenly. The brunette whirled toward them. Grey eyes opened unflinching.
- Girls, I cannot promise that my intentions are noble or that no blood will be spilled today. I cannot say that all of this will magically end well. I have seen fourteen summers end so far. I am only too aware that this is not nearly enough experience to call it expertise. I feel her getting more powerful… minute by minute…I just know that she who walks the warrior path is waiting for me to make my move… She just wants to play. What can I say? I am the Wild child. I am everything they told you I was. Playing wicked games is what I do.
She started walking toward the sunset.
- The goddess is awake … You said earlier… Calysto started.
- I lied. I will do that a lot for future references. If you tell anyone, I will lie again.
- You…
- Well, I am tired of hiding anyway. What does it change for you people? You cannot see her. You are mere mortals. You are ordinary. This is all beliefs and lore for you. I really did not want to burden you with such knowledge… You should thank me! I live in the afterworld, SnowBlossom… Calysto… Do you even understand what that means?
- What's that supposed to mean?
- You tell me! Now, your choice. Will you come with me? Follow every order without questions. Lay your life before mine when I order you to. Take the life of those who I have chosen… without questions… Or… Will you leave me and go home? Forget any of this ever happened… Forget you even met me…You could even replace me for all I care…
- You want us to trust you. Calybrid said.
- I made a point earlier. I do not need your trust.
- Good because you don't have it. Calysto retorted.
- Show the way…
Snowblossom crossed her arms over her chest.
- Are you sure?
Snowblossom nodded.
- I said show us the way, Lady Morgan.
- So what are you waiting for? Merlin finally asked, leaning on a tree for support.
- It is almost too easy, Master Merlin. Can't you see? I pictured my victory with some more hardships and glory.
- So will you let them go?
Merlin turned his attention to a pile of fallen leaves on the ground. He silently nodded.
- It is not that easy. You taught me to seize any opportunity presented to me. This is a difficult decision.
- I did teach you that.
- But I can't help thinking I expected their demise to be somewhat more of a challenge, since you, my master, have never been able to defeat the cavalry before.
- I see. So, I am at fault for raising your expectations, I think.
- Well, it seems you are…
Aud turned sourly to his second-in-command and nodded quickly. A volley of flaming arrows soared into the sky. A battle cry was heard in the distance.
- Though you did ask me to come... If only I knew my help was unneeded I would have spared my daughter a long and painful journey.
- Well… I see you've come with your lovely daughter Guinevere…
- Well, I remember you used to get along well…
-She is not her phony sister, that's for sure. The wicked one…The ugly one… The wild child used to creep me out… That girl was evil.
-Well, unfortunately for you, Guinevere can be as passionate as Morgan. That's why they are sisters.
- You know my weakness for blondes… I forgive them anything.
- Well, you wanted to discuss the future of our people.
- She is really grown. Is she of age yet? Do you have prospects yet?
- You wanted me to come and discuss strategy. Instead, I fear I am wasting my time.
- How can you say this? You saw what I did with this… land?
Merlin shrugged. Another deafening scream was heard. He started to walk away.
- Master Merlin…
- Is this supposed to impress me, Aud?
- Well…
- You made me come so far for this… How disappointing!
- They are at my mercy… I can decide their fate at any given moment. I claimed this land.
- They're not dead. They're still fighting. And this land… Do you really think this land is yours?
- I was made King in one night. My garden grew in one night. This is the first foundations of my new kingdom. Can't you see this much?
- Fool! If you think you can defeat a Pendragon so easily, you clearly learned nothing under my tutelage, Aud. This man will destroy you. He will…
- He is weak.
- That young man is a lot of things but weak he is not.
- I have his great weapon with me.
- What are you talking about?
- They are using filthy foreign magic in the form of a dark spirit hidden into a girl.
- The romans do not believe in the dark arts.
- They do now that easterners had infiltrated their ranks.
- A dark spirit?
Merlin frowned.
- Its name is Tanjin. The newest addition to his cavalry of savages…
- The Hun prince… I heard about him. He is no spirit. He is very much human, a child soldier with an endless thirst for blood and a cruel appetite for human flesh.
- No, he is not human. I've seen it in my eyes. It's a spirit. I wanted you to see for yourself. The girl with a split soul. I have her…
- A split soul…
- In a girl ! They did! The Huns? I saw it in her eyes… She's a monster. Galahad also says so.
- Ga-la-had?
- His dog. Arthur's dog. Mine.
- Aud, you are talking about magic so powerful and so dark that not only it could destroy Arthur but us as well.
- No, I can control it. The weapon is mine. I want you to see and acknowledge how far I've come, Master. Acknowledge it.
Merlin stroke his beard, lost in thoughts.
- Well, show me the creature first.
- Are…we…going…to… argue…that…my sloppy…seconds…are…better…than anything you ever…had?
- I am not going to argue with you today, Lancelot. You can make it. You are strong. We just have to get out of here and…
Arthur grabbed Lancelot's arms.
- I am not going… anywhere. I am too comfortable… here waiting for her…
- Lancelot…
- Did you… not hear Dagonet? I cannot… be moved. I like it here anyway… There's grass and a vast blue open sky…
Arthur kneeled.
- What are we supposed to do?
- You could either…go…or wait… for her with…me.
Arthur looked around, hesitating. Leaning on Arthur for support, Blaez crawled to his knees again with an amused smile on his face.
- We're waiting with you, Lance, but if Lady Death is not pretty. I am punching you again.
Aggravain sighed in relief. It almost seemed like nothing happened. Lancelot was in good spirits. His banter with Arthur felt familiar. It reminded him fondly of his brother. He sat down on the nearest rock looking as the sun disappeared slowly behind the hills. Andreas sat behind him.
His eyes sprung to the forest seemingly lost in darkness. One by one, torchlights of unknown origins flared in the dusk. Aggravain bolted from his seat.
- Well! Guys! I think somebody is waiting for us!
They all turned their gaze to the forest.
- I was wondering when they join the party. Bors grumbled.
- Well, you… should go then….
- Arthur? Your decision? Braden asked.
Arthur kneeled next to Lancelot.
- Knights, I have failed to keep my promises. This is a mistake I take full responsibility of. I brought you here and I had no plan. I never wanted this to happen. What happened to Melan and Danis and Galahad and Tanjin, I could never forgive myself. If this should be me last day on earth, I will take this with me in the afterworld and pay the full price in front of my maker. But you have to know that… In my eyes, even if not in the eyes of my pairs, you were born free men. I always believed so. I have no rights to tell you how you should spend your last moment. You can decide this for yourself. So if you want to go…
The roman soldiers started to go. There was a long sinuous pause. Blaez was the first to speak.
- So we have a choice now between running and dying along the way, or dying while fighting… That's a pretty damn good improvement I say… I always knew you had it in you, Arthur. Of course, I chose the latter. Percy?
- I'm not really into running. I'm not good at that. Braden?
- I expect to die tonight because if I survive this mess, Sylena is gonna kill me anyway.
- Well, if we're talking about women, my wench won't forgive me if I flee a fight. Bors said. Dag? What do you say about dying together?
Dagonet shrugged. He did not care either way.
- Well, I don't know for Callan but I am in. Still, I retained the right to flee the mayhem if I see any opportunities to do so. Andreas said dead serious.
- Sounds like you, Blaez said.
They turned to Aloysius. Surprised to be included, he took some time to choose his words.
- Well, it's partly my fault if we are here, so Andreas if by fighting, I can create any opportunities for you to escape, I will.
- Will you create for us opportunities with your sister too? Since Lancelot is going to be gone, I intend to survive all this and go home, where I will declare myself, the new Lord of Hadrian's Wall, because it sounds so much better than 'knight' . Aggravain finally said.
- What about Tiberius? Andreas asked, amused.
- He can be my squire.
They all laugh at that.
Two hours later, Yseult was convinced Vanora hated her. There was no way she would have left if she had a modicum sum of affection toward her. If she thought the tavern was agitated during the day shift, poor Yseult had seen nothing yet. She was now witness to an insurmountable amount of debauchery and infamy. A red haired, Deliah was bending in impossible shape, perched on a table. Dory, the brunet was dancing on the table suggestively, her skirts raised way too high. In guise of music, Sara drunkenly yelled at the top of her lungs. Trix was kissing with abandon a bald soldier. Padme danced around with lit candles. But the real center of attention, like Vanora had predicted, was Young Amery. Yseult watched with a weird fascination as the other blonde sat suggestively on the lap of a benefactor and leaned with sensuality. She whispered something into the man's ears. Yseult was too far to hear what she said. But seeing as the man's face was suddenly bright and red and that his companions were laughing, she only guessed it was inappropriate. Amery stood again and smiled perkily. She gave them a wink then walked to the counter.
- Another pail of ale.
- They are quite inebriated, it seems.
- None of your business, slave owner. Amery smiled. Just serve the goods.
- I am just saying, they are quite the rowdy crowd. Maybe you should calm things down.
- And?
Yseult said nothing. Amery threw a pouch of coins on the counter. Some coins went rolling down on the floor.
- He gave you all this! This is probably his monthly wages.
- I don't know and probably do not care. Anyway, he did not give it to me. I just took it. This is not church mass, the show is not free. He wants a way to impress… We are helping.
Yseult frowned.
- Vanora did not said anything…
- Listen, princess Doe-eyed. One man's misfortune is one woman's fortune. It is my happy time. Take what you need. He won't remember in the morning. None of them will.
- I would appreciate if you did not steal our customers.
Amery shrugged.
- You know the sounds you make when your lips smacks together and supposedly words come out… Well, I am not really paying attention to it.
With a heavy sigh, Yseult grabbed the purse and went back to accounting. A smiling Amery went back to her patrons.
With a deep scowl on his face, Tiberius pushed past the crowded entry of the tavern with his guest. He was not very fond of the place to begin with. He'd never been an admirer of illicit pleasures being quite satisfied with his wife's treatment. He did not mingle much with his subordinates unlike Arthur, resenting familiarity in a military environment. He was already the youngest commander of the Epithelium Fort since the death of his father almost four year ago. So he had no reason really to come here. Last year, when he came to arrest a certain Hun, it had to be for certain the first time he ever set foot there. Tonight was no exception. It was Vis Major, a case where he could do nothing else. Having not heard from Arthur for weeks, Tiberius had bid his time before sending any more troops. Seeing as their resources were so low, he needed to know what the situation was. He tried hard to gather Intel on what was currently happening on the east coast but so far no spy had ever survived the journey. He was worried that Arthur and his knights had not either. Then, yesterday, his requests for reinforcements had finally been answered and he found Pilus Lucius Cato on his doorstep with a party of two hundred men.
Pilus Lucius Cato was the oldest son of Aula Lucius Cato, the renowned commander of Isca Exeter and the entire Britannia fleet. Pilus was almost as powerful a man as his father as the commander of Isca Caelorn. He was a decade older than Tiberius. But it did not stop Salva from saying that she found him quite attractive and would not mind spending time with Tiberius and him in the discretion of their Cubiculum. Salva was free-minded like that and Tiberius mostly did not mind. He always favored communicating with his wife and keeping an open-mind on things. But the idea of sharing Salva with any man nauseated him really. So, it was not such a bad thing that Pilus was so fond of taverns and brothels because he did not know how he could have denied both his guest and his wife entertainment if not. A brunet and a red-haired came to greet them.
- Good Evening, Gentlemen, I am Dorry and this is my good friend Gillian. What can we do for you?
- We wish for a table.
- Of course… I will see to it immediately.
She searched the room for an empty table something quite rare on this very night. But before she found one, Pilus spotted a table he fancied next to the rowdy table attended by Amery. It was already occupied but when he approached with Tiberius, the men simply gathered their belongings and left.
- Well, I see your men are quite devoted to you. Tiberius said while sitting down.
- I suppose so. Dogs are always devoted to the master that feed them.
Tiberius paused but said nothing. Dorry came back with warm wine and cups.
- Anything else? Dorry said holding Gillian's hand. Commander Tiberius?
- Nothing. I am fine here.
- For now… Pilus said absent-mindedly.
Tiberius followed his gaze and realized what had caught his attention. A very young blonde girl was twirling around in a blue dress, serving wine and ale. She was endorsing the role of arbitrator while a party of six men improvised a game of dice.
- Well, she caught your eyes, this one.
- Well, yes…She did. Do you know her?
Tiberius took a better look. The brunet, from earlier, he knew he had seen her twice with Arthur's second-in-command, Lancelot. The blonde was also familiar. He was sure he'd seen her also with the knights but he could not quite remember her name. Oh! Yes! She was the favorite of the Hun Prince. At one point, the whole fort was only talking about their affairs.
- I think her name is Amery. She is often seen with Arthur's men.
- With Arthur himself?
- Not to my knowledge, she is not Arthur's type. He is deeply religious.
- I am Christian. Does that mean I like to deny myself the exquisite pleasure of experiencing new things?
Tiberius smiled, amused.
- I know why you are smiling. You have a beautiful and very young wife. You can experience new territories at home.
- Salva is not so young that there is much frontier left to discover.
- Still, you love your wife and it is admirable.
- Will you tell me next that you hold no affection for yours?
- Well, it was on the tip of my tongue but if you've seen the monster, old and dry, you would understand me, friend.
Pilus lifted his cup in tribute to his wife. Tiberius lowered his eyes to his cup, his smile turned to a smirk.
- So… Is he all that they say he is?
Tiberius frowned.
- I beg your pardon. Who?
- The Great Arthur.
- Well, he is the son of his Father.
- We are all sons of our Fathers. Now, I want to know if he is as great a warrior as they say. Is there a chance he is still alive?
- Arthur is the most competent soldier I know. I have no doubt he is still alive.
- Well, you did not send your own men.
- My hands were tied. I do not have the number. If I went, I'd risk leaving the fort unprotected.
- I see…
For an unknown reason, Amery was swiftly lifted in the air by a brawny muscular man. Her laughter rang in the air. Pilus did not take his eyes from her for a second.
- Pilus, I am very grateful for your support. You do not know what that mean to us.
- You are welcome. I truly believe that we are the future of Britain. As such, we must help each other. All these old men, including my father, belong to the past.
- Yet we are helping an old man, Marcus. Tiberius noted.
- I was rather fond of Marcus really. It was him who taught me how to swing a sword properly. God knows my father is quite inapt with a sword. He is a seaman, an incredible sailor. Yet, a very poor skilled-fighter. I also owe Arthur and you a great deal.
Tiberius raised an eyebrow at that. Pilus smiled.
- My father practically never speaks about all the disdain he has for me at our conventional family gathering, instead he always speaks about all the admiration he has for you and Arthur.
Tiberius smiled ill-at-ease.
- Father-Son relationships are always hard to maintain past adulthood, especially since natural leadership skills is anchored so deep in our blood. Since I became a father myself, I am not so quick to judge.
Pilus snickered at that.
- I thought it was only Arthur, the master of Virtue in this part of our colony. But I can see, you're quite the philosopher as well. I like that.
Tiberius said nothing. Pilus drank another mouthful of wine.
- What can you tell me on those samartians?
- Why do you want to know?
- Well, I want to know who I will waste my resources on.
- I do not know what to say.
- Three names come to my mind. There are plenty ways to start this…
Tiberius sipped slowly.
- I heard about the trial. What a rich tale!
The commander of the fort abruptly dropped his cup on the table. He did not remember the trial too fondly. It had not been one of his finest moments.
- Well, it was all very confusing at that time.
- So, let me make things less confusing…. maybe clearer, Arthur bought a slave boy, a war tribute, in the hands of Marcus Olympus. The boy is revealed later to be the son of Attila, the Scourge of God, the man who almost had Rome in the palm of his hands. This same boy killed three of your soldiers…
- In retaliation…
- In retaliation for a petty crime. And Arthur sacrificed himself in the defense of the young murderer. His men did the same.
- Loyalty is what could best described Arthur and his knights. The outcome of this affair is not so surprising for whom who knows all the parties involved.
- You know the Hun, then.
- Skilled Swordsman like most of them. Competent rider fit for the cavalry, it seems. Good archer just like the Samartians. Spectacular Hand-to-Hand Combat skills.
- I see. He seems perfect. Very interesting.
- His temper is a problem though. Born Royalty, he is unruly at best. It's a miracle that he listens to Arthur at all.
- Arthur, the man who makes miracles happens. Pilus sniggered.
- Well, the girl who caught your fancy is the Hun's favorite.
- Really? What a shame! Such a waste!
- So, you really intend to go over there.
- Over there. Probably. Over her. Most definitely.
Speaking of Amery, Pilus held out his mug as she walked past them with a jug. She stopped to fill his cup.
- Well, Good evening, Sir. Commander Tiberius. She greeted.
Tiberius only nodded in her direction.
- Hello to you, Beautiful doll. Can you sing ?
Amery laughed at that.
- I am Amery and I can sing too.
- I'd like to hear that.
- Amery, come back! Come back! Don't you hog in all the fun, Commander Pilus?
- Well, I'm afraid I have other commitments.
- Well, I cannot see the Hun Prince anywhere.
The smile on Amery's face faded.
- Oh yeah, I am supposed to go save him and his companions tomorrow.
- Save Tanjin? You will go save Tanjin?
Amery felt her throat tightened and for a minute she was unable to speak. She thought about Tanjin. She thought about Galahad. Has it been so long since she last saw them? Will she see them again?
- That is your man, right? At least the one dear to your heart. We all know as we are all men that we are to be all close to you, tied in one way or another to your growing casket.
She said nothing. Tiberius, who did not like where this conversation was going, intervened. He handed Amery three gold coins.
- Here, for the wine. Thank you.
- Thank you my Lord. It is very generous. She said quietly.
- Amery, what will I give to spend the night between your heavenly thighs? A man sing-songed roughly behind them. Why did you say I was too cheap for you, Amery? I love you, dear Amery!
- You're quite demanded.
- I suppose so. I'm really flattered also.
She said a shadow in her eyes. To Tiberius, she did not seem flattered at all. Pilus smiled crookedly.
- You break that man's heart and mine by the same occasion. Is it true what they say? Only a prince can get your attention.
She shrugged. A confident smile chased the shadows on her features.
- Who knows? If you order another pail, maybe my lord will also catch my attention. Well make it ten more rounds...
- Dully noted then. I will make sure to always compensate you well for your service. But I also have my standards; we can call it quirks and fetishes.
Surprised, Amery took a step back.
- There is a misunderstanding. I beg your pardon; I am not offering my services these days. Like I said, I do have other commitments. Have a good evening, Commander Tiberius and Commander Pilus.
- You know my name. That is a good way to start. We will talk more later.
Amery frowned again, disconcerted. Tiberius breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the girl walking away to the counter. He could not help thinking of the Hun Prince. Last time, he started a war against that boy, he clearly lost. He almost lost his friendship with Arthur. Tiberius had learned his lessons well. It was too dangerous to meddle into the knights affairs. Arthur was clearly loved among the people. He had the support of the people behind the wall. No, Tiberius did not want trouble to rise again because of some loose woman.
- Well, I propose we go back to the villa. I may have some wine and Salva can also sing among other things.
- I am not ready to go. The night is still young.
Again, his eyes were trained on Amery. Tiberius sighed heavily and poured himself some more wine.
The sky was painted in an almost homogeneous blend of deep warm color… Red, pink, purple, orange, yellow and brown… Galahad drank it all. For the first time in his life, the sunset brought a sense of tranquility. Well he'd cried enough for both already. Her head on his shoulder, Tangwen was dozing off; exhausted after they spent the afternoon playing guessing games.
Well, he tried everything with her. To her dangerous mood swings, he tried to oppose reason…or a connivance of sort… He'd told her that if she behaved, if she let Tanjin comes back, he would reward her well. It would pacify her for a couple of minutes and then she'd start again the same antics. It was hopeless. Her child-like mind was incapable of understanding. She could get scared he noticed. But the fear almost immediately vanished after a short while and she would be just as reckless with the guards.
The sun was melting into the sky and with it his thoughts of her. He looked at her. She was basking in the warm glow that flooded the cage. The sun took forever to disappear. He did not have any more idea. Aud would soon see through his imperfect lies. The night was pushing its way through. A strip of grey and pink adorned the sky. The horizon was turning a darker grey. With every moment brought its own change of color, its own nuance of grey, pink, purple and orange. It reminded him of home. The home he left a thousand years ago it seems. The night had dissolved the sun and the sky was now a midnight blue.
With a metallic thud, one guard broke the latch on the lock. He jumped a little at the noise and it startled Tangwen too. She opened her eyes. The soft smile she gave him almost made him sick.
- Listen… She is not ready yet.
Galahad rose to his feet, holding her hand close to his chest. Without a word, she got up too.
- Aud said he wants to see her as soon as he gets back. Master will not be long. She needs to be ready when he arrived.
The guard smirked.
- What are you saying?
- The war is ending tonight, boy.
Galahad took a tentative step back, holding her hand even more firmly.
- Yes. They are all dead. Arthur and his knights. First Epithelium… I think next…Aud would want the wall of Hadrian to himself.
- It can't be… Galahad said. They cannot be all dead.
- I do not care if you believe me or not. Give me the girl.
- No.
Tangwen looked at the guards then at Galahad.
- Galahad, are you okay? Are we going to play today?
Galahad looked at her.
- I lied. She is not a spirit. She is just a girl and she can smile.
- What are you saying, you bastard?
- Are you deaf? I just said that I lied to your precious Master! There is no spirit! There is no God! There is nothing supernatural about this! Nothing at all! This is the work of Men. The Killings. The Greed. The never ending war. It is all men. She is just a little girl! An Innocent! Do whatever you want! Just do it quick?
The guards looked at his companions with an air of disbelief.
- Galahad... It hurts too… My hand… You're holding it too strong. Do you want to play?
- Do it quick!
Galahad held on that hand with all that he was worth. She started crying.
- We will be fine, Tanjin.
- Tanjin is not here. Why'd you call me that? You're hurting me!
- Close your eyes.
- What?
- It's getting dark. Close your eyes.
Night crept in on them, the shadows enveloping them. Another miracle happened. She did close her eyes and she smiled.