This has taken me so long! But don't worry guys, now that I've finally mapped out everything for the next few chapters, I shall be posting them a little more often! Plus school and work got in the way, so I haven't had as much time to just sit down and do what I enjoy most ;) Hope you'll all forgive me, enjoy!


After a few hours of deep sleep Amaya was awoken by Maia, whom she smiled to. "Galahad sent me, he said they are waiting for you." The woman nodded her head and got out of bed, yawning as her muscles ached all over. Maia fretted about her a moment, making Amaya lift her shirt to expose her back so that Maia could rub some soothing oils into her skin. Amaya groaned.

"That feels so much better. Thank you Mai." She smiled weakly. Amaya could tell she was afraid. In truth, she was too but she did her best not to let it show. Without a word she drew Maia close, holding her comfortingly as she shivered.

"I'm so frightened, Amaya, they are right at the gates!"

"I know, sweet dove, I know but I shall not let them harm you. If ever the battle goes ill, I am sending Galahad back to you so that he can take you and Guinevere away from here. There are secret ways out of the city and he shall make sure nothing harms you." Amaya promised her, brushing away a tear that stained her cheek. "And neither shall I."

"But what if he does not get back in time? You know what men do to women after a battle, they ravage us like wild beasts! I do not want to…don't want to be taken." She gulped. "I want to belong to Galahad in every way possible." Amaya chuckled, stroking her hair softly before tucking her chin atop her head.

"Sometimes one way is enough." Amaya whispered gently. "Listen to me, Maia. I will not lie to you. Our situation here does not look very promising, we barely held back the attack yesterday and the only reason we are not swarming with our enemies right now was because we were prepared for them."

"Because you saw them coming."

"Yes." Amaya agreed. "But I cannot guarantee our lives. I have no right to promise you that everything will be alright in the morning and that we will all live happily ever after, life is too long for the end to be here too soon. What I can promise you though is that I shall fight my very hardest to keep you alive and safe as well as Galahad. I care not for what happens to me, only that you two remain safe and protected together. I shall fight for your futures, more than anything else." Maia sniffed again, chocking back her sobs.

"You are too good to me, Maya. I believe you can protect us. I know that you will defend us to the end." Maia lifted her head then kissed Amaya's cheek with sisterly adoration. "I have faith in you." Strengthened by the younger woman's soft words, Amaya stood, lifting Maia up with her.

"Come, I must go to the round chamber and I should like you to join me. I am going to need your help." Maia nodded her head ardently.

"I will do whatever I can." Maia promised as Amaya strode forwards, throwing her hair back from her face and plaited it out of the way simply as she walked. When they arrived at the round chamber, the guards instantly parted ways for the ladies, bowing their heads respectfully and opened the doors for them. Amaya strode inside.

"We have to attack them. Take them by surprise when it is dark!" Galahad was saying but stopped when he heard the door open and his sister entered with a heavenly angel following behind. Instantly he relaxed then lifted a hand, Maia darting to his side.

"No attack." Amaya ruled instantly and Guinevere narrowed her eyes slightly but nodded her head. "We do not have the strength or numbers to make an effective assault. Has the lower quarter been fully evacuated?" Gawain nodded his head.

"We have refugees filling the alehouses and halls. Vanora has already begun cutting down food supplies to ration everything."

"Good." Amaya nodded her head. "Make sure she knows that we now all eat the same foods, including the court. If bread and cheese is all there is to eat then that is all they shall receive." Guinevere frowned.

"They will not like that. They will expect feasts and meat continuously." Amaya slowly lifted her eyes to the queen. There was still some ice between them but for the moment, they overcame their differences for the benefit of the kingdom. In truth Guinevere was glad that Amaya had taken command as neither she nor any of the other knights seemed able to formulate a plan worthy of consideration that could work in defeating Lazarus.

"You cannot allow your people to starve whilst those peacocks gorge themselves. It will be up to you, Guinevere, to keep the peace." She nodded her head.

"I shall do what I can." Her hand rested on her belly with worry and Amaya softened a little.

"We shall look to the defences. The wall holds strong. I am surprised that Lazarus actually knows the difference between the wall and the gates." Lionel snorted with laughter, making Amaya look up and around. She frowned when she saw someone was missing.

"Where is Percival?" Galahad blinked at her.

"He is being guarded but he is outside." He gestured to the other door so Amaya clucked her tongue.

"Bring him in." Gawain went over to the door and opened it, stepping back after a moment then gestured for the man to enter. He nodded his head respectfully then stood, looking over the faces which were all turned towards him. Slowly he bowed. "Percival." He looked to Amaya who beckoned him to come closer. "What can you tell us of your father?" Percival had suspected that he would be asked such a question. Out of all that sat before him, only Amaya seemed so ready to trust him and his honour. He was glad for it but he was determined to prove himself to everyone, to show them his worth.

"He is arrogant and prideful." Percival began but when Amaya saw that he was struggling to remain standing due to fatigue, she pulled out a chair and nodded her head towards it, gesturing for him to sit. He practically collapsed into it but he shot her a grateful look. "And with that he is bound to make mistakes. He only drew back today because of his advisors, who would have suggested he save the army's strength as the defences proved too strong." Amaya nodded her head.

"What are his tactics?" Guinevere pressed. "His habits and preferred methods of attack?"

"My father likes glory just as much as power. He will continue this attack until either he or we are finished. I would be wary at night, it is likely that he will attack then for he is also a coward without honour. He is a warlord from his service in the Roman army but he never progressed high enough to gain any status other than Captain. His wealth comes from his family which he killed to inherit and he invests countless amounts of money into foreign slavers, where he receives rewards for his patronage." Amaya thought for a moment, glancing around to the faces of her loved ones before sighing.

"I will be the first to admit our chances do not look good. He outnumbers us four to one."

"Then give me four and I'll kill 'em, then I'll kill four more and then Daniel here can continue whilst I take a break and drink some wine before I kill a hundred of the bastards!" Maia gasped at the word and Amaya shot Lionel a dark look which made him blush. "Apologies, ladies." Maia giggled nervously.

"Is there any chance of negotiation?" Guinevere asked diplomatically. "Would he leave us if we were to pay him gold?"

"No, my lady. He would take your gold, slay the envoy and then take you." His jaw clenched. "If you understand my meaning." She nodded her head solemnly.

"I have no intent of allowing that slime infested leech in taking any one of us. He is going to be buried in the ground without a mark to honour him." Amaya said boldly, lifting her head. "We shall hold them back as long as we can until we get a reply from the Woads. It will not be long now, a day or so before we receive an answer. In the meantime, Maia, Guinevere, you shall be the ones keeping the peace and lifting spirits."

"We shall do our part." Guinevere assured her. "Though I am not comfortable letting you lead, what if you were to get hurt? Arthur would never forgive us." Amaya gazed levelly back, a small smile curling on her mouth.

"I make my own sacrifices. I am willing to give my life for this kingdom."

"Why?" Amaya was surprised by Guinevere's question, mainly because at first she did not have an answer. "Why are you so willing to die for a country that isn't even yours? For a king whom you owe no allegiance?" Amaya felt uncomfortable with so many intense looks resting upon her that for a moment her mind went blank until finally, her mouth began to move and she answered.

"Because Galahad has made it his home." She looked to her brother who reached out and took her hand. "And where he is home, then so am I. Not only this, but I have come to adore this land and its people. I have family here, a life that I am happy with. I shall not let so many years of hard labour to reach this point in my life to go to waste. I am fighting for it. I am fighting for you, for my brothers, for Maia and you can be goddamn sure I'm fighting for myself." Guinevere slowly smiled, pleased with Amaya's passionate answer. "Now, about these defences. Our first method was practical and efficient but it shall not remain so. Any ideas?"

"We could just throw pitch all over them and light the…ahem…fools up." Lionel quickly recovered and Maia giggled, shaking her head as she leaned against Galahad.

"Not enough fuel. Besides, I do not want to weaken the walls with fire. It could turn back on us should the wind change." Amaya answered. "We cannot trust mother nature to be kind to us."

"How about we just charge out there with everything we have and kill them all in their sleep?" Daniel suggested.

"It is dishonourable." Daniel scoffed and both Amaya and Percival scowled at him.

"There is no honour in war."

"Yes, there is."

"Do you think he will be honourable? That he will order his men to be kind to our woman and not harm the children?" Daniel demanded. "We cannot afford to take chances, there are too many lives at stake."

"Does the code of a knight mean nothing to you?" Percival demanded, leaping up but Amaya gripped his jacket and tugged him back into his seat which he was grateful for as his head now spun wildly. "Honour is one of the predominant codes of knighthood. You should respect it!"

"I ain't a knight yet." Daniel murmured and when Percival went to argue, Guinevere lifted a hand.

"Enough. Fighting among each other will get us nowhere. Amaya. You look as if you have an idea." The woman nodded her head then slowly rose to her feet, brow furrowed deeply in thought. She paced about the room, formulating a plan in her mind as her steps echoed off the dark stone walls, the light rapidly fading.

"If we can hold until the Woads arrive, which I have no doubt they will, we can use them to attack the flanks whilst we break the core." Amaya began slowly. "However our main problem at the moment is the battering ram. We cannot allow them to breach the inner wall otherwise all who are fighting in that sector will be slaughtered. It is impossible to hold them off indefinitely so we have only one option." Guinevere arched an eyebrow, signalling she was listening. "Wear them out."

"And how do you suppose we do that?" Amaya turned back and walked towards the table.

"We must be the cliff that the waves batter again, immovable and steadfast." Everyone leaned forward, listening intently. "We can distract them by posting archers only in the first and fourth sector of the east wall to take out the flanks with flip shields to protect them. With the archers drawn to their fire, we can concentrate on taking the bombardment." Gawain frowned.

"You want to let them attack us? What about the ladders?" Amaya turned to look at Galahad.

"Do you remember the time when we were children and I fell off the cliff and you were screaming for father to go and rescue me? The time I broke my arm?" He frowned in thought then slowly nodded his head.

"I think I do." He clarified so Amaya continued.

"Father could get down on the rope but he struggled to get back up because of the foliage. He had to climb across before moving up again." Galahad nodded his head then frowned.

"How does this relate?" Amaya smiled.

"We will block off the ladders with foliage." Slowly they all relaxed in understanding. "Alright. Gawain, Kay and Ector, you three sort out the ladders after dark when the army can't see. Galahad, Lionel and Daniel, you three get to the main gate and make sure it's securely blocked. I shall sort out the archers." Maia cleared her throat then stood up.

"I…I have another idea. It may work." She blushed, looking down at her hands as everyone looked to her. "If you wish to wear them out then you could throw things over the wall that they will want to avoid, make them dodge out of the way. It requires little energy for us but they will be dancing around like daisies in a field." Galahad grinned, pulling her down into his lip then kissed her bright red face.

"That's my girl." He murmured huskily and she smiled softly to him, wrapping her arms around his neck as he gazed at her then looked to Amaya. "What do we throw? Rocks?"

"They will be too heavy to shift after a while." Amaya shook her head. "We cannot rely on such ammunition forever. What else is there to throw?"

"Rotting food?" Gawain suggested. "I know I'd like to get out of the way if someone was throwing tomatoes at my head." Lionel snorted with laughter.

"Don't tempt me to try." The knights shared a quick smile before Percival spoke.

"How about horse manure?" They all looked to him before grinning.

"You know, I might actually start enjoying this siege." Kay mused thoughtfully, grinning from ear to ear. "I can't wait to see their faces." Amaya chuckled, shaking her head.

"Alright. Kay, you start arranging for the catapults to be moved into position with Percival." The man beside her blinked in surprise at the woman.

"You want my help?"

"You have helped us so far, do you wish to back down now?" Quickly he shook his head and she smiled again. "Good. Now that we are organised, we shall meet back here tomorrow to discuss everything and see what else there is to be done. If we need to meet sooner then I shall call for you all." Everyone nodded their heads but when Guinevere rose, she addressed Amaya directly.

"I am grateful for your leadership, Amaya. We would be lost without you." Amaya bowed her head.

"It is my pleasure, my queen." She replied then turned, striding forwards to issue the orders to the archers and prepare everything for the battle tomorrow. She felt drained and her body began to ache again but Amaya pushed the pain aside, striding forwards.

Weaving her way through terrified commoners she offered small words of comfort where she could but did not halt in her stride. Lucan had to run to keep up with her. "Amaya! What can we do to help? Please let us do something, anything!" He begged her, taking her hand so she stopped and looked down to him. "We want to help." Amaya thought for a moment before smiling broadly.

"Actually, there is something you could do." Lucan nodded his head enthusiastically so Amaya crouched down before him. "I need you and Gilly to round up as many boys and girls as you can and collect stones from all around the city but you are not to enter the lower quarter. It has been blocked off, understand?" He nodded his head again. "Collect all the stones and rocks you can in every size you can find then take them to Kay. He will know what to do with them." Once again Lucan nodded his head with determination.

"I can do that." He told her assuredly. "Anything else?"

"Not for now. Once you've done that, ask Kay if you can help some more. If he needs something, he'll ask you for it. Alright? Stay safe." Before the boy could dart away Amaya grabbed his arm and pulled him back, wrapping her arms around him. "Please, do not leave the third quarter. I will rely on you to keep Gilly away from there also. It is not safe at any time of night or day, I do not know when the army may break through." Lucan gripped onto her tightly.

"I shall. You can trust me." Nodding her head Amaya slipped her hand into her boot and drew a slim dagger which she pressed into Lucan's hands, his eyes widening in awe at the weapon. "To protect yourself only. I am entrusting you with this because I know you will be careful. You are growing up well, Lucan, your parents as well as Dagonet will be so proud of you. I'm proud of you." Kissing his brow Amaya slowly rose to her feet. "Now hurry along, we need those stones as quickly as possible."

"Right!" Lucan snapped awake, slid the dagger into his belt then darted away, shouting for Gilly. Amaya hurried on to the archer garrison, climbing the wall first then walked along. As she approached the gate the guards unlocked it for her so she could slip through then continue on her way.

She entered the first tower and gave out the orders before moving onto the next. Once she was sure that they knew what was to be done, Amaya then ordered some guards to begin bringing in the flip shields to lock into place on the battlements.

Now standing alone on the wall she looked out to the flickering campfires, soldiers pitching a safe distance away from arrow fire. Right now all she wanted was Tristan's strong arms about her, his lips at her neck as he murmured that everything would be alright. Their chances were slim but now it was looking hopeful. A few more plans had formed in Amaya's mind should the battle go ill and it proved that they could not hold back with full defence.

Her main concern was the gate. If that gate was breached then Gawain, Lionel and everyone there would be slaughtered if they could not draw back in time for the horses to give them a chance to move and pull back. Amaya looked down to her apparel then blinked in shock. She had fought an entire battle with only breeches, shirt and tunic. No armour whatsoever.

With a deep sigh she realised that it was far easier to move without the armour constricting her movements. The leather she had worn had been decent enough but she remembered the stiffness it brought to her shoulders. Since her main weapon was the bow, she did not want anything to constrict her movements.

She wished she had some good Sarmatian armour with her. It would have served her very well at this particular moment. Perhaps when this was over she would invest in a custom made battle apparel. She still had that large purse of gold tucked away in her room under the floorboards. It should just about be enough for high quality armour that would suit her needs.

When she heard someone approaching she turned then nodded to Percival who joined her side. "I want to thank you for not questioning my honour. It is good to know I have a friend in this city." Percival murmured to her, frowning out to his father's army.

"Being of a clan that idolised wolves, I happen to be an excellent judge of character." She chuckled weakly. "I knew you before I had even conversed with you. Your eyes told me everything." She gestured out to the campfires with the many men crowded around them, in the far distance a slight gleam of dark blue which signalled the tent that Lazarus resided in. "This is not what you want. You want peace. Freedom. A life of honour." He nodded his head.

"Such things seem unlikely now."

"Not out there but here." She argued gently, turning her head towards him. "You could always become a knight. A real knight. Not just a man with unquestionable honour." Percival blinked at her.

"But I am the son of your enemy."

"No one can help who fathers them." Amaya murmured, looking back again with a sigh. "Why should a man be ridiculed and loathed for the treason of the father? It is not right. Even you must see that, so do not blame yourself for his actions. Only care about yours." He looked at her with wonder. How was it that a simple maid had so much knowledge, such worldly views of diplomacy and strategy? Also, how did a maid know how to wield a bow with such deadly grace as she?

"Do you think Arthur could accept me?" She nodded her head simply. "Then I should like that very much." Percival decided. "I shall prove to you all that I am not your father."

"You have already proven that." Amaya assured him, resting her forearms against the battlements to lean against the solid weight. After A moment she spoke again. "Tomorrow I do not want you fighting." Percival looked at her with a frown. "You are still healing. You need plenty of rest before you come to join us in battle once more."

"I do not feel unwell." Percival tried but she shook her head.

"You are barely able to stand. The only reason I asked you here today was because I knew it would be a good chance for you to show my brothers you mean well." Amaya turned, lifted her chin but smiled warmly all the same. "Please, I do not want you to make yourself even more ill. Rest now, heal more and then fight harder another day." She told him. "Now, find yourself a bed in the barracks. I am sure the knights won't mind you using one of their rooms. I would suggest Dagonet's, as he is by far the more agreeable and kindest knight I know. He will not object." Amaya signalled the two guards who had followed Percival and they stepped forwards. "Take him to rest in Sir Dagonet's room then you are relieved of your watch over him." Amaya ordered softly. "He is no danger to us."

"Yes milady." They chorused then stepped back. "This way." One of them continued and Percival gave a low, gentlemanly bow to Amaya, making her chuckle but she bowed in return, spreading her hands with her bow held securely in her fingers before she rose and turned back to face the wall, joining the watch.

After about an hour of not moving, Amaya felt a tentative hand touch her shoulder. "Maia! You should not be here." Amaya said to her but she shook her head.

"You need to rest. It is more important you be ready to fight tomorrow than you guard us all in the night. Come now, or I shall order one of these fine, strong gentleman to fling you over their shoulder like a sack and carry you back to your room." Amaya chuckled and so did some of the guardsmen where Maia smiled uneasily, glancing to her left then gasped.

"Oh! There are so many." She swallowed nervously, glancing to Amaya who nodded her head.

"Well, there are at least a few less tonight than there were a few hours ago." Amaya reasoned diplomatically then took Maia's shoulder. "Alright, I shall do as you say and rest. Let's go, Maia, I do not want you frightening yourself."

"I am not frightened." She said bravely though her trembling voice gave her away. "Give me a sword and I shall show you I am not afraid of their ugly faces!" Once more she brought a chuckle from the men and Amaya smiled, realising that Maia was trying to give them sprit.

"Oh aye, and cut your pretty little fingers? Galahad will have my head." Amaya laughed, smiling at her as her arm found her waist and gently guided her forwards. "Perhaps a knife will suit you better?"

"Perhaps, though I do not think I could ever hurt anyone." Maia mused then sighed. "I am no use in battle."

"You made the men laugh." Amaya countered easily, still walking along. "And now they are smiling when moments ago, they looked as dead as winter leaves. Have heart, Maia, you are far more charming and enthralling than you believe yourself to be. You have given them a little spirit which they need."

"Oh yes, I suppose you are right." She said thoughtfully before smiling up at Amaya shyly. "May I rest with you tonight, please? I do not want to be alone." Amaya nodded her head.

"Of course." She murmured, drawing Maia closer and the younger woman latched onto Amaya's waist, drawing comfort from the stronger woman who seemed to glow with a radiant fire, like the angel Gabriel from God's own ranks in Heaven above.