Disclaimer: I don't own this. If you recognize this, I didn't create it.
AN: Kindly words for my kindly reviewers.
The Lady Morgaine: I'm glad you like this story. And I think that everyone should have an equal standing on the story, which is why I take time to describe everyone. It's important to know your characters. And I'm glad you realized about Galahad. I was trying to explain why he was so angry and loathing throughout the movie, and this was the way I did it.
HGandRHForever: Don't worry about the love story yet, it's nothing graphic. And I'm glad you like Daddy Galahady! It's my favorite way to write him; sweet, kind, tender and loving. Really doesn't go with the movie, does it? ;)
Chris: Thank you for updating. We'll talk about Grammar later.
Babak: I think everything will come into bigger focus as we go along. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
ZELINIA: Thank you for sympathizing with Morgaine. I totally understand her dismay! Don't you? I hope you like this chapter.
Natalie: Sup? Here's your new chapter?
Now, on with the show!
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The next morning found the convoy riding away from the Wall, protected from Saxon eyes by the walls of billowing black smoke. Archie sat quiet and still on the saddle in front of his mother, seeming to understand that it was not the time for fun and laughter. Galahad and Gawain were on each side of them, protecting them despite Morgaine's talent for taking care of herself. Alecto and his mother, Lady Diane sat quiet in their carriage, Alecto leaning out the window and watching the landscape go by forlornly. The only sound came from the clip clop of the horses. Vanora was walking beside a wagon that carried her children, the eleven sons and daughters of Bors talking quietly amongst themselves. It was too quiet. And so the sound of Saxon drums did not come as a surprise.
About a mile from the Wall, the beats of Saxon drums were suddenly louder than they had been, spooking the horses, the steeds rolling their eyes, rearing up and prancing nervously. "Whoa!" came Lancelot's low croon, the other riders following his example. "Easy!"
They danced out of the line, stopping the convoy and bringing their riders about-face. Lancelot's hand stroked gently across his stallion's neck, soothing frazzled nerves with the caress. As the horses calmed, the Knights looked up, and smiled sadly at the sight of Arthur standing alone on the hill, his standard waving and all decked out in full armor. Nibbling on her lower lip for a moment, Morgaine finally made her choice and turned her horse toward the wagon full of Vanora's children. Three of the boys were leaning against the sides, watching their father carefully. Looking down at Vanora, Morgaine handed the redhead her son. Archie perched on the woman's hip, his frightened eyes watching his mother steadily. The mother smiled at her child, caressing his cheek fleetingly. Meeting Vanora's eyes, she begged, "Look after him for me?"
Vanora seemed to understand immediately and nodded, knowing that what she was about to do was something that had to do. It was a matter of Morgaine's honor. Moving into the shadows, Morgaine began to strip out of her formal riding gown, and dressed into her warrior's kilt and brassiere, both garments made for mobility of movement. (Why do you think Galahad wore it? To show off his legs? ;)) Reaching into the weapons cart she sighed heavily, pulling out both of hers swords, her longbow and three quivers of arrows. Swinging back atop Mary-Megan, she turned to Galahad and Gawain, immediately surprised that they hadn't moved to follow her example. "Are you coming?" she snapped, her blue eyes jumping with flames. Leaning forward on her saddle, she asked sardonically, "Or are you just going to stand there and stare?"
Galahad sighed in frustration, leaning forward against the saddle horn. He had watched his wife detachedly, unable to understand why it was that she was getting dressed for battle. But now, it was clear. She was going to disobey Arthur. She was going to stay and fight. "Nazneen, I was serious. If you stay, I'm staying. I'm your husband; you know I won't leave you behind."
Gawain swung down from Brute, patting the antsy stallion's neck calmingly. Moving toward his gear, he reminded them both. "And if both of you are staying, then I'm staying. Someone has to make sure you three don't get killed."
Lancelot spoke up with a nonchalant shrug, "And someone's gotta make sure none of you three get killed. If any of you died, Arthur would kill me."
The Knights all exchanged looks and grinned, before each dismounted and moved toward their gear, smiling in anticipation of the fight to come. They realized then why they had been so heavy-hearted about leaving Britain behind. They had only been looking for an excuse to stay behind. The Saxon drums had provided it, with Morgaine's strong-willed determination driving it home. When they were all attired in full armor for war, Galahad was back in his kilt, causing Morgaine to smile. She bent down from her heavily armored horse, whispering in his ear, "You'll wear that later tonight, right?"
Her eyes were serious, the teasing tone in her voice belied by the heaviness there. "You have my word." Galahad whispered back, telling her more than that he would do more than just wear the kilt. He would live, he would survive and they would live happily ever after. Leaning up, he caught her lips with his own for a desperate, longing embrace before moving away from her side and swinging up atop a prancing Dar.
Everyone looked at Lancelot first, seeming to know that he needed to be the first to arrive at Arthur's side. Arthur had to know that his friends would never desert him; and the arrival of the one Knight most outspoken about getting off the Island of Britain should drive that point home effectively. "You go first, we'll follow you." Morgaine said, gesturing him out front.
Lancelot nodded, kicking his horse into a gallop and riding hard toward the hills, his horse stretched out and their bodies moving in total harmony. Bors, Tristan and Dagonet were next, while Gawain, Galahad and Morgaine each pressed a final kiss farewell to their son. Morgaine touched Vanora's cheek. "Please, keep an eye on Lucan as well for Dagonet. Dag would be heartbroken if something was to happen to the boy. I will protect what you love, Vanora, so I ask that you protect all that I love."
Vanora nodded, smiling gratefully in response to her promise to protect the Knights, and especially Bors. She touched Morgaine's cheek as well, before bringing Archie closer. "Daddy? Momma?" the little boy asked, confused about why his mother and father wouldn't respond to his gestures to be picked up, his arms out and hands grasping toward them both. Turning to Gawain, Gawain nearly broke down at the tears in the little boy's eyes, "Papa?"
Gawain whirled away, riding a short ways away. Morgaine reached down and touched her son's face. "Momma and Daddy and Papa have to go away for a little while. But we'll be back as soon as we can."
Archie shook his head. "No Momma. No."
"I'm sorry baby," Morgaine sobbed, closing her eyes. Galahad and Morgaine whirled their horses around, coming to stand with Gawain, Morgaine once again between the two Knights. Then they too were riding hard for Badon Hill.
When Lancelot arrived there, Arthur looked at him with a small smile. "Can't let you have all the glory, can I?" Lancelot asked rhetorically, as Bors rode up shouting, "RUS!"
Arthur and Lancelot chuckled, turning to face them. Morgaine rode up to Arthur, causing him to immediately go red. "Morgaine! I told you…."
"I know what you told me, brother, but you'll need the extra help. My bow and both of my swords are strong and reliable. You know that. You need my help. This is my land, Arthur I will protect it. And like hell I'm going to leave all of you to get yourselves killed!"
Arthur looked at Galahad and Gawain. "If she dies, I'll hang you both up by your toes."
