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Thank you to Bandibuckeye, Courtney and Midevilsnow for the reviews. And to all those who favorite and Followed. It is much appreciated.


She took a deep breath closed her eyes tight as her hand pressed her belly. She felt suddenly ill. She knew Lancelot being here was most definitely not a good sign. The knock, no pound came once again. She swallowed hard and stepped forward and placed her hand on the latch. The light of new day blinded her accept for being shadowed by the figure that stood with his back to her. He slowly turned around but he did not face her. His thick dark curled tresses shook as his head moved from side to side in an unmistakable disapproving gloat. A grim smile crossed his lips as he finally looked up at her. Dark brown orbs stared at her as though he was looking straight through her. Lorna looked pleadingly into his eyes but she found no comfort. A deep disapproving sigh filtered from his chest as he stepped toward taking her by the elbow as he entered the threshold.

"Come Lorna, you must dress….Arthur has summoned you to the wall." His voice was soft yet its usual smug tone. The blood quickly drained out her face leaving her an ashen chalky color. Lorna clinched her jaw tightly unsure how to deal with the news she was just told.

She did as she was bid to do by the Commanders SIC. Lorna leaned heavily on the door of their bedroom as she closed it. Her heart was in her throat and she began to shake. Deep breath she commanded herself. She pushed off and went to the chest at the foot of their bed taking out a light blue dress embroider with their native Sarmatian markings, his favorite on her. After slipping on her shoes Lorna rose to full height, pressed the creases from her dress firmly with her hand, held her head high and walked toward the door. If she was going to face for her crimes she would do so with dignity.

Lancelot stood quickly as she entered the room bowing his head slightly as she passed him and exited the cottage going straight for his horse. The dark knight followed brushing past her to reach the beast first.

"Let me help you Lorna." She moved back a step as his hands went for her hips.

"I can mount a horse myself Lance…you forget whose daughter I am." She responded coldly as she pulled the hems of her dress up and mounted the beautiful black stallion.

His right leg bent back as he smugly bowed to her passing his hand in front of his body. "As you wish m'lady." Once she was adjusted in the saddle Lancelot threw his leg off the haunches and settled in behind her. He took the reins leaning close so his lips were pressed near her ear. "No one at the fort could ever forget who you are…but it appears you have." He chuckled from deep within his throat as he kicked the animal into moving.

They rode in awkward silence for most of the way her sitting straight and stiff in the saddle while he fumbled for words to fill the empty uncomfortable void.

"Does everyone know?" She finally whispered still sitting full height trying desperately to keep her composure. "Know of the summoning I mean?"

He did not answer straight away merely shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Aye" You how rumors spread like wild fire, especially when news is bad." He swallowed hard. "You should have let the scout handle this Lorna. Would have saved us all from…" His voice drifted off as he looked over the field where the farmers yielded their bounty.

She looked away. "I did what I felt was needed. I was protecting my own, my family."

"He knows that Lorna and so does Arthur, but…." He sighed heavily. "His hands are tied. He has no choice in the matter.

"He has a choice Lance." She said

He grunted a laugh. "As did you."

Her body stiffened.

They were near the gates by this time. She felt ill and closed her eyes. The not knowing what the punishment would be or how severe it would be was the killing part. More so knowing how this was not going to bode well for so many. Guilt and shame then rage came over her.

She looked in the opposite direction to face the cold stone of the wall allowing her eyes to drift upward as she heard the call of Arête circling above. "So I have been reminded…countless times." She uttered quietly.

Moments later they passed through the iron gates straight into the stables. Jols was there waiting to take the reins. He looked up at her smiling kindly. The first friendly face she had seen. He offered his hand to help her as Lancelot slid off the back of his steed.

"Don't bother," he snorted as he passed the man, "we must nay forget whose daughter she is."

He headed out the huge stable entrance looked back over his shoulder. "Bring her to Arthur." He turned his head and picked up his pace heading to the table room where the Commander was waiting.


Jols looked back up to the young woman still perched in the saddle. His mind flashed back to seeing her as a young girl, remembering all the times she spent in the stable helping him with the horses. He smiled again and extended his hands. Lorna swung her leg over, reached out and fell into his arms. She hugged his neck tightly and whispered her thanks.

"Twill all be fine mistress." He tried to offer solace to her.

"Thank you Jols," she hugged him again, "but we both know better than that. I am to be made an example of. Because of my father and husband."

He sighed and stepped back leading the horse to its stall unsaddling the beast then latching the thick rope. He walked to the opening where she was standing with her hands clasped in front of her. They stood shoulder to shoulder for a few moments before he cleared his throat and began to speak.

"Aye…we should be going." She said with a step before the words could escape from his mouth.

As they walked through the streets she noted the whispers and the looks from the villagers. She walked with her head high. She would not let them get the best of her.

They soon made their way through the entrance of the building that housed the table room. The corridor seemed colder today and longer. The more steps she took the longer and narrower it seemed to her. She heard loud voices. One of them being her father.


What are you thinking Arthur?" He shouted. "This is Lorna we are talking about for goddess sake! My daughter."

The Commander stood and pounded his fist on the heavy oak table. "Precisely! And she should have known better!" His fists braced on the table his head sunk between his shoulders. "What would you have me do Morlang? Lorna has broken the law. And it is my duty to uphold this law. The law which comes straight from Rome.

The tall older knight roared mockingly. "You never change do you? Roman law- Roman ways. Tis all you have ever cared about. All these years and after everything they hav-" Arthur cut him off mid word.

"Enough Morlang…..you forget your place old man." He snapped as he leaned forward looking around at his men and the others who had gathered for the counsel. "I am Commander of the Roman Legions in these parts. And my duty lies to uphold the laws set forth." He met the scout's glare. Oh but that man had a stare that could shake the dead. "I am left with no choice Tristan." He looked back at Morlang. "She has left me no choice."


Just then the door opened and Jols passed through followed shortly by Lorna. Her body froze as she glanced around the room that suddenly became silent. They were all there; the tavern keeper, Vanora, her father and mother, Arthur and the circle of Knight's. No one glanced away as she entered. Then there was one. Tristan who leaned against the wall, arms crossed and relaxed. His whole frame was relaxed and lazy. His face betrayed it all, Lorna knew just how angry he was. Her heart sank heavily. "Tristan?" She whispered under her breath hopefully. She had seen him angry before but not murderous, not murderously intent on her alone.

It isn't that bad, she tried to convince herself. One foot, two foot. You can do this. You are after all the daughter and wife of a Knight. You have Sarmatian blood running through your veins. We are a strong proud people. Three steps you are in.

She faced her mother who embraced her tightly whispering for her words of comfort. Lorna nodded, kissed her cheek and stepped in the middle of the room facing Arthur. She breathed a sigh of relief as her father stepped next to her and took her hand. She looked up at him and smiled and he returned the gesture. She knew that he would be her champion.

The room felt as though it was closed in. If she were to reach out with both her hands perhaps she could push them apart. Lorna clinched her hands down at her side pushing away the crazy thoughts. It wasn't the walls closing in, it was all in her head. It was suddenly catching sight of her out of the corner of her eye. She knew that all eyes were on her now. Waiting to see how she would react.

Look at her sitting there trying her damndest to gather sympathy from the assembly. Her thoughts were getting the best of her. She looked again at the woman whose face was swollen, one eye near shut, bruised and red. Had she really done that? She sighed as Arthur's calling her name caught her attention.

"Lorna." He stated sharply to gain her attention. "You have been summoned here today to face charges of public nuisance and disturbing the peace." He sat down leaning back in his chair.

"What of recompense for my troubles?" Shouted furiously Alkan, the tavern owner, as he pointed to Abigail who stood next to him so timidly. "Just look at her!" He grabbed her cheeks and shook her head for all to see the wounds. "How am I to get earnings for work lost thanks to her?" He pointed to Lorna then grabbed Abigail once again causing her to wince and yelp. "She is worthless to me now. Who would want to bed her now?"

The Commander raised his hand up as his chin dropped to his chest. "Enough Alkan. You will be compensated for your loss."

There was a sudden grumbling amongst the assembly at the short bald fat man whom most cared little for even before this. Lancelot pounded his open palm against the table as the crowd quieted down. The Commander looked with a nod to his SIC.

" I have given much thought to this and what course of action I must take. I understand why you did what you did Lorna. Make no mistake. But you broke the law and there I have no choice." He sighed as he looked to the scout then his wife. "I must," he paused as he looked around the room "punish you." He stood and walked around the room for a few moments with his hands tucked behind his back. He made his way to Lorna and spoke quietly. "What have you to say for yourself?" He asked quietly.

She stood taller and looked him in the eyes. "I did what I had to do to protect what was mine from that wretched whore. My family, my husband and my son and I would do it again if I had to."

"My son" Abigail smirked. "He is mine and Tristan's son not yours. I am his mother."

Just as Lorna lunged at the woman she was headed off by Tristan who jumped in front of her standing between them. He grabbed Lorna and guided her back to where she stood next to her father. He spoke in their tongue. "Stubborn woman. Just once will you not heed your husband?" The scout glared his famous death glare over his shoulder at Abigail flaring his nostrils at her. By all the gods I will have my way.

"I am sorry Lorna, please understand the position you have placed me in." Arthur sighed shaking his head as he walked slowly back to his chair standing behind it with his hands on the back. "This is my decision. And it will be final." He looked to Tristan. "You will pay fair market price to Alkan for the girl." The scout clinched his fists tightly. "And," he continued "You will be required to pay a month's wages to the girl for what Lorna did to her." Arthur could see the anger brewing in his scout. "Tristan." They exchanged firm glances. He then turned to Alkan. "You will accept fair market price without any complaint am I understood?" The short plump man began to protest but back downed as he knew he would not win.

"I accept the restitution of payment….but…." He looked to Lorna. "What of her…what price does she pay for her actions?"

"Her punishment is of no concern to you." Tristan growled.

"Enough…the pair of you." Arthur grunted. He looked to Abigail. "And as for you and you part in this. You will take the months wages paid to you by Tristan and you will leave on the first caravan out of Badon and you will naught return to this place. For if I ever set my eyes upon you …you will be not be so fortunate. Am I understood."

She stepped forward. "And Evrain…my son. What of him my lord?"

Morlang grabbed Tristan by the tunic before he could reach the girl.

Arthur shook his head furiously. "As for the boy he stays where he is… with his father….and mother." He looked at Loran and Tristan then quickly back at Abigail who was about to protest. "Before you open your mouth and undo any generosity on my part for your plight I will remind you of how Lorna came to find this child at the hands of your father. Had you true love and care for the welfare for the boy you would never have left him there and deceived all those along with your mother that you were dead. My suggestion to you woman is this. Take your wages and be gone."

He looked sternly at Alkan and Abigail. "I suggest you both leave my sight before I change my mind." He took his seat as Jols escorted the pair away closing the door behind them.

The room fell silent as they watched Arthur knowing full well he was not through. He clasped his hands and stared at them hard.

"And now I have one last sentence to pass." His eyes floated up at Lorna the girl he had watch grow into a woman. He sighed raising his hands to his faced as he rubbed hard before dropping them back to the table. "Lorna, for your part in this I…. I must…." He shook his head. "You have left me no choice. The punishment for public brawling is …

"By all the gods no Arhtur! You cannot be serious." Morlang protested. "You would ne-"

"It tis the law!"

The assembly of Knights leaped up in protest all shouting and bringing their point of view to the forefront. The level of the noise intensified as their opinions were cast to the Commander. Tristan turned and locked gazes with his wife noting that the color fell from her cheeks.

"I will not have my authority undermined! It is the law and Lorna will be flogged on the morrow! My word is final on this matter." He hissed and pounded his fist on the table as the room fell silent.

Morlang looked down at her fist clutching his sleeve. Couldn't he see how worried she was? Terrified was more like it. "It will be alright." he finally whispered in their native tongue. "You are strong Lorna," his large hand clutched his daughter's "you will be strong daughter."
Lorna let out a sigh and slump. She didn't remember falling but she knew that her father was there to catch her. Lorna hated fainting. It was far too delicate and girly a gesture. Way too much of a feminine weakness in her eyes, but it was what she did- and in front of the knight's at that. It could always have been worse she thought quickly trying to ease her thoughts. She could have puked.

Lorna grimaced at the thought of opening her eyes again. Once they were focused on her father's loving feature she looked up to see Tristan kneeling beside her.

I-" there was only one word to say that would make this right. It was the hardest word she had ever known. "I'm sorry for shaming you husband." She held out her hand to
Tristan as a peace offering. "Forgive me?"
"Of course I forgive you." He raised her hand to his lips and pressed. "Never again. Never again do that." She would have told him she would try not to if he had made it a question. Lorna let it go. Turning to the last hostile stare in the room. Lorna took in a deep breath.
"I'm sorry." she offered extending a hand to him. Glad when he took it and pulled her up into his arms to hold her tightly.

Lorna tried to blink away tears but they came anyway trying to spill over onto his tunic. They clouded her vision quickly. Her body rocked with force this time causing Lorna to scream in sheer panic. There was a brisk crunch, like something snapping before hot sharp pains pierced her all over, her soul was in despair.

A pair of Roman centurions entered the chamber at that moment. They had come for Lorna. Come to take her to the cages as prison was known around the fort.

"By all the gods they will not touch her." Proclaimed Galahad as he raced across the room to stand before Lorna and the Romans with his sword drawn.

"How could you Arthur," muttered Dagonet. "How could you. She is one of us. If she is to go to the cages…. We will escort her."

"Aye not these Roman dogs." Growled the Pup.

"Enough." Arthur dismissed the centurions. "Your presence was not requested. Who sent for you?"

"Twas Captain of the guard sir."

"I will deal with him later.

"Oh we shall deal with him at a later time." Snorted Gawain.

Arthur creased his brows and snarled. "And you will earn the same fate if you take matters in your own hands. I am the Commander of this fort and it is high time its inhabitants remember that."

"She is my wife and I will be the one to take her to the cages. None save me." He wrapped his arms around her shoulders as he headed her toward the door. Moira grabbed her daughter and wept. "I will be there to see you later my sweet child."

The women embraced tightly as Morlang wrapped his long arms around them both. "Be strong daughter."

"Lorna, we must go." Slender fingers wrapped around her wrist as he pulled her away. Moira fell into her husband's arms as they held each other tightly watching their daughter leave.


Lorna stared gloomily at the stone fortress that was entrance to the prison. "I will stay with you my little rabbit. I will not leave you here alone." He whispered softly as he kissed the top of her head. "I was wrong to be so hard on you."

"And I for not heeding your counsel."

The Cages, to Lorna's horror, had been exactly as they were named. They were cages, dome birdlike cages with iron workings. She had heard talk of them but had never in all her time at the fort seen them. They swung several hands above the cold stone ground.

The keeper of the cages walked close and reached out to take her from the knight. A course of action he realized was foolish on his part as he felt the cold steel blade of a dagger to his throat.

"You so much as breathe in her direction and I will cut your stem to stern."

"I meant no harm m'lord…I were just doin me duty."

"And I will do the duty of a husband if you do not back your fat lard arse away from here." He growled heavily. "The keys place them on the dagger and make your way far from here."

The keeper did as he was instructed placed the keys on the dagger tip then stepped back and continued so until he was out of sight.

Tristan held her tightly with one arm. "Come my love." They made their way to the cages. Tristan unlocked the one closest to the stone prison door.

He took her face in his hands gently rubbing her cheeks wiping the tears. He bent down and kissed her tenderly. They braced foreheads as she cupped her hands upon his gently. He drew her to him holding her. He held her tightly kissing the crook of her neck, enhaling the smell of her hair as tears welled in his eyes. How could he have let this go this far. He should have done more to protect her. Done more to show her he was wrong. And now she paid the heaviest price.

"I am so sorry my love." He whispered. "I was wrong...so wrong to be angry with you." She pressed her finger tips to his lips nodding as tears rolled down her cheeks. He grabbed her fingers and kissed them bracing his cheek on them. "I love you."

"I am glad tis you and nay another." She climbed into the cage and shut the iron door.

She knelt down as her fingers clutched at the iron rods desperately trying not to think of how her body would feel if it fell to the mean stones below. He stood before her with his head braced on the iron bars. His hands gripped them tightly as her fingers tenderly laced the strands of his hair.
Lorna closed her eyes against the setting sun; she tried not to think of where she was. Her eyes wanted to burn from her head. She just waited to scream away her headache and give over into it all. All she could do was whimper.

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TBC