AN: Hello everyone. I hope everyone is safe and healthy in these crazy times. Sorry it has been so long that I have updated this story. Though now that I am house confined I find I have more time to give myself to the creative process.

This chapter is going to be a little darker and perhaps just a bit OC. Hope you enjoy it

Lucy stayed where she had been standing. The icy chill that draped over the tavern would allow her to do nothing else. Feeling a presence at her side, she turned to find Vanora, who had come to stand with her. And, together they looked on at the scene that was unfolding before them.

It was quiet for a while, and then there was laughter. But something was off. It was not a joyous laugh. Rather a sarcastic sounding laughter only heard as a response to a bad joke. This was only further reinforced as Lucy saw each knight stiffen.

Lucy did not know these men, but the worry that radiated from Vanora, and the squirming of the infant in her arms solidified the storm that was coming. And even though they both expected something they still visibly jumped as the wave of rage came barreling towards them in the form of Bors' bellowing voice.

"…Blood! You think more of Roman blood than you do of ours!?"

"Bors, these are our orders! We leave at first light. And, when we return your freedom will be waiting for you. A freedom that we can embrace with honor." This time it was Arthur who spoke. Clearly trying to reason with the big man. To make him understand that no matter how upset he was. Until he physically had the document, which granted him his freedom in his hand. He was indeed still very much a part of the Roman army. And at the end of the day, this would come down to nothing else than a direct order. However, for Vanora it brought little comfort. Rather it served by giving her an idea of the doom that lay in waiting.

"I AM A FREE MAN! I WILL CHOOSE MY OWN FATE!" came Bors' enraged retort. Be damned with protocol. To hell with the fact that he was speaking out against his commanding officer. If Arthur had not been of the calm and honorable nature that he was. Could have with a snap of the fingers had Bors detained and dealt 100 lashes for she insubordination. However, the man understood the anger and frustration emanating from not only Bors but the rest of his men as well. So, he just let them rage.

Arthur was not the only one who watched the rampage. There was also the ever-watchful Tristan. Who turned his piercing gaze to Bors and sneered and gave his two cents to the matter. It was impossible for the women to hear what he had said, so softly it had been said. Though one thing was for certain, sheer demeanor of Tristan made Lucy's blood run cold, and for a moment thought that perhaps she would have lost control of her bowels. How could one man be so utterly terrifying with just a simple gesture. Whatever it was that he had said served to send Galahad as next into a rage.

"Listen if you are so eager to die, YOU CAN DIE RIGHT NOW! I'VE GOT SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR!" making Lucy visibly jumped. Startled by the startled by the hate, coming from one so young. She wanted this nightmare to end, as with each passing moment she grew more convinced that the men would carry out their threats. And it was something that she did not think she could handle. Had she known that Tristan's plan was entirely different plan she might have felt a little more at ease. Though it reality, she should have felt entirely at ease. For the silent man was in full control of the situation, and his plan was unfolding beautifully.

See Tristan was calculating and had deliberately sent his comrades into a frenzy. As he knew that by doing that, they would stand stronger together in the chaos. What appeared as a menacing smile took shape on Tristan's face as Lancelot stepped forward to push Galahad back. In truth tough it was quite something else, it was the smile of satisfaction. Akin to that a cat might sprout after enjoying a saucer of milk. For he knew that he had a succeeded.

"The Romans have broken their word; we have the word of Arthur. That is good enough, I will prepare." Dagonet said at the same time as Tristan faded back into the shadows. His work done.

"You coming Bors?" Dagonet said in passing as he walked by his friend, on the way out.

"OF COURSE, I'M COMING! CAN'T LET YOU ALL GO ON YOUR OWN! YOU'LL ALL GET KILLED!" and at seeing some of the others roll their eyes at his comment, he continued. "I'M JUST SAYING WHAT YOU ARE ALL THINKING!" And with that the two men left passing Lucy and Vanora. As they did so, Lucy felt a deep sadness. She only hoped that it was not a foreboding of what was to come. She must have come into Arthur's sight because the next thing she knew he was addressing her.

"Lady Lucrecia! I would like for you to join us, on our trip north." Surprise and shock filled her. But before she could say anything, there was another voice that beat her to it.

"WHAT! Arthur no! This is madness!" Dagonet exclaimed, he had almost left the tavern, though still close enough to hear what had been said, and within seconds was beside her.

Arthur took it in stride. He had yet to lose his temper. "Dagonet, the family we are sent to rescue is powerful and well connected. They may be able to help her in finding her way home."

"It is murder. She will be killed!" Dagonet intersected, standing protectively in front of her.

It was a daunting prospect. She was neither blind nor deaf to what was slowly brewing. These men were battle hardened warriors. And, they were worried about what they were to face on this mission. So what chance did she stand. Reason told her to stay at the Wall. Where it was relatively safe. Though she could not listen to reason. For deep within her heart there was another voice. One that was far more powerful. One that told her that it was fundamentally vital she ride with the group tomorrow. Regardless of the fact that she truly doubted that this family would be able to help her. How could they? No for now the important task at hand was to make sure that she rode tomorrow. She walked up close to the gentle giant and placed a gentle hand on his arm.

"Please Dagonet, if there is a chance that they can help I want to come." She said upholding the pretense.

"It is a suicide mission. If you come with us, you will be going to your death."

"I will be all right. Please, I have to do this."

Arthur had heard this last part of their conversation and chose this moment to deliver his final say on the matter.

"Dagonet, the lady has spoken. What claim do you have to her, to stop her?"

Dagonet did not even turn to his commander. Instead he continued to look into Lucy's eyes. The pain and the sadness that she saw in his depth was staggering. And as the giant said one final word before departing. She felt his breath leave with him.

"None."