King Baltra surveyed his city being evacuated late in the afternoon as the oncoming war approached Liones with the remaining Seven Deadly Sins and his highest ranking knights standing to either side. The letter he had received from Meliodas and King Arthur had told the experienced ruler all he needed to know and immediately he was sending couriers to all nearby allies requesting aid in the fight. So far three kingdoms had sent nearly half of their units to Liones, approximately fifteen-hundred men total, and alongside his Holy Knights they were nearing two-thousand soldiers. King Arthur's General Mathis had sent a letter that arrived shortly after the first one informing King Baltra that he would be sending troops to Liones as well, splitting them up to intercept any knights heading up from the South as a precaution. He noted that Arthur had ordered some men to Celnair Keep as well. They still didn't know how many men Lord Havenworth had amassed but with the newest report of fallen cities it seemed to be a higher number than what was gathered in his kingdom. No word from Elizabeth had reached him either and he often paced for hours on end in his study praying for the safety of his daughter. He should have denied her approval of the proposal, forced her to stay within the safety of the castle walls, but…she was a grown woman now capable of making life changing decisions on her own though that didn't stop him from constantly worrying about her.
"Your Majesty, the rest of the citizens have evacuated and are heading North towards Stathford who will shelter them from the conflict. If word is received that Liones has fallen King Alonde will personally escort them to Yarran." Gilthunder spoke from beside King Baltra, following the kings gaze to the horizon to the South.
"Very good. Are our neighboring forces adjusting well?"
"Yes. They are all being taken care of and will be given instructions once they have settled in."
"Your Majesty, where would you like us to be positioned?" Escanor rumbled as he turned his head to look down upon his king. "I myself would prefer to be placed at the head of the units in order to lead them to a swift victory."
"I will leave you under the care of Gilthunder, Escanor. I appreciate your brave offer in this time of need." King Baltra let out a heavy sigh as he clasped his hands behind his back, studying the city he had helped flourish for the past few decades. There was no doubt the city and castle could fall yet he hoped they would escape with minimal damage this time around. "Has there been word from Meliodas or King Arthur?"
"No word has been sent regarding their current location, Your Majesty. We sent two couriers out last night so they should be arriving at Celnair Keep at any time now." Gilthunder prayed their captain was still fighting, for his sake and theirs.
"I suppose all we can do now is wait, gentlemen, and pray Liones does not fall."
Diane let out a cry of pain as Ban reset her broken nose with a quick twist, the searing pain radiating throughout her skull and she clasped her hands over the appendage with tears in her eyes. "Ban, that hurt!"
"Sorry, that's the easiest way to do it." The Sin apologized and handed her a cloth for the fresh bleeding. "Keep a cold cloth on it and it should be fine within a few weeks or so."
"Weeks? I'm really starting to regret not punching Havenworth in the face as retribution."
"Lady Diane, if you will allow me to, I can tape plaster over your nose and give you some medicine for the swelling." King Arthur offered with his bag clutched between his hands, looking hopeful to be of some assistance.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." The king smiled before setting his bag down and digging through it.
"Is Captain Meliodas still with Lady Elizabeth?"
"Yeah, she hasn't woken up yet. He thinks it may be the trauma from the fight. Pretty gruesome from what ya told me, Diane." Ban wiped the blood from his hands and watched Arthur carefully keep the Sins nose straight with his fingers before applying some medicinal salve from a jar.
"Havenworth pulled King Everardus' head from behind his back and used it to catch Merlin's blade. It shook Elizabeth up pretty good, poor girl. We're used to the gore but she isn't." Diane spoke softly as Arthur stood to grab the ingredients he needed from the kitchen. "Merlin hasn't woken up either but she seems to be just resting now."
"You did good goin' against that asshole." Ban nodded his head in her direction, his form of an acknowledgment. "He ain't an easy one to take down."
"Should've seen the beating I gave him, you'd be proud, Ban," The Sins shared a brief laugh before becoming solemn once more. A war was still waging on and they were stuck in the abandoned Celnair Keep with two mildly injured and dozens of slowly rotting bodies littering the grounds. The tide had turned fairly quickly with Camelot knights arriving just in time yet Havenworth still managed to escape from their grasps. They knew he was headed towards Liones and until they could safely move everyone back to Liones they were sitting ducks within the abandoned castle.
"Usually I'd say she's tough but even this…this was just plain sadistic, even for him. Maybe it was his idea to get her away from the castle just to take her out." Ban let the thought from his mind and Diane frowned.
"It wasn't. He was getting close to being caught so he decided to get rid of some liabilities, starting with Elizabeth."
Both Sins looked over to see Meliodas walking towards them with a deep frown on his usually cheerful face. He looked worn out, dark bags and a sort of listlessness in his normally vibrant emerald eyes. Disheveled clothes hung from his body loosely, his tunic and pants still caked with dirt and sweat from his fights. Overall he looked like a man who had been dragged through the wringer a few times in a row.
"Cap'n, you look like shit." Ban stated and easily dodged Diane throwing a rock at his head.
"Ban! Don't be so insensitive!" The Sin shrugged like what he said wasn't not true.
"Nah, he's right, I probably do look like shit right now." Meliodas plopped down heavily on one of the chairs they had dragged outside of the castle and hunched forward, elbows resting against his knees. "Elizabeth's picked up a fever and Merlin is still unconscious but I've managed to readjust her broken rib back to where it should be and used her chest plate to splint them for now."
"Ah, Captain Meliodas! I was just about to plaster Lady Diane's nose, do you require anything?" The king of Camelot cheerfully greeted as he hurried out a bowl of thick paste with thin cloth strips hanging over the side. Diane eyed the mixture with a look of slight distrust.
"Elizabeth has a high fever and Merlin didn't have anything in her bag for it. Can you make something up when you're done?"
"Of course! I will check to see what other herbs are in the kitchen but if not then I will need someone to grab them for me." Arthur explained as he carefully soaked the short strips of cloth into the mixture, squeezing the excess off before gently placing them over Diane's nose, the Sin grimacing at the cold sensation.
"Thanks, Arthur, you've been a great help with your medical knowledge," Meliodas gave his friend a tired smile, earning a wide one in return. "I only really know the toxic stuff and what not to eat in the woods."
"Oh, that reminds me, Captain," Diane waited until Arthur moved to grab another piece of cloth before continuing. "Did you smell that cloth Merlin set out for you? On Elizabeth's balcony?"
"You mean that nasty smelling stuff? I could smell that half a mile away, Diane. I knew as soon as it hit me that you guys were in trouble. I just wish I had made it in time." Diane furrowed her brows at the remark, glancing at Ban who crossed his arms with a sigh.
"Ya couldn't have known Apricot was working for Havenworth, she didn't show any signs of betrayal and the only thing we had on her was the fact that she came from Arvendon and had spoken with Corni. Besides, Elizabeth seemed to trust her well enough so there wasn't any doubt we shouldn't have."
"Aya, Ban, she's not a fruit." Diane corrected with a sigh, wincing as Arthur pressed a little too hard on her nose.
"Eh? Who cares, she's dead now ain't she? I can call her whatever the hell I want."
"Where were you, Captain? Did you ever find a way into the area behind the stables?" The Sin of Envy inquired.
"Aya showed up and led me to the entrance hidden deep within the woods. Turns out they were stashing heavy artillery weapons but when I went to destroy them they fell apart on their own and I found myself surrounded on all sides by Havenworth's hired men. I figured out what she had done as I was on my way back to the castle and by then I wasn't fast enough to kill her." Meliodas explained quietly as his blonde bangs concealed his eyes. "I fell right into the trap and Elizabeth got hurt because of it."
"Physically she will heal, Captain Meliodas," Arthur placed the last bandage over the Sins' nose before giving a nod of approval, the girl thanking him profusely. "I am more worried about the traumatic experience she has witnessed. It may have sent her mind into a state of shock and the repercussions of that could either be none or they could be severe. We will not know until she awakens on her own."
"She's already lost her memories once, there's a chance it could happen again." The Sins fell silent knowing full well what happened last time Elizabeth lost her memories. Though it wasn't definite that it would happen again the fact that it was a high possibility weighed heavily on them all. Meliodas placed his forehead against his clasped hands and for the first time in a very long time he prayed to the heavens above to let Elizabeth survive.
"Captain Meliodas, incoming couriers from Liones!" A Camelot knight called out as he ran towards them, waving his arms to get their attention. "They need your urgent attention!"
Meliodas cut his prayer short and stood now fully alert. Did Havenworth attack Liones already? They had only been here one night since the king left so it wasn't fully possible to have arrived at the castle yet unless they rode throughout the entire night. It was still fairly early in the morning so there was the chance they rode continuously in order to send word as fast as possible. The knight slowed down a bit and turned to make sure the couriers were following him. Two men on horseback galloped around the corner of the castle accompanied by a handful of Camelot knights, the golden symbols of Liones hanging from the horses' saddles. "Captain Meliodas, urgent news from King Baltra!"
"What is it?" Meliodas demanded as the men yanked the horses to a stop, quickly sliding from their seats. The knight closest to him pulled out a sealed piece of parchment from the saddle bag before hurriedly handing over the news.
"What's it say, Cap'n?" Ban asked as he looked over his friends shoulder to read it as well and after a few lines he leaned back with hard eyes, not liking the numbers he was seeing. "Two-thousand? That's it? If he's been gathering men for years then Liones will be wiped out pretty fast. At least they've evacuated further North and have more reinforcements there."
"Your troops have arrived there, King Arthur, we saw them arriving just as we were departing." The first courier said with a bow and the king let out a relieved breath. "King Baltra was awaiting further response from a few more kingdoms in hopes of gaining more reinforcements. He also requests of you personally, Captain Meliodas, of an update regarding Lady Elizabeth."
The Sin let out a heavy sigh behind his hand, looking at the courier with hesitation. He understood that the king was worried for the safety of his daughter and he had mostly been honest with the man who took him in after Danafor but if he told him she had been through hell and back, including getting stabbed, then his will could crumble and the kingdom would fall easier. Tactically speaking, it was best not to inform King Baltra of the incident that happened just yet. "Lady Elizabeth—"
"Has gone through a bit of a shock and is in the process of recovering. She will be accompanying us back once we can secure any other wounded soldiers for transportation. Tell him the captain was busy attending to matters with King Arthur and that I stepped in to hold things over." Ban instructed the man who looked unsurely between the two but slowly nodded once Meliodas gave him a tight nod of agreeance.
"As you wish, Holy Knight Ban."
"Now, formalities aside, let's get you two a good drink, eh? Yer asses probably hurt from riding straight through, right?" Both couriers nodded and the Sin slipped on an easy grin before grabbing them both by the shoulders and leading them away. "Cap'n, I'm takin' these two for a bit~"
"Go easy on them, we still need them to report back to Liones soon." Meliodas called back and the Sin flapped his hand at the knight. He sighed and shook his head. The truth would be told once the war was over and the king could punish him however he liked.
"Is it okay to lie to King Baltra like that?" Arthur asked quietly as he stood beside the knight, watching as Ban snagged a few mugs to fill with ale.
"If I tell him the truth then Liones could fall immediately once Havenworth discovers it as a weak point, that's if he doesn't already claim she died. I'll accept whatever punishment he has for me once this damned war is over."
"I suppose that is true. Ah, I will go make a fever remedy for Lady Elizabeth now! Will you see if she is awake enough to drink it? I shall prepare pain medicine for Lady Merlin as well." Arthur quickly flitted back to the kitchen, eager to help his comrades by using his extensive medical knowledge.
"I'll go check on Merlin, Captain, go spend some time with Elizabeth and try to get some sleep, okay? If we have to move out soon then we need you awake to lead us." Diane grinned as she stood, clasping her hands behind her back. "We'll fight our way through this just like every other battle, don't worry."
Meliodas watched as his comrade turned and flitted away with a renewed skip in her step. Worrying was all he could do for the time being. Elizabeth had a high fever, Merlin was still unconscious with a broken rib and possible internal injuries, Havenworth had escaped and was on his way to Liones to burn it to the ground…he may as well throw away his title of captain since he was failing to even protect his comrades and defend his home. He was heavily torn between staying here and rushing to Liones by himself to stop the kingdom from falling once more, the knight stuck between a rock and a hard place with all four appendages pinned down.
"Captain Meliodas, a word if I may, sir?" The knight looked up tiredly to see one of Arthur's knights standing a few feet from him, two ales in his hands. Meliodas took the one extended to him with a small nod.
"Of course."
The man smiled lightly before taking a seat across from him, settling heavily into his seat. "It's an honor to meet the famed hero of Liones in the flesh, I've heard many stories of your deeds across the lands. Color me impressed, lad. Name's Hubard."
"Good to meet you, Hubard, though I wish it were under better circumstances," Meliodas mused dryly before taking a swig of the ale. It wasn't nearly as good as Bernia ale though in his current situation it sufficed enough. "I'm assuming you're not here to talk about heroic deeds."
Hubard let out a hearty laugh, slapping his hand across his knee. "Sharp as a whistle, ain't ya? Believe it or not, many years ago when I was about your age, I was forced into a similar situation as you are in now. I was captain of Camelot's forces and I led them to victory in every battle we partook in. But there was one…one that I will never forget…that nearly cost me my life and stole the lives of my men before my very eyes, even lost the love of my life because I made the wrong choice."
"Sorry to hear that." Meliodas slowly lowered his mug and looked at the aged knight with slight interest.
"Ah, apologies don't do anything for it now." Hubard waved it off, focusing back on his mug. "We were marching North to a village called Liverston which I think is now Wimborne or something. Anyways, we were headed there because some king had gone off his rocker and was threatening nearby kingdoms with complete destruction unless they gave him everything he wanted. This was before Arthur's time mind you so we were sent out along with a handful of other allies to stop him before he burned half of Britannia to the ground in his path of wrath. It took days of hard travelling but we finally made it there and a battle struck up, bloodshed everywhere with men from multiple kingdoms falling left and right. Me and a handful of my men managed to break into the castle and began searching for the king who had holed himself up in the throne room. We get there and he's screaming from inside 'I've got a hostage and if you enter those doors they will die!'. Thinking it was all a ruse, I ordered my men to break down the doors. That's where things went down hill quickly."
"He had your loved one, didn't he?" Meliodas asked quietly and the knight sighed heavily, taking another hearty swig before continuing on.
"That he did yet I never took the man to stoop so low. I naively thought she was safe at home in Camelot with her family but the bastard somehow managed to track her carriage down when she was travelling outside of the city. I was young and arrogant, let my pride lead the way instead of my head. The doors bust down and once the dust cleared I saw who his hostage was…moments before he beheaded her in front of me, the last look she ever gave me was one of sheer terror. I was so traumatized I just backed away and ran, leaving my men for dead as the bastard launched an assault. There was no way I could return to Camelot as a disgrace but King Uther sent out men to search for me after the war had ended weeks later. That day was the most disgraceful day of my life, Captain, as I stood before my king with my head down in shame. How was I supposed to tell the man who had saved my life decades before that I had tucked tail and ran during a battle? I gave my solemn oath to protect Camelot with every fiber of my being yet I failed because I overlooked the information regarding the tyrant running rampant and ran in so blindly. So, he asked me 'Captain Hubard, I know of what happened during the battle and I am sorry for your loss. I wish to know why you made the choice that you did.'."
"'I made that choice because I am a coward who has abandoned his kingdom and his men.' That's what I told him and it was the absolute truth. He told me to look up and I did, expecting a blade to be at my throat for treason yet the king kneeled before me, placed a hand on my shoulder, and look at me with sympathy. Sympathy. 'My son, you made that choice because you are human, as we all are, and it is only natural for you to listen to your instincts when something traumatic happens. You are forgiven, Captain Hubard.'"
"King Uther must have been a kind man like Arthur is."
"He was, I can clearly see that in young Arthur. I want you to understand the whole moral of the story though. Your instincts may be what very well saves you and your kingdom in the end, Meliodas, but all of that depends on what you know about your enemy."
"What I know about my enemy?" Meliodas looked at him with slightly furrowed brows. The old man nodded.
"You know more about this man than anyone, correct?" When the blonde nodded he continued. "Then you know how he will react to certain situations, what lengths he will go to for what he wants, what he is willing to sacrifice to get there. He failed to take the life of the princess because you knew it was a possibility he would use her as a pawn to get to you yet your soldiers were here to protect her even when you couldn't. As soon as you broke free of that prisoner cart, where did you immediately go? Camelot. You contacted Arthur and began sending urgent word back to Liones and neighboring allies in order to send them the truth. Meliodas, there's an old saying; Bring out the worst in thine enemies and thy will get them to defeat themselves. What you know about Cornelius Havenworth will be his utter downfall in the end."
Meliodas stared hard at the ground beneath his feet as he felt the gears slowly beginning to turn in his head. What he knew about his enemy…would be his downfall in the end. It didn't make sense the first time he heard it but the more the knight began thinking about it the links began connecting together to form a solid chain. Hubard let out a satisfied huff as he watched the knight before him begin piecing everything together. He wasn't expecting the slightly glorified story to work its magic on the highly skilled fighter yet it seemed to be his saving grace in his darkest moment.
"I know how to stop him." The captain stood from his chair, dropping his mug to the ground in the process, emerald eyes bright for the first time in days. "I need to get to Liones as soon as possible—"
"Looking like the walking dead?" Hubard snorted and stood as well, shaking his head at the now slightly sheepish knight. It was almost like he was looking at a younger version of himself, all eager and ready to go after being thrown through the ringer. "Get some sleep first then we'll discuss your plan to bring down Havenworth. Besides, you got a princess to check up on as well. Looks like Arthur has the medicine ready. We'll chat later, Captain."
"Captain Meliodas, I have the—oh, was I interrupting your conversation?" Arthur slowed to a walk as he glanced between the knights with a curious look. Hubard merely chuckled before waving farewell and strolling away, hands in his pockets.
"Not at all, Arthur, just getting some advice from an old soldier." Meliodas said brightly. "You have the medicine for Elizabeth?"
"Yes! It should lower her fever rather quickly. I made a powdered form for tea when she is awake and a paste form that you can apply across her forehead when she is not. Oh, here, this one is for the wound on her abdomen though I will understand if you wish for Lady Diane to take care of such a task." Arthur quickly added the last part as he handed over four jars of medicinal herbs. "This one is for Lady Merlin."
"I can't thank you enough for this, Arthur, you have no idea what it means to me." The captain smiled genuinely up at the redhead who quickly flushed in embarrassment, scratching the back of his head.
"It truly is no big deal, Captain, you are helping all of Britannia to end a mass invasion so it is the least any of us could do. Besides, I owe you greatly for helping to clear Camelot of those imposters."
"I'll have Diane go apply some of the salve when she's done with Merlin. I'm going to have a rest but I want everyone gathered for a meeting when I wake up." Arthur nodded and Meliodas turned, heading up to Elizabeth's room with renewed determination. They could turn the tide now and potentially win the war. Havenworth cared about one thing and one thing only; to be the strongest in all of Britannia and he wanted it done in front of an audience, his pride the only image he cared about. So, since the prince so eagerly wanted all eyes on him, Meliodas would be sure to have all of Britannia's eyes on the rogue knight in their final battle.
There were a few soldiers milling about inside of the castle, mostly drinking or sleeping, and Meliodas knew how they were feeling as he passed. They were in the middle of a war and most likely were rushed through training before being thrust into the platoons leaving the kingdoms. Some seemed even too young to be fighting but if their homes had dwindled rankings then desperate times called for desperate measures when pressured for troops. The knight swiftly made his way up the grand staircase and turned right to head towards Elizabeth's room. Merlin was in the accompanying quarters, the maids quarters, and as he neared Diane quietly exited the door beside the main quarters.
"Captain, Merlin is awake now and is requesting to see you." Diane spoke softly as she took the jar he offered.
"Alright. Can you apply this one to Elizabeth's wound and this to her forehead? If she's awake this can be made into tea. Merlin's is this one." Meliodas asked as he handed her the remainder of the jars, making sure she understood which one went where. "I'll be in a bit after I talk with Merlin. I'm going to get some rest later on and then I need everyone gathered."
"Roger." The Sin disappeared through Elizabeth's door and Meliodas moved to open Merlin's.
The curtains and windows had been opened, allowing fresh air in, and Merlin turned her attention from the windows to him as the door shut, golden eyes still mirthful as always. "Captain."
"Merlin, I'm surprised you let yourself get into this bad of shape," Meliodas chastised as he strode over to the chair beside her bed, swiftly dropping into it. "What am I supposed to do with my personal apothecary out of commission?"
"I'm sure Arthur will take over that role, I am the one who taught him after all."
"Ah, that does make more sense now. So should I be worried about the tea he made up for Elizabeth?" Merlin merely chuckled, shaking her head slowly.
"No, he is an excellent student of mine, I have no doubt in his methods. How is princess doing?"
"Aya, that maid? She was working for Havenworth the whole time and stabbed her through the side once Diane got you both out of the castle. Elizabeth's picked up a fever due to shock we think." Meliodas noticed the hard edge creeping into her eyes. "It wasn't your fault, Merlin, you did exceptionally well in protecting her."
"We should have just left the castle but we walked directly into a trap instead knowing full well that's what it was. It was either leave and raise suspicions or attempt to talk with King Everardus about his crazy son finally losing it. Forgive me, Captain."
"Merlin, if you hadn't reacted the way you had then the three of you may not have even survived to this point. You protected Elizabeth with your life, you should be proud of yourself. It isn't like you to mope like this." Meliodas pointed out and the Sin of Gluttony merely smirked the tiniest bit.
"What can I say? Must be all of the pain making me delirious and causing my true emotions to spill out. Where's Havenworth?" When the captain shook his head Merlin look at him with hard eyes. "He's on his way to Liones."
"Yes. We haven't gone after him yet. With you three injured—" A raised hand stopped the knight.
"Captain, I know you almost better than anyone here and you wouldn't give up the opportunity to hunt him down so what are you still doing here?"
"Until just a few minutes ago, I didn't have a clue on how to defeat Havenworth plus I had given up on the idea of ever reaching Liones fast enough to take him down. With Elizabeth the way she is and with your ribs, it's too risky right now to try and move you two. Diane said she could still fight but that doesn't change the fact that I had nothing to go on." Meliodas admitted tiredly, running a hand down his face. "One of King Uther's former soldiers came to me and told me about how he went through a similar situation decades ago, telling me to trust my instincts regarding Havenworth."
"And?" The mage urged on, staring at him impatiently.
"Everything is telling me to leave here and go after him, to take him down personally." Meliodas finally met her eyes, the conflict swimming in his emerald orbs. "Yet I can't force myself to leave Elizabeth alone again. Look what happened when I did."
"Would you go if she told you to?" Merlin asked suddenly, earning a quizzical look from her leader. "If Elizabeth told you right now to go, would you?"
"If she gave me her word to go and put an end to Cornelius, then yes, I would go."
"I suggest you go and ask her yourself then if you're that conflicted about everything. We can always catch up in the next day or so but taking down that tyrant is something that can't wait, Meliodas. Liones could fall without your extensive knowledge on the man."
"I know, I know, everything just seemed to be falling apart at the moment but I know now how to defeat Cornelius once and for all." Meliodas stood and ruffled his hair, shooting his comrade a grin. "You haven't called me by that name in ages, Merlin, you must really be in pain."
"Humph, apparently so. I do appreciate the binding method, Captain, though I could have done better myself." The mage merely retorted, leaning her head back into the pillows and closing her eyes. "Now go on, you have a princess to see and some sleep to get."
"Bossing me around? You never change," The captain snickered as she quirked a brow up while keeping her eyes closed.
Shutting the door quietly behind him Meliodas shook his head with a small snort. He hadn't seen that side of the Sin in a long time, not since before they were all formally gathered into the Seven Deadly Sins years ago. It was amusing to see her slip then cover it up with a bossy attitude. Escanor would be envious to miss such a scene. With a quick rap on Elizabeth's door, he waited until Diane came and opened it. After a few minutes there were no footsteps and he rapped again, instantly more alert. It wasn't like the Sin to take so long to answer the door.
"Diane? Is everything alright?" Meliodas called through the door, pressing his ear against the door to hear a response.
"Just a moment, little busy." Diane muffled back and he relaxed the slightest bit. He really needed some sleep before he keeled over from a stroke.
Leaning against the wall he let his head thunk against the rough stone as he let his mind wander. It would take nearly a day to travel to Liones unless he pushed hard to get there, Waldo could do it easily though he knew Hawk would throw a fit and try to chase after them. He would need at least a few men to go with as a precaution if there were traps set up along the main path. Arthur was highly skilled in combat but he needed to remain here to tend to the sick and wounded, plus most of the men on the property were under his command so it made sense for him to stay to keep things orderly. Ban would go with regardless of what he said so there was one person to accompany him. They could both move quickly, push the horses, maybe get to Liones in the dead of night, hopefully before dawn. Diane should stay with Elizabeth and Merlin to help change their bandages out and also keep them company since they were the only females around. He knew the Sin would fiercely protect them both.
Havenworth would most likely go straight to Baltra in an attempt to break his will and crumble Liones from within, something he had a strong suspicion about yet there was a seed of doubt in that thought. What if he made it seem like he was going after Baltra when in fact it was a ruse to lure him into a trap? He should have killed the man when he had the chance instead of letting him continue rampaging across Britannia for months on end. Meliodas had sensed the man was off ever since their fated meeting in Grantown, kicking himself more and more with every meeting they had since. It was getting harder to think as a pounding formed behind his eyes, pressing his palms against them in an attempt to quell it. Gods he was tired.
"Captain?"
He hadn't noticed anyone nearby and he blinked slowly, a fog covering his mind in a thick blanket. Diane looked bent down towards him quizzically, brown brows pinching together. It took him a few moments of blinking and rubbing his eyes before he realized he had fallen asleep against the wall outside of Elizabeth's room though the bit of stiffness in his neck made it clear he had been out for a good bit. "What?"
"I didn't mean to wake you, sorry," The Sin held out her hand to him and he took it, steadying himself once he got to his feet. "You fell asleep shortly after knocking on the door and I didn't have the heart to wake you up. You've been out for maybe five hours or so."
"That long? Is it still morning?" Meliodas let out a yawn as he stretched, sighing when he felt his shoulders and neck pop back into place. The Sin shook her pigtailed head briefly.
"Around noon at least, if not a little later. Ban swung by to check on you but I told him I'd give him updates when there were any."
"How's Elizabeth doing?"
Diane merely smiled and gestured to the door. "Why don't you see for yourself? She's been awake for a short while now, the fever broke a bit after I applied the salve and gave her some tea."
Meliodas snapped awake, emerald eyes darting from Diane to the door. She had finally woken up? "Does she…"
"Go on, she can tell you herself. I'm going to let the others know you're awake now, Captain."
Meliodas faced the wooden doors with a racing heart as he reached out for the handle. Did she lose her memory again? How far back would it go this time? Would she ever regain them? Apprehension creeped into his chest and he let out a short breath before pushing it open. Afternoon sun filtered in through the ceiling height windows, illuminating the room as he shut the door quietly behind him. He turned around slowly, preparing himself for the worst…only to find Elizabeth wasn't in her bed. Panic flittered across his mind as he quickly made his way into the room, looking around for any sign of her. It was possible she went into Merlin's adjoining room but Diane didn't mention anything about her being up and about. Just as he was about to check anyways a noise behind him caught his attention and he whirled around to see the princess looking at him with owlish eyes, her body leaning lightly against the doorframe of what he assumed was the chamber room.
"Meliodas…" She breathed in relief, placing her free hand against her rapidly beating heart. He looked so frantic as he searched for her. "Forgive me, I did not mean for you to panic, I merely went to freshen up."
"Elizabeth," Meliodas let out an amused huff to cover up his receding panic as he walked towards her. "I can't take my eyes off of you for a second, can I?"
"It would seem that way. Diane told me you had fallen asleep outside in the corridor, have you not been sleeping well these past few days?" Elizabeth asked lightly as she grasped his outstretched hand, his other one easily resting against the small of her back as he guided her back to the bed.
"It was hard to sleep knowing you were in the same building as Cornelius," The knight admitted quietly, taking notice of how she was walking with a slight limp. "Did you get injured? You're limping."
"Ah, that happened during the altercation with Lord Havenworth." Elizabeth spoke softly as he helped her back into bed, waiting patiently as he folded the edge of the blanket over her stomach before taking a seat on the chair next to the bed. Meliodas kept his hands secured around hers as it rested atop the blanket. "Diane was still injured and Merlin was unconscious so I grabbed Merlin's sword and swung at Lord Havenworth. I did not do much damage to him though apart from a cut on his cheek but by the time I turned around to strike again he…" She trailed off and raised her free hand to her throat lightly, the bruising still aching dully. His eyes locked onto the bruising and he tensed up, tracing out the mark that wrapped around her neck delicately with a finger. The bastard would pay dearly.
"He laid his hand on you, Elizabeth." Meliodas bit out lowly, emerald eyes narrowing in the slightest.
"Bruises will heal, wounds will heal. These markings signify that instead of sitting back waiting for someone to save me I took the risk that you all do for me daily in order to protect those precious to me. I also threw my shoe at his head if that makes you feel the slightest bit better." Elizabeth smiled as Meliodas' expression lightened up, blonde brow raising as he looked at her with a bit of amusement.
"Remind me to not be around you when you have shoes on, Elizabeth, those things are dangerous."
"At least I held the blade properly like you showed me all of those years ago," She waited for his reaction with growing anticipation, cerulean eyes locked onto his confused face. As soon as the fever had broken the memories came flooding back, missing pieces of the puzzle now fully connected. She had sat for hours while he slept, recalling the scenes of them together. Everything from the first glance at the fighting tournament to their two year separation in her father's office. All those years and he was always by her side, guiding her and protecting her while showing her how to be just a normal girl instead of a princess twenty-four seven. She could even remember how he cared for her two years ago after the failed attack on Liones, nursing her back to health, treating her wounds, keeping her safe until she returned home. How she had forgotten the countless memories they had together she'll never understand but now that they were back…
"All those years ago…" Meliodas trailed off, looking at her with furrowed brows until the light in his head clicked on and his eyes went wide. "You don't mean—"
Elizabeth nodded, feeling the tears welling up in her eyes. "I remember everything now, Captain."
Meliodas shot up from his chair and wrapped his arms around her carefully, feeling her hands coming to a rest against his back. He wanted to shout in sheer joy! She had remembered! After so many years of despair and wanting to give up on her ever regaining those memories, they were finally back. "Elizabeth, you remember…you finally remember!"
"At least most of it," The princess sniffled against his shoulder, the tears unending as they embraced. "Some parts are a bit fuzzy such as after the attack on Liones over two years ago, but I remember you always being there for me and showing me how to be a normal girl. You were there for me even when I could not recall who you were or why I felt as if I knew you when I did not even remember your name."
"I'm so glad they're back, Elizabeth," Meliodas breathed out as they slowly pulled back, emerald locking onto cerulean while he cupped her face. "There were so many times I wanted to give up on them returning, times I wished I could tell you but was hesitant to do so. The shock you suffered from must have unblocked your memories."
"King Everardus…" The princess trailed off and the knight lightly rested his head against hers in comfort. "He did not deserve to suffer such a horrendous ending."
"We'll get revenge for him, don't worry. I need to leave you once more, Elizabeth, in order to save Liones from Havenworth. It's too risky to move you right now with your injuries so you'll need to stay here until everything has been settled." Meliodas returned to his seat, hands encasing hers. The frown tugging at her lips told him all he needed to know about how she felt on the matter. "Once it's taken care of then I'll come for you."
"You are going to take his life." He nodded briefly and the frown deepened.
"There's no other way, he's too dangerous to keep alive. He's been planning attacks for nearly a decade and he was the reason behind Liones' attack two years ago, the one that caused you to first lose your memories. I can't let him continue terrorizing Britannia after all of the lives he's taken, Elizabeth."
The princess nodded solemnly and turned her gaze to the ceiling in thought. She knew firsthand how much of a monster he was just from the few days of living within the castle but taking another's life…the thought never sat well within her gut. Cornelius Havenworth was a tyrant who threatened or killed anyone who got in the way of what he wanted…but would those crimes really be justified by death? A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts and she nodded at Meliodas to allow the person in.
"Captain, Ban is pushing for you to leave soon. More couriers are arriving from other nearby kingdoms with word of what is happening and it isn't good." Diane muttered lowly as her captain let her into the room.
"Has he launched an attack already?" Meliodas demanded with a tight grip on the door.
"Liones is holding for now, it seems he's just sending small waves of men in at a time, like they're stalling for some reason. They need you back, Captain, we're running out of time."
"Meliodas," Elizabeth called out and the knight turned his attention away from Diane. The princess sat up a bit straighter against her pillows, hands resting against her lap as she gazed at him with determination and what little royal authority she could manage at the moment. "Go, protect our home from Lord Havenworth. You have my permission to do whatever is necessary in order to save Liones, I will await your return here with Diane."
Meliodas hesitated, the internal conflict within him growing into a snarling monster. They both knew what needed to be done. "Of course, Elizabeth. Diane, give us a minute and have all of the troops gathered in front of the castle. Have Waldo and Hawk prepared for our journey back to Liones."
"Aye, Captain!" The Sin of Envy snapped a salute before rushing from the room on a mission. Meliodas shut the door and returned to Elizabeth's side, emerald eyes swirling with emotion.
"I know you do not wish to be apart from me once more, Meliodas, but Liones needs you more than ever right now." Elizabeth started softly as he sat on the side of the bed. She sat up a bit more, wincing as her fairly fresh wound pulled painfully. A delicate hand cupped the side of his face and he covered it with his own, leaning into the touch. "I will be here when you return along with my answer for you."
"Elizabeth, if I don't return…" The knight started quietly with emerald boring into cerulean. A finger to his lips stopped him.
"You will return to me, Meliodas, you have promised me many times and you have yet to break your word. I know you will return to me alive." Elizabeth smiled gently.
"This isn't going to be like the previous battles. He could be holding your father captive with the threat of taking his life if Liones is not handed over to him. The stakes are much higher this time, Elizabeth, and there's no telling how things will end."
"I believe in you, so please do your best as I will be waiting for you when you are done." The princess recited the very words she had told the knight during his battle three years ago. "I have the utmost faith in you, Meliodas."
Meliodas let out an amused huff, the corners of his mouth twitching upward. "Guess there's no way I can lose now, thank you, Elizabeth. I'll always return to you no matter where you are."
"I know you will." Elizabeth smiled with teary eyes as she drew him in for an embrace though she stopped him mere inches from her face, blue eyes searching his intently as her hand brushed his cheek tenderly. Meliodas braced himself against the bed with one hand while the other rested against her face, gazing at her with a loving look. In that moment nothing else mattered to either of them, it was just the two of them without a care about the outside world. And if it was going to be their last seconds of time together…
"I love you, Elizabeth." The knight breathed out while slightly tilting his head to the left, watching as her eyes widened the slightest bit before becoming hooded, heat rushing to her porcelain skin.
"I love you, Meliodas." Elizabeth whispered back as she finally allowed her eyes to close.
The distance between them closed slowly, almost agonizingly so, their lips finally meeting for the long awaited union. A tender moment they both knew couldn't last much longer. Nearly half a minute passed before they slowly broke apart, color blanketing their faces as they gazed deeply at one another. Meliodas took a shallowed breath in before letting his hand slip from her cheek, moving it to encase the one still resting on his own. Elizabeth allowed him to remove it while watching with glassy eyes as he brought his lips to her knuckles. He was saying goodbye. She knew no words needed to be said as their gazes never wavered even as he delicately placed her hand back on her lap. The knight slowly stood from the bed, casting one last look at the princess before him then turning and heading towards the door. The princess clenched her hands tightly against her chest as he opened the door and stopped, as if he was preparing himself mentally for the battle ahead. Meliodas finally turned to look at her and gave her a boyish smile that she loved so dearly before exiting, the heavy wooden doors shutting quietly behind him.
"May the stars ever be your guidance, Meliodas."
Soldiers milled around the front of Celnair Keep anxiously as they awaited their orders from the Captain of the Holy Knights. King Arthur stood with an armored Diane and Ban at the forefront of the crowd, silently staring ahead as the waited for Meliodas. Waldo and Hawk had been readied for the journey and were shuffling around nearby, taking the chance to eat some of Cornelius' pristine grass before they departed. The air had slowly begun to grow tense as the men knew what laid before them, some beginning to panic and trying to escape the group. The older soldiers wrangled the young ones back in with a stern look and tight grasps on their arms though they themselves were barely hanging onto the last string of control. The main doors suddenly slammed open and the men snapped to attention immediately save for the three heading the group.
Meliodas stared over the group of soldiers awaiting him from the top of the stairs, scanning over the scared young faces, hardened old faces, familiar and unfamiliar faces. Ban and Diane stood on either side of Arthur who nodded up at the captain with a solemn expression. They were ready. "This will be a battle like most of you have probably never witnessed in your time of your kingdom's service. Cornelius Havenworth has made himself very clear that he does not intended to back down from this war as he reaches for the goal of overtaking Liones, Britannia a short stones throw after he conquers the kingdom blocking his path. For the past decade, this man has devised his plan down to the very last intricate detail in order to collapse kingdoms and gain power all within the same moment. Many of our allies have already fallen to his attacks but as of today, no more. No more devastated and ravaged kingdoms, no more senseless loss of life, no more sitting back and allowing this tyrant to reign over a country we have bled for in order to preserve the peace for all lives."
The men cheered loudly but the captain held up a hand to silence them, waiting until they had fully quieted down before continuing. "I will not stop those who wish to leave, that is your choice to make and I will not force you to fight for a kingdom you may know nothing about or care about. Those who wish to fight alongside me, I would be honored to fight with allies of Liones and Camelot."
"How do we know Lord Havenworth won't launch an attack on our way there?" A younger man shouted out, dozens of eyes turning to look at him. "What if he tries to wipe all of us out before we even get there?"
"Camelot troops have been dispatched to intercept any of Lord Havenworth's men on the path to Liones," Arthur spoke up as he moved towards Meliodas, shooting his comrade a smile before turning to address the crowd from beside him. "Alliancing kingdoms have also been strategically placed in order to create a secure perimeter around Liones and the surrounding area. If we were to encounter any of his men—"
"You are to strike them down immediately." Meliodas interjected, earning a surprised look from the redhead as a murmur rippled through the crowd. Ban and Diane shared a tight look though they understood why it needed to be done. "Any soldier alliancing with Lord Havenworth will not have the mercy of living after the heinous crimes they committed under the direct orders of the prince of Celnair Keep. They willingly chose that decision and the consequence of their actions will be swiftly dealt to them."
"What if they were forced to do it?" Another soldier piped up and Meliodas could feel his patience beginning to wear the slightest bit thin. They were too young and naïve to understand that this was war and risking the enemy escaping was not an option.
"You youngling's don't understand what it means to be at war." An older man snapped as he pushed his way to the front of the group, turning to glare at the men. "This isn't a matter of hoping someone was forced into doing something, this is a matter of life and death. You try to save someone and he could turn around, stab you in the back, move onto his next target. Sympathy will get you killed for no damn good reason other than you failed to uphold your duty to your kingdom. Anyone else got a stupid question? We're wasting time with your stupid wasted breath."
"Thank you, Hubard." Meliodas called out and the man waved it off before returning to his position, smacking a few of the young soldiers on the back of the head as he passed. "The plan is to head for Liones immediately and strike down Cornelius before he has the chance to overwhelm the kingdom and take King Baltra hostage. The remainder of the Seven Deadly Sins along with the Holy Knights should be enough to hold off a decent amount of enemy soldiers alongside the men sent from alliancing kingdoms until we arrive. Once we get close King Arthur will take over command of you while Ban and I search directly for the prince. If you happen to come across the prince, immediately leave the area and alert any of the Holy Knights or Sins, they will find me."
"You are planning to kill him yourself?" Arthur asked quietly as the men digested the battle plan. "Is that not dangerous, Captain?"
"Cornelius dared to lay a hand on Elizabeth, Arthur, he's made this entirely personal. As well as being captain of the Holy Knights it is my duty to protect Liones and its royals at all costs," Meliodas replied tightly, glancing up at his friend with a softening expression. "Don't worry, there's no way he can take me down now that I know Elizabeth is safe and far away from him."
"I will believe in your judgement. Oh, before I forget," Arthur suddenly remembered and raised his hand in signal. "I requested a few of your things be sent with the couriers. I am sure you will need them."
Three of Arthur's men quickly moved forward, two holding a set of red and silver armor while the other held a sheathed blade. Meliodas carefully took the outstretched sheathed blade and grabbed the handle, swiftly removing it from its protective covering. Lostvayne glinted brightly in the afternoon sun, the deep green and silver reflecting his resolute expression clearly. "Thank you, Arthur."
"Kind of hard to fight without your armor and blade, Captain." The king teased as he carefully held the blade while the knight quickly armored up.
"I'm sure I could have punched his lights out easily," Meliodas let out a small snicker as he tightened the straps on his chest plate. Once it all felt secured and comfortable he took the blade back, turning his attention to the waiting soldiers. "Diane will stay here with Princess Elizabeth and Merlin along with a small group of men to protect them in case they need to evacuate the grounds, everyone else is on me. Saddle up your horses and prepare to move out. We'll be riding hard until we reach Liones."
The soldiers chorused a Yes, sir! before quickly scrambling to depart. Meliodas stepped down the stairs to meet Ban and Diane halfway.
"Cap'n, Elizabeth fine with you leavin' again?" Ban drawled as he slouched in his red armor.
"I was given my orders to do whatever is necessary in order to protect Liones. Elizabeth knows I'll return to her when I'm done. Her memories have also mostly returned."
"Really?!" Diane clasped her hands excitedly in front of her, bouncing from foot to foot with a grin. "That's great! I was worried she would never remember all of those years! She was somewhat awake while you were sleeping but she never mentioned regaining her memories."
"Told ya our princess is strong," Ban grinned as he clapped Meliodas on the shoulder. "There was no need to worry after all."
"We can all celebrate it later once we defeat Cornelius. Is everything ready to go?"
"Were you going to leave without saying goodbye, Captain?"
Merlin smirked as Meliodas and Arthur turned around in surprise, the Sin loosely wrapping her arms around her waist. Diane immediately slipped between the two knights and used an arm to support her fellow Sin.
"Lady Merlin! Are you feeling well now?" Arthur asked eagerly as his teacher turned her golden gaze to him.
"I was merely getting tired of that stuffy bed, figured I needed some fresh air while chastising the captain for leaving without saying goodbye. Did you even say goodbye to the princess, Captain, or were you too caught up in your speech?"
"Merlin, I would never do that to Elizabeth." He feigned hurt, a hand to his chest. "You know me better than anyone else, were you expecting anything different?"
"Obviously, he loves our princess more than you Merlin, you'll just have to accept the fact. Poor Escanor would be heartbroken to know you weren't thinkin' of him in these hard times." Ban snickered as the woman arched a brow at him, lips twisting into a wry smile.
"After the conversation I overheard through the door, I'm well aware of our captain's feelings for the princess. But seeing as I still have my duty as a member of the Seven Deadly Sins and to the Holy Knights of Liones, I figured I would come down to fulfill my duties of at least showing up." Meliodas shook his head at the Sin though a smile graced his lips.
"Ah, I should've know you'd be snooping through the door. Well, since you've showed up just in time, Diane is in control of both of you in my absence. A group of soldiers will remain behind in case anything else happens. You know where the safehouses are if you need to escape North."
"Understood. You sure you will be fine?" Meliodas nodded, a silent message sent between them. Merlin closed her eyes briefly in understanding. "I wish you the best of luck, Captain. I'll make sure these two stay out of trouble."
"I'm not the one with a broken rib," Diane pointed out tartly.
"I also don't have a broken nose from taking on a maniacal tyrant head-on." Merlin shot back and the Sin of Envy pursed her lips and turned her head away, pouting. Ban cackled and Meliodas let out a string of sate's at their childish banter.
"Diane, will you get her back to bed?" The knight nodded and began leading Merlin away. "Please make sure Elizabeth is taken care of as well."
"On it, Captain, you just worry about kicking that prince's ass for us!" Diane called over her shoulder as they ventured deeper into the castle.
"Don't have to tell me twice about that," The captain muttered as he and Ban descended the stairs. "I've got Hawk, seems he's still mad at you for feeding Waldo some of your lunch yesterday."
"Damn, he saw that? That horse is a pain in the ass," Ban chortled, sticking his fingers into his mouth and blowing hard. A sharp whistle resounded in the air and both horses looked up before slowly walking over.
"He's going to bite you in the ass for sure." Meliodas snickered as Hawk indeed seemed to be glaring at the tall knight, chuffing any time he looked over.
"Cap'n," Ban suddenly said as he grabbed Waldo's reins, keeping his back to his friend.
"Hm?"
"Don't even think about dying on me." Meliodas huffed, smiling, nonetheless.
"I promised Elizabeth I would return to her alive. Suppose that counts towards you and the others as well."
"Nice to know you care, Cap'n."
The two knights lined up at the entrance of the drive, waiting as dozens of men fell into line behind them. Arthur rode his way to the front, nodding to the two Sins as he stopped. The three shared a hard look with one another, acknowledging the possibility of never returning from the battle. While it was never the plan, it was one they had to keep in the back of their minds. Meliodas nudged Hawk to turn around so he could address the crowd of soldiers one final time.
"It's an honor to fight alongside you, men, and if this were to be your final battle then know that your memory will live on for generations in tales of your heroism. For Britannia!"
"For Britannia!" The soldiers chorused loudly as Hawk turned forward, anxious to get moving.
"Ready?" Ban asked as his captain stared North, bracing himself for the battle to end the war. "No turning back now."
With one final glance back at the castle, Meliodas turned to his comrades in arms with determination, emerald eyes hard with resolve as he tightened his grip on the reins. "I've been ready for a long time."
Sorry for the delay! Been a rough two months and now I work 11 hour nights so I'm pretty tired all of the time. I will do my best to work on the next chapter. Thank you for the reviews!