Sorry if this chapter is confusing or out of place I promise it will make sense at the end. Also I'm on some heavy duty Antibiotics to cure the lyme disease I picked up (But that what happens when you live in the tick infested region of New England). Luckily for me I noticed the bite mark soon so the doctor says all be cured in 35 days. However I did have really bad headaches during the week I wrote this chapter so I hoped it didn't affect the writing to badly. The story should still progress regularly for awhile but I head to college September 2 so I will tell you guys then if I need to take a short hiatus depending on how I can handle this story on top of school work.

P.S. I'm still looking for a beta reader so PM if you're up for the challenge

Enjoy!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 6

? POV

Cut, plow, plant repeat. Cut, plow plant replete,

Those three words beat themselves into my mind like a hammer. They're apart of me now, to others that is all I am. Everyday of every month of every season those are the words my life has depended on for the past twelve years. But what else is to be expected from a simple farm slave. Planting my shovel into the ground I raise an arm to wipe the sweat collecting on my forehead. It's been getting hotter each day, and everyone in the field could tell summer was fast approaching. I let out a heavy sigh and slumped onto my tool for support.

I wonder how much longer I will last,

It was a question I asked myself daily, and something I had to do. It was the only proof that I was still in control. Looking across the vast area I made out the other slaves. From a distance nobody would think they looked no different from any other peasant. But as one approached they would begin seeing the full truth. They'd notice the way the skin hugged the skeletons of each person here. How dirt, trash, and mud fused into the very fiber of our rags. And if someone were to get close enough to make eye contact, they'd be staring at a man who has turned into nothing more than a mindless husk. Completing his task day in and day out until he dropped dead. That truly was the last stage of a field slave, a stage I have been desperately fending off for years. I looked up from my resting position, and stared ahead just making out the large stone structure that towered above everything else in the area. The farmed I have been on most of my life is located on the outskirts of Camelot. The royal castle at its center was by far the largest thing I have ever seen, but given my status I have only been able to see it from afar. It is the living place of the queen and her knights, the most skilled warriors in Dumnonia. Five years ago, when King Uther died the kingdom went into an uproar when it was said his bastard daughter would inherit the throne… but that was before they heard the legend of her sword. Caliburn one of the twelve sacred treasure of Britain, crafted from the god Goibhniu himself. Fused into stone for centuries it was told that the wielder of this blade would be given the title of the one true king, or in this case queen, of Britain. This did little to calm the people in the capital, and many of my fellow Saxon slave told me the whole story was horse shit… but then she arrived. My farm was located to far away to see or hear what happen, but in a day the cries of protest and anger were quench. The story of her arrival in Camelot spread quickly, and that same day passing merchants were screaming to everyone in earshot of how the queen rode bravely into the center of Camelot, through the crowd of people threatening her with death, and unsheathed her holy weapon raising it proudly above her head. One glimpse at the sword and the entire kingdoms point of view changed. The people of Dumnonia would gladly let her rule, female or not. And with that a sixteen year old girl became the ruler of Camelot, and to many Britain, as she began expanding Dumnonia rule across the whole island. Of course her five year rule has had little impact on me. As a farm slave my life would go unchanged until the day I die, so long as these people viewed me as nothing more than a rotten Saxon's. Still the stories of Queen Arturia entertained my younger sister, and I suppose that counts for something. Losing track of time, I continued my gazed at the castle, wondering what it must be like to live in a place so grand.

"SAXON", the low yell echoed throughout the field and I jumped up in surprise, "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOUR DOING", I made a small curse under my breath, I had slacked off to long and now I was going to pay. Before me stood a large man who towered above most people by a full foot, "YOU HAD ONE JOB TO DO TODAY AND YOU'VE ALREADY MANAGED TO SCREW THAT UP", he ripped the shovel from my hands, "IF YOU WANT TO LAY AROUND LIKE DOG THEN KNOW THIS, YOU'LL BE TREATED LIKE THE BITCH YOU OUR", I could barely see it coming, the man raised the tool in an instant and before I knew it the metal made contact with the left side of my head at full speed. Following to the ground with a short yelp I grabbed the side of my faced and curled up into a defensive ball. This would do little good, but for reason I can't understand the field overseer decide that one blow would be enough. Implanting the shovel down mere inches from my head, the large man looked down at me in disgust before spitting onto my face, "Get back to work Saxon". He walked away, but I remained on the ground clutching my wounded head, biting my tongue to hold back a gut wrenching scream.

Why do I always have to piss of the owner

Throughout the field the other slaves didn't even bat an eye at the scene. Still shoveling, the slave next to me only stared down at his tool and muttered quietly, "Guess Owen was in a good mood today".

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"BROTHER", I heard the short yelp as a young girl, no more than twelve, entered the battered down hut I called home. Darkness had enveloped the field and the other slaves and I were finally allowed to leave and get some sleep, the only rest we were permitted, So arriving "Home", I nursed the growing lump on the side of my face waiting for my sister to return from her duties.

"Hey Linna", I said giving off a half genuine laugh, "It's not as bad as it seems". Within seconds though the girl was right by my side and already taking a wet cloth to the wound on my left cheek. After gently cleaning it out she began to calm down and spoke calmly,

"Who was it this time?", I looked down towards the floor,

"...Lord Owain", she paused, only for a moment, but long enough for me to tell she was deep in thought.

"Brother you can't keep upsetting the lord. Your wound is manageable this time, but if he is to injure you to a point you can't work…", she stopped, we both knew what happens to useless slaves, "You're the only family I have Brother... please don't go". I leaned back, I hated having her worry like this. She was only twelve and already had the mindset of a grown women. But given our circumstances it's lucky we even even got the chance to age in the first place. I do not remember much about my childhood, most of my memories come from this farm, but my sister and I became a local legend among the fellow Saxons here the moment we arrived. The story goes that my family lived in a small settlement village on the border between our land and the Dumonians. Despite almost yearly raids I was able to grow up in relative peace until the age of sixes. Linna was born the very same year are old life was lost, not even ten months old our village crumpled. Deciding that the ground beneath our feet rightfully belonged to them, the Dumonians sent a warband to take it. The village defenders were dead before they even knew we were under siege. The soldier set the houses ablaze, and order that no evidence of a Saxon presence remained, which included the people. Everyone was slaughtered, the men died protecting their wives, and the children throats were sliced why still sleeping. Whatever family Linna and I had must of died then. Of course not everyone was to die immediately, there still needed to be a sacrifice to the gods for the 'victory'. Constructing a death pit, the ten last remaining people of the village were thrown into the hole for the gods amusement.

I have no idea what happen when I was in the pit, those memories burned away with my old home. However, for some reason or another the gods had wanted my sister and I to live, and after ten days we were dragged out of the hell hole. Nothing more than a walking corpses I clung to my baby sister as we were freed. All the Dumonians stood shocked, even the soldiers that had destroyed our villages dared not draw a sword towards us. Saxons or not the gods had decided we would live, and no one dared question the gods judgement. So we were brought to Camelot, the capital of my peoples oldest enemy. It was there we were sent to this farm, at first we were treated well. As chosen people from the gods we were well fed and clothed and were even allowed to play with the local children. But this joy did not last, as tensions rose between King Uther and King Cerdics, the treatment of Saxon slaves around the city grew worse. And eventually my sister and I were turned into the workers we were meant to be. I was sent to live the rest of my life in the field, and not long after Linna was forced to help tend the animals. After a few years, whatever protection the gods had given us quickly vanished, and our new Lord, Owain, let us know that every chance he got.

"Brother… Brother!", My head shot up towards Linna, who still looked worried but slightly annoyed now as well.

"Sorry about that sister, my mind seems to be elsewhere to day", she just continued to stare before giving off a defeated sigh,

"You can't afford to act this way brother, lord Owain is always looking for excuses to harm us", I waved her off and lay back planning to get some rest, but Linna remained kneeling. Her eyes still downcast in worry.

"It won't happen again sister I promise, don't lose sleep over me", the girl remained quiet and silently shook her head,

"It's not only that brother", She looked up and I could see tears spilling out the corner of her, and all of a sudden I was the one concerned.

"Lin-",

"I-I overheard the servants in the house… Lord Gundleus is visiting once again", I froze and fear overtook my body. Lord Gundleus was the worst man I have ever heard of. He was known to be a crooked foxes, and I had heard many times that he tried to plot against the queen. But that was not the part the scared me half to death. No, this man had a darker side to him. It is widely known that this man has a raving for young virgins. It is a disgusting fact to know, but not many people dare question a Lord, so when we he comes to visit they often offer him a slave for his amusement… to ensure they are to his liking they are often young. My sister began softly crying, obviously concerned for her well being. I didn't know what to say, and there was little I could offer to help her, but I've been protecting her since she was born and I wasn't going to stop now,

"Stay out of sight", Linna looked up, tears streaming down her face, but her attention was fixated on me, "Do nothing to draw attention to yourself and stay with the older house slaves". That was all I could do, and it pained me greatly. Linna was a still a young child, and I would be dammed if I let some sick fuck harm her in anyway. But at the moment all I could do was hope his eyes wouldn't land on my sister. Crawling over she rested her head next to be and silently wept in fear. Whatever tiredness I felt moments before was lost and I stayed awake, trying to think of a way to help my sister.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Any thoughts about the unbearable heat had long since left my mind as the day progressed on. Ever since I had to part with Linna in the morning I have been scanning the horizon for any sign of a Lord approaching. I watched every passing cart and wagon I could. In reality there was little I could do to help Linna but hope that this was all to be a rumor. But as the morning turned to afternoon I allowed myself to relaxs.

I guess the housemaids just really love to gossip, I just wish it was about a less disturbing subject

Digging my shovel back into the field I prepared myself to focus only on work for the remainder of the day. After all if Lord Owain was not entering a gust then he would likely be supervising the slaves, waiting for his opportunity to lash out. The last thing I needed was to upset him two days in a row. But just as my shovel dug into the ground a loud trumpet echoed over the field. Shocked I snapped my head upwards, and in the distance I could see a large group approach from Camelot. All the color on my face drained the moment I could make out individual details. Forty foot soldiers seemed to surround a luxurious carriage, with ten horsemen leading the way in front. In truth it looked far to impressive to be a simple warlords carriage, but who else would be coming to see Lord Owain. Not wasting a second, I bolted towards the house were Linna worked. There was little I could do to stop Lord Gundleaous if he chose my sister for his sick enjoyment, but that didn't slow down my speed as I sprinted home.

I'll take her into the field and I'll hide her in the crops. If caught Lord Owain could kill me as punishment, but I'll gladly take that risk if it means I can protect Linna from that sick bastard.

Ignoring my screaming lungs I kept running until I was in view of the main house. But what I saw field me with absolute dread. Surrounding the house were twenty soldiers, each with a foxes painted on their shield, the symble of Lord Gundleaous warband.

B-but the other carriage. I didn't even see them approach.

Making my way closer to the house, I moved towards the slave quarters hoping that Linna would be hiding out there. As I arrived I was met the silence, checking the small excuse of a hut we call home I desperately searched around for my sister.

"Linna, Linna", I whispered not wanting to gain unwanted attention. Nobody answered, and I knew she must still be working. I silently dashed towards her work station, but just as I turned the corner I froze.

"All this talk of business is exhausting Owain, surely you must have something out here for my entertainment", my heart stopped as I quickly hid myself behind some brush.

It's him. It has to be him,

Peering up from my hiding spot I was met with the sight of two bulking figures. One was the same short haired blonde man who had beat me senseless the day before, but the other was a stranger with long red hair that traveled down his face fusing into a beard.

"Do not worry Gundleaous I know your type. These Saxon's seem to fuck like rabbits but I'm sure one or two of these young ladies here has yet to have their maidenhood taken". Finally noticing the arrival of two strangers, all the cattle slaves looked up, and even from this distance I could see the fear in all their eyes, "These are the youngest girl I have. After such a productive meeting between the two of us you deserve it", giving off a sinister laugh Owain turned his attention to the scare women before him, "LINE UP YOU USELESS WHORES. IT YOUR LUCKY DAY ONE OF YOU GETS TO SPEND SOME ALONE TIME WITH LORD GUNDLEAOUS". Nervously each one of the poor girls lined up and kneeled before the warlord. At the edge of the line I saw a brown haired girl, who was know doubt the youngest, kneel down, her face frozen in disbelief. She already knew her fate was sealed.

"Linna", I whispered terrified and heartbroken that my sister had to be put in such a position. The foxes lord looked over his prey deep in thoughts, scanning each one, "Please don't pick Linna, please don't pick Linna", It was a terrible thing for me to say, considering the other girls their didn't deserve what is to come, but at the moment all my thoughts revolved around begging to whatever god would listen that my sister's innocence be spared.

"You're right about one thing Owain, they're probably all whores. Almost all of them are much too old to still be unplucked. You know Saxon men as well as I, they'd fuck a tree if it had large breast and a hole… But still", He rested his hand on his chin while smiling wickedly, "You might still be ripe". I didn't even have to follow his eyes for every slave in line looked to the same place. The small brown haired girl at the end. It was like my world had shattered around me. I fell onto my hands and knees and clutched my heart, while my breaths became sporadic.

No, this can't be, drops of tears began forming on the dirt I coward in, I'm suppose to protect her, I should have brought her to the field as soon as we woke up.

Linna went absolutely still. While the other slaves quickly scurried to their feet and bowed their heads towards the lords, they were clearly saddened by the fate that laid in store for the young girl, but silently relieved it wasn't them.

"Well", Owain began in disgust, "You heard Lord Gundleaous, get on your feet. You and him are about to have some fun together". The foxes lord approached the brown haired girl with a wicked grin plastered on his face. Grabbing her arm firmly he yanked her up. Linna gave off a short shriek and I could see fresh tears running uncontainably from her eyes.

"NO PLEASE DON'T", the grip around her armed tighten and Gundleaous face became more perverted. At the sight of this Linna's terror and shrieks doubled, "HELP…. SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP". All the slaves looked towards the ground, unable to meet the girls eyes.

Stop it, I clutched my hands into fist, dirt and grass staining my hands. Lord Owain looked on amused, but even he began to become visibly uncomfortable with the situation.

"Take her away Gundleaous, your preventing my slaves from working", the man's wicked smiles never left his face as he began dragging Linna away, her yells for help never ceasing.

Stop it, I rose from the ground, a new sense of anger taking control of my muscles as adrenaline coursed through my veins. The red head beginning to get annoyed by his targets struggling and screams raised his right hand. With a quick downward motion, the armored gauntlet struck Linna on the side causing her to plummet to the ground with a gut wrenching shriek.

"See what you made me do you little bitch! Now you're not even gonna be that good to loo-"

"STOP IT!", I had began charging down towards Gundleaous the second the piece of filth raised his hand. And was now only a few yards away.

"WHAT TH-", It was like running into a stone wall. The iron armor Gundelaous had on was tough, but with all the anger I had in me I knocked him down with me now on top. I don't know how everyone else was viewing the scene before them and I honestly didn't care. All I want to do is beat the shocked man before me to death for harming my sister. So that is what I proceed to do. Screaming like a savage beast I began punching and clawing the man's face. Inflicting as much damage as I could. All around people gasped and screamed for me to stopped, but I didn't listen. This man needed to pay for even attempting to harm my sister and I was making sure of that. Unfortunately in my blind rage I'd forgotten that there were two lords not one. Grabbing me by the hair Owain pulled me off Gundleous and planted my head into the dirt. That moment was all it took to bring me back to reality. Looking around with my limit sight I could see all the commotion I just stirred. Even field slaves looked onwards at the scene shocked. Turning ever so slightly I found Linna staring at me in absolute horror, tears spilling down her face. I was going to die, the moment I yelled at the foxes Lord to stop my fate was sealed. Having me securely pinned, Owain must have been too shocked to process the moment to carry out the punishment himself, but Gundleous wasn't. Blood dripping from the scratch marks I had made seconds ago, the man rose to his feet with anger and disgust.

"IS THIS HOW YOUR WORKERS BEHAVE", the red headed lord unsheathed his blade without hesitation. I felt the grip Owain had me in increase, my execution was going to be immediate, "I'LL SHOW YOU WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SAXON DRAWS MY BLOOD YOU WORTHLESS DOG". The man brought the blade down fast. There wouldn't be a moment to think of my mistake,there wouldn't be time for me to realize Linna would still be taken, there wouldn't be any thoughts of how I failed to protect my sister. Within a second I would be dead. I'll I could do now is anticipate the iron about to crack my skull….. CLANG!

It was instantaneous, and instead of hearing the cracking of bones I heard the ringing of metal on metal, "... Who dares-", Gundleaous stopped, I couldn't see who deflected the sword but their presence must have been menacing, "S-sir Galahad". Owain quickly stumbled to his feet and I tilted my head upward. Before me stood a man who stood as tall as Lords before him. His blonde hair was cut short and neat. But his armor and eyes were the most striking features of all. The silver armor was properly shined and kept and had the mark of the queen on it signify his membership in her loyal group of knights. His brown eyes on the other hand stared furiously into Gundleaous, going against the calming presence his body position gave off.

"The queen was getting ready to head out towards Powys to see you Lord Gundleaous, but before that we overheard a rumor that you were visiting Lord Owain", The knight voice was filled with authority, "Noticing your royal guard outside we came as soon as possible and were sent out to find you. With all the commotion your cause it was quite easy". Regaining his composure, and wiping the blood from his face, the foxes Lord was quick to turn and look at me as some wild animal,

"This disgusting bastard came charging from the hill and ferociously attacked me. Surely you must have seen it", the knight looked on towards the ginger with an eyebrow raised,

"I believe I did, the boy was screaming for you to stop after you were dragging this girl away, because as Lord Owain put she is 'your type'. The bleeding man froze and Galahad took a step forward, and I noticed both Lords visibly shake with fear, "I've heard of your taste in women Gundleaous, as far as I'm concerned you've had this coming for quite some time",the holy knight closed his eyes and breathed in deep before sheathing his blade, "The queen would like to have a word with you two, she is waiting in your halls Lord Owain". The two quickly scurried away, as did Gundleaus warband. Watching them leave Galahad eyes morphed from hatred to concern when he turned around knelt offering me his hand. Awestruck I took it still speechless and was lifted up. "That took quite some bravery, especially from a field slave", he said while patting my shoulder with his iron coated arm, "If all of your countrymen were able to behave this way I doubt we'd be trying to slit each other's throats for a living", the man gave a heavy sighed but I remained silent, "I am glad I was in the area to save your life for the moment, but I have a feeling Gundleaous will seek to vengance, I would stay cautious around him". With that the knight walked towards the house. I felt Linna run into my side, her tears mixing with the dirt in my cloths. But as I watched the man leave I knew his warning was much more serious than being cautious. Lord Owain would not tolerate a violent slave, by the end of the knight a soldier will be sent to slaughter me.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

As night fell Linna and I watched the door to our hut wordlessly, breathing heavy. The queens and her knights had left hours before, taking Lord Owain and Gundleaous with them back to Camelot. I did not know what this meant, and hardly had reason to care. Owain had definitely talked to one of his soldiers before leaving, and order for my sister and I to be killed. There was nothing we could do, we were being watched heavily ever since Galahad walked away, so any chance of escape had vanished. At the moment all we could do was wait and hope it would be quick and painless. Looking down at my sister, who was resting in my lap, a great wave of pity washed over me. This was all my fault, I should have done more to avoid a situation like that. I've been protecting her since I can remember and now she would die because of my actions.

"Brother… do the gods hate us", Linna looked up sorrow in her eyes. The question took me off guard, but with death approaching I couldn't help but think back to all we had to go through. Our home was burnt to the ground, we were cast in a pit of rotting corpse for ten day, and we've been forced into a life of slavery. I wanted to remain strong and tell my sister that the gods don't hate us but at the moment I couldn't help but think that would be a lie.

"I don't know Linna… I don't know", her grip on me increased. Unfortunately I had the sinking feeling that in a matter of minutes we'd find out exactly how the gods viewed us. Silence filled the air after my response, and for a couple minutes we waited in darkness for blades to pierce our skulls. The noiseless room however was suddenly filled when violent collision were heard outside. Linna and I perked our heads up confused. It sounded Like a fight was going on, and the noise continued for a few more seconds before all of sudden vanishing.

"Soldiers?", Linna whispered quietly. I didn't have time to respond as the wooden door burst open revealing two figures. Surprise washed over my face as I realized who the first was, decked in silver armor and bearing the queen's emblem Sir Galahad stood before us, his sword being placed in his scabbard the moment he made eye contact with us. Walking to his side was a new figure wrapped in a brown cloak. He seemed much shorter than his companion and looked far more peasant like. But his weapon said otherwise. The sword by his side was the most beautiful blade I had ever seen.

"Is this them", the cloaked figure spoke in a voice much higher pitched than I would think for a boy. The knight beside him simply nodded while smiling. The hooded man took this signal and knelt down to eye level, "Don't be scared we're here to help", offering a hand to shake the shadow masking the mysterious man's identity lifted, revealing the face of a goddess, "I'm Arturia Pendragon. What is your name". Not even able to concept the situation I was in I gave off a stuttered response,

"D-Derfel Cadarn".

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Drake's POV

I woke up shocked and breathing deeply. Clutching my chest and looked around the room confused and in terror.

What the hell was that? Remembering my dreams were a rare occasion within themselves, but the one I just had seemed to be engrave itself into my brain, It felt so life like, and why did that lady look like Saber?

"Sir Griffin is everything alright?", looking up I noticed a horrified Ceinwyn, who had almost dropped a plate with what I assume had my breakfast on it. My hands still shaking I breathed in deeply trying to calm myself down from the dream I just had.

"I think so… just a weird dream".

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It was all just a dream, but what does it mean? Find out as the story progresses because these types of chapters will come up every now and then. After all their how the idea for the story was brought to life.

If you have any constructive criticism or question on the story feel free to review or PM me, and as always sorry for the grammatical mistakes I may have missed.