Summary: Ordinary men make extraordinary heroes. Now Women, prove there
worth to King Arthur and his knights in the midst of a battle for their
homeland from the Roman Empire.
Disclaimer: I know what I wrote and I know what I got from the movie. Frankly, that's good enough for me.
------
They walked silently until they were out of sight of any of the guards. Tristan and Lancelot took Artimus by the underarms and dragged him into an alley.
"Explain this to us." Arthur asked quietly, watching for anyone coming up the street.
"Arien said we could not trust him. She thinks he's been working for Alecto this whole time." Lancelot said angrily, punching the brick wall of a building Tristan had Artimus pinned to.
"Bloody fools! She's going to betray you! If I do this first she will not be able to harm you!" Artimus wheezed, Tristan's arm against his windpipe.
"We can not take anything you say as more then lies!" Lancelot said sternly, glaring at Artimus.
"This woman is not all she appears to be! She has lied to you as often as my self!" Artimus replied darkly.
"Prove it!" Lancelot said dangerously, "Give us one good reason not to kill you thins very moment!"
"What do you know about her?" Artimus asked quietly, Tristan loosening his grip so he could talk easier.
"She is the Princess of Lothian, the rightful heir beside her twin brother Owen, a young wizard. She travels to this place because she seeks........." Lancelot trailed off, loosing track of his thoughts.
"I trust she not told you why you were headed here." Artimus said quietly.
Lancelot shrugged, "One thing led to another, the plan changed......"
Arthur growled, "Then tell us liar, what is it you know that we do not?" he asked angrily.
Artimus sighed, "I heard word of the Slaughter of Kings by the Knights of the Round Table. That is why I was sent, those men were there own army, ready to fight for their land, Lothian. I assume you killed them in favor of Arien?"
"What are you saying?" Tristan asked curiously, almost completely letting him go now.
"Her Brother would not have been able to prove his heritage with so many others claiming to be he. Now you have demolished her competition and they are free to rule." Artimus said quietly, rubbing his neck.
"That makes no sense, why would we have come here then if she no longer has any worry about her brother taking rule. All that is left is for her to sever her ties with Alecto, the marriage was false to begin with, besides, and with Owen alive even through the marriage Alecto would not inherit anything." Lancelot said dryly.
Artimus raised his eyebrows, "Yes, if Owen was alive Alecto would not rule.........but neither would your beloved Princess pf Darkness."
"Do you mean to say as we speak Alecto has sent men to raid Camelot and kill Owen?" Tristan asked, sounding scandalized by the very idea.
"Knight's, what I am telling you is that your Princess has deceived you. She married Alecto after convincing him she was worth more alive then dead. Now she stands to inherit Lothian by the death of her brother......and half the Roman Empire by the death of her husband." Artimus replied darkly.
Lancelot shook his head, "She said not to trust you!"
Artimus nodded, "How could you? From the moment I saw her in the forest that night I knew the truth. Alecto sent me to Camelot in search of her, she had been sent weeks before in a quest for the Shadow People she once lived with. This is a very complicated tale, it is best if we speak back in the Inn."
Lancelot paused, "She warned the men in the Inn may have been knights sent to harm us upon our return." He said quietly.
Artimus smiled, "They are Shadow People, there new home resides in the forest beyond these castle walls. Come." He said, motioning for them to follow him.
They walked quietly, some doubting Artimus, some doubting Arien. None knowing the whole truth behind this tale.
------
Artimus waved hello to the Innkeeper as they walked in and up to there rooms.
Shutting the door to Lancelot and Arthur's room Artimus sat on one bed and began his tale.
"I believe Arien told you a version of this story that would most appeal to your inevitable urge to help people. The one about her father and brothers being killed while she was so young, leaving her hopeless and alone. Well good Knights, only a fraction of it is true." He paused briefly to clear his throat as the others sat on the floor, looking at him questioningly.
"Arien was indeed raised with the Shadow People, as was I. Her father taught me by her side in all ways of waging mental and physical war, something she is most skilled with. Years went by, one by one her brothers left to fight for the Roman Empire, each hoping to rise thought the ranks into power, when they would reveal who they really were. You see, each failed miserably, being killed in battle or in a fight with a friend in a dingy tavern."
"Soon all that was left was Arien and her twin brother Owen, who was not skilled in anything except reading and writing. His mother loved him best, having been most attached to her boys she almost completely ignored Arien at first. So she grew cold, learning to hate her self and her emotions she withdrew into a world where only violence and pain existed. She wanted more then anything to make her parents proud."
"That is why, the night we were discovered, and the Romans came she did like her brothers. She used her best means to persuade a young man named Alecto to take her in. He thought he loved her, saw only her beauty, but neglected the signs of her ruthless ambition. Her heart was cold indeed, she never loved Alecto.........epically since the night she left her home with him, she believed he had killed Owen, she thought he was a conquer that would stop at nothing to kill her family. Using her inheritance and blood she negotiated a treaty with him.........marry him and hand over all her land, and her life would be spared."
"Over the years she became used to the idea that she would rule Lothian, ignoring her contract with Alecto. It was the news of Owen still alive that sent her into a frenzy. She loved him, he was her only real family."
"Are you seriously suggesting Arien would have Owen killed? She let him stay behind in Camelot so that he would be protected by Merlin!" Lancelot interjected defensively.
"Let me finish!" Artimus snapped, glaring at him. He re adjusted himself on the bed and continued.
"I do not know for sure, but she has been un capable of deciphering her emotions as of late. She could very well Owen, but consider him a threat to her own well being." Artimus paused, "What I do know is that her letting Owen stay behind is the only thing that has kept him alive. She says Owen rescued her from her husband, but in truth she was supposed to bring him to Alecto so he could be killed. I was only sent because Alecto became worried when he heard the other Kings had been killed, he assumed she was trying to overpower him, killing those Kings would no doubt lead back to Alecto and the Roman Emperor.........in that case it would be devastating to there influence on there people."
"First there most beloved Knights betray them, ignoring the pleas with in the Kingdom for help when they would rather save the ones they have come to call there own." Artimus sighed, "Now the word of Kings, hidden from the public for generations, will be spread, but only of their death."
"What is your point?" Arthur asked, getting impatient.
"I am simply telling saying there are to many powers at work behind us during this for any one of us to afford to take sides. For one the Romans are fighting for control, but at the same time Arien will not stop for anything when it comes to fulfilling the destiny her father raised her to believe. Then there are also the Shadow People, who seek nothing but to end the Empire and Arien's bloodstained rage.........this will not end with out war.........but the war may be the end of us all."
Artimus sat in silence with them for a few moments before he continued, "What do you know of Merlin? Is he a wise man?"
Arthur nodded, "He is a very noble man with good intentions."
"Everyone has good intentions King. Those women traveling with Arien when we first met......who were they?" Artimus asked quietly, looking out the window.
"One was her cousin......the other a friend." Tristan said, curious to know where he may be headed with the question.
"Arien has no cousin, her parents had no siblings. In fact, they wore marking of Shadow Warriors.:" Artimus said coolly.
"I think she would have know if they truly were not of her Kin." Lancelot said darkly, crossing his arms.
"Indeed she would have." Artimus replied quietly.
"You honestly believe she knew we would follow her, allowing toes women full reign of my Castle while we were gone?" Arthur asked, not believing a word of it.
"I believe Arien can make a man do anything......that if she wills it they will bend to her words. Owen on the other hand I do not think she is capable of harming......but he must at least disappear in order for her to take power......knowing him he would gladly take up his home with monks to allow himself time to read and write." Artimus said, crossing his arms.
"So much of this still does not make sense. Why would she want us here now? If we are so close to Alecto, is it not true we would be more able to sense the lies and deception?" Tristan asked curiously.
"Not if he believes he is really the one in control." Lancelot said suddenly, "When we spoke with him he told us he was keeping her in chains.........but seeing her she in no more then a door less cell with light and plenty of food. Is it not possible she has made him believe his power over her own will is more then she can stand? What if she is not planning to kill him......but to let him rule, while she stands behind him.........working the poor boy like a puppet."
Artimus nodded sadly, "I know she means no harm to any of you, but even as a child......she has no sense of right and wrong. How else could such a beautiful woman be so cold and outright numb to hundreds of murdered victims?"
"Then what can we do?" Lancelot asked, "Are the Shadow People downstairs waiting for her to come back......or for us to try and leave?" Tristan asked, looking at the shut door.
"They are hear......to watch. Like toes before them, they do not interfere until the people are in dire need of assistance." Artimus replied quietly.
"Well I think now qualifies, don't you damn well agree?" Tristan asked, suddenly angry.
"They will do nothing until they are sure of Arien's intentions. For that.........they will need someone she is close to........." he trailed off, everyone now looking at Lancelot.
"What must I do?" he asked quietly, straining his brain to comprehend everything he had just been told
Disclaimer: I know what I wrote and I know what I got from the movie. Frankly, that's good enough for me.
------
They walked silently until they were out of sight of any of the guards. Tristan and Lancelot took Artimus by the underarms and dragged him into an alley.
"Explain this to us." Arthur asked quietly, watching for anyone coming up the street.
"Arien said we could not trust him. She thinks he's been working for Alecto this whole time." Lancelot said angrily, punching the brick wall of a building Tristan had Artimus pinned to.
"Bloody fools! She's going to betray you! If I do this first she will not be able to harm you!" Artimus wheezed, Tristan's arm against his windpipe.
"We can not take anything you say as more then lies!" Lancelot said sternly, glaring at Artimus.
"This woman is not all she appears to be! She has lied to you as often as my self!" Artimus replied darkly.
"Prove it!" Lancelot said dangerously, "Give us one good reason not to kill you thins very moment!"
"What do you know about her?" Artimus asked quietly, Tristan loosening his grip so he could talk easier.
"She is the Princess of Lothian, the rightful heir beside her twin brother Owen, a young wizard. She travels to this place because she seeks........." Lancelot trailed off, loosing track of his thoughts.
"I trust she not told you why you were headed here." Artimus said quietly.
Lancelot shrugged, "One thing led to another, the plan changed......"
Arthur growled, "Then tell us liar, what is it you know that we do not?" he asked angrily.
Artimus sighed, "I heard word of the Slaughter of Kings by the Knights of the Round Table. That is why I was sent, those men were there own army, ready to fight for their land, Lothian. I assume you killed them in favor of Arien?"
"What are you saying?" Tristan asked curiously, almost completely letting him go now.
"Her Brother would not have been able to prove his heritage with so many others claiming to be he. Now you have demolished her competition and they are free to rule." Artimus said quietly, rubbing his neck.
"That makes no sense, why would we have come here then if she no longer has any worry about her brother taking rule. All that is left is for her to sever her ties with Alecto, the marriage was false to begin with, besides, and with Owen alive even through the marriage Alecto would not inherit anything." Lancelot said dryly.
Artimus raised his eyebrows, "Yes, if Owen was alive Alecto would not rule.........but neither would your beloved Princess pf Darkness."
"Do you mean to say as we speak Alecto has sent men to raid Camelot and kill Owen?" Tristan asked, sounding scandalized by the very idea.
"Knight's, what I am telling you is that your Princess has deceived you. She married Alecto after convincing him she was worth more alive then dead. Now she stands to inherit Lothian by the death of her brother......and half the Roman Empire by the death of her husband." Artimus replied darkly.
Lancelot shook his head, "She said not to trust you!"
Artimus nodded, "How could you? From the moment I saw her in the forest that night I knew the truth. Alecto sent me to Camelot in search of her, she had been sent weeks before in a quest for the Shadow People she once lived with. This is a very complicated tale, it is best if we speak back in the Inn."
Lancelot paused, "She warned the men in the Inn may have been knights sent to harm us upon our return." He said quietly.
Artimus smiled, "They are Shadow People, there new home resides in the forest beyond these castle walls. Come." He said, motioning for them to follow him.
They walked quietly, some doubting Artimus, some doubting Arien. None knowing the whole truth behind this tale.
------
Artimus waved hello to the Innkeeper as they walked in and up to there rooms.
Shutting the door to Lancelot and Arthur's room Artimus sat on one bed and began his tale.
"I believe Arien told you a version of this story that would most appeal to your inevitable urge to help people. The one about her father and brothers being killed while she was so young, leaving her hopeless and alone. Well good Knights, only a fraction of it is true." He paused briefly to clear his throat as the others sat on the floor, looking at him questioningly.
"Arien was indeed raised with the Shadow People, as was I. Her father taught me by her side in all ways of waging mental and physical war, something she is most skilled with. Years went by, one by one her brothers left to fight for the Roman Empire, each hoping to rise thought the ranks into power, when they would reveal who they really were. You see, each failed miserably, being killed in battle or in a fight with a friend in a dingy tavern."
"Soon all that was left was Arien and her twin brother Owen, who was not skilled in anything except reading and writing. His mother loved him best, having been most attached to her boys she almost completely ignored Arien at first. So she grew cold, learning to hate her self and her emotions she withdrew into a world where only violence and pain existed. She wanted more then anything to make her parents proud."
"That is why, the night we were discovered, and the Romans came she did like her brothers. She used her best means to persuade a young man named Alecto to take her in. He thought he loved her, saw only her beauty, but neglected the signs of her ruthless ambition. Her heart was cold indeed, she never loved Alecto.........epically since the night she left her home with him, she believed he had killed Owen, she thought he was a conquer that would stop at nothing to kill her family. Using her inheritance and blood she negotiated a treaty with him.........marry him and hand over all her land, and her life would be spared."
"Over the years she became used to the idea that she would rule Lothian, ignoring her contract with Alecto. It was the news of Owen still alive that sent her into a frenzy. She loved him, he was her only real family."
"Are you seriously suggesting Arien would have Owen killed? She let him stay behind in Camelot so that he would be protected by Merlin!" Lancelot interjected defensively.
"Let me finish!" Artimus snapped, glaring at him. He re adjusted himself on the bed and continued.
"I do not know for sure, but she has been un capable of deciphering her emotions as of late. She could very well Owen, but consider him a threat to her own well being." Artimus paused, "What I do know is that her letting Owen stay behind is the only thing that has kept him alive. She says Owen rescued her from her husband, but in truth she was supposed to bring him to Alecto so he could be killed. I was only sent because Alecto became worried when he heard the other Kings had been killed, he assumed she was trying to overpower him, killing those Kings would no doubt lead back to Alecto and the Roman Emperor.........in that case it would be devastating to there influence on there people."
"First there most beloved Knights betray them, ignoring the pleas with in the Kingdom for help when they would rather save the ones they have come to call there own." Artimus sighed, "Now the word of Kings, hidden from the public for generations, will be spread, but only of their death."
"What is your point?" Arthur asked, getting impatient.
"I am simply telling saying there are to many powers at work behind us during this for any one of us to afford to take sides. For one the Romans are fighting for control, but at the same time Arien will not stop for anything when it comes to fulfilling the destiny her father raised her to believe. Then there are also the Shadow People, who seek nothing but to end the Empire and Arien's bloodstained rage.........this will not end with out war.........but the war may be the end of us all."
Artimus sat in silence with them for a few moments before he continued, "What do you know of Merlin? Is he a wise man?"
Arthur nodded, "He is a very noble man with good intentions."
"Everyone has good intentions King. Those women traveling with Arien when we first met......who were they?" Artimus asked quietly, looking out the window.
"One was her cousin......the other a friend." Tristan said, curious to know where he may be headed with the question.
"Arien has no cousin, her parents had no siblings. In fact, they wore marking of Shadow Warriors.:" Artimus said coolly.
"I think she would have know if they truly were not of her Kin." Lancelot said darkly, crossing his arms.
"Indeed she would have." Artimus replied quietly.
"You honestly believe she knew we would follow her, allowing toes women full reign of my Castle while we were gone?" Arthur asked, not believing a word of it.
"I believe Arien can make a man do anything......that if she wills it they will bend to her words. Owen on the other hand I do not think she is capable of harming......but he must at least disappear in order for her to take power......knowing him he would gladly take up his home with monks to allow himself time to read and write." Artimus said, crossing his arms.
"So much of this still does not make sense. Why would she want us here now? If we are so close to Alecto, is it not true we would be more able to sense the lies and deception?" Tristan asked curiously.
"Not if he believes he is really the one in control." Lancelot said suddenly, "When we spoke with him he told us he was keeping her in chains.........but seeing her she in no more then a door less cell with light and plenty of food. Is it not possible she has made him believe his power over her own will is more then she can stand? What if she is not planning to kill him......but to let him rule, while she stands behind him.........working the poor boy like a puppet."
Artimus nodded sadly, "I know she means no harm to any of you, but even as a child......she has no sense of right and wrong. How else could such a beautiful woman be so cold and outright numb to hundreds of murdered victims?"
"Then what can we do?" Lancelot asked, "Are the Shadow People downstairs waiting for her to come back......or for us to try and leave?" Tristan asked, looking at the shut door.
"They are hear......to watch. Like toes before them, they do not interfere until the people are in dire need of assistance." Artimus replied quietly.
"Well I think now qualifies, don't you damn well agree?" Tristan asked, suddenly angry.
"They will do nothing until they are sure of Arien's intentions. For that.........they will need someone she is close to........." he trailed off, everyone now looking at Lancelot.
"What must I do?" he asked quietly, straining his brain to comprehend everything he had just been told