My last previously written chapter! Seems this story wants to run me into the ground with stress before I can finish it, but I'm getting there. Hope you enjoy!! Thanks to Mark for help on this chapter big hugs for him!!
Disclaimer: nope dont own nothing....nada
What Heaven Is...
Chapter 9- "Defeated"
The sound of horses faded away with the afternoon sun. I sighed and looked around me; people stared up at me helplessly. I gave them the best smile I could manage and set off for my other purpose. I walked silently through the encampment, knowing her eyes were on me from above. Don't do it again, do not let her control you. I knew that I was right, that I shouldn't go to her, but my body was calling for her. Calling for the love and aide that only she could deliver.
She stood quietly by the window, looking down at the people that swarmed below. I saw her body collapse with a sigh and I took a small step towards her. She raised a hand and I froze, but she only reached to her hair and pulled it from its up do. It spilled down onto her shoulders in a shower and I felt myself sigh.
"You shouldn't spy on people."
My breath caught as she turned around, the sunlight hitting her softly and giving her a radiant glow. I smiled and motioned if I could move closer. She smiled at me and reached out for me.
"There is a warning in my heart that something is about to come." she said as she took hold of my hand.
I watched as she interlaced our fingers carefully together. I let me gaze rise to hers and her eyes looked as weary as Arthur's.
"I'm happy with Arthur, Lancelot, I really am. But then again I find myself finding the same happiness occurs when I'm with you. I'm not like the tavern girls, I do not wish to be." she said.
I laughed softly and she kissed me lightly on the lips. When she pulled away I looked at her questioningly.
"What do you wish for me to do?" I asked.
She pulled her hand from mine, and I felt the warmth rush from my palm. She looked out the window again.
"When I was young, learning how to fight, my father told me that there would be three major battles in my lifetime. I didn't understand him at first, but now I'm beginning to see the start." She explained.
"Three? Well now…"
She turned towards me, and I fell silent.
Sarcasm isn't right for this time…
"I've gone to war with Saxons, for a start." she paused for a second. "And the second battle is still raging, for this one is inside me, in my heart." she laid a hand across her breast.
I averted my eyes from her, but she continued.
"This is the battle for my heart, and both you and Arthur will battle till death, I know this, you know this." she said.
It seems I am losing.
I nodded, but still didn't glance at her. I heard her say something softly to herself and I looked up at her. I found her looking at me, her eyes running over me.
"What am I to do?" she asked.
I took a deep breath,
"You let one of us go my lady. And by the way you have been speaking to me; I take it I am the one." I replied.
Her face filled with sadness.
"No…"
I bowed my head in respect and took my leave of her.
I stared at the sky from my spot on the wall. My left leg dangled off the side, but I paid no attention. I shut my eyes for a moment, trying to clear all thoughts that raced through my mind.
The Bishop opened the box,
"I suppose the Saxons will claim it soon…"
All of the Knights stared up at him, and I could feel a sneer coming onto my face. Arthur glanced at me before turning to the Bishop.
"Saxons?"
The Bishop nodded and stopped his task.
"Yes. In the north a massive Saxon incursion has occurred." He stated before looking away.
I made an exasperated noise,
"Saxons only claim what they kill." I responded.
"And they only kill everything…" Gawain added.
I opened my eyes and I smirked, Saxons, dirty men with no pride. I shook my head and I sat up, I threw my leg over the side and quietly made haste towards my quarters.
I pushed the door to my rooms open and entered. I locked the door behind me and I unhooked my cloak from my shoulders and threw it towards a chair.
"Did your mother not tell you how to clean up after yourself?"
I reached for my swords and drew one of them out and pointed it towards the darkened corner.
"Oh, put it down Lancelot, you know I mean you no harm, although I can't say the same for my heart which seems to burden you."
I sighed and put the sword back in its place. I propped my foot up on another chair and angrily started to unlace my boots. I heard the sound of her robes on the floor coming near me; I did not acknowledge her as I threw the second boot down. Her arm came around my chest and I felt her lips near my ear. I tore away from her and glared in her direction.
"What do you want Guinevere?! It seems you want me one moment but then can caste me aside as if I were but your dog." I exclaimed.
She looked down sadly and I saw her head bob in agreement. I let out an exasperated moan and threw my hands in the air.
"If you mean to toy with my heart, just tell me my lady, for I would fair better if I knew I was about to be cast aside." I declared.
"You know nothing of my situation! I cannot just cast aside my husband..." she yelled back.
"I see, but you would quickly cast aside the man who sacrificed his life for you! Is that it? Should I build you a castle, give you serfs, and give you a crown to put upon your head? Is that would it would take for you to love me?" I cried.
"I do love you! Do you not see me standing here, taking all what you are saying? I do this for love, our love, Lancelot please…" she reached her hand out gingerly and brushed my hand.
I didn't draw away from the gesture and she pulled closer to me hesitantly.
"But do not sir, cast me aside before I have said my part." she addressed me.
I let my eyes fall upon her again, not able to keep myself from doing so.
"Then speak your part lady." I said.
She put her hands on both sides of my face and tilted it down slightly so I was gazing into her eyes directly.
"I have no need for words…" she whispered as she pulled my lips to hers.
Stop this now, do not let it grow.
I went to push myself away, but she grabbed my hands in her own and held them tightly.
"Do not deny me, for you know that you can not." she whispered as our lips separated for but a moment.
"I do not deny you lady, I just caution myself." I replied as I turned my head away from her.
I felt her kiss my neck lightly, trying to persuade me to look, but I held firm. I closed my eyes tightly; the action seemed to be the only defense not up.
"Do you still not believe me when I say I love you?" she asked as she turned my head to her.
"I believe you Guinevere." I said, her name escaping my lips like a prayer.
"Then do not fight."
She kissed me again, and I felt myself swoon and soon I fell completely into her power.
The blood-curdling scream from down below made my skin tingle. I pulled my arm out from under Guinevere's sleeping profile and made my way to the window in the darkness. Another scream greeted me as I peered out into the night, and I pulled away from the window.
I was quickly dressed as more screams began to reach my ears.
"Lancelot!!"
I turned towards the window as my name was ripped from someone's throat. I heard Guinevere stir, and I rushed to the bed.
"Lancelot?" she asked softly.
"Guinevere, the city is being attacked, I want you to get dressed and leave through the back, do you remember when Arthur and I showed it to you?" I asked quickly.
She nodded and sat up and clutched the blankets. I went to the door and prepared to leave when she called me back.
"Please come back to me…" she pleaded, tears visible in her voice.
I sighed and quickly went back to her, I kissed her tenderly and caressed her face softly,
"I'll come back for you, now go, there is a bow in that room there." I pointed to the adjoining room.
She nodded and I went to open the door when it was forcefully kicked in. I fell back slightly and unsheathed my blades.
"In here…"
The accent was thick and I could detect that they were Saxon. Guinevere had risen from the bed and was now lacing her dress up.
"Lancelot!"
I heard her yell before I saw the blade swing but inches from my face. I leaned back and it missed me.
"Guinevere, get out of here!" I hissed as I swung my blade.
I felt the blade strike the man, and I pulled it out. A loud thump echoed through my room and I backed into the light. I could see that there were three large men standing near the door.
"A Sarmatian Knight." The growl came from the door.
I saw Guinevere reach for the bow in the shadows, unseen by the men.
"Aye, a Sarmatian." I replied.
They laughed and another came at me. I saw his blade coming down on me and I swung both of mine above my head, blocking the strike. The familiar noise of metal on metal made my heart pound faster. I pushed him back, and he stumbled for his footing, I stepped forwards and quickly ran my through his leather vest. A soft mist of red fell softly as he fell to the ground with a moan. The sweat was beginning to form on my brow and I felt it fall down my face, I saw the other two look up from their fallen brother with shaken glances. I smirked and beckoned for them to come, I saw one motion to the others in the direction that Guinevere had gone and he nodded.
Don't let them know.
"I'll take care of this." The man said as he looked back at me.
The other man disappeared into the darkness as the other came at me with full force; I dodged his attack, and I felt the swords slip from my grip. I watched as they slid closer to the door, and I looked up at the man. He laughed and I cursed myself, he swung at me again, the blade barely brushing my throat. I moved quickly and threw myself at my blades, I hit the small table that the candles rested on, and they fell to the floor and the room was doused in darkness. I felt the ends of the blades, and as the man approached me quickly I shoved them at him with all my might, the man let out a moan before falling to the floor, dead. I stood and swung my blades in my hands, then I heard the scream ring out.
Guinevere.
I ran down the darkened hallway, following the sounds of her struggling.
"Stop this…"
I stopped in the doorway and saw that they had her tightly by the arms and blood poured from a wound at her throat.
"Lancelot…" her voice was frail now.
My anger flooded every cell in my body as I watched this.
"Your fight is with me, not with her." I demanded as I pointed my blades at them.
I heard a laugh from the back and I felt the rage come to my throat.
"Unhand her…"
"Or what…"
The blade was placed to her throat again, and she looked at me quickly, her eyes pleading. I saw the closest one out of the corner of my eye and I spun around and brought my blade through him with a sickening wet slice. The man dropped to his knees and moaned, before my second blade ran through his neck. Slowly I returned my glance to Guinevere's captors.
"Unhand her…"
I felt the hard hit to the back of my head, and saw Guinevere's eyes widen before my sight went red and then slowly faded to black.