Nine
Galahad sat at the top of the steps, with Bors at his side. Gawain trotted up the stairs, Lana in tow, Lancelot turned, seeing the two close, Gawain ignored his glare, and looked over the wall.
"Here we go," His hoarse voice whispered, Lana looked at Bors and Galahad, before finally seeing what she felt coming. Lancelot brushed her back as Arthur made his way up the steps.
"Arthur." Lancelot watched Arthur's eyes venture over the wall, and back towards the hopeless people below. His brow creased, and with a quick step, he looked at his Knights, their faces weren't ready for battle, nor on the day of their freedom should they. Taking a glance at his sister, the woman he barely had spoken too since she'd came back he turned away.
"Knights my journey with you must end here. My god go with you." Nodding off to them, then hurrying down the steps, Lancelot followed as the voice of reason.
"Arthur, this is not Rome's fight. It is not your fight!" Lancelot paused. "All these long years we've been together, all the trails we've face, all the blood we've shed. What was it all for if not for the reward of freedom? And now when we are so close it's finally in our grasp does it mean nothing?!" Lancelot was on Arthur's heels, quickly stepping to finally get ahead of him and stop him.
Guinevere had the right idea, she was following quickly, when Lana joined the chase. Once catching up to the two, she stood aside, with concern in her eyes.
"You ask me that? You who know me best of all." Arthur simple replied, then began walking yet again. Lana felt Guinevere stand next to her, and biting her bottom lip, Lana cringed of how Arthur would react to Lancelot's pleas.
"Only certain death awaits you here Arthur! I beg you for our friendship's sake Arthur! I beg you!"
"You be my friend now and do not dissuade me. Seize the freedom you've earned and live it for the both of us. I cannot follow you, Lancelot. I now know all the blood I've shed, all the lives I've taken have now lead me to this moment."
"Arthur!" Lana's hair, which was pull back was crippled in the air and halted as soon as she clutched Arthur's arms. It didn't take him long to push her away.
"And if you ever loved my sister, you will keep her safe, watch over her, and make damn sure she never lives this life again," Lancelot's heavy breaths continued as he nodded while Arthur walked quickly away. Lana turned to Lancelot, her cheek burning and her eyes looking for consolation. Lancelot placed his hand on her shoulder, before lowering his head. Lana swallowed tensely, before turning for Gawain.
Moments after Arthur disappear, the Knights along with all the people, gathered up their belongings, and became ready to leave at first light.
"Guinevere," Lana whispered in the night, the two conversed about many things.