**Feast of Heroes**
Morgan sat on the plush chaise lounge as one of the young fairies tended the six deep stab wounds on her back. If she were not a Fairy Queen, she would be dead now, but as it was, the pain was great. The wounds were still quite severe, and she was already plotting her revenge.
"Be gone, Nymph!" Morgan shouted. "Away with your useless tending."
The fairy bowed and quickly left the room. There was no arguing with Morgan when she was in a foul mood. One simply got out of her way if they didn't want to be turned into a toad or other such slimy thing.
Morgan muttered to herself and stalked over to her shelf of spell books. There must be something good within these pages to lighten her heart again. Some mischief she could inflict on that sorceress and her clawed warrior. She could feel the happiness of there reunion from here. The joy of victory coming from Camelot was sickening. She not only lost the battle, but lost Sir Mordred as well. She would have to free him and prepare a new device to gain the control she craved. Mordred could not operate in secret any longer, but perhaps she could turn that to her advantage. She would find a way to divide the knights of Arthur's round table. With a rift of discord within Camelot, she could strike and be victorious!
But first, she would repay her adversary in this last skirmish. The sorceress whom she had trusted with the secrets of her enchanted Isle, Avalon, betrayed her. That was a transgression punishable by death. Her man would pay as well for the cruel injury she suffered at his hand. The water wizard would be a boon as well. Tonight at Arthur's celebration, she would make an example of them before the court. Vengeance in front of an audience, what a fitting end for heroes.
*****
Logan and Dani emerged from their room in the early evening. A servant had informed them that the feast was to be served in an hour, so Logan wanted to go see Merlin. He followed his nose to the tower where the library was. There were so many passageways; he wouldn't have found it any other way. The old wizard was inside, no doubt conjuring another disaster. Logan led Dani to the door and knocked.
"Hey, Merlin," Logan said.
"Enter," Merlin said. "But stay by the door and be quiet."
Merlin stood facing a large free standing full length mirror. Its frame was intricately carved from a dark wood, and the craftsmanship was quite remarkable. Logan watched the beads of sweat rolling from Merlin's forehead as he murmured a chant under his breath. The mirror started to glow and Merlin's chants grew slightly louder.
"Show me my enemy, I command you," Merlin said authoritatively. He stared into the mirror, willing it to show him what he wanted.
From his position near the door, Logan could see the mirror showing images like a medieval television. There was a room, like a Greek temple, all carved marble columns and tile floors. Then Morgan walked into view and was angry, yelling at a young woman who was trying to treat her wounds. Logan smiled at the sight of his claw wounds on her back. She would have nasty scars, but it was no more than she deserved. Suddenly Morgan stopped arguing, and looked right at Merlin, and Logan could hear her speak.
"You have not won, Merlin" she said harshly. "Your heroes will pay for what they did to me. I will have my revenge!" She reached out a hand, and it actually looked like she reached right out of the mirror into the room. Logan and Dani's eyes were huge, but Merlin calmly observed the threat with boredom.
"Not today, Morgan, my dear," Merlin said as he casually waved his hand. Her own hand burst into bright red flames and she yanked it back into the mirror. There was a sound of shattering glass, but the mirror just went dark, and then returned to the appearance of an ordinary mirror, reflecting Merlin's dark countenance.
"She's still pissed about that little scratch I gave her," Logan observed.
"You gave her more than a scratch, Sir Logan," Merlin said gravely. "You have wounded her deeply. She is weak in body, but strong in loathing," Merlin said, and then looked over at Logan. "She will strike at you somehow, and very soon."
"Maybe we should leave," Logan said.
"No, it's too dangerous to risk a time spell with Morgan this angry," Merlin said. "If she interferes, she could send you anywhere, or kill you in transport."
Logan growled and swore.
While Logan was talking to Merlin, Dani was looking around the room. She was impressed by the large collection of beautiful volumes. She couldn't imagine doing the work on these books by hand, but they were all written and copied in just that manner. She picked up a book that was on a small table in the corner and examined it. The intricate writing on the pages was beautiful. She started to read, and realized it was a book of spells. Dani smiled as she paged through it. She had learned a little about magic from Morgan, and had a pretty good idea what the spells were for. She read a chapter heading, Spells on the subject of weather… She found a short spell that intrigued her and quietly read it out loud without thinking…
"When old man sun's warm and radiant light
In black clouds is cloistered from your sight,
Stand facing eastern skies with arms out wide
And thrice recite… Belli, Billi, Ballitide."
Merlin's head shot up and he gave Dani a reproachful look. "You are not permitted to read that book," he said sternly. He glanced at the window to see of the clouds were reacting to her words. He sighed in relief when he observed no visible change. She had only said the spell once, and was standing facing west. "You do not realize your magic potential, and thoughtless spell casting is dangerous! Did Morgan teach you nothing?"
"I can make a soldier out of mud," Dani said dryly.
Merlin tried to maintain his angry stance, but couldn't help cracking a smile. "You need instruction."
Logan just looked at the two of them feeling completely lost. Magic was not his area of expertise. He did know that the last thing he wanted was to be married to a certified Sabrina the twenty-something witch. Dani didn't need another magic teacher.
"No," Logan said firmly. "Dani is powerful enough as a mutant; she doesn't need to be a sorceress too."
"Mutant?" Merlin asked. "Is that what they call it in your time? How very interesting…"
"What?" Dani asked.
"Magical beings," Merlin said. "You call yourselves mutants. I find that word interesting."
"We're not magical beings," Logan said. "We're just different than ordinary people, with special gifts."
"You have just described me," Merlin said smugly. "I am a magical being. And Lady Danielle is already a sorceress."
Dani smiled at the old man's logic, and Logan snorted.
"Dani can absorb and project energy," Logan tried to explain. "It's not magic, it's scientific."
"Ah, yes, Alchemy. I am familiar with this belief," Merlin said. "I can change lead into gold without this science, I simply use a prosperity spell."
Logan shook his head in frustration. He was not a magical being. He was a man who happened to heal fast…and therefore live a long time. Nothing magic there, nope, not at all.
"Give it up Logan, you won't win this argument," Dani said laughing.
"What about me?" Logan asked. "I can heal fast, and I'm over three hundred years old."
"Three hundred?" Merlin said flabbergasted. He started laughing uncontrollably. "Is that all? I thought you were older than that, but now I see you are still a young War God. I should tell my friend Odin to stop playing jokes on me."
"Just how old are you, Merlin?" Dani asked.
Merlin turned to face her, and she got a clear look into the old conjurer's eyes. He held her in his gaze and allowed her to take a good look into the depths of his soul. Dani lost herself in memories of not years, but ages. Merlin had not lied when he called himself a magic being. He had a guiding hand in many events of history, though none but Camelot carried the stamp of his name on them. Merlin smiled at her, but held her entranced in his power. He wanted her to know what she would be giving up if she walked away from his offer to teach her magic.
Logan watched the old magician staring down his wife, and he got nervous. They were communicating, he could feel it. He knew it could hurt Dani if he interrupted this, but he was pissed. Merlin wasn't a trustworthy man, and he was standing here toying with his wife.
Merlin finally broke the gaze and looked at Logan. "You are a very lucky man, Sir Logan," Merlin said. "I offered her the knowledge of the ages if she would stay with me here, and she told me to…what did you say, Lady Danielle?"
Dani blushed, not wanting to say it out loud.
"Ah, yes. You said I should take a flying leap off the tallest tower in the castle," Merlin repeated with a smile.
"That's my girl," Logan said as he grabbed Dani and gave her a big hug.
There was a knock at the door, and Merlin just said, "Come in, Water Wizard."
Jesse came in and gave the group a warm smile.
"He's a mutant," Logan reminded Merlin.
"The horse is dead, Sir Logan, stop beating it," Merlin said dryly.
Jesse looked at the two men with a confused look.
Dani smiled and explained. "Terminology discussion," she said. "Logan doesn't like to lose an argument."
Jesse laughed. "Tell me something I don't know," he said sarcastically, but then remembered why he was there. "Oh, the feast is starting and the king was anxious for us to join the festivities."
"Great, a party," Logan said rolling his eyes. "Damn, I hate parties."
"This party is for all of you," Merlin said as he led them down the long staircase.
"Yeah, that means he can't sneak out early without being missed," Dani said laughing.
"He did that at your parties too?" Jesse asked.
"Every time," Dani said.
"You never minded," Logan said to Dani with a wicked grin. "I always made it up to you, several times."
"Okay, unnecessary imagery there," Jesse said with a cringe. "Thank you very much for that, grandpa!" he added with an excessive dose of sarcasm.
"You are an interesting family," Merlin said.
"You have no idea," Dani said. "Mutants are interesting people."
"Magical beings," Merlin corrected, "Water Wizard, War God, and Sorceress."
Logan groaned, but at least a War God sounded cool. If Merlin had called him an elf or some pansy ass thing like that, there would have been bloodshed…
*****
Sir Mordred sat quietly in the castle dungeon. The cell was private, and cleaner than he would have expected. Arthur didn't use the dungeons often, preferring to rule with his wits rather than fear. Mordred gave a snort and shook his head. There was potential for so much more here if only Arthur would use his strength to expand. Mordred didn't have a noble bone in his body, and Camelot's civilized chivalrous ways were giving him severe indigestion. What he wouldn't give for a good old fashioned war. No, not a war, but a conquest. Normandy was a nice place to have a summer home. Mordred smiled when he thought about ruling Camelot, and conquering every little country on its borders. He sighed and closed his eyes. But first, he needed to get out of here. Where were all of his loyal friends when he needed them?
No doubt, Sir Agravain was sitting in the great hall with all of the other knights, enjoying a victory feast. No one would give a second thought for poor old Mordred in the cold dungeon…
"Look alive, traitor," a gruff sounding guard said. "You have a visitor."
The heavy wood door slowly opened, and a young, unassuming looking serving wench entered with a tray of food. She curtsied awkwardly and blushed. Sir Mordred just looked at her and smiled.
"You're a little far from the kitchen," he said with a seductive tone to his voice.
The guard in the hallway laughed, and then closed and bolted the door. Mordred rose from his spot on pallet in the corner, and stalked over to his guest. He took the tray from her and set it down. Then he grabbed her roughly and kissed her. The guard in the hallway let out another hearty laugh and walked away.
When the guard was out of range, the quiet kitchen maid suddenly transformed herself into a very annoyed Morgan. Mordred smiled wickedly and kissed her again. He wrapped his fingers in her hair affectionately, and she wrapped her arms around him, returning his ardor. After a few moments, Mordred grabbed a fist full of Morgan's hair and yanked her away from him.
"You failed me," he said harshly. "Now I will be banished or put to death."
Morgan looked at him with shining eyes. "Do you really want to fight me, or do you want to help me get revenge?"
Mordred eased his grip on Morgan's hair and gave her a suspicious look. "I'm listening," Mordred said.
"Kiss me again and I'll tell you all about it," Morgan said with a seductive look.
Mordred backed Morgan up against the wall and pressed himself against her. He leaned in until his lips were a mere whisper from hers. "You only want a kiss this time, my Fairy Queen?" he asked huskily.
Morgan raked her fingers through his hair and kissed him passionately. She couldn't help herself. Mordred made her feel things that she never thought an all powerful Fairy Queen could feel for a mere mortal. She had time to spare for Sir Mordred's…kiss. The feast would be going on for hours. After several rounds of Ale and wine, there would be entertainment…
Mordred had missed his Fairy lover, and was hungrily nibbling her throat when she gasped in pain. He leaned back quickly.
"I have hurt you," he said bewildered. He didn't know how he could have caused her pain.
"No, I was wounded, and I must have moved suddenly," Morgan tried to explain.
Mordred noticed the edge of a bandage peeking out from behind her collar. He gently pushed aside her gown to see the damage. There were three distinct and perfectly spaced stab wounds. He was horrified. Who could injure a woman so cruelly?
"The sorceress?" he asked quietly.
"No," Morgan said seething. "It was her man, the clawed warrior."
"Sir Logan!" Mordred said angrily. "Get me out of here so I can kill him for you."
"No, I have something better," Morgan said with a smile. She pulled him to her and nibbled his ear a moment before she revealed to him her plan.
"My Lady Morgan, you are evil," he said appreciatively.
"I am also wanton…" she hinted as she glanced at the pallet in the corner.
Mordred gave her a wicked grin and picked her up. He looked at her cradled in his arms and just said, "That, my Lady, can be remedied."
*****
Merlin led the three heroes of the hour into the great dining hall. Arthur saw them enter and rose from his seat at the head table to greet them. Gwenevere also rose, and the conversation died down. Logan, Dani and Jesse stood in the doorway nervously. Everyone was staring at them.
Merlin turned to them and quietly said, "Sir Logan, escort your wife and …nephew to the head table. The King is waiting for you."
Logan held out his arm and Dani took it. The trio walked up to the head table, and the King addressed the hall.
"Join me, good Knights of the Round Table, in welcoming our heroes. Sir Jesse of Westchester, Sir Logan of Canada, and Sir Logan's lovely wife Lady Danielle." Arthur raised his glass in a toast, and everyone joined him with cheers and applause.
Logan glanced at Merlin to see if he had to answer the toast, but Merlin just pointed to his chair. After they were seated, Merlin explained the etiquette.
"You are the guests of honor. You will need to give a toast later in the evening to thank the host, but for now, just enjoy the feast and entertainment," Merlin said.
The seating arrangement was different this time, with Dani sitting next to Arthur on his left, and then Logan, Merlin and Jesse. On the King's right was the Queen, and then Lancelot and Gawain.
The food was brought out, and it was once again an amazing sight. Roasted meats of all types from wild boar to venison to goose and whatever else they could hunt. Dani had never seen anything like it. It was a meal made with the men in mind, no doubt. It was a carnivore's paradise! Trays of fruits and pastries were also brought out, and then the wine. Logan noticed that the other men would serve their women first, so he asked Dani what he could retrieve for her.
"Hey, baby, what are you hungry for, pork or poultry?" he asked with a grin. "Or maybe a little of both?"
Arthur heard Logan use a pet name to speak to his wife, and found it amusing. He looked over at the pair and could see how much love there was between them.
"A little of both," Dani said with a smile.
Logan gave her a generous helping of both, and put a sweet roll on her plate too. "Those are good, you gotta try one," Logan said. "Want some fruit?"
"Grapes," she said. "Anything but apples." There were apple groves everywhere on Avalon, and she didn't want any reminders.
Logan set her trencher back in front of her and then loaded his own. Jesse was starving, and barely glanced at his reunited grandparents. Merlin gave Jesse a nudge to get his attention and nodded toward a young serving maid.
"That one looks upon you with great favor, Sir Jesse," Merlin said.
Jesse blushed. "I am flattered, but I am also married," Jesse said quietly.
Merlin just chuckled, "She doesn't care."
Jesse turned to look at Merlin, and even Logan cringed at Jesse's angry expression. "I care," Jesse said firmly.
Arthur was impressed with Jesse's loyalty to his wife. Apparently, chivalry was important where these knights were from as well. He smiled and spoke to Logan.
"I must thank you, Sir Logan for bringing your lovely wife to grace my table. I am a fortunate King this evening to find myself seated between two beautiful ladies," Arthur said.
Dani blushed, and Arthur laughed.
Dani leaned forward a little to speak to Gwenevere. "He is very charming," Dani said.
Gwenevere smiled at her, "Kings usually are, but Arthur has mastered the art of charm."
Logan and Arthur exchanged amused looks before Arthur turned his attention to the entertainment. "Ah, Sir Fool!" Arthur said. "Grace us with a song or pleasant story."
The jester that the King had spoken to walked boldly into the center of the room. His costume was bright with multi-colored patches of mix matched fabrics, and his coat was fringed in bells. He jingled lightly as he stepped up to the head table. He bowed low and greeted the King and his guests.
"Your Majesties, Noble Knights and Ladies of the court, and Honored guests," he began. "I bring you joviality rare." He waved a hand toward the main door and motioned for someone to enter. A minstrel quartet and a beautiful young lady entered the hall.
Arthur smiled in approval. "Music is most welcome entertainment to be sure, good Fool," the King said. "Introduce your troop for us."
"The Minstrels are Joffry and Stephen on Lute, William on Mandolin, and Rolf on flute," The jester said as the four men bowed low. "The Lady is Gwyneth, who is an accomplished singer, and may also grace our hall with a dance."
There was a gracious smile on the Lady's face as she curtsied for the court, but Dani noticed a sinister sparkle in her eyes. Dani felt a sudden chill overtake her and she glanced at Merlin who wasn't paying any attention to the entertainment. She shrugged off the feeling and tried to relax. She wanted to enjoy the medieval music, so she ignored her first impression.
The Minstrels began to play a lively tune, and the young jester danced an amusing jig, attempting to get Gwyneth to join him. It was obviously a rehearsed exchange, but funny nonetheless. The woman tried desperately to ignore the jester, turning away with her nose in the air, but he relentlessly became more animated in his dance to gain her attention. The entire room burst into hearty laughter at the pair's antics. When that dance had finished, Gwyneth sang a song. It was soothing music, like a ballad, and Dani listened intently to the words…
"When two
lovers meet down beside the green bower
When two lovers meet down beneath the green tree
When Dani, fond Dani, declared to her lover
"You have stolen my poor heart from the Banks of the Lee"
Wow, Dani thought.
They've written a song for her.
That was so cool! She liked the
music, and the woman's voice was very good.
Dani concentrated on the story of the song…
"I loved her very dearly, so true and sincerely
There was no one in this wide world I loved better than she
Every bush, every bower, every sweet English flower
Reminds me of my Dani, on the banks of the Lee."
What's the deal with the past tense in this song? Logan thought. He didn't like this song. It was different than the song they had sung for him and Jesse.
"Don't stay
out late, love, on the moorlands, my Dani
Don't stay out late, love, on the moorlands from me"
How little was our notion when we parted on the ocean
That we were forever parted from the Banks of the Lee.
Wait a minute, that story is hitting a little too close to home there, Dani thought. She and Logan had been separated from each other when she fell into the lake. He thought she was dead…
"I loved her
very dearly, so true and sincerely
There was no one in this wide world I loved better than she
Every bush, every bower, every sweet English flower
Reminds me of my Dani, on the banks of the Lee."
Arthur was glancing over at Merlin who was staring at the bold singer. The fool had invited insult to their guests, and everyone noticed it. Merlin had his suspicions, but just waited to see what the woman would do. She did not behave suspiciously, but no one would be foolish enough to write a guest of honor into a tragic story by accident.
"I will pluck
her some roses, some blooming English roses
I will pluck her some roses, the fairest that ever grew
And I'll leave them on the grave of my own true lovely Dani
In that cold and silent churchyard where she sleeps 'neath
the dew."
Jesse was getting uncomfortable listening to this song. Something wasn't right here. Even the king was looking at the woman with a frown. Everyone was looking at the woman strangely. Jesse got the distinct impression that Dani was being insulted, or possibly even threatened…
"I loved her
very dearly, so true and sincerely
There was no one in this wide world I loved better than she
Every bush, every bower, every sweet English flower
Reminds me of my Dani, on the banks of the Lee."
Logan was staring daggers at the woman who curtsied graciously at the conclusion of her solo. There had been no applause, but she reacted as though everyone were throwing flowers at her feet. There was something very distasteful about singing a tragedy with his wife's name in it. This was supposed to be a party to honor them, and the woman was blatantly insulting his wife. Logan glanced at Dani who was shocked. Logan's knuckles started itching, and he looked at the woman who simply gave him an innocent smile. And then he realized what was wrong. He smelled a familiar scent. He smelled Morgan…
*****
The King rose to his feet and looked at the woman with barely masked distaste. "You bring insult to my guests, Lady. I suggest you take your leave," Arthur said evenly. He was trying to control his temper, and it was a struggle.
"I will retire, Arthur, when my entertainment is done," the woman said brazenly, and then transformed into Morgan right in front of them. The minstrels turned into four very large trolls, and their instruments became heavy clubs and hammers. The jester just smiled as he changed into sir Mordred.
Damn, Logan hated being right all the time…
The trolls immediately attacked the guests and every knight was on his feet, leaping over tables with swords in hand to defend their King. Logan launched himself between the nearest troll and Arthur as his *snikt!* claws sprang from between his knuckles. He buried his claws into the throat of the first troll effortlessly, and it dropped right in front of Arthur's chair. Lancelot and Gawain had quickly shielded the Queen from the battle.
The King was more than a little shocked to see Logan's claws, but had no time to comment on them as he drew his sword, and he leaped over the table and joined the melee
"Protect the women!" Arthur shouted, then he looked over at Jesse, "Sir Jesse, go with the Queen and keep her safe, please."
Jesse didn't want to leave, not in the middle of a fight, but the pleading look on Arthur's face convinced him. He went over to Gwenevere, who had already started gathering a group of ladies.
"Your Majesty," Jesse said quickly as he offered his arm. "May I escort you and your court to a safer location?" Gwenevere took his offered arm and the women were quickly led out of the hall the back way.
Logan had quickly moved on to the next troll, joining Sir Lancelot who had been dodging the colossal hammer the beast had been swinging. Lancelot managed to bring up his sword ripping a deep gash across the troll's massive belly. Logan used the distraction to thrust his claws into the troll's ribcage, just under its arm. Lancelot jumped back as the troll slumped forward, and then with one bold strike, separated its ugly head from its body.
Sir Gawain and Sir Bedevere had taken down the third troll, also resorting to decapitating it to be sure of its demise. King Arthur and Sir Gaheris were finishing off the last troll, and Logan was impressed with the Arthur's skills with a sword. As Arthur dealt the fatal blow to the last troll, Logan smiled. But the victory was short lived when the room's silence was pierced by a blood curdling scream…
*****
The moment she saw Morgan's transformation, Dani had jumped to her feet and started glowing. Merlin placed a hand on her arm and spoke to her.
"The trolls are a distraction, she has come for you," Merlin said quickly. He immediately stepped in front of Dani protectively and started chanting some sort of spell in Latin.
While Logan and the knights were busy with ten foot tall trolls, Morgan was not idle. She was spinning her evil magic. Danielle would pay for all her interference and her husband would have to watch her die. How fitting an end for the meddling pair. Sir Mordred could kill Sir Logan, but not before he watched Danielle die…
"Do not interfere, Merlin," Morgan warned angrily. "She is mine!"
Morgan backed away from the battle and started chanting a spell:
"Flames of anger, flames of hate
Burning scorching blaze!
Engulf the wench infuriate
And there her flesh to raze!
In torment, not in death to burn
Splendid Pyre, revenge full sweeping,
Flaming vengeance do I yearn!
Her agonies stir him to weeping!
When his guilty ache is suffered best,
Grieving ruin when she's done,
And clutching scorch-ed wife to breast
His death blow given ~I have won!"
Dani shrieked in pain as her body was overwhelmed in bright green flames. Merlin backed away and started casting a counter spell. His words were directed at Morgan, and she was weakening. But Dani continued to burn, though she seemed unmarred, the flames were drowning her in searing pain, and she dropped to her knees sobbing.
Logan heard the scream and quickly ran to Dani. He tried to reach for her, but she stopped him.
"Don't touch me!" Dani gasped. "There is nothing natural about this fire."
"Morgan!" Logan growled and turned to attack her, but Sir Mordred blocked his way, and Logan smiled. "Well, traitor," Logan sneered. "Come and get some of this!"
"Will some knight kindly slay that witch?" Arthur shouted as he pointed at Morgan.
Morgan simply cackled with pleasure and turned to leave, but Merlin blocked her retreat. Merlin gave her a dangerously broad smile. "Release the woman, Morgan. She is under my protection, and you do not want to start a war with me," Merlin demanded.
"Never," Morgan hissed.
Merlin's face turned to pure rage as he started muttering under his breath. He transformed himself into a large tiger and lunged for her. Morgan shrieked and staggered backwards, but countered his move by changing herself into a large black bear. Morgan lost control over Dani as Merlin forced her to deal with his attack.
Sir Mordred never spoke; he simply started swinging his sword at Logan like a man possessed. What manner of man has knives in his hands? No doubt a surely knave for attacking a woman! Logan easily countered every strike, blocking with his claws. Somewhere in the back of his head he could hear Jesse's words echo to him about not changing history. He probably shouldn't kill Sir Mordred, but when he got his hands on Morgan, she'd be history all right!
Morgan and Merlin were tearing into each other with all the ferocity of the animals whose forms they took. Morgan wanted to gain the upper hand, so she transformed herself into a very large python, and wrapped herself around Merlin. Merlin growled and changed himself into an elephant. Morgan hissed as Merlin grabbed her with his trunk and ripped her coils from his neck. She hissed angrily and then her hiss turned to a roar as she turned into a very pissed looking lion. Morgan glanced over at her consort, Mordred, and he was quickly losing. She decided she'd had enough, and needed to get him out of here before Sir Logan gave him a much closer view of those claws.
Morgan clawed at Merlin ferociously and freed herself from his trunk. She ran straight at Logan and bit his thigh, effectively catching him off guard. Logan growled and moved to stab her with his claws, but she let go, and she and Mordred disappeared.
Merlin changed back into his own form again and swore, "God's teeth, I hate that bloody Fairy!"
Logan just growled and stared out the door with fire in his eyes. He could hear his blood throbbing in his ears as the adrenaline fueled his unsatisfied vengeance. He stood rigid as stone, claws gleaming despite the stain of blood, and tried to collect himself. Then he remembered Dani…
*****
The moment Morgan faced Merlin, the flames that covered Dani suddenly disappeared, and she collapsed to the stone floor. Arthur and Lancelot immediately ran to her side to help her. They were amazed to see no burns on her, but she was obviously suffering, and very weak.
"Oh, my Lady," Arthur said sadly as he gently helped her sit up.
She winced, but said nothing as she tried desperately to catch her breath. Morgan was embroiled in a wizard's battle, but the King didn't want the angry fairy attacking the lady again. He lifted her into his arms and carried her out of the hall, with Lancelot following closely. There was a chamber not far from the hall where the Queen and some of the ladies had gone to wait out the fray. Arthur kicked the door open. Gwenevere and the ladies gasped at the sudden noise, but the Queen instantly recognized the emergency. Jesse stepped up to the King and took Dani's hand.
"Dani," he said softly to get her attention. "Hey, you okay grandma?"
"Yeah," she said with a smile. "I got a little fried, but it's not like that hasn't happened before," she said humorously.
"Grandma?" Arthur asked. Jesse and Dani just laughed.
"Elaine, retrieve those cushions. Liesette, bring wine," Gwenevere instantly took over the care of their injured guest. When the cushions were in place on the hard wood bench, she motioned to her husband to deposit his burden there.
"Morgan is a foul creature to loose her venom on this gentle lady," Arthur said angrily.
Gwenevere glanced at Arthur and Jesse briefly before returning her attention to Lady Danielle. Lancelot was waiting by the door, anxious to return to the fight.
"Return to your battle, my lord," she said to Arthur. "The lady will be well tended."
Arthur wasn't concerned with the lady's care. He knew his queen would take good care of their guest. He was worried about her. "My Lady Queen, are you well?" he asked her softly.
Gwenevere looked into Arthur's eyes and gave him a loving smile. "Yes, I am well," she said. "See to our uninvited guests."
With a smile and a nod, Arthur and Lancelot returned to the dining hall to find a very angry Sir Logan staring at the open door…
He stood there, tense and ready to strike, but his opponent had fled. From his fists, the blades, like great daggers, that extending from his knuckles were stained with troll blood. Slowly his body relaxed, and his blades *snikt!* disappeared into his hands. Every knight was staring in utter awe of this strange knight who fought like a wild man to protect their King.
Logan turned around and his angry expression immediately disappeared in favor of a panicked one as he searched the hall for his wife. He caught sight of the King returning from another room and the King gave him a nod.
"Your Lady is safely in the care of the Queen and Sir Jesse in yonder chamber," Arthur said. He looked around for Morgan and Mordred, but both were conspicuously missing. "What happened?"
Sir Gawain stepped over to him and said softly to him, "Morgan and Mordred got away, and Sir Logan is a little upset…"
Lancelot tried not to laugh at Gawain describing Sir Logan as being a little upset. It was obvious that Sir Logan wanted Morgan dead for making his wife suffer. Lancelot couldn't blame him for that.
*****
Arthur had cleared the room for Sir Logan, but lingered in the doorway a moment. He had just seen this man produce three large blades from each fist and viciously attack trolls and traitors with infinite confidence. But now he was on his knees beside his wife and he was shaking.
"Baby?" Logan said softly.
Dani slowly opened her eyes. "Well, look at us. Right back where we started," she said with a smile.
"Dani, are you okay? Are you burned?" Logan started fussing over her looking for injuries.
"No burns, just tired," she said dreamily, "Very tired." She sighed and fell asleep.
Logan kissed her cheek and turned back to the door. "Where's Merlin? We really need to get home," Logan said to Arthur.
