Disclaimer: Disclaimers are a pain...I'm already to the point where I'm just copying and pasting my old disclaimers so I don't have to write them anymore...at this point, I think we all know that I don't own anything but the original characters that I've added.

Chapter 5—A Defiance of Orders

The mood was grim when morning dawned, for no one had gotten much sleep. Dayn was eager to get moving, knowing instinctively that he would feel better if he were with Orainne. Nightmares had plagued his sleep, and he felt as though he hadn't slept at all.

His sword felt heavy at his side, and to Dayn, it was merely one more burden that he was being forced to endure. I'm so tired of this. The fighting, the killing...so much blood. Once again, he could see the blood pooling on the ground under the little boy, the jeering look on the Roman's face...Why can't I stop thinking about it? The world seemed to assail him, as he struggled to retreat from the thoughts that afflicted him. The sky seemed too blue, and the horses' hooves striking the ground too loud. When they stopped to rest the horses, Dayn started to walk away from the others, desperate for some modicum of silence.

"Dayn, you need to eat something," Aldric said from behind him.

"I'm not hungry." The mere thought of food served to turn his stomach. Guilt gnawed at him, and he berated himself for not having moved fast enough to save the boy. If only I had moved faster, I could have stopped that Roman from killing him. He was only a small boy—he didn't know what he was doing. Dayn didn't know how long he was lost in his thoughts, and he was only vaguely aware of mounting up again as the knights continued the ride back to the wall.

Thus, the rest of the journey passed, blessedly uneventful, but none too pleasant. Tristan, Caderyn, and Lancelot were all exhausted from their nighttime excursion back to Bremenium. Dayn's nightmares had assured that neither Dayn nor the majority of the other knights had gotten much sleep, and so it was easy to see that no one was particularly rested.

So it was with relief that the knights returned to the wall. In the stables, they all quickly began to unsaddle the horses, ready to go to their rooms and sleep.

"I could sleep for days," Galahad said tiredly.

"I concur," Aldric said, rubbing his lower back as he turned to his horse.

"Yeah, I didn't sleep well last night. Your nightmares are hell on us, Dayn," Cei said, good-naturedly ribbing Dayn.

"What are you talking about," Dayn said crossly, turning to face Cei. Behind Dayn, Aldric was frantically gesturing at Cei to say nothing more on the subject, but as usual, Cei was oblivious.

"You were calling out in your sleep—kept us up all night. Except for Bors, you know, because he can sleep through anything."

"Well, forgive me, Cei, for interrupting your sleep," Dayn responded caustically. "I'm sorry my nightmares were so rough on you," he snarled. Draping his saddle over the door to Brina's stall, he slung his saddlebags onto his shoulder and went to leave, just as Jols came in.

"Arthur said for everyone to stay close, and to stay sober. There may be another mission coming."

"Damn," Bors complained loudly. "There goes my plans."

Dayn let his saddlebags drop to the ground. "What," he exclaimed angrily. Jols took a step back, knowing that Dayn was very close to snapping.

"Dayn," Aldric said, guardedly.

"Why can't they let us have a moment's peace!?" With a roar, he picked up the discarded saddlebags and hurled them at the wall. Grabbing up his sword, he headed for the door, murder in his eyes.

"Stop him," Gawain said anxiously. Dagonet, Bors, Lancelot, and Caderyn formed a circle around him, mindful of the sword he held in his hands, while Galahad and Tristan moved to block the door.

"Get out of my way," Dayn yelled.

"Put the sword down, Dayn," Dagonet said calmly.

"Come, Dayn, it is not worth it. You know you won't get very far," Caderyn said, his tone cajoling.

"Move!"

"It's no use, lads. We're going to have to wrestle it out of his hands," Aldric murmured from behind them. They needed a distraction, and Lancelot obliged without a word. Stepping forward, he pulled one of his twin swords out of its scabbard.

"You'll have to fight me, first, Dayn." With a roar, Dayn lunged for Lancelot, heedless of the danger. What Dayn lacked in finesse, he more than made up for with brute force as he brought his sword down ferociously. While Lancelot expertly parried his blows, the others moved around behind Dayn, and when the moment was right, Lancelot stepped back and Bors and Dagonet tackled Dayn, taking him down to the floor. Caderyn stepped forward, plucking the sword from Dayn's hand. With a scream of outrage, Dayn fought them like a wild animal, not even aware of what he was doing. Somehow they all knew that he needed to fight them, that he needed the opportunity to let out some of his pain and frustration before it consumed him.

Finally, Dayn slumped to the ground, too exhausted to fight anymore. Sweat poured down his face, obscuring his vision, and hiding the tears that had filled his eyes. His breath came in hard gasps, and he could feel his heart pounding in his chest. Bors and Dagonet rose, releasing their holds on Dayn, allowing him to sit up. Dagonet put a hand on his shoulder, and Dayn looked up at him, pain still evident in his eyes.

"It'll be okay, boy." Dayn buried his head in his hands, trying to erase the guilt and the anger that swirled inside him. "You need some sleep, Dayn. There's an herb that the local healers speak of...it will help you sleep," Dagonet said quietly. Dayn nodded in lieu of a response, knowing that he had no intention of actually taking the herb.

Dagonet walked Dayn to his room, Galahad calling out as they left the stables that he would see to Dayn's horse. At the door to Dayn's room, Dagonet patted him on the shoulder. "I'll be back soon with that herb, Dayn." Dayn watched him until he was out of sight, then turned and grabbed his hooded cloak and a spare dagger. The Veli take Arthur and his orders. Pulling the cloak around his shoulders, he drew the hood up around his face and ran for the gate.

He didn't notice Tristan observing him through watchful eyes.


Dayn charged through the underbrush, heedless of anyone hearing him. He had only one thought on his mind, to get to Orainne. Suddenly, a hand materialized, grabbing him by the arm. His hand dropped to the dagger at his side, before he realized who it was.

"Dayn, you make enough noise for the entire forest to know of your coming," Tadhg said, a grin on his face. The grin faded, however, as he saw the look of desperation in Dayn's eyes. "What ails you, Dayn?"

"I need to see Orainne."

"Ah. Come then, I will lead you in, for you are entirely too noisy, my friend." Dayn nodded, allowing Tadhg to take the lead.

When he came to the village, Orainne was sitting on the ground, examining the heap of plants and herbs that were arranged around her. As if sensing his gaze upon her, she looked up and their eyes met. Her face lit up with excitement, and she launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around him.

"Oh, Dayn, I've missed you so!" He lifted her in his arms, as he lowered his head to kiss her. Their lips met, and he felt an immediate sense of peace come over him. She gently broke away, looking at him with worry in her eyes. "Are you alright?" Looking down at her earnest face, he slowly smiled.

"I am now." Hand in hand, they walked towards the forest, craving their time alone together.

"How long can you stay?"

"Arthur wanted us to stay close."

"Then...you ignored his orders?"

"Yes, you could say that."

"But won't you get in trouble?"

"I care not anymore, Orainne." He kissed her then, his arms pulling her close, feeling the warmth of her against him. She slid her hands up his chest and around his neck, and he smiled against her lips as her fingers ran through his hair. She always has liked to play with my hair. His hand moved to her waist, bunching the fabric of her dress in his fist as he moved to lift it. Before their interlude could move any further however, he heard a rustling in the brush nearby. He turned, pushing Orainne behind him protectively as he moved to grip his dagger.

Donal stepped out of the bushes, his face turning red, for at twelve years old, Donal well knew what he had interrupted. "I'm sorry, but Illbrech asked me to come for you, Dayn."

"What the hell for," Dayn asked crossly. It seemed as though he and Orainne never got a moment alone.

"I do not know. He just said to bring you back. It sounded important, though." As the leader of this band of Woads, Illbrech had sole authority, and Dayn really had little choice but to do as requested and accompany Donal back to the village. With a muttered curse, Dayn fell in behind Donal, leading Orainne behind him.

When they reached Illbrech's hut, Dayn turned back to Orainne, an apologetic look on his face. "Tonight," he promised. Smiling, she nodded and went back to the herbs that still lay scattered on the ground where she had left them. With a sigh, Dayn entered Illbrech's hut, wondering why the elder wanted to see him.

"Dayn, come in. Sit by me." Nodding, Dayn took a seat across from the elder man, hoping he would get to the point. He took a moment to study Illbrech, knowing that Illbrech would only speak when he was good and ready. Illbrech's hair fell to his waist, the rich brown of his youth having given way to the grayness of age. His blue eyes met Dayn's own, making Dayn uncomfortable. Like Tristan, Illbrech's gaze was uncanny in its ability to seemingly cut right through a person. Dayn felt as though his soul was laid bare by Illbrech's stare, and he quickly averted his eyes.

"I have received word from one of the northern tribes. The leader there, Merlin, wants to speak with you."

"Merlin? I have heard of him. But what does he want with me?"

"It is not for me to question Merlin. You will go to him."

"When?"

"Now."

"But I can't go now...I don't have my horse, and it would take hours."

"He will meet you halfway. Shed your armor and leave it here. You'll run faster without it."

"How did Merlin know that I would agree to meet him," Dayn asked as he reluctantly stood.

"Merlin knows. That is all I can tell you." Dayn took his armor off, leaving it in the corner of the hut.

"How will I know where to find him?"

"Tadhg will guide you. Go now." Dayn met Tadhg outside and they began to run, sliding through the trees effortlessly.


"Where is he, Tadhg?" The sun was setting, and there had been no sign of Merlin. Dayn was ready to leave. The edge of exhaustion hovered at the edge of his consciousness, and he wanted nothing more than to get back to Orainne.

"He will come when the time is right."

"Yes, well, I don't exactly have a lot of time to spare, Tadhg. I'm on borrowed time as it is—I was not meant to leave the fort, and Arthur is already going to have my head." Suddenly, the wind ceased to blow, and Dayn looked around, sensing the change in the environment. A figure appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, stepping out of the shadows and causing Dayn to step back.

"I have heard many tales of you, Dayn of Sarmatia." Dayn nodded his head respectively, but refrained from comment, waiting for Merlin to continue. Merlin stepped closer, coming to a stop in front of Dayn. "You fight with those who would kill us, but you also fight with us."

"My hatred for Rome runs deeper than any imagined grudge I have against yourpeople."

"You serve the one called Artorius Castus."

"Yes," Dayn said cautiously. Where is he leading with this line of questioning?

"There will come a time when Arthur and I must meet."

"Surely you jest. Arthur hates the Woads. What leads you to believe that he will meet with you? He'd just as soon kill you as look at you."

"The time is near," Merlin said, ignoring Dayn's remark. "When that day comes, you must do what you can to bring Arthur to me."

"How will I know when it's time?"

"You will know," Merlin said elusively. Well, that's vague, Dayn thought sarcastically.

He looked to Tadhg, asking him with his eyes if he knew what Merlin was talking about.

Tadhg shrugged, and Dayn turned back to Merlin helplessly. But Merlin was no longer there.

"Damn him," Dayn said viciously. "How does he expect me to help if I don't know what the hell is expected of me?" He kicked at a branch near his feet, venting his frustration before turning back towards the trees. "Come, Tadhg. Orainne waits for me." Dayn picked up his pace, and Tadhg grinned at the eager expression on Dayn's face.


Dayn woke up, feeling pleasantly drowsy after the late night he'd shared with Orainne. It sure as hell beat spending a night alone in his room back at the wall, he thought. She still lay next to him, curled up against his side. He smiled, gently kissing the top of her hair. She woke then, lifting her head to look at him. Resting her chin on his shoulder, she lifted her hand to his chest, her fingers trailing upward, tracing the bottom of the dragon tattoo that began on his face and ended at his collarbone. They kissed, and Dayn turned onto his side, reaching for her. With a reluctant smile, she gently pulled away.

"We shouldn't Dayn...we've tarried too long. You must return to the wall." He sighed, knowing she was right, but not happy about it.

"Very well." Standing, he donned his clothing, wishing that he didn't have to go. He sat on the edge of the pallet they shared to pull on his boots, smiling when Orainne slid her arms around him from behind, kissing his neck sweetly.

"Try to come back soon, Dayn."

"You know I will do my best." Reluctantly, he kissed her goodbye and left the village behind.

He considered running, but just as quickly discarded the idea. I've already disobeyed orders. Why hurry now? A little longer will make no difference.


He made it back inside the wall without interference, but as he entered the garrison, he was suddenly approached by four Roman soldiers.

"Dayn of Sarmatia?" Dayn nodded, narrowing his eyes in suspicion. What could they possibly want? His first thought was that they had somehow learned of his treason. But how could they know of that? "You will come with us," the captain of the guard told him callously.

"For what purpose," he asked guardedly.

"You are to be confined in the garrison prison until your commander sees fit to come for you."

"On what grounds?"

"Desertion, disobeying orders—whichever you prefer."

"Desertion? That's madness. I was gone for a mere day, if even that. And I'm here now, aren't I?"

"The length of your absence is irrelevant. Now, will you come peacefully, or must we do this the hard way?"

Having only a dagger on his person, Dayn knew that a fight with the soldiers would be hard won, but he couldn't see that he had many options. Fight or submit, and Dayn was never one to submit. He pulled the dagger from the sheath at his side, backing away so that the Romans would have to come for him.

"Very well, then," the captain said, a cruel gleam in his eye. He motioned the soldiers forward, and his three men came at Dayn in a rush. He sidestepped, and swiped at the closest Roman as he passed, his dagger cutting a deep furrow in the man's back. One down, two to go, Dayn thought satisfactorily. The other two approached more cautiously this time around, and when one moved in with a vicious swing, Dayn swept in under his reach, stabbing him in the abdomen with enough force to throw the man backward. Dayn instantly dismissed the man, knowing that he posed no further threat. He turned to the third soldier, pleased to note that the man looked hesitant. Before Dayn could make a move toward him, however, six more soldiers rushed to the aid of their comrades, and Dayn knew without a doubt that things were about to take a turn for the worse.

It only took a few moments before the combined efforts of the six soldiers had Dayn restrained. As the captain had chains brought out, he struggled against the soldiers holding him, but to no avail.

"Keep fighting, boy. Give me an excuse to kill you," the captain said, a malevolent gleam in his eye.

"Yes, how well I know the Roman thirst for blood," Dayn said coldly. He stilled, knowing the Roman would indeed slay him with little provocation. As the cold iron was secured around his wrists, he knew that things could get ugly. Where is Arthur when I need him? He could only hope that Arthur would come for him soon, for left in the hands of the Romans for too long, he had little chance of leaving unscathed.


A/N: Sorry about the choppiness of some of those last scenes, but I'm trying not to get bogged down with the scenes that aren't as important...just bear with me here. Oh, and in case anyone is wondering, the Veli are the souls of the dead in Latvian mythology...I tried to find a more Celtic or British equivalent, but I wasn't having much luck, so I decided to just stick with the Veli...they sounded cool, and they captured the essence of what I wanted Dayn to say, so just pretend :)

ModestySparrow9: As far as Lancelot goes, I tend to swing back and forth between love and hate...depends on the story for me, because in some stories, he's awesome, and in others he gets on my nerves. As for Arthur...it's difficult for him because he's torn between his orders, his men, and God. That can't be easy for him, and I give him definite points for doing the best that he can. It's tricky, because Dayn cares for and respects Arthur, but at the same time, Arthur represents everything that keeps Dayn from his freedom. So...anyways, don't hate Arthur too much...keep reading for me, and update your story soon!

When Fire Meets Ice: Well, you wanted to know what kind of trouble Dayn found next—how was that? Thanks for the compliments!

chiefhow: Yes, Tristan does notice everything, doesn't he? In the coming chapter, I plan to have some fun with Tristan...you'll probably pick up on it quickly, as I've mentioned something along those lines before in my reviews for your story...what's it called again—you changed the name... "the Fanfic Formerly Known As A Sarmatian Adventure"...anyways, if you don't quite get what I'm saying, I'm sure you will with the coming chapter, provided I can get the scene to work like I want it. As for Bors...yes, he's great! What would we do without him?