Thanks go out to Robin for betaing and Patty for "notbetaing" although it seemed like a beta to me. ;-) I hope you all like this part. Char :-)

ONCE UPON A TIME PART 6:

The three young knights pushed their horses into a fast gallop toward the sound of the scream. Their hearts were racing as they prepared for battle. As they rode into an open grove, Richard quickly pulled up his steed, his brothers following close behind him. They stared at the sight before them.

The Lady Dinah, dressed in men's britches, her hair pulled into a long braid. She was busily stomping something on the ground. The young men rode up, Jason taking the lead. He jumped down from his horse, "Dinah, what are you doing?"

"Stomping a spider. Stephanie screamed when she saw it."

All eyes fell upon the younger girl, her flaxen braid falling around her shoulders. She was dressed in men's clothing, like her sister. She stood in the open grove, her arms crossed in front of her, and a scowl marring her young face.

Jason looked to Richard, "A spider!" The two brothers burst into laughter.

Timothy still sat atop his horse. He watched as his brothers laughed at the pretty young girl. His mind kept thinking that she was very pretty. Quickly, he dismounted and approached her. He gave her a courtly bow, "Excuse my brothers' ill manners," he began then turned and glared at them, "Knights should never laugh at a lady."

Stephanie blushed as this young man defended her to his brothers. His brothers? Richard and Jason had another, younger, brother? Stephanie found herself suddenly smiling.

Dinah moved closer to Jason as he and his brother tried to stop themselves from laughing. She looked into his deep blue eyes and smiled. "I didn't think I'd see you again."

Jason found himself smiling back at her, "Why?"

Dinah sighed, "We were at the castle when the king was gathering his forces after the princess' kidnapping. He wasn't ... listening. He had his mind made up that Richard and your father and you were responsible. Stephanie and I tried to tell them they were wrong, but they wouldn't listen to us. So, we decided we'd try to find Barbara ourselves."

"Do you realize how dangerous that was?" Richard asked his temper flaring.

Jason stood protectively between his elder brother and the lady who occupied more and more of his thoughts. He recognized their father's flaring temper in his older brother. "Richard, Lady Dinah was only trying to help."

Richard sighed, "I'm apologize Lady Dinah. I was only concerned for your safety as well as the princesses, and ... others." The somber mood that had controlled him since the king's intrusion into his home, into his life, returned.

Timothy watched the exchange, "Well, you both should apologize to ..." he looked to the pretty young girl who stood before him for a name.

"Stephanie," she said with a soft sweet voice.

"Stephanie." He smiled at her before turning back to his brothers, "You should apologize to Stephanie," Timothy continued forcefully.

Richard smiled slightly at his youngest brother as he approached and bowed gallantly before the young girl. "Lady Stephanie, as my brother Timothy has pointed out, Jason and I owe you an apology. Knights should never laugh at ladies."

The King had spoken. "Enough." He had heard all the bickering he intended to. His daughter was in danger and they weren't finding her standing around arguing. However, he certainly didn't believe the Duke of Wayne's men. It was only logical that they were as treacherous as their master. He turned to the captain of his personal guard. "Bullock, take these three into custody."

Instantly Roy's hand drew his sword from its scabbard. His green eyes narrowed as he prepared for battle. Bullock charged him. The clanging of swords echoed through the countryside.

Garth moved his bloody hand from the wound on his right shoulder and drew his sword. Turning his steed he charged the king's men. One of the Gaul's men rode toward Garth's injured side. Wallace intercepted him.

Bruce's blue eyes focused on the battle around him. Briefly, he looked down at his bound hands, then his eyes once again found the battle before him. His young men were outnumbered. He needed to help them. The Duke was determined his fetters wouldn't stop him from aiding them.

In one swift fluid movement, the Duke stood and jumped from the wagon. Launching himself at one of the king's guards, he dislodged the rider from his horse. As they rolled on the ground, Lord Bruce grabbed the man by his neck, forcefully smashing his head into the ground. Taking the unconscious man's sword, Bruce deftly cut the ropes which bound him.

The Gaul had watched the Duke's movements, all of his attention focused on the former captive. Swiftly he kicked his horse into a gallop and charged the Duke's unwatched back. He moved his sword in a slicing motion, but his blade was stopped short of its target by the sword of the brash young redhead.

"In the back. Not very sporting," Roy called out as he engaged the Gaul in battle.

Jean-Paul's' eyes raged at the young warrior. "You impudent ... you will taste the blade of a real knight.

Bruce grabbed the sword of the fallen guard and turned toward the battle as Roy occupied the Gaul. Like a feral tiger, the Dark Knight started moving through both the king and the Gaul's men. Skillfully and with apparent ease, Lord Bruce had single handedly taken down four of the combatants when he turned in the direction of a scream.

For the first time in his life, he froze on the battlefield. Bullock held Selina in the wagon, his sword to her throat. King James stood beside the Captain of his guard. Bruce dropped his sword and called out, "Stand down."

Roy, Wallace and Garth all turned toward their liege. They dropped their weapons and dismounted their horses. Quickly, they moved to Bruce's side.

The Gaul rode up beside the wagon and addressed the king, "My lord, shall we execute them all now?"

The king's eyes raged a fiery fury as they bored into the four men standing before him. "As much as I would enjoy watching that, Sir Jean-Paul, I gave my word "

"Your word! To these dishonorable "

Raising his hand, the king silenced the young Gaul. "My word. They have a week to return my daughter. Besides, my plans for the one time Duke of Wayne will be better served in Gotham. A traitor's death to deter future uprisings."

The guards bound the four captives and positioned them back in the wagon. Jean-Paul continued to converse with the king. Lord Bruce watched them intently although he couldn't make out what they were saying. The Gaul wheeled his horse and headed north toward the land of the Picts as the wagon started again for Gotham with a lurch, .

The building was dark and damp, not at all like the buildings of Gotham. More rudimentary and earthen than the castles she was used to. Barbara noticed the curious smell that assaulted her as she entered. She felt the bile rise in her throat. Her trembling hand moved up to her tear stained face.

The pale thin man with the hideous laugh pulled her along the dimly lit corridors of the wood and earthen castle. His men, in blue war paint, followed behind them. Opening a heavy wooden door, he pulled her inside the sparsely furnished room. She saw the large stone fireplace on the opposite end of the room. There was a small window slit opposite the door and a small wooden bed and one chair. The furniture was more reminiscent of that in the old Tower of Gotham than the castle she was used to.

"You'll love it here my sweet," he said in a high pitched voice. Pulling her closer with one hand, his other hand groped between her legs. She struggled against him, trying to get away. "You always belonged to me. Do you remember? I saved you those ten years ago, when I pushed you in the river."

Barbara's thoughts flowed back to that day many years ago. She remembered the water filling her mouth, choking her throat. She remembered the colorfully clad court jester who had pulled her from the river, and Captain Bullock who fussed over her on the bank. She remembered that she never saw the jester by her father's side after that day. Barbara never knew why.

He started pushing her back towards the small bed as he continued his rantings. "I saw you dancing with that boy. You shouldn't have, he is so beneath us. You and I we are royals all the rest are common "

"Royals? You were just my father's jester, you were never " she began as his hand violently slammed against her mouth. Barbara cried out in pain.

Watching her, the jester smiled. "The king and I ruled the land we sat side by side on the diadem. You belonged to both of us and now you belong to me. He didn't understand that we were equal. He made me leave Gotham all over that common whore."

Barbara's eyes were wide with fear and confusion as he continued to rave. His hand continued to grope her as she struggled against him. Roughly, he pushed her down on the bed and leaned over her, his vile breath in her face.

"Leave us," he said as he turned to his guards. "Send a few men back to Gotham. I want word of the Waynes' fate."

Richard led his brothers and the two ladies in waiting northward toward the Pict border. They followed the signs of the raiders. Richard had a knot in his stomach caused by his fear. Sir Richard was raised without fear and he was unused to this nagging feeling. He didn't like it.

He glanced back toward his brothers and the two ladies in his care. Richard was impressed with Dinah and Stephanie's tenacity in trying to rescue their friend, but he was worried that their presence would interfere with the young knight's quest. Richard couldn't send them back to Gotham alone though. That was not an option.

Jason rode up beside his brother, "Worried?"

"Yes."

Glancing back at Dinah he added, "So am I. As happy as I was to see her, I don't like bringing them into the arena."

"I know, but we can't do anything else. We just don't have the time. We'll have to keep them safe while we rescue Barbara. It's just that simple," Richard replied determinedly.

"I share your fervor brother, however, you do realize that Barbara may be "

"Don't Jason. Don't say it. I can't hear it. I have to believe she's safe and that we'll rescue her in time to save our family as well," Richard declared. "This is all my fault all of it. I have to "

"How is it your fault? You didn't kidnap the princess. You didn't lose your tunic, we know that now "

Richard stopped his brother with a motion of his hand. "I should have guarded the tunic. I should not have been swimming when there were serious matters afoot. I let down my guard and my responsibility. Everything that's happened is the result of my actions. Or more appropriately my inaction."

His brother shook his head, "No. You are not a soothsayer, anymore than I am or anymore than father is," Jason added knowing the reference to their father would draw Richard's attention. "How could you possibly have foreseen that the theft of an article of clothing would lead to a calamity? It was not possible. Someone stole it. Someone went to a great deal of trouble to make it appear that we are all traitors to the realm."

"Jason "

"No. Your guilt serves no one other than the villain behind this plot. You are a superior knight and, more than that, you are my brother. I would follow you to the ends of the earth and through hell's very own fire if you were to just say the word. But I will not allow your guilt to destroy you. If you carry this with you, we will be lost before we even engage this foe."

Reaching out Jason grabbed the reins to Richard's horse. With an expert move he stopped their horses. Jason leaned into Richard and softly spoke as forcefully as Timothy had earlier. Their father's passion and determination burned in his words, "Timothy's and my swords are at your ready, awaiting your command. We are our father's sons, we would not follow someone who had a part in such a despicable act. Therefore, you are not at fault. Father would not have trusted you, if this guilt were yours to bear. Guilt is not a weapon to be used on the battlefield. Do as our father has instructed and bring only the weapons to bear that will ensure us victory and carry our family and your heart to back to safety."

Richard smiled gently. He was amazed at how much his younger brother had grown. Could the brave young knight before him be the same boy who enjoyed hanging their youngest brother by his ankles in the orchard? It was with this same smile that he spoke, "At some point, my dear brother, you have acquired Uncle Alfred's wisdom and Father's battle sense. How is it possible you have become so wise?"

As their horses started forward again, Jason smiled broadly and proclaimed, "I listened during instruction." Richard just stared at him and then Jason continued, "Alright, I didn't listen." He laughed and then turned serious, "I followed my older brother's example. I know this in my heart that we will succeed, no matter the sacrifice. If you lead, I stand ready to serve. We will find these foes and dispatch them. Whoever is responsible will pay for their treachery."

Richard's voice was full of determination as he spurred his horse on, "I agree Jason. I agree, they will pay. The sons of the Duke of Wayne will ensure it." He pushed the guilt that ate at his heart to the side. There would be time for recriminations later, now was the time for battle.

The former court jester continued to grope Barbara. She struggled beneath him. His thin body was much stronger than he appeared. Hot, stinging tears escaped her eyes as she pleaded with him not to do this.

As suddenly as he had started, he stopped.

Barbara gasped a sigh of relief as he stood, unsure of how long her reprieve would last.

"My dear, my dear," the high pitched voice began, "I forget myself. You are an equal. I should court you. You shouldn't just be taken." Reaching out he grabbed her by the arm and pulled her up to him. "I will court you first and then we shall present your father the king with our children. Together we shall rule Gotham as I ruled Gotham with your father many years ago."

Her green eyes were wide with fear as she listened to the madman's ravings. His iron grip adding more bruises to her arms as he manhandled her.

A knock came to the heavy wooden door. He released her and she swayed. The jester looked somewhat annoyed as he walked over and threw open the door. Barbara couldn't hear what conversation transpired at the door."

"Enjoy your lovely room, my dear, I will see you at dinner time. I have some things to attend to. Things that have been many years in coming." The evil man left the room.

Barbara ran to the door and pulled it with all her might. It was locked. There was no way out. Stumbling, she made her way back to the bed. Her body shuddered with the emotions from the attack and her close escape. Sitting on the bed, she numbly looked down at her clothing , torn and dirty in places. As her hopeless reality crashed in on her, Barbara allowed her tears to flow.

Outside the door, a small thin girl with raven's black hair and wide brown eyes listened through the door. Her face was painted blue with traditional battle symbols of the Picts decorating her face and arms.

The girl had watched the jester as he and the guards headed for the center hall and started to follow, but she lingered, listening to the sobs coming from within. After a moment, she moved with great stealth toward the center hall.

Setting up watch on the perimeter of the Pict stronghold, Richard and his brothers prepared their siege. Knowing the nearing darkness would be a useful tool, they waited patiently for night to fall.

"Lady Dinah," Sir Richard began, "You and Lady Stephanie are to stay here with the horses."

"But we want to help. We can "

"We can't save Barbara if we're busy protecting you. You will be helping us by holding the horses and readying them for our escape," Richard forcefully admonished.

Jason moved over gently taking Dinah by the arm. "We want you and Stephanie to be safe. I want you to be safe. Stay here, please."

Stephanie stayed near Timothy as they watched their older siblings. Timothy smiled at Stephanie and she smiled back at him. He felt himself start to blush. He bit his lip, blushing wasn't very knightly after all.

Dinah sighed. Prior to Jason stepping in, she was preparing to argue back with Richard about how she and Stephanie could help. Jason's concern for her well being had halted her arguments. "Very well Jason, we'll wait for you here. Be careful," she said as she gently took his hand. Looking to Richard, she added, "Please bring Barbara back safely."

Richard bowed to Dinah, "Lady Dinah, that is my strongest desire. I will endeavor with all my abilities to return the Princess unharmed."

Dinah and Stephanie watched, safely hidden by the thick forest, as the three brothers approached the stronghold.

Deftly, Jason shot an arrow with a rope attached to the top turret of the abandoned watch tower. Grabbing hold of the rope, the brothers scaled the wall and dropped over into the Pict stronghold.

They kept to the shadows as they approached the entryway. Their hands on their swords, ever ready to engage in battle. As the brothers neared the entrance a large weighted net fell upon them forcing them to the ground.

The young knights used their swords to quickly cut at the netting, but the Picts were upon them before they could completely free themselves.

Richard looked to Timothy and Jason. How had their attackers known they were coming? Overpowered by the Picts, Richard instructed his brothers to drop their swords. He saw the thin pale man approaching them. "You!" Richard exclaimed as his eyes narrowed in recognition. That was the jester, the man who attacked their mother so many years ago.

"I had hoped," the former jester began, "that the king would have dispatched you. I remember the king's flourish for a traitor's death. I enjoyed watching those. Such entertainment. Even I couldn't match that THEN. Now, I can. Now, I can surpass it. How lucky am I that you have come to me. So that I may have revenge against you for your interference with me those many years ago and give my lady an appropriate gift."

Richard struggled against his captors as they tightened his bonds. He could hear his brothers next to him, struggling to remain on their feet as all three were shoved to their knees by the Pict warriors.

The jester approached after they were trussed and spoke to them in his high pitch voice, "Three little knights came a calling, Three little graves need a filling, So I could have a gifting!" He stopped and giggled at his humor.

As he continued, he stopped at each brother, "Oh, this will be the most fun. It is God's own providence that the Duke of Wayne's whelps are delivered to my hand. Had my men not been headed back to Gotham, they wouldn't have spotted your approach. You might actually have been successful in your attempts to kidnap my betrothed."

In front of Timothy, he stopped and pulled his head back by the hair. The younger boy resisted and received a blow to the cheek from the pale hand knocking him to the ground, "Fight in one so young, I shall enjoy removing it." Timothy glared up from the ground as Richard and Jason both tried to reach him.

At Richard, he stopped and giggled, "You're the oldest. I remember you. I owe you and I always repay my debts. " His leg pulled back and landed a kick connecting with Richard's side. Clenching his jaw, he did not cry out, but his body bowed as he tried to gasp for air. He heard his brothers' increasing struggles as they tried to come to his aid and Jason's outraged cry at his brothers' treatment, but the Jester had moved on.

At Jason, he paused and cruel smile curved on his pale face, "One's too old. The other is too young, but you my boy are just right. Perhaps, I'll start with you. You seemed anxious to enjoy my attention. I wonder how much pain the middle whelp can take. Maybe we'll find out or maybe we'll see how much pain he can stand to see his litter mates in, instead?" Nodding to the Picts, the madman laughed an evil laugh as the Picts took the struggling young knights into custody and dragged them from the courtyard.

TO BE CONTINUED ...