Yay another chapter! Sorry it took so long, my teachers have decided to give me four papers to write by the end of this month...hip-hip-hooray...NEWHO! Hope everyone is having an awesome spring break and can't wait until The Fantastics come out! Ioan Gruffudd in SPANDEX!

Chapter Four:

It had been nine, bloody long years since I had left Lancelot and the others. In the beginning I used to cry myself to sleep, wondering if I would ever see their faces again. But even with my fifteen years service was almost over, I was beginning to wonder if Marius had planned to keep me barely alive and then right at the end of my servitude kill me.

I had gotten used to the regular beatings and taunting as I passed by the soldiers. I spent my days with the serfs, not as a knight, but as a fellow slave. I tilled the land, repaired rusty and broken equipment, gathered wood, and so forth. The only time I actually got to do my duty was when a serf was taken off into the woods by Woads.

The first time, when a young child was taken, I cautiously entered the woods, knowing my death would soon be upon me. I was surprised when none other than the renowned Merlin stepped in front of me, followed by the other chiefs of the Woad tribes. They had meant no harm but to strike a deal. If I would get them information of Rome's plans, then they would give me food and knowledge of the others at Hadrian's Wall. I accepted gratefully and had kept the bargain until Marius found me snooping. That night he tortured me, and changed my life in more ways than anyone could possibly imagine. I was violated yes, but it was after that night that I realized that my life would now be filled with absolute joy.

The deal was then called off, but the Woads would occasionally "kidnap" a child or older serf so that I would have to go "rescue" them. Merlin found me as a good ally and surprisingly as a friend. His daughter, Guinevere, and I had many interesting talks. Mostly making fun of Rome and insulting that pig Marius.

Through the years I had become some what of an idol to the serfs. They thought of me as a prophet (or something of that sort) because I would always come out of the forest unscathed. So whenever I rode through the village, I was no longer met with whispered words behind hands like I was when I first arrived. Now I was welcomed full heartedly with slaps on the back and smiles all around. I would try my best to protect these innocent people from the hell that was Marius.

Present Time

The past week had been bloody hell. As I walked out of the stables wiping my eyes, a serf, Maria, came running up to me crying.

"Please, dear Lady! My son has been taken by the Woads! PLEASE go find him!" she begged. I was remembered of my own predicament, but I could not show my emotions to the serfs, for then they would loose their faith in me. But I admit, I had been wondering when Merlin would be calling for me again. I just wished that he didn't have to cause pain and grief at the same time.

"Don't worry. I will be back with your son by tomorrow. And Maria please, how many times to I have to tell you all to call me Anna?" I gave her a sad smile. My fellow slaves had noticed my sad appearance this week, but none were brave enough to ask me why. Even after these long nine years, I had made some friends, but not the kind that would follow you till the end. No, my friends where somewhere else.

At this a true smile came out, but only briefly.

"Thank you Lady Anna! The Lord God has certainly blessed you!" she cried and walked off. I turned on my heal and headed back into the stables to get Shadowboxer ready.

I had just finished when the doors to the barn where opened. I turned and saw one of Marius' cronies. He had a smug look on his face as he walked over to me while I mounted Shadow.

"Lord Marius requests your presence. And if I may say so, you better keep your attitude in check today. Marius acts as if he would gladly beat anything to bits if it disobeyed him." His smirk grew into an ugly smile. I snorted and urged Shadow forward.

"Go tell him he can sit on his bloody arse and wait. I'm busy and I won't be back until tomorrow." I snarled. The soldier looked taken aback, but then his smile returned.

"As you wish, I'll make sure that the machines are well oiled for your return." He said sneering. His smirk turned into a laugh when he saw me tense up and shiver at the thought of what I would go through when I got back. His laughter rang in my ears as I rode out the gate.

As I rode through the pathetic excuse for a village, the serfs turned and nodded to me as I went. The families of those who I had "rescued" even bowed. I did not like lying to these people, but if it meant for them to have a chance of a real life out of Marius' rule, then I would do anything.

I rode until the road split into two ways. One way was well beaten, as it was traveled upon almost every day. The other was completely overgrown with plants and weeds. Unless you looked very closely, you could hardly tell that there was a road even there. I chose this one and carefully tried not to trample over the particularly large bushes, as these were used to cover the majority of the road. I was so absorbed in this work, that I did not hear the thunder of hooves that road past behind me.

I continued on at a steady canter, not looking to either side but only straight ahead. After about a mile, the road completely dead-ended into a forest, but I still rode straight. Shadow weaved in and out of the trees as I now looked about. It was then that a particularly large Woad, Schurman, jumped down from a tree in front of Shadow. By now my large horse had expected this and did not even shy or jump away.

"I welcome you Anna. It has been to long," he greeted in his native Woad speech, a friendly grin upon his face. At this I had laughed.

"It has only been a month Schurman! Certainly you didn't miss me that much? It must be my incredible beauty and drinking ability that makes you want me to come more often!" I replied laughing but with a sad smile, also using the Woad dialect. Over the years Guinevere had taught me, allowing me to become even more of an ally to her people.

My smile had alerted Schurman and his face also turned to one of sadness as we walked to the Woad village.

"We had heard of what had happened. We are deeply sorry for your loss," he murmured. I sighed at the thought of this week.

"It is not official yet Schurman. There is still some hope that he may yet come out alive," I whispered. Luckily, it was then that we reached the small encampment. I smiled at those who called my name, giving a friendly wave, but my sad smile still in tact. We made our way to the center, where we meat Merlin. I dismounted and walked over and embraced him briefly, as a sign that we were still friends.

"Annabelle, I am glad that you have returned to us, if even only for a short while. But this time our meeting is urgent," he said, his speech clear and full of authority.

"What is it that has you in such a hurry Merlin?" I asked. Merlin sighed and sat down and I followed his actions. He called for the child that they had "kidnapped," Maria's son, and someone went to fetch him. It was then that he turned to me.

"We have had word, Anna, that a great army of Saxons are headed this way. They bring an entire army, destroying everything and everyone in their paths. At this very moment they are headed towards Marius' estate. You must try to get Guinevere out of that death hole that they have locked her up in and to escape without being noticed by Marius. I know what the workers of the estate mean to you, but it would be too difficult to save them as well."

I nodded; trying to absorb all that was being said. So an army of Saxons were coming, I was to rescue those in Marius' hell hole, and to escape without being noticed by him or the people of whom I have come to protect. Well, that will be easy! NOT!

"But we have some other news that may have an even greater affect upon you Anna," Merlin stated, a small smile on his face. I looked up at him with an incredulous look upon my face.

"What could possibly have an even larger effect on me?" I asked, sarcasm dripping off my words.

"Not only are the Saxons headed towards the estate, but Artorius and his Knights as well. They should have arrived there about an hour and a half ago." At this I jumped. Arthur? Coming here? LANCELOT? I immediately jumped up and ran off towards Shadow.

"Anna wait! Don't forget the child!" called Merlin. I rushed back and grabbed Maria's son, but not before looking into Merlin's eyes. They were filled with happiness, joy, and yes, even amusement. I smiled back in return, picked up the child and ran. I quickly placed the boy in the saddle and hastily got behind him. With only a squeeze of my legs we were off, thrashing through the forest and charging down the road. Not caring if we trampled over the large bushes or not.

Mounds of chocolate and Bojanglesto all those who review!