They rode together in the dark in silence. Galahad sensed that Lancelot was deep in thought. He had many questions, but he thought it best not to disturb the older man. At the same time the dark knight kept a sharp eye on their surroundings.

A chill went down Galahad's spine as they entered the forests. Even less light from the moon penetrated the forest and they had to slow down and continue at a leisurely step. It felt like they had ridden for hours when suddenly Lancelot slowed down and let his stallion fall back until he was riding next to Galahad.

"We're surrounded by Woads," Lancelot whispered to Galahad.

Galahad looked around but didn't see anything but darkness. Unconsciously, his hand went to his sword that was hanging down the right side of his horse.

Soon after arrows suddenly flew around them.

Galahad watched stunned as Lancelot pulled his black horse to a stop instead of fleeing. He wasn't certain what was going on. Nervously he waited next to Lancelot, ready for anything that was to come.

He didn't have to wait long before three archers appeared in front of them all of a sudden, like shadows under the trees, their bows ready to fire. Unable to contain himself any longer, Galahad gripped the hilt of his sword and pulled it out of its sheath.

In the corner of his eyesight Lancelot saw how Galahad drew his weapon. "Galahad! No!" In a flash the dark Sarmatian noted how the Woads pulled back the strings on their bows, ready to fire their next arrows.

Lancelot threw himself at Galahad, knocking him out of his saddle, and together both knights tumbled to the ground.

Galahad instantly realized that Lancelot had been struck by the way the older man landed heavily on top of him without moving. All of a sudden the weight was lifted from him as Lancelot was easily pulled off of him and dumped on the ground next to him.

A pained groan sounded through the woods, but the moon didn't provide Galahad with enough light to determine whether Lancelot was seriously injured or not.

A voice, thick with an unfamiliar accent, weaved through the air reaching Galahad's ears. "What do you want? Why did you not fight?"

In the dark it was impossible for Galahad to determine who of the three Woads has spoken up.

"We want to speak to Merlin."

With surprise and relief Galahad heard Lancelot answering. From his voice he knew that the dark knight was not hurt too badly. He listened while he heard the Woads converse in their own languages, unable to make out any of what was being said. Suddenly, Galahad was pulled to his feet roughly. Swiftly his hands were being bound behind his back. He was shoved forwards, and bumped into Lancelot who had obviously undergone the same treatment. Another push almost sent both knights to the ground in a heap, but they managed to stay upright and started walking.

–– 8 ––

They walked for a long time. Lancelot wasn't surprised to see the sun rising already. His whole body was aching, from fatigue, from walking with his hands tied behind his back, from the throbbing ache in his arm. All his nerves were tight, more so when they finally walked into their enemies' camp.

Lancelot and Galahad were lead into a tent, and pushed on to the ground. They looked at each other when the Woads left the tent again, leaving the Sarmatians alone, although from the voices outside it was clear that guards were in place.

Galahad looked at Lancelot once more, seeing the gash where an arrow had nicked his arm when he had thrown himself at Galahad. The youngest of the knights thought back ironically at Arthur's words when he had asked his knights to keep watch each night. He had more or less commanded to keep Lancelot from any more harm. Now the opposite had occurred – Lancelot had saved him from harm by pushing him off his horse as the Woads aimed their bows and had gotten hurt while doing so. With his eyes Galahad asked Lancelot how he was doing, nodding to his bloodied arm. The dark Sarmatian merely shook his head, not betraying how he was actually feeling.

They both looked up towards the opening of the tent as voices approached. Merlin entered with two other blue painted men behind him.

The old man stood watching the two knights for a moment before he spoke. "What do you want?" Merlin's tone of voice was neutral.

"Your help," Lancelot answered just as calmly.

Galahad almost missed the look of surprise that flashed over Merlin's tanned face.

"Why would I help you?" Merlin's voice still did not betray what he was thinking.

"You saved my life once before," Lancelot stated.

Merlin watched the dark Sarmatian thoughtfully. "What is this about?" For the first time his voice was tinged slightly with doubt.

"A few weeks ago, I lost one of my swords in a battle with your men. Then a few days ago, a Roman family was slaughtered when we were attacked by your men." Lancelot paused briefly. "They were killed with my sword, the one that had been missing. I am being accused of the murders."

This time the look of surprise on Merlin's face was obvious to both Galahad and Lancelot.

The Woad leader nodded slowly. "I ordered the attack on the Roman family. I don't know anything about your sword being used though. This is the first I hear about that."

Lancelot felt his anger rising to the surface once more as he heard Merlin calmly stating that he had issued the murder of the Romanuses. Images of the dead bodies of the Romanuses whirled through his mind. Images with his sword piercing through the Roman's heart. Images of him cleaning the sword day after day, night after night. Images of the loathing looks he had received from the Romans back at the fortress. Images of the pity in Arthur's eyes. He clenched his hands into fists behind his back, his knuckles going white. He clenched his teeth as not to speak up.

Merlin remained silent for a few minutes, considering what he had been told. "Give me two days to find some answers." He turned on his heels and left the tent, the two other men following silently.

Galahad looked over at Lancelot. "Why didn't you tell me you intended to get captured?"

"Would you have agreed to it?" Lancelot asked in return.

"No."

Lancelot smirked at Galahad.

–– 8 ––

Gawain entered Arthur's room without knocking and quietly closed the door behind him. He waited until Arthur looked up. "Lancelot and Galahad are gone," he said in a quiet voice, not wanting anyone else to hear the words.

Arthur nodded. He closed his eyes briefly, sending up a prayer to his God to keep his two knights safe. He stood up and followed Gawain out the door, straightening his shoulders. He was aware that all hell would break loose as soon as it became general knowledge that Lancelot had gotten away.