Chapter 18: The One They Love

Disclaimer: you know the deal….

Note: I apologize for not updating, I have been very sick, and I am also in a school play, that I have a lead in, and I've been extremely stressed out because of it. pray that you'll forgive me and enjoy this next chapter.

From behind closed eyes, Amanda could feel a cool breeze blowing across her face. Opening her eyes, everything thing was a blur at first. Then, when everything came into focus, Amanda could see that she was lying in the courtyard. Looking around, Amanda saw that it was snowing.

What in the world am I doing out here? Amanda thought. Slowly sitting up, Amanda rubbed her forehead, which was pounding.

"Don't move any more," said a voice from behind her. Spinning around to see who it was Amanda nearly had a heart attack. Standing behind her, with a wide, evil grin across his face was Bishop Ahias. "Did you miss me? I thought you might have, that's why I came back."

"Where is Arthur?" Amanda hissed.

"Where is Arthur?" he mimicked, sneering, "Is he the only one you ever thing of? I'm glad to tell you that he's locked up in his own dungeon." Amanda rose up, and stared at the Bishop.

"And my brother? Where is he?" Amanda asked through gritted teeth.

"With Arthur," said Bishop Ahias, grinning even wider. Amanda closed her eyes and looked behind her.

"Where is Joseph?" Amanda asked.

"Unfortunately," answered Bishop Ahias, "Joseph was killed in the woods by your little friend Galahad. Which is part of the reason why you are here. You wouldn't happen to know where he is, do you?"

Amanda shook her head, "No, I don't."

"Oh well that's too bad, because if I happen to somehow find him," the Bishop started, sarcasm coating every word that came out of his mouth, "then I would be forced to bring him back to Rome with me and get him the punishment he deserves," here, his sarcasm stopped, "which would be death."

"Only you would do that, you low life scum!" Amanda cried, raising her arm to hit him. The Bishop grabbed her arm, twisted it back, and Amanda let out a yelp of pain. Recoiling her arm, Amanda took a step away from the Bishop, who reached for her throat. He missed, and stumbled forward, and Amanda took the opportunity to run for the doorway. Amanda stole a glance at Bishop Ahias, who was rising calmly, and continued running to the dungeon. Amanda ran as fast as her legs would carry her, leaving the Bishop in her dust. It was rather odd that Amanda made it to the dungeon with out any trouble, but nonetheless, she made it there, and immediately called out for the two.

"Nicolarious? Arthur? Where are you?" Amanda cried out, walking down the very cold corridor.

"Amanda?" she heard Nicolarious cry back, "Is that you?"

"Yes! Now where are you?" Amanda asked back.

"Over by the windows!" Nicolarious answered. Amanda looked up towards the upper wall, in search of windows. In the back corner of the dungeon were two small windows, not even big enough for a baby to fit through. Amanda raced back there and found her brother, unharmed. Arthur, however, was a different story. He was barely awake and was badly bruised. He was even bleeding a little from his forehead. Amanda quickly untied Nicolarious, who then went to the door to find some weapons.

"Oh, Arthur," Amanda said softly, walking towards him. She ran her fingers over his cut, and began to untie his hands.

"Amanda?" His deep voice asked weakly, "Amanda is that you?"

"Yes Arthur," Amanda answered quietly, "It is me. Shhh, now. Wait until I finish untying your hands, then you can talk.

"Where's the Bishop?" Arthur continued.

"I left him in the courtyard. I'm afraid that he's still armed, and after me," Amanda answered, finally undoing the knot. Arthur's hands fell free by his sides, and he slowly began to lean forward. Amanda caught his body, and he took his time to regain his balance. When he did, he gave Amanda a small hug, and then looked down at her. He opened his mouth, as if to say something, but stopped and looked over Amanda's shoulder. Amanda turned and saw Bishop Ahias with a dagger at Nicolarious's neck. Amanda gasped and Arthur took a weak step forwards.

"How did I know I would find you in his loving embrace?" Bishop Ahias asked. Amanda glared at him, but she could feel herself going red. Arthur took another step forward and in front of Amanda, as if to shield her from the Bishop.

"Take one more step," warned the Bishop, "and I'll kill him." Amanda looked around her, trying to find something, anything that would help the situation. Amanda heard Nicolarious gasp as the Bishop's dagger dug a bit more into his neck. Amanda looked around Arthur and saw her younger brothers' eyes. He had always been a strong boy, but now he was terrified. Amanda searched faster, and saw the rope she had cut from Arthur and Nicolarious's hands. She picked them up, and the conversation between Arthur and Bishop Ahias drowned out from her ears. Looking at the strands of rope, Amanda decided what she was going to do. She knew it would work very well, but it was worth a try. At that very moment, Amanda looked up and saw leaning against the wall, was Arthur's sword. The Bishop must have left it there to taunt him. Amanda slowly walked over to it, dropping the ropes. Looking over at the Bishop and Arthur, she could see they weren't paying attention to her. But Nicolarious was watching her intently, is eyes pleading for her to pick up the sword and kill the bastard Bishop. Amanda hesitated.

What if he sees me and maneuvers around my blows? What if he sees me and slices Nicolarious's throat? Amanda asked herself. Her hesitation however, was interrupted when Galahad came racing into the room, sword drawn. Arthur moved forward to grab Nicolarious, and the small dagger and long sleek sword clashed. They fought for a few minuets, and Nicolarious stood by Amanda's side. Galahad cried out in rage once, before plunging his sword gallantly into the Bishops stomach. Galahad then kneeled down next to the fallen Bishop, who was gasping for breath.

"I'm glad I killed you and your nephew," he said, "you're the one person I've killed that has given me pleasure." Arthur then walked up next to Galahad, and looked down at the Bishop.

"I'm glad your about to die as well. If you had laid one more hand on that girl, I would have tortured you 'till Kingdom Come. You're lucky Galahad was here to kill you," said Arthur, as strong as ever.

"All I wanted was her," said the Bishop slowly, "after all, she is the one in the note. And she would have caused you pain." With that said a small smile spread across his face as he looked at Amanda. Galahad then stood up and ripped the sword from his stomach, wanting him dead. The Bishop died, with one last smile.

I promise I'll have more up later. Review!