Disclaimer: I am poor and own nothing. And because I'm poor, this is my only source of entertainment, so please do not sue.
Authors Note: This story is dedicated to Tracy137.
LANCELOTTRISTANBABY – You're reviews always make me want to write more, so thank you. Yeah it should all be interesting. Hope you like what's to come. Thanks for the review again.
Lucillaq – Yeah, he was going to try and kill Van. The bastard. I just couldn't allow that. Glad you liked the girls. Thanks for the review.
Tracy137 – Since it's you asking, then yes it can be graphic. It may take me awhile, since I have to look at all of Lunawolf's suggestions and everyone else's and decide which is the best way. But I will make it as graphic as possible. Yes, Bors does love her muchly, and it would have all been of the naught goodness. Now it will be funny when Bors and Tristan are arguing over who will hit him first. Can't wait to write that scene. And then the brood. He better hope I don't sick those children on him too for trying to hurt, and threatening to kill, their mommy. Naught good, naught good. Yes! I'm not the only one who liked that part! It just seemed to fit so well. Poor Dag, all the responsibility on him once again. Oh well, he's up for it. Oh, and I realized I used your flatter thing in the other chapter, when Roxana told him he was handsome. I feel like such a cow for doing it! It was such a good exchange that it kind of stuck in my head and made it into the story and I didn't really realize until today, so I wanted to apologize. Your writing is just too good and it's having an effect on my own, since I'm also using the what you do to me. I hope I didn't upset you. Thanks for reviewing once again. I love to see your author name when I open my emails.
TriGemini – Yeah, Cornell is a stupid ass. And insane, so he makes mistakes. And I don't see Van as the type to keep him attacking her a secret. Which is one of the reasons I love her and Bors oh so much. And yeah, Brenna's enjoying the fact that he's going to suffer a bit before her sister and the others return. But then, who wouldn't be? Guys a creep and asking for everything he's getting. And don't worry about Bors getting a piece of the action. I'm thinking there will be an argument between him and Tris over who gets to hit Cornell first. Should be interesting. And I hope this chapter lives up to what you were expecting. Thanks for the review, it made me smile.
Op – You don't need anymore help than the rest of us. Trust me. I tried to type faster this time. Actually, it helped that half the chapter was already typed before hand. Thanks for the review. I'm glad you like my story so much. It gives me a happy.
Lunawolf – Damnit! I love the rack. Vlad was awesome wasn't he? He did all kinds of horrific stuff. And that makes me sound insane that I just said that, but I'm sure everyone already figured out that small tidbit of information by now. I'm still not sure what exactly I'm going to do to him. I need to put everyone's (especially your) suggestions together and see what I have to work with, on top of my own of course. Always expect the unexpected. Especially where I am concerned. Random stuff pops into my head all the time, and sometimes, such as this one, I'm lucky that it will work. And he will pay for what he has done to Van. Especially once Bors hears about it. And Ana cause she likes Van as well. Oh I'm sure he would die in the regular universe, but the wonders of fan fiction, or any fiction really, is that the author becomes the God (or Goddess in my case) of that universe, and people can survive some amazing things then. ;o) Thank you again for your ideas and your review.
Cardeia – I'm glad you like them. Originally I was just going to do Ana's two sisters and then thought, nope, gotta bring in Tristan's as well. I can't wait to get to the point where they are back at the wall and I can write the reunion, but sadly, that may be a few days yet. I adore Vanora. From the moment she slapped Bors she was my favorite female character in the movie. Not a hard decision to make really being that there are only actually two big ones. She did look Irish didn't she? I'm not sure if I'm going to go into her origins or not, but it's an option. Thank you once again for your review. And you have no need to thank me for my review. I am still working on your story. I'm reading it a few chapters at a time only because otherwise I go blind from sitting in front of the screen for hours on end. (Previous experience.) Let me just say, your work is truly amazing.
Texasgrrl – Everyone keeps telling me not to kill him, so I'm guessing that leaves Roxana open to die. I could tell you what I'm going to do, but then you wouldn't need to read it, so I'm just going to leave you with a firm, vague answer.
ElvenStar5 – Oh yeah, them two are definitely going to get theirs. Marius in the next chapter actually. Glad you like the girls. I have great plans for them. (Evil Laughter). Thanks for the review.
Priestess of the Myrmidon – I don't know, since I don't usually see it as that quality. Thank you so much for your review.
Dmitchell1974 – Thank you for your praise there. I really appreciate it. And your suggestions will go into the hat with everyone else's. I didn't know everyone else was as bad and vindictive as I can be. It was quite a discovery. As for the girls, all I can say is QUIT READING MY MIND:o) Thank you for the review and please do it again!
FlamezBlaze1 – Glad you're still here with me. Sometimes I think my stuff just starts to go down hill, but so far this story seems to be actually getting better, at least judging from the reviews. I would answer your question, but then you would know my plan, and then I wouldn't be needed anymore. Thanks as always for the review.
Chapter Ten: Traveling
"Have you spoken to his wife and Alecto yet?" Arthur asked Roxana as they stood in the snow, watching the villagers and the Honorius family prepare to leave. Her cloak was still pulled tight around her face, and she had managed to remain unnoticed by the family.
"No, I do not feel now is the time," she replied watching them wall off the prison.
"There," she indicated the building and shuddered. "That's where the prison is."
"What are they doing?" Arthur asked, watching them closely.
"Walling up the prisoners," their eyes met and she said what he dared not think. "He intends to leave them to die."
It was then the sound of hoof beats met their ears and both looked up to see Tristan riding towards them. He stopped next to Roxana and nodded in greeting to her before he began speaking to Arthur.
"They have flanked us to the east. They're coming from the south, trying to cut off our escape. They'll be here before nightfall," he said.
"How many?" Arthur asked.
"An entire army," Roxana looked between them for a moment, unsure what they would do with all the people traveling with them.
"And the only way out is to the South?" Arthur asked, already working on a plan.
Tristan shook his head slowly. "East. There is a trail heading east across the mountains. It means we have to cross behind Saxon lines, but that's the one we should take." He paused and looked around at all the villagers. "Arthur, who are all these people?"
"They're coming with us," Arthur answered.
"Then we'll never make it," Tristan stated, casting a glance to his wife. Arthur began to ponder their predicament for a moment when the pounding of the Saxon drums sounded in the distance. Everyone at the villa stiffened before they began to work faster.
"Arthur," she said, her eyes darting back to the prison. He followed her gaze, as did Tristan, and saw that they had almost finished walling it up. Without a word he moved his horse, unsheathed Excalibur and dismounted, moving towards the soldiers and the monks.
"What is it?" Tristan asked gazing at Roxana, but she would not look at him. She merely rode up behind Arthur, as the others began to ride towards him as well.
The guards moved to stop him, but he held the great sword straight before him, commanding them to move. Bors and the others rode up quicker then, emphasizing his words as he came to stop before the prison. "What is this?" he asked.
One of the monks stepped forward and Roxana remembered him all to well. Her hand tightened around the hilt of the sword at her side, Tristan watching her closely, a certain realization beginning to dawn. "You cannot go in there. No one goes in there. This place, it is forbidden."
"What are you doing?" Marius voice sounded as he began to come forward, Tristan noticing the man for the first time. "Stop this!" Bors and Galahad moved to intercept him, keeping him from Arthur.
"Arthur we have no time," Lancelot began.
"Do you not hear the drums?" Galahad added.
"Quiet, both of you," Roxana hissed, glaring at the men. No one should be left there to die.
Arthur ignored them turning to his men. "Dagonet," he stated, nodding towards the door.
Without a word the large knight dismounted and taking his ax had the bricks down in several quick blows, the others watching on. He tried to open the door but found it would not budge.
"Key." Arthur glared at the mercenaries.
"It is locked," one replied. "From the inside."
Another nod to Dagonet and he began kicking, finally knocking the door in. Lancelot and Gawain dismounted then as Arthur took a torch down into the bowels of the prison, followed by Lancelot and then Dagonet.
Gawain walked over to the two priests. "You, you go," he said, placing a hand behind the priest. When he would not move Gawain shoved him hard. "Move!" he said, pushing them into the prison.
Tristan drew his sword and moved to block the door, as Roxana drew her bow, pointing it towards the mercenaries, daring them to try any thing. Several moments later Lancelot emerged, throwing the torch into the slow, blood on his sword followed by Arthur who emerged calling for water, clutching a pale woman in his hands. Dagonet was next, a small boy with blond curls cradled in his arms. Finally Gawain emerged, pushing two monks.
Roxana replaced her bow and dismounted to go help, watching as Fulcinia rushed to Arthur's side to help the Woad woman, Roxana decided to join Horton and Dagonet with the boy. Running a hand through his hair she looked at his arm while Dag gave him some water.
"His arm is broken," Horton exclaimed in shock. "And his family?"
Roxana watched as Dagonet merely nodded sadly. Tears pricked her eyes and she turned quickly away to look over at Arthur.
Tristan looked hard at the woman Arthur was helping and noticed the tattoos on her legs. "She's a Woad," he said to Bors, re-sheathing his sword.
"I'm a Roman officer," Arthur was telling her as she drank the water. "You're safe now." She looked up at him like a frightened child so he said again to comfort her. "You're safe."
"Stop what you are doing!" Marius voice bellowed as he moved across the field to stand near Arthur.
Arthur rose, anger in his face. "What is this madness?"
"They are all pagans here!" he bellowed, as if that were an excuse. Roxana rose and strolled over towards them then, maintaining her distance a bit.
"So are we," Galahad stated, glaring down at him from his horse.
"They refuse to do the task God has set for them! They must die as an example!" Roxana noticed that the woman was clutching onto Fulcinia, and knew then that the kindly noblewoman had been tending to her the same as she had tended to Roxana.
"You mean they refused to be your serfs!" Arthur bellowed back at them.
"And your whores," Roxana added under her breath. Marius didn't here her, but the knights, and a scout in particular, did.
"You are a Roman. You understand. And you are a Christian," he now turned his rage to Fulcinia. "You! You kept her alive!" he bellowed before backhanding her across the face.
Roxana was there in an instant, catching the poor woman before she hit the ground while Arthur went in with a strong right hook, knocking Marius before him.
"Roxana," Fulcinia whispered, catching a glimpse of the girls face as she righted her, drawing her sword and walking to stand behind Arthur, who had Excalibur at Marius's throat. She held her blade out towards the mercenaries rushing to help him, daring them to come closer. The recognized the blade then, and followed it up, stopping as they saw her unmistakable blue eyes beneath the hood of the cloak.
Marius however, had yet to notice her, and had all his attention on Arthur. "No, no stop!" he said, looking up at the commander. "When we get to the wall, you will be punished for this heresy," he threatened.
Arthur merely leaned over and gathered Marius's collar in his hand, hauling the man closer to the blade. "Then perhaps I should kill you now and seal my fate."
"I was willing to die with them," Roxana's "favorite" priest spoke up at that moment. "Yes, to lead them to their rightful place. It is God's wish that these sinners be sacrificed. Only then can their souls be saved."
Roxana went to move forward but Arthur stopped her, by dropping Marius on the ground and placing a hand on her shoulder. "Than I shall grant his wish. Wall them back up."
"Arthur," Tristan began leaning forward. No one wanted to kill these men more than he did, but it would have to be a fast death at the moment, being that the Saxon drums were moving closer and the snow was falling harder.
The commander would not be swayed though. "I said wall them up!" he yelled.
"Don't you see it is the will of God that these sinners be sacrificed?" the priest went on.
Meanwhile, Roxana moved forward, offering her hand to Marius. "Let me help you up, my lord," she growled, pulling him to his feet, letting her cloak hood fall.
His breath sucked in and he quickly went to back away, but with the grip she had on his wrist and his quick movements, it only sent him toppling back. She was balanced well and gripped it in such a way so when he fell, his arm twisted oddly and he merely succeeded in snapping the bone and landing on his ass. "You!" he gasped, pulling his now broken arm close to his chest.
Tristan was there in a moment, his blade pressed against Marius's throat. "Is it he?" he asked, his voice unbelievably calm, never taking his steely gaze from the Roman.
"It is," she replied, letting her hand run down her husbands arm, stopping to wrap around his that held the hilt of his sword. "But that way is too quick," she added, glaring at him before looking back up at Tristan's cold face. "He must suffer as I did, must he not?" she asked, moving her and Tristan's hand, and the blade. Tristan regarded him coolly for a moment before they both moved off.
"You have found him I see," Fulcinia said gladly, walking over to Roxana and embracing her.
"I have," she answered, hugging the woman back. "And soon you will be free," she added pulling away.
"You are the woman who helped my wife?" Tristan asked, his face still emotionless as he gazed at Fulcinia.
Had it not been for the stories Roxana told her, the Roman woman might have been frightened by his cold stare, but instead she nodded and said, "I am."
He embraced her suddenly, if not awkwardly, and quickly pulled away. "I am in your debt," he said before looking at Roxana, kissing her quickly. "I will help the others."
"Do not do anything we shall regret," she whispered, running a finger over his tattoo. He nodded once before disappearing to help Arthur and the others. Roxana smiled at his retreating form and turned to the stunned Fulcinia.
"I did not expect that," the other woman stated, watching him go as well.
"He never ceases to amaze," Roxana smiled fondly. "Now come, let us get you ready to leave."
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Tristan rode at the front of the caravan, his hawk on his arm and his wife by his side, his mind jumbled with thoughts while his eyes were forever watchful. The man that had caused his Ana so much pain. That had left her broken and bloody in a cold dungeon cell, that had nearly cost her his life was riding several wagons back, and Tristan was forced to protect him. How could he? No amount of honor could make him truly protect that devil.
"Quieter than usual, this cannot be good," Roxana mused, a ghost of a smile playing at her lips as she regarded him closely. "This is why we did not tell you."
"Arthur knew of this?" Tristan's voice was cold as he spoke, and his face passive, but in his eyes a rage shown that Roxana had never seen before, and it made her shudder.
"Aye, I told him in the stables that night you came upon us," Roxana stated. "He was the only one I could tell."
"You could have told me," Tristan stated, turning his eyes back to the road ahead.
"Could I?" she asked after a moment. "Listen, I will not apologize for what I have done, because you would have slit his throat as soon as we arrived, and lost your chance at freedom. I cannot allow that. The death would be too quick and we have been apart long enough my dear husband," she stated, glaring at him. "I do vow this to you, he will get what is his before we reach the wall."
Tristan thought for a long moment. She was right, as usual. He would have killed him as soon as he feet touched the compound, and he would have taken a great joy in the act. But it would have been quick, and as a scout, he knew the value of patience. "You wish him to suffer," he stated.
"Do you not?" she asked.
"Aye I do. How do you propose though?"
She smiled mischievously and reached over, tugging one of his braids lovingly before stroking his cheek, an act she often did when they were children. "Make him afraid. Wondering what is around every corner. Fearful to fall asleep. Unsure of when we will strike," her smile broadened.
"You always did like to play," he mused, kissing her palm as her hand rested on his cheek and he thought back to their childhood. She used to get angered that the other children treated him so and would, as he called it, play with them, as a cat plays with a mouse, letting them know no peace. The difference between then and now was as a child she very rarely struck, taking more pleasure from laughing at their unease than anything else. This time though was very different. This time, he would pay.
"And he deserves it just as much as they," she cooed as if reading his mind, leaning over and kissing his lips lightly, running her tongue over them before drawing back just enough to look into his eyes. "Shall I get my fun then?"
He thought for a moment, eyeing her before bringing his hand up to her shirt and gripping it, pulling her to him and kissing her deeply. When he released her there was a mischief in his eyes. "You shall."
xoxoxoxoxoxox
That night they stopped in a forest of trees to make camp, much to Marius's delight. His wife, whom would be punished severely later, was off tending to the wounded Woad woman, and his son was watching the knights curiously. This was all such an insult really, forced to travel with his slaves in such rudimentary conditions. It was sacrilege really. He looked down at his broken arm with disgust. That little harlot would pay, that was certain. When he was in the company of Germanius again, they would have her beaten and crucified for this heresy. He should have had her beaten to death after Cornell had persuaded him into buying the little wench, he thought now.
If she had not tricked him with her beauty, he would have never considered it. He had learned long ago that the most unruly of horses could not always be beaten into submission. Only death.
He began to pour himself some wine from a large flask at his side, when the tent of the wagon he rode in opened and he could feel the cold breeze. "What is it?" he growled, turning, expecting to see his wife or son, or even the leader of his guard. He paused and dropped his goblet to the floor as he looked upon the face of the silent man with the tattoos on his cheeks, his sword drawn and dangling carelessly at his side.
"What are you doing here?" Marius asked, his voice trembling as he scooted back against the rear wall of the wagon, wondering briefly if he called for help, whether or not it would be answered.
The man remained silent, walking further into the carriage, stopping a few feet from Marius.
"What do you want?" the fat Roman man asked, a pleading tone to his voice.
"Retribution for the atrocities committed against my wife," he answered simply, his voice quiet, calm and colder than any Marius had ever heard.
Marius immediately knew of whom he spoke and paled considerably. He was about to cry for help when the man brought his finger to his lips, silencing him.
"Your guards are still outside, they did not hear nor see me approach," he continued, admiring his blade in the dim light of the wagon, a single lantern providing the illumination. "I approached openly and without their knowledge," he looked up from his blade then, paralyzing Marius with his stare. "Remember that while you sleep."
He leaned forward slowly, his eyes never leaving Marius's and his blade resting against the fat Romans throat. Almost casually he reached over and took the flask of wine from the table, standing slowly, he looked at it, admiring it before he turned and left as quickly as he had entered, leaving Marius to wonder, trembling in fear on the floor.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"I thought I was the only one who enjoyed this game," Roxana said huskily as Tristan cleared the tree line near Marius's wagon. She was leaning back against a tree as she idly cleaned her nails with her dagger. "I suppose I am a bad influence on you my dear husband," she smiled at him as he swept her easily into his arms, kissing her deeply, the wine settled on the ground near their feet.
They broke apart, slightly breathless, and Roxana rested her forehead against his chin, moaning in frustration.
"Arthur wishes me to ride back and check on the Saxons progress," he said, moving to kiss her forehead. "I will be gone most of the night."
"Shall I accompany you?" Roxana asked, melting under his fingers as he ran them slowly down her arms, which had found their way around his neck, down her back and to her hips, resting there for only the briefest of moments before beginning the journey back upward.
"Nay, I will travel fastest alone," he murmured as he kissed her hairline. "You must stay and help here."
"Very well," Roxana grumbled, knowing he was right. "Watch your back closely. I could not bear for aught to befall you," she whispered, looking up and kissing him briefly. She was about to pull away, knowing he needed to move out, when he deepened the kiss, pulling her closer.
They broke apart again, their breathing even more ragged than before and desire in both their eyes. "Keep this up Tristan and Arthur will be scouting his own Saxons," Roxana stated, nibbling his lower lip slightly.
He merely grunted in response before kissing her again, a finality to it as he pulled away. "I will try and return early," he stated, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. She nodded slowly and went to walk away, finding her hands in his own. She gave them a quick squeeze before moving past him and back towards the camp when his voice stopped her. "Bors was right," she paused and turned to face him, her hand resting on a tree. He kept his back to her as he continued. "When this is over, and I am free and Cornell is dead, grant me a child," his voice was quiet, but the words floated to her on the breeze, warming her heart and soul.
In two long strides she was behind him, her arms wrapped around his body as she kissed his shoulder, his large, strong hand resting over both of her smaller ones. "Of course," she whispered, tears in her voice as he gave her hands a squeeze. She released him and a moment later he was gone, leaving her and the wine alone.
A smile graced her lips and she wiped a stray tear from her cheek, picking up the flask and turning, heading back to the camp, her hand resting over her stomach. She would know soon if his wish was coming true earlier than he expected, but now was too soon. Either way, she knew they would have a child again. Just not a dozen. She was not as strong as Vanora.
As she walked further in she paused near Dagonet, who was setting up a bed for him and the little boy, Lucan was what Dag had told her his name was, and let her eyes linger on Marius, who was glaring evilly at her and the large knight.
"Dag I don't trust him," she murmured, indicating the evil little man, looking like a true devil with the flame blazing before him, surrounded by his mercenaries, speaking lowly and gesturing towards the small group. "Keep your eyes open eh," she said, smiling down at the little boy, looking at the knight with a sons love as Dagonet pulled his cloak up around him.
"Aye," he said before patting Lucan's head and rubbing his cheek. "Brave boy isn't he?" he asked Ana, a father's love conveyed in his eyes.
"Aye, that he is," Ana smiled down at them both, winking at the boy and giving Dag's shoulder a squeeze before she moved over to where Lancelot sat, stopping and grabbing some bread before, plopping down next to the dark knight and handing him the flask.
"Well what have we here?" Lancelot asked, as Roxana leaned against him, tearing the loaf in half and giving part to him. "I take it you're good husband has gone off again?" he added, accepting the food and drink gratefully.
"Aye he has, and left me terribly lonely," she pouted slightly.
"Well, his loss then," Lancelot replied flirtatiously, wrapping his arm around Roxana and earning an elbow to the ribs. He chuckled as he rubbed the now sore area, removing his arm.
They sat in companionable silence for a few moments, each chewing their bread when the Woad woman, Fulcinia told her was named Guinevere, came towards them. Seeing Roxana with Lancelot she quickly kept walking, moving towards the fire where some of the other women sat nearby.
"I don't trust her," Roxana said after a moment, watching her closely. The way she moved, it was evident she had motives under her cloak. "It is clear she is interested in Arthur."
"Does nothing escape your and your husbands eyes?" Lancelot asked gloomily, slightly irritated as he threw a piece of bread into the small fire he had built, looking away as it burned.
"Not often, but listen to me Lancelot," Roxana nudged him. "As I said you reminded me of the boys we grew up with, she reminds me of most of the girls. They are deceptive and cunning and I do not wish you to fall into her trap."
"I didn't know you cared," he snorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Well you should, for I do," she eyed him closely, forcing him to meet her gaze. "Despite what you think, I can see the good man within you. You are all brothers to me now, as you are to my husband, and I will not let aught befall you. Guinevere I am sure will serve her purpose, but I will kill her if I think that she might divide you and Arthur, do you understand? I am counting on you to make sure I won't have to, for it is obvious he cares for her as well."
Lancelot regarded her for a long moment with saddened eyes before his face softened and he grinned. "How did our silent scout get to be so lucky?" he asked, an understanding passing between them.
"He is very good with his hands," Roxana smiled mischievously, wiggling her eyebrows at him and earning a loud laugh in return. She would let it lie for now, but she made a mental note to speak to the Woad once they returned to the wall.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Late that night, Roxana tossed a bit, snuggling further into her cloak as she lay before a small fire, Gawain sitting next to her, sharpening his blade. The other knights were spaced out as well, but Gawain had offered to sit watch so she could get a few hours sleep, and in return, when she woke, he would do the same. It was something all the knights often did for one another, and since Tristan was not there, he took it upon himself to make sure she was cared for. Tristan was one of his brothers after all.
But sadly, sleep would not come to Roxana and she continued to toss. Her back was now to Gawain and the fire, as she stared out into the darkness. She never heard the footsteps approach, or Gawain rise to leave as she focused on the night, wondering if her husband was safe. Suddenly, two strong arms wrapped around her waist, crushing her against a very familiar chest, and a husky voice whispered in her ear, "Make room wench or I'll have burns that will need tending."
She grinned broadly and turned in his arms, moving back farther away from the fire. "I did not expect you till morning," she smiled, kissing him tenderly.
"They have made camp for the night and Arthur told me to get some sleep," Tristan replied, pulling Roxana closer to him. "I will leave before morning," he added.
She nodded slowly, already feeling the effects her husband's closeness had upon her, relaxing her completely, as her eyes began to droop.