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. Okay, I must apologize to you all for the delay. But I live in a desert that is in the middle of recovering from a 5-year drought. And because nothing out here is used to the rain, that includes the phone lines. I couldn't stay online long enough to post this until now. So I am sorry for the delay. I hope you enjoy it though.
LANCELOTTRISTANBABY – I'm sorry you had to wait! I feel so bad. But we got rain and my phone line wouldn't let me stay on for very long and I must admit, I was distracted. I'll try to be better next time. Thanks for the review and enjoy the chapter.
Lucillaq – You are a softie if you feel sorry for him. But that's okay. There's nothing wrong with that at all. As always, thank you for your review.
Tracy137 – The funniest thing about your review was when you said it was my best chapter yet, and I thought, well she says that about every chapter. Then I kept reading and you said you said that about every chapter too and the irony of it all made me laugh so very much. So thank you once again. Glad you liked Lucan tackling Dag. I loved writing that part. I just can't wait till he slips up and calls him father, although since I am the author I suppose I don't have to wait. Well, you know they only killed him to piss you and me off right? Bastards. Patience. He won't keep everything he came in with; I just don't want it to be too quick. Yeah their great, and really I just found the name online and liked it, but it could be compared with LotR though. And yeah, he's too little and whines way too much. Maybe later if he's nice though. You know me too well. You should really start taking bets on which line I'll love. You get it right every time. I loved them being naughty! And Devon almost reading Tris's mind is way cool. I can't wait to see what happens next. (Hint, hint)!
Priestess of the Myrmidon – Don't ask me how I did it, but I was happy I did get one that long. Thank you for understanding and thanks for the review!
Ryn the whitepanther – You are so very welcome. And the first person I think to ever thank me for a chapter. You're so very sweet. Glad you liked Cornell's first bit of punishment (there's more to come) and Sybil. I mean, how else could Tris greet his baby sister? Thank you for the review, I really appreciate it.
TriGemini – Thank you so much for the clarification. I'm glad you like her. Guinevere appearing dull in this story is probably my fault. She's not my favorite person, so that's probably why. I'll try to do better though cause she is kind of important. Actually, Roxana does understand how Tristan is feeling, considering she thought him dead for those three months as well. But she didn't see any other way around it to save Dagonet. She did what she had to do, and while she understands his feelings, she's not going to apologize for her actions. And he understands as well why she did it, but he's still angry and more frightened than anything else that she risked her life after he just got her back. As for Tristan's way of meeting people, yeah it can't be helped. Oh yeah, Bren got to him. But that's good. And I'd give Gawain a little more credit than that. Glad you liked the argument with Bors and Tris, well not argument really, but discussion. It was fun to write. And theirs a reason for Bors and Tristan not being more in on the torture this last chapter and that was cause, he's in a cage and they're both more hands on type of men. Especially Bors. He'd want to punch the shit out of him, and that's kind of hard to do while keeping him in his cage. Ana, however, doesn't care how she does it, so long as it gets done. Glad you liked the chapter and thanks for the review.
Lunawolf – Never fear, I plan to deliver on that. Especially since I had to make Marius's death so fast. Expect several chapters of Roxana's playing. That way I can really go over all the ideas you gave me. Yeah, you do seem a bit hyper, but that's all good. Glad you like the sisters, I wasn't sure when I added them, but everyone else seems happy with them so yay! It's okay a short review is better than no review! Thanks for letting me know what you thought.
Cardeia – I'm glad you liked it! I must admit, I was a little worried in parts, but you have put my mind at rest and I must thank you for that. Glad you like Bren and Lancelot. They do have a lot in common, probably too much, but their differences will come out as the story progresses. Thank you again for the review. As a reward, I give you more steaminess. Enjoy!
Dmitchell – Glad you like the characters I've created. You know, you're the only one who has asked me to be merciful. I don't know that I can promise you he won't be tortured, or that no one else will die, but I can promise you none of the knights will die. (Or certain sisters/wives of theirs). Thank you again for the review.
Mandyremmers – Don't think you have to worry about me not continuing this. Thank you so much for the review!
Dellis – I'm glad you liked it. It's kinda hard when you start adding in the other stories, but I felt up to the challenge. Hopefully I'm not biting off more than I can chew though. And yeah, the others need some action too. I need to go into Arthur and Guinevere as well, but haven't yet mostly cause well we all saw the movie and I didn't want to have to retype the whole thing. Anyway, enough of my rambling. Thank you so much for the review!
Texasgrrl – LOL! You made me giggle. Loved your review. That last chapter did have a bit of everything didn't it? Glad you liked it. Thanks for the review.
Sorceress Misha – Glad you're happy with all the couples. I thought it would be nice for my other three favorite knights (Tristan being first of course) to get some action on the side as well. Thanks for the explanation, I'll think on it and get back to you. And thanks for the review again!
FlamezBlaze1 – Glad you're still here with me, and that you love this story as well. Especially since it's my current baby. Don't worry; there will be more getting of Cornell as the story goes on. Thanks again for your review.
Babaksmiles – That is true dedication and I thank you for it. I've been known to do that myself. Glad you like the girls and are still there with me. Thanks again for the review and for staying up so late to catch up.
Sorsha – Thanks for the review, I always love seeing a new face. Yeah, I'm actually well aware of the pushing through the arrow to get it out, but she was trying to avoid damaging things that we not already damaged. If she pushed it though, she could have punctured something vital. Anyway thank you for the review and I'm glad you love this story so much. Makes me smile.
Chapter Thirteen: Sparing
Roxana awoke pleasantly exhausted, her husbands' arm draped protectively over her while they slept. She smiled and looked up into his face, so peaceful and relaxed in the early morning hours before the sun rose. Raising her left hand slowly, she ran her finger down the bridge of his nose, going across and tracing the tattoo on his left cheek. He grasped her hand suddenly, kissing the matching tattoo on her left wrist before pulling her close, keeping his eyes closed.
"Wench," he murmured, his voice thick with sleep, kissing her bare left shoulder and burying his head in her hair. "Let a man get some rest."
"Well if the man were not such a light sleeper, perhaps he could," Roxana giggled, snaking her arms around his neck and pressing her body against his, twirling a braid around her finger. They lay content for some time, just enjoying the morning when Tristan spoke.
"The Saxons are coming."
"They are," Roxana sighed and buried her head against his chest, kissing one of the scars absentmindedly.
"You intend to stay and fight," it was really more of a statement than a question.
"Arthur will, and I can leave him to this no more than you can," she replied, running her fingers though the bit of hair on his chest.
"I do not wish for you to fight tomorrow," he began, tilting her chin to look into her eyes.
"I will not leave you all out there to face your deaths alone," she began, already pulling away from him. He held her fast, pressing his lips against her own to silence her.
When he pulled away he looked deep into her eyes. "Here me wench, do not interrupt. I do not wish you to fight, for the danger it will bring to you and our child, but I will not stop you," he finished, gazing at her. "But I do ask that you do so as safely as possible." He leaned over and kissed her again, murmuring against her lips, "I could not bear to loose you again."
"Nor I you," she replied, deepening the kiss, pulling him on top of her. "I swear it," she kissed his tattoos as he began moving down her neck once again, smothering her skin in kisses. "I love you," she murmured as slowly, they began to make love again.
It was several hours later when they were woken by a pounding at the door.
"Come on get up already!" Bren's voice came muffled from the other side. "Eirwen wants a look at your shoulder and Jols is here for your husband!" The pounding continued and Roxana let out a groan while Tristan reached for his sword.
"No, no," she grabbed his hand. "We must sadly let them live," she sighed kissing him briefly. They rose and dressed quickly, before throwing the door open to glare at the two standing in the hall.
Jols quickly stepped back while Brenna held her position, arms crossed over her chest and her body armor already on. It resembled the clothing the Roman men wore, with the short skirts and chest plates, but was all in black. "Bout time," Bren muttered glaring at the two with a smirk on her face.
"Arthur is holding a meeting in the hall," Jols said quickly. Tristan nodded curtly and kissed Roxana before moving off down the hall, the squire at his heels.
"What a lovely way to start the day," Brenna teased, causing Roxana to roll her eyes at her sister, before they looped arms and headed to the girls quarters, chatting happily.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"Knights," Arthur began, rising from his place at the round table. "My brothers in arms." All of his men were gathered before him, including the recovering Dagonet and the squire Jols, a proud look on his face as he sat next to Lancelot. "The freedom you have longed for is at last yours. And you have earned it!"
A cheer went up around the table and Arthur smiled at their joy. They sobered again and he continued. "Tomorrow morning, the Romans take leave of this place," he paused for a moment. "And the Saxons shall be at this very door."
He took a moment to look out at all his men. His friends. His brothers. Bors, with his loud mouth and brood of children trailing in his wake, Dagonet, and his kind gentle nature, Tristan's silent way with both animals and death, Gawain's pensive attitude and good humor, Galahad's innocence and finally Lancelot's flirtatious ways and bravery. He was closer to these men than he had ever been to anyone, and for that he was grateful.
"When the Romans pull out tomorrow, I will not be with them," Arthur finally said, looking at them all then. "On our last mission, I learned a great deal, including about the death of Pelagius." He sighed and looked down at the table. "There is nothing in Rome for me now. I have made agreements with Merlin and I will lead the Woads in a defense against the Saxons," he looked back up at them. "I do not ask you to stand with me."
The men all looked at one another, sober expressions on their faces. They knew their commander too well and had a feeling this would come, and had discussed it prior to the meeting. "So, ya mean to have all the fun then?" Bors grunted, as the others began to grin.
"Never backed down from a battle yet," Tristan shrugged nonchalantly.
"Would be nice to finish off the bastards," Gawain agreed.
"And show them what Sarmatian knights are truly capable of," Galahad added.
"Here, on our own land," Dagonet agreed.
"Did you really think to do this without us, Arthur?" Lancelot scoffed and grinned despite himself, raising his goblet. "With nothing but Woads at your side?"
"I thank you for your offer," Arthur started, truly touched. "But I cannot allow you to do this, now that freedom is yours."
"Listen here," Bors said, his face more serious than most of them had ever seen it. "We know you ain't asking us, but we're free men, and we can do what we like."
They all nodded their agreement and Arthur had never felt his heart more filled in his life. "I thank you all," he said, reigning his emotions. "If there is no persuading you, then, here is the plan." He told them of what he had devised and how the Woads came into play.
After the meeting they left the great hall, Dagonet moving better than he had been the day before, and headed to the tavern, looking for the women. They arrived to find it empty save for a few barmaids and very drunk Roman soldiers, but not who they were looking for.
"Gabriella!" Galahad called to a dark haired girl, opening his arms to her and strutting over. Lancelot smirked at the young boy and a few of the others rolled their eyes as he chatted her up a bit. He returned a few minutes later, a proud grin on his face. "They're in the training area."
They all headed for the stables, entering and heading towards the training area at the back. There on the benches sat Vanora and the heard, Lucan next to Seven and Ten and the baby in Van's lap. Guinevere sat next to the older woman skulking with her head in her hand, her elbow resting on her knee as she watched the four women in the training area, all in the same garb Brenna had been wearing earlier, and all with double blades in their hands.
"What is this?" Arthur asked as the men made their way into the wooden stands, finding places amongst the brood. Bors sat down a step lower than Van, taking the baby in his arms and resting against her legs, his other children surrounding him. Lucan immediately ran to Dag, climbing up next to him and placing a hand on his knee, the poor boy not liking to be away from the giant long, and Ten ran over to Tristan, climbing happily into the scouts lap.
"They're training," Vanora answered, slapping Bors upside the head before rubbing the spot and kissing it softly.
"And what's wrong with you?" Lancelot asked Guinevere, who laced her arm through Arthur's and rested her head against his shoulder.
"They won't let me practice with them," she pouted.
"Be glad," Tristan said, bouncing his knee slightly, causing the little girl to giggle and throw herself back at him, looking up into his face and grinning.
"What is it this time?" Sybil asked, turning the blades slowly in her hands, trying to get more used to the two blades as opposed to the one she normally carried.
"Death," Brenna grinned, the only one of them truly used to the double blades.
"Mind Roxana and the child," Eirwen stated, glaring at her youngest sister.
"Oh she will not hurt me!" Roxana growled, not quite as used to the double blades as Bren, but not as out of place with them as the other two. "Now let us just get to it then," and with that she attacked, spinning and bringing both blades upon Eirwen's. A completely different demeanor took over the girls as they became the stone cold warriors their fathers had trained them to be. Spinning, thrusting, blocking and kicking they attacked one another. A blow with the flat side of one of Roxana's blades across Eirwen's chest sent her out of the game. A smirk appeared on her face as she walked happily back towards Dagonet and Lucan.
"You did that on purpose," Tristan stated as she sank between him and Dag, pulling Lucan into her lap.
"Shh," she held a finger to her lips and winked at her brother in law.
Sybil and Roxana locked eyes for a moment before nodding to one another and then turning on Brenna attacked her at once.
"Wait just a bloody minute!" she cried, dropping and rolling from their blades before leaping to her feet, swinging the two blades around and attacking them both, blocking more than anything else. "No teams!"
"Tell that to the enemy," Sybil answered, dropping low to avoid one of Brenna's blades and spinning underneath her, trying to knock her feet from under her. Brenna threw her swords, and flipped back on her hands before landing on her feet, pulling the swords from where they landed in the ground. Roxana was there, her blades already in motion. Brenna began swinging as well and the two women's swords became a blur as they moved about the room. Finally Bren saw an opening and swung, aiming for her sisters' neck. Right before it could connect, Sybil's blade was there and once again the three of them were moving. Finally Sybil and Roxana managed to disarm Bren and send her on her back, Sybil's blades crossed in a scissor motion at Bren's neck and Roxana's blades resting across her chest and abdomen.
"Son of a bitch!" Brenna grumbled, rolling from the ground and stalking over to the benches, sinking next to Lancelot and leaning back, arms crossed over her chest and a scowl on her face. "Tell your wife and your sister not to cheat next time," she growled at Tristan who merely raised an eyebrow at her before focusing back on the two women before him.
They stood regarding each other for a moment before they each threw their blades to the ground and turned, running to the opposite sides, each picking up their own blades. Everyone unconsciously leaned forward slightly in anticipation as the two girls rushed back towards each other, blades meeting in a fury. Silently Tristan moved Ten next to him, fingering his own blade as the battle intensified. They would block and duck and lunge at one another, until they were little more than a blur in the middle of the room.
In the end, it was merely Roxana's experience that allowed her to disarm Sybil and hit her hard in the side with the blunt end of her blade. Both women stood there, breathing heavily and regarding each other. "You became too lost," Roxana finally breathed.
Sybil nodded in agreement as they both headed over to the benches, Roxana collapsing in front of Tristan, resting her head on his knee.
"Are you sure it is wise to be doing that, what with the baby coming?" Galahad asked, still in awe at the display he had just seen.
"It did not bother me before," Roxana answered, having finally caught her breath. "And then I had a much more experienced and hard to beat opponent," she added, grinning up at her husband who was stroking her hair silently, nodding in approval at his sister.
"Well, I'm not done yet," Brenna said rising and retrieving her weapons. "I'm sure one of you brave knights would love to see if you can best me."
"It would not be a fair fight lady," Gawain said as the others began to chuckle slightly, Tristan merely looking at her before pulling Roxana into his lap.
"You have already tired yourself out," Galahad added.
Brenna looked mad enough to impale them both, and gazed down at her blades, wondering how mad her sister would be if she threw them into their skulls.
Lancelot rose then, and walked across the room to where his own double blades rested, picking them up easily he turned and grinned at her. He still needed to pay her back for her lovely observations yesterday at the tavern and this looked to be the perfect opportunity.
She grinned wickedly as they began to circle one another slowly, sizing each other up before finally Bren attached, spinning and bringing her blades in. Lancelot easily blocked and followed through, the force of the blow sending her back a bit. She recovered quickly and attacked again, once again, he easily fended her off. They went on like this for several minutes, the room falling silent as they continued their attack. Finally, Lancelot managed to disarm her, and captured both her wrists against her chest, spinning her around and pinning her against his own, smirking down at her. Both were breathing heavily and sweat dripped from their faces.
Bren turned to glare up at him and caught his eyes. They gazed at each other for a moment, the smirk slowly disappearing from Lancelot's face as the scowl disappeared from Bren's. Their breathing began to slow until both were breathing in unison, still gazing at one another. Tristan and Roxana exchanged a look before Roxana cleared her throat, effectively breaking the two apart.
"Well done Bren," Eirwen praised as they came back over.
"Just make sure you don't go as easy on the Saxons tomorrow," Bors grunted.
"She'll be fine," Roxana said as Bren remained silent, wiping the sweat from her brow with an old cloth, keeping her face hidden from everyone.
"Saxons?" Vanora asked, glaring down at her man. "What are you lot talking about? I thought we were leaving with the caravan tomorrow."
"No, you and the little 'uns are leaving with the caravan," Bors stated. "We're fighting the Saxons."
The herd all recognized the killer look in their mother's eye, and the eldest quickly grabbed the baby from their father and ushered the rest out of the stables, including Lucan. "And who the hell are you to tell me I'm leavin' tomorrow eh?" she yelled at him, pushing him away from her legs and off the bench.
He got up cursing, wiping dust from his clothing. "Damnit wench!" He turned to her and pointed a finger. "You're leaving and that's final!"
Vanora rose, glaring down at him. "The hell I am!" she bellowed before stalking out of the stables.
"Bloody hell," Bors muttered, running his hand over his face and sighing. "What am I going to do?"
"Let her stay," Sybil said, not looking up from her blade, which she was cleaning.
"She will be fine, and we will need her help with the wounded afterwards," Eirwen agreed.
"No, I can't put her and the babe's in danger like that," Bors shook his head slowly. "If we lose tomorrow, then at least she'll have a bunch of Romans to protect her."
"Oh and there's reassurance," Brenna snorted, finally looking at them. "We will not lose."
"We're not saying put her on the field Bors," Roxana said rising and walking over to him, moving to stand next to him and placing her hands on his shoulders. "Let her stay in the fort with the other women and children who are staying. She'll be safe, and we'll protect her."
"You mean he's not making you leave lass?" Bors asked, indicating Tristan who had begun to sharpen his blade.
"Do you see him with any new bruises?" Roxana replied, grinning back. "He knows that I can protect myself and will do everything I can to keep me and the child, as well as him and you lot safe. Now you need to trust Vanora to do the same." She gave his shoulders a pat before going back to Tristan, sitting next to him this time and wrapping her arms around one of his, resting her cheek on his shoulder.
Bors let out a sigh and shook his head, his shoulders sagging in defeat. "Well I better go talk to the little wench," he muttered turning to leave.
"Oh Bors," Sybil called after him.
"Aye lass?" he turned to regard her.
"Remember to duck," she stated, still not looking up from the blade.
He looked at her questioningly before walking out towards the tavern, leaving them all in the stables.
"He loves her a great deal," Guinevere said as they watched him leave.
"That he does," Arthur agreed, looking down at her with a smile.
"Come Woad," Sybil said, rising and turning to face Guinevere, walking backwards into the middle of the area, her blade pointed out in front of her.
"What?" Guinevere asked, looking at her confusedly.
"You did say you wanted to spar," Eirwen said, stretching out her arms and reaching over for her bow, testing it as she spoke.
"And Sybil likes to warm up first," Brenna grinned.
Slowly Guinevere rose and walked over to the table where some of the weapons were kept. As she looked to find a blade to her liking Gawain turned to Roxana. "Are you still feeling well?" he asked her, watching Sybil from the corner of his eyes.
"Aye, I've never really been one to get sick from being with child," Roxana said with a grin. "A bit of a queasiness here and there, but I don't usually end up with my head in a bucket."
"That is good," Gawain said with a smile, focusing his eyes on Sybil now.
"Need some help Woad?" Brenna asked, watching as Guinevere still fiddled with the weapons. "The swords are the long pointed objects."
Guinevere glared at her as she picked up a short sword and moved across the area, stopping before Sybil, who eyed her passively. She stood straight, her legs apart for balance and the short sword raised. Sybil nodded once and then began the attack.
"She'll not hurt her will she?" Arthur asked, turning to Tristan and Roxana.
"Not too much," Roxana answered with a grin, causing Arthur's brow to furrow as he watched the two women.
Guinevere almost looked like a rabid animal as she began to fight fiercely with the young Sarmatian Seer, trying desperately to find an advantage that was not there. Sybil for her part, kept her face impassive and moved fluidly, each blow shaking through Guinevere's body. It did not take long for the Woad to be disarmed, and find herself on her back, staring up the blade at Sybil's impassive face. They were far enough away from the others that when Sybil spoke, only Guinevere heard her.
"You keep at your game, try to woo them both, and you will find your head on the mantel near my fire," her face did not change as she spoke, and her voice was calm and even, and it sent a chill up Guinevere's spine.
She nodded slowly in understanding and Sybil removed the blade, sheathing it in a fluid motion before walking over to her sisters.
"Nicely done," Brenna praised, patting her shoulder.
"It was amazing," Gawain agreed, rising and smiling down at her.
"Like watching a much better looking Tristan," Galahad agreed only to be smacked upside the head by Roxana.
"I am proud," Tristan agreed as Arthur walked over to help Guinevere up.
When Roxana and Sybil began to speak again, it was in rapid Sarmatian, that none of the knights were as fluid in as they once were. "Did you warn her?"
"Aye I did," was the reply.
"Good, we will watch her then."
"Agreed." Sybil replied, the other two nodding in agreement.
"What was that about?" Arthur asked as he and Guinevere rejoined them.
"Yeah, fill us in," Galahad agreed, not liking to be left out.
"Merely talk amongst sisters," Eirwen said, rising and dusting off her clothing. "Nothing of consequence."
"Very well then. I take it you all intend to fight tomorrow?" Arthur continued, changing the subject.
"We do," at this point Roxana rose as well, coming to stand before the commander, Sybil, Eirwen and Brenna standing behind her. "Is that a problem?"
"No Ana, not at all," Arthur smiled at her. "You will need to be debriefed however."
"We can do that Arthur," Dagonet said, rising slowly, taking his time with his injuries. Eirwen silently moved to his side and assisted him to stand.
"Thank you Dagonet," Arthur smiled fondly at all of them. "With you all at my side tomorrow, the Saxons do not stand a chance." With that he began to make his way out of the stables, Guinevere still at his side.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
It was later that night that all of them were gathered in the tavern. The girls had changed into dresses and were sitting with the men at the table as Lancelot finished filling them in on the plan for the battle the next day.
"That's absolutely brilliant," Eirwen said as the other women nodded in awe.
"So you think it will work then?" Bors asked Sybil, nursing a black eye, having failed to take her advice and duck Vanora's right hook.
"Aye, that I do," Sybil stated, from her place between Gawain and Galahad.
"It is quite a plan," Roxana agreed, adjusting slightly on Tristan's lap, playing with the hair at the base of his neck. "And if we all work together with the Woads, it can be successful."
Vanora came then, a proud look still on her face and mugs of ale and water for everyone.
"I see you're staying Van," Bren grinned, taking some water and indicating Bors eye.
"Aye that I am," she answered, a grin spreading across her face as she finished passing out the drinks, pausing to give Bors a kiss on the top of the head, before heading back towards the bar.
"No ale this evening?" Lancelot asked Brenna with a smirk, noticing the water in her hand, as well as Sybil's, Eirwen's and Roxana's.
"I'd rather not have a headache while I take on the Saxons thank you," she replied, taking a drink.
"Or be busy throwing up on their boots," Roxana stated with a grin, causing her sister to glare at her and the other girls to snicker.
"One time and I'm marked for life eh?" Brenna growled, although a grin crossed her face as well.
Suddenly Jols came running up, slightly out of breath. "Where's Arthur?" he asked, glancing around the group quickly.
"In his quarters why?" Lancelot asked, noticing the worried look on the young squires face.
"You best come see for yourself," he replied and they all rose, following him out to the battlements.
"My Goddess," Eirwen breathed as they looked over the wall, shock spreading around the group. She rested her hand on Dagonet's forearm and exchanged a worried look with the larger man.
"Jols, fetch Arthur," Lancelot said, and the squire was already running from the battlements towards Arthur's quarters.
Before them, on the North side of the wall, hundreds of Saxon fires burned. Roxana shuddered a bit and clung tighter to Tristan, whose arm was wrapped tightly about her shoulders, as the others looked at each other solemnly.
"Goddess be with us tomorrow," Brenna breathed, shuddering involuntarily at the large mass of Saxons before them. Lancelot instinctively wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders, shocking them both.
Arthur arrived then, rushing up the stairs with Guinevere at his heels. He came to the edge and looked over the wall at all the burning fires. A grave look came to his face before he turned to his men. "Knights, I again give you your freedom to leave tomorrow."
The men looked at one another and nodded. Gawain then turned and spoke from where he leaned against the wall, Sybil and Galahad next to him. "We stay and fight."
Arthur nodded once and regarded them for a moment. "Then get some rest, and may God be with us tomorrow," he stated, turning to head down the stairs. Guinevere looked at them all for an instant before turning and following after him.
"Come sisters," Roxana said after a long moment, turning to walk from the battlements, leaving the men staring in anticipation at the soldiers above the wall, anxious for the battle to come.