disclaimer: see prologue

author's note: I really disliked writing this chapter. That is probably the reason why it took me so long to get it finished. The summer is here, and the warm weather is driving me crazy!

-My mom wants to send me to a Horseback Summer camp. Overnight or day camp. Who really knows. Sounds interesting and would be incredibly fun.

-Note: Amon is actually based after a dapple gray arabian gelding that is boarded at the stables I ride at.. I wish I had a picture.

Traveler's Forgotten Roads

Chapter two: Listening

- - - - -

Tristan's gaze burned and Meredith stared back wide eyed. The twin Sai swords were gripped firmly in hand and splayed out at her side -- a reaction from stumbling backwards. The enormous blade of Excalibur lingered but an arms length away, it's sharp edge was grinning maniacally at her. The oriental beauty which had almost stolen her life was put to shame by the glorious blade that the man Arthur held. Tristan's sword immediately found it's sheath, and the crazy gleam in the scout's eye was replaced by a stoic stoney-ness which sent a shiver coursing up Meredith's spine. The man Arthur also sheathed his sword and glanced at Meredith, a quizzical flicker in his dark eyes.

"There must be a good reason for one of my most trusted Knight's to attack you," It came out as a statement rather then a question. Meredith's gaze turned from Tristan to Arthur, she stared wide eyed into the authorative eyes of the Roman Commander.

"I was just settling my horse and mule for the night."

"Why this late in the night? Do you plan to steal something!" Tristan's voice was quivering, his accent lilting and his facial expression barely hiding the anger and suspicion.

"I am, but a traveler! I arrive late in the night and you accuse me of theft? How dare you.. you- you. Aaaugh, you arrogant bastard." Meredith's face was livid, and she pushed away from the pile of hay, rising up and standing nose to nose with the rude man.

Both Arthur and Tristan blanched. Arthur, at the crude language the woman was using, and Tristan -- well, because she dared to call him such a foul name. Arthur coughed slightly, drawing the attention of both people. "Come Tristan. We should leave the Lady to tend to her companions."

Meredith's eyes were dancing with glee, she was daring Tristan to oppose his commander. It was obvious he wanted to, the want flickered in his eyes, the rage and need to teach her a lesson evident in his hot breath. "Go," she whispered softly, a cheshire grin spreading across her features.

With that, they left.

- - - - -

A velvet nose brushed against her cheek, a hot glare rested on her back and the smell of hay was ever present in her nostrils. Meredith's eyes shot open, revealing the dapple gray stallion's finely shaped head and inquisitive stare. Large nostrils were flaring and the dark forelock was brushed aside. Mule's head was resting atop the side of Amon's stall, his large brown eyes staring down at his mistress and the 'boss'.

"Hello Amon." Meredith whispered softly, a smile tugged at the corner of her lips and she raised a hand to rub the small horse's cheek. The hot glare suddenly drew her attention away from the stallion and Meredith rolled away from the annoyance. Shr glanced up at a small crack in the ceiling of the stables that offered the golden rays of dawn to filter in. "Sun. No more rain." She sighed happily and quickly stood, causing Amon to jerk back slightly and nicker in protest. "Oooh, don't be such a baby, Amon."

It was the first time she saw the stables without hinderance of night. Great beasts stood in their stalls, some watching her whilst chewing hay, others merely standing and staring, ears perked forward in curiousity. They were fine creatures, ranging in different coat colors and sizes all together. Some looked under used and plump, whilst others looked as if they would ripple with muscle from merely twitching an ear. They were far larger then the small arabian Amon who ignored them all and was now daintily chewing his own grain and hay.

"Wow," was the only word that escaped Meredith's mouth. No wonder that ignorant man last night had accused her of theft. No wonder he had been suspicious. With creatures as finely bred, and trained as these -- they could definitely go for a high price in the market.

"Yeah, their somethin' to look at ain't they?" A man emerged from the shadows carrying an armload of tack. He immediately walked towards a shadowy stall and placed the tack heavily upon the frame of the door. From the shadows emerged a gray beast, finely arched neck and flaring nostrils. "Name's Jols, and you Missy have one handsome beast."

Meredith smiled and glanced over her shoulder at Amon who was still eating. "He's an excellent companion on the road."

The man, Jols, nodded and entered the stall of the gray, he produced a brush from some hidden pocket and began brushing down the grand creature. "I'm a squire, these horses are the Knights' proud creatures. This here is Midas."

"Amon, Mule, and I am Meredith."

"Pleasure to meet ya," Jols cocked the brush slightly and nodded, a smile evident upon his plump features.

Meredith exited Amon's stall, walked down the large aisle and finally stopped outside of Midas' stall. The large gray poked his nose at her as he calmly ate his breakfast. "Who does Midas call his own?" Meredith asked, her brows raising slightly as she raised her hand to the gray's large roman nose.

"Arthur. Been together a long time they have. I remember when I was helpin' ta raise him as a colt and get him ready for his knightley duties." Meredith chuckled softly.

"I do believe I met Arthur last night. Not formally mind you, but-"

"It was you wasn't it?" Jols interruption was abrupt, but did not strike Meredith at all in the way of rude. The Squire continued to brush the coat of Midas, his eyes never leaving his work.

"What do you mean?"

"Last night, Arthur raged down the hallway. He was blabbering at Tristan about attacking some traveler, a woman who was minding her own business and not doing anything to cause trouble.. It was you, wasn't it?"

Meredith nodded and croaked a simple 'yes,' in reply.

Jols' removed his eyes from Midas' side, raising his brown gaze to Meredith's. "Watch Tristan Mi'lady. He is a man with a love for blood and battle -- he is skilled with a blade and bow. I am surprised you survived his attack last night. " Meredith merely nodded, she continued to rub the gray's velveteen face until his pulled away and reached for more hay. "What are you doin' at the Fort of Hadrian's Wall.. If ya dun' mind me asking," he gave her the same quizical stare Arthur had given her, Jols more innocent and trusting then that of the Roman Commanders.

"I am a merchant. A collector of weapons from west to east. I will probably pass through or stay if I can find a descent place to set up a kiosk."

"Aaah, the Fort bein' one of the best places to set up Mi'Lady Meredith. Guards, Knights and Travelers alike all search for the most promising of weaponry to best each other with. You would make a tidy profit here." Jols finished with the brushing, calmly picked up Midas' hooves, picking them of stones and other obscurities that would cause the animal to stumble. "The market is close. Easiest thing to find, besides the tavern and stable. Just listen. I imagine you'll be able to set up somewhere, just ask a guard and he'll direct ya to an appropriate area."

Meredith smiled softly, nodding as she turned away from the Squire and Midas. She stared off into oblivion, pondering. "Thank you, Jols." With a smile, she walked back to Amon's stall -- he would be her companion on this day as she wandered the village of the Fort.

- - - - -

The morning was delicious. That was the only word Arthur could use to describe it. Although the night previous was still on his mind, it did not dampen his high spirits. After weeks of relentless rain, the sun's warm kiss and the sweet scent that lingered in the air was enough to bring a slight smile to each Knight's face.. Even Tristan.

Entering the Stables, Arthur took note of Midas' healthly -- and recently groomed -- appearance. The gray gelding nickered softly, ears perked forth as he watched his 'master and friend' approach his stall. He was untacked, but his tack rested on the door. Jols, Arthur grinned and entered the stall quickly. Running calloused hands along the creatures strong neck, shoulder, wither, and finally spine.

"Aaah, Midas. Fancy a ride?" Arthur's voice was soft as he spoke to the large creature.

"You ask your horse for rides?" The oddly accented, yet clearly feminime voice of the woman from the previous night danced through the air. Arthur glancd towards the stall which housed the beholder of the voice. The odd, short woman was only visible from her shoulders up -- beside her stood the small gray stallion, his eyes trained on Arthur, his small ears twitching.

"Its more of rhetorical question really," Arthur replied. He took no offense to her words and rather found it comforting that she would still talk to him -- even after one of his Knight's attacked her. "I am Arthur Castas, Comma-,"

Meredith waved her hand, pursed her lips and let out a rather queer raspberry. "Yeah, yeah. I know who ya are. Arthur, Commander of the Sarmatian Knights. I am Meredith. Weapon collector and trader. My fine steed here is Amon -- a horse of the desert -- and that ugly mule over there.. Thats Mule. Your proud gelding is Midas."

Arthur stared at her, his brows furrowing together.

"Don't look so surprised. Jols introduced me this morning, and I had heard about you here and there to know the Sarmatian knight crap.." Meredith ducked out of view, returning but a moments past with a saddle and bridle. Slinging the saddle atop the arabian's back, she quickly tightened the girth -- soon followed by the bridle and bit being applied aswell. "Well, Arthur. I am off. Nice ta meet ya." There was an urgency in her voice that caused Arthur's brows to raise. He watched as she quickly grabbed the reins of her companion and led him from the small stall. With a quick and practised leap, she astride his back within a moment and quickly walking away. "Bye Sir Knight! Until we meet again."

As she exited the gaping doors to the stable, she rounded the corner and was completely removed from Arthur's sight all together -- leaving the Commander confused and wondering about the mysterious, short woman and her dainty little horse.

- - - - -

From above, Tristan watched with a careful eye. She left far to quickly and Tristan had a distinct feeling she had noticed his pressence..

Only slightly of course. He was Tristan, The great Sarmatian scout. He wouldn't have been detected by some feeble minded woman right...?

Right?

A/N - I rushed it. I totally boggied this chapter up. But then again, who wouldn't when they finished it around one o'clock in the morn'?