Disclaimer: Disclaimer: Same as before…. I figured as they set camp coming back, they might have going…either way I needed them to!
SpectralLady: No I do know what you mean…there was meant to be a certain amount of black humour there, so you're not being too morbid (well no more than me!) LOL As for Tristan, I thought about it and realised if he was the scout he was portrayed to be in the movie, he would have twigged even if it were only that day once he'd had a look at the arrows. But how long will he and Dag keep the secret:O)
Lunawolf: Nope….no killing of the hero! I would not be that cruel…okay, actually I would (others can testify to that in other stories!) – but not this time:O) I'm a big Tristan fan - huge actually – but I do think that Dag is much under rated… Hope you continue to like the story.
JediPirateElfyDude: I could not leave my favourite knight of it altogether, could I! LOL
Babaksmiles: You are probably right…but they are survivors at the end of the day and I am pleased about that. Yes, he is about to find out how wrong he was in the next chapter after this! Most of the reactions will be good, but a few won't be. One will feel threatened by her, but it will work out in the end. I think Dag and Devon need to progress slowly as I don't think he's the sort of bloke that would go steaming in (like Lancelot).
History2: She does and you will find out soon enough. Poor girl….but still she has the knights now. I think Dagonet would be a lot more curious than in the film if the right thing, or person, snagged his interest. I think, as you say, that the stoic and loyal knight is merely one side of him – he is a deep soul and so I wanted to explore that. I think Vanora is like an older sister to Devon, hence the reason the girl is willing to go all the trouble for her friend as she has. I think she likes Jols a lot too. I'm glad you like it…hope you still do after this chapter.
June Birdie: Glad you like this one as much as the other stories….
Demon-In-Me: I'm really flattered you like it so much – I would recommend the Director's Cut as the battle scenes are better.
Aelia O'Hession: Not deluges….not sure how much rain even yet! So stand down the lynch mob. Not sure about brilliance….maybe mild ability:O) Hope you like this chapter too.
Marblez: As requested.
Evenstar-mor2004: Glad you like it….it will be bad, but not as bad as Little Bird… Galahad will be a bit of a bad boy this story! LOL Very petulant!
Calliann: Well we had to have Tristan being able to figure it out…what scout would he be if he couldn't:O) Yeah there will be muchly more of the knights – particularly Galahad and the squire Jols! Can't wait to read your KA story – it will be better than mine trust me! I am not that good… I think that Dagonet, like Tristan and Lancelot, was cheated in the movie. There is no whay he should have been killed. There will be continued fluff and humour amongst the rest of the story. You don't need to flatter incessantly – I actually think I am rubbish…so the truth will not hurt me! LOL There will be other Tristan moments I think…..the two silent knights thing! The ice scene is going to be pretty good, and will be in the next chapter… Hope you like it.
Lucillaq: I am really glad you like it so much…it is always a worry starting a new story…that others won't like it or you'll do it all wrong. Lancelot is just Lance really isn't he? But he's funny!
lilstrummrgrl527: gulp just forget I asked! I can't believe I'm turning into my nosey mother! LOL There will definitely be more Jols in this story – I sort of got the impression in the movie that they were just like 'jols do this –jols do that' no please or thank yous mind! So thi s is going to be a bit different…but you'll see, with a firend like Devon…well, she is going to be good for him too (as a gal friend only though!) I think 'wanna play' will ber 'catchphrase' for want of a better way of putting it. The reason will be clearer later on. Yes, I thought Lancelot looked a little bit welling up…mind you they all did, except Tristan he just looked sad. I had to let him figure her out as he is the best scout, and wouldn't be if he hadn't. I try to bring her observations in so that you can link it to places in the movie…hopefully it will make my awful narrative easier to follow.
WARNING: BAD LANGUAGE, VIOLENCE AND SOME SEXUAL REFERENCES (though not graphic) SO READ AT YOUR OWN PERIL.
All reviews, and constructive criticism, gratefully received – but no flaming please; and I will try to update regularly.
'—' signifies thoughts.
"—" signifies speech.
Anyway…chapter three!
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Heart & Soul
Chapter Three – North of the Wall
Devon was back in the stables when she heard Arturious come in. He was throwing something around and so she peered over the edge to see…then she heard him praying….
Her mouth compressed into a thin line, she couldn't believe it…it was hard enough to understand why on earth Van would want her to protect a bloody Roman! Now she finds out he's a Christian one as well! They were nothing but scum…hadn't she herself learnt that the hard way!
Her anger boiled and got the better of her, she was about to jump down and confront this idiot when the dark one, Lancelot, came storming in.
He looked madder than her…she settled back. Hopefully he would kill the roman pig; if he did she would be more than happy to be a cover for him…her promise was only to help them if they needed it. Well she couldn't do much if they were fighting each other, could she?
"Why do you always talk to God and not to me?" he asked abruptly, his commander did not answer. "Pray." He motioned to Arturious to continue "To whomever you pray that we don't cross the Saxons."
"My faith is what protects me, Lancelot. Why do you challenge this?" Devon had to hold her nose to stop the snort of derision.
"I don't like anything that puts a man on his knees." Devon grinned, good dig; she'd have to remember that one!
"No man fears to kneel before the God he trusts. Without faith, without belief in something, what are we?" Arturious ground out.
Devon nearly shouted out 'honest, you idiot! He and I are at least human! But you Christians think you are so much better and more worthy than the bloody rest of us, just because of your holy mother church!" but she bit her lip.
"To try and get past the Woads in the north is insanity!" she could tell Lancelot was angry now.
"Them, we've fought before." She could almost slap the man for being so bloody stupid.
"Not north of the Wall! How many Saxons? Hmm? How many?" The dark knight was pacing now…she was still hopeful he might at least hit the Roman.
Lancelot sighed when Arthur did not answer "Tell me. Do you believe in this mission?"
Arturious was getting equally as pissed now; she smiled, the mild façade was failing "These people need our help. It is out duty to bring-"
"I don't care about your charge. And I don't give a damn about Romans, Britons, or this island. If you desire to spend eternity in this place, Arthur, so be it. But suicide cannot be chosen for another!" Lancelot was really angry now. Devon grinned, please hit him…just one really good punch…
"And yet you choose death for this family!" Arturious shouted.
"No, I choose life! And freedom!" Lancelot was shouting too and slammed his hand into the stable bar "For myself and the men!" he sighed angrily.
"no you idiot" she hissed "hit him, not the bloody wood!" but then froze in case they heard her.
Lancelot sat down and did not speak…she breathed out; they hadn't.
"How many times in battle have we snatched victory from the jaws of defeat? Outnumbered, outflanked, but still we triumph? With you at my side, we can do so again. Lancelot, we are knights. What other purpose do we serve if not for such a cause?" the commander was calmer now and back to his pleading tone.
This just irked Devon even more 'oh for the love of the Goddess! He's going to bloody beg now!' she thought with disgust.
Lancelot shook his head "Arthur, you fight for a world that will never exist. Never. There will always be a battlefield."
Devon nodded in silent agreement, the idiot should listen to him – he might be an arrogant oaf, but he spoke true now.
She watched the dark knight lean over the stable railing until he was facing Arturious; he nodded his head "I will die in battle. Of that I'm certain; now hopefully, a battle of my choosing. But, if it be this one, grant me a favour: don't bury me in our sad little cemetery. Burn me. Burn me, and cast my ashes to a strong east wind."
She felt a certain pride then for this strange arrogant man…..that he would want to be free of this desolate land at least in death, if he could not do so in life. He went up in her estimations then.
But Arturious did not answer and his face was emotionless….Lancelot sighed and left.
If not for her promise to Vanora, Devon would have cut down the Roman there and then. So much for the 'caring commander'….he obviously thought more of his bloody fellow Romans than the men that had fought beside him, and for him, for the last 15 years!
Her temper got the better of her as she thought of Dagonet and Bors…and Jols, she dropped down in front of him as he went to leave. He raised an enquiring eyebrow at her.
"You know he's right!" she hissed "You are going on a suicide mission for naught! Not only may you be killed, but so will he and the rest. Now…" she looked Arthur up and down with barely concealed hatred "You are no loss to the world, a Roman Christian! I have had my fill of your kind's pontificating…..but they deserve better! I'd expect more from someone I was told was a fair man! But it seems you are no different to the rest of your kind when it comes to true loyalty!" She spat on the floor in front of him and stormed out.
Arthur had not had time to even reply…he stood there stunned. He sighed, knowing she was right; but also knowing that if they did not do this thing, then the men he loved like brothers would not get the freedom they longed for.
He made to follow her and yelled out, suddenly angry "If we do not go….they will never be free! What then wench, what then!"
Devon stopped her angry march and returned – to Arthur it was as if she suddenly appeared as if out of nowhere as she prodded him in the chest "That will never happen…for a good man once told me that all people are born free from their first breath, in here" she pointed to her heart "and so are they!" She spat the words at him as she jabbed her finger towards the open night air.
He blanched "Who told you that?"
"The only decent Roman I ever met….Pelagius. You could learn much from a good man such as he…." She growled as she once more disappeared into the darkness, leaving Arthur wondering how in the world she could have met the one man he still called family.
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An hour later Dagonet returned to the stables and started readying his kit, Tristan soon followed.
"How did you know it was her?" Dag asked the scout.
"I saw her quiver and checked the arrows; I went and asked Torvald, showed him the arrow Arthur had and he said she only made them for herself.….so…." he tailed off pointedly. "But then how did you know?" he asked, swinging his dark gaze to the large knight in the stall beside him.
"What?"
"You worked it out before me…..I know you did…." The scout smiled with a hint of amusement "When I spoke, she looked straight at you as if you'd given her away…"
Dag sighed "I guessed a lot…she's very good with a bow…."
"You've met already…" realisation dawned for Tristan.
"Why did you not give her away?" Dag tried to turn the conversation away from him.
"She has proven herself useful…only a dolt would dispose of an ally." He shrugged.
"Do you think she will follow this time?"
"Why should now be any different?"
"The mission is much more dangerous….she might not wish to put herself in danger for people she barely knows." Dag reasoned.
"Aye…but then why do it in the first place? Anyway, something tells me she has either given a vow to someone or she likes the danger…maybe both." He shrugged again.
Dag nodded and they lapsed into a companionable silence until the rest started to filter in.
Devon lay above them listening to the conversation; she felt strangely happy that Dag had not betrayed her. But also she liked the scout….he was tough and unrelenting, she admired that.
But Dagonet….he even sounded gentle as she listened to him talking. Weighing everything up before he answered; she wondered what it would be like to get know someone like that; someone who genuinely cared if a friend perished.
She shook herself mentally and got her mind back onto the task…… she had helped Jols ready all the things they would need. She had all her weapons readied and stowed by Gypsy. It was just a nuisance that they were all there…she did not want to raise suspicions, but then she was starting to wonder who else had guessed…she just hoped it wasn't the dark one…she could see him being a real problem.
0-0-0-0-0-0
She dropped down silently into the stables whilst they were all tacking their horses, the only ones to notice were Dag and Tristan. Dag because he knew where she was; and Tristan, well, because he was always on the alert.
When she suddenly appeared next to her horse the others all jumped…but tried to conceal it.
With the exception of Galahad "By the Gods, woman - I do not want to die because my heart stops even before my last mission!" he cried, clutching his chest.
"Baby…" muttered Devon, causing Lancelot and Gawain to laugh who were either side of her and so heard.
"What?" Galahad knew something had been said that was no doubt derogatory to him.
"I said…BABY!" Devon bridled immediately.
"I am not! I am not a baby….you bloody take that back…you…you WENCH!" cried the youngest knight indignantly.
Devon merely rolled her eyes "Need I say more…Baby…" she savoured the last word.
Lancelot now roared with laughter as did the other knights. Even Dagonet and Tristan allowed themselves a smirk.
Galahad launched himself at her, but before he reached her she had her swords drawn and he only just stopped himself from landing on them.
"Wanna play?" she asked with a smile, tapping him on the chest with one of her blades. The young knight didn't like the edge to the question and so backed off, instead taking his horse out to the arena.
Lancelot wasn't so forthcoming and she suddenly found her blades locked with his. With a swift movement she had twisted them, knocking his out of the way. She then blocked with one of hers, and held the other to his throat.
"Tut, tut Sir Knight…that is no way to treat a woman, is it?" she smirked "You want to play nice or you might get hurt…"
She scabbarded her swords and was on her horse before he could move. She kicked Gypsy out of the stall and was away.
Now it was the other knights' turn to laugh at him "Bloody wench!" he exclaimed, but he was smiling; he didn't know who she was, but he was impressed.
Dagonet stood on the other side and sighed; if Lancelot was interested…..
Tristan patted his shoulder as he passed "I don't think she likes him much…" he nodded, guessing at the reason behind the sigh.
0-0-0-0-0-0
She found herself once more on the ridge waiting for them to pass…as they did, she saw Tristan look around and then lock his gaze with hers. Dagonet saw where he was looking and looked too….he couldn't see Devon, but knew if Tris was looking she was there.
He raised his hand and gave a small wave. Tristan hid a smile as he rode forward to go scouting….
Even though she knew he could not see her…she waved back.
Dagonet knew she waved back…but couldn't explain how he knew, because he couldn't see her. He gave a sigh…this was all a little strange for him; but even so, he was glad Tristan was right and she was coming with them.
"What you wavin' at Dag?" called Bors, so loud Devon heard him.
"A …..fly….I'm waving a fly away…" Dagonet shouted back.
Devon almost fell off her horse laughing, with her hands clamped over her mouth to ensure no one heard her. He was not very good at lying! She saw Bors looking at him as if he'd just lost his mind, and once again had to stifle a laugh.
They rode on for another hour before Devon realised they were being tracked… Woads! She rode slowly forward; she wanted to be as close as possible in case of trouble.
She found they were being cut off at every turn, but just when they were ready to fight, and she to back them up, the Woads retreated and let them go. She would never understand these people, but she was not complaining; the less they needed to fight the bloody Woads, before they met the Romans or the Saxons, the better.
She followed them discreetly until they made camp. She then set camp herself; this was not the first time she had stayed out with them, but it was the first time she had to pitch her tent so close…but safety for herself was paramount too. She would be of no use to them dead.
She was just sorting her bedroll when a twig cracked outside; she flew with her blades at the ready only to cannon into Dagonet once more, once more his quick reflexes and tight grip saved her from falling on her behind.
She glanced up and saw the amusement in his face, she grinned at him "We should stop meeting like this…people will think I am trying to commit suicide with the way I keep hurling myself into you!" she whispered.
"Ah….well, I brought you something to eat. Tris said he had never seen a fire, so we thought you might be stuck with jerky….." he held out a hot piece of rabbit and some bread.
"You were both right. You and the scout are very kind, you more so for bringing it." She indicated a log "Sit."
Dagonet was hoping for just this outcome and sat down "So….you are going to protect us again?"
"Nay, merely out riding and got….lost…so I thought I'd camp for the night, before trying to head back in daylight." She smiled, not meeting his eyes.
"So you intend to believe Bors then?" he asked mildly.
"About what?" she did not look up from the rabbit she was devouring.
"That I am indeed as stupid as I look….when I am not." Was the placid reply, but the amusement was in his face.
"You are not stupid Dag….far from it." She looked directly at him, and spoke seriously "You appear to be a kind and gentle man by all accounts. You seem very intelligent to me, more than most of them" she nodded in the direction of the Knights camp "and those who know you speak highly of you."
"You've been asking around about me?" he was strangely flattered.
"No….no, people just talk – you knights are very much important people at the fort, so others just tend to chat about you….I'm a good listener." She covered well, but not enough to fool him.
People barely noticed him, so he doubted they would speak of him. Bors, Lancelot maybe…even Tristan - as he was legendary with his dagger and his love of apples…but not he. To find out about him, she would have had to ask.
"Right…well, I'd better be getting back…" he stood.
"Really?" she seemed slightly disappointed; he sat down again.
"Well, maybe a few more minutes." He smiled.
She smiled back. "Where are you from?"
"Sarmatia".
"So am I….what tribe?"
"Aorsi…you?"
"Iazyges".
"Family?"
A pause "Dead."
"All?"
"Aye….you?"
He paused "I….I don't know….they were there when I left…but it's been 15 years…I don't know now. I am sorry about yours…."
"Not to worry…it was a long time ago….they're in a better place now." She said matter of factly; yet he noticed she was no longer eating the rabbit and her face was thoughtful and full of pain. He decided to change tack.
"You like Van?"
"Aye I do…" her face softened and she smiled warmly "she's a good Mum…the herd adore her." She started eating the rabbit again.
"Jols?"
"You lot really undervalue him you know." She looked accusingly "Mind you with that pontificating Roman Christian for a commander I'm not surprised! Dolt!" she exclaimed in disgust.
"He's a good man is Arthur…I would lay down my life for him." Dagonet spoke quietly.
"Huh! I bloody wouldn't if I hadn't promised…" she stopped.
"Ah so you promised…" he thought for a moment "So it had to be Van…."
She shook her head "I ain't saying no more."
He decided on a completely different question as this was really getting him nowhere "That's a nice horse…..Sarmatian?"
"No…Roman…"
"She's a beauty…"
"Aye she is…but whilst she looks like a goddess she has the temper of a demon. But she's mine, the only thing in this world that gives a damn about me and so I love her…" She smiled affectionately at the horse.
"I think you might be wrong there…."
"Oh?"
"Van cares about you, so do the herd; I know Jols cares….and…well, I would care if aught happened to you. You seem…." He searched for the right word "nice."
Devon hung her head to cover her smile; 'nice' was not a word often used in conjunction with her... but she knew he meant it as a compliment and she accepted it in good grace "Thank you…" she murmured.
"You're welcome" he smiled "But I only speak true." He stood, he felt he had pushed it enough this time and retreat would work better than a full on assault. "I really must go back…they will wonder where I got to."
She smiled and nodded "Goodbye Dag….it was nice meeting you…again."
He walked back into the trees and Devon felt a little piece of her heart start to beat again. "Dag!" she called softly and heard the rustling stop "you must tell me more about your Roman commander and his beliefs….maybe then I won't kill him!" she laughed gently.
"I will…but I doubt we would let you." Was the amused reply.
0-0-0-0-0
The next day they arrived at the compound of Marius Honorius; and Devon knew fairly well what had transpired there before they arrived……only too well…
But she had to admire Arturious when he freed the village elder and then ransacked the dungeon.
Tristan had been disbelieving that they were to take all the people with them. She saw him glance round until he guessed her position and then he rolled his eyes at her. She smiled, it was madness and she knew she agreed with him – but still, she admired the insanity of the Roman on this occasion none the less.
Her heart went out to the small boy Dagonet rescued; she knew all too well the treatment the boy would have suffered at the hands of the so called 'priests' to convert him.
When Marius struck his wife she almost let her arrow fly; but then she saw Arthur pin the ignoramus down with his sword. She smiled then, maybe she wouldn't kill him straight away….
They started out, and finally made camp some hours later. She pitched her tent very close to the camp that night; figuring that if anyone noticed she could pretend she was with the villagers.
She didn't trust Marius and his mercenaries, and wanted to stick close in case of trouble.
Trouble from that quarter came the next morning….but then there were all kinds of trouble; she had learnt that long ago….tonight she learnt it came in the guise of a woman.
0-0-0-0
She had watched the Woad woman seeming to play Arturious of off Lancelot all the way to the camp. She did not like it….women like that made her want to vomit. They got all women a bad name, and made a lot of men hate them.
She spent some of the evening flirting with Lancelot, then went off with Arturious.
Devon had seen the slightly stricken look on the other man's face; at that moment she wanted to kill the other woman, to go down to the sad man and tell him not to waste his time with one such as she…. If he had not already seen her, she would have. She would have passed herself off as a serf and spoke with him.
Still, it couldn't be helped – hopefully he'd realise on his own that he was better off without the scheming little cow. She bit back her temper…this mission was proving impossible. With luck she might just get to kill something soon to give fly to her rage for a little while.
She sat in her tent and waited, something told her Dagonet would come – instead it was Tristan.
She came out as the twig cracked, this time more cautiously but still with her blades raised. The scout regarded her calmly "Dag is with the boy, but bid me bring you this…" he indicated the cooked rabbit he had dropped in the snow. He indicated a skin next to it "There's wine too…"
"I don't drink…but thank you." She picked up the rabbit.
"You don't? Why?"
"Because it confuses you and slows your responses…a waste of time. The next day you're ill as well which slows your training too…what's the point of it?
You can't even forget your worries as they're still there when you sober up, only now they're worse as your head feels like it's about to part company with your shoulders and all you wish is it would hurry up!" She smiled.
Tristan smirked "My thoughts exactly….though I do imbibe occasionally…."
"I never do….but admire you for it…"
"Why?"
"I never knew…" she grinned and he responded. A friendship was forged in that one look.
"I must go…." He stopped his horse and spoke, without looking back "you know he likes you right?"
"Who?"
"Dag."
"Oh….."
"Thought so…"
"What?"
"You like him too…" and with that he was gone, but was mentally noting to tell the large knight later what he'd learnt. He sat deep in his saddle, he liked her too….she was…nice.
Devon smiled in the darkness and returned to her tent with the rabbit.
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The next day she was awoken by a shout "Sieze him!" then heard a child's voice shouting "NO!"
There were other shouts….but by then she was on the camp…she climbed a tree and saw Dagonet fighting with the mercenaries; Marius was holding a knife to the boy's throat. She realised the large knight was going to drop his weapon….
She nooked an arrow, saw she had a shot and took it. Marius fell and Dagonet grabbed Lucan. He thrust him under the wagon "down!"
Lancelot looked at Guinevere who had entered with he and Arturious. She indicated briefly it was not her. He glanced around, but smiled knowing it was once again their 'mystery archer'.
She let loose a warning arrow at the mercenaries, which landed in the ground before them. "I see your hands are better." Lancelot smirked. The woad woman gave him a dirty look. Devon smiled, maybe he was tougher than she thought.
Bors came riding in "ARTURIOUS! Do we have a problem?"
The mercenaries almost peed themselves and Devon had to hold her breath to keep from laughing. God roman soldiers were pathetic…she'd seen fiercer piglets! That was why there was no real tactics to killing them, it was like spearing fish in a barrel.
Arturious aimed his sword at the mercenaries "You have a choice. You help, or you die."
They stood a little defiantly for a moment, Devon nooked two arrows…. Bors' horse nudged them hard nearly knocking them over. Then their leader threw his weapon down. "Put down your weapons! Do it now!"
Dagonet stood, sword at the ready, "Yeah!" he snarled.
Devon grinned, she liked this side of him as much as the other……it was the contrast she suspected; light and dark…..
The other mercenaries obeyed and Jols swiftly moved to collect their discarded weapons.
Devon sees Tristan come riding quickly in, he glances into the tree she was sitting in and nodded, slightly raising the crossbow he was holding to show her; she nodded back and stayed to listen. This was not going to be good.
"How many did you kill?" Bors asked.
"Four."
"Not a bad start to the day!" The older knight laughed.
The scout threw the crossbow onto the ground in front of Arturious "Armour piercing. They're close; we have no time."
"You ride ahead." Arthur nodded, Tristan rode out – once again raising his eyes to Devon; he twisted his head slightly and she nodded. This will be a bad day and they both knew it. It seems their 'mystery archer' will be working for her vow now….
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They continued on their journey; Devon following through the trees. She saw Arturious go to speak to the roman boy and after a few minutes drop back, a stricken look on his face…..whatever the boy said could not have been good.
But then whatever Romans did or said was never good….. She sighed; Arturious did seem like Pelagius in some ways…..she wondered if she had been wrong about him?
Only time would tell….but time was not something they had a lot of this day. She saw they had come to a frozen lake.