Disclaimer: Disclaimer: Same as before….
Babaksmiles: I don't mean to be sexist, but I think women are generally stronger than men when it comes to surviving – not sure why, I just think we are. From the feedback I'm getting, I think Guinevere is the most unpopular character! So I don't feel too guilty for her being manipulative….. Don't worry her confrontation with Guinny is coming up…
Lucillaq: Glad you liked the chapter so much; hope you like this one too!
JediPirateElfyDude: Well, you couldn't leave them out could you! LOL
Evenstar-mor2004: The barn scene is a bit boring – but I felt it needed to be included this time, as in some ways it merely confirms her opinion of Arthur. She does jump to conclusions and can be a bit judgemental, but I didn't want her to be too 'mary-sue' and also for it to be apparent that Dagonet is her favourite. I just hope it worked….
Calliann: Yup Naught and muchly are my chosen words of the moment…along with the phrase 'no shit Sherlock'…though I doubt even I could work that into the story! ROFL It sounds interesting and will be looking forward to reading it when you post. Let me know won't you! You have to bash the baby! LOL Had to have the fairly silent violent woman be friends (and possibly more) with the two fairly silent and violent knights! I agree, they killed the three toughest knights as if they were nothing more than cadets…..Tristan was particularly unbelievable. Anyway, hope you like this chapter and that I did the ice scene justice. There will also be a bit of a ruck with Guinevere in the next chapter…
lilstrummrgrl527: I know….but I couldn't have her hating everyone! Well, I could, but then she'd be a psycho! LOL But I'm not sure about the Christian thing. According to the research I did on the internet there was a rapidly growing Christian following right across the Roman empire. Also I'm not sure about Jewish and Muslim, so tend to leave them out and let everyone else be pagans! Cop out I know! LOL That was why I put that section in, because she does not really know Arthur it just reinforces her dislike of the poor sod! I do agree with him though, without a belief in something what have we got to hope for? I don't think I will….but you know me, never say never! LOL Oh I think guys singing songs from 'the little mermaid' is so important! I laughed out loud when I read that! Sorry about the updating delay; I have health problems and have got a throat infection right now so am a bit crook….. but promise I will try not to do it again:O
SpectralLady: I thought that line summed her up…hit first, talk later! LOL Glad you liked it…hope you like this one as much.
Aelia O'Hession: I shall repeat it then – I have no brilliance; especially when you compare my stuff with other stories on here. sigh But I enjoy it anyway:O) Her reasons will become apparent soon….and they are sad. She peculiar, quiet but bitterly angry – again that will become apparent at the same time you find out why…it will make sense (I hope!) Would I kill the hero! Okay I know I have before – but would I do it again? Okay I might…because I am as sick and twisted as that - but not this time because I will say it again, I really like Dagonet and thinks he deserves his moment and story of love and fulfilment! LOL Hope I've done the ice scene justice and you like the outcome. There will be more guinny bashing soon as well as Galahad!
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 four!
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Heart & Soul
Chapter Four – Ice
They were making their way across the ice, Devon had made her way past them by inching her way down the other side of the caravan, and then dismounting and walking forward whilst they were looking behind them; amazingly - apart from Dag and Tristan - no one took any notice of her. They could all hear the drums. She stopped just the other side of the lake and rode up into the trees to be able to see well. She was higher, but could still hear their exchange echoing below……
Arthur turned "Knights...?"
"Well I'm tired of running; and these Saxons are so close behind, my arse is hurting." Bors smiled.
"Never liked looking over my shoulder anyway." Tristan shrugged.
Devon saw Dagonet merely smirk at the scout, who smirked back.
"It'll be a pleasure to put an end to this racket." Gawain pulled a face at the sound of the drums.
"We'll finally get a look at the bastards." She decided that maybe the Galahad wasn't such a baby…
"Here. Now." Dagonet was already moving to get his weapons. She smiled…a warrior first, she liked that.
Lancelot shook his head in disapproval. Devon knew why, they were very exposed there…it would have been better to draw them further onto the ice and for the knights to be positioned nearer the other side where it was narrower; thus making the Saxons cluster on the weakest point of the ice.
Arturious turned to the squire "Jols."
He in turn looked to the people behind him "You two - take the horses."
Devon watched as all started unloading weaponry and equipment.
"Ganis, I need you to lead the people. The main Saxon army is inland so if you track the coastline until you're well south of the wall, you'll be safe." Arthur spoke to the serf from the village.
"You're seven against two hundred!" the man exclaimed in shock.
"Eight. You could use another bow." The Woad woman stepped forward. Devon stuck out her tongue…they would have another too, even if they couldn't see it…..hers, and it would better that a bloody Woad's.
"I'd rather stay and fight." The serf said hesitantly.
"You'll get your chance soon enough." Arthur told him, knowing this would not be their only fight with the Saxons. He then turned to the mercenaries "This man is now your captain. You do as he says, am I understood?"
"Yes sir."
"Go. Go." Arthur said.
"Right. Come on, then! Move on!" The serf spoke with authority.
The knights and Jols carried on unloading their gear.
"I am able. I can fight." The roman boy approached.
She couldn't hear Arthur's response, but the boy walked back to the wagon. She saw Dagonet wave goodbye to the little boy and she thought he looked so sad; they both did….nothing bad would happen to him, she silently promised the boy trailing slowly past and fighting back the tears. "Brave boy" she murmured.
"Hold until I give the command." Arthur spoke.
She saw Lancelot turn to Guinevere and say something, they exchanged an annoyed look; she grinned, it looked as if the Woad's flirting was not working entirely as she'd planned.
Arthur gave the command and Bors and Tristan started firing. Devon realised that the commander was trying to drive them into the middle, where the thin ice was, to make it crack. She let her arrows join theirs.
But no matter how hard they tried it was not working…the Saxon commander, a weasely looking individual, was trying to get his men to keep formation.
She heard Arthur shout "It's not going to crack. Fall back. Fall back!" he drew Excalibur "Prepare for combat."
There was no way they could survive and she started to spur Gypsy down the short slope. Devon could see that Dag was fidgety "don't do anything doltish Dag…don't!" she pleaded in a whisper, her heart suddenly lurching into her throat….but for naught.
The next moment he had grabbed his axe and, yelling in fury, charged forward.
"Dag!" Bors shouted.
"Cover him!" Arthur ordered.
The knights returned to their bows.
The Saxons were going all out to try and kill him. Devon was furious, their cover of him was not enough….what were they doing!
She made it to the start of the ice and ran out firing arrows as she went, grateful she had brought two quivers full of arrows with her this time.
"COVER HIM YOU BLOODY OAFS! Get out there with your sodding shields!"
All the knights turned in confusion, but then continued. Tristan grinned at the dark rage in her face.
"DAG!" she screamed "HANG ON!"
Devon got hit in the thigh, but though she grimaced it did not stop her. The Saxon leader was now screaming at his men to kill her too. She was killing his archers in large numbers now and was giving the knights the thought they might stand a chance.
Dagonet got hit by two arrows, one in the leg and one the shoulder, just as Bors got to him with his shield; but he carried on hacking. No more really hit him as Devon did her best to kill every archer even looking as if they were aiming at him. Tristan and Lancelot covered her as best they could…….
The ice finally broke and the Saxons started falling into it. Arthur slid forward on the ice and he and Bors stopped Dag from following them, as he finally gave in to his injuries and fell to his knees.
"Pull back! Arthur!" Lancelot was shouting.
Arthur and Bors were now dragging Dag back to the others as the knights and Devon were still firing furiously at the Saxons.
"HELP US!" Bors cried.
Gawain and Tristan flew forward whilst the others carried on enthusiastically firing arrows; the Saxons continued to fall under the hail of the knights arrows or simply because the ice under them was breaking, and some were beginning a panicked retreat.
The knights saw Devon get hit in the shoulder, she stopped only long enough to break the end off the arrow and withdrawing the point which she threw at the Saxons in defiance; then she continued firing until her quivers was empty. Lancelot could not believe the speed she was firing two and three arrows at a time, grunting in pain as she did so from the wound in her shoulder…the blood flowing freely from it.
The Saxons were retreating though still firing arrows; she got another hit in the same thigh. She fell to one knee but stood again. Breaking off the ends she threw them at the Saxon leader and then pulled the points out, throwing those too – she never flinched once. She spat on the ice "SCUM!" she screamed. He smiled as he withdrew, she had spirit – he hoped she was there when he killed her friends; he would enjoy breaking a woman like that. "Fall back, fall back!" he cried to the Saxons still alive.
The knights, particularly Tristan, Lancelot and Arthur, looked on in admiration as Devon defied the Saxons and fought on. Her quivers empty and the Saxons routed, she went over to Dagonet
"Dagonet! Stay with me! Dagonet! Stay with me! Bors shouted at his friend and brother; almost hysterically.
Devon held her breath, fighting the tears that suddenly pricked her eyes….she never, ever cried…never….not since….not since…she wasn't going to start now….
"I will if you just stop bloody yelling…." Grimaced the large knight with a smile.
"You bastard! You had me worried there for a minute!" Laughed Bors out of pure relief.
"Is he alright?" asked Devon her voice trembling, they all looked at her. "I said is he alright?" she demanded furiously, angry now.
Arthur nodded to her "He will be fine…thanks to you."
She ignored the last part, bent down to Dag and touched his face gently "Dagonet…" she said softly and warmly, his name almost a caress as she said it - he looked into the swimming honey and caramel eyes as she added "You ever do that again and I will kill you myself!"
He grinned at her and she grinned back, before giving his face a little slap. She leant down and whispered "I value friendship very highly. Especially yours…"
She then looked round the rest; they could all see her doing a mental headcount. She nodded to herself and then went to walk away.
Jols grinned as she passed him, she grinned back "Glad I was here to help" she said to him.
Tristan touched her arm as she passed, he smiled and nodded.
She nodded back "It's what I was here for…don't go all sappy on me!" she muttered and then was gone. They heard a thunder of hooves as she sped away.
Tristan swung round to Lancelot with an evil grin "What were you saying Lancelot?"
"No mere woman could send an arrow like that Arthur….not even one as good looking as she!" mimicked Gawain with a laugh "Looks like you were wrong…very wrong!"
Lancelot merely grinned "Well even perfection such as I can be mistaken occasionally!" he looked to where she had disappeared "interesting female though…."
"What bloody colour were her eyes!" exclaimed Galahad suddenly "I've never seen anything like them!"
"Honey…warm honey…" muttered Dagonet with a distant smile. Bors and Arthur heard him as they were nearest, so did Guinevere as she bent over him. She looked at Arthur and smiled.
Bors grinned "Fancies her don't he?" he whispered, the other two nodded. "But who the bloody hell is she?"
"I don't know, but I'll find out…." Arthur spoke determinedly.
"You won't…do anything, will you Arthur?" Dag asked as they helped him onto his horse.
"Why would I when she saved your life and probably ours as well….and not for the first time I suspect." He looked round his knights "though I get the feeling that some of us are known to her more than others. Tristan, Dagonet, Jols?"
Dagonet and Jols merely looked away; Tristan held his gaze as passively as always. She was his friend now, and he would not betray her any more than he would his fellow knights. "Hmm…I thought so…well, we'll not press it now, Dagonet needs attention – we must get back to the fort."
They caught up to the caravan quite quickly; Lucan launched himself at Dagonet "You're alright! I am so glad!" he buried his head in the large knight's neck and wept a little; Dagonet also had tears in his eyes. For the first time in a long time someone else, other than his brother knights, cared whether he lived or died…..but was the boy the only one?
Her words came back to him 'I value friendship very highly, especially yours…" He felt a warm glow, like a small piece of his soul belonged to him again.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
The caravan arrived slowly through the gates as the Bishop looked on….then he spotted the roman boy and smiled.
"Ah! Good! Christ be praised! Against all the odds Satan could possi-" he interrupted himself "Alecto! Let me see you! You have triumphed! Young Alecto! Let me see you! You are here!"
The young man drew back in disgust at the way the bishop fawned over him, and walked back to his mother.
Chuckling nervously the bishop turned his attention to Arthur and the knights. "Great Knights; you are free now!" he turned to Horton, who could only just school his features into a mask, but the dislike for the man before him now evident "Give me the papers. Come, come!"
Germanius turned back to the knights "Your papers of safe conduct throughout the Roman Empire! Take it, Arthur." He chuckled once more out of nerves at the murderous looks on all the knights before him… even Arthur.
Arthur walked to him so closely that the man hardly had room to breathe, and hissed at him with barely disguised hate and disgust "Bishop Germanius. Friend of my father." The bishop stumbled backwards as he realised that Arthur knew about Pelagius.
Arthur turned to leave "I will seek the girl…get Dagonet seen to…."
"You need not seek me….I am not hiding." Devon stepped out of the shadows as Lancelot snatched their discharge papers and handed them out. She held her head high and defiantly.
Bors looked at his and then stepped up to the now shaking bishop "I don't need this piece of shit! I was already a free man…we all bloody were, you worthless fuck!" he stepped back and spat heavily in the dirt before the bishop. Alecto smiled thinly.
Tristan stepped up and took the box, Gawain by his side…..they stared at the Bishop, who looked like he might faint…Tristan took the box and walked back to the others.
The bishop backed away and hurried into his rooms…… the rest of the caravan began to disperse, rapidly leaving only the knights, Jols, Arthur and Devon stood around.
Van came scurrying over, and Devon signalled with her eyes to stay out of the way. Tristan saw it and smiled…so Van was the one…
"I would like to speak to you." Arthur spoke first.
"Speak then, no one is stopping you…"
"Not here….." He gestured towards the knights meeting room.
"Why not here?"
"Well, I don't know about you but I would like to sit down, and I think Dagonet could do with some attention from a healer." He said tiredly, but with a mild tone to his voice – though he was beginning to feel slightly irritated. No one challenged him like this as a rule, not even Lancelot.
"I will see to him…your Roman healers are more likely to kill than cure him." She spoke with disgust.
Arthur sighed knowing this was not strictly true, they were very good; maybe not as good as Dag, but good none the less.
She stepped to the large knight and put his arm round her small shoulders "Lean on me and Tristan" the scout had stepped forward to take the other side of his friend "I am stronger than I look."
Dagonet smiled "You are certainly tougher…"
Between them they helped him into the meeting room. She looked surprised on seeing the table. "I have only seen one like this before…." She smiled, running her hand along it.
"Where?"
"At Pelagius' house…" she turned abruptly to Arthur and backed over to Dagonet "Jols there is a black leather pouch with Gypsy – can you bring it please?" Jols nodded, she touched his arm "Thank you…" she smiled.
She looked at Arthur once more "All of you do not appreciate him enough you know…where would you all have been today if he had not been there with the weapons and armoury you needed!" she spoke angrily for her friend.
"You do not do the man justice…for he is more than a mere squire to you…." Jols not far outside the door; stopped, smiled and then walked on. It felt good to have such a friend.
Arthur nodded knowing her words were true "Aye well…you mayhap are right..." he started.
"Mayhap? I mayhap am right!" Devon bridled as Jols returned quickly; knowing that time was of the essence to prevent infection "Now you listen to me you bloody Ro…" Jols put a hand on her arm and shook his head.
She took a few deep breaths to control her temper, and pointedly turned her back on Arthur, and instead busied herself with Dagonet.
They all watched the way he spent his time just staring at her while she worked, a small smile playing about his mouth; a few shared knowing looks – it seemed their silent friend was much smitten with the little demon tending him.
They waited until she gave a satisfied grunt with her work and he was comfortable, having not flinched once whilst she stitched. She being careful not inflict too much pain as she did so; she patted his arm and then smiled at him warmly, as she did Tristan and Jols. However, when she turned to the others her face was icy and her eyes hard. Galahad actually stepped backwards from the glare she levelled at them.
"Arturious Castus…." She allowed her words to drip sarcasm "What can I, a lowly no one, do for such a noble Roman commander as you?" she arched an eyebrow.
"You can tell me why?" He ignored the tone; she obviously hated Romans, but he would find out why another time. He had other, more pressing, questions for now.
"Why I came today, or why I saved Dagonet?" she tipped her head in the large knight's direction.
"Both…please, sit…" he indicated a seat "You were injured also…." He took a step towards her, his hand reaching to her shoulder. The rest of them saw she was favouring her right arm and her left leg.
She stepped back quickly, frowning – but he and the others caught the quick flash of fear in her eyes as Arthur went to touch her, before muttering "I am alright…it were nothing."
"Bollocks!" Bors spoke "Two arrows in the thigh and one in the shoulder is not nothing wench!" but he smiled as he barked at her, admiring her spirit. He stared hard at her…he couldn't lose the feeling they'd met before.
"Who tended you?" asked Gawain quietly.
"I did…."
"You!"
"Aye….who else would do it? I had already pulled the arrows loose, it was just a matter of cleaning the wounds and stitching them closed. Much as I did on Dagonet here. I can sew well enough…maybe not too neatly – but enough to repair a jerkin or some torn flesh." She spoke in amazement that they did not grasp what she did as a matter of fact.
"But to stitch yourself!" Galahad shuddered "Dagonet always does it for us, or one of the others – though Tristan can a bit too rough…" the scout rolled his eyes at the youngest knight's plaintive tone. He caught Devon doing the same and smiled at Dagonet.
"Well, if I had a Dagonet no doubt he would do it for me too….as it is I have Gypsy, and I have yet to witness any horse able to stitch closed a wound…or in fact do anything other than what horses normally do. Mind you I think having hooves are the main stumbling block there; it makes it difficult to hold the needle…" she smiled in amusement at the young knight.
The other knights stifled their laughter as best they could - which wasn't much - as Galahad glared at them, knowing she was sporting with him "It must be nice in your world young knight to be so well tended, and by such a good friend…." She smiled warmly at Dag, before adding "in mine I have only myself to rely on."
She saw the looks of sympathy and glared at them once more "Do not feel pity for me! I am full well able to take care of myself – I have been doing so, entirely alone, since I was 13! I need no one's pity!" she spat the last word at them as if they had insulted her.
Lancelot and Tristan looked at her with admiration…the women they knew were mostly from the tavern; weak, plaintive and clingy - here was a woman who was tough and a fighter. Someone who would show no mercy and expect none….
Lancelot especially liked her, and Tristan felt proud to call her friend. Dagonet saw the look Lancelot was giving her and sighed, she'd be his now….there was no way he could compete against the dashing and flattering knight. He did not have his dark good looks or his way with words…..
"13!" Galahad and Arthur spoke as one.
"Aye…when your parents perish and there is no one else….what else should you do?" She was becoming testy.
"About your aid…." Arthur decided before she lost her temper again, he wanted to know when and why she had become their ally.
"What about it?" She was not going to make this easy for him.
He rubbed his hand over his eyes in frustration "Why?"
"Why I came today, or why I saved Dagonet?" once again she tipped her head in the large knight's direction.
"I think this is where we came in…." smirked Lancelot.
"Both…" stated Arthur forcefully; ignoring his friend and determined to get an answer out of the young woman in front of him, even if it meant staying there all night.
Devon regarded the dark knight passively "Actually that's where we came in…" she turned to Arthur and lowered herself painfully into a seat "I came because I thought you might need an extra set of weapons, and Dagonet because…." She hesitated.
Dagonet didn't realise he was sitting forward in his seat until he caught Tristan's eye - who moved his head in a shake and then motioned back, so imperceptibly that only Dagonet caught it; he sat back in his seat and tried to look nonchalant….Tristan smiled slightly as his large friend looked anything but, then returned his attention to the girl.
"Because he's my friend and I did not wish to see him perish."
"How long have you known him?" Arthur asked.
"A few days…." She thought for a moment "about 4 days I think…."
Arthur raised an eyebrow "Yet you risked your life to save him?"
"Aye…I don't make friends easily and I value those I have…."
Arthur smiled, but then continued "However, I do not think this is the only occasion you have ridden with us – am I correct?"
She hesitated "Aye….you are. There have indeed been others…"
"How long have you been here?"
"Eight weeks."
"That means we have been on six missions, seven if you count this one…how many of those have you been on?"
"Six, including this one."
"So…that means from your…what…second week here you were coming with us?"
She nodded.
"Why?"
"I felt like it…I like fighting…" she was hedging and Arthur knew it. Tristan looked at Dagonet and flashed a smile; the large knight returned it, knowing what he was thinking.
"Aye lass…so do I!" grinned Bors; she smiled in return; but then a lot of the knights noticed she was not willingly making eye contact.
"I can accept that to a point, you fight too well for someone who might only do it as protection – no, you are a warrior like us…" she hung her head at the compliment her hair falling further over her face; and he smiled again, though sadly. Here was a girl not used to praise. "But I do believe there is more to this than we're being told. Please continue…" he leant back in his seat showing that no one was going anywhere until he was satisfied.
Devon sighed deeply and in exasperation; dear Goddess this damn man was like a dog with a bone…but she would not break her word.
"I gave my solemn word to a friend that I would do everything in my power to ensure you all survived long enough to enjoy your freedom."
"Who is the friend?"
"I cannot tell you that…."
Arthur sighed "Why not?"
"I gave my word…"
"But surely you have carried out your vow?" Lancelot spoke "We are free and we all live…"
Devon shook her head "You have not really been free though..." she sighed "You only got your papers less than one hour ago."
She turned and looked at Lancelot "Do you think the Saxons will simply go home? Do you truly think they will not make their way here? Even if some of you have 'something to live for'" she gestured to Galahad "the rest of you are not frightened of death by a Saxon hand, and I know you will fight by his side. Therefore I will stay too and fight; I gave my word…I will not break it." She spoke with resolute pride.
"What if we were all to leave…save Arthur?" Tristan was interested in her answer.
"I would still stay….you would be leaving for safety. He would remain to fight. My vow was to protect all; as much as I dislike Romans, particularly Roman Christians, I would carry out my vow. I would fight by his side and do whatever it took to ensure he survived."
"Even die in his stead?" Tristan asked.
"Aye…even die for him."
Arthur admired her immensely for that simple statement, as did the others; she openly disliked him and yet would die to save him based merely on her word. Lancelot began to wonder if he could snare her attention. "So you were our 'mystery archer'?"
"Aye…" something occurred to her "You need to watch your back….you concentrate too much on what's before you and not aft."
"She's right, Lance…..we're always telling you that!" smiled Arthur.
"Well, well, well…." Lancelot shook his head in wonder.
"Three holes in the ground…" she replied with a smile.
"What?" he was confused.
"Well, well, well….three holes in the ground…."
Lancelot twigged and grinned "A jest! Goddess I wondered if you had a sense of humour….."
"Now you know…."
"Hang on a bloody minute! She just sodding insulted me!" Galahad had been mulling over what Devon had said.
"What?" Gawain looked perplexedly at his best friend and brother "She was making a jest with Lancelot about wells, how's that insulting you?"
"Not then idiot…before; about 'having something to live for', and being afraid to die 'by a Saxon hand'…that's what Tris and I was arguing about at the tavern! Oh!" he suddenly realised "you were there!"
She nodded "What of it?"
"You insulted me!"
"I did not….did you say that or not?"
"Aye…but…you made me sound like a coward!" He bristled angrily.
"No, I have seen you fight…you are no coward on the battlefield. It's just you whinge like a babe the rest of the time." She sighed. "I would rather be with you in battle any time than like this….at least in battle you do not moan...and I'd have the option of a quick death if you did…" she smirked at him.
The other knights roared with laughter as Galahad tried to think of a witty rejoinder, but instead decided to sulk.
She looked to Arthur "Can I go now Arturious?"
"Everyone calls me Arthur…and yes…" she stood "what is your name?"
"Devon….it means Defender - and before you ask I am 29 summers old…"
"An apt name all things considered…oh, and Devon?"
She stopped and looked back at him "What?" she sighed.
"Thank you…..for everything…" he smiled at her.
She dipped her head to hide her smile "You are welcome…….Arthur…" and she left.
As quickly as he could Dag stood and walked painfully after her….
"Where's he going?" asked Lancelot.
"Where do you think?" Tristan rolled his eyes at his friend.
"I think I know who it is…." Said Bors all of a sudden.
"Who is?"
"The one she promised….it's my Van." They all looked at little disbelieving "Think about it….it must be someone who knows us well, for them to care about our living long enough to enjoy our freedom.
Who would that be? I can only think of Jols or Van….Jols wouldn't because he's a man and men don't do that….so that only leaves my Van…"
Arthur nodded; it made sense.
Bors stood "where you off to?" Gawain asked.
"Off to give my daft old bat of a lover a cuddle – because of her, my best mate is still breathing!
I ain't gonna tell her I know though – women love their little secrets, and it ain't hurting no one for them to think we ain't guessed it!" he grinned as he wandered out towards the tavern.
The others looked at Arthur, who shook his head "He's right….we don't need to let them know." He thought for a moment "I'm more interested in finding out why she has such a deep hatred of Romans…" he sighed and stood "I am going to my rooms to get some sleep."
He looked around his knights and grinned – a little sadly, Tristan thought "I suggest you make plans – for you are all now free men!"
Lancelot went to leave with a grin on his face, but was stopped dead by Tristan's quiet voice as he spoke to a laughing Gawain and Galahad "She's right…the Saxons won't just go away…this isn't over yet…."