Disclaimer: God bless Mommy and Daddy, and the cat next door. And God bless the guy who owns King Arthur. May he give them to me. Amen.

Man, this has to stop. I plead innocence, it really wasn't my fault. It was the laptop again. Freaking piece of junk. You will all be happy to hear that I bought myself a new one. So no more excuses. Hopefully, this one will be better than the last. Also, who isn't totally looking forward to Sin City? Oh man, it looks so good.

Anyway, I want to thank anyone who continues to read this in advance. I know it's been irritating. And I dedicate this to my betas. You guys are really too good to me!

Slip

I shift nervously in place, glancing over my shoulder repeatedly as I stand in front of Vanora's home. The sounds of rowdy children only barely penetrate the fog of fear that I have been surrounded in, and I have to remind myself of my purpose for being here several times. I stare warily at every man that passes, the memory of the Bishop's sweaty hands returning each time. The rational part of me knows that only the Bishop is to blame for my state now, and that it isn't fair in the least to be afraid of all men who come near me. Yet I find it impossible to help my actions, and soon my heart is racing once more.

I fled to my room after the scene by the round table; nearing hysteria by the time I had myself locked in. I paced back and forth for quite some time, trying to make sense of what had happened. I had heard of this sort of thing before, on a much larger scale, from the women in the village. I had heard horror stories of men forcing themselves upon women and I kept recalling one story in particular, where the actions of the man prior to the actual rape were nearly identical to what the Bishop had done to me. The thought that it might have progressed further sends cold shivers down my body, and my first instinct had been to find help.

But there was none to be had. Protection is scarce now with the knights gone, and I haven't anyone to stand up for me until they return. I held off on any action until now, the only person I could think to talk to being Vanora. Sleep was not an option last night and so I waited until sunrise before summoning up the courage to leave my room.

I take a deep, shaky breath before inching towards the door. I feel like a little mouse, ready to bolt at the first sign of trouble. I raise my hand to knock at the door when it suddenly just bursts open and a great number of the children rush outside all at once, nearly knocking me down. Vanora quickly follows them, shouting at them to be more careful before she turns to me with an apologetic smile. It fades quickly and I flush, knowing that my emotions must have been easily read. She motions for me to wait and then calls to the rest of the children inside, telling them to go out and play for awhile. The remaining children do as they are told, the little girl among them, and I feel my heart lift slightly as she pauses to smile at me brightly before running after her siblings.

"Kate, what is it? You look pale." Vanora says, and I can tell she is trying to be kind. I am not unaware of the fact that I must look like death right now. I clear my throat, glancing around for the hundredth time before murmuring, "Inside." She nods, and we head into the home, the only sound being the light cooing of her youngest son. She look at me expectantly as soon as we are inside and I find myself blurting out the entire tale in a low whisper, my words becoming more and more frantic as I relive the incident. Her eyes widen as I tell her what happened and soon anger seizes her features.

"The pig!" she mutters as soon as I have finished, bouncing the baby on her hip a little too roughly. She shakes her head and says, "Have you told anyone else?" I shake my head, cynically saying, "Who would I tell? More importantly, who would I tell that could actually help me, Vanora? You and I both know that there isn't much I can do right now." As soon as I speak the words, my spirits dip once more. Women in our position have little to protect ourselves. Considering the Bishop's status and the power that comes with it, I am sure he could have nearly anything he wanted.

"What am I going to do Vanora?" I demand at a hiss, "What if he tries it again or…?" I let the sentence hang, not wanting to voice my worst fears. Vanora sighs, looking nearly as distressed as I do, and murmurs, "I… I don't know Kate." We fall silent for a moment before she suddenly reaches out and puts a hand on my arm saying, "You'll stay here with me until the knights return. Then things will return to normal and you'll be safe." I give a little snort and before I can stop myself snap, "Do you really think that's going to happen? You really expect things to just be wonderful again?"

"I have to Kate." She informs me steadily, making any retort I might have said vanish before they can be utilized. I bring my hands to my temples and, a weary tone coming into my voice, whisper, "I'm just… I'm just so tired of fighting all the bloody time. I'm tired of this." I scrub my eyes with the heels of my hands and sigh heavily. Weariness creeps over my body and I suddenly feel the effects of my restless night. I nod once, seeing no other alternative to her plan, and try to look on the bright side, enjoying the idea of helping Vanora with the children. I suspect that I might be more help around here in just a few days than Bors has been in the years that they have been together.

"I had better go." I say, suspecting that I might have some work to do. She gives me a look that silently wonders if I will be alright healing on my own today. I give her a look of forced confidence in return and say, "I'll be fine for now, Vanora. I do not believe he would try anything more, not this soon." The ridiculousness of my own statement is not lost on me, and I give a little lame cough to hide my discomfort. She doesn't say a word, something for which I am truly grateful, and I take my leave. Stepping outside once more, I take a deep, cleansing breath of fresh air in an attempt to rejuvenate myself before I head back towards my home.

I gather my things, more than I am used to having with me during the day, for I take things that I will need overnight as well. My bag is much heavier as a result and each time I visit a home to heal, it takes me a little longer to find what I need. My temper is short, and I find that I am not as friendly as I usually am with the people who request my help. I feel badly afterwards, berating myself for taking out my frustrations on innocent people.

There is a weight on my shoulders that I just can't seem to shake throughout the day, and the burden seems to only get larger. I pause in my work often, keeping a wary eye out for any suspicious people. I keep my distance from any males and touch my male patients only as much as I have to. I know I must not seem very friendly today, but I cannot help it. I think of the knights almost as much as I think of the Bishop, and I wonder if they are safe. I send wishes up to the gods, begging for their safe return.

By the time mid-day has come, I feel as though I have gained years onto my life. There is a permanent frown on my face and I simply wish the entire world would just leave me be. It seems as though every person in the village has come down with something, and the ill timing of it just makes me want to weep. I decide to forgo my meal and instead plan to go to Vanora's peaceful spot in the woods. More than anything, I need an escape from everything. I am just about to go when I feel a hand on my arm. At first, I think that it is someone else that might need my help, maybe Otri's wife. I turn with a sigh, but swallow the impatient words that were on my tongue as soon as I see the face before me. It is not the face of the bear-like woman, but the no-nonsense face of a Roman guard.

I have a bad feeling almost immediately, the look on his face making a cold feeling grow in the pit of my stomach. My instincts tell me that I should just leave now, but out of politeness I instead stay. Giving the man a shaky smile, I quietly question, "Yes? Can I help you?" His expression changes almost imperceptivity, and I could honestly swear that his gaze is now pitying as he says, "His Eminence wishes to see you in his quarters immediately."

"… What?" I question stupidly, shocked by the statement. My heart feels as though it could beat straight from my chest as the guard's words echo through my mind over and over. The Bishop wishes to see me now, alone? I curse myself for having underestimated the powerful man. He knew that this would be my most vulnerable time. He probably anticipated that I would go to someone for help, and that I would be with someone after dark. I glance around, looking for any way to escape, but as soon as my eyes return to the man in front of me, he reaches out and clamps a large hand on my wrist. He seems apologetic as he takes me to the doors and I find that I can't truly blame him for his actions. He is bound to duty and must obey what the Bishop has ordered.

By the time I am pushed towards the rooms, which are normally occupied by Arthur, I feel physically ill. I want to protest when the guard leaves me, but I know that it is useless. I begin to inch my way away from the door but it is almost as if the Bishop has sensed me. The door opens and his smirking face is revealed. I force myself to stay put and ask, "You wanted to see me?" I keep my voice as cold as I can, hoping to repel him. To my dismay, he seems to ignore it and he motions for me to enter the room. As I walk past him, he puts his hand on the small of my back. I tense reflexively, and I hear him chuckle lightly at my response. Disgust wells up in my heart and I wonder how many times he has been in this same situation with a woman.

Having never stepped foot in Arthur's quarters before, I am already intensely uncomfortable. It seems improper to be here without his consent, never mind the fact that it seems to be highly improper. I am not surprised to note the writing implements and scrolls scattered across a tabletop, nor are I surprised to see the names of several prominent leaders on these scrolls. There are boxes and other such items and I fleetingly wonder which contains the discharge papers we have been literally dying to receive.

"Sit, Kate," The Bishop says, breaking through my thoughts. I blink several times before realizing what he is talking about. He gestures towards a chair in front of a mirror, and I do as I am told, feeling like some sort of creature on display as he stares at me. I sit down and he stands behind me, his eyes fixed on my body. Wishing that he would look me in the eyes, I find myself stammering, "Y-your Eminence, I-" He cuts me off by lifting a hand imperiously. His eyes seem to glitter as he regards me, as if trying to figure out what I am thinking.

"Are you aware of what I am?" he asks me, that smug, sly tone in his heavily accented voice as he speaks. I resist the urge to glare at him as I answer, "Yes Your Eminence, I am aware." He continues on as if I hadn't spoken at all, making me feel like the youngest of children as he says, "I am a Bishop, my dear, a very high rank and office. Power... riches..." I struggle to remain seated as his damp hand goes to my neck. It feels as though a thousand insects are crawling over my skin as he begins to trail his fingers up and down my neck, lingering at my pulse repeatedly.

I feel wrong; I feel misplaced. Everything inside of me is crying out against this, yet I remain as still as possible. When the caress stops, I open my eyes, wary and wanting to see what he has planned next. Our gazes connect almost immediately in the mirror, and now I feel as though he has seized control of my very body. My limbs are rigid and stiff as I stare at him, his self-assured gaze doing very little to soothe my nerves. He smiles at me and I quickly avert my gaze, my heart racing. I lick my dry lips almost franticly before blurting out, "I-I should... I must l-leave, I-"

"You are very lovely, Kate." he says suddenly, interrupting my babbling. I let out a shaky breath, my thoughts whirling in my mind like a storm. His words are hollow and meaningless to me, and I whole-heartedly wish he would stop speaking altogether and let me leave. I gaze longingly at the door through the reflection in the mirror and a coaxing note creeps into his voice as he says, "Come now Kate, don't be cold. Do you not realize the advantages?" Startled by his direct reference to his actions towards me, my eyes widen and I find myself captured by his gaze once more. My eyes widen even more when he leans towards me until his face is nearly touching mine.

My breathing quickens at the closeness of him and I feel my stomach clench unpleasantly. He grins at the expression on my face before suddenly moving away from me. At first, I breathe a slight sigh of relief, thinking that he will leave me long enough for me to escape. My relief vanishes after only a moment when he returns to my side, carrying something in one hand. I turn away from the mirror to get a better look at him and can't help the noise of awe that slips from my throat.

Clutched in those repulsive hands of his is the most stunning item I have ever seen, a necklace so grand that I cannot help but be overwhelmed by it. I have never seen anything like it, my entire life revolving around the muddy streets of the little village and the musty greens of my healing herbs. But this piece of jewellery sparkles and shimmers, so beautiful that I can't help but covet it the second I lay my eyes on it. The gems embedded in the gold seem to reach toward me with their rich blue colour and I am sorely tempted to reach back. I make no protestations when he puts the item around my neck, nor do I say a word when his hand strays dangerously close to my breast once more under the guise of adjusting the necklace.

"There now… you see how beautiful you can be, yes?" he murmurs, glancing at me in the mirror only for a moment before his eyes slide back to my chest. With a shaking hand I reach up, my fingers closing around the heavy jewel around my neck. For a second, I seem to step outside of myself and simply imagine what it would be like to be mistress to this man. I imagine the luxury in which I would live, away from this cursed island and the pain that seems to stalk me at every turn here. As much as Germanus would be using me, I would be using him in the same way. Just to get away from here. For a second, I think about how much easier things would be if I just gave into him.

But the instant I think this, images of the people I love float through my mind. I finally begin to understand the gravity of my earlier thoughts when I think of how the knights and Vanora would react. Actual pain stabs my in the chest when I realize that I would be betraying them all by doing this. I would be turning my back on much more than the pain of the last fifteen years.

I finally snap out of my daze, pulling away from the Bishop's grasp completely. I try to pull the necklace off frantically and shake my head, a slightly panicked edge creeping into my voice as I say, "No…no. I can't." His gaze darkens as he watches me, becoming angry so quickly that I have a hard time reconciling this man to the one who was trying to woo me not moments earlier. I try to get up, but before I can move any further away from him he suddenly seizes me by the hair and forces me to look at him. I let out a cry when he gives a particularly savage tug and kisses me hard enough to make my teeth cut into my bottom lip. Tears prick my eyes and I struggle against him, little screams getting caught in the back of my throat.

I feel his free hand move to my thigh and begin to travel upwards and finally, out of desperation, I manage to kick him in the leg hard enough to make him let me go. Blinded by panic, I make a mad dash for the door only to find my hands shaking too hard to open it. Moments later, I am on the floor, peering up at him through wide eyes. He sneers down at me, looking slightly disappointed, and alarm washes through me as I wonder if he will try to rape me now. Nevertheless I shake my head vehemently when he asks, "You will not yield?"

I expect his anger to boil over; I expect him to hurt me. I brace myself for whatever he has planned next for me, trying to make myself feel a strength that I do not have. After a moment, however, I realize that he has no such plans. He gives me a queer sort of look, and gestures to the door. I am wary at first, wondering what sort of trickery this might be, but it soon becomes clear that he is sincere. Deciding not to question his motives, I practically leap to my feet and go to the door, this time managing to open it. I pause only for a moment to seize my bag before I slip outside and hurry away from Arthur's quarters. I feel, at least for the moment, nothing but relief. By the time I am outside once more, confusion has worked its way back into my mind.

I spend the rest of the day in a frightened, confused daze. I make mistake after mistake and it soon becomes clear that I am of no use to anyone today. My heart feels as though it is in my throat and every time I hear a male voice I tense. I soon find my head aching, and I long for the sun to set and night to come. When it finally happens, I stagger to Vanora's home, exhausted. She smiles at me when I enter, and I am soon nearly swept off my feet for the second time in one day by her children. I smile warmly at the reception, pleased by it, and fall into the large family's pattern rather quickly. I watch over the children when Vanora is unable, and I imagine what it would be like to have this sort of routine every night. The exhaustion seems to melt away, or at least be put aside for the time being.

By the time we all lay down for bed, I have nearly forgotten the earlier events. To say that I had completely forgotten would be a lie, one could never forget an incident like that no matter what the circumstances, but the activity and warmth of the family around me offered a respite for at least a little while. I lie next to Vanora in the dark, listening to the heavy breathing of the people around me and try to follow their example, shutting my eyes and waiting for sleep to come. When it does not come, I simply stare out into the darkness, trying my best not to think. After a moment, I turn over, and come face to face with a wide-awake Vanora. Keeping my voice as low as I can, I recount the latest events. I tell her everything, including my moment of shame. As I tell her the story, I feel weak and utterly helpless, two emotions that I absolutely abhor. What would my father think of me now?

When I have finished, silence falls between us. Vanora is, for once, at a complete loss for words. She reaches out and takes my hand in a comforting gesture and I smile weakly, trying to show that I am strong. The only thing she can offer is a soft, "Sleep Kate. Tomorrow will be better, you will see." I nod and shut my eyes, but sleep does not come for quite some time.

My sleep is light and restless, filled with nightmares of the disapproving eyes of my dear father and mother. All through the nightmares I endured their wails of shame, their accusing words and sharp reprimands. It never occurs to me to defend myself, or my actions. The strange thing is, throughout the terrible dreams something nags at me in the back of my mind, buzzing around my thoughts like an annoying insect. I am forgetting something, I know it, and the feeling stays with me as I wake. Vanora is already awake and she smiles at me as I sit up. She does not trouble herself with asking if I have had a good night's sleep as the look on my face must answer that question already. I stretch widely and yawn, scratching my scalp vigorously. All the while I am wracking my brain for anything that could make this feeling go away.

I stand, working the kinks from my neck and make my way through the maze of children over to Vanora. As I reach her, I notice that the sky is grey, suggesting rain to come. I make a face and turn back to Vanora, fully ready to complain. I stop, however, when I see the look of puzzlement on her face. She gestures at me and murmurs, "Kate, what is that?" I look down at myself and gasp before I can help myself, blood draining from my face. There, still around my neck yet almost completely hidden by my dress is the Bishop's necklace. The gold winks at me as though mocking me as I pull it out from underneath the material of my garment, looking up at Vanora with what must be sheer panic.

"Oh Kate." She breathes, and the seriousness of the situation fully weighs upon my shoulders. I have, in essence, stolen from the Bishop. She gestures at me wildly, hissing, "Go, go! Take it back now, before it's too late!" I nod vigorously, turning on my heel to head to the door when, in an act which must have been ordained by the most vicious of the gods, a heavy pounding on the door sounds through the small home. I freeze in place almost immediately as the children around me are startled awake, and I begin to quiver as a loud, booming voice shouts out, "Kate of Sarmatia, present yourself!" Breathing so fast that I might as well be panting, I turn to face Vanora. Neither of us knows what to do, and it isn't long before pandemonium washes over us all. The children, frightened and confused by the abrupt awakening, begin to ask questions. The older boys seem to think it is an attack of sorts and immediately begin to shout back at the men outside, daring them to enter the dwelling and face their wrath. They do not understand that this is no game.

"Kate, present yourself at once!" the voice says, and I know that if I do not comply, I will be forcibly dragged outside. Squaring my shoulders in an attempt to make myself look confident, I walk towards the door, sending what I hope is a reassuring smile to the little girl as I pass her. She looks utterly frightened and she clings to another of her sisters, shivering. I lick my lips as I open the doors, forcing a smile as several Roman officers are revealed. They are all very serious, and my smile quickly fades as the one standing closest to me announces, "Kate of Sarmatia, you are hereby accused of theft, and are requested to come with us peacefully." I lick my lips again, and speak in a voice that is far milder than I feel.

"I am innocent of the crime you accuse me of. It was a misunderstanding. I humbly ask that you let me speak with the Bishop Germanus. I am sure that I can sufficiently explain myself." One of the guards snorts out a laugh and I realize just how ridiculous my words must sound. I have the very item in question around my neck, damning me silently. I curse my greed as I bow my head in acceptance, stepping forward and allowing them to grab me by the wrists. They are gentle for the moment, as most remember how much of an asset I have been to this village. I must not rely on this for long, however, knowing that it will only take me so far. My heart aches when I hear the little girl cry out in protest, begging the men not to take me away. I also hear Vanora shout out against it, saying that it is all ridiculous. In the pit of my stomach, I wish they would not follow me. I know that whatever happens next, it will not be good.

I am marched through much of the village and the commotion of the children following us peaks the curiosity of the villagers. They come outside, murmuring and pointing, many following us. By the time we have reached the courtyard below the barracks, at least half the village has gathered together. They are bewildered and curious, and I am not surprised at their actions. I hear Vanora shouting to my left and I turn my head to see her push her way through the crowds. One of the guards moves towards her, holding her back with a dark look and a threatening sword. I am mortified by the events and as they remove the necklace, I wait with bated breath for the Bishop to reveal himself.

When he does, I am unable to mask the venom I feel for him. I have no doubt that he had set the entire thing up, and I hate myself for falling into the trap so easily. I want to spit in his face as he approaches me, and forcibly remove that insufferable smirk from his face. He motions to the crowd to quiet down before announcing, "This woman is guilty of theft; the evidence speaking much louder than any protestations she could make. The item in question was found around her very neck, and therefore has sealed her fate." I glance back towards the only friendly faces in the crowd and try to hold onto that as the Bishop continues to play it up for the crowds, acting as if this were one of his Roman circuses.

He asks me if I have anything to say for myself, sounding bemused. I want to cry out against him, to call him names and reveal him for the snake that he is. Instead, I can only hoarsely say, "It was an accident. I forgot I had it." The excuse is not only lame, but it reveals to all without a doubt that I had been in close, intimate contact with the Bishop. This will forever tarnish my reputation, I have no doubt. I refuse to lower my head again in the face of the Bishop, and I defiantly stare him down. The Sarmatian blood in my veins demands bravery and honour and I fully intend to do right by it. To my surprise, the Bishop moves close to me, close enough that I can smell his sour breath full on my face. I can barely control my rage as he murmurs, "You should have given yourself to me, sweet Kate. I am always the victor."

He pulls away then and loudly announces, "In accordance with Roman law, this woman is hereby sentenced to a public flogging."

Following his words, there is a moment of complete silence. For a moment, I question if this is actually happening, my fate seeming to be so unreal that it is absurd. I do not even need to look around to know that even the villagers are flabbergasted, as the usual punishment for theft is a few days in our makeshift jail, plus reparations. Then, like a tidal wave of noise and action, everything seems to rush forward. The crowds begin to make a fuss, silenced only by the furious threats of the Bishop. I am shoved forward and my arms are tied tightly around a post. I am so stunned that I cannot even think to try and fight. I feel them open the back of my dress and expose my back, and I feel shame and fear descend upon me. I pull against the ropes binding my hands. It is far too late for that now, and I struggle to keep from looking behind me. I hear Vanora shouting dimly, but the sound of heavy footsteps drowns it out easily.

I shut my eyes and let out a shaky breath just before I hear the crack of the whip sounding behind me. Seconds later, pain blossoms down my back and I gasp. I bite my lip hard to keep from screaming as the whip descends upon me again and again. Soon, I feel wetness on my back, trickling down my spine. The pain is terrible and I know I will not be able to take much more. The Bishop is pacing around me, watching the flogging as if it were a piece of artwork he was overseeing. He shouts orders to the guards to pour water on my back, and for a moment, I wonder if he is attempting to be merciful. The water does feel good when it is poured over me, and I slump, thinking my punishment has ended.

When the whip descends again, a ragged scream is finally torn from my lips. The water has done nothing but make it sting so much more, and I feel my will crumble. I fall forward limply, my back arching in agony. I beg the gods to spare me as I wait for more. Time seems to have stilled, and the crowds are almost totally silent once more. Somewhere in the back of my mind, a dark haze has gathered. I think of the knights and attempt to gather what is left of my courage too late.

The whip falls; I scream once more, and the fog overtakes me completely.

Next Time

An eerie encounter. Will Kate survive her ordeal?