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Chapter Two: Among Enemies

Pain was the first thing that Iraina noticed when she awoke the next morning. Opening her eyes, it took most of her will power to keep from crying out at the pain that the light caused to her light sensitive eyes. Closing her eyes tightly against the blinding light, Iraina tried to figure out where she was. The rocking motion told her that she was in a wagon of some kind. Searching back through her memories, Iraina tried to find some clue that would allow her to figure out where she was. At first all she could remember was pain, and darkness. Then, a man in shining armor flashed across her memory. Using that piece of information, she gathered that someone had brought her out of the man's dungeons and had placed her in a wagon.

"You're awake." the deep voice made Iraina's eyes fly open. She gave a small shriek at the pain it caused. Suddenly, something blocked the light streaming into her open eyes. Blinking a few times, Iraina willed her eyes to focus faster. When she was finally able to focus on something, she saw that it was a hand shielding the light from her eyes. Squinting, she followed the arm until she saw the face of the person that the hand belonged to.

He was a menacing looking man, almost completely bald, with a scar running down his left eye. His size was intimidating, and he looked as though he was angry. But, his eyes seemed gentle. Iraina's eyes went to the large broadsword strapped to his side. She immediately tensed, not trusting any unknown man who came near her with a sword.

The man above her sensed the change in her demeanor. He followed her gaze and saw that it was on his sword. Moving slowly, he removed the sword from his belt, and placed it gently on the floor of the wagon, showing her that he did not mean her any harm. Even though his gesture was in peace, Iraina still eyed him warily.

"Do not be afraid. My name is Dagonet, you are safe now. Marius will no longer harm you." he soothed. He smiled sadly when he saw Iraina's eyes blaze with hatred and pain at the sound of Marius's name. The knowledge that the man they had been sent to save had killed and tortured many left a burning anger in the pit of his stomach. But he had to put aside his feelings and see to the task at hand. "You are traveling with me, my companions and my commander. The rest of the people from the village are also here. We are traveling east to escape the Saxon's." Dagonet explained.

Iraina relaxed a little, knowing that they were going away from the Saxons. Also, it seemed as though she had been rescued by someone willing to help her. But she did not know enough information to completely satisfy herself.

"Who is your commander?" she asked, wondering if she could speak to him. Even though her voice was hoarse from lack of use, there was no hiding the wariness in it.

Dagonet looked her in the eyes, judging what her reaction would be. "Arthur Castes." he replied evenly.

Iraina's eyes widened slightly in surprise, and then narrowed in a calculated guardedness. She had been rescued from one crazed roman man, to another who had killed countless of her people. And his own. She thought bitterly. Immediately she looked for a way to escape. She was discouraged to find that the only exit leaving the wagon was being blocked by the giant of a man, Dagonet. Doing a double take, Iraina's eyes froze on the pile of blankets. A lock of brown hair was peeking out from underneath the furs. She gave a cry of surprise when she realized that it was Guinevere underneath the furs. Pulling herself across the wagon, she slowly made her way towards her friend. When she got there, she pushed herself up and gently pulled away the blankets.

Suddenly, she gasped as pain exploded in her side. She breathed deeply, trying to control the pain. Movement from the other side of the wagon caught her attention and made her look up. Dagonet was rummaging through a bag by his side. Looking back down at her side, Iraina saw the tell-tale sign signifying that the stab wound to her side had been reopened. She scowled darkly as she remembered how she had acquired it. One of the priests had given it to her, thinking that he could bleed the sins out of her. He had ended up almost killing her.

Her head snapped up when she noticed Dagonet making his way slowly over to her. Iraina snarled at him.

As Dagonet looked upon the woman in the wagon, he was reminded of a cornered animal who was trying to protect her den. Nodding slightly, he backed away, but not before tossing a roll of bandages at her. They landed at her feet. She didn't even glance at them, keeping her eyes on him the entire time. Backing up, he checked on finale time on the boy Lucan, and then exited the wagon, closing the deerskin flap behind him.

Iraina watched him go, waiting for him to come back When he didn't, Iraina snatched up the bandages he had tossed at her. Lifting the rags she wore as a shirt above her head, Iraina started slightly when she realized that her side had already been bandaged once. Grimacing, she noticed that the blood was already seeping through the layers of cloth already around her waist.

Quickly, she re wrapped the wound, ignoring the fiery ache in her fingers. Then she placed the soiled bandages off to one side of the wagon, not know what else to do with them. When she was done, she turned her attention back to Guinevere. Her friend was sleeping, but the dark bruises stood out on her fellow warrior's pale face. Gently, she brushed away the hair across the woman's face, quickly tucking it behind her ear. Once sure that her friend would live, Iraina settled down as comfortably as she could, trying to ignore the pain in her body. Sighing, she closed her eyes and fell into a much needed sleep.

When Iraina next woke, she opened her eyes to see a flash of a red cape cross infront of her. Immediately, he eyes flung open, knowing what red meant. Romans…

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Yes, Yes, I know, really short, but I wanted to get something up before I became totally swamped in school work. The next one will be longer, and hopefully I will have it up within one or two weeks. Sorry for the wait!

Reviewer Responses:

Tara6: Thank you for the review! I am glad that you think that I did an adequate job on my story! I hope you liked this chapter as well. It was somewhat difficult for me to write.

ChiaraStorm: Thanks for the review! I like your story a lot as well! In fact... Anyone who is reading this, go read her story, The Sword and the Bow, it's a great read!

Chiefhow: thanks for the review! I am glad as well when Lance gets the girl! Thanks for your support on the VB court!

BebegurlPR: Thanks! I hope you liked this chapter! Even though it was short.

Jemiul: thanks! I am glad to know that someone will like my story!

lindalee4: I updated! I hope this was fast enough, even though it took a while to get up!

lotrfan1122: I am glad that you thought that I did a good job on this fic! Thanks for the review!

Peta: Thanks! Here's an update!

Thanks everyone for the lovely reviews! The next chapter should be longer, and it should be up in a week or two, depending on how much my teachers hate me and give homework!

Elvenstar5