So okay, this chapter isn't as….romantic, but very informational. And wow, you guys must check to see if I update everyday, cuz every time I come online theres a new review…I love that! Keeps me motivated…so starnat, legolover, devonshirelass, katemary, mustang gal, draculas princess, torque 69- you guys are so faithful in reviewing, I just HAD to give yall a shoutout! And if I missed anyone, sorry!! It's 3:30AM and I'm running on low amounts of sleep and lots of tea and coffee. Never work at Starbucks….
And as the training went on over the next couple of weeks, I found myself wearily trying to avoid Lancelot, for he was the biggest distraction throughout the days. At any moment I fought the idea that the next time he asked me to lay with him, I would. For you see, my flirting and fun with him had developed into something stronger as we spent more time together, and that was not a good sign, because I did not intend to include the L word on my agenda. I found myself asking Gawain and Galahad to help me more, and every time Lancelot cocked his head slightly and narrowed his eyes in confusion. Desperate to keep composure, I avoided his gaze during those times. That is to say, when lessons were over I did not mind the occasional kiss or winks on his part. I knew he was frustrated with my bewildering activity, but I am in fact, a woman after all.
As I said before, I threw myself fully into learning everything there was to know about my post requirements. And it came to pass, about maybe four months after the Saxons had been defeated on our soil, that a troop of about thirty Roman guards and two carriages made their way into our fort. I was in the courtyard sparring with Galahad when the trumpets sounded. We both exchanged queer glances at one another before wiping the sweat off our faces and heading over across the fence to the gates as they opened. Apparently Arthur was welcoming them in without question.
As we approached, I put the sword we were sparring with back in its sheath, though close by my side. I can't say that my outlook on Romans was not the same as it was, let's say, a year ago. As the procession of soldiers made there way inside, the two carriages stopped, and Arthur appeared, as well as Lancelot and Guinevere from inside. Bors and Gawain soon joined Galahad and I on the side. Arthur had managed to put on his best armor and cloak (most likely courtesy of Guinevere). His face looked that of a forced smile, unsure of what to expect. Lancelot looked around nervously, paying close attention to each and every guard. He, like myself, had his hands very close to his swords, not wanting to take any chances.
Finally the first carriage opened, and out came what seemed to be either an Arch Bishop or a Cardinal by the robes he wore. The soldiers had circled now and pushed Galahad, Gawain and I out of the way, leaving me on my Tipp toes. He bore a look of regality, one that gained respect through intimidation. His eyebrows were dark and bushy, his eyes bulgy. He had a small beard that was half gray and half dark brown. A lowly priest followed him, bowing his head the whole time.
"Artorius Castus!" The Roman said, his arms outstretched.
It was hard to tell Arthur's expression: it was not softened upon seeing this man, but was not alarmed. "Arch Bishop Ferdinand. What brings you to Britain? I was told Rome was done with this part of the world." His face was stern, and I sensed he did not enjoy this holy man.
The Arch Bishop smiled. "Please. I am weary, commander. Perhaps after I rest we can begin our discussions."
Arthur seemed to snap out of his gaze and gave Ferdinand a nod. "Forgive me for my uncivilized response. By all means, make yourself comfortable." I narrowed my eyes. The Arch Bishop had called Arthur 'commander' instead of 'your Majesty'. Rome must not know that Britain is now a monarchy. Or perhaps they refuse to let this happen? A part of me wondered.
The Arch Bishop nodded to his soldiers. "Let me introduce to you my nephew, Titus Sidonius, pupil of the Pope and maybe, one day, Archbishop," he chuckled softly to himself as a young man in his early twenties exited from the other carriage, looking nervous and shifting his eyes left and right, apparently uncomfortable at his situation. He was of medium build and had the same bushy eyebrows as his uncle, though his eyes were much smaller and less creepy.
The Archbishop continued. "With him his sister Irina, my most beautiful niece." Now a woman stepped forward, obviously elder than her brother, but still in her twenties. Her hair was long and curly, with her posture stiff and her head high. She lifted her chin, clearly defining her superiority, and walked up to Arthur, smiling flirtatiously.
"Welcome, milady," Arthur stated, kissing her jeweled hand. I noticed Guinevere clench her left fist, though no one else saw. I smiled, knowing Guinevere had the same doubts of this woman that I immediately had upon seeing her. Still, I suppose this was going to be a civilized visit.
The party gathered within, and after a short bath to scrub away my sweaty features, and putting on scented oils and a golden silk robe, I traveled back down to greet the guests. Naturally, everyone had met in room of the Round Table, and I saw that all the knights were supremely dressed for a change, including Lancelot. All of us stood behind our designated chairs, waiting for our Majesty to be seated. The order went as follows: starting from the doorway, the seating arrangement was Bors, Galahad, Merlin, Guinevere, Arthur, Lancelot, myself, Gawain, and our three guests, who had not yet arrived. Arthur made us stand until they came, and the Archbishop plopped himself next to Gawain, and then Titus, and finally, the elegant Irina, who now sported a rose sequented robe, with gold jewelry glittering from head to toe. I glanced over at Guinevere, and she gave me a slight smile. As we began to sit, Lancelot whispered in my ear, "You look lovely".
I smiled, knowing he was telling the truth. Arthur began. "May I introduce my most trusted adversaries", he said, naming us all in turn. When he called my name, I couldn't help but notice the Archbishop stiffen, but perhaps that was because Arthur had stated my title, which was quite uncommon for a female to hold such rank. "Well Archbishop, we are pleased to have you here, although we'd love to know what brings you so far west of the civilized world."
I would have just said, "What do you want, Roman?" but I suppose he sounded more regal and hospitable this way.
The Archbishop Ferdinand cleared his throat. "We were dispatched on the order of the Pope the moment Alecto arrived in Rome, without the company of the Bishop Germanus and the Senator Nicoteles. Upon hearing that the Bishop was murdered, the Pope wanted an extensive investigation into this tragedy." Upon hearing this my blood boiled. How dare they call his death a tragedy! From under the table I felt Lancelot's hand grip mine in comfort, as if to say, 'be calm'. I obeyed and kept my composure. He went on. "The Pope also asks why you, Artorius Castus, refused to return to Rome and instead have claimed Britain as your own as soon as Rome left."
Bors stood up in immediate defiance. "You will address him as 'your Majesty'!" He shouted, banging his fist on the table. Arthur stood and gave Bors a look that said "down", and the feirce knight obeyed. The Archbishop smiled.
"Forgive me. But I was under the impression that as a Roman citizen, Artorius, and a legion commander you obeyed no one but the Emperor Anthemius and the Pope. Was it under their orders to make yourself High King of Britain, or your own selfish interests?" he stated this last point in a mocking tone, obviously willing Arthur to lash out.
But instead, Arthur exclaimed, very calmly, "Watch your step, Ferdinand. You are but a guest in my country."
For the first time Titus stood. "Please, your Majesty, forgive my uncle, we are still weary from our long journey. He merely wants to ascertain that the Pope is most displeased with your…choice. He wishes you to denounce your kingship and return to Rome immediately. You are also under suspicion of having something to do with the Bishop's death. These are all but words from the Holy Pope, please", he stated, his eyes and voice sure of himself, unlike the nervous boy I had seen earlier.
Arthur looked at the Archbishop's nephew with a newfound respect for civilized conversation. "I do not deny that my kingship defies the Roman Empire, but I myself am half Britain and declared my title after the Romans left. I see not why Rome cares so much, since they cared little to stay on the island themselves."
The Archbishop cut him off-"That was before we knew of the victory against the Saxons. The Emperor wishes to have his land back now, to call upon in case war against the Hun is proclaimed. The Pope has asked me to relieve you of your services here. You have kept this land free from Saxons, for which the Emperor is grateful, but you must renounce yourself as High King and relinquish all rights back to Rome." To this, all of us widened our eyes and looked at one another in shock. To make his point, he added, "More soldiers and adversaries are being dispatched here as we speak."
Arthur stood silent for a moment, then spoke, his eyes blazing. "Rome relinquished it's right to this land when they left it to the Saxons. I will gladly give up my Roman citizenship so as not to 'defy' your Emperor, but I will not give up my home. The Rome I once knew is gone. Let him send soldiers. He cannot wage war on this country while trying to fend off the Hun so near his Empire. And I do not see why the Pope has anything to do with this." He spoke with regality and respect, something I surely would not have done. I turned to Lancelot, whose face looked grim with both anger and despair. Defeating the Saxons was one thing, but now it seemed we might have to take on the Roman Empire.
The Archbishop seemed not in the least surprised. "Ahh, Arthur, you see, I was just getting to my second point. The Bishop's death. You are accused of treason if found convicted, your majesty" he said this last part with some spite.
Arthur broke in "Perhaps the Pope should have asked young Alecto how that came to happen…" I was nervous, because this subject had very much to do with me, and I prayed to God Arthur was not trying to hide my vengeance.
Ferdinand smiled. "Young Alecto was in a state of shock when he arrived. After some questioning, the best we could get out was that senator Nicoteles and you devised a scheme to vanquish the Bishop because he did not give your men their discharge papers right away." My heart was pounding, and at once I wanted to scream at the vile creature the lies he spoke! Instead though, both Gawain and Lancelot had enough nerve to pat down my legs, them both knowing my temper. I looked to Guinevere, who shook her head at me. I clenched my teeth together, and noticed that all three of our guests were strangely glancing my way too.
Arthur sighed. "These are lies, Archbishop. And I find it hard to believe that Alecto would come up with so wild a story without some persuasion. Perhaps somehow the part of the Bishop murderously killing a Roman senator and his family should warrant any excuse for his death?"
Ferdinand seemed all to ready for this. "And where is proof of that? Alecto did not speak of it."
"I am proof." Yes, I know, it was me that spoke, jumping out of my seat. I continued, staring straight into the Archbishop's bulging eyes, my tone harsh. "I watched as that sack of wine cowardly betrayed my father and murdered my innocent sisters." Lancelot's hand was grabbing my arm, willing me to stop, but this vermin had gone too far. I shook Lancelot's hand away. "But I suppose this piece of information was kept quiet, because no one can learn of a corrupt bishop! It is unthinkable! Why, it must be hushed up to ensure order!" I shouted with sarcasm.
"Arria!" Arthur bellowed. Upon hearing him, I bit my lower lip, and sank back into my seat, my dagger about to be drawn.
Just as I suspected, the Archbishop seemed in the least surprised once more. "Did you put her up to this Arthur? A poor Roman girl most likely blackmailed into defending your scheme? Let me tell you what I suspect. I suspect you had her family killed as well as the Bishop. You made the girl come up with such a deceitful story to state treachery in the Holy Church. You blackmailed Alecto into keeping quiet about the affair, but sorry Arthur, we know the truth."
To this I wanted to jump across the table and slit his throat myself. The lady Irina was quiet throughout all of this, most likely not comprehending what was going on, or not caring. Titus was listening intently, his eyes widened at the drama enfolding. And Arthur, well Arthur started laughing. Not the kind of laugh that comes from a silly act, but a laugh of mockery.
"I see now that the Pope wishes to have my blood so that the Emperor will not have to deal with rebellion from Britain. Alecto told you the truth, but you embellished it so as, like Lady Arria stated, not to incriminate a church official." I narrowed my eyes, disgusted with all Catholic officials.
The Archbishop sighed. "I am but a messenger, Arthur. I do not have the manpower to arrest you, merely to warn you of what is to come, unless you agree to these convictions and come peacefully with us back to Rome where you will stand trial." He bowed his head, but I could see the corner of his lips forming into a sly smile. I shuddered with rage. The tension was so thick you could swing a blade through it, but for a minute no one spoke.
Finally, after contemplating it for a minute, Arthur spoke. "I see that there is no way to avoid bloodshed, but on my honor I will not leave my country to be taken by a dictator. Go back to Rome and tell your Emperor that I renounce my citizenship, decline his generous offer for taking over, and plead innocent to the charges of murder brought before me." I couldn't help but slightly smile to his words.
Looking put out, Ferdinand nodded. "Very well, Artorius Castus. We shall leave at dawn, carrying your message."
"Uncle please!" Everyone looked to Titus, who grabbed his uncle by the arm, bidding him not to leave. The Archbishop's eyes widened at such insolence.
"Please, uncle. Perhaps this king speaks the truth, and the Bishop did such horrible deeds. There is even a witness! Perhaps we can convince the Pope to drop the charges" there was pleading in his voice, as if he knew without doubt that Arthur, a man he had barely known, was telling the truth.
In reply, Ferdinand smacked his son across the face, and left the room. Everyone sat in shock, as Irina put her arms slowly on her brother's shoulders in comfort.
"Please forgive my uncle. He was close friends with the Bishop and may not…well, he…" he stated to the group, though his eyes were upon me. He gulped.
Arthur rose. "Rome is just trying to gain back its empire, though it is failing. This whole accusation was just a charade to denounce my reputation to the world.
"Surely this treachery cannot exist within the Church.." Irina began, looking horrified.
Titus rose also, keeping his eyes on the floor. "But it does, sister. Corruption is everywhere, I have even seen it with my own eyes." He sighed, shifting his eyes with nervousness and looked across to our king. He bowed his head, and quieted his voice. "Your majesty, you are right. Rome is crumbling, and I fear my uncle has not been honest with you. I am a pupil to the Pope, and I do not agree with some things that are happening right now. I am not supposed to know of this information, but I can see that my uncle and the Pope have strayed from the ways of God. You must hear me." There was a sense of desperation in his voice now, and Irina looked around in fear. "The Emperor has already dispatched an entire legion to battle against you. What my uncle said was false. Our coming was merely a distraction. By now Roman soldiers have probably landed already, somewhere north of Gwynedd. I'm sorry I was not truthful in the beginning." He looked down, embarrassed.
Arthur walked over and put a hand on the young man's shoulder. "You have done a great deed, Titus Sidonius. But the information you gave could cost you your life. I have no choice but to hold your uncle in the dungeon, and I'm afraid it is not safe for you and your sister to return to Rome." At this Titus looked at his sister with fear. She opened her mouth slightly in shock, with a tear rolling down her cheek in fright.
We broke up soon after, Arthur commanding two guards to seize the archbishop and hold him against his will. Lancelot walked me back to my quarters, both of us silent the whole way.
When we reached my door, I didn't want to speak. I didn't want to sleep. I didn't want to move. My arms were crossed, and my stomach had millions of knots inside. To know that in my homeland such corruption could reign…it sickened me. To know that the Pope himself was corrupt was even more harassing. All I had ever known in Rome was a lie. Lancelot sighed, and put one hand on my back, rubbing up and down. I moved closer, and hit my face against his chest. Soon both arms were wrapped around me, though I still held my own arms crossed, unable to move them. He put his chin on the top of my head and started swaying me side to side.
"I'm proud of you," he said, in a hushed tone. "You stood up for yourself."
I said nothing. Arthur had ordered us to get a few hours sleep, for at dawn we needed to plan our warfare tactics. It seemed peace was not to come yet.