Sorry this took so long! So much school work going on right now. Um, yeah, sorry bout the last chapter…not a very good Valentine's day present for yall….but it serves its intended purpose, haha. And believe me, I wanted to kick Lancelot in the balls when he did that too. Well, hopefully you'll still keep reading, there is still a lot to cover in this girl's adventures. Enjoy!

Chapter 13

I could not leave my solitary confinement under my sheets. The next day Guinevere entered to tell me it was okay to roam the fort now, but I blatantly refused. She returned the next morning, with the same proposition, and even threw in going for a light walk outside.

"It's a beautiful day today" she chirpily stated, opening the curtains by my window, the horrible sunlight streaming in. I got up, walked over to the window, and closed the curtains once more.

"Nothing is beautiful" I said, climbing back under my sheets. She gave me an odd look, but decided against pursuing the matter. As she left, I sighed in content, the darkness welcoming. For three days I hid away in seclusion, begging not to see anyone. One night I chanced to look out my window, only to see Gawain and Lancelot drunkenly laughing together in the courtyard as they helped one another walk in a semi-straight line. I closed the curtain quickly in scorn, and took to practicing a few staff routines.

The only time I talked was when I asked a servant to bring water or food, nothing more. Keeping myself occupied, I studied maps not only of Britain but of the world, lands I had never seen before in my life. I did pushups, sit-ups, pulling weights, and so forth. I was determined to be stronger, swifter, and more cunning than ever. I had much to catch up on.

On the fourth day, Guinevere burst through the door, not bothering to knock, right in the middle of my staff routine. I stopped what I was doing, ounces of sweat pouring down my face. I bowed politely to my queen.

"Your majesty, what brings you here?" I asked, a little annoyed, though I kept my voice monotone.

She folded her arms across her chest, her look one of sternness. "And what, pray tell, Arria, are you doing here?"

I turned my back to put my staff away. "Practicing" I replied nonchalantly. Turning back around, I noticed her body movement had not changed, and neither did her expression.

"Do not give me such a detached answer! I demand to know why you are cooping yourself in this cave like a common hen!" I've said it before. Guinevere can be quite intimidating when she needed to be. Luckily, though, I did not care at the moment what her temper was like.

I pretended to play innocent. "I do not know what milady means.." To this she looked like she would slap me back to Rome, but soon her anger died down, and instead her eyes softened. She put a hand on my shoulder in friendship.

"Please, Arria, do not be distant. You are like a sister to me, and I'm speaking now as your friend who cares deeply for you, not your queen. What has happened?"

I looked into her worried eyes, and instantly wished for her to go and think no more on the matter. To tell her that I felt betrayed by a rogue knight who loved no one was imprudent. She would laugh and tell me I was such a fool for taking in anything Lancelot dished out, for falling for the knight that everyone knew was a ladies man, and mostly, for being so upset by his actions. She would comfort me and state how I needed to move on, to forget such a beast of a charmer. Everything she would tell me I already knew, and I did not care to hear these words from her lips.

So instead, I did what came naturally, and lied. "Its silly, my Queen…I just feel very foolish for not noticing the assassination attempt. I should have prevented this. I should have had some inkling that something was not right. Instead, like a common wench I was kidnapped and taken back to the enemy."

Guinevere raised an eyebrow. "And unlike a common wench, you valiantly fought off your enemies and killed them, and crossed the world to come back to us. Arria, we all felt like complete idiots after Arthur was almost murdered, I most of all. But because of you, Captain, these same evils will not be able to go after Arthur again. And you know what, someone else will. We are all marked beings. It is our job to try and protect our king to the best of our abilities." She kept her voice low, her emotions obviously stirred by her own words. Her eyes held nothing but love for Arthur, and his life must be constantly on her mind.

I realized I had brought up a sore subject with my queen, and wanted to take my lies back. Sighing out of her trance, she smiled warmly at me. "Come. The fresh air will do you good." I gave in, only because I did not wish to make her worry incessantly over me.

To my dismay, Guinevere was right. The fresh air was heavenly to my lungs, the sun and light breeze cool against my skin. The queen and I sparred for a little bit, Bors and Gawain watching with delight as two sweaty women battled. A delightful bath followed, in which I stalled, caressing my entire body over and over with soap and oils, never wanting to leave such a sanctuary.

Going to bed earlier than usual the night before, I awoke both refreshed and aching, my muscles as hard as rocks. Most of the staff was still asleep, for dawn was about an hour away. I did a few light stretches, before heading out to the stable. A good morning ride was just what I needed.

The sky was a dark blue, though a hint of yellow lurked across the horizon. Seeing well enough without the need of a torch, I walked across the courtyard, the windy breeze tingling against my skin. I heard one of the horses neighing softly, as a manly voice coaxed it with a soft "shhhh". Furrowing my eyebrows, I silently walked up to the door, not revealing myself to the shadow within.

His back was to me, and I watched as his hand delicately shifted down the mare's neck, the black mare neighing her approval. He pressed his head to hers, sighing loudly as he began to sing softly a tune I had never heard before. Still undetected, I let my left eye exposed, watching in utter confusion. As he whispered words in his own language, I carefully took notice of his clenched left fist, his unkempt hair and sad expression. When the song was finished, he proceeded to brush the mare down, his back still to me.

"There's a girl….there's my beauty…" he muttered to his happy horse, giving her oats for a treat. She adamantly refused, backing up in protest.

"Oh, stubborn today are ya…eh, fine, I suppose you deserve the best, my queen." He pulled an apple from his pocket, as neighing erupted from his satisfied partner. I crossed my arms as a chill went through my spine. The sky was now a mixture of light blue with a deep orange. Looking down in wonder, I decided to prolong my ride and go to the kitchens for an early mealtime, hoping to rid myself of him.

By midday, a servant informed me that Arthur wished to have a word, and I was to meet him in the library after supper.

I found myself extremely nervous for no good reason. I waited in my favorite red chair anxiously, sitting up straight with authority. Finally he opened the door, and I stood up from my seat and bowed heavily. A huge smile was plastered on his face, and he nodded for me to sit once more. It was dim in the library, as the sun was setting outside. Arthur lit a few candles and sat in the chair across from me.

"How are you feeling?" he began, asking in earnest. I blushed a deep red.

"Much better, your Highness. Eager to serve you once more."

He stared at me for a moment, then spoke again. "Guinevere says you've been in quite a rut lately. Is there anything I could do?" The blush deepened on my cheeks.

"Time will take away my troubles."

He nodded. "I see. Well, I'm glad to see you around and about. Guinevere commented that your strength has returned full force, and you seem ready to perform any task given." He pulled out a few documents from his bag and scattered them across the table.

"If you are willing, I'd like for you to take a week long trip with me south along the coastline. I have a few provinces to visit and I want the lords to be familiar with you. Tomorrow you will meet some of your subordinate Riders, and we'll leave a few days later, after you've had a chance to get to know them."

I gulped in my anxiety and excitement, and nodded my head. "Of course, your Majesty. I look forward to it."

He seemed satisfied with my response, but his demeanor soon changed, and he uncomfortably shifted his eyes. "I believe I know why you've decided to shut the world out since you've been here…" My eyes widened in horror. The less people that knew my silly girl troubles, the better. He continued, his look one of pity, something I hated. "He's been distant with me too. And although I agree you have every right to decapitate his head-"

I cut in. "I was thinking somewhere lower.."

He smiled at this. "Be that as it may, give him time. One thing I know about Lancelot is that he's never nervous…and around you, he's nervous. Did anyone tell you what he was like when you were missing?"

I put my head down, extremely wishing for Arthur to drop the subject. "No."

He sighed. "It was pure madness in him, Arria. I had never seen him act out in such a way toward me, toward his comrades…he wanted to hunt down the people responsible and take you home. I….I wouldn't let him…." A look of pure shame crossed his face. "I needed him here. I'm sorry Arria, but I needed him here."

Again, it was silly of him to ever apologize to me. "Sir, please don't. You did what was needed. I would have said the same."

He nodded and continued, his eyes glancing away. "These past few weeks have been ruff on all of us. But please believe me when I say he cares for you."

I found that quite hard to imagine. "And how long, may I ask, has he been taking other women into his bed every night?" Arthur looked away and did not answer. "Your Majesty, my feelings for Lancelot have dissipated, and my soul focus is to be the best Captain I can. Please know that my resentment will not linger, and will not hinder my duties as an officer in your service." Frankly I wanted to tell him to mind his own business and not think me a fool, but obviously I couldn't.

"Well…I'm glad to hear it. Good day captain."

I bowed slightly in tribute. "Good day, my king….thank you." He gave me a nod of comfort before leaving me alone in the dim lit library. I rubbed my temples, clearing away all thoughts and headaches that tried to approach. A good strong ale was needed, and I knew just where to get one.

I arrived at the pub amidst a slew of drunkards and dancing wenches, laughing happily a the silly stunts a few of the soldiers attempted to pull. I had on one of my simple cotton dresses, not at all wanting to feel like an officer of the Round yet.

"Oi! Wench! Fill er up, me dear!" An old rapscallion proposed to me, wrapping one hand around my waist while the other hand thrust his empty cup towards my face. Rolling my eyes, I jerked off his hand and went to the front of the bar, where the owner stood pouring pints of ale to her begging customers.

"Well I'll be, if it isn't Lady Arria!" the fiery red haired Rosy exclaimed. She was two years younger than her sister, Vanora, but just as good at running the pub. I smiled in recognition, pleased to finally see a cheery familiar face. "Aven't seen you for weeks, deary. Asn't quite been the same if you ask me." I looked around, startled to see so many unknown faces.

She read my mind. "Came in a few weeks ago, the lot of em. Says they're here from southern country to serve King Arthur. So far all they've been serving is my ale and my girls."

I laughed and took a look around, surprised by their youthfulness. Two of the fools were so wasted they tried picking fights with their comrades. Another tried to play a game of throwing knives, but almost hit his horse instead. "Pin the tail on the donkey, aye!" he shouted, laughing at his own joke.

"Whoah!" a young voice shouted, barreling into me. I had just enough time to back out of the way as he came crashing down, knocking over his table and ale with him as the bar girls laughed in delight.

Amused, I gripped his hand and pulled him back up to his feet, his expression dazed and confused at his surroundings. "Pardon me there.." he stated, not sure which direction I was.

His hair was a dirty blonde, reaching down to his shoulder in braids. His eyes were big and a bright blue, much like the color of the water back in Italy. He seemed to be around my age, a bit young for a soldier with a lieutenant marking. He finally shook himself awake long enough to smile at me. In fact, it almost pained me to see it. He smiled just like Galahad, full of innocence and youthful energy.

"Are you new here?" he slurred, keeping one hand on my shoulder to stay up. "I would have remembered someone as pretty as you…"

I smiled amusingly. "I doubt you remember anything if you come here every night. Good evening." I bowed slightly, and proceeded to get a pint from Rosy.

Walking over to the only semi-clean looking table, I sat down and began to inwardly laugh at these comical characters. Apparently one young soldier had lost a bet and was in the process of kissing a pig, the pig in turn snorting all over his brown curly locks as his friends hooted their pleasure upon seeing such a notable sight. I laughed along in spite of myself, wishing my knights were here to see this.

"Three cheers for Avery the Pig seducer!" one bloke yelled, as a chorus of "Horrahs" erupted among the noisy crowd.

I gulped down my pint and quickly got another, already starting to feel the effects. A rush of cold ale flooded onto my hair and chest as two soldiers fell off their table in a brawl, knocking away their pints in the process. Furious, I rose up from my seat to the ground behind where the two continued to bare hand wrestle, and was not surprised to see that one of the was the blondie who had almost knocked me over before.

Wanting to teach them a lesson, I caught both of their ears and the wrestling stopped amid whimpers of protest as they slowly rose to their feet in pain, my nails digging far into their cartilage. "I'm afraid boys, that is no way to treat a person quietly trying to enjoy a drink, especially without an apology before galloping into your testosterone filled bar fights."

I let go of their ears, by now the whole crowd extremely silent, waiting for what they might do. The older looking one, a man of a slightly darker complexion and a receding hairline stared me down cold, his eyes bloodshot from drinking. "I am a soldier of Arthur! I will not be talked down to by a mere wench!" He grabbed my left hand, intending to strike me with his other backhand. Before he could, I turned my arm towards me, twisting his hand as I barreled my knee into his stomach. Taken by surprise, he yelped as my fist met his eye, and down he went amid whoops of amusement from the crowd.

The blondie stood back, his eyebrows raised in astonishment. "No more drinking for the two of you tonight. And you'd better clean this up before Rosy has a go at you." I turned to Rosy, tossing her a few coins for the drinks. Looking back, I saw the blonde was helping up the receding hairline fellow, cursing at him in the process.

Feeling quite proud of myself, and a bit looser, I walked back to my quarters, a slight smile plastered on my face, my mood already brightening at the night's entertaining events.

I awoke to a slight headache, thankful I did not completely get drunk the night before. Remembering I had an important day ahead, I began to get dressed in my captain uniform. It consisted of new black leather boots, tan trousers, black cotton tunic, beautifully hand crafted steel breastplate (consisting of a lioness carving), and a exquisitely made red cloak, with my Captain's insignia stitched into the seem. All was courtesy of my lord. I looked good, and my confidence level rose.

I entered the room of the Round, King Arthur already present, along with Merlin and Guinevere by his side. Gawain was standing next to my queen. Not that it mattered much to me, but Lancelot was not present. Guinevere smiled warmly at me, as Arthur nodded his approval of my fine attire. I was announced as Captain Arria of the King's Riders, and I took my position next to Merlin, the Woad who frankly still made me feel nervous at times, though he was the one who had brought me to Arthur in a way.

Torches were lit to make the room brighter, and Arthur made us all stand for a moment. "Today I am issuing under Captain Arria's authority her Riders, to serve Britain and protect its inhabitants from all evil. Jols-" Arthr turned to the door where Jols stood, and his comrade opened it, letting in my new charges.

I was nervous. How would they treat a woman officer? How would they treat me, a greenhorn in the field? As they entered, all questions of that sort were completely obliterated, and I felt my eyes widening in sheer irony.

Avery the Pig Seducer entered first, his eyes playful and not in the least serious looking. Behind him came the blonde, the Galahad smiling blonde whose ear was still red. Three more came out, ones I did not recall seeing at the bar. Horrible knife thrower entered next, actually looking quite engaged. And lastly, my eyes narrowed as Receding hair Wench hitter man came forth, his look still smug as ever. Upon seeing me the blonde froze, unsure of how to react. The others didn't seem to notice.

Arthur spoke. "Welcome, young soldiers of the south. I hope your stay so far has been comfortable and relaxing." A few nodded, smiling, thinking their job was going to be easy. "I will tell you now that bit of relaxation should be hereby banished from memory. From now on, you will work harder than you ever have, train more hours than there are in a day, and learn what it is that makes up a British man. You are my Riders, my soldiers fighting against oppression. You will be my eyes where I cannot see, my voice where I cannot speak. You will treat every man woman and child as an equal-" I noticed wench hitter man smirk at Arthur's last comment.

Arthur continued. "You have come here to rise up the ranks, gain prestige and land, but I tell you now, these are not what make a great British citizen. You will learn honor, courage, strength, brotherhood…and most of all, loyalty. For in loyalty lies a deeper sense of love than you shall ever get from the pleasures of a woman. It is what binds men and lands together in friendship." All were staring at him in awe, taking in his words whole heartedly.

My lord softened his voice, staring at each individual, sizing them up. "Follow me and your life will be filled with danger, for the greater cause of this new land of freedom. If you follow orders from your superiors, learn quickly, and uphold morality, you will soon find yourself in a higher position than you are now." He glanced over to me. "At this time I'd like to introduce to you your Captain, a person who is highly dedicated to our cause and quite the skilled warrior. Your superior was with me at Badon against the Saxons, and assassinated Rome's ruthless conspirators." They all raised their eyebrows in respect, my own eyebrows raising for how good Arthur was making me out to be. Their eyes shifted around, looking for their Captain, never once did they look at me. I felt my cheeks burning red in embarrassment.

"I give you Captain Arria of the King's Riders." He stated proudly, his hand gesturing toward me. I kept my face smooth like stone, though inwardly my organs were turning knots. The blonde's cheeks were red with embarrassment, as was Pig seducer, who by now recognized me. Horrible knife thrower gulped, as the three unknown soldiers gave each other looks of confusion. I stared hard at wench hitter. Though his face was equally stone set, his eyes challenged me, daring me almost to throw him out right then and there.