Arthur had sustained many wounds during his battle with the Woads, but while none of them were fatal, all of them in number were quite grave. It was on the fifth day of his recovery that the doctor allowed him to sit up and receive his knights, and he smiled when he saw Tristan and Percival alive and well.

He spoke and exchanged pleasantries with each of them, conversing at length with Dagonet who gave him a full account of his rescue.

"It is well that you arrived when you did," Arthur said to him, solemnly clasping his hand. "I did not know how long I could hold the line."

And the knight inclined his head, saying nothing. There were no words to say, and he knew that his captain understood.

After he stepped back, Arthur's brows drew together. He had spoken to twenty three knights, but where was the one who he had feared for the most?

"Tell me," he said to Bors. "Where is Arelenne? Is she injured still?"

But before the knight could answer, a small voice sounded from the back. "I am here," came Arelenne's soft voice, and the men parted for her to pass. The knight had feared to be reprimanded, to be sent home, to be chastised and thrown in prison, for she knew that she deserved all of this and more.

Great was her surprise when Arthur smiled when he saw her, a broad grin lighting up his entire face. "Glad I am that you are well," he said, clasping Arelenne by the shoulder. "I would hate to think that I am in this bed for naught."

And the girl turned crimson and hid her face, for her shame was twofold now that Arthur did not even utter a cruel word in reprimand.

"My lord," she said, and her voice stuck in his throat.

Percival came up behind her and laid a hand on her arm, and the knight took a deep breath and began again.

"There is a wager to be settled, is there not?" asked Arelenne, and Arthur looked at him uncomprehendingly.

"If you still wish my resignation, I shall do so," he said, and there was such hurt in his eyes that Arelenne could almost not bare to look.

But the young knight squared her shoulders and went down upon one knee before her captain, her head bowed against the hilt of her sword.

"Artorius Castus, Captain of Rome," she said. "If by my life or death I can serve you, I will gladly give up both in your name. By my honor, I pledge my service and loyalty to you… for fifteen years and beyond."

The knights around her likewise murmured the words, bending their knees and laying their heads upon their swords. It was in Rome's service that they came to Briton, but it was by their honor that they pledged themselves to Arthur's company.

"My brave knights," Arthur said, all but rendered speechless at the sight.

He struggled up and clasped each of their hands to his heart in turn, accepting their oaths and making his own towards them.

"My first knight," he said when he came to Arelenne, and it was none but her hand that he clasped the hardest, none but her hand the he held on to the longest.

The knights beat their arms across their chests and stamped their feet, making such a noise that was heard throughout all the land. They were brothers then, siblings by choice rather than blood, and their legends would last throughout all of the ages to come.

Thus began the company of Arthur and his knights, but the first step into a journey of fifteen long years.