Chapter 11: Merlin

That morning, rain pounded the window and Elizabeth slowly opened her eyes and groaned. This weather could really depress a person. She got out of bed, and like every morning, she put on her riding clothes. There was a boom of thunder overhead and she walked over to the window and looked out. The rain was coming down in sheets and everything outside was silent. Elizabeth had a plan for today. She was going to go to Arthur and tell him they needed to go to Merlin now. The sooner they had him on their side, the better. There was a knock on the door and Elizabeth got up and opened it. Lancelot walked in, his face down, reading a paper in his hands.

"What's that?" she asked.

"Arthur slid it under my door this morning," Lancelot said, looking up.

"And?"

"We leave as soon as possible to find Merlin. Arthur said you must come. Guinevere has to as well. He figures you have a better idea than us where Merlin and his people are."

Elizabeth frowned, but nodded. Arthur did have a point.

"Lancelot, he may not help us."

"Why not?"

"This battle does not hurt his people. It only hurts us and the Rebels, who he cares nothing about. He may help because of Guinevere, but otherwise, he has no other reason. I was thinking about it last night."

"You were confident he would though-"

"I was confident, but I hadn't really thought about it. We still have the peace with him and he might help us. I'm just not positive."

Lancelot nodded his head and sat on the end of her bed.

"Who is going?" Elizabeth asked.

"Arthur, Bors, Gawain, Galahad, Guinevere, you, and myself," he said.

"He's leaving all the guards here?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes. Arthur hopes we'll be back quickly. Elizabeth, he wants to attack."

Elizabeth's eyes widened and she looked at him.

"So he wants to travel back into the Woads' woods and find them in there and then attack them. And through this whole time he wants to have the guards behind us. Is he mad?" she asked furiously.

"Elizabeth, just go talk to him."

"I will," she said, and stalked out of the room in a bad mood.

Lancelot shook his head and followed her out. Everyone in the castle seemed to be asleep as they ran down the spiraling stone steps. Arthur was standing at the Round Table talking with Gawain. Elizabeth stopped in the doorway and waited for them to finish.

"We'll just have to be careful," Arthur said to Gawain.

Gawain nodded and gave Arthur a small smile before exiting the room. Elizabeth rushed in and walked up to Arthur. He gave her a smile.

"Arthur, are you planning on attacking the Woads early?" she asked.

"We need to stop the attacks. The only way of stopping them completely is by going in and finishing this once and for all," he said.

Elizabeth looked at him for a moment before opening her mouth. Just as she was about to, Arthur cut her off.

"I remember what you said earlier about them not being entirely ready, but we really have no other choice. We cannot wait any longer. Once we have Merlin on our side, we'll come up with a plan of attack. It is risky going into the woods with the guards trailing, but I do not think they will come to us," he said.

Elizabeth sighed. He did have a point. This way, they would be sure of the attack and they would be prepared as best as they could.

"You're right Arthur. Please be careful making the plans though. You know the Woads' tricks almost as well as I do," she said.

Arthur smiled.

Lancelot watched everything from the doorway. He agreed with Arthur. Elizabeth's plan had been good, but what if the Rebels never came out and just kept attacking the villagers? Eventually they would have to go after them. Why wait? He turned his attention back to Elizabeth and Arthur.

"I'll go ready Darkness. And Arthur, any decision you make, I am behind you," she said.

Arthur smiled at her. Elizabeth grinned back and walked out of the room.

"We must go ready the horses," she said to Lancelot.

"Aye. I heard. You left your sword upstairs. I don't think you will get very far without it," he laughed.

Elizabeth grinned and they ran back upstairs. Elizabeth went through most of her items and stuffed whatever she found most important into her leather saddlebags. She also changed into more suitable clothes incase they came upon any Rebels. She pulled on a light shirt and put a short sleeved chain mail shirt over it. She next put on a short leather skirt that went down to her knees and buckled her sword around her waist. She pulled on her boots which only came up to about her ankle. She slipped her arms through a leather jerkin and tied the strings halfway up, leaving the top of the jerkin open.. Quickly she looked in the mirror to check herself. She was forgetting something. This wasn't her typical Woad outfit and some of the equipment was new to her. She looked down at her wrists and then at the arm guards resting on the table. She quickly snatched them and buckled them onto her arms. With one last look in the mirror, she slung her bow over her shoulder and picked up her quiver of arrows. She ran out the door and found Lancelot rummaging through his trunk.

"Lose something?" she asked.

"No, I'm looking for-" he stopped and thought a moment. "You may have it. It's a small golden compass."

"No. I've never seen it," she said apologetically.

"Damn."

Elizabeth studied him for a moment and saw a gold chain around his neck.

"Lancelot, what is on that gold chain you're wearing?"

He slowly picked the chain up and his eyes showed surprise when he saw the compass at the end of it. He started laughing and Elizabeth joined in. A horn blew from the stables. Lancelot grabbed her hand and they ran down to the others.

The stables were a flurry of activity. Elizabeth found Darkness excitedly pacing around his stall.

"Hello boy," she crooned.

His ears pricked forward and he walked up to her. She pat his neck and put her sturdy saddle on his back and hooked the saddle bags onto it. She double checked the girth and picked her bridle up off its hook. She placed the metal bit in Darkness' mouth and pulled the headstall over his ears. She quickly buckled everything as Darkness anxiously chomped at the bit. Elizabeth rubbed his face and led him out. She pulled herself into the saddle and settled her feet in the stirrups. Lancelot rode up next to her and looked at her wrist guards. He leaned over and adjusted them. Elizabeth rolled her eyes. She was a Woad and the whole idea of wearing so much metal and steel as you fought was an entirely new idea to her.

Up ahead, Bors let out a loud cry and the knights rode forward. Elizabeth saw Guinevere's brown hair blowing around as she rode up front next to Arthur. Elizabeth had braided parts of her hair and pulled it back in a leather thong.

They rode out of the gate and out on the sandy road. The air was chilly, but Elizabeth tried to ignore it as it rushed past her bare legs.

"How does Arthur plan on finding Merlin? He could be anywhere!" she yelled across to Lancelot.

"He's thinking Merlin will come to us because his scouts will sight us," Lancelot yelled back over the rush of the wind.

Elizabeth nodded. Of course! Merlin had scouts everywhere. The knights had came to a halt at the top of the hill and they looked out. Forest covered a good percentage of the land and Elizabeth heard Arthur let out a deep sigh.

"Knights. We're going to head into the forest and stay together. I don't know if there are Rebels in these woods as well. Listen for my signal if we come upon them," Arthur said.

They galloped down the hill and off into the forest. They slowed to a walk and slowly, the horses picked their way through the paths. Elizabeth looked back at Gawain and Galahad who were bringing up the rear along with two guards Arthur had decided to take along. The two guards were behind Gawain and Galahad and they grimaced as Gawain told a particularly bad joke. Elizabeth shook her head and turned forward. Her eyes scanned the woods as they rode on. Every once in a while, the trees would move and her heart lept at possibly seeing one of her people come out and lead them to Merlin.

Arthur's horse whinnied up ahead and reared as something ran out in the path, in front of the horse. Everyone drew their swords and they stopped on the path. A spear flew by Guinevere's head and buried itself in a tree. Elizabeth shot into the woods where the spear had come from. A Woad came tumbling out, Elizabeth's arrow buried in his chest. She rode over.

"Elizabeth! No!" Lancelot yelled.

She slowly looked up and saw three arrows aimed at her. Guinevere had snuck up behind her and had three arrows set in her bow. She fired and Elizabeth once again looked down at the man. Lancelot rode up.

"Get back on your horse. We need to ride," he said.

Elizabeth ignored him as she studied the Woad. His face markings were a different color and they were much different from the regular designs you normally saw. He was a Rebel.

"Arthur, the Rebels are in these woods as well," she announced.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Yes. The Rebels try to set themselves apart from Merlin and they have differences in their paint and weapons," she explained.

Arthur nodded as Elizabeth got back on her horse. He rode back up to the front.

"Are you alright?" Lancelot asked, seeing her odd expression.

"Yes, I'm fine. I just think that they're tracking us. We really need to find Merlin quickly," she said.

The horses began moving forward and soon they pushed into a gallop. They seemed to go for hours, getting lost in the forest. The horses were starting to tire when they turned a corner and Arthur's horse jumped back, causing the others to halt. The young Woad in their path started talking in his native language. Elizabeth and Guinevere, understanding what he said, rode forward. The hurriedly exchanged words and the Woad started down the path. Elizabeth and Guinevere chased after him, followed by the knights. They wove in and out of trees and through several small streams. Finally, they came to a small camp. There was a warm fire going in the middle of a circle of logs. An old man, whose face was covered in painted whorls, sat on one log. There was a staff at his feet.

"Greetings Merlin," Arthur said.

Merlin looked up.

"Arturius."

"Merlin we have come for help. Rebel Woads have been attacking the villagers. We plan to meet them in battle, but we cannot do this without your help," Arthur said.

Merlin didn't say anything, but went back to looking into the fire.

"For years we fought. Your few knights, becoming less every year, always leaving the battle victorious. You have vanquished many more terrifying foes than the Woads by yourselves. You come for help now. Why?" Merlin asked.

"We are weak compared the amount of trained Woads they have. We number five trained knights. The rest are village guards and two Woad warriors," Arthur said, moving away and Elizabeth and Guinevere came into Merlin's view.

Merlin's face lit up at the sight of the two women. They both smiled at him and Arthur continued.

"We don't have the strength to conquer them. Our villagers need protection. Innocent lives can be taken and our peace as we both now know it, will be broken. Soon Merlin, they will turn on you as well. They see you as a traitor."

Merlin still sat. Finally, he spoke.

"There have already been attacks," he said.

Elizabeth got off her horse and walked over to the old man.

She sat next to him and they began talking in their own language once again. People began coming out to the fire and listening. Merlin got up and walked over to a small hut. Elizabeth got up as well.

"He said he needs time to think about it," she said.

Arthur nodded.

"He also said that we could set up camp around the fire to help prevent an attack at night."

Arthur rode past her over to the logs. The knights followed. Elizabeth stood looking down at the ground. Lancelot stopped next to her and handed her the reins. She got back on Darkness and rode behind Lancelot over to the other knights. The Woads had all gone back to their families and were out of sight. The knights were setting up camp somewhat away from the Woad fire, deeper in the woods. Gawain started the fire and Galahad came back with some wood. Arthur sat farther off, leaning against a tree. Elizabeth sat down next to Lancelot and stared at the fire with a melancholy expression on her face.

It had started to drizzle and Elizabeth pulled the cloak she had brought with her closer. She couldn't understand Merlin's reasoning. He had said it was their problem and that his people would deal with it when it came. If it was her, she would have wanted to get rid of the problem right this moment. Lancelot nudged her arm gently and she shook her head to come back to attention.

Bors was being loud, as usual, and Gawain and Galahad joined in. They were joking about ale and its properties. Elizabeth rolled her eyes.

"What about you, lady?" Gawain asked her.

Guinevere looked up from where she was sitting with Arthur.

"I cannot answer when I do not know the question," she said.

"Oh. Well, here is the question. Ale. What do ye think of it?" he asked as the other knights started laughing.

"I think it's alright as long as men such as yourselves don't abuse it and turn into vile-"

Alright we get it!" Gawain laughed.

Elizabeth grinned.

They talked about things that didn't make sense and soon everyone started getting drowsy. Elizabeth felt her eyes close and she laid on the round and fell asleep.

A twig cracked and Elizabeth opened her eyes. The fire was out and everyone was snoring deeply. The sun was starting to come up, but it was still dark out. Lancelot heard her stir and he sat up. She held a finger to her lips. They got up and walked through the small camp. All the Woads were asleep as well. The camp was on a cliff that looked over the rest of the forest. She sat down and looked out. The sky was a deep purple tinged with pink.

"Elizabeth, what did Merlin say to you?" Lancelot whispered.

Elizabeth looked down and didn't answer.

"It is no wonder Merlin knows everything that goes on in these woods," he said, looking out.

Elizabeth nodded.

"Lancelot, he believes this is our problem," she said.

Lancelot turned.

"He can't. They'll attack him next."

"He believes that they can defeat them. He sees no point in helping us," she said.

Lancelot looked back out. They needed something that would get Merlin to change his mind. As if reading his mind, a scream came from behind them. Lancelot jumped up and pulled Elizabeth to her feet and they ran. The Woads all had weapons in their hands and they were attacking the Rebels with fierceness. Arthur and the knights were in the fray as well. Elizabeth and Lancelot ran in.

Elizabeth pulled out her sword and swung it around in an arc and slit a Rebel's throat. Two more came at her and she quickly disposed of them. Lancelot gave two Rebels a wicked grin as they rushed at him and he blocked with his two blades before bringing them around and cutting the two Rebels down. All around them, Rebels were going down like water falling over a cliff. A Rebel came up behind Elizabeth and slashed at her leg and the blade cut a short thin line. It started bleeding as Lancelot swung his blades around and cut his stomach.

"You alright?" he asked Elizabeth as he crossed blades with another Rebel.

"Fine," she said.

There was a stream of blood running down her leg and it began pooling in her boot. She grimaced, but kept on fighting. If she stopped, she could easily be killed.

After a few more minutes, the fighting stopped. Woads began clearing away the dead and Merlin walked over to Arthur.

"This is only the beginning, Merlin. It will get worse," Arthur said.

Merlin looked around. Some of his own people lay dead.

"Arturius, we leave as soon as my people have gathered," Merlin said.

He walked away to go help with the dead.

Arthur smiled at the knights and they walked back to their camp. The Woads would come together. With all of them, they would be a greater number than just five knights. Elizabeth swayed a bit, the pain in her leg was making her head swim, but she walked on. They found yet another Woad at the camp waiting for them.

"It's a healer," Guinevere said.

Relief flooded through Elizabeth. Her people were good healers.

Lancelot looked at her leg and held her arm to steady her. The healer walked up to them and took one look at Elizabeth's leg before scolding her in a foreign tongue. Elizabeth grinned at the healer and they walked off to a hut.

Arthur was sitting on the ground bandaging Guinevere's hand and Bors was cleaning blood off his battle axe.

"The attacks are getting much worse," Galahad said.

"Aye. The sooner the Woads get to the wall, the better," Arthur said.

Elizabeth came out of the healers a few moments later. She had a white bandage on. However, she wasn't limping.

"You healed quick," Lancelot commented.

"She used a special herb and then she stitched it. Then they usually put an ointment under the bandage that numbs the pain. The wearer usually doesn't feel anything," she answered.

"Ah. Very clever," he said.

Elizabeth began stuffing items back into her saddle bags. She stuffed the extra ointment they had given her into one of the saddle bags which contained extra bandages. Darkness turned his head and watched her the entire time. She pat his neck and walked over to the others. Gawain was leaning against a tree and seemed to be trying to sweet talk a young Woad woman. Elizabeth watched amused, as the girl rolled her eyes and walked away. Lancelot had been watching as well and as Gawain walked back over, Lancelot ran up to him.

"I see your touch with the ladies hasn't changed," he joked.

"She was too young for me anyways," Gawain said, waving his hand.

"Of course," Lancelot said, grinning.

Elizabeth laughed from where she was standing. Life was always entertaining with the knights. Lancelot walked back over to her, shaking his head.

"Lancelot, are we leaving today? Or are we waiting for the other Woads to come?" she asked.

"We're leaving today and Merlin said he hopes to arrive at the wall tomorrow," he answered.

Elizabeth smiled.

Just then a young girl came up and tapped Elizabeth on the shoulder.

"Excuse me, miss. I was wondering if your name happened to be Elizabeth," she asked.

"Aye. It is," Elizabeth answered.

Elizabeth studied the girl. She had dark brown hair and she was short with a muscular build. She looked familiar, but Elizabeth just couldn't place her.

"Do you remember me?" she asked.

"No. Sorry," Elizabeth said, shaking her head.

"I'm your cousin! Cathryn!"

"Oh my-"

"I escaped from the Rebels and Merlin took me in. He said you were safe as well," Cathryn said in one breath.

"I just cannot believe it. I thought my entire family was gone," Elizabeth said, tears springing to her eyes.

Cathryn gave her a big hug and the two just stood there for a few moments. Elizabeth finally grinned at her cousin. Lancelot smiled and headed over to check on his horse.

"I have to go. We're heading back to the wall," she said.

"I'll see you there. Oh, and I have a question. You know Lancelot?" she asked.

Elizabeth nodded and her cheeks turned a slight pink. Her cousin grinned knowingly.

"Can you ask him if he'll teach me how to use two swords?" she asked with a wicked grin.

"Of course," Elizabeth answered.

The two cousins shared one more hug before Elizabeth mounted Darkness. The other knights were already mounted and Arthur was ready to lead them back.

"Your cousin seems very nice," Lancelot said, riding up to her.

"She is very nice. I'm glad she's safe," she said.

Lancelot smiled at her and they urged the horses on. They galloped down the dirt path and back through the forest. Elizabeth watched as the trees rushed by. Darkness played at the bit and shook his head around playfully. The sun shone brightly through the trees and created a display of light and dark. She saw some Woads running through threes as they followed the knights. She smiled to herself. They would be able to take on the Rebels no problem now.

The path began widening and they came out of the woods and into an area of deep, green grass. It swayed slowly in the breeze and it reflected the warm sunlight. The galloped down the hill and Elizabeth looked back and saw Woads crowding at the edge of the forest, watching them. Lancelot pulled his horse back and moved up next to her.

"Interesting how a small skirmish changed Merlin's mind," he said.

"I think it just made the idea of a bigger battle more clear and he might have panicked," she answered.

Mmm. Well, either way, we have a chance," he said grinning.

Elizabeth grinned back.

"I also wanted to ask you, do you want help working with double blades?" he asked.

"Of course! I had my cousin help me mostly, but it would be great if I learned how to actually use them. My other cousin Cathryn would probably like a lesson as well," she said excitedly.

"Alright. Then you can teach me how you get Gawain to shut his mouth so easily," he laughed.

Gawain had obviously heard as he turned his head back and gave them a dirty look.

Elizabeth started laughing again and Darkness flicked his ears back and forth. She pat his neck reassuringly and he picked up his gallop once more. Bors was up in front near Arthur talking very loudly about Vanora and all his children. Galahad was listening and said something witty as Bors reached out to punch him.

Elizabeth rode up to where Arthur was. He looked over at her and smiled.

"Another war," he said wearily.

"Arthur, there is always going to be war. People will never fully agree with each other. It's just a very physical way of solving a...erm...problem," she said.

"That's one way to put it," he said skeptically.

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow and smiled. She stopped her horse a moment and stared after Arthur. He may not like war, but she knew he would lead them out victorious. She kicked Darkness back into a canter and settled in next to Lancelot once more. She relaxed and let the sun soak in. It was such a nice day and the skirmish from earlier was starting to leave her mind. They rode on for a few more hours before the wall came into view. They thundered down the path and the guards began opening the huge gates. The jumped off their horses and people began crowding around them. Their voices rose as questions flew everywhere. Most of them directed at Arthur. He walked into the barn and the knights followed making it impossible for the people to follow Arthur.

"Arthur are you going to tell them?" Elizabeth asked.

"Once they're all together," he answered, while taking his saddle off his horse's back.

Elizabeth led Darkness into his stall and began untacking and taking her saddlebags off the saddle. She threw them over the stall door and Lancelot walked up with a grin on his face.

"You didn't wear your Woad clothing on the journey," he said.

"I'm not a real Woad anymore. I thought I should dress a little more like your people," she said.

"I'm not quite sure which people you're talking about because none of them dress that way," he laughed.

Elizabeth made a face at him. She finished taking Darkness' bridle off and she put everything away. Lancelot was gone when she returned. She led Darkness out to behind the barn and walked him out. Clouds began rolling in and the sun began to shrink. Elizabeth sighed and Darkness butted his head against her shoulder playfully. She played with his ears. A bird flew down from one of the trees and landed on the circular dirt path. It began pecking at the dirt. It heard them approaching and it retreated back to the tree. There was a banging behind her as someone walked into the courtyard. She stopped Darkness and turned him around to see who it was. Lancelot walked up. He had a single flower in his hand.

"This horse has turned into a good mount for you," he commented, looking Darkness over.

"Yes, he's wonderful," she said.

They stood there for a few moments before Elizabeth spoke.

"I'd better bring him in," she said.

Lancelot nodded and placed the flower behind her hair. Elizabeth's cheeks tinged red a little and she led Darkness in. Lancelot watched before shaking his head and returning to where the other knights were.

Arthur was finally talking to the villagers when Elizabeth joined everyone. He was just walking away and the villagers were heading back to their homes.

"How did it go?" she asked Gawain.

"They don't think we should trust the Woads. After all, it is Woads attacking us," he said.

"And?" she pressed.

"Arthur dealt with it alright. They also wanted to know whether to trust you. He quieted them quickly though. Why would you be helping to rescue people if you weren't on our side? Sometimes these people don't think," he said.

Elizabeth was quiet.

"Elizabeth, Arthur knows you're not helping. The villagers just want an easy explanation. Don't worry about it," he said, laying a comforting hand upon her shoulder.

Elizabeth smiled at him gratefully.

"Thanks, Gawain. I think I"m going to go back up to my room," she said.

Gawain nodded as she left.

Elizabeth slowly climbed the steps. She had thought this was her home. The people had accepted her, or so she thought, and now this was like a slap in the face. The flower fell and landed at her feet as she groped for her key. She slowly picked it up and twirled it around between her fingers. The knights didn't listen to the villagers, of course, and knew she was loyal to Arthur. She smiled a little and walked into her room. She placed the flower on the table and began to wash up. She unpacked her saddlebags and hung up her clothes. She picked out a thin dress and pulled it onto her slim frame. She looked in the mirror for a few moments. Her unhappy face looked back. She sighed and decided to go look for Lancelot.

She walked down the stairs and by the round table room. Lancelot was inside sitting around it. He was staring at the small fire going in the center. Elizabeth walked over and sat next to him.

"So many gone," he said.

Elizabeth looked at the fire as well.

"Lancelot, they-"

"Didn't die free. They died in the service to Rome. Dagonet died right before he got his papers. It wasn't fair," he said.

"I understand. I've lost friends and family as well. It gets much easier as time goes on," she said.

"Do you remember any of the other knights?" he asked curiously.

"I always heard stories about the knights. Everyone liked telling about Arthur and his band of undefeated knights," she said smiling.

"Tristan died in the Saxon battle. His hawk flew over the castle for a few days before finally leaving. Everyone misses him very much," he said.

"Yes. I heard a lot of wonderful things about Tristan and would have liked to have met him," she said.

They were quiet and Lancelot came up with an idea.

"Come," he said, taking her hand.

They walked out of the room and outside. He led her down a path that went on for a while before they came to a clearing. It opened into grass mounds with fires going.

"Our cemetery," he said.

Elizabeth let go of his hand and slowly walked around the mounds. All the great knights. This had been their fate. Tears pricked her eyes at the sight of all the graves.

"Tristan?" she asked.

Lancelot walked over to a newer looking grave. Elizabeth slowly got onto her knees before the grave and reached out to touch it with her hand. They stayed at Tristan's grave for some time. Lancelot looked at the grave blankly. He had almost died in this battle as well. A horn sounded in the distance.

"The Woads," Elizabeth said without hesitation.

She got up and ran back towards the castle. Lancelot followed her. As the neared the castle, they saw the gates being pulled open as the Woads marched in. They were a strong force and there were many of them. Merlin was at the front and he greeted Arthur. Elizabeth stayed back and watched. Merlin began giving orders to his people and they began to set up fires and such on the field before the village. Merlin followed Arthur inside the castle. Villagers were staring at the newcomers and some were even insulting them. The Woads ignored it and continued about their business. A rock flew out of the crowd and hit a Woad. They snapped and lunged at the villagers. Lancelot and Elizabeth rushed in. Lancelot drew his blades and they stood between the two groups.

"Return to your homes. I see this again and it will be worth a trial," said Lancelot.

There were yells from the crowd, but Lancelot waved his blade in a fake motion. Elizabeth held back a laugh as the villagers took a step back. Finally, they retreated. The Woads returned to their business and Lancelot put his swords away.

"I need a drink," he said, walking towards the pub.

Elizabeth shook her head and followed. It was getting late and darkness would be here soon. The pub was very dark and only a few people were in it. They walked in and Anne came up to them.

"Where is everyone?" Elizabeth asked her.

"Watching the Woads," said Anne, with a stressed tone in her voice.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing I guess. We're just short help and tonight is bound tog et busy later. Hopefully, more women will come," she said.

And with that she hurried away.

Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders. Lancelot had already gone to get a drink. She saw him deep in conversation with the bartender. He frowned and walked over. They sat down at a table and he quickly filled her in.

"The general feeling from everyone is that they do not want the Woads here at all," he said. "They're afraid they'll attack at night and kill us all. However, the Woads are our only help. I'll never understand people."

Elizabeth laughed.

People started coming into the pub and eventually it filled up. However, there was no sign of the other knights. Elizabeth went over and asked a young barmaid.

"They won't be here tonight, miss," she said, and walked away.

"Vanora probably has Bors home and Gawain and Galahad are probably resting. You should too. You won't heal completely by running around like you always do," he joked.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and they walked out of the bar. The night sky was black and clouds covered the twinkling stars. There was a strong breeze and the air was moist. Elizabeth felt a storm coming on. There were bright fires going down on the field and small tents rose off the ground. She pushed open the door and they headed back into the castle.

"Wait. I think we should go look for the others," he said.

"I thought you said they were inside," Elizabeth asked.

"I just want to make sure."

He ran around the side of the castle and down a path. Elizabeth followed as best she could, ignoring the small pain in her leg. She would need to put more ointment on. Lancelot ran down a set of stairs and they were in Hope Garden. He stopped and looked around.

"We're going to go into the back. Be quiet," he whispered.

Elizabeth nodded and they set off once more.

Everything was dark and still as they rushed by and Elizabeth began getting an eerie feeling. Elizabeth looked up ahead and saw the light on in Maria's kitchen. They knocked on the door and Marian opened it. Lancelot pulled her inside and closed the door. Just as they had closed the door, close to twenty arrows pelted it. Elizabeth's face turned white.

"Maria, have you seen Bors, Gawain, and Galahad?" he asked her, out of breath.

"They're upstairs in their rooms I believe. I just sent girls up there to make sure they didn't need anything. They just came back when I opened the door," she said.

Lancelot breathed a sigh of relief and he grabbed a long butcher knife.

"What are you doing?" Maria asked shrilly.

"We have a Rebel Woad problem outside," he said with a grin.

He handed the knife to Elizabeth and he drew his blades. Maria rolled her eyes and watched as Lancelot led Elizabeth out a side window. They crouched low to the ground and got to a spot where they could see the Rebels. He had taken several knives from the kitchen. He threw them like daggers at the Woads and heard gasps as several fell to their feet. He threw a few more and they heard more fall. Lancelot backed up and walked back along the castle and disappeared into the bushes he went around and got behind the Rebels. He drew his blades and Elizabeth heard the cutting noise. She ran forward as well with her knife out. She stuck the knife in one's stomach and saw Lancelot swinging his swords around in front of her. There were only a few left and about ten lay on the ground with knives embedded in them. A Rebel brought his knife down and hit hers. The blade separated from the hilt and she was left weaponless. She rolled away as he tried to stab at her. She picked up a rock and chucked it at his head and groped for the blade of her knife. She found it and carefully picked it up and threw it at the man. He fell to the ground and her dress was spattered with blood. Lancelot walked over and saw the butcher knife. He shrugged his shoulders.

"That was one way to use it," he said.

They stacked the Woads in a pile and left them there.

"Arthur will have men put them outside the wall tomorrow," he said.

Elizabeth nodded and they headed back in to see Maria. She shook her head as they walked through and went back to kneading her bread.

When Elizabeth returned to her room, she slowly took off the bloody dress and replaced it with a clean nightgown. She washed her face again and went and stoked the fire. She locked her window and got some polish for her sword. She rubbed the soft cloth along the blade and admired its beauty. Lancelot knocked on the door and she let him in. He picked up the blade.

"You are going to ruin the polish," she said grinning.

"And then what, fair maiden?" he questioned.

"Then you will have to re-polish it tomorrow while all your friends are at the pub," she said slyly.

Lancelot smiled and put the sword back on the table where it lay forgotten.

Lancelot pulled Elizabeth into his arms and kissed her. She kissed back and they fell onto the bed. Elizabeth looked over at the door and saw that it was shut and locked. She pushed him away and got up to distinguish the candles and check the lock. She went back to the bed and sat down.

"Lancelot do you believe in this war?" she asked.

"Aye," he said.

"Why?"

"I don't really know. What about you?" he asked, giving her one of his charismatic grins.

"I think I do believe in it. I don't know why, but I think I'll figure out soon enough," she said, smiling back.

"She was in his arms again and all that was left for light was the soft glow of burning coals from the fire.