Chapter 16: Sacrifice
Rain pounded the foggy window, some of it making its way in around cracks, creating a small puddle on the wooden floor. A horn blew outside and Elizabeth's eyes flew open. This was it. She carefully slid off the bed, trying not to wake Lancelot. She hurriedly dressed in her leather skirt, light shirt, sleeveless chain mail shirt, and leather jerkin. She didn't tie everything up to the top. She left them open, which would make it easier for her to breathe. Having everything tight around her neck would make her hot and tired. She buckled her sword and knives around her waist. She was pulling on her boots when Lancelot woke up. He saw her dressed and his face dropped.
"It is the day?" he asked.
"Aye."
He nodded and went into his room. Elizabeth put a new string on her bow and filled her quiver. Everything was ready. She braided her hair and pulled it back. It didn't stay and some fell out, creating a messy bun at the back of her head. She rolled her eyes and opened the door. Lancelot stood there. Armor on, a black cape over his shoulders.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Of course," Elizabeth replied with a grin.
They headed down the stairs out to the stables. The other knights were there as well, all in their armor. Everyone had heard the horn. They readied the horses and Elizabeth put Darkness' armor on. Lancelot had given it to her with Darkness. He pawed the ground and she buckled the chest piece. She put the bridle on and put a face mask on over it. It had a running horse on the head. She suddenly remembered she had forgotten her banner. She shrugged and continued getting ready. Darkness was ready and she pulled herself up into the saddle. She was the last one out. Arthur nodded to her and they set off down to the Woad's camp. Arthur handed Lancelot his horse's reins and he went into Merlin's tent.
"Well boys, let's show these Rebels exactly who they're up against," Bors said.
The knights yelled loudly and several Woads gave them odd looks. Elizabeth smiled. Her stomach was churning. So much could happen in just one battle.
Gawain moved his horse over to where Elizabeth was. He took her hand.
"Fair lady, it has been a pleasure making your acquaintance," he said dramatically.
"Your's as well, Sir Knight," she replied.
Gawain gave her a grin. Elizabeth gave a small laugh and Arthur came out of the tent, Merlin in tow. Elizabeth diverted her eyes. She could tell he might be a bit disappointed with her decision.
"Knights, Merlin will rouse his men," Arthur said.
Just then, a rider on a bay horse came galloping down to the men. It was Guinevere in her revealing warrior outfit and a quiver strapped to her back. She gave them a big grin and Elizabeth returned it. Guinevere stopped her horse next to Elizabeth and looked at Merlin. He gave her a nod and Guinevere smiled back. Arthur's eyes were on Guinevere and Lancelot gave him a hard nudge in the ribs. Arthur shook his head.
"Merlin, we will wait for you," Arthur said.
Merlin nodded and walked back into the camp. Several Woads looked out at them, very few had looks of distrust on their faces. One of them Elizabeth recognized. Ramon's woman. Elizabeth turned Darkness away and cantered up the hill. Guinevere followed her. Behind them, the knights wheeled their horses around and they followed the two women.
"She would have been quite a fearful leader if she remained with the Woads," Galahad commented to Lancelot.
"She can be fearful no matter what she is doing," he replied, laughing.
They made it up into the village and Arthur went through, picking out the young boys who had been training. He warned the villagers to create a defense here and to prepare. Bors dismounted behind him and found Vanora and few of his children. He kissed her and took her hands. Elizabeth watched, really getting the feeling how bad this could all turn out. She looked over at Lancelot who was next to her. He caught her worried expression.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"I'm fine. Just some negative thoughts," she replied.
He took her hand.
"Everything will be fine," he said.
Elizabeth looked him in the eyes, not believing him. He was unsure as well, or as his eyes told her. She just nodded. Arthur returned and mounted his horse. He led them away from the village and out behind the wall. He brought them around to the side and they wove in between the homes. When they stopped, he dismounted and the knights followed suit.
"I have villagers here sending up a thick smoke incase any Rebels try to raid while we're away. I also have some guards and boys here. Merlin agreed to leaving Woads as well. We're going to split up in the forest. Keep your shields up. Hopefully, they'll underestimate the numbers and waste everything on us. Keep pushing on, there's an open plain at the end and we'll beat them down there. Be careful and try not to get killed," he said, giving the knights meaningful glances.
They all nodded and remounted. Elizabeth took a deep breath and urged Darkness on. The black stallion tossed his head and lengthened his great stride. Lancelot rode up next to her and they galloped behind Arthur. Merlin met them behind the villages. His Woads painted and ready. They quietly crept into the forest and got off the path. Merlin nodded to Arthur.
"Good luck, Arturius," he said.
He spoke to Guinevere and Elizabeth in their own language before heading back down to the camp.
"Arturius!"
Bors let out his wild cry and the knights surged forward into the forest. The horses pulled at the bits and galloped through. They stayed on the path and continued down. Elizabeth saw Woads following them on the side, barely making a sound. Arthur slowed his horse, suspicious.
"Maybe it was a trick to get us into the forest," Gawain said.
An arrow whizzed by their heads.
"Cover!" Arthur yelled.
They raised their shields and galloped on. Elizabeth saw the plain up ahead of them. It was almost too late when she realized what the Rebels were planning. All their strength would be out on the plain, waiting for them to reach the edge of the forest, putting them in range of arrows.
"Arthur! Wait!"
Arthur pulled back, arrows tinging off his shield.
"We cannot enter the field. They'll pick us off one by one," she said.
"So what do we do?" he asked.
"We need to turn back and run. I have a plan," she said.
" We cannot run, Elizabeth-"
"We have to. There's no other option," she said, her voice filled with urgency.
Lancelot moved his shield to ward off an arrow coming at his face.
"Arthur, listen to her!" he yelled.
Arthur turned his horse around and they galloped out of the forest. As they neared the end, the arrows ceased. They made their way out and the Woads were in front of them. They had made it back.
"We heard your lady tell you to turn back," one explained.
Arthur sighed before turning on Elizabeth.
"I want to hear that plan, now," he said.
"We go around and come up behind them," she said.
Arthur shook his head.
"It will take too long. Also, the villagers will be here unprotected-"
"Not if you know the shortcuts," she replied with a mischievous grin.
"How?"
"You cut through the forest, far enough away so we miss the plain, but there's a hidden path that will bring us up behind them, in their camps. We can obliterate them. The Woads will have to come. Once we hit the forest they can go out. It will work," she said.
Arthur sighed.
"It's the only other plan we have right now. We leave now. Gawain, go tell the villagers and Merlin. Meet us before the gate," he said.
Gawain nodded and kicked his horse into a quick canter.
The rest of them galloped down the path and out towards the gate of the wall. Elizabeth rode up next to Arthur. She hadn't realized quite how long the road out to the wall was. She had ridden it before, but she hadn't been in such a rush. They reached the gate and Gawain was already there. Two guards opened the great gates and the knights poured out, the Woads running behind them. Some of the Woads had horses and they doubled up on them. Arthur slowed his horse to save everyone's energy.
"Elizabeth, what if the Rebels know of our plan?" Lancelot asked.
"They won't. One thing about the Rebels, they would never think of this," she said.
"Are you certain?" he asked.
"Life isn't even certain," she replied.
Lancelot rolled his eyes. Elizabeth grinned.
They rode on for a while and the sky began to darken. Guinevere flew by them and talked to Arthur at the front. They pulled their horses to a halt and everyone stopped behind them. Elizabeth could see the forest from where they stood.
"We are close," she said.
"Good. We will camp here and leave before dawn," Arthur said.
The knights dismounted and gathered materials for a fire. Elizabeth let Darkness go after putting a light blanket on him. She sat down next to the fire and held her hands out. It certainly got cold out here at night, but then again, she had always been cold when she lived with her father, so she never noticed. This was her chance for revenge against her father. All those years. Now she could finally bring down everything he had stood for. Lancelot interrupted her thoughts as he sat down next to her. He took one of her hands.
"Your hands are cold," he said.
"I guess I'm just nervous," she said.
Gawain walked by and nudged Lancelot's shoulder and gave him a knowing smile. Lancelot threw him a somewhat dirty look and chucked a thick stick at him. Gawain just laughed and walked away.
"When we get back, I have a friend who wants to meet Gawain. She has a bucket filled with trough water," Elizabeth said.
Lancelot laughed.
The Woads had their own fires going a few feet away. The knights crowded around the one they built and everyone was silent. Elizabeth felt her eyes droop. She rested her head against a tree and closed her eyes. She heard Lancelot move a little closer and pull his knife out. He held it in his hand, ready for an attack.
Birds twittered noisily as Lancelot shook Elizabeth from her sleep.
"Hurry, we must leave," he said.
Elizabeth got up and pulled darkness' blanket off. She put it in her saddle bag and mounted. She was the last one on. Her leg was barely over the side when Arthur moved on. Darkness galloped after him.
They seemed to be going forever when Elizabeth noticed an area that was very familiar. There was a small gate in the wall, hidden by dense trees and bushes. It was something only she knew of. Arthur unlocked it and they went through.
"Arthur! This is it!" she yelled.
Arthur stopped his horse and Elizabeth rode up to him.
"I want you to lead us in from here. You're the only one that knows the route," he said.
Elizabeth nodded and kicked Darkness on. They rode into the dark forest. The trees swayed and every shadow made Elizabeth jump in her saddle. Darkness, sensing her unease, spooked and flinched at every crack of a twig. Thoughts swirled through her mind like snow on the wind. What if she was wrong and the Rebels knew of her route? What if she was responsible for all their deaths? What would happen if they all lived? Her heart skipped as Lancelot's face came to her eyes. How foolish she was acting. She had never acted like this before she had been rescued. A bird flew right in front of her face and she was taken out of her thoughts. Lancelot was beside her.
"How much further?" he asked.
"Not much. The Woads are out in the forest waiting for my signal. As long as you knights can obliterate them, then it shall be easy," she replied with a teasing grin.
Lancelot playfully punched her arm. Darkness spooked and Elizabeth gently scolded him.
"You silly stallion," she murmured, stroking his neck.
"I'm not silly," Lancelot protested.
Elizabeth glared at him, but they both started laughing.
It was an odd sound. It echoed through the forest and mirthfully bounced off the branches of the trees. In this desolate place, it sounded unfitting. Elizabeth wiped a lone tear from her cheek. A smile still spread wide across her face.
"Is everything alright?" Arthur asked.
"Aye. Just said something funny," Lancelot replied.
Elizabeth nodded and they traveled on. They wove around the path. Soon they came to another opening and Elizabeth saw the plain. The Rebels had their backs to them and they were repairing weapons. Elizabeth heard the Woads waiting her command. This was going to be bloody and very unorganized. It was last minute and they didn't have much back-up. She turned around in her saddle and Arthur came to the front.
"We need to just ride out as fast as we can and fire arrows upon them. The Woads will follow suit, but they'll be hidden. Don't ride right into them and stay out of range. Your bows will reach them," she whispered.
The knights nodded and readied their bows. Elizabeth took a deep breath and followed suit. They edged out and Arthur put his hand up. A volley of arrows flew and landed in the Rebel ranks taking down a few dozen. The Rebels turned and screamed. They in turn fired arrows, but they fell short. The Woads in the forest fired as well and hit many targets, but the arrows alone were not enough for the thousands of Rebels. Arthur noticed the same thing.
"Prepare for hand to hand," he yelled.
The knights drew their swords, Guinevere went into the woods and found the Woads. Elizabeth drew her sword and got into line beside Lancelot.
"Dragon formation!" Arthur yelled.
Lancelot had explained it to Elizabeth and she took the spot held by a previous knight. The knights were fired upon, but the arrows glanced off their shields. The Rebels drew their crude swords and rushed forward. The front line was cut down by the dragon, but the second line was smarter and scattered. The knights split up and fought against waves of Rebels who rushed at them. There were dozens around just one knight. Many Rebels recognized Elizabeth, and mostly the men, attacked her and tried to pull her from Darkness. Darkness reared and kicked out, protecting his mistress. The Rebels were relentless though and they soon overpowered Darkness. Elizabeth caught a glance at the knights. Less and less Rebels were crowded around them. They were coming to help with her. The knights effortlessly beat the Rebels back. In the woods, the Woads fired incessantly. She heard Guinevere's war cry and the Woads rushed out. Elizabeth slashed at the Rebels around her. She cut one's face and he clawed at it desperately as he fell to the ground. She cut off another's arms and she cut several others' chests. It made no difference. They still piled upon her and tried to unhorse her.
Lancelot saw she was in danger and galloped over. Elizabeth kicked Darkness and the great horse pushed his way through the crowd, bucking and rearing, making it hard for Elizabeth to stay on. It worked. They were out, but the horde of Rebels chased them.
"Damn. Don't they ever get tired," Elizabeth muttered.
Lancelot rode up next to her.
"I don't think so," he said grinning.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself," she said crossly.
"Just doing my job," he said with mock seriousness.
Elizabeth stuck her tongue out and stuck her sword through another Rebel. As she leaned over to pull the sword out, a Rebel jumped up on Darkness and grabbed her neck. Darkness whirled around trying to rid himself of the Rebel. Lancelot finally cut the man's head off, his blood spilling unto Darkness' flanks. Darkness whinnied in distress and Elizabeth pushed the man off with her sword.
"Lancelot, we cannot hold them ourselves," she said, her voice tired.
"We're going to have to. Everyone else is busy," he said, killing another Rebel.
Elizabeth made a face and crossed blades with another Rebel. He gave her a cunning grin and twisted his blade, pulling her out of the saddle. She tumbled to the ground and hurriedly got up, catching a short knife on her shoulder. She gave a low cry and attacked the Rebels.
"Elizabeth!" Lancelot yelled. He trotted his horse over and viciously slashed at the Rebels. Darkness moved out of the fray. His eyes rolled, showing the whites. He reared and attacked any Rebels who came near him.
Elizabeth fought three Rebels at once using a long knife and her sword. However, other Rebels came in and got their swords as close as they could. She had several cut on her arms and her jerkin was pretty slashed up. She had a cut across her chest, missing her throat.
Lancelot got up close and was a horrifying image with his twin blades. He looked as if he was going to dismount and Elizabeth turned.
"No! Stay on!" she yelled.
She flinched as a Rebel smacked her back with his blade, knocking the wind out of her, but not getting anywhere thanks to the chain mail.
Lancelot jumped off and attacked the Rebels. He got at Elizabeth's back and fought Rebel after Woad. Elizabeth locked blades with one, killed them and another came on. Sweat dripped down her weary face. Her hair was no longer wild, but limp and liquid filled. She was covered in her own blood and the blood of others. She swayed, as another sword bit into her arm. She cleared her head, desperately not wanting to join the carpet of Rebels on the grass.
They fought on. Rebels falling at the tip of her sword. She felt Lancelot moving quickly behind her. The Rebels seemed a bit frightened of him, but they persisted. Suddenly, it was as if a magic wind came and blew everything off the field. The Rebels ran and formed a line in front of their camp. A tall, built Rebel leader walked out, a large metal weapon in his hand. It looked like a mace, but more deadly. He walked calmly over to them. Lancelot stood ready, determination in his eyes.
Elizabeth knew this Rebel.
"Lancelot, go. I can handle this," she said.
Lancelot moved beside her, keeping one eye on the enemy.
"Elizabeth-"
"Go! Get Arthur. Once this man is dead, the others will be easy to take. Make haste!" she said.
Lancelot didn't move. The Rebel was still coming at them. Elizabeth pushed Lancelot away and pulled out another sword she hadn't used yet. Arthur galloped up with the knights. All roughed up, but not dead. Lancelot's horse and Darkness rushed over and Lancelot mounted.
"Lancelot, stay here," Arthur said.
"Arthur-"
"Give Elizabeth a chance. We're right here," he said.
The other Rebels rushed around their leader at the knights. The battle began once again. The knights took down Rebel after Rebel. Fire was thrown from the camp, missing the small targets of the knights and Woads.
Elizabeth circled around the Rebel. He swung the mace and gave her a tooth rotted grin.
"Remember me?" he asked.
"Yes. You haven't changed one wit," she said through gritted teeth.
"Your friends left you," he said.
"I told them too. They won't be killed on my account," she replied
"Ah. So you realize this is personal," he cackled.
Elizabeth nodded and swung her blades in her hands.
"Swords eh?" he said.
He dropped the mace in the ground, making a thunderous noise. Two Rebels brought him long swords. He gave Elizabeth a another grin before attacking.
She had fought against Lancelot many times, but this man's style was no where near as good as Lancelot's. She could handle the swords, not his size.
She was completely right as they crossed blades and the man put his weight behind it. Elizabeth pushed back with all her strength, making no difference. He smiled wider.
"You're mine, witch," he whispered.
Elizabeth's eyes widened and she swung the blade, catching the man's light shirt and cutting his middle. He narrowed his eyes and returned the favor. Elizabeth danced away and got ready again. He came running at her. She dodged and sliced at his side as he went by. She caught him and he cried out. He whistled and three other good sized Rebels came out.
"Arthur!" Lancelot called.
He saw everything. He whipped his horse around and galloped over towards the fray. Elizabeth swung her blade around in an arc and dodged Rebels. She was out numbered and outweighed. The men were getting hurt, but taking it. She killed one, which angered the others. They attacked more viciously.
Lancelot strung his bow and launched an arrow. It stuck in the throat of a Rebel.
"Two down, two to go," he said.
He readied another arrow, but didn't get a chance to shoot as a Rebel ran up and pulled him off his horse.
"Lancelot!" Elizabeth screamed.
The big Rebel gabbed her and held a knife at her neck.
"Come with us and he gets away unharmed. Promise to come. Now!" he yelled.
Elizabeth saw Lancelot's face. He shook his head 'No' as he fought the Rebels off.
"Yes, I'll come. Please let him go," she said.
The Rebels grinned and the leader whistled. The few remaining Rebels ran back to camp. Lancelot got up and mounted his horse, ready to chase after Elizabeth. The leader turned around and looked him in the eye.
"You chase her, we'll kill her," he threatened.
Lancelot stopped.
Elizabeth fought her captors and finally, sick of it, the leader punched her in the stomach. She buckled and fell. He tossed her over his shoulder like she was a sack of grain. Arthur cantered over.
"Lancelot, come. The Rebels have nothing left. Maybe a dozen men. Guinevere took care of the women," he said.
"Arthur, Elizabeth is captured," Lancelot said, outraged.
"I'm not going to risk everything right now. It could be a trap. We need to come up with a plan," he said.
He saw Lancelot's face and put an encouraging hand on his shoulder.
"I promise you we will save her," he said.
With that, he turned his horse and they galloped out. Guinevere burst through the woods, her people behind her. The made it out of the forest and headed home.
The leaders threw Elizabeth onto a lumpy bed in a large hut. They spoke to each other in their own language.
"We have her. What are we going to do with her now?" one asked.
"I think his brother would like her. After all, she did kill his family," another said.
"She's going to be another problem. We should execute her on the spot. It's been owed to her," a leader said.
"She is beautiful, why not enjoy her first," the first one cackled wickedly.
The other murmured their agreement.
Another Rebel entered the tent. He dropped his weapons at the door and his eyes fell upon the unconscious Elizabeth.
"Fools. The knight they call Lancelot will be upon our doorstep before you can wake her up and lock her away. Have you not heard the rumor?" he yelled.
"Sir, she is owed death. Do you have any idea how she has betrayed us and treated us?"
"I know of it. But, you have given the knights another reason to return. They have already obliterated us. All we have left are twelve men."
"So we'll trap them."
"It won't work. They have Guinevere with them. And this witch probably told them all our plans," he said giving Elizabeth a disgusted look.
"So what are we to do with her?"
"Many things. Pleasure, bait, and a tool. We can get Arthur's man to do many things for us if she belongs to him," the leader replied.
Elizabeth groaned and rubbed her head. She sat up and when she was able to focus, she screamed.
"Let me go!"
She jumped off the table, only to be pulled back by a chain. She fell to the floor. Tears dripped from her eyes. They left dark marks on the floor as the mingled with the blood and grime on her cheeks.
"Now why would we give away such precious gold?" the leader sneered.
Elizabeth spit at his feet. Her eyes filled with hostility.
"I believe you found yourself in this same position a couple years ago. Your behavior got you no where then, it still won't now," he said.
Elizabeth glared at him, looking almost as bad as she had the first time she had been brought in.
"What do you want from me?" she asked.
"Well eventually, you will die. But before that, we need several favors, which I know you will do willingly if you don't plan on dying early," he said, threatening her with a blade.
"No. Kill me here. I won't betray those who helped me," she said.
"Either way, your dear Lancelot will die. We will kill Arthur and his men," he said.
Elizabeth's eyes widened. She was silent.
"That is better. First, you will go to your husband's brother. He gets what he wants from you. Then when your knight in shining armor gets here, you can cut his throat. It is either you do it, or I will kill you both. Which would you prefer? I kill him or you do?"
Elizabeth lowered her head. They freed her hands and pulled her to her feet. Her wounds oozed blood and puss, her hair was a mess, and her eyes were red.
"Take her to my wife," the leader said.
"She is dead, my lord."
The leader, outraged, slapped Elizabeth across the face.
"Go as you are!" he roared.
The men dragged Elizabeth from the room to a smaller hut. Inside was her nightmare.
"Arthur, I'm going back," Lancelot said.
The knights were halfway home, having exited the gate and once on the outside, galloped the whole way.
"No, Lancelot they're going to use her and trick us. We need Merlin's help. Please come back," he said.
"Arthur, I cannot. She sacrificed herself so they would leave us. Do you have any idea how they were treating her?" he yelled.
Arthur didn't reply. He continued galloping. Lancelot looked behind him once before kicking his horse on. The sooner they got to Merlin, the sooner they could return.
They galloped over the plains and finally reached the wall. The galloped through the gate. Villagers lined the walk and cheered as they galloped through. There obviously hadn't been an attack here and everyone was fine. Lancelot heard some murmurs as he cantered alone.
"The girl. Did she die?" one asked.
"Impossible," another retorted.
Lancelot blocked them out and put a forced smile on his face. Gawain and Galahad had depressed looks on their faces and Guinevere was quiet.
"We need to get Elizabeth," Galahad said quietly to the others.
"We'll be crushed if we go alone," Gawain replied.
"The Woads. Elizabeth is one of them. They will help," Guinevere said.
The others nodded and turned the horses around. Arthur and Bors stopped.
"Arthur, I'm sorry. She could be dead if we wait any longer," Gawain said.
Arthur looked at Bors, who smiled.
"Come," Arthur said.
They galloped off after the others, leaving some very confused villagers behind. Arthur caught up with Lancelot and smiled.
"Who needs plans?" he said.
The two friends laughed and galloped out the gates. Guinevere entered the woods behind the gate with the Woads and was waiting there for the knights to reach the plain. The horses were tired, but they galloped as fast as they could. They reached the hidden door and when they were inside, they stayed in a slow canter the rest of the way as to save some energy. Lancelot saw the plain ahead and they slowed to a walk and finally a halt. Now they would devise a plan.
Elizabeth moved gracefully along the dirt floor. The man she hated watched her hungrily as she performed a traditional dance. Her eyes filled with tears. Lancelot had asked her to sing and dance once, but she had refused. Now here she was, dancing for her enemy. The man clapped when she had finished.
"I'll be back. Don't move, or else you know what will happen," he said evilly.
He chained her to a post in the hut and walked out, the flap swinging behind him. Elizabeth let the tears come freely and she hung her head. Her greasy golden hair falling into the dirt.
Suddenly, the tent flap opened and Elizabeth looked up, ready for more punishment. It never came.
"Quiet."
It was Lancelot.
He walked over to her and quickly kissed her before starting to get the chain off.
"You look terrible. Have they even fed you?" he asked.
Elizabeth raised her eyebrow and he smiled.
"You're free," he said as the chain fell to the floor.
Elizabeth rubbed her wrist and Lancelot helped her to her feet. Just as she stood up, footsteps rang outside.
"Quick, get down," he whispered.
Elizabeth threw herself down on the floor and pretended to be dead. The hated man entered the tent, his face turned to outrage as he saw Lancelot. Lancelot quickly killed him before the man could say anything. Hearing the ruckus, more Rebels came, each falling at Lancelot's sword. Finally the leader walked in, his face lighting up at the sight of Lancelot.
"You think once you kill me, this battle is over. You're wrong. Our allies are in the camp as we speak," the leader sneered.
The leader ran at Lancelot and Lancelot blocked with his blades. They circled around each other. Swinging wildly and lunging. Elizabeth cracked one eye open and watched. Lancelot was smaller than the Rebel, despite the fact he was almost 6 feet tall. The two men swung at each other and bore down, trying to push the other to the ground. Lancelot freed one blade and ran it along the Rebel's side. The Rebel fell, dropping his sword. Lancelot ran over to Elizabeth and took her blue fingers in his hands. He warmed them with his hands. They were both looking down when the Rebel rose and picked his bow up. He shot quick.
"Lancelot!" she yelled.
They ducked, but the arrow still caught him near his shoulder. Elizabeth whipped her dagger out and threw it with all her might. She buried it in the leader's dark heart. He died, a half crazed smile on his face. She swayed on her feet, not having any energy. She collapsed near Lancelot and crawled over. She placed a cold hand on his face.
"Well, it took two people, but he's dead," Lancelot laughed hoarsely.
He lay uncomfortably on his side, the arrow protruding from his back. Elizabeth felt more tears slide down her face.
"Why are you crying?" he asked in a low whisper.
"Because now everything is ruined."
"What's ruined?"
"Everything."
"Well I know-"
They stopped talking as the tent flap moved. Arthur ran in. He stopped when he saw the arrow. His face twitched with emotion as he looked at them. He started to pick Elizabeth up.
"No, take Lancelot first. I've waited all day to be healed, I can wait longer," she said.
Arthur nodded and gingerly helped Lancelot to his feet.
"Arthur, the allies-"
"Guinevere took care of them. Everything is over," Arthur said.
Lancelot nodded and they walked out of the tent. Gawain and Galahad walked in and seeing Elizabeth, their faces lit with joy.
"I've always wanted to hold you," Gawain said, his voice teasing.
Elizabeth weakly tried to hit him, but didn't have enough strength. Together they carried her out of the hut. Darkness whinnied from where he was standing. He had followed the knights and was overjoyed at the sight of Elizabeth.
"Put me down," she told them
They shrugged and Elizabeth stepped onto unsteady legs. She grabbed Darkness' mane and Gawain helped her into the saddle. Her glorious warrior outfit was shredded and the light shirt revealed much of her chest. She was a mess. Galahad jumped up behind her and Darkness carried them home behind the knights.
They cut across the plain and went through the woods. They came out behind the village. And once again villagers cheered. There were less confused faces as they saw Elizabeth. However, concern became evident as they saw her state. Elizabeth and Lancelot were brought immediately up to their rooms and healers rushed up.
The healer tending to Elizabeth was in shock. The injuries she had sustained were awful. This was going to take up a pretty good chunk of the night. She had her assistant help her bathe and re-clothe her and then she set about seeing what needed to be sewn and what needed just ointment. Elizabeth had a blooming bruise covering her cheek. Her arms had cuts and gashes all over them. She had a long, somewhat deep cut down her leg that needed stitching. The healer sighed and set to work.
Next door, Lancelot's arrow wound was being seen to. He had woken up, but passed out again once the procedure had started. The arrow was removed easily enough, but then they had to disinfect and bandage the wound. The healer shook her head. It was the same wound he had received last year. She would never understand how he always got away alive. The arrow always missed certain areas by a few centimeters. He was lucky.
Several hours later, the healers left, nodding to each other as they left.
Down in the pub, the knights were somewhat subdued. Two close friends in one day. Gawain raised his mug. The others followed suit, knowing exactly what they were toasting to. Barmaids asked for Lancelot and Gawain became so angry he chucked ale at one. Bors laughed, the first sound of mirth all night.
"Sorry, was just so funny," he said.
The knights smiled.
Guinevere was in her room washing her paint off. Her people had done good. Very few deaths and some good sized victories. She knew Elizabeth would pull through. She would go up and visit her later. Arthur knocked on her door and she let him in. They embraced.
"I'm worried about Lancelot and Elizabeth," he said.
"They'll be fine. Just a few scratches," Guinevere said reassuringly.
Arthur nodded and they walked out of the room.
Elizabeth moved up on her bed, her breathing quick, in pace with her dream.
The night was dark and the moon was the only source of light. It poured down over the lake, illuminating it. A girl ran along the shores, her hair flowing behind her. She laughed and stopped to wait for another girl to catch up. They picked a few rocks up from the sand and skimmed them across the surface. The rocks formed ripples across the water. The ripples spread and the whirled around. They seemed to spin and spin. The older girl was pulled into them. The other girl yelled, but no sound came from her mouth.
The whirl pool became bigger and started moving towards shore. The girl watched as a wall of towering water built above her head. IT crashed down on her and pulled her into the lake.
Elizabeth sat up, her heart beating a mile a minute. Her body ached and her head throbbed. She gently placed her cold hand on her forehead and closed her eyes. Instead of the welcome darkness, she watched as an arrow flew and hit Lancelot. Her eyes were opened wide again and she made her decision. She gingerly got out of bed, using her night stand to steady herself. She slowly made her way to the door, stopping to catch her breath when she reached the handle. She pushed the heavy door open and used the wall to make it to the next door. She knocked softly and a healer opened it. She gave Elizabeth an encouraging smile and a slight bow.
"May I have a moment with him?" she asked.
The healer nodded and left the room.
Elizabeth pulled a chair over to the bed and sat down. There was a bowl of water and with a cloth next to her. She dipped it in the water and she placed the cold cloth on Lancelot's head, humming an old song as she did. She heard the door open again and turned to ask the healer for more time. Only it wasn't the healer, it was Arthur.
"Sad times these are," he said.
Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
"He will be fine. He has pulled through worse," he said.
"I do not find that hard to believe," Elizabeth replied with a smile.
"How are you feeling, Elizabeth?" Arthur asked.
"Not the greatest. I had a bad dream and wanted to be here," she said.
"You should return to your room," he said, worried.
"I will. He doesn't seem as if he will wake," she said.
Arthur nodded and helped her to her room. Elizabeth laid down on her bed and watched the windows. The wind was strong and the rain pelted the windows, trying to reach the warmth inside and kill it. Elizabeth shivered at the mere thought and stared back at the roaring fire. She closed her eyes and a black horse galloped across her lashes, its mane free in the wind, its tail of another world. Her dreams were that of her childhood. Knights and horses.
Elizabeth opened her eyes and the room was darker. The fire was lower and the rain still pelted the windows. A knock on the door had been the reason for her to wake.
"Come in," she called.
She watched hopefully for Lancelot. It was Guinevere. She hurried over to the bed and gave her a gentle hug.
"I'm so relieved you're all right," Guinevere said.
Elizabeth nodded and gave her a smile.
"I know you're worried about Lancelot, but you need to rest-"
"I'm fine. I know he'll be alright," Elizabeth said quickly.
Guinevere gave her friend a hug.
"When you are better, we'll go visit Merlin and all the places from our childhood," she said.
Elizabeth smiled.
"I cannot wait," she said.
Guinevere gave her one last hug before leaving. Elizabeth laid her head back on the pillows. She was going to go crazy if she had to stay in bed. Her view on the matter was that the more you did, the quicker you regained your strength. You just built up to it a little at a time. She shifted around uncomfortably. This was going to be a long month. She dearly hoped it was no longer than a month, hopefully less. She sighed. She still felt awful. Lancelot was hurt, because of her. Everyone had been so nice and she had put them through all of this. The leader had told her something interesting. Her vision blurred with tears as she thought of it.
"We have our prize. Nothing else matters," the leader had said.
"This is all?" another asked.
"She has been our greatest offender. She ran away, she dishonored her family, and she killed her own people. A witch, a monster. We can finally repay her," he had replied.
"What of the knights?"
"They will get theirs soon enough. This is satisfying enough for now," the leader said smugly.
Elizabeth shivered at the memory. Horrible, awful. She started when the door opened. Her heart stopped as a pale Lancelot made his way over to her. She gave him a wide smile and got up, ignoring the pain and she quickly got off the bed.
"Your nurse will kill me," he said, grinning.
"She will not care," Elizabeth replied, the tears returning.
Lancelot gave her a soft kiss and sat down on the bed.
"Why did you stay?" Elizabeth asked.
"Here? I stayed because my friends were here. Nothing left for me back home. I'll return someday," he said.
Elizabeth laughed.
"Wish I had something that was happy to return to someday," she said.
"You do, the Woads."
"Not really, I'm not really one of them anymore. I don't think I ever really was. My father was not my father. My mother's first husband was a knight. He had disappeared or died, I was never sure. My father took my mother in, but slowly fell to evil. My mother only told me stories, but father never liked them. All I have are memories," she said.
Lancelot raised his eyebrows.
"That is some story," he said.
Elizabeth laughed.
"Really Elizabeth, they wouldn't have followed us to save you if they didn't consider you one of them," he said.
Elizabeth just gave a small smile.
"So how are you feeling? I believe that was the second time," she said.
Lancelot gave a small laugh.
"Aye," he said.
"This is going to be boring," she sighed, looking out the window.
"Maybe they'll let us outside, I mean we do need fresh air," he said, giving her a meaningful glare.
Elizabeth laughed.
She got out of bed and took his hand.
"Come on. We're going down to visit everyone," she said.
"Wait-"
"I'm feeling much better already. I can handle seeing Bors' face," she joked.
Lancelot shook his head and they headed down to the pub.
The knights weren't there. They went around to the stable, but no one was there as well.
"Let's try the round table. They could be there with Arthur," Lancelot said.
Elizabeth nodded and they went back inside. A healer came running around the corner and Lancelot pulled her into a vacant room.
"I cannot find them anywhere!" one said in exasperation.
Elizabeth stifled a laugh and they continued on once the healers left. They made it down to the Round Table and pushed the heavy door open. Bors stood up, a cup of ale in his hand. He rushed over to them and picked Elizabeth up, giving her a massive bear hug.
"Bors, I"m still sore!" she choked.
"Sorry, love," he said, putting her down.
"I see you both are feeling much better to come down here," Galahad said.
"We're strong enough to walk down a few stairs," Lancelot said.
Just then a red faced healer burst through the two doors and yelled at Arthur.
"I cannot find my patients!" she screamed.
Arthur raised an eyebrow.
"You-"
She stopped short as she caught sight of Elizabeth and Lancelot. With an exasperated sigh, she shook her head.
"An hour, the most, then you need to return to your rooms," she said.
The healer exited and Bors laughed, soon being joined by the others.
An hour flew by. The tired hands of time continued on their trip as the sun fled from the sky, leaving long shadows on the wall. A small shaft of light poked through the one tiny window in the room, dust particles caught in its ray. Elizabeth yawned as her heavy eye lids drooped. The knights were loud and joyous. Drink had been brought and passed around, adding to the excitement. Elizabeth stood up and started making her way to the door. Gawain and Bors, noticing her movement, jumped up, mugs of ale in hand.
"Wonderful idea! To the pub!" they both yelled.
Elizabeth held the door open as the men rushed out. Arthur and Guinevere followed close behind. Lancelot stopped at the door.
"Do you have enough strength to go out to the garden?" he asked.
Elizabeth nodded.
Lancelot held the door for her and they walked out into the air. The sun was almost down and the air was thick with the day's earlier precipitation. The garden was also quiet and as always, the sun was casting a brilliant display over it's stone walls. They could hear the men's shouts from the pub and Elizabeth smiled.
"Some things never change," she laughed.
"Aye. Especially Bors and Gawain," Lancelot replied, trying to keep a straight face.
They laughed more before lapsing into a comfortable silence.
"It's so beautiful in here when the sun is changing over," Elizabeth said.
"I've seen prettier," Lancelot replied, flashing a charming smile.
He took her hand and Elizabeth looked down. Her heart stopping, as it always did when he touched her.
"Elizabeth, I don't want to lose you again," he said.
"What are you talking about? I'm not going anywhere," she said, a bit nervous.
"You could though. Nothing is certain."
Elizabeth shook her head and Lancelot's grip on her fingers tightened.
"Will you marry me?" he asked.
Elizabeth's eyes widened and a wide smile spread across her face. She fell into his arms, still smiling and small tears pricking her eyes.
"Yes, I will."
The last rays of sunlight sank below the hill and waved goodbye to the velvet night sky. The garden was filled with dusk and the stars were the only light. Tiny pinpricks in the distance.
