Chapter 17: Unrest and a Continued Defense
Bright sunlight replaced the dark, damp night and it lit the dreary stone rooms. Elizabeth opened one eye smudged with old war paint. The sun's rays blinded the eye and she immediately retreated to the depths of her mind. She was shaken from them by Lancelot who shook her bare shoulder.
"It's too bright!" came her muffled reply.
Lancelot laughed and sat up.
"You're the only woman who has captured my heart and now you won't even look at me," he teased.
Elizabeth sat up and smiled.
"Aye."
There was suddenly a knock on the door and Lancelot hurriedly threw clothes on, not realizing his shirt was on backwards. Elizabeth rolled off the side of the bed and crouched behind it on the floor. The door opened and a servant held a scroll in his hand.
"Arthur wishes to see you and the lady down in the round table room," he said.
Lancelot nodded and shut the door.
Elizabeth stood up, blanket pulled around her, dragging on the floor like dust collectors.
"What could he want? We've only been back, what? Three days?" she said.
"I haven't the slightest idea. Go change and we'll go see what he wants," Lancelot replied.
Elizabeth shrugged and went to her room.
She threw cold water on her face and picked out a simple dress. She looked at her body in the mirror and traced one long finger along several new wounds. The healers told Arthur months until she would be healed. Right now, only her bruises bothered her. What did they mean months? Wounds would reopen and hurt for a while, but that was all. The exhaustion and emotional fear she had gone through was passing as well. She pulled the dress on and smiled slowly. Life could be nothing but good from now on. She opened the door and walked into the hallway.
"Took you long enough," Lancelot said.
Elizabeth made a face and they headed down to the room. The doors were already open and the knights were inside. Arthur sat at the table with more papers and a displeased look on his face.
"Sit," he said as they entered.
Elizabeth leaned back in the chair and watched Arthur's face.
"Well men, one final trial. Or it may very well be the beginning of the trials-"
Bors slammed his fist on the table and stood up.
"If it's the damn Rebels-"
"No. It's worse. And you will all find out in a moment what it is exactly."
Ramon walked in behind Arthur and nodded to them.
"Elizabeth, he wishes to have a word with you on the matter. The reason being it was a Woad scout who discovered these findings," Arthur said.
Elizabeth stood up and followed Ramon out into the hall.
"What is going on?" she asked, her eyes sparking.
"Saxons as numerous as the stars. Regrouped and are now plundering. They're route is back to Hadrian's Wall for revenge on Arthur and his knights."
"Wait. We just finished the Rebels and now you tell me the Saxons will be upon our doorstep as well?"
"Elizabeth, their re-creation was a secret to all. Have gotten news early enough to warn everyone. The Woads have sworn allegiance to Arthur and the knights for they know the only way the Saxons can be overrun is with your help. "
Elizabeth's face lost it's color and she stood there in silence.
"How many?"
"Count your fingers."
Elizabeth closed her eye and lines of dread crossed her face.
"Many times that thousand will attack. The only way is to secretly and gradually beat them. Gain allies and ride out. Leave behind men to man the wall and hope it doesn't come this far. This could be the end for us all. The Saxons are blood thirsty and wish only for Sarmatian blood. And of course, a Rebel is in their lines and told them all about you. Your betrayal."
Elizabeth grimaced.
Ramon took her hand and looked into her eyes.
"We can defeat them. Our numbers may be few, but sometimes that is all you need," he said.
Elizabeth nodded and sighed.
"Come. The others must know," she said.
They returned and the noise disappeared. Arthur stood up and looked at each of them.
"The Saxons are back. They wish for nothing other than revenge. We will unite once more with the Woads, devise plans, and keep them back," he said.
The knights faces were a mix of emotions. Lancelot just stared, his expression unreadable. Arthur looked at his friend and a silent message passed between them. Elizabeth pushed her chair back and rested her elbows on her knees. Her eyes clouded with not yet fallen tears. Just like that, in one moment, her life was completely turned around.
"Arthur, we're supposed to suppress this attack?" Gawain asked.
"Yes, with the help of the Woads. We have to attack in sequence and each time take more and more of them until nothing is left. And we have to keep moving towards the wall so it will be like their normal path and they continue to think we are gone. It will be difficult and we can spare no lives. They outnumber us," he replied.
The knights nodded and Guinevere stood in a dark corner, nodded as well. Elizabeth had had enough and she got up and left. Arthur nodded to Lancelot who went after her. She marched down the hallway and down a flight of stairs into the practice room. Lancelot caught her arm as she opened the door.
"Let me go," she said.
"No. Are you going to help us?" he asked.
"Yes. I am. I just don't see how easy this is going to be after the Rebels. Basically, we're all pretty beaten up. Especially you and-"
"Hold on. I'm beat up? What about you?"
"Lancelot, I only need a week tops and then all that will be left are old wounds and fading bruises. You-"
"I'm fine. I can handle another battle."
"Really? I thought you were kept to the castle for almost two months last time?"
"That was Arthur's will. And nothing happened. I healed sooner than a month."
"I don't believe you."
"The feeling is mutual."
Elizabeth shook her head, an angry expression on her face. She pulled her arm free and walked into the practice room.
"Now you're going to kill yourself practicing so you can run into battle and die," he said angrily.
"No-"
"Then what? In a week, we'll both be on our horses. Headed back to the Saxons. Waiting them to deliver that final death sentence."
"You're wrong. If we win this then -"
"There's never going to be peace. Always death and wars no one believes in."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes and picked up a curved sword. She swung the blade in her hands and practiced several moves. She ignored Lancelot and her vision blurred as she fought the invisible feelings before her eyes. Suddenly, one of the feelings had a sword. Two to be exact. They met her's and thrust against it. Elizabeth fought and spun away. Dancing. She fought to the rhythm of her ritual dance. Her blade moving to her song. She heard a blade clang as Lancelot dropped his swords on the ground and took her hand. He pulled the blade from her fingers and pulled her close.
"We'll get through this and when it's all over, you'll still be my wife. Nothing is going to change that," he whispered in her ear.
Elizabeth just stood still. Emotions swirling around in her like a snowstorm. She feared saying anything right now. Lancelot led her back upstairs. They were almost there when Elizabeth turned and clutched his shirt.
"Lancelot, this war, for that is what this is, will be the end of us. It's certain. Our plans are so important to our very existence-"
Lancelot put two fingers on her lips.
"I understand. Don't worry about it now. It will come soon enough."
Elizabeth nodded and they went into the room. She gave them a small smile. Arthur talked to them for a few more moments before leaving the room. The knights left as well. All of them unusually quiet.
"Lancelot, I need to practice. I'm not getting touched by these Saxons," she said.
Lancelot just grinned and they headed down to the practice room once more.
"Arthur wants to leave as soon as possible. Hopefully before this week is out," Lancelot said.
Elizabeth nodded. It would be a long journey, but it would be a normal quest for the knights. Only difference was their small numbers. Elizabeth picked up a sword and Lancelot adjusted her arms. He taught her new moves of defense and attack. Several hours later, they headed upstairs.
"I wouldn't worry about technique now," he said.
"I'm not going to," Elizabeth said, grinning.
"When this is over, any Saxon prisoners will be wishing they were dead," Lancelot said.
Two weeks later, the sun crept over the hill and Arthur raised his arm. An army of knights, Woads, and other allies rushed out. They left behind a defended fortress, ready for the Saxons. The band crested the hill and galloped on. Lancelot ran his fingers through his horse's mane and watched Elizabeth and Darkness in front of them. Darkness bowed his head and galloped gracefully. His silky black mane flying back into Elizabeth's determined face. Lancelot nudged his horse on and he caught up with Elizabeth.
"Well, we're off," he said.
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows.
The last two weeks had been of preparation, plans, and letters. She and Lancelot had practiced almost everyday to strengthen their bodies. She still was worried about his shoulder, but didn't bring it up. She watched the waving grass in front of her. They galloped on, never stopping. They reached a village and took any soldiers they had. The people built up defense and watched as their loved ones left. Elizabeth watched women cry and pull at their sons' shirts. Lancelot's eyes clouded over as he remembered the day he had left. The knights soon set off with the new soldiers. They took soldiers from several other villages and gave the people instructions. They rode on until nightfall.
"We'll camp here," Arthur said.
The camp soon sprung into action as men gathered wood, built fires, and unloaded the wagon. Elizabeth brushed Darkness off and threw a blanket over him. She helped with firewood and once everything was ready, she sat in front of the fire and warmed her hands.
Some men laid directly in their bedrolls and slept. Others were on watch. Some sat against a tree restlessly, as Lancelot was doing. Elizabeth got up and walked over to him. She took his hand and sat next to him. With all the soldiers milling around them, Elizabeth rested her head on Lancelot's shoulder and shut her eyes.
The next morning, the camp was taken apart and the men mounted their horses. They set off once more. Elizabeth continued to watch ahead of her. She found that staring hard into the distance gave her time to think and she could lose herself to the sky. They went slower as to not tire the horses as much. A forest was directly in front of them and they took a path through, soon coming to an area of rocky cliffs and a small pond with crystal water and a small stream. The horses drank from it and the men washed their faces. Some jumped in, enjoying a chance to take off their broiling armor. Elizabeth, Guinevere, and other Woads traveled down stream to another section.
"It's a nice break from the saddle," Guinevere joked.
"Mmmmm," Elizabeth agreed.
"Are you feeling better?" Guinevere asked her.
"Much better. Just a few bruises."
"I heard Lancelot speaking to Arthur. Neither of them is certain of this war. The Saxons are ready for us. They are all anyone thinks of these days."
"Aye. It's been a lot to take. Especially after the Rebels."
Suddenly, a group of women began giggling and one gave a low shriek. Elizabeth and Guinevere grabbed their swords and pulled their clothes on quickly. If the Saxons were upon them, then surely they had no chance. But why were the women giggling? The answer was clear when they turned the corner. Elizabeth dropped her blade and laughed. Lancelot stood there with a towel over his head and his hands up. Elizabeth walked over and turned him around. She pulled the towel off his head.
"Sneaking around are we? Well, this one will surely mean that you must be shoved into the water," she said with mock seriousness.
"Oh no. anything but that, my lady," Lancelot replied, a wide grin on his face.
Elizabeth laughed and they walked into the woods.
"Girls, nothing to see here. Go on," Guinevere said as she watched their retreating backs.
Elizabeth and Lancelot walked back towards camp together. Small flowers lined the path.
"Arthur says we should be at the Saxons lines by tomorrow. Are you ready?" he asked.
"Aye. I am. I was thinking, Saxon women are said to fight as well. Many will be like our own Woad women. Treat them with respect," Elizabeth said.
"Aye. A change of subject. I'm tired of always hearing about the Saxons."
"I as well. But what else to talk about for worry makes my heart heavy and my mouth dry," Elizabeth answered.
Lancelot stopped and kissed her softly.
"Doesn't seem dry to me," he said, a mischievous look on his face.
Elizabeth laughed and they continued on their way.
The camp was quiet and some men lay quietly in the water. Bors was standing on top of a big rock with the other knights. They were arguing over who would be King of the Rock. Lancelot winked at her and slowly waded into the water with his shirt and pants on. Elizabeth moved out of view until he reached the rock. She threw a pebble and it hit Bors on the head.
"What the bloody-"
He was cut short as some something from the water shoved him in.
"Gawain! You bloody idiot!" he roared as he came up for air.
However, Gawain flew in next. Galahad held his hands up in victory only to stumble upon them in the water. They were all angrily yelling at each other in the water when several more pebbles hit them. Elizabeth saw their backs turned and crept along the shore. She found a small lizard and threw it into the water after them. Bors jumped when he saw it and picked it up. Lancelot silently got out of the water and they rushed into the forest, to listen to more of the knights' conversation.
"What the bloody hell was that?" Bors asked.
"It was you! You pushed us all off-"
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
Elizabeth threw another rock and this time it made quite a big splash. The knights rushed out of the water. Elizabeth held a hand over her mouth to stop laughing.
"We should tell Arthur this water is dangerous," Gawain said.
"Nothing bothered him!"
"Well-"
Elizabeth dragged Lancelot out of the forest and over to the knights. One look at her face was enough.
"Oh that's it. You're going in!" Bors yelled.
Elizabeth and Lancelot both struggled, but in the end, the three knights chucked them in the water. Elizabeth thought it the perfect moment to do a re-enactment of Bors. She scratched her head and looked at the others.
"Bloody hell, something happened," she said in a deep voice.
They laughed and Bors jumped in, shoved her underwater.
They stayed in the water a little longer before deciding to help with firewood. Elizabeth dried her long hair and got out spare clothes to change into. Her wet ones she hung off of trees near the fire. She took a heavy blanket and sat near the fire. Lancelot came and sat next to her.
"Go to sleep early tonight. Arthur wants to leave before dawn tomorrow," he said.
Elizabeth shook her head, already half asleep. Guinevere came and sat down next to her and Lancelot. She had a warm bowl of something in her hand. She held it out to Elizabeth.
"The Woads made it. It's good for strength. You'll remember it when you taste it," she said.
Elizabeth grinned at her friend and took the steaming bowl. Warmth spread through her after the cool day in the water. The bowl was filled with the same substance that Guinevere had made on her first day at the Wall. It was considered a healing medicine to many Woads.
The fire danced merrily before her eyes and birds up above cracked twigs as they landed. Guinevere gave her one last hug before heading back over to Arthur. Elizabeth had a little more of the soup and handed it to Lancelot.
"Yes?"
"Do you want any?" she asked.
"That depends on what it is," he answered.
"Just try it," she said, grinning.
Lancelot shrugged and took an apprehensive spoonful. He swallowed and made a face of dislike before turning to look at her. He grinned.
"It was great."
Elizabeth punched his arm.
As night came upon them, everyone became quiet and men patrolled around the camp. Nights were uneasy. The fire was kept low, but alive by the men and its spewed tiny embers into the darkness. Elizabeth closed her eyes as she stared at the dying fire.
Morning was bleak and clouds hung low over their heads, warning of rain. Elizabeth sat hunched over in the saddle, tired from the uneasy night. She could see dark smoke rising from the hills ahead. The horses pulled at the bits and bowed their heads. Elizabeth woke herself up as they loomed closer. Lancelot rode up beside her, his helmet off, but attached to his saddle.
"How long do you think this is going to take?"
"Weeks," she answered simply.
Lancelot grinned.
"Well, we'll be ready for it."
Elizabeth smiled and urged Darkness forward into a more lively trot. She was betting Arthur wished more than anything for a scout with Tristan's skills.
"Arthur, I'll ride ahead and scout. We need one," she said, giving him a meaningful look.
Arthur opened his mouth to protest, but thought better of it and just shook his head. Elizabeth grinned and cantered away from the group. She quietly slipped into the forest and watched the Saxons.
The Saxon camp was loud and messy. Clothing covered the mud and meat and empty wine bottles were scattered everywhere. The men were loud and rowdy. Unusual and a bit stupid considering they were near knights. She watched their new leader take a bite of steak. The juicy blood ran down his thick jaw and stained his blonde beard. Elizabeth wrinkled her nose in disgust. Other men were mock fighting, however, the fight became quite real and vicious. Soon, one of the men lay on the ground, spilling his brains out.
"Ugh," she murmured under her breath.
The leader began shouting at his soldiers. One brave soul stood up and refused to clean up the mess. He joined his comrade. Elizabeth had seen enough, but had not heard enough. She waited for news of their attack. Anything. Their leader stood up once more.
"Move out," he said.
The soldiers immediately sprung into action. This man commanded respect without raising his voice. The camp was quickly torn apart and burned. The men traveled off and as the left, the ground was covered in bodies. Elizabeth realized with horror that the camp they had been in was once a village. She turned her attention back to the Saxons who were heading straight over the hill. The knights and Woads were hidden in the forest. She could cut behind the Saxons, maybe kill a few if she found somewhere to get out of sight.
She quietly remounted Darkness and quietly nudged him into a canter. She rode deeper into the forest before turning around. She moved out from under the trees and just as she left, she saw the last Saxon going over the hill. She quickly fired a shot, killing him and retreated to the the trees on the other side of the burnt village. She moved deeper into the forest and made her way back to where the knights were. Arthur looked up and she quietly slipped through the bushes.
"Anything?" he asked.
"Vile lot. They're heading right for the wall from here. They were camped on a burned village. I killed one on my way back. It was the last man in the line," she replied.
"Are we behind them?" Arthur asked.
"Yes. They passed by you no less than 5 minutes ago," she said.
"This works for us. We can attack from the woods. Hopefully, they'll follow us and the Woads can set up traps. We need to work fast to finish off the entire army before they reach the Wall," he said.
He trotted off to speak with Merlin. Lancelot rode up next to Elizabeth.
"What did you see?" he asked.
"Nothing really. They were very manly though. Clubbed each other over the head and ate raw meat. Then they danced around a fire," she teased.
He gave her an amused look.
"We're going to stick with kill and run attacks from the woods. Arthur hopes to lure them in, because they'll soon figure out it is us, and the Woads can trap them and finish them off with arrows."
"We'll need to move quickly," he said.
"Aye," she said with a grin.
They pulled out their bows and readied the arrows. Arthur signaled them forward and slowly they cantered out. The Woads ran to the woods on the other side of the grass. So the Saxons would be caught in a cross fire and both groups could run. Either way they would hit Woads or Woads and knights. Arthur began to see the Saxons in the distance and he held up his hand for the halt. The knights halted their horses and readied their bows. With a swift hand motion, both Woads and knights launched their lethal arrows. They arced through the sky, looking like birds of death. The sound of agony told them they had found their targets. With that, that knights cantered farther back, retracing their steps. Elizabeth heard a Saxon leader scream at his soldiers. She heard footsteps as the Saxons retraced their steps as well.
"Arthur, we need to lose ourselves in the forest. They won't follow us in," she whispered.
Arthur nodded and he pointed a hand towards the darkness. The knights silently kicked their horses onwards and they flowed in the dark depths. The Woads ran silently in front of them and Elizabeth heard the Saxons on the brink of the forest.
"There is nothing here!" one thundered.
"If there were nothing here then none of our men would be dead right now!" the leader yelled.
"Well, we cannot search the forest without getting lost."
"We'll alternate our route. Hurry!"
Everyone was silent as the Saxons walked off. The drum beats could be heard once more and Elizabeth let out her breath.
"Arthur, we need to draw them into the forest somehow. An alternate route is not good for us. It will only make it harder to track them," she said.
"Then why were we just running?"
"I just thought of it now. Give me some time here," she replied.
Lancelot rolled his eyes and received a punch from Elizabeth.
"We'll follow them and continue shooting. Hopefully they'll turn their course and we can get them in the forest. They're in there and we attack in the dark. They won't know where we're coming from," she said.
Arthur nodded and the others readied their bows once more.
"Stay in the shadows and shoot. Force them to shelter in the woods and then we'll trap them.," Arthur said.
The knights nodded and kicked their horses on. The last Saxon came into view and Arthur lowered his raised arm and arrows flew silently through the air. Numerous Saxons fell and many, turning to see what was causing the agonized screams, were then shot dead as well. Their ranks began folding in as the archers looked around wildly. The foot soldiers grasped their swords and gave nervous glances in all directions. Arthur gave a curt nod to Guinevere. She fired an arrow straight into an archer's eye. He screamed with agony and fell to the ground, clawing the bloody socket. The Saxons let out a roar and immediately there was a confusion. Some stood their ground. Determinedly watching the forest. Others rushed to the opposite fortress of trees and into the gloom. The leaders split. Some stayed and some went. Elizabeth gave a low sigh of exasperation.
"Arthur, we have to kill these men first. The main army is in those trees. We'll travel down a little farther and surround the forest," she said.
Arthur nodded in agreement and raised his arm once more. Arrows arched through the air and most found their marks in the remaining Saxons. Only a dozen remained standing after the attack and they held shields above and around them. The knights and Woads released more arrows but were less successful. Only a few penetrated the wall of shields. However, after several more volleys, none of the Saxons remained. They quickly kicked the horses one and galloped along the outskirts of the forest. The trees across the way moved as the Saxons hurried deeper into them. The Woads had gone the opposite way and Elizabeth heard muffled screams as they silently killed Saxons in their path.
Arthur pulled his horse up just before they left the forest.
"Knights, this is our chance. Ride now and fight!"
The knights raised their swords and the horses galloped across the open grass and hills. They soon reached the other side and they split up. Elizabeth leaned low on darkness' neck as tree branches scrapped at her face. The forest was growing darker and darker. Leaves rustled as the Saxons clumsily fled from them. She saw Woads a few feet in front of her as they tracked the Saxons down and killed from behind. She loaded three arrows and launched them into the darkness, taking down two Saxons.
"Turn you Cowards!" yelled a Saxon leader.
Several Saxons stopped and held their sword, but were cut down in their blindness by the Woads. Suddenly, something happened that was not intended by the knights. The forest opened into another plain of light. The Saxons continued their rush, but upon reaching the other side, turned and readied themselves. Even with their losses, they still greatly outnumbered the knights and Woads. Their yellow teeth bared into wide grins and Elizabeth shuddered at the sight. They started up a war chant and within moments were rushing towards the small army. Lancelot's face had dropped it's cocky look as they looked upon almost certain death. He unsheathed his twin swords and winked at Elizabeth. She gave him an unsure smile before unsheathing her sword as well. Following Arthur's lead, they rushed out in a tight battle formation, with the Woads in front. Every hoof beat brought them a moment closer.
It was like water breaking upon a wall. The horse surged into the Saxon lines and the Woads fought fearlessly at the front. Archers set back, picked off as many Saxons as they could reach. Elizabeth swung her sword around and beheaded a Saxon. Another grabbed her from the back and tried to yank her from the saddle. Darkness twisted and reared, trying to free himself of the man. Elizabeth tumbled to the ground, still in the man's clutches, She ripped out her knife and stuck it in his bare forearm and he released her as he moaned in agony. She quickly picked up her sword and slit his throat. Darkness was galloping around wildly, looking for Elizabeth. She gave a sharp whistle and he rushed over to her, trampling a Saxon in his path. She pulled herself back up into the saddle and looked for the knights in the skirmish. She saw Gawain's blonde braids swinging about as he took on two Saxons. Arthur was easily galloping along and running his sword through any in his path. However, she couldn't see Lancelot. Fear took her for a moment, until she saw his curly hair and the flash of the twin swords. His horse stood close by, rearing at approaching Saxons. She cantered over, cutting off limbs of any enemy that reached for her. She grabbed the reins of Lancelot's horse and pulled him over to Lancelot.
"Get on!" she yelled at him.
He shot her a look of gratitude and hoisted himself into the saddle. They were attacked by another wave of Saxons and Elizabeth was once again pulled from the saddle by many dirty hands. She thrust herself up in a rage. She attacked the Saxons surrounding her with her swords and knives. She quicky killed most of them. One behind her held a knife to her neck and she tried to twist from his grip. Another came up and punched her in the stomach. Her eyes watered, but she didn't bend over for fear of hitting the knife. Suddenly, the man went limp, a spear sticking from his back. Lancelot cantered by and ripped it out of his back and Elizabeth rushed off to fight. She crossed her sword with a tall Saxon. He sneered in her face and she danced away, her blade out in front of her. He circled around her and she blocked a blow near her head. She dodged once more, but his blade caught her upper arm slicing the soft skin underneath the armor. She winced but swung her blade around and caught the man in the middle. He let out a roar of anger and grabbed her hair. She let out a short cry of pain before jamming her swords backwards. Blood spurted onto her back from the man's gut. She was nauseous for a moment, but shook it off. She ran through the carnage and dead bodies. The crowd was thinning and tears stung her eyes as she noticed several dead Woads. Several horses rushed by her, reins flapping. She hurriedly looked around and saw the knights were alright. It was Guinevere. She had once again taken the biggest Saxon as her target. Elizabeth rushed over to help her. Guinevere was knocked to the ground and a sword was aimed at her and Elizabeth ran her sword along the man's arm. He let out a howl and turned to her. She spun around and met his sword again. Guinevere jumped on his back and attacked him with her knives. He fell to the ground, a knife through his temple.
"Nice," Elizabeth said, grinning.
Guinevere returned the grin and they both set off once more.
The battle waged for several more hours. The knights, once outnumber by Saxons, now outnumbered their enemy. It would be easy to finish them off from here. Everyone was wounded and bloody. Lancelot was running tog et back on his horse and a fallen Saxon grasped his ankle, pulling him to the ground. The wrestled with each other, avoiding the knives. Lancelot on the ground was an advantage. Saxons swarmed around and Elizabeth noticed almost too late. She hurriedly ran over, pulling herself up onto Lancelot's horse. Her reared, knocking Saxons over and Elizabeth jumped off. She attacked the surrounding men viciously and eventually, with Gawain's help, they all lay dead. The Saxon was still wrestling with Lancelot and they were both losing their energy. Lancelot shoved him off and pulled his swords out. He stuck his sword through the man's back as he tried to get up. Elizabeth's face was red with blood and grime. Her blonde hair was brown and sweaty. Lancelot's dark cape had deep slashes in it and his armor was beat up as well. Elizabeth gave a sigh of relief and turned to find Darkness. Her heart stopped as an arrow came whistling at them. She spun around and threw herself at Lancelot. They tumbled to the ground, with two of the arrows landing near their heads. One embedded itself in her armor, piercing the metal and cutting her skin. She winced and quickly picked up a spear sticking out of the ground. She flung it at the Saxon, but it wavered and fell short and he laughed as he strung another arrow. Lancelot stood up and picked out one of his knives. He threw it with all his might at the Saxon and it struck him in the chest. He fell to the ground with a thump. He looked back at Elizabeth with a grin on his face.
"Thought you were a good warrior?" he asked, still smiling.
Elizabeth made a face and pulled the arrow out of her back. She bit her lip as her back went stiff with slight pain. Lancelot watched, his eyes worried for a moment.
"Where's Arthur?" she asked.
"I'm sure he's fine," Lancelot replied, thinking of the last time they fought the Saxons.
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows.
"Last time, you almost died," she laughed.
Lancelot smiled and looked around. Few Saxons remained and the sun was beginning to set. Half a hundred Saxons remained, and they fought till the death. He turned back to Elizabeth.
"Good thing-"
He stopped mid sentence and staggered forward. The grin faded from Elizabeth's face and horror froze her blue eyes.
"Lancelot!" she yelled.
He blinked a few times and Elizabeth grasped his shoulders. Her fingers met the fringing of an arrow. A Saxon leered at her from a few hundred feet away.
"Lancelot, hold on," she whispered.
The arrow had hit him square in the back. Knocking the wind out of him clearly. She didn't have the time to remove it. She glanced nervously at the Saxon who was approaching them. They would both certainly die if she didn't do something. She took Lancelot's double blades and stood up. Her own sword lay forgotten near Lancelot. The weapons felt alien. She spun them once and almost dropped one. This was going to be difficult. The Saxon dropped his bow and took out a broad sword. She blocked his first blow and spun away. She attacked with both blades trying to slice his bare flesh. She tripped on a dead man's arm and toppled to the ground. The Saxon kicked a sword out of her hand and held the sword above his head. He held his foot on her chest, leaving a muddy footprint. She grappled with the tie on the secret pocket of her leather jerkin. She yanked out a small knife and embedded it in the Saxon's leg. He loosened his hold and she rolled away and grabbed the swords. She attacked again with renewed energy. She sliced the sword along the Saxon's back. He groaned, but shoved her onto the bloody grass once more. She landed on the arrow wound and her vision blurred.
This is it, she thought.
However, it wasn't. The man had an odd expression on his face. Blood gurgled from his mouth and dripped down his mouth and into his beard. A metal sword came thrusting through his stomach. Elizabeth rolled away as he fell forward. She saw the hilt of the sword and recognized it as her own. Lancelot stood behind him, his skin almost white. She ran over to him and supported him. She sank to the ground under his weight and carefully removed the arrow. His eyes opened wide for a moment, but closed once more. Tears streamed from her dirty eyes and fell on his pallid face. All her hopes and dreams had come to this. The battle around her waged no more and Gawain was soon at her side.
"Elizabeth," he said softly.
She didn't hear him. Her head swam with dark thoughts and crushed love. Her vision went black and she knew no more.
