Thank you for all the continued reviews! I love getting them, and I'm glad you all are staying with the story. I hope you are getting the replies I send. Here is the next chapter. It follows the movie pretty closely because I didn't want to mess with a good thing. Once again, I will just state that I do not own King Arthur in any way, shape, or form, and I know this, so please do not sue me. It might seem the story is moving slowly, but like I have said before, I like to take my time with things like love. But I promise more will start happening in that direction.
They had stopped earlier than they had the night before, and the company actually had time to relax a little. The drizzling rain died down, and Tristan was able to build a bigger fire. It cast warmth and light around their camp. They all gathered around the fire, except for Horton, who rarely joined the knights. He sat sullenly next to his horse.
Kyla munched on dried meat Jols had packed for the journey, a blanket wrapped around her thin frame. Some of her auburn hair had fallen out of the bun on the back of her head and framed her face. Lancelot studied her through the dancing flames of the fire. She had strong features but not harsh. Her skin was pale despite its weathered appearance.
Because the sun never shines around here, he thought, laughing silently. Even he had to admit to himself, however, that she had proven herself today. They would have all certainly been killed had she not been there with them.
"What about you, Kyla? What will you do when your freedom is granted?" Bors was asking.
Kyla seemed surprised by his question. "I suppose I will go back to my old village, see if any of my family still lives."
"Is that all?" Gawain asked. "No man to sweep you off your feet?" The knights laughed while Kyla blushed.
"I am not looking for a man to sweep me off my feet," she replied.
"Well, then what are you looking for? Just a little fun?" Bors asked, causing the knights to laugh harder.
"Noooo," Kyla answered, a slight smile caressing her face. "It seems a funny topic for you anyway, Bors. What would your lover say if she knew heard you saying such things?"
Bors' chuckle slowed. "Ahhh, Vanora. And my twelve children."
"Eleven," Lancelot corrected. "And they're actually my children."
Bors raised his fist like he was going to punch the dark knight, but instead lowered it as laughter overtook him.
"Will you take them back to Sarmatia with you?" Gawain asked.
"I am trying to avoid having to answer that…by getting killed!"
The knights erupted into laughter once again. Kyla giggled. She knew from being with him even in this short time that Bors would never leave Vanora and their children. She watched and listened to the knights, just enjoying their company. And it was strange the feeling she was beginning to realize, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. It was almost like…she was already home.
They arrived at the estate of Marius Honorius just as morning was settling into noon. By that time they had ridden many miles into the north. The main trees had become evergreens; the other trees were bare. The temperature had chilled considerably, and although the rain had not come that day, the sky looked heavy with precipitation.
As they rode quickly forward, they followed a road. At the end of the road stood the estate, where two mercenaries were hasty to close the gate.
"What do you want?" a mercenary called from the top of the wall.
"I am Arthur Castus, commander of the Sarmatian knights, sent by the Bishop Germanius of Rome. Open the gate," Arthur answered.
A few moments later, the gate swung open and a short, pudgy man strode out.
"Oh, it is a wonder you have come! Arthur and his knights," he said, waving his arms around. "You fight the Woads, vile creatures."
Kyla gave him a harsh look but the man did not appear to notice. He reached out to touch Galahad's horse, but the young knight quickly pulled it away.
"Our orders are to evacuate you immediately," Arthur said.
The man, who Kyla had figured out was Marius, looked stunned. His face fell as he stammered, "Th…that is impossible."
Arthur looked around. "Which is Alecto?"
"I am Alecto," called a voice from the top of the wall. A boy stood there with his mother, aged somewhere in his teens, tall but skinny. There was almost something graceful about him. He held his head high, unafraid, and yet not intimidating like his father tried to portray.
"Alecto is my son, and everything we have is here in the land given to us by the Pope of Rome," Marius said.
"Well you're about to give it to the Saxons," Lancelot replied sarcastically.
"They're invading from the north," continued Arthur.
"Then Rome will send an army," Marius answered defiantly.
"They have, us. We leave as soon as you're packed," the Roman commander said, getting impatient.
Marius stepped closer to Arthur. "I refuse to leave."
The wife and Alecto had joined Marius by now. They stood slightly behind him to watch and hear what was going on.
Marius looked around at the servants which had gathered around the knights. "Get back to work, all of you!" he cried angrily.
The mercenaries repeated the orders and started pushing people away.
Arthur dismounted his horse and marched up to Marius. "If I fail to bring you and your son back, my men can never leave this land. So you're coming with me if I have to tie you to my horse and drag you all the way to Hadrian's Wall myself." Arthur spoke in a soft voice but with forcefulness. "My lord," he added with a hint of sarcasm.
Then he turned to Fulcinia. "My lady, my knights are hungry."
The woman, older but beautiful, touched her husband's arm lightly. Marius nodded his head. "Go." She swept away in a bundle of fabric.
The other knights seemed satisfied and ready to be on their way. However, Arthur's attention had been drawn to the side. A man was wearily standing to the right of the estate, his hands tied above him, his bare back showing signs of a great lashing. While Kyla stared in wonder from her horse, Arthur drew Excalibur and walked quickly over to the man. Bors sighed and followed his commander, one of the monks walking up to him.
"Are you from Rome?" the monk asked.
"From hell," Bors answered, causing the man to recoil.
One of the servants walked alongside Arthur at a quick pace. "Sir, you're famous! You're Arthur, aren't you? I am Ganis. I'm smart and a good fighter. I'd serve you proudly."
They reached the old man, the knights close behind. Kyla joined them, her curiosity and pity eating away at her. Another slave to a Roman ass, she thought.
"Who is this man?" Arthur asked.
"He's our village elder," Ganis answered.
"What is this punishment for?" continued the Roman commander. "Answer me!"
A crowd of servants had gathered around Arthur, watching. They seemed awed by his presence and anxious of what he would do.
"He defied our master, Marius. Most of the food we grow is sent out to sea to be sold. He asked that we keep a little more for ourselves, that's all. My arse has been snapping at the grass I'm so hungry!" Ganis replied. "You're from Rome. Is it true that Marius is a spokesman for God, and it is a sin to defy him?"
Arthur looked at the beaten man, then at the crowd of servants. He seemed conflicted, but he defiantly raised Excalibur, pointing it at the crowd of people. They backed away in fear. "I tell you now, Marius is not of God," he said. "And you, all of you, were free from your first breath!" With that, he swung his sword hard against the chains, breaking them. The old man fell to the ground, too weary to stand any longer.
"Help this man," Arthur said. "Help him!"
A few of the servants ran to the old man, putting a cloak around him and bringing him water. The others stared in amazement.
"Now hear me, a vast and terrible army is headed this way. They will show no mercy, spare no one. Those of you who are able should begin to gather your things and head south toward Hadrian's Wall. Those unable shall come with us." Arthur turned to Ganis. "You serve me now. Get these people ready."
Arthur's eyes met Kyla's as he turned away. He smiled weakly, obviously distressed.
"You heard him. You've gotta get enough food and water for the journey. Let's get a move on or else we're all dead!" Ganis was saying. The knights looked at each other, wondering what Arthur had just gotten them into.