"What happens now Arthur?" asked Dagonet in his usual quiet but deep voice.
Arthur glanced around at all his knights as they sat watching him from their seats in the dawning light that streamed through the open windows of the Table room. None of them has slept very well after the events they had witnessed a few hours beforehand and all of them looked dishevelled and weary; yet with a sense of anticipation.
"What can we do?" he replied flatly.
"Fight them as usual." Gawain stated quietly; his voice weary.
"We've been fighting them for 14 years Galahad, what else would we do?" Tristan remarked after observing Galahad's exasperated face. "And who else do we know of that's a magician in the Woad tribes?" taunted Tristan callously, but still with a slight smirk.
"All right Tristan, but they are still a threat." Replied Galahad through gritted teeth to which he received another smirk from Tristan.
"Galahad's right. What happens if they regroup Arthur?" came the uneasy voice of Lancelot as he turned to face his commander.
"Then we fight."
Some of the Knights nodded in agreement whilst others looked tense until Galahad finally could hold his anger no more and stood in defiance.
"We've done nothing but fight for the past 14 years! Why not strike the Woads when they're at their weakest? They have no true leader Arthur! It would leave us with some amount of peace until we are declared free men in a year's time." Burst out Lancelot before Galahad could open his mouth.
Galahad nodded his head with vehemence before beginning his own assault.
"I'd rather have the thought of only one enemy trying to kill us rather than two!" He bellowed before leaning forward to rest on the table. "Do we not deserve some amount of peace after being put through such horror at the hands of the Romans?"
"You'd do well to remember you're talking to one Galahad." Stated Arthur sternly.
"Well you are always telling us that all men should be equal and free and yet you refuse it from us!" retorted Galahad.
Arthur glared menacingly at the young knight as he rose from his seat.
"Would you rather have us all killed by disobeying orders or by trying to protect those who need our protection? That's what we are doing; protecting the innocent such as those in the walls of Badon Hill."
"And killing ourselves whilst doing it! Why should we have this fate forced upon us? We aren't even from this pitiful island!" yelled Galahad once again; his voice reverberating around the large room.
"We're all going to die someday." Commented Tristan absently.
Galahad span to face him with glaring eyes and began stomping towards the unfazed knight.
"Well I'd rather it not be today, or any day spent wasting my life away on this pathetic excuse for an island!" he bellowed.
The older Knight shrugged and stared at him with a bored expression.
"This is your life." Tristan reminded him.
"Not the life I chose!"
All of the Knights stared painfully at the young man as memories of their homeland washed over them like a tidal wave.
"Come, sit down Galahad." Said Gawain gently as he laid a calming hand on his friend's soldier and escorted him back to his seat.
Galahad let himself be led away numbly and slumped in his chair; his own memories of his family and his homeland haunting him. Arthur too sat down and an air of sorrow settled upon the room as the Knights shrouded themselves in their individual thoughts.
Anise had heard the shouting echo along the empty corridors of the fort and shivered as she sat amongst the heavy covers of her bed. There was such despair and bitterness held in Galahad's voice and she felt for the young Knight. Not only had he been wrenched from his home at such an early age, but he had been sent thousands of miles away to some unknown place and forced to kill against his own will and better judgment. Anise shrugged off the thoughts and let her gaze travel to rest upon her arm. The motif glimmered slightly in the daybreak and the feeling of such power that she held within her buzzed with energy and sent a tiny spark from her fingertips. Her eyes widened slightly at the flash and she quickly busied herself in washing and dressing herself; not wanting to dwell on the feelings she held within her.
Not long after Anise had finished combing out the tangles and pieces of twigs and leaves from her dark curls, the sound of hooves approached from her window.
"I wish to speak with Artorius Castus!" called out a voice thick with the accent of the Woads and the Centurions patrolling the wall sent a messenger to the Roman Commander and proceeded to open the gates.
Anise rushed to the window and peered out at the blue figure as they entered the courtyard of the fort and dismounted from their horse. It struck Anise as strange seeing the Woad on a horse as many chose to go by foot; using the earth as their guidance and means. The Woad stood awkwardly as a young squire took his horse from him and into the stables. He moved anxiously beneath the gaze of the Romans and gladly welcomed the messenger as they guided him to Arthur and his Knights.
The Knights held the entering Woad with a steely glare as he was shown into the Table room and the large doors shut behind him. He appeared to hesitate for a second before turning to face the occupants of the room and bowing gracefully.
"Artorius Castus and his Knights."
Arthur bowed his head slightly in return and motioned for the Woad to come and sit in the chair next to him.
"What is your name and business here Woad?" he asked once the man had settled himself into the opulent chair.
"My name is Eiger and I come here to talk to the witch." He answered with slight apprehension.
Arthur noticed Gawain tense slightly at the mention of Anise; he knew of their relationship and recognised the anxiety Gawain felt for the girl, he too had known that feeling well enough but had backed down seeing that Anise obviously preferred the blonde Knight. He did still have fears for the girl's safety though and observed the Woad with some concern.
"The witch you speak of has a name. She is called Anise." Replied Lancelot steadily.
The Woad glanced uneasily at the passionate Knight on his left and nodded quickly in response. He glimpsed around to look at the other knights and physically gulped at the looks they were giving him. All of them held him with similar unwavering glares; their eyes hard and their lips set in a thin line. The deadly knight that he knew to be called Tristan looked upon him with a fearsome glare. His eyes almost black with bloodlust and his glower warning the Woad that one wrong move could see the end of his curved Sarmatian blade in his throat. The blonde Knight sat on the opposite side of the table looked to be having some difficulty in keeping his composure and was gripping onto the chair with powerful fists, so tightly that his knuckles had turned white.
Arthur cleared his throat before deciding upon the Woad's request.
"I'll send for the girl but I warn you if you have a threatening conduct towards her you shall have us to deal with." Warned Arthur firmly and got the approving glance from Gawain across the other side of the table.
"Of course Sir." Murmured Eiger quickly and Arthur nodded at his action.
"What is it that you wish to speak with her anyway?" goaded Arthur.
Eiger hesitated at his request before speaking.
"It is to do with the Woads' situation after Merlin's death."
"Very well. I'll send a maid to go and fetch her."
"There will be no need for that Arthur." Came the calming voice of Anise as she watched over the men from a small side-door. After a few moments in which everyone had turned to look from where the voice had came she glided deftly to the side of Arthur and curtsied to him; receiving a gentle smile from him, before she curtsied to the rest of the room. Straightening up she let her eyes rest upon the Woad seated before her, prior to glancing sweetly at the blond Knight seated across from her as the men in the room bowed their head in response.
"What is it you seek?" she questioned calmly but with an undertone of resentment as she seated herself on the other side of Arthur.
"My Lady…" started the Woad before pausing for a moment under her vague look; memories obviously looming beneath the surface of her gentle countenance. "My Lady we wish for you to…to speak with us."
Anise frowned at Eiger's request and reminded him of the previous night.
"Speak with you? I have just killed your leader and you wish to speak with me?"
"We are in need of a new leader and we need guidance." Gulped Eiger before continuing. "We believe your powers are a gift from the Gods and we come to you to seek guidance and direction."
Anise sat back in her chair; taking in the nervous man before her and letting her eyes slip close for a brief moment in thought. Gawain watched her carefully; assessing her mood and thoughts as best he could. Finally her deep eyes came into view again and she observed Eiger's eyes. He seemed anxious for her trust and nervous amongst his enemies but truthful all the same; yet she still had one question for him.
"How do I know I can trust you? You killed my mother, almost killed me and now want my guidance?"
Eiger shuddered at the raw emotion held in her chaste voice before looking blankly at the girl.
"You only have my word my Lady."
Anise studied his eyes for a long moment and turned her head slightly to look at Arthur. His eyes were steady but they whirled with fear and anger and he could only offer the girl a dull smile; one that lacked to reach his eyes. She could feel Gawain's pleading eyes bore into her and she shivered under his gaze. Tristan held the same stony expression as always and she could feel his need for the outdoors and blood calling out to her; a haunting melody of his life that scared many from his solitary persona. Why should she trust this man? After all she had killed their leader and left his people vulnerable. They were her enemy before so they should be deadly foes now. Not wanting her guidance, only her blood.
"Perhaps you would be so kind as to let me consider your request and return to you within the hour?" she finally asked.
"Of course my Lady." Eiger replied humbly; his voice tainted with relief that she had not yet refused him.
Anise smiled demurely and left the room without making a noise; there was someone she wanted to talk to first.
"Vanora?"
Vanora's fiery hair popped up from behind the bar of the tavern and her face broke out into a broad smile.
"What can I do for you child?" she called as she wiped her hands on her apron and moved to sit down at the table nearest Anise.
"Did Bors tell you what happened?" Anise asked sheepishly.
"Aye that he did." Replied Vanora lifting one of her children into her lap.
Anise smiled at the small girl and gently tickled her under the chin before returning to the conversation.
"The Woads want me to talk to them. Guidance they say."
Vanora nodded slowly as her hands moved deftly through her daughter's tangle of hair and she considered Anise's options.
"Well, this Woad could be truthful. Or he could want revenge." Vanora commented as she watched Anise's shoulders sag. "But what you have to remember is that they truly believe in magic, I mean they followed Merlin for so long and he was a dark magician."
"Hmm…" Anise watched as the little girl struggled beneath her mother's hands; her bright blue eyes flashing with childish glee as she clambered upon Anise's lap, her small hands grasping her dress in small bundles. "It wouldn't hurt to try would it?" she whispered to the small child who smiled widely and wrapped her arms around Anise's neck and played with her curls which interested her so.
The girl had refused to let go of Anise and so was now being carried by her towards the Table room. Jade, as she had introduced herself to Anise as, snuggled against the woman and laid her head to rest in the crook of Anise's neck; so that she was comfortable and some of Anise's ringlets fell across the young girl's face. She marvelled at everything as they walked by, her blue eyes widened in excitement and wonder and her thumb never leaving her mouth except to let her gasp at a nearby horse or a large Roman soldier. She was comfortable with Anise and could tell where they were going as her father had taken her to the Table room on many occasions. Anise felt the girl nuzzle into her a little more and lightly squeezed Jade to let her know that they were nearly there; to which the girl giggled and wriggled against Anise's chest.
"Daddy!"
"Jade!" shouted Bors as one of his many children ran across the room and flung herself into his large arms. He held her in a bear hug for a moment as she giggled and squealed as he tickled her mercilessly before he gathered her onto his knee. She looked around the room in bright anticipation, knowing she was safe within her father's strong arms and smiled at the knights' intense expressions. She knew better to be quiet as something serious was happening but beamed as Lancelot pulled a funny face at her.
"Have you reached a decision Anise?" asked Arthur once she had settled herself in the chair next to him.
"Yes Arthur." Arthur nodded at her; his smile faltering as his eyes reached her eyes. Her eyes that were so full of sadness and grief but mixed with fear, anger and guilt. "I wish to go with Eiger to his village and meet with his people."
An irritated sigh came from Gawain and he glared at Arthur; obviously wishing for the Woad to leave so that they could talk to Anise.
"Eiger would you mind stepping out of the room for a moment so we can talk briefly with Anise?"
"Of course not Artorius." Eiger stood and bowed before leaving the room; accompanied by Jols.
"Are you sure you want to do this Anise?" asked Arthur as soon as Eiger had left the room, his face one of concern.
"Yes Arthur. If what he tells us is true than perhaps I could be of assistance to both of you." Retorted Anise calmly.
Arthur frowned in confusion but paused for her to continue.
"If they seek a leader, and have consequently chosen me, then I may be able to persuade them to make a treaty with you." She stated with a slight smirk and winked at Jade.
The small girl laughed at the shocked expressions of the knights and pushed her auburn hair out of her face so she could see better.
"But what if it's a trap? You could be killed!" growled Gawain; his protective nature showing through.
"If you must go, take one of us with you."
Everyone whipped their heads round to look at Lancelot. He stared back at their surprised faces and shrugged with dark eyes.
"At least then you'd have some form of protection if it was a trap."
"Then let me go!" exclaimed Gawain. "Then I can watch over you."
Anise shook her head and fought off Gawain's hurt look.
"No, not you Gawain…"
"Then who?" he cried, his anger and envy building.
"Tristan." She replied simply.
Jade giggled as everyone turned to face the scout. He still held the same stony expression, but looked questioningly at Anise before she called Eiger into the room; silencing anyone's qualms.
"I've decided to accompany you back to your village Eiger but I shall be taking one of the knights with us."
"Yes my Lady." Murmured Eiger, bowing his head.
"Come, to the stables and then we can leave." She called hastily and glided out of the room after curtsying to the group and patting Jade's head.
Tristan followed her out and left the remaining men in silence.
A/N: Rather a long chapter but its been so long since I've written anything what with theholiday and terrible writer's block, which Ailis-70 helped me overcome thankfully! Yup so now I got a few ideas again I should be able to get the ball rolling, and there is actually some stuff about Tristan coming, whoo! lol Thanks x