Disclaimer: I am poor and own nothing. And because I'm poor, this is my only source of entertainment, so please do not sue.
Authors Note: Viviane is one of the names of the Lady of the Lake. This is an actual dragon spell taken from Douglas Monroe's books The Lost Books of Merlyn and The 21 Lessons of Merlyn A Study in Druid Magic & Lore called the Dragoncall, or "Releasing the Voice of Iron". IT DOES NOT REALLY RAISE A FLESH AND BLOOD DRAGON, BUT HAS BEEN KNOWN TO SHOW A DRAON HEAD IN THE FLAMES WHEN IT IS PERFORMED. I do not recommend you trying this at home.
As for Ganieda, she is Merlin's sister in the old Arthurian Legends. Most of the magic in this chapter is purely fantasy, but hopefully not too much so. Enjoy. And I am sorry for the delay. I was wrapping up another story and wanted to get it finished. Thanks for being so patient.
Sorceress Misha – Yep, and it's going to cost her even more. I know, poor Arthur. But I'm sure I can come up with some way to comfort him. He does however know Lance is innocent, but he just needs time to process what he's learned. I'm glad you feel that way about Guinevere. Thanks for reviewing.
Tracy137 – Yeah, Jols will just never learn will he? Glad you liked it and there was pillow hugging (sorry pillow) and swearing (sorry computer screen) since that means I got the reaction I wanted. Let's hope that happens again. Aw, you're just too sweet, as I've already covered. And really a dedication is not necessary. As for Bors and Gawain, I think I went well above that don't you? I can always send reinforcements if necessary. (Galahad can whine until the writer's block grows legs and runs away in annoyance!). Babak sure has a lot of faith in us doesn't she? I just hope that if we do write a joint story that I don't make it crappy with my half. Sorry, there is more Tristan to come I promise! I can't have us both going into withdrawals. Oh and I may need you on my side after this chapter in case there is a mob for what happens to Guinevere. Just wait and read and see.
TriGemini – Glad you enjoyed her getting caught. I enjoyed writing it. He'll forgive her, but not the way you think. Read on and find out. You find out her name in this chapter as well as a bit of her background. Thanks as always for reviewing.
Lunawolf – Don't be too mad at Jols. He can't help that he's a bit dense. Glad you're happy about the stupid cow getting caught. Hopefully I can count on you to still be on my side after this chapter. I agree, I would wanna stay too after that. I mean, Lancelot ain't all that hard on the eyes…sorry I went to my happy place there for a minute. Back to the topic at hand. Watch out for those cops. I just got a speeding ticket the other night and it sucked so bad. I didn't even know I was speeding, and it's the second one (I have a lead foot as you can guess). I understand your joy though, it is an exciting thing, so congrats! And thanks for reviewing.
Zelinia – Glad you liked Esmeralda's line. I thought it was rather appropriate. And I must thank you for loving my favorite line in the whole chapter. Glad you enjoyed it all, and yeah, it had to be an inside job to get the Black Death in Avalon. Thanks for reviewing.
Cardeia – I'm glad you enjoyed it and thank you for your praise but I've never been any good at screenplays. Your sex scenes work so well for your stories, as I've said before, and have so much more depth to them than most. Mine, not so much, so ergo, imaginations galore. It's a bit of a comfort thing, but leading to more as you will see a bit in this chapter and later on. I feel bad using Jols the way I did, but he's just perfect for the role. I love him to death though, as a lot of others do I've found. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter so much and as always thanks for reviewing.
Dellis – All I can say to that is, read on. Thanks for reviewing.
Evenstar-mor2004 – I've always thought so. Don't worry, they'll get there again. Thanks for reviewing.
Baylynn – Glad to see a knew face! And I'm glad you like it so far. I wouldn't call it genius, but I still appreciate the compliment. I hope you continue to enjoy it and thank you for reviewing.
Snape's Opera Rose – Don't worry, we don't need to castrate him just yet. Thanks for reviewing as always.
LANCELOTTRISTANBABY – Glad you liked it. He may forgive her one-day, but not the way you may think. Read and find out. Thanks for reviewing.
Lilstrummrgrl527 – Yeah, poor Jols. He's just so perfect for that roll, and yet it makes you want to throttle him all the same. I wouldn't give up on Hayley and Dag just yet though. I'm glad you felt for them. Perhaps you'll still be on my side then by the end of this chapter. It's a tension release leading to love, so you're still right. Thanks for reviewing!
Quinn – Glad you enjoyed the correction of Guinevere. And you're the only one whose guessed the closest as to what I have planned for Arthur so cookie for you there. I'm glad you're enjoying it all so much. Thank you for reviewing, please keep it up.
Skittles – I'm glad you are enjoying this story so much. No the dragon idea came from my own warped mind and two of my spell books. I've never heard of 'Crystal Cave' and I have never read any of Mary Stewart's work either. Unless she's written a Buffy book or two. Thanks as always for the review!
The Green Queen – A lovely new face! I'm glad you're enjoying this story so much Ashley, and thank you for reviewing. Sorry for the wait on the update, but I was finishing another story, and this is a really long chapter, so I hope that makes up for it. Thanks again for reviewing, please feel free to do it again.
Sea Cucumber – Glad I'm not the only Buffy fan still out there. It was a bit of comfort sex, but will lead to other things. And while she was a virgin, she was not really the sweet innocent type. Glad you're enjoying it still and thanks as always for reviewing.
Tori – So very glad to hear you are enjoying my little yarn. Sorry once again for the long wait. It was quite a chapter to write. Thank you so very much for reviewing.
The Priestesses of Avalon
Chapter Ten: Dragons
Esmeralda stirred slowly, arching her back a bit to feel a heavy weight on her chest and abdomen, and a slight ache between her thighs. Frowning, but refusing to open her eyes just yet, she wondered what could have caused all of this. Then the memory of the night before came flooding back to her and a small smile graced her lips and she felt her cheeks heat and she opened her eyes to see Lancelot lying next to her. She noted they were both naked and her blush intensified, as she watched him sleep. His head was lying on her breasts, his arms wrapped tightly about her waist and a dear skin lying across their legs, covering them from the waist down.
She sighed contentedly and continued to watch him sleep, running her fingers lightly through his dark curls. She had never been with a man before last night, and had always been worried about the act. Most, including Mariska and Hayley, had told her that the first time was usually painful and not enjoyable, but she had found it to be further from the truth. As soon as he had realized she had never been with a man he had become even more attentive, easing her into it all with a certain grace that left her feeling more loved than she had in a great many years, and given her what felt like hours upon hours of pleasure.
It was then everything began to crash for her. Loved. She shook her head slightly. She had felt loved when it had been no more than him seeking comfort from her. The comfort, that as a Priestess, she provided for so many, although, never before in the ways she had provided it for him. Granted, she did not suspect that he did not care for her, at least in some respect. She had heard him telling Arthur the day at the picnic that while it had been Mariska who brought him back from the land of the dead, it had been Esmeralda that had healed the true injury in his soul. But could she suspect love? It had to be too soon for that she assured herself, sighing again. She should just leave. Detach his limbs from her body and make a quick exit from the room, letting the shadows shield her from him, and the rejection she feared upon his waking.
For while it was very possible that he did love her, she was completely unsure as to whether or not she loved him. He was a good man, honorable, loyal and true to all those whom he cared for. Brave and proud, but with a certain innocence about him. The innocence of a boy, who had yet to completely become a man. It was evident in him, especially his eyes, and that was the part she loved the most. Looking at him closely, she tilted her head to watch his face while he slept. There was a certain peace about it as he held her, his breath even and controlled. She ran a finger lightly over one of the many scars covering his body. The one she had been brought to the fort to heal and sighed. Yes, with all those characteristics she could very well love him.
What am I doing to myself? she thought, closing her eyes and rubbing a hand over her face. It was only COMFORT! Nothing more and she was already sure that she loved him. She sighed and thought what am I going to do, when a knock sounded at the door, startling her and waking her companion.
Lancelot moaned, snuggling closer to her, breathing in her sweet scent of honeysuckle and jasmine, a smile gracing his lips as he slowly began to regain his memory of the night before. He opened his eyes a bit and looked up at Esmeralda, noting how beautiful she looked first thing in the morning, her hair slightly amiss and the sun streaming in over her body, accentuating every curve nicely. He frowned when he noticed the distressed look on her face and was about to speak when the knock sounded again. "What?" he growled out, raising his head completely and turned to look at the door, irritation plain on his face.
"Lancelot, Arthur has called for a meeting with the knights in the hall," Jols voice came muffled from the other side. "Best hurry," he added.
"Tell him I'll be a moment," Lancelot called back, sighing and rising reluctantly from the bed, reaching for his cloths. He waited until he heard Jols scuttle away before he turned towards Esmeralda, lacing his pants as he spoke. "I am sorry that I must leave so quickly," he said, locking eyes with hers, noticing how she gathered the pelt around her body as if ashamed of her nudity. Or maybe she was simply ashamed of the fact that it was him that she had given her virginity too. The last thought saddened him, and his frown deepened as he reached for his shirt, her silence doing little more than confirm his suspicions.
He pulled it over his head and sank onto the bed, pulling on his boots. He paused then, looking ahead, afraid to look back to her and see the rejection he knew would lie there. This was not like him at all. Usually she would have been ushered out of the room the night before, leaving him to enjoy his bed alone. So why did he care if she rejected him. He cast a sidelong glance at her, noticing that she was looking down at the edge of the blanket, playing with it a bit, unsure what to say. Then it hit him. Gods help him, but he loved her. She was sweet and kind and everything he didn't deserve and yet still she had spent sleepless nights worrying over him, tending him and helping him to heal the hole that had been in his very soul. The one that had appeared the day they placed him into their Roman slavery, stealing his freedom and taking him from all those who loved him and whom he loved in return.
Sighing he looked back down at his hands, and when he spoke it was very quietly, nay above a whisper. "I know it will take time," he began slowly, looking at the calluses on his fingers, rubbing his palms gently together, and watching his hands closely. "But one day, I will be worthy of your love. I only pray that on that day, you will be willing to bestow it on me," and with that he was out of the room, leaving her alone, the look on her face only growing more bewildered as she stared at the place he once occupied.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"So let me see if I understand this," Arthur said, massaging his temples. "We will face off with them here at the wall. And I must find a way to prick this," he paused, searching for the Sorceress's name but drawing a blank, looking to Mariska for help.
"Ganieda," she supplied with a small smile. The knights, Mariska and Merlin were all gathered about the large round table as they all went over the plan of attack together. Arthur was tired, and had a growing headache. He had been up pacing a great deal the night before, anger, hurt and sadness all making him unable to sleep. He did not blame his friend, how could he? Especially after how he had watched Lancelot fight against her, unaware that Arthur was even in the room. But he could not help but wonder how long Lancelot planned to let her charade go on. Shaking his head slightly he pushed that thought to the side, trying to focus on the matter at hand.
"Yes, Ganieda, thank you. I must find a way to get Ganieda's blood on Excalibur, and then we leave the fighting," he indicated himself and Mariska, "to raise a dragon?" It all seemed so farfetched to the man and did not help ease his headache in the slightest.
"You cannot fight without a sword," Mariska said gently. "And I will need yours to perform the ritual."
"Can you not use another blade?" Arthur asked, growing more irritated.
"Yours is the strongest, blessed by the Lady of the Lake and a former Priestess of the Avalon temple and holds the greatest power," Merlin answered for her. "It will raise the most powerful dragon."
"So you say," Arthur was more than a little skeptical about all of this, and wishing that it was all over and done with. He did not know how much longer he could sit here and was aching for a fight for the first time in his life.
"Arthur, I understand your unease," Mariska began looking at him closely. "But you trusted me to save your men once; all I am asking is that you do so again."
Eyeing her closely, sizing her up, finally he sighed. "Very well. We will proceed as we have discussed. Jols, see which of the townspeople is able to fight along side us, just in case it is necessary. Merlin, gather the Woad fighters," both men nodded and rose, Jols moving a bit faster than the Shaman. "Mariska, proceed as necessary with your plan," she bowed her head slowly. "And knights, prepare for battle," with that he rose, and walked out of the room towards his own, ready to wallow some more.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"Out with it," Mariska stated, startling Esmeralda who whirled around to see her two sister Priestesses standing in front of the door of their room, both watching her closely.
"Whatever do you mean?" Esmeralda asked, turning back to the sword she was sharpening.
"You never returned last night," Hayley said softly, coming to sit next to her. Both had spent the day helping Vanora in the tavern and as much as she had tried, Esmeralda would not tell Hayley or Vanora what was bothering her. "And you are so quiet."
"And Lancelot was during the meeting today as well, which does not make it hard figure out what has gone on betwixt you two," Mariska walked further into the room, grabbing the chair setting near the fire and moving it before the side of the bed before the two women. She reached out to take Esmeralda's hand in her own, leaning over and brushing a hair out of the younger woman's eyes. "Tell us."
"It is nothing, I merely offered him comfort," Esmeralda stated firmly, as if trying to convince herself as much as she was trying to convince the other two.
Hayley and Mariska shared a look before Hayley asked, "And now you feel more for him?"
"Aye…nay…I know not!" she threw her hands into the air and rose, beginning to pace the room. "I am unsure how I feel towards him. How can I love him? He is a known womanizer!"
"And yet you are the only woman to share his bed since we have been here," Hayley pointed out gently. She knew this could not be easy for Esmeralda. She was a virgin up until now and to lie with a man for the first time was a hard thing for any woman. Especially one that you were drawn to, whether you admitted it or not.
"And he has no faith," Esmeralda continued, trying to understand the feelings and confusion that was raging within her.
"He would not have been able to return if that were so," Mariska stated, her heart going out to her sister Priestess.
Esmeralda stopped and looked at them, confusion clear on her face before she sighed in frustration, her hands going to her hair, pulling at it angrily. "And he just had to make it more difficult!"
"Why, what has he done?" Hayley asked, both sisters immediately alarmed for Esmeralda. It was possible, however unlikely, that they had misinterpreted Lancelot's feelings for the young girl, and if that were the case, he would wish he had stayed in Elysia.
"He said that one day he would make himself worthy of my love, and beg that I returned it."
Large smiles crossed Mariska and Hayley's faces. "But darling, this is a good thing," Mariska stated, rising with Hayley, and holding her arms open to the youngest girl, wrapping her in a side hug.
"I am at a loss as to how," Esmeralda sighed, resting her head on Mariska's shoulder.
"It sounds like he already cares for you," Hayley began, her self thoroughly confused. "Why is this not a good thing?"
"Because I am unsure how I feel for him," Esmeralda sighed. "But I do know that I care about him enough to not wish to break his heart. And if he loves me, and I do not love him, how can I do anything else?"
The two elder girls exchanged a look before Hayley walked over and hugged Esmeralda as well, both just clinging to the girl to show their support and undying friendship. This was indeed a difficult decision for her to bear, but alas, one she must handle alone.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
It was just before dawn two days later and the fort had an eerie silence about it as everyone moved slowly, afraid to speak or even to breath too loudly. The scouts had returned yet again. The army was just beyond the hill and would be there at dawn, to which Mariska couldn't be happier. It was the perfect time for her spell.
It had been a strange two days. Merlin had been walking around quieter than usual, looking sadly at his daughter and had sent Vigdis out again the night before, much to Mariska's upset. Esmeralda had been keeping herself busy, and they watched as Lancelot's saddened eyes followed her about rooms, trying not to drown his sorrows like he usually did, and instead focusing his frustrations on sharpening his weapons and preparing for battle. And for the first time in her life, Mariska was nervous about a spell.
Walking around the clearing at the top of a hill near the fort she focused on the task at hand, never hearing the approaching figure until he cleared his throat loudly, causing her to whirl on the intruder, her dagger drawn.
"Careless," Tristan stated, a ghost of a smirk playing on his lips as she replaced the dagger in the sheath between her breasts, glaring over at him. He walked farther into the clearing watching as she turned her back on him, continuing her walk around the circle, her left hand held out perfectly parallel with the ground. He noted that the stones seemed to roll out of the middle and stop under her hand. "It is dangerous."
"What isn't? she asked with a dry smile, continuing around in a perfect circle as wide as she was tall. She came to a stop before him, the last stone rolling into place, twelve in all.
"Is it wise?" he asked, locking eyes with her and indicating the circle next to them. Something about her drew him in, and he had yet to figure out what that was. True she had stood at the gates of death with him. Had spent many sleepless nights by his side, nursing him back to health and here she was once again, risking her life to raise a dragon. Part of the problem was he couldn't figure out why she was risking so much. Or why he found her to be the last thing on his mind at night and the first each morning. And most importantly, why he was worried about her safety above all else on the eve of a battle.
"No wiser than any other spell I suppose," she smiled and walked closer to him, brushing past to walk towards a large boulder where the rest of her supplies set. He caught the scent of dragon's blood that always surrounded her and closed his eyes for a moment, breathing in deeply before he watched her, the blood red dress clinging tightly to her form. It was thinner than he would have thought for the weather, and revealed her shoulders and more cleavage than even the barmaids dared show. The skirt was long and done into layers, one red darker than the other, and the sleeves went tight to her wrists with another layer hanging down. Her rich red hair was pulled up into a twist, held in place by an extravagantly designed dagger, her red cloak was hanging loosely about her shoulders, but he could still see the small Goosebumps on the pale skin of her neck and breasts. He watched as she leaned over, fussing through her pile of toys as Esmeralda affectionately called them.
"Have you done this before?" he asked, leaning against a tree to watch her, crossing his arms over his chest and getting comfortable.
"Nay, not this spell particularly," she bit her bottom lip in thought, her tongue poking out from between them as she fished deeper into the sack. Finally a look of triumph crossed her face and she found the coal for her incense, and the fresh dragon bloodroot as well as a leg of red meat. Carrying it into the circle, one of the stones rolling out of place to allow her access, she continued. "Everyone has a specialty, at least out of us they do. Esmeralda can control the shadows, making them consume her as Bors does ale. Nature is Hayley's best, bringing rain and snow on whim. Sonia and Merlin deal in the valley of what is to come, and I have a dear friend who converses directly with the fates themselves while I walk the lands of the dead," she placed the coal in a pile and laid the root and meat next to it before rising and reaching into her pocket she drew out a velvet bag. Pulling the string she opened it and began sprinkling the gold shavings about the inside of the circle. "And my mother," she continued, finishing up with the gold, turning towards him, leaving the circle, the stone falling back into place. "She raised dragons."
"So it is in your blood," Tristan said as she walked towards him, stopping right in front of him, bringing her own arms up to cross before her chest.
"So it would seem," she smiled up at him before growing serious. "Are you sure you are well enough to be fighting today."
"Ugh," he brushed off the question, looking towards the horizon, listening to the approaching drums.
"I am serious," she stated, poking him in the chest getting his attention. "I do not intend to spend another bout of sleepless nights worrying over you scout," she sounded firm, but her eyes were filled with mirth as she rested a hand over his arm.
He rolled his eyes at her before becoming more serious, an act she didn't think possible. "I have yet to tell you of her," he said after a moment, an understanding passing between them.
"Tell me when it is over then," she stated, no room for argument in her voice.
He was about to speak again with Arthur came through the clearing, Lancelot, Merlin and Esmeralda at his side. "They have just crossed the hill," he said, wondering for a moment if he had interrupted something.
"Very well, your sword then," she said, taking her hand from Tristan's arm and removing the cloak, trying not to shiver in the cold, as she handed it to her sister. It would be warmer than any of them could handle soon enough.
Unsheathing the great sword he looked at her with concern. "Are you sure you can handle it Lady," he held out the hilt to her. "It is a rather heavy weapon."
"And I am such a small, weak creature," she said, taking it from him and twirling it effortlessly in her hand, earning a snigger from Esmeralda and a ghost of a smirk from Tristan. "Yet still I think I can manage," she smiled and walked into the circle, the stone moving once again to Tristan's intrigue, and traced a triangle in the center, drawing three lines through it that met in the middle, the symbol of the dragon's eye.
She exited the circle again, this time the rock staying out of place and handed him the sword. "We are ready then."
"Then let us go meet Destiny," Merlin said, all of them moving to follow Arthur, ready to go as far as it would take.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"But I am strong now, I can fight," Lucan whined, following Dagonet about the sick room as he helped Hayley to prepare it for the injured. He was already in his armor and it made the large gentle knight look intimidating to most. But not to the eight-year-old boy who had adopted him as a father.
"No Lucan," Dagonet stated firmly, not for the first time that day. "You will stay here."
"But…"
"No buts Lucan," he turned and knelt down in front of him, taking him by the shoulders. "I want you safe, and the only place you are safe is here."
"But I want to be with you father," Lucan pouted, looking up into the gentle giants eyes.
Dagonet sighed, unsure what to do. He loved the boy too much to place him in harms way, but it was hard for him to deny him anything either. Fortunately Hayley swooped in just then, a gentle smile on her round face.
"Lucan, you love your father yes?" she knelt next to Dagonet, balancing herself by holding onto his arm.
"More than anything," the blonde haired boy nodded empathically, bringing a smile to Dag's face.
"And you don't want aught to befall him?" this time she earned a frantic shake and a frightened look. "Well, if you go out there with us now, he will worry more about you and your safety than about watching his own neck, and could get hurt. I know you do not wish that."
"But I could protect him. Not like last time," his voice trailed off as he looked down at his feet.
Realization dawned for the two adults who shared a knowing look before Dagonet brought a hand up under Lucan's chin, forcing the boy to look at him. "Is that what you think happened?" he asked. "That I got hurt because you could not protect me?"
"You almost died, and I heard uncle Bors tell Tristan it was cause of me," he was close to tears now as the confession poured from him. "That you were protecting me. So if I can protect you, then maybe you won't get hurt anymore."
"My brave boy," Dagonet said before pulling him into a tight hug. "It is not your fault. Never your fault, and aye, I was trying to protect you, but that was not why I got hurt," he pulled back and looked into Lucan's eyes. "Do you understand?"
He nodded a bit, wiping at his eyes.
"Good," Dagonet said, patting Lucan's head as he rose. "Brave boy."
"Then you will wait for us here?" Hayley confirmed, finding herself having to hold back her tears at the touching scene.
"Yes mother. Just as you told me," Lucan said, throwing his arms about her neck, hugging her tightly.
Hayley hugged him back, a shocked look on her face as she glanced to Dagonet, the same expression on his own face as their eyes locked. Lucan had called her mother.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
When the Saxon troops cleared the hill just before dawn, heading from the south, they saw three cloaked figures and seven men on horseback in full battle armor sitting behind them waiting. The one in the center wore a blood red cloak while the other two were in pure white. From her place at the front of the troop, Ganieda watched the three closely. Judging the shadows pooling at their feet, moving like wisps of smoke, and the unusual crispness of the cloaks, she knew they were from Avalon. "Hold," she called out, her eyes immediately darting about in search of her brother.
"What is it?" Gustav the leader of the group asked, clutching the hilt of his sword tighter.
"A complication," she stated simply, locking eyes with her niece, a feeling of dread falling over her, which she quickly pushed aside. "Bring up the white flag."
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"What are they up to?" Bors asked, watching as a squire ran forward, a white flag in his hand.
"Trying to answer that very question about us," Esmeralda said, Cadeyrn hissing in her arms. They all watched as an older woman, with deep wrinkles, a round form and graying reddish hair in a dark blue gown and matching cloak moved forward, a large, burly, dark haired Saxon in dire need of a bath at her side.
"Nice to see she hasn't changed for the better," Hayley stated, stroking the hare in her arms, knowing that if nothing else, Nefertari would protect her.
"Come Arthur," Mariska stated, walking forward, Arthur and his horse following. Everyone watched as suddenly Vigdis flew down, perching on her shoulder. Both groups came to a stop about three feet apart from one another. "Hello Aunt," she spat out the word with all the contempt in her heart.
"Hello Mariska," Ganieda smiled bitterly. "Still trying to save the unworthy?"
"Nay, no trying about it. Tell me, still bitter that Viviane chose Sonia, someone loyal and more powerful than you could ever dream of, to be High Priestess?" Mariska knew what was coming, and she was prepared. She had promised Duncan and Celeste that morning that Ganieda would not walk off this field alive today, and she had never broken a promise. Now all she need do was control her anger.
Anger flared in the older woman's eyes as she glared at her niece, clenching and unclenching her fists. "Tell me Mariska, how loud did your daughter scream before she died?"
Taking a deep breath to control her rage, Mariska glared at her aunt, her green eyes flashing a brief shade of brilliant red. She would not loose her control. The first one to do that in this would be the one to die; she knew that better than most. "Not half as loud as you will when I steal your heart from your chest today, that I can assure you."
"This is your one chance, Lady," Arthur said coldly, unsheathing Excalibur, the metal seeming to sing in the early morning light beginning to creep over the horizon, as he pointed it down at her, her companions ax coming to block it. "To leave here alive."
"Do you think you and that little sword could stop me?" Ganieda asked cockily, purposely running a finger down the edge of the blade without so much as a scratch. "I am well protected."
"I doubt that," Mariska snorted. "I've known infants who could weave a protection better than you."
"Watch your tongue niece, or I will be forced to part you of it," Ganieda growled.
"That is highly unlikely. Tell me," she turned to the large Saxon glowering down at her. "How much did she pay you to accept her services? Cause no wise man I know would dare accept help from such a pathetic excuse of a magician." She smirked up at the man who growled back hefting his ax towards her head only to pause, his face blank as an arrow wedged in his eye. He stared at her for a moment before she reached out and gave his chest a gentle push, sending him backwards onto the ground, for all his troops to see.
A shocked look past over Ganieda's face as Arthur turned to see Tristan knocking another arrow into a strange looking bow. He smirked before turning back towards the Sorceress, looking down at her horror-stricken face from atop his mount.
"How…" she began, gazing down at Gustav.
"An arrow blessed by Viviane herself is much stronger than any magic you could devise," Mariska replied coolly. "And I was more than happy to loan Arthur's scout my bow. Surrender, or meet his fate."
With a shriek of anger Ganieda lunged for Mariska, hate clouding her features. The soldiers began to move forward then, four hundred in total, only to be pushed back by a strong gale of wind. As Arthur's steed reared up, trying to avoid the attacking sorceress, he cast a look back to see Hayley, her hands out directly in front of her, a determined look on her face as her dark green dress whipped up around her.
Mariska for her part was prepared for the attack, throwing her arms back so that Vigdis took to the air, her red cloak hanging from the owls talons, as the young Priestess spun into a high kick, her foot connecting with Ganieda's chest, sending her back a few feet. The knights all watched in shock as Ganieda threw back her own cloak and they began to circle one another. After a moment they spun again, both coming off the ground in a high kick, sending Arthur's horse back a few more feet, the frightened animal fighting against his master to get away from the scene. They met midair only to push one another back, Ganieda landing unsteadily on her feet while Mariska landed firmly, pulling at the dagger that held her long red hair, now flowing in loose waves down about her shoulders, her body in a low crouch, her other hand held out to steady herself and a smirk on her face. "Becoming shaky in our old age?"
"I will cut out your heart!" Ganieda growled, attacking once again. They met head on, their arms locking against one another, their faces now inches apart.
Realization dawned on Mariska as soon as she saw the look of rage in her aunt's eyes. It was one she recognized all to well and had seen in her own, every day since Duncan had died. "He was your lover then? So does every man who shares your bed fall to death?"
"You should know, the looser of husbands that you are," Ganieda snarled back.
Despite her better judgment, the rage consumed Mariska then and her blows intensified, each finding a target, but doing little damage. "What's the matter Mariska?" Ganieda laughed. "Master Woo not teach you all of his secrets? What of Duncan? Did he tell you of us before he died?"
Without another word Mariska found her control again, enough to spin and deliver a kick to the back of Ganieda's knee and another to her lower back, grasping the woman's hands behind her back and holding her firm. She leaned over and whispered quietly into her ear, "You are not as wise as you think you are. Never have been. Duncan knew it was you and told me of his rejection of your glamour. I know that is why you killed him. You never could take rejection well. And my bow is not the only blessed weapon here," she moved her head as Arthur rode up, striking at Ganieda's neck with a force that should have sent her head flying across the sky. It merely nicked her throat. With a great push Mariska threw the elder woman to the ground, clutching at the scratch on her throat, looking on at the blood staining her fingers shock. "Now the fun really begins," Mariska grinned, as Arthur rode back up, latching her hand onto his saddle and hauling herself up, the two riding off towards the clearing, the sun coming completely over the horizon.
A look of realization and horror passed over Ganieda's face as the wind died down, the Woads appearing from the woods around them, Guinevere and Merlin leading them. Fear gripped her heart as she yelled attack in Saxon; both armies's charging one another.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
As the sounds of swords echoed behind them, Arthur rode hard into the clearing, Mariska jumping from the horse before it completely stopped. "Come we must hurry," she said, rushing into the circle, holding the rock for Arthur to join her as she lit the coals and threw the root on top, getting it to smolder and burn. As soon as the incense was lit she threw the meat onto the fire in offering. "It is strongest at sunrise." As soon as he stepped inside the stone rolled into place and she took Excalibur from him.
"Now or never, and whatever you do," she looked him in the eye. "Do not leave this circle until I tell you to."
He nodded slowly in understanding as she raised the sword high above her head, the point facing down towards the earth as she stood in the center of the dragons eye symbol, focusing on the power she was wielding, taking a deep breath she called out.
"Draco! Fraoch! Vermithrax! Dragon! Heed now the old tongue:
"Cum saxum saxorum, in duersum montum
Oparum da – In aetibulum – In Quinnatum
DRACONIS!"
A hot wind blew around them, tousling Arthur's hair as a distant thunder began to roll.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"What magic is this!" Galahad called over to Tristan, watching helplessly as his arrows bounced off the Saxon warriors, their blades falling harmlessly as well. It seemed that only Esmeralda and Hayley's weapons, as well as the bow Mariska had given Tristan, were doing any damage.
"Dark," the scout replied, firing another arrow into a Saxon's eye.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Arthur could not believe what was going on as the wind picked up, and the ground itself began to rumble as she repeated again.
"Cum saxum saxorum, in duersum montum
Oparum da – In aetibulum – In Quinnatum
DRACONIS!"
The fire before her grew, the head of a dragon clearly visible in the flames.
Her eyes widened and for a moment as she couldn't' believe the spell was working, but she quickly regained her focus. And gave one final cry:
"Cum saxum saxorum, in duersum montum
Oparum da – In aetibulum – In Quinnatum
DRACONIS!"
Before she plunged Excalibur deep into the earth. A roar sounded and the flames rose high in the sky and Mariska sank down to the ground, sitting in wait.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
On the battlefield, Tristan had run out of arrows and was using his sword to no avail, mostly blocking blows from the Saxon army. Several dead Woads littered the ground, and yet no Saxons had joined them. He stood next to Esmeralda, Lancelot on her other side as a group of twenty men attacked them.
Suddenly the ground began to shake and a roar sounded in the distance and Esmeralda smiled pressing the attack, the men besides her becoming heartened.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Arthur watched in shock as a large red flame dragon reared before him, it's wings stretching out to either side in a span greater than twenty feet, larger in size than any building he had ever seen, glaring down at them with bright yellow orbs for eyes.
"Who are you to have woken me?" it growled in a low, dangerous voice which shook the very ground they stood on.
"Draco, I am Mariska. Daughter of Angharad and Priestess serving Avalon. I believe you knew my mother well," Mariska stated, looking up and locking eyes with the dragon.
The yellow orbs, much to Arthur's dismay, softened as it lowered to stand on all four of its legs, folding its wings against its body. "Ah yes. Very well indeed. What do you ask of me?"
"The man that stands at my side is Arthur Castus, soon to be king of Britain. The sword plunged into this earth, your own body as it were, is Excalibur. Blessed by the Lady of the Lake, Viviane herself. You know as well as I that only a good, honest man can wield it."
"That I do," Draco agreed, nodding its flamed head.
"Then you know that the cause we seek your help for is just. To the south of us now, men attack an innocent fort, led by the Sorceress whose blood stains the very sword in your belly now. She brought the Black Death to Avalon to kill the High Priestess, chosen by Viviane herself, to serve in her stead and now tries to defeat those men that we deem worthy of our protection. She cannot be allowed to walk away from this field today," Mariska explained quickly, the sounds of metal clashing coming back to her ears.
"This blood, is similar to your own," Draco stated, sniffing at the air. "You are of the same blood?"
"She is my great aunt," Mariska stated.
He considered this for a moment, much to Arthur's awe. "You are granddaughter to Merlin?"
"I am."
"Then how is your magic not strong enough to defeat her?"
"She has tied herself to demons," she answered honestly. "The dark ones. Only three Priestesses are here, and Merlin himself. We are not strong enough to defeat her without your aid."
"Very well, daughter of Angharad, I will assist you. No woman bearing this blood that stands on that field will live," with that the flaming dragon soared into the air, streaking across the sky.
Mariska sighed in relief, looking to Arthur, a small smile of hope on her face to see him standing there, a fearful look in his eye. "Arthur, what is it?" she rose quickly, walking over to him and gripping his arm.
"Guinevere is on that field," he stated softly, fear gripping his heart as Mariska turned, running towards the sword.
Authors Note: Man that took a long time to write! I hope it came out all right and was worth the wait. Thank you to everyone who reviewed (17 people, wow!) Let me know if you guys liked this chapter as well.
As for Lancelot and Esmeralda, there is a reason that she is reacting the way she is and that she is as well. Lancelot, who has been with a multitude of women, but has never loved them and on the same token, has never been loved by them, notices the differences in Esmeralda compared to the others. She cared for him without reason, knows what kind of man he was and still helped him without question, the kind of help he never thought he deserved and he can realize he feels differently about her and thus loves her. Esmeralda on the other hand has been rather sheltered when it comes to men, only having her sisters to rely on for so long, and is confused by these new feelings. I hope that explanation makes sense to you all.
Now please R & R and no flames.