Chapter 18

The cave was there just as he had said. It was a little hike to get there, but took just a few minutes. The cave was about six feet high, which meant Gawain had to duck to enter it. It went back about 12 feet, and was about 10 feet wide. There was the remains of an old fire, with a couple of stumps around it.

"Here take my cloak, and get out of those wet, and stinking clothes, I will go try to find enough wood to start a fire, and get you warmed up before we head back." He said holding out his cloak.

I gladly accepted, and as soon as he left the cave, I stripped of the clothes, and pulled, his cloak around me. It was still warm from his body heat, and I soaked it in. Ursula came in and tried to lay herself at my feet, she too was shaking from the cold.

"Oh Ursula, you smell horrible!" I told her burying my nose into Gawain's cloak. It smelled, of hay, and horses, and dirt. Hygiene was definitely not one of Gawain's finer attributes, but right now compared to me, his cloak smelled of the sweetest perfume money could buy.

"Well Taryn, I have good news, and bad news." He said as he entered the cave.

"Bad news first please."

"It's going to rain."

"Good news."

"I found wood, and an apple tree, with some good apples left." He said depositing his findings on the floor.

"Are you sure it is going to rain?" I asked at the exact moment the thunder began.

"Positive." He said kneeling to start the fire.

I sat in silence watching him, munching on an apple. Thank god for apples, I thought with a smile remembering my earlier conversation with Tristan. I had learned to like them, and right now I was really enjoying this over ripe, bruised old apple.

"Taryn, I know your clothes stink, but we are going to have to try to get them dry, so you can wear them home, when this rain stops." Gawain said turning to where I sat.

"Can't we just leave them out side? I don't think I can bear the smell of them."

"They are no worse than your dog. Go get them and lay them out on this rock here." He commanded.

"Yes daddy."

"You know if you would have listened to me in the first place, you would not be in this situation." He said sternly.

"Whatever you say father."

"Taryn, if you don't quit sassing me, I am going to turn you over my knee, and spank you!"

"Try it Papochka dear." I said calling him the Sarmatian word for Daddy.

"That's it", he said turning to grab me, and he did just what he said he was going to do. Turned me kicking, and squealing over his knee, and playfully began to spank me. That is until a low growl from Ursula stopped him.

"Ursula come here, he is only playing." I tried explaining.

"I guess when you got her for me, you didn't expect she would be protecting me from you." I said bursting out in giggles.

"Really, though Gawain, sometimes you treat me like I am 2 years old." I scolded him.

"Sometimes you act it." He said back, his statement accented by a crash of lightening, sounding very close.

"See even the gods agree with me." He laughed.

Only that strike of lightening was followed by several more, and the rain started falling. The sky grew dark quickly and the wind was howling.

"Gawain.." I said hesitantly, I had not been in a storm such as this in a long time.

"It's okay Taryn, we are safe in here, sit over there farther away from the opening of the cave."

This time I did as I was told. After several hours the storm had no appearance of letting up, it only seemed to be getting worse.

"I am afraid we are going to be stuck here for the night." He said with a sigh.

"They will worry about us."

"They know you are with me, and I told Lancelot where we were going, they will assume we took shelter from the storm." He said. "Why, don't you try to get some sleep."

"I don't think I can sleep in here." I said looking at nothing but hard rock floor.

"Taryn please try, for I don't think I can listen to you talk all night."

"I have not been talking this whole time." I defended myself.

"No you do stop for air occasionally." He laughed.

I gave him a dirty look. "I do not talk that much you take it back Gawain."

"Taryn you have told me, about every one of your family members in Sarmatia back three generations! Not to mention every animal you have ever owned."

"Fine, I just won't talk to you any more." I said lying down, and trying to make a pillow out of a log.

"Good" I heard him mutter, while settling himself down to sleep.

I laid there awake listening to the rain, for what seemed like hours. There was no way, I was going to get any sleep in this damp hard cave. The fire was warm, but the wind still found its way under my cloak and onto my bare skin.

"Gawain" I called out to the other side of the cave.

"Hmm" was his reply.

"Are you asleep?" I asked.

"Yes, leave me alone." He mumbled.

"Gawain, I can't sleep, and I'm cold."

"Taryn, what do you want me to do about it." He snapped sitting up to look at me.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have woken you." I said tears coming to my eyes from his harsh tone.

"No I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled at you. I am known for being crabby when I'm trying to sleep." He said apologetically.

"Come over here by me, it is warm over here."

I went over to where he was laying it was warmer on his side. I curled up beside him letting his body block the incoming draft. I reached for a medium sized rock to use as a pillow. Still I could not sleep. I tossed and turned trying to find a position of comfort, but there was none.

I did not mean to keep Gawain up, but it was obvious that I was, when he reached out and grabbed me and pulled me to him.

"Could you please be still." He pleaded looking into my eyes.

"I am trying, it is just so uncomfortable."

"Here try this." He said pulling me close, and putting his arm under my neck.

"This may work." I said quietly.

"Good then go to sleep." He said shutting his eyes.

I had never slept so close to a man before. It was a strange feeling, but somehow in the midst of the storm it was comforting, listening to his even breathing, feeling his warmth. Not knowing what else to do, I just cuddled closer, and made myself comfortable, using his chest for a pillow. I don't know when, but it did not take long, and I too was asleep.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The first thing I realized when I woke up, was that it was no longer raining, or dark. The second thing I realized was that my pillow was moving. I looked up to find Gawain starring down at me. My head on his chest, one of my arms wrapped around him, the other pinned underneath my side, and something heavy was on my feet.

"I believe this would be any man's dream to wake up to a lovely young lady." He said removing my arm. "If only you didn't smell like a rotten skunk." He said with a grin.

"Very funny, We need to go." I said sitting up and looking down to see what was pinning my feet down. It was Ursula.

"Get up you silly, stinky dog." I command her.

"Hey you should be thanking her; she probably kept your bare feet from freezing off. Genius dog." He said scratching her ear.

"It wasn't that cold." I said standing to my feet.

"No, but it will be soon. Well let's get going before Arthur sends out the search party."

Gawain was right; we had not gotten far from the cave when we found part of our search party. Galahad and Tristan were on horseback, obviously looking for us.

"What happened, decide to take a little camping trip without informing the rest of us?" Galahad said in greeting.

"No we were stranded from the storm for your information." I said.

"What in the name of all that is good and holy is that horrible smell." Galahad said, putting his hands to his nose. It was obvious the rain, and drying by the fire had done nothing for the smell of my clothes.

"Taryn and Ursula had an encounter with one of Britain's finest creatures." Gawain informed them.

"Taryn, don't you know better not to play with skunks?" Tristan asked with his eyebrows raised.

"It was not me playing. It was Ursula; I was merely trying to save the poor, not so defenseless creature." I said with my hands in the air.

"Well, you are not riding back with me. Tristan she is all yours." Galahad said handing Gawain the rein's of his horse whom he had been leading.

"Galahad, I remember someone insisting, that we need not bring Taryn's horse, because she could just ride back with you." Tristan said, not wanting to be the one to bring the smelly girl home. "Besides, my horse hates the smell of skunk; he probably wouldn't even carry her."

"Taryn, come on you can ride with me." Gawain said patting his saddle. "I am at least almost used to the bloody smell."

"Thank you." I said mounting up behind him. "At least there is one gentleman here." I said with mock anger to the grinning Galahad, and Tristan.

Gawain and I were forced to ride several hundred feet behind Tristan and Galahad, and they threatened to shoot my dog full of arrows if she came near them. I informed them if they so much as tried they would find themselves a target of my arrows, which was a bad bluff, since I did not even have my bow with me, but I was sure Gawain would let me borrow his.

When we arrived back to the fort, they had great fun, in telling my story to anyone who would listen. Bors thankfully had pity on me, and took me to Vanora, who had the perfect remedy for skunk, a bath of tomatoes. The twins had great fun, squishing them in my hair, and painting me red with them, and the younger children, had as much fun with Ursula, but in the end we smelled much better.

"Vanora, I am so sorry, I used so many of your tomatoes you had put up for winter." I said apologetically.

"Don't worry; dear it was well worth it." She said pinching her nose with her fingers, and smiling.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Several days after the skunk incident, Tristan informed me that they would be leaving in the morning, to do patrols on some local villages, and that Arthur, had given his permission for me to go along.

I was delighted, I had longed to get away from the walls of this fort, and add a little adventure to my life. I immediately went to pack. Tristan had said to take only the necessities, so I packed only my weapons, bed roll, and a change of clothes. Tristan had given me one of his cloaks to wear, for he said the smell of mine would give our position away to any enemy many yards away. I do believe he was exaggerating, and only offered, because the smell of it made him sick.

It was decided that Ursula would remain here in the care of Phillip. She was becoming an obedient dog, but the puppy in her sometimes still took over. I said my goodbyes to Phillip; I would miss him, even if it was for only a few days.

The next morning as soon as the sun rose we were on our way. All seven of the knights were making the trip including me. We would be stopping at three villages, and would get reports of local, news or any word of trouble in the village. Also the knights, well mainly Arthur, were sort of the law enforcers, and would hear the cases of anyone the local villages thought had broken the law.

Half of day's journey brought us to the village of Thias. We were greeted by a mad rush of people, all anxious to share some kind of news with Arthur.

"We caught one of them Arthur." One was yelling, "He was trying to steal one of our cows." Yelled another.

"What did you catch?" Arthur asked.

"A woad." A man said. "We were going to kill it, but now that you are here, you can take care of the little demon."

A woad, I thought to myself. Finally I would get to see what one of the creatures looked like. I had been curious since I had arrived on this island, for I knew they were the main enemy of the knights.

"This way", the crowd shouted leading our little party to one of the far huts. Two of the larger men in the village both went in to the hut to retrieve the prisoner. I was preparing to see the devil itself when they reappeared, but instead of a devil, I saw a young boy. He appeared to be around the age of ten or so. The only thing strange about him, were the tattoos covering his arms, and reaching up to his neck. His face was bruised; he had chains about his legs.

I moved my horse closer to get a better look. His eyes met mine, I know he saw the pity in mine, but the look he gave me in return was one of defiance. The trails of tears down his cheek were his give away, that he was not as tough as he appeared.

Arthur dismounted his horse, and slowly drew Excalibur from its sheath, and walked toward the boy.

"Is this true boy, did you try to steal from this village?" he asked.

The boy did not answer only stared at Arthur, but I could see the fear in his eyes.

"He does not deny it." A villager cried. "And we saw him." "Kill him." They started to chant.

I was in shock for a moment. This boy had tried to commit a crime, but to execute him, and without a trial. Almost as if it had a will of its own, my leg swung over the side of Black, and I found myself walking closer to Arthur and the boy.

"Arthur" I cried. "Surely, you can't mean to kill him, he is only a boy."

"Taryn" He said in a low voice. "Get back on your horse." He shot a look at Tristan, as if to say do something with me.

I had no choice but to meekly obey.

"Dagonet" He called. "Come, and stand guard over our prisoner, he will be going with us." He commanded.

I gave a sigh of relief.

"But Arthur" complained a man "He tried to steal my cow."

"Tried" Arthur said. "You still have your cow, and death is not a punishment for attempted theft."

"That is enough talk of the boy, we have other matters to attend to while we our here." Arthur said with authority in his voice.

We stayed in the village for a total of probably three hours. I had wondered if we would stay the night, but after eating a lunch provided by some of the women, I was informed we would be on our way.

The chains were removed from the woad boy's legs, but is arms were bound. He was set on the front of Dagonet's horse. I found it odd that Arthur would choose to hall him on the rest of our trip, but I had learned now not to question him. We had traveled about an hour from the village when Arthur pulled his horse to a stop. As if on cue, Dagonet dismounted and pulled the boy down with him.

Arthur came and stood in front of the boy. "Can you understand what I am saying to you." He asked the frightened boy. The boy only nodded.

"You try to steal from that village again, and next time they won't wait for me, they will kill you themselves." He said in a firm voice.

"Do you know your way home from here?" He asked. The boy again only nodded.

"I think your days of captivity in that hut will serve as punishment enough. Go home to your people, and tell them of Arthur's kindness to you on this day. But if that village is trespassed on again there will be consequences. Do you understand?" Arthur leaned over to untie the boy's hands.

"You are free you may go." He said.

The boy stood and starred for a moment as if in shock, and then turned without a word, and fled into the woods.

"Ungrateful little brat." Lancelot muttered.

"He was scarred witless Lancelot." I said standing up for the poor boy.

Arthur turned to look where I was sitting. "Taryn, if you ever question me in front of crowd like that again, it could cause problems." He said sternly. "You have known me for several months now; do you think I am capable of killing a defenseless little boy?"

"No Arthur, I am sorry, I didn't think." I began to apologize.

"No Taryn, you don't think, you just react, and that is what gets you into trouble." Gawain said from over my shoulder.

"No body asked you Gawain." I shouted back angry at him for lecturing me in front of the rest of the knights.

"Taryn, be quiet." Tristan hissed, "Do you want to alert every woad in the woods, of our position."

"I'm sorry" I whispered. "Would you please tell Gawain to butt out?"

"Come on children." Lancelot said looking from Gawain to me with amusement. "We have wasted enough time already."

I was about to answer, when interrupted by Arthur. "He is right, we need to get moving, I want to get a few more hours of travel in before night fall."

I just fell into line obediently and quietly behind my father, but like the little boy, my face did not mirror my actions.

Thanks to those who reviewed chapters 16 and 17, hope you liked this one.

Babaksmiles: I am glad you liked that line, I enjoyed it too. Maybe a little foreshadowin? I love obstacles, so who knows.

Katemarry77: Thanks for the moral support, you are great.

Zelinia: Thanks for the review. I agree the fluffiness is getting a little high, I am trying to take it down a notch. Thanks for your comments on Taryn. I did try to give her a well rounded personality. I take it a Mary sue is like the perfect woman, that someone patterns after themselves? She is definitly not like me. I am the most laid back, easy going-boring person you will meet. I did not find your words insulting. I need constructive criticism, I have never written anything before, and want to do better.

Jessica: Thanks!

Jedipirateelfydude: Thanks for the non mary sue comment, sorry if the cave scene wasn't hot enough, relationships take time to build, and Taryn stunk to high heaven total turn off. Lol

Lancelottristanbaby: Yes Gawain it was. He was not my favorite in the movie, but for some reason he is growing on me, and seems to fit my story.