TwistofShadows - I love how you tell me the technical things that you like about this! It's been quite a while since I've been out of school, so it's nice to hear that I am still doing something right. .lol. I'm just sorry that I always make you wait so long for updates. (smiles sheepishly) I hope you enjoy this new chapter!

like i'd tell you! - Thank you for your wonderful comments! smiles I am very happy that you are enjoying this so much. I will tell you that her brother's identity will finally be revealed very, very soon now. As for Maelgwyn, he does sound quite like Tristan doesn't he? I actually picture him as a slightly younger looking Aragorn, kind of scruffy, but oh so gorgeous. Quiet and strong, fiercely loyal and very protective of those he loves. Sorry for the long wait for this, hope you enjoy!

lozcollie - Thank you I am so glad that you think so, I'm sorry you have to wait so long in between updates though. ;D

Ms Genova - Thank you so much, your comments mean a lot! I'm happy that you like Maelgwyn, I myself am falling more in love with him with each chapter I write. He is such a sweetie! That may sound odd but it's the truth. . .lol. I hope you like this chapter, sorry it took so very, very long. : D

Shpadana Zizais - Thank you very much for your review! I'm happy that you are enjoying this, and no, I do not think it was too critical. You made some very good suggestions and I will try to incorporate them into my story more and more. It has been many years since I have been out of school and for most of them my writing had been pushed to the side because of work stresses and such. It's only recently that I have rediscovered my true love of writing and hope to take some evening writing classes next year. This is the first story that I have written in years, so I am open to constructive criticism if it may help improve my work. Just one thing though. . .you think you have things figured out, do you? In the words of my beloved Captain Jack Sparrow. . That's interesting. .that's very interesting. (smiles enigmatically) Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Eshlyn Kar - Thank you so much! I'm so happy that you like this! And thank you for adding me to your author alert! You're the first person to do so! Anyhow, here is your update, hope you enjoy: D

A/N - To all of my reviewers, thank you so much for continuing to do so. They make me so very happy. (smiles) I'm really sorry for the extra long wait for this chapter, I've been sick with a cold for over a week now, which has turned into a chest infection. . . ick! So, needless to say I have not felt much like writing. Anyway, I'm starting to feel a little better now. . gotta love prescription drugs. .lol. . . So I've finally gotten on with this. Yayy! Well, on with chapter six! Please R&R!

Chapter Six - A New Mission

Several years later. . . .

It was a beautiful spring morning, the sun shining brightly in the clear blue sky, chasing away the last of the early morning chill. It had been a long harsh winter, and the inhabitants of the Roman fort at Badon Hill were enjoying this reprieve to the fullest. It was still early morning, but already folk from the neighboring farms and villages were pouring through the gates, filling the marketplace and overflowing into the nearby streets. All vying for the best spots from which to hawk their wares. They brought with them cartloads of everything from early vegetables and fruit, to bundles of wool, earthenware pottery, baskets of freshly baked breads, crates of chickens and pigs and much, much more. From every corner merchants shouted and called out to each other, both greeting friends and trying to lure prospective customers to their goods. It was a happy, lively atmosphere as they celebrated the coming of spring.

Arthur smiled as he weaved his way through the noisy, crowded streets, enjoying the feel of warm sunshine snaking down amongst the stone buildings. Sidestepping, he dodged a small boy chasing a madly bleating goat, then stopped as an elderly woman, her wrinkled face creased with a kind grin and sparkling eyes, offered him a slice of hearty grain bread with honey and a few dates stuffed with soft cheese. Gratefully he accepted the offering, realizing suddenly that he was famished. He had not yet had time for food, having received a messenger shortly after dawn. Taking a bite he savored the creamy sweetness of the honey, as the thick, dense bread filled the emptiness of his stomach.

"Mm delicious. Thank you my lady. This is very much appreciated, you are too kind."

The woman blushed like a young girl as she gazed up at his handsome face, and waved him off before turning back to her stall, muttering something about 'young charmers'.

Arthur laughed softly to himself as he continued on his way, munching contentedly on his food, enjoying the contrasting richness of the dates and saltiness of the cheese. He had not gone far when he was joined by Lancelot, his deep brown eyes touched with a mischievous glint as he fell into step next to his commander.

"Attempting to woo their grandmothers now are we? Or do you just prefer older women?"

Fixing him with a withering glare, Arthur at first refused to dignify his question with a response. Instead he glanced back across the sea of villagers and Roman soldiers, to see the woman looking after them. Smiling once again, he winked at her, which sent her off into another fit of blushing as she turned away and busied herself with her goods. He turned back to Lancelot, his own eyes now filled with mirth.

"At least I do not have them chasing after me with a pitchfork. Unlike a certain dark haired rogue. ."

Lancelot's face paled beneath his neatly trimmed black beard and his eyes went wide in shocked astonishment at his friend's words.

"That was one time! How was I to know that the girl's grandmother was in that barn. . and at that hour?" He paused in his ranting and stopped dead in the middle of the street, as a thought struck him. "Wait just a bloody moment! How did you know of that? Did Kay tell you? I will kill him myself!"

Arthur caught Lancelot's arm as he began to storm off through the crowded streets in search of his fellow knight. He could not resist the laugh that erupted from his throat at the expression on his face.

"No it was not Kay, for once he kept your secret, from me at least. I saw you with my own eyes." With a consoling pat on Lancelot's back, Arthur continued. "If it makes you feel any better, I do not think all of the other knights know of your late night battle. "

With that he continued on, leaving Lancelot red faced and sputtering, amidst the chaos of the market.

"When you have recovered, please join us in the training fields. We have a new mission."

Arthur called back over his shoulder, then turned down a side street, leaving behind the sounds and smells of the marketplace. They were quickly replaced by the sound of metal on metal as he approached the blacksmith shop and, just beyond that, the knight's training field. As he passed by the armory on his right and the shop on his left, he nodded a greeting to the burly, red haired smithy. Stepping out of the shadow of the tall stone buildings, he was once again bathed in glorious, golden sunlight as the training area stretched out before him in a sea of green.

To his left was the archery range, with its wood and straw targets staggered out at various distances along the length of the field. Reaching all the way to the fort wall, several hundred yards away. To his right was a large dirt packed sparring ring, and directly ahead of him was a wide expanse of open grass.

His eyes filled with pride as he came to a halt and stood for a moment, unnoticed as of yet, watching his knights.

They were good, brave men, the lot of them, and Arthur was proud to be their commander. He had watched them grow from young, insecure boys, into strong, confident warriors. And he loved each and every one of them as though they were his own flesh and blood brothers.

He smiled and leaned against the cool stone wall of the armory as he listened to their good natured teasing. Both taunts and encouragement were shouted back and forth as they sparred, wrestled, and honed their skills with bow and arrow.

His gaze roamed from the field where best friends Dagonet and Bors were locked in a fierce wrestling match. To the archery range where the quiet, enigmatic Tristran calmly fired arrow after arrow into the targets, while Galahad, one of the youngest of the knights, looked on. They were joined by long haired brothers Gawain and Gareth, who were engaged in a playful shoving match, which was quickly escalating into an all out brawl.

In the sparring ring, Bedivere lowered his dulled practice sword, his red gold curls damp with sweat and clinging to his forehead. His green eyes sparkling as his ever present grin broadened when he caught sight of the action across the field. His sparring partner and best friend, the shy, quiet Percivale shoved his own dark curls out of his eyes and followed Bedivere as he headed towards the archery range.

Arthur shook his head and laughed as he watched Gawain narrowly avoid being thrown into a water trough, then turn around and try to dump Gareth in instead.

"They are at it again I see. Who do you think will win this time?" Lamorak questioned as he, Lancelot and Kay rounded the corner and joined their commander. Arthur turned to the giant of a man and smiled as a loud splash was heard followed by roaring laughter.

"I believe Gawain already has."

Turning back to the others, he watched as Galahad fished his friend out of the water. Dagonet, standing near the edge of the group with Bors, suddenly caught sight of Arthur and called out to him. This quickly silenced the rest of the knights and they ceased in their excited chattering. They turned to face their commander as he strode toward them, flanked by the other three.

Coming to a halt in front of his men, Arthur glanced across the sea of eager faces before him. It had been weeks since there had been any real trouble in the area, and he knew the men were anxious to get out of the fort. Other than the occasional hunting trip, they had been confined by its walls for far too long. He himself would be glad for a change of scenery as well, and he knew his next words would make them all very happy.

"Knights, we have a mission."

Little did they know, that this mission would bring into their lives much more excitement than they could have possibly imagined.

The silvery moonlight streaked through the ancient trees casting a surreal glow on the forest around her, as Brenna silently walked to the edge of the gently gurgling stream and knelt on the sandy shore. Rolling up the long sleeves of her soft, thick black tunic, she dipped the pot she was carrying into the icy water. Scooping up a handful of coarse sand from the creek bed, she scoured away the remnants of venison stew that, along with a loaf of bread, had comprised dinner. After giving it one last rinse, she set it to the side and braided her hair, tying it off with a strip a leather that she pulled out of her belt. Then she leaned over the water and, scooping up a double handful, quickly washed her face and arms, reveling in the refreshing coolness.

Rising from her place she turned and retraced her steps back to the campsite. Smiling a greeting to Maelgwyn, she set the pot beside the fire and crossed to where he stood, grooming Kalen. Stroking the stallion's sleek black neck she spoke,

"I am just going for a short walk, I will not go far."

Narrowing his eyes, he glanced about, listening intently to the sounds of the forest before replying. "Alright, be careful though."

"You worry overmuch my dear Gwyn." Smiling up into his eyes Brenna laid one hand on his bearded cheek, while the other rested on the small axe hanging from her belt. "I can handle myself as well as any man."

This brought a smile to his face and a soft laugh escaped his lips, as he captured her hand under his own and gave it a soft squeeze. "Better. . better than any man. I still cannot help but worry however. If anything should happen to you. . ."

"Nothing will happen to me, not while I have my very own knight in shining armor to protect me." She teased, eyes twinkling mischievously in the firelight.

Arching an eyebrow, his eyes flicked down to his mud spattered, brown leather hauberk and breeches, then back up to meet her laughing green gaze. "Shining armor?"

"Well. . . armor at least." Pulling her hand free of Maelgwyn's she turned to leave. "I will not be long." With that she spun on her heel and melted away into the trees, leaving him shaking his head and grumbling to Kalen about her stubbornness.

Her footsteps silent on the forest floor, she reached the edge of the trees in just a few moments. Spying a large flat rock, she settled herself down, hugging her knees against her chest and resting her chin on them as she gazed out across the peaceful clearing.

The meadow was breathtaking. Set against a backdrop of darkened, snow-capped mountains, it stretched out in an inviting sea of deep green. Spotted here and there with clumps of early spring wildflowers, the air was rich with their sweet scent. A gentle breeze wafted over the area, setting the tall, lush grass to swaying, giving the impression of rolling waves. On the far side, Ahern grazed quietly alongside a small herd of deer, knee deep in the grass, his silver hide shimmering under the light of the moon.

Brenna smiled at the sight and Ahern, sensing her presence, lifted his head and stared in her direction. His long, full, jet black mane ruffling in the wind, he watched her for a moment before burying his nose in the delicious grass once more.

Turning her eyes from the stallion, she raised them skyward, gazing up at the inky black expanse. The moon was only a quarter full tonight and millions upon millions of brilliant stars could be seen blanketing the sky from horizon to horizon.

Silhouetted against the clear night sky, Brenna could make out the shape of two hawks lazily circling the meadow. Unrolling her sleeves to protect her arms, she let loose a low whistle. Instantly the smaller of the two birds shifted direction and swooped down, landing gracefully on Brenna's outstretched arm. She rustled her feathers quietly, then settled and looked expectantly at her mistress, bobbing her red-brown head in greeting.

"Hello there Aithne my love. Keeping watch over us are you? There's a good girl."

She scratched the bird's neck for a moment, then withdrew a piece of meat from the leather pouch at her belt and fed it to her. Aithne happily devoured the morsel then, when Brenna flung her arm upwards, took to the sky, rejoining her mate, Caedmon.

Lying back on the rock, arms crossed behind her head, Brenna stared up at the stars, listening to the night sounds of the forest. Inhaling deeply, she allowed the cleansing freshness of the air to calm her thoughts, and ease the tension from her tired muscles. After a few moments she smiled softly, shuffled over and patted the space beside her.

"Have a seat, there's plenty of room."

Maelgwyn stepped out of the cover of trees and joined her, lying down and making himself comfortable. They lay that way in companionable silence for a long while, each lost in their own thoughts as they gazed up at the heavens. Finally he sat up and offered her his hand as he looked down at her.

"Come Brenna, it's getting late. If we are to get an early start tomorrow we'd better get some sleep. I'll take first watch tonight, you look tired."

Sleepily raising herself up on her elbows, she peered up at him, stifling a yawn.

"I suppose you are right. It is just so beautiful, so peaceful, I don't want to leave."

Giving in, she took his hand and allowed him to pull her lightly to her feet. He slipped an arm around her shoulders and planted a kiss on the top of her head. Turning they walked back towards the camp, leaving the hawks to their late night sentry duty, high above the meadow.

Glossary of names (I almost forgot. .lol)

Ahern - lord of the horses

Aithne - little fire

Kalen - warrior

A/N - Well there it is. I'm not sure it's my best chapter to date, and it's a little short, but I'm pretty happy with it. I know it's not very exciting, it's kind of a segue way to the excitement to come(of which there will be LOTS), but I hope you enjoyed it anyway. Plus you finally got much awaited glimpse of our beloved knights! There is much, much more of them to come in the next chapter, which I REALLY hope to get out faster this time(I know I always say that, but I really do mean it!) I am curious to see whom you think her brother is and/or whom you would like it to be! I will start on Chapter 7 as soon as I get a review or two. .hint. .hint. . lol. (grins) So, please, please, PLEASE read and review!