Straight into the chapter this time folks, you've waited long enough. .lol. A/Ns at the end. Happy reading!
Chapter Nine : Two Words
Several hours and many miles later, the travelers had at last outrun the snow. The air was warming by slight degrees the closer they drew to the wall. Thickly scented with pine and wildflowers, the air was rich and inviting. A refreshing combination of tangy and sweet, brought to them on a gentle breeze.
Leaving behind a long stretch of wide open grassy plains, they moved onto a narrow road flanked on either side by dense forest.
As they entered the path, they shifted from their larger groups into pairs of two. Galahad fell back to ride beside Gawain as Brenna took up a position beside Maelgwyn. He frowned and narrowed his eyes at the other man, watching suspiciously as he smiled at Brenna and leaned closer. He whispered something to her that elicited a soft laugh and a quick glance in Kay's direction. She shook her head and reached across to grasp his hand as she replied in tones too quiet for Galahad, a few feet behind, to hear.
Galahad shivered and adjusted his cloak around his bare legs, then continued to watch as she released Maelgwyn's hand and reached for her water skin. Uncorking it, she took a sip, then offered it to him. He took it from her, drank his fill and replaced it in her hand with a grateful smile and a gentle gaze which, much to Galahad's annoyance, she returned.
He wasn't sure if he liked Maelgwyn. He knew that he should be happy that Brenna had found someone she so obviously dearly loved, but he could not help his feelings. The protective brother in him wondered at the man's actions and motives, as well as the extent of their relationship. He sighed and scrubbed a calloused hand across his eyes,
'Mayhap I am just tired.'
Overjoyed as he was to have his beloved twin back at his side after so many long years, he was also troubled. He'd tried not to let his feelings show to the others, instead plastering on a smile, while inside his mind screamed incessantly for answers. What had brought Brenna here? Where were their parents? Who was the man she was traveling with and seemed to share such a close bond with? And how had she come to be with him? Their gloved hands hid any trace of the presence, or absence of wedding rings, so he could not tell if they were in fact married or not. She had not introduced him as her husband but they did, however, seem far to familiar with one another for Galahad's comfort.
He had tried to question her earlier, but her response had done naught to ease his worries. Instead they had been increased tenfold. For when he had asked Brenna these questions, her eyes had darkened with a quickly concealed, but undeniably present, pain. Eyes that had a moment before been glowing with happiness, had gone suddenly to ice, as a wall slammed down, effectively hiding whatever inner torment she had not wanted him to see. She had ducked her head and offered a curt,
"Later, tis not a tale for traveling"
She'd then spurred her mount forward, followed swiftly by Maelgwyn to the edge of the group, where they'd shared a whispered conversation, then ridden in silence for over an hour. Galahad had not brought the subject up again, and she'd returned to her previously happy state.
So intent was he on his brooding thoughts, that he did not even notice Gawain riding alongside him. Watching the play of emotions across his best friend's troubled face. Galahad was brought back to reality quickly enough though when Gawain, trying to lighten his dark mood, nudged him and spoke aloud.
"Galahad, is this your happy face?"
Encouraged by the slight grin that lit Gal's face at his words, Gawain continued.
"Brenna has returned to you, and I know for a fact that you have dreamed of nothing else since you left home. Why do you now look so unhappy?"
Galahad ran a hand through his mop of curls and stared at Brenna for a moment, before turning his eyes to his friend.
"It's nothing really. . . .only. . .I wonder what brings her here, and in the company of that man. Who is he to her?"
Gawain turned and gazed thoughtfully at the pair ahead for a few seconds, his expression unreadable to Galahad's eyes. He himself had wondered the same, and he had seen her reaction when questioned on the subject. With a quiet sigh, he tore his gaze from the beautiful young woman and her companion, and returned his attention to his brother in arms, his deep blue eyes searching Gal's silvery ones. Trying to convey his point not just with words alone, but with feeling as well.
"That I cannot tell you my friend. I am sure however that when she is ready, all will be revealed. Do not worry yourself overmuch until you know the entire story. Only rejoice in the fact that you are reunited, and enjoy renewing your relationship together. You have been separated these twelve years, you have much time to make up for. Do not let your reunion be tainted by suspicion or jealousy."
With that said, Gawain momentarily gripped his companion's shoulder in a comforting squeeze, then released it and fell back beside his brother Gareth. Leaving the young knight to sort out his thoughts in peace and solitude.
True to Arthur's word, nightfall had only just begun to lower its cloak of darkness across the land, as they came within sight of the fortress and Hadrian's Wall. Once it had begun though, it did fall quickly, and the sky was completely black and thickly blanketed with stars by the time the travelers finally entered through the massive gates. Torches were being lit along the winding streets as they made their way to the knight's inner courtyard. Passing through another set of smaller iron gates, they came to a halt in front of a large stone and wood stable. There they were greeted by several stable hands and a small crowd of people, welcoming the knights home. Amongst them Brenna spied a pretty redhead, surrounded by a gaggle of children, her face anxiously searching the knights.
'Must be the lover and the brood that Bors mentioned.'
She smiled as she saw the large, bald knight swing down from his mount, and pull the woman into an embrace.
'Aye that would be Vanora.'
While she watched the pair disappear, the flock of children bouncing excitedly in their wake, Brenna leaned down and patted Ahern's arched neck reassuringly. Trying to quiet the stallion as he pranced nervously and sidestepped beneath her, nearly bumping into Galahad's horse as he came up beside her. The horse did not like the crowd, nor the smells of the fort that wafted to his sensitive nostrils. He preferred wide open spaces in which he could stretch out his legs and run, and where there were as few people as possible. Murmuring calming words to the animal, she continued to stroke his massive neck, until he calmed beneath her gentle touch.
Maelgwyn watched her actions and smiled. Even after several years together, he still could not get over, nor begin to fully understand the bond between Brenna and Ahern. He still remembered the moment as clear as day, when the animal had chosen a scrawny, half dead waif, over a life of freedom on the plains of Sarmatia. The sense of awe that he'd felt that day had only grown throughout the years, and he knew in his heart that even were they all to live a thousand years he never would understand.
A sudden screech from above, took such thoughts from his mind, and drew their attention skyward. Brenna smiled as she squinted up through the darkness, then whistled and held out her arm, Maelgwyn copying her motion. The hawks alighted on their arms, just as Lancelot approached them with a young man who appeared to be in his mid twenties. Dark haired and bearded, the man had a friendly smile that instantly put Brenna at ease.
"Brenna, Maelgwyn, I'd like you to meet our squire, Jols. Jols, this is Galahad's sister, my cousin Brenna and her companion, Maelgwyn."
Lancelot's voice was ripe with pride as he happily made the introductions, all the while smiling up at her, deep brown eyes sparkling. She returned his grin, then turned her gaze to Jols as she and Gwyn dismounted.
"I'm pleased to make your acquaintance Jols."
"The pleasure is all mine Lady Brenna, welcome to Hadrian's Wall. You as well Sir Maelgwyn."
Jols bowed slightly before them and Maelgwyn returned his greeting with a smile and a nod, but Brenna shook her head and beckoned him rise.
"I am no lady, please call me Brenna."
"If the lady so wishes." Jols replied with a wide grin of approval, her simple words instantly earning his favor, then turned to their mounts and packhorses. "Please let me take your horses, you must be exhausted from your long journey."
"Thank you for the offer, but we prefer to care for our own animals. They serve us, and we gladly return the favor. Besides which, Ahern will not allow any save myself or Maelgwyn to touch him. He does not like people much, he had a bad experience when he was younger."
Brenna's eyes clouded and she stared at the stallion for a moment, running a hand softly over the scars that marred his beautiful hide. They were not easy to see in the flickering torchlight of the courtyard, but she knew they were there, as were her own. A permanent reminder of the past.
Her actions did not escape the others, and in an attempt to change the subject, Gwyn stepped forward.
"If you could simply be so kind as to show us where we may stable and tend to them, as well as store our belongings, we would be very grateful."
Jols turned to the tall, dark haired knight and smiled.
"Aye Sir Maelgwyn, I have just the stalls available in a nice quiet corner of the stable, if that be to your liking."
Gwyn returned in kind and nodded.
"That sounds just perfect Jols."
Meanwhile, their conversation had given Brenna a chance to compose her thoughts, and she now plastered on a bright smile. Then, at Gwyn's questioning look, nodded and followed Jols and the others toward the warm, inviting glow of the stables.
An hour later, the horses were happily munching oats and hay, and Aithne and Caedmon had settled into the rafters for the night, after a meal of fresh meat. Brenna and Maelgwyn each shouldered a saddle bag filled with their necessities, the rest of their belongings safely stored in the tack room for the time being, and followed Galahad and Gawain out into the chilly night air.
Their rooms were still being readied, so they were headed for the tavern, to get something to eat and to relax a little after the long journey. Brenna for one was more than happy at the thought of something other than bread and stew to eat, and looked forward to Galahad's promise of roast chicken and vegetables.
As he led the way across the courtyard and down a series of winding roads toward the knight's tavern, Galahad kept up a running commentary of where they were and how to get to such and such place from here, and so forth. His descriptions augmented occasionally with a word or two from Gawain.
Brenna listened intently, memorizing where they were going, and storing the information away for future use. Their progress down the narrow road was slowed though, when they had to pass uncomfortably close to a pair of Roman soldiers, lounging against the wall.
Off duty and quite obviously thoroughly drunk, the men were up to no good. Brenna could smell the scent of body odor and ale coming off of them in thick waves, and she shivered with disgust, wrinkled her nose and turned her face into Gwyn's shoulder. They had almost made it past the pair, Gawain and Galahad each with a hand on their weapons and Brenna pressed as close as she could to Maelgwyn's side, when one of the soldiers called out after them, voice slurred.
"Whash a prt. . pr'tty wensch like ye doin wit' Sa'matian dogs? Come o'er 'ere an let us show ye wat real men ish like."
Galahad turned on the soldiers, jaw clenched and eyes burning, but was halted by a gentle hand on his chest.
"I can fight my own battles dear brother."
Brenna gave him a reassuring grin which melted into a look of pure disdain and loathing, as she turned back to the Roman who had spoken, with a snort of revulsion.
"Real men? I see no men here, save my companions. . .only Roman pigs wallowing in their own filth." She crossed her arms over her chest and arched a dark eyebrow at the man, then continued. "Have you never heard of a bath? Delightful invention it is, you really should try one sometime."
With that she turned her back on the sputtering, red faced soldier and took a step toward Gwyn, whose eyes sparkled with mirth as he reached for her hand. Leaning closer to her, Maelgwyn chuckled softly.
"Ah, what am I going to do with you love?"
Brenna grinned up at him happily, answering his familiar question with a just as familiar answer.
"Love me?"
She'd just turned her eyes in the direction of a snickering Galahad and Gawain, when the Roman spoke once again.
"Jush who dos ye think ye ish, talkin' ta ush tha way. Yer jush a stupid Sa'matian whore!"
Brenna's entire body stiffened at the man's words, her eyes narrowing, glittering with a deadly, pale green fire in the flickering torchlight of the street. Her heart raced, her vision went blurry, then crystal clear, and she completely ignored Gwyn's firm warning.
"Brenna, leave it be."
Galahad took an involuntary step backwards at the pure rage in his sister's eyes. He bumped into Gawain who was moving past him toward the Roman, dagger in hand.
Either Gawain was slowed enough by Galahad's actions, or Brenna was just that much faster, but she beat him to it. In one smooth move, before any had realized she'd done so, she had drawn one of Gwyn's twin swords, and had the razor sharp tip pressed against the throat of the soldier.
She stood over the Roman, vibrating with barely suppressed rage, her chest heaving as she fought for air, voice deathly quiet.
"What did you call me?"
Too drunk to have the brains God gave an ant, the man glared up at her insolently, his blood shot brown eyes barely able to focus.
"Aye called ye a stupid Sa'matian whore! Ish ye deaf as well as stupid?"
Brenna's brain registered nothing save the words 'Sarmatian whore'. For at the sound of those two simple words, all rational thought fled her mind. It's place filled with a flash of pure, unadulterated fury, hatred and pain that blocked out all awareness of the outside world.
For with those two words, she was violently wrenched backwards in time, to a place that would be best forgotten, were it not impossible to do so. A time and place forever burned upon her brain, the horrors of which remained still, buried in the back of her mind but never fully gone.
With those two words, Brenna again felt Atoll's harsh, rough hands on her slender body, and the pain that lasted for what seemed an eternity. She heard the evil, taunting laughter mixed with the sound of her own pleading voice, and her screams of agony and heartache.
She was so fully absorbed in the torment those words had unleashed, that she did not even notice the chaos that had broken loose behind her.
Galahad had instantly begun yelling at her to stop, not worried for the soldier, but for his sister should she harm the Roman.
Gawain had clenched the dagger more tightly in his fist and begun to move to her aid.
Then, to add to it all. Arthur and Lancelot, on their way to the tavern to meet the others, had happened upon the scene and added their voices to the uproar in the alley.
Before any of them reached her however, they were halted in their tracks and silenced at the sound of Maelgwyn's voice, raised to be heard over the commotion.
"Halt! Stay back!"
Eyes trained on Brenna, he barely took the time to ensure that they had obeyed, before calmly and quietly moving toward her. The others watched in awe, as his steady stream of firm but gentle words gradually cut through the haze that clouded her mind.
After what seemed an eternity, Brenna blinked in shock and turned her head to meet Gwyn's steady gaze, as he laid one hand on her shoulder and with the other, reached calmly for the sword.
"There now love, give Gwyn the sword now love. It is alright, he cannot hurt you anymore. Your Gwyn is here, and I will not let him harm you."
The others glanced at each other in surprise, and more than a small amount of worried curiosity, at Maelgwyn's cryptic words. The same questions on each of their minds.
'Who is he? What had happened to her to cause such a reaction at a very common slur? And just who was Maelgwyn, that he and only he could have the ability to break through to her?'
They continued to watch in stunned silence as Brenna let out a cry, then collapsed against his chest. The sword fell from her now limp hand, and he caught and resheathed it in one smooth movement. Then gathered her into his protective embrace as she was overcome with fierce, heart wrenching sobs, her entire body shaking.
The sound of which chilled those in attendance to the very core of their being.
A/N - Well there it is, at long last. -blushes and begs forgiveness- I really hope that you all enjoyed it and that it was worth the wait! I am quite happy with how it came out, though it's a bit different than what I had originally planned for the chapter (my original idea I'm going to work into a later one. .lol, it's too good to leave out!) and it seems a little choppy in places(there I go being my own worst critic again. .hehe). The idea for the last scene came to me as I was writing and would not be ignored, so there you have it. –grins- Please let me know if you liked what I did with it!
I am very sorry that it took so long though! What can I say? RL has been exceedingly insane these past few weeks, and only looks to get more so as we draw nearer to Christmas. What with dinners, presents to buy and wrap, baking and decorating to do (we haven't even gotten our tree up yet!) and company to prepare for. So, that said, I may not be able to get another chapter up before Christmas. -grins and offers virtual chocolate as a peace offering-
I do, however, have some time off over the holidays, so that could quite possibly mean multiple updates on both my fics! We'll just have to see how things go. . It all depends how much inspiration -cough-reviews-cough- I get. -smiles- For those of you reading 'Knight Life', I am hoping to get another one of those out soon as well!
Much, much more will be revealed in the coming chapters, and some mysteries will begin to be explained. Mwahaha! Hehe, sorry tired and had WAY to much chocolate again. Soooooo, please, please, please read and review and let me know what you thought! They make me such a happy girl! To those who read but don't review. .I hope you are all enjoying this as well!
Reviewer Replies - First off I would like to say thank you once again to ALL of my lovely reviewers. . I LOVE YOU ALL! You are what keeps me going. . well, along with a serious LOVE of writing. . .lol
Secondly, but definitely not lastly, to my anonymous reviewers : like I'd tell you - Thanks for the review! I'm glad I can keep you surprised, and I'm very happy that you're loving it! Hope you enjoyed it! DeerInTheHeadlights - I'm happy that you liked the chapter, and their relationship will begin to be more fully revealed in the chapters to come. I'm glad that you like Lancey as her cousin, I agree, she does deserve to be surrounded by family. And yes, Kay had better watch out -grins enigmatically and does best impression of evil villain laugh- Hope you enjoyed the update!
If I don't post again before it is upon us. . . . MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! Eat lots of food. .and chocolate. .mmmmm. . . .chocolate. . .ahem, and have a great holiday!