I only own the girls, no one else.
Katemary77- thanks for review. Feeling out of the loop w/ Mary Sue or wtf that is.
Next chapter, enjoy!
Anticipation
Gawain's POV
Arthur had finally called us in for a conference. After the days of no Woad attacks, all the Knights were uneasy. Tristan was simply bloodthirsty, Lancelot was happy for all the time he'd had for seducing the local women, and Galahad was happy that everyone could focus their jokes on something else instead of him.
He had called them in without an explanation for why he had called the meeting, so they were all curious.
Once the knights had all sat down, Arthur turned to them from his place on the round table. He looked at them, with brotherly affection, and something else Gawain hadn't seen in a while; it was almost preparation, or apprehension.
"Knights", he began. "I've had word from one of the outposts along the Wall. Apparently one of the patrols was out when they discovered a party of warriors camped near it. I don't know why they were out in Woad territory but according to the report, they captured three of them in the attack that ensued when faced with the enemy. They are bringing them here to see if they have any political value for negotiations with the Woads".
Bors snorted. "Negotiate with Woads. That's a laugh!" He chuckled into his cup of wine. The others laughed along with him, quieting down when they realized Arthur's seriousness.
Lancelot looked at Arthur "What are we going to do when they get here?" he asked.
"Arthur looked at all of them, gazing at the Sarmatian faces before him. "I don't really know myself." He looked down. "We've never had a situation like this before. No Woads have been captured alive, but the captain there said that these were not ordinary warriors."
The knights absorbed this, each contemplating why a Roman captain would say such a thing.
Tristan decided to put his two bits in. "They're either women, not likely, or they're someone he recognizes. Not Merlin, he's too smart, probably just a lower leader, one he's seen before".
"Well the messenger who came with these news said he was only a little while ahead of the supply wagons coming back for provisions that carries the prisoners", Arthur said. As soon as he said this, they heard the groaning of the gates to Hadrian's Wall.
"Let's go give these Woads a proper welcome" Tristan said with a slight grin.
Damara's POV
She had awoken to hear the shouting of men's voices, some authoritative, some commanding. She could swear that she had heard the voice of the commander from the woods, and at that moment her blood had started to boil.
She had nudged Hana awake, and then Kirima, who had always been a heavy sleeper. However, Kirima was skilled with escape, considering how many times she'd pulled the crew out of near disaster.
"Kirima?" Damara said, more a question than any voiced words.
"Under control, sunshine" came the voice, now speaking with a sound of deep concentration in it.
After a few moments, there came the heavy sound of rope falling to the floor. It hadn't been loud, but all the same, Damara had hissed at Kirima.
"Sorry".
"I think we're ok, just shut up and help Hana" she commanded.
"Going, o impatient one".
The same sound was repeated, seconds later, only softer this time. Hana sighed heavily, feeling the blood rushing back into her limbs. Kirima chuckled softly.
"These Romans should really learn how to tie proper knots".
In seconds she was crouching by Damara, fiddling with the ropes. Damara thought of the fact that her shoulder could soon be popped back into place. It was a reassuring idea.
"Shit", came Kirima's voice softly.
"What? What is it?" Damara asked anxiously, peering down at her hands and feet.
"They seem to have tied your rope, and then knotted it off with some kind of iron peg. I can't see anything in this light".
"You mean darkness" Hana said.
"I can at least untie your feet for you, my damita". It was a moment. Kirima had a deathwish. Yet again.
It's the same thing as keeping me entirely tied up. And don't think I missed that damita remark. I am not a helpless little noblewoman" Damara said, the pain in her shoulders increased by ten now with her loss of instant relief.
"It's alright, as soon as they stop we can stage a standoff and get weapons so that you can fix your shoulder. I'll even get your mace, and chain back for you" came Kirima's voice, trying to soothe her.
"With any luck, that time will be soon", came Hana's voice. Looking up, Damara could slightly see Hana's shape trying to see through the window.
"How soon, Hana?" Kirima asked.
"In about two minutes" Hana said, automatically turning to Damara for instructions.
Damara closed her eyes. Thinking about the other roman forts that she'd seen, she quickly formulated a plan within her mind.
"Hana, you go first. When the guard starts to open the door, dive for their weapons. They'll be caught off guard, so take advantage of it. Kirima, you follow, grab the nearest weapon that will make the biggest difference. I will follow behind and go under the wagon to see if I can get rid of this infernal rope. Wait for a standoff, don't fight to kill. Except maybe the leader from the woods. But he's entirely mine."
"He's yours, but we get a chunk", Kirima said, vengeance twisting her voice.
"Fine" said Damara, chips of ice in her voice.
She didn't have time to say anything else before the whole world was flooded with light. Hana jumped and all hell broke loose.
Gawains POV
The other wagons had pulled into the courtyards down by the supply barns. The only one left to arrive was the one carrying the Woad fighters. He could see it from where he was standing within the courtyard. It rolled past the gate, the chains from the horses harnesses rattling as they passed. Finally, it came to a stop in the middle of the courtyard where he stood with the rest of the knights and Arthur.
Arthur stepped forward as a Roman commander stepped down from the front of the wagon.
"Arturius Castus?" the soldier saluted.
"How many are there?" Arthur asked, forgetting formalities.
"Three, all feisty and hard to capture" the soldier replied, a tinge of smugness in his voice. He signaled to a soldier near the door to open it up. "they're all tied up, so it's safe.." he said, as the soldier opened up the door. The Knights and Arthur were still ten feet away when a large something collided with the door from the inside, pushing the soldier to the ground, who dropped his weapons…..