A/N: Sorry this took so long guys! My right hand is a bit beaten up right now and it makes it a bit difficult to type. BUT, without further delay, here is the story! Again, used another one of Raven's memory ideas and built on it. Thanks Raven! Your ideas rock. If anyone else has suggestions, go right ahead and give them to me. I'll work with what I can.

Lancelot: -is tied to a chair- Kalanie does not own anything of King Arthur and she never will…

Chapter 4: Show Me The Way

A groan escaped Latanie's lips as her body roused her from slumber. She found herself covered with a blanket. Funny, she didn't remember covering herself. She rose off the bed only to find her arm was sore from laying on it. She looked out her window to see a muggy looking sky. Great. She sighed and stood up, bending her arm to bring out the stiffness. She sighed and walked over to her wash bin, which was filled with fresh water. She splashed her face and dried it with a fresh towel before straightening up. Today was the day they went on their final mission. She stretched her arms high above her to loosen her muscles. She glanced down at her clothing. She was still in her clothes from yesterday. Grimacing, she unclipped her armor and quickly changed before getting back into the stained piece of equipment. She made sure everything was secure and fit perfectly. "Sword… where's my sword?" she mumbled as she searched for her precious blade.

She started to panic when she couldn't find it. She searched around until she accidentally bumped into the table. Looking at it, she found her sword lying on the table, as clean as the day it was first made. On it laid a note:

Lat,

I'm really sorry for what I did last night. I had no right to kiss you in anyway, drunk or sober. I found your sword. It must've fallen off your belt when you stormed out of the pub. See you in the morning.

Lancelot

Lancelot. Latanie exhaled slowly as she grabbed the sword and inspected the part that held it on her belt. It was sewn back together. A thin smile came to her lips as she put it back on her belt. She folded up the note and slipped it in her pack. She grabbed the things she would need to take with her: dry clothes, coat, and a book. She pondered for a moment and grabbed a dagger, strapping it to her thigh. Better prepared. After making sure everything was in order, she left her room, locking it on her way out. She instantly headed towards the stables; she needed to warm Kalen up before their long ride. She walked through the door of the stables, accidentally bumping into someone.

"Ouch! Hey, watch where you're-," she started in a rather snotty tone, looking up to see Lancelot. "Lancelot!" she exclaimed and stumbled backwards only to have him catch her by the upper arm. "Sorry…"

He gave her a neutral look. "And that's how the lady knight treats those she protects?" he teased lightly, letting go of her.

She smirked at him for a moment before letting it drop. "Thanks for cleaning my sword last night… and covering me with the blanket," she said.

He shrugged slightly. "It was nothing… and… I… I'm sorry," he said, looking slightly uncomfortable.

Latanie shifted slightly. "It's fine, you were a bit impaired," she said.

"That doesn't excuse me," he said firmly.

At least the guy was able to admit that he was wrong. She gave him a small smile and gently put her hand on his shoulder. "We all make mistakes," she said and let her hand slide off of his shoulder as she walked away. She exhaled deeply as she walked up to Kalen's stall. She opened it up to see him already saddled and groomed. A smile played onto her lips as she leaned backwards out of the stall. "You know, Lancelot, if you keep doing things for me, people are going to start thinking you actually care!" she called.

A laugh met her words. "We'll see about that!" he called back.

Latanie laughed and looked back to the stallion. "Well boy? Shall we warm up?" She gently grabbed the reins and tugged Kalen out of the stall behind her. Once they were clear of the stables, she swung up and got herself comfortable. Grabbing the reins, she asked the large stallion to trot. She didn't know how long it would take them to ride to the estate but she knew Kalen would have to be loose so he wouldn't pull a muscle.

She looked up as Arthur and the group came out with Horton. She frowned slightly and asked Kalen forward. "Arthur?"

"He's coming with us," Arthur stated, swinging up onto his white stallion.

Latanie grimaced but nodded as everyone got on their horse. She steadied Kalen and lined him up with the rest of the knights. She glanced at Lancelot who immediately looked away from her. She frowned slightly but ignored it and looked away herself. She glanced at Arthur as he said nothing but started forward at a gallop. She instantly kicked Kalen into a gallop, following quite closely. They all galloped down the path and out of the wall. They took an immediate left and started along the grassy plains towards the estate. The rain started to pour as they made their way over the land. She grunted as they cut sharply into the woods.

A while later, the rain had let up. The wind whipped around them, calling out to them. The uneasiness in Latanie's stomach wove into nausea. She sighed softly and kept Kalen close to the others.

"Woads," Tristan said, looking around, causing Latanie to shift uneasily. "They're tracking us."

"Where?" Arthur asked.

"Everywhere," Tristan answered gravely.

Latanie shuddered and turned Kalen sharply as she heard something rustle in the bushes. Her cerulean eyes darted about nervously. She itched to reach for her sword and draw it but knew that it would gain her nothing but a problem. She glanced at Lancelot as he gently bumped up against her leg with his. As Kalen whickered and pranced about, she became a bit more nervous. Her gaze jerked ahead of them as arrows flew and their path was block.

"Get back!" Lancelot yelled.

"Get back!" Bors echoed.

The group took off, following Arthur. "This way!" he yelled, jerking his horse towards another direction only to find their path back was blocked by Woads. They halted as they saw they had no way out.

Latanie's breath had increased rather dramatically as she sat there, watching a Woad point an arrow at them. "What are you waiting for!" Gawain yelled as the Woad hesitated. Latanie had the same question. If they were going to shoot, then shoot now. She watched as they turned and left.

"Inish. Devil ghosts," Dagonet rasped.

"Why would they not attack?" Galahad asked.

"Merlin doesn't want us dead," Arthur answered, looking at him.

"Doesn't want us dead? He has no greater purpose for us," Latanie commented quietly, not bothering to look up at Arthur as she spoke. She swallowed the lump in her throat and licked her dry lips thoughtfully. She felt Lancelot's comforting arm on her shoulder, causing her to look at him. She saw his reassuring look and nodded.

"Come on," Arthur said and started out of the forest.

--2 days later--

The morning was cool yet foggy as the group galloped into Marius' estate. Latanie was exhausted for she had not slept a bit last night. Every time she closed her eyes there were images of those fallen and the death of the seven knights around her. Lancelot had been there for her when the nightmares struck. Bors insisted something was going on between them but she insisted it was merely because Lancelot had been on watch last night and was able to hear her. She bit her lower lip as she thought of him. What was this feeling deep inside of her? She looked up as they pulled to a halt inside of the estate only to find the gates closed.

"Looks like they welcome us with open arms," she said sarcastically.

"Who are you?" one of the guards asked.

"I am Arthur Castus, Commander of the Sarmatian Knights sent by Bishop Germanius of Rome. Open the gate," Arthur commanded, watching the gates open to reveal Marius.

"It is a wonder you have come. Good Jesus. Arthur and his knights," Marius greeted, walking out. "You have fought the Woads. Vile creatures." He shook his head in disgust.

Latanie wrinkled her nose but stopped when Lancelot bumped her. A woman couldn't express her thoughts anymore! She gave him a mock glare before looking back to Marius.

"Our orders are to evacuate you immediately," Arthur stated.

"But that… that is impossible," Marius stuttered.

"Apparently not or we wouldn't be here but free," Latanie spoke up sharply.

"Latanie," Arthur spoke to her with a bit of warning in his voice. "Which is Alecto?"

"I am Alecto," a young boy above stated. Their gazes were drawn to him.

"Alecto is my son. And everything we have is here in the land given to us by the Pope of Rome," Marius said a bit sharply.

"Well, you're about to give it to the Saxons," Lancelot snapped, glaring.

"They're invading from the North," Arthur added in, giving a grave look.

"Then Rome will send an army," Marius stated.

"They have. Us. We leave as soon as you're packed," Arthur said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"I refuse to leave," Marius declared.

Latanie's eyes burned with the hatred she longed to express. Her sword was by her side and moments from revealing itself. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, relaxing herself, starting with her toes and working her way up to her head. She opened them again and stared at Marius

Arthur dismounted. "If I fail to bring you and your son back my knights can never leave this land. So you're coming with me if I have to tie you to my horse and drag you all the way to Hadrian's Wall myself," he hissed. "My Lord," he added in mockingly. "Lady, my knights are hungry."

Marius gave a motion of his hand for his wife to depart. "Go." He departed from the scene with his wife.

Latanie sighed and dismounted from Kalen, patting the stallion. Her gaze traveled to Arthur as he walked off towards a man hanging by his wrists. She couldn't stand to look at the man. The way he was tortured made her stomach churn. She looked away and rested her forehead against Kalen's neck. Things were turning ugly.

--Hours later--

Latanie had finished helping a couple pack when she noticed Arthur instructing Dagonet to nock something down. She instantly unsheathed her sword and approached them. She took a torch from Bors, ready to go in and see what the path had to offer.

"Wait," Arthur instructed.

She looked at him and reluctantly waited for Lancelot to enter before going in. Arthur followed her along with Gawain. She could hear chants in Latin up ahead of them. It sounded twisted to her and it made her want to bolt in the other direction. She bit back a scream as they ran into a monk.

"Who are these defilers of the Lord's temple?" he demanded.

"Out of the way," Lancelot ordered, shoving him aside. He continued farther into the pathway, being basked in a green glow.

Latanie shuddered as they moved into a small chamber. Her gut twisted into a knot at the stench – the stench of death. "L-Lancelot," she whispered, looking at him. She had never seen such a crime.

Lancelot looked at her and gently took her hand in his own before moving forward a bit more. He inspected a cell that held a dead man. He let go of Latanie and turned to look at Arthur. "The work of your god. Is this how he answers your prayers?" he asked, straightening up.

"See if there's any still alive," Arthur ordered.

In anger, Lancelot swung around and struck one of the chains with his sword, causing the gate to crash down.

Latanie gagged, instantly turning around. She stumbled up the pathway, unable to bear seeing that sight any longer. She staggered outside and instantly turned sideways before her stomach revolted and emptied its contents. She coughed violently. She had been weak in there – something no knight should ever be. She felt a reassuring hand on her back and look up to see Lancelot. "H-How? How could you do that to another human and be guilt free?" she rasped.

"I don't know," he said quietly. Lancelot sighed. "Just stay here." He walked back into the passage, returning moments later with Arthur and a young woman.

Lancelot liked the woman from the first moment he saw her in the cell but he would never love her as much as Latanie. He had to admit it – he loved the female knight. It was hard to deny it. Over the past fifteen years, he ignored the growing signs of his feelings. He glanced at her for a moment, seeing her sitting in the grass beside Kalen now. It was a few years ago at one of the ceremonies back at the Wall. She had a date then and she had dressed up in a cerulean dress that made her look gorgeous.

"Lance!" Latanie exclaimed as she spotted her old friend. She smiled at him as she halted before him.

Lancelot turned to see his sister-in-arms. Damn, she was beautiful beyond all other. No woman in that room could come close to her. Perhaps there was something more than sister-brother love he was feeling. He gave her a smile. "You look gorgeous tonight. How many boys am I fending off?" he asked teasingly. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. Her golden hair tumbled past her shoulders and it looked as if Vanora had managed to get it to curl. Her cerulean eyes glimmered with that familiar spark. The cerulean dress swept to the ground and was covered with a silver mesh with a pattern of ivy.

Latanie laughed quietly. "No one tonight. I only have my date, James," she said softly, a small smile still on her features.

James? Who was James? He looked up to see a tall, handsome young man waltzing over to his sister-in-arms. He looked on with jealousy as James took Latanie into his arms and gave her a swift kiss on the lips. He hid the jealousy with a smile. "James… well, I do not believe we have met." He held out his hand and shook James'. The grip was hard and made Lancelot slightly weary.

"You look beautiful tonight, m'love," James said softly to Latanie, nipping at her ear.

"Not here, James," Latanie said and brushed him off, looking back to Lancelot. "Do you have anyone tonight, Lance?"

Lancelot was off in his thoughts, secretly planning a plot against James when Latanie's voice interrupted him. "Huh? Oh! No… not this time," he said with a smile. Seeing Latanie's worried face, he added, "I didn't wish to bring along someone." He was beyond envious of James. How he yearned to hold Latanie in his arms and place his lips against hers. He looked up at James as he spoke.

"Well, can't get one every time. Shall we go in and dance?" James looked at Latanie.

"Yes, of course. Bye Lance," she said, gently touching Lancelot's arm before leaving with James.

"Damn it," Lancelot whispered after the two left.

Lancelot looked up as Latanie walked over to Arthur and pleaded with Arthur to spare Marius' life for the time being. He sighed softly as the monks were walled back up. He looked at Latanie as she gently rested her forehead on his chest plate. He gently wrapped his arms around her and held her close to him. He needed to tell her soon.