God I'm so sorry... This didn't take very long to write, I just didn't get round to posting it. Bloody computer had a virus... Cheers to all those who reviewed, you are the best people in the world and I love you all.

Chapter 12

Arthur cantered into the fort at the Wall, the knights and Akira right behind him. The caravan followed them a short time after and Bishop Germanius made his appearance, frantically searching for Alecto.

"Alecto!" on seeing the Roman boy. "Come, let me see you!"

Alecto looked surprised for a second, then came forward to greet the Bishop.

Akira dismounted, exchanging glances with the knights at the Bishop's cheerful manner. She turned to one of the Roman legionaries. "You, go and make sure there's a bed free in the hospital. Make sure it's warm and there's no drafts." she commanded calmly. He left almost immediately.

His Eminence looked scandalized. "It is not your place to give orders to my soldiers!"

"So you'd prefer me to let Bors kill you for almost getting one of the knights killed? That is easily arranged." The knights grinned at her.

The Bishop chose to ignore her and beckoned to another legionary. "Your papers."

Lancelot moved forward and took the papers, handing them to each knights as he went past. Akira didn't get one. She raised her eyebrows at the Bishop.

He sneered. "I will keep your papers until you have escorted me back to Rome. It is the Pope's orders."

Akira moved closer to him. "I don't give a sod what the Pope wants. Where are my papers?"

The Bishop nodded and two of the legionaries stepped up behind her and held their swords to her throat. Akira grinned. "Fool."

In one swift movement she drew a dagger from a shoulder holster and sliced it across one of the legionaries throats. The second backed away, only to find himself next to Tristan. The knight drew his sword and the legionary backed away again, stopping only when he felt a silk cord around his throat. It tightened and the legionary felt a knee in the small of his back, forcing his neck against the cord, effectively strangling him.

Akira removed the cord from his throat and Tristan sheathed his sword again. The Bishop's eyes were wide as he removed a roll of parchment from his robes, handing it to her, shaking all the while.

Akira smirked and headed to the hospital, followed closely by Bors. She entered to find Vanora already there, tending to Dagonet. The Briton looked up as they entered, she stood up and went over to Bors, who led her out of the room, while Akira sat down on the bed and examined the knight.

"He'll be alright. Just needs some rest." She announced to the healer, turning to leave again as Bors and Vanora came back.

Akira made her way back to her room. She entered and started packing her belongings. Tomorrow she would leave.

A shout echoed above the Wall. Akira ran out of her room, reaching the Wall just after Arthur and Lancelot. She peered over the edge of the Wall, feeling her heart sink when she saw the army camped outside it. She turned around. Arthur seemed to hesitate an instant, before saying : "Knights, my journey with you must end here. May God go with you." He left abruptly, followed slowly by the other knights.

Akira stared hard at Guinevere, furious with her. The Woad girl returned her stare with out the slightest hint of guilt. "I didn't... Kira, I swear I didn't even mention it after you asked me not to."

The Sarmatian let her gaze drop, before looking back at Guinevere. "We'd better get some sleep. We've got quite a busy day tomorrow."

Guinevere stared back at her. "What? You're staying?"

"Course I'm staying. Can't let you go off and fight on your own, you'll just get yourself killed."

Guinevere nodded, before leaving the Wall. Akira took one last look over the Wall, then made her way back to her room. She sighed, and started unpacking her things. A slight noise by the door made her turn around, dagger in hand, but she stopped when she saw who it was.

"Tristan."

Very sorry againfor the short chapter and the long wait! Please forgive me (and review...). For those that don't know why he's in her room, you're more naive than I would have believed possible.

Carline