A/N: Hi. For the full apology go see Chapter 40 of Other Version of Events.

Just... I'm sorry.

Responsibilities

Dear Balinor,

What do you mean, Ector is being horrible to Kay? I hardly believe that. Julia says she's never seen him so enamoured. Stop being mean to him. I am glad to hear Flynn is enjoying the time he spends with his Aunt, though I do understand Ector's hesitancy in letting him go. Though it is adorable he still chases after Ector and Lewis when they go to train.

How are Lachlan and Loretta settling? I heard from Emelie that their wedding was beautiful. I was quite disappointed I could not come. The rash that Gaius says that Pellinore has, has he tried an ointment of ragweed, calendula and hare's beard? A child in the village had a rash of a similar description and when I applied it, it seemed to work.

Yes, I do believe it is quite a responsibility to be the only one with the knowledge of a physician in Ealdor, but there is a man here, Emun, who has roped me into the job. I would say he is Ealdor's Chieftain more than Jerome, but I suppose Jerome is old now and Emun would be the next in line if he were to pass away.

I am still due to depart and should reach Camelot three days before midsummer. Again, I apologise for the delay. Like I said, Kate gave birth and I was needed to tend to the child when she became ill.

I miss you too.

But like I said, three days before midsummer.

I cannot wait to see you all. Please kiss Kay and Leon for me.

Love,

Hunith

Underneath the Court table, Balinor was twisting his dagger in his palms, feeling the cool silver metal of his dragon blade.

It was hand crafted, just for him as was his sword, a tradition amongst the Dragonlord's. On his first day on the Mountain of Dragon's, before he had even spoke to the Elders, he was locked into a room built within a large tree, handed block of wood and a carving knife and told to design his dragon.

He had been confused and looked up to Ector for understanding but the older knight had just shrugged and turned to the young man who had brought them in and threw them the task. "I don't think he understands."

The man, whose name was Hyden from what he could remember of their introductions, looked huffed and drew his shoulders back, puffing out, "Did you never see your father's sword and dagger? A set, made from silver and in the carving of a dragon? Before you can even meet the Elders, you must have your own." He unsheathed his own dagger from his side, the matching silver covering attached to his belt and the hilt of the intricately designed crest on his sword. "Did your father tell you none of this?"

"No." Balinor said bluntly. "No, he didn't." He flicked the wood around in his hands and said, "But he did teach me how to carve, if it's any consolation."

"It's not." The man, clearly younger than Balinor, sneered. "You have all the time in the world to finish that, but you cannot confront the Elders with your quest for training and knowledge until you do. Your dragons are resting in the caves. He cannot wander on his own." The man nodded to Ector. "He must always be with you or in these chambers. Is that clear?"

"Like fresh water." Ector said, wearing his most charming grin. It had taken all of Balinor's efforts to convince the Council of Dragons Ector belonged on the mountain with Balinor. That despite the fact he was not blood, he was Kin. He possibly couldn't have done it without Aodh word. Much to Bailnor's chagrin however, none had tried to hide their displeasure over Ector being on the Mountain.

Balinor ignored all of that for the second and turned to the wooden block in his hands. "Do I get any spare wood in case I make a mistake?"

"You can have all the wood you want." Hyden stalked towards the door. "Dinners at sunset in the Great Hall. And as I said, do not leave your Knight alone. Outsiders don't do well here."

It had taken Balinor three weeks to perfect both his dagger and sword hilts. The sword was less ostentatious than the dagger, two spread wings and a long smooth neck that led up to a dragonhead pommel with the eyes emblazoned with sapphires. Similarly, the dragon on his dagger was embedded with sapphires but the design was a detailed dragons head that led to a much shorter body with wings folded in on themselves.

None of the other Dragonlords had understood why he embedded the eyes with jewels instead of carving the design of the eyes like the rest had, but he found it important that his dragonhead had blue eyes.

"Why blue eyes?" Ector had asked him, fascinated when he saw the hilts when they arrived from the silver smith. "It's so girly, Bal."

Balinor rolled his eyes, staring at the work of the silversmith. Balinor's carvings had been turned into moulds and both the sword and the dagger hilts were heavy, filled with silver. He had yet to match a blade to them and that was his next mission, but he felt he should make one himself. "I don't know. They just make them… more human." he shrugged and didn't mention that the sapphires reminded him of a certain girl who was living in Ealdor. He hadn't even admitted it to himself yet.

"How will you get these bladed?" Ector asked.

"Not sure, really. Though, Clara seems to keen to show me instead of tell me." The slightly older Dragonlord seemed to have a crush on him and often gifted him with things he had no need for and gave him advice he didn't understand, though she kept winking and saying he would understand. "I think I'm going to make the dagger myself." he murmured, thinking of his skills as a blacksmith could at least forge him a dagger.

Ector just grinned at him and while Balinor was convinced he was going to tease him about Clara, he nodded his head to the trunk the room. "Well I got a surprise for you from Uther."

Balinor frowned and followed Ector as he crossed the room and opened up the trunk. Wrapped in cloths was very clearly a blade and, as he pulled it out, Balinor recognised it. "Is that… Vertigern's sword?"

"Yep." Ector said with a pop of his lips. He held it out to Balinor, wearing a big cheesy grin.

"Why are you giving it to me?" Balinor said, taking a step backwards.

If Ector could somehow beam more he managed it. "Well, according to rumour it's a magical sword. Imbued with magic, it think is what Father said." Balinor's stomach flipped when he heard Ector address Sayard. "Uther couldn't wield it properly. It never felt right for him. So he considered that as it was magic you should have it."

Balinor stared down at the sword then eyes darted back up to Ector. "That's Vertigern's sword."

"I think we acknowledged that."

"The sword that killed my mother." he whispered. "Your father. Uther's father. And you want me to wield it?"

Ector's smile faltered as he looked down at the sword then back up to Balinor. "Bally, it's not like–"

"It's exactly like that!" Balinor snapped. "That sword is a… a killer!"

"It's magical." Ector said firmly. "Supposed to be wielded by a magic user. And you and father are the ones who taught me magic is neither wholly bad nor wholly good. That it comes down to the user of said magic and this magic has been tainted for many years." He took a step closer to Balinor and held it out. "Recast the blade. Recast the magic. This sword may be a killer, but maybe you can make it a peace maker."

"I don't like this." Uther growled, looking over the reports. Balinor's eyes snapped back up and he raised his eyebrow at his cousin. He sheathed his dagger back inside his pocket and pretended as though he was listening. "There is too much silence on the borders with Bayard. He has never waited this long between attacks."

"I heard he's looking for a wife." Nimueh said, leaning on her hand. "Maybe he is otherwise preoccupied." She was staring out the window longingly at the rain and Balinor smirked, knowing the sorceresses fondness for the rain and it rarely came to Camelot outside of the winter.

"It's not like Bayard." Uther snapped. "He wants to invade. He wants to take Camelot for his own."

"Maybe we should send some knights to the castle. See what is going on." Arnold suggested.

The older advisors, men who had never fought on the lines but were the men who held sway with money nodded their heads in agreement and after a lengthy discussion, Balinor – unfortunately paid little heed to the details of what was said, his mind often wandering in the meetings – Ector, and Lewis were volunteered.

"Wait… sorry, my lord." Balinor leant forward on the table. "I cannot go."

Uther raised his eyebrow. "And why is that?"

Balinor pursed his lips and looked at the table to hide the growing blush on his cheeks. "Well… Hunith returns tomorrow and… well, she's only going to be here for a fortnight."

With a small raise of his eyebrow, Uther said, "Well best you leave quickly then."

Balinor nodded and leant back in his chair and said nothing, watching as the meeting fell into a discussion about taxes, the other three all in current presence. Lord Hagen, previously Lord Gerome Cadeyrn, sat across from him with his three chins wobbling and started spluttering about how he couldn't pay currently but would pay for all expenses for Lewis, Balinor and Ector to go into Mercia and their return. "What expenses?" Lewis mouthed from across the table and Balinor merely shrugged. Balinor saw Arnold continuously throw dirty looks down the table at the man, but he said nothing, the two never quite reconciling over Hunith.

Lord Tyranus de Barbes and Lord Harold Ashdown were both in the courts presence as well, Balinor being the fourth Lord of Camelot, Lord Ambrosius. Their taxes were all collected though Ashdown had clear concerns his people could no longer afford the high prices of Camelot's taxes and Hagen was quick to agree. De Barbes and Balinor himself had found his people more than willing to pay and found it affordable, though Balinor could understand Ashdown's perspective, the man needing to divert all his men to protecting the borderlands with Caerleon though, as pointed out by Hagen, Mercia hadn't attacked in a few months and, as far as all reports went, his lands were the most fertile.

"There is nothing we can do for lowering the taxes this month, Lord Ashdown, however I do believe your men may need an extension for the toll. I will grant that. Lord Hagen, the same to you, should you send some of your men to the borders of Caerleon."

"Of course your majesty." Hagen grinned vilely and a small part of Balinor couldn't wait until he died and passed on his title, though the man was in his thirties and he could see him holding onto his title for a good and long time, maybe even after death.

The meeting was called to an end and Balinor found himself gravitating towards Lord Ashdown, who was looking quite stressed and a little more than annoyed. "Lord Ashdown." Balinor greeted him and held out his hand.

With a warm smile, Ashdown looked at him and returned the gesture, greeting Balinor warmly. "Lord Ambrosius. I have not seen you since your return from the mountains. I am deeply sorry for your loss and must congratulate you on your ascension to Lord."

Balinor smiled sadly and nodded. "Thank you, Ashdown. Actually, that is what I wish to talk to you about. Your borders are just north of mine and I will not have time to return to my manor this summer, now doing this job for the King as well as my normal duties and must return briefly to the Mountains to report on my other duties. I do understand you have a lot to think of already however I was hoping we could discuss an arrangement for our two lands."

Ashdown raised an eyebrow. "What would that be?"

He cleared his throat and Balinor wondered how his father worked being a guard, a Dragonlord and Lord of Camelot for so long but tried to channel him as he made his proposal. "My men are fairly self-sufficient, able to collect the taxes and keep the villages in order mostly by themselves. However, the taxes are then of course counted by my advisors and taken to the King but I do not trust my own advisors…" he sighed and said, "I do believe there is a corruption going on in my own household and usually I go over the counts myself. So, if it would not be so much to ask that this month I send my taxes to you, your men count it out and you can send them to the king, half as yours, half as mine and then you can make it up next month for both of us."

Ashdown looked at Balinor, the two men matching height, and his face softened. "Ambrosius… Balinor. If you are doing this as an act of kindness…"

"I can promise, I am not. Ask Lord de Barbes. It is the deal he and I had going whilst I was away in the Mountains. I can offer you a portion of our crops as I did for him, however I thought that the tax money would be something you needed more." he lowered his voice and glanced at Hagen. "Especially if it made a certain Lord look bad."

They both glanced at Hagen who was busy chatting to Nimueh a little forcefully while the sorceress looked utterly disinterested. "You don't like him either?"

Balinor snorted. "No one does. We tolerate him for his title."

"A title written in blood." Ashdown muttered, glaring down his nose at Hagen whom everyone knew killed for his position as a Lord.

"So what say you? Do my taxes?"

Ashdown looked at him and smiled warmly. "Of course, my Lord. However, only if you pay us in crops. Uther will afford my men another month. Their hunger may not afford them another day."

Balinor nodded and the two men shook on it. With a large sigh, he left the chambers only to be greeted by Ector outside who fell into step beside him as they went towards Balinor's chambers. "You're having Ashdown do your taxes?"

"Only person I could find on such short notice, if we are to leave by morning."

"What about de Barbes?"

"What about him?"

"Doesn't he usually do it?"

"I think he'll understand if he doesn't… Him and I both wish to see Ashdown succeed over Hagen."

"Hagen is a man of dishonour."

"You too?"

"Name a man in the Kingdom who doesn't want to wrench Cadeyrn's throat out."

Balinor snorted then looked disappointed. "Hunith's going to be upset with me."

"Of course she is. But she'll understand. She left so you could fulfil your duty but she's coming back. She'll come back again." Ector patted Balinor's shoulder and squeezed it. With a large grin he added, "Plus, think of this. When Ygraine finds out what Uther's done… she'll scream murder."

Balinor chuckled. "Too bad we won't be here to see it."

"Don't worry. Uther will still be pale faced when we come back. We can tease our great Kingly cousin then."

Dear Hunith,

I am sorry, I am sorry, I am sorry, I am sorry. I apologise a thousand times over. A million times over. I will apologise until the day I pass.

Uther has sent me on a mission that I cannot tell you about in writing. Ygraine shall explain it to you of course, but for now I am sorry.

We will see each other again. Hopefully, this will not take as along as I believe it to. You may use my chambers as you see to it and decorate it pink for all I care. Treat them as your own, I beg of you. I promise that when I do see you next, I will take you to my Manor in The White Mountains and you and I can both have a proper holiday.

Ector sends his love. As does Lewis. The rest can give you their love when they see you.

Forever apologising,

Balinor

Hunith held her pack over her shoulder and stared at the letter, still not quite believing her terrible luck. Balinor had only just returned to the Camelot, the reason for her original delay for her return to visit her friends but then Katherine, – better known as Kate – her elder cousin became gravely ill right after delivering a healthy child and Hunith was the only one in Ealdor who knew medicine, thanks to Gaius and Alice of course, so she stayed behind, delaying her return once more.

She'd missed Balinor's official coronation as Lord Ambrosius and the feast that went with it, much to her disappointment – though seeing her cousin and her baby become healthy and well by her own hand was decidedly just as fulfilling. She had been stuck in Essetir.

But now he was in Mercia.

She dropped her pack on the floor of Balinor's chambers and looked around. The chambers hadn't changed at all in a year, and she was fairly sure if she went behind the door that had once been Sayard Ambrosius's room, not a hair would be out of place. With a grand sigh she went into the room where she would be staying, kicking her bag along in a completely unlady-like manner.

She had to admit, her year in the village of Ealdor had somewhat made her less refined habits return. For one, Hunith could swear like a drunkard at the local tavern, mostly because of her friendship with Lawrence, Kate's husband who lived with them in their small hut. Lawrence and her had a fast friendship mainly because, whilst Kate was very beautiful, she wasn't very bright and neither was her Aunt Terra or any of her younger cousin's. Lawrence was extremely smart. Though he couldn't read, he kept up with all the latest medicines and would often sit with Hunith and discuss potions and remedies and Lawrence would bring her books to read to him about philosophy and culture.

Along with Kate, there was Henrietta, two years younger than Hunith who often clung to her mother despite her age and Elena, the youngest at only ten and she was just as blonde and angelic as her sisters and mother. Despite their daftness, she couldn't ask for a better family, her aunt and cousins all welcoming her with open arms and love though she often felt as though she was as different to them as apples were from the cows on the field.

Kate especially was often enamoured by Hunith's tales of Camelot Court and she'd given most of her unfitting dresses to Henrietta in exchange for a downy skirt and apron. They had dreamt about palace life and Hunith had to remember to ask Balinor if they could come to the Manor one day, mostly to see their eyes widen.

She hadn't minded so much. Hunith could never say that she didn't throw herself into everything she did whole-heartedly, whether it was living in a castle or in a village, she had always tried to push herself to do as much as she could. But this was supposed to be her holiday and now she was spending it alone. Well, not alone.

There was a loud knock on the door and Hunith went into the main chamber and called out. "Who is it?"

"Who do you think?" a voice called out. A wide grin spread across Hunith's face and she rushed to the door and flung it open.

In front of her, hair done up into braids and wearing a red dress, made from silks and linins far more expensive than anything Hunith had seen in months, was Ygraine. The two women screamed and swept each other up in warm embraces, commenting on each other's beauty and how much the other has changed. "Oh Hunith…" Ygraine's face saddened as she held the edges of her dress. "What happen to the gowns I sent you?"

Hunith laughed, head tilting to the side. "They're not exactly travelling clothes, are they? Nor are they farming clothes, so whilst I appreciate them I have not exactly had a chance to wear them."

"A lady can always find an excuse to wear a good dress. Whether it is to plough a field or court a man." Ygraine said airily, a large smile on her face and a twinkle in her eyes. "And I travel in those dresses all the time."

Hunith started walking back to her room, pulling away from Ygraine and the queen following her excitedly as they started to unpack her bags for her fortnight in Camelot. "You travel with a guard and a king, all armed with swords. Did you want me to robbed on my way here?"

The Queen looked disappointed in herself. "I should have sent you an armed guards. Did you make the entire journey yourself?"

"Well yes." she blushed. At the sight of Ygraine's disappointed face she said, "Oh Ygraine, it's nothing. Really. I'm just glad I'm here. There was no need for an armed guard of any sort. I am not that important, nor am I in any need."

Ygraine rolled her eyes. "Don't be silly." She wrapped her arms around Hunith's shoulders and then noted, "You've grown taller. And gotten darker." The queen slid the sleeve of her dress up and they compared arms. "You've seen too much sun. What are they having you do?"

"Mainly I plough the fields but I'm also been put to good use as a physician." Hunith beamed. "Gaius is sending me books."

With a giggle, Ygraine said, "Well when Gaius retires, I know whom to come to."

"And Uther lets you make such decisions?" Hunith raised her eyebrow, waggling her eyebrows.

"There are things I can do to persuade him you know." she grinned. Moments passed and the girls couldn't contain themselves and broke into giggles, Hunith throwing her arms around Ygraine again and clinging on.

"Oh, I've missed you!"

They lost balance briefly and ended up on the bed, laughing until there was a second knock on the door. "Oh, that'll be your bath. I ordered one up for you."

"Really, you didn't have to." Hunith argued but Ygraine waved her hands above her head and grinned.

"I see you once a year now. You've gone off to live in enemy lands." she wore a fake sneer and Hunith chuckled.

"Lord Hagen came to collect taxes from us a few months ago. The borders of Camelot are constantly being debated."

"Currently you're Essterian." Ygraine let the servant in and smiled gratefully before turning back to Hunith. "For all I know, you're a spy." she said, her eyes glittering with mirth.

"What a woeful spy, I'd be." Hunith smirked. The serving girl was busy working to fill a bath and Hunith lowered her voice. "All I could report on would be the secrets of the King's bedroom. I'm sure it would be the downfall of all of Camelot."

"With what I've accomplished, I'm sure it could be." she winked and Hunith actually groaned, not wanting to think of it.

Despite her protests, the bath was welcomed, washing three days of travel dirt off her skin and by lunch, she was dressed and ready, wearing a blue dress that Ygraine had sent to her that she hadn't given to her cousins, and going downstairs with her for, what she thought would be, a light lunch in the kitchen and her best friend.

However, upon reaching the hallway just before the dining hall, Ygraine tugged her along and pulled her through the doors. Before Hunith could breathe, she was pulled into a large hug and spun around until the whole world was spinning. She squealed and was put down and straightened up by none other than Lachlan. "Hunith!"

"Lachlan!" she laughed back and he pulled her tight in for another hug. She buried her head in his shoulder and Lachlan lifted her off her feet and held her there. "I've missed you." she said, squeezing his shoulder. "So much."

"I've missed you too." he put her down then got her hand and dragged her along. "Come. Meet my wife and my son. Come, come." Hunith giggled and followed and was thrown in front of a dark skinned beauty with long elegant hair curling down her back and holding a baby in her arms only a few months old. "Hunith, this is Loretta and Pellinore. Loretta, Pellinore…" his voice quietened as he tickled underneath his sons chin and then turned back to Hunith with a wide smile. "Auntie Hunith."

She blushed but Lachlan just kept grinning, as proud as ever. "I've heard a lot about you." Hunith smiled to Loretta, the dark skinned girl from the north who had originally been a serving girl in another kingdom. Lachlan had fallen in love with her and Uther had convinced the King to hand her over during a treaty and in Camelot she became a Lady of Court. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"And I you." Loretta beamed. "Though I assure you, I've probably heard twice as much about you. Thank you very much for the tip on the ointment. Pellinore has not cried since."

"You are most welcome. I prayed for his health." she leant down cooed at the child briefly, a wide smile on her face.

Hunith turned briefly to glance behind her and saw the dining hall filled with her friends, Frenwyn, Walden, Bedivere and his wife Renee, Emelie and the small baby Leon, curls in his hair and blue eyes sparkling, Julia with her child, Kay in her arms and Flynn on the hem of her skirt, Thaddeus, Tristan – and strangely Agravaine, who looked moments away from rolling his eyes and leaving – and of course Gaius and Alice. Overwhelmed as to who she should turn to first, she went and embraced Gaius and Alice, sinking into their joint arms and hugging them tight, then turned to Emelie and Julia, lifting Kay from her grips and greeting everyone else with one arm, unwilling to put him down and found Flynn removing himself from Julia and following her around instead, gripping her waist with his arms.

"Tristan." she finally was able to gush and the older knight took her free hand and kissed it.

"My lady." he said, appropriately.

Hunith blushed. "I am no lady."

"Ah, but are you not yet sixteen? I do believe you are a lady, Hunith."

She beamed then hugged him again, leaning into his warm embrace and soaking up the warmth she felt from him and sighing contently. Later, when Kay had been removed from her grasps and she was sitting amongst friends, eating and catching up with stories, Hunith momentarily closed her eyes and felt as though she had returned home.

Dear cousin,

I'm sorry it has taken us so much time to write, we really have been busy. It had been a hard three-day journey but we made it through relatively unscathed. Lewis landed in a bit of a rough patch with the locals but it was nothing Balinor's wit and charm could not solve. It was strange however as I was assured the passage we took would be safe. It doesn't matter though as we arrived in the House of Rook and none of us have lost a limb.

The residents have accepted us as one of their own and even given us lodgings beneath the manor, but not so far beneath that we hear the gates of hell rattling. In the last four days, we have found jobs amongst their people and are making good coin, Balinor especially. He cleans the windows high up in the Manor and though it is a dangerous job, he has learnt a way to stay close to the walls and not injure himself. You do know my dear brothers penchant for growing beards, do you not? It is moments like these I wish for some sort of artistic capabilities to show you. Alas, my hands quiver too much with laughter and also the pain of being forced to see such an unattractive sight each day.

So far I have not experienced much of great interest. The House is quite boring admittedly. Very little is happening, though I have been told of a banquet the next evening in which the Housemaster shall be selecting a young serving girl for an important role in the Household. There will be a meeting in the morning to settle the more hostile arrangements between the nobles. You know how it is with weddings and celebrations; there must always be a foil. They've come far and wide to celebrate the Housemaster's new ruling, though we're all completely baffled by the mystery of it.

I do look forward to writing you in the days ahead of good news.

Do send my love along to the family. Balinor and Lewis also wish you to pass along their well wishes, especially to your new guest, from Balinor.

Sincerely,

Ector

Balinor had read the letter a few times before Ector had attached it to Hermes' leg and sent it flying on its way to the King. It informed Uther of there had been no time safe enough to send a letter back to Camelot until then and that during their three-day journey into Mercia, Hagen had gone back on his word for safe-passage and they had been attacked, the three only managing to get out when Balinor used magic. Despite that, they made it to Mercia's castle, or the House of Rook, named in their code because of the castle that all Mercian knights had emblazoned on their armour.

The next part of the letter describe the fact they'd been given lodging amongst the servants and hadn't been imprisoned for anything and that they'd taken up jobs in the castle, Balinor disguising himself to get a job amongst the King's servants to get it, and no one recognising him for who he truly was. He had a job high up (window cleaning) and though it was dangerous, they were keeping safe – then there was a jibe at his facial hair that was not in a code of any sort. Ector thought his beard was hilarious.

He wrote how nothing interesting had yet to happen in court and tried hinting at that maybe Nimueh's bride thoughts were true by mentioning the engagement and that there was a meeting the next morning with the Lords of Essetir, though they were unsure what it was about other than it was something apart from a wedding. Finally, Ector coded that should something of importance occur, he'd send another letter.

The last part of the message of sending along their well wishes to their family wasn't in code at all, the three young men missing their families terribly, especially the fathers. Balinor was in the laundry room, scrubbing at robes for Bayard's first advisor, Herrick, for the evening ahead.

He looked around and glanced a few of the laundry maids. They were all silently doing their jobs, scrubbing sheets and clothing and uniforms for the kingdom. Balinor watched them silently and had learnt quite quickly what to do, never having cleaned so much as a handkerchief before.

Not that he'd ever admit it to anyone, but he actually enjoyed some of the menial labour and the chance to bond with the commoners whom he'd grown up with and befriended his entire life. As a Lord and the son of Lord, Balinor had often found himself feeling isolated, especially when people assumed him to be more arrogant than he was or ever could be. But he found that when strangers met him, with no clue of his background, he blended in more seamlessly.

"Psst." he jumped and straightened up, turning his head to find the source of the sound. "Over here." Balinor looked around the group of women and saw no one was paying attention to him, more interested in Hettie and her castle gossip, and spotted Lewis behind barrels of wine that were stored below in the laundry.

He looked over once more to the women then purposefully dropped one of Herrick's shirts in case someone was paying attention. He crept beneath the large wooden bowl like table, filled to the brim with dirty water and washing, and went behind the barrels to where Lewis was hiding.

Smelling like a stables and looking a sight with his hair sticking up everywhere like a mad man, Lewis pulled Balinor as close to him as he could so they were both out of sight from the housemaster who was currently visiting his wife in the laundry. He was fine and an absolute delight, as long as you didn't annoy him. There were whisperings about his punishments and Balinor had to admit, none of them sounded overwhelmingly pleasant.

"What is it?" Balinor asked, dropping to his knee.

Lewis smirked. "Laundry, Bal. Did your manhood drop and replace itself?"

"Shut up. Is this important?"

"Yeah. Have you seen Ector today?"

A small frown creased Balinor's forehead and he shook his head. The last time he had seen his brother was the previous night before the three had gone to bed. Ector was working in the kitchens and had to wake long before dawn to do so, often leaving when the other men were asleep. "Is he not in the kitchens?"

"No." A cold stone plunged in Balinor's stomach as he though the worst, but Lewis grabbed his shoulder with one had and said, "I'm sure it's nothing. It's only a little past noon. Maybe he's gone to do an errand for the kitchens. I only checked once. I just wanted to see if he was with you."

Balinor looked up at Lewis, eyes hollow. "He wasn't there when I went to pick up Herrick's breakfast either."

A flash of concern crossed over Lewis' face but he shook it off with a smile. "I'll go search for him now. My presence won't be missed in the stables. You go and see what you can find out tailing Herrick." With a nod, Balinor went to stand and leave but Lewis grabbed his arm and tugged him back down then cupped the back of his neck, glaring at him. "Don't do anything stupid."

"I won't." Balinor said, exasperated but Lewis looked at him in disbelief. "I won't." his voice was more calm and assuring and this got Lewis to at least nod calmly.

After making his way back to the position around the large tub, Balinor worked silently, his thoughts consumed with where his brother might be. I swear Ector, when I see you alive and well tonight, I will kill you.

He glanced to his hand where a long cut was made along the top of his wrist and winced.

The Elders had seen Balinor. He had spent three days in their chambers learning the laws of the Dragons over and over. He had to recite them, recant them, chant them, say them backwards. He tried his hardest to take it seriously but to learn all the laws of the Dragonlords in three days?

And the worst was, how many of them interfered with his life. With his family. To chose a dragon over Ector, simply because he was not Magical?

The Dragonlords were more than just the peacekeepers between the Dragons and the Mortals. They were the peacekeepers between all magical beings. They upheld the law, kept the Druids in line, worked for Kings and Queens as advisors to all things sorcery. And though so many of them were Court Dragon Masters, as he himself was, he had to remember his first loyalty needed to be to the Dragons and their people.

"The Déaþgodas took out a lot of us in the War." Elder Leopold said. "We must remain closely bound together in order to survive."

Hyden glared at him from the corner of his eye. He sat knelt beside Balinor in the Chamber of Elders and gritted his teeth. Though he was a Dragonlord of six years, Hyden had never left the mountain. He had never hatched a Dragon of his own and he had never learnt he was a Dragonlord until his father, a man he had never met, passed and Hyden was found tortured and without understanding what had just happened to him.

It was uncommon for Dragonlords to not know their children. Family was the most important thing to a Dragonlord. Their race could not thrive without it so it was held in the upmost regard. Hyden's father had not known about Hyden because his mother had run away from him when she learnt what he was, fearful of anything magic. Hyden's half-brother, Jorge was also a member of the Dragonlords only he wasn't one himself. Whilst he had trained his entire life to become one, as Hyden was the first born the magic was thrust on him.

He had to learn everything from the beginning and Balinor had never quite realised how much his father had taught him without even his knowing. Tying Dragon Knots, learning how to respect a dragon. Bad Dragonlords meant rogue dragons, so until they passed all their tests, they were not allowed to leave the Mountain. Another reason why Hyden was still there and Balinor was quite close to leaving.

"Now, Balinor. You must pick a singular dragon." Elder Payne said. Balinor winced and stared at his hands. "The others will of course, stay here on the Mountain."

This part of the law he did not understand. Aodh, Celosia and Nuriel were all like family to him, but he did not own them. His father had hatched the later two and Aodh had been his fathers own personal Dragon, hatched specifically for him. In their case, it was odd. Celosia was hatched for Balinor but Nuriel was hatched for Ector. But as the law dictated, a beginner Dragon could only own one Dragon of his ancestors – usually the hatched one intended for them – and the others were owned by the Mountain. Any other Dragon in their possession would have to be hatched by their own hand.

This meant in his final days on the Mountain he had to chose between Aodh, Celosia and Nuriel.

Aodh helped him a lot. Celosia and Nuriel were not quite average dragons and didn't know much about the laws themselves. Aodh was training them too and it wouldn't be long until Balinor had to pick one of them as his Dragon forever and always. But Nuriel was steadfast loyal to Ector and for the first time, Balinor saw how important that was.

Up on the Mountain, he could allow himself to use as much magic as he wanted. For the first time in his life, Balinor realised just how strong he was. Ector had been impressed and stepped back in awe as Balinor commanded the elements, sung to the Dragons and had them all flocking around him in a ceremonial dance that only a true Dragonlord could create. When he flew back down on his ceremonial dragons back and touched the earth he saw Ector beating his hands together and realised just how human he was.

Adopting a human into a Dragonlord family was a dangerous game. They could be harmed by any magical beings wanting to get at the Dragonlords and while the Dragonlord in question saw them as family, none of the others would ever allow them into their ranks. Ector was in danger up on the mountain too. "Why can't I keep both Celosia and Nuriel? They were both hatched for me."

Whenever Balinor had a question like that, Elder Payne, the eldest and greyest of the men who solemnly bow his head and say, "This is the law. No Dragonlord can start with the advantage of two dragons. It is unfair."

"But really, Nuriel isn't my dragon. If Ector had been my real brother, he would have been able to keep Nuriel just like Jorge kept Tylin."

Now Hyden wasn't glaring at Balinor, he was outright throwing daggers at him mentally. Daggers and fireballs. But Balinor ignored the older Dragonlord in favour of Elder Payne. "But Sir Ector is not a Dragonlord's kin," he said. "He is a serf's son."

Balinor roiled at that. "He is my fathers son."

"No." Elder Farrow shook her head, her long white locks waving like water. "He is not. As much as you wish he was, Young Dragonlord Ambrosius, he is not."

Balinor gritted his teeth together. "Can I spend a night to think of which Dragon I wish to choose?"

"You may take all the time you wish." Because on the Mountain of Dragon's, they believed time did not exist and everyone would come to at their own pace. No pushing, no rushing. He held back the eye roll he wanted to make and dismissed himself, bowing to the Three Elders and Hyden came after him. They walked down the hall, Balinor slightly ahead and through the tunnel of windows that overlooked the White Mountains to the west.

Hyden was supposed to be his guide but the two barely got along. Clara often acted as mediator between the two of them while Ector would purposefully throw things at the pompous prat then pretend it wasn't him. "You know, you should get rid of him."

Balinor paused and turned to look at Hyden. "What?"

"Ector. They're right. No matter how much you try, he will never be your brother. Your only tie to him is he was your fathers ward. He is no longer as such now that your father is dead. He is of no relation to–"

Hyden didn't get to finish his sentence as he was pinned up against the wall by Balinor's hand around his throat. "Ector is my brother. Would you deny Jorge simply because he is half your brother?"

"He is kin." Hyden choked out.

"Ector is too!"

"Bal?" Balinor was momentarily distracted, turning his head to see the man in question there. "What's going on?" Ector asked, his hand hovering over his sword.

Balinor looked between Hyden and Ector then threw the Dragonlord to the ground. "Nothing, Ec. Let's go." He grabbed Ector by the shoulder and hustled him through to their rooms.

He made it through the afternoon gathering as much information as he could on Bayard's men and strategies, even making it down to the library to locate some battle plans and Mercian training techniques he inconspicuously slid out of the books and into his bag with magic.

Every few hours he'd walk by the kitchen, using Herrick or himself as an excuse and managed four trips before the banquet without seeing Ector. Nervously, he collected Herrick's tunic and dress robes from the laundry and went back upstairs to the highest tower where Herrick's chambers were.

On his way, however, an old woman two heads shorter than himself, stopped him with a small hand on his chest. He looked down at her greying auburn hair and deep brown eyes that were strangely familiar, pierced him. "Turn away and leave this place." she murmured. "If you wish to survive."

He glared at her from his towering height and growled, "What do you know, old woman?"

She slid her hands down his chest and he saw her hands, incredibly smooth for someone of such an age, with no wrinkles and no age marks. He looked down at her again but her face had not changed, not a grey hair or wrinkle of place. "Just listen to me. Leave Essetir tonight." As quick as she appeared, the woman was gone and not a sight of her to be seen.

Balinor looked up and down the hallway and was thinking of nothing but his brother now. He increased his pace towards Herrick's chambers and knocked before the call of, "Enter" allowed him entrance.

"You're late." he was told as he stepped inside.

"Sorry my lord." Balinor bowed respectively to the brown haired man then blindly helped him into his armour, mind too busy considering the words of the old woman and Ector's disappearance.

My dearest Sophia,

There is not much in this world I would not give to be back by your side, to be in your heart and to once again be close enough to love you. However, with our duties this is impossible. I must once again apologise for leaving you all those years ago, but you know as well as I that my brother and I would have been killed should it have happened any other way and then I would not have had even the chance to write you this.

I know that you are to be wed in the coming weeks but I need you to know, my beloved that even if you have long forgotten me, even if your feelings for me have not matured with you since we were children that I still, forever, will love you. I hope my affections, or at least my intent are returned despite all circumstances.

I love you, my Lady.

Forever yours,

Frenwyn

Two days earlier…

Heads ducked down in an alcove below the citadel, Ector huddled closely to the woman in front of him, hiding her from view of Mercia as she hastily read the letter from Camelot and tears slid down her face.

Hands trembling, the Lady Sophia folded the note and wiped the tears from her round face but too many were escaping and pouring down her neck. "I thought he was dead."

"I assure you, my Lady, Sir Frenwyn is very much alive." Ector said sincerely.

Sophia laughed, a small sob escaping a moment later. "All we were told was that his father was to be executed and him and Lachlan the same. Lachlan is alive, is he not?"

"And a proud father." Ector smiled softly when Sophia bubbled up with hysterical laughter again and leant back on the alcove wall, chest heaving with elation.

"Child… A dead man has a child."

Resting a hand on her shoulder, Ector whispered, "He is not dead, my Lady."

"Quite clearly, no." she waved the letter around and then paced in the very small space. "What does he believe me to do? Leave family? Betray my father?" She sniffed, more tears welling up. "What does this letter mean, Sir Knight?"

With a long sigh, Ector said quietly, "It means he still loves you and has thought of you every day from childhood. It means that despite the distance that he wishes you to be his and as he knows it would interrupt with your duty, he shall respectfully stand down. He simply just wished you to know, that he loved you still."

"I love him still." she gasped, drawing a sharp breath and trying to hold down her chest with her hand. Ector swallowed uncomfortably as her bosom rose up and down and was amply on display as she'd snuck out in her nightgown. Her long brown hair was undone and cascaded down her shoulders and over her rich purple cloak.

She was young. Twenty to Frenwyn's twenty-five and could have possibly been no older than eight when Frenwyn was forced to run from Mercia with his brother when their father and mother, the Lord and Lady Carduie were beheaded by the previous king for crimes unknown. She was quite beautiful too. Though Ector was quite sure neither his wife nor his brother-in-arms would appreciate the knowledge he was staring her ample chest with a little more than friendliness.

"What do I do?" she whispered. "I do not wish to be wed. Not Lord Cardridge." she spoke the name as though it left a vile taste on her tongue and squashed up her face. "He is old enough to be my father. Older perhaps. He has two previous wives and daughters and sons only a few years my youth… I do not wish to marry him."

Ector stiffened and said, "Sometimes, out of duty…"

"Out of duty?" she exclaimed, a little too loudly. "Whose duty, Sir Knight? My duty to my cousin, the King? The very man who marries me off to make stronger ties with some lord who cannot keep a mistress alive longer than a month? He already has sons and daughter a-plenty so my duty is not to bear him an heir, it is to keep him otherwise, occupied whilst my cousin pillages his lands for resources."

Ector really didn't know what to say. His entire life, he only had a duty to his father – both of them – but even then, it never held such consequence. With a long sigh he confessed, "I cannot answer these questions for you… But I can tell you Frenwyn has never been with another." Ector offered gently. "He loves you more than I can fathom, considering the time and the distance."

Turning her head slightly, Sophia murmured, "Really?"

"I would not lie to you, my Lady."

Sophia seemed to consider this and curled her arms over her chest. "Sir Ector?" she whispered. He nodded for her to continue and she bit one of her plump lips. "When do your men leave for Camelot?"

"By the weeks end, my Lady."

"Would it… would it be too much of an inconvenience if I should… should leave with you?" her eyes swam with hope as she stared up at Ector. "Please. I… I simply wish to be with Frenwyn. Is that too much to ask?"

Ector stared at her and thought of Frenwyn and the urgency he had in his eyes as he forced Ector to take this letter across borders and into Mercia to give to his childhood love. He thought of his own childhood love with a pang of regret, Nimueh clouding his vision over Julia, Flynn and Kay momentarily and considered how far he would go for love.

There was no doubt in his mind that he loved Julia. He loved her more than he could ever have thought. She gave him a son and took care of him and Balinor, something that he found alarmingly important.

After finding Balinor trying to kill Hyden, Ector's little brother didn't say much. Not that Ector blamed him really. He'd been dying to maim Hyden since the first time he scowled at Balinor. They returned to the rooms and from there, Balinor excused himself to go check on the Dragons.

Ector knew what was coming. The fact that he would have to say goodbye to Nuriel and even Aodh. It was something Sayard had warned him of but he hadn't thought it was weighing this heavily on Balinor. He also didn't know what Hyden had to do with everything.

It hurt somewhat. Nuriel was his childhood friend in a lot of ways. When he had just hatched, it had been Ector's job to feed him and the Dragon had been small enough to crawl into his bed back then.

But he'd seen the way Balinor could control Dragons. It was different to Sayard who commanded the creatures much like he commanded his sons. But Balinor could control the Dragons with this childish freedom that was a sight to behold. If that beauty and magnificence came at the cost of Balinor following Dragon Law, it was well worth it. He loved Nuriel dearly, but he loved Balinor more. He didn't want to be one of the things that tore up Balinor.

He didn't need an escort to the Dragon Caves. Ever since Balinor had blessed him with magic, Ector could feel it everywhere and like he said, in particular Balinor's. It was a warmth unlike the others. Like Dragon's scales and a solid heartbeat. It was reassuring to Ector that his brother was alive. He found Balinor sitting in between Celosia and Nuriel, Adoh in front of him and the three talking quietly. Aodh looked up and Ector. "Maybe you should tell him," Aodh said.

He approached closer and saw Balinor's face, reddened and awash with angry tears. "Bal," he started but Balinor growled out over him, "He deserves a Dragon. And it's not like Nuriel to cause trouble. Especially not for Ector."

"I'd never dare harm him." Nuriel snorted.

"I know that I have to give up Nuriel." Ector cut across both of them. Nuriel spun his head and glared at Ector.

"You know?" Nuriel hissed. "How?"

"Father told me." he said, sitting beside Aodh, cross legged and gently stroked the eldest Dragon's muzzle. "That I had not been accepted by the Dragonlords as kin. I understand, Bal. And you should too, Nuriel. They're the laws of your kin too."

Nuriel huffed. "Who will take care of you and your hatchlings, Human?"

Ector chuckled, "I don't need someone to look after me."

"Yes you do," Balinor whispered. Ector turned away from the Dragons and looked to his petrified brother. The same one who had crawled up into his bed at nights, crying because lightning frightened, somehow a man. "Ec, if someone managed to kill father, could you imagine what they'd do to you? You're human."

Ector bristled. "So are you."

"No. I'm not. I'm a Dragonlord." he whispered it like a confession and Ector narrowed his eyes. "I'm powerful, Ec. More than I even knew. And while I know I'm not immortal, there's less of a chance I'll get killed than you. I need Nuriel to look after you."

"I'm supposed to look after you." Ector spluttered out, glaring at him. "No. No, Bally, don't you start. I know you're afraid because of what happened to father, but I am not him. Magical creatures do not come after me because – as you so bluntly put it – I'm a pitiful human. If I die it will be by a sword. You'll be the one most likely killed stupidly by something magical."

"I don't want you dying by a sword either!" Balinor objected.

"Balinor." Ector said seriously. "I'm a Knight. Trust me. If it isn't by a sword, it'l be as a decrepit old man falling susceptible to some injury." Balinor shut up and glared at his brother. "But Nuriel, as wonderful as you are old friend, should not be in charge of keeping a mere mortal safe from mere mortal deaths. No, seriously, Bally. If I had never met you or your father–"

"Our father." Balinor hissed angrily and Ector saw the same ferocity in his eyes that burnt in his eyes when he spoke to Hyden. "Will I have to defend that you are my brother forever? To the council, to the court, to everyone. I don't care what your blood says, I don't care what the Laws of the Dragon Court say, you are my brother and I will not abandoned you!"

Ector frowned. "Who suggest you abandon me?" Balinor's jaw clamped shut and he glared out at nothing, away from Ector. "Bally…" he growled and understood. Balinor could have probably kept Nuriel for Ector if he was his real brother and after everything that happened with their father, Balinor had been touchy. When Sayard had told Ector of the Dragon Law, he hadn't told him it was because Ector wasn't kin. "Who cares what they think? It's what we know, right?" It's what Balinor used to tell him when they were Anglia. When some of other noble children had found out Ector was originally a physicians son who had still been a serf in Camelot. "Doesn't matter, does it?"

Balinor wiped his eyes on the back of his jacket. "Not to me. No. Never to me, Ec. I just wish I didn't have to defend it. Not to the Council."

Ector kicked at Balinor's boot gently. "You don't have to. You're a Lord."

"Huh?"

"Bal. You're a Lord. Lord Balinor Ambrosius a Dragonlord."

"They're Dragonlords too," Balinor practically whispered.

"Yeah, but are they a Lord of Camelot, one of the most revered of the Five Kingdom's in Albion?"

"Only because you didn't want to be."

"Only because I wanted to be a Knight more than an uptight stuffy Lord." Ector laughed and Bal kicked him back. "Listen to me. You can't let everything people say get to you like this. I know you're… what's that word father used to use? Empathetic. I know things hurt you more than they hurt me. But you need to force that away and be strong. You're not a little kid anymore and people are always going to say things about me and you, but you need to remember who you are and stop letting it get to you.

"You also can't beat up everyone who tells you I'm not your brother. That worked when we were kids, but as adults people tend to like to start wars. And wars aren't good. Especially wars with Dragons."

Balinor pouted a little, glancing between Nuriel and Celosia. "You two have been quiet. What do you two think?"

"I think your brother is a wise Warrior, Dragonlord." Celosia breathed. "And I think he is right."

"Regrettably." Nuriel added. "And though I do not wish to depart from his side, attaching myself to yours would be much worse."

"That's loyalty right there." Ector beamed.

Balinor laughed softly and ran a hand through his hair. "I need to go to bed. I need to… think. Then I'll be strong, Ec but for now…"

"Whatever you wish, little brother." Ector stood up and helped Balinor to his feet. He pushed him on ahead and glanced back at Nuriel who looked as broken as he felt. He smiled at his Dragon and then glanced at Celosia. "You better take care of him." he warned her. "Or me and Nuriel will come kick your ass."

"You can bet on that." Nuriel chortled.

"Ector." Balinor complained but Ector wrapped an arm around Balinor from behind and marched him forward. "Onwards!"

He looked at Sophia and wondered what Balinor would have done if Frenwyn had given him the letter and not Ector. Since talking him into giving up Nuriel and acting more like a Lord than a Child, Balinor had started to act differently, but there was still an underpinning tone to him that was so individually Balinor that could not be cast off. "Of course. We leave at weeks end."

Ector and Sophia made plans that evening to sneak her out of the castle and hid the letter on her persons before agreeing to send one from her to Frenwyn with their merlin falcon. He then escorted Lady Sophia to her chambers where she pressed the lightest kiss on his cheek in thanks before Ector could disappear.

Little did Ector know the entire time he was being watched.

Dear Flynn,

I know right now you are cross with me for not taking you as my ward and while I want nothing more than to make you my own son, it is not the right thing to do. Your Aunt Geneva is a very kind woman and loves you just as dearly as I do and I know for a fact that if I were her I would not want to lose you either.

I know it's hard for you to understand right now, but you belong with your Aunt. One day, I hope you will forgive me.

I will never abandon you, Flynn. I will always be close by. Julia and I love you dearly.

Love,

Ector

A/N: Don't hurt me. :)