Kaleigh

by modernprincess

Rated for future chapters. This is the story of someone from Lancelot's past and the impact she has on the characters. Now that they've reached the Roman estate, what other trouble can Kaleigh get into? Will eventually be TristanOC. R&R!

9. Wolves and Romans

Disclaimer: Same as always, I don't any of the characters except for Kaleigh and the animals.

Author's Note: So, it's been a really LONG time since I've updated, but that's because I've a) been really busy and b) well, I lost my notebook with all my chapters. I just found it when I went home for the weekend and decided to post it ASAP. I couldn't get it before because my college was 3 hours away from home. I tried to rewrite it, but nothing sounded right, so I waited 'til I could fine the original. I hope everyone enjoys it.

Review Responses:
Calliann: I'm glad you liked how I incorporated her into the fire conversation. I added it last minute and wasn't sure it fit so well, but I thought what the heck, why not. I'm glad it worked out.
Snape's Opera Rose: Yes, you've told me millions of times that you love my story, but it doesn't hurt to hear it again. Readers like you, WHO ACTUALLY REVIEW, are the reason I post this story, slow as that process may be.
I got Tristan's hawks name from a LOT of research. I spent a fair amount of time researching Sarmatian gods, goddesses, tribes and such. I got most, if not all of the names I plan on using in the future from, I think, 4 separate sites. Unfortunately, I didn't save the sites. Sorry.
LANCELOTTRISTANBABY: I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter, hope this ones just as good.
Lucillaq: Kaleigh doesn't take no gruff from nobody, especially the knights! Thanks for reviewing, hope you like this next chapter.
Just a fan: hehe. Your praise makes me feel all happy and glowie. I can't blame Kaleigh for being jealous either, it's Tristan after all. As for Kaleigh dying or not, I'm not telling, but there is a happy ending at the end of this story.
Zelinia: Thanks for reviewing! I'm so glad you enjoyed the last chapter! I hope this one turns out to be just as good. We have to give Lancelot a break though, it's hard for big brothers to let little sisters grow up and he's been holding on to his childhood memory of her for so long it's gonna take some effort to snap him out.
Cardeia: I'm glad you enjoyed the tension between the characters. And yes, grin the paste did have menthol in it.
Thank you so much for your advice. I took it to heart and have actually started work on two other King Arthur stories, I'm just not sure if I'm going to post them or use them as my 'rebound' stories for when I get stuck on this one.
I hope you enjoy this later chapter. By the way, you're doing an awesome job with Dust Devils!
Sinned Darkness:Here ya go. I updated. I hope you enjoy it!
Black Angel:Thanks for reviewing, I hope you enjoy this newest installment.
Alexis In Wonderland: Glad you liked, and hope you enjoy the latest.
MORWEN12: Thank you so much for the praise on the story. Hope you enjoy the latest!

dreams
'Thoughts'
"spoken"

Chapter 9

There was smoke all around her. It was entering her lungs, suffocating her. She ran through it, trying to yell but not able to. People screamed behind the smoky curtain and she struggled to find the source of the sound, wading through the smoke that seemed thicker than water.

She could feel the danger getting closer. Perspiration broke out on her brow as she felt her way to the door, she needed to get her weapons. Her thoughts were focused on her weapons, if she could just find her weapons in this maze of smoke she could protect everyone. She pushed the door open as a hand materialized in the smoke, grabbing for her. She tried to avoid it but her body was suddenly frozen, only her eyes could move as she watched the hand clamp over her mouth to smother her screams and drag her away.

Kaleigh took a big gasp of air and sat up with a start, the scream never making it past her lips as she clamped down on her wild dream. On her wild memory. 'No,' she corrected herself, her mind had exaggerated. It hadn't happened like that. Not exactly. She closed her eyes, willing the sounds and images to leave her in peace. She placed her head in her hands as she fought to control her breathing and wiped the thin layer of sweat from her face with her forearm. She wrapped her cloak tighter around her and slowly opened her eyes again. It had stopped raining. She glanced quickly to the sky, guessing she had been asleep at least half the night by the change in the moon and stars. The sun would be up soon to dry the land out with its feeble rays. She sighed, no longer feeling the urge to sleep. If she closed her eyes now the memories, the nightmares, would start again. If she stayed awake she could pretend that they were false, just dreams, no matter how her heart knew different. Her gaze turned to the fire and it heated her face. The wind blew smoke into her lungs and she was once again lost in the world of her dream.

Movement caught her eye, tearing her mind from the hell it had strayed to again, and she glanced up as Tristan stood, silently adding another log to the fire. His gaze held hers as he sat back down against the tree trunk across the fire from her. The way he looked at her, she knew he had been doing it for awhile. No one looked at someone that intently, as if they saw the inside of you, unless they had been doing it for a while. She silently sent a prayer to whatever god was listening that she hadn't talked in her sleep. She blinked several times, forcing her mind to change topics to the situation at hand. She stared back at Tristan but with the way his hair fell in front of his face all she could make out were the cinders of the fire reflected in his eyes. He looked intimidating. 'And hot.' She shook the thought from her mind and, desperate to change her focus to a relatively safer topic, built up the courage to go apologize for snapping at him earlier.

She stood and stepped across the other sleeping knights carefully, making her way to stand looking down at him awkwardly, "I'm sorry I snapped at you like that earlier" she whispered, "I should not have taken my frustrations out on you."

He glanced sideways slightly, "Sit if you like."

Kaleigh sank down to the ground next to him. They both stared into the fire and if her mind hadn't been whirling a mile a minute, Kaleigh might have taken the time to enjoy the silence and tranquility she felt at the moment. But, alas, Kaleigh felt the need to ask a question that was nagging her, something the others had spoken of briefly earlier, "They said you always take the night watch. And yet, I get the impression you are always called on to scout during the day." she paused and looked over at him until he met her gaze, "Do you ever sleep?"

Tristan felt slightly touched at the concern in her voice but brushed it away, accounting it to her just being curious. After a moment of internal debate he decided he had questions of his own and the only way to get his answers were to answer hers, "Yes. Do you sleep?"

Kaleigh knew he had seen the way she had waken and that this was probably the closest Tristan would ever get to asking her about it. If she didn't answer he would likely never bring it up again but she felt compelled to tell him. To tell someone. And yet she didn't want to answer, not fully at least. It wasn't the time or place to tell them the truth, it probably never would be, but she would face that when she was forced to, "Usually, yes, I sleep. It was the arguing. It, it dragged up memories I thought I had buried." Kaleigh's voice dropped even more as she stared intently into the fire, "I don't think I'll be able to sleep for several nights now. Not well at least." She snapped her eyes away from the fire to stare into the darkness of the surrounding forest, "You could take a break you know." she glanced over at him, "Sleep, like a normal person."

"You and I aren't normal."

She chuckled, "Ah, true." She turned to face him completely, "Then sleep like a human needs to. I promise if I hear the slightest noise I'll wake you," she crossed her hand in a sign of the goddess over her heart and chuckled softly, "Though I doubt that even in sleep you let your guard down." They studied each other and if Kaleigh looked deeply into his eyes, she could see the mistrust that simmered below the surface. Even if she was Lancelot's sister, it was still obvious that she would have to work to gain Tristan's trust, and so she decided to appeal to a different part of him, "You're no good in a fight if you're exhausted." She pointed out softly, "The Saxons probably have us out numbered hundreds to one and when we are forced to confront them, we're all going to need all the energy in our beings."

Tristan wanted to argue with her, but she had a point. He would be no good exhausted. The others had exaggerated though. Arthur ensured that they rotated guard duty. It was hardly his fault that he usually spent most of the night awake, not able to sleep from habit of constantly being on alert. Years of standing guard wouldn't be unlearned just because she suggested it. He turned from her and silently continued to watch the dark forest.

After Kaleigh had said her piece she had turned away from him, giving him the choice to trust her with the responsibility of standing watch or not. Somewhere deep inside herself she knew why Tristan wouldn't let her take his place. It was hard to let go of the responsibility, of the control. But that didn't mean she couldn't help him along with that just a little bit.

Where once was light
Now darkness falls
Where once was love
Love is no more
Don't say I didn't try

Kaleigh closed her eyes as the familiar tune rolled from her lips. Her voice hung in the air, hypnotizing, soft and clear. Tristan felt exhaustion weighing down on him and tried to fight it.

These tears we cry
Are falling rain
For all the lies you told us
The hurt, the blame!
And we will weep to be so alone
We are lost
We can never go home
So in the end
I'll be what I will be
No loyal friend
Was ever there for me

Tristan was now fighting to keep his eyes open, but Kaleigh's voice was slowly lulling him to sleep. The harder he fought to stay awake, the deeper down his mind pulled him until his eyes slowly closed.

Now we say goodbye
We say you didn't try
These tears you cry
Have come to late
Take back the lies
The hurt, the blame!
And you will weep
When you face the end alone
You are lost
You can never go home
You are lost
You can never go home

Kaleigh opened her eyes as she let the last note of the song hang in the air. Nothing around her made noise, not even the crickets that had been chirping when she began her song. She looked sideways at Tristan and saw his eyes were closed and his breathing was deep and even as his head rested against the tree trunk behind him. She was alone now, with only the crackling fire and moon to keep her company.

As the sun crested the mountains and shone through the dense forest, it cast beams of light on the sleeping group. Low fog rolled through the campsite, at times completely hiding the sleeping forms from sight. Kaleigh remained vigilant until she noticed Jols stirring and smiled in greeting when he rose to tend to the horses. Arthur and Dagonet were the next to rise, almost simultaneously, and they both nodded a greeting to her. Arthur cast a curious eye at Tristan and Kaleigh looked to her side to gaze with amusement on the sleeping form. Arthur and the other two went about their morning rituals and Kaleigh chewed her bottom lip in thought. Tristan had fallen asleep so quickly the night before, she was hesitant to wake him now. He obviously had sleep to catch up on, but he'd have to finish that once the Roman family was safely back at the wall.

As her brother rose and stretched Kaleigh laid her hand gently on Tristan's shoulder. The next thing she knew her arm had been wrenched behind her and her body pressed to the ground with a knife at her neck. She froze, and the other awake knights looked on apprehensively, Lancelot taking a step forward to intervene if necessary. The person holding her grunted softly and all at once the knife was retracted and the pressure taken from Kaleigh's arm and body, allowing her freedom of movement again. She lay there for a moment more and a hand appeared in front of her. She grasped it and was yanked to her feet. She gave Tristan a cool look as he released her hand, "I take it you're not a morning person." He shrugged and walked over to the horses, rolling his neck and shoulders to get the kinks out. Well, Kaleigh was a morning person and she couldn't help teasing him, "It works better if you sleep laying down you know."

"So I've heard." came the disgruntled response and she smirked, turning her attention back to the others.

She settled down against her tree again and watched Arthur and Dagonet begin to set up breakfast. They didn't appear to be morning people either and communicated with grunts as they began to roast some of the deer that her brother had brought back last night. The smell of roasting meat awoke a groggy Bors, who tripped over Horton as he made his way to the forest.

"Where are you going?" Kaleigh called curiously, trying not to laugh at the disgruntled look on Horton's face at being awoken thusly.

"To piss." came the slurred reply.

"Come on Galahad."

Kaleigh turned her head and saw that Gawain had also waken. He was currently shoving his young friend who merely clung tighter to his blanket and rolled over, grumbling about wanting five more minutes. Gawain slapped him on the shoulder and the others response was to pull the blanket over his head. Gawain sighed and looked up, catching Kaleigh eye, "He hates mornings. Near impossible to wake him unless there's a threat."

A glint appeared in Kaleigh's eye as she slowly stepped towards the two. She snatched Horton's water skin and when he went to protest a look from Dagonet quickly silenced him. She made her way silently to the sleeping knight and Gawain warily backed away as a slow, mischievous smile spread across her countenance.

"Galahad," she whispered, crouching silently next to him, "it's time to wake up." No response came from the lump under the blanket, "Last chance." she stood and grabbed a hunk of the blanket by his feet. She waited several moments and the others all watched expectantly, knowing what she was going to do to the completely unprepared knight. With a quick move she ripped the blanket from the young knight and poured the entire skin upon him.

"Gahhh!" Galahad cried as he jerked to a sitting position, "What the bloody-" he trailed off at the sight of Kaleigh smiling down at him, hands on hips, skin still clutched tightly. "What the hell was that for?" he grumbled as he wiped the water from his eyes.

"Morning sunshine." she answered brightly, before turning on her heel, carelessly tossing the empty skin back to a snickering Horton.

Galahad glanced at the others to see that they were all barely holding in their laughter, especially Gawain, "It's not that funny." he said defensively.

"Yes it is!" Kaleigh called from where she was warming her hands by the small fire.

Galahad shook the water from his head, "What are you staring at?" he growled at the still staring Horton.

Kaleigh turned back to Galahad, "Oh don't be such a grump." she glanced around at the other snickering knights and winked, "After all, it's not often pagans like us get anointed in holy water." The rest of the knights, including Galahad burst into laughter at the sputtering that came from Horton.

"That was not holy water," the bishop's steward said in a flustered voice, "Holy water must be blessed by, I mean it comes from-"

Gawain cut him off, "Stop your blathering Christian. She jests."

Kaleigh opened her mouth to further tease the little man but halted at rustling in the brush. She tensed and then relaxed when Bors burst forth from the shrubbery, "Gone a while for a piss." she teased.

He smirked, "Well you see it's a problem for me, it's like-"

"A baby's arm holding an apple." finished the others and Kaleigh laughed at the bored tone in their voices.

"Sounds like you lot have had that conversation before." she quipped.

"Don't get him started." warned Dagonet and Kaleigh sat down by the tall man as he finished his breakfast and offered her some food.

The rest of the group soon followed suit and the clearing was once again quiet except for the sounds of the fire, horses, and contented chewing.

Tristan tensed and Kaleigh noticed, pausing as she strained to hear or smell whatever he had. Galahad started to ask what was wrong with her but a motion from Tristan silenced everyone. The scout stood and Kaleigh heard it. Something was in the bushes, just out of sight. Whatever it was wasn't being particularly stealthy either. As the others went to draw their weapons Tristan slipped easily into the forest. Everyone stared at where he had disappeared, weapons ready for whatever. Minutes dragged on and Kaleigh saw that Lancelot and Galahad had grown inpatient. They turned to Arthur, and he nodded. The two knights disappeared into the forest to the right and left and Kaleigh made to follow Lancelot, but Bors hand on her arm stopped her. She glanced down at the hand, then up at the knight only to see he was completely focused on their surroundings. He gazed intensely at the foliage and Kaleigh easily removed her arm from under his hand but stayed in place. Just when she thought she could stand the wait no longer Galahad emerged from the brush directly in front of them, Lancelot right behind him. Galahad looked perplexed but the later merely annoyed. She found out why when Tristan stepped into the small clearing holding a young wolf pup in his arms.

Kaleigh awed at the growling, wriggling ball of fluff and moved toward the scout. "Where'd you-?" The scouts steady gaze tore into Kaleigh and she gasped. The wolves the night before, this must be their offspring. "Were there more?" Tristan shook his head, placing the pup into Kaleigh's outstretched arms. The pup quivered into her and she spoke gently to it. She glanced back up at Tristan and frowned when she saw the bite mark on his right hand, "Are you alright?" she questioned.

He shrugged, "He didn't take as well to me handling him as he has you."

Kaleigh looked down at the animal and her heart went out to the pup who had suddenly found himself alone. "Poor thing." she whispered and carried the pup over to the fire. The clearing remained silent and Kaleigh looked up to see her companions staring at her. She raised an eyebrow.

"Why's he letting you hold him so easily?" Galahad asked, "Little demon tried to take a chunk out of me when I got close to him."

She shrugged and looked up at them thru her eyelashes, "Perhaps it just took a woman's touch." The pup chose that moment to squirm and when she shifted to hold it better, it latched its small puppy teeth into her right forearm, growling menacing little sounds. She winced and Dagonet had to help her loosen the teeth from her skin, leaving a thin trail of blood.

"Yeah, a woman's touch did just the thing." teased Gawain as he turned to ready his horse, causing the knights to all laugh. Gradually the others drifted off to prepare their horses for the journey, leaving Kaleigh sitting next to the fire alone, feeding the pup some of the remaining cooked deer. The pup continued to growl low in his throat even as he ate. His coat was still baby soft light grey with a black mask across his face and two white front paws. His big brown eyes darted all around the campsite, taking in everything as he gnawed the deer. Kaleigh sighed, "Poor thing."

"Filthy creature." Kaleigh's head snapped up and her eyes locked with Horton's disapproving ones, "You should leave it. Who knows what diseases it might have." He insisted, looking pointedly at the bite on her arm.

Kaleigh's eyes narrowed and she stood, carrying the wolf over to where Horton stood. She stood nose to nose with him, "What's wrong 'holy man'. The sight of blood make you squeamish?" she hissed lowly. The man went to back away and she moved with him, "State your opinions if you must, but know this, I care more for this creatures life than I ever could for a hypocrite like you. Keep that in mind, and remember to sleep with one eye open. You're in Woad country, never know when an accident might happen." she kept her eyes locked with his, reveling in watching the beads of sweat run down the nervous mans brow despite the cool morning air.

"Kaleigh." Arthur's voice cut thru the air, "Is something wrong?"

"No Arthur," she said taking a step back from the terrified Horton, "just sharing some friendly advice with my new friend here." The wolf who had thus far remained still snapped out, barely missing Horton, making the man jump back in fright. She smirked and turned to Arthur, "When are we leaving?"

It was clearly a subject change but Arthur let her, "Less than a half hour."

Kaleigh nodded respectfully, "I'll prepare." She crossed to Valdeer who curiously nosed the bundle in her arms. "Meet our newest companion." she whispered as the pup sniffed back at the horses large black nose.

"So, you've decided to bring him along with you." Bors asked as he tightened the girth of his saddle.

She shrugged, "Because of me, he has no one to raise him now. The least I can do is try."

"He'll get in the way." predicted Galahad, still in a sour mood from his wake up.

"You get in the way, but we let you continue to tag along." Gawain nudged the youngest knight before mounting. He held a hand out to Kaleigh and she stared at him blankly. "Well, give him here, unless you grew another arm to ready your mount." Kaleigh looked down at the now sleeping wolf and carefully handed him to the mounted knight. The movement woke the wolf who snapped at the knight and then wriggled out of his grasp. Kaleigh moved quickly to catch him.

The pup whined and she cradled him to her chest, "Oh your fine." she assured him, "But how do you expect me to prepare when you snap at everyone else like that?" The pup wagged his tail at her soothing tone and a little pink tongue swiped at her cheek. She about melted and Gawain rolled his eyes at the look on her face. Realizing she would just have to make do, Kaleigh tucked the pup under her arm and grabbed the leather strap that went around Valdeer. She threw it over his back and then tried to attach the two saddle bags. However, with the pup in one arm she couldn't hold everything in place, resulting in everything continually sliding under Valdeers' belly, providing the knights with bountiful entertainment. She turned to glare over her shoulder at them, noticing that Lancelot was the only one looking elsewhere. He must still be mad, she reasoned.

She was surprised to see Tristan leave Thagimasad standing and stride over to her. He held out his hand and she handed the pup to him with a thankful smile. She quickly lashed her bags and weapons to the horse, glad that the others had gone back to preparing themselves for the ride and trying in vain to ignore Tristan's gaze which she was fairly sure had bored a hole through the back of her head. Why else would she be feeling so light headed?

She finished and turned, "Thank you Tristan." she said mustering up a confident smile. Then, as she took the pup her hand grazed along his forearm, sending a zing throughout her body. She jumped back involuntarily and Tristan turned from her without a word. She chewed her bottom lip as she watched him mount his horse, debating even trying to explain, rather lie, about her actions.

"So," called Bors as he mounted, "You're going to keep it, but what are you going to name it."

"How about naming it One." Jols offered, earning a look from Bors and chuckles from the others.

Kaleigh smiled down at the deeply sleeping pup, "Him. I'm going to name him Afsati."

"That's a good name." Dagonet agreed.

"What kind of name is that?" questioned Horton as he mounted the horse Jols had prepared for him.

"It's Sarmatian." Lancelot answered, speaking for the first time that morning, "It means 'Lord of Noble Animals'."

Once everyone was mounted the group wasted no time and took off at a brisk gallop. Kaleigh had tucked the still sleeping wolf into one of her saddlebags and frequent glances down assured her the pup still slept. Kaleigh passed most of her time watching Horton. The Bishops secretary was obviously not used to riding a horse. Instead of following the horses motion with his body the man pounded on the poor animals back, his heels up as he clung to the sleek sides. He had a near choking grip on the reins and Kaleigh wondered where Jols had been able to find a horse that patient. With the amount of slapping Horton's butt did with the saddle she had to imagine horse and rider were very sore.

They leapt a small ditch and Kaleigh snorted as Horton lost his balance and wrapped his arms around the horses neck. She looked back slightly to Galahad who was having a hard time laughing that hard and staying in the saddle. They shared a grin and she moved Valdeer up. She reached over and pushed the Roman back up into a sitting position. He grabbed the mane and horses saddle, letting his reins flap about. She grudgingly reached out and grabbed them, not wanting the poor horse to trip on them. "Hold on." she advised the scared Roman before taking over control of his horse. The mans face was white and he nodded only slightly in response. The group galloped until the sun was almost directly above them before they cleared the forest and saw the large Roman style villa spread out before them. They galloped right up to the gates which had closed at their appearance.

As the group came to a stop Kaleigh was dragged off of Valdeer as the horse she lead refused to stop. She landed on the ground with a plop, sliding several feet across the ground, her hands gripping the reins with all their strength, stopping the horse from going farther. Gawain chuckled softly and Bors coughed, sounding suspiciously like 'nice one'. She heard Arthur and several of the guards on the wall exchange words as she rose back to her feet. Horton looked at her, fear evident in his entire demeanor. No doubt he was expecting retaliation, but she merely tossed the reins to him with a glare.

Kaleigh lent against Valdeer's shoulder, picking at the dirt embedded in her hands and arms where her tunic had been pushed unevenly up. She carelessly pushed the sleeves up past her elbows, watching as a short bald little man came out with several Roman guards. He opened his arms wide in welcome. She heard the little man call himself Marius and he welcomed them to his home. Arthur asked where Alecto was and a young man watching from atop the wall spoke up.

Kaleigh dismissed the fat Romans, Marius', words and studied the boy before he turned to come down from the wall. He was dressed in a simple blue Roman tunic, but his carriage told a more elaborate story. Quick, calm eyes taking in everything told of an awareness and meant that the boy was probably use to an ordered, consistent life. A projected chin and a stiff, straight posture bespoke of a haughtiness and self confidence. He knew that others didn't look on him with love in their eyes here, but because of his station no one would dare stand against his family. Yet Kaleigh saw that his mouth was soft, telling of a gentleness and resignation that did not fit with the rest of his attitude.

She passed her gaze to the woman next to him. A purple cloak shrouded the woman's small features, the dark color of the fabric and the brownish-black tendrils of hair that escaped the edge of the cloak making her paler than she probably was. Even from this distance and with the brief glimpse she caught, Kaleigh could see the woman was timid. Her shoulders hunched slightly as if in protection and her eyes hollow. This was something new to Kaleigh, every Roman woman of this station she had met or seen had, yes been proper, but also exuded a confidence sorely lacking here. The boy and woman disappeared from view and Kaleigh told herself it was the unfamiliar surroundings making her uncomfortable, but as she looked about her the unease in the pit of her stomach deepened.

Thirty or so people, who had previously been at work in the fields had gathered to stare in wonder at her and her companions. She imagined they didn't often get visitors all the way up here and suspected that their arrival might actually be the social highlite of the season. The looks she received were ones of equal parts curiosity and fear. She knew the group of men she was with must have looked rather strange. Large, forbidding looking men on war horses, armed to the teeth, and definitely not happy to be there, they must have made quite a sight. She noticed the extra stares she was getting and moved to stand between Valdeer and Horton's bay. She wasn't easy to see there but was free to scrutinize the villagers as much as she pleased.

She caught the gaze of one little girl who looked at her in wide eyed wonder, her dirty blonde curls falling into her innocent, dirt smudged face. Kaleigh smiled and nodded to the girl who ducked behind a woman's skirt. The skirt she noticed, was dirty and worn, not nearly warm enough for that late in the year. Her eyes quickly assessed the rest of villagers and she saw that their dress was much the same of the woman. The clothes were several years past efficient use, going slack and baggy from age. The bagginess had at first hid the people but as Kaleigh now took the time to examine each individual she saw that the clothes hung on frames that were near emaciated. There was not an ounce of fat on any of these people. She glanced at their homes, which were sturdy shacks. She was relieved that they at least looked warm, if not slightly worn. But she saw few animals and absolutely no stored food was evident. It was the cold season, back home they would have had stock piles of food. She thought back to when they had galloped up. The fields had been barren. She glanced back at the Roman, surely he wasn't holding all their food from them. As she took in his fat, ruddy state, the unease in her stomach turned into a clenching dread.

Shouting snapped her from her thoughts and she instinctively moved her hand to her dagger as the guards advanced towards her group. She tightened her grip on the hilt when they passed her and began to shove the villagers around, shouting at them to get back to work. Movement from the front of the group pulled her glare from the Romans to see Arthur, dismounted, standing directly in front of Marius. He spoke to low for her to hear his words but as Marius gulped and recoiled slightly she had the distinct impression that Arthur had threatened him.

Arhtur turned his head slightly, "Lady, my men are hungry."

Kaleigh had followed his gaze and was more than slightly surprised to see the woman and boy from the wall standing behind Marius. The woman reached a timid hand out to Marius and he turned to her quickly telling her to go. Kaleigh's jaw set, she hadn't missed the way the woman had shrunken from Marius when he turned to her. Nor had she missed the fear that had blossomed in the green eyes before she turned and fled quickly behind the walls toward the main villa.

Her attention was drawn from the woman back to Arthur at the sound of his sword being removed from it's saddle scabbard. He stalked into the village and Kaleigh stood with the rest of the knights, weapon ready should the guards or villagers try anything. Kaleigh risked a quick glance to the other knights and saw that their expressions weren't in the least worried, more annoyed. In Tristan's case blank. Arthur paid no mind to the crowd of villagers that cautiously followed him. They parted briefly and Kaleigh saw a man hanging from chains attached to a wooden structure. Then her view was once again obscured. She left Valdeer standing and moved to the edge of the crowd. The people shrank away from her at the sight of her drawn sword but she ignored them instead focusing on Arthur as he cut the mans chains with a single sweep of his weapon. Kaleigh filtered out the noises, concentrating all her senses on taking in everything she saw. The villagers seemed drawn in wonder to Arthur though few were brave enough to move within a few paces of him and his sword. She saw several male villagers and an old woman helping the now unchained man to a hut. Red lines cut across the old mans thin back. The blood had run with the mist, making rivulets down his bare sides and legs. They disappeared into the hut and Kaleigh kept one eye on it as she scanned the rest of the crowd. Several others bore marks of similar abuse and she brought her eyes back to Arthur who had pointed his weapon to the crowd. His words echoed in her head.

"Marius is not of God. And you, all of you, were free from your first breaths."

In those words Kaleigh saw the man Arthur could be. He embodied everything Rome had stood for, long ago. As he walked back to his stallion she saw Alecto standing with two guards. He looked at Arthur with respect before quickly turning and retreating through the walls.

"Come knights," Arthur's voice interrupted her thoughts again, "we will rest while they prepare. We leave as soon as they are ready." The knights all dismounted and filed after Arthur through the gates to the villa, allowing some boys and Jols to take their horses.

Kaleigh however hung back, her glare keeping any stable boy from coming near her or her horse as she returned her sword to it's scabbard next to her dagger on the leather strap.

"You coming?"

She looked up to Tristan, who was the only one still outside of the walls. She caught the untrusting looks he shot to the Romans and nodded, "There is something I must see to. I'll catch up."

The quiet scout turned and shooting the walls one last look of disdain urged his stallion forward. Kaleigh watched him until he disappeared, then led Valdeer over to the hut where the old man had been taken.

She stopped and began to rummage through her saddle bags. Afsati nipped one of her fingers as she reached into the bag for him and she grimaced as she tucked the grey pup under her arm. She undid the leather strap around Valdeer barrel and the bags fell to the ground with a plop. The horse turned his large head to snuffle at the sacks and she sighed as she attempted to pick them all up and juggle the pup at the same time, almost dropping Afsati and completely dropping the bags.

Valdeer nuzzled at her arm, causing her to drop the bags yet again. She glared at him and he whickered throatily, "Oh, shut it." she grumbled. The stallion sighed and stomped his right hind leg, "I'm not especially having a wonderful time here either." Kaleigh snapped. She heard a small giggle and whirled, catching the little blonde haired girl staring at her. The girl gasped as Kaleigh's gaze caught hers and immediately ducked her head, busying herself with stabbing a stick into the mud. Kaleigh watched her for several moments and the saw the little girl gaze up at her through her veil of dirty hair. She motioned with her finger for the girl to come to her. The girl glanced behind herself, then back at Kaleigh who motioned her forward once again.

The girl stood slowly and for a brief moment Kaleigh feared she would run, but then the little girl began to make her way to towards the Sarmatian woman. She stopped in front of Kaleigh and scuffed her foot casually in the dirt. Kaleigh knelt in front of the girl and tipped her head to the side, "What's your name?" she questioned softly. She received no response at first but then a mumbled reply whispered by her, "If you're going to speak to me, you must speak clearly," she coaxed, "You have no need to fear me, you know." she added.

The little girl lifted her head and Kaleigh caught sight of the clearest blue eyes she had ever seen. The little girl had the biggest, widest eyes she had ever seen, and rosy cheeks. Despite her dirt smudged appearance Kaleigh couldn't help wondering if this is what the Romans angels looked like. "Laelia, milady." the girl said, much clearer this time.

Kaleigh fought the smirk and cleared her throat, "Please, Laelia, call me Kaleigh. Us Sarmatian woman don't like to be addressed so formally, it makes us feel like Romans. And we all know that isn't a pleasant thing." She smiled cheekily and the little girl giggled again. Kaleigh noticed the little girl glancing down at Afsati and held out the pup for her to pet. The little girl reached out a timid hand and to Kaleigh's surprise the pup licked Laelia's hand, wagging his tail happily. "I think he likes you." Kaleigh said happily.

The girl giggled, "I like him too, mil--Kaleigh. What is his name."

Kaleigh smiled, "I call him Afsati. Would you like to hold him then?" The little girl smiled and Kaleigh cautiously handed over the pup, ready to intervene if he became snappy. She felt a nudge and turned her head to see Valdeer now snuffling at her bags, "Right." she murmured before turning back to Laelia, "Do you think you could do me a favor?" the little girl nodded her head ecstatically, "Watch my bags and mind my wolf and horse?"

Laelia looked in awe at Valdeer, "But he is so huge, surely he will trample me like the Romans'."

Kaleigh reached back and grabbed Valdeer's reins and the horse moved next to her, "He would never dream of hurting you. He is very sweet tempered and very well behaved, all you have to do is hold the reins." Kaleigh leaned closer to the girl, "He loves to have his ears scratched." she whispered conspiratorially.

Laelia chewed on her bottom lip for a moment before shifting Afsati to one arm and reaching out and grabbing the offered reins in her small grubby hand. Valdeers' ears pricked up as he snuffled the girl with interest. Laelia giggled as he rubbed his nose over her cheek, "It tickles."

Kaleigh smiled, "Believe me, I know." She mulled through her bags and gave and exclamation of delight when she finally found the two small pouches she had been searching for.

She stood and began to walk away and Laelia tensed, "Where are you going?" she asked timidly.

Kaleigh smiled reassuringly, "I'm going to that hut over there to help with that man that Arthur freed."

Laelia looked to the hut several yards away, where Kaleigh had pointed and nodded.

"Don't worry I won't be long."

Kaleigh made her way to the hut and knocked loudly several times. The door opened almost instantly and she was greeted with the hard lines of a worn, old face. The short, squat woman that had opened the door narrowed her eyes at Kaleigh putting her hands firmly on her hips. The two woman studied each other and Kaleigh quickly took in the thin frame and worn clothes. The thing she noticed most though was that the woman, though old, had a stubborn spark in her eye that clearly said her interruption was not wanted, "What would you be wanting." the creaky vice rasped past the thin chapped lips.

Kaleigh smiled passively, "Only to help mother."

The woman narrowed her eyes, "What makes you think you can help? Hasn't your kind done enough?"

Kaleigh gritted her teeth, "I don't know what kind you think I am, but I assure you, Sarmatian woman have nearly as short a temper as our brother knights. I come here offering assistance, but be careful who you offend."

The woman's defiant posture immediately faltered at Kaleigh's tone and after giving the younger woman one last look, she sighed and stepped back, "Well then come in if you're going to, you're letting the cold in." With that the woman disappeared into the gloom of the room, leaving the door open for Kaleigh.

Before taking the step that would carry her inside Kaleigh cast one more glance to Laelia. What she saw made her smile. Valdeer had cocked a hip and his head now hung protectively over Laelia, who had sat down against the saddle bags playing in the dirt with Afsati who had found a stick somewhere. With that image she stepped into the gloom.

As Kaleigh entered the hut she took a quick inventory of her surroundings, looking for any sign of threat, a habit ingrained into her from home. The mud and stick walls of the hut were bare. The floor was dirt and on the side closest to her there was a scarred, uneven table with two small dented cups and two empty dented plates with crude utensils carefully placed next to them. She moved her gaze on and saw a chest against the wall, a layer of dust covering it. Next to it sat two short stained stools with a near thread bare broom propped next to them. The next wall was bare except for a small window covered by a torn flap of material that at one point in time must have been animal skin.

The object against the last wall is what caught her attention though. A large bed with threadbare furs for padding held the prone body of the old man, the old woman kneeling next to him, a rag and bowl of water in her hands.

Kaleigh made her way slowly to the woman and knelt next to her. The man turned his head to look and stiffened at the sight of her, "Be still." Kaleigh whispered, "I'm a friend." He looked to the woman who nodded and closed his eyes again. Kaleigh set the pouches next to her and took the water and rag from the woman. She slowly began to wipe the sweat, dirt and blood from the angry red slashes on his back, "Will you take the two pouches and combine a small amount of both into a bowl and bring it and a clean bowl of water and rag here?" she questioned the woman, who rose, Kaleigh assumed to do as she had bid. The woman returned to her shortly and Kaleigh finished gently cleaning the mans back. As she let the wound air dry she combined a small amount of water with the brown and greenish powders and mixed the three thoroughly. Kaleigh knew the woman stood right behind her, hovering protectively and did her best to ignore her. Once his back was dry, Kaleigh used the rag to swipe the thick paste over all the lesions. The man tensed in pain and the old woman reached out, putting her hand on Kaleighs'.

Kaleigh looked up and locked eyes with the woman, "The paste will kill and prevent infection as well as promote healing." The woman searched Kaleigh's eyes for a moment before slowly releasing her hand and nodding her head for her to continue. Kaleigh quickly finished applying the paste and standing set the bowl and rag down on the table, before moving to leave.

She made it to the door before a calloused, wrinkled hand descended lightly on her upper arm. She turned her head to look over her shoulder. "Thank you." The woman said softly, "How can I repay you?"

Kaleigh just smiled and reached her hand out to open the door which opened before she reached it. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the relative brightness of the cloudy day and her hand went to her daggers hilt, only to realize it wasn't there, but with her saddle bags. She breathed a sigh of relief when she made out Laelia's small form, Afsati securely clutched in her arms. The look of worry on the girl's face immediately made Kaleigh tense, "What is wrong."

"A Roman. He came and took your horse and belongings. I tried to stop him but I couldn't." As the little girl sniffled and turned her head to nuzzle into Afsati's soft fur for comfort Kaleigh caught sight of slight discoloration. She knelt down and putting her hand gently on the girls chin moved her head to better see her right cheek. The cheek bone was already beginning to change to an ugly purplish color and Kaleigh's jaw tightened.

"You were very brave to stand up to him." she said softly, reaching out a hand to stroke the pup's grey fur, "I fear I have need to ask another favor of you. Would you mind watching Afsati's for a little while longer?" The girl nodded and Kaleigh stood, laying a reassuring hand on Laelia's arm. "Don't worry child, they'll pay for what they have done to you."

As Kaleigh began to walk Laelia called after her, "Wait. Something else you must know milady." Kaleigh was so focused she let the 'milady' comment go, "Your horse, he didn't want to go. So the Roman kicked him and hit him with a stick."

Kaleigh's posture went even more rigid if possible. No one had ever raised a hand to any of her horses. She had forbid it, and to have a Roman do it. The soldiers would pay for it. "Thank you Laelia. Go home and hide for me alright." Kaleigh watched the girl scamper off with Afsati. She turned back to the Roman villa and clenched and unclenched her fist. Taking in a big breath she let it out slowly. "Time to take care of business."

She strode purposefully through the gates, ignoring the looks the armored Romans were giving her, nothing was going to come between the Roman that had hit Laelia and her wrath. Nothing.

Authors Note: There you go, the latest chapter, hope you liked it! The song is Gollum's Song from The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, performed by Emiliana Torrini.
Oh, and people let's remember that reviews are a very good thing. They encourage writers to keep going with their stories and they also just help to inflate our egos. Sooooo, why don't you just push the little purplish button. Drop me a line, good, bad, it all helps. PLEASE!