Disclaimer: I don't own the movie of King Arthur. I did come up with the characters of Kaleigh and any other new characters that may be included. If this is close to any other ideas, my apologies, but I'm a poor college student that doesn't have time to go through each and every story.

Authors Note: I know that this chapter was posted before, but it was so long ago I thought I'd repost it so it'd be fresh in our minds before I post the next chapter. Which is going to be a very revealing chapter about Kaleigh's past.

Chapter 15: The Estate's Secret

With a cry Kaleigh slammed her heels into Valdeer's side and the stallion gave a mighty leap forward, flying across the land, Palomides' mare several strides behind. As her horses long stride devoured the distance between the forest line and the villa she saw Arthur approach the small hut-like outcropping being sealed. She saw Dagonet move forward, knocking away the stones with several swings of his axe, before kicking in the door. She watched as Arthur, her brother and Dag went inside. Gawain followed, pushing the robed men in front of him. The remaining three knights sat upon their horses, swords drawn in warning to the mercenaries who were exchanging nervous glances.

She slid to a stop next to Bors and sprang to the ground, drawing her sword. She ignored those around her, the cries from Marius to stop and the moves of the mercenaries to stop her, as she strode to the dark opening in the wall. She had taken only one step in when her nose registered the smell. She quickly stumbled back out into the fresh air, dragging in fresh air as she knelt in the grass, trying to ease the dry heaves that gagged her.

"What is it?"

She raised her gaze to Galahad's. How did she explain the smell that had nearly overwhelmed her? The smell of mold, dampness, feces, decay, urine, burnt flesh and infection. "Death."

The knights all exchanged a look. Kaleigh rose to her feet and glared at the mercenaries, "Bastards." she hissed. She gripped her sword tightly and made herself walk back to the entrance. She stopped there and leant against the wooden frame, peering down into the darkness, the distant sound of voices reaching her ears. She leveled her gaze at the closest Roman guard and he fidgeted under the look, "How many are alive?" she asked.

He glanced nervously at another Roman and she fixed her gaze on this other man instead, "How. Many?" she asked slowly again.

He glared defiantly at her.

The knights had looks of curiosity so she decided that she would have to enlighten them, "Marius has been taking all those who oppose him here," the sound of steel against stone came from the dark and she paused for a moment to listen, before moving to stand before the mercenary she still hadn't taken her eyes off of, "he kills them."

The mercenary sneered, " Pagan whor-"

The word was cut off as Kaleigh's fist slammed into his face, knocking him to the ground. The other mercenaries moved forward and Kaleigh leveled her sword at the closest ones throat. The other knights moved closer to her as she stared down at the man on the ground. She glanced sideways and the mercenary at the end of her sword backed away.

Before anyone could say anything more Lancelot materialized from the dark, his face grim. As he moved away from the opening she walked after him. As they reached his horse she laid a hand on his arm. He turned to look down at her sadly, then glared over her head at where the Romans stood.

"Water!" Kaleigh turned and saw Arthur exiting the darkness, the emaciated form of a woman hanging limply in his arms. Dagonet followed immediately after his commander, a young blonde boy carried in his arms. She saw Horton and Fulcinia rush toward Arthur so she strode to Dagonet.

She knelt down to the ground gingerly, careful not to pull the stitching in her thigh. She laid her sword next to her, and leaned over the boy slightly, her hands reaching to examine his crooked arm. The little boy was blinking at the brightness of the day and fear was clearly written across his face. She smiled softly and reached out to place a hand against his cheek.

"His arm is broken." Horton whispered as he handed a skin of water to Dag, "And his family?"

Kaleigh saw Dag move his head slightly in the negative and her heart immediately went out to the young boy.

"Stop. Stop what you are doing! These people are pagans."

Kaleigh looked up to see Marius rushing forward, pausing slightly at the cold looks he was receiving from the knights.

"So are we." Galahad pointed out.

Marius began to rant and Kaleigh tuned him out. She smiled at the boy and he hesitantly smiled at her and Dagonet. "You may sleep now." she whispered softly, "I promise nothing-"

Sudden movement caught Kaliegh's eye and she reached instinctively for her sword as she looked at the scene unfolding. The motion that had caught her eye was Marius backhanding Fulcinia across the face. Before anyone could react Arthur had knocked the round Roman to the ground and stood with Excalibur pointed at his neck. When Marius' guards started to go towards him Marius held out a hand for them to stop. Kaleigh rose, sword in hand and Bors moved his horse forward, convincing the Romans not to act. Kaleigh was so angry that she could hear the blood pounding in her ears, keeping her from hearing Marius' words as his lips moved. Arthur's gaze narrowed and when he spoke Kaliegh had no doubt that he was threatening the Roman.

"I was willing to die with them. To lead them to their rightful place. It is God's wish that these sinners be sacrificed. Only then can their souls be saved."

Kaleigh turned her head to see Gawain standing over the two men in brown robes, men she supposed to be priests. The one kneeling in a prayerful stance had spoken and Kaleigh could see by his eyes that the sanity had left him long ago.

Arthurs' voice was cold in her ears, "Then I shall grant His wish. Wall them back up." Tristan began to protest but Arthur withdrew his sword from Marius, "I said wall them up!"

Several villagers jumped forward eagerly and they shoved the two men back into the dark, quickly putting back the stones Dagonet had torn down. Their eagerness made Kaleigh wonder just how much this village had suffered at these mad men's hands.

"Load the boy into the wagon." Arthur commanded as he again picked up the now unconscious woman. Kaleigh caught sight of the blue tattoos that swirled across the woman's body under her tattered clothing, the markings of a Woad.

Kaleigh fell into step beside Dagonet as he carried the weak and frightened boy, "Don't worry." she smiled kindly, "Neither Dagonet nor I will let them near you." she paused as they reached the wagon. Dagonet placed the boy in her arms as he climbed into the wagon, "You have been a brave boy. But now it is time to dream of better days." she whispered softly into his ear.

She saw the glint of a smile cross the boys features and as she handed him back to Dagonet he yawned and closed his eyes. Kaleigh stayed at the wagon only long enough to help Fulcinia climb in before turning and striding back to where Jols patiently stood holding her sword and Valdeer's reins. She smiled a thank you before affectionately patting the stallion's neck and slipping her sword back into the sheath on the saddle. She went to mount when she suddenly remembered Afsati. She swung up quickly and cantered over to where her brother sat, the expression on his face one of darkness as he surveyed all the people that appeared to be going with them. He smiled briefly as she stopped next to him.

"Where's Afsati?"

He arched an eyebrow, "Where's who?"

She rolled her eyes, "Wolf pup. Grey. Likes to chew on fingers, clothes, well, pretty much anything. Ring a bell?"

He glowered, "Damn beast chewed my reins."

Kaleigh hid a smirk, "Just being friendly. Where is he now?"

Lancelot shrugged, "I gave him to some little blonde girl to watch. I think she said her name was Lily, or something of the sort. She said she had watched him earlier."

"Lily? Oh, Laelia." Kaleigh remembered the young girl that had helped her earlier. She swung out her hand and swatted her brother up-side the head. "I asked you to watch him."

"He bit me."

"So you gave him to a child?" the look of confusion at her exasperated question had her turning and riding away in search of her young pet before she really hit her brother. She would never understand men.

Kaleigh hadn't gone far when she saw the little blonde girl trying to help her mother pack as she held the wolf. Kaleigh rode over and dismounted, introducing herself to Laelia's mother, Laniya. The girl held up the wolf and Kaleigh took him up into her arms, happily petting and scratching his ears. The animals pink tongue lolled from his mouth and his tail wagged happily, "Thank you for watching Afsati for me."

Laelia smiled and followed Kaleigh to Valdeer, "He's fun to watch."

Kaleigh nodded, "But I don't think my brother agrees with us." Valdeer lowered his head to gently snuffle the girls hair and outstretched hand. The little girl giggled, making Kaleigh smile brighter. An idea popped into her head, "Laelia, for helping me today, how would you like to have a ride on Valdeer?"

The girl turned with wide eyes, "By myself?"

Kaleigh's mouth twitched as she tried not to laugh at the wonder and tinge of fear in the soft voice, "Well, you could ride in front of me. Valdeer is a very strong, sweet boy who I'm sure wouldn't mind carrying both of us."

Laelia jumped up and down and squealed in delight, smiling broadly. But then she stilled and frowned, "Mama will never allow it. She's afraid of those knights. I am too."

Kaleigh knelt next to the girl and smiled sympathetically, "The boys do look a little rough around the edges, but once you get to know them they're very sweet. And very protective. I'll talk to your mother and see if we can't get her to let you ride with me." As the little girl sprang to hug Kaleigh tightly around the neck she saw Laniya smiling affectionately on her daughter.

Laelia tore away from Kaleigh and clasped her mother's skirts tightly in her hands, "Can I mommy? Please? The Lady Kaleigh wants me to."

Laniya screwed her face in thought, "Well-"

"Please mommy."

Laniya laughed and nodded her head and Laelia yelled for joy. Kaleigh laughed and quickly tucked the drowsy Afsati into the saddlebag attached to the back of her saddle. "Well, let's go." Kaleigh said as she grabbed the young girl under the arms and swung her up into the saddle. Laelia's eyes widened as she looked at the very long way it was to the ground. Kaleigh swung up behind her, wrapping her arms around the small girls body as she nudged Valdeer forward. The small girl sat stiffly, her hands fisted in the black mane. The line of people had begun to move, following Arthur and Tristan as they lead the way to the trail. She nudged Valdeer into a canter and heard Laelia gasp before the girl relaxed into Kaleigh's arms and laughed with delight.

She cantered up the line, passing the other knights who's comments she ignored. Once they were next to Arthur she slowed to walk next to the Commander and scout. Arthur looked over, "Hello."

Laelia smiled shyly, tucking herself further into Kaleigh who grimaced slightly when the girl braced against her wounded thigh as she shifted. Kaleigh caught Tristan looking at her and she raised an eyebrow at him. He looked ahead and whistled, drawing Papai down from the clouds. The hawk landed on his arm, fluttering slightly. Laelia's eyes widened, "She's beautiful."

Tristan glanced at her and the girl gasped and shrank back.

Kaleigh chuckled, "Do not worry Laelia. His bark is worse than his bite. It's the silence you have to worry about. Near drive you crazy." Arthur chuckled and Kaleigh bent her head down slightly, "That's Papai, Tristan's hawk. We don't much like each other. Papai has a nasty habit of staring, just like her master." she confided in a conspiratorial whisper as she looked pointedly at Tristan.

"Continue east on this trail Arthur. I'll scout ahead." Tristan took off at a gallop and Arthur looked over at her reproachfully.

"What?" she asked innocently.

Arthur chuckled, "You seem to aggravate him more than any I have known."

"I'm a little sister. Bugging older men is a knack I was born with."

They trio rode in silence, listening to the banter behind them grow steadily quieter as they climbed higher into the mountains. Soon Laelia nodded off to sleep and Kaleigh saw Tristan returning as she dropped back to deposit the girl with her mother. She rode along in the middle of the caravan for some time before she saw Lancelot and Arthur talking. She stopped to listen, and heard her brother, "We're wasting time with all these people."

"We're not leaving them." Arthur responded calmly.

"If the Saxons catch us we will have to fight."

"Then save your anger for them." suggested Arthur.

"Is this Rome's quest? Or Arthur's?"

Kaleigh moved past them and shot her brother a look of annoyance as she made her way to the front to lead. Several hours later, she made her way back down the column, leaving Bors to lead. She saw Arthur riding next to the wagon and with the way he continually glanced over she knew he wanted to check on those inside. Her heart went out to the Commander, who was trying so hard to do what he thought was right.

She maneuvered next to him, "Go Arthur. I will hold Neptunus. Go, check on them. Your brow won't relax until you do."

Arthur dismounted and handed his reins to Kaleigh. She glanced to her right and saw that the Woad woman was laying against this side of the wagon. She heard Dagonet tell Arthur that the boy had a fever, then saw the Roman Commander kneel next to the girl who had awakened. She couldn't hear what was said but heard the girl cry out as Arthur obviously reset her fingers. "I am Guinevere." with those words the girl fainted and Kaleigh sighed, waiting for Arthur to come back outside. Moments later he did and he rode back towards the front of the line again.

She heard several snickers and looked up to see Galahad and Gawain staring at her. "I never would have taken you for someone that liked children." stated Gawain with a smirk.

Kaleigh reached back into the saddlebag and brought the groggy wolf pup to sit in front of her in the saddle. Her free hand kept him from moving as the two men moved up next to her, Gawain on her right, Galahad on her left. She tried to ignore them.

"Nice dress." commented Galahad

"But I much prefer you in those tight trousers with that strange tunic." Gawain mused.

Kaleigh's hand reached out and slapped his arm.

"Ow." Gawain complained.

She raised an eyebrow, "Ow? You fight Woads and hardly complain, but I barely touch you and you say 'Ow?'"

"You surprised me." Gawain defended himself.

Galahad laughed, "But he did have a point about your outfit earlier."

She looked at him in amazement before slapping him as well. Galahad looked at her reproachfully, rubbing his reddening cheek. She shrugged, "It's your own fault."

She thought the matter would be dropped there, but of course it wasn't.

"I'm still shocked to see you in a dress." quipped Gawain.

"I was in a dress when we first met." she pointed out.

"This dress is different." answered Galahad, a hint of admiration in his voice.

Gawain nodded in agreement, "That dress was loose and high cut, like a working dress. This dress is nicer. It hugs you. Makes you look-" he paused searching for the right word.

"Feminine." supplied Galahad.

Gawain snapped his fingers and nodded, "That's it."

Kaleigh's hands rose slightly as her face twisted into confusion, "Feminine? I'm a woman! How much more feminine could I be?" she asked, gesturing to her breasts and other curves.

Gawain waved her off, "We know you're female," he cast an eye down her body and she raised an eyebrow in warning, "but now you actually look the part." he explained hastily.

The look on Kaleigh's face said the explanation really wasn't helping.

"You're clean." Galahad now attempted to explain, "Before you were dirty."

Kaleigh knew what they were saying but she was enjoying watching them try to climb out of the hole they had dug themselves. "I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to beautify myself before meeting you." she said in a clipped tone.

"It's not that," tried Gawain again, "But that dress does hug you more."

"Are you saying I'm fat!?"

"No!" both knights yelled together.

"Fine, if I'm so repulsive, I'll leave you two now." she heeled Valdeer forward, but Gawain reached out and grabbed her reins.

"Don't go." he begged, "If you leave I'll have no one to talk to but Gal. After 15 years, it's nice to talk to someone besides him."

Kaleigh frowned and huffed, "You're the one who insulted me. Why should I stay here?"

Galahad shook his head empathetically and Kaleigh almost laughed at the worried looks on their faces, "It's just, you look so much softer." the young knight explained.

She mock glared, "Well, that's just because you can't see my scar." she turned her face fully towards him, "I don't look so soft now do I?" Galahad's mouth moved as he tried to form a response and she finally let a small smile tug up the corners of her lips. "Relax Galahad. I know exactly what you and Gawain have been trying to explain."

He breathed a sigh of relief but Gawain huffed, "Why didn't you say so?"

She shrugged, "It's more fun for me this way." She looked up the caravan and saw her brother riding next to Arthur. Lancelot turned and began riding toward them.

"Gawain, I do think Kaleigh here has been playing us for fools." remarked Galahad dryly.

"Roles you were both born for." she murmured as Lancelot turned and walked next to them. "Hello Lancy. Come to help me make these two look like village idiots?"

"They don't need our help for that." replied Lancelot with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "Galahad, Arthur wishes to speak with you." He cantered back up the line and with a shrug to Gawain and Kaleigh, Galahad took off after him.

"Ahh, it's just the two of us now." Gawain smirked, "I thought he'd never leave us to our pleasure."

"Pleasure? --- HANDS!" Gawain quickly removed his hand from her thigh as Afsati snapped at his fingers.

"I don't think he likes you." she mused.

The sound of approaching hoof beats sounded from behind and Kaleigh turned to see Bors. He slowed to take Galahad's spot and his horse tossed his head, some foam flying onto Afstai's coat. She looked at him with a grimace as the pup licked himself clean, "Ew."

"Where have you been Bors?" asked Gawain.

"Talking to Dagonet. He's looking after the boy and the woman."

"How is the boy?" Kaleigh asked.

"Asleep." Bors stared straight ahead. That boy was the same age as his Gilly. He'd kill any man who even thought about putting his son through half of what that boy had suffered.

Kaleigh noticed Bors somber mood as it began to snow lightly, dampening the mood further.

"Why Kaleigh, how sweet that you care for the well being of a little Woad boy." Gawain teased.

She rolled her eyes, "Grow-up." She heeled her horse forward and rode towards Arthur, passing Galahad as he rode back to Gawain and Bors. She glanced around, but didn't see her brother anywhere. She nodded to the Roman Commander and he returned the greeting, the two of them riding along silently.

Author's Note: I hope you all like the new chapter! And please, as always, review! It's a great encouragement!