CHAPTER 13

Laughter and music filled the air, the moon smiling down on Arthur's court. His castle was filled with his knights and the surrounding villagers, celebrating their reunion. The main hall that held a round table, similar to the one in Hadrian's Wall, was decorated with flowers, food, priceless armour and gifts that were bestowed upon the knights for their safe journey home. The knights were surrounded by their families and friends, and all the fatigue, pain and anger were forgotten.

Arthur and his knights enjoyed the jovial atmosphere, but in the back of their minds, a feeling of fulfillment and pure relief filled them. They had all survived their 15 years of service. They had seen their comrades fall, yet they had all lived to tell about their adventures, misadventures and misfortunes. They had all returned home, the moment that each of them dreamed of for so long.

Their return was glorious, worthy of any king. For weeks, word had spread that they were returning home, and nearby villages prepared for such an occasion. Their deeds had earned the love of so many, and the knights were endeared to many Sarmatians, both young and old, male and especially female.

Each knight had parted ways for a few weeks, all returning to their respective homes. The knights shared their condolences with Galahad, who, even though he did not know what he would return to, went to the site of his village anyway. Upon his return, he saw that the villagers had rebuilt the village, almost to the condition that it had been before. He learned that some of them did survive, hiding in the nearby woods before the attackers had arrived. Galahad did not recognize most of the place, but during his stay there, he had helped the villagers with their duties, such as planting crops, building homes, hunting for their meals. Despite everything that he had gone through, he made a home for himself, living day to day as though it were his last. And, not far from his mind was finding the true raiders of his village and bringing them to justice.

It was not long until the knights felt the need to see each other once again, the feeling of camaraderie resonating strongly within each of them. The 15 years of fighting side by side created such an unbreakable bond that, a few weeks later, Arthur decided to open his doors, inviting his knights and their families and friends to stay at his castle to reunite once more. Every knight obliged happily, a large celebration to be held in their honour.

Galahad was interrupted from his reverie by a nudge on his side from Bors.

"So, how have you been, Galahad?" the man chuckled, patting Galahad on the back pleasantly. "I hear your village is doing quite well."

"It is." Galahad smiled, placing an arm around the jolly man. "It expands every day, and I am glad of it. More and more people come and settle there as well."

"Probably because the ladies want to be close to ye, eh?" Bors guffawed, taking a gulp of his ale. "By the by, have you taken a wife yet?"

"I..."

"Hold that thought." Bors nudged Galahad once again before he stood. "Number three, get down from there!" he yelled at one of his sons across the room. He stood instantly, waddling to his son's side.

"Are you enjoying yourself, Galahad?" Lancelot grinned at him widely as he took a seat beside him with a maiden on his lap. "I must say, I do miss these gatherings of ours."

"I am, enormously." he bowed to the maiden as he turned to Lancelot. "What news, my friend?"

"I'll be right back." the woman whispered to Lancelot's ear before kissing his cheek. Lancelot nodded and smirked at her, pinching her behind lightly before she left. She giggled before she walked away, becoming lost in the crowd.

"And who might that be?" Galahad tilted his head towards the direction of where the woman left. "Wife?"

"No." Lancelot leaned back on his seat, placing his arms behind his head. "Not yet."

"I thought you were the one dying to settle down and start a family?" questioned Galahad, taking a sip of his ale before turning to Lancelot.

"You exaggerate my words, Galahad!" laughed Lancelot, shaking his head. "It would be a nice prospect, but..."

"But?"

Lancelot looked up at his fellow knight. "It does not feel right, that is all."

Galahad raised his eyebrow and questioned curiously, "You mean time or the woman?"

Before Lancelot could answer, Dagonet called for everyone's attention. The noise died down and a hush fell over the crowd. The tall knight waited until every eye was on him.

"I've news, my comrades!" he bellowed, holding out a piece of paper in his hands. "I've received word of a tournament..."

"A tournament?" Gawain stood, his interest piqued. "What kind of tournament?"

"Sparring, archery, even fist fights," Dagonet counted his fingers, then waved his hand, "that sort of tournament."

Cries and cheers came from the group, all excited about the news.

"It seems as though you knights cannot keep away from the fighting." Arthur commented, who then stood. "Dagonet, where is this tournament?"

"Just a couple of days ride north of here." he said, reading the piece of paper before looking up at the crowd. "Anyone can enter!"

"Hear hear!" Bors yelled, holding up his goblet wildly in the air. "What do you say, lads? Are we off to win this tournament?"

After a resounding cry from the group, Bors received his answer.

t t t

Aiden bit his lip nervously as looked at Lourdes. Lourdes eyed him with both curiosity and annoyance. He would look at her as if to speak, then look away when he finally had her attention. Both on horseback, the two journeyed onwards, the sun rising behind them. After one last look, Lourdes finally exhaled, stopping her horse. She took the reigns of Aiden's horse and halted it as well.

"Alright, you have been doing that for over an hour." she stated, placing a hand on her hip. "Tell me, what is the matter?"

"Oh..." Aiden looked around, forcing a smile. "I...um..."

"What you hiding from me?" she pressed, raising an eyebrow at him.

"I have been fighting with myself whether to tell you this or not," he began, looking around him, "and as your friend, I am torn whether to tell you what I know or to hide it from you because I know exactly what you would do, and..."

Lourdes grunted in annoyance, pinching his arm. "Aiden, get on with it!"

He heaved out a sigh before closing his eyes. "News has spread of a tournament just a day's ride east of here." he opened an eye, "and knights and a few others were spotted riding towards it last night by our scouts."

Lourdes shook her head expectantly, unfazed at his news. "Are they a threat to us?"

"The knights," he cleared his throat, now looking at the sky, "are Sarmatian...and there are seven of them."

Lourdes eyes grew wide, grabbing Aiden's arm. "W-what? Are you speaking of..."

"Arthur and his knights." Aiden nodded, wincing. "I do believe so."

Taking deep breaths, Lourdes looked around her, taking the news in. Against all odds! She was only a day away from them! She looked up at Aiden happily, laughing in joy.

"Aiden! Why did you not tell me this sooner?" she laughed again, her horse neighing as if in accordance with her. "This is great news!"

Aiden shook his head. "Lourdes, this is what I was afraid of." he suddenly grew serious. "If you do go and find them, you will be in great danger. If someone sees you, then..."

"You do not understand, Aiden!" she grabbed his arm, squeezing it. "It has almost been a year since I have seen..."

"Lourdes, please. Merlin would never..."

"Aiden, you do not understand how I long to see them again." whispered Lourdes, biting her lip in order to keep herself from crying. "You know the odds of this ever happening." she paused once more, looking at him firmly. "Whether you want me to or not, I shall see them again."

"This is hurting me as much as it is hurting you." Aiden gritted his teeth in indecision, placing a firm hand on her arm.

"I shall be in disguise!" she stated, a million thoughts and reasonings racing through her mind in her excitement. "I shall wear my hooded cloak always! I..."

Aiden kept his countenance stone cold. "You shall not go."

t t t

"It has been so long since I have been in a tournament!" exclaimed Gawain, his horse neighing in agreement. "Imagine - the glory, the gold, the women - for the champion!"

"Which will be me." Dagonet nudged him, thinking of the possibilities.

"Ah, think twice, little brother." Bors boasted, pushing his shoulders back in pride. "Remember who beat you the last tournament that we entered?"

"I was ill!" retorted Dagonet, rolling his eyes. "And during that last fight, my nose was itchy!"

"Bah, no excuse!" shot Bors, tilting his chin upwards. "A true champion wins no matter the circumstances!"

The knights laughed heartily, the excitement of the tournament running through their veins. Each packed their horses with several weapons and provisions, estimating their entire adventure to last a week. A few wagons with other tournament hopefuls and cheering villagers followed the knights, all looking forward to the event.

"Who is holding this tournament anyway?" Tristan piped up, looking around the distant area.

"A certain Lord Theodore," answered Arthur thoughtfully, "I remember hearing his name when I was growing up."

"He is a mighty warrior, then?" asked Galahad, turning to him. "And quite prosperous indeed to host such a tournament?"

"Yes, quite," Arthur nodded knowingly, adding, "one of the most powerful Lords in Sarmatia."

"Think you he will enter the tournament?" joked Gawain, tilting his head to the side. "Imagine one of us defeating him?"

"It would not surprise me." Lancelot joined in, smirking. "With our skill?"

The group made their way through a large meadow, the sun high in the sky. As they reached a small hill, they heard the faint sounds of cheering in the distance. Looking at each other, smiling, the seven knights galloped to the top of the hill, taking in the sight.

Below them, just in the distance, were several wooden fighting circles surrounded by dozens of tents. On the right, archery targets were lined up in endless rows, while on the left, even more spaces for the tournament's various events.

After a few minutes, the group was unpacking their belongings and setting up their makeshift encampment, near the outskirts of the tournament grounds. Then, they dispersed, entering the competitions that they wished to partake in. The tournament did not start until sundown, but the knights could barely contain their excitement. After all, it was their area of expertise!

"Galahad, when do you begin?" asked Bors, looking at the parchment that contained his scheduled events.

"Tonight after sundown." the knight replied, folding his schedule and placing it in his pocket. "Dagger throwing."

"You'll be competing against me, then." Lancelot grinned, patting Galahad on the back as he joined the two.

"Ha!" cried Bors, legs apart, pointing at the walking Dagonet. "You'll be facing me in the morrow at the swordfight, little brother!"

"Better cover yer arse!" jested Dagonet, gently slapping the side of his older brother's head.

"Is it just me," Tristan piped up as he joined his fellow knights, "or is anyone else hungry?"

t t t

I shall not go, my arse! Lourdes thought to herself. She knew that she would anger Aiden and Merlin if she left, but she just could not help it. With firm resolve, Lourdes waited until sundown before making her move. As the rest of the travellers fell fast asleep, Lourdes packed her horse with provisions, careful not to make any sudden noises. She placed on her hooded cloak, careful to conceal her identity at all times. As quietly as possible, she led her horse away from the encampment. When she felt as though she had walked far enough, she quickly mounted the horse and rode eastwards as fast as she could without looking back.

It was evident that she did not know where she was going, but for some reason, she felt as though she was going in the right direction. She used merely the stars and pure instinct to guide her. Their travels that day only brought them closer to where the tournament was supposedly held, and she hoped that it would take no more than a few hours until she would catch the sight of it.

Lourdes rode for hours, not at all fatigued. The idea of even seeing Arthur and his knights again only fueled her to continue. She promised herself that she would search until she could search no more.

After another hour, Lourdes could see much firelight in the distance. She ticked her tongue at her horse and, in a slow gallop, made her way closer and closer to the site. She began to hear cheering, shouting and laughing, the sound of swords hitting one another, arrows flying in the air. If it were not for the jovial laughter, she would think as though she had stumbled on a true battlefield!

Her heart soared, for she knew that this was the Tournament! She then saw hundreds of people, some watching matches, others walking aimlessly around, eating, drinking, enjoying the festivities.

She spotted a small river right on the outskirts of the tournament grounds. Now feeling her fatigue, she led her horse to the river, thinking to stop for a few moments before she would begin her search for the knights. Seeing nobody in the immediate distance, she felt as though it was safe enough for her to be there.

That is, until she heard faint voices behind her.

"I cannot believe it ended in a draw!"

"Well, if both of you could hit your daggers on the hilt of the other, I'd say 'tis a draw!"

"I must admit, we did put on an amusing show."

"I agree. The ladies were quite entertained."

Lourdes stood still, unable to decide whether she should bolt out of the scene on her horse or to pretend that she did not notice them. Their footsteps came closer, stopping at the edge of the rushing river. She held her breath, waiting for them to continue.

"I wonder where Galahad has run off to."

"Maybe he doesn't take draws too well?"

As the two laughed, Lourdes froze. She suddenly recognized their voices. She turned, ever so slowly, to face the direction of the two men. As she did so, one of them looked in her direction and gave her a nod. Her hand shaking, she gripped the edge of her hood, pulling it back slowly.

The two stopped speaking altogether and stood, merely staring at Lourdes. She gulped, blinking, making sure that she was not seeing an illusion.

"Sir Lancelot?" she began shakily, almost cautiously. "Sir Arthur?"

"Do my eyes deceive me?" Lancelot dropped the helmet that he was holding in his hands, taking a step towards her. "Lourdes?"

She nodded slowly, barely breathing. Without another moment of hesitation, Lancelot ran to her, taking her quickly in his arms.

"I thought I would never see you again." he began softly, running his fingers through her hair.

She held onto him tightly, resting her head on his chest.

"Lourdes." Arthur bowed to her as he placed a hand on her back. "It is wonderful to see you once again."

She turned her attention to Arthur, embracing him. "It has been too long, dear Arthur."

"How did you ever ...how are you..." Lancelot began, visibly astonished at her sudden appearance. He had a million questions to ask her at once, and it was hard to contain the happiness that he felt in seeing her. She has grown even more beautiful, he said to himself, observing the maturity that now resonated in her face, the added length of her hair and the strength in her stance.

Lourdes only smiled, embracing him tightly once more. Silent tears began to fall from her eyes as she reveled in the moment that she had dreamed about for so long.

Galahad, she thought to herself, a flicker of wonder passing through her.

"What of the other knights?" she began softly, looking up at the two men. "Is..."

"They are all with us." Arthur began, looking at her knowingly. He eyed her for a moment before breaking into a smile. "Come. We shall take you back to our encampment."

Before the three could move, they heard faint sounds of hooves from the distance, coming in their direction with haste. Arthur and Lancelot both turned, hands on the hilts of their swords, prepared to defend. Lourdes stood in between them, placing her hood back on as she touched the hilt of her own sword.

"Lourdes!" the rider called out, stopping a few metres from them.

She immediately recognized the voice, her eyes growing wide. "A-Aiden?" she said in pure bewilderment. "H-how did..."

Aiden dismounted from his horse, holding its reigns in his left hand. He did not look amused. "You were bloody noisy, first of all." he walked closer to the three, unaffected by the drawn swords. "And second, you are highly predictable."

"Who are you?" Lancelot called out firmly, his eyes menacing.

"A friend." Aiden replied, bowing his head quickly. "You must be Sir Lancelot."

Lancelot didn't answer, but lowered his sword. He gazed at Lourdes, then back at Aiden, and said nothing.

"Lourdes, you must come back with me." Aiden exhaled, looking at her with saddened eyes. "It is not safe for you to be here."

Arthur immediately understood what Aiden spoke of, sheathing his sword in his scabbard. "Merlin sent you?"

Aiden shook his head at the knight. "I came by my own accord. Merlin did not know that Lourdes ran off before I left."

"She is safe with us." Lancelot said with conviction, finally sheathing his sword. "We will not let anyone harm her."

"There are no Saxons here, are there?" Lourdes said more than a statement than a question, turning expectantly to Arthur and Lancelot.

"No, there are not, only peaceful Sarmatians." Arthur finally answered, his attention to Aiden. "Where do you travel? How are you in Sarmatia?"

"We are headed for Shino." Lourdes interjected, walking in between the three men to stop at Aiden's side. "They believe that I will be most safe there."

Aiden battled with his thoughts, looking at Lourdes, then at the two knights. "I must return to Merlin to explain. He will be worried about our whereabouts." he placed an arm on Lourdes' shoulder. "I also do not want to bring you back against your will."

Lourdes took his hand in hers, understanding his concern. "I am sorry for running off like so, Aiden, but I will be safe here."

Aiden observed the seemingly content Lourdes, placing a protective hand on the side of her head. Lancelot eyed this exchange curiously, eyes darting back and forth between the two.

"Aiden." Arthur called out, gaining the Woad's attention. "This tournament will only last for a week. Afterwards, we will return to my castle, just a day's ride south of here. You, Merlin and the Woads that you travel with are welcome to meet with us. Then, we shall decide what becomes of Lourdes."

The three men looked at Lourdes as Arthur said this. Aiden exhaled, examining the situation. He knew that Lourdes would never be safe wherever she went, and whoever she travelled with, but he also knew that Saxons were rare in this part of Sarmatia and that Arthur and his knights were more than capable of protecting her. Most importantly of all, this was where Lourdes wanted to be.

"Let us hope Merlin does not have my head for this." Aiden commented gruffly to himself, finally nodding in acquiesce.

Lourdes beamed a smile at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Thank you, my friend."

"You take good care of yourself, now, different one." Aiden embraced her tightly, kissing her forehead. "We shall see each other soon."

With this, Aiden mounted his horse and nodded to Lancelot and Arthur. With a soft kick to the side of his horse and a tick of his tongue, Aiden galloped off into the night.