CHAPTER 19
"Number 3, pick up that tent! Number 7, stop hitting your brother and help him! Number 1, would you please put some pants on!"
For the second morning in a row, Lourdes' slumber was disturbed. Groaning, she rolled around in her tent, desperately covering her ears as she tried to block out the yelling and shuffling outside. Squinting her eyes, she judged from the light that shone through the flaps of the tent's entrance that it was just after sunrise. Too early to be awake, indeed!
She placed her head back down on the ground, blinking twice. Memories of the previous night then flooded back to her, and her heart instantly constricted. For once, she wished that her encounter with Galahad yesternight was all a dream. But no. She remembered running off after her last statement, not looking back, not caring where she was going. She remembered crying, almost endlessly, as she jogged through numerous encampments, not taking notice of her surroundings. Worried onlookers watched her, but she heeded none of them and kept running until she finally saw her tent. She sought solace within it, desperately wiping her tears away as she laid down, and fell fast asleep.
How could she face Galahad now?
She inhaled deeply, still feeling the dried tears that stained her cheeks. As she pulled the blanket from her body, Bors' booming voice startled her.
"Wakey wakey, sleepy head!" he yelled from the entrance of her tent, shaking it. "If ye don't start packing now, ye'll be left behind!"
Packing? Left behind?
That was when Lourdes realized that it was the last day of the Tournament. Remembering Arthur's words, they were to now travel to his castle to meet with Merlin, Aiden and her Woadian companions. Her heavy heart slightly lifted at this thought. Seeing her Woadian friends would bring so much happiness to her, especially now.
As quickly as she could, she exited her tent, tossing her belongings outside. With a flick of her wrist, her tent fell to the ground in a cloud of dust.
Bors looked at her speed incredulously, mouth agape. "Well...that was fast."
Lourdes only gave the man a smile, patting his arm in greeting. She surveyed her surroundings, noticing that most of the tents were taken down and mostly everyone was packing to leave. She heard further cheering and shouting in the distance and saw a few onlookers watching the last of the competitions.
Rolling her tent in a bundle, she scooped all of her belongings in her arms, following Bors to a nearby wagon. There, they placed their belongings, so as not to burden their horses on the journey home. With a wave to Bors, she walked off to the temporary stables, searching for her horse.
"There you are!" Lourdes beamed as she caught sight of her white mare. It neighed at her in happy greeting, nodding its head as she approached. "I've missed you terribly!"
It neighed once more, placing its nose on Lourdes' cheek, welcoming her with a sloppy greeting. Lourdes squished her face, content that her horse seemed to be in good spirits.
"Ah, if it isn't the lady that almost bested Sir Galahad."
The sudden voice made Lourdes jump. She turned swiftly, seeing Lord Theodore, extravagant cape and all, walking towards her slowly with a smile. He gestured for her to take his hand. She looked alternately at his outstretched palm, then his smirking face, before gingerly taking it. He then proceeded to kiss the back of her hand, blue eyes never leaving her.
She examined the Lord, the first time she had seen the man up close, estimating his age to be about thirty. He was neither portly nor lanky, much taller than she had expected as he finally stood upright. His short, brown hair defied gravity, spiking upwards, and his face only housed a trimmed, thin moustache. If she did say so herself, he was actually quite handsome. She would have felt comfortable with the man if it weren't for something that tugged at her instinct, keeping her defensive.
"Lord Theodore." she curtsied, bowing her head slightly.
He used an index finger to tilt her face upwards, making her face him. "Are you not disappointed that you were bested?"
She wanted desperately for him to stop touching her, but managed to force a small smile to appear. "No. Sir Galahad is a great archer, one of the best that I have seen."
"Ah." Theodore tilted his head to her slightly, an arrogant smirk pulling on his lips. His finger trailed down her chin, then the side of her neck, stopping at her shoulders. "Well, tis a pity that you did not see my archery skills. I thought it inappropriate to participate in my own Tournaments, in case I bested all the participants. It would not make me an honourable host!"
"Is that so?" Lourdes gave him a mocking grin, turning her back on him. "How charming."
The side of Lord Theodore's mouth twitched at her disinterest. Without hesitation, he walked so closely to her that his chest rested on her back. Lourdes stiffened at this contact, and became even angered when he placed his hands on her arms, running his fingers down them roughly.
"You know, a woman like you would do well in my castle." he began suggestively, placing his face closer to hers as he whispered. "If you did not know, I am well endowed with...everything."
Lourdes fought the gagging feeling that was climbing up her throat. Lord Theodore only snickered, trailing his hands lower to stop at her waist. She was about to turn and slap him when she heard her name being called. Looking up, she saw Lancelot's eyes on Lord Theodore. They were burning, but to her surprise, his countenance was calm, voice steady.
"Ah, Lord Theodore, tis good of you to have finally met my wife."
Lourdes and Theodore had identical facial expressions at this statement, eyes wide, mouth agape. Instantly, the Lord released Lourdes from his grasp, stuttering for some explanation. Lourdes was still speechless, but walked towards Lancelot's outstretched hand, taking it slowly.
"W-wife?" Lord Theodore finally said in disbelief, his countenance exhibiting the emotion. He managed to regain his composure and chuckle. "My word! I never even caught word of this news!"
"That is because we did the ceremony in secrecy." Lancelot smiled at him, then down at Lourdes as he took her lovingly in his arms. Lourdes finally wiped the bewildered expression on her face and smiled at Lancelot, hoping that she was convincing enough.
Lord Theodore was still incredulous, raising a suspicious eyebrow. "Lancelot, the maidens' man... married? I thought the day would never come."
Lancelot sighed in irritation for only a moment before his lips enveloped Lourdes' in a deep kiss. This caught her by surprise for only a passing moment before she closed her eyes and placed the palm of her hand on the side of his cheek. Lancelot broke the kiss, but his twinkling eyes continued to trace the curves of Lourdes' face.
"You see, Lord Theodore," he began, stroking Lourdes' cheek with his finger, "she has utterly captivated me."
Lourdes could barely breathe, hearing those words escape Lancelot's lips. Did he really mean that? Or was he only saying it to make a convincing show?
Lord Theodore coughed at this carefree display of affection. "I do not blame you, Sir Lancelot. She is very skilled, indeed."
"Milord, you do not even know the half of it."
At that, Lourdes finally reacted, hitting the side of Lancelot's arm, eyes wide in silent reproach. Lancelot bit his lip, trying his best to contain his laughter at her reaction and expression. Lourdes cleared her throat in her embarrassment, though she knew that her cheeks were already bright red.
"Well, then." Lord Theodore began once more, though his voice had a new, upbeat ring to it. "It was good that both of you were able to come and participate in the Tournament. I shall expect the both of you next year, I suppose?"
Lancelot gave him a cheeky grin, hands still around Lourdes' waist. "We wouldn't miss it for the world."
With that, Lord Theodore bowed slightly, making as grand an exit as his entrance. Lourdes breathed out a sigh of relief, finally lowering her hands to her side. Lancelot kept his grip on her, though, even tightening it, as he observed her with squinted eyes.
"Gaining loyal fans, I see." he said lightly, though with a hint of bitterness.
Lourdes wondered at Lancelot's inscrutable expression before they heard someone clear their throat. Lancelot instantly let Lourdes go as the two turned to the voice's owner. Vanora stood just a few metres behind them, looking down in embarrassment.
"I apologize for interrupting, milord, milady," she began, eyes still downcast, "but I was wondering if you both could lend Bors and me a helping hand with finding some of the children? I am afraid they have run off again somewhere!"
Lourdes smiled, walking to Vanora's side and placing a hand on the side of her arm. "Of course we will help. Now...which numbers are we looking for?"
"3, 7 and 11."
"I see number 7!"
The two women looked up to see Lancelot, waddling from side to side, arms outstretched, as he desperately tried to catch the running four year old child. His knees were bent in the most uncomfortable manner as the chase continued - inside the stable, outside of the stable, around tents, underneath horses. Bursting out in laughter, Lourdes finally decided to help the struggling knight, walking a few steps to the right in order to intercept the squealing child. She ran right into Lourdes' arms, and Lourdes quickly plucked her from the ground, tickling the her. Lancelot finally caught up to the women, doubling over as he tried to catch his breath. He looked up at the child and the two women wearily.
"Those vile creatures," he said, pointing a shaky finger at the child, who then stuck her tongue out at him, "will be the death of me!"
t t t
The group left the Tournament grounds just past noon, planning to travel through the woods until sundown. The mood was cheerful, most of the travellers quite talkative and energetic, happy that they were finally travelling back to Arthur's castle to resume the festivities. Lourdes observed those around her as they talked, laughed and sung, smiling at such a display. She was so used to travelling with fear, dread and fatigue, never knowing where they would stop, who they would meet along the way. Her previous travels with Arthur and the knights, as well as with the Woads, elicited nothing but these types of emotions for all. She was glad that it was not so for this journey. Even she herself was feeling uplifted by the journey to Arthur's castle, despite everything that had occurred between she and Galahad.
The moment that she had first seen him again was almost too much to bear. He was mounted on his brown stallion with Isabella in front of him, talking and laughing with her. She pursed her lips at this, making sure to always ride in front of them, not at all desiring to see the two together. As it so happened, Arthur led the way, followed by Lancelot, Bors and Dagonet, Lourdes and Gawain, their numerous wagons and fellow villagers on steeds, then Isabella and Galahad taking the rear with Tristan. Lourdes rode beside the wagon that contained Vanora and her sleeping children, conversing with her for much of the journey.
"So tell me, Lourdes," Vanora began in a sing-song-like manner as she handed Lourdes a jug of water, "what of you and Lancelot?"
Lourdes choked on her drink, wiping the water from her mouth as she coughed. "W-whatsoever do you mean?"
"Oh, do not play with me, child!" laughed Vanora, eyeing her knowingly. "I saw that exchange between the two of you earlier. Tis quite obvious that there is something there."
Before she could answer, Lourdes' instinct screamed out at her. Turning her eyes to her right side, instantly ducked as an arrow whistled past her head, just missing her by a few inches. Her horse neighed in fear as it stood on its hind legs, almost throwing Lourdes off as it wildly kicked. Lourdes cried out, holding onto her reigns tightly.
"Bandits!" they all heard Tristan's faint call.
All pandemonium broke loose. Yells and roars came at every side, flashes of the enemy attacking all around them. The knights unsheathed their weapons, instinctively looking around for the enemy, preparing to defend. Some villagers jumped inside the wagons for safety, while others armed themselves bravely, despite the knights' warning, preparing to fight. Vanora's children woke up at the sound of cries and yells, now wailing and screaming at the impending danger. Shaking, Vanora tried her best to calm her children, though also fearing for her life.
As Lourdes finally managed to calm her frightened horse, she quickly handed Vanora another sword from her scabbard. "Protect them as best you can, Vanora! I will take down anyone that comes this way!"
The woman merely nodded her head, gripping the weapon in her hand as her children surrounded her. Lourdes took one last look at the twelve before looking up. Just as she was about to unsheathe her sword, a bandit lunged at her from a tree branch, knocking her off forcefully onto the ground. She fell beside him with a hard thud, immediately feeling a shooting pain in her spine. The bandit took a moment to recover as well, rolling from side to side as he groaned.
When the man finally regained his senses, he clenched a large, spiked club in his palm, swinging it with such rage at Lourdes' head. With all her strength, she obtained the sword that had fallen beside her from her scabbard, lifting it above her just in time to block the hit. Gritting her teeth, she swung quickly to her right, connecting with the bandit's chest. His blood splattered everywhere, including at her body, dripping from her sword as she held it closely to the ground.
With only a moment to catch her breath, she surveyed her surroundings, taking note of each of the bandits. In the distance, she spotted Bors and Dagonet, fighting side by side, as half a dozen bandits surrounded them. Behind her, a few yards away, Gawain and Tristan, skillfully cutting and slicing the enemy with ease. And in front of her, Arthur and Lancelot, still atop their steeds, riding around the group to fight off incoming horde of bandits. Her heart constricted as she recognized some villagers, their bloody, lifeless bodies laying near her. This only fueled the rage that burned inside her, giving her the strength to stand up. Using her sword to steady her, she tried to push away the pain that stabbed her body everywhere, looking from side to side, searching for others that needed help.
It was then that she heard a woman's bloodcurdling scream. She turned to her right, spotting Isabella and Galahad, still atop their steeds, being surrounded and attacked by five bandits. Galahad tried desperately to fend them off with a lone sword, but with Isabella in front of him, it was difficult to swing the blade from side to side. Eyes widening, Lourdes whistled, gaining the attention of her mare, who neighed nervously at her side. Pulling on the reins, she mounted it swiftly, though clumsily, grabbing her bow and arrow from her sac as she finally sat upright. As she loaded the bow, she kicked the horse's side, sending it galloping to Galahad's and Isabella's direction. At the opportune moment, she fired, the arrow embedding itself on a bandit's back. As she reached their side, Lourdes' fierce kick collided with a bandit's head, sending him straight to the ground.
Galahad dismounted, with Isabella screaming for him to return in the background. At this point, there were two bandits left, both attacking Lourdes on either side. One managed to pull her to the ground by her hair, kicking her back. Groaning in pain, Lourdes rolled over just in time to dodge his falling sword.
It was then that she felt a hand pull her up to her feet. Wavering, she instantly swung her sword to the left, but it was blocked. She swirled around to her right, finally seeing Galahad, sword in front of him. Before she could speak, he stepped forward with his blade, killing the bandit that had his sword raised over Lourdes' head, poised to cut her in half. She turned with a gasp, just in time to see the bandit fall to the ground, blood dripping from his mouth. As the final bandit ran screaming towards her, Lourdes held her sword upwards, pointing straight at his neck. He promptly stopped, raising his chin, as he slowly fell to his knees.
Lourdes breathed heavily, feeling all the sweat, blood and aching pain that coursed throughout her entire body. Though, she did not show this in her countenance, not breaking her angry stare at the man. His lips twisted at her, trying to conceal his fear.
"I know what your kind did to Sarmatians!" he hissed at her, dropping his sword with a flick of his wrist.
Lourdes furrowed her brows in confusion, pressing her sword closer to his neck. "What do you speak of?"
Galahad held the same expression at Lourdes, eyeing the bandit with his jaw firm.
"Do you really expect me to answer that?" The man began to laugh, blood trickling down his mouth. "I would think that you would already know."
She pressed her sword against his neck even harder, cutting his skin. "Spit it out!"
He looked at her quizzically, finally believing that she did not know what he spoke of. "Shinodians, pillaging, burning, destroying homes all over Sarmatia," he began, eyes brimming with tears, "destroying my village..."
"No!" she cried out, the sword in her hand wavering. "Shinodians would not..."
"They killed my family!" the man yelled in rage, instantly bursting out into tears. He wailed, not caring that Lourdes' blade was still close to his neck. "Just kill me and end my suffering!"
Lourdes felt as though she couldn't breathe. She could not believe what this man was saying! They were lies, all lies! Her people, doing what this man claimed? She looked at Galahad to see that his face was as white as stone, first looking to her, then the sobbing man.
"I..." she began, slightly lowering her sword, at a loss for words, "...I am sorry."
"That does not bring them back!" the man roared, his arms falling to the ground to support him. "Nothing will bring them back!"
At this point, Lourdes' entire body was shaking, unable to think. All she could do was watch the man in mourning as the fighting and noise died down, bodies falling to the ground, swords sheathing into scabbards. She gasped when she felt a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it tightly. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she swirled to see Arthur, whose eyes gazed at her with sympathy.
"Lourdes..." he began in a steady voice, clenching his jaw.
"Arthur, this man says that Shinodians destroyed his village and killed his family!" she cried, placing her hands on his chest. "Please tell me they are wrong!"
Arthur winced as he held her comfortingly, placing a hand on the back of her head. "I do not know, Lourdes." he sighed out as he continued slowly. "All I know is that these men are not bandits."
Lourdes looked up at him, eyes wide.
"They were sent to kill you."