A/N: See what I mean about quick updates? Can't handle 'em now, can ye? haha j/k. I've just been extra inspired this weekend. (Maybe it's the Irish music I've been listening to?) And hey, I see that this story has been getting hits, so someone out there is reading! haha Well, thank you for that, because I know this story is officially a novel. I don't think I'll be taking a project of this magnitude on my shoulders in a while, so hey, I'll enjoy this while it lasts! Romance and more romance will be coming soon, trust me. So much that it'll be a miracle to handle! haha I'll update extra quickly so that you'll know exactly what I'm talking about! .laughs evilly.

Kalanie: I get so excited when you update your story! lol Anyway, I know what you mean about Lancelot. At least Lourdes gave him that huge slap in Chapter 23! hahaha Though, that doesn't make up for what he did last chapter. Even I'm annoyed with him! I simultaneously hope he simmers in his regret but gets some comfort. And yeah, I did like writing Isabella's character. Fate (and Galahad) basically just screwed her over, big time. Galahad's lucky that she didn't start beating him! Here's the next chapter!

Kates: hahaha OMG, both of them TOTALLY deserved those smacks. Especially Lancelot. At least Galahad didn't bed Isabella in order to forget! (Smacks Lancelot myself) But yeah, I really liked this chapter, because as it turned out (even though I didn't really plan for it), it showed Lourdes', Lancelot's and Galahad's faults. Lourdes let her heart get to her, Lancelot still has the womanizer in his blood, and Galahad's just one huge train wreck with his emotions and with what he really wants. And knights or not, they're still men! .nudge. haha Er...boys? But yes, I'm writing as you read this (as usual), and even more is on the way!

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CHAPTER 32

A/N: From now on, when Shinodians are speaking with one another, it shall be French. Yes, yes, I know it's sort of weird. Just use your imagination and pretend they're speaking some Shinodian language, since I'm too lazy to make a language up! (I'm no J.R.R. Tolkien!) haha

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Lourdes' head snapped up in immediate defense as her ears detected the sudden snap of a twig. She stayed still and quiet for a few moments, the tips of her fingers creeping to the hilt of her sword as she tried to survey her dark surroundings. Squinting, her eyes darted to all sides, though only landing on sleeping Woads and neighing horses. Though her instinct screamed against it, she eventually leaned back comfortably on the tree trunk, her eyelids becoming increasingly heavier as fatigue slowly took over her once more.

Another snap of a twig.

Her eyes abruptly opened once more, her lips now curled into a snarl. As she quietly stood, she unsheathed her sword, slowly pacing around the area where she had been resting. Eyes alert, she gripped the hilt of her sword with two hands, and as stealthily as she could, moved about the sleeping Woads. At another sudden sound, she swung her sword to its direction, finding herself pointing the blade at...

...a bunny.

It hopped a few more inches closer to her, even rubbing the side of her leg before it disappeared into the bushes. Breathing out in relief, she sheathed her blade, turning back to where she had left her belongings. Just as she did this, an arrow whistled past her, the tip catching her cheek slightly before landing on a tree trunk in the distance.

She cried out in alarm, waking most of the Woads around her. Before they could question what was happening, battle cries sounded all around them, running footsteps pounding on the grass and muddied ground, coming straight towards them from all sides. Another wave of arrows flew past Lourdes and the Woads, narrowly missing some, injuring others.

"Ambush!" Lourdes heard Merlin cry behind her as all pandemonium broke loose. Both the Woads and the attackers gave out shouts and cries, some of rage, others from pain. Most of the Woads were completely unarmed and defenseless, taken by surprise and still groggy from sleep, as the attackers infiltrated their encampment.

"Tuez-les! (Kill them!)" came a cry from somewhere deep in the woods.

Controlling her panic, Lourdes' eyes darted all around her, sword held steady in front, ready to defend. Woads were fighting at all sides, most having difficulty seeing in the dark. The attackers seemed to expertly fight the Woads, their thin blades moving with much dexterity against the heavy broadswords and spiked clubs of the Woads.

Lourdes gave out a cry of helplessness and anger as she saw some of her Woadian comrades fall. As she looked to her left, she instinctively ran towards one of the attackers whose sword was poised to kill a Woad warrior, who was rolling on the ground in pain as he kept his hands on the bleeding wound on his stomach. With a grunt, she used her shoulder and elbow, shoving the attacker with great force. The man stumbled to the ground, but used his blade to prop himself up once more. Eyes inflamed, his glance landed upon Lourdes, who gripped her sword tightly as she breathed heavily.

"When will people stop trying to kill me!" she squealed in frustration as she prepared to swing her sword downward at the warrior. Though before she had a chance to do so, another sword blocked hers, the warrior immediately pushing Lourdes back as her sword spun in the air and landed with a soft thud a few metres from her.

"Es-tu bien? (Are you well?)" The warrior said to his comrade, though not taking his eyes off of Lourdes.

"Ouais. (Yeah.)" The other replied curtly as he regained his composure.

Swallowing, Lourdes paced a few steps back, the warrior's blade coming dangerously close to her neck. He paced forward, matching her every step, until she finally backed herself upon a tree trunk. As the moonlight hit the warrior's face, Lourdes let out a small gasp, seeing that the man was indeed Shinodian. Fear now coursed through her veins, seeing that her Woadian comrades were losing the battle right in front of her, unable to help her if she needed it. Just as Lourdes was about to react, she noticed a glint of incredulousness and recognition in the warrior's face, his sword lowering just a little as he surveyed her. Then, he sounded a foreign call to those around him, and the attackers immediately halted their assault. The remaining Woads became indecisive at this point, looking around at each other in silent question whether to continue their defense and take advantage of this momentary distraction or not.

Lourdes presumed that the man who held his blade incredibly close to her throat was their commander, his elaborate helmet differentiating him from all the others. As he roughly removed the heavy helmet from his head, his eyes made contact with Lourdes' once more. She furrowed her brows in confusion at his expression, still a mixture of fear and disbelief. It was as though he was looking upon a ghost, yet could not believe what his eyes were seeing. She swallowed, careful not to move, even as he slowly lowered his blade to his side. Lourdes breathed out, arguing with herself whether to make a run towards her fallen sword or to stay as still as stone. Though, before she could make her decision, the warrior in front of her suddenly fell to his knees in a curtsy, bowing his head low towards her. Needless to say, Lourdes became even more confused by his actions.

"Tout le monde, viens ici! (Everyone, come here!)" The bowed warrior called out, his head moving from side to side as he surveyed his comrades around him. "Maintenant! (Now!)"

The rustling of bushes, sheathing swords and quick footsteps surrounded Lourdes, rendering all the other Woadian warriors speechless. The Woads lowered their defenses just a little as they watched the bizarre occurrences before them. As the Shinodian warriors gathered all around her, their faces all mimicked that of the first warrior and were now wearing identical expressions of bewilderment.

"Non, ce n'est pas possible! (No, it's not possible!)" breathed out one of them shakily, also falling to his knees in a bow. "Elle est mort! (She is dead!)" His gesture was followed by all the others who had gathered around Lourdes, hands over their hearts, heads slightly lowered.

"What are you all saying?" Lourdes finally managed to croak out, using the tree trunk to steady herself as she straightened slowly. Seeing a flash of Merlin's form from the corner of her eye, she hissed, "Merlin, what are they doing?"

Also confused by their actions, the old Woad cautiously made his way towards her side, sword still raised in front of him as he observed the still Shinodian warriors. He stood in front of Lourdes, his eyes darting around them before finally landing on the band's leader.

"Que faites-vous? (What are you doing?)" Merlin said in a choppy manner, trying his best to remember the Shinodian language. At his query, the leader snapped his head up at the old Woad, a hint of surprise evident in his eyes that he could speak their language.

"Monseigneur, c'est très dangereux pour la princesse d'être ici. (My lord, it is very dangerous for the princess to be here.)" he replied curtly as he stood. "S'il vous plaît, venez avec nous. (Please, come with us.)" He turned as he finished, signaling for his warriors to rise and move out.

"Merlin?" Lourdes questioned, eyes still wide.

He turned to her, his brows furrowed as he gripped his staff. "He wants us to go with them, Lourdes," though, even as she shook her head in protest, he finished, "They know who you are."

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"I don't like 'em."

"Me neither. Especially the blonde one."

"Aye...he's too pretty."

"If we don't warn Lancelot soon, I fear he might try and have a go with 'im."

Bors and Gawain eyed each other momentarily, eyebrows raised, before they burst out laughing. Slapping their hands on their laps, their bodies shook uncontrollably as they sat upon their horses, surveying the scene before them. Their steeds neighed, almost questioningly, as Bors gripped the reigns in order to calm himself and as Gawain wiped a fallen tear from his eye.

Lord Theodore and his entourage of knights were grouped just a few yards from where they were. Arthur, Guinevere and Dagonet scurried around the castle courtyard, checking the near one hundred knights that closely gathered together, ensuring that last-minute preparations were in order for the estimated fortnight of travel for their rendez-vous with the other Sarmatian knights. The three were greeted with kind nods and waves, the new knights all knowing what they had to endure against the Shinodians just a few weeks earlier. These knights seemed to be good men -- it was just the fact that they were commanded by Lord Theodore that tarnished their reputations in the eyes of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

Horses of all colours and sizes, wagons filled with provisions and carts filled with weapons and ammunition dotted the area. Not only were knights present, but some squires and retainer soldiers had come, willing to lend their support, wholeheartedly for fighting back the Shinodian invasions. Some were not even eighteen, yet their courage and bravery shone in their eyes as they prepared alongside the knights.

After a few moments, Bors nudged Gawain, motioning his head to the right. "Well, well, speak of the devil himself."

The two knights observed Lancelot exit the wide doors that led to the courtyard, arms slung around two giggling women, keeping a satisfied, smug expression on his countenance. As he retrieved his arms from them, the women frowned and pouted, moving closer to the knight as he chuckled at the effects of his own charm. Saying a few consoling and sweet words to them, he gave a lingering kiss on each of their hands before finally striding towards the rest of his comrades. Taking the reigns of his black steed, he swiftly mounted it, giving out a contented exhale.

Bors and Gawain looked at each other once more as Gawain began questioningly, "I think 'tis safe for us to presume that you did not spend the night packing your belongings?"

Lancelot gave a slight shrug. "Quite true." He smirked, ticking his tongue to jolt the steed forward. Turning his head towards the two knights, he finished, "I needed my energy for other purposes."

"Bah." Bors waved at the curly-haired knight dimissively as he rolled his eyes. "Will that boy ever change?"

"I thought he did." Gawain's lips pulled into a frown as he gave a lighthearted shrug. "I guess I was wrong."

The thoughtful moment shared by the two knights was interrupted by Tristan, who halted his steed in between the two. He eyed them alternately before stating, "Galahad is gone."

"Gone?" Bors raised an eyebrow, shifting his eyes. "Gone where? To take a piss?"

Gawain merely groaned, not only at Bors' stupidity, but at the present situation. "Do you have any idea where he ran off to?"

"I believe he headed northwest." Tristan reported curtly, pointing in the distance. "Two horses from the stables had gone missing this morning, along with a wagon. His betrothed is missing as well."

"Bloody hell!" cursed Gawain, eyes rising towards the bright blue sky, disapproval lining his face. "Think you they eloped?"

The three knights thought silently for a moment, unable to believe that Galahad would even think of doing such a thing, especially now, when times were dire. True, the young knight was capable of rash actions, but it was impossible for him to disappear without speaking to any of the other knights. And running off with Isabella? After the exchange that all the knights had witnessed between he and Lourdes three weeks earlier, it was purely evident that the knight's feelings were divided. No, not even divided -- it had shown precisely where his feeling truly lay.

"Arthur!" Gawain finally called out, dismounting his horse as he jogged towards his commander. As Gawain claimed Arthur's attention, he continued, "Galahad is missing."

"I know." Arthur shut his eyes briefly as he exhaled. Placing a hand on Gawain's shoulder, he replied, "The knight informed me yesternight of his decision with Isabella and their marriage. I cannot say that I am pleased with what he has decided to do, but I feel as though that now, he shall finally have peace."

"Arthur, you held counsel too much with that old Woad," Gawain retorted, scoffing mockingly, "for now you speak like him!"

"Worry not about Galahad's whereabouts, Gawain." Arthur replied in a consolatory tone, a half smile pulling upon his lips. "We ride without him to Shino, but that does not mean we will not ride with him again."

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Lourdes, Merlin and the surviving Woadian warriors marched in a steady procession alongside the Shinodian warriors as the afternoon sun reached its peak. They had journeyed for a few days, bearing the freezing weather and rocky terrain, even sharing the same encampment to elicit more warmth from one another and helping one another with carrying belongings. Through all of this, Lourdes still felt wary about the entire situation, especially when she would receive endless stares and numerous bows every single time she would pass by. A part of her wanted to scream at them all to stop their damned curtseying, though she continually reminded herself that these Shinodians were apparently leading them to safety. When she found a moment alone with Merlin, she hissed,

"Merlin, how can you possibly trust them?" gulping, she looked around her, careful to conceal her words from prying ears, even from those who did not seem to know her language. "They're Shinodian warriors who attacked us."

"Only before they knew who you were." Merlin interjected in the same tone as he made his point, turning to her. "My dear, if they wanted to kill us, they would have done so already, don't you think?"

"Not unless they desire to gain our trust then kill us in our sleep." She muttered morbidly through clenched teeth, still irate at the fact that some Woadian warriors were killed and seriously injured during their skirmish. Her mind was still unsettled by the unexpected turn of events, especially when she was sure that she was as good as dead a few nights ago. This journey, this entire line of revelations, were simply getting to her -- and instead of making her overly emotional and distressed as it had done so in the past, it only fueled her anger.

Merlin gave out a sigh, completely understanding her reasonings. "Lourdes, as long as these Shinodians are not attacking us -- even if only at the moment -- we are safer with them than by our lonesome in these foreign lands." He surveyed those around him quickly before glancing towards Lourdes. "I understand most of what they speak of, and their aggression is not turned towards us in any way."

"Where do you think they are taking us?" She questioned, wrapping her cloak more tightly around her as she patted her mare tenderly.

Though, instead of Merlin answering Lourdes' question, the leader of this band of Shinodian warriors gave out a call, yelling, "Nous sommes ici! (We are here!)"

A resounding cheer then erupted from the Shinodian soldiers, confusing the Woads around them. As the travellers looked in the distance, they saw the end of the woods, then opening into a wide clearing, covered by a thick blanket of snow. Some warriors even ran towards the exit of the woods, crying gleefully at the sight of home. At this exhibition, Lourdes felt a bit of tenderness in her heart for these soldiers, realizing that they, too, were in the same predicament as she, the Woads, and even Arthur and his knights. Life sworn to servitude, months away from their homes and families, lives always on the line for king and country. They had similarities, after all.

At this point, the leader of the Shinodian warriors turned to Lourdes and Merlin, beckoning for the two to come. Lourdes and Merlin shared a glance before kicking their horses slightly to join the commander. He cocked his head forward as he began to ride through the clearing, and as the two followed, the sight that greeted them filled them with awe. It was not only a castle, its walls and a surrounding village, but a sight easily five times that size. Houses made of hay, wood and even stone dotted the countryside, smoke rising from the rooftops, Shinodians going about their daily duties. Even with the snow, the realm bustled with activity, with animals and little children adding to the noise and movement and riders on horseback to the fast-paced environment in which they were a part of. Though, this was not what caught Lourdes' eyes.

Even further from these masterfully-built houses were a group of red buildings. Their roofs were shaped as they were triangular hats, the four corners sloped and curled just a little. Marble stairs and columns lined these buildings, surrounded by trimmed trees, all adding to the perfection of each structure. Even in the dead of winter, and even underneath the thick cover of snow, the structures were indeed beautiful, the skill of their make and the labour in the intricate patterns that lined them emanating grace and sophistication.

As Lourdes, the Woads and the Shinodian warriors rode closer, Lourdes now saw the great stone wall and spiked metal doors that protected the major part of the settlement. With a call from the Shinodian leader, those atop the wall ramparts yelled to other soldiers on the other side of the door, ordering them to heave the door open at once. After only a few moments, all the travellers were inside the walls, with curious onlookers staring at them all in wonder. Lourdes kept her hood on and head down, still cautious about being recognized by any of these other Shinodians.

As the Shinodian commander dismounted, he shifted his gaze towards Lourdes and Merlin, beckoning them to follow him once more. With less hesitation this time, the two followed the commander up a flight of stairs, which led to, from what they saw, the largest structure of them all. Lourdes kept quiet, only observing the view from where she stood, astounded by the size of this village -- if you could still call this settlement one.

Another set of double doors were opened upon their arrival by two guards, who kept spears on their left hands and kept a readied sword on their right side. They wore almost the same armour as the Shinodians that Lourdes and the Woads had encountered, though the designs on the armour and their underlying garments were much more simpler, the red colour more vibrant and visible.

Stepping inside, the three walked into a long hallway, almost 50 yards, with a lone red carpet lining the middle. Where the carpet stopped, though, was what piqued Lourdes' attention. At the very end stood a single seat, and on that seat, sat a Shinodian man. Around him were other Shinodians, both men and women of all ages, and yet, Lourdes' gaze was transfixed on this one man. Swallowing, she and Merlin followed the Shinodian commander, who had already marched to the end of the red carpet, bowing lowly.

"Nous lui avons trouvé, monseigneur. (We found her, my lord.)" he reported, his voice somewhat echoing within the hall. His statement had caught everyone's attention, but not as much as the attention of the man who now stood in bewilderment front of the single seat.

"Non...mais comment! (No...but how!)" The bearded man responded shakily, gripping an arm of his seat as he tried to keep steady. Pushing his crimson cape behind him, his dark eyes then landed on Lourdes, who was now only a few metres away from him. He reached out an arm to her and whispered, "L-Lourdes?"

She paced back a few steps, balance unstable, her face becoming white. Breathing heavily, she turned to Merlin with wide-eyes, tears threatening to form. The old Woad only bit his lip in order to quell his rising emotions, bowing his head slightly to the Shinodian man.

"Merlin, after all this time..." he continued as he fell to his knees, surprising Lourdes even more when he switched tongues. "You have kept your promise."

"I always keep true to my word, milord." Merlin replied firmly, bowing once more with open arms.

The man only eyed the speechless Lourdes, who stood still, the confusion in her eyes still not dissipating. Finally regaining his composure from the shock that he was experiencing himself, he said to her quietly,

"Welcome home, daughter."

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A/N: I hope I'm not giving too much away when I say...do not worry about Galahad's whereabouts! Just sit tightly with Gawain, and all shall be revealed in GOOD time. Well, in later chapters, I suppose! haha I've got a bunch of chapters lined up, and I'm really happy with the storyline as it is. So what happens next? Well...you'll have to tune in tomorrow! .smiles. Er...or in a few hours, depending on how many people seem to like this chapter! lol

P.S.I feel as though it takes me forever to write these chapters, and even longer to update, but the story isn't that much of a read, is it? It piques your interest? Keeps you on the edge of your seat? Makes you scream for romance, like all of the characters? haha As long as I know that I've gotten (and kept) your attention for this long, then I'm happy! Till next time!