A/N: I'm updating SO quickly because I myself cannot wait for you all to read what I have in store! Enjoy!

macial ex-auror hobbit. JUST when I posted Chapter 32, I saw your review! But THANK YOU so much for reading and reviewing. You've been with me from the beginning! .hugs.

It's funny because in the beginning, Isabella was only supposed to be a really tiny character, but as it turns out, she pretty much played an important role in everything. Even teaching Galahad a lesson or two may alter things in the future. (There goes my cryptic speech once more. But really, I don't want to ruin the story for you!) I respect and pity her, because (heaven forbid) if I ever end up in her position sometime in my life, I might just have to...cry! The medallion will play an important role as well! .wink. It's good that you're asking questions, because that means you're interested in the story! haha

Oh, Lancelot. Bad habits are hard to break, huh? And I loved writing the Lancelot/Galahad scene. I'd be so uncomfortable if I was in that room with them! I'd probably offer them cookies or something to ease the tension.

You know what I'm going to do after I finish this story? Count how many slaps the knights have been dealt by the reviewers! haha "Galahad the little tyke". God, that was adorable. I picture him as a three year old, trying to carry a sword, then tripping on his own two feet. Aww. .clears throat. And don't worry -- Galahad will not be gone forever...or will he?

And for sure, there will be more of the knights to come! Oh, and even more knights, as you'll see in this chapter! .wink.

There's SO much more to be revealed in this story, it's not even funny. I hope you like it!

And as for making this into a movie? HELL YEAH! I'm so up for that. I'm actually thinking of polishing this piece up, taking out the KA influences and make it into a TRUE original story, then submitting it to a publisher in the near future! Anyway, enjoy this next chapter!

Kalanie: I still feel bad that your review got cut off! But alas, here's another chapter for you! Enjoy!

HateFilled-Demon: Hey there! Nice to hear from you! I will definitely keep updating -- there's SO much more to this story left to tell! .smiles.

DeathDealer210912: haha I know eh? I was thinking...hmmm...maybe I can just type jibberish and pass it off as the Shinodian language! But then, I'd confuse myself! At least some people can understand the French! lol Anyway, here's another chappy for you!

t t t

CHAPTER 33

A/N: Historically, Bushido began to be practiced in Japan around the 11th century, sort of mirroring the European code of chivalry. In this story, I'm using aspects of Bushido, or "way of the warrior", sort of making my own early Middle Age "warrior code" by mixing the European and Oriental version for Shino's code of war. Also, Shino itself is completely made up, as I've taken the name from Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, who I adore! .smiles. But just think of these peoples and their culture as a mixture of Japanese, European and Roman influences.

Just to make it clear to everyone, especially if I don't spend much time describing them well enough, this is how I'm picturing how the new knights look like:

Sir Gareth - like Orlando Bloom's character, Balien, in "Kingdom of Heaven"

Sir Bedivere - like Heath Ledger's character, William Thatcher, in "A Knight's Tale"

Sir Kay - like Mel Gibson's character, William Wallace, in "Braveheart"

Sir Percival - like Karl Urban's character, Eomer, in "Lord of the Rings"

Damn...why are all the knights so good-looking? Ah, the beauty of fanfiction. Gotta love it!

t t t

"Dag." Bors called out lightly to his giant of a brother as he observed what was transpiring in front of him. Barely able to contain his rising excitement, he slapped his brother on the arm repeatedly with much earnest. "Look over there, by the wagon!" He guffawed gleefully. "This is going to be interesting."

The knights had left Arthur's realm a week ago and had not stopped their travels towards the Sarmatian/Shinodian border since. With more than a hundred knights, retainers and squires in their entourage travelling behind them, Arthur and Theodore led the way, the two surprisingly managing to get along and work together as best as they could for the duration of the journey. Truly, throughout their travels, it was more due to Arthur's large reservoir of patience rather than Lord Theodore's sad and forced attempt to keep things civilized and orderly. With luck, they had not met any Shinodians so far in their travels, yet always kept apprehensive and defensive for sudden attacks. Surprisingly, though, the knights of the Round Table were in good spirits, the threat of the impending situation not growing heavily upon their hearts just yet. Their morale had certainly boosted those of the other warriors, lightening the mood amongst them.

Dagonet finally turned his attention to his now giggling brother, raising a questioning eyebrow as he replied warily, "What is it now, Bors? Do not tell me you are amused by some sort of animal again."

Placing his ring-covered hand upon his face, covering his eyes and nose, Bors laughed as he motioned his head forward. "That pansy knight is trying to befriend Tristan."

With a chuckle at what he was seeing in front of him, Dagonet then slapped Gawain's arm, motioning his head in the same manner as his older brother. As they claimed Gawain's attention, the three knights looked on in amusement at the exchange before them, barely able to contain their laughter.

A knight of muscular stature had ridden to the side of Tristan's horse, his heavy and elaborate armour emphasizing his broad shoulders. His dirty-blonde, wavy hair stopped at his shoulders, now hampered down by a thick helmet. Stubble lined his handsomely rugged features, bright-blue eyes filled with mirth and pride. He had waited for a greeting from Tristan upon his arrival, yet when he realized that none was forthcoming from the scout, he cleared his throat and began cordially, "My name is Sir Percival and I hail from north-west Sarmatia." He kindly introduced himself with an amicable bow as he kept his steed in step with Tristan's. "Have you heard of the village of Yorkshire, fellow knight?"

Barely heeding his voice, Tristan replied with a mere grunt, keeping his gaze forward.

Percival gave him a quizzical look, yet, unfortunately for the quiet scout, was not even close to being deterred by Tristan's obvious disinterest. "I have heard many great tales about you and the rest of your comrades. Is it true that you have never been beaten in battle?"

Tristan yawned in response, eyes darting around the scene before him.

Percival pursed his lips, scratching his forehead in utter confusion. "My, you're certainly not that talkative. Is there anything else that we could converse about that would pique your interest?"

Another grunt in response.

The poor knight furrowed his brows, his handsome face distorted as his lips curled in puzzlement. "Sir, am I to understand that the sound that you currently make is make is meant to be a 'yes'?"

Tristan only waved a dismissive hand at poor Percival before trotting off away from him. Bors, Dagonet and Gawain simply boomed with laughter behind the lone knight, with Percival feeling a bit embarrassed as he realized that he had an audience. Clearing his throat and keeping the pride that he still had left, he rode on forward, hoping to steer clear from the three for the remainder of the ride.

Near the front of the group rode Lancelot, a neutral expression plastered on his face as he kept his cloak tightly wrapped around him. Eyes straight ahead, his ears perked up to a nearby conversation between two of Lord Theodore's knights, who he recognized as the two that had spoken when they held council together a few weeks ago. Sir Gareth had long, wavy brown hair, which tucked neatly behind his ears. He had a lean built, soft, brown eyes and high cheekbones. He was quite young, Lancelot presumed, most likely only twenty and five. This was the knight that had asked Arthur and the rest of the knights to join his cause with much conviction in his voice. The other young knight, Sir Bedivere, had spiky, blonde hair, combed back just a little. With piercing, blue-green eyes and a seemingly permanent roguish expression on his face, he sat erect upon his steed, overwhelming pride, and even conceit, evident in his body language. Lancelot chuckled as he recognized a bit of himself in this young knight, interest even more piqued by what the two were discussing.

"I do not know if I shall ever take a wife." Bedivere stated with a nonchalant shrug, a smirk pulling on his thin lips. "I enjoy the freedom too much."

Gareth shook his head and scoffed, nudging him with his elbow as he said knowingly, "The freedom to bed whomever you wish, you mean?"

Bedivere laughed mirthfully at his friend's comment, placing a hand on his stomach. "You know me too well, Gareth. It certainly frightens me at times."

A smirk slowly appeared upon Lancelot's lips. Pulling his steed's reigns to the hard right, he rode towards the two knights. As he reached their side, they nodded to him respectfully as he kept in pace with them. Immediately, Lancelot stated, "That freedom, my fellow knights, should never be taken away from a man."

The two knights looked at one another in confusion, then glanced back at Lancelot curiously. Gareth eyed him inquisitively with his brown orbs, his high cheekbones becoming more visible as he pursed his lips in question. "Sir Lancelot, do you not already have a wife?"

"Aye," Bedivere nodded in agreement, his small, green-blue eyes sparkling in amusement and interest, "unless..."

Lancelot shook his head curtly, and with a scoff, he said, "I would think that my reputation would precede me, good knights," he inclined his chin, ever so little, "What your Lord believes and has stated is false. I would never marry a Shinodian woman."

"Whyever not, Sir Lancelot?" Gareth shifted uncomfortably on his saddle, looking around him cautiously as he said to him in a lowered tone, "I hear they're quite beautiful."

"Aye, much better than Sarmatian women." snickered Bedivere, who doubled over on his horse before patting Lancelot and Gareth on the arms playfully and raising an eyebrow. "'Tis a blessing that we are all men and are incredibly good-looking, eh?"

The three shared a mirthful laugh, somewhat disintegrating the lump that had formed in Lancelot's throat. His earlier statement about never wanting to marry a Shinodian woman was indeed forced, his hurt pride and jumbled emotions getting the best of him. Interrupting his thoughtful moment, Gareth gave him a slight nudge.

"Never say never, Sir Lancelot." He said with twinkling eyes, a grin pulling upon his thin lips. "After this war is over, and you may freely roam Shinodian lands, you never know if the charms of a Shinodian woman will enchant you."

Bedivere grinned cheekily, nodding in agreement as he proclaimed, "Aye. The great Lancelot of the Maidens, married to a Shinodian woman. That will be the news for the ages!"

Before Lancelot could respond to their teasing, Arthur's voice sounded before them. "Men!" he called out, reversing his horse as he turned to those behind him. "We need to increase our pace, for a heavy snowstorm is headed our way. The faster we get to our destination, the healthier we all shall be."

The three knights shared a glance before slightly nodding to one another. With no hesitation, the riders thundered forward in full speed, riding closer and closer to Shino.

t t t

In a dimly-lit and well-decorated stone room, father and daughter sat on identical wooden chairs, facing one another. Lourdes kept silent, meekly twiddling her thumbs, only managing to stare at the man in front of her.

Her true father.

King Lothair's once strong face was beginning to line with wrinkles, most concentrated on his forehead and beneath his tired chocolate-brown eyes. His hair was pulled back into a long ponytail, his neck lined with medallions, his fingers endowed with many rings. He did not emanate the essence of frivolity, but on the contrary, exhibiting strong, majestic grace, heavily and proudly respectful of the Shinodian culture and quite knowledgeable of his country and the art of war. As Lourdes continued to examine his features, she could finally see the resemblance between them -- the shape and colour of their eyes, their curvy nose, the height of their noticeable cheekbones. She could no longer deny that this was indeed her real father that was sitting before her, whose lips were frozen into a relieved smile as he clasped his hands in front of him. And yet, doubt and indecision plagued her, for he was still of equivocal nature, as his true intentions could be masterfully hidden behind his content countenance. So, even though they sat alone and were both unarmed, Lourdes' defensive nature never faltered, making sure that she was a safe distance away from him.

"You are the image of your mother." He finally choked out as he broke the comfortable silence between them, placing a hand on his mouth as he bit his lip. "Oh, my dearest Lourdes. After all these years, the gods have finally blessed me with your return."

"M-my mother?" Lourdes stuttered, eyes brightly gleaming at his statement. Her mother! The thought had finally made its impact on her mind as she questioned, "W-where is she?"

King Lothair's smile vanished, quickly being replaced by a sorrowful frown as he lowered his head. "She...she died a few months ago."

Swallowing, Lourdes looked down to her clenched hands, feeling sadness for a woman who she had never even met. She felt guilty for asking King Lothair, for bringing back painful memories of his wife's passing. She knew what it was like to lose someone you loved, and being reminded of the fact will not make coping with it any easier. Clearing her throat in apology, she said, "I am sorry...father."

The king's head snapped up at this call, his smile returning once more. He exhaled deeply, looking at Lourdes lovingly as he stood. She observed him as he held out his elbow for her to take. As she did so, he led her outside of the room into a long, open corridor, whose numerous windows looked out into the square, snow-covered courtyard. Her eyes widened with wonder at the sight, seeing about 50 Shinodian warriors, some of whom she recognized, practicing with their thin blades they called 'katanas'. In rows and columns, they swung and slashed, each stepping and moving simultaneously, pausing after every movement. Their steady positions only changed as a drill commander shouted orders, observing them all with his hands around his back as he paced in between them.

"To fight with courage until our very last breath -- that is our code of war." King Lothair stated as he smiled down at Lourdes.

"Have you always been at war, father?" she questioned, her eyes still surveying the scene in front of her with wonder.

"Yes." The king breathed out, leaning against the hallway railings. "For as long as I can remember, even before my rule, we have always been at war. Shinodians versus Shinodians, locked in a bitter civil war. For so many years, it has plagued our lands, two sides divided into north and south, the reason for the origin of the war lost long ago." He closed his eyes at the painful memory, breathing in deeply. "It was during my reign that it had begun once more -- mere months after you were born. My own brother, Rothair, had tried to kill me in my sleep, for he knew that I was elder and that he would never be able to take the throne unless I was dead." Lourdes gave out a small gasp at this, but her father continued. "When he did not succeed, he gathered his followers, feeding them lies about me and my rule. They rebelled against us, against my peaceful rule, and allowed his lust for land and power to control him. I did not want to invade other lands as he desired, but only have the Shinodians flourish peacefully in our own...but Rothair would not have it. Shino was too small for him, and he wanted as much land as he could possibly attain. So, he began incursions into the lands east of Shino, taking what he could and burning what he couldn't. It was only recently that he began his incursions into Sarmatia, beginning in the north, then trickling further south as he gathered more followers and enslaved the Sarmatians that he could." He paused then, as if trying to quell his rising emotion. At this point, Lourdes was rendered speechless, keeping her hand to her stomach, as she tried to take everything in. Lothair continued with a sigh, "So now you understand why we had to keep you away from Shino, why we had given you to Merlin and the Woads for protection. For so many years, Rothair has attempted to assassinate me and everyone that shares my blood. And even now, Lourdes, he searches for you, still not convinced that you are dead, as rumour has it. He desires to ensure that his place on the throne is protected."

Lourdes sunk to the ground, the severity of the news getting to her. After so many years of questioning, wondering and suffering, this was the truth. The truth about her family, her peoples, her life. Feeling faint, she felt her father's strong arms pull her up, then crushing her in a strong embrace. Gingerly wrapping her arms around the tall man, she finally burst out in tears as she rested her head on his broad chest, finally succumbing to great emotion.

"You are with me now, my daughter," he said soothingly, rubbing her back in comfort, "and I will do everything in my power to protect you."

t t t

"Oi, Kay!" Bedivere called out in a light tone to his comrade, who rode diagonally behind him, "Whatever happened to that maiden that you were seein'?" He continued playfully with a wink, shifting his horse slightly to face the dark-haired knight. "You know, the blonde one with the humongous brea-"

The older knight groaned as Bedivere's less-than-polite gesture, throwing a piece of cloth that he had at hand at him as he snapped, "Sod off, Bedivere, 'tis none of your business!" His thick brows furrowed in annoyance, ticking his tongue at his horse so that it would ride a few more metres away from the cheeky knight.

Bedivere was not at all dissuaded by these annoyed gestures and only let out a mirthful laugh, shaking his head towards Lancelot's form. "If you need help with wooing a woman back, Kay, just ask him. He's already bedded six in the last three days."

The knights that surrounded them - Lancelot, Gareth, Gawain and Dagonet - laughed hysterically at Kay's incredulous expression. Lancelot gave him a proud nod at Bedivere's recognition of his wondrous 'talents', shrugging nonchalantly. "Seven."

Another round of laughter passed through the knights, alarming some who rode beside them. Most of the knights were incredibly cold and fatigued, and yet, these knights were acting as though it was a mere sojourn through Sarmatia! They even momentarily captured Theodore's and Arthur's attention, eyebrows raised at the jovial exchange behind them. At least, they reasoned inwardly, their knights were in good spirits.

The knights had travelled for almost two weeks now, the land before them becoming more desolate, the weather becoming more fierce and unrelenting. Icy winds ripped through the convoy, even startling some of the horses as they crossed between an icy valley. The two mountain peeks loomed over them almost menacingly, their sublimity not lost on the travellers. Tristan's eyes darted quickly around them, senses alerted at something, but ultimately said nothing. It was only then that Arthur and his knights noticed that this was the pass that Bedivere had spoken about when he was explaining to them the dangers of the Shinodian incursions during their Round Table council. They remembered the traces of the map, realizing that the village that he spoke of was not far off from where they were. Their supplies and rations were nearly gone, only their weapons and horses left as their belongings. They momentarily breathed a sigh of relief, hoping to even catch a glimpse of the other Sarmatian warriors whom they were scheduled to meet with.

That breath was only replaced by sudden dread as they heard the sound of a distant horn. The horses neighed in slight panic, some standing on their hind legs, others moving about from side to side as their riders tried desperately to control them. Without hesitation, Tristan had ridden ahead of the large group, his lone figure becoming smaller and smaller in the distance until his form was only a speck in the horizon.

"What is he doing?" Gareth cried out incredulously as he looked back at the rest of his comrades, pulling on the reigns of his horse. "Those are not Sarmatian horns!"

"Don't get your breeches in a bunch." Bors replied gruffly, riding to their side. "He's just making sure that the coast is clear for us. Force of habit, you see. The lad can't help it."

After a few moments of silent apprehension, they spotted Tristan thundering back with haste, his teeth gritted as he skidded to a stop beside Arthur and Theodore. "Shinodians. Hundreds of them. Heading this way."

Arthur immediately unsheathed Excalibur from his scabbard, twisting his head behind him. "Warriors, prepare for combat!"

Yells and cries erupted from the men as they scurried to procure their weapons. Most headed for the wagons, throwing bows, arrows, swords and armour to their unarmed comrades. They automatically formed flanks, readying their weapons to their sides. Only a few moments later, they caught a glimpse of the Shinodian army, riding towards them at full gallop.

"Arthur." Theodore hissed through clenched teeth, tilting his chin up slightly as he motioned his eyes above them. As Arthur looked upwards, he caught sight of dozens of Shinodian archers, poised and ready to fire down at them from behind snow-covered boulders. Some of the knights who saw this gritted their teeth at the precarious situation, looking to their leaders for their course of action. Most tried their best to steady their horses, careful not to make any sudden movements to encourage the Shinodians to fire a shower of arrows down at them.

The group of Shinodians that were on horseback were now coming closer, only a hundred yards from where the Sarmatian men gathered. As the knights observed them with intense eyes, a glint of confusion became evident in their orbs, noticing that these Shinodians were not attired in the same manner as the previous Shinodians that they had encountered and fought. Erasing this point of wonder in their minds for a few moments, they all watched silently as the commander of the band rode by his lonesome, trotting his way bravely to Arthur's side, confidence emanating from his being.

The Shinodian commander kept his face firm, his jaw clenched as he removed his helmet. He looked upon the knights with no fear evident in his dark brown eyes, which darted amongst them quickly before finally landing on Arthur. Arthur met his gaze with the same expression on his face and the same intense emotion evident in his green eyes, chin slightly inclined as he waited for the Shinodian commander to speak. Though, he did not utter a word, his passing gaze only landing in Lancelot's direction.

Lancelot did not shift uneasily in his saddle at this, but kept his fierce gaze on the Shinodian man, eyes never faltering at his unyielding stare. Lancelot noticed a hint of incredulousness exhibited in his eyes as he slowly rode in front of him. Even as the commander unsheathed his blade, Lancelot kept still, not feeling threatened nor afraid by his gestures. The blade slowly came closer to Lancelot's body, making the knights around him tense. Though, when it reached Lancelot's chest, it merely lifted the medallion that now hung, exposed, atop his tunic.

"Where...where did you get this?" The Shinodian commander asked slowly, his speech surprising Lancelot and the knights around him. All turned to Lancelot expectantly, puzzled about this exchange.

"It was given to me as a gift." Lancelot replied steadily, still sitting erect and unflinching on his horse. He inclined his jaw a little before asking, "Why?"

"Who gave it to you?"

Needless to say, Lancelot was taken aback by this question, not at all conceiving why it even mattered to this Shinodian man. Though, he replied hesitatingly, "Lourdes."

Unexpectedly, the commander dropped his sword, using his horse's neck to steady himself as he choked out in disbelief, "She...she is alive?"

"Yes." Lancelot gulped and closed his eyes briefly, hoping with all his heart that he was right.

The Shinodian man clasped his hands together as he cried, "Praise be the gods!" He closed his eyes, face rising to the sky. "After all these years..."

Lancelot only furrowed his brows, eyeing the man as though he was completely daft. It took a moment for him to regain his composure, to quell his exhibited emotions. In response to Lancelot's questioning glance, the Shinodian man removed something from beneath his armour, holding it out to Lancelot with a trembling hand. The knight's eyes widened in sheer astoundment at the sight before him.

An identical medallion hanging from his neck.

"How could that be?" Lancelot shook his head, squinting his eyes as he continued his query, "And Lourdes...h-how do you know of her?"

The Shinodian man lifted his head to face Lancelot, clenching his jaw tightly before replying:

"I am her brother."

t t t

A/N: Whoo-wee. Don't you just love how I end these chapters? Now you really have to keep reading! hahaha How'd you like this chapter, my lovely readers? Eh? Eh? .nudge nudge.

P.S. Oh, and I just couldn't help but plug "Breathe No More, Bleed No More", my TristanOC oneshot. If you've got the time, please check it out! .salutes.