"It appears your little bird has flown away Artorius." The man smirked as Dagonet and Galahad helped the teens. "I wonder what could have startled her." The man turned, and his long red cloak swept the floor. "No matter really, I shall have time to speak with her on the morrow perhaps. For now I bring you word from Rome."

"I am no longer Artorius Castus. I am King Arthur, and you will address me as such."

The man raised one eyebrow to him. "Such aspirations… Rome requires your aid. You are to leave with me two days hence." He turned to walk away but Arthur's words stopped him.

"We in this land no longer serve Rome." When the man looked back at him, disbelief shining in his gray eyes Arthur smiled grimly. "Rome no longer holds these lands. You may rest here, but in two days we will not be riding with you."

"Are you such a fool you would risk the ire of the Empire?" Pelagus whispered harshly.

"I have only one Empire to concern myself with now." Arthur's voice was hard and cold.

Pelagus laughed, and it was indeed an ugly sound. "I must retire, for I have ridden many days to reach you. We will discuss this on the morrow." He swept from the room and the two Roman guards flanking the tavern entrance followed him closely.

Galahad held Bri too him closely and she clutched at him. His heartbeat sounded in her ear and she was grateful for its soothing rhythm. The man had been the spitting image of her sister's ex boyfriend down to the scar on his face. Rob had gotten the exact same scar after Kass had taken the bat to him. When they'd seen him at his sentencing his hair had the same touches of gray.

Brandon's breathing was regulating now that he'd taken two puffs of his inhaler and he closed his eyes and prayed. Dagonet and Bors, two men he'd come to admire and look at as father figures, crouched next to him with concern showing on their faces.

Merlin walked towards the group. "It would appear that Kassidy's past has a past of his own."

"What do you mean?" Bri said her voice weak with fear.

"I know he looks like the man you knew child, but he is not the same man. Perhaps the same soul, but not the same flesh."

"Like reincarnation." Brandon interrupted. His brain was trying to grab onto anything that would explain what he'd seen.

Merlin looked at the man-boy, "If that means one soul born again and again, yes, that is what I mean."

"He's evil." Bri whispered. She looked at the group for a moment. "Where's Kassidy?" she said suddenly realizing she didn't know where her sister was. A hysterical edge crept into her voice.

Kass ran as if the hounds of hell themselves were nipping at her feet. She didn't notice the stones and sharp pieces of fallen wood cutting into her feet; all she could think of was to run. When she got far enough into the woods she stopped and looked around wildly. It was easy to find a hiding spot, and she moved to it quickly. She sat silently, holding her breath most of the time, praying he didn't find her.

The knights split up to search the woods. One of the village children had said they saw the veiled woman run into the forest as if the devil-Saxons were chasing her. They called her name and heard no voice responding. Lancelot and Tristan found the path she ran, but for some reason her trail grew cold. It worried them that perhaps a rogue Saxon had found her. Tristan went right and Lancelot moved left, and still there was only silence. He stopped and felt eyes upon him.

Lancelot didn't know what caused him to look up into the trees but when he did what he saw there caught at his heart. Kass sat huddled on a wide branch, her barely covered knees drawn up to her chest. Flecks of blood were dried on her feet, and her arms were scratched from her ascent up the tree. Black hair tangled around her too pale face with leaves and twigs mixed throughout, and her usually bright green eyes seemed dull and lifeless.

He moved slowly and quietly towards the tree. "Tristan!" he called as softly as possible, so as not to spook Kass, but loud enough for the scout to hear him. He didn't hear if the man approached, but that wasn't unusual. "Lady Kassidy, come, let me help you." He spoke as if speaking to a frightened or wounded horse. Her eyes darted back and forth, and she edged backwards putting her back more firmly against the trunk of the tree. "Lady, we won't let anything happen to you. We will protect you." Her eyes finally looked at him and tears welled and fell down her dirty cheeks. "Lady Bri and Lord Brandon are greatly concerned. Brianna is not even arguing with Galahad." He spoke quietly and saw she was starting to respond.

"He's going to hurt me." She whimpered.

"If he lays one hand upon you I will kill him for the offense." He promised. Lancelot had moved his horse close enough that he was only two feet away from Kassidy. Tristan had joined them but didn't speak; he'd sent his hawk to gather the others. When they saw her they'd know.

Kass looked into the dark eyes of the knight and knew he meant it. The sincerity was written all over his face. She moved closer to him and set her feet on the saddle in front of him. He steadied her with his hands on her legs and she slid into the saddle sideways. She sat in front of him with both legs on the left side of the saddle. He put his arms around her, holding the reins, and she laid her weary head on his shoulder. She might fear the feelings Lancelot stirred within her, but she didn't fear the man. They rode back to the keep slowly meeting the others along the way.

Lancelot stared at Gawain in question. Was he stepping on his 'brother's' toes? Gawain's comments earlier had made it seem as if his relationship with the dark haired lass wasn't what it appeared to be. Gawain gave him a slight nod which only confused him more. He wasn't challenging Lancelot to the right of carrying the lady. If they'd been lovers, wouldn't he have? Gawain was not one to share his women.

They reached the keep and he carried her easily to the cluster of rooms she shared with her siblings. Brianna met them at the door anxiously, tears of relief flowing freely from her eyes when she saw Kass. He went to set her down on the bed, but she whimpered and held onto him for dear life.

"She needs a bath." Bri whispered. Seeing the look on her sister's face she sighed. "You'll just have to help me."

Lancelot blanched. "I don't think it would be proper."

"Yeah, well, I don't think she's letting go of you any time real soon. What do you think?" Bri stood with her hands on her hips and in that moment appeared the very image of her sister. "Pretend she's one of the men who've been terribly wounded in battle and you're helping heal them." She suggested.

Lancelot sighed and he and the young girl worked on removing Kass's clothing while Guinevere had a bath brought in. When they weren't able to unpeel her hands from his jerkin he leaned over the tub as she sat in it. He tried to avert his eyes as much as possible, but found it almost impossible to do so in the position they were in.

"It isn't like you've never seen a naked woman before." Bri smiled as she lathered Kass's hair with shampoo.

"Not one I hadn't bedded." He muttered. He sniffed and could smell the sweet smells the liquid was emitting. "So these are what make her smell so good?"

Bri looked up at the nervous man. "Been smelling my sister Lance?" He flushed and Bri smiled again. Interesting.

"Sometimes it seems impossible not to." He answered stiffly.

Brianna finished washing her sister and with Lancelot's help got her out of the bath, dried, and into a simple linen shift. Kass still seemed catatonic, and her grip on Lancelot was like a vice. He sat on the edge of the bed with the girl in his lap. Gawain entered and came toward them. The big blonde man knelt and moved a strand of hair behind Kass's ear. "Poor sweetling." He soothed.

"I did not mean for her to do this." Lancelot began.

"We are none but friends Lancelot. You do not do me an injustice." Gawain smiled at his friend. "We knew that from the beginning. I think the lass felt safe with me. Right now she feels safe with you."

"What do I do with her now?" he asked helplessly.

Gawain chuckled. "That's the first time I think you've ever not known what to do with a woman. She seems tired. Lie down and go to sleep, and I'm sure when she drifts off she'll let go."

Kass woke to find herself curled into Lancelot's body. His arms held her to him and he slept deeply. She looked up and stared at his handsome face, so relaxed in slumber. Sooty black lashes brushed high cheekbones, and a curl of dark hair lay on his forehead. He was fully clothed except for footwear, and she could see where his shirt lay wrinkled from where she'd gripped it so tightly. Kass remembered everything from the night before, including her bath, but it didn't embarrass her. He'd been a perfect gentleman. The memory of Pelagus drew a shudder that she couldn't stop, and he awoke.

"How are you?" he asked gently.

"Ashamed that I acted like such a child." She answered him quietly; lowering her eyes.

Lancelot raised her chin with one finger. "You didn't act as a child would. You acted as a woman who's been abused in the past would. You acted with self preservation."

"I abandoned Bri and Bran." She tried to stop it from sounding like a sob.

"How? Did you not know we would protect them with our lives?" he frowned. "You are too hard on yourself I think."

"What did he want?"

He didn't have to ask who she meant. "He says he's come for Arthur to do work for Rome."

"What did Arthur say?"

"That we no longer fight for Rome." She was still cradled in his arms and his hand moved up and down her back on its own accord. "Gawain says you have not lain with him."

"Is that so hard to believe?"

"Knowing Gawain…somewhat, yes."

"I told him from the beginning that I wouldn't have sex with him." She explained, although she didn't know why she was. "I like his kisses, and he's become a good friend."

They lay quietly for several moments and he sighed. "I should go and check with Arthur to see what our guest is up to. For more than one reason, I do not trust him." His jaw was clenched in anger, but he still held her gently. Kass sat up, and he, almost reluctantly it seemed, let her go.

"I don't either, but I think my distrust is irrational." She said from the edge of the bed.

"No." he said sitting up and putting his hands on her upper arms. "No, stay away from him Kassidy. Stay far away from him. The look in his eyes when he gazes upon you is disturbing to all of us. Not only does he resemble a man who hurt you, but he represents an Empire who places little regard for women. I would ask that you keep to your rooms, but it is not my place."

"Will you let me know when he is gone?" she whispered.

"I will."

"Then I'll stay here. I want no part of that man."

Lancelot felt relief swim through him knowing she was heeding his warning. He laid a kiss upon her brow and stood. "I will make sure to send Vanora with food and drink."

Someone knocked lightly on the door, and it opened to reveal Bri, Brandon, and Galahad. "Hey." Bri said softly, searching Kass for signs of strain.

She smiled at them as warmly as possible.

Brandon cleared his throat. "We thought that we'd hang out with you while the man is here."

"I do not think it safe for them to be out while the Roman confers with Arthur." Galahad addressed Lancelot.

"I agree, and Lady Kassidy agrees as well." He said grimly. "It is a hardship for all of us to endure, but safety should come first and foremost."

The day passed slowly with the siblings doing everything they could to make it speed up. They read, napped, played charades and hangman, and even listened to the ipods and danced together.

Gawain stopped by to visit for awhile and informed them that Pelagus would be leaving at first dawn with Arthur's message for Rome. Arthur had informed the man, yet again, that his people were free men and women, no longer under their rule.

One of the serving wenches Lancelot was always flirting with brought them their meal that evening, informing them that Pelagus was dining with the knights. Bri and Brandon ate heartily happily knowing that life would go back to their new norm soon. Much to their chagrin, Kass couldn't eat. She wouldn't feel comfortable until they saw the back of the man.

It felt like everything happened in slow motion after that. Bri started walking towards her guitar when she fell to the ground with a groan. Brandon and Kass jumped up to run to her, but before they reached her Brandon had collapsed as well. Kass shrieked and ran to the door to call for Javin or Jols, the squires. As soon as she swung open the door she jumped backwards. Jols fell into the room, blood running down his face, and Pelagus stepped over the body and entered the room. "Hello my dove." He spoke in his scratchy voice and grabbed her chin between two fingers. "Why do I feel that you've been avoiding me all day?" He pushed her face away and walked farther into the room, removing his gloves as he went.

He stood between the bodies of Brianna and Brandon and smiled grimly down at them. "Do you see what I've had to do to get your attention?"

"Are they dead?" she managed to whisper through fear tightened vocal chords.

He tilted his head to look at her. "No, I don't believe so. My steward only used an intense sleeping powder. No, I believe the poor squire is closer to dead than these two. Of course, they could be dead. If you didn't do as I asked." Pelagus moved closer to Kass again and she felt bile rise in her throat. He leaned in and crushed his lips to hers, bruising them mercilessly. "You will put on this cloak and come with me quickly, and quietly." He looked at her for response and she nodded weakly. "If you do not…"

Kass nodded mutely, and pulled the offered cloak around her, and followed him from the room. There were three men waiting at the stables. Two guards and the third man must have been the steward Pelagus spoke of. They put her on the horse behind him and tethered her hands tightly to the saddle. She knew he was using her as a shield. As they rode towards the open gates of the Keep a cry went up and the doors started shutting. He didn't slow down for a minute, riding hard and fast. The gates closed before the steward and one of the guards made it out. She jerked to and fro in the saddle, her arms being wrenched in the position they were in. She saw the last soldier fall from his horse, and saw the arrow sticking out of his back, but she knew they wouldn't get to him in time. The gates would have to be reopened and the men would have to prepare. For some reason the man had gone to great lengths to get her.

Pelagus rode North with what seemed to her to be great speed. It was cold and snow covered the ground. The cloak and linen dress she wore under it didn't do much to keep her warm. Occasionally the man would chuckle as they rode, and dread was filling her. The horse began to tire, and Pelagus stopped. "The horse will not carry both of us unfortunately for you." He pulled her from the horse, setting her on the ground. The snow soaked through the clippers she was wearing, and she wished she'd been wearing her combat boots. Pelagus kept her hands bound together tightly with leather cord, and then attached a longer cord from her wrists to his saddle. She was effectively leashed to him. He spoke as he tied her. "I cannot fathom why I burn for you as I do. You are quite desirable, yet only a mere woman. But I find myself not able to control my need for you."

Once again he mounted the horse and began trotting. Kass had to run to keep up, and she found as her feet became numb she stumbled more often. The numbness was traveling up her legs and she knew that soon frostbite would occur. They neared a stone building and Kass prayed he would stop for the evening. She was frozen and her body ached. Some blood was dripping from where the straps had chafed her wrists. Kass was starting to see and hear things too. Occasionally she thought she heard Lancelot's voice on the wind, and then sometimes she heard the galloping of hooves.

"They're going to find you." She panted through chattering teeth.

His laugh was a sharp bark. "At this point as long as I've had you first I don't care."

"They'll kill you." She spit out.

"Or perhaps I'll kill them." He threatened.

Kass couldn't do it any longer. He was going to move past the shelter. Her legs gave out and the horse dragged her for several feet before he swore and dismounted. "Get up!" he shouted furiously.

"You," she gulped in frigid air and looked at him defiantly, "Could never kill any of them! They are knights of legend passed down in history. Even as an adult I heard tale of King Arthur and his Knights." She was starting to babble now becoming delirious. "Arthur and his quests for the Holy Grail, Lancelot the bravest of Warriors, Galahad, savior of Arthur, and Gawain and the Green Knight. All of them, I'd heard of all of them. But never once did we hear of Pelagus the Snake." She sneered at him.

He moved towards her with murder in his eyes, and she scrambled to get away from him. A horse whinnied nearby, and they both turned in time to see Lancelot slide off of his mount while still in motion. Rage so pure filled his face and both weapons were drawn. He charged Pelagus, and the man managed to avoid the knight only by luck. Pelagus drew his weapon, and Lancelot was upon him. The man was not even close to being in the same league as the knight, and Kass watched as Lancelot toyed with the man.

As Lancelot rendered both of the man's arms useless venom shone from Pelagus' eyes. "You and your whore will pay for my death!" he hissed. Without another word Lancelot swung and the man's head toppled to the ground.

She made herself watch each moment, and noted the moment of vengeance she felt as he fell dead. Lancelot was breathing heavily staring at the corpse. His gaze darted to her and he moved quickly then, pulling her to him. "You're frozen to the bone." He said running hands up and down her arms, trying to warm her. "We must get you into shelter and heated up."

Lancelot swung her into his arms and called for his horse to follow. Pelagus' horse followed as well. He entered the stone building and built a fire in the small round fireplace. With what padding he could find he made a pallet on the floor and spread his one of his winter blankets across it. She looked at him, and he moved her to sit near the fire. "We need to get these clothes off of you." Kass tried to help him but her fingers were too cold and she fumbled with the clothing.

"S-s-s-aved me." She chattered.

He stopped in disrobing her. "Did you ever doubt I would?"

"Br-r-ri…"

"They're both going to be fine. Dagonet said it so it must be so." She nodded at his words and he saw the complete trust shining in her jade eyes. "You're burning up."

"Feel cold. So so cold."

He tucked her chilled body under his second winter blanket and stoked the fire. If he didn't get her warm soon her fever would kill her. "Forgive me." He whispered and began to take his clothes off.

She smiled weakly, "Not really in the mood right now."

"I must get you warm Kassidy." He climbed under the blanket and pulled her frozen body into his warmth. Kassidy fell asleep quickly, but Lancelot lay awake a long while. Her fever broke before dawn, and he finally succumbed to sleep.