Seeing the approaching knights several Picts raced towards them. Dismounting quickly Lillian ran to meet them; Ellaine and Axel hot on her heels did the same. All around her blade met blade as Sarmatian, Roman and Pict fought. Swinging low her clean blade met the stomach of her attacker, sending him groaning to the ground beneath him. Retrieving her now blood stained weapon Lillian raced for another.
His swords glistened red from the blood of the men he had just slain. All around him knights slew the invaders and one by one they fell. Looking quickly he saw Lillian and several of the other women take down their warring foes.
'Impressive' he thought to himself before a man raced his way daggers out and ready to fight. With little effort the dark haired knight eradicated the meager fighter. His mind back into the battle at hand he raced to find another.
One by one the intruders were slaughter till barely a handful survived. Fearing to share the same fate as the comrades the survivors ran only to be taken down by Cordaine and Izea by bow.
"That wasn't too bad." Axel stated making his way to Lillian and the others. Blood from those that met his blade donned his light armor. "Makes me wonder why we came all this way."
"Usually they attack in larger number." Lancelot responded. "This was one of their smaller attacks. Believe their will be more and there will be a greater number to fight." He added returning their swords to their home on his back.
Taking a second look Lillian realized it was not one but two that he fought with. The skill to handle two weapons, especially two swords at once amazed her. The coordination to use them. He was talented at warfare she would give him that.
"Small or large a victory is a victory nonetheless." Ellaine spoke up looking to the dark haired knight. Flashing her a quick smile Lillian swore she saw Ellaine slightly blush as she turned quickly around. Rolling her eyes at the girls reaction Lillian cleaned her own blade of the blood that fixed itself to its face.
"I am impressed." A voice spoke up drawing their attention. "The women of Sarmatia fight well."
From behind them Arthur appeared looking to all who remained standing, making sure all of the knights survived.
"We try our best Sir." Lillian responded.
"Well done." Cauis called out, finally bringing himself down from his perch he joined the group of blood soaked men and women. "Your men fought wonderfully. Rome would definitely be thankful to know such men protect her borders. Makes me wish I was as blessed when it came to my own." He added looking quickly down as if the mere thought of teaching women disgusted him.
"As did yours." Arthur responded.
"Arthur you are too kind." Cauis smiled at the mere thought of being praised. Although the smile did not remain.
"As did your women knights. They were most impressive. I am not used to seeing women fight so forcibly. You trained them well." Arthur added as he watched the mans face suddenly change.
Cauis did not show his face for much of the day when the group returned but Lillian did not mind. She laughed as she remembered the look on his face as Arthur praised the women fighting skills. The sun had already begun to set and Lillian found herself resting comfortably against the trunk of a rather large tree just outside the gate.
"Whats so funny?" a voice spoke up. Turning around she saw Raoul emerge from behind the tree upon which she rested.
"Nothing really." She lied. "Please sit." She added looking up into his soft green eyes. She couldn't help but think of how they reminded her of the hills of home. Green and welcoming.
"I would not want to intrude." He stated taking a step back.
"Nonsense. After all I intruded on you sanctuary so you may intrude on mine. Besides I was only daydreaming. I could use the company." She smiled, signaling for the man to take a seat.
"May I ask what you were dreaming about." He question taking a rest beside her. Looking out the suns rays began to dip low over the horizon shooting lights of orange and gold into the sky.
"Home." She replied softly. "Right about now my mother would be making dinner. My cousins, always trouble makers, would be teasing the horses. My aunt, their mother, would be chasing them down, urging them to wash up for supper and leave the livestock alone." Lillian added laughing as she spoke. Closing her eyes she could almost see them. "I am glad that my mothers sister is there with them."
"What of your father?" Raoul asked. "Is he not there to comfort her?"
"Yes he is there." She sighed. "But he will not speak of war with her or anything to do with the subject. Not of his experience in it and most certainly he will not speak to her of mine." She added sadly. "My father is a strong man but I feel that if he were to speak to my mother about where I am at she would cry and, when the time came for him to be alone he would to."
"That is understandable. We were all children taken from our homes. Forced to live out the next 15 years so far away." He contributed to her own words with the hopes of helping her to find some degree of comfort.
"We are all far from home aren't we." She agreed. "But I am still happy to know that they are not alone."
Looking out of the horizon she saw a flock of birds flying together, heading off into the setting sun.
Watching her he could see that although the light of the setting sun danced upon her sky blue eyes they themselves did not.
"Its just unfair." She whispered. "To miss so much of our lives, our remaining years of childhood. Instead of learning to grow crops we learn to kill others. We learn to wield swords when we should be home learning to build homes." She spoke sadly although a small twinge of anger laced her words. Looking over she locked eyes with the man beside her. "My cousins will be adults by the time I return home. If I return home." Visions filled her head of how drastically things would change.
"I agree. My younger sister will be grown up. Possibly even married and with children when I return." Raoul agreed. His own sisters face filled his mind. "But in 10years I will be home and all of this will be a memory."
"10 more years is a long time. A lot can happen." Lillian responded. "But I hope that you are right and that we will all make it home."
"Come. We should return. They will be closing the wall soon." Raoul announced. Standing he extended his hand for hers.
Taking a look to the sun whose rays now reached a deep red she sighed. "Very well." She reluctantly agreed. Taking his hand he helped her to her feet. Taking a last look to the sun before walking away. A last look to quit peace and serenity. From the beauty of nature to the cold, cool stone and steel of Hadrian's Wall.