'Dynadan?'
'Yes?'
It had been several hours since the three of them had left Camelot, and they had stopped for lunch by the side of the road, eating sandwiches from the saddlebags. Nyssa, who wasn't used to riding for long periods, was taking the opportunity to stretch her legs in an empty field nearby, despite the constraints of her dress. The horses were grazing nearby. Tegan was leaning against the rough stone wall that bordered the field, while Dynadan checked the map he had been using to navigate.
'You said that Merlin was last seen heading towards the south-east of Britannia… do you expect us to be coming across Angles and Jutes during our travels?'
'Possibly,' the knight replied, taking a bite from his sandwich. 'The civilians themselves will likely be no issue; it is the nobility and their armed forces that I am more concerned about. And then, of course, there is the threat of bandits.'
Tegan nodded.
'Where do you think that Merlin may be?'
Dynadan sighed, walking over to Tegan and placing the opened map onto the wall. Tegan turned to look at it.
'Possibly this island in the far south?' he said, pointing to an island situated just off Britannia's coast before the full might of the channel separating it from the continent. 'But there is the amount of magic needed to capture Merlin… it is not easy to fix it on one place.'
'You fancy that Merlin's prison may well be… not of this world?'
Dynadan stared at her for a second, before nodding.
'An Otherworld, you mean?'
Nyssa had returned. The woman's brow was glistening with a small amount of sweat from her walk in the field, and a rosy complexion had emerged in her cheeks. She climbed over the fence, sitting on the top of it and letting her feet dangle.
'Yes,' Tegan said. 'Every child back home grew up knowing about them. Especially for explaining to traders from the continent. Are you familiar with them?'
Nyssa nodded, the curls of her hair bouncing.
'Only in the vaguest terms, though; the subject wasn't discussed much in the books of my father's library. They are… like a branch of reality running counter to ours, correct?'
'Sort of,' Tegan said. With one hand, she picked up the small beaker of olive oil that she had been using to dunk her sandwich in. She then bend down to the ground, and poured a couple of drops of the oil into a puddle of water. 'You see how the oil stays on top, never mixing? That's how mum always explained it to me; like… a separate world living alongside our own, distinct and separate, and rarely do the two ever overlap.'
She looked up. Nyssa was still sat on the wall, staring down at her.
'Never overlapping?' the young woman asked.
'Er…' Tegan said, not sure whether they were still talking about Otherworlds. He found it difficult to concentrate.
Wait, he?
He? She? They?
Tegan felt more confused than ever.
Dynadan cleared his throat. The two young people startled, as they realised that he was stood there as well.
'While the horses are resting,' he said, as Tegan felt their face flush. 'I think a bit of combat practice might be a good idea for you both. I know that the sword and shield each chose you both, but it will be good for you both to know how to wield both weapons.'
Tegan nodded, getting to their feet. Dynadan climbed over the wall and into the field. Exchanging a nervous glance with Nyssa, Tegan followed him.
Dynadan came to a stop in the middle of the field, and pulled his sword from the scabbard at his belt. He then hoisted his shield off his back, and tossed it to Tegan, who caught it awkwardly. Pushing his helmet on, the knight left the visor up so that his face was still visible.
'Now, Tegan,' he said, holding his sword out before him. 'With the shield, I want you to parry the sword strikes that I make. Nyssa, watch what Tegan does.'
Stood a few feet away, Nyssa nodded, her eyes now fixed on Tegan.
Tegan raised the shield in front of her, legs spaced slightly apart and bent at the knees. Growing up in a rural place, Tegan had been taught by her parents to keep herself safe. And she would be lying if she said that she had never brawled or fought with any of the other children she had grown up with. Never with weapons, of course, but you did learn how to hold yourself regardless.
Dynadan lunged forward, and Tegan reacted instinctively, raising the shield and forcing him back. There was a clang of metal on armour as she did so. There was a brief pause as Dynadan stepped backwards away from her.
He repeated this several times from different angles, growing quicker each time. Tegan was able to repel him each time, although she did find it more of a struggle as the knight became increasingly imaginative.
Grinning, Dynadan came forward again, feigned, and almost got around Tegan before she could raise the shield. However, her reflexes were clearly better than he had expected, because the shield banged off his arm, making him drop the sword, which fell to the ground with a metallic thunk.
'Brilliant, Tegan! Now,' Dynadan said, grinning as he wiped sweat from his brow. 'Nyssa, I want you to parry as well. '
'O-okay,' Nyssa replied, walking over. Dynadan passed her his sword, and collected his shield from Tegan, who stepped back to watch.
Nyssa seemed to find carrying the sword a trifle more difficult than Tegan had with the shield, despite the smaller weight. Tegan supposed that made sense; Nyssa, after all, was from a royal family where she wouldn't have grown up with so much physical exertion as Tegan had become used to back home. The fact was that, unlike Tegan, Nyssa didn't have muscles to speak of.
Despite this, however, she seemed to carry the sword fairly well, albeit with a slight wobble as she held it aloft.
'Okay,' Dynadan said, holding the shield before him. 'I want you to attack me; try to get around the shield.'
Nyssa nodded, beads of sweat already forming on her forehead.
She lunged forward with a stabbing motion to the side, which bounced off the rim of the shield with a clang. However, seconds later, Nyssa used the momentum of the strike to swing around in a circle, trying to land the sword over the shield.
Dynadan was able to raise the shield in time, causing the sword to bounce off again but with far more force. Nyssa's arms shook with the impact, and she appeared slightly winded.
However, after a couple of deep breaths, the young woman tried again, this time successfully clipping Dynadan on the side of his helmet. The swing was too weak to incur any damage, of course; Nyssa was clearly all too aware of the dangers that came with wielding such a weapon.
'Well done!' Dynadan said, grinning. 'Great form, Nyssa; Tegan, did you see how she used the momentum of one strike to carry into the next?'
'Yep,' Tegan said, smiling at Nyssa. 'Are you sure you've never done this before?'
'I… may have had some practice during festivals back home,' Nyssa said, her cheeks pink from the effort of holding the sword. 'Nothing too exertive, of course.'
'Fantastic,' Dynadan said, smiling. 'Okay; now, I want you both to spare with each other. Nyssa, you use the shield and Tegan, you can-'
'I'm not using a sword against Nyssa!' Tegan exclaimed, horrified. 'I've never used one before; what if I end up hurting her?'
'If you'll let me finish,' Dynadan said, chuckling. 'I was going to say you can use my quarterstaff.'
'O-oh.'
The knight let out a bark of cheerful laughter, and headed back over to the horses to collect the staff.
Nyssa turned and sidled up to Tegan, cheeks dimpling as she smiled.
'You really are too sweet, Tegan,' she said, cheeks still pink. 'Although I am less fragile than you may think.'
'I was more concerned with my own clumsiness,' Tegan muttered, feeling her heart beat a little faster. 'I'd probably end up cutting off half our limbs.'
Nyssa chuckled.
'You're too harsh on yourself,' she exclaimed, patting Tegan on the arm. 'And don't go easy on me, either; I like seeing you all intense-'
'Here's the staff!'
Tegan and Nyssa startled, as Dynadan approached, carrying a quarterstaff. Tegan ignored the flush on her cheeks as she accepted the staff; she was desperately trying to avoid thinking about why Nyssa liked seeing her being intense.
A few moments later, Tegan and Nyssa -now holding the requested weapons- were stood a few feet apart.
There was a brief pause, as they sized the other up.
Nyssa really was small, wasn't she? Tegan mused. She could barely hold that shield. Maybe all Tegan would have to do was push Nyssa back far enough and wrestle the shield out of her hands-
Nyssa charged forward.
Caught off guard, Tegan stumbled backwards. Nyssa's eyes, just visible above the shield, were determined without being forceful. The shield clanged against the staff, forcing it upwards and backwards, so that Tegan's elbow was caught in an awkward angle.
With a jostle, the staff slipped out of Tegan's hand. As the shield pushed against her, Tegan tripped, landing on her back. Nyssa darted forward, grabbed the staff from where it had fallen, and pressed the long side of it against Tegan's neck. It wasn't painful.
Or, rather, Tegan couldn't really notice whether it was painful or not. She was more concerned with the fact that Nyssa, breathing heavily and with stray locks of curly brown hair slipping out from her hair-covering, was now barely a few inches from Tegan's own face. Their eyes locked onto each other and there was a brief pause where all that Tegan could hear was Nyssa's very heavy and very husky breathing.
Oh.
'I-I give in!' Tegan stammered, feeling her face burn.
'Well done,' said Dynadan from nearby, although Tegan found it difficult to focus too much on him as Nyssa gently moved the shield away from her neck. 'I think you both did really well there!'
Moving back, Nyssa reached down and gently helped Tegan to her feet.
'Sorry,' she said, her eyes earnest as Tegan stumbled upright. 'I think I must have got carried away. I didn't hurt you, did I?'
'N-no!' Tegan said, breathlessly. She was immensely aware of the way Nyssa's hand was still gently gripping hers. 'Not at all!'
'Because you are very red in the face and I wasn't sure if-'
'Dynadan, shouldn't we be leaving now?' Tegan said, quickly, hurrying forward to where Dynadan was. 'We do have to travel a long way, after all!'
From behind her, Tegan could hear a giggle. She bit down on her lip, trying to ignore the giddy feeling in her stomach.
The afternoon passed about as slowly as the morning, although Tegan did not mind it. Primarily because Nyssa insisted on checking that she definitely hadn't left a mark on Tegan's neck. Which, Tegan had to admit, was very sweet of her. Even if her own reasons for enjoying the attention were more related to Nyssa's soft hands on her neck as opposed to any worrying about her own physical condition.
It was about mid-afternoon when Dynadan pulled away from the main road, heading along a country lane through the trees. They seemed to have reached the edge of some sort of moor, because Tegan felt a slight chill in the wind, and pulled her cloak up around her.
Eventually, Dynadan pulled over to the side of the lane. It wasn't an especially pleasant place to stop, given the windswept tress and ominous fog in the distance.
'We are in luck,' the knight said, climbing off his horse. 'We have arrived at the home of the lady.'
'The… lady?'
'Of the lake.'
'Wait…' Tegan said, slowly. 'You mean the same lady of the lake who gifted Caliburn to Arthur?'
'She gifted it to Merlin originally,' Dynadan replied, grinning. 'And, as we have the sword again, she may be willing to grant us information. She has a connection with Merlin that is older than most.'
Dynadan helped Nyssa off the horse, and Tegan hopped down beside her. Mists rolled over the hills ahead of them. A chill hung in the air.
Tegan and Nyssa stepped closer to each other, their hands on the sword and shield they were carrying. The atmosphere of the place wasn't evil, exactly, but it was definitely old, clever and unknowably unearthly. It was as if they really had passed over into an Otherworld.
Leaving the horses to graze on the grass, Tegan and Nyssa followed Dynadan away from the path, heading down the valley towards… well, whatever was down there.
There were barely any trees around, and the ones that did stand were gnarled and hunched, their few leaves whistling erringly in the breeze. The temperature seemed to have dropped slightly, and Tegan could almost see her breath rise in clouds before her as she walked along. There was certainly a chill in the air, that was for sure.
As the three descended down the valley, they could begin to make out a lake below them, dotted by weeds and stones. Tegan's teeth chattered, and she squeezed Nyssa's hand. The lake was ancient, quiet and covered in more mists than everywhere else. The wind seemed to swirl the mists around the lake, creating a sort of vortex of cold, wet air that blew directly into their faces as the three of them reached the shoreline.
Tegan cursed under her breath, as a midge bit her on the wrist. Bloody horrible place to live, she thought. Her boots were mercifully waterproof, because she didn't fancy trekking through this watery, marshy ground otherwise.
Nyssa's hand slipped into Tegan's. She was glad of the reminder that the young woman was walking next to her, the warmth of her skin a barrier against the cold wetness all around.
The mists parted, and a boat came into view.
It was small, sturdy and made of a pale wood. That wasn't especially unusual, of course. What was unusual about this boat was the fact it was also completely empty. The boat seemed to be propelling itself through the water, as no oars seemed to push it towards the shoreline.
'Er… Dynadan?' Tegan said, slowly. 'What is this?'
'Our means of conveyance to see the lady,' the knight replied, gamely climbing into the boat. 'Hop in.'
Awkwardly, Tegan climbed into the boat, and then turned, reaching out to help Nyssa. The young woman smiled nervously, and stepped forward.
A small wave rocked the boat, and Nyssa stumbled, landing against Tegan in the boat. Tegan was suddenly very aware of the scent Nyssa was wearing, and her mind was cast back to that evening in the baths. It wasn't even two days since then, but the sudden physical contact set Tegan's heart aflame, and she stared down at the young woman. She could see herself reflected in the huge grey-green eyes.
Oh.
'Thank you, Tegan.'
'No… no problem.'
There was snicker from Dynadan, as Tegan and Nyssa awkwardly broke apart, sitting on the seat that cut through the middle of the boat.
The boat continued through the mists waters. Soon enough, the shoreline slipped from view behind them. Occasionally, Tegan could make out small water-plants sticking out of the surface of the water as they glided past.
'There!'
Dynadan pointed ahead, and Tegan's mouth fell open as the mist parted.
A small castle was stood before them, on a grassy hill that stuck out of the lake. It was adorned simply, with little decoration at all. The castle seemed to be made out of solid stone blocks, but also seemed strangely… ethereal, as if the entire place could slip away into the mists at a moments' notice.
The boat gently came to a stop at the bottom of the hill. Dynadan climbed out of the boat, and Tegan and Nyssa followed him up the grassy incline, staying close together once again a few paces behind the knight.
'Nyssa, did your fathers library mention anything about the lady of the lake?'
Nyssa shrugged.
'Not much more than is commonly known, I'm afraid. Although I do not believe she is human.'
Tegan looked back at the boat, which was still rocking slightly against the shoreline. She set her jaw, and followed Nyssa through the open gates of the castle.
Dynadan, walking a few yards ahead, strode across the empty entrance hall. Looking around, Tegan was aware of the strangely tranquil air to the place. There wasn't a speck of dust anywhere, but she got the sense that this was a place where little happened. And, if there were people living here other than the lady herself, they weren't visible to the naked eye.
Shivering slightly, despite the respite from the cold wet air outside, Tegan hurried after Nyssa, and intertwined her fingers with those of the young woman.
'Are you alright?' Nyssa asked, turning slightly to look at her, her voice soft.
'This place is giving me the creeps,' Tegan said. 'Back home, we weren't supposed to go near the fae folk.'
'I don't believe she is one of the folk,' Nyssa replied, squeezing Tegan's hand. 'But I can understand your unease. It is a rather… unworldly place, isn't it.'
Dynadan had reached the end of the entrance hall, arriving at a pair of enormous oak doors. As Tegan and Nyssa approached, the doors opened silently. Dynadan nodded at them both, and stepped through. Hand-in-hand, Tegan and Nyssa followed.
The hall into which they had entered was sparse, quiet and almost unerringly opaque in nature. Huge windows looked out into the mists, although no mists entered. The stone beneath Tegan's feet was of white marble, the sort of thing that she would have expected from Roman villas back during the heyday of the Pax Romana.
A rich curtain was hanging over a doorway at the far end. It was pulled apart, and a figure stepped through.
A tall, stately lady with long, white hair, wearing long robes of even paler white. She carried a staff in one hand. She seemed to glow with a soft light, and Tegan found herself almost unable to breath. Not from fear, but from a sense that she was in the presence of someone immensely powerful. Not a cruel power, and certainly not an evil one. But certainly not human either. In all the most amazing and terrifying ways.
The lady of the lake came to a gentle stop in front of the three travellers. Dynadan took his helmet off, and sunk onto a knee, bowing deeply.
'My lady.'
The figure gazed at him for a moment, before a small smile pursed her lips. She stepped forward, and raised Dynadan to his feet.
'Dynadan,' the lady spoke, in an almost otherworldly voice, clipped and ethereal. 'You have returned… with Caliburn, I see.'
Her eyes came to focus on the sword and scabbard hanging from Tegan's belt.
'Yes, My lady,' Dynadan said. 'Although I wish we could have come in kinder times. We come to you with a question.'
The lady turned her head.
'You know ours laws, Dynadan,' she said, and Tegan got the sense that the laws she was referring to were not those of Camelot or humanity in general. 'Those who hold the sword may ask.'
Dynadan turned to Tegan expectantly.
'Speak, young apprentice,' said the lady, eyes fixed on Tegan.
'Er…' Tegan said, a little alarmed by the way the woman never seemed to blink. 'Where is Merlin?'
The lady did not speak for a moment, but her eyes seemed to grow pensive.
'Merlin… has been clouded from my sight for a long time,' the lady replied, her voice turning worried. 'But… the last I saw of them… young apprentice, follow me this way….'
She turned, beckoning Tegan after her, and crossed the room, stepping back through the curtain.
Tegan looked in alarm at Dynadan, who nodded encouragingly.
Nyssa, who did not look so persuaded, gave Tegan a worried look, giving her hand one last squeeze before she let go.
Tegan stepped though the curtain, and her mouth dropped open.
She was stood in a bedchamber of sorts. A huge four-poster bed stood at one end, embroidered with drapes on which were illustrated leaves and vines. Huge curtains, in a deep rich purple, covered the windows, giving a soft, sleepy atmosphere.
The lady of the lake was stood by a large pedestal of some kind. Tegan could see glittering shapes reflected on her face.
Stumbling a little as she walked, Tegan crossed the room, and joined the lady beside the pedestal.
'Do you know what this is?' the lady asked, turning to her.
Tegan shook her head, agog as she stared down at what the pedestal contained.
It was… well, it seemed like an enormous glass ball, with streams of delicate light flowing around in seemingly infinite patterns. Tegan could make out the shapes of horses and doves, which disappeared into nothingness and then reformed as animals entirely different.
'H-how-'
The lady of the lake chuckled, suddenly seeming far less distant.
'Please do not be alarmed,' she said. 'This is what I use to see fragments of the world outside my domain. It is how I knew you were an apprentice.'
'You… you've seen me in this thing?' Tegan exclaimed, feeling her face burn. 'I hope it wasn't during private moments!'
The lady stared at her for a moment, before tipping back her head and letting out a deep laugh of delight.
'What?' Tegan mumbled, confused.
'It's… oh, I do miss speaking to humans,' the lady replied, wiping a happy tear from her eye. 'I reveal a way of seeing all of the world, and you're concerned about me seeing you in the bath.'
'B-but-' Tegan stammered. 'What do you mean, bath?'
'Have you told Miss Nyssa about the extent of your feelings yet?'
Tegan goggled at the lady, feeling the heat in her cheeks.
'I- that's not-'
The lady chuckled, smiling kindly.
'Oh, humans,' she said. 'You do like to enliven your short lives with so much bother; I admire you all greatly for it.'
Tegan frowned, crossing her arms over her chest.
'Didn't you have something to show me?'
The lady nodded, turned and moved her hand over the surface of the glass.
The lights moved and streamed, eventually forming into an image. A tall figure, with white hair, stood at the edge of a forest. The trees seemed to lean towards them.
'What is that place?'
'The deep forest,' the lady replied. 'I do not know of its name as you would understand it. Dynadan knows of its location, but I am afraid to tell you that it is far.'
'How far?'
The lady sighed.
'The distances of the mortal world are… difficult for me to grasp. All I can say is that it is far longer than mortals can walk in a few days.'
Tegan swallowed.
'Fantastic,' she murmured, sarcastically. 'Really great.'
'Merlin has a connection to the sword and shield, as you are no doubt aware,' said the lady. 'That's why they found you. I believe you may have a chance, if the magic was strong enough to find you.'
Tegan unsheathed the sword and stared at it.
She was wary of magic in general, but the magic that the sword seemed to be connected to was especially old and mysterious. The sword itself seemed at first glance to be no more magical than a standard weapon of its size, but something about it on further inspection did seem… well, a little otherworldly, to say the least.
'I still can't believe I got pulled into this,' she muttered, mostly to herself. 'I was just looking for a job in Camelot.'
'Actually,' the lady said, slowly. Tegan looked up at her. 'I have a proposition for you. Would… would you like to stay here with me, Tegan?'
Tegan almost dropped Caliburn.
'W-what?'
'I am… alone here,' the lady said, softly. She reached forward and placed a hand gently upon Tegan's arm. 'I do miss company. And you are a fine person, Tegan. I would like it very much if you would remain here, as my… companion.'
Tegan's mouth opened and closed, like a fish. Stammering, she quickly sheathed Caliburn, glad of something to do with her hands.
'My… my lady-'
'Oh, please do not be so formal,' said the lady, waving her other hand absently. 'Call me Nynyane.'
'N-Nynyane. I… I… I am very flattered but… I mean… Nyssa…'
'Oh,' replied the lady, softly, removing her hand from Tegan's arm. 'You would miss your own companion, that is understandable. Wait a moment…'
Nynyane erupted in a brief light, which faded after a moment. Tegan's mouth dropped open again; standing before her was a near-identical version of Nyssa, wearing a white gown.
'Her form… pleases you?' Nynyane said, speaking with the same ethereal voice. It was unnerving coming from Nyssa's lips. 'She is rather beautiful, is she not-'
'What are you- don't do that!' Tegan exclaimed. 'You can't just… take someone's form like that!'
'Whyever not? Are you sure you don't like it?' Nynyane looked confused, before raising a hand up to the neckline. 'I could take off the dress if you would prefer to-'
'No! Just… just change back, please!'
There was another brief burst of light, and the taller form of the lady was standing before her again.
'I am… sorry,' she said, looking a little confused. 'I never quite know how to behave around humans. I was not trying to upset you.'
She sat down on the bed, hands folded in her lap.
Tegan sighed. The lady appeared so forlorn that she felt rather sorry for her. Considering how empty this place was, it wasn't difficult to imagine Nynyane feeling lonely and without any meaningful company.
'You didn't, Nynyane,' she said, still feeling a little awkward with calling this ethereal creature by her given name. She sat down next to her. 'Do you… normally turn into women to please people?'
Nynyane looked at her, brows furrowed in apparent bafflement.
'Not just women, but yes,' she replied. 'Usually, I find that people… enjoy my transformations.'
'Maybe you should focus more on being you,' Tegan said, slowly.
'Me?' -Nynyane looked down at herself- 'Whyever would I do that?'
'Well, you are a being of great acclaim and renown,' Tegan said, bumping her with her elbow. 'You're very beautiful and you seem to be of a kind nature, so… maybe you shouldn't focus too much on making yourself into what other people like.'
'I…' -Nynyane's cheeks flushed- 'Tegan, you see me so?'
Tegan nodded, giving a friendly smile.
'I'm sure people will appreciate you for who you are,' she elaborated. 'Maybe walk into the nearest settlement and chat with people at the folk dance? They'll be besotted with you soon, I'm sure.'
'Oh, Tegan,' Nynyane reached out, squeezing Tegan's hands. 'Thank you. You are too sweet. But… if you do see me as such, why do you not wish to stay?'
'Listen,' Tegan said, gently. 'I do appreciate the offer -really, I do- but… I can't abandon all the people in Camelot who are relying on the three of us to rescue Merlin.'
Nynyane nodded, a little sadly.
'I understand,' she said, giving a small smile. 'You are brave and good, Tegan.'
'I'm really just a kid from Cornwall,' Tegan replied, shrugging.
'That does not preclude someone from being brave and good,' Nynyane replied, eyes twinkling softly. 'My offer is still open to you, of course, after your quest has ended.'
Tegan let out a small chuckle.
'I don't even know if we can rescue Merlin.'
Nynyane smiled.
'With you there, Tegan, I think the three of you may just succeed.'
'Er… thanks,' Tegan said.
At the entrance to the room, there was the tumble of boots on the floor. Tegan looked up quickly. The curtain was suddenly thrown back, and Tegan was shocked to see Nyssa stumble into the room. Tegan immediately jumped to her feet, feeling heat rise in her cheeks.
'Miss Nyssa,' said Nynyane, smiling as she stood up. 'My apologies; I have kept Master Tegan from you.'
Nyssa did not respond, but her own eyes flicked between Tegan and the lady, narrowing slightly in confusion. Flush darted across her cheeks.
'Nyssa,' Tegan said, slowly. 'Were you… eavesdropping?'
'Well, if you must know, yes,' Nyssa said, a little stiffly. 'I was concerned; the lady showing you something should not be taking this long.'
'And you were correct with that assession,' Nynyane replied, nodding in approval. 'I must admit to enjoying Master Tegan's company very much.'
'O-oh,' Nyssa said, eyes widening and mouth quivering slightly as she looked between the lady and Tegan's now-flushing face. 'I… I see.'
'Master Tegan is… a very handsome apprentice, are they not?'
Nyssa seemed to bristle as she swept forward, and grabbed Tegan by the arm.
'Tegan, I really think we ought to get going,' she said, pulling the flabbergasted Tegan behind her through the curtain. 'Where's that knight gone?'
Dynadan was stood a few feet away. His eyes briefly lingered on Nyssa's hand and Tegan's flustered expression. To Tegan's utter mortification, he flashed a very brief and very knowing grin in her direction before turning to look towards Nynyane, who had followed them through the curtain.
'I trust your discussion with Master Tegan was… informative?' Dynadan asked.
'Oh, yes, very,' Nynyane replied, smiling sweetly at Tegan. 'I hope the information I have supplied may be helpful to your journey.'
'Yeah,' Tegan said, 'Something about… a deep forest?'
Dynadan let out a gasp.
'You know this place?' Nyssa said.
'I do,' Dynadan said. 'Though I have never entered it. It is not a place welcoming to many.'
'Oh, brilliant,' Tegan muttered, quietly, so that only Nyssa could hear it. 'This just gets better and better…'
'Thank you, my lady,' Dynadan said, bowing to the lady. 'We cannot thank you enough for your help.'
'You will not stay for food?' asked Nynyane, turning to Tegan with a shy smile. 'I would like to show Master Tegan the delights of my domain.'
'I'm afraid we are under great time pressures,' Dynadan replied, as Tegan flushed. Nyssa gave a short snort through her nose, which bounced the curl sticking out from her hair-covering. 'I hope we will meet again in better circumstances.'
The lady smiled.
She followed the three travellers out of the chamber, across the entrance hall and out of the castle. As they reached the boat on the shoreline, Dynadan stepped forward and shook Nynyane's hand. Smiling, the lady then did the same with Nyssa, who gave a short, curt handshake with an accompanying face that did not disguise her irritation. However, the lady did not seem to find this rude, and instead smiled widely at Nyssa.
'Goodbye, Master Tegan,' said Nynyane, turning from Nyssa and taking Tegan's hand softly. 'Take care; the world is not kind to those as fair and good as you.'
Tegan's face burned again as Nynyane pressed a kiss to her hand. She could practically feel Nyssa bristle again next to her.
'T-thanks,' Tegan mumbled. 'We really appreciate your help.'
Nynyane smiled and, after the three travellers had climbed into the boat, waved a fond farewell to them as the boat pushed out from the shoreline. She continued waving, her smile kind and sweet, until the mists became too thick to see through, and Nynyane disappeared from view.
'Well…' Tegan said, drawing her cloak around her against the chill of the air. 'That was informative.'
'Oh, yes,' Nyssa said, shortly, folding her arms over her chest. 'Very.'
'Nyssa?'
'She seemed to like you a lot, didn't she?' Nyssa muttered, looking away in the mists. 'Very friendly.'
Tegan looked around at Dynadan. The knight had a hand over his mouth and was clearing trying not to giggle.
'Nyssa, are you… jealous of Nynyane?'
'What?' Nyssa exclaimed, hotly. 'Tegan, I am not the jealous sort! Certainly not over the so-called lady of the lake -wait, did you call her Nynyane?'
'She asked me to.'
'Of course she did,' Nyssa huffed, irritably. 'Well, I certainly am not jealous of her extending flirtatious overtones to my… friend.'
Tegan's mind briefly lingered on the pause before that last word.
'Actually, she said we were… companions.'
Nyssa stared at Tegan for a moment.
'Companions?'
'Yes,' Tegan said, a shy smile tugging at her lips. 'I… I rather like it.'
'I… I suppose it fits us well.'
Tegan giggled.
Nyssa caught her eye.
'I am not jealous, I assure you.'
'Liar; you absolutely are!' Tegan exclaimed. 'You're actually jealous of the lady of the lake, aren't you?'
'Don't be absurd,' Nyssa huffed, the curl of her hair bouncing again. 'I'm not… that is…'
Tegan chuckled, and put an arm around her shoulders.
'So, you really wouldn't have minded if I had accepted her invitation for me to stay with her?'
'Her invitation for you to what?' Nyssa exclaimed, head snapping around. 'That's outrageous! Doesn't she realise you have more important things to be getting along with?'
Tegan smiled again, squeezing Nyssa softly, and the young woman's irritation seemed to dissolve like snow on the first day of spring.
'I… I suppose maybe she does,' Nyssa admitted, clearly trying not to smile too much. She leaned slightly into Tegan's side. 'As do you.'
'Yeah,' Tegan said, grinning. 'I do, indeed.'
After the boat exited the mists and reached the other shore, the three of them headed back up through the valley, and eventually arrived back with the horses. Time seemed to function differently in the domain they had just left because, judging from the behaviour of the horses, they had barely been gone a few minutes.
'So… where is this deep forest?' Tegan said, as Dynadan unveiled his map. The horses were getting nervous from the mists around them, and Tegan was looking forward to getting away quickly, if only to escape the all-pervading coldness of the air around them. 'A lot of Britannia used to be covered in forests, that doesn't narrow it down.'
'It does,' Dynadan said, smiling. 'The great forest… the greatest and largest, it is across the sea, on the north-western tip of the continent…Brocéliande.'
There was a gasp from Nyssa, and Tegan turned to the young woman.
'Where?'
'I read about it in my father's library,' Nyssa whispered, awed. 'A magical forest, full of the magic of the old world. Pre-Roman. Pre… everything, really. A deep, secluded place, where humans fear to tread.'
Tegan looked between Nyssa and Dynadan, who nodded in agreement.
'Dangerous?'
'Very,' Dynadan said. 'It's possibly one of the only places where Merlin could be imprisoned. The magic of that forest… it scarcely bares thinking about.'
'And… that's where we're going?'
'I'm afraid so.'
The three of them went silent, thinking hard.
'I understand if both of you feel unable to come,' Dynadan said, finally. 'No-one would think anything less of you for turning back.'
'Not bloody likely.'
Tegan and Nyssa had spoken as one. They looked at each other; Nyssa reached out and squeezed Tegan's hand. Tegan didn't dare speak.
Dynadan smiled.
'Well, then we are agreed; to Brocéliande!'
The sun was already beginning to set when they finally came across the nearest inhabited settlement; one solitary inn.
It was cosy and squat, with one main common room on the lower floor and the rooms for guests on the floor above. A couple of quietly smoking chimneys jutted softly out of the roof. "The Brigadier's Moustache" adorned the sign, accompanied by a rather poorly-drawn illustration.
'Weird name,' Tegan muttered.
Leaving the horses in the stables, the three of them headed inside. Dynadan immediately headed for the main bar, and caught the attention of the innkeeper. Judging from his face, he was the inspiration for the attempt at artwork on his establishments sign.
Tegan kept close to Nyssa, aware that the other occupants of the common room were eyeing them both slightly warily. Although, from their expressions, Tegan could gather than they were more cautious in nature than outright hostile. Given the bandits active in the area, this was to be expected.
Although, given that Nyssa had slipped her hand into Tegan's once again, she found it difficult to take too much offence at the frosty reception.
Dynadan returned from the main bar, grinning.
'They have rooms available. Miss Nyssa, I assume that you would prefer a room to yourself?'
'That won't be needed,' the young woman replied. 'I will share with Tegan.'
Dynadan's eyes lingered on Nyssa and Tegan's interwoven hands for a second.
'As you wish,' he said, giving Tegan a rather knowing look that made the heat rise in her face. 'We have a little while before the evening meal, so I suggest we take some time to relax and recuperate before joining those in the common room.'
Tegan nodded, and followed Nyssa up the stairs. Their room was a cosy affair, although -Tegan felt her heart beat nervously- there was only one double bed. Nyssa didn't seem to mind, though, and set to work unpacking her things from her own pack.
Tegan eased her boots off and sat down on the bed, exhausted from the day riding.
'Are you sure you're happy to share a room?' she asked, hesitantly. 'Dynadan doesn't know I'm a girl.'
'Doesn't he?'
Tegan stared at Nyssa's twinkling eyes.
'Okay, I'm pretty sure he doesn't,' Tegan admitted. 'Still, you don't need to reduce your own privacy for my sake; Dynadan has no interest of that nature in anyone.'
'Oh, I know that already,' Nyssa smiled, sitting down next to Tegan. 'I just… I feel safe around you, Tegan.'
'I… thank you,' Tegan said, slightly breathlessly. 'I feel safe around you too.'
Nyssa giggled, her cheeks dimpling prettily.
'I should hope so; we're sharing a bed tonight.'
Tegan blushed, causing the young woman to giggle further.
'Now you're just trying to make me flustered,' Tegan mumbled.
'And it's working,' Nyssa chuckled, nudging Tegan softly with her shoulder. 'Don't worry; I won't bite.'
'Nyssa!'
The two descended into more laughter.
After relaxing a little, Tegan and Nyssa headed downstairs to the common room for the evening meal. It was nothing fancy; a simple meat stew with vegetables. But after a long day of riding a horse and with nothing to eat other than sandwiches and the occasional apple, Tegan was glad of the hot food.
The common-room was mainly full of travellers like themselves, as well as several merchants and even a group of musicians, who seemed to have haggled with the innkeeper for a supper in exchange for a musical performance. They were a cheerful bunch, and Tegan could hear many an accent amongst their number. It reminded Tegan somewhat of the groups of travelling players that often appeared at summer festivals back home.
'How is your stew?' she asked Nyssa, who was picking at the food in her bowl.
'Fine. It's just… well, I suppose I still haven't gotten used to the cooking on the mainland. In Traken, our diet was primarily seafood.'
Tegan nodded. Cornwall was a bit more varied, but she had grown up with more fish on her plate that she would have expected people from places further inland to have been used to. When you lived at the end of a very long peninsula stretching out into the sea, fishing became quite an important industry. Tegan's personal favourite was scallops.
Having finished her food, Tegan took a sip from her mug, thinking quietly. Dynadan had got to his feet and had crossed over to the main bar, where he was now quietly speaking to the landlord of the place, discussing recent bandit attacks in the area. The sun had completely set by now, and the curtains had been pulled. Tegan couldn't help but notice the large sword hanging behind the bar, as if to deter any sorts of brawls that might occur. This seemed like the sort of place that could attract brigands and bands of outlaws.
She could hear the band of players beginning to strike up a tune. There were a few fiddles and even a couple of pipe-players amongst them. The tune was cheerful and springy, the sort of music Tegan had heard from Hibernian travellers back home.
She looked so sweet from her two bare feet to the sheen of her nut-brown hair…
'Fancy a dance?'
Nyssa squeezed Tegan's hand and nodded, excitedly. The two stepped into the throng of people dancing, the music quick and vibrant.
It was something like a jig, the sort that Tegan had danced back home, to the folk dances of local festivals. The sort of music played to a lively audience in good spirits.
Nyssa initially seemed unsure of how to dance, but Tegan hooked her own around the young woman's elbow and began to jig. Nyssa gave a joyous laugh and began to join in, dancing to the infectious beat of the music.
No pipe I'll smoke, no horse I'll yoke… till my plough turns rust coloured brown… till a smiling bride, by my own fireside… sits the star of the County Down…
There was a final jig as the song entered its last chorus, and then the players finished, the crowd breaking into applause.
Tegan wiped the sweat from her brow, clapping along with Nyssa, whose smile was as bright as the sky on a high-summer day.
'Oh, wonderful!' Nyssa exclaimed, look at Tegan.
Tegan was probably grinning like an idiot, but she found it difficult to care. Good grief, Nyssa was breath-taking to behold.
The players started up again, a song slightly less rambunctious and more tender.
Late night, bad dreams… can't sleep but I know where I need to go… jump out of bed, throw on my shoes… to run to those hills that I've always known…
Her smile becoming slightly more nervous, Tegan took Nyssa's hand. The young woman stepped closer to her, and they swayed, their arms around each other's waists. Nyssa's normal sweet scent had mixed with perspiration from the day of travelling, as well as the dancing. The young woman's eyes shyly found Tegan's, and the Cornish apprentice found her heart ache as she stared into those grey-green orbs.
I don't believe that we'll ever grow old… why can't you see it's a lie we've been told... let go, we're running at the dark…
'You okay?' Tegan whispered, softly, so that only Nyssa could hear her.
Nyssa nodded, squeezing Tegan gently.
'I think I'd be a lot worse if you were not here.'
'Me too.'
So many things that are hard to do… so many words that are hard to say… so many chances to be straight and true…but I've always loved romance and fantasy…
Tegan and Nyssa's eyes met, and their mouths quirked into soft smiles, their cheeks flushed slightly.
The players finished the song, and the crowd broke into applause again.
'I think we best all go up to bed,' Dynadan said, walking over and speaking softly so only Tegan and Nyssa could hear him. 'I'll knock on your door at the cockerel call tomorrow; remember not to let anyone in until the morning.'
'We know,' Nyssa said, pulling on Tegan's hand. 'Come on, Tegan; let us go to bed.'
Tegan's face burned, both at Nyssa's phrasing and at the barely-disguised laughter that Dynadan hastily turned into a cough.
Tegan found herself pulled along by Nyssa, up the stairs and back to their room. Locking the door carefully behind them, the two of them took off their boots. Tegan was just about to take her over-shirt off when she noticed Nyssa averting her eyes.
'Sorry,' she said, pausing. 'Shall I go behind the screen?'
'Oh, no; I will,' Nyssa said, quickly. 'Sorry; I think I'm a little flushed from dancing.'
'Hang on, we've got flannels in the packs…'
Tegan pulled out two clean flannels, soaked them in the jug of water near the window, and handed one to Nyssa.
'Thank you,' Nyssa said, picking up her bag and stepping behind the screen.
Given the candlelight, the screen still gave a vague shadow of the person stood behind it, so Tegan quickly turned around. She could hear the sounds of Nyssa removing her dress and beginning to flannel herself clean.
Tegan tried not to think too much about that. She had to focus on washing herself, after all. Nevermind the fact that, the last time she had been this loosely-dressed around Nyssa was that night in the Camelot baths.
Tegan's heart thumped painfully at the memory.
There were now the sounds of Nyssa brushing her hair. What did Nyssa look like with her hair uncovered, Tegan wondered. Tegan herself had not really worn them growing up, but her hair had always been so short that it had never made sense to. She supposed that, being technically part of a royal family, Nyssa had grown up with different expectations on her compared to Tegan.
Well, Tegan thought, idly, it wasn't really any of her business anyway. Though the glimpses of Nyssa's curls that often peeked out of her hair-covering were… well, certainly eye-catching, that was for sure.
Nyssa moved back around the screen, wearing her shift and a new hair-covering. Tegan finished pulling off her over-shirt, and quickly climbed under the blankets, so that she was sat up in bed.
'Room for a small one?' she asked, giggling.
'You're only a couple inches shorter than me,' Tegan chuckled. 'But, yeah, there is.'
Smiling, Nyssa climbed under the blankets, lying down next to Tegan. Given how big the bed was, this wasn't especially intimate. Although Tegan couldn't help but feel her heart thump just a tiny bit harder as she blew out the candle.
Tegan climbed down under the blankets, rustling to get comfy in the unfamiliar bed. Although the day of travel had definitely left her exhausted enough to fall asleep regardless of how comfortable she was.
'Tegan?'
'Yeah?'
'Do you think we'll be able to rescue Merlin?'
Tegan thought for a moment.
'To be honest, I've no idea. But, then again, I never thought I'd be sharing a bed with a princess either, so who knows?'
Tegan heard Nyssa giggle.
'That is true. I hope I'm a good bedfellow?'
'Depends on how much you fart.'
Nyssa descended into laughter.
'Slander, Tegan, slander!' she gasped, delightedly.
Tegan smiled, in the darkness.
'I think I enjoyed folk dancing,' Nyssa said, happily. 'Much more fun that formal dances.'
'Glad to hear it,' Tegan replied. 'You are a lovely dancer; did your mother teach you?'
There was a brief pause.
'My… my mother is no longer with us.'
'Oh, Nyssa,' Tegan said, tears springing to her eyes as she turned on her side to face the young woman. 'I'm sorry, I shouldn't have-'
'Please don't cry, Tegan,' Nyssa interjected. 'It was a long time ago; when I was a young child.'
'But still…'
'Tegan, it's fine,'-Nyssa's smile was just about visible in the half-light-'You are very sweet, but I am fine.'
'O-okay, then.'
Tegan moved to lay on her back, staring up at the ceiling.
'What is Traken like?'
'I suppose…' Nyssa began, softly. 'It's quiet. Like I mentioned, it is a sparsely populated island, made up of a few villages outside of the main castle. Well, I say "castle"; it's more like a large house with reinforced walls around it that the islanders hid inside of in times of war.'
'So… a little bit different than what has happened in Albion since you arrived.'
'I could say the same for you.'
'True,' Tegan said.
Nyssa turned onto her side, facing Tegan.
'I wonder…'
'What?'
In the half-light, Nyssa's face was obscured, but Tegan could have sworn that the young woman's face flushed slightly.
'Well, I wonder why I feel so at ease around you, Tegan. We only met a few days ago, and yet we've not only bathed together but are now sharing a bed. It's … oh, I don't how to explain it.'
'Does it… worry you?' Tegan said, very softly.
'Not at all,' Nyssa replied, almost defiantly. 'But I've never met anyone quite like you, Tegan.'
'There's thousands like me,' Tegan mumbled, her own cheeks burning.
'No; there's no-one like you, Tegan.'
Nyssa's fingers slipped into Tegan's palm.
'Goodnight, Tegan.'
'Good… goodnight, Nyssa.'
There was the sound of knocking on a door.
Tegan blearily opened her eyes a crack. She was… cuddling something? A very soft, warm something? The something sure smelled good and… oh, very soft indeed. Tegan's brain began to slowly kick into kick. Had she ended up cuddling her pillow or-
A pair of half-open grey-green eyes stared back at her. A matching, dozily happy, smile appeared below them.
'Good morning, Tegan,' Nyssa whispered, softly.
Tegan sat upright, the events of the previous night bursting into life as her brain frantically tried to catch up, sparks flying as she realised exactly where she was and who she had been cuddling.
'W-we'll be there in a few minutes!' Tegan said, frantically, towards the door.
'Okay,' said Dynadan's voice was the other side. 'Just be as quick as you can, please.'
'Will do!'
Tegan could hear the sound of Dynadan's footsteps walking back downstairs to the common-room.
Nyssa was staring at Tegan, looking decidedly bed-rumpled and rather lovely.
'Nyssa, we overslept!' Tegan said, quickly, as she struggled to extricate herself from the blankets. 'We need to get dressed now!'
'Oh…' Nyssa said, absently. 'Were… were you cuddling me, Tegan?'
'Sorry,' Tegan exclaimed, finally managing to climb out of bed and quickly flannelling her neck and underarms. 'C'mon, we need to get moving!'
'I see,' Nyssa said, slowly. 'I think you should give me a pair of trousers.'
Tegan goggled at her.
'What?'
'If we're going to be riding across dangerous terrain, I need to manoeuvre easily on the horse,' Nyssa said, firmly. 'And, for that, I need a pair of trousers.'
'I… alright, fine,' Tegan said, ducking down and rooting through her pack. 'I think I've got another pair here… yes!'
Nyssa caught the trousers, and swung her legs out of bed. Seeming to wake up somewhat, she then began to hurriedly pull the trousers on. Tegan averted her eyes.
'Oh, yes,' Nyssa said, and Tegan turned to see the young woman striding up and down, a wide smile on her face. 'I can see why you like these!'
'I don't… listen, can we please get moving?'
Nyssa nodded, grabbing her own flannel.
As Tegan climbed into her own trousers, she couldn't help but wonder… did she like wearing these? Originally, it had simply been a way to blend in as a young man, but… well, she did enjoy the feeling of wearing them, she had to admit. Not that she disliked wearing skirts and dresses, but the idea of being able to choose between them all was… strangely exhilarating.
Come to think of it, she didn't mind being called "Master Tegan" either, or being referred to as a man. That would certainly explain why her -his, their?- mind kept seeming to alter pronouns.
Tegan ran their fingers through his short hair, and began to pull her boots on. Hmmm. It was something to think about, at the very least.
Another day of travel had passed. Unlike the previous day, precious little had interrupted the hours on horseback. The party had stopped for lunch at midday and then again in the evening. As they were getting closer into territory outside of Albion's control, there were far few settlements around and therefore less inns. As a result of this, following the evening meal (a stew cooked over the fire Dynadan had expertly started), the knight had pulled out blankets and pillows from his pack, one of each for all three of them.
They had drawn lots for the watch. Dynadan had drawn the last one, meaning that the knight had climbed under the blankets and promptly fallen asleep. He didn't snore, which Tegan was thankful for.
Nyssa sat down next to Tegan on the log, a brush in her hand.
The young woman reached up and removed her hair-covering. A mane of beautiful brown curls tumbled down to her shoulders.
Tegan's mouth fell open in awe, scarcely able to breath, and blinked hurriedly. The rest of the world seemed to blur into nothingness. Tegan had seen a couple curls of Nyssa's hair before, as at least one or two tended to poke out of her hair-covering, but this was different. Almost… intimate. And that was coming from someone who had shared a bath with Nyssa.
Nyssa began to brush her hair, taking care to ease any clumps or tangles out of the curls. Her eyes were fixed in concentration as she did so.
Her gaze then flicked to the person sat next to her.
'Tegan?'
'Y-yeah?' Tegan managed, uncomprehendingly.
'You're… staring at me.'
'Do… do I need a reason?'
Nyssa's mouth stretched into a shy smile as she went back to brushing.
'No. I don't suppose you do.'
The two of them sat in companionable silence for a while, listening to the crackle of the slumbering fire and the occasional snort of the horses as they slept nearby. It was a warm summer evening, and Tegan was glad that the temperature had not dropped too much after the sun had set. It was… peaceful, if you ignored the fact that they were on a mission to save Albion itself.
'Nyssa?'
'Yes?'
'I have been meaning to ask…why are you protecting my secret?'
There was a beat of silence. Nyssa finished brushing her hair, but did not put on a new hair-covering.
'Well…' Nyssa said, slowly. 'I… I respect you a great deal, Tegan. Leaving home from so far away and working hard to provide for your family; you have great courage and resourcefulness. And… well, you did save my life.'
'But you saved my life too-'
'I know,' Nyssa interjected. 'But… regardless, I still… I still care for you deeply.'
Tegan blinked.
'I'm no knight.'
'You're my knight, Tegan. Regardless of your rank.'
Nyssa leaned sideways, resting her head on Tegan's shoulder. The feeling of the woman's curls against Tegan's skin was soft and deeply comforting. Tegan could have happily stayed there for the rest of eternity, with Nyssa so close to her. There was something quietly tender about it.
Screeeeech!
They both froze.
'What…' Nyssa whispered, voice barely perceptible. 'What do you think that was?'
'Pheasant.'
Nyssa looked up into Tegan's eyes.
'Pheasant?'
'A very big one.'
Tegan reached out, hand now curled around Caliburn's hilt.
'Like I said,' Nyssa said, softly. 'My knight.'
Tegan smiled.
'You best get to sleep; I'll wake you up when it's your turn to watch.'
'I'll stay here,' Nyssa said, not moving her head from Tegan's shoulder. 'If it's all the same to you.'
The sunset settled uneasily over Camelot.
Percival, stood at the front gates at they were closed for the night, put up his visor and took a swig of water. He blanched at the taste; even the magic that normally purified the water was beginning to disappear.
He had seen the tree earlier that day; barely one branch still had leaves on it, and a few of those leaves had begun to fall away during his discussion with the king and Lady Fay.
Lady Fay had been checking to see where Dynadan, Master Tegan and Miss Nyssa were. They seemed to have arrived at the home of the lady of the lake, and had then progressed further in a south-easterly direction into the lands that Albion did not have control over. Arthur had looked grave, aware as he was of the threat of bandits and brigands in the areas held by the encroaching Angles and Saxons.
Percival sighed, and put down the jug.
'Sir Percival?'
Barbara, the maid of Guinevere, was hurrying down the street towards him.
'Ma'am?' he said, bowing his head in respect.
'I am concerned,' she said, coming to a stop in front of him. 'Young Nyssa is not used to rough terrain; do you think she will be alright?'
'Do not fret,' Percival replied, kindly. 'She has Master Tegan with her; from what Dynadan has told me, he is a good Cornish lad. He'll make sure she is protected and cared for.'
'I hope so,' Barbara said. 'Ian did try to placate me, but I do worry so. The magic…'
Percival sighed, nodding gravely.
At that moment, the group of court physicians rounded the nearest corner, spotted Dynadan and Barbara, and hurried towards them.
'Are the defences holding, my dear fellow?' asked Tribus, his curly white hair just visible in the half light. 'The wyrms have been growing bolder over the last few days.'
'They are, just about,' replied Percival. 'I believe I spoke with your colleague Tredecim about the matter a few hours ago.'
Tribus nodded, as Quinque stepped forward, fiddling with various instruments that he was pulling out of his pockets.
'The magic is now dissolving for all but the most essential tasks,' he said, turning to his colleagues with a worried face. 'The citadel's walls are still being protected but the barrier over the skies is no longer operational.'
There was a great deal of alarmed mutterings amongst the physicians.
'This is worrying,' said Septum, his slight Caledonian accent stretching his words. As usual, he was wearing cream-coloured robes and a hat. 'Our scouts have returned semaphore messages from several miles inland; some force is flying this way. Likely, it is Mordred; he will have timed this so that we are at our most vulnerable.'
'We'll just have to be wary and protect as best as we can,' said Noven, who -unlike his peers- was wearing a simple black tunic and trousers. 'No good chin-wagging and worryin' about it.'
'Exactly,' said Barbara, nodding.
SCREECH!
'Oh, no…' Quinque whispered, pointing upwards over the battlements.
Over the horizon appeared a vast flying flotilla of winged wyrms, spitting venom and screeching horribly. Each of them had various warriors, all dressed in dark armour, astride them.
'Everyone, get inside and alert the king, queen and Lady Fay!' Percival said, pushing his visor down with a clang. He then called to the various defenders stood on the ramparts. 'Get the catapults and Greek fire going; we've got incoming!'
The physicians and Barbara hurried away, and Dynadan charged up the steps towards the battlements, the icy trill of battle already sinking into his bones. The air was full of the sounds of people running, yelling and strapping on armour. Containers of Greek Fire were already being loaded into the catapults.
The invasion of Camelot had begun.
'Tegan! Tegan, wake up!'
Tegan startled awake. Nyssa was bent over Tegan's blankets, shaking them by the shoulders. It was still pitch black around them, and the embers of the fire nearby had almost gone out. Tegan had gone to sleep after her own time on watch had finished, and hadn't been expecting to wake up until first light.
'Wh't?' Tegan mumbled, rubbing her eyes in confusion. 'W's happening-'
'I can hear a bunch of horses approaching,' Nyssa said, urgently. 'Dynadan is already packing up our things; we need to move!'
Suddenly alert, Tegan sprung to their feet, stuffing their blanket into the pack and fingers springing quickly to tie their boots. A few feet away, Dynadan was frantically packing things onto his horse. Sure enough, in the darkness, Tegan could hear the sounds of galloping horses getting closer and closer, accompanied by shouts and yells.
'They're getting closer!' exclaimed Nyssa. 'We must leave; they're bandits, I'm sure of it!'
Strapping their own pack onto the horse along with Nyssa, Tegan leapt onto the horse's back. Nyssa grabbed hold of Tegan's arm and pulled herself up after them.
Dynadan's horse charged off at a canter, and Tegan did the same, Nyssa's hands quickly linking around her waist. The road was dark, but the horses seemed to avoid the various potholes and dips as they cantered forward.
'Let's get 'em, lads!' came a menacing voice from a while behind them. 'Looks like a bunch of travellers with too many possessions for their own good!'
Tegan spurred his horse forward, feeling Nyssa's arms clench tightly around their waist as they shot forward. Dynadan's horse, slightly faster due to the lesser weight, was a few feet in front.
'Nyssa, take this!'
Falling back in time with them, Dynadan threw Lady Fay's gift, and Nyssa caught it in her arms. She lurched forwards, close to Tegan's back, trying not to fall off the horse. Tegan couldn't see exactly what was happening, but she could hear Nyssa clumsily pulling apart the wrappings.
'What do I do?'
'I don't know!' Tegan exclaimed. 'Does it work on command or-'
Tegan could hear some sort of ethereal voice behind her, along with a shocked gasp from Nyssa. There was a blinding light, and Tegan and Nyssa -with Dynadan just behind them- charged into a vortex of colours.