Anna leaves with the knights the next morning. Horton is sent to make sure she remained loyal, to Rome and to Germanius. They travel until well into the night before making camp. Anna drops her bags and takes care of Melyn brushing her down and Melyn snorts contently as Anna affectionately rubs her nose whispering unheard words.
"You enjoy your horses company more than ours?" question's Gawain motioning toward the fire the knights have already begun making themselves comfortable around.
"She's a good listener." smiles Anna leading Melyn to the rest of the horses. She pulls her thicker cloak out of her pack and makes her way back to the fire. Gawain plops down next to her and passes her the ale. She laughs quietly only half listening to conversation around her. The crackle of the fire taking her far away. Anna's hands tremble as she sits in the almost empty healing room. She had been left behind again, unused and worthless. They fear her, looking at her as if she was plagued. No one touched her or let her help them, unseen walls everywhere. She nervously wrings her hands as the sound of horses fill the air. The men trudge in carrying a badly wounded Bors. Anna quietly steps back allowing the men of medicine to decide if she is needed or not. Arthur enters slowly carrying himself as a man with the world on his shoulders.
"May I help you Arthur." Anna asks uncertainly making her way towards him. She reaches out her hand to him. He sizes her up before taking it. She can feel heat tingling in her hand before it shoots up her arm and into her chest. Her eyes glaze over slightly as the pain passes through her. She exhales quietly eyeing him, his body relaxes, looking less worn down. Satisfied with her work she lets go of his hand and makes her way back to Bors.
"I don't want the help of that witch!" His breathing is irregular and rushed. He clasps at the healer's and his brothers as they pin him down and begin to cover the wounds. Dagonet weakly attempts to hold Bors down. Arthur pulls him back, taking his place. Thats when Anna notices the large blood stain on the front of his shirt.
"Sir Dagonet? May I?" he smiles softly at the term sir.
"It's not necessary."
"It's what I'm here for. It's my purpose." She smiles resting her hand on his arm. The warmth and pain already registering in her hand. She wiggles her fingers slightly as the pain shoots up her arm and settles in her stomach. She can feel the scar setting into her skin. Dagonet lifts his shirt, revealing his wound free stomach. Anna squeezes his arm reassuringly.
"Show me. How does it work?"
"How it works does not matter as long as you and your brothers are well." Dagonet grabs her arm as she turns to leave.
"Show me your not a witch." Anna slowly unbuttons the bottom of her top, pulling it and her undershirt up just enough to reveal the scar on her stomach.
"Anna, Bors has passed out. He is ready for you." She lets her shirt fall, covering her scars whispering words she was taught as a child. Words of strength, light, and hope. She would save Bors even though he despised her.
Anna, I need to speak with you a moment." Arthur's words pulling her out of her memories.
"Are you hurt Arthur?"
"No, The Bishop and I spoke this morning. He informed me that you were returning to Rome with him once we return.
"Yes. I am."
"Why?"
"One makes sacrifices for the ones they love." Arthur stares at her intensely before nodding for her to go. Anna smiles sheepishly before making her way back to her sleeping gear she curls up under her cape attempting to stay as dry as possible falling into a restless, tormented sleep. She wakes up slightly at the sound of her name. It was barely a whisper. Pulling the covers off of her head she turns over facing Doganet. His usually solemn face is contorted as if he is in pain.
"Dagonet?" She gently shakes his shoulders. "Dagonet, wake up." He jolts awake quickly grabbing her hand and just as quickly lets it go rubbing his face. "You said my name." Dagonet looks at her silently taking her in. Her dark hair is plastered to her face her dark eyes betraying the false courage she is exuding. She pulls her caped tighter around her as she scoots closer to him. "Dags?"
He stares at her for long moment studying her face. "Don't go back to Rome."
"I don't have a choice."
"You always have a choice."
"I don't." she begins to speak quickly fearing if she doesn't she wont get it out. "I don't gain my freedom after so many years of service. No matter how many people I have saved. No matter how many enemies I kill. My life" He holds up his hand.
"Anna, you have to stop running. Stop sacrificing."
"I'm not" They are only a few inches from each other.
"Anna, if you want to go back to Rome. Then go back to Rome. If you want to be with me. Then be with me. If you want me to leave you simply utter the words."
"It's not that simple." She shifts nervously under his stare.
"It is."
"He doesn't share"
"Why?" Anna's' breath catches in her throat.
"Because I choose you." Dagonet lets the words sink in before he leans into her just enough so his lips touch hers. "It's always been you." Anna kisses him back her lips desperate to taste his again. Her hands move to the back of his neck pulling him closer. Her guilt finally overcoming her she falls into his chest clutching him tightly. He runs his fingers through her hair whispering unheard comforts.