I promised another chapter didn't I? And true to my word I am, and I may give another tomorrow for two reasons. One I have a three day weekend which makes me happy and two this ends at a bit of a cliffhanger and I feel bad just leaving you handing. Also, I have a favor to ask of my european readers. When a new merlin comes on t.v. let me know so I can watch via youtube. syfy doesn't play merlin until the spring so thank you.
anyway yeah, this chapter. it switches from arthur and merlin to gwen and artemis to the past a lot so don't get confusd by that. this was the gwen and lancelot episode, but i took creative control. why you may ask. well because this chapter i feel is important. it shows how very different Artemis and her life would be if Valde hadn't fallen. I think its interesting to see Artemis's POV. also this leads to an important 'filler' and that leads to another important 'filler' if you could call them fillers. anyway so i like this chapter because it shows Artemis POV of the things that happened in Valde. at first I didn't like it, but i think i do now and also i would like to know are the 'fillers' alright or do to many fillers bother you? should i cut them down a little in the next season?
anyway enjoy. that was a long writers note. sorry.
As Morgana got on her horse, Artemis stretched about to get on Libera, but Arthur and Artemis caught each other's eye and stared before Artemis looked away quickly. It was still a little awkward between them after they had kissed. Artemis had done her best to avoid being alone with Arthur. It was fine the first days after, but then again there was too much going on for them to really think about what had happened.
"At least it's a nice day out," Gwen said.
"So it is," Artemis agreed. They were going on a pilgrimage to Morgana's father's grave. Artemis stretched a little more before getting on Libera.
"I hope your trip isn't too upsetting," Arthur said to Morgana.
"Thank you, Arthur."
"Make sure you return to Camelot before dusk," Arthur told the knight leading them.
"Yes, sire." Artemis turned back at Arthur. They stared at each other or perhaps Arthur was just staring at the group as they went. Either way Artemis turned her attention back to the trail ahead.
"You look troubled, Artemis," Morgana noticed after a little while on the trail.
"She does, doesn't she?" Gwen said.
"I'm fine," Artemis muttered.
"You're very secretive these days. You appear in my chambers a lot without any reason for being there. You refuse to say. I'm beginning to think there's a man involved." Artemis laughed slightly.
"When do I get to meet any decent men?"
"Well, there's always Arthur," Morgana said with a smirk.
"Let's not go there, Morgana," Artemis grumbled. Morgana had had her suspicions that it was Arthur she was avoiding. It may have been the fact that as soon as Artemis saw him coming their way one day Artemis shoved them both in a broom cupboard. Not her brightest of ideas.
All was quiet when suddenly there was screaming and men came from the hills screaming. There were far too many. The knights were easily beaten.
"My ladies, you must follow me," a knight said but he was shot down. Artemis circled Morgana. She wasn't going to let anyone get near her without a fight. A bandit grabbed Morgana. Artemis turned and snapped his neck without so much as a thought.
"Gwen, Artemis!" Morgana said. "Head for the path! Go!" The three of them ran, but they were cut off by more bandits.
"Damn it," Artemis muttered.
"I warn you. I am Uther Pendragon's ward. You'll have your heads if any harm comes to me," Morgana warned the bandits. The leader pulled off his mask.
"I have no intention of harming you. At least not yet." Artemis estimated what the chances of her being able to fight all the bandits at once and making sure no harm came to Morgana and Gwen were. It was too low. She would have to make due with not fighting… for now. The man gazed over them each. His eye stopped on Artemis.
"Lady Artemis. Do you know who I am?" he asked.
"No, but I would like to know how you know me," she said watching him carefully.
"I am Kendrick. I am here to collect you."
"Who sent you?"
"John." One word. It was like a nightmare. It made her face pale and her sick to her stomach. King John of Valde has found her. "I suggest you come quietly and I won't hurt your friends," he said noticing she stood in a fighting stance. Artemis looked at Gwen and Morgana. Artemis held her hands up to say I will not fight.
"Then you know I'm perfectly capable of killing you and all of your men right now?"
"John has warned me."
"Release me friends, and I will go quietly, I swear on my honor."
"Do you think I'm stupid? You'll just break your word. Tell you what I'll do, I'll allow one of your friends to go free and then when we get you in where you belong we'll let the other go." Artemis took a minute to calculate if this was a bad decision or not.
"Morgana, go," Artemis said.
"I won't leave you!"
"I said go Morgana!" Artemis yelled. Slowly, Morgana hesitated, but ran.
"I'm sorry for getting you into this Gwen," Artemis said taking a breath. They were sitting in a tent. Artemis was no longer wearing what she had originally. She was wearing a dress made for a Lady. It was blue and looked to be expensive. Apparently, John had requested it. Artemis didn't know what kind of sick game he was playing. They had traveled a day already and would move out again in the morning. "This is my fault. My past is catching up to me."
"It's not your fault," Gwen said putting a hand on her shoulder.
"You'll be released at least," Artemis said.
"I won't leave you," Gwen said.
"You must, Gwen. If… you go with, John will kill you."
"Who is John?"
"A horrible nightmare," Artemis replied. "Go to sleep. You'll need it." Gwen laid down and Artemis did too, but she doubted if she would be able to sleep.
Back in Camelot
"Arthur, you can't just let my sister die," Merlin said as they exited the room. Arthur had just agreed with Uther that rescuing Artemis and Gwen would be out of the question. Morgana was safe and that was all that mattered to him.
"I wouldn't dream of it, Merlin," Arthur said walking rather fast to get to his chambers. "She would haunt me forever if I let her die, and then she would kick my ass in the afterlife. She's already stated she would."
"So we're going to rescue her and Gwen, then?"
"Of course."
"How can you be so heartless!" Morgana asked bursting into Arthur's room. "Gwen is the most kind, loyal person you will ever meet and Artemis is the funniest, smartest, bravest person you'll ever meet. They've been more than a friend to all of us and you would leave them at the mercy of those animals!"
"Morgana," Arthur said gently.
"Have you no shame? Do you think of no one but yourself?"
"Morgana," Arthur tried again.
"I knew you were many thing Arthur Pendragon, but I didn't know you were a gutless coward!"
"Morgana! Perhaps if you would stop shouting at me for one second you would notice that I am packing," he said shoving something in a bag. She was silent.
"You're going after them?"
"Of course I'm going after them. What do you take me for? I couldn't disagree with father in public." Arthur pulled his bag over his shoulder and went to leave.
"Arthur!" Morgana called after him. He turned to her. "Bring them home." He nodded before leaving.
A 15 year old Artemis sat in the tree with her eyes shut attempting to sleep. She had been traveling all week without sleep to get to this said Valde. She had just left the monks and then traveled with the gypsies to get here. She actually liked wearing the gyspy clothing. It was comfortable not too impracticale and yet feminine. The Servants of the World pulled her out of a country to the east after a war there finally ended. They had a new assignment for her. She was to end the long last war in Valde as well as take the Sword of Magus to the Servants so they could strip it of it's was fine with her. The Servants swore to her that she would be made a full Servant soon, and it was about time.
There was rustling in bushes below her. Artemis opened one eyes and looked down. A little girl with blonde hair and pleasant blue eyes was below her picking flowers. She was a pretty, elegant dress. Guards wondered around her. Clearly she was of nobility. Artemis sighed slightly before shutting her eyes and leaning back aginst the tree.
Suddenly screaming from all around the forest caused Artemis to fully sit up. Renegades took at the girl's guards. They started to surround her. Artemis walked thinking what to do. Helping a noble? What a good way to get close to the King of Valde. Artemis jumped down pulling knives from her skirt. They were a sad disgrace to the name warrior. She took them out easily. Artemis looked to the girl. She looked scared and yet fascinated by Artemis. She held a hand out to her offering it since the girl was on the ground. She took Artemis's hand and she helped her up.
"You shouldn't be out here without proper guards," Artemis said.
"You were amazing," she said with a blush. Artemis smiled. She was wuite a pleasant child. She had a distinct Valde accent, but Artemis was sure to her she had a very mixed accent. She could only master so many accents.
"I am Artemis. Who are you?"
"I'm Lady Ava, first daughter of Lord Zacharias."
"Pleasure," Artemis said. "Let's get you home before anyone else tries to harm you." Ava nodded. Ava lead her to a big city not far off. The castle was a huge, gothic thing. Artemis found it ugly, but then again she never found cities or castles pretty. They always symbolized a cage for her a place where she must hide, a place of torture.
"Isn't it pretty?"
"Very," Artemis lied. They entered the hall were the King stood in front of his throne with his wife at his side. The prince was at his other side. A woman, a man, and a boy Artemis's age stood in front the King. The woman was crying and speaking feverishly.
"Mama!" Ava yelled. The woman looked around.
"Ava!" The woman turned and looked at Ava. Ava ran to her arms. The woman picked her up. "I was so worried. I found out that there was rengades wondering the forest and I got scared and thought you might get hurt."
"The renegades tried, but she saved me," Ava said pointing to Artemis. They all looked at her. Artemisbowed like a Servant with a fist over her heart.
"Thank you," the woman said. "Thank you so much. You have no idea... is there anything I can do? Anything at all?"
"No, my Lady. It was my pleasure. Really."
"At least, tell me your name."
"Artemis, Artemis of Ealdor."
"You are far from home," the King said.
"I am, but I assure you this does not bother me. I have traveled far and wide. I intend to settle down in Valde if I can find a job."
"What kind of job?" the king asked.
"I wish to work as a maid," she lied. Oh, how she hated working as a maid, but it was the best way to start.
"Then allow my to extend an invitation to work here, in the palace," the king said.
"It would be an honor," she said.
"Alex, you cannot," another man said coming from the shadows. He was a cruel looking man. Artemis stared at him. "Wonder if this is a ruse? Wonder if she is trying to get close to you to harm you?"
"Nonsense, John. You see enemies were there are friends.
"But Alex-"
"You may start tomorrow," he said cutting off this John. It seemed that they did not get along very well. "Kael, Peter show her to the servant's quarters, will you?"
"Yes, sire," they both replied. The Prince and the boy who stood at the side of Ava's mother turned. Ava did to she walked at Ava's side as the four of them walked out of the hall.
"Thank you," the boy said. Artemis nodded. "I am Lord Kael. I am Ava's brother."
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
"This Peter, Prince of Valde," Kael said jabbing a thumb at Peter.
"A woman fighting," Peter said with distaste. "Next she be thinking." Artemis put a foot out. He fell on his face.
"Sorry, my foot slipped," Artemis said. Kael and Ava both started laughing. Peter jumped up.
"I could have you arrested for that. "Could, would, should. Whatever," Artemis said offhandidly.
"This is it," Kael said. "And again thank you. Thank you so very much for helping Ava."
"Again, it was my pleasure. She's a pretty child." Ava grinned. Artemis opened the door to the servants quarters.
"Perhaps I'll see you tomorrow?" Kael said.
"Perhaps," Artemis replied entering the room.
Artemis awoke the next day with the sun shining in her eyes, and the bandits yelling at her and Gwen to get up and start moving. They did so. Artemis had no idea where they were going. They weren't heading directly to Valde it seemed. It seemed like they were going somewhere else. They trooped on.
Back with Arthur and Merlin
Arthur and Merlin rode along the path. Merlin was beat from the nonstop journey they were taking. He was so tired he fell off his horse onto the ground.
"What are you doing Merlin?" Arthur asked. Merlin looked around.
"I must have fallen asleep." Merlin started muttering about keeping his eyes open as he laid his head back against the earth. Arthur pored water on him. Merlin picked his head up. "Thank you," Merlin said. "I feel so much better."
"Artemis's and Guinevere's life is at stake. We cannot afford to waste a second." Merlin groaned and got up. Arthur continued riding.
With Gwen and Artemis
"Where are they taking us?" Gwen asked.
"I don't know. I thought we were heading to Valde, but this isn't the right way. We're going too far west." They approached a town filled with bandits, bounty hunters, and the like. It was a disgusting place filled with sin. Artemis and Gwen were both guarded heavy by the guards.
"Lancelot?" Gwen muttered in surprise at one of the men fighting in the streets. He looked at Artemis and Gwen before they were both pushed into a dank, dirty in.
"Who's Lancelot?" Artemis asked.
"I'll tell you later."
"So Lancelot's your lover?"
"No… I mean I care about him, but we're not… that's besides the point. What is he doing here?" she asked to herself. Artemis shrugged.
"When you're a nomad, you wander from place to place." There was a tap on the window. They both looked out it. Something hit the window causing a tap again. Artemis and Gwen looked out the window. There stood her Lancelot. Gwen opened the window.
"Gwen, I could not believe my eyes when I saw it was you."
"I thought my eyes were deceiving me," Gwen said.
"What are you doing here?" he asked. "This is not a place you should be."
"We've been kidnapped. Someone's paid the bandits to bring my friend Artemis to them."
"Hi," Artemis said with a wave. "I'm Artemis."
"I will help you escape," Lancelot said.
"Not here," Artemis said. "You must wait. This town is filled with too many people willing to kill for the right amount of money." Lancelot nodded.
"I will get you both out, I promise."
"You are an honorable man," Artemis said. Artemis sat back and allowed Lancelot and Gwen to speak. She did not intrude. That would be rude. Instead, she went to sleep and remember.
Artemis stood in the hall. It was a few months after she had arrived. The Valde court was being convened, and of course Artemis was welcomed. Over the last few months she had gotten close with the nobility of Valde especially with Kael and Ava. Prince Peter stood close to her and Kael was by Peter's side. They were practically brothers. It was a bit annoying since Peter was a bit of a prat. "We are signing a peace agreement with our neighboring country, Helms," King Alexander said. There was clapping. "The war is over. We are at peace. Thank you to Lady Artemis," Alex said bowing to her. "You have convinced me that it's time that we settle are petty squabbles." Artemis bowed.
"My pleasure, sire," she replied. Not being a full member of the Servants yet had it's advantages. She could still interfere in monarchies. The court leaved the room, but Artemis stayed. Something else was about to happen. Something important. She grabbed Kael's arm. He stopped and looked at her. She nodded to a tall dark haired man, who seemed to be frustrated. Kael understood and grabbed Peter. They all watched as the next scene unfolded.
"Sir," the King's brother said. Since the first day Artemis never cared much for him. It was the same man who tried to convince Alex that she was an enemy. "You can't do this. War is profitable to us. It brings many jobs and much gold." Alex looked at him.
"At what cost John? The cost of people's lives? All the gold in the world is not worth that," he said.
"But Alex-"
"That's enough! There will be peace! I will not hear of your insolence!" Alex said.
"Of course, sire," he said bitterly bowing. He turned and left. Kael, Peter, and Artemis followed not long after.
With Merlin and Arthur
"Merlin," Arthur said. He poured water on him as he slept against a tree.
"Oh, what's happening?" he asked waking up and looking around. "Ah… Ah… How long was I asleep for?"
"Long enough," Arthur replied.
"Did you get some rest?"
"I couldn't sleep," Arthur said.
"I've never seen you like this," Merlin said sitting up, "about anyone."
"What're you talking about?" Arthur asked.
"Artemis. You really care about her don't you?"
"What I care about is not wasting on more time talking. Let's get moving," Arthur said pulling his horse forward.
With Gwen and Artemis
"I demand to know where you're taking us," Artemis finally told Kendrick as they were being dragged from bed to continue their journey. They walked along the path. Lancelot was somewhere in the forest surrounding them. There were many, many men, but with Lancelot at least they stood a fighting chance, even if it was a slim one.
"We are taking you to the Ruins of Asvadar." Artemis paled.
"What?" she hissed.
"John will be meeting us there."
"What are the Ruins of Asvadar?" Gwen asked.
"A place of nightmare, a place of evil black magic. Some of the most powerful Dark Sorcerers have trained and lived there. They were all but flushed out by the organization, Servants of the World. Still… no one goes there now. Black magic still lingers." Artemis's eyes darted the forest. She saw Lancelot. Artemis looked at him. He raised his hand. That was the signal. Artemis took out two of the men by Gwen as Lancelot sprang into action fighting. "Get down!" Artemis yelled at Gwen. Artemis and Lancelot tried to fight, but there was simply too many. "Take Gwen and go!" Artemis yelled. "I have your back!" Lancelot hesitated before nodding. He grabbed Gwen and pulled her onto a horse before riding off fast. Artemis continued to fight.
"Fifteen of my men dead!" Kendrick yelled kicking a body. "Bind her!" He yelled. The men tied Artemis's hands behind her back. "Move on!" he yelled. Push any more and Kendrick would snap and probably kill Artemis for John. They rode on.
With Merlin and Arthur
Arthur held up a hand as they heard the sound of people talking. Slowly they crept closer. Arthur jumped out. Gwen and Lancelot were sitting there. Gwen was crying.
"Guinevere?" Arthur said confused. "Lancelot?" he said even more confused.
"Arthur!" Gwen yelled. "They still have Artemis!" she said going to him.
"Where are they taking her?" Arthur asked.
"They said the Ruins of Asvadar. Artemis didn't look happy when they said that."
"The Ruins of… Lancelot take Gwen back to Camelot. Melin and I will go after Artemis."
"Arthur, bring her back," Gwen said.
"I will," he promised.
"I don't really enjoy being slammed against wall," Artemis said staring at the man in front of her. Lord John of Valde was known for his vicious temper. He had a hand to her throat, and he had already caused her head to bleed slamming her against the wall. They were in a secluded corridor. Artemis wouldn't let him have victory by showing him any pain.
"You little brat," he spat, "you think you can just come in here and change Valde for 'the better?'"
"Yes," Artemis said simply and calmly. "I am a Servant of the World. It's my job."
"You little-"
"John," Peter said entering the hallway. "Is there a problem?" He let go of Artemis.
"No, sire," he said bowing a little before walking away.
"Are you okay?" Peter asked. Artemis rubbed her throat.
"Yeah."
"Good cause I need my bedding washed, my floors scrubbed, my-"
"Oh my Gods! Shut the hell up Peter!" she said annoyed before walking away.
"Wake up!" someone snapped at her not aware that she was already halfway awake. They rode on again and finally the ruins came in sight. They were on a cliff against the sea. It looked exactly the same as the ruins in the south. Both were against the sea and both were large broken ruins made of marble. Artemis could feel the black magic pressing her as they entered. Artemis knew two reasons John would bring her here. One was that it was not far from a portal that lead to Valde, about three days hence, and two the building would prevent her from using magic and possibly could cause her physical harm. "He should be here in three day," Kendrick said. Artemis had three days to live.
With Merlin and Arthur
"So," Arthur said, "if we cut through the Tunnels of Andor, we'll be only a few miles from the Ruins of Asvadar." Both Merlin and Arthur looked at the Tunnels in front of them.
"Oh no," Merlin said looking at Arthur, "I know that face. I'm not going to like this am I? What's in the tunnels?"
"They're invested with Wildred."
"What are Wildred?"
"They're like giant," Arthur said using his hands. He hesitated looking at Merlin's face, "baby rats."
"Baby rats? That doesn't sound so bad."
"They feast on human flesh," Arthur said quickly.
"Maybe we should go up the mountains," Merlin said. Arthur gave Merlin his map before walking to a berry bush. "Uh… what are you doing?"
"Wildred are completely blind. They hunt by sense of smell. Gaia berries," Arthur said showing Merlin one, "can put them off the scent. So if we smear ourselves with them perhaps we can pass through the tunnels undetected." Arthur smeared himself with the berries, and Merlin started to as well.
"Oh, Oh," Merlin yelled. "These stink! Oh, they're really bad."
"Perhaps you prefer to be eaten alive."
"Uh pass me some more, would you?" Arthur picked some and smeared them all over Merlin's face.
Arthur and Merlin walked into the tunnels together. Arthur was in front with a touch to lead the way. Wildred could be heard all over. Merlin was very jumped.
"I just stepped on something!"
"That was my foot," Arthur informed him.
"Sorry." There was silence again as they continued walking. "How much further is it?"
"Sh," Arthur said. They heard another Wildred, and then they saw the shadow of it. Arthur grabbed Merlin's touch and put both of them out. "Wildred, coming this way." Merlin and him hid behind a rock. Arthur pulled out his sword. "Whatever happens," Arthur said as a Wildred approached, "keep completely still." The Wildred got in Merlin's face and sniffed him. Merlin kept still. It squealed for walking away. They both stood slowly.
"Sire," Artemis said to Alex, who sat in front of her. "The Sword of Magus is dangerous. You must trust me."
"You must understand, Artemis," Alex said, "it's a family heirloom."
"I do understand. I will only take it for a week tops. I need to remove the dangerous enchantments on it. You understand, don't you?"
"Sire," John said entering. He must have been eavesdropping. "I must object. She will use the sword. She only wants it for herself." Alex looked between John and Artemis.
"I trust her John. When will you leave?"
"After the ball," Artemis replied. Alex looked confused.
"I thought you were being courted by Kael."
"My job is to the world not to a single boy," Artemis said. Her face was serious. It was emotionless. Alex wondered whether she had any true emotions. It was like she held a mask at all times. Alex nodded.
"You may take it when you leave then." Artemis nodded.
"Thank you, sire." The gypsy turned on her heels and marched away leaving the King of Valde trying to understand her.
Artemis stared out the top window wondering what her fate would be. She was doomed. Who in Camelot would risk there lives for her?
With Merlin and Arthur
The two approached a river as they exited the tunnels. Arthur started to wash his face off as did Merlin.
"Gaia berries worked… hm?" Arthur said looking at one before throwing it in the river. Merlin froze.
"You didn't know if they worked?"
"Not for sure," Arthur said standing. Merlin jumped up.
"Now you tell me! Oh… oh what's that Wildred eating? Oh it's alright it's just Merlin," he said. Arthur seemed to find that amusing. "Are you trying to get us both killed?"
"I'm sorry," Arthur said. "I shouldn't have risked your life like that."
"Well," Merlin said. "They do say love makes you do strange things."
"What're you talking about?"
"Why can't you just admit your feelings for Artemis?" Arthur shook his head and turned away. "It's so obvious. A blind man can see it. Is it really that hard to admit you like her? Just say it."
"I can't!" Arthur said turning back around. "How can I admit that I think about her all the time? Or that I care about her more than anyone!Or that she's the most incrdible person I've ever met! How can I admit that I don't know what I'll be if any harm comes to her!"
"Why can't you?"
"Because nothing can ever happen between us! To admit my feelings knowing that… hurts too much." Merlin shook his head.
"Who's to say nothing can happen?"
"My father won't let my rescue a servant. Do you honestly think he would let me marry one?"
"You want to marry Artemis?" he asked surprised.
"No, no, I don't know!" Merlin held up his hands as a symbol of apology. "It's all talk and that's all it can ever be."
"When you're king, you can change that."
"I can't expect Artemis to wait for me. She deserves better than that."
"She feels as you do. She'll wait for you."
"We don't even know if she's still alive."
"No, she is. We will find her. Artemis doesn't die that easy."
"Come on. We have a long trek ahead of us. Oh and Merlin," Arthur said turning to him, "If you dare tell anyone about this, I promise I will make your life a living hell."
"More than you already do?"
"Yeah." Arthur turned back around and continued on the path.
"We could talk about your feelings while we walk," Merlin suggested.
"Shut up, Merlin."
Looking out at the crowd at the ball made Artemis nervous, but she would never show it. Kael was beside her trying to tell her something, and usually she would pay attention, but not tonight. John was missing. What would he do? Was John really as cold and heartless as she thought? If so, what would a man like that do to get power?" Artemis watched as John entered. She frowned. Kael's little sister, Ava, skipped over to her mother. Artemis had liked Ava since the day that they had met. She was just such a cute child. She had a fire in her. Unfortunately, it would be one that would probably die down as the years pass in the court. Her mother looked over to John before marching to him in a bit of a fit. Artemis frowned. John raised a sword and killed Aella. Artemis's eyes widen as the color of betrayal ran the ground. Everyone was screaming. Artemis pushed her way through the crowd. She pushed a panel on the wall and a passage opened up. She started pushing people through it trying to get everyone out she could.
"What about you?" Kael asked as she pushed Ava and him through.
"I need to get Peter out. Without him, the line will die. I will have failed." Artemis looked around. She saw Peter staring at Alex and John trying to decide what to do.
"Peter, get your arse in here," Artemis said.
"I will not let my Father die!" he said a little too loud.
"What is going on?" John boomed. He saw the passageway. "Kill them!" he yelled. Artemis threw Peter in the passage. The knights came running for them.
"Come on Artemis!" Kael yelled. Artemis looked at him. Pain was covered in her face. She slammed the passage shut with her outside of it. They would not be able to get in. The knights missed her. She snapped one neck and pulled off his sword. She killed the other three that was surrounding her with much ease. They dropped dead in time for Artemis to see John take off Alex's head. Artemis ran to him, and the fight between the two began, but even Artemis could not beat an unbeatable sword. It was clash after clash, and even though she was more skillful than him. He was winning. It was the sword. Artemis knew one trick that he didn't. Artemis stopped fighting and allowed the sword to bury itself into her side. Artemis pulled her sword back and plunged it into John's stomach. They both fell to the ground pulling their swords out of each other. Artemis slowly back away to the passage, but John grabbed her foot. He was on his hands and knees, but somehow he was still in better condition than Artemis. He could still fight; she could not.
"I swear to you gypsy I will find you and I will do worse than kill you. You took my victory," he said. Artemis kicked him in the face.
"And I'd do it again!" She pushed open the tunnel. She managed to stumble to nearly the end of the passage when the pain started setting in. It felt like someone was burning her from the inside out like they were tearing off the muscles around her stomach. She had never felt anything like it.
Artemis woke up. What the hell was she doing? She had to at least try to get out. She was going to sit her like a usless little girl Artemis worked on trying to get the binds from her hands off. Magic in here was out of the question, so instead she was trying to get them off by rubbing the rope against a nearby ledge when no one was looking. For the most part, she was left alone in a segregated room in the ruins. Guards were outside her room and spread throughout the ruin. If she could just get the rope off…
"The best way in undetected is by scaling the walls," Arthur said looking at the twenty men in front of the entrance.
"Maybe there's another way in," Merlin suggested.
"Why don't you go ask them? I'm sure if you ask nicely they'll hand Artemis over to you."
"You really are completely useless aren't you Merlin?" Arthur asked as Merlin nearly slipped trying to climb the tower.
"It's harder than it looks," Merlin said nearly slipping again. Arthur continued and Merlin watched him. "Oh, now you're just showing off!" They finished making there way up the tower. Two men sat there playing cards.
"You distract them," Arthur said. "I'll knock them out."
"How do I distract them?" Arthur nodded.
"Well-" Arthur shoved him into the room. The two bandits looked at him.
"What're you doing there?" one asked.
"Nothing," Merlin said circling to the far end of them room so they ended up in front of the entrance. "Actually, it's a funny story. I was out walking and I took a wrong turn and here I am. Do you know the way to the Vale of Danaria?"
"Who are you?"
"Me? I'm no one." Arthur appeared behind them. "It's him you need to worry about," he said pointing to Arthur. They turned around. Arthur punched one in the face and slammed the other to a wall.
"Where is she?" Arthur said terrifying the man.
"W-who?" he stumbled.
"The girl you captured, Artemis. Where is she?"
"She's uh.. She's uh.." Arthur slammed his against the wall. "She's in a room in the northeast side of the ruins." Arthur knocked him out. Arthur and Merlin dressed in their clothes.
"That actually worked pretty well," Merlin said proud of himself.
There was a loud bang against Artemis's door. She hurried and cut the last of the rope on her hands before quickly undoing the knots on the rope on her feet. She stood ready to fight as the door opened.
"Are you wearing a dress?" Arthur said in surprise.
"Arthur!" she yelled both surprised and happy. She threw her arms around him and then saw Merlin. "Merlin!" She threw her arms around him too.
"Time to leave," Arthur said realizing that more bandits had realized what was happening and was now running after them. They ran down the hall, and as they did as dark glow caught her eye. Artemis skidded to halt. "Now's not the time for sight seeing," Arthur warned.
"I'm a Servant of the World first, Arthur!" Artemis informed him. She entered the room and looked at the black crystal ball. It practically called to her. Artemis pulled off the cloak she was wearing and covered the ball in it. Bandits entered the room.
"You just had to make this more difficult?"
"Yes!" Artemis yelled. Artemis looked around. Her eyes spotted a tunnel. "This way!" she yelled shoving Arthur and Merlin down a small square hole in the wall. Artemis threw herself in the hole and found herself down practically a mud slid. She slipped down. She hadn't expect to end where it did. It led right off the cliff. It threw her in the air and after a twenty foot drop, she plunged into the water. Being a sad swimmer and carrying a crystal ball weighing over 20 pounds did not help Artemis. She was doing nothing but drowning. She tried to kick to the surface but failed and slowly ran out of energy and air. Things slowly turned black…