Enjoy.

The citadel of Camelot was famous. It was impregnable. It was where the toughest knights gathered and, today, it was the host to the Servants of the World. Uther Pendragon, King of Camelot, stood there nervously, though it did not show on his face. His last experience was one he would not soon forget. It was a terrifying one, and one that left him with a scar on his chest. If it wasn't for the consequences of rejecting the Servants then he would not allow them to come near his realm. But the consequences were deadly, and he knew this. So he waited this time. However, he was in a surprise when he recognized the man on the horse approaching. He had another male riding a few feet behind him, but it was the front man that Uther knew. He would never mistake this man for another. He was a strong, tough man with one scar crossed over his left eyes. His hair was long and brown tied back in a loose pony tail. Uther knew him to be both smart, wise, and strong. He was a man that one would not forget easily nor a man who aged quickly apparently. The man stopped and got off his horse in front of Uther. Uther noticed he had aged very gracefully.

"Ajax," Uther said.

"Uther," he said with a slight laugh. They gripped each other's wrists and hugged like old army buddies, and indeed they were. "It's been too long."

"Things really do change," he said. "I wasn't aware you work for them." The them was emphasized bitterly.

"What? You think they didn't know you would become King? They knew and someone had to form you into the makings of a real King though I hear you haven't taken my lessons of mercy to heart."

"Some should not be shown mercy."

"Perhaps," Ajax admitted. "This is my son, Jack," he said nodding to the boy who got off his horse. He was the same age as Uther's own son, and just like Arthur the boy took mostly after his mother. Jack was tall and lanky, but that wasn't to say he didn't have a look of strength about him. It looked as if he had been trained as a knight like Uther knew Ajax had. He had sandy blonde nearly brown hair. The only trait he seemed to have of Ajax was the same wide, warm brown eyes. Jack inclined his head to say that he recognized Uther, but he said nothing.

"I presume Lorraine was his mother."

"Yes. She passed away when he was small."

"I'm sorry to hear that. She was a wonderful woman." Ajax nodded.

"Yeah, she was," Ajax said. "As was Ygraine. I suppose we were both unfortunate when it came to love." Uther nodded. A maid came down the stairs and stopped in front of Ajax and Jack and by Uther.

"This maid will lead you to your rooms. Anything you need just ask."

"Thank you. I suspect we shall talk again later?"

"Yes. I shall throw a feast tonight."

"Sounds good to me," Ajax said. Ajax and Jack followed the maid up the stairs and into the castle.

"What do you mean I have to serve at the feast!" Artemis asked Merlin annoyed. Merlin shrugged.

"Arthur said they need all the help they could get. He said there was no convincing Uther otherwise," Merlin explained. Artemis groaned annoyed. They were sitting eating lunch in Gaius's home. Rhian was sitting next to Artemis. They were awaiting the arrival of Ajax and Jack still. They still had not arrived.

"Fine, but I refuse to like it. Any comments made to me that I find offensive and I'm poisoning the food." Merlin laughed.

"Fine."

"Fine."

Artemis had a simple dress on. It was light blue and white and would not catch the attention of others. Rhian would be staying at home studying a foreign language. Artemis figured since she was her teacher in the future she could teach her now. Artemis walked with Gwen to the feast. Artemis sighed and took in the air.

"Gorgeous night no?" Gwen asked.

"Yes, indeed," Artemis replied. They walked up the steps and into the banquet hall. The feast began.

Artemis stared at the King's guest thinking. It couldn't be, could it? It had been over five years since she had seen either Ajax and Jack. She could be mistaken. Jack was definitely not that tall nor had that much muscle. Nor was ever that good looking, but the other man… Ajax. It had to be him. The similarities were too much. She had to do something.

"Let me borrow that," Artemis said to Gwen, who was holding a pitcher of water.

"Why? You're not going to dump it on Arthur, are you?"

"What? No. I'm past that… for the most part. I just need it." Gwen handed Artemis the pitcher. Artemis went over to the man she thinks could be Jack. "More water?" she asked.

"No thank you."

"I insist," Artemis pressed.

"No, I'm…," he looked to up to Artemis and immediately jumped up from his chair. She laughed. It was him. He hugged her, and she returned the hug. He laughed and held her out at arms length. "It's been too long Amber," he said affectionately.

"It has," Artemis agreed. "You look great."

"I do? Have you looked in a mirror? You look amazing. You gain in beauty each year I leave you." Artemis laughed.

"I have to continue my servant duties."

"Nonsense," he said taking the pitcher from her and shoving it into Merlin's hands, who was giving Arthur more water slowly and listening to our conversation. He wasn't the only one listening to their conversation. It had also captured the attention of Arthur, Uther, Morgana, and Ajax. "Take a walk with me. It's a beautiful night."

"Of course," Artemis said

"Please excuse me sire," Jack said to Uther.

"Of course."

"Father, Prince Arthur, Lady Morgana," he said nodding to them each. Ajax nodded at Artemis with a smile. He held out his hand and as Jack and Artemis walked by it, she took it briefly and affectionately before letting go and continuing on her way outside with Jack. They walked in the citadel quietly side by side. "I have missed you," he said.

"As I you," she said with a smile. "You have changed. Matured," Artemis noted.

"I hope the change is to your taste."

"Indeed," she said. "Just seven years ago you would have kicked anyone's ass who stood between you and me like Kael." Jack chuckled.

"Ah, yes. Kael. I am sorry to hear what happened. He made you happy. I should have realized that that is what you needed. I'm sorry I was selfish."

"No need. You cared for me. You were jealous."

"I more than cared for you. I loved you, Artemis."

"Hm," Artemis said looking off into the sky. She seemed to bypass the comment, or perhaps she simply didn't want to hear it, and this was the only response she had.

"I still do," he said stopping and looking down at her. She looked up at him but looked down shaking her head.

"You don't know me anymore. I've changed."

"I know. I've heard stories and rumors, but my feelings, no matter how much you change, will always stay the same." Artemis was silent. "We are meant to marry, Amber. You know that."

"I… We are expected, but if we do not, it will not matter." Jack nodded.

"You are right the Servants would never force you to give up your independence if you do not wish to, but nor will they allow you to marry a prince." Artemis's gaze snapped up to his face.

"We've been warned about you and him. You and him can never be unless you forfeit your life, your soul. I can give you just as much as he can, but you can keep your life. You could live happy."

"No," Artemis said shaking her head. "I would live content. There is a difference. I could not be happy without Arthur."

"You would give everything just for a prince?" he asked not able to comprehend why she was choosing this.

"He is not just a prince. He's everything to me. If I can't be with him, whether romantic or not, then I forfeit everything anyways."

"That is an overstatement," he told her. Artemis shook her head.

"Perhaps to you, but it is reality for me. Is that what you came here for? To convince me to stay away from Arthur and to gain me as your own? Because that is a ridiculous notion and will never be."

"No… no, of course not. I came here to see you… just to see again. I have missed you, and a visit has been long overdue." Artemis nodded.

"Then let us not talk anymore about this topic. How are you? How is your training? How is your father?"

"All good. I have had a good time in the east. I didn't travel as much has you did, but I got to see a good portion of the world. As for my training, it is individual studies. I am learning more that way. I am an exceptional fighter now. I could even kick your Prince's ass now," he said with a smile. "As for my father, he is well." Jack cleared his voice. "He's taken to spend quite a lot of time with Saoirse whenever he's near the main base for the Servants of the northeast."

"Really now?" Artemis asked curiously. "I thought they hated each other."

"They did, but I think it's rather like flaws. At first, you resent your flaws, but slowly you don't grow fond of them, but where would you be without them." Artemis laughed lightly.

"You think they are captivated with each other?"

"I believe so."

"Now that you mention it… Saoirse did seem rather down at the tournament, but I only saw her for a minute. I had other things to worry about."

"I know. I heard of the fiasco that occurred. I'm sorry I wasn't there. I was busy and simply couldn't leave." Artemis nodded.

"Understandable."

"But congratulations on almost winning."

"Thank you," she said with a smile. "Oh!" Artemis said suddenly. Rhian had slipped her mind. She had completely forgotten. It is funny what happens when you are with old friends. "So, I have an interesting tail to tell you." Artemis proceeded to tell Jack what had occurred in the Crystal Caves and about finding Rhian.

"She's from the future?"

"Yes. She says there's a portal in the Gorion Mountains, but she says someone called the Masters of the World occupy it."

"Masters of the World?" he questioned.

"I don't know. She said they were the enemy of the Servants."

"Strange. Perhaps father will know," he suggested.

"I hope. I need to get her back." Jack nodded in agreement.

"I suppose we could scout out the Moutains of Gorion," Jack suggested.

"I don't know. Let's talk to your father tomorrow." Jack nodded. They continued to talk until late into the night. They were quite compatible. Nearing two o'clock in the morning, Jack and Artemis departed. Before Artemis could stop him, he kissed her hand gingerly.

"I think it's a good idea," Ajax said the next day as they spoke in the halls of the palace. They had told him of scouting out the Mountains of Gorion. "Though I can't join you. I have to be here."

"Of course," Artemis said. "Good then we leave tomorrow at dusk."

"To do what?" a voice asked behind them getting closer. They turned Arthur was walking toward them.

"Oh look a rat," Jack muttered under his breath. "Nothing that concerns you," he said harshly. Ajax hit him upside the head. "Sire," he said between clenched teeth.

"Anything that is Artemis's concern is mine," he informed Jack just as rudely and coldly.

"Are you aware she's not a maiden?" Jack asked. Clearly, he was trying to get Arthur to think Artemis unworthy of him. Artemis didn't seem to care.

"I am," Arthur told him. Artemis could see a content smirk trying to stay suppressed. "And I am okay with that." Jack twitched visibly.

"Artemis and I are going on a voyage without you," he said. "Just the two of us." Artemis rolled her eyes. Boys and jealously. She sighed.

"To where?"

"The Mountains of Gorion."

"The… those mountains are treacherous and dangerous. Why are you going there? It's desolate."

"That's not for you to know." Artemis mulled over her thoughts in her head for a moment.

"There's a mirror there," she said.

"Artemis," Jack said sharply. "You can't simply say things like that."

"Rhian's like us. She went through the mirror and landed in the past."

"Artemis!" Jack warned.

"Really?" Arthur asked surprised but quickly gained composure. "I'm not that surprised somehow." Artemis smiled.

"I knew you wouldn't be. You're rather um… what's the word… intuitive sometimes."

"Thank you," Arthur said with a slight smile.

"Other times you are completely obtuse," she informed him. Arthur's smile fell.

"Thank you, Artemis. Really," he said sarcastically.

"No problem."

"Well, if you are going into perilous lands then I am coming with," he said.

"No," Jack said flatly

"Okay," Artemis said ignoring Jack. "Just tell Uther. We are leaving tomorrow at dawn, and of course, Merlin will be coming if you are, yes?"

"Who else would carry my things?" Arthur asked. Artemis rolled her eyes and shook her head with a humored smile.

"Then go ask daddy dearest." Arthur nodded and walked off.

"Are you crazy?" Jack asked her. "You can't just tell him things like that."

"Arthur, Merlin, and I have been through some crazy nonsense. Saying something like that to him is nothing unusual."

"I refuse to get along with him," Jack warned.

"You will," Ajax said, "or you're staying here, and Arthur and Artemis are going alone." Jack gave his father a distasteful look.

"Time to tell Rhian."

Artemis opened the door to her home. Rhian was in there doing what she was not supposed to. Objects of all sorts were flying around the room in midair.

"Rhian!" Artemis yelled. The objects fell. Rhian stood and stared at Artemis wide eyed. "You can't do that here. If they catch you, you'll be burned to the stake."

"Right. I don't think Arthur would do that," she muttered.

"What?" Artemis asked not quite understanding her.

"I need to tell you something," she said with a sigh sitting back down.

"What?"

"You need to sit down for this." Artemis sat in a chair across from her. "So… Ajax found me out and advised me to tell you the truth." Artemis raised an eyebrow.

"What?" Rhian took a deep breath and removed a ring on a chain from around her neck.

"My parents aren't dead… this is my father's. It belongs to my older brother, but he gave it to me for good luck before heading off to the Mountains of Gorion.." Artemis stared at her unsure but looked at the ring. Clearly engraved in the ring was the name Pendragon. She looked at her in surprise.

"You're a Pendragon?" She nodded.

"Arthur's my father."

"Why are you here?" Artemis asked. "Have you lost your damn mind? Arthur probably has the entire army of Camelot looking for you!" Questions first, shock later.

"I know… I know, but I had to come here. Cassandra told me it was necessary."

"The Prophet of Old, Cassandra?" Rhian nodded.

"Why?"

"She said without me, the Servants wouldn't find out about the Masters of the World until it was too late." Artemis nodded.

"I know now. Jack, Arthur, Merlin, and I are going to go scout out the mountains. I'm going to find a way to get you back. I promise you," she said gently touching Rhian's hand. There was silent. Artemis mulled this over. She was sitting in front of Princess Rhian, the daughter of Arthur Pendragon. "Who's your mother?" Rhian opened her mouth to answer. "No. I don't want to know." Rhian closed her mouth. There was silence.

They headed off for the mountains at dawn. They were definitely far. They were outside Uther's realm, but thankfully they were also in friendly territory, an apparent ally of Uther's.

"Who in their right mind would by allies with Uther?" Jack asked when Arthur informed them of this. Arthur seemed to twitch slightly but said nothing.

"Oh, I don't know. I think some respect him," Artemis replied. "He is a descent king. I have met worse."

"I don't think you believe that," Jack informed her. "You can't possibly agree with the laws they have there that have to deal with magic."

"I don't, but it's not my decision."

"True. You would make a fair queen though," Jack said.

"Nah, I would hate having to always were dresses like Morgana's."

"But you've been dressing in skirts more," Arthur told her.

"That's different. Dresses meant for nobility are tight and rather uncomfortable," Artemis said.

"You look lovely in anything," Arthur told her.

"At least we agree on something," Jack said. Arthur seemed to twitch again. Artemis sighed and shook her head. How long was this going to go on? Jack's advances; Arthur trying to keep up with Jack's advances to make it clear to Jack that Artemis was Arthur's and not his.

"Thank you," she said offhandedly. The day went back calmly, and they stopped when the sun started to dip low. They made camp. "I'm going to get firewood," Artemis said. She couldn't take Arthur and Jack anymore. They were suffocating her.

"I'll go with," Jack said.

"I'll be fine alone. No bears will eat me. Promise." She just wanted to be alone. Was that too much to ask? Jack shook his head.

"I want to talk to you about something, Servant related." She looked at him. He was serious. Artemis nodded hesitatly. She just wanted a moments peace, but if it was Servant related perhaps she should hear it. Together, they went off much to Arthur's annoyance.

"What did you want to talk about?" Artemis asked. They stood in a clearing Artemis stopped. They might as well get whatever it was out of the way.

"Our marriage."

"We already discussed this."

"Please, Artemis. Hear me out."

"What?"

"Kiss me."

"What? You've lost your mind."

"Just once. I swear to you if there is nothing than… I will drop it. Just once if you are so sure that you do not love me than it will mean nothing. It will be harmless."

"Just once?" Jack nodded. Artemis thought about this. "And then you'll drop it?"

"Yes."

"Swear?"

"Yes."

"Well, if that's all it takes for me to get rid of you, fine." Jack gripped the sides of her face gently. His touch was different from Arthur. Jack hadn't been training as long or hard as Arthur. His hands weren't as rough as Arthur's, but somehow Arthur's touch still felt lighter. He pressed him lips to Artemis's. It was different. Much different but not bad. No not bad… a different kind of love. The world didn't stop. There was no moment of shear perfection, but there was a fire, a passion that would not exist had she felt nothing for him. It was a love that did not stop time but existed with time. It would fade once they are in the ground rotting, but that was how love… normal love was supposed to be. She pulled away and looked up at Jack. He looked down at her. They stared at each other.

"I was right," he said. "Admit it." She looked down to the ground. She pulled away from him and walked away from him silent. She gathered a little wood quickly.

She reached camp. Arthur was laying on the ground with a blanket over him. He seemed asleep.

"He's moody," Merlin informed her. "He hates traveling with Jack. It takes a toll on him." Artemis nodded and sat with a sigh against a tree. She put her hand to her head thinking wearily.

"What's wrong?" Merlin asked.

"You know how there are moments where if you talked about it, it'll just confuse you even more so it's best left to not saying anything."

"Yes."

"I don't want to talk about it." Merlin nodded respecting his sister's privacy.

"What the hell is your problem?" Artemis asked Arthur. They had stopped to give the horses water at a nearby lake. Merlin and Jack were back on the trail and away from Artemis's fury. Arthur had been an ass today especially to Artemis. She was sick of it. Was it not enough that she had to deal with trying to get Arthur's daughter back to her time? Was it not enough that she had to deal with Jack's advances? Was it not enough that she had to deal with the an organization called the Masters of the World? Was it not enough that she had to worry about Morgana's betrayal? Was it not enough that she had to deal with the prospect of her own death? She had seen three out of ten visions. Her death was fast approaching and now, now she had to deal with Arthur and his rude behavior. Artemis had just about had enough.

"What's wrong with me?" Arthur asked disgusted with her. "I saw you with Jack last night!" Artemis looked away ashamed. "And I know I shouldn't be upset because we aren't really together, but I am. I can't help it." It was clear Arthur was burned out, just as burned out as Artemis was. "I know he's a Servant in training, and that you and him can be together without all the struggle you and I have trying to be together. It just upsets me."

"Arthur, stop. I won't lie to you… I do… feel something for Jack, but trust me it is nothing compared to what I feel for you. I feel love for Jack…. The kind of love that lasts your entire life, but what I feel for you lies beyond this life. I love you, and even in the next life and the life after that and until my very being is burnt from existence, I'll love you. It's not normal for me, for anyone, to feel this strongly, but… I do. I do. I could never exist truly happy without you." Artemis kissed him, and he kissed her back. "Every time I kiss you my entire world spins. It's a moment of perfection in my otherwise completely chaotic life. Understand?" Arthur looked down at her and embraced her smiling into her hair.

"So you're mine."

"Until the end of eternity and passed that."

"Touching," a voice said. They turned and saw Jack looking at them darkly. Artemis pulled away from Arthur and went back to the trail past the trees. She expected them to follow, but they stood and glared each other down for a minute longer before then going back to the path with the horses.

The climb up the mountains wasn't too bad. The mirror could just be seen inside a cave next to a small lake, but the place was clearly dangerous. It was crawling with people dress in black. Artemis could feel their magic but could not see them visibly using it, but she could still tell how strong it was. There were hundreds from what she could tell. It was even dangerous to scout out the place further. Artemis looked carefully around. There was no way that they would be able to make it to the mirror. It was hopeless. They retreated.

"What now?" Merlin asked. "How are we going to send Rhian back to her time?"

"We have to get the Servants of the World's help. It's going to be annoying to ask, but we have to. It could take a little while for them to answer my call, but what choice is there?" It was agreed. The Servants of the World had to be called.

There was a knock on the guest chamber doors. Ajax answered it. Prince Arthur stood there. They looked at each other.

"Can I help you sire?" he asked. Ajax had a feeling that sooner or later he would be seeing Arthur at his door. Now the question was, how smart was he? What would he ask for?

"I was wondering if you had a book of laws and rules for the Servants of the World."

So he was smarter than he looked. Ajax nodded.

"Come in." He moved in farther and Arthur followed. "Shut the door." He did as he was told. Ajax pulled open a chest and pulled out a large leather bound book. He let it drop on a table near Arthur. It fell with a large thud. "Before I lend this to you, let me tell you something very clearly and precisely. I know why you want this book. I am not a fool. I understand the workings of young love, but if you are caught with it, if you are questioned about it, I will claim you stole it from me. I am loyal to the Servants, but I am also loyal to Artemis. However, I am not loyal to you. In my personal opinion, you are playing fire. If Erus finds out what is happening, she will make you watch Artemis die, and then I will kill you myself. Artemis is like a daughter to me if you cause her death I will cause yours. Are we understood?"

"Yes."

"Good." Ajax slid the book off the table and gave it to Arthur. He also pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket. "You're going to need this as well." Arthur took the paper. It was a key to the language inside the book. Arthur turned away and left.

Another knock later in the night found Ajax and Artemis face to face.

"We need to talk," she said. He shut the door as she entered.

"What is it?"

"The Masters of the World. Have you heard of them?"

"No," Ajax said confused.

"Well, it's time they are brought to light. I don't know what they want, but if they go against the Servants… they're strong, Ajax. I've never seen people with that much power gathered in one place. I fear who they are."

"How many?"

"Hundreds, but I've spoken to Rhian. She said that there are hundreds of bases throughout the world, and that they know about us. We need to summon the Electus and all the other leaders. We have no choice."

"We cannot summon them in Camelot. Even if Uther allowed it, it would bring to light his crimes."

"I agree. I believe the best place to meet is at the Island of Yelta."

"When?"

"As soon as possible. Send them a letter. Tell them everything. Tell them of Rhian. Tell them of the Masters. Tell them of the dangers we believe they pose. Have them set a time." Ajax nodded.

"What in the meantime?"

"Nothing. We can do nothing. Rhian will have no choice but to continue living in Camelot until the Electus can help." Ajax nodded.

"You're scared."

"I fear for the future. I don't know what will become of what I know," she whispered. She could say no more. She turned and left the room. Things were still so unsure.