Long, but a lot happens. If anyone can name what book the strategy in this chapter comes from you would be my hero and would get a reward of some kind. and there is no trick in this chapter, i repeat there is no trick.

Artemis sat next to Arthur on the cave floor. He looked downright miserable, but then again how else was he supposed to feel. He just found out someone he knew his entire life was in fact his sister and was treacherous.

"Arthur, you can't just sit here. You must take action. Morgana will never lose if you do not."

"How long have you known?" Arthur asked quietly.

"Known what?"

"That Morgana was a traitor? That Morgana is my sister?"

"I have known she was your sister since I met her, and I have known she was treacherous since she arrived back in Camelot," she told him honestly.

"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked.

"What did you want me to say? I warned you."

"That wasn't enough!" Arthur snapped at her.

"Are you angry with me!"

"You should have said something!"

"I tried, and if I tried harder you still would not have heeded my warnings!"

"Is there something else I should know! Perhaps your married or maybe I'm going to die soon!" Arthur yelled at her. Artemis stood. She opened her mouth to reprimand him but decided against it. Artemis went to Gaius. He gave her a look. Her jaw remained locked.

"What happened?" Gaius asked as Merlin reappeared in a cave that was their hideout. Merlin was out of breathe. Artemis stood by Gaius with her arms crossed looking at her brother.

"Nothing," he said.

"We have to do something. Morgana's men are everywhere," Merlin whispered careful for Arthur not to do. The three looked at him. He looked miserable. "Where are the Servants?"

"They are trying. The Masters have been holding them back." Artemis looked to Amice, who was healing but slowly. They had smashed her head in pretty bad.

"Can't you do anything?"

"What? What in Gods' names do you want me to do?" she asked whispering quite angrily. "I have to take care of Amice! I have to take care of Ava! I have to make sure Rhian doesn't get hurt! I have a hundred things to deal with besides Arthur! I tried to talk to him, and you know what he did? He snapped at me! So you do something!" Artemis walked out. Every since she got back from the Servants, she's been moody though Merlin had no idea why.

Artemis went out of the cave to take a breath. She was tired. She was worried. She was so close to Avalon she was seeing things. Kael stood watching her against a tree.

"You know love it's not good seeing the dead," he said.

"I know," she replied. "I'm going to die."

"I know."

"I'm not ready."

"I know," he said again.

"But it is the choice I will make," she replied.

"I know."

"Are you mad at me?"

"For?"

"Arthur."

"No," he replied. "We were not destiny to love like you do."

"How can you be in such grace?"

"Because I want you happy," he replied.

"You should not go so close to Avalon, Artemis," a voice said. She jumped. Cassandra stood there looking between her and the ghost of Artemis's former lover. "It is dangerous."

"Cassandra… where are the others?"

"They are trying to take the Gorion Mountains. They wish to send Rhian back and away from this."

"Will it work?"

"No," she replied.

"Why are you here then? Why aren't you helping them?"

"Because your death is fast approaching, Artemis. As a friend, it is best if I am here," she replied. Artemis was silent.

"I'm not ready. There is much I haven't done."

"That is the lament of all on their death beds. Have you told him?"

"Arthur? No. He would not allow me to do what I am going to."

"You know how your death will come about."

"I do," she replied.

"I'm sorry, Artemis," Cassandra said.

"Did you always know?"

"About?"

"Me?"

"Yes," she replied. "I knew things would change because of you. I knew about you and Prince Arthur. I knew a lot of things, Artemis, just as I know a lot more than you."

"Come in before we're seen," Artemis said. Cassandra nodded and entered the cave with Artemis. Cassandra went to Amice immediately.

"Drink this," she said trying to pour a liquid in Amice's mouth. She succeeded and immediately, Amice gasped. She was healed right away. Cassandra tucked the vial back in the folds of her clothes.

"Cassandra," Amice said standing with her help. "What's happening?"

"War, my dear. Many dead. Much destroyed."

"What then?"

"Once the Gorion Mountains are captured, you will take Rhian to the mirror. She will go through."

"And Artemis?"

"That will be decided when Arthur finally gathers his troops," she said. They looked to Arthur. He still didn't look good.

"He will start in a day." Amice nodded.

"I need rest," Artemis said. She found herself an empty space in the cave. She didn't sleep. Ghosts kept her awake. They kept her shaking. She wasn't looking good.

The night fell, and Artemis slept, but she did not fall into the land of dreams. She fell into the land of the dead.

"Artemis," a voice said. She turned around fast. A woman with hair and eyes as dark as a raven stood on the barren grounds in front of her. She wore all black with an ankh around her neck. "Do you know who I am?"

"Yes."

"Are you afraid?"

"No."

"I'm glad to hear it. That is what I sought." She went to turn away, but Artemis stopped her.

"I'm not afraid, but still I do not enjoy seeing you."

"You have time," she said.

"Little."

"A little can be a lifetime when used properly. Good bye, Artemis. I will see you soon."

"Good bye," she muttered as she watched Death disappear.

Artemis awoke, and she took a walk through the woods. The sun had risen. It was a new day. She hoped a better day.

"You shouldn't walk out here alone," a voice said. She ignored it. She hadn't been listening to people. Too many of them were dead. "Artemis? You're mad at me? I understand. I deserve it. I shouldn't have yelled at you." Still she didn't respond. "Artemis," Arthur said. He walked to her and grabbed her shoulder. She turned around. Shock covered her face.

"Arthur," she breathed.

"Artemis, what's wrong? You look ill."

"Nothing," she muttered trying to turn away. He pulled her back.

"Artemis, what's wrong?" he whispered gently putting his forehead to hers. He looked down at her. She seemed to be searching for something in his eyes. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but she shut it. "Artemis?" Tears fell down her eyes, and she sobbed. Unable to hold herself together, she collapsed. Arthur held her as she cried into him. They sat on the forest floor. He didn't ask more what was bothering her. He didn't want to destroy her anymore than she already was.

"Are you going to be okay?" he asked her with a breath. She had stopped crying, but her eyes were still red.

"Yes," she replied.

"Good, because it's time to do something."

"Oh? What brought this about?"

"Your brother," he replied. She nodded and stood. He stood with her.

"I'm going to go speak with Cassandra." He nodded and started to walk off. "Wait," she called. He turned back to her. She kissed him. "Okay," she replied walking away.

"He's finally started, has he?" Cassandra asked. Artemis nodded. "As has Merlin. He retrieved Excalibur last night."

"Did he?" Cassandra nodded.

"The Electus will meet us at our next hideout."

"Which will be where?"

"You shall see." They heard a clatter of men. Cassandra nodded toward the sound. She ended up joining Arthur, Everett, Gwaine, and Merlin in a fight. Rhian and Ava tried, but Cassandra stopped her and brought her to the safety of the cave. They were ready to strike when Gwen and Sir Leon appeared.

"Gwen, Leon!" Arthur and Artemis both said in relief that they were alive. Arthur looked quite pleased as he shook Leons hand.

"We've been found!" Gwaine shouted. Morgana's knights appeared.

"Get the others," Arthur told Merlin. "We need to get out of here." Merlin ran back to the cave to get Gaius, Ava, Rhian, and Cassandra. The rest of them fled down the narrow pathway, but knights came at them. Boulders crashed down blocking Morgana's men's' way.

"What was that?" Arthur asked.

"I don't know, but I like it already," Gwaine said. Lancelot appeared.

"Lancelot," Gwen breathed as another man appeared nest to Lancelot.

"We need to hurry," he said nodding toward the path. They followed.

"I'll take it that rock fall wasn't an accident," Arthur said plunging his sword into the ground when they finally got a breather.

"This is Percival," Lancelot said slapping the bigger man on the back. "It was his strength that brought them down.

"Your Highness," Percival said quietly.

"Arthur," he said holding out his hand. Percival laugh slightly before taking Arthur's wrist.

"Arthur it is."

"What are you doing here?"

"It was me," Merlin said. "I sent for him." Arthur looked back at them.

"Well, we owe you our lives. Thank you." Arthur and Lancelot shook, and Arthur hit Percival on the shoulder.

"Men," Artemis said. "Always hitting each other as a greeting. I'll never understand it."

"Ah, Artemis," Lancelot nodded. She nodded.

"I hope your journey was not bad."

"It was fair."

"I'm sure you and Gwen have plenty to catch up on," she said nodding to Gwen. Artemis smirked mischievously. Lancelot smiled at Gwen.

They continued on to a new hideout. It was an old castle of sorts. When they entered it was even older looking on the inside.

"You sure we'll be safe in here?" Gaius asked.

"This castle belonged to the ancient kings. It will do for a while," Arthur replied.

"Can't be worse than that cave," Elyan noted.

"That's optimism," Artemis joked.

"It will do," Cassandra said.

"Search the place. See what you can find," Arthur said. Search they did. Artemis dusted off an old grand fireplace before breaking an old desk into pieces.

"Ava," she called, but there was no need. Cassandra's eyes glowed gold and set the wood on fire.

"You still are hesitant to use your gifts. Your prince knows."

"I know, but he doesn't truly know about the Old Religion. He is still in the dark of the good in it." Cassandra nodded understanding this. Together, Cassandra, Artemis, and Gwen lit the rest of the candle and torches to light the room. Gwaine, Lancelot, and Percival in the meantime found weapons.

"Must have been left by bandits," Gwaine said throwing them on the table. Arthur threw a blanket off a table that Gaius sat at. It was a round table. Artemis smiled fondly at it.

"Here!" Arthur called. "Come and join me." Arthur took Artemis's hand and purposefully sat her on his right hand. Then, Arthur nodded to the seat next to Artemis for Rhian. She smiled and sat. Merlin sat at Arthur's other hand. All in the room sat around the table. "This table belonged to the ancient kings of Camelot. A round table afforded no one man more importance than any other. They believed in equality in all things. So, it seems fitting that we revive this tradition now. Without each of you, we would not be here. My father has languished in prison for too long. Tomorrow, I make my bid to rescue him. Are there any around this table who will join me?" There was a brief silence before Lancelot stood.

"You taught me the values of being a knight," Lancelot told Arthur," the code by which a man should live his life. To fight with honour for justice, freedom, and all that's good. I believe in the world that you will build." Arthur stared at Lancelot. He was grateful, and then Elyan spoke.

"Even though I was a commoner, a nobody, you were willing to lay down your life for me, Arthur," he said standing. "It is now my turn to repay you." Arthur nodded equally grateful to him. Leon stood.

"I have fought alongside you many times. There is no one that I would rather die for."

"I think we've no chance," Gwaine said. They looked to Gwaine. "But I wouldn't miss it for the world." Gwaine stood to join them. Percival stood.

"Your enemies are my enemies," he said. Everett stood.

"I'm not from Camelot, but… this is home for me. I wish to fight with you for my family," he said putting his hand on Ava's shoulder. Ava stood.

"I'm no good fighting with child, but I can provide moral support." Rhian stood.

"I'll fight for my future."

"Like hell you will," Amice said standing. "I will fight for that future." Rhian glared at Amice. Amice rolled her eyes.

"If you need an old man," Gaius said standing.

"You know the answer," Gwen said. Cassandra stood.

"The Servants are with you," she told him. "You're Camelot is a Camelot we wish to see." Artemis sighed and stood.

"I'm in this deep might as well," she said. She smiled slightly. He smiled at her. He looked around proud of everyone, but then he frowned and realized something was amiss.

"Merlin?" he questioned.

"No, don't really fancy it," he said after a moments thought."You don't have a choice, Merlin," Arthur said."Okay," he replied immediately standing. Arthur and Merlin looked at each other like they knew each other. It was simple as that. He turned back to the table. "I want to thank you all for staying loyal to me in Camelot's hour of need. I'll do something that my father won't approve of." The men got on there knees, and Arthur took his sword and knighted them each."Arise, Sir Lancelot, Knight of Camelot. Arise, Sir Gawain, Knight of Camelot. Arise, Sir Percival, Knight of Camelot. Arise, Sir Elyan, Knight of Camelot. Arise, Sir Everett, Knight of Camelot." They rose. "When you fight, you can stand proud knowing you are members of the most noble army the world has ever known."

The night followed. It was a quiet night. Artemis couldn't sleep again.

The door to the hideout opened the following day. Cassandra stood in respect. Erus came in coughing. Her leather top and trousers were covered in dry blood. She had a sword strapped to her side. The other Electus followed her. They all looked terrible. Artemis notice Zhi was not there.

"Where's Zhi?"

"Dead," Erus said coarsely taking a seat and collapsing in it. "The army is in the forest setting up tents. There's one for you as well, Artemis."

"Did you capture the Gorion Mountains?"

"No," she replied. She threw off her sword. It clattered on the table. "Ambrose was there. He killed half our soldiers. He wants you Artemis. He wants your head."

"What do we do then?" Arthur asked. There was silence. Artemis and Erus looked at each other. They seemed to understand something.

"You know… the most dangerous move in a battle is the sheathing of the sword," Artemis said. Erus smiled. Erus nodded.

"I see. If that is your choice."

"What am I not seeing?" Merlin asked watching them.

"Sheathing of the Sword is when someone sacrifices a wound to themselves to get a final, deadly wound to the enemy. You get injured, but you win the battle," Erus said.

"And?" Arthur asked.

"We're going to give Ambrose what he wants," Artemis said. "We will attack, and I will lead them. Ambrose will get as many reinforcements from the city as possible. So take the knights and enter Camelot undetected. Get your father and anyone else out of there." She looked at Merlin. He nodded. He understood what she was secretly telling him. Get the blood out of the Cup of Life.

"It's too dangerous," Arthur said.

"I know," Artemis replied, "but it's Camelot's best… perhaps only hope. You cannot handle the entire immortal army and the Masters of the World, Arthur. We must be willing to die for this. I will lead the Servants… if you will allow me to take that right from you, Elizabeth."

"Of course. While you lead them, Amice and I will head for the Gorion Mountains to return Rhian to her rightful place." There was a nod of a agreement among the Electus.

"Will you follow me?" Artemis asked them.

"It wasn't like we were never expecting this," the White Electus, Cassandra's brother Gaerwn, said.

"There is a tunnel under the northern ramparts that brings us only a few paces from the entrance to the dungeons," Arthur said giving up. "It will be well guarded. So, if we're going to break everyone out, we must remain unobserved. We cannot let them raise the alarm.""We need to take out the warning bell," Lancelot said. "That way the warriors have no mean of communication.""Good idea," Arthur responded."I'll need someone with me who knows the castle," Lancelot said."I'll go," Merlin said immediately. "Alright."

"It's set then." The day turned to night. They went down to the Servants camp. There wasn't too many of them, but there was a decent amount. There tents were large, and some were big and colorful made of different materials. Everyone, including the knights, left there weapons, armor, and such off for the night before they would have to put it back on and fight for their lives tomorrow morning. They party as if it would be their last night. Cassandra stood, sober looking out into the forest. She breathed in as Arthur approached her.

"Hello, Arthur Pendragon," she said.

"Cassandra… I wish to ask you something," he said.

"I know."

"Will it work? Will Artemis's plan work?"

"Oh, yes," she replied. "Camelot will be successfully captured. After all, you can't rule if you never become King."

"And Artemis?" Cassandra was silent. "She seems… upset lately."

"It is nothing that won't be made right in the end. Trust me. All will work out," Cassandra said. He nodded. "Go spend time with her if she seems upset." He nodded and walked away.

Meanwhile, Artemis laid on the bed in her ridiculously furbished room. You can thank magic for that. She sighed. She had chosen this. She would be the martyr for Camelot. Dear Lord she was an idiot. Arthur came bursting into her tent. She sat halfway up and looked at him from her bed. She was still laying, but her elbows kept her propped up. He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. She laughed. She remembered her dream. A little can be a lifetime when used properly. She sighed and smiled.

"Come here," she said beckoning him to her. He moved around to the side of the bed. She beckoned him closer. He put an arm over her and looked down at her. She leaned up and kissed him. She pushed herself into a sitting position. He cupped her face and leaned in farther kissing her deeper. She pulled him against her as she laid back on the bed. She put her arms around him holding him close feeling his heat radiate off her. She knew he would stay the night, and she knew that neither would be getting much sleep, and she knew that Amadeus would never let her live it down. That bastard. But if she was going to die she wanted to know him at least once.

There was a deep surrender that night. There was no war or battle. This surrender wasn't going to save the world. No but it was a surrender. A surrender between lovers. After that night, that night filled with cries of pleasure and sweat and want and surrender, there was nothing more they could give each other. Artemis gave her soul, her mind, her strength, and her heart to Arthur long ago, and he did the same. Now, she wanted to five the very last piece of her to him, and she did.

The sun started to rise. Artemis found herself entangled in her sheets with Arthur. Her clothes were well all over. She put her hand to her eyes rubbing them. She sat up. Arthur sat up. He put his arms around Artemis and kissed her bare shoulder.

"The battle's today," she said huddling her knees to her chest.

"It is," he replied. "Are you scared?"

"Nervous," she replied. "You'll be careful won't you?"

"Of course," he replied. "And you?"

"Aren't I always?" she teased. She kissed him sweetly. "We should get ready," she said slipping out of bed. Arthur did the same. They needed to prepare for this.

Artemis sat on her horse looking at Camelot. Soon soldiers from the enemy came out. Ambrose stood in front staring at her. This was the battle that she knew was coming.

"If we die, we die on our feet!" Artemis told the soldiers. The battle started. It was bloody; it was dangerous; and body parts as well as fireballs and the like was thrown around. Erus and Amice was not there as stated, so Artemis was left to face Ambrose. He stood in the middle of the field waiting for her. He didn't have a scratch on him. Artemis approached him. It seemed this fight would depend on her. "You came for me. I can't say why, but I'm here."

"So you are. So what have you chosen: life or death? Join me or die."

"I will not join you. I am prepared to fight to the death, but first, I must ask. Are you truly Ambrose?" He smiled.

"Yes and no," he told her. "Many years ago, Ambrose, me… well part of me… was playing with magic. He thought that black magic could be controlled. He was wrong. What came out of that was me. The good side of him is already gone on."

"I see," she replied. "You don't seek peace do you?"

"No. I seek chaos."

"Then I must kill you."

"You have no chance."

"I can try." There was a clash of both metal and magic. Ambrose had done his damage well enough. She was bleeding several places. Burns marked her but still she knew that she had to beat him for Camelot, for the world, for her friends, for her family, for Arthur. She had to kill him. Artemis did exactly what she said she would do. The Sheathing of the Sword. An attack at Ambrose. His blade went through her stomach. She grabbed his wrist, and put the other hand on his shoulder. She pulled the last of her magic from the depths of her body. It wasn't lightning that struck Artemis, no, it was pure magic. It struck from her body to Ambrose and the sky. The soldiers watched as Ambrose fell. The Masters seemed lost not sure what to do. The Servants cheered. Artemis collapsed next to Ambrose's body. Artemis's heart slowed before it stopped.

Erus arrived back on the battlefield. The soldiers of Morgana's army was blown to pieces meaning Merlin succeeded. After Ambrose's death, the Masters were easily captured. It was bloody, but it could have been worse.

Erus stepped to Ambrose's body to examine it, but her eyes fell on Artemis. She frowned and immediately began to pray to the gods that she was hurt and still alive. Her prayers were in vain. She leaned down and checked her pulse. There was none. Erus put her hand to her mouth and sucked up her emotions.

The knights brought her body back to Camelot. Arthur, who looked to be talking happily with Merlin, immediately stood when he saw her body. He ran to her. It was the Red Electus who held him back.

"What's wrong with her?" Arthur asked in a panic. "Cassandra!"

"She's dead, Arthur," Cassandra said shaking. She was crying. She didn't understand. She saw it, and yet her emotions were an overflow. Arthur began to shake his head.

"No… no…. no!" he pushed Amadeus off him before collapsing next to her. "Artemis?" he muttered. "Artemis?" He shook her gently. "Come on. Wake up. Wake up!" Arthur cried over her body. Merlin stood in shock before he as well began to cry for his sister. Artemis's lifeless body laid in Camelot's citadel. It laid in the place she called home. Camelot won the battle, but to Arthur it was a lose of the war.