Pains Of The Heart
Disclaimer: I own nothing at all.
A/N: Review? Please!
Chapter Four: Fighting
Uther and Arthur were planning their form of attack on Sir Marcus' invading army. Neither of them were going to let Elaine go and were most certainly not going to let Camelot fall to the hands of a mere jealous knight. The Kingdom of Camelot had been giving their last warning to return Elaine to Sir Marcus or they were to face the consequences. "We cannot simply give up Elaine." Uther grumbled as he and Arthur poured over maps. "We will have to go and fight them."
"But their numbers are too great." Arthur protested as he stood up straight and looked at the door as it opened. "Sir Leon?"
"They are approaching the city your Majesty. Numbers are vast. At least 250 men." Leon approached his King and Prince, bowing quickly before standing before them. "Are we to fight?" He asked curiously.
"We most certainly are. They will not take my Kingdom, my brother's Kingdom nor my niece." Uther announced angrily and slamming his fist onto the wooden table. "Arthur?"
"I am ready, father." Arthur nodded and gestured to the Knights of Camelot to follow him out of the Grand Hall and out to meet Sir Marcus' army in a battle of dominance over power. Arthur rode at the head of the column with his vast army behind him along with his faithful knights. Arthur would do anything for his father, his people and most definitely for his family. Though it was small, he still fought hard for them.
Gwen sat with Elaine as they listened to the army leaving the castle. "Prince Arthur will defeat Sir Marcus, my Lady. He is a very skilled fighter."
Elaine gave a nervous laugh. "You have not seen me and him fight have you?" Laughing again as she watched Lancelot, who was stood at her window. "Have they all left?"
"Yes my Lady." He nodded slowly, not moving his eyes from the window as he answered her. He watched as Arthur rode further out of Camelot. Once he was completely out of sight, the young man turned to face the two women; Elaine was sat up in bed and Gwen in a chair next to Elaine. "I should leave. I cannot be here any longer." Moving from the window towards her bed to sit in the vacant chair next to the still pale woman. "Uther will not wish for me to be here any longer. Especially in your company, my Lady."
Elaine gave another nervous laugh as she reached forward and held her hand over his own, holding it tightly in her smaller one. "I do not wish for you to leave. It is dangerous outside of these walls. So I insist that you wait until Arthur has defeated Marcus and has returned to Camelot alive and well."
He gave a smile and placed his other hand over Elaine's. "I shall not deny my Lady's wishes." Smiling still until the door opened and he immediately removed his hands from her own in case it was Uther. He stood up quickly when the Lady Morgana entered the room. "My Lady." Lancelot bowed politely to the dark haired woman and he moved away from the empty chair for her to sit next to Elaine.
"Morgana!" Elaine exclaimed in shock and joy. Morgana laughed as she sat next to Elaine on the bed and the two hugged. "Oh my dear friend!" Elaine laughed with her as they embraced each other before Morgana parted from her, leaving her hands on the younger woman's shoulders.
"Oh my dear Elaine! I am glad you are well." Morgana removed her hands from Elaine's shoulders and sat on the bed comfortably. "I am glad you are safe. The King has been terribly worried about you." Holding Elaine's hands in her own. "But now he is afraid for Arthur."
"I am also." Elaine shook her head slightly. "I pray he is returned to us safely." Glancing past Morgana, towards Lancelot, who was once again stood by the window. "I know he will." Elaine tried to smile widely but the smile was half-hearted and the emotion would not reach her eyes. Both Gwen and Morgana saw it in her eyes. She was a young woman who knew so little about the world and know her whole world was collapsing around her. She had lost her home and now her father. Now she could lose her faithful and loving cousin. "I wish my father were here." She whispered softly and looked down at her hands in her lap, which were still in between Morgana's.
"We all do Elaine." Morgana said softly as she gently rubbed Elaine's hands in her own. "You get some rest. You still need it." Elaine shook her head silently as she looked between them all, her gaze resting on Lancelot more often than the others. "Sleep Elaine or you will become ill again." Still rubbing the blonde girl's hands.
Reluctantly Elaine lay back with one hand still in between Morgana's. She didn't realise how exhausted she was until her eyes began to droop. As they closed, she kept her gaze fixed on Lancelot, who was still looking out of her chamber windows.
"She doesn't need all of this." Morgana spoke quietly to Gwen. "She's only young and knows nothing of the world." Her fingers running over the back of Elaine's hand. "Gwen, will you watch over her? I need to see if the King is in need of anything."
"Of course, my Lady." Gwen nodded to Morgana, who had already stood up and was leaving the room as Gwen spoke. Gwen watched her leave before returning her attention to Elaine, who was fast asleep and sleeping peacefully. Occasionally she would turn to look at Lancelot, who was still watching out of the window. "Have they returned yet?"
Lancelot gave a small laugh. "They have only just left Gwen." Turning from the window and walking slowly to his previous seat. "I wish they were returning now." He turned his gaze from Gwen to Elaine but he found it hard to look at either of them. His heart yearned to look at Gwen but he also found his mind often wandering to the blonde woman in the bed. They were both beautiful but in their own way. Gwen had a beautiful heart and Elaine was naturally beautiful in appearance. "I best leave. Uther will not want me here any longer."
Gwen's heart sank as he stood up once again. "But the Lady Elaine insisted you stay until Arthur has returned." Standing up also but remained next to the bed. Elaine stirred lightly but remained asleep. The two held their breath and positions, so they would not disturb the recovering woman. Lancelot watched her and his heart broke at the troubles she was going through. Her father dying and a man fighting to force her to be his wife. "Lancelot?" Gwen whispered gently to bring him out of his thoughts.
"I cannot stay Gwen." He moved in the direction of the door. "Uther does not want me here. Yes I know I rescued Lady Elaine but I am still unwelcome in Camelot. I am not welcome here." Running a hand over his stubble chin. "I have to leave, Gwen. I cannot stay here." He shook his head to silence her before she argued with him again. "I will see you again Gwen. I know I shall." Giving her a small nod and looking over her shoulder at Elaine, who was still fast asleep. "Do not tell her I left before she told me to." Gwen gave a nod and he left the chambers without another word and without looking behind him at the two women.
"HOLD! HOLD!" Arthur shouted to his men behind him. They were fighting the opposing fighters just outside of the city. They had managed to keep the enemy out of the city and in the outlying grounds of Camelot. "GET READY!" He shouted loudly, his eyes focused on the enemy. Adrenaline ran through his veins as he gripped his sword tightly. "NOW!" He screamed and they lunged forward, attacking the approaching army. Shields and steel clashed together, causing a great amount of noise.
The adrenaline continued to run through Arthur as he cut down man after man. He was going to find Sir Marcus and force him to surrender but Marcus was nowhere to be found on the battlefield.
Marcus was watching from the trees. He sat atop of his horse with his second-in-command and watched as his army fought hard against the very well-trained Knights of Camelot. "They're good." He spoke followed by a nervous laugh. "Will we be able to get into the castle for the girl?"
"I don't think so my Lord. Their defences are too great. Even with Arthur and the majority of his knights fighting outside of the castle, there is no possible way for any of the men to infiltrate the castle." Sir Jasper spoke gruffly as he too watched the men try to defeat the Knights of Camelot but it seemed a lost cause. "My Lord, I believe it should be best to retreat. The men are being slaughtered." Marcus gave a silent nod and Jasper made it his duty to inform the men to retreat.
The enemy army, or the remainder of the enemy army, began to retreat as soon as the signal was given. Arthur and his Knights remained firm and strong. They were weary about the sudden retreat and held their ground in case of a surprise attack from a cavalry or even a larger army. "Keep your positions!" Arthur announced as he and the Knights watched the dark forest. "Steady men!" Gripping his sword tightly in his hand. "Wait! It could be a diversion. Don't move!" His eyes scanning the dark trees.
"ARTHUR PENDRAGON!" A voice shouted loudly from the trees in front of them, echoing around them. "I WANT ELAINE RETURNED TO ME OR THERE WILL BE DISASTERIOUS CONSEQUENCES FOR THE GREAT KINGDOM OF CAMELOT! YOU HAVE TWO DAYS!" His voice echoed around the area, giving a terrifying feel to the Knights, who held their positions; shields and swords at the ready.
Arthur waited at least 10 minutes before he and his Knights moved around the battlefield in search of survivors from both sides and also to return the dead Knights to Camelot. They lost a few but the number of injured knights was greater. Arthur helped to return the injured and the dead back into Camelot and the enemy soldiers into the dungeons. He knew he needed to speak with his father but the interrogation of the enemy soldiers was much more important. He needed to find Sir Marcus' camp was in order to make an attack on the camp and imprison the usurper. There were only 4 enemy soldiers who were fit enough to talk, the others were seriously injured and being treated.
After three long hours of questioning every surviving soldier, Arthur had no clue to where Marcus had his camp. It was obvious that Marcus had not returned to Corbenic castle as the journey was too far. Tired and dirty, Arthur slowly moved to his own chambers to change and wash before he gave an account of the battle to his father and the repeating demands of Marcus.
Once he had washed and changed into more comfortable and warmer clothing. He immediately sent Merlin to work by ordering him to clean his chain mail and boots, he wanted to be prepared in case he had to go back into battle soon. He had the urge to visit his cousin but she needed her rest and plus he did not wish to worry her about the earlier battle, even though she would be able to see it from her chambers. The Prince held too many worries on his shoulders but he made no complaint and continued with his life as the crown Prince of Camelot. That was how he was brought up.
Approaching the doors to the Great Hall, he walked in to find his father sitting calm on his throne. "Sire." Arthur bowed respectfully to his father and advanced forward. "The small army was defeated but Marcus is still demanding Elaine be returned to him." Keeping his position in front of his father, who sat listening to his son and then sat thinking about what their next move could be. "He gives us two days to return Elaine to him and he will attack Camelot again."
"How many are injured?" Asked Uther.
"A dozen but they will make full recoveries."
"And our losses?"
"Five men lost their lives tonight." Arthur said with great pain. Whenever he lost a single Knight, he felt the pain of their death. "They will be honoured for their bravery." Uther agreed as he watched his son. "Shall we prepare for another battle?"
Uther nodded slowly. "Yes. We should prepare for battle. You and your Knights need to rest first."
"Yes Sire." Arthur nodded and bowed before turning to face the door but stopped when they opened. He smiled as he hid the person from the view. "Father, I have a small surprise for you." Stepping aside and revealing Elaine.
Uther stood up with a shocked expression as he watched his niece slowly walk towards him. "Elaine..." He whispered gently as he took in her appearance and slowly stood up from his throne. She was looking so much better than he had last saw her. She was no longer pale and sickly but looked as if she had never been ill. Elaine gave her uncle a wide smile as she slowly moved forward towards him but she couldn't wait any longer and jogged towards him. Uther moved towards her with a wide smile and the two met in the middle in a tight hug. "Oh beautiful girl." He whispered softly as he held her close to him. "I'm glad you are safe and well."
Elaine gave a small bubble of laughter but she silently cried on his shoulder. "Thank you uncle." She whispered gently as the two stepped back from each other.
He cupped her pale cheek, sweeping his gloved thumb over her cheek to wipe away her falling tear. "You are welcome to stay here as long as you need to. That's what your father would have wanted." Removing his hand from her cheek and moving it to hold both her hands in his hands. "Come. I think that you need to hear about what has been happening ever since you have arrived." Holding one of her hand in his and leading her to his throne, letting her sit in Morgana's position on Uther's left hand side. Elaine sat in the chair as comfortably as she could and turned to face her uncle, who was looking at her as if he were surprised to see her there.
"Uncle, where is Lancelot? I asked him to stay. I felt safe with him around. I cannot seem to find him." Her eyes pleading with her uncle.
"I am sorry, Elaine. He left moments ago. He is unwelcome in Camelot. He will never be allowed in this kingdom ever again." Uther spoke sternly to his niece but not too sternly to upset her. "You are safe here. We will never let you go and we most certainly will not let that rogue take you from us." Reaching over to her and gently squeezing her hand.
"Thank you." She smiled gently as she was comforted by his emotional gesture. Relaxing into her seat a little more as she turned to face Arthur, who was watching his father and cousin with a small smile. "Thank you Arthur."
"You're welcome cousin. You can pay me back when this is over." He gave her a smirk before bowing to his father and leaving the Great Hall.
Elaine remained silent as Uther spoke with his council. She was wearing one of Morgana's dresses, which was very beautiful but it didn't feel right. She missed her own clothes. Morgana was slightly shorter than Elaine and the hem of the dress came to her ankles. Her hands twisted in her lap nervously as her uncle turned the conversation to the dangers of Elaine being in Camelot. "I cannot go, uncle. I don't think I will be safe anywhere else. Please let me remain hidden in Camelot."
"I know you will feel safer in here but think of the possibilities of one of the enemy soldiers making it into the castle and finding you. I'd never live with myself if you were taken from us." Uther once again reached over and placed his hand over Elaine's right hand, which rested on the arm rest of her chair. "No. We will get you out of the castle."
"No!" Elaine shouted stubbornly. "I will not go!" Not caring that the hall was filled with nobles and servants. This was something she had to express. She did not want to leave Camelot. "Sire, I do not think I should leave Camelot." Speaking politely but she was obviously annoyed and upset with her uncle making decisions for her.
"Elaine, you will do as I ask with no arguments." Uther spoke sternly to his niece. "You will leave Camelot tomorrow before the planned attack."
Elaine gave a frustrated sigh as she leant back against her chair and listened in anger at the plans to get her out of the castle and other plans to protect the people of the lower town. A million of ideas ran through Elaine's mind to stop her from leaving Camelot. Her uncle thought it would be a good idea to leave the true safe place of the castle. She needed to be somewhere, where no one would suspect to hide. Her uncle's chambers? No. They would search for the King there. Arthur's chambers? No. They would be searched Arthur's chambers as a place to hide Elaine. She could disguise herself as a maid but every person in the enemy army knew what Elaine looked like. The idea soon hit her. The dungeons. No one would suspect her to be in the dungeons but there was the problem of the captured soldiers. It was slightly perfect and she would be safe. She didn't announce it to her uncle in the public eye of his nobles. She knew that her uncle trusted them but if one of them was a rogue and get the information to the opposition, Elaine would be discovered. "Excuse me Uncle." Elaine stood up from the chair, curtseyed and moved quickly through the Great Hall.
"I want two scouts sent out to discover the enemy camp." Arthur's voice floated through the corridor as he shouted orders to the guards and the knights in the courtyard. Elaine moved in the direction of his voice. She knew that she could trust Arthur with her idea and he would probably agree with her. She found him at the top of the stone steps that led out into the courtyard. He spotted her before she could call his name. "Elaine! Get inside now!" He ordered her angrily.
"I need to speak to you urgently." Jerking her head towards a quiet place on the courtyard.
Arthur turned to Sir Leon. "Make sure everything is prepared in case they lie and will attack tonight. Better to be safe than sorry." Leon nodded, bowed to both Arthur and Elaine before beginning the preparations. Arthur led Elaine back inside of the castle. "What do you think you are doing? Exposing yourself like that?"
Elaine scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Oh shut up for a moment and listen. Uncle wishes to send me out of the castle because he thinks it will be safer for me."
"And you disagree." Arthur smirked at his stubborn cousin, who was smiling at him. "And you also have an idea to where to go." Elaine nodded slowly, knowing Arthur would be able to guess where she had thought. "You have thought of somewhere, where they will not search for you." He paused for a moment and the idea hit him. "The dungeons. You are a genius." Placing his hands on her cheeks and kissing her forehead. "I did not know that you had it in you."
Elaine rolled her eyes and thumped his arm a little. "There is one problem. Uncle will not listen to me. If he thinks it was your idea, he will consider it and may even agree to it especially if you keep the keys on your person." Her large brown eyes pleaded with him. "Please Arthur. I don't think I will be safe outside these castle walls."
He gave a heavy sigh and looked about the entrance hall before nodding to her. "Yes. You should go back to the Great Hall or to your chambers. I will speak with father."
"I will go to my chambers and prepare myself for whatever he decides." Smiling gently to her cousin. "Thank you Arthur." Reaching forward and hugging him. "You've always been a great friend as well as a great cousin to me." Stepping back and quickly leaving him alone.
Arthur gave a soft chuckle as he watched her climb the steps in the direction of her bed chambers. She was always right. Even when they were children but she had a stubborn streak, which she had inherited from her father. It was called the Pendragon stubbornness by Elaine's mother. Pelles did not mind that as he loved Elaine's mother more than his Kingdom and he would have given her his Kingdom if she asked him but she loved him in return and the two ruled Corbenic peacefully and in harmony. He never knew his own mother and Elaine's mother treated him like her son whenever they visited Camelot. This, he loved her for until her untimely death.
Upon entering the Great Hall, his father was seated on his throne speaking quietly with Gaius. "Sire." Arthur bowed and stood in front of him. "I would like to speak with you about Lady Elaine's safety."
"She is to be sent from the city tonight." Uther spoke sternly as he watched his son standing proudly in front of him.
Arthur took a single step forward. "I do not think it is the right way, Sire. I believe Elaine will be safer within the city walls but in a place where the enemy will not seek her." Uther remained silent as he listened to his son speak with true confidence. "I say the dungeons. Have her locked in one of the cells where no one can get in unless it is me as I will have the key in my possession at all times."
Uther nodded slowly. "It is a very good idea. I believe it is a much better idea than sending her away. But the dungeons? It will be uncomfortable for her."
"I think she would rather be safe than comfortable." Arthur added. "Shall I send..." He was cut off by Sir William bursting through the doors and bowing quickly before marching up to his King and Prince. "William? What is it?"
"Sir Marcus and his army are marching to the castle now." Speaking quickly as he kept his gaze upon the King, waiting for the orders.
Uther turned to Arthur and gave him a nod. "Priorities first and then meet them head on." Arthur turned and left the Great Hall quickly. "Sir William, organise the Knights until Arthur returns."
"Yes Sire." William bowed and left the Great Hall soon after Arthur.
Arthur ran through the castle to his cousin's chambers. "Elaine!" He burst into her chambers to find her sitting with Morgana. "We have to leave now." Moving to the window and looking out at the growing night sky. "Marcus and his army are approaching Camelot now and will likely attack the castle tonight."
Elaine looked at Morgana in a panic and stood up quickly. "Did the King agree to your plan?"
Arthur nodded. "We need to leave now." Even though Morgana was the King's ward, Arthur believed that the less people knew about where Elaine was to be kept the safer she would be. Elaine gave a small nod to Arthur and a quick smile to Morgana before raising her cloak hood and following her cousin out of her bed chambers.
Once they reached the gloomy dungeons, Elaine went into a small cell in the furthest part of the dungeons. Once inside Arthur closed the iron gate and locked her inside. "Thank you Arthur." Speaking quietly as she pulled her cloak tighter around her as Arthur stood watching her. "Go Arthur! Camelot needs you!"
He nodded slowly and placed the keys on his belt. "Only I will open this gate and if someone tries to it means..."
"Do not say it." She cut him off. "Now go!" Speaking sternly at him as a stray tear fell down her pale cheek. Arthur didn't want to leave her there but he had to go and protect Camelot. Protecting Camelot would mean protecting Elaine. She watched her only cousin leave. She felt safe but she would rather that none of this had happened.
The cell was dark, damp and dirty which actually disgusted Elaine but this was not a time to complain. There were no guards in this part of the dungeons which was a comfort for Elaine but also made her feel unsettled. She wished Arthur had posted at least one Knight or guard with her but it would look too suspicious for one guard to be guarding an abandoned part of the dungeons. Above her, the noises of the fighting were distantly heard. She paced the cell in fear for her family and for Camelot.
Morgana strode through the long corridors of Camelot to the secret part of the castle where she met with her sister, Morgause. With Elaine in Camelot, Morgana's position was insecure. She was no longer the first lady of Camelot. Yes, Morgana was Uther's daughter but she was not his acknowledged daughter. Elaine was more likely to inherit the throne of Camelot if Arthur died without his own heir.
Morgana took the fire lit torch and continued into the secret room to find her sister standing by the window and watching the fighting below. "Camelot always seems to be at war. It is their own fault." Morgause chuckled as she turned to face Morgana, who had a distraught look upon her face. "Why sister. Whatever is the matter? This fighting will be good for you if Arthur is killed. You will be Uther's heir."
Morgana shook her head silently. "I will not. Elaine shall be. She is Uther's niece and is not the illegitimate daughter of the King."
"Yes but she is only the King's niece. She will never inherit Camelot. Besides she has her own Kingdom to inherit." Morgause pulled her younger sister into a tight embrace. "I have seen Lady Elaine's future and it is not bright." Morgana frowned heavily. "She will bare a child. A child with a mere commoner."
Morgana's eyes lit up at this news. "Uther will never allow her to remain in Camelot nor be in line for the throne." Giving a laugh of delight. "That is if Arthur survives this battle." Moving to the window and looking out at the constant fighting. There seemed to be less Knights of Camelot than the opposing army but the Knights seemed to be defeating them. "Who will be the father of Elaine's child?"
"That has already been prophesied, sister." Morgause chuckled quietly as the two sisters watched the fighting below. "King Pelles brought a seer to Corbenic on the day of Elaine's birth. The seer told of Elaine's destiny. Her destiny would be that she would bare a son, who would become the greatest knight who ever lived." Morgana raised a thin black eyebrow as her sister spoke. "The father of the child would be Lancelot."
"Lancelot? He was the one who rescued her and brought her here." Morgana spoke gently, moving away from the window and to the middle of the room. "Elaine has always been a romantic and my guess is that she has already fallen in love with him or is gradually falling in love with Lancelot." Laughing lightly and she faced her sister. "But there is only one problem, I believe he has left Camelot."
"I think he will return." Morgause spoke quietly. "Ahh. He already has." Still looking out of the window. "I believe he helps your half-brother fight against the forces of Sir Marcus." Morgana returned to the window and saw a figure, not clad in the armour of the Knights of Camelot, but plain clothing. He was helping Arthur to push back the opposing army.
Lancelot barely made it out of the castle when he saw Marcus' army marching to Camelot. He couldn't turn his back on Arthur or Camelot or even Elaine. He had just helped her and now he was leaving her helpless. Turning back to ride back to the castle, he saw the Knights struggling but fighting bravely. He dismounted and rushed through the streets of Camelot to meet the Knights and help in anyway that he can.
"Lancelot!" Arthur shouted once he saw the man, who was cutting down the enemy as much as he could. "What are you doing here?"
"Need a little help?" He smirked a little as he thrust his sword into the gut of the nearest soldier. "Cannot leave while leaving you fighting." Swinging his sword around and bringing it back down onto the next attacking soldier. "Is there anything I can do?" Standing close to Arthur's side as many of Marcus' soldiers seemed to retreat in fear but others continued to try and defeat the fighting knights.
"Protect Elaine. She's in the dungeons of the castle." Arthur moved with Lancelot to the side of the street so they could speak privately. "She is locked in the furthest cell. Please go!" Pushing Lancelot's arm and forcing him to move towards the castle. "GO!" Shouting at him once again before returning to the fighting.
Lancelot sprinted up to the castle and immediately to the dungeons. "Elaine?" He whispered carefully as he moved past every cell, looking into each one to see if she were in any of them. "Elaine?" He spoke her name once again but a little louder than before.
"Who is there?" A quivering voice spoke from the darkest part of the dungeons. Lancelot lifted a burning torch and held it ahead of him to move in the direction of the voice. "Who is it?"
"Elaine?" Speaking once again as he reached the final cell. He found Elaine standing by the door of the cell with her hands gripped around the iron bars.
"Lancelot? I thought you had gone." Her eyes filled with hope and happiness at seeing him again.
"I couldn't leave." He sheathed his sword and stepped closer to her. "I saw the army and I knew you would be in danger. I had to return." His hand reaching through the bars and cupping her cheek. "Are you okay?" He asked in concern, sweeping his thumb across her cheek.
"Yes. Afraid but better now." She smiled a little at him but the smile fell when her eyes focused on a person behind Lancelot. "Lancelot..." She whispered in fear. Her gaze remained at the newcomer to the dungeons: Sir Marcus. "Oh no..." Fear filled her from head to toe as she watched him slowly approach her and Lancelot.
"I knew that if I followed the traitor I would find the prize." Marcus sneered as Lancelot turned with his sword gripped tightly in his hand. "You wish to fight me?" Smirking as he held his own sword in front of him in case Lancelot made the first move to attack. "The prize being Lady Elaine."
"She is no prize." Lancelot spoke gently but the gentleness seem to have an edge of menace and warning. "Elaine is a free person and not some trophy for you to claim." Keeping his body in front of Elaine's cell to block Marcus' view of Elaine. "You will not harm her. Not while I live."
"Well, you will have to live no longer." Marcus laughed before he lunged at Lancelot, thrusting his sword forward at Lancelot, who blocked it skilfully.
"My Lady, stay back. As far away from the door as you can." Lancelot spoke without looking at the frightened young woman, who immediately backed away from the bars until her back hit the stone wall. She watched as the two men fought for two entirely different things but with one common purpose. Lancelot fought Marcus to protect Elaine from falling into his possession and Marcus fought Lancelot to take Elaine away. The sounds of steel clashing against each other filled the dank area of the castle. Marcus and Lancelot's skills were matched as they fought. Every time one of them nearly lost their footing, they were soon fighting back harder than before.
Elaine let out a loud gasp as Marcus was able to hit Lancelot hard in the stomach, causing the young man to collapse on the floor. "No! Leave him alone!" She shouted at Marcus and rushed to the bars of the cell once again. "Leave him alone!" Her voice in a panic as Lancelot tried to pick himself off the ground. "Please! No!" Her eyes wide with fear as she watched Marcus raise his sword, pointing down at Lancelot. "Take me! Take me but do not kill him!"
Marcus froze and looked up at Elaine, keeping his sword hovering over Lancelot's chest. "Ahh! Begging for mercy but a different kind. Lady Elaine, I thought you were to proud to bargain your life in the place of a commoner's." He smirked as he looked down at Lancelot and then back to Elaine. "Where are the..." He cut off when Lancelot thrust his own sword into Marcus' abdomen. Marcus dropped his sword and stepped back from them both, looking at them in shock at being caught off guard.
Lancelot scrambled to his feet and picked up Marcus' sword, in case the injured man tried to continue his attack. "No more." Lancelot spoke quietly as he and Elaine watch Marcus fall to his knees with blood escaping out of the corner of his lips and he soon fell sideways.
Cautiously Lancelot moved forward to check Marcus. "Be careful." Elaine whispered in shock, watching Lancelot kneel next to Marcus, pressing his fingers against his throat. "Is he dead?" Lancelot nodded slowly and stood up, keeping his eyes on the dead man in front of him. "Thank God." Elaine let out a long sigh of relief and rested her forehead against the cold bars. "Thank you Lancelot. Once again I am in your debt."
"It is nothing, my Lady." Moving back to the pale woman, who was still watching the dead man on the dungeon floor. "He is dead, my Lady. There is no need to worry any longer." He tucked a finger under her chin and lifted her head a little to have her look directly at him. "I promise you, my Lady, that you are very safe now."
Elaine stared up at him in amazement and deep down she was beginning to fall in love with him but she knew that it was because he constantly rescued her. "Thank you." She whispered and smiled gently.
The two jumped when they heard loud footsteps running towards them. "Elaine!" Her uncle shouted as he ran towards the two of them. Lancelot quickly pulled his hand away from Elaine's chin and stepped back from her and bowed to the King. "What are you doing here?" He did not let Lancelot speak when he saw the dead body of Sir Marcus. "Did you kill him?"
"Yes, sire." Lancelot nodded and bowed once again. "He discovered Lady Elaine in the dungeons and Prince Arthur entrusted me to protect her at all costs." He kept a strong composure as the King stepped forward and stood in front of him. "I could not deny him, my Lord."
Uther stared at him for a long time and slowly nodded. "Yes. Thank you. Sir Lancelot." Giving him a small smile. "That shall be your reward for protecting Lady Elaine. Restoration of your title and a banquet to celebrate the defeat of Sir Marcus." Placing his hand on Lancelot's shoulder. "You have remained loyal to Camelot even when I treated you badly. You are always welcome in Camelot."
Lancelot bowed once again. "Thank you sire." As he straightened up, Arthur came running into the dungeons.
"Arthur!" Uther exclaimed, embraced his son in a tight hug and stepped back leaving one hand on his shoulder. "Well done! Well done on your victory. Celebrations are in order. Especially since Lancelot single-handedly killed the usurper."
"Well done Lancelot. But you will have to excuse me, as much as I enjoy seeing my cousin in a cell. Again." Arthur smirked at Elaine, who stood in her cell with her arms folded and an eyebrow raised. "I will let you out this time Elaine."
"You better had, Wart." Glaring at him as he unlocked the cell door and she strode out. She walked straight to Uther and the two met in a hug. "Is it truly over?" She asked as she stood back from her uncle and looked at all the men. Her gaze rested upon Lancelot longer than it did on Arthur and Uther.
"It is over. Marcus' army has been defeated and Camelot is safe." Arthur gave her a small smile.
Uther held out his arm for Elaine to take. "Arthur, give Lancelot a place to stay. He is our honoured guest." Elaine put her hand in the crook of Uther's arm and he led her out of the dungeon but not without Elaine looking back at Lancelot. The two locked gazes until Elaine was the one with the strength to pull away from his dark eyes but she had a problem to pull away. She was slowly and surely falling in love with her knight in shining armour.
A/N: Well? That ok? Let me know. :D