A.N.: Hey y'all! Sorry this update has taken so long, but college has taken up most of my time. But it should be worth the wait because thus chapter is 907 words long! A new story is in the works, and will be uploaded as soon as I have more than 5 chapters written. All my other stories are being worked on, so they should be updated soon. Till next time, enjoy!
They didn't make it all the way. Artur made it to Gypsy, and was mounting when he heard a sharp cry. He turned around, and saw the Cenred had grabbed Myrddin by the arm and was twisting it behind his back. Agravaine held a knife to the frightened teen's neck. "Get off the horse or your brother gets it!" he shouted. He then pushed the knife deeper into Myrddin's neck, drawing blood.
Artur didn't understand the words, but he understood the gesture. He dismounted and moved a couple paces away from his horse. Both men let Myrddin go, and he ran straight to his big brother's arms. "It's okay. I've got you." Artur said while trying to calm Myrddin down. Cenred appeared a moment later with more rope. He re-tied their hands together and took the leads in his own hand, leading them over to the fire.
A small meal of roasted rabbit and gruel was given to them, along with a water skin. They ate quickly, and were then lead back to the horses. They were then tied back onto the two saddle horns, and left alone for a few minutes. Cenred packed up the camp while Agravaine stayed near the horses, standing guard over the brothers.
After everything was packed up, they had Artur and Myrddin mount their respective horses, and then swung up behind them. They kicked the horses into a fast trot, and continued down the road. They passed few people, and those they did pass didn't spare them a glance. Around noon, they located a stream, and stopped for a rest and a meal. When they had finished watering the horses and eating their lunch, they continued on their way; however, Artur and Myrddin's wrists were now untied.
The group reached a small town at dusk and quickly located an inn. Everyone dismounted, and Agravaine led the horses over to the stable. Cenred stood in front of the boys, and drew closer to speak. "You will not speak to anyone here except us, and only when first spoken to. Understand?" The brothers nodded, and Cenred stepped back, facing away from them. Agravaine walked up, untied the ropes, and led the group to the inn's entrance.
Cenred walked over to the inn owner, who was helping another man. When that man was finished, Cenred approached the inn keeper. They conversed for several minutes in Gaelic. Cenred rejoined them, a brass key in his hand. "The room only has two beds, but the boys should be fine on the floor. HE also said that since we're staying in the inn, the meals are included. Why don't you find somewhere to sit while I go get our supplies?"
"Of course. Boys, come." Agravaine led the two boys over to an empty table. Myrddin stayed close to Artur, holding onto his older brother's hand as if someone was going to separate them at any moment. They sat down at the table, and saw Cenred take the packs up to their room. He joined them a couple minutes later. A barmaid came up to them, and asked, "What can I get for you gents?"
"Two tankards of mead, two tankards of water, and four meals if you please." Agravaine answered. The maid nodded, and walked to the kitchen. Within minutes, she returned with their drinks. She placed them on the table, and walked off to assist another patron. Artur hesitatingly reached for both tankards of water, and when nothing happened, he grabbed them and gave the second one to his brother. They eagerly drank, listening to Cenred and Agravaine discussing their plan.
"What do you think they're talking about?" Myrddin questioned. Artur listened for a little longer before answering. "I can only understand something about needing a ship. The only place I can think of that has a harbor and ships is Dublin."
"How far away is that?" Myrddin asked.
"A couple days ride. Now hush before they notice." Artur advised. They glanced up at Agravaine and Cenred. Neither were looking at them, and they wanted it to stay that way.
The barmaid returned not long after, carrying their food on a tray. She placed one in front of each of them. Myrddin muttered a quiet thank you in Gaelic without noticing. She perked up, and began asking questions. "I didn't know you spoke Gaelic, much less spoke at all. Where are you from? Where are you headin'? Is this your family?" Myrddin was so overwhelmed that he just sat there, unsure of what to do. However, Cenred spoke up for him. "I'm sorry, he won't be able to answer your questions. You see, the poor thing has had an abusive family, and now won't speak to anyone but his brother. His brother also doesn't speak to anyone."
"Oh you poor dears!" she exclaimed. She rushed off, and brought back two mugs of warm apple cider. "On the house" she said, and left with a sad look in her eyes. The boys didn't take the drinks at first, instead waiting for approval. Agravaine nodded his head, and both boys grabbed a mug and downed the warm cider.
After the meal was brought out to them, and promptly eaten, they made their way upstairs. Artur set up the bed rolls for himself and Myrddin. The brothers changed into their sleeping trousers, and settled down. They fell asleep easily, and had a full nights' sleep. No lullaby was needed.