Disclaimer: WEP owns Voltron and all its characters.

Beta: Thanks again to Dawn! I think she may be having second thoughts...

This is the second installment in my "Chivalry" arc. 1. Chivalry, 2. Lion House Restored

Rating/Setting: Rating is T. Setting is DotU in flavor but is AU in some ways.

Chapter 15

Two days later, Keith, Allura, and Doren went into the nearby town for some supplies. The men of the Hall took turns doing supply runs, and it was Doren's turn. Keith and Allura went along to see more of the area as well as to purchase some fabric. Lord Kurt had been kind enough to allow them access to the two seamstresses who lived and worked at the Hall. The couple had borrowed clothing from residents, but wanted to return them, as well as have something that was theirs.

Keith and Doren were going to the market to make purchases for the Hall, while Allura went down the street to purchase material for the clothing. Keith had allowed Allura to go alone as the village was very busy on the main thoroughfare and the likelihood of anyone accosting her was negligible. Still her had watched her for several moments before entering the market behind Doren.

Keith had been amazed at the items available in this time period as well as the skill with which Doren negotiated with the store owner. They were through at the market much more quickly than Keith had anticipated, so he told Doren he'd meet him around back to help him load up the goods. Calling out a parting comment to Keith, Doren rounded the side of the market and Keith realized another vision had come to pass. But before he did anything else, he had to go down to the fabric shop to let Allura know where they would be. It took only a moment to let her know, and it seemed like she'd be along in just a little bit since they were cutting the fabric for her when he stepped in.

Now he rounded the market and headed for the larger warehouse building, where the wagon and horse would wait for loading the goods purchased in the store. As soon as he reached the back of the market, he heard the sounds of a fight and swore softly to himself. Not again. Increasing his speed to a run, he pulled his sword from his scabbard and entered the warehouse. He never saw the blow coming. Something solid hit him in the back of the head and he fell heavily to the ground, dropping his sword in the process. Stars and bright spots clouded his vision as he made a vain attempt to rise. He could hear Doren calling his name, but he wasn't able to focus his vision to see the young man.

"Akira!" Doren called out in concern as he struggled against the two men that held him. "Wesley, what are you doing? Why is Eagle House attacking us?" Anger was clear in his voice.

An unpleasant smile came over Wesley's face as he gazed at Keith on the ground. "We heard of your new trainer. We just wanted to be sure he knows which House is at the top." Casting a glance at Doren, he said, "Don't worry, lad, we won't lay another finger on you. Don't want to make Lord Kurt angry, now do we?" The sarcasm was heavy in his voice, and Doren pulled at his captors.

"If you really wanted a lesson, you wouldn't have attacked him like a coward from behind! You're scared of him! That's what you are! Scared!" Doren's voice was loud and accusatory.

Keith's vision was clearing, and while he appreciated the truth of the young man's words, he was a little concerned that an already volatile situation had just been made worse. Keith turned his gaze on the man that Doren called Wesley, and his eyes grew round when he saw a large red-headed man in an Eagle House tunic. It was the man from his vision of the arena. Barely had this thought registered, when he was roughly pulled up and against a column holding up the structure. Two rather large men held him by either arm pulling his back taunt against the wood. He heard Doren still yelling as Wesley looked to the door.

A smile replaced the scowl on Wesley's face as he called out, "Ah! Jorrah! I see you found the blacksmith."

Keith tried to look behind him to see what Jorrah could have brought from the blacksmith stable. He didn't think it would be anything good. As Jorrah came around in front of him, Keith saw a red glowing brand. Jorrah handed the brand to Wesley and then crossed his arms and stood with a grin.

Looking from the brand to Keith, Wesley said, "It's the crest of Eagle House. I'm sure you'll wear it proudly." Wesley then motioned to Jorrah who moved carefully to the side of Keith where he couldn't be kicked. Jorrah pulled out a knife and cut Keith's shirt, exposing the skin of his right shoulder. Holding the brand in front of him, Wesley advanced toward Keith.

He was within an arm's length when Keith heard Doren cry out, "Eleanor!" At almost that precise moment, the two men that had been holding Keith went down one after the other with arrows sticking out of their shoulders.

Wesley immediately dropped the brand and held up his hands. The men holding Doren did the same.

Wesley eyed the beautiful blonde who had an arrow notched and ready to fire. She had reloaded swiftly during the attack, and he had little doubt that she could kill or wound him. It seemed that they had underestimated the beauty who had arrived with the warrior. He watched as she advanced to stand beside Akira who had not moved. Doren was soon at their side as well.

Keeping his voice calm, Keith said, "Doren, would you mind introducing me to your friends?"

Doren named each one and said they were from Eagle House.

Addressing Wesley, who had now put his hands down, Keith said, "I think Doren had it correct earlier when he said, if you wanted to teach me a lesson, the right way is from the front, not from the back like a coward." Seeing Wesley's nostrils' flare, he knew that he had hit a nerve. "I'd teach you the lesson here and now, but I'm not sure what lies and stories you would go back to your house and tell." Looking at the men on the floor who still held their injured arms, he continued, "Take your wounded and go home. Do not tell lies or I will find you when no one else is around." He let the weight of his words sink in before he continued. "I will ask Lord Kurt if I can participate in the upcoming games. If you are as good as you think you are, then we should meet there at some point and I will show you which House is the one on top. Now leave. We have supplies to load." He watched as the men of Eagle House gathered their wounded and left.

Allura only lowered her bow when they had exited. "Looks like I arrived just in time."

Giving her a wry smile, he said, "You always have perfect timing, my love." The endearment slipped out before he knew it, and he saw the joy in her eyes as he sighed and shook his head. Looking over her shoulder, he saw Doren going into the back of the market. Most likely he was going to get a clerk regarding their order and to probably find out how Eagle House was waiting for them.

When Doren returned with an apologetic clerk, they learned that Wesley and his group had threatened the staff of the warehouse and told them to stay away for an hour. It was obvious the poor man was frightened, and Keith assured him they didn't hold it against him. He stayed and helped them load. Then Allura and Doren rode on the wagon back to the Hall while Keith rode a horse alongside. There was much for him to think about on the trip home.

When they arrived back at the Hall, Keith immediately went to see Lord Kurt and gave him the details of the run in. What he learned appalled him. It seemed that the Houses policed themselves, and if there was wrong-doing, it was up to each house to discipline their own. Eagle and Bruin Houses were both known for making up their own rules. If the people of a town or village had a complaint against a house member, they took it to the Lord of the house. The lord would then decide punishment, if there was any punishment. If the person wasn't satisfied, then they could take the matter to the king. This was dangerous as the house sometimes took revenge for complaints taken to the king.

Keith shook his head. He might be able to restore Lion House in terms of fighting, but that was a drop in the bucket to the changes that needed to be made.