Very carefully Amaya slipped Arluin far back from the trees, hiding behind the other horses which had been tethered to the trees away from the battle with a few men guarding them. She tied Arluin up, kissed his nose then slipped away back to the band of brothers who crouched in the bushes, itching to get to the battle which was already underway.

"Let's go now!"

"No, we wait." Amaya said, though she strained to keep herself back. She wanted nothing more than to simply run forwards and dive into the battle which could be heard across the clearing and through the trees. "Just follow me and stay close, trust me. I know what needs to be done and when." She informed then quietly stole forwards, lifted her hood partially to cover her head but kept her features revealed so that she could see better before reaching for an arrow, running the feathers through her fingers as she knocked it onto her bowstring.

Amaya crept towards the treeline facing the cliff, knowing that Arthur's would run through this way to retreat to the cliff. It offered her an excellent view of the to-be battlefield so she turned and whispered to the others. "I'm going to climb up so that I have a good vantage point. When the army comes running through, you will have to join them as they will be chased down by Lazarus's men. Stick to the cliff and hide under shields, just like the others will do. Trust me, it is all part of the plan." Amaya turned to climb a tree but Ector caught her arm.

"Good luck." He said to her and she nodded to him.

"And to you all." She returned then swung up into the branches, lifting herself higher before disappearing from sight. The band of brothers looked to one another then sighed.

"Well, no going back now." Daniel remarked, looking to the sun as it rose over the cliff. "Why'd you suppose Arthur would allow his men to retreat like that? They'll be sitting like turkeys ready for plucking."

"Aye, but he's the king and a seasoned warrior. No doubt he has a plan." Lionel said, lifting his broad shield from his back. "Don't worry you little pheasant, I'll keep you from harm." The brothers all grinned at one another as Kay drew his wine skin.

"One for luck?"

"May it not be the last." Ector agreed, taking a swig then handed it back to Kay who did the same then let Daniel and Lionel have a turn. "I hope you sorry sods make it through." Lionel snorted, taking another gulp of the wine before handing it back to Kay.

"You too, you little weasel." They gripped one another's shoulders, standing in a circle before turning to prepare to run. Once settled Amaya kept her seat, her feet planted firmly on two branches as she crouched low with her bow slung over her legs, arrow partially drawn back ready to fire. She listened to the cries and bellows of battle in the distant, metal clashing like thunder until it rang with constant echoes in her mind. Just over the horrendous noise she heard the call of a hawk and instantly knew it to be Tristan's, circling over the battle whilst keeping a careful watch over the happenings. She prayed it was not going ill.

When the sound of a horn blasted over the noise, Amaya jumped slightly with a start but quickly pulled herself back together, drawing her arrow taut as she waited. Even up in the tree she could feel the stampede of vibrations running through the ground as the electrifying taste of anticipation swallowed her tongue, making it difficult to remain calm as Amaya watched the trees.

Almost all at once she could see soldiers running through the trees, blood stained and panting for breath as they hurried to reach the cliff. Scores of them passed underneath her, snaking their way around the trees. Once or twice Amaya caught a familiar face. She saw Dagonet dragging two wounded men along until someone thought to stop and help him as an enemy horse bore down on them.

The knight turned, preparing to defend the wounded but Amaya's arrow flew first. It cut through the mounted soldier's neck, piercing the jugular vein with a bright fountain of red bursting from the gaping wound as he gave out a strangled cry, falling from the saddle as the horse squealed in fear then bolted. Dagonet stared at the dead man at his feet then sighed, turning around to shout to Tristan who had one hand grasping a man by the arm, forcing him to keep on his feet as the scout lent some of his strength to support the wounded man. "Good shot Tristan!" Dagonet shouted out but the scout frowned, shaking his head.

The healer frowned in deep confusion before turning, grabbing a wounded man then lifted him off the ground, carrying him away. Amaya shot a couple more arrows when the need arose, her eyes having to rip themselves from Tristan's form as he disappeared from sight.

Once the majority of the army were through, Amaya dropped down from branch to branch before landing on the ground in a roll, glancing behind her then began to run. She hid herself in a thick group of burly men, keeping from sight as she raced to the cliff then slid into the ranks, melting her back into the edge of the cliff to keep clear of the arrows that were to fall. Arthur held Excalibur in both hands, watching as the cavalry and enemy infantry followed, bearing down upon them with the fires of hell. For one brief moment Amaya was afraid.

Seeing the cold, ruthless looks on the faces of her foes, Amaya felt terror strike her heart until she was numb and paralysed from the sensation, unable to respond until a thick arm grabbed her around the neck and yanked her down. She looked to Lionel who smiled. "You were the one who said to keep your head down." He reminded her and she nodded as Lionel lifted his shield over their heads as Arthur gave the order.

"Now!" His voice bellowed like a beacon as he brandished Excalibur upwards and as if tied with the motion, the ground was set alight. The trenches erupted into flames as the squires dropped the torches into the pitch, bolting back as the inferno shot upwards then darted around, snaking across to cut the retreat of the enemy.

Archers rose into view on the cliff top and all at once, a rain of arrows fell down upon them. Amaya listened them whistle through the air and the dull patter of them raining into flesh, the screams of horses and men making her clap her hands to her ears to block out the sounds.

Although encouraged by the knowledge that Lionel and his brothers were close, Amaya still felt afraid. Was she even ready to let her blade sing in battle? Of course she had taken human lives before, it was no different than hunting animals for her clan but in battle, everything was different. You were likely to have more than one foe attacking you at once. Then what should Amaya do?

Taking a relaxing breath Amaya allowed all of her worries to fall from her as the last volley of arrows fell upon the enemy and Arthur led the charge forwards, his scarlet cloak flying on the breeze with his armour glinting. Glancing up Amaya saw the heavy grey clouds rolling overhead, signalling a storm was close at hand. With a jolt she saw lightning cross the sky which was swiftly followed by the rumbling growl of thunder. She prayed it would not rain yet, they still needed the fire.

With the horses terrified by the flames and much of the soldiers felled by arrows, Arthur broke through Lazarus's ranks like stone smashing through a sheet of ice. His sword swung and Amaya pulled back her bowstring, letting her arrows fly as she turned and began to search for her brother.

It was difficult to see through the mass of bodies, everything constantly moving. Amaya was at first confused, lost in the sea of men and clashing swords until she saw her brother's slight figure darting through a pair of opponents, slashing his sword but was then lost by the changing tide. Determined to reach him, Amaya fought to get to where she had last seen him briefly.

When a loud roar entered her ears Amaya instinctively turned then kicked up both feet, striking twice against the opponent to slam him into the ground then drew her sword, bow clutched in the other hand as she flicked it up to change grip then stabbed it down with a snarl before the enemy soldier could even think to get back up.

Yanking her blade free Amaya used this to cut her way through like slicing away ivy, clearing a path she cultivated before pausing to look. She was closer now, she could feel it. Galahad was not far away. "Maya!" Someone called out distantly so Amaya looked up and her mouth dropped wide open.

Arthur was on the ground with Lionel, Daniel, Ector and Kay forming a protective ring around him. Gliding over Amaya returned to her bow, shooting arrows ferociously at the hoard that swarmed to Arthur with the intent on ending his life. They dropped one by one and by the time Amaya had reached them, there was none left.

She drew back her hood and crouched by Arthur's side, tapping his face with a frown as he groaned. "Sire? Wake up. You must wake now." She commanded him firmly and Arthur frowned as he blinked himself awake.

"Maya? What are you…what are you doing here?" Suddenly he was wide awake and had gripped onto her arms, sitting up slightly. "You cannot be here!" Amaya hushed him gently, reaching out to pick up Excalibur which had fallen from his hands.

"You were knocked out." She informed him. "Seeing as you are not wounded, I presumed that was the reason you were taking a little nap in the middle of a battle." She stood, sliding her sword from her scabbard and swung it in a clean arc, slashing into an enemy soldier then sheathed it again. "I must find Galahad. Daniel! Stay with His Majesty, he still has concussion, make sure he does not fall again.

"Aye, aye lass." Daniel nodded the four of them made a protective ring around him again as Arthur slowly staggered to his feet. Amaya darted into the vicious battle, her boots sliding on the blood and other foul smelling entrails as she ran to find her brother, arrow knocked and ready. When she saw him being flung to the ground, her heart leaped to her throat.

"Galahad!" She screeched without realising then bounded forwards, letting an arrow fly as Galahad's attacker lifted his axe up high. The sudden strike of the arrow through his eye socket meant that the axe slipped through his grasp and embedded itself into the back of a large warrior which was wrestling with Dagonet, the two evenly matched men struggling against one another. Once the axe had cut deep into the skull, Dagonet's opponent dropped like a log.

Lifting herself off the ground Amaya's feet kicked backwards as she twisted her torso, cloak lifting up around her like wings as she shot another arrow behind her whilst Galahad followed her in shock, mouth dropping open before his eyes burned with rage. Amaya paid him no mind, shooting arrows as she spun on her feet, clearing a space for Galahad to recover before he was once again up with his sword in hand.

He faced Amaya with immeasurable anger but before he could say anything, they were cut off from one another by a wave of enemy soldiers that powered upon them like a wave upon the rocks. Amaya ducked and rolled out of the way, sliding her bow onto her back then drew her sword, swallowing the bile that rose to her throat as she breathed deeply but not heavily, narrowing her eyes at the several men that faced her.

One leaped forwards as the other darted around so Amaya quickly spun out of the way of the first sword, blocking the other to then kick out at the third as he tried to slip forwards. Knowing that she did not have time to think, Amaya stepped up close to one of the men and thrust her blade upwards, palm at the pommel to be sure it struck through the armour before pulling it out and whipping around sharply.

The blade tip caught one of the soldier's cheeks, slashing it open but Amaya was already moving to avoid the blows landed at her, ducking and gracefully sliding out of the way as she awaited her chance.

Utterly exhausted, Amaya struggled to keep going but adrenaline pumped through her veins, revitalising her body and kept her aware enough to avoid being harmed by the weapons aimed at her before finally, she kicked one man onto the other then stabbed them both in the same blow, driving her sword in deep as blood spat back at her face, making her flinch and turn away from the hot mess as she pulled herself free.

When she turned around, she faced a grotesque face looming close before her but before she could even lift her sword to defend herself, despite knowing it was too late, an arrow shot through the man's neck and he went down quickly. Amaya knew that arrow. It was exactly like hers and only one other archer used them. Tristan.

It was only then she noticed how much quieter it was. There was less clashing and not as much shouting as before. The battle was ending with Arthur emerging victorious. He stood with Daniel and his brothers, the five of them capturing the officers in charge of the attack whilst the last of the infantry were subdued.

Hearing the pitiful whines of a horse in pain, Amaya stumbled over to the creature which lashed out with its hooves but she approached his head, gently crooning. "There now. It'll soon be over." She whispered, sighing despairingly at the numerous arrows protruding from the horse's body, including its chest. Weakened by the blood loss the horse lost the energy to keep fighting, going perfectly still as Amaya drew a knife then lifted its head slightly, pressing the blade to its throat. "Forgive me." She whispered then ended its misery. She held back her tears by closing her eyes tightly, tilting her head up to the dark sky.

When the light patter of rain brushed against her face and the rumble of rainfall reached her, Amaya began to rise, keeping her face turned up to the sky as the droplets began to hammer down. She was grateful for the rain that washed away the bloodied tears down her cheeks, as if to cleanse her from all sins.

Suddenly she could no longer smell the hideous stench of blood other undecipherable smells, all she could taste was the cooling rain on her tongue as she opened her mouth, welcoming the freshness as it filled her nose also with the dampness of the rain.

Lightning split the sky and the flashing light caused Amaya's eyes to fly open. She blinked against the hammering rain which began to sting against her face so she looked ahead, her eyes widening only slightly as she saw Tristan looking at her.

Unable to read his expression, Amaya just stood there, watching him with the same expression. He began to move forwards, tilting his head to the side curiously then stopped, as if uncertain of what he would say. Tristan was saved from the contact when Galahad grabbed Amaya's arm and whirled her around.

"What the hell where you thinking?" He roared, causing Amaya to flinch at his loud voice. Instantly firm hands grabbed her arms and pulled her back, the woman blinking in surprise as Daniel and his brothers stood protectively around her.

"Leave her be." Lionel growled, cracking his knuckles. "She's only here for you, so don't go giving her the stick." Galahad looked fit to burst, looking to Ector and Kay's hands which rested on her shoulders.

"And who the hell are you? Let go of my sister! What's going on?" He raged so Amaya stepped forwards with a calm look.

"Calm down little wolf, surely you know me well enough to have known I would follow?" The familiar language soothed Galahad though he could not understand all of it. "I wanted to make sure you were safe. I promised Mai."

"Mai. Oh sweet Mai." Galahad sighed, closing his eyes and shook his head. Suddenly he grabbed Amaya into a bone crushing hug, chocking back a sob as he buried his head into her neck. "I could have lost you." Amaya said nothing but held her brother in return, lifting a hand to tenderly touch his silken curls before he pulled away, gripping her shoulder next time as he fought to hide the tears. "Next time, you bloody well tell me you intend to fight! Then I can at least look out for you!" Amaya smiled, glad that he was not going to insist that she never do such a thing again. Suddenly Galahad growled. "Now who are they?"

"They are the reason I am still alive." Arthur cut in, walking over to greet his knights who all gathered. Dagonet stood close to Amaya, making sure she was unharmed before embracing her then looked to Arthur. "You have my thanks." Arthur bowed his head to the brothers who all grinned in return. "If there was some way I could repay you, I would be glad to reward you." Amaya smiled then nodded her head to Daniel who scratched the back of his head.

"Well my lord, there's only one thing me and my brothers want." The king waited patiently for the slightly nervous man to continue. Finally, he blurted it all out at once. "We want to join your table of knights." Then he clamped his mouth shut. Arthur blinked then looked to his men who all peered at the four men sceptically.

"Your skills are unrefined, basic at most." Gawain ruled, arching an eyebrow at them. Before the others could agree Amaya cut in.

"They saved my life." Galahad's head whipped around to face her. "Daniel threw a spear to skewer a wolf when I was overrun. They then kept me good company and stayed to fight of their own accord." She lifted her chin to Arthur who listened to her respectfully. "I believe they have potential, though I did not see much of their fighting, I saw much of their character. They are good men, honest and noble. You of all people know that there is more to being a knight than simply being able to wield a sword better than the common man, Arthur." She said softly, reaching out as she stepped forwards to touch his arm. "I believe they can do it."

The king looked down at the woman who held his gaze fearlessly but pleadingly. He found it very difficult to find a reason to decline, especially with her magnetic blue eyes looking up at him so winsomely. Finally he caved. "I shall think upon it. In the mean time you shall return with us to train. If you prove of character and have earned the title, I shall anoint you all knights of the round table." Arthur decided firmly then rested his hand heavily upon Amaya's shoulder. "I shall trust your judgment."

The brothers gave Amaya grateful looks as she turned a smile to them then looked back to her own brothers, wincing slightly as Galahad gripped her arm. "Honestly Amaya, how could you have been so foolish?"

"Quite easily." She replied simply. "I cared more about your welfare than my own." With another strained sigh Galahad looked up into the rain, cursing to the heavens. Amaya ignored his foul language pointedly by turning and walking towards Daniel and the others.

"Hey lass, you know you're quite handy with that stick of yours." Amaya arched an eyebrow.

"The shiny one or the wooden one?" Ector laughed, clapping Daniel on the back.

"She's a keeper for sure, aye brother?"

"Aye." Daniel agreed, cracking a crooked grin, showing a chip in one of his teeth which Amaya had not noticed before. "That she is. Well then lass. What's to be done now?" Amaya looked around with a frown.

"I don't know. I've never been in battle before." They stared at her with open mouths.

"What?" Lionel bellowed, dropping his hammer to the ground. "You mean…you…never…? Why didn't you say lass? We'd have never let you come anywhere near here had we known!"

"That was the point." Amaya informed them with a shrug of her shoulder as she slipped the bow onto her back. "I needed to be here and I wasn't going to let anyone stand in my way." With a groan Lionel rolled his eyes.

"We're going to have trouble with this one boys."

"Aye." They chorused but grinned all the same, clapping Amaya on the shoulder which she replied with a gentle nod to them all. She looked around the battlefield and saw that the men were either helping move the wounded or burying the dead.

"I suppose we should do the same as they." Amaya mused, looking down to a soldier at her feet, his face completely disfigured by the sword that had been run through. Her stomach retched and Amaya quickly turned her head, steeling herself against the horrors. She went around searching for any injured then called out for help so that they could be attended to as she dealt with what wounds she could before moving on.

Amaya dragged a body off another to see if the man was living but he took no breath and there was a deep gash in his throat so she assumed not. She was rather pleased to see that she was not the only one feeling revolted by the carnage. Several of the men had already thrown up the disgust they felt.

"Help." A hoarse voice whispered and Amaya turned towards the sound, scanning the bodies until she saw a finger twitch. Instantly she hurried over, shoving off a body then looked down at the man who lay on the ground, bleeding from a wound to his side. One of Lazarus's men. "Please." He begged, face as pale as ash so Amaya dropped to his side and grabbed the blue cloak of one of Lazarus's fallen officers, glancing over the silver eagle before scrunching it up and pressing it to his side.

"Do not worry." She said to him softly. "You will be well looked after." Her promised soothed him so he took a deep breath and went to close his eyes. "Try to stay awake, keep looking at me." Amaya informed him as she looked up to try and see Dagonet or one of the healers.

"You are Amaya." The soldier guessed which tugged the woman's gaze back down to his clean shaven features with an arch of her eyebrow. "You are spoken of much among the ranks of us soldiers. The sister to a knight from overseas." His voice was softly toned so Amaya smiled gently down at him.

"Just Amaya, if you don't mind." He cracked a weak grin then grunted with pain so Amaya called out for Dagonet, who lifted his head then nodded, signalling he had heard her.

"Dagonet is coming. He will help you become well again." Amaya assured him, reaching out with her other hand to gently frame his face. "What is your name?"

"Percival." He answered hoarsely, gasping for breath. "I am Percival."

"I am honoured to meet you, brave Percival." She told him, trying to keep his attention so that he would not fall asleep. "Do you have a family back home? A wife maybe?" She continued but he shook his head.

"No wife. No family. Just me."

"I see. Well, I will be sure to watch your progress to healing, Percival." Amaya murmured gently, brushing away the sweat from his brow. "The wound is not that deep really." His smile widened as he chocked out a laugh, still struggling to breathe so Amaya smiled down at him again but looked up when Dagonet reached her side.

"Easy." He instantly commanded. "Try not to move."

"That will not be a problem." Percival replied with a welcoming nod. "Thank you. Thank you both." Amaya touched his brow, feeling the cool skin so she lifted her chin and unclasped the cloak form her neck as Dagonet and another strong man lifted Percival up to carry him to a wagon. Amaya followed, flinging out her cloak then turned it over to make sure there was not too much blood on its folds before stepping up to Percival and carefully draped it over him. He frowned at the gesture then looked to Amaya who gripped his hand comfortingly. "Why? Why are you helping me?"

"Because you need my help and you are cold." Amaya replied simply, looking down at him warmly as the wagon driver climbed into his seat. "That is my favourite cloak mind, so I shall be back for it." Parting ways Amaya stepped back as the wagon moved off.

Weariness hit Amaya like a solid wall, causing her to sway on her feet but she caught herself and turned around, touching her brow which began to throb but when she hit a solid wall for real, she yelped quietly. She did not have to look up to know it was Tristan but this time, he stepped back.

"Sorry, I didn't think you were going to turn around." He muttered quietly and Amaya nodded her head, struggling to keep her heart from racing a thousand times faster than it should, as if it had been struck by lightning. For a moment they just watched one another, again neither knowing what to say before Amaya turned and walked back onto the battlefield to find more wounded in need of attention and help drag the dead into their graves.

Love Galahad and Amaya as siblings, they are just too easy to write! Anyway, thanks for stopping by, please come again if you feel like it. Don't have to, but I'd appreciate it if you did ;)