"Go on, try something." Galahad pressed her, frowning.
"I don't believe you. Magic? I thought that was only in myth." Daniel rolled his eyes so Amaya narrowed her eyes at him, biting her lip as she concentrated before opening her palm and exhaled, letting peace wash through her.
She felt life grow in her hand as she visualised a white rose, letting it grow and grow as warmth spread through her body. When she heard everybody gasp, she knew it was working and sure enough, when she opened her eyes, a rose was blooming to life in her hands. She grew out the stem then turned to Maia, who had her jaw hanging wide open and presented it to her. Suddenly she beamed, taking it with a perfect curtsey and held onto it, smelling the soft fragrance.
"Believe me now?" Amaya question, leaning one hand on the table as the other rested on her hip. Daniel gulped then lifted his hands in surrender.
"Have I ever told you how insanely attractive you are?" She chuckled.
"Perhaps once or twice." She said then looked to Arthur who was also wide eyed. Amaya had held back no secrets save for the details of Morgana. She did not want to weigh the heaviness of another threat on them so soon after having defeated a previous enemy. They needed to enjoy living in the moment and not worry for the future. Only Guinevere was missing from their numbers as Amaya had asked each knight and Maia to the round chamber personally, though they had mostly been found in the same place so it had not been difficult to round them up.
"Are you sure you cannot harm an innocent?" Amaya shrugged.
"I'm willing to try. Any volunteers?" Everyone stepped back and she smiled wickedly. "Merlin said the magic has no harming effect on the innocent, non-magic users and I trust his word. I am not a threat, Arthur, merely the new Emrys."
"Emrys?" Percival frowned. "I have heard that name. However I thought that warlock lived hundreds of years ago." Amaya ran her fingers through her hair, pulling her curls back from her face.
"He also said it was a legacy, it must have been passed down from generation to generation since the birth of magic." Amaya looked to her fingers and frowned as they glowed slightly before going back to their normal state. "I…I feel like I am dreaming." She looked up suddenly with wide eyes. "You do not think me a freak, do you?"
"No!" Galahad instantly retorted. "A little crazy perhaps."
"Absolutely insane." Bors agreed.
"Completely mad." Gawain added then Ector grinned.
"Who else would think to throw dung at someone they didn't like?" A hearty laugh shot around the table and Amaya relaxed, pulling up a chair to sit down as she began to feel tired.
"Are you in control, Maya, it is not going to hurt you is it?" Arthur asked with concern and she looked up at him honestly.
"I do not know. Merlin told me there was always a price to pay for magic, it will drain me if I am not careful." She explained. "So in theory, if I push myself too far then it is likely that I could kill myself." There was a dead silence and she glanced around. "However, such a thing is unlikely."
"Maya, why did you not think this through?" Galahad demanded but before he could continue, Amaya lifted a hand to silence him.
"My decisions are not yours to monitor, Galahad." She told him sternly. "I am a grown woman prone to making her own mistakes however Merlin chose me as his successor and I did not question his wisdom. If he thought me worthy then I am going to prove him right, in whatever way I can." Amaya rose to her feet and looked out to everyone present, which was all of the knights, Arthur and Guinevere. "I am telling no others about my new gift, this is to stay between us and us alone. Out of everyone, you are the ones I trust most and now, I am placing my life in your hands." They all shifted uncomfortably but nodded their heads. Dagonet was the first to speak.
"Your secret shall travel to our graves, Maya. You have my word of honour none shall hear of your gift from me." She smiled softly to him gratefully then looked to each knight as they said the same. Maia took her hand.
"And you have my word too, though I am no knight, my honour is just as strong. Not a whisper shall pass my lips, Maya. I promise." In answer Amaya leaned forwards and touched her lips to Maia's brow, smiling as she then rested her forehead against the place she had kissed.
"Thank you Mai." Maia nodded her head with a smile then tilted her head to the side.
"You are so warm, warmer than usual!" Maia instantly pressed her hand to Amaya's brow. "Do you have a fever?" Before Dagonet could rise to his feet Amaya shook her head.
"No, it is the magic." Amaya explained about the fire and Maia instantly cuddled closer, giggling.
"I am going to enjoy hugging you even more now." Amaya smiled, brushing her hand across Maia's loose hair which drifted down her back in long locks of spun gold. Amaya gazed out to each of the knights but forced herself not to linger on Tristan. A small ache settled in her chest but she found it was easier to ignore if she focussed elsewhere, which at the moment was Maia.
"Well, should you ever need our help do not be afraid to seek it." Arthur said to her. "I trusted Merlin and now, as his legacy, I shall trust this magic which is inside you." He gave her a warm smile. "Do not hesitate to ask for anything."
"I shall remember, Arthur." Amaya assured him then looked out the window, her eyes widening. "Oh! I have to go."
"Where?" Kay asked with a frown. "Where could you need to go at this time in the afternoon? The shops will be closing soon." She shot him a look.
"Exactly, I need to order some custom armour to be made. I do not wish to repeat the events last time I was in battle." Arthur blinked in shock.
"But we are no longer at war." Amaya sighed, pausing at the door to look back.
"There will be other threats, Arthur, and I want to be ready and suitably equipped for them." She explained.
"Can't you just magic yourself up some armour?" Galahad asked and she glared at him, her hands glowing as she clapped her hands and the legs of Galahad's chair suddenly gave way, sprawling him to the floor as everyone burst into laughter, including Maia, who arguably laughed the hardest of all.
Sitting cross legged on the floor Amaya clenched her hands into fists then released, repeating the motion again as she breathed deeply, releasing the stress from her arms and slowly, the picture in her mind came alive. Tiny balls of white lights began to rise from her palms, twinkling like tiny stars as they rose up and floated around her face, brightening the darkness and Amaya smiled, cutting off the magic so that they dissolved into fine silver dust. This time Amaya found it easier to summon the orbs until finally, she was doing it effortlessly, filling her room with the glowing lights as she giggled to herself, smiling before swirling them around her, summoning them to her hands where they gathered into one giant star and its warmth spread through Amaya's hands, the light bright but unpainful to look at.
When she heard someone she crushed her hands together, dispelling the orb then quickly slipped into bed, thinking it to be one of the maids come to check on her. Arthur had since refused to allow her to go back to her maid duties after the battle. She was now a fully recognised lady of the court and she had new rooms to fit her status, though she did beg Arthur to give her the simplest room he could.
Someone stopped outside her door and Amaya watched the shadow from under her door, frowning slightly before her hand slowly slipped towards the dagger that she kept under her pillow for protection. The shadow shifted as if listening at her door before moving off. Probably just Galahad.
Sighing deeply Amaya slept until the morning, for once sleeping in late as her body demanded rest. When it got to noon, Maia came searching for her. "Maya! It's nearly noontime." Maia gasped, shaking the woman awake and she groaned.
"What? Really?" Amaya sprang to her feet, quickly washing her face and hands before throwing open her cupboard. Her shoulders sagged. She had forgotten that Vanora had filled her closet with court dresses. She had intended to go to town today but she did not want to go looking like she was meant to be dancing at the feast of kings. Slipping her hand into the wardrobe she flicked through the dresses then smiled when she found three, simple, plain dresses for ordinary wear. Vanora knew her better than she had suspected. One was grey, another brown and the last a faded green so she selected the grey and put it on, tidying up her hair as Maia hummed a tune to herself.
"Can we go riding today? Please?" Maia suddenly asked and Amaya looked around to her.
"If you like, how is Aquila?" Maia giggled.
"As naughty as ever. She managed to snatch all three apples from my satchel the other day without me noticing." Maia tittered her tongue. "You weren't planning on going anywhere were you? The ride can wait if you would prefer." Amaya shook her head.
"I was only going to go into town for a walk but I think a ride will suit me better. Are you ready?" Maia nodded her head, standing already dressed in her daffodil yellow riding dress. The two women walked down to the stables, greeting Jols as they passed then saddled their horses. Amaya led the way, her broader horse pushing a way through the busy streets as the flags were set up for the tournament. She had forgotten, it was tomorrow. How quickly times flies when you are having too much fun practicing magic.
The two women trotted through the fields and into the woods, taking their favourite path down past a stream where they talked. "What colour dress should I wear tomorrow?" Maia wondered. "Perhaps yellow, it is Galahad's favourite colour."
"You do not want to distract him, do you?" Amaya teased with a smile as Maia's eyes widened.
"Oh no! Perhaps my sky blue dress then, it is less conspicuous." Amaya laughed again, shaking her head as she reached out and held Maia's hand.
"I was only jesting, you wear whatever dress you wish, Mai, you will look beautiful all the same." Sighing with relief Amaya began to sing with Mai, joining with the birdsong as they trotted up the winding path then crossed over a stone bridge, following the flower lined path where they could admire each petal to their leisure.
When Amaya looked up however, she saw a hunched figure shuffling towards them. Instantly she frowned. "Lady, can we help you?" Amaya questioned, pulling forwards then stopped before the woman who kept her face covered by a low hood.
"Yes." The voice rasped. "I seek Arthur, the King of Briton." Amaya glanced to Maia as she caught up.
"Oh you poor woman, you look exhausted, why don't you sit down? I have some water you can drink." Maia got down and took the water-skin from her saddle, carrying it over to the woman who sighed with relief as she sat down.
"Have you been walking long?"
"All day and some of the early morning." She answered. Her voice made her sound old but the stature convinced Amaya that she was much younger. She was weary, yes, but her bones were not yet old and she only hunched to keep her face hidden. She wondered why. "Here." Maia held out the water and a hand reached out, the folds slipping back to reveal a pale arm covered in thick warts and welts, making Maia's eyes widen. When a gust of wind tore back the flimsy hood, the woman cried out, dropping the water from her lips and lifted her hands to cover her face as Maia screamed in fear.
Amaya remained expressionless, looking down at the horrific looking woman before dismounting and standing in front of Maia who tried to recover herself. Slowly she bent down, retrieved the water then touched the woman's shoulder, pulling her back into a sitting position. "Drink." She ordered, fixing her eyes on the woman's, which were icy blue and fearful but rimmed with thick, curling lashes.
Slowly the woman drew back her hands and Amaya was careful not to react for fear of insulting the woman, who was obviously very conscious of her admittedly grotesque appearance. She had thick leathery lips, dusted with dark hairs and a plump black wart on her top lip, her crooked and yellowed teeth oversized in her mouth. Her nose was bulbous and oddly shaped with several pussy blisters which also spread down her neck on both sides and at her hairline, the sagging skin making her look even more gruesome but Amaya regarded her evenly, looking into the eyes which admittedly, were very pretty. They had the appearance of shattered ice, shards of different hues of blue that glittered endlessly until they were like twin diamonds.
"What is your name?" Amaya asked her gently as the woman took the drink.
"Lady Ragnell." She whispered in reply, her voice not sounding so hoarse after the drink had quenched her thirst. Amaya sensed dark magic lingering on this woman's skin but not from within her so she frowned.
"Who cursed you?" She gasped so Amaya hastily explained. "I can sense the magic on your skin. It is cloaking your form. Who did it?" She shook her head, the iron grey hair swinging by her face in oily streaks.
"I must not say." Nodding her head, Amaya stood.
"We are returning to Camelot. If you would ride with us, I would be happy to carry you the rest of the way to see Arthur. What is your business?"
"It's the riddle." Instantly Amaya tensed, narrowing her eyes slightly.
"How do you know of the riddle?"
"Please I cannot say. Please, you must trust me, I can help. I know the answer, I must speak with the king in private with his knights. I beg of you." Nodding her head Amaya looked to Maia who was now used to seeing such a hellish face.
"Mount up, we need to see Arthur immediately." Amaya gave Maia the lift she needed to get up into the saddle then did the same for Ragnell, helping her light figure up then she adjusted her hood as Amaya swung up behind her. "Come Arluin, we ride." Amaya clucked her tongue and Maia darted ahead, her mare shooting forwards but Amaya's mount easily kept pace, his faster body thundering back the way they came, passing some merchants which Ragnell instantly turned her face away from to hide her features.
"Is it true you know the answer?"
"Yes." She breathed. "But I do not have much time. Please, you must hasten!" Nodding her head, Amaya called to Maia for a gallop and they both pushed their horses on, shooting towards the castle. When they clattered into the stables, Amaya dismounted then helped Ragnell down who kept her head bowed and her face hidden. Jols frowned.
"Who is that?" He asked.
"A lady in need of aid." Amaya answered. "You know I rarely ask this of you, Jols, but could you…?"
"I shall take care of them. You do what you need." He nodded, taking the reins and Amaya smiled gratefully.
"You wonderful man, Jols, thank you!" Amaya placed an arm around Ragnell's waist and guided her forwards. "Call for the king! Inform him and the knights only that Lady Amaya requests them to meet her in the road table on a matter of urgency!" Amaya called to some passing guards who quickly hurried away to carry the message on.
"Are you hungry? Do you require anything?" Maia asked softly. "I'm sorry I frightened you and I did not mean to hurt your feelings, I do apologise, really, I am so very sorry."
"No, no, it's alright. I did not want to frighten you that is all. I know I am a little…unexpected." Ragnell assured her. "I am not insulted." Maia smiled at her then followed as they climbed the staircase that wound its way up to the round chamber. When they entered, Ragnell gasped at the table. "I've heard stories but…I cannot believe I am seeing the real thing." She stepped out of Amaya's arms and touched the table as the woman drew up a chair.
"Sit, you must be weary from your travelling." Amaya invited. "The knights won't be long, I promise."
"I cannot dally, I have only a few minutes until I have to start racing back home." Ragnell whispered desperately, clinging onto Amaya's arm then drew back her hood to plead with her eyes. "I am going to ask something rather ludicrous but you have to help me, please, I swear it will all turn out alright but you must all trust me!"
"I trust you." Amaya soothed her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "And the knights trust me and the king trusts my judgement. I see no lies in you, only fear and…determination." She smiled. "You have nothing to fear." The door burst open and Ragnell flinched, jolting violently in her seat and whimpered, lifting her hood to cover her face but it was too late.
"Dear gods above, what sort of hellish creature is that?" Amaya snarled defensively at Daniel as Lancelot drew a sword.
"What demon have you brought here?" He demanded darkly and seeing one of Lancelot's swords in hand, the other knights drew their weapons also.
"Away with your weapons!" Amaya commanded. "This woman is with myself and Maia. We have promised her safety and safety is what she shall receive."
"That is no woman!" Daniel laughed scornfully. "Did you see her face?" Ragnell whimpered again and so Amaya strode around to Daniel and did not hesitate to slap his face as hard as she could. The blow shocked him into silence as she drew herself up to her full height.
"Sit down before I turn you into boar, then we shall see who is the prettier being." Amaya snarled at him and as she pointed, sparks jumped between her fingers, making her entire hand tingle as her heart pulsed with magic.
"Amaya, please remain calm." Arthur soothed and Amaya took a deep breath and the sparks stopped. "Daniel, apologise to the lady." Dumbly he turned around and bowed his head.
"I apologise." Ragnell shifted in her seat but made no comment. Her eyes fell on the last knight to enter and instantly her breath was taken away. He was by far the most handsome, with inquisitive eyes, an intelligent look but a mane of hair that Ragnell longer to lose her fingers into.
"Arthur, she knows the answer to the riddle." Amaya said to him gently, feeling once again calm as weapons were sheathed. "But she will ask for something in return for the correct answer." Arthur's eyes darted to the lady. "Ragnell? Speak your terms, we are listening."
Slowly she lifted her head, taking a deep breath as hot tears flowed down her cheeks. She swallowed the nervous lump in her throat to ensure she had a clear voice when speaking. "I shall give you your answer, Sir King, in return for protection against my brother, Sir Gromer. Marry me to one of your knights so that his will no longer commands me through the law." Everyone stared at her stunned but she clenched her jaw, forcing herself to be brave. "Unless you agree, you go to your death."
"My lady…my knights have their own free will. I could not in good conscience ask them to surrender their freedom by binding themselves into a match that was not of their forging." Arthur spoke kindly to her but his unsaid meaning rang in her ears. She stood abruptly, facing him with cold eyes.
"If I were young and beautiful, you would not hesitate to offer me up to one of your men. This is my only offer, Sir King, take it or face your death for my brother intends to have your life! Because you have so insulted me, I now request that I chose the knight to wed." Her words rang clearly and bounced off the walls until there was finally a long silence.
Slowly Percival stood up. "I shall marry her, my king. In exchange for the answer." Ragnell felt a wave of gratitude towards the knight but she shook her head.
"No." She then pointed to Gawain. "It must be him." Gawain started in surprise, staring at the haggish woman as his mouth fell open and he stammered.
"Me?" Galahad glanced to his brother with pity but only Amaya did not react. She tilted her head to the side then without warning, thrust her hand outwards. A ball of bright light shot towards Ragnell and she gasped as it hit her chest, falling back into her seat and she felt heat spread through her chest.
Amaya grunted, flinching as the curse fought back against her but she powered on, Ragnell going limp as her hood fell back and exposed her face. Slowly the warts and blisters began to disappear, the skin lifting and smoothing until all at once, a dark pulse arced out from within her and Amaya felt the full force slam into her, making her cry out in pain as she was struck, crumbling to the ground and Arthur lunged to catch her, everyone rising to their feet.
Gawain turned his head back to Ragnell, seeing the gruesome features return to their original shape. What had Amaya done? Try to make her more beautiful with magic? Out of chivalry he stepped forwards as the others rushed to Amaya, who was motionless on the floor but they forgot Ragnell, who was also not moving.
"My lady?" Gawain called softly, touching her shoulder and her eyes flew open, staring up at him. She certainly had the prettiest eyes he had ever seen. They were very intricate and he could not help but study them closely, looking at each shard of colour before he sighed. "Are you hurt?" He asked and she shook her head.
"What did she do?" Ragnell breathed, touching her chest and Gawain was surprised to hear her voice sounding a little younger, more fruitful and rich. "I feel…warm and strange." Gawain looked over to Amaya, whom Arthur had lifted up into his arms to make her more comfortable and just through the gap of the others, he could see her eyes begin to flutter open.
"Why me?" He asked her softly when he looked back to her. "Why me and not someone else? I do not understand." She gulped, licking her shapeless mouth.
"Because you are here now." She answered then gripped his arm. "Please, I am begging you. I only need someone to claim rights over me greater than my brother. If I were your wife, I would be your property in the eyes of the law. You would not have to touch me or even look at me, I will not speak a word and you may continue to lay with as many other prettier maids as you wish, just please, grant me my freedom from the nightmare I am trapped in." Hearing her pitiful pleas, Gawain sighed. How could he refuse? Besides, Arthur's life was on the line. He had to do this.
Looking back he watched as Amaya stood, rubbing her head as she looked sadly to Ragnell. "I am sorry. I am not yet strong enough to compare." The other knights frowned in confusion but Ragnell understood, carefully rising to her feet.
"Thank you for trying. You have been very kind to me." She glanced to Gawain then looked down dejectedly. "I'm sorry I have wasted your time." As she turned to go Gawain caught her waist, making her gasp at the contact.
"I shall do it." Gawain announced. "For you Arthur and for a lady in need." He gave a weak smile. "Is that not our code of conduct? To help those in need?" Slowly Arthur nodded his head.
"Then we are agreed."
"I have your word?" Ragnell asked suspiciously but her golden haired knight smiled down at her and her heart fluttered in her chest at the handsome look.
"As a knight, my dear." He endeared her! At least he would be good to her, either way the curse ended. At least she would be content with him, even if he could never come to love her. Nodding her head, she turned back to face Arthur.
"Alright you little devil, now keep your side of the bargain." Bors growled at her and she flinched from him but Gawain placed a chivalrous hand on her shoulder to soothe her.
"In payment for your aid, you shall now all know what women desire above all else. Some men say we desire to be beautiful, or that we desire attentions from many men or that we desire to be well wed. In these answers we prove that men know not the truth. What we desire above all else is to have sovereignty, to rule our own lives as we see fit, to not beholden to another." Ragnell lifted her head then lowered it as she sighed, a nervous weight settling on her. Amaya moved around the table, gripping dependently on the backs of the chairs but waved away Galahad's attempt to help her.
She came and stood before Ragnell then lowered her hood but before she could turn her head away, Amaya set an example by kissing the ugly woman's face, smiling softly. "We should all learn to not judge by outward appearances, for they can be deceiving. Equally, a beautiful woman may be ugly and evil inside but when I touched your heart," she pointed to Ragnell's chest where the magic had entered her. "All I could feel was goodness from you." Giving her one last smile, Amaya turned to Arthur. "I shall escort her home."
"No." Galahad shook his head. "You have weakened yourself, Maya, you now need to rest." She scowled at her brother and was about to argue when Gawain stepped forwards.
"I shall escort her." He rested a hand on Amaya's shoulder. "Galahad is right, you tried too much too soon." Scowling Amaya pouted.
"I hate it when you all turn against me." She muttered but nodded her head. "Take good care of her Gawain. Ragnell? Do not worry. The moment the riddle is answered, we shall come riding back for you to take you away from the danger your brother poses you."
"Thank you." She whispered gratefully, tears streaming down her face as she lifted her hood. "Promise you won't let my brother trap me there again? Promise that you will return for me." Amaya threw back her head and laughed.
"You'd better hope he isn't there when I come for you. Or he might find I have turned him into a wild boar for me to hunt down with an arrow."