Amaya awoke with a start, gasping deeply as her eyes stared up at the canopy of her bed. Demon lifted his head and made a soft sound for comfort then crawled closer to Amaya as she turned over, draping an arm over him as he kept her company. "You're not supposed to be on the bed, you little rascal." She murmured, closing her eyes shut but she was only greeted by the images she had seen in her dreams.

There had been crows circling over a battlefield where utter devastation of battle lay before Amaya. She had walked among the corpses, barefooted so that blood soon stained her skin. Everything had appeared slightly out of focus save for Arthur's body on the ground, a broken blade piercing his body as he stared sightlessly up at the sky but when Amaya had turned around, she had seen a boy, barely sixteen years of age, with Arthur's green eyes and black hair though he wore it long and to his shoulders, the shape of his face angular and more feminine than Amaya would have expected.

He smirked at her, his broken sword in hand before his sickening voice whispered. "The sins of the father." Hearing it again Amaya shuddered then cuddled Demon closer, glad for his company. It was dawn, the light only just rising and today was the last day of the tournament, the day where Arthur must answer the riddle.

Gawain had informed her that Ragnell would meet Amaya along the road they had met upon, which led towards the tower she was locked away in. He had also announced that he had to be married to the woman before the last event of the tournament, a deal she had bartered with him during their ride back to her keep.

He stared at the room he was to share with Ragnell tonight, the red drapes pulled back to reveal the sheets already turned down. He could not believe this, entering into a lifetime of marriage with that odious hag. She was kind enough and he was sure she would be good company but he could not stand the thought of touching those warts and blisters. Shuddering he turned and left, having moved all his belongings there in the long night that he had not slept through. He couldn't.

Stiding towards the stables he prepared his horse, trotting circles again and again as he tried to force his mind to accept the fate he had been given. "I shall assume you did not sleep well." Amaya guessed as she approached, leading Arluin towards Gawain who stopped and walked his horse towards her. "It is not so bad."

"Did you not see her, Amaya?" Gawain demanded icily, looking down in anger. "I always dreamed of falling in love, like Galahad did with Mai, now all I shall have is a rusty old hag as a wife whom I could not bear to look at, let alone touch!"

"You are being unkind." Amaya told him sharply, lifting her chin. "Do you not think Ragnell has had to deal with people like you spitting on her whenever someone sees her face? Tell me, if I had walked into that throne room and presented myself as Galahad's sister with the face of a hag, would you have all disregarded me without a thought? Even if Galahad verified our bond?" Gawain slowly looked up to meet Amaya's eyes, seeing that she had a point. He was looking too greatly on the outward appearance. "She is not asking for much, Gawain, though you may think differently. In her mind, all she is asking for is a husband's protection and sovereignty. You can grant her both these things and perhaps in time, you shall find her to be beautiful in her own way."

"I see what you mean, Amaya." Gawain sighed, nodding his head. "Are you ready to leave?"

"Aye, as soon as Arthur is ready. Have you eaten something?" He arched an eyebrow at her and she chuckled. "What a pair we make. Come, there is still time to eat before we leave. There are still a few hours before we go to rescue Ragnell." Gawain dismounted, left his horse tied up with a loosened girth for him to return later along with Amaya then followed her to the kitchens. He felt sick to the stomach so Amaya brought him some weak ale and simple bread, her own meal the same before sitting down with him to eat.

"What was it you were trying to do in the round chamber?" Gawain asked carefully, glancing around to the kitchen servants as Amaya sighed. "Were you trying to make her look prettier?"

"You could say that." Amaya answered but she lifted her eyes to meet his. "But you must trust me when I say that it is best if you do not ask questions, merely follow what your heart says." Gawain frowned at her and she rolled her eyes. "There is more to Ragnell than meets the eye. I shall say no more, so eat and ask me nothing. My lips are sealed." Turning his head away Gawain did as he was told, chewing heavily on the bread which stuck in his throat, so he watered it down with the ale.

Once they were done they returned to their horses just as Galahad stepped out with the roan mare he had one yesterday, leading the fine horse over to the previous owner who growled. "That's her."

"And you wish to buy her back?" Galahad asked again but when he went to pat the mare's neck, she snorted in anger and reared up, turning her body away from the knight protectively and Amaya looked into her eyes deeply, frowning. Galahad got the mare back under control and he shrugged.

"If you want the beast then you shall have to name a high price, I am reluctant to part with her for it is obvious you mistreat her." Amaya slowly approached and the mare, seeing her, instantly tried to go to the other female, wanting the solace and protection of another creature who would understand her fears. Galahad tugged her back but when she fought, Amaya lifted a hand.

"Easy there you wild thing." Amaya soothed and Galahad, seeing the experienced look of concern in Amaya's eyes, allowed her to take over. Amaya held the rope and the mare pressed her head into Amaya, snorted and whining slightly as Demon gently rubbed his head against her legs to try and comfort her. The moment Amaya tried to touch the mare's belly, she pulled away and snapped slightly but the woman quickly stepped out of the way. "She is gestating with a foal." Amaya announced then glowered intently at the previous owner. "You knew this?"

"Aye."

"But you still rode her?"

"Won't do the foal any harm." Amaya bristled, lifting a hand to stroke the mare's neck and traced some scars in her skin left from untreated wounds from beatings, no doubt. She looked to her brother who nodded.

"I am keeping her."

"And how exactly do you expect me to return to my province? I only have the one horse with me and I refuse to order one of my men to give up there's, I shall look a fool!"

"Good. Men who cannot look after their horses deserve to be flogged and worse." Gawain growled, standing beside Galahad as they faced the enraged man. "The mare shall stay in our care." He snarled hotly and stepped forwards but Demon lowered his stance and snarled, making him think twice before going up against that ugly beast.

"There are horses in town you can rent. Mercy be upon them. I would suggest a carriage instead, seeing as you have the experience of a stick when it comes to handling and taking care of horses." Galahad growled, clenching his fists together. The mare nudged Amaya's hand, inhaling the woman's scent as trust settled in her. She could trust another female, another female would understand the need to protect her foal.

"There now, it's alright." Amaya murmured to her gently. "I shall help you birth your foal. Everything is going to be better for you." She watched as the man stalked away then drew the mare around, taking her to the stall next to Arluin's where she could keep an eye on her later. Gawain and Galahad explained to Jols the mare's condition and Amaya set about doing what she could for the mare.

She washed her, groomed her, applied some slaves that would help heal the old wounds better then gave her a hot mash to build up her strength. "How did you know without even checking her properly?" Gawain asked as he stood at the door.

"She told me." Amaya answered. "When she tried to come to me and not stay beside Galahad. She wanted another female to understand, to save her." Amaya smiled to the mare and kissed her face. "We women always stick together."

"Does she have a name?" Jols asked, running his eyes over the horse to make sure she was not in critical condition.

"The stable lad who handed her over said her name was Boadicea but everyone just called her Bow. You know, like Tristan's bow?"

"Bow? That's a horrid name for a horse." The mare lifted her head and glared at Gawain as if insulted by his words.

"Bow, I like it." Amaya murmured softly and Galahad snorted.

"You would."

"Boadicea. You're safe here now." Amaya whispered to her gently, placed a final kiss on the horse's face then left the stall. "Jols, it appears she is not too trusting of men. Would you ask Maia to care for her and keep her company until I return?" He nodded his head as Amaya looked to Galahad with a wicked grin. "It seems I am stealing your new mare until I can tame her a little to trust men."

"You can have her if you like. I have no need for a mare in foal." Galahad shrugged then looked to Gawain. "Today's the day, huh?" Gawain's face clouded and he looked away. "I admire you for what you're doing. I hope you know that."

"Yes well, hurry up will you? Or Arthur will leave us behind." Amaya jogged over to Arluin and mounted up, looking down to Demon who tried to follow.

"No Demon, you stay here." He whimpered at her but sat down at the entrance of the stables and watched Amaya as she left. She did not want to leave him behind but this was not a simple hunt, she would need to be fast if they were to break Ragnell out of the keep and then return before her brother realises what had happened and could catch up to them to take her away again.

Though Gawain was to ride ahead towards the keep to retrieve Ragnell, Amaya was going to break off and remain with Arthur to make sure the pact was not broken because, as she had said, Sir Gromer did not say anything about a woman being at Arthur's side.

The king nodded to them as they rode out into the courtyard, Tristan and Lancelot at his side. "Are we all prepared?" Amaya checked her bow and quiver before nodding her head silently.

"We are ready, Arthur. You lead the way." Gawain said to him nonchalantly and Arthur felt a pang of failure on his part. Gawain had been denied his freedom for fifteen years and now he was about to partially surrender it again. It was unfair but honour bound them to their word and now, there was nothing to be done.

They rode out into the woods leisurely all save for Gawain, who galloped on to reach the keep whilst Arthur met with Sir Gromer. When they reached the clearing where they had first met, Arthur stopped and faced Lancelot and Tristan. "Wait here. If all goes well, I shall be back very shortly." Lancelot shook his head.

"I do not like this. Will you not let us go with you?" He looked to Amaya and his eyes narrowed. "How is it that she is permitted to go?"

"Because my presence would not be a breach of the agreement." Amaya answered with a lift of her chin, looking back at the dark haired knight without being intimidated. "And my aim is far better than yours, Lancelot."

"Tristan can shoot. I trust Arthur's life in his hands far more than yours." Lancelot growled back. "You may be our sister but you have not yet earned the right to be as close as you are, we have spent fifteen long years shedding blood, sweat and tears together. You have only been with us a few months." Amaya did not answer, her face set in stone.

"Be at peace, Lancelot. I trust Amaya to know when I require her arrow." Arthur had not armed himself before leaving and wore exactly the same clothes as he did when he had hunted a week before, simple breeches, shirt and jerkin to hunt in. "And you should too." Lancelot turned his head away so the king walked his horse over to the knight and rested his hand on his shoulder. "I know you worry for my welfare, dear friend but do not be concerned. Sir Gromer has pride, which will stay his blade."

"How can you be sure?" Lancelot retorted simply and Arthur smiled.

"It is in his nature. Remain here and we shall return." With that Arthur flicked his reins and cantered into the trees, Amaya glancing back to the two knights before following. Her eyes had met Tristan's, which had caused her to quickly look away again. He watched her go, Arluin's tail drifting from sight through the foliage. She looked rather pretty today, wearing half of her hair up instead of plaiting it. It suited her well.

Amaya followed Arthur to the point where he had met Sir Gromer but stopped a small distance away to tie up their horses. "It seems I am constantly relying on your aid, Amaya."

"It is what I am here for, my king." Amaya answered simply, keeping an arrow notched onto the string as they walked. "I may not be Briton by blood but I regard you as my sovereign ruler, you have earned my respect and my trust, therefore I shall fight alongside you whenever you need me. It is the only way of life that I really know."

"Galahad tells me that you became a chieftain of the tribe." Amaya grimaced slightly but nodded her head.

"He and I were the children of an Iazyges branch chief, the entire tribe had broken up a long time ago, after the war with Rome and our heritage lead a small group into the forests and later to the rivers where we became known for hunting fish though we idolised wolves as there were a fair few packs around. We lived in peace." Amaya explained. "Galahad would have become chief after our father unless he died before he returned from service or…or had Galahad died, I would have taken over." She swallowed, looking down to her feet. "We are also royal, technically. A line from a younger brother of the great chief whom all of the Iazyges answer to. When the sickness killed most of our tribe, we joined with another smaller one and their chief was also gone, so they looked to me to protect them." Amaya continued, stepping over the roots of a tree carefully. "But when sickness struck again, we were all crippled and defenceless. I was the last warrior and when the Huns began to attack, I led the last of my people to the main tribe in the central land before setting off alone to find Galahad."

"You are a remarkable woman, Amaya. I'm beginning to wonder if there is no end to how extraordinary you are." Arthur said to her and she smiled weakly.

"Many men and women have had to deal with more than I. Just look at my brother. I do not think I could have done what he did at his age. I grew into a warrior, he was born one."

"But still, you are strong and capable. I do not know why Lancelot is prejudiced against you now when you both seemed fine with one another in the beginning. He did not harm you, did he?"

"No, of course not." Amaya answered. "That business is between Lancelot and I." Understanding her implication, Arthur nodded his head.

"I shall not pry." Amaya gave him a grateful look then turned her head, lowering herself down. "Do not put yourself in danger." She chuckled, shaking her head.

"It is not me you should be worried for." She murmured then slipped away into the bushes, concealing herself so well that even Arthur struggled to see her. Looking away, he stepped into the small space between trees and waited. The sun rose higher and higher until he heard a twig snap and Arthur narrowed his eyes, looking to Sir Gromer as he shouldered his way forwards.

"Good, you have kept your word." Arthur nodded his head.

"Pray tell me, how many chances will you give me?" He asked and the banished knight snorted, smirking at his believed cunning.

"For it is a difficult question with many answers, I shall grant you three chances to give me the right answer to my riddle. Do not waste my time, Sir King, answer me now. What do all women desire above all else?" Arthur took a deep breath, keeping calm as he answered, pretending to think for a moment so that he could buy Gawain as much time as he needed.

"My first guess shall be true love. Women desire to have true love." Sir Gromer howled with laugher, swinging his blade then balanced it on his shoulder, his lips twisting into a gruesome smirk.

"You guess wrong. Give me your second." Arthur touched his neck then rubbed his head, continuing to play for time until Sir Gromer bellowed to him. "Answer!"

"Alright, my second guess is beauty. Is it beauty that women desire?" His smirk twisted further, baring the fang like teeth and in that moment, Arthur understood what Amaya meant about outward appearance. Ragnell was beautiful compared to the monster he was looking at now, a man who desired nothing but blood.

"You have only one chance left. I shall grant you time to think but do not tarry, for your end is near. I can taste it on my tongue." The leathery tongue slid out from behind his lips and slowly drew in the taste of anticipation from his skin. He could not wait to sever the king's head from his shoulders, then he would ride into Camelot, bearing the prize aloft for all to see then toss it at his beloved knight's feet and crush them all with just a single blow.

"I have my final answer." Arthur declared, drawing Sir Gromer from his gruesome thoughts. "My final answer, the answer to your riddle, is sovereignty." With a sudden crash Sir Gromer's jaw fell open as he stared at the king in shock. "Above all else, women desire sovereignty, to rule their own lives as they see fit." Arthur took a step back as Sir Gromer bellowed with rage then lifted his sword, swinging it with all his might and cutting deep into a tree.

"You have outwitted me, King! Go now, before I break my word and have your head regardless!" Not pausing to regard the knight, Arthur turned and hurried away, racing through the trees back to his horse. As silent as a shadow Amaya slipped to his side, running with him until they reached their horses.

"I must go and seek Gawain and Ragnell to ensure they escaped." Amaya said to Arthur. "Ride back to Camelot and have the wedding prepared, we cannot afford to wait as Sir Gromer will surely come to realise that it was his sister who gave us the answer and will come after her to extract revenge." Arthur nodded his head in agreement.

"Ride with care." He called and they parted ways. Amaya clenched a fist shut and let her magic flow, taking a deep breath as she willed for a light to guide her to Gawain. It appeared easily, flying out from her palm the moment she opened her fingers and shot away, leading Amaya to where Gawain was galloping as fast as his horse could carry the two riders.

He had Ragnell before him to keep her safe from the arrows that flew past, the group of men riding after them slowly catching up as they hunted them down. "We must lose them!" Ragnell cried, clutching her face in fear as another arrow shot frightfully close to her shoulder.

He could not push his horse any faster, the poor beast was already galloping at full pace but with his extra weight, it was too much. He was about to pull up and let Ragnell escape ahead of him when Amaya burst through the trees ahead of them, stone faced as she drew back an arrow.

Relief flooded through him as she let the arrows sing, shooting down the six men with time to spare so that she could slow Arluin down to a halt, stopping beside Gawain's horse who laboured for breath. "It appears I have exemplary timing." She smiled then looked at Ragnell. "Are you harmed?" She shook her head though she trembled slightly in fear. "Come, we must hurry. Join me on Arluin to give Gawain's horse a lighter load to recover strength." Amaya said softly, stretching out a hand and Gawain helped Ragnell change seats, positioning her behind Amaya who turned and led the way, cantered swiftly through the woods.

"Thank you." Ragnell whispered so that Gawain would not hear. "For everything."

"The curse will soon be over. I have spoken with Gawain and advised to be kind and considerate for your desires. Hopefully he will understand when the time comes." Amaya answered her in an equally quiet tone.

"How is it you knew of my curse? How did you sense it and how could you make that burst of light happen in my chest?" Amaya chuckled.

"I am Emrys." She answered and Ragnell frowned. "Which means I have very powerful magic coursing through my veins. When I tried to break the curse for you, it was too strong for me to conquer as I am still gaining control of my powers and learning to strengthen them, but I saw your pure heart and it told me everything. Ugly by day, beautiful by night. Gawain will be surprised when the time comes for you two to go to the marriage chamber." Ragnell blushed. She was nervous for the night as it could mean that she remained ugly for the rest of her life if Gawain did not act as she prayed him to act. Also, she had never had proper contact with men before.

When her father and mother were alive, they had taken her to markets and she would meet, greet and smile to people of all kinds but these last few years, trapped in a curse because of her brother's temper, she had not spoken to anyone other than the maid who had brought her meals, cleaned her clothes and escorted her about the keep though they were not friends. The maid was too frightened to attach herself to Ragnell for fear of being punished by her brother, Gromer.

She knew what was coming, either way. Gawain would lay with her tonight and take her virtue, which frightened her slightly though she reasoned that he was a gallant man and would be gentle. Heat flooded through her at the thought of him undressing her and she felt a tight twist in her belly as warmth flooded the spot between her legs. Her mother had often told her stories about love at first sight and when she had seen Gawain, she had finally come to believe them. It was not a silly, reckless and light headed love she felt for Gawain, no. It felt eternal, like she was bound to him heart and soul in a deep, unexplainable way that made her feel as strong as a mountain.

Once Gawain's horse had recovered some its strength they increased the pace, returning to Camelot with all haste where Arthur met them in the courtyard. "Gawain, Lady Ragnell, everything is ready for you both." Gawain jumped down from his horse then moved over to Ragnell, who blinked at him as he lifted his hands to her waist and gently placed her onto her feet before him. Amaya chuckled.

"Go, both of you. You have very little time. I sense that Gromer will not be far behind." Gawain took Ragnell's hand and placed it in the crook of his elbow, escorting her inside to the throne room where no one stood, save for the knights, Guinevere and Maia.

Amaya followed, striding forwards and looked to the priest who stared at Ragnell's visible hands as Gawain led her up to him. "Well? Have you been struck dumb?" She demanded defensively as she sensed Ragnell begin to break a little at the stares. "Speak! We have little time to waste." The priest jumped at Amaya's sharp tone and he began to bless the union.

The woman slipped into her place beside Maia, who took her hand. "Will she be alright?"

"Gawain will treat her well." Amaya assured her. "And we can be her friends. She will have a better life here than she will locked in that tower." Maia nodded her head but continued to grip Amaya's hand, listening as the priest continued the rites, murmuring softly as his voice carried out.

Ragnell was glad the wedding was a small affair, she did not wish for everyone to know of her just yet. When the final bond was made Gawain turned his head and kissed her cheek lightly against a clearer patch on her skin and Ragnell accepted the small token for now. There was no cheering, just a quiet murmur as Gawain led Ragnell towards the other kngihts.

"The final tournament begins shortly. Amaya, are you sure you do not wish to enter?" Arthur asked the woman who nodded her head.

"I am sure."

"Then let us go. Lady Ragnell, you are welcome to join us." She shook her head.

"I will remain indoors." Her voice murmured quietly so Maia took her hand and smiled.

"Would you like me to show you the castle? It takes some time to get used to and I care little for archery." Ragnell knew she was lying but accepted gratefully all the same. She looked to Gawain and wondered if she should say anything but decided against it, turning and allowing Maia to lead her away.

Gawain sighed. "Well, you're stuck with her now." Bors said, clapping her on the back. "Let's go shoot some targets, huh?" Dumbly, the golden haired knight could only nod his head and let himself be led away.