Author's Notes: Here's Chapter Twenty-Five! Enjoy! I want to thank my readers and followers for sticking with me on this story. The views on both here and AO3, the kudos I've received, and the couple of times it's been bookmarked and followed really means a lot to me.
Chapter XXV
After the hour of rest Arthur provided passed, the men made their way to the council chamber, sitting at their usual spots amongst the Round Table with Jols and Andres present to observe. Tristan was enjoying his second round of wine as he stood up from his seat, keeping his spirits up to the best of his ability. He snickered internally at the shocked reactions of both the Bishop and his serving man, Horton, when they saw the table. He would not have the chance to be arrogant and flaunt his "status of importance" thanks to Arthur's ways of thinking.
Although the meeting was just beginning as the Bishop spoke with Arthur chiming in occasionally, Tristan sensed the man was hiding something. The way he eyed the Sirens while they waited at the gate rubbed him and the men the wrong way, and the thought of him eyeing Iliana the same way made his blood boil.
He hadn't bothered to mention it when they were in his room (not wanting to spoil the moment between them), but he felt the tension flowing off of her back at the courtyard. He thought he could ask her about it later when they both relaxed. They each had a lot on their minds, and sometimes, it was best to just step back and let the fog clouding their thoughts dissipate. He also hoped some time with the Sirens would help with the process, as they prepared to look their absolute best for them.
He kept quiet as the Bishop talked, eating a piece of dried meat he gained after leaving Iliana in his room. Whatever the Bishop had to say meant little to him at this point in time. This would be the last time he would have to listen to anyone representing Rome; once this meeting was done, he would finally have his life back, one in which another did not dictate his path, and be able to give Iliana the future Leoric wanted for her.
"Alas, we are all but players in an ever-changing world. Barbarians from every corner are almost at Rome's door," the Bishop announced. "Because of this, Rome, and the Holy Father, have decided to remove ourselves from indefensible outposts, such as Britain.
"What will become of Britain is not our concern anymore. I suppose the Saxons will claim it soon."
At the mention of the Saxons, Tristan looked up as the men exchanged looks of concern.
"Saxons?" Arthur asked.
"Yes. In the north, a massive Saxon incursion has begun," the Bishop replied.
Tristan didn't miss the concerned glance Arthur exchanged with Andres, remembering what Iliana told him when they escorted the refugees to the Wall. The thought of the Saxons claiming her and the Sirens was enough to make his blood boil and his skin crawl.
"The Saxons only claim what they kill," Lancelot stated.
"And only kill everything," Gawain added.
"So, you'll just leave the land to the Woads, and I risked my life for nothing," Galahad said, not masking the agony that was clear in his voice.
Andres clenched his teeth at the Bishop's unconcerned expression. Had it not been for the level of respect he possessed for Arthur, the Bishop would have had that expression wiped off his face by now. He understood Galahad's emotions, having felt the same way himself when he was at this point in time all those years ago.
"Gentlemen, your discharge papers with safe conduct throughout the Roman Empire," the Bishop announced as he opened the wooden box, containing six scrolls that officially marked the men's freedom. This was it; the moment the men had dreamt of for the past fifteen years. Once those scrolls were in their hands, they were finally free.
"But first, I must have a word with your commander…"
The brief pause only made the wait more agonizing as the men waited for him to continue.
"In private."
"We have no secrets," Arthur said, intending to stay loyal to his men until the very end. However, the Bishop had other plans when he slammed the box shut, clearly stating his intentions.
"Come. Let's leave Roman business to Romans and look for Ili and her Sirens," Lancelot announced, clearly getting the hint.
With a raise of his glass to Arthur and the Bishop, he took one last sip, and the men filed out.
"Let it go, Bors," Dagonet said, placing a hand on the shoulder of the rounded knight before leaving. Bors looked like he wanted to say something, but he bit his tongue as he followed behind the tall, stoic healer.
The Bishop's last words were a hard blow for the men to take. Their freedom was right in the clutches of their hands, and yet, it still felt so far away from their grasp. Were they going to receive their discharge papers finally, or was the rug going to be pulled out from underneath them? Nobody knew for sure, and the tension already surrounding the matter didn't help the situation either.
As for Tristan, the one thing he wanted to do was pull Iliana into his arms and envelop the comfort of her scent and warmth. He imagined her waiting for him at the tavern in the most beautiful dress Elsie and Zina made for her. At the very least, her presence alone would be enough to help ease him of the frustration seeping through his veins.
The tavern was picking up by the time they arrived, and standing in the middle of the floor were the Sirens. When they saw them, their eyes lit up and their faces glowed as they smiled.
"There you are!" Sophia exclaimed. "We were wondering when that meeting was finally going to be done."
"Sorry to have kept you lovely ladies waiting," Lancelot said in a charming tone as he took Sophia's hand and kissed her knuckles.
"Okay. Call me crazy because I have had no ale yet, but I'm only seeing four out of the five," Bors announced.
"Aye. Where's Ili?" Dagonet asked.
"She told us to go ahead, and she'd meet up with us later," Sophia replied. "She wanted to talk to Arthur about something. What that was, she didn't say."
They all looked at Tristan, who had a disappointed look on his face.
"I wouldn't worry. You'll see her soon," Sophia assured.
"I'm sure she probably wanted to thank Arthur for taking her in and helping her fulfill her father's last wish," Bors said. "I wouldn't worry either. She'll be here. I know she wouldn't miss this for the world."
With that, everyone soon split up to mingle and enjoy themselves, and Tristan took a seat off in the corner closest to where the bar was. He pulled out an apple and his knife and began cutting away, hoping Iliana's meeting with Arthur wouldn't take too long.
The evening was cool on Iliana's exposed arms as she made her way towards the council chamber. Elsie and Zina dressed her in a floor length, halter Greek dress of a sky blue color that tied at the back with a silver waistband, and she glowed beneath the cover of the moonlight. She tied back half of her hair, leaving two loose strands hanging off her cheeks.
After joining the Sirens and getting dolled up for the evening, she encouraged the girls to meet with the men at the tavern, catching up with them later after meeting up with Arthur. She wanted to express her gratitude for everything he had done for her these past two and a half months and wish him the best when he returned to Rome. He was nothing like most of the Romans that lived in this lifetime, and she hoped they would acknowledge his example as both a leader and a human being in Rome.
Since she didn't know how long the meeting with the Bishop would take, Iliana took a walk through town, making her way up a flight of stairs leading to the top of the Wall. She settled on a particular spot in which she could see the forestry north of the Wall, and she gazed at it in both fear and curiosity.
The confirmation of her suspicions involving Merlin had been in the back of her mind since talking with Tristan about it. She understood the actions of the man known as the "Dark Magician" and his people throughout the years based on the stories her father told of him. They did not differ from the Sarmatians and the Greeks; all they wanted was to live freely in their own lands without an empire such as Rome dictating their choices and futures.
A particular memory came back to her as she continued to stare at the trees and greenery…
[Sarmatia, land of the Roxolani tribe, 463 AD]
"Be grateful you fathered a daughter, Leoric. Things would have turned out differently if she had been a boy instead."
An icy chill tore through the spine of fourteen-year-old Iliana as she glared at the Roman soldier, who was eyeing her intently. He and his cavalry finished rounding up the boys they recruited for their latest band of knights to train. Feeling the tension flowing off of her, Leoric squeezed both her shoulders, trying to contain his own anger at the way the soldier looked at her like she was a prized horse for the taking.
"I'll wipe the floor with you and the entire Roman Empire before I even let you lay so much as a single finger on her."
The venom and ire were clear in his voice, and it made the soldier pull the reins on the horse he was on.
"You greedy Romans have gotten what you wanted. Now, leave us to our grief."
Giving the veteran Sarmatian a look, the soldier turned his horse and went on his way with his cavalry and the boys they selected. A few families were going to be wallowing in sadness over losing their sons when nighttime fell upon the land.
Only when the soldier was out of sight did Iliana glance at Leoric from over her shoulder.
"Father."
"Are you okay, my dear?" he asked, loosening his grip on her shoulders.
"Aye. Are you okay?"
"I will be the second they leave the lands," he replied.
"Easy does it, you feisty bastard," Andres said, loosening his grip on the handle of his sword. "I know you were trying to protect Ili, but taking that soldier's head wouldn't have done us any good in this situation."
"I refuse to take it easy with Rome," Leoric hissed. "Have you forgotten the experiences from those fifteen years of fighting and what the Woads, Greeks, and us Sarmatians have suffered through thanks to their greed?"
"Nay. I haven't forgotten, and if it were up to you or me, the Woads would have had their country back already," Andres replied.
"The Woads are the native tribe of Britain, correct?" Iliana asked, turning to face them.
"Aye, Ili," Leoric replied. "You remembered from the stories I told you."
"Aye," Iliana said with a nod. "It's not fair they can't live freely in their own country, and I can say the same for you, Andres, the Sarmatians, and even the Greeks. Nobody can be free of Rome's tyranny. When they get what they want, they'll want more."
Leoric breathed out a sigh and pulled her close to him, kissing the top of her head.
"The times we live in are unfair, but it's only going to be a matter of time before the Roman Empire finally collapses," he announced. "The rebelling tribes will eventually fight back, and when they all band together, Rome won't be able to hold them off. Their greed and lust for power and control will eventually be their downfall."
Iliana nodded.
"I hope so."
Gazing at the greenery for a little longer, Iliana enjoyed the sight and the chill of the evening before descending the steps and heading back towards town.
Merlin, I wish I could send off this message to you, but you and your people won't have to fight for the lands that are rightfully yours. Rome will finally be off this island for good.
Her thought echoed in the depths of her mind as she neared the building that housed the council chamber. She never thought she would live to see the day that Rome would finally withdraw from a stretch of land they greedily claimed. Now, as their withdrawal from Britain neared, she hoped for the same of Sarmatia and Greece.
The sound of footsteps coming from the building snapped her out of her thoughts, and when she neared the open gate, she smiled at the sight of Arthur coming out. He didn't see her as he stepped out into the night, thanks to being distracted.
"Arthur!"
The call of his name made him look up, and at the sad look in his eyes, Iliana's smile dropped immediately. A pang of pain stung her heart as he walked towards her until he was standing directly in front of her. Tears formed in the back of her eyes, but she fought to keep herself together as she leaned towards him. She placed both hands on his armored chest, and then she rested her cheek against the cool metal. She felt the tension flowing throughout his body, and she didn't object when he wrapped his arms around her. They stayed this way for a moment, and he soon let himself relax slightly.
"If you want to talk about it, I'm all ears, Arthur."
She allowed him to hold her for a little longer, and when he allowed himself to relax in full, Arthur pulled away to look at her.
"How about we talk in the stables?"
She nodded and followed beside him, trying her best not to cry as the dread creeped its way through her veins. When they entered the barn, the two of them made their way to Arion's stall.
"Give Arthur some comfort, love. He's going to need it," she said to him in Greek, and the stallion had no objections to nudging the commander in the cheek with his nose. Arthur smiled slightly as he stroked Arion's neck, his massive frame and majestic appearance never ceasing to captivate him.
"Whenever you're ready, I'm listening," she announced, leaning back against the gate of Arion's stall.
There was a beat of silence, save for the snorts of Arion and the other horses, and with another pat on Arion's neck, Arthur finally spoke up.
"Instead of giving me and my men their discharge, Rome has issued one last mission for us to complete."
At those words, Iliana felt her heart hit the deepest pit of her stomach with a loud splat. She had a feeling it was almost too good to be true, and sure enough, she was right. Taking a deep breath to keep her cool, she nodded at him to continue.
"We are to travel north of the Wall into Woad territory and rescue the Roman family of Marius Honorius from the invading Saxons. Rome is interested in Marius's son, Alecto, who is the Pope's godchild and will become a Bishop and possibly even a Pope down the line."
Iliana thought it couldn't get any worse upon the mention of the Saxons. With a scoff and a shake of her head, she looked out the open door of the barn towards the direction of the council chamber.
"Rome had absolutely no fucking right to stab you in the back on the day that you were all supposed to be free. They're using your freedom as leverage to get what they fucking want."
Her anger and cursing surprised Arthur, but he understood why she was so livid. With nothing to say, the commander simply nodded.
"I didn't get my hopes up all day," she continued. "I had a feeling in the back of my mind there was going to be some kind of catch to it, and when it comes to my instincts, I'm usually right. Just this once, I wanted to be wrong."
"I just don't know how I am to approach my men and inform them Rome has granted them their deaths rather than their freedom," Arthur mused.
Iliana knew he would extend the same disappointment to her Sirens upon delivering the bad news to the men. At the thought of their sad expressions, she felt another pang of pain sting her heart.
"They're going to find out eventually, Arthur. It's best to tell them the truth as soon as you can. It's going to hurt, but there's no other way around it."
"At the very least, will you be present with me when I do?"
She saw the plea in his eyes when he asked, and not wanting him to have to carry this heavy burden alone, she nodded.
"Of course. It's the least I can do to thank you for everything you've done for me."
"Thank you, Ili," Arthur said in gratitude.
"Can I ask for a favor in return?" Iliana asked.
"Anything," Arthur replied.
Iliana took a deep breath before she spoke.
"Can the Sirens and I accompany you on this mission? You have seen us fight, and we can be of help to you and the men."
The bewildered look that formed on Arthur's face didn't come as a surprise to her, and when she kept a neutral face, he spoke up.
"Ili, we're heading into Woad territory. As skilled as you and the Sirens are in combat, I can't risk jeopardizing your lives for us. I would rather you-"
"Have you forgotten who my Sirens fled from when they came here?" Iliana asked, cutting him off. "If they find out you're journeying on the Saxons' territory, they'll jump at the chance of coming along. These bastards have scorned all four of them, and I won't deny them the chance for redemption and payback.
"To add to it, I won't stand by and watch you and the men ride from me again like I have for the past two and a half months. The same goes for my Sirens. I won't subject them to that stir of emotions I've felt so many times over."
"Ili…" Arthur spoke.
"Despite knowing how to fight, I've denied the warrior that's been in me all this time," Iliana explained. "I thought I wasn't capable of fighting, but after training with my Sirens and training with you and the men, I realized I am a warrior because of my father. While I have found the missing piece of my heart in Tristan, I still don't have the closure I'm looking for. I feel that if I aid you, the man my father told me to seek just moments before his death, I'll finally have the closure my heart desires.
"This is for you, the men, my Sirens, and my father."
Arthur was about to say something until he looked into Iliana's eyes. He saw determination in the bright blue gaze that captivated everyone around her, and for a moment, he saw a spitting image of Leoric standing in her place, staring directly at him. Remembering how she and her Sirens held their own the day the Woads attacked the town and their determination to become stronger, Arthur made his final decision.
"Very well. We leave first thing in the morning."
Relief coursed through Iliana's veins at his resignation. This wasn't a simple decision for him to make, but he understood how important it was to her and her Sirens.
"Thank you, Arthur. This means a lot to me, and I know the girls will be grateful for this."
She then pushed herself off the gate, and with a stroke to Arion's neck, linked her arm in Arthur's.
"Let's head to the tavern. We shouldn't keep the men and the girls waiting any longer."
As usual, the tavern was bustling about as the patrons welcomed the night with open arms. Everyone was in high spirits as they indulged in whatever they preferred, be it gambling, revelry, alcohol, or all of the above. After the Sirens greeted them with open arms, the men wasted no time getting into the ale and enjoying themselves.
Lancelot swept Sophia off her feet and placed her on his lap as he indulged in a chance game of dice with two Roman soldiers. Gawain and Galahad engaged in yet another round of knife throwing, showing off to Estrella and Catalina while also roping them into some challenges. Bors tended to Eleven, with Andres, Dagonet, and Dimitra keeping him company as they shared stories and drank their share of ale.
Lastly, Tristan didn't move from his spot near the bar as he slowly cut and chewed away at his apple. Occasionally, he would gaze up at the crowd to see if Iliana appeared, but there was still no sign of her. Either her meeting with Arthur was taking longer than expected, or she had taken one of her walks and became lost in her thoughts. He hoped she would be here soon; he wanted to relish in her presence after watching the men interact with their ladies.
After watching Gawain and Galahad show off to Estrella and Catalina for a little longer, Tristan stood up from his seat, holding the blade of his knife in his right hand. Galahad had thrown his knife, the blade landing in the center of the stool. Gawain pouted, with Estrella rubbing his shoulders and resting her chin atop his head. However, as the young knight wrapped his arms around Catalina's shoulders and relished in his victory, it was short-lived when Tristan threw his knife, the blade landing on the handle of Galahad's knife.
The others looked at him in a combination of admiration and shock.
"How do you do that?" Gawain asked.
The scout held out his hand and pointed towards the stool.
"I aim for the middle."
"Shut up!"
Bors's sudden holler caught everyone's attention as he dragged Vanora towards the middle of the tavern.
"Vanora will sing."
The older redhead protested at first, but with some encouragement from the patrons, fueled by the cheering and clapping of Sophia, Estrella, and Catalina, Vanora relented and sang. The four Sirens glanced at each other and between their men, noticing how their rowdy behavior was quick to subside as they either listened or sang along. They each leaned into their men, feeling their sadness as the song continued.
Everyone was so entranced they didn't see Arthur and Iliana making their appearance. Arthur felt Iliana grip his sleeve tightly, and he saw her fighting back the tears threatening to stain her porcelain cheeks. He placed a hand on top of hers, giving her hand a gentle squeeze, and she looked at him.
"Arthur! Ili!" Jols called, bringing the two leaders back to reality as they turned to the lit up faces of their respective comrades.
"Arthur!" Galahad exclaimed, giving Catalina a quick kiss before letting her go and making his way to him. The rest of the men followed his example, and with a look and nod to Arthur, Iliana pulled herself away from him and joined the Sirens. She nodded to each of the men in acknowledgment, and when she got to Tristan, she gave him a brief, loving kiss on the lips. She pressed her forehead against his, relishing in the closeness of him before letting him go to Arthur. The look she saw in his eyes told him he saw her sad expression, and he was going to want to know what was going on.
"Arthur, you're not completely Roman yet, right?" Galahad asked.
"Rus!" Bors yelled, bumping his fist against his chest before raising it up to the sky.
The battle call made Iliana smile slightly, but as quickly as it formed, it was also quick to fade.
"Okay. None of us missed the sad looks you and Arthur had when the two of you walked in. What is going on?" Sophia whispered.
Iliana looked at Arthur, who exchanged the same look she probably had on her face, and as the men looked at her, she was quick to turn away as she fought the urge to cry.
"Ili?" Catalina called.
"I think it's best you hear it from Arthur," Iliana replied.
"Knights, brothers-in-arms," Arthur announced. "Your courage has been tested beyond all limits, but I must ask you now for one further trial."
"Drink?" Bors asked in a joking manner to the hesitant snickering of the men.
"We must leave on a final mission for Rome, before our freedom can be granted."
Iliana felt the tension surrounding her, but she kept her cool as Arthur continued.
"Above the Wall far in the north, there is a Roman family in need of rescue. They are trapped by Saxons. Our orders are to secure their safety."
At the mention of the Saxons, Iliana saw Andres shoot a look in her direction, and when she glanced between the girls, there was a combination of shock and anger. The tribe that traumatized them in every way imaginable was planning to claim this island just as they let their guard down.
"The Saxons are here?" Sophia asked in disbelief.
"I cannot believe it," Catalina said, trying to keep from crying.
"I had a feeling it was too good to be true," Dimitra said.
"I beg to wonder what Rome hasn't done yet to achieve their own selfish needs," Estrella said through gritted teeth.
"The Woads control the lands north of the Wall, don't they, Ili?" Catalina asked.
"Aye, and the men venturing into Woad territory is a death sentence in of itself," Iliana replied.
"Every knight here has laid his life on the line for you. For you," Bors commented, pointing his finger at Arthur. "And instead of freedom, you want more blood? Our blood?! You think more of Roman blood than you do of ours?!"
Bors, Arthur doesn't want this for you and the men. Why can't any of you see that? Iliana thought, feeling another pang of pain as Arthur remained calm, despite seeing the hurt in his eyes.
"Bors! These are our orders. We leave at first light, and when we return, your freedom will be waiting for you. A freedom we can embrace with honor."
"I am a free man! I will choose my own fate!"
Bors's sudden yell echoed throughout the tavern, making Iliana and the girls jump slightly.
"Yeah, yeah. We're all going to die someday," Tristan commented, cutting and chewing away at his apple. "If it's a death from a Saxon hand that frightens you, stay home."
His words intrigued Iliana, for he wasn't far from the truth, and in honesty, she would have said the same thing.
"Listen, if you're so eager to die, you can die right now!" Galahad exclaimed, his outburst frightening an already upset Catalina as she leaped into Iliana, who wrapped an arm around her to comfort her.
Lancelot stepped in and pushed the young knight back before things escalated.
"Enough. Enough!"
"I've got something to live for!" Galahad screamed.
Iliana felt Catalina tremble in her arms, and she rubbed her back in response.
"Shh. It's okay," she cooed to the redhead.
"The Romans have broken their word," Dagonet chimed in, speaking for the first time since Arthur made the announcement. "We have the word of Arthur. That is good enough.
"Plus, I suggest we all calm down. We're frightening the Sirens."
The men turned to see the girls in question huddling close to Iliana, who was trying her hardest to ease them of their anxieties. When Iliana looked at them, she was concerned and angry, and it looked like she was about to say something when Estrella stepped forward.
"You all are the most pathetic excuses for men to want to choose death over your freedom!" she yelled, catching everyone in the tavern off guard. "After this, I wonder if the girls and I thought wrong about the lot of you."
When she looked at the girls, Sophia, Dimitra, and Catalina nodded, and with a nod of her own, Estrella continued.
"I, along with the girls and those refugees you helped escort, fled from the Saxons, and between Soph, Cat, Dimitra, and myself, I was the one to suffer an experience that is probably worse than death. If you don't have the fucking balls to man up and see the value in your lives, the Sirens and I will do it for you, and if that means having to die for it, then so be it."
There was stunned silence amongst the tavern; one could hear a pin drop from afar following Estrella's declaration.
"Okay. I think you've spoken for yourself and the girls, Estrella," Iliana announced. "All four of you head to the stables and wait for me. I will join you shortly."
She spoke her last few words in Greek, but they nodded in understanding and they filed out of the tavern. None of them spared the men so much as a single glance as they walked away, and Iliana watched as they left. Once they were out of sight, she placed a hand on her brow, clearly frustrated and trying to keep her emotions together.
"Ili…" Bors began.
"Imbeciles!" she cried, her tone dripping ire as she shoved him back with all her strength. This action, combined with the upset look on her face, shocked the large, rounded knight as he stumbled back from the momentum. When she turned to the men, she was livid and almost ready to scream.
"I cannot believe that you all are such selfish bastards to where the girls and I have to step in and step up for you!" she yelled, her voice echoing throughout the entire tavern. "To add to it, you all wanted to choose death for this family in their hour of need. That's the about the lowest and poorest choice one could ever make. After what I just witnessed, I'm looking at a bunch of immature boys than men here!"
Her words hit them in the core of their egos, only made worse by the hurt expression on her face as she fought back tears.
"Arthur does not want to send the lot of you to your deaths, and if there is anyone to be livid at, it's the Roman Empire. Arthur was hurting when he confided in me about this earlier, and it's taking everything I have in my willpower not to break. You all led me to believe you were different, or was I wrong this whole time?"
None of them spoke a word for a moment, the dreaded silence speaking the answer for her.
"Bastards. All of you. Your decision here might have just sent me and the girls to our deaths in both life and romance. Let's see if you can live with that, as well as sending that family to their deaths on your conscience.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go take care of the girls."
With that, she went on her way, slamming into Galahad's shoulder as she passed by him. When she got to Arthur, she gave him a gentle, reassuring squeeze on his shoulder before leaving the tavern.
End Notes: And the intensity continues to grow! Check back next week!