Author's Notes: After yet another week, here's the latest chapter! Enjoy!

Chapter XXXII

Iliana hugged her knees close to her chest, wrapping the fabric of her cloak around her huddled body to ward off the cold. Following the singing of the song she composed, she retreated to the tarp she set up, wanting to turn in for what she knew would be an early morning come tomorrow.

Unfortunately, sleep eluded her on this night, thanks to her mind refusing to sort out her jumbled mess of thoughts.

She felt the pelt shift beneath her slightly, and she knew Tristan was adjusting his position next to her. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't hear him call her name, and it was only when he loosened the string holding her cloak up did she turn to look at him. The fabric slipped off her shoulders, and when he snaked one arm around her waist, Iliana allowed him to pull her towards him. He positioned her atop his lap with her legs stretched across his body, and she buried her face in the crook of his neck. His scent flooded her nostrils as she inhaled deeply, and the warmth of his body coursed through her skin. It was a nice, temporary getaway from reality, and she went lax as she took in the moment while it was right in front of her.

"Thank you for the song. It was really beautiful," he said in a low voice, kissing the top of her head. "I can tell you poured your heart into it."

"If there's anything I don't doubt in this lifetime, it's the love I have for you, Tristan," she said. "I have never felt so strongly for a man the way I feel for you."

His hold on her tightened, and she felt the tension and fear radiating off his person.

"You choose me over that Roman boy?"

She felt her heart stop dead in its tracks, but then again, it didn't surprise her. He had to have noticed the intrigued looks she and Alecto exchanged back at the estate and during the conversation they had earlier.

"Of course you saw the interactions between me and Alecto," she said, pulling away so she could look at him.

"Did you think I wouldn't notice?" he asked.

"Nay. I don't doubt those sharp eyes of yours. I know better than that," she replied.

"You haven't answered my question, Iliana."

Using her full name made her realize Tristan's insecurity. Her interaction with Alecto and the looks she shared with him made the scout feel threatened, and she needed to resolve the matter before it got worse. With a sigh, Iliana placed her hands on his cheeks, holding him in place so that he had to look at her.

"I will never stray from your side, Tristan. It's where I belong," she said reassuringly. "You have all of me. My heart, my body, and my soul. No other man can steal me away, and even if they tried, I'll always come back to you.

"That is how strong my feelings are for you."

She leaned forward to press her forehead against his, and he saw the loving look in the bright blue gaze he always loved to get lost in. In response, Tristan nuzzled his cheek against her hand, giving her palm a kiss, and Iliana leaned forward to kiss his lips.

"I'll have to scout first thing in the morning," he announced. "Will you come with me?"

His question caught her off guard, rendering her speechless for a moment before she spoke up.

"Are you sure? I know you prefer scouting alone, and if you wanted someone to go with you, I would have expected it to be Andres."

"I insist you come with me," he replied. "It was clear how shaken up you were when you murdered that Roman, and I couldn't be at your side when you needed me the most. I felt it when I held you back at the estate, and it hurt me when I had to pull away from you to scout.

"I do not want to be away from you again, even if it is a short distance."

Iliana was sure she was going to cry at this gesture. How could she refuse his offer, especially at his insistence?

"Okay. I accept," she replied, sealing it with a kiss, but just as she tried to pull away, he pulled her back to him and kissed her again.

She gasped at the deepening feel of this latest kiss they were in, and in combination with a squeeze of her hip, Iliana could have come undone. He rolled her over so that she was lying on the pelt, with him on top of her. He pulled away to look at her, liking the blush that colored her pale cheeks.

"You know, if not for this mission and the snow, I would have had your clothes off and taken you right here," he whispered huskily.

She giggled, her blush turning to a slightly darker shade of pink.

"I admit I have a lot to atone for."

"Save it for when we return to the Wall," Tristan announced, making her giggle again.

"What you did at the estate was incredible, Ili. You tapped into your Sarmatian blood."

"I couldn't deny my Sarmatian roots any longer, and I knew it would only be a matter of time," she said with a nod. "I believe it was fate for me to accompany you and the men. Someone had to put an end to Marius and his evil doings taking place behind closed doors."

He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"You have no reason to feel guilty about your actions, Ili," he said reassuringly. "I would have done the same thing in your position as would have the others. Whatever you do, do not lose the light you brought to all of us at the estate. Keep shining, for you'll always cut through the darkness."

"Well, kiss me to sleep and I'll keep shining through the darkness surrounding us on this journey."

He complied willingly, pressing her into the pelt as they exchanged several kisses, temporarily tuning out their scouting mission come morning before going to sleep in the comfort of each other's arms and warmth.

Tristan was the first to wake before dawn broke over the horizon, his arms wrapped around a sleeping Iliana. He carefully pried himself from her to get a better look at her. He gazed at her sleeping, serene face lovingly for a moment, and then he reached out to touch the braid hanging over her shoulder while also eyeing the necklace he made for her.

Looking at her, Tristan realized his home wasn't back in Sarmatia or even with his tribe (if there was anyone else left besides Andres). His home was in the beautiful girl sleeping soundly before him, who shone through the darkness in his heart and brighten his world with her light. At that moment, he swore to prioritize her safety and her light for the rest of the journey. If her heart stopped beating, his own heart would, too.

She snapped him out of his thoughts when she stirred, slowly opening her eyes. After blinking several times, she smiled at the sight of him. Smiling back at her, he leaned forward and gave her a kiss, keeping it brief since they had to leave.

"Time to get up. We have to be on our way," he announced, reminding her she was going scouting with him. Nodding to him, Iliana stretched and sat up, allowing a moment to shake off her sleepiness. Once she gathered her weapons, she followed Tristan out of the tarp to collect Arion and Siria.

I hope I don't let him down, she thought.

The two of them were on the road once they saddled Arion and Siria, the horses trotting side-by-side down the beaten path. The snow continued to come down, and the once gentle breeze picked up slightly. Iliana was nervous as she rode beside Tristan. The last time she scouted with him was when they returned to the Wall with the Greek refugees in tow a month prior. The only difference was she had a group of bloodthirsty Saxons to be wary of for their sake and the sake of the people they were protecting.

"I never got the chance to do this when we escorted those refugees. So, I'm going to take the chance while I have it now," Tristan announced. "What's the first thing we look for in this case?"

At the question, Iliana realized Tristan was testing her, and he confirmed it with the look he had in his eyes.

"Here, we are looking for any traces of the Saxons," she replied. "We know they claim what they kill, and kill everything."

A chill tore through her spine as she recalled the sight of burned huts and dead bodies on the road before they settled down for the evening. How much land and how many lives were they willing to take to ultimately satisfy themselves?

Probably everything they could get their hands on, and they would only stop if someone sent them back to the hell they came from.

"If they're following us, there's a good chance they have a scouting party of their own tracking us," she continued, her eyes lighting up at the sight of human tracks made by boot impressions, heading off the side of the path. "Only four at most, and if they've gone off the road, they've set up camp nearby."

She clicked her tongue, directing Arion to lie down, and she tied him to a post hidden in the cover of some brush and bushes. Tristan followed her example with Siria, knowing she was onto something and also silently showing his praise with the way he looked at her.

"Andres has taught you well."

"To truly learn how to scout, learn from a Hamaxobii, for their eyes are as sharp as a hawk."

Hearing the saying of his tribe coming out of her mouth made his heart skip a beat. Add the smile she gave him, and he would have come undone if they weren't on an important aim.

The two of them drew their bows and had an arrow ready as they meandered through the brush, taking caution to make as little noise as possible. The snow crunched beneath their feet with each step they took, and they hoped to get an advantage over whoever was lurking nearby. If it was a Saxon scouting group, they could gather some information.

Spotting what appeared to be a lit campfire about twenty meters away, Iliana silently gestured towards it. Nodding, Tristan guided her towards a couple of trees, taking cover behind them. She pressed her back against the bark, listening in.

"Those knights continue to move with the family. It's annoying playing this chasing game with them."

"We'll catch up to them in time. My curiosity lies in the girl who killed the patriarch."

This confirmed the Saxons already arrived at the estate, and Iliana was certain the two monks they spared and walled back in the dungeon opened their mouths about her.

"I want a piece of her after what she did to the patriarch."

"Not if I get my hands on her first."

Based on the voices heard, there were at least two of them, and upon hearing them speak such vulgarity about Iliana, Tristan felt his blood boil. However, Iliana gave him a silent look, telling him to take it easy.

"A measly group of soldiers and five female warriors don't stand a chance."

At those words, Iliana wondered if these barbarians knew who they were truly mocking. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but Hell truly hath no fury like four women scorned led by Leoric's daughter. The thought made her smile internally, and she wanted to give these bastards a sampling of what she could do.

Readying her bow, Iliana carefully whirled around the cover of the tree and aimed. With a deep breath, she let the arrow fly, the pointed tip hitting one of the Saxons in the eye. His comrade had little time to react when he met his own end with an arrow Tristan sent flying.

"Intruders!"

Two more Saxons made their appearance, scowls on their faces as they prepared to fight. One of them charged at the Sarmatian scout, but he was quick to draw his sword and cut him down with one diagonal slash across his chest. Iliana drew her sword, pointing the tip forward at the other Saxon, who had a sadistic leer in his eye. He charged at her, and she was quick to block his attack. He was bigger compared to her, allowing him the chance to push down on her blade, but the smirk she gave him surprised him. Giggling, she swung her foot forward, knocking him off balance, and with a quick draw of her knife, sent the blade straight into his kneecap.

His scream of agony was music to her ears as she stepped forward, pressing her foot on his crotch while pointing the tip of her sword at his throat.

"If you don't want your situation to get any worse, you'll answer my questions, Saxon."

She shared a glance with Tristan, who nodded at her as he kept watch for any other Saxons.

"Where are you heading to?"

The Saxon gave her a defiant look before turning to spit at the ground. In response, Iliana dug the heel of her boot into his crotch, crushing his dick and testicles beneath the leather and making him scream again.

"Alright, alright! I'll talk!" he exclaimed. "The main army is heading for Hadrian's Wall! They head south through the forests! We have another batch of men following you, intending to take the Roman boy as ransom against the Empire!"

"How many of them follow our trail?" Iliana asked, digging her heel a little deeper to ensure he kept talking.

"Two hundred, at the very least. The main army comprises thousands."

She looked up at Tristan, and when he nodded at her, she nodded back before pulling her knife from the Saxon's kneecap.

"Thanks for the information."

With that, she leaned towards him and ran the edge of her knife across his throat. He gasped for air before ultimately gurgling blood and dying, looking up at her as he breathed his last breath. Only when he died did she let out the breath she had been holding, and after sheathing her sword, she turned to look at the campsite. Something caught her eye atop one of the dead Saxons, and she investigated.

"Ili?" Tristan called.

She ignored him as she made her way to the campsite, and he followed her. Once she was close, she gasped at the sight of the weapon she saw lying atop the dead Saxon.

"Tristan. That's an armor-piercing crossbow," she announced. "Based on the information we just received, that army of two hundred Saxons is right on our tails.

"We need to report back and head out now."

Just as she turned around to face him, he grabbed her face with both hands and kissed her passionately. Iliana gasped as her lips molded with his, returning his kiss eagerly as the snow that came down flurried around them. She didn't miss the desire clear in his gaze as he pulled away to look at her.

"Save it when we're out of danger's grasp," she announced.

She leaned towards him to give him another kiss before she pulled away from him entirely. Once he grabbed the crossbow, they were on their way back to Arion and Siria.

Tristan and Iliana made their way back to the camp in record time. Bors was the first to see them, smiling at the sight of them safe and unharmed.

"How many did you two lovebirds kill?"

"Four," Tristan replied.

"Not a bad start to the day!" Bors said with a laugh, patting Iliana on the back when she halted Arion next to him. However, it was short-lived when Tristan threw the crossbow at Arthur's feet.

"Armor-piercing," he announced, turning to Iliana.

"They're right on our asses, Arthur," she chimed in. "Two hundred of them are hunting us down, and the main army is inland. That information came from one bastard when I wounded him."

"Tristan, ride ahead. Andres, take the back. Everyone, prepare to move out!" Arthur commanded.

The trek across the mountains continued once the villagers had packed and got ready to go. Arthur assigned Iliana to the middle of the line, but close to the front so that she was ready to steer the Roman carriage away in case the Saxons got too close for comfort. The snow continued to come down in a flurry, and she thought of the kiss she shared with Tristan under this exact flurry not too long. Oh, how she wished they were back at the Wall right now. She wouldn't have hesitated to ravish him in the snow if it wasn't for their situation, but she would have the chance to do so the second they returned.

The sound of a horse whinnying snapped her out of her thoughts, and she saw Arthur pulling his horse away from the Roman carriage. His face turned a little pale, and a shocked expression was on his face, the sight frightening her. He couldn't afford to tune out, not when they still had their aim to complete.

She directed Arion forward to ride alongside him, placing a hand on his shoulder to steady him. When he saw it was her, he calmed down and steadied his erratic breathing.

"Easy does it, Arthur. You can't afford to lose your focus right now with so many lives at stake here. Take a deep breath."

He did as he was told, and when he let it out, Iliana felt him relax.

"Thank you, Ili," he said with a grateful nod.

"You're welcome. Tell me what happened."

"The Rome that I believed I was going to return to is nothing but an illusion," Arthur replied. "The church excommunicated and killed Pelagius, who had taken my father's place after he died, a year prior.

"Bishop Germanus, the Bishop who issued this last mission, ordered his death."

Now it was Iliana's turn to be shocked as she took in this new batch of information. However, that shock was quick to turn into anger at the pained expression in Arthur's eyes. Rome betrayed him and tainted everything he believed in, and that included his faith. To turn the knife after plunging it deep into his heart, the same Bishop who sent him and his men on this mission was in on this betrayal. Yet, he continued to smile jovially, as if he was innocent of all sins and crimes. The thought made her sick to her stomach; what else was Rome capable of that she and Arthur had yet to find out? She thought her father and Andres had seen all of Rome's cruelties from their time in servitude, but this had to be the cruelest of them all.

Letting out a sigh and feeling a pang of pain in her chest, Iliana leaned sideways, resting her head on Arthur's shoulder. Arthur rested his cheek atop her head, taking in the comfort she was giving him.

"My condolences to you. I have heard many wonderful things about Pelagius, and I believe he would have made one hell of a difference in this world. You must have really loved him."

He breathed out a sigh.

"Aye. I did."

"Losing a father is never easy to deal with, even under the simplest of circumstances."

"And you would know that best of all, Ili."

"We'll make time to grieve for him when we get back to the Wall, and we will also make the Bishop answer for what he's done," Iliana announced. "For now, these people need us, and we need to stay focused for their sake and to ensure the success of the mission."

"I know. Thank you, Ili."

"Anytime."

The flurry finally stopped as the homestead continued upwards into the mountains. The snow was extremely thick, halting the pace, and the wind also picked up because of the high elevation. By the time they cleared through the walk through the snow, they believed it the journey would be smooth from here on out.

Unfortunately, they had gotten their hopes up too soon, when they came across a frozen lake deep in the heights of the mountain. From her post, Iliana saw the men conversing, and based on the interaction, there was no other option but to move forward.

"Ili!" Andres called as he and Jols came riding towards her. "We're about to cross a frozen lake. Everyone is to be on foot and spread out."

Iliana nodded and turned around, seeing the concerned looks of her Sirens and the villagers.

"You heard the man. Everyone off their horses or wagons, on foot and spread out as much as possible," she announced. "Nobody is to linger behind."

As the girls and the villagers complied with her command, Iliana dismounted Arion and held him tightly by the reins. She could hear the ice cracking beneath their feet as they walked cautiously, and with the sun slowly breaking through the thick span of clouds in the sky, there was also the matter of it melting. While it felt thick enough to cross, it still wouldn't have taken much for it to give, especially if there was a particular spot not as thick as the rest of the ice. She tightened her grip on Arion's reins as they moved forward; the stallion keeping his cool and nudging her cheek to comfort her.

About halfway across the ice, Arthur held his hand up to halt the movement, and right when everyone paused, the sound of drums echoed in the distance from where they came from. There was fright and concern amongst the villagers, and when Iliana looked towards Arthur from where she was at, she watched as he turned around to face his men. Based on the look he had in his eyes, she knew he was contemplating the thought of fighting against the Saxons, but he wanted to hear it from the men.

"I'm tired of running," Bors said, being the first to speak up. "And these Saxons are so close behind, my arse is hurting."

"Never liked looking over my shoulder anyway," Tristan said as he looked at a smirking Dagonet, which made Iliana chuckle.

"It would be a pleasure to put an end to this racket," Gawain commented.

"And finally, get a look at the bastards that hurt the Sirens we love so dearly," Galahad chimed in.

"Here. Now," Dagonet said.

Lancelot didn't speak, but the look he gave Arthur said he would also stay and fight. He didn't want to at first, but Galahad's comment regarding the Sirens and their connection to the Saxons made him change his mind.

"Count me in on this as well," Andres announced. "You'll need another knight standing alongside you."

"Very well," Arthur said with a nod.

As the men were preparing to stay and fight, Iliana turned Arion around so that she could face her Sirens. She didn't miss the bewildered yet determined looks on their faces as they contemplated what they wanted to do.

"Sirens? You've heard the men. What say you?"

"I don't want them battling these bastards alone," Estrella replied. "Considering what they've done to me, I'm dying to kill a good chunk of them."

"It's been a while since I got a good look at them, and we might as well give them a pretty sight to look at," Catalina said, exchanging a look with Estrella, who chuckled.

"I would rather stand by the men than leave them to face the Saxons alone," Dimitra said.

"If the bastard who ordered my family's execution is there, I want him to see me," Sophia announced. "I want him to know I'm still alive and I'm more than prepared to kill him."

Letting their words sink in and with a nod, Iliana nodded before turning to look at Guinevere, who stepped up beside her.

"Care to join us in this battle?" she asked the Woad woman.

"I'm not Greek, nor am I Sarmatian. I can't really call myself a Siren in this case," she replied.

"Regardless of your heritage, I see a fighter in you, Guinevere," Iliana stated. "If you'd like, you can be an honorary Siren in this case."

When the girls nodded in agreement, Guinevere smiled and silently nodded her agreement.

They listened in as Arthur instructed Ganis on where to lead the villagers. Based on where they were going, it meant they would be far enough away from the Saxons.

"But even with Andres, you're eight against two hundred!" Ganis said in protest.

"Fourteen," Iliana announced, catching their attention as she stepped forward with Guinevere and the girls. "You could use six more bows."

Just as she was about to prepare her weapons, she saw Alecto step forward, standing before her.

"I am able. I can fight alongside you."

His words, besides the concern he had in his eyes, surprised her. With a small sigh, Iliana shook her head.

"Nay. It's too risky to put you in the crossfire when I know they'll come after you the second they see you."

"The thought of you staying behind to fight troubles me, Lady Ili."

"And I'm doing this to ensure you get to Hadrian's Wall safely, Alecto."

He opened his mouth to say something, but she brought her hand up to halt him from talking.

"The one thing you can do for me is go with the people and get to the Wall so you can return to Rome."

Realizing he would not win this one with her, Alecto simply nodded, and Iliana didn't miss the look of defeat in his eyes.

"Promise me you'll be safe, at the very least."

"I'll do my best," she said with a nod.

With a last look at her, Alecto nodded back to her, and she felt Tristan's gaze on the both of them as he left to rejoin Fulcinia as he walked next to the wagon she was in with Lucan.

As she pulled her bow and arrows from Arion, Iliana felt Tristan approaching her, and she turned to face him, knowing what he was going to say.

"I told you. You have nothing to worry about. I'm yours, Tristan."

He nodded, but the look in his eyes spoke of the fact that he was not happy with her decision to stay and fight.

"You are not staying here. Go with the others," he said, hoping to sway her to reason.

Iliana didn't say a word, but her expression told him she would not leave.

"Not a chance," she replied. "I want a good look at the bastards that hurt my Sirens, and I want a taste of killing a few of them. If anything happens to you, it's the end of me. I won't have a reason to shine anymore."

"Ili-"

She cut him off when she threw her bow and arrows down on the ice and threw herself at him, silencing him with a kiss. It was a quick, yet proper one, and when he pulled away to look at her, he knew he would not win this one with that determined look in her eyes.

"So be it," he heaved with a sigh. "But know that my heart will stop beating if yours does."

A sudden gasp to her right caught her attention, and when Iliana looked, it surprised her to see the Sirens following her example of kissing their knights to quiet whatever protests they had. She chuckled, and with a last look at Tristan, picked up her bow and arrows before getting ready. Standing next to Tristan, the men, the Sirens, and Guinevere stood in a horizontal line, facing where they came from as the villagers moved out. Tensions were high as they waited, and as the sound of the drums got louder and louder with each passing second, Iliana silently said a prayer.

Father, we're about to face the Saxons. Please be with us in this fight and ensure we get out of this alive.

Little did she realize of the result that was going to come.

End Notes: I dread the next chapter. I dreaded plotting it, and I dreaded writing it just as much due to the angst contained within it. I'm warning you now that it's going to be emotional come tomorrow!