Somewhere… An hour before noon...2 hours passed from last chapter's events…
"Bedivere. Report."
"As you wish, my Liege."
Arturia and Bedivere have been in the former's office for a while now. The latter came in to discuss the political situation with the Saxons of Eastland, Kent, and Sussex.
"As we both remember, my Liege, it has been a year since the Saxons from the mainland invaded and set up countries in the southeast of Britannia. Leaving Camelot and Londinium mostly untouched." Bedivere said, "Since then, these countries have been non-aggressive with us and Londinium."
"But recently these countries have not only closed their doors of diplomacy with us a few weeks ago, but they are also rumored to be readying for a war against Londinium. ."
"And pray tell," Arturia asked, "What do you suppose is the reason for the Saxons to act like this?"
"Well, I theorize it might be because of the new ruler of Londinium." Bedivere said.
"I see…" Arturia held her chin thinking about this new information. "Claudia, was her name. Is it not?"
"Romula Augusta Claudia is her name." Bedivere replied, "A descendant of the late Emperor, Romulus Augustus. Her father fled Rome and ended up in Britannia after trying all he could to find a place that won't kill him."
"An interesting detail about the woman." Arturia commented, she then asked,
"Anything else about her, Bedivere?"
"Yes, my Liege." He replied, "She goes around calling herself Nero - in respect to her other ancestor of the same name, she says. Whether or not she truly is a Caesar is up to debate."
Bedivere hands Arturia a parchment with Nero's face on it. What surprised Arturia as she looked at the parchment was that Nero was young. Nero was as young as Arturia was when she drew Caliburn.
"But that does not make her any less dangerous." Bedivere continued, "When Lucius Domicus allied himself with the Saxons, waves of discontent washed upon Londinium's citizens. Calling the man a coward, a turncoat, and weak. The Kingdom's elite was split apart because of Lucius' decision. Leaving the country disunited.
"This past year, when Lucius lost the favor of all the nobility in Londinium, Nero came in."
"And proceeded to take advantage of the political turmoil by ousting Lucius." Arturia finished.
"That is correct, my Liege." Bedivere said. "After having full control of Londinium, Nero declared herself against the Saxons and openly taunted them to start a war every now and then."
"...The absurdity of the woman is baffling." Arturia said exasperatedly.
"It doesn't end there, My Liege." Bedivere grimaced. "Because of her reckless declarations of hostility, the Saxons in turn declared themselves against Londinium. The fact that Nero was of Roman descent exacerbated the tensions between the two parties. And it looks to me that Nero was expecting this development and in turn requested aid from all of Londinium's neighboring countries."
As Bedivere finished, he handed a letter to Arturia who then asked,
"I believe this is one such letter for aid?"
"That is correct, my Liege."
Before opening the letter, Arturia had a question in mind,
"Why do you think Nero would want to wage a war against the Saxons?"
"Hm…" Bedivere said, "I believe it is because that is a means to validate her reign, my Liege. It must have been a promise made to her people who were disgraced by the actions of Lucius."
"And should Londinium win against them," Arturia added, "Who is to say that they won't stop there?"
Bedivere was surprised at this. And he asked,
"My Liege. What are you trying to say?"
"..." Arturia was emotionless at that question. An inner war was waging within. Each of the voices in her head debating what to do with this new development. Deep down, Arturia couldn't help but fear what the next months would have in store for her and Camelot.
Shaking out of her inner thoughts, she said to Bedivere.
"If Nero starts a war with the Saxons, she would eventually make us fight in her war. Something I do not want. Send an envoy to request a meeting with Nero."
"As you wish, my Liege."
"Afterwards," Arturia said, stopping her Knight, "Look for me near the castle gates. I will be sending off the 15th Cavalry there."
"I will do so my Liege."
And with that, the Teal Knight left his King in his office.
Somewhere…Around Noon...
"I don't trust you."
"...I see."
"What are you doing here?"
"I was given this room by the King himself."
"Where did you come from?"
"I saved Mordred from a madman trying to kill him."
"What are you planning?"
"Well, first of all. I'm planning to get out of my room because I'll be late for-"
"Don't get smart with me."
30 minutes ago, after donning his chosen projected armor - a grey chestplate underneath a hybrid of a red scarf, hood, and cape*. Archer was subjected to a myriad of questions by none other than Sir Agravain. Who, after an espionage mission that just finished today, found time to bother the redhead with an interrogation-esque conversation in his room.
"Sir Agravain." Said Archer with a tone of annoyance. "Everything I have said and done points to the fact that I am no spy. Neither words nor actions have been made to defame or assault the King. If anything, I have done many things to deserve being here. So why are you against me?"
"Because he has the tendency to see everyone he doesn't know as a hostile Archer. Though it's unsurprising considering how much of a stick in the mud he is." Said a third voice.
As the two looked to the owner of the voice, said the owner was leaning on the doorway of the room.
"Sir Kay." Agravain said displeasingly. "And to what pleasure do I owe to suffer from your vile tongue?"
"You wound me with your words as much as your sword does to the Saxons." Kay melodramatically said. He then continued,
"I'm here for him." he pointed to the redhead. "Arthur's been waiting sick for him and he can't send off the 15th Cavalry without him." Kay then looked to Agravain and said
"If you would be so kind as to let him go, that would be great."
Agravain then relented and left the redhead's room but not without giving a warning glare at said redhead. After Agravain left, Archer and Kay started their journey to the castle gates.
The walk was silent for the most part, that is until they passed the infirmary. Where a certain healer was there to greet Archer.
"Ah! Sir Archer." Janice said gleefully, "It's so good to see you today."
With a look to Kay who in turn nodded in acceptance, Archer replied with a smile,
"As am I with you, Janice."
They then talked about their jobs. With Janice telling the redhead about all the Castle Guards who sparred with Mordred. Stating that they all had either fractured ribs, bruised muscles all over, and that the worst cases had simply gone unconscious! It was a very morbid scene for the healer.
Archer, on the other hand, talked about the many things he did in the kitchen. Mostly cleaning. Nothing out of the ordinary, really.
Janice was so preoccupied with seeing Archer, that she didn't notice the man beside the redhead. Who in turn greeted the healer instead of the other way around.
"Ahem," he faked cough, "Good to see you too, Lady Janice." Kay said with a smirk and slight bow. Which caused the healer to be flustered in embarrassment.
"S-s-sir Kay!" She exclaimed, and with a bow she said, "Forgive me for my rudeness, I did not see you there."
"Aw, don't worry about that," He replied gleefully with his smirk intact, "It isn't everyday you get to see you crush over here," pointing a thumb at the redhead, "So, I'll let this slide."
Janice turned into a red apple at that. Archer only grimaced.
"But unfortunately," the redhead said, "We'll have to be on our way."
After he said that, he elbowed Kay silently asking to add on that. Which the Tall Knight did.
"Right," his smirk turned to a smile, "We're being summoned by the King himself to the castle gates."
"Oh…" the healer said sadly, "I do suppose you're a busy man, Sir Archer. Don't worry about me and head on your way." Janice then walked to away from them and into the infirmary
"I will see you soon, Janice," Archer said with a smile of confidence, "Remember that."
The healer can only smile in hopes that Archer's words stay true.
As the duo walked away from the infirmary, Kay was about to speak when Archer stopped him.
"Not. A. Word." He said.
"Whatever could you mean?" Kay said cheekily much to the dismay of his friend. He laughed a bit while thinking about one thing,
"Wart's got some competition, I see."
Later…
"We're here, Arthur."
"Sorry we're late, your Majesty."
"About damn time you two showed up! Where the hell've you been?"
"Ah, it's Mordred. Archer over here had to talk to a 'lady friend' before we got here."
"Oho! Is it Janice?"
"Both of you stop it-"
"It is."
"Hah! I fucking knew it."
After arriving at the castle gates, the Tall Knight and the redhead were greeted to the admirable sight of Arturia, Mordred, and the 15th Cavalry - all shiny and dazzling.
The 15th had their helmets on to go with their iron light cavalry armor. With forest green capes on their backs. Captain Faust looks exceptionally good. His silver armor is very different from the others; his is more heavier looking but still light in its own way. The helmet of the Captain can be opened and closed unlike his Cohorts' bucket helms; it's currently open. All of them are holding the reins to their respective horses.
Mordred is still wearing her armor. But she removed her thick shoulder plates and her skirt-like armor plates. Making her less bulky and at some point more slender looking. She couldn't find any replacements for her shoulder plates, so she just let her shoulders out in the concealment charms in her armor are still working though, since no one questioned her on that. Archer has some concerns about this, however. But he's smart enough to not talk about it in front of everyone. Maybe later when they are alone.
Arturia, with Bedivere beside her, was wearing her Red cape now. With her usual silver battle armor with clue accents on top of her blue cloak. With Excalibur humbly resting on her waist. She had a poker face on, but through her eyes it was clear - she was annoyed. What exactly isn't clear yet. But knowing the fact that she was listening in to her Knights talk with the redhead might shed some light as to why she's peeved.
"Ahem." The King faked coughed, causing everyone to give their attention to her, "It would appear that everyone has gathered. So let us make haste. I am a busy man, after all." She chuckled inside her mind at that.
"Now," While looking at the Captain, she said, "Captain Faust will lead the 15th Cavalry alongside Sirs Mordred and Archer to Summer Country. Where a man named Andrus escaped after committing the embezzlement of funds given to Sir John and the Castle Cleaners."
With a look at her secretary, Bedivere started giving out scrolls to each member of the mission party.
"The scrolls given to each and every one of you are filled with my Royal Crest. Signed with my personal seal. Show it to anyone and they will submit to your needs. But only use it for the investigation for the whereabouts of Andrus. For it will not help you in anything but in the mission I gave you."
With the King giving a nod to the gatekeeper at the towers overlooking said gates, the gatekeeper proceeded to open them.
"That is all." the King said, "Now, I must take my leave. Godspeed to all. And may God protect thee in your quest."
"ALL HAIL THE KING!" The 15th Cavalry roared in response. With each of them giving their salutes. Afterwards. They rode their horses, waiting for their commander to do the same.
"May the Lord above bless the King in his benevolence towards his men." Captain Faust said with a bow as the King neared him and his horse.
"And may God bless thee in turn." The King replied.
"I leave in your charge two powerful warriors in the hopes that they may bring success to you." the King said, "Take care of them well, and in turn they will shield you with their lives."
"As you wish, my King." And with that, the Captain got on his horse and went to his men. Now waiting for Mordred and Archer.
"Well," Kay said as the redhead and the Red Knight got on their horses. "I guess this is goodbye…"
"You make it sound like I won't come back." Archer said dismayingly
"Don't be such a sissy, Kay!" Mordred barked, "Unlike you, I won't die in some random hill like a moron. So don't go talking shit like that!"
"Hey!" Kay said with embarrassment, "I thought we talked about not bringing up what happened at Morris' hill."
"Ha! As if I'd listen to you. You were stupid enough to try killing that wolf and look what happened to you. You almost got your leg bit off. Moron!"
"Sh-shut up!" Kay did not like the memory. Especially since he had to climb a tree just to get away from that damn wolf. If only Mordred wasn't there to see it, then it would've been tolerable.
"Well this is a first," Archer said surprised at what he saw, "The tease became the teased."
"Aw, don't start with that Archer," Kay bemoaned, he was about to speak when he saw Arturia walking towards them. Finally stopping beside Archer's horse.
"Well," Arturia said, "It appears that you three have become close friends in mere days."
After she said that, a small smile graced her features while looking at the trio. With her gaze finally resting on the redhead,
"Take care out there." Arturia said to Archer. "And you too, Sir Mordred." She said while looking at the Red Knight. "Camelot would grieve dearly should you both be lost."
"Relax Arthur." Kay said, "It's just a simple manhunt. How bad can it get?"
"You'll never know, Kay." Arturia warned.
"Well then," The King said, "You two should be off now. I pray that you may return successful."
As she said that, she motioned Kay to follow her into the castle; with Bedivere following not far behind.
"I shall. Your Majesty. And you won't have to worry about me."
Arturia heard Archer say that but it was faint. It had a wistful tone to it.
She turned around to see the 15th and their 2 new members going outside the castle gates. She couldn't see the redhead but she somehow knew he could see her. And with a genuine smile, she said
"Then I can't wait for your return, Archer."
And with that, she went into her Castle. Feeling a bit lonely for some reason.
Summer Country...8 hours later…
The 15th Cavalry made it to the border between Summer Country and Camelot 2 hours after sundown. Normally, this type of cross-country journey would take a day or two on horseback (And even longer with horse-wagons). But thanks to the Roman Roads, the Cohort managed to cut down their travel time by more than half the expected time.
"Quite the marvel, those Romans are." Andrew, one of the cavalrymen said.
Bart - another one of the cavalrymen - to pass time, started telling Andrew the history of these roads. Bart said that these Roads were made to ease travel for the troops. Moving on to discuss the wars waged to make these roads. Afterwards, Bart went on to be a full on fanboy on the Romans. Calling them the greatest civilization ever to step food on earth. Even going so far as to declare that Nero was right in taking the Kingship of Londinium for the reason that if it wasn't for the Romans, Britannia would still be in the dark ages.
Levi - Bart's friend and compatriot - got sick and tired of all his friend's yapping and changed the subject to something else. Which is the news about the Nika Revolts in the East Roman Empire. It wasn't much of a conversation change, but at least it got everyone talking since it's basically current issues. Including Archer.
"Nika Revolts?" The redhead asked,
"2 weeks of ceaseless riots in Constantinople - the Roman Capital." Bart said, "Its origin isn't well known yet. But as of now, the riots have ended. In bloodshed, sadly."
"Those idiots had it coming." Mordred said, "They basically trashed the Capital while the Emperor's in it. Sounds like a moronic thing to do."
"Don't spit on their graves!"
Bart suddenly shouted. In a second he realized who he shouted at,
"Uh, I mean. Sir Mordred," He continued on while getting the death glare from the Red Knight.
"Even though they were rioters, they had their reasons too." Levi said, assisting his friend
"It might be because of discontent. Or manipulation by someone. Or just pure rage at their Emperor. Who knows what goes on over there." Levi finished.
"None of you are wrong." Captain Faust said, breaking off the tensions between the Cavalrymen and the Knight of the Round.
"But we shouldn't dive into those matters right now." He pointed out. "Maybe next time, when we all know the truth from what happened in Constantinople."
"But it will take some time," Archer added, "Rome is halfway across the world from where we are, after all."
"That's not entirely true…" Bart said. Levi just groaned, 'Not this again.' he thought.
"What made you say that, Bart?" Andrew asked,
"Well-"
"That's enough," Faust said. "I see a town not far from here. We'll start our investigation there." As he said that, the Captain sped his horse to the settlement.
"Guess that's that." Levi said relieved. Not wanting to hear another of Bart's long and boring history lessons.
As Levi said those words, the 15th Cavalry and the 2 new additions followed their Captain in haste.
Somewhere…
A battered, bruised, and wounded man struggles to even crawl. After reaching Celidoine, where the bow is kept, Drecken found what he was looking for and tried to leave the place before anyone caught sight of him. Well, not that it would be a problem. Since all the witnesses have been slaughtered as he makes his way to the bow.
Before his untimely injuries, Drecken was silently walking in the middle of the woods. When suddenly, a force the strength of bullet trains colliding slammed into him. Breaking not only 10 trees in his flight, but his entire body. As you can see, this man was ambushed. But by who?
It was a person wearing a shroud of black. Their entire body was covered with black robes. With their face covered by a black veil that masterfully hides it. Drecken couldn't see his aggressor, but the chill down his spine is a sign that this is no ordinary foe.
The black robed person proceeded to curse the man's body. Healing it while inflicting pain on the person. Drecken can only scream in agony at the treatment. His mind was almost breaking from the sheer pain he was feeling. Only to be stopped when his limbs are functional once more.
The person didn't say anything when suddenly lightning appeared in their hand. Striking Drecken straight in the forehead. Causing the man to kneel because of the sheer torture he was feeling. As he looked upon in horror, he saw his arms - red lines sprouted everywhere. Marking his arms like they were brands. His skin became deathly pale. Through it all, the man can slowly feel his pain turn to rage. Uncontrollable rage.
When it was all done, Drecken was now trembling. His body cursed and his mind filled with nothing but hate. Hate for the person who has done this to him.
In a fit of fury, Drecken tried attacking the robed person with his spear. One swing, two swing, every swing or jab he tried to hit the person was met with shields made of magic. The man charged at a speed not seen by anyone since Achilles and tried to stab the robed person's neck. But it was met by a graceful dodge.
The robed person had enough to toying with Drecken, so using the seals - the lines littered across the man's body - they placed on him. The robed person managed to freeze the man on the spot. Something Drecken does not like at all.
"WHO ARE YOU!" he said in infuriation, "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME!?"
The robed person does not say a word. Mere dogs do not need to be talked to. Instead, the robed person made Drecken unconscious. And with a villainous smile, she thought.
"This will turn out nicely… Camelot will finally be mine. Once and for all."
And that is the story of how Morgan le Fay found a new and powerful pawn to serve her in her war against her half sister.
Author's note:
* Kiritsugu Emiya (Assassin) clothes but made medieval looking.
As always guys. Leave a review on my story on how it's going. Is it good? Is it bad? Let me know. Reviews are like the only way I can know if I'm doing it right or not. Also, thanks for the support recently. This is my second try at a fanfic and I still can't believe that you guys love it.
Lately, I've been planning on doing a crossover fanfic. It's about what if Da-Vinci somehow got ray shifted to 15th century Rome with Ezio Auditore kicking the Borgia's butts. Lemme know if you think the idea has potential or not.
Anyways. Peace.