Fifteen Years Ago
"Prince Arthur!"
"Where is he?"
A young prince Arthur held his breath as he hid behind a knights armor statue. He had just managed to escape his shadows. The guard placed outside his chambers and his nanny. He didn't want to go to the ball and he did not want to wear a suit jacket and fancypants either! He also absolutely did not want to listen to bloody grownups go on and on about politics and boundary lines and taxes and all the rubbish he knew he would have to listen once he was older. No. He wanted to go to the creek Lord Lycan mentioned and go fishing! He bet he could catch the biggest fish there. So big it would feed all of the five kingdoms…. Well at least all of Camelot. Yes.
"Prince Arthur if you do not come out this instant. We will have no choice, but to go get the Queen. You wouldn't want her to come down here and get you in trouble now would you." His nanny threatened causing the prince to scoff silently and send imaginary daggers into her general direction. He couldn't actually see behind his hiding spot, but he could hear them down the hall. His mother would be upset, but he wouldn't be in trouble. His mother loved him and would probably take him to the fishing spot herself if his father wasn't forcing her to go to the boring ball. But his father was making both of them go and if his mother came after him, she would ask him to be her little gentleman and and accompany her to the ball and maybe dance with her to make the evening more bearable.
Arthur scowled even more at the thought. Not because he wouldn't enjoy time with his mum, but because he would and he would end up not going to the creek. Maybe he could do both. Yes. He would go to the creek and catch the biggest fish and then he would bring it to the chef for him to make for him and his mum. Arthur loved fish and so did the queen. She even said she wanted some before they left Camelot. She would be happy and proud Arthur was able to get some all on his own.
"Maybe he went down the other hall." The guard spoke his footsteps growing fainter.
The nanny sighed, "Lets go check. If we don't find him soon then we will really have to go fetch Queen Ygraine and she can be quite a bear wherever the prince's safety is concerned."
The guard let out a chuckle at that and soon the footsteps faded from earshot.
Arthur peeked out and noticing the coast was clear stepped fully out of his hiding spot and started running in the opposite direction. He just had to head down the stairs and-
"Whoah there!" He was stopped as somebody appeared out of nowhere causing him to run into them. "Prince Arthur?"
Arthur looked up seeing the man's brown eyes looking at him in concern. "Are you alright? Why were you running?"
Presently
The sound of the warning bells ringing echoed throughout the main citadel of Northumbria as two hooded men ducked into an alley way. Five knights with the foreign king's crest painted on their chest plates.
The exiled prince and his first knight held their breath hoping that the men wouldn't double back. After about the slowest thirty seconds had passed the coast seemed clear, but Sir Leon held a tight grip on Arthur urging him to wait. There was always another man seemingly lagging behind to hold up the rear.
Eventually the last man passed and both men tenuously stepped out and went to hide about one of the market stalls. "We need to get into something less conspicuous."
Arthur nodded grabbing two old tunics to purchase along with a darker blue cloak to replace his charcoal one that Leza had given him belonging to her late husband. Meanwhile, Leon was looking around, ever vigilant, when he noticed a stall selling carrots and other vegetables and dried meats. "I'll go get us some food. We need to restock supplies and we'll probably need to feed the horses soon."
The blond shooed him absent mindedly telling him to meet back at the alley in an hour, enough time for them to shop and do some recon. Arthur needed an in with the King of Logres. He couldn't just march into the throne room and demand the king's help. No. Arthur needed to either sneak into the kings chamber, which was a death sentence if he was to be caught. Or he needed to make sure that could find someone who could vouch his innocence to the king on his behalf.
The prince parted with some of his silver in exchange for his goods before moving to the next stall. There was nothing of particular interest, but there were two older women looking through the rows of various fabrics talking about something or another. Arthur was mindful not to get to close, but went to move to hearing distance and coincidentally also concealing himself from view.
Leon was now grappling with the large bag of food he had been coerced into buying (the merchant had fed him some sob story about taxes and his wife being with child) and tried to look around to see if he could find the prince. He tried to make his way back to the first stall when his bag of straw the merchant provided him ripped at the seams leaving Leon to fluster about picking up each item.
"Let me give you hand."
Leon looked up noticing a dark haired stranger with tanned skin and strong build kneel down to help. He was wearing some brown trousers and cream coloured tunic. Leon's eyes widened as he noticed the man's sigil ring on his left pointer finger. He was a nobleman.
"Thank you. There really is no need-"
The man waved him off as he moved to pick up some of carrots of the ground. "You might have to get a basket next time."
Leon nodded in agreement rising his arms full of produce, on sure how he was going to get around.
"There's a girl on the other end of the market, sells wicker baskets and some really good jams. Come along." Leon scanned the area looking for Arthur and still not being able to find him decided to follow the man. He will make his way back to the Prince after he gets a basket… He just hoped Arthur wouldn't get into any trouble while he was gone.
"Thank you, again for the help Sir?" Leon repeated his gratitude attempting to get the man's name.
"There's no need for that. Ah here we are." The man spoke as he came to a stop in front of a small stall with a young girl no more than twelve summers manning the stall. "Good day, Miss."
Arthur hymned absent mindedly pretending not to listen to the ladies. After a few minutes the most interesting intel he gathered involved how Sir Carlisle (who the man was the prince hadn't the slightest) apparently was seen entering a den of iniquity with his squire, while his wife left to visit her sister in the next town over. The utter scoundrel. Arthur thought mimicking one of the woman's words and tone from earlier. Before that Arthur had heard how widower a Ms. Margret was seen taking a homemade pie down to bachelor and gate guardsmen David only a mere sixteen months after her husband passed.
Arthur moved to pick up a dark Camelot red cloth that would serve as a handkerchief and was about to move to pay the merchant to avoid being questioned for lollygagging and leaving empty handed when he hear-d a familiar name from the women.
"Oh poor Lord Eldred has recovered! The physician stopped by with my prescription, oh my knees and back aren't what they used to be, but he has this salve that works wonders…. And he mentioned how the Lord was having visitors now. His three eldest have come to visit as well. The youngest two unwed and now with visitors being allowed in that house its a wonder all the maidens haven't gone and broken down the doors."
Lord Eldred. Arthur could barely recall what the man looked like having only met him once when he was five. He did remember meeting all of the lord's sons though having been there to celebrate Lord Lancelot's tenth birthday. Eldred was also one of the names on the list he and Leon made back in Dorchester as well.
Back in Dorchester Days Before They Departed to Find Allies
Leon and Arthur were hold up in the library back at Dorchester looking over Arthur's list of Camelot's allies.
Leon scrunched a face as he looked at one of the names on the list "King Bademagu of Carleon? His relationship with Camelot is… are you sure he would help?"
Arthur nodded, "He and my father had an agreement. My father stood by it till his death, recently however Agravaine has decided to break the treaty and has slowly been pushing onto their borders. At first I thought his actions were coincidence or maybe he just was trying to help me by sending a message to the other kingdoms that Camelot should not be trifled with. In a way it was, but now I know the truth. His actions could only and should only be taken as an invitation of war."
Leon looked down the list again pausing slightly "The King of Logres? Are you sure Camelot's relations with Logres are probably more troublesome than that with Carleon."
"Camelot and Logres share several territories that would be impossible for one kingdom to protect on their own. The geography, the position of these territories also lie between both kingdoms boundary lines. In turn my father and the King of Logres came to a truce to leave these territories to their own doings, however not without each kingdom reaping the rewards of the territories for the protection they provide. Each of the territories that both kingdoms hold are monumental and connect the path of trade between both countries. Camelot also collect taxes from the territories for the first half of the year from the first day after Christmas to Midsummer and Logres the remaining time."
Leon nodded his approval noting the names of the other kings and other lords. "I suppose this is a fine list…"
Arthur groans knowing that tone, "What's wrong with it."
The first knight closes the list and hands it back to the prince, "It truly is a fine list, Sire with several powerful allies from King Rodor of Nemeth to King Olaf… however how exactly are we supposed to gain council with kings when we have bounties on our heads?"
The prince looked at the rolled parchment in his hands and sighed, "I don't know yet."
"Well one thing is clear. We can't just barge into any kingdom's palace and demand a meeting with their king without the possibility of being shot or cut down the minute were spotted."
The blond prince opens the list eyes narrowing on a few names Duke Erik, Lord Phineas, Lord Eldred, Lord Midas, Duchess Lilian… one of these names was bound to help their cause. "If we make our first stop within the shared territory of Northumbria we can head to visit Lord Midas. He holds a holiday home near the outskirts of the forest nearing the Logres side where he resides this time of year. It can be a quick stop to plead our case to him and then he can help us get an audience with the king.
Yes. Originally he wanted to skip visiting Northumbria as he was unsure of the welcome he would receive. He had heard reports before his exile that the lord was delegating his duties to his eldest and that there fell the problem. As much as he liked the lord and lady of Northumbria their children were far too strict and pompous. Well at least the first two. Lord Elias, while noble, lacked true heart and cared more about a man's status and how he would appear to the public than doing the right thing. Arthur may be a prince by blood, but currently he was a criminal and helping would tarnish the lords image.
Lord Eldred on the other hand would do what was right and damn the consequences whatever the cost. Arthur smirked at that. His mother would use it to berate his father whenever one of the nobles was pushing an untoward agenda that would raise the people's taxes or cut off their access to basic needs like food and water. Point of the matter is that the man was loyal to the Pendragons and despite not being able to travel much to Camelot due to his age, and now apparently an illness, Eldred always made sure to send his regards or one of his messengers with gifts for King Uther and himself.
Now that he thought about it going directly to Lord Eldred might be better than heading to Lord Midas. His new plan forming Arthur quickly paid for the cloth and went to find Leon to tell him about the change.
Leon now holding a basket turned to the man to thank him before heading on his way when he noticed a few guards looking in his direction. The former Knight of Camelot turned and ducked a bit out of view of the guards; which didn't go unnoticed by his savior causing him to raise a questioning brow at Leon.
He had seen the two men exit out of the alley after the warning bell rang and the knights started their search. He really should tip the guards off, but the curly light brown haired man seemed more noble than criminal.
"Don't like the guards?"
"No." Leon said without thinking and then winced, "Not that there's anything wrong with them. They are doing their jobs and all I'd just rather-"
"Not deal with them. Well being a wanted criminal I am not surprised." The man said holding onto Leon's wrist before he could make a run for it.
"I have no idea what you are referring to. If you could release me, I will be on my way." The former knight looked around trying to consider whether he could get the man to release him from his grasp without getting the attention from the guards and the rest of the people.
"Who are you? What's you're business here? Tell me and we'll see about whether if I call over the guards."
Leon gulped in reflex looking in trepidation at the two guards headed closer only to stop at one of the stalls with dried meats. His rising ire quickly became quenched when he saw the familiar blond hair of his friend. His eye narrowing darkly at the situation surely ready to run the man through. Leon shook his head and nodded towards the guards, but that didn't stop Arthur from heading their way.
The man looked between his captive? He wasn't sure yet and the blond haired man heading in their direction. His eyes widened in shock and familiarity before his grip loosened.
"Well that answers that question." he muttered softly looking at Arthur then the guards. Whom by now both were noticing the blond and turned to look his way. He was glad his body was partially covered by Sir Leon as it would give plausible deniability for what he was about to do. The man's eyes narrowed down on to one of the guards hands moving to their side pocket and pulled out a scroll, probably a wanted poster, to confirm their target.
"We have to go." Arthur growled once he arrived and moved to grab his friend ready to tug his other arm in hopes that the man holding his friend would release him. He did a bit too easily for either men's taste.
"Your Highness. I didn't- Go the opposite way and double back through the stall with the flower pots you will be able to head through one of the alleyways. If you go straight and then turn left there's a small creek you can cross to safety." The man spluttered directions to both before telling them to start running.
"Who are you?" Leon repeated as the guards started rapidly approaching.
"Leon we have to go."
Leon nodded "Thank you." He told the stranger before they ran off. The guards hot on their tails not even bothering to stop and question the man who may have- oh who was he kidding he definitely aided the two of them.
The bells started ringing again and the man groaned as he saw two patrols of knights trailing after the guards. Taking a quick moment to think things through before throwing any type of common sense out of his system he started running after them.
Arthur and Leon ran turning sharply into a dead end up ahead hoping the knights would fall for the same trick from earlier. They didn't.
"Sire-"
"Shut it, Leon." Arthur muttered as he pulled out a dagger from his belt. Leon got the idea and pulled out his as the two men readied themselves.
Meanwhile the two guards marched in swords out. "There is no way out, put down your weapons and surrender. The both of you are vastly outnumbered."
Arthur growled out in annoyance but dropped his dagger, Leon following suit.
The first guard sheathed his sword and moved forward to pick up both of the weapons. This was a mistake as Arthur quickly kneed him in the face when he bent down and Leon went to put him a choke hold. Arthur removed the sword from the mans side and Leon reclaimed their daggers pocketing one and holding the other to the mans head.
"Let us leave. Or we kill your man." Leon bluffed menacingly.
The remaining guard turned to look to the knights behind him and back. One of the knights eventually moved forward.
"Do it and any attempt of walking out of this alley alive vanishes."
Leon looked to Arthur who stepped forward a few feet towards the knight. "You know who I am. Who we both are. We are the best of Camelot's knights. You may out number us, but that won't be for long." Arthur let out a yell and moved to strike the knight who quickly blocked. Leon used the blunt hilt of the dagger to knock the guard in his hold out.
"Here." Arthur called out handling the knights sword to Leon as he quickly dispatched the man and knocked him out.
"ENOUGH!"
A voice yelled from behind the knights and they quickly made room for a man to walk through. It was the dark haired stranger from earlier.
"My lord. These are dangerous criminals stay back." One of the knights warned.
The man waved them off and removed a pair of leather gloves out of his trouser pockets and tossed it to Arthur's and Leon's feet.
"I am Lancelot, fourth son of Lord Eldred from the noble house of Nothumbria and I challenge you, Prince Arthur, to a duel to first blood. If I win. You and your man surrender yourselves as my prisoners and allow me to take you to my father's home to wait for transport back to Camelot. If you win, I will allow a ten minute head start before they release the hunting dogs after you."
Once Arthur accepted, having no other choice really, Lancelot went to address the mob of angry men.
Leon was by Arthur's side watching as the man who had helped them earlier was talking-commanding the knights not to interfere.
"We can't go back, Arthur. Your uncle will-"
"I know. But a ten minute head start will be nothing if they send out dogs to chase us. We will never reach the horses in time. Lancelot knows this."
"Then why deny the inevitable. Why throw down the gauntlet?"
Arthur shook his head eye narrowing to look at the lord. He hadn't laid proper eyes on him due to the running for their lives. But that man was Lancelot. It may have been a good fifteen years since Arthur truly seen him, since his last visit to Northumbria, but his eyes were unmistakable.
Fifteen Years Ago
"Whoah there!" He was stopped as somebody appeared out of nowhere causing him to run into them. "Prince Arthur?"
Arthur looked up seeing the man's brown eyes looking at him in concern. "Are you alright? Why were you running?"
The prince nodded, soon feeling ashamed for wanting to run away. "I am fine. Lord Lancelot."
Lancelot laughed at that, "Lancelot is good enough. Are you sure you are fine though?"
Arthur was about to nod again before he decided to shake his head.
"Do you want to talk about it? I am a good listener."
"I- I-... You will probably think I am being rude and and a prat."
The fourth son raised his brows, "A prat?"
"Mmhmm. But I swear I'm not. I just wanna go fishing. I don't want to go to a ball.." the boy trailed off shrinking slightly before continuing, "Sorry. I know it's for your birthday, but its boring."
Lancelot laughed finally understanding what was going on.
"PRINCE ARTHUR!"
Arthur winced as he heard his nanny yelling again. She was no where in sight but sounded as if she were right in front of him.
Lance looked in the direction of the yell then back at the prince with a questioning look.
"I may have escaped from my chambers and hid around the manor."
"I see." Lance turned to look back at the prince, "So you want to go fishing rather than attend my birthday dinner."
Arthur nodded.
"Well you want to know a secret?"
The boy nodded again.
"That sounds like a lot more fun than listening to those boring speeches."
Arthur's eyes gleamed at that. "Do you… well would you want to come fishing with me?" Lancelot looked shocked at the invitation. "Please! I don't know where the creek is. Lycan wouldn't say and we can even make the ball afterwards. They usually last all night don't they?"
"PRINCE ARTHUR COME OUT THIS INSTANT!"
Lance made up his mind and grabbed the boys hand and together they started running in the opposite direction. "Let's go get Lycan first. He would take my head off in my sleep if we left to go fishing without him."
Arthur beamed the biggest and brightest smile as he tried to keep up the fast pace. He was going fishing with Lord Lancelot AND Lord Lycan!
"Arthur what do we do?" Leon asked watching as Lancelot started walking back.
"Prince Arthur, I am sure you understand the rules. There shall be no interference from either of our parties. Doing so will be an immediate forfeit." Lancelot looked sharply at the prince. The unspoken words lying heavy between them. If Leon even attempted to help Arthur the knights would intervene and would be right to kill him were he stood. No trial. No need for a plea of guilt or innocence. They will be his judge and executioner.
"It's good to see you again, Arthur." Lancelot smiled hesitantly moving closer to whisper something into his ear.
Arthur smirked. "Very well, old friend."
Leon could only hope Arthur had a good reason for throwing the fight. He had left himself wide open and had made more mistakes than the rookies starting off in basic training.
At the moment he couldn't really ask as Lord Lancelot had tied their wrists and chained their ankles together. The man was making them walk all the way back to his father's manor with two knight walking in front and behind them so they wouldn't escape while the lord was riding to his familial home on horseback.
After about an hour they finally arrived to their destination. The knights hesitant to part ways, but Lancelot was quite authoritative when he wanted to be and had no qualms of flaunting his status. He send the men on their way and only when they were mere dots in the distance did he move to untie Arthur's wrist and hand him a key for the ankle chains.
Arthur quickly took off his restraints and helped Leon with his as the latter was looking between the two trying to put the pieces together.
"My father is going to have a stroke when he sees you… Actually, he really might. I should talk to him first."
Once untied Leon's eyes zeroed in on the manor in front of them. It wasn't a palace, at least not in size. It also only seemed to have one additional floor besides the ground floor. Leon was sure that a family like Lord Eldred's was bound to have a cellar as well as some sort of dungeons or cells to hold their prisoners.
Arthur nodded, "I heard Eldred has just recovered from illness. I would not wish to do anything to degrade his progress."
Lancelot looked around, his eldest brothers Etan and Elias were out hunting and wouldn't be back till dinner time. Lycan promised to help mother out in the garden before he left, that was about four hours ago. They would have been done by now meaning Lycan was either in his room or in the sparring room taking out his energy on a hay dummy. His mother would be either with his father or in her chambers.
Lance repeated this to Arthur and Leon. "Go to the guest chambers on the East side of the manor. It is in the opposite direction of Lycan's room and the sparring room and will decrease the chances of you running into him. Stay there and lock yourselves in. The servants won't go in or bother you. I will explain to my father how I found you in the market and took you as our prisoner and then take him to you."
Lord Eldred's chambers were silent for just the briefest of moments after listening to Lancelot recall his events at the market and their guests.
"Are you out of your mind!" the lady of Nothumbria yelled at her youngest son.
"Dear, the boy was just doing what he thought was right."
"What's right! Once Camelot hears that we have Arthur Pendragon they will come and-"
"Dear, calm-"
"Eldred!" the lady berated sternly in a tone that got her husband to shut it without her having to utter the words. She then turns to her son. "You. You under no circumstances tell your brothers. Where's Lycan? He doesn't know does he?"
Lancelot shook his head. Even at twenty five when his mother used that tone he knew better than to test her. "No mother, he doesn't know. Neither should the staff. I sent them to the East wing."
She nods putting her hands together before resuming her pacing. "Alright. No one but us and those knights from the market know. Okay your brother can deny ever seeing them and as for us three. Oh heavenly father what are we to do."
Eldred smiled sternly before clearing his throat and coughing slightly, "Honey relax you'll pace a hole into the floor. We will figure this out. Now, Lancelot stay with your mother. I will attend to our guests and hopefully will have a solution for all this by dinner time."
Both son and mother nodded the latter a bit hesitant. "Shouldn't we sent a messenger to Camelot?"
"Mother! We can't."
Eldred sighed, "No she's right. Whether we end up helping them one way or another we must also think of ourselves. Dear write a letter to the Rat Agravaine and send a messenger. Give me an hour before you do. That shall give me enough time for Uther's boy and his friend to explain themselves."
"Father, we can't turn them in. It isn't right."
"And we won't. But we can't let them know that. Now you know how your brother's are if they found out Prince Arthur and Sir Leon were here they would march them to Camelot themselves to save face. We must figure this out and help them escape after we sent the messenger, but before your brothers return for dinner."
Lancelot nodded as his father scurried out the door. He then turned to his mother who had resumed her pacing and was now fidgeting with her hands. "I'll need stationary and ink and- Lance lets go to my art chambers and we will figure out what to write there."
"... after we ran into the woods we made our way to a family friend who gave us shelter and hid us till we gathered our wits and came up with a plan."
Eldred has some trouble trying to take everything in. once Arthur explained the truth of how they came to be wanted fugitives. "I knew that rat was after the throne, but I never thought he would sink to such measures. Especially right after your father passed. My condolences again, he was good man and even greater king. He was so proud of you, he would boast to me about you in his letters."
Arthur bit the inside of his cheek a bit in restraint as he thought about all he wanted to do to his uncle. "Thank you. Anyhow…" Despite how much he would love to spend time and talk about his father they would need to be leaving soon. "We... I would like your allegiance and hope that you can be a sort of mediator who could get me into the palace of the King of Logres. I need to gather an army strong enough to take back my kingdom and I can't do it on my own. Having no other alternative, I must ask for help. The King of Logres and my father had a tenuous relationship at best especially regarding your land, but they understood each other. With his help we will be closer to reclaiming my God-given birthright."
"The king might listen, however…"
"However?"
Lord Eldred sighed as he moved to the table on the side of the room to take a seat. "In my absence, my son Etan has taken over dealing with taxes and negotiations between both Logres and Camelot. He has made a record of everything and presented it to me after I recovered enough to reclaim my duties. However, even though my health is improving, I am still getting a bit on in age and I ended up sending him and Elias to Logres two weeks earlier. There they gathered that the Regent of Camelot is going to pressure the King to relent any and all holds on the shared territories between the two kingdoms. With that Northumbria, Charlesbury Outpost, and Gwenydd Mines to name a few."
"The Outpost is located on a hill in the highlands over looking Logres from the North. If Agravaine holds Charlesbury, he will have the high ground and-"
"If he so wanted could take Logres within three weeks." Lord Eldred took over, "With the mines he will have access to Logres primary coal mine for miles which will force Logres to use the coal reserves to stay warm till they run out, and with Northumbria he would have the men and numbers to hold siege over the kingdom far after till they surrender."
"Well, I won't allow that. But I need to stop him first and the only way to do that is to get to the king before he does." Arthur moves over to the window looking at two figures in the distance approaching. "When did you say Etan and Elias would return?"
Lord Eldred moved to the window, "They shouldn't be back yet. I will go see who they are. The two of you stay away from the windows. If you hear anyone other than myself, my wife, or Lancelot hide behind the wardrobe. There's a hidden passage way behind it leading to tunnels heading to the outside of the manor."
Leon watches as the Lord leaves and angles himself in a way that allows him to look out the window. "They're knights carrying the crest of Logres."
Arthur pulled him back. "They must have heard of our presence in the market. That means Agravaine's men mustn't be far behind."
"Arthur, there is no way Agravaine would make it here in time."
"Maybe not Agravaine but I wouldn't put it past him to have spies or mercenaries out here looking for us."
Sometime Earlier….
Lancelot looked at the horses heading in different directions. Two messengers. "Are you sure that was the right thing to do mother."
The lady of Northumbria grasped his hand, "We'll have to wait and see."
The two went back inside, "Your brothers are at their old spot in the forest. A few miles away from the creek, you should ask Lycan to go take a cart out to them. He can help them load their haul and bring it back here. It will also buy us time to figure out a way to help the Prince. Find somewhere to send them where they can hide maybe plant a false trail for anyone who comes knocking."
Lance nodded, "I'll go to him now."
As Lancelot left the lady of Northumbria headed down to one of the night stewards. It was a small manor and they didn't have many servants, but they did have a rotation set up so that half of the servants helped during the day and the other half at night time. She would order the night steward to head home and give everyone the night off with pay. He was sure that he may have questions put she was willing to sugar the pot for him to leave with no questions asked. Or a loud mouth. Men like the steward either responded to money and power or loyalty. She knew he was a man who would respond well to both.
When Lancelot arrived at his brother's room he knocked sharply before barging his way in. Lycan jumped slightly on the bed, but made no sign of moving towards his brother. "What do you want, Lance? I've been in the garden all afternoon and just finished a set of training, can't you let me rest till Etan and Elias get back. Hopefully with the biggest boar on this side of the creek."
Lance closed the door behind him and latched it before move to sit on the bed making sure to shove his brother. "Mother wants you to head over into the forest and take a cart to them to bring back their boar or deer."
Lycan groaned, "I am sure are brothers are more than capable of dragging back whatever they killed on their own."
"Mother said you had to."
The older brother scoffed and turned to look at Lancelot seeing his eye started twitching, "What are you hiding?" Lycan sits up grabbing Lance's head, "Your eye's twitching and the back of your neck is sweating. You are up to something."
Lance clenched his teeth, "I can't tell you. Just do as your told or I'll get mum to come in here and-"
"What's going on Lance?"
"Please Ly, just go to the hunting grounds and I will tell you everything first thing tomorrow. Oh you musn't tell Etan or Elie anything they'll ruin everything."
Lycan moved to stand. His brother never pleaded to anything lightly. He also wouldn't hold secrets from his family. "Lancelot, is something going on. Something that will cause trouble for Etan and El while there out there?"
Lancelot tried to breath out slowly from his nose to calm himself, "I'll tell you everything tomorrow." Seeing that that wasn't a valid enough answer he sighed, "Your safer out there with them right now."
That was the wrong thing to say as Lycan moved to grab a training rod from the ground, "What in Albion's name does that mean? Is someone threatening us?"
"Do you remember the report about Regent Agravaine going to force us to become part of Camelot and cut ties with Logres."
Lycan glared moving to stand and heading towards the door, "If you won't tell me I'll go find out on my own."
"Fine! This morning-afternoon when I went to the market I sort of found someone who could help sort of. I. Mum doesn't want you and the others to know so you can't be implicated and-"
"Spit it out, Lancelot."
"You have to swear you won't tell Etan or El."
"Fine."
"Swear it."
"I swear I will beat you with this rod if you don't-"
"LY! Please."
"Fine I swear I won't tell them nothing. Now what is going on."
Lancelot paused as he heard a loud bell ring indicating that someone had arrived to the manor. The brother's moved to the window seeing two knights with King Logres crest.
"You have to go now before they know you're here as well."
"What are they doing here, brother."
"I took Prince Arthur and Sir Leon prisoner at the market this afternoon and their held up in the East wing. Father's with them now. They're innocent Ly. Agravaine is a rat just like father said and he's been framing them all along."
Lycan looked back to the window then to his brother. "Are they here for them?"
"I don't know" Lancelot shrugged, "but it's likely. Please leave take the cart and go get our brothers. When your back father and I will fill you in, but now go and pretend you don't know anything." Lancelot moved towards the door. "I have to go check in on our visitors, I know you can take a passage way out of the manor unseen."
Lycan nodded grabbing his brother's arm. "Be safe. I'll return with the boys soon. Stay out of trouble."
Lycan left his room and turned down a hall vanishing round a corner. Unfortunately this would be the last time either brother would see each other for a long while.
"Hello Lord Eldred" one of the knights spoke. "We are sorry to bother you, but we were hoping you could provide us lodgings for the night."
"My family and I would find it an honor to host the both of you, however our servants are off for the night and we won't be able to prepare rooms for the two of you till morning."
The men nodded, "We will be happy to make due with whatever you will provide. However it seems we may have misspoke. We have more men coming we intercepted your messenger and gave him an escort stright to the palace. After relaying message to the king about the capture of Camelot's most wanted the King of Logres sent us ahead in his steed. His Royal Majesty and a few of his trusted knights and men will be arriving soon to take the prisoners off your hands personally."
Lord Eldred turned his hands into fists before letting them stay open. "Right this way then." He motions the men to enter the threshold before stating, "The prisoners are on house arrest and under my protection till the king arrives."
The men consent, "Is there anyone else in the house." The lord pauses as he sees a tuff of hair sticking out from a corridor.
"My youngest son, Lord Lancelot. He caught the men at the market." The lord and knights pass the corridor the latter unaware while the father and son share a glance. The message clear stay out of sight, but stand down. "And my wife, the Lady of Northumbria."
"You have four sons. Where are the other three?"
The lord lets them down the same route Lancelot had just returned from towards the west side of the manor. "My eldest sons are in the woods hunting for our dinner. They shall return soon."
Meanwhile Lancelot finally makes it to the prisoners guest quarters having send his mother into a frenzy once he explained that the knights looked to be staying as guests after she had sent all the servants home. "Your father will only be able to keep them busy for so long. I'll go and entertain them alongside him. You can go and reassure Prince Arthur and Sir Leon that there's nothing to fear… yet."
When the lady arrived at the west wing she could hear her husbands voice echo down the lonely hallways.
"-rooms are suitable and to your liking." Lady Northumbria hears Lord Eldred as say before looking up and spotting her. "Ah here's the lovely lady of the manor."
The knights watch as lord Eldred's wife elegantly makes her way down the hall.
"Dear, these gentlemen where just informing me that the King will be making an appearance soon to meet with the prisoners."
"Oh?" she spoke in genuine surprise. "I didn't expect such an immediate response. I just sent out the messenger less than a few hours ago."
"Well the king is very efficient, love. Especially when it comes to potentially dangerous criminals within the territories. We will be hosting him and a few more of his men tonight."
"Oh what timing. And right after we dismissed the servants. Please let me know if there is anything you need. Some extra blankets or necessities and I will make sure to deliver them personally. Luckily for the King I was of sound mind not to send the cook home."
The men declined appearing amused and finally lowering their guard at the lady's presence. She had such a disarming and trusting way about her.
"Oh their modest dear. Would you mind getting them some drink and bread to tide them over before dinner." the lady gave a questioning look and nodded.
"Yes. I shall go and inform cook to prepare something-" Her words were cut short by the loud ringing announcing visitors. "- at once. He should also be made aware of the additions to dinner tonight. I'll go inform him while you greet the remainder of our guests." She would definitely do that, but not before fetching Prince Arthur so he can be present to meet the king.
Arthur chortled as he butted shoulders with Lancelot. "You should have seen it Leon. We escaped the palace for the better half of the afternoon and when we came back-" "-drenched in water and mud…" Lance continued, "from the creek and just a single carp-" before the exiled prince interjected.
"-that Lycan let me reel in-"
"-and walked straight into the ballroom. Our parents were furious! Elias nearly had a heart attack and the entirety of the ton were scandalized."
Leon looked at the pair not sure whether he should laugh, berate the prince, or feel slightly jealous at the quick camaraderie between the duo. He settled on just being stunned and nodded letting out a forced chuckle; before they too heard the door bell ringing loudly.
The trio turned to look towards the curtains hesitant to move near incase they were seen. They had snuffed out the majority of the wall torches once the sun had finished setting and where gathered around the fireplace where a small log was providing them light and warmth.
Lancelot rose moving slowly towards the window. Out of the three he was the only one who most likely wouldn't be shot on sight. Staying clear from the outsiders view Lance peeked behind the curtain and down the window spotting not one, or two, nor three carriages. There were four carriages down below and Lance quickly counted as the shadows settled a few steps down the doorway. He exhaled sharply. There were twelve men below standing outside his house.
A sharp knock and the sound of the door opening quickly drew the men's attention with Sir Leon quickly unsheathing his sword and the exiled prince holding on tightly to his dagger.
The lady of Northumbria gave a sharp look to the men causing the two to lower their weapons before she closed the door and turned to her son.
"The King of Logres has arrived with a calvary of knights ready to spend the night here. They are to be our guests and are staying for dinner."
Lance nodded before turning to the two men and back to his mother wondering what they were to do next.
"Sir Leon you must stay here out of sight with my son."
Leon and Arthur nodded.
"We'll stay out of sight." The blond said.
"While that was the original plan, your highness, it is best if you come with me. Lord Eldred will be apprising the king of your presence momentarily and its a good a time as any to set up an audience with his majesty now when things are calm…"
Arthur hymned in agreement, his mind filling in where she trailed off incase circumstances take a turn for the worst.
"Very well." Arthur moved forward before pausing and turning to Leon, "If things go awry head to the forest. See if you can back track to where we set camp last evening."
His first knight nodded watching as Arthur left with Lady Northumbria, their fate in Lord Eldred's family's hands. Leon could only hope that Arthur knew what he was doing. He could be walking into a trap for all they knew or be putting themselves and Lord Eldred, his wife, and their sons in danger.
As the door closes behind the two, Lancelot clears his throat. The lord had, yet to be left alone with Camelot's first knight since he revealed his identity. At the market Sir Leon seemed a bit hesitant, but still kind to the help he received… Now he held a look of distrust and wariness. It felt right to clear the air between them.
"I would like to apologize for misleading you at the market, but I had to make sure you were who I thought you were." He paused seeing as the man's shoulders began to tense. "Once I confirmed the identity of both yours and Prince Arthurs, an old friend, and saw the knights… well I felt dutybound to the boy I once knew and had to intervene. Arthur was a good lad and an even better man now that he is grown. I can tell. It was also the right thing to do. No one in this house truly believe the lies that the Regent has been spreading." Lance truly believed that while some of his brothers may disapprove of helping the wanted criminals they knew knew that there was no way the Pendragon boy they had met was capable of murder.
Leon let his shoulders fall at the proclamation of loyalty if he ever heard one. He took a deep breath using the moment to disquell all previous doubts that he had about the man in front of him. "There is no need for apologies. Instead it is I who must thank you. I- we are grateful for your help. If it wasn't for your quick thinking in that alley Arthur and I might have not made it out of there."
Lord Lancelot beamed proudly at compliment, which didn't go unnoticed before his eyes zeroed in on Leons sword which the man had lowered onto the floor when his mother entered.
Leon picked it up, before raising the handle and motioning for Lancelot to take it from him.
"I couldn't. I can just admire it from here. The craftsmanship is amazing."
It was Leon's turn now to beam. "It was made by the royal swordsmith, but I then ended up taking it to a friend, the son of a local swordsmith in the lower town right outside of the citadel, he enhanced the handle so it melded easier to my hand. Go on try it out."
The lord gently took it from the knight testing the balance of the sword and noting the handle.
"It is a work of art, truly. I've never had a sword made by a royalsmith, especially one from Camelot a kingdom known for their army and their swordsmanship. I suppose it takes more than nobility to be a good knight. Having the best of weapons sure makes it easier."
Leon tilted his head slightly, "I wouldn't necessarily say easy, but good weapons definitely help. As for nobility… Well the past few months have taught me that sometimes noble blood isn't all its cracked up to be." Lance looked surprised at that motioning for Leon to continue. "Agravaine is from a noble house. The same house as Camelot's late queen, and yet he disgraces her and the house of Du Bois by slandering the true heir's name. It's not just Agravaine either. Several men, I had considered good, that I felt honored to fight alongside, have shown their true colors. Having noble blood does not mean that one is noble or carries any of the characteristic's necessary to become a Knight of Camelot."
"Are you saying that the Knight's Code is wrong?"
Leon bit his tongue unsure of how to continue. A part of him wanted to say yes. Yes, if a man of noble blood could betray his family could plot murders and set other men to take the fall they weren't worthy of holding power. Let alone a power that held the peoples trust. The very people they had a duty to protect. Yet… not all nobles were ruthless power hungry tyrants. There were still a few good ones out there. There had to be.
"Not wrong. I believe the Knight's Code was made for a reason. Mostly for the case of loyalty to the crown. King Uther believed that the nobles who were willing to swear their loyalty to him and his family were worthy of protecting the kingdom and its people. However, it is difficult to test loyalty."
The lord held the sword for the knight to take back, "Perhaps there should be a set of trials to challenge a man's character and not just their strength."
Arthur rose from his bow to the king in gratitude. Lord Eldred had managed to convince the King of Logres to dismiss his men for the time being and led him into an abandoned ballroom where Arthur had been left at by the Lady of Northumbria.
After Lord Eldred explained that the exiled prince meant no harm and Arthur had sworn to remain across the room during their exchanged the King surrendered promising to at the very least listen to what the men were planning without calling for his men.
It wasn't impossible for the king to hold his tongue for the entirety of the prince's tale. Prince Arthur was well spoken and pleaded his innocence as would a man on trial for his life; which in a way wasn't so far off. The king was patient and while listening from one part of the story to the next he was slowly starting to piece together what this was. What was about to be asked of him. Because as ruler there was always an ask. People always wanted something and he had been placed in a difficult position on declining or granting people's desires. Yet, he wasn't sure if he was in a position where he could please the prince.
"I would like to propose a new treaty that would reinstate the peace between Camelot and Logres and allow both Kingdoms to benefit from the territories they share." Arthur started wrapping up his speech and getting to the heart of the matter. "It would be similar to the treaty that Logres had before my father passed and Agravaine became Regent."
A silence filled the room as the king mulled over his answer. Then instead of replying to Arthur he turned to Lord Eldred, "Am I to assume your loyalty and that of Northumbria is already with him?"
The Lord blinked up in brief shock before turning to look at Prince Arthur and then back at the King.
"Whatever my loyalties, Northumbria must side with its king."
The king nodded, "But which king? As a territory your land is put in a very difficult position. The loyalty of the land divided between Logres and Camelot."
"There is no Camelot without a Pendragon ruling at the forefront. For all future intents, Prince Arthur is the true ruler of Camelot. Their is no division of loyalty. The people will understand and follow Logres once presented with the facts."
"If only it were that simple," the king muttered. "The current Regent of Camelot is not only coming to rediscuss the shared territories of Northumbria, Gwenydd, and Charlesbury, but to personally provide me with an invitation to his Coronation taking place next week."
"He can't do that! Geoffrey would never agree to crown the man. He has no claim to the throne." Arthur spluttered in outrage at the news.
"He is the brother of the late Queen. Your Uncle. As your father had no brothers, Agravaine is the closest living relative besides yourself who could take on the mantle."
"He doesn't deserve it!"
The king looked at the prince with a tense look in his eyes, "While I agree, the rules of succession are clear. Once Agravaine is King he will have the power to take the territories as his own and we both know he won't stop there. My kingdom will be left at his mercy. What do you suppose he would do if he knew I was conspiring against him by helping his nephew."
Arthur's face fell. He knew that pleading for help wasn't going to be easy, but he didn't know it was going to be this difficult either. If he were king. If he had been crowned a few months ago when he was supposed to be this would be one of his first official duties. A negotiation to reinstate or maintain the current peace with all of its previous allies under his father's rule. If his father could see him now failing.
"I know that this will put you in a difficult position. However once I reclaim Camelot, I will make sure that Logres is protected and recognized for its help."
The king laughed bitterly, not meaning to be rude but the realism of the situation weighing on him, "How long would that take? How many men must I sacrifice? Pendragon, we both know that my position as King of Logres is turbulent. For the past decade I have been nothing more but a figure head for my people having to make sure that my ideals and that of my kingdom align with those of your fathers. Your father was a good man sure, but he did not do things out of the goodness of his heart. He was ruthless when it came to protecting Camelot. He would protect his allies only if they swore the same loyalty to him. If they promised that in Camelot's time of need they would stand by her side."
"It will be worse with the likes of Agravaine, you know it will."
"That I do. But even with the numbers of Northumbria and the joint territories it won't be enough for Logres to help you and risk their lives. What if you were to lose? How could Logres benefit? Right now I can at least barter with Agravaine and come to terms with a plan to appear as if Logres and Camelot are peacefully merging our two kingdoms. I can retain some sort of position in Camelot and help my people through the transition. You are an exiled prince without a kingdom. Under the eyes of the people you are a traitor, criminal, and murderer. What can you offer me? Truly?"
A lump forms in Arthur's throat. This couldn't be it. How would Uther handle this. His father would command respect. Would inspire loyalty. His father often bragged how he had reconquered his father's land and set it free from its previous tyrant a sorcerer name Vortigern by the time he was twenty. Now Arthur was in a similar position, but he had no clue what to do. His father would brag about his conquests to whoever would listen, but like any bard he would embellish his tales and skip over all of the important details. He could just barely hold back the tears knowing his father would be disappointed at him.
He felt a shill go down his spine feeling a cold but comforting phantom hand on his shoulder. He could hear his father's last words echoing in his heart. I know you will make me proud, son. You will be a great king.
"Allow me the chance to make you reconsider. Please. I know I am not my father. My father was a great king. Like you, he put his kingdom before all else. I am young, I know I lack his widsom and his conviction, but I promise you that if you listen to me you won't regret it."
The king pressed his lips together unconvinced, but nodded. He turned to Lord Eldred, "Leave us."
The Lord nodded quietly he knew that it was not going well for the young prince. But he also knew his place. He wasn't going to argue or refuse the king. Instead he bowed gracefully to both men and made himself scarce. As much as he wished he could stand by Uther's boy he might not be able to. He could at the very least go tell Sir Leon and prepare him for the unpleasant news.
Camelot's former first knight had just finished explaining how one auditions to become a knight while Lord Lancelot listened attentively.
"Even a rat can pretend to be honorable if they had to." Leon muttered, "So instead we test men's skills on the battle field and hope."
"It is difficult to see the heart of men. My mother used to say I had enough heart to protect those I care for. I just need practice and to build my strength up. I used to imagine myself a knight. I even had plans to set out to Camelot a few years ago to audition-"
Leon's eyes widened, "What stopped you?"
Lancelot mouth turned upwards but there was such a mournful look coming from his eyes. "I am the youngest of four. My brothers, Etan, Elias, even Lycan had all set out on different paths and when it was my turn. I couldn't just leave my parents behind. They had been…" Lancelot trailed off turning to look at the fire place his hands clenching into fists that didn't go unnoticed "I couldn't leave them. I couldn't be selfish. Eventually… things had improved. But I kept finding more excuses to stay till being a knight became nothing but a dream. Then my father became ill and I knew I made the right choice in staying."
A soft knock sounded before the door opened, his father making his way in. "I come bearing news of Arthur's talks with the king…" He noted how both men closed their mouths and their eyes sparked with unasked questions, "Unfortunately, things are not going well for the prince, but he may just turn things around. The two are still discussing whether Logres will assist Arthur."
Both men nodded gravely. Leon turned to look at the wardrobe that held the escape route the lord had told him off.
Eldred noticed, "We shall make sure you have supplies to take with you before you leave. Whether the king agrees or not I promise you are still under my protection and I will make sure your whereabout are unknown by daybreak tomorrow even to myself."
Leon tried to appear grateful, but his smile was more of a grimace. "We left our horses and what little supplies we had a few miles into the forest away from the market. Would it be possible to borrow a horse. I can make my way there and back under the cover of nightfall."
Eldred while hesitant eventually agreed, "Go to the stables and take whichever horse you please. My son and I will gather the supplies you bought at the market and a few other essentials for when you return."
Leon nodded as he opened the wardrobe and revealed the false back that led to a tunnel. "Where does this lead again?"
Lancelot went to a desk and pulled out a piece of parchment and charcoal quickly drawing a rough map. "Here. Follow the route here and you should come out by the kitchen. The chef has been sworn to secrecy so he won't say anything and mother is with him now so if he tries something… well he won't. There's a door in the kitchen leading outside follow the path and you'll reach the stables." Lancelot then went inside the tunnels and brought back a torch. He went to the fire place to light it and then handed it to Leon.
Both father and son watched as the man vanished into the tunnels before they closed the wardrobe.
Lancelot went to move towards the door ready to go out and collect supplies for the men no doubt, but lord Eldred couldn't let him go having heard his son's words earlier.
"Son. I am not sure if I or your mother have ever told you how grateful we our that you stayed with us after your brothers left. It meant everything that you stayed to help your mother when I couldn't. I thought I was too far gone, but through the grace of the good Lord and our physician I was able to recover. Your brothers have also all returned. Elias and Etan have decided to move back on the property. Their families will soon be coming as well bringing a liveliness back into these walls. Lycan ever the brave and stubborn brother of yours has decided to return from being a knight at Logres and will instead train the guards and knights stationed in Northumbria."
"Father, I-"
"No Lancelot. Time and again you have sacrificed yourself for your mother and I. Let your brother's have a go at it now."
Lancelot felt his stomach plummet, "What are you saying father?"
"I am saying that it is time for you to follow your dreams. You have always wanted to be a Knight of Camelot alongside Lycan. Lycan may have chosen Logres to be closer to us, but we both know he would have marched right to Camelot if distance wasn't a question."
"I can't be a Knight of Camelot father. Even if I could, I would never wish to serve under the likes of Agravaine Du Bois."
Lord Eldred smiled proudly, "You can be a knight. And you will under Arthur. I grant you my permission to join him in his quest."
Never in his life, has Lancelot ever thought he would hear those words spoken and now that they were. He didn't know if he should cry or rejoice at the news. "Father. If I joined Arthur and Leon. I would be a criminal. I wouldn't be able to come back and see you or mother or my brothers again."
His father nodded solemnly, "It may take time, but we will be here. When Arthur is victorious you will make your way back home to us."
Lancelot thought of about joining the prince. He imagined fighting alongside Arthur and Leon. Of helping them reclaim Camelot. Of being an epic hero. A knight with a story that bards would sing for eons to come. "I can't!"
"You must. You are my son. I know you, Lancelot. Tell me it does not irk you to standaside when you can do something to help. That you are not burning with the injustice of it all. Tell me there is not a stirring in your loins. A desire for going after your dreams and become a knight to one true king. A king who will rule with true nobility and honor."
"I will do what you ask of me. I will gather more allies to guarantee my victory, but you must give your word that at the time of my choosing your army will aid me against Agravaine."
The king of Logres thought about it, "After your victory, in turn do you swear to reinstate the peace treaty Camelot had under Uther's reign-" Arthur interrupts assenting to the request. The king however was not finished. "Would you swear to reinstate the peace treaty and surrender both Gwenydd Mines and Charlesbury Outpost to Logres."
Arthur refrained from squawking like an undignified geese, "We could discuss that after I reclaim my throne."
"If you reclaim the throne you mean. No I'd rather discuss it now. Agree to surrendering the two territories and you may in turn keep Northumbria. You can't dispute the fact that it makes more sense geographically for Logres to keep both territories."
"That may be true." Arthur says, not yet agreeing to give up two of their shared territories, "Could I ask the reason why you choose the mines and outpost, instead of Northumbria?"
The king smiles, "Northumbria has knights sure, but peace with Camelot would ensure that we would receive aid either way. Securing the mines for Logres will improve our economy as we will no longer have to split taxes between our two kingdoms. Camelot will also be made to trade and purchase coal from Gwenydd, but it's not as if Camelot doesn't have more coal mines within its kingdom. It won't hurt Camelot to lose Gwenydd as much as it would hurt Logres if we did."
Arthur hums in understanding. The king of Logres was strategic if nothing else. His father would be impressed. His father would also be outraged that he was letting this man take control of the negotiations. However his father did say that as king it was his duty to think for the betterment of the kingdom.
He thought to all the times he had to sit through boring council meeting discussing trade and the future economy of Camelot. And he quickly recalled how Camelot, as part of the Five Kingdoms his father and four other rulers had joined together, created treaties of peace and open trade with one another.
"Fine. I counter though. If you provide your army and surrender hold on Northumbria, I will grant you Gwenydd and Charlesburry, allowing for Logres to have more trade opportunities and the benefits of holding both territories. But in turn instead of just opening up more trade routes between Logres and Camelot where Logres benefits, you must impose an agreement between our kingdoms that will benefit the both of us."
"I'm listening?" The king said tilting his head, prompting Arthur to continue.
"I propose a pact between mine and yours that will wipe out all export tariffs between our kingdoms regarding Logres coal, Northumbrian steel, and perhaps other resources outside of our current shared territories without having either of our people face the brunt of it. You will still hold Gwenydd and we can trade and barter but at reasonable and even cheaper prices. In turn if you require wood, grain, livestock, any other type of resource we can come to a reasonable agreement as well. Once I am king we can go into more detail on what exactly would fall under this new agreement."
Arthur could see the king was starting to mull things over and decided to go for the jugular, "I will give you time to think about it, but I need an answer by tonight. The longer I stay the more risk I take." The king nodded and watched as the boy's features hardened, his voice become strict and an almost eerie resemblance of his father before him. "I wish I could say that if you refuse I won't hold it against you. But it will definitely be something I will consider in the future when I take back my kingdom, because have no doubt that I will not stop till I reclaim what is mine."
The prince bowed respectfully and walked out having reclaimed control of negotiations. He could only hope now. He had done all he could and maybe he should have held back the threats, but every decision he made now will impact how he will be seen and treated as King. He refuses to let Camelot be dictated by other neighboring kingdoms or lose the authority it held in Albion.
By the time Leon returned Arthur had settled back into the guest quarters and was finishing off some quail the Lady of Northumbria had the cook prepare. There was one remaining bird under a covered tray for Leon along with some bread and cooked vegetables.
"We should leave soon."
Arthur agreed. He wanted to wait till after the king gave them his reply, but he couldn't afford to wait much longer. "I know. We'll leave soon, once Lance comes with our supplies."
A knock interrupted the duo and they looked up to spot Lord Eldred and Lancelot; the former with a letter bearing the seal of the King of Logres and the latter with two knapsacks and a large basket filled with what Leon had purchased at the market along with the cloth and tunics Arthur bought.
"From the king," Lord Eldred spoke passing the letter to the prince who immediately ripped it open. "He thought it better to give you his response in writing as to not delay your leave. I assume that it holds good news for the future of Camelot."
Arthur broke into a heartily laugh at the letter clutching it to his chest. "Your assumption would be correct." He passes the note to Leon who for the first time since leaving his sister smiles proudly at is his prince.
"You did it, Sire."
"Not yet." Arthur shakes his head, "We still need to find another king to sign on before Logres can provide his army, but we are definitely closer to going back home." Arthur turns to Lord Eldred offering his arm. The lord takes it.
"It has been an honor being able to help Uther's son."
The prince beamed proudly, "Thank you for all you've done for us." Turning towards Lance, "The both of you. It has been great seeing you old friend. You should come to Camelot once this is all over."
Lancelot looked down, "We'll actually… I was wonder if I could join you."
"Join us?" Arthur looked between the father and son. "You want to join us?"
Lance nodded, "It would be an honor to fight alongside you, Arthur. That is if you'll have me."
The prince turned to his first knight, unsure of what to say. He was more surprised when Leon smirked and stepped forward looking to Lancelot but addressing him, "We could use all the help we can get, Sire."
"I don't disagree." Arthur looked to Lord Eldred and back to Lance, "Are you sure this is what you want? What about your brothers? Your family here? You coming with us may put a target on their backs."
This time it was Lord Eldred who spoke up. "We can manage. My wife and I fully support Lancelot's decision. In all honesty, I would be signing up right beside him if I was a couple decades younger. You are fighting a battle worth fighting. One for the good of the kingdom and I can't picture making Lancelot stay with us when I know it's his destiny to fight along the both of you."
Lancelot looked to the two men, "My family won't be safe until you are on the throne, Arthur. No one will be safe with the likes of Agravaine. I am doing this for my family and for my people because it is is what's right and just."
And that's how two became three. How Lancelot the fourth son of the Lord of Northumbria joined the good fight. And how Arthur successfully started building up his army. That very hour after Lance joined and Arthur received the king's letter the trio escaped through the tunnels and started on their journey trying to put enough distance between themselves and Northumbria. Regent Agravaine had indeed heard of his nephew's fight at the market and sent men after him. They would arrive the following morning by day break. The trio also missed meeting the eldest sons of Elred as they left while the brothers were arriving, plausible deniability and all that. Lycan never got to hear the full story from Lancelot, but he had faith in his brother and believed that if anyone was worthy to fight alongside a future king it was his baby brother. The man who had been a boy; who abandoned all sense of duty for a young prince who just wanted to go fishing one fateful evening so long ago. This was another fishing trip. Another adventure that he was certain would never be forgotten.