Birds were singing. Asilia couldn't remember the last time she had heard birds singing in Londinium. Hardly any dare to venture into the city.
Everything hurt. Her head wouldn't stop pounding. The hits she had taken left her entire body sore. Her back was particularly painful. Her arm almost felt numb.
With a groan, Asilia slowly opened her eyes. The world around her was blurry; however, after a few moments, everything slowly became focused. It was early morning, and the sun was barely rising. She slowly sat herself up. Her mouth tasted disgusting, her ability to hear felt funny, and everything she was seeing still had a slight blur on the edges. Hacking up phlegm, Asilia pulled her way toward the nearest wall, where she promptly leaned back and took a deep breath.
Back Lack, Wet Stick, Blue, and the remaining girls are out of Londinium.
Arthur escaped the King.
Asilia was- mostly –fine.
After multiple deep breaths, her head started clearing up. After the hits it had received just a few hours ago, Asilia wasn't expecting it to recover fully. Her clothes were filthy, covered in ash, dirt, and blood. However, all her possessions were still intact.
Asilia pulled up her arm sleeve to assess the injury there. The area where the Black Leg had slashed her was barely bleeding at this point, but it was filthy. She could tell it wasn't a shallow wound. Knowing she would have to clean it soon, Asilia pulled her sleeve back down and heaved herself up. The first few seconds were the most difficult. Asilia felt as though she was going to pass out again. The black spots returned, and Asilia stumbled back but caught herself in time. Standing still, Asilia took a few deep breaths until she felt more or less stable. She redid her braid, straightened her cloak, and took another deep breath before proceeding. The first few steps were rough, uncoordinated like a toddler babe, but Asilia soon was walking. Slowly, but walking nonetheless.
The city was silent. Many had not yet processed the events of the day prior. Those who did and were now resisting were far away from the bridge where the brothel once stood. Many shops were closed, and few Black Legs paroled the area. Most were off fighting resistance. The smell of smoke still consumed the air.
As the sun slowly ascended over the horizon, Asilia continued her journey out of the city. She didn't bother stopping at the old shed; Asilia knew no one would be waiting for her. Instead, she went straight to the forest and to the blackthorn tree. The journey took hours. Asilia found herself frequently stopping to recover and having to use many detours to avoid Black Legs. The sun was high in the sky when Asilia reached the blackthorn. It must have been just past noon.
Asilia's head wouldn't stop pounding as she sat at the tree's roots. She took the engraved stone from her pocket and ran her fingers over the etchings. Before calling out the song, Asilia got up and made her way over to a nearby creek. She revealed her arm wound and saw that it had stopped bleeding. However, the wound was filthy and already starting to itch from infection. Ripping a long piece from the hem of her tunic, Asilia dabbed the wound as clean as she could. Once Asilia reached her destination, she would ask for a salve. Then, taking another piece of fabric from her hem, Asilia wrapped it around like gauze. Covering her arm with her sleeve once again, Asilia worked to wipe the soot off her face and hands with the damp fabric. The coolness felt blissful on her pounding head. Once Asilia felt more like herself, she returned to the blackthorn.
So much had happened over the past few days. Destruction. Loss. Pain. Asilia hoped that Arthur was fine.
Taking a deep breath, Asilia sang the words from her childhood, "Tha mulad, tha mulad, tha lionn-dubh arm fhein."
There came no reply.
Panic threatened to rise over, but Asilia was quick to control it. Now was no time to think like that.
"Tha mulad, tha mulad, tha lionn-dubh arm fhein," she tried again. Still nothing.
Asilia slumped against the trunk of the tree and waited. Simply waited. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back. A patch of sun had broken through the trees, basking Asilia's face in a warm embrace. Taking a deep breath, Asilia tried once more, "Tha mulad, tha mulad, tha lionn-dubh arm fhein." Nothing.
After letting herself stay comfortable for a little longer, Asilia opened her eyes and got up again. From what she could see, no one was approaching.
The woods were practically silent.
Asilia was never one to wait.
Stretching again, Asilia created a plan in her head. She would make the journey on foot. She had only been to the secret hiding place once in her life. That experience alone wasn't enough for her to find her way there. Looking around, Asilia searched for tracks leading in the right direction. Quickly, Asilia identified the heavy indentations in the soft soil as Back Lack. No one else walked with as much force as he did. Ensuring she had all her materials, Asilia followed the path, hoping it would eventually lead her somewhere familiar.
Hours had passed. The sun was high, and Asilia had yet to progress significantly. Frequent stops to prevent her head from spinning had significantly impacted what she could accomplish. On top of everything, Asilia still had to recognize something familiar. She pushed forward. Step after step, Asilia went deeper and deeper into the forest. By nightfall, Asilia had still to reach her destination. She was exhausted. She had not eaten or drunk anything throughout the day and the day prior. That, on top of her head, left her feeling as if she could go no further for the day. Either way, the sky was becoming too dark for her to keep track of the tracks. Also, the farther she went, the more sporadic they became as if someone oversaw hiding them. Asilia was no expert; her life belonged to the city, meaning she worked twice as hard to follow the path.
Finding a tree with sturdy branches, Asilia climbed up and nestled herself in a nook between the branches. Although the position was uncomfortable, and her weapons kept on digging into her, sleeping in the tree would prevent the ground from chilling her and keep her away from anyone who might show up. As the moon steadily rose in the sky, Asilia drifted into a light sleep, planning to get up before morning.
When Asilia awoke, the sky was still dark. However, she could tell from the cheery singing of birds that it was indeed early morning. Asilia climbed down from the tree and stretched out her very stiff limbs. The crackle of joints popping almost felt soothing. A reminder that she was still alright. She retook inventory, double-checking that none of her belongings had disappeared during the night. Then, she redid her braid, pulled her hood up, and continued. Her stomach gnawed at itself in hunger, and her throat begged for water, but Asilia continued forward. She could rest once she reached her destination. For now, determination had to be enough to sustain Asilia.
Asilia followed the paths with ease. Although she had made minimal progress yesterday, she was, in fact, gaining on them. After thinking for a moment, Asilia concluded that having a large group meant they would be traveling significantly slower. The covering up of tracks was becoming more recent and sloppier as Asilia hurried onwards, her hood protecting her from the now-rising sun.
Asilia was making impressive progress, even though her head caused her to stop frequently. She could feel her energy draining, and her arm started to smell and become itchy, a sure sign of infection. Asilia soon found herself distracted. Not necessarily distracted, her mind focused only on the trail ahead, completely ignoring her surroundings. She almost blindly continued towards her goal. The tracks kept on becoming more recent and less hidden. Asilia knew she was getting close.
Suddenly, a presence from behind caused her to freeze in her tracks.
"Someone trying to sneak in, I see," a male voice scoffed. "You'll have to try harder than that. Now, throw any weapons you may have on the ground."
Asilia thought about reaching for her dagger; however, the man soon answered her unsaid thought.
"Don't try any funny business. I have an arrow pointed directly at your head."
Slowly, Asilia put her arms up, trying to devise a plan for escape or compromise.
"Hey, Rubio, what y'got?" called out another voice. Now that two people were involved, Asilia felt less confident about her situation.
"Someone getting a little too close for comfort," replied the man now with the name Rubio.
"He disarmed?" asked the man.
"Not yet," replied Rubio. "You've got until the count of five to drop all your weapons, you here," he called out to Asilia.
Asilia inwardly smiled. They thought she was a man. Surprise was always her favorite element to work with. Even just a millisecond of surprise would give Asilia enough time to act.
"One," began counting Rubio.
Asilia moved one hand to her dagger while keeping the other in the air.
"Two."
Asilia took the dagger out and dropped it on the ground. The two men were idiots not to pick it up afterward.
"Three."
Asilia raised her hand again and began moving it to her other dagger. She worked incredibly slowly.
"Four," Rubio counted, obviously becoming frustrated.
Before he could say five, Asilia whipped around and broke the arrow pointing at the back of her head. The two men stared at Asilia in surprise upon seeing her face. Asilia took this opportunity to pick up the other dagger she had dropped on the ground. The two men drew their swords, but before they could act, Asilia threw one of her daggers at the man. The dagger hit the tree behind him with a satisfying thunk, pinning the man to the tree by his clothing. Rubio was the one left. He lunged with his sword; however, his actions were too slow for Asilia.
In a fluid motion, Asilia smacked his wrist with the butt of her dagger, causing him to grimace in pain and weaken his grip. Then, Asilia hit his sword out of his hand while using her legs to sweep his own out from beneath him. Rubio's sword fell far away, and Rubio fell to the forest ground. Quickly, Asilia pinned him down on the ground and held her dagger threateningly in one hand. He looked strangely familiar, but Asilia didn't know from where. Her head pounded, and her wounded arm ached, but Asilia didn't care. Asilia was on a mission.
"What the hell was that!?" Rubio shouted.
"You're a girl!" cried out the other man.
"Shut it, Seamus!" shouted Rubio at his comrade.
"Listen here," Asilia ordered. "I'm looking for a certain place, and you know exactly what I'm talking about. My friends are there."
"I don't fucking care about your friends, get off me," complained Rubio.
"You are going to help me get there," demanded Asilia.
"Who the hell even are you!?" exclaimed Seamus as he attempted to get the dagger out of the tree.
"A freaking witch, that's what," commented Rubio.
Then, Asilia noticed a pin on Rubio's robes. A pin that she had seen many wear before. She jabbed at the pin. "You are one of them. You know exactly what I am looking for, alright? My friends are there."
"I don't know who you are, but you're insane!" yelled Rubio.
"Just lead me there!" Asilia said.
"Whatever you view to be 'there' doesn't exist. There is nothing past the cave over there," Seamus said.
"Cave?" asked Asilia. She turned, and in the distance, she saw a large boulder covered in greens. Vines dangled over the edge, showing that the inside was hollow.
"No cave, I mean cliff. Yes, cliff- "
"Shut your mouth, Seamus, you flubbering idiot!" shouted Rubio, wriggling under Asilia.
Asilia then took the dagger in her hand and jabbed it into the ground, pinning Rubio by his clothing like Seamus. Rubio squealed as her dagger came down.
"Thank you," Asilia said before getting up.
"Where do you think you're going?!" Rubio yelled.
"To find my family, that's where," Asilia stubbornly replied.
Rubio pulled at the dagger, pinning him to the ground. Eventually, the soft ground gave a wave, allowing him to pull the dagger out. In an instant, he was up and pointing the dagger at Asilia.
"You're going nowhere," he threatened.
Asilia took a deep breath and turned around to face him. She didn't know if she could hold out another fight. The minor skirmish prior had left Asilia's head once again pounding.
"Take me where I need to go," she said.
Seamus scoffed from his spot, still stuck to the tree. "You think he's going to help you?"
"I sure as hell am not," sneered Rubio. "Now, come with us and face the consequences,"
"I just overpowered you in seconds," stated Asilia. "What do you think is going to happen now?"
Frustrated, Rubio growled before lunging at Asilia with her dagger. Asilia dodged out of the way. Rubio jabbed again, but Asilia ducked again. The same pattern continued. Rubio would strike, and Asilia would sidestep or dodge. She was quick enough to evade, and she hoped that Rubio would exhaust himself enough so that Asilia wouldn't have to put in much effort when defeating him. Asilia didn't have enough time to pull her sword, and even then, she knew it would be useless in close combat. Evading meant that Asilia had to focus extra hard on Rubio's actions. Her focus on Rubio meant she couldn't pay much attention to Seamus, trusting that her dagger in the tree would hold him back. However, her faith became misplaced as she heard his cry of relief from finally getting free.
Asilia turned slightly to see Seamus approaching them with her dagger in his hand. That split second Asilia had spent seeing Seamus approach then was all Rubio needed to get a hit. Asilia had barely missed something more serious. However, Rubio was able to get a cut right underneath her already existing arm wound. Asilia hissed in pain.
She kicked Rubio hard in the chest, causing him to stumble back. From behind, Seamus wrapped his arms around her torso while holding her dagger to her throat. Asilia groaned as she tried to break free. Seamus laughed as though he had just won. Asilia let out a yell as she slammed her foot on top of his own. Seamus cried out, loosening his grip on Asilia just enough for her to force her way out. However, Seamus quickly recovered, and Rubio was already attacking again.
The past few days had been exhausting for Asilia, and she was quickly fading. She noticed her reactions becoming slower and her moves sloppier. The two men saw as well. They fought harder and faster.
Asilia decided to take a risk and attempt to disarm Seamus, for he seemed the less skilled of the two. However, Rubio was quick to act. He rammed into Asilia, pinning her to a nearby tree. Asilia grunted in pain as she felt one of her ribs give way. A hard punch to the face was all Rubio needed to weaken Asilia. After the hit, Asilia felt black spots crowd her vision once again. Her mouth tasted blood from what Asilia could only assume to be a split lip.
Asilia slumped against the tree, breathing deeply, signifying her resignation. Rubio broke into a wide grin, knowing that Asilia would fight no more. He grabbed Asilia by the shoulder and roughly threw her to the ground. Asilia groaned as she clutched her ribs, and her head spun.
Seamus made quick work to force her hands behind her back and tie them tightly. Rubio tied a piece of cloth around her mouth to function as a gag, and then one of them placed a sack over her head. Asilia felt her eyes water as one of the men tightly grabbed Asilia on her arm by her injuries. He jerked her upright into a standing position, then led her through the forest into what Asilia assumed to be the cave, considering the temperature became significantly cooler and damper. He then forced her to her knees.
"Ey boss, caught something," Rubio called out.
"I helped," pouted Seamus.
"Oh shut it, you big baby," complained Rubio.
"What did you find this time, Rubio? Another terrified villager? A lost merchant?" said another voice. Asilia recognized the voice instantly. Sir Bedivere was someone Asilia never forgot.
Rubio huffed at Bedivere's questions. "This one here actually raises concern."
"How so?" inquired Bedivere.
"She took us out in mere seconds!" exclaimed Seamus. "I had never seen anything like it!"
"Shut it, Seamus," said Rubio, obviously embarrassed. "She did not take us out in a few seconds. Either way, we took her down in the end."
Bedivere chuckled. "Whatever you say, Rubio. Let's see her."
Rubio was about to lift the sack; however, someone else joined the party.
"What's going on here?" asked the other voice. Goosefat. Asilia smiled underneath her bag, happy he had escaped the Black Legs.
"Rubio found someone trying to sneak in. Someone with significant skill," answered Bedivere.
"Let me guess," said Goosefat, "and Rubio is slightly embarrassed that whoever this person is beat him."
"Hey!" cried out Rubio.
"You are very much correct," said Bedivere.
"Very well, Rubio," said Goosefat. "Let's see who this person is."
Rubio pulled the sack off her head. Asilia looked up and quickly made eye contact with Goosefat. Both he and Bedivere gave audible gasps. Rubio and Seamus were evidently confused.
Goosefat quickly rushed to Asilia's side and undid her gag. Asilia let out a deep breath for having the cloth removed.
"Asi?" Goosefat quietly asked as he pushed her hair behind her ear.
Asilia smiled. "Nice to see you, Uncle William," she replied hoarsely.
"We were so worried," Goosefat said, then pulled her into a hug—well, a sort of hug, considering Asilia's arms were still tied behind her. However, when Asilia grimaced at the slight pain of the movement, Goosefat pulled back, his face painted with concern.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
Asilia thought for a moment before responding. "I don't know," she answered.
Goosefat nodded in understanding. "Physically?"
"Exhausted. Bleeding. A broken rib, I think. My head won't stop spinning," Asilia stated.
"You sure look the part," Goosefat commented.
Asilia softly laughed but quickly stopped from pain. Goosefat was quick to notice.
"Let's get you to the infirmary."
"It's good to see you, Princess," Bedivere stepped forward and nodded in greeting. "It's been quite some time since we've seen you in these parts of the woods."
"It's comforting to see you, Bedivere," Asilia smiled at the elderly man. "However, I would greatly appreciate being released from these bonds," she said.
"Of course," Bedivere said. "Rubio cut her bonds. Seamus, you are dismissed."
After Seamus left with a shrug (truly a daft fellow), Rubio quickly asked, "What in the bloody hell is going on?!"
"I'll tell you after you cut her bonds," Bedivere said.
Reluctantly, Rubio cut the ropes that held her wrists. Asilia rubbed her wrists, sore from rubbing against the harsh rope.
"Rubio, you are standing in the presence of Princess Asilia Pendragon, King Uther Pendragon's firstborn," Bedivere proclaimed.
"You're telling me I just beat up royalty!" exclaimed Rubio.
"You did this to her?" asked Goosefat.
"No… not all of it, at least."
"He was doing his job," Asilia defended Rubio. "He's a strong fighter. You should be proud. However, it would be best if you talked to the other one. Bit too loose of lips, he's got."
"Very well," said Bedivere. "You are dismissed, Rubio,"
Rubio obediently left the area, but not before giving Asilia an apologetic smile. Asilia gave a small smile in return.
"Now," said Goosefat. "Let's get you fixed up."
"Princess, Goosefat," Bedivere said. "I shall leave you too, but I will check up on you later, Princess."
"Please, just Lia is fine. That's what everyone else says," corrected Asilia.
"Very well, Lia," Bedivere smiled, then briskly walked away in the direction Rubio had. Asilia hoped Rubio wouldn't get reprimanded. After all, he had just been doing his job.
"Come on now, let's make our way to the infirmary," Goosefat grabbed Asilia's arms and helped her up. Her arm burned. Asilia stumbled a bit as her world spun. A few black spots appeared.
"Easy there," Goosefat said as he helped Asilia steady herself. "I see someone got hit in the head."
"More times than I can count," scoffed Asilia.
"Oh, that's reassuring," Goosefat sarcastically stated.
The two began making their way through the cave. However, a pressing thought forced Asilia to stop in her tracks.
"Asi, what is it?" asked Goosefat.
"My friends. I sent them here. Did they get here alright?" she asked worriedly.
"All of them arrived here yesterday afternoon. They're safe. I assume most are still sleeping in their chambers at the back of the cave."
"They're alright?" Asilia asked.
"Everyone is safe," reassured Goosefat. "Everyone is worried sick about you. No one knew what had happened."
"And my brother? Do any of you know what had happened? Anything at all?" Asilia was worried. If her brother wasn't with Bedivere and his troop, then Asilia had no idea what had happened to him.
"Safe," stated Goosefat. "We broke him free during his execution. He arrived here yesterday morning. He left the same day on a quest with the Mage and Bedivere. Bedivere is leaving to pick them up later today."
"You swear?"
"On my life."
Asilia felt immense relief upon learning that her brother was at least with people she trusted. "Thank god he's alright," she sighed.
"When we first got word about the sword, Bedivere was quick to devise a plan to get him out," Goosefat explained. "Now, let's get you to the infirmary; otherwise, you won't be alright."
The two made their way to a room that Asilia assumed was the infirmary. A few beds were nestled into the cave's alcoves, a large table, and multiple shelves stocked with herbs, cloth, and salves. A man and a woman were working inside. In the middle lay a small fireplace.
"Raven, Kane, this is Asilia," Goosefat introduced her.
The three nodded at each other in greetings.
"They are our healers here in the compound," added Goosefat. "They'll take care of you."
"You don't seem in the best shape," commented Raven as she gave Asilia a once-over.
"I am exhausted," admitted Asilia.
"We'll fix her up," Kane told Goosefat.
Goosefat gave Asilia a pat on her shoulder. "I'll leave you here. Eat, rest, heal, everything will be taken care of," he assured her.
"Thank you. These past few days have been… a whirlwind," Asilia said.
Goosefat gave her a gentle hug, being mindful of her arm and ribs, then left them.
"Come," beckoned Raven. "Have a seat on the bed,"
Asilia complied and let them do their work. Kane turned away as Raven helped Asilia take off her long tunic, slip, and tightly bandage her chest. Then, Asilia was clothed in a soft sleeveless gown, and her leggings were replaced with loose pants. After cleaning it, Kane approached with a strong-smelling ointment and applied it to her arm. Her arm, too, was bandaged.
"How are you feeling?" asked Raven as she prepared medicine from the various herbs at the workstation while Kane started a fire in the pit in the center of the room.
"Tired, hungry," Asilia answered, being honest. "And my head won't stop throbbing,"
"We'll get you some food and rest soon," said Kane. "We'll see what we can do for your head. How many times do you think you got hit?"
Asilia tried to think about it. "Three? Four times?"
"You've had a rough few days, haven't you?" asked Kane.
Asilia thought about the past few days, "I suppose."
"Here," Raven handed Asilia a plate of simple bread and a piece of dried meat. "This is not much, but it will do for now."
"Thank you," Asilia smiled at Raven. She was tired, and staying awake was becoming increasingly difficult. She was quiet as she slowly ate her food, mindful not to scarf it down.
"When you finish, drink this," Kane handed her a strong-smelling medicine. "It will help you sleep."
Asilia thanked him. When she had finished her meal, she drank the liquid. She felt its effects take hold quickly.
"Let's get you to bed so you can rest," Raven suggested. Guiding Asilia to the first alcove, she gave Asilia a thick sweater to pull over the sleeveless gown, then pulled back the covers to allow Asilia to climb in. Asilia's eyelids felt heavy as she rested her head on the pillow.
"Thank you," Asilia mumbled as the sleep draught took hold.
"You're welcome," Kane replied. Then one of them pulled a curtain across the small alcove, and her bed became enveloped in darkness apart from the bits of light that seeped from the edges. Asilia listened as the two left the room, leaving Asilia alone to rest.
Asilia took a deep breath, releasing all the anxiety of the day. The crackle of the fire was soothing, and under the covers, Asilia found it easy to find comfort.
In minutes, she was asleep.
She was asleep and unaware of the challenges that lay ahead.