"Lay him down here!"

Gaius was bustling about, grabbing poultices and potions. He ordered Sir Tor to fill a bucket of water and Fira to gather some rags. Galahad began by taking off the knight's chainmail and then unbuttoning his undershirt.

Arthur came in suddenly, followed by Merlin, Leon, Gwaine, Elyan, and Percival. Gaius told them to stay away so he could work. Sir Tor, obviously concerned for the welfare of this strange knight, was called over by the king.

"Do you know this knight?"

"Yes. This is Sir Morholt, my brother-in-arms."

Arthur nodded, understanding now Sir Tor's reaction.

"Gaius? Will he live?" Fira asked, concerned, "How badly is he injured?"

Gaius looked up from examining Sir Morholt, "I think he collapsed from exhaustion, not blood loss. It appears this is not his blood. I can find only minor scrapes and bruises."

Everyone relaxed at this news. At least he wasn't going to bleed to death. But why was he covered in blood? Who had he been fighting?

"He's coming around," Gaius announced.

Sir Morholt blinked once, then twice. He let out a long breath before attempting to sit up quickly.

"Slow down, you're extremely fatigued," Gaius warned, placing a hand on Morholt's shoulder.

"Good lord, my head," he muttered before saying, "But I must speak to King Arthur."

"Morholt, I've already spoken with him about the prophecy," Sir Tor told him, coming over.

"Sir Tor!" Morholt laughed happily, "You made it!"

"Yes, now, lie down and do what Gaius tells you. Because, by the gods, do you look terrible."

Morholt raised his eyebrows but did as he was told. Gaius had ordered Merlin to get him some water and now handed it to the knight, who drank it happily.

"Now then," Gaius said, "let's see if we can't get you sitting upright without giving you a headache."

Merlin and Gaius helped Morholt up off the table and down onto the patient's cot up against the wall. He slumped a bit but managed to keep sitting upright.

"Sir Morholt," Arthur began, "I am King Arthur of Camelot. Your friend had already told me of the prophecy and I am glad of your help. Please, stay in Camelot as long as you like. Both of you are guests of my court."

"Thank you, Sire. But I'm afraid there's a tale behind my appearance that transcends more than just delivering a prophecy."

They all watched him expectantly.

"You see, I was taken captive by the Green and Black Menace."

"Green and Black Menace? What's that?" Sir Leon asked.

Sir Tor answered, "It is the name we gave to the warriors of the Emerald Lady. The bandits dressed in black."

The others nodded and Arthur asked Morholt to continue.

"I was captured in the woods while I camped. I managed to slay a few of them before I was overcome by some kind of black magic. Before I knew what was happening, this... Snake was coiled around my hands and I could no longer move them. I dropped my sword and they forced me to the ground.

"No one spoke, but I could feel their eyes on me. It was horribly uncomfortable. But then I saw their leader. He was tall, dark haired, and dressed in a black robe. He carried a staff that glowed with an unnatural green light. I heard him speaking to a creature like unto a wyvern, but not exactly. It was white and seemed intelligent to some extent. Anyways, he mentioned something about Adney and bringing a message there to the Lady and her Knight.

"We spent the night in the camp. The next day, as we prepared to get moving, I feigned illness. They put me on top of their horse and as we were about to head out, I kicked the beast into a gallop. I pushed the poor mount as hard as it could go and alas, I'm afraid it was too much for it.

"And so yesterday, I set off on foot to find the city of Camelot. I marched on as fast as I could, as I was unsure of how fast my opponents could travel. But they never caught up to me, and you know the rest. I arrived in the city and made my way up to the keep. The guards were too surprised to do anything, I think, and I found you all."

"Adney? What is that?" Elyan asked.

Sir Tor looked at Morholt before replying, "I told you that Somerset was far to the South? Adney is a small island off the coast. No one has dared set foot there in over two centuries, at least not to our knowledge."

"How long ago did the two of you set out from Somerset?" Gwaine asked, curious as to how far south it was.

"Nearly a month, I'd say, and that's going directly through the various kingdoms between there and here," Sir Morholt said, yawning.

Tor nodded, "That area of the world is filled with tiny kingdoms ruled by greedy lords. We risked a lot riding directly through them."

"A month? That's quite a ways," Percival commented.

"Well we were forced to make a few stops along the way. We were accused of espionage at one point because we came from a kingdom that the other was at war with," Morholt explained to the attentive group.

"Well, we do appreciate it. Get some rest, we can talk again later," Arthur insisted to Sir Morholt, "Sir Tor, you are welcome to remain here and chat with him."

With that the King left Gaius, Morholt and Tor alone. The others followed him. Arthur led them towards the throne room. He began pacing the room and rubbing his neck in contemplation.

"I really don't like where this is going," he began, "but I see very little choice."

Gwaine groaned.

"Somehow we need to address this threat. And we need to know what we're dealing with."

"Just say the word, Arthur, and we'll be on our way," Elyan assured him.

Arthur shook his head, "This will need more than just you five. I would like Sirs Tor and Morholt to go of course. Also Sir Galahad. And finally," he hesitated, glancing at Gwaine, "Gareth and Gaheris. They are both able fighters and have experience with the mercenaries."

Gwaine bit his lip to refrain from yelling at the king. After all, he had assured Arthur he could work with them if need be. And he would hold to that promise. Perhaps it would even be good for them; Gwaine knew he needed to look past old grudges and try to get along with his brothers.

"What exactly are we to do?" Percival asked.

Arthur considered this, "Stop these attacks. Do whatever it takes."

They nodded. Whatever it took. They would end these mercenaries no matter what the cost. And so the group was named: Leon, Gwaine, Elyan, Percival, Galahad, Tor, Morholt, Gareth, Gaheris, and of course Fira.

"I want you to leave in the morning if Gaius gives Sir Morholt the all clear. Find Gaius, Galahad, Tor, Morholt, Gaheris, and Gareth, and send them to me here," Arthur added, "Dismissed."

Arthur sighed and sat down at his chair when he saw that Fira was still there even after the others had left.

"Sire," she hesitated.

"I knew you'd have objections. What are they?"

"Well, Arthur," Fira began, "we're leaving you rather unprotected."

Arthur grinned, "Is that it? Fira, remember that I have the rest of the knights of Camelot, plus the entire guard, to protect me."

She nodded, "I realize that, sire, but are you sure that this is what we have to do? Somerset sounds awfully far away."

"Fira,I thought there was any other way to end this threat, don't you think I'd take it? I don't enjoy sending my closest friends off on some dangerous quest when I'm stuck here at home," he pointed out.

"Fair enough," Fira agreed, "I suppose I'm just nervous about leaving."

"Why don't you stay here and wait for the rest of the group to come in. See what they have to say," suggested Arthur.

She nodded and soon Gaius arrived with Sir Tor and Sir Morholt. Gaheris, Galahad, and Gareth came in shortly after.

"Thank you for coming," Arthur stated, standing up and coming over, "First off, Gaius, how long until Morholt would be fit to ride again?"

Gaius looked from the King to Sir Morholt and then back, "I'd say one more day of rest, sire, and then he'd be fine."

Arthur nodded, "Good. The Knights of the Round Table and I have come to a decision. The day after tomorrow, the four of them plus the seven of you will ride for Somerset. You will be on a mission that is simple: destroy this mercenary threat."

"There are many kingdoms between Camelot and Somerset. How are we to approach them?" Sir Tor asked.

"If possible, pass through as quick as possible. But you are to avoid sparking any conflict. I don't want this threat to end only for three more kingdoms to want to overthrow Camelot."

They nodded. Then Arthur added one more thing.

"In the event that all of you do return, which of course is my hope, I will consider knighting you all into my service."

Galahad seemed just as excited at the prospect as the four men actually offered this chance. In the short time Gareth had been in Camelot, the two had grown to be good friends. Galahad supposed it was only natural; they were close in age and temperament. But as such, he was happy his friend had the opportunity to become part of Camelot's knightly ranks.

"Get some rest. All of you," Arthur instructed, "Fira, please go notify the other knights of the one day delay in leaving before you retire for the night?"

She nodded, of course she would. They all dispersed, the King eventually making his way back to the feast where he happily found that Guinevere had managed to placate the great crowd. Upon the king's entrance the room immediately fell back into a feasting mode, forgetting for the moment all about the interruption of early.

Fira set off to find Gwaine, Leon, Elyan, and Percival. She decided to try the tavern first.