chapter forty-five!
045. odette's sacrifice

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    ODETTE MISSED summer dearly. She missed the sweet golden sunlight instead of the dreary grey clouds that always held the smell of rain. She missed the birds and the bright smiles▬she missed the certain flowers that only bloomed in the gentile heat. But as she always did every year, Odette had to say goodbye to the summer until she saw it next. She had to watch the leaves off the trees slowly fall, and she'd be walking through copper and orange-filled pathways▬almost like a river that would part as soon as her feet brushed through. With the fall of the leaves, meant they had to begin to prepare for winter, and so days became busier than most for farmers and peasants. The guards, too, would always spend most of their days gathering provisions for the castle vaults. But while Odette missed summer, she always did welcome the change of the weather with a smile. Because those leaves were falling off the trees in order to make room for new ones when spring arrived. And from the roots in the castle gardens that Odette would walk through with Morgana, started to bloom the helianthuses and the dahlias▬and dahlias were beautiful in colour amongst the fallen leaves; a brilliant soft pinkish yellow that looked like the sunrise had fallen from the sky to then grow into sweet, lovely petals. 

    Odette picked the dahlias that grew on their own just outside the castle walls near where her mother was buried▬or at least where Odette has marked a grave herself, since her mother was instead buried somewhere, unmarked in a mass grave much like others who had perished by illness at that same time. Ivette Mason loved the dahlias, and so Odette would always decorate her small grave with the flowers as soon as they bloomed. Every time she saw a dahlia, Odette liked to think it was her mother letting her know from Heaven that she was still looking over her; still around. 

    She was in an unmarked grave. She hadn't been blessed. But Odette knew she was in Heaven. 

    Odette glanced over at Bedivere who had offered to join her in the early morning. He awkwardly carried a sword that was too big for him at his hip, but when he saw the Lady Morgana's second handmaiden travel towards the castle walls alone, he was determined to follow in order to give her protection against any dangers beyond the gates. She smiled at him as she stood up, brushing her skirts. "Thank you for keeping me company, Bedivere."

    He waved his hand dismissively. Bedivere was dressed simply this morning. His dark blue tunic was rolled up at the sleeves and messily tucked into his pants. He wore a vest over the top to keep himself warm in the slight chill and a belt tied loosely around his waist where his sword was sheathed. Odette met Bedivere at the Jousting Tournament (well, ran into him▬literally) and the two of them sparked a quick and delightful friendship. He was originally from a village on the north border of Camelot where his mother was married to the residing Lord. However, Bedivere was the bastard son of his mother and held no inheritance nor title other than Lord Bedrydant's goodwill when he allowed him to keep his name. It was his name that let him travel to Camelot under the seal of a noble to work as a Knight's squire for Sir Leon Gaunnes. Though, despite how easily he told Odette of his parentage, only she and Sir Leon knew the truth. If the King or the Prince ever found out that the rumours surrounding his birth were true, Bedivere would never get to become a Knight he so wished to one day be. 

    "I could not leave you to your lonesome," said Bedivere in a very chivalrous voice that Odette chuckled at. "There are bandits in these woods, vicious monsters and▬"

    "And lovely butterflies," Odette cut him off with a sweet smile. 

     "And a lady I must keep safe," Bedivere corrected her and she giggled at his ongoing joke. "I must make it up to her for almost breaking her nose."

    "Yes," she nodded, "that is very true."

     Odette was glad that Bedivere decided to follow her. She always argued that she would be okay, but the young handmaiden never enjoyed being at her mother's grave alone. "But I am not a lady, remember?" she added, meeting her friend's gaze. "I am the servant to one."

    She walked up to him and they stood together. She glanced back down at her mother's grave with a sombre breath. Odette pursed her lips and sighed. "I wish she were still here with me..."

    Bedivere bowed his head respectfully and Odette gave him a sad smile. He bowed his head to a servant who no one would remember if not for the girl she raised as her own like she was someone of high importance. (And she very much was, to Odette▬and that is why she could not express her gratitude to Bedivere in words). "Thank you, again, for deciding to follow me. I ... I do not like being alone when I visit."

    Her friend met her gaze to offer a smile as well. "Any time, Odette. If you ever need a would-be-knight to hold his sword in your name wherever you go, I am here."

     Her smile brightened for a moment until she glanced up at the rising sun. "I should leave. I have to be ready to accompany Morgana on a pilgrimage to her father's grave." Odette picked up her basket now empty of dahlias. "Would you like to walk with me back to the castle?"

     "Absolutely!" Bedivere squared his shoulders and he looked a little ridiculous in his slender stature and delicate features, not a year older than Odette herself. But he held himself as if he was a daring Knight with many victories on his belt. "Onwards, my fair lady!" She chuckled as they made their way back to the castle, chatting about many different things along the way. 

     When it came time to leave, three horses were prepared in the citadel square. Morgana looked lovely, as she always does, in a gorgeous rich purple silk dress and translucent watery sleeves. A long, bright scarlet cloak was draped over her shoulders, and Prince Arthur fixed it properly over her mare with a gentle touch▬offering her an understanding smile. This day was always important but also delicate for Morgana. Every year, they went to visit the grave of her father who was a Knight and dear friend to King Uther before he was killed in a tragic battle. Usually, Arthur would join them. But today, he had a heavy schedule filled with council meetings and he could not. He wasn't happy with it, Odette could tell. He was reluctant to see them go, even with the extra protection from his best Knights. 

    Odette pulled herself up onto the saddle of the horse she had been loaned for the trip. The mare shifted and pawed her hooves and the young maid sighed, always wondering why she got the fidgety horses when she was barely even adequate on horseback. 

    One of the Knights that were accompanying them offered to fix her cloak for her and she smiled, whispering a thank you at his kindness. After he finished, Odette fiddled with the reins and met Guinevere's gaze who gave her a small smile, too▬she knew where Odette had been this morning. 

    The young handmaiden reached back to fix her mother's clip for a moment, keeping her right alongside her, today. As she did, she caught the gaze of someone else. She shyly glanced back and saw Arthur watching her as he rounded the back of Morgana's mare. Odette felt her breath hitch▬or perhaps it was her heart inching up her throat▬when she met his stare. 

    Their exchange was brief and fleeting▬Odette almost wondered whether she had imagined it. Arthur took a sharp breath through his nose and stepped back towards Morgana. "I hope your trip is not too upsetting."

    Morgana gave him a gentle smile at that. Despite their banters and their arguments, they had a strong connection▬they grew up together. They might as well be brother and sister. "Thank you, Arthur."

    Arthur nodded. Then, he turned to his men. "Ensure your return to Camelot before dusk."

    "Yes, Sire," said Sir Grandwall, the senior Knight escorting them. At Arthur's nod, he set off. Morgana, Guinevere and the other Knights followed. Though, Odette was the last to set off. 

    She found herself glancing back as she did. The handmaiden's gaze sought after the Prince's once again▬only to see him already looking. Odette pursed her lips, but for a while, she did not turn away. She watched Arthur for as long as she possibly could, feeling her heart flutter and yet ache, too▬squeezing painfully with such longing she could barely begin to describe it. 

    Odette hung her gaze and turned to face the front. Though she felt Arthur's piercing gaze of worry, still, long afterwards. 

    For almost an hour into their ride, Odette didn't say a word. Even as Morgana and Guinevere chatted and discussed many different things, Odette didn't find the energy to join in. She didn't even hear half of the words they spoke, her mind wandering back to the look on Arthur's face as they left. Maybe there was some gossip about ladies of the court, some teasing remarks about Ronyn▬but Odette did not laugh. She frowned, solemn at the falling leaves and the autumn flowers and all she could wonder about was what Arthur was doing right now. 

    Though, she should've known Morgana would notice her lack of engagement sooner or later. The King's Ward frowned at her maidservant and then veered her mare a little bit closer. "You look troubled, Odette."

    She hummed, blinking when she heard her name. She glanced over, startled from her thoughts. "My Lady?"

    Morgana fought back a small smile of amusement. She turned to face the front. "Gwen and I both agree that you are very secretive these days. I am beginning to think there is a man involved."

    Odette forced a chuckle from her throat, though it sounded far more bitter than she planned. Swallowing the harsh taste on her tongue, the handmaiden murmured: "Please, I do not have the time to meet any decent men."

    "What about that squire you have been spending more time with?" teased Morgana, sharing a quick glance with Guinevere. "You seem to be getting along very well with him?"

    She frowned, taken aback. "Bedivere?" Odette made a soft face and shook her head. "Oh, no ..." she chuckled. "We are just friends. Like Merlin and I."

    "Well, there must be someone," continued Morgana, watching her friend dearly. "Odette, I know you too well. You should not be so troubled over it. You deserve someone who makes you happy. Does she not, Gwen?"

    "Yes, indeed," agreed Guinevere, smiling.

    Odette forced another chuckle from her lips, though it quickly faded. "I am perfectly happy as I am now," she murmured, though it did not sound convincing. She thought of Arthur again, and a sad feeling weighed in her chest. "Besides, nothing will become of it, anyway."

    Morgana sighed and clicked her tongue, shaking her head as she returned her gaze to the path ahead of them. However, she did not say another word on the topic▬and Odette was glad. 

    They travelled in silence for a little bit longer, taking the track towards Morgana's father's grave they have travelled many times before. Odette's horse threw her head slightly, huffing a miffed breath. She ran her fingers down her neck, hoping to calm her down. 

    That was when the shouts started.

    Odette gasped and pulled the mare to a halt. Her heart pounded when she noticed the others around her do the same, their eyes glancing upwards at the slopes on either side of them. There, from the depths of the trees, came the angry shouts of a small army of men. 

    Ten, fifteen, maybe even twenty of them burst from the covers of the trees. Their faces were covered in masks of leather and brutal weapons in their hands▬some carried swords, maces and others axes stained with blood. Some even rode horses. They ambushed them and the Knights that accompanied the King's Ward and her maids barely had any time to react. 

    Soon, they were surrounded. 

    The Knights unsheathed their blades. Odette gasped when her horse threw her head, just as terrified as her. She glanced around and screamed when she saw one bandit swipe his sword and cut Sir Grandwell clean through. He toppled off his horse and Odette hitched back another cry. 

    It was a blur of steel and red cloaks. Odette, Guinevere and Morgana could not move as their party was slaughtered right where they stood. The bandits had the skill of well-trained soldiers▬brutal soldiers. One bandit charged straight at Odette and she cried out again, desperately trying to manoeuvre her horse away▬but they were huddled in with no room to escape. 

    Another Knight intercepted just in time and the bandit was knocked over, trampled under his gelding's hooves. "My ladies!" He exclaimed. "You must follow me▬"

    Odette's scream was caught in the back of her throat to see the arrowhead pierce right through his neck. She watched, horrified as he slumped on his saddle and his horse shrieked, galloping away. 

    When she heard Morgana's cries, she glanced over. The King's Ward struggled as she was dragged right from her saddle. Guinevere shouted her name, but it wasn't long until the arms of bandits snatched her, too. Odette kicked her legs and screamed as soon as she felt someone grab her. She tried to deter them away, but she was no match▬struggling and sobbing, she was picked up and dragged away from her horse that took off as soon as it could. They were alone in a small pile of scarlet cloaks and dead bodies, surrounded by bandits and with no way to flee back home. 

    As the last Knight fell, and the girls had to watch as he shouted a final cry before a blade pierced through his chest, finally did the bandits slow down. Odette struggled again in the arms of the man that held her, her heart racing with terror. One of the bandits dismounted his horse and walked up to them. By the way the others glanced over, she could tell he was their leader. He pulled down his mask to show sharp features riddled with scars. 

    Morgana was very brave despite their situation. She took a sharp breath and held up her chin, staring down the bandit with a fiery gaze. "I warn you," she seethed, "I am Uther Pendragon's ward. He will have your heads if any harm comes to me."

    Their leader chuckled. He had a rough voice and yellowing teeth. "I have no intention of harming you." He looked Morgana up and down. "At least ... not yet." He grinned. "You are much more valuable to me alive..." he lowered his head in a mock bow. "Lady Morgana."

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     THE BANDITS set up camp later that afternoon, some yards away from the path they had previously been on. Odette was still shivering from her shock over all that had happened▬she couldn't get the sight of those Knights being killed right in front of her eyes out of her mind. She saw each and every one of them fall, again and again, and the laughter she heard outside the tent from the bandits' fire only made chills crawl up her spine. They were enjoying an afternoon meal of rabbit and boar, cooked over the fire. The leader, Kendrick, had offered them a bite▬trying to coax them out of their canvas prison, though Odette didn't trust the grin on his face at all. She didn't trust the men's laughter or the jeers they whispered amongst each other like they couldn't hear. Neither Odette, Morgana nor Guinevere could bare to even relax for a moment, afraid they might decide to make true to their jeers and force their way into the tent to take a bite out of something else. 

    It was getting closer to dusk. Odette was sure the King would have been alerted by now back in Camelot that something wasn't right. But how long would it take for Arthur and his men to find them? Would they be long gone before they reached the camp and saw nothing but embers and charred animal bones?

    Odette was more than scared▬she was terrified. They have taken this trip for years without something like this ever happening. But with the growing Saxon threat at the borders, more and more groups were sneaking their way into the Kingdoms and down to Camelot. There were more bandits, more slave traders and more people eager to challenge the authority of the Kingdoms. 

    They knew that whoever wanted Morgana had hired these bandits to take her▬and most likely, there would be a ransom to the King. More importantly, the King's Ward knew that they had to find a way to escape as soon as possible before they were too far away from Camelot. 

    She had a plan▬a risky one, but it was the only one they could come up with. They watched the group of bandits eat by the fire, laughing and roughhousing with one another with their breaths hitched. Morgana eyed their leader, Kendrick and the moment he caught their glances, he grinned. He started to make his way over and Morgana let the canvas fall. 

    "He is coming," she told her maids as they huddled together. "You know what you must do?"

    Odette and Guinevere both nodded. 

     Seconds later, the entrance to the tent flung open. Kendrick peered his head in and Odette shuffled behind Gwen the moment his eyes lingered on her longer than the others. "I trust you are comfortable?"

    Morgana clenched her hands. "I demand to know where you are taking us."

    Kendrick snorted at her words, very amused. "You will find out soon enough. We have a long journey ahead of us. Get some rest."

    But as he turned to leave, Morgana would not let him. With a courageous breath, she surged forwards out into the open and announced: "I wish to bathe."

    Kendrick spun around, bewildered by her request. A few of the men chuckled. "You wish to bathe?"

    Morgana took a shaky breath through her nose but she held up her chin. "I am the King's Ward," she replied and Odette heard no waver in her voice. "I am accustomed to certain standards. I am sure you are quite contented to stink like a pig, but I am not."

    Slowly, Kendrick started to laugh. His men joined in. Odette took Guinevere's hand and she held it tight▬her friend gripped it back with the same desperation. Kendrick turned to the bandits. "The Lady Morgana wishes to bathe!" he said loudly and they all laughed once again. "Who wants to help me guard her?"

    There were laughter and whistles. Odette felt sick to the stomach at the way each and every one of them eyed Morgana like she was just another piece of meat on their stick on the fire. But the King's Ward did not back down. 

    They were escorted to a nearby stream by Kendrick and two others. Odette and Guinevere were held tight by their arms, forced to keep still as Morgana hesitantly stepped closer to the river shore. 

    "That is a nice hairpiece you have, girl," the bandit that was holding Odette whispered to her and she closed her eyes, refusing to answer as she tried not to heave at the stench of his breath. "Anyone ever tell you, you are as pretty as a swan?"

    She took a deep breath through her nose, keeping her mouth shut. Odette ignored him and locked gazes with Gwen beside her▬they shared a silent exchange; reminding each other what the plan was from here. 

    Morgana stopped near the water's edge. Her fingers fiddled at her scarlet cloak, glancing apprehensively at the way Kendrick's eyes were fixed on her▬beady and excited; they anticipated the moment she'd strip bare right in front of them. 

    She set her draw and unclasped her cloak, letting it drop to the ground. 

    Kendrick didn't fight his grin. His eyes wandered over her figure. "You may find the water a little ... icy."

    Morgana scowled at him. "I am sure I will manage." Her eyes wandered over to where her maids were held captive▬they gave her a subtle nod. The King's Ward started on her sleeves. "If you were any kind of gentlemen, you would give me some privacy."

    "Well, unfortunately for you, I am no kind of gentleman." Kendrick stepped closer. "Now get on with it." Morgana automatically took a few steps back and he chuckled.

    She set her jaw but kept going. Slowly, she unclasped the brooch of her sleeves at the front. Then her fingers went behind her back to untie them. Odette felt bile in her throat to see the fixed gazes of each of the men as Morgana pulled off her sleeves▬but the plan was working. As the Lady Morgana slowly undressed, the men holding Odette and Gwen captive let go. They forgot all about them and stepped forwards, leaving them behind as they, too, watched. 

    Odette and Gwen shared glances and slowly stepped backwards, their hearts pounding. 

    Soon, all that Morgana was in was her undertunic. She held her silk dress close to her chest, wary of their stairs with trembling arms. "You can at least turn your backs."

    Kendrick snickered. "So you can make a run for it?" he teased her. "You think I am that stupid?"

    "Oh, I think you are very stupid."

    With the other two men distracted, Odette and Guinevere both treaded forward carefully and unsheathed their swords right from their hips. They barely comprehended what was happening as Gwen spun the sword and swiped it across the first bandit's stomach. Odette, who didn't know how to fight well, tossed the sword she stole upwards and towards Morgana who caught it easily. Odette rushed backwards as Morgana swung her fist across Kendrick's jaw and Gwen brought her sword in an arch downwards across the second bandit's chest. 

    Before Kendrick could sheath his own blade, Morgana sliced his sword arm and he cried out, staggering backwards. "Odette!" cried out the King's Ward and her youngest handmaiden flocked to her side. With her skirts in her hands, she huddled behind her. While Kendrick was doubled over, Morgana shouted: "Run!"

    They took off running for their lives down the river shore. Odette bunched her dress in her fists as she followed her two friends through the dense forest, doing her very best to not trip over roots and fallen branches. She knew Kendrid and his men were after them▬she could hear their shouts and the pounding of their feet on the forest floor. 

    Morgana seemed to know where they should be going and led them through the thick trees and ferns back towards the pathway to Camelot. But their dresses were slowing them down. Morgana's undertunic got caught on wayward snags and constricted her around her chest. Odette was still in her skirts and tunics; clothes meant for the chilly weather and she was starting to get short of breath. Gwen was no better. With her skirts in one hand and a sword in the other, she did her best not to stumble over the uneven ground. 

    Odette realised she was starting to fall behind and she began to freak out. She forced her legs to move faster, suddenly cursing her height and her clothes. She hasn't run this much since she was a child, and she was always falling behind back then, too. 

    She glanced back at the sound of the men getting closer▬and that was her mistake. Odette didn't see the upturned root until it made contact with her ankle. She cried out when her foot twisted and she toppled over onto the forest floor. She gasped when she hit the ground.

    Gwen and Morgana glanced back. 

    "Come on▬!" Morgana didn't mean to sound so curt, but they were in an urgent hurry. She and Gwen raced back to Odette's side. "Put your arm around my shoulder. Come on."

    Odette nodded and let them help her back onto her feet. But as soon as she put weight on her right foot, she cried out again. "My ankle!"

    "It is okay▬come on, come on▬" Morgana was growing frantic, trying to support her weight. "Gwen, quick, grab her other arm▬"

    "No, no!" argued Odette, shaking her head. "No, no, no▬" she pushed herself away from them and fell back onto the ground, hitching back a sob at her pain. "We will never outrun them. Go! Go without me!"

    "No!" argued Morgana immediately. "I'm not leaving you behind!"

    Odette didn't want to be left behind. She was terrified▬incredibly terrified. But she knew that she was going to slow them down. If they didn't leave now, they would lose their chance. And in hindsight, Morgana was far more important than Odette ever was. This was her job▬her duty. Morgana was worth more than Odette's life. Not only that but she and Guinevere were her closest friends. They had to go without her. "No. Go, please!"

    Morgana and Gwen didn't want to go. They were reluctant to leave Odette to the bandits, but they were getting closer. They could hear their shouts louder▬their running feet were like multiple drums. Gwen was crying. Morgana took a shaky breath and pulled Odette onto her feet. She pressed the hilt of her blade into her palm. "Take this. Take this▬I will come back for you! I will get help▬I promise!"

    Odette took the sword with a trembling grip, but she forced herself to be brave. "Go!"

    Morgana gave her one last desperate look before she took Gwen's arm and pulled her along. Gwen glanced back over her shoulder as the two of them ran away and Odette was left alone. 

    She was trembling with fear. Her heart was racing. But Odette managed to press her back up against a nearby tree, gripping the blade tight in her hands. 

    Morgana and Guinevere kept running for their lives through the dense forest. Even when they heard the screams of a bandit behind them near where they had left Odette, they could not stop. Gwen was hitching back sobs, glancing over her shoulder and wishing she could run back to Odette▬but it was too late. 

    They ran until their legs were aching, and even then they ran still. Morgana was shivering but she barely comprehended it as she pulled Gwen through the trees back towards the path with a tight, unrelenting grip around her hand. 

    It was getting closer to dark and they were still stumbling through the woods. Dirty, their clothes torn at the hems, with bruises and scratches▬Gwen thought she was going to drop when they suddenly heard a rustle in front of them. They froze in fear, clinging onto each other with fearful hitches of their breaths. For a moment, they were terrified that the bandits had found them again anyway▬or maybe some ferocious animal ... and Odette's sacrifice would be for nothing.

    A shadow leapt out from behind a tree and they gasped, holding onto each other. But then the crossbow lowered in shock and there Arthur stood, his eyes wide as he took them in. At first, he could not speak▬there was a slump of relief in his shoulders. They were battered, but they were alive. Morgana and Guinevere and ...

    A horrible feeling dropped from the Prince's chest right into the pit of his stomach. He searched the trees behind them, hoping to find her▬perhaps she was a bit slower. Perhaps she was staggering to keep up and she would appear in just moments...

    But she did not. 

     Arthur's gut twisted. "Where▬" his crossbow dropped to his side. "Where is Odette?"

    Morgana grew tearful. She shook her head. And Arthur felt as though his entire world had just shattered right in front of him. 

    Back where she had stopped, Odette did not stand a chance. It wasn't long before she was disarmed and captured, dragged struggling back to the bandit's camp. But with her ankle, soon she realised there was no point. She let them take her back to Kendrick and supposed she was grateful that they didn't kill her right then and there on the spot. They returned her, alive, to their leader▬and he was furious. 

    Odette winced and cowered slightly when he kicked the embers of the fire. "How could you let her escape?!" shouted Kendrick, livid with fury. "Eh?!" He threw their dirty plates at some of his men and they scattered. "YOU BRING ME THE SERVANT!" Odette held her breath, terrified at the way he gestured wildly at her. "She is worthless to us!"

    She refused to cry at the way Kendrick was shouting. She clenched her hands from where she was held by her arms, breathing heavily through her nose as he slowly set his gaze on her once again. 

    His anger faltered as he seemed to notice something. Odette hunched up, not liking the way his eyes examined her▬from top to bottom; as if taking in every feature she held like he was peering through a looking glass. Kendrick stepped closer and she flinched away. But she couldn't do anything as his fingers gripped her jaw suddenly and tilted her head to the side. 

    Odette breathed heavily, trembling and wanting to cry when his fingers pulled some of her golden waves out from her hair clip to hang around her face. He frowned and grabbed her jaw again, keeping her still as he held out his hand for Morgana's clothes bundled up in one bandit's arms. 

    Morgana's cloak, dress and sleeves were passed over and Odette hitched her breath when Kendrick held them up against her complexion. He eyed the bright red and Odette saw a sudden gleam in his eyes. 

     He let go of her face and shoved the clothes into her arms. The bandits let go of her so she could catch them. "Put 'em on," Kendrick ordered. 

    Odette hugged Morgana's clothes. Her voice trembled as she asked: "W▬what are you going to do with me?"

     "Hengist has never met the Lady Morgana," said Kendrick. "For all he knows, you could be Uther Pendragon's ward."

    Her eyes widened. Immediately, she shook her head. "N▬No, I cannot. I cannot impersonate my mistress▬" she gasped when out of nowhere, the tip of Kendrick's sword was pushed underneath her chin. Odette dared not flinch, staring down at it with horror. 

    "Then you will die where you stand," threatened Kendrick and Odette realised that if she was going to survive, she had no choice. 

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    THEY REACHED Camelot by sunrise. Morgana wanted to see the King right away, but she had to be treated by Gaius and find something else to wear, first. Merlin thought they were wasting time. They should have gone straight for the bandit's camp and attacked. They should have searched for Odette then and there. She should be here, safe, too. She should be home. Instead, she was out there in the cold, hurt, with bandits and worse, she was alone. Merlin had no idea what they might do to her▬and he was thinking the worst. He could have found her. He could have taken all of those bandits on and saved her life with his magic. And yet, here he was, having to wait for there to be an audience with a King to already know he would never risk the life of his men to save a servant. No matter what sacrifice she had made.

    And it made Merlin more than furious. Odette was the kindest person he knew. She was sweet, caring and courageous and she would do anything for the people she cared about. She was Merlin's best friend▬she was more than that, she was like family to him. And now she was out there, alone, and he was stuck here. He felt as though he had failed her. He felt as though he had lost her already. 

    But to Merlin's slight surprise, Arthur was no better. If not, it seemed he was even worse. In the wait for Morgana's swift recovery to see the King, he was furious. He ordered Gaius to be as quick as he could to treat the King's Ward and Guinevere. He snapped at Merlin for not following him out. He paced and he paced his chambers, scowling and fuming▬and when Merlin even tried to say something, he was silenced by a withering glower. 

    "Why would she even do that?" Arthur then exploded and all Merlin could do was stay silent. "Just leave herself to those▬" he threw his sword onto is table and continued to pace for the rest of the early morning in livid silence. 

    As soon as Morgana was ready to see the King, they were all there. Merlin, Arthur, Gaius, Ronyn and even Gwen▬exhausted and still rather shaken. They all stood there as the council and court were summoned. Morgana entered the council room in near hysterics, rushing towards the King who stood up to meet her. She was now dressed in a simple woollen green tunic, but the scratches on her forehead had been treated. 

    "It is such a relief to see you safe," breathed the King, taking her by the arms▬as if going to hug her, but Morgana pulled back, shaking her head. "I could not bear the thought of anyone harming you."

    Morgana shook her head, still. "The bandits still have Odette," she told the King, her voice desperate.

    "I believe they were Mercian," spoke up Arthur, crossing his arms and Merlin watched on in his shadow. "We have received reports that Hengist has crossed the border."

    Uther frowned at this. He glanced at his son. "Hengist?"

    Morgana nodded. "You must send a rescue party," she said.

    But the King shook his head. Gently, he told his ward: "If Hengist is holding her, it would take a small army to rescue your maid."

    She was horrified at this. She shook her head, growing furious. "B▬We cannot abandon her!"

    "How many men would you have me sacrifice to save a servant?" 

    At his father's words, Merlin noticed Arthur's gaze drop. Meanwhile, Morgana was growing angrier by the second. She stepped closer to the King and demanded: "As many as it takes! Odette gave herself up so that Gwen and I might escape! We▬I owe her my life!"

    Uther Pendragon sighed. He tried to calm his ward down, nodding and urging the conversation to move along. "She did so willingly and she will be honoured for it."

    "I do not want her honoured!" snapped Morgana. "I want her rescued!"

    She grabbed the King's arm before he would turn away and he spun to her, annoyed until he saw the desperate plea she held on her face. Morgana took a shaky breath and murmured to him: "She ... she is more than just my maid. She is ... Odette is my friend."

    Uther sighed once again. Hesitant, he explained to Morgana in a soft voice: "A servant is of no value to these bandits. I fear she is dead already."

    Arthur's jaw clenched. He took a sharp breath through his nose that no one else aside from Merlin noticed. He watched the Prince, curious at his reaction. Then, slowly, he seemed to make a decision. He glanced up to meet the Lord Vecentia's stare across the room, and Ronyn replied with a determined nod. Merlin realised what was happening. Odette could very well be dead, but they were not going to give up hope. They were going after her. Arthur and Ronyn were going to save their childhood friend and Merlin was going to go with them. Merlin was going to save the young handmaiden who was family. Odette was his sister, and he refused to give up hope until she was home safe.

    This news sent Morgana into frantic hysterics. She shook her head. She refused to believe what the King said. She stepped back and shook her head once again. "N▬No," she argued. "No▬" she pulled her arms out of Uther's grasp. "We cannot give up hope! I promised her!"

    Uther pursed his lips. "Morgana▬"

    "No!" she glanced around the council room, desperate to find a voice who would agree with her; who would fight for Odette. Her eyes glazed over Ronyn's, but he looked down at his feet. Morgana stared at him, shocked. Her breath hitched and she turned to Arthur. The Prince did not meet her gaze.

    Morgana marched up to him and the Prince clenched his jaw, determined to stay nonchalant. "A▬Arthur?" she hitched her breath, tearful. Her voice was a whisper. "Arthur, please, I am begging you. You have to do something."

    Arthur took another sharp breath through his nose and stared right over her shoulder. "My father is right." Morgana couldn't believe what she was seeing. "I am afraid there is nothing we can do."

    He saw Morgana's face fall, but he did not relent. He couldn't. Not in front of his father. He had to take her furious cry of: "How can you say that?!" with a set jaw. At the King's nod, Gaius started forward towards Morgana. "How can you live with yourselves?! All of you!"

    The King's Ward was escorted out of the council room and Gwen went to follow her. But before she did, she caught Ronyn's gaze across the room, her heart pounding. But when he nodded at her, subtle and with a soft gaze, her shoulders sagged with a breath of relief. Guinevere did her very best not to cry, but she knew Ronyn could see her gratitude. The Lord Vecentia brushed his hands across his chest, making it seem as though he was fixing his tunic, but she knew what it meant. His fingers hovered over his heart with two taps▬a promise to her that he will make it back safe, and Odette will be safe with him. 

    As soon as she could, Guinevere searched for Ronyn. She did something she would never think she'd have the courage to do. Filled with such emotion she couldn't control it, she followed the Lord Vecentia until she was sure he was alone in the streets right outside the Upper Town▬heading home to prepare for the journey.

    Gwen picked up her skirts and hitched a soft cry. "Ronyn!"

    He glanced back right before he would have stepped into the main street. Alone amongst the citadel walls and the stone bricks of rich manors, the Lord Vecentia stopped in his path. He watched Guinevere run to him as fast as she could, tearful and almost inconsolable. The servant did not stop until she threw herself up into his arms and pressed her lips onto his.

    Ronyn stumbled, but he did not fall. He held onto Gwen tightly and dipped her back down, kissing her with the same passion she had thrown. His arms locked around her waist, kissing her with all of his worry, his relief and his determination he could▬just within the shadows outside of the eyes of everyone else. A forbidden love that met in the centre; between his life and hers. 

    When, at last, did Guinevere pull away, she rested her forehead against his. Hitching back a sob, she cupped Ronyn's cheeks as his grip around her waist relaxed. "Promise me you will stay safe?"

    Ronyn nodded and managed a little smile as her thumbs caressed his cheeks. "I will make sure we are both safe," he promised her and Guinevere nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I will bring Odette home." He then leaned in and gently kissed the skin near the scratch on her cheek. All of the medicine in the world could not have healed her pain the way Ronyn seemed to. "You can be sure of that."

    Back inside the castle, after mulling over her anger and finding no release, the Lady Morgana stormed through the hallways at a furious pace until she made it to the Prince's chambers. She burst open the doors and marched inside. 

    "How can you be so heartless?!" she demanded and Arthur glanced up from his table. Her gaze was seeing red▬she did not notice the water skin in his hands. "Odette is the most kind, loyal person you would ever meet! She has been more than a friend to all of us!"

    Arthur clenched his jaw as he placed his water skin into his saddle bag. "Morgana▬"

    She did not give him room to speak. "And you would leave her at the mercy of those animals!" she followed him around the room as he gathered the things he needed. "Dear, kind Odette! You would leave sweet, innocent Odette who has the most gentle heart in this world at their mercy▬!"

    "Morgana▬" he tried, but she was not listening. She even watched him sheath his sword at his hip and did not realise.

    "Have you no shame?!" she sneered at him. Arthur brushed past her and grabbed his map. He rolled it up and placed it inside his saddle bag. "Do you think of no one but yourself?!"

    Arthur was getting annoyed. "Morgana▬"

    She just leaned right into his face to seeth: "▬I knew you were many things, Arthur Pendragon, but I did not know you were a gutless coward▬!"

    "▬Morgana!" 

    At the way he raised his voice, she set her jaw and went quiet. She scowled at him, heaving with anger. Arthur just met her glower with a frustrated one of his own. "Perhaps if you would stop shouting at me for one second," he stressed, "you would notice I am packing▬" he emphasised his point by shoving the provisions he had gathered into the bag as well. 

    Morgana realised and her anger fell away. Her shoulders rolled back. Her bottom lip quivered and she then said in a softer, more forgiving tone: "You ... you are going after her?"

    "Of course, I am going after her," Arthur shut his saddle bag and swung it over his shoulder. "What do you take me for?" Her brow quirked as if to say: do you really want me to answer that? Arthur rolled his eyes. "I could not disagree with Father in public."

    He started towards the door, more than ready to find his way to Odette before it was too late. But Morgana called him back. "Arthur..." he stopped and met her gaze. She pursed her lips. "Bring her home."

    Arthur nodded, promising her that he would. Little did Morgana know, that the Prince would do anything he could to make sure it happened. 

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    ODETTE BARELY ate the entire trip to Hengist's fortress. It was a lengthy journey that took up all night and all day on horseback. After everything, Odette had grown weary. Her ankle was throbbing, and she had to do her very best not to fall off her saddle in exhaustion. They travelled north into the Vale of Denaria▬on the very border between Camelot and Mercia. Hengist's fortress was just over the border and Odette grew more and more nervous the closer they came to their destination. Even though Morgana's silks were more comfortable than anything Odette has ever worn before, she still sat rigid in her saddle and shivered. 

    When they finally arrived, it was late in the afternoon and Odette ached all over. She saw a castle in the distance that was overrun with moss▬ancient and crumbling. But it was large; it towered over the valley slopes with mighty stone walls and turrets. Once upon a time, it must have belonged to one of the Ancient Kings▬and now, it had become Hengist's hideout. 

    They travelled down the winding road into the citadel. Once they reached the gates did Odette have to dismount. She almost collapsed from the aches she had from riding so long and her hurt ankle, but Kendrick grabbed her elbow and hauled her up painfully. 

    He pushed her to keep going and she stumbled, her breath shaking as she walked on the muddy, trodden dirt road into the fortress. The hem of Morgana's scarlet red cloak became stained as she hobbled along. Odette stared, horrified at the population inside. She saw beggars on the streets, men fighting over scraps of rotten meat and a mother sitting alone with a crying newborn and five other children, all of them looking as though they were starving. 

    Odette had to look away, quite horrified. Kendrick kept a firm grip on her elbow as he practically dragged her to the entrance of the castle. Soon, she was momentarily swallowed by darkness.

    They emerged into a long corridor lit by torches in brackets. Unlike outside which was impoverished, there were skins on the walls, brass candelabras and polished treasures▬most likely bought from stolen money or stolen themselves. Odette continued to walk, flanked by two bandits and Kendrick until they stepped into what would have been an ancient great hall. There, Odette saw more animal skins and expensive furniture. In these walls, Hengist lived a richer life than his starving people forced to survive outside. 

    However, in the very centre of the great hall stood a large, round iron cage. Odette's eyes widened in a breath of fear as she saw blood stained on the stone floor and marks that freakishly looked as though they belonged to human nails. There was a gate against the back wall inside the cage that led down, deep below the castle. For a moment, Odette thought she heard something growl. 

    She was forced away from the cage and pushed to stand in front of a large man lounging back on a makeshift throne made out of skins, furs and animal bones. Behind it draped a long banner with a shield as its insignia. Two men with pointed spears stood guard to their leader whose goblet was refilled by a servant at his side. 

    Hengist was a large, horrible-looking man whose shoulders were weighed down with bear and wolf skins over a dark leather tunic and chainmail. His square jaw was covered in a white, matted beard. Despite everything else about him being so broad and big, his eyes, nose and mouth were ridiculously small in comparison. He stared at Odette with those small, beady eyes▬he looked like a hunting hound ready to pounce. 

    He stood up from his throne of bones and continued to eye Odette with a sick glimmer of excitement. "Kendrick▬" his voice was low and gruff, "▬I was beginning to think you had failed me."

    Kendrick smirked and held out his hand to Odette. She scowled at him▬it was less scary than having to look Hengist in the eye. "May I present ... the Lady Morgana."

    Hengist chuckled softly as he approached Odette. She glanced over and resisted the want to turn up her nose at the putrid stench he held▬he smelt like the rotten meat she saw outside. He gave her a mock bow and she chewed the inside of her cheek. Odette held her shaky breaths and stood rigid still, hoping that no one saw her shaking. 

    As he stood up, Odette became lost in his shadow. She swallowed harshly as Hengist stepped even closer, taking in her golden hair, her soft features and her amber eyes▬his chuckles turned into soft breaths of delight. "Oh ..." he mused, letting out a sigh of something that might be sick awe. Hengist reached out a hand and Odette couldn't help but flinch when he pushed the hood of Morgana's cloak back to reveal her long hair. He smiled and showed rotten, yellowed teeth. For a man who stole all of his wealth, Odette thought he would have the decency to bathe. 

    Hengist hummed. His fingers brushed along Odette's cheek and she took a sharp breath through her nose. "You are as beautiful as they say, Lady Morgana."

    He pulled his hand away and Odette felt like she could breathe. She tried to think about what Morgana would do in this situation▬her mistress would be brave. She would not be scared of a man like Hengist. Odette couldn't be scared.

    (But it was too late for that).

    Odette did her best. She tilted her head up just like Morgana would and threatened: "If you do not release me now, I can promise you King Uther Pendragon will have your head."

    Though her threat did not sound as convincing when it came from a trembling tongue. 

    Hengist chuckled at her words, finding her amusing▬like she was some little bird in a little cage. Maybe she was. "I will release you as soon as Uther Pendragon pays your ransom." Odette felt sick. Uther would never pay her ransom. For all he knew, he had Morgana back▬that was all he wanted. He would not care for Odette. 

    She realised that she had no escape. She was going to die here. 

    "In the meantime," continued Hengist, "you will be my guest."

    Odette took another shaky breath as she stared up at the Bandit King. Finding some courage, the words that came from her lips were less broken and terrified than they were before. "Your guest?" she echoed. "You had your bandits kidnap me, drag me to this hellhole where you are holding me for ransom. I am not your guest. Do not flatter yourself."

    He breathed another short chuckle▬maybe a little surprised by her outburst. Hengist considered her words. "As you wish." He nodded to his men behind her. "Take her to the dungeon."

    Odette set her jaw as she was taken roughly once again deeper into the castle, refusing to let any of these men see any more of her terror▬she refused to give them any more satisfaction. She knew she was going to die▬but Odette was going to die with some pride left in her. 

    She was kept in the cold and dark dungeons beneath the castle until later that evening. Hengist was holding a feast in her honour▬or the Lady Morgana's honour. She didn't want to know what he'll do to her once he found out she was just Morgana's handmaiden. Kill her, most definitely. But how will he kill her? Odette didn't want to even think about it. 

    When the time came, she was escorted once more out of the cold cell where there was no glimpse of the sunrise or the sunset. Odette was locked in a place with no hope for life and only death. A place that was miserable and brutal▬barbaric, even. She wondered whether Morgana and Gwen were safe and back in Camelot. Odette was sure Morgana would have begged Uther to send a search party like she promised she would do▬but Odette knew better. She knew the King would not risk his men for someone like her. She was worthless▬less than the dust on his boots. 

    Odette didn't want to hold out false hope for anyone coming to rescue her▬or one person in particular. If she had a sunrise beaming through the cracked stones of this castle, maybe her mind might've conjured up some fantasy tale of Arthur riding to her on horseback in his armour and chainmail, prepared to save her life with Merlin right at his side. But deep down, she knew that was unlikely▬she knew that was dangerous. He couldn't risk his life like that. He couldn't trespass onto Mercian borders▬it would risk another war between two kingdoms already brewing on broken relations. If he crossed the border, even without a crest, to save a worthless maid like her, it would be an act of war. Or worse, he could be killed. His life was far more important than risking an entire dynasty in order to save hers. 

    No. Arthur was not coming to save her. Nor was Merlin, and neither was Ronyn. No one was coming for Odette. She was alone. 

    The feast itself was sickening. Odette still wouldn't eat. She knew she should▬she knew she was getting dizzy and faint, but when she looked at the meat so red it was almost raw, rabbit and terribly cooked pigeon with murky wine and cauldrons full of mysterious stews, all she felt was the want to be sick. All around her, Hengist's bandits were rowdier than drunk men in a tavern. They jeered and laughed, threw food at each other and multiple brawls had broken out over ale and the serving girls. Most of the serving girls were already on some bandit's laps, dressed in such revealing clothes Odette suddenly feared that if Hengist didn't kill her, he'd hire her. She stared at a girl no older than fourteen, looking like she was going to cry as a man twice her age coaxed her onto his lap. 

    Odette shifted, uncomfortable in her seat at the head table. She was seated beside Hengist and if hearing him eat beside her wasn't enough for her to be sick, then she supposed she was going to somehow make it through the night.

    Out of nowhere, for the briefest moment, Odette suddenly thought of Merlin. She realised that simultaneously, she wished he was here with her, and was happy that he wasn't. Odette felt braver with Merlin. She felt like she could run through every castle corridor and climb the tallest tower. She felt like she could face even the cruellest of creatures with Merlin at her side. Somehow, she knew he'd find some way to make her laugh▬to make her feel like everything was going to be all right. He would be able to get the both of them out of here because no matter what anyone else thought, Merlin was brave and he was talented▬and he was powerful. Odette knew he could take on this whole place with his magic and come out victorious. 

    But he wasn't here. He was back in Camelot and Odette was sure she was never going to see him ever again. 

    Odette took a sharp breath through her nose only for it to turn up at the food that had been served to her▬which she had not even touched. She had no intention of being polite.

    Hengist noticed her distaste when he glanced over. He set his jaw and dropped his meat back onto his plate. Then, with a deep breath, he stood up and shouted. "SILENCE!"

    Just like that, the entire great hall simmered down to an apprehensive silence. Odette caught Kendrick's gaze as he held one of the serving girls close on his lap and she quickly looked away, disgusted.

    In the quiet room, Hengist spoke up again: "Our royal guest, the Lady Morgana▬" he rested his hand on her shoulder and she tensed up, "▬has grown bored!" He chuckled. "She needs ... entertaining." The room lit up with laughter at this. That laughter soon turned to cheers of excitement.

    Odette watched with a sickened curiosity at the way the bandits flocked to the large cage in the centre of the hall. They grabbed onto the iron bars and shook it with shouts of encouragement as the gate slowly drew upwards. She frowned as she watched a man crawl up into the light, throwing his sword into the air with a cheer. The men shouted in response, shaking the bars in their eager excitement. 

    The warrior leapt around the small arena, slamming his fists against his bare chest. The only armour he wore was leather guards on his wrist and a collar around his neck. He was covered in battle scars and mangled flesh▬from years and years of fighting, and winning. 

    Hengist grinned. "Bring on the challenger!"

    That was when a second warrior joined the arena. He climbed out of the underground in a full chainmail tunic and blade in his hand. Tall, strong and dark-haired he was, and Odette immediately frowned. Her heart twisted with familiarity as she tilted her head▬she watched intently as the stranger came further into the light. 

    And when he did, her breath was lost. Odette's eyes widened. 

    She couldn't believe the sight. She gaped softly, her heart making an involuntary flutter of shock and utter disbelief to see a man she used to dream of with every legend and fairytale she knew. A man whose once perfect olive skin was now blemished with dirt and grime▬and yet his face and jawline were still shaped and sculpted with the true touch of a blacksmith. Just as she remembered, he was rugged and yet so gentle with soft lips and a gorgeous soft brow▬he was a breath of warmth in the cold autumn air; a bronze summer glow. 

    And she remembered his name and how it sounded on her lips as if she only just last spoke it yesterday. 

    Lancelot. 

    He was older; he didn't have the same youthful look about him that Odette once swooned at the sight of. His hair had been cut short with a knife, jagged and uneven off his face. He had a scar on his cheek and scruff on his jaw. Lancelot was no longer a dreaming boy. He had become a man. 

    And Odette wondered what he was doing here▬how he ended up in a place like this. Her hopeful, noble, admirable and heroic Lancelot. The man that was in that cage right now was not the same as the person she remembered. 

    But her chest filled with the same warmth she felt the day she first saw him as if nothing had changed at all. 

     When his eyes found her amongst the raging crowd, he stopped in his tracks. He stared at her for what felt like ages but couldn't have been longer than a few seconds. A lot of emotions crossed his face▬shock, wonder, confusion and then worry. He was wondering the same as her: What was she doing here? How did she end up in a place like this?

    Hengist sat down back in his throne of bones. "Only one of you will emerge from the cage alive," he announced. "Do you accept the challenge?"

    Lancelot bowed his head and the crowds' shouts grew even louder. Odette shuffled to the edge of her seat, realising what was about to happen. This was a gladiator battle▬a fight to the death; a fight Lancelot was in.

    Hengist nodded and the battle began.

    Odette immediately flinched when their blades met; ringing out into the crowd with a shrill sound. Once, twice▬back and forth Lancelot and his opponent went for the first few seconds. She hitched a gasp as Lancelot skidded backwards to barely miss the swing of his opponent's blade to his stomach. 

    The bandit warrior stepped forward with a furious offence, trying to back Lancelot up against the cage walls. Odette feared that he might. She clenched her hands, whispering prayers under her breath and nearly leapt out of her seat when Lancelot ducked and his opponent's sword slammed against the iron bars. 

    She glanced at Hengist beside her and quickly forced herself to relax, hoping no one saw her change in demeanour. Odette couldn't help it▬she couldn't stop herself. She felt her heart in her throat, pounding at a reckless pace as she watched Lancelot fight for his life in a caged arena▬and was losing the upper hand very quickly. 

    Odette jolted when he was pushed up against the cage bars. She gasped as she watched their blades press against each other▬they pushed and steel grind; the crowd was going wild at the entertainment, screaming for their warrior to kill Lancelot where he stood. 

    Until Lancelot lifted his boot and slammed it onto the calf of his opponent and the man stumbled backwards. Lancelot forced their swords sideways and he scrambled free of the trap. As he rushed to the centre of the arena, his eyes found Odette's once again▬

    "ARGH▬!" Lancelot jolted back to reality and flung up his blade just in time. He parried one blow after another. He missed the feint and leapt backwards, sending his sword in a ferocious upwards arc to meet the bandit's weapon viciously. 

    They were caught in another blade's kiss▬desperately trying to disarm the other. Lancelot was shoved to the side and he stayed there for a moment. Odette's breath was bated. The opponent charged and Lancelot ducked away last minute▬the man hit the caged bars like a stubborn bull. 

    Lancelot breathed heavily. He eyed the man as he stood up straight once again. Odette chewed on her bottom lip, anxious. She begged to meet his gaze once more, and as if he had heard her plea, Lancelot's eyes wandered through the crowd to find her. And as if just the sight of her gave him fresh determination, he took a deep breath. His shoulders squared. Lancelot spun his blade in his hand and stood ready. 

    His opponent charged but Lancelot was not prepared to lose▬not at all. He parried each swing with perfect skill and caught one in a downward swing. He twisted his grip and disarmed his opponent in mere seconds. He backhanded him to the ground and Lancelot charged. He spun his blade and pointed it, inches from the bandit's heart. 

    Odette was still on the edge of her seat. Amongst the crowds' cheers and screams▬vicious cries for Lancelot to finish with a mortal blow▬she was instead quiet; so dreadfully quiet. She watched the man she had known as a Knight ... the most noble and honourable knight of them all ... and prayed he did not stray far from that person she once cared for. 

    His eyes slipped upwards through the bars and fixed on her. Odette shook her head. 

    Lancelot glanced back down at the man at his mercy. He set his jaw and stood up. He lowered his blade. 

    The crowd booed but Odette didn't care. She slumped back in her seat, filled with relief.

    The cage door opened and Lancelot stepped out into the great hall. He made his way straight for the table Odette sat at and she breathed heavily through her nose. She watched him get closer, tense and rigid still. 

    Hengist threw a bag of coins. Odette frowned when she watched Lancelot catch it. He noticed and he did not meet her gaze. 

    "What is your name?" asked the Bandit King.

    "My name is Lancelot." His voice was just as she remembered▬a melody to her ears; like sweet honey. 

    "You have proven yourself to be a ..." Hengist hung on his words, "... skilful warrior." He chuckled at glanced at Odette sitting beside him. "I believe you may even have impressed our royal guest, Lady Morgana."

    Lancelot blinked. His stare locked onto Odette, very confused and she tried to tell him in one look▬to beg him to go along with it. Her heart pounded. Lancelot still held a perplexed look about him, but he did not question. Instead, he took a breath and bowed his head before her. Not looking away, he murmured: "My Lady."

    Her mind took her back to those days when they first met. A year ago▬and yet so much has happened since. She remembered the way he said those words to her and she'd chuckle, I am not a lady. Odette felt bitter with irony. 

    Hengist chuckled at him. Then he sat back on his throne. "Next time you fight, do not expect any mercy." He turned to the man operating the cage door. "Release the Wilddeoren."

     Odette glanced back over to the cage gate. It jolted upwards and instead of a man crawling out into the light, it was a horrendous beast. A rat the size of a horse, with wrinkled hairless skin, swallowed eyes and two taloned tusks, the Wilddeoren screeched as it clawed its way up from the depths. 

    Lancelot's opponent screamed. He scrambled to his feet. He rushed to the bars and shook them with all his mind. Odette stared in absolute horror as the beast spun to him at the sound of his frantic wails▬his frantic pleas for mercy only to have eager faces jeer right back at him. She could not look away when the creature pounced and devoured the man▬and he was still screaming even as he was mauled right where he stood. 

    Odette felt her stomach flip and she lurched sideways, forcing herself to not throw up. She clung onto the edge of the table with a shaky grip, clenching her eyes shut as she heard the last of the man's screams▬and the sounds of his bones breaking under the creature's tusks. 

    As the crowd cheered in approval, Odette felt eyes on her. Slowly, she glanced up▬pale and shaking to meet Lancelot's gaze, and now, she did not know what to think of him. Not anymore.

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    a/n: our boy lancelot is backkkkkk!!

    arthur watch out dude you tried to fight last time and lancelot won. you better up your game this time. (jk arthur i love you)

     i posted this chapter so quickly because i felt so bad at how ew the last chapter was. this is my redemption lol. i hope you enjoyed this chapter better xx.

    hengist's look sort of reminds me of bradley's character in vikings and now i can't unsee it.