Shadows Of The Past II [Amaren | Arthur&Guinevère]

[Guinevère]

Amaren, son of Arthur Pendragon, hit the ground so hard that everything went black for about forty seconds. Groaning he rolled to his back and mentally swore to glare at Emrys for the rest of that old man's days. Once he could breath again, Amaren rolled back over and pushed up from the ground. Sucking in deep breaths, he kept looking around, trying to get his barings. Everything looked . . . . newer.

Not really newer but the castle held no signs of damage nor rebuilding. Amaren began walking slowly around the walls of the castle noticing that the western tower was the original, and the outer wall looked as if it was still the original. "How far did you send me?" He asked allowed knowing he needed to find his parents before anyone else did.

That was why he was here. In a more recent--and idiotic--plot to get what she thought was her's the witch Morgana had sent an assassin back in time to kill his parents while they were weaker and not expecting it. As Amaren was the crown prince, now of four and twenty, he was the general of his father's army, and had taken the role of coming back. His mother had not been pleased, but nor was he willing to let her and his father die.

Amaren knew how to get around the guards, his armor was of a better quality then what he saw, his seal still the same but the fabric was newer and died brighter then most. Walking though the servant's steps he entered his father's chambers without knocking and looked for him. There sitting behind a desk was the younger man his father was. He stared for a few moments, finding it hard to believe that his father was right there.

The king was staring back at him, as if shocked to see someone he didn't know enter his chambers. Yet before either man could speak a shadow moved and Amaren drew his sword, "Behind you!" He yelled tossing the sword of his father's to . . . his father . . . so he could defend himself from the assassin behind him.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was sitting at his desk, staring ahead of him. He should be doing paperwork, or be drafting documents, or doing something -- anything -- apart from sitting there blankly. But ever since that day, he had not been able to do a great deal of anything. His mind was always distracted with . . . well, with things that he never wanted to bring to voice. Without that one person in his life who brought all the light, hope and love . . . everything felt dark and worthless. He missed her. How could he miss her after everything that happened? He wasn't sure. He only knew that he shouldn't be feeling this way. He shouldn't feel like he wanted to go find her and see her again. Especially with the negotiations he was involved in with Nemeth, both parties slowly coming to agreement, reaching a conclusion that may be the most effective way to establish peace. And while that was a likely possibility, Arthur never failed to think of another.

It was especially difficult at night, when he was used to seeing her . . . when they should have been married by now. These were now how Arthur spent his days; shunning anyone who offered him company and just staring at the emptiness of the room, feeling his heart ache from the loss of another. But tonight, something different happened. Something managed to snap Arthur out of his blank state. A man randomly walked into Arthur's chambers. The shock of this action was enough to render him speechless for a few moments, his reflexes lagging due to his distracted thoughts. He just stared at the young man who had strolled in so confidently. And before Arthur's senses came back to him . . . the young man yelled. "Behind you!" The warning was enough for Arthur to turn around and leap out of his seat when he saw a man with a blade attempt to strike him. Simultaneously, he noticed the man toss him a weapon and Arthur caught it in his hand just in time to block a blow from the stranger attempting to kill him.

The clanging of metal filled the otherwise silent air as Arthur blocked each blow, trying to figure out what the hell was going on! He was ready to defend himself on two fronts, even though the stranger had aided him by giving him a sword. A sword that was the most magnificent blade that Arthur had ever used. Eventually, the incredible blade ran through the assassin as Arthur just stared at him for a moment, before pulling his blade out of the man's chest, causing the lifeless body to fall to the floor. Taking a few additional seconds to ensure the man was dead, Arthur then raised up the sword defensively as he looked at the stranger who had just waltzed into his room. "Who are you?" He demanded in an authoritative voice. The young man looked . . . oddly familiar. But Arthur couldn't quite place where he had seen him before. Was he friend or foe? He had given hi a sword, but that did not mean his intentions were good. Especially considering the manner he had entered this room, and brought an assassin along with him.

[Guinevère]

Amaren watched as his father killed the assassin, but after seeing the man's face better he knew it was not the man he was sent back to protect him from. Which mean there was already minions. "Who are you?" Looking up Amaren saw his father holding the fabled sword on him. Taking a step backwards, Amaren held up his hands.

"I mean you no harm, I came to protect you." He explained, and reached for the pouch tied to his waist before tossing it to his father. Inside was his proof, though he wondered if it would be enough. Time would be tight until he could find his mother. Was she here? What year was it? "You and the queen. I can explain everything. That man was hired by an assassin sent my the witch Morgana to kill you, and the queen. After many attempts of trying to take the throne, or see you dead she conjured a spell so strong that she could send one man back in time . . . . to kill you before you got strong enough to defeat her."

"She sent back an assassin, he has a list of names. I was sent back to stop her." Because he was Arthur's eldest son.

[/quote]

[Arthur Pendragon]

The man's words only further confused Arthur. The more he explained, the more questions that Arthur had. He was here to protect him? And . . . the queen? What queen? There was none. His and Guinevère's wedding had been canceled and surely he did not know of his negotiations with Nemeth to make Mithian queen. No. This didn't make any sense at all. Nor did him getting sent back in time to save him from Morgana. How was that possible? Obviously magic was involved but no one would condone magic and . . . wait, back in time?! Or was he not from the future but the assassin? Arthur almost laughed as his mind realized how absurd even considering all this was. He stared at the pouch on the table and without lowering his sword -- or the stranger's sword technically -- he used his free hand to wrap it. The first thing he saw was the king that signified the ruler of Camelot. Forgery. It must be. How else would it be possible for the ring was in Arthur's possession. But that was not what had held his attention. What he really took notice of . . . was the ribbon in there.

A ribbon that Arthur had kept for many years for he did not have the heart to throw it out. Even now, when he'd banished Guinevère. He still held on to the favor and ribbon she had given him. The ribbon specifically had been from when the dragon was attacking the kingdom and he was riding out to face it. They had shared parting words and she had given him the ribbon from her hair, to take a part of her with him. And he had kept it, for the sentimental attachment he had to it. Arthur just stared at it. Whatever joke this was, it was not funny. His expression became less curious and more angry . . . for whoever this person was, had taken something precious from him. And anything related to Guinevère was not to be taken lightly. "Where did you get this from?" He asked, his voice filled with a strong sternness. It seemed all he was able to focus on, for this was one of Arthur's most prized possessions, as it was something from the woman he loved, and he was far from accepting of anyone who had taken it from him. Whatever game this man was playing at, Arthur wanted nothing to do with it.

[Guinevère]

He watched his father pull the things from the bag, and pause over the ribbon. His mother's hair ribbon. Guinevère Pendragon was his father's greatest and only love, and she had given it to his father at some battle. Or fight. He should have paid more attention when his father told him the story once. Dragon? Yes! The dragon! "Yours would be in your safe. Still there. You always said if it wasn't on your person then it was there. Look for yourself."

He needed his father to be a believer. "That and a favor she once gave you. If I recall that story correctly, it was when you were to joust an assassin sent by Odin." So many years ago. "What year is it?" He asked, trying to gain the lay of the land that he landed in. He needed to know what was happening in the city so he could protect them better. This was the king's chambers . . . where was his mother? "Will the queen join you soon? If not then we should go to her--her life is in danger."

[Arthur Pendragon]

The stranger knew too much. He was overwhelming Arthur with far too much information. He knew of the ribbon. He knew of the favor. He knew when both of these gifts had been given to Arthur. He knew who they were from. And he knew where they were kept. A secret place . . . one that only Guinevère knew of. And one that he no longer took them out of for it was too painful to look at them now. "Enough!" He demanded, unable to listen to any more of this. Was this cruel joke? Meant to torment him? Asking about the Queen's whereabouts, for with these things from Guinevère, Arthur could only assume he meant her. The king could not even focus on the stranger's questions pertaining to the year and time . . . for he had managed to anger him merely by throwing these things at him.

And seeming to know far too much for his own good. Holding up the sword again as if preparing for battle, Arthur advanced toward the stranger. "You have made a grave mistake coming here," he said in a cold, angry voice, pointing his sword toward him. "And if you do not leave, then I swear I will strike you where you stand." There were some things that could easily set Arthur off, and speaking about Guinevère -- and taking things that he cherished which she'd once given him -- was more than enough to hit that nerve that caused him to threatened a now defenseless stranger. Defenseless . . . because the man had given Arthur his weapon. But Arthur didn't care. He only cared about getting rid of him so that he wouldn't have to listen to any more of his cruel and taunting words. Better he leave Arthur with his own haunting and tormented thoughts.

[Guinevère]

"Enough!" Amaren stopped speaking, never having heard his father speak to him as thus. "You have made a grave mistake coming here," He had a cold, angry voice, as his father pointed his sword at him. "And if you do not leave, then I swear I will strike you where you stand." His father's threats were very real, and Amaren knew that he had limited time to convince his father.

"I will not leave until I know you and the queen are safe from Morgana's assassin!" He said as he backed away but not toward the door. "As me for proof! I will answer any question you care to ask! I know the histories of the kingdom in detail! I know your history!" That was when he knew what he had to do. He knew it was time to put everything at his father's feet.

"My name is Amaren Pendragon, and I am the eldest son of Arthur and Guinevère. I am the crown prince of Camelot and general to my father's knights. The sword you hold is my father's, the crest I wear is my own. I will not leave until I know both are safe. You might be able to fight assassins, but we both know she is not. I'm not leaving, and I need you to believe me. Whatever proof you require, ask it. I will answer."

[Arthur Pendragon]

He spoke of knowing the history of the kingdom, but clearly he didn't know anything about the history of it. Because there was no queen. And there was no Guinevère. "If you truly knew the history then you would know there is no queen. Only a king." His voice still held a tone of anger at him for being so casual about the mention of a queen . . . and just tossing the ribbon and a forged ring in front of Arthur. It was the man's next words that caused Arthur to completely paralyze from shock. "My name is Amaren Pendragon, and I am the eldest son of Arthur and Guinevère." Arthur's eyes widened as took a few steps back, stumbling from the shock of his words. His back hit the table awkwardly, as he seemed to have forgotten it was there.

Amaren. Amaren Pendragon. That was the name that he and Guinevère had chosen for their son. He would never name a child that name with any other woman. Not Mithian, not anyone. So . . . what was this? Who was this? The young man had looked familiar but . . . No. This was impossible. How could this be?! Arthur just looked at him with wide eyes, a slight tremble in his hands from this news that . . . somehow, deep deep deep down, Arthur knew to be true. "What . . . what trickery is this . . . " His words were slightly stammered, unable to even speak fluently. No. This was due to magic. It had to be! And not the good kind. The kind that caused his heart to hurt and his mind to spin.

[Guinevère]

"There is no queen. Only a king." "What?" "What . . . what trickery is this . . . " "What year is this? How far did I go back?" They both seemed surprised, and repeating themselves but Amaren knew he had to press forward. "Where is my mother? If she is not queen yet, does she still live in the towns? That would be too easy to get too." He looked around for a sign or clue for when the year was.

"I do not know how to convince you, but time is running out. I came here first because I assumed you'd be together. If she is not here, I need to go to her. Believe me or not, but I am trying to protect her. Before Morgana's man gets to her! Please. Father, I am asking you. Help me, help her. I cannot do this alone."

"I can tell you about Sir William--" Whom his father pretended to be when he first kissed his mother, "--I can tell you about Eldor, about . . . . anything. Ask me something! let me prove it to you before it's too late." He has his mother since of speaking, doing it with more words then needed.

[Arthur Pendragon]

He asked what year this was and Arthur still could not answer him. For he was attempting to absorb everything that this so called Àmaren Pendragon was telling him. There was something about him . . . something so familiar. Something that reminded him of himself and . . . Guinevère. The dark skin, the dark hair, his eyes . . . Arthur found himself growing lost in just staring at him. As if not wanting to believe his words, yet in his heart . . . there was something about him. He spoke of far more than anyone should ever know and the ribbon and the ring and . . . Arthur just shook his head a little, attempting to understand. Something suddenly occurred to Arthur. Something that he had thought of as only a fleeting thought, but now, apparently, it must have been true. Guinevère must be pregnant. They had been intimate before and . . . she was carrying his child. How else could all this be explained?

He must have married her to avoid scandal and to be close to the child. That seemed like the only logical explanation and . . . wait, logic. This wasn't logical! This was impossible! It made no sense! And yet, that possibility that Guinevère may be in danger was enough for Arthur to humor the man. Because if he was wrong, then Arthur would just be led to a trap. But if he was right . . . then Guinevère's live would be saved. Even after what she had done and how hurt he was by her actions, it was a risk he was willing to take. "You . . . you say she is in danger. How?" How was she in danger? She was not in the kingdom, anything was possible. "She is not in Camelot," he said, not even sure why he was letting himself being so naive in humoring 'Àmaren'. But he asked the question, and now would wait for the answer. Because if she was in danger, then that meant the child she must be carrying was in danger as well.

[Guinevère]

"You . . . you say she is in danger. How?" "From the assassin!" Amaren explained, "The same one who sent that one to kill you, and knew enough to tell him how to get into your chambers and right at you." "She is not in Camelot," What? How was she not in the city? Was she visiting another or . . . "Bloody hell this is her banishment?" The way his father looked upon his entering, no sign of his mother even in the chambers, and she wasn't in the city--her home.

He knew that story, for his mother had once explained it so he would know the whispered that sometimes others would DARE to whisper. "How long as she been gone for?" He thought back to the stores. "I need to build my timeline in my head to know where she might be, and time is running out!"

"I do not know the stores of her banishment well, but I know what happens to her while she is gone. She finds a village and stayed there, living with an elderly couple. The warlord Helios will attack the village. He will think her pretty, and he will take her in hopes to make her his mistress. Please. Believe me or not but I am begging you to let me explain while we are riding out to find her. If the assassin or Helios beats us too her then we loose the moment to get to her first."

"Please. I know you love her, and I am asking you to help me save my mother."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur just stared at the young man . . . unsure what to make of all this. The shock had not subsided . . . nor had the disbelief. This was all so preposterous! Though . . . why would he bring up Helios' name? Arthur knew of Helios. He knew of his tendencies and reputation for women. But . . . would he really take Guinevère? Why would 'Amaren' lie about it? Unless, he was working with Helios. Arthur wasn't sure what to make of all this! All he knew was that if Guinevère was indeed in danger, then he would never forgive himself if something happened to her just because he had not heeded to a warning. The way the young knight spoke with so much conviction . . . and the way that he was asking for Arthur's help . . . there was that undeniable tone of sincerity.

And it was so familiar because Guinevère had that same tone. Because despite what she did, Arthur knew she meant it when she said that she loved him. Because she was a good person and . . . and should he agree to go to her? Arthur did not trust this entire thing, but he trusted his gut. And whether the knight was lying or not about who he was or what he was doing here . . . Arthur believed that Guinevère was in danger. And she was carrying his child. Though he stiffened at the reminder that Arthur loved her. Merlin would say the same thing and Arthur had forbidden him to ever speak Guinevère's name. And now this knight was telling him he loved her? No. Arthur would not hear of it.

"I do not believe you," Arthur began to say. If they were to do this, there would be terms. "But I believe that Guinevère is in danger." Even just saying her name felt . . . so strange. For he had never spoken it since he had banished her from Camelot. "You will not speak of her to me. You will however take me to the village she is in." Arthur was not playing his game -- though to a certain extent, he may already be doing so. He was not going to talk about her to him, to a stranger who claimed to be his son. He would allow him to lead him to her though . . . for Arthur needed to know for sure she was safe. He may have banished her, but he never wanted to see her hurt . . . or worse.

[Guinevère]

"I do not believe you," No! Amaren knew that he did not have a choice, he would have to try to find his mother and then come back to his father. "But I believe that Guinevère is in danger." Or not. "How can you believe one but not the other?" He asked, but knew they had no time. "We can speak more on the way to her."

"You will not speak of her to me. You will however take me to the village she is in." "You are asking me to not speak of my own mother." Amaren reminded him, "To my own father." Yet the point was still not an important one in this moment. "I know not what village she is in, but if you ask Elyan he will know. I will gather supplies from the kitchens for a ride. Just say how many men." Thought he knew how many. He waited a moment, "Seven." He knew how many men. "Gwaine, Percival, Elyan, Leon and . . . and Merlin." Plus Arthur and himself. He knew his father's moves before he made them.

"I will have everything readied, and in the courtyard in half an hour. Elyan can lead us too her before it's too late."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur didn't like those words. Mother. Father. For it only reminded him that if there was a fragment of truth in what 'Amaren' said . . . then he and Guinevère would be together for the sake of their children. Arthur wanted a family. He wanted to have a wife and raise a child with her. Then, only then, would he have earned the title of father. But not like this. Not abruptly and out of the blue. The word was so unsettling and he never wanted to hear it from him again. It was too painful a reminder of what Arthur was not, and what he always dreamed of being. "I am not asking you to do anything," Arthur said in a stern voice. He wasn't asking 'Amaren' not to speak of Guinevère, he was telling him not to. He wanted him to know how serious he was about that. Arthur would not even let his best friend speak of Guinevère. He sure as well wasn't going to let this stranger go around speaking her name. Especially in the context he was.

Arthur opened his mouth to speak and answer his question as to how many men would be going with them . . . but he quickly closed it when 'Amaren' answered. How did he know? Well, then again Arthur group of knights was no secret. No. This just meant that 'Amaren' had done his research. But that name. How had he known about that name? For he and Guinevère had never told anyone of the names they would give their children. Back when they believed to be having children together . . . now, he wasn't so sure. If she was expecting, he knew it would not be easy, for their relationship was so strained. But, the way this man spoke . . . left Arthur silent and confused. He seemed to know everything . . . and it was just . . . this was just too bizarre. "I must get dressed then," he said, a subtle hint to him. Whatever the man was planning, it was not to kill Arthur right now. But that did not mean he was about to give him back his sword. "I will meet you in the courtyard," he told him, waiting for 'Amaren' to leave so that Arthur could have a moment to think and figure out what to do.

[Guinevère]

His father said he needed to dress and the rest of everything he could deal with on the ride. It would take a few days to reach the borders of Camelot and--or would it. Camelot would not be as large! They could travel to the boarders faster and get to her quicker as his father had not united Albion!

"Half an hour then!" He called as he turned and ran, nearly tripping over something. "That's not there in my time!" He called out as he kept running. He had much to do and little time to do it. Making sure he had his father's favorite travel foods, a dress (Stolen) for his mother, and the horses readied. With any luck the little things would help his father see that he was telling the truth!

Half an hour later Amaren was talking to Merlin--Emerys--and explaining things--including how the man had to send him home when this is done--when he looked up and saw everyone joining them.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur watched 'Amaren' bound off to get ready and just stared at the door. He . . . was so confused. Unsure what to make of any of this. And . . . he would be seeing Guinevère again. Even though 'Amaren' didn't know where she was, he was right; Elyan did. And Arthur knew he would feel awkward asking for her whereabouts. Though, perhaps not as awkward as telling people that this mysterious stranger was his son from the future. Nope. Nothing beat that. He called for a servant and gave him instructions, to wake up Merlin and the other knights and . . . ready seven horses. He dressed in his traveling attire, his armor and cape. There was no need to be inconspicuous for there was nothing subtle about seven men riding out. He brought his own sword, but also took a moment to look at the one that 'Amaren' had given him.

It was truly an incredible sword and . . . Arthur felt as if it fit him. Yet, it was not his and he was not likely to forget a sword like this. So it was impossible. Just like everything else was impossible. He tucked the sword in his belt and headed toward the courtyard. Everyone was there and waiting, and Arthur said nothing to any of them. "We are going to find Guinevère." Was all he said. And that was just in case 'Amaren' had not already told Elyan. It was Arthur's way of telling Elyan that they needed his direction to find her. And that was the only time he would mention her name right now. For he was still struggling compose his emotions. He mounted his horse and began to ride out of the courtyard, expecting everyone to keep up. For they could apparently not waste a moment.

[Guinevère]

"We are going to find Guinevère." His father demanded and then rode out, leaving some very confused knights to follow along. "The warlord Helios moved toward her village, and we need to beat him too her!" Amaren explained causing the men to look at him, but he turned to ride after his father and on his father's right, were the heir belonged. He said nothing however, so his father could take it all in as he needed.

When they camped for the night, Amaren kept with the circle of men and drank and ate with him. There was a slight arrogance in him, from his father--but it was controlled thanks to his mother. He would watch his father often however, wanting to talk to him but not saying anything around his men. Sir Gwaine passed him the wine bag and Amaren took it with an eager smile.

As the night wore on however, he distanced himself from them, as the worry for his mother and the weight of what he was doing wore on him. It was easy to volunteer for watch, for he knew that there would be no sleep.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur remained silent for majority of the journey. He would only speak when necessary -- mostly to give instruction. The men all seemed to be engaging in casual conversation, but there was that underlying tension, caused by curiosity as to what was going on and why they were going to Guinevère when Arthur had told them never to speak of her. He wasn't even sure he could explain the answer, so remained silent. Letting them draw their own conclusions from whatever 'Amaren' told them. When they made camp for the night, Arthur found his eyes falling to his 'son'. He . . . saw so much of his younger self in 'Amaren'. That cockiness, except a bit more muted. It was so stranger and . . . no matter how much Arthur tried to reject his claim of being his son, it was undeniable. There was just something about him. When the time came to rest, the knight offered to take first watch. Arthur would have -- should have -- offered for he knew sleep would not come tonight. Just as it had seldom come since . . . Guinevère left.

And even now when they were on their way to her, there was far too much keeping him away. He wasn't sure how long he had been laying down before he finally got up, noticing that everyone was asleep. Everyone except for 'Amaren'. He made his way to where the man was stationed to keep watch. Arthur watched him from a distance for a moment, holding his sword in his hand. He approached 'Amaren', holding out the magnificent sword toward him. "You should get some sleep," he told him, his words not so much of an order or command. Just, a way of letting him know that he was here to relieve him. He also offered his sword to him, for he knew that if the man planned to kill any of them, he would have tried already. Arthur could only hope that he was not wrong in trusting what his instinct was telling him. Guinevère had once told him that he had good instincts . . . but after everything that has happened, Arthur wasn't so sure that was true.

[Guinevère]

"You should get some sleep," Amaren had heard someone approach but had assumed it was another, his father's voice caused him to turn his head and notice the sword being held out. Amaren watched it for a few moments before looking at this father's face but not taking the sword. "You are going to need that to fight Morgana's assassin." Meaning he wasn't taking his father's sword.

"I am not supposed to tell you much about the future, but I can tell you that it's your sword. You will pull the sword from a stone that had encased it there since the birth of the kingdoms. It can kill anything. Magical creatures . . . . heartless assassins." He would take it back with him, but for now the strongest weapon was in the best knight's hands. His father's.

He looked up at the stars for a moment, knowing sleep would not come. "I cannot sleep. I will keep watch. My father taught me how. . . . you taught me how." He was worried for his mother.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur glanced at the sword and then the young knight when he told him that he would need the sword to kill the assassin. He was about to tell him that he had his own sword but 'Amaren' went on to explain that he pulled it out of a stone. Arthur almost wanted to laugh at the obsurdity of such a thing. Pulling a sword from a stone? Now the knight was going way too far. Not that claiming to be his and Guinevère's son wasn't going far enough. Arthur just tossed the sword on the ground near 'Amaren'. Oddly enough he was already feeling the loss of it in his hand. He felt . . . strangely attached to it.

"I have my own sword," he told 'Amaren'. One that did not consist of a ridiculous story of pulling it from a stone. "You will need a sword." And this was his sword. Not Arthur's. He then told him of how his 'father' taught him how to keep watch. Father. Such a strange term. Father. "I would ask you not call me that. Whatever you believe . . . it is difficult to explain to others." He didn't want to be called father, unless he was sure of the term. And right now, he wasn't sure of anything.