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

[Guinevère]

Amaren bent quickly to lift the sword and brush the dirt from it, know his father would never had done this to the sword. He held it to him, holding it with it in one hand and resting on the other while his father asked him to not claim he was his father. "Will you tell her who I am?" Her being his mother. He wanted her to know who he was, but he also knew that it might be a bit of a shock.

Amaren however had not said her name as it seemed that his father was not ready to hear it. It felt wrong for his parents were loving and strong together. They were a unit of one sometimes, and he had seen his parent just stare at each other at times and just be happy. How did they go from this to that? "I was told about this . . . the banishment . . . but I almost didn't believe it. Not with how happy the family is."

[Arthur Pendragon]

When the knight asked if Arthur would tell Guinevère who he was . . . he had no answer to that question. He wondered if she would know. If she would have that odd feeling of familiarity that Arthur had. Was it just in a parent's nature to know such a thing? Did that mean that he really was his son? Arthur didn't even know how to explain it to himself . . . how could he even begin to explain it to Guinevère? Especially with all that was already between them. And now there would be a child. A child that she had to already be carrying. He talked of how he almost didn't believe this banishment, about how happy they were in the future apparently. Arthur didn't want to hear it.

How did this knight have the audacity to speak to him so boldly. "I told you not to speak of that," he warned. He wasn't about to explain anything about Guinevère's banishment. Not what had led to it, nor how Arthur felt because of it. "We will go to the village and ensure she is safe from danger. I will not let you distress her." By spouting out all shocking things. Though again, she may already know. Or feel something when she saw her 'son' . . . as Arthur had. Yet he was still resisting the truth, because it was just too difficult to accept.

[Guinevère]

"I told you not to speak of that," Amaren turned his head and looked at his father, "Of my life? Of who I am?" Did his father really not believe any of it, or was it so hard to believe? How did he change his mind before it was too late? An warlord and an assassin was after his mother.

"We will go to the village and ensure she is safe from danger." Good! "I will not let you distress her." Not so good. He was being told that he could not make sure that his mother was alright, and tell her who he was. "There is an assassin after her, and you. You cannot leave her in the village after this is done. We have to keep her close until the man is dead."

On that he would not back down from. He would not risk his mother for his father's pride or broken heart. No matter how much it hurt anyone. she had to live or everyone would be at a lost. His uncle, his father mostly and . . . and him and his brother and sisters would not be alive.

[Arthur Pendragon]

"Of my life? Of who I am?" Yes. Of both those things. Because Arthur still couldn't believe it. There were so many questions he had, so many doubts. So much uncertainty. 'Amaren' spoke of Arthur could not leave her in the village after this. If what the knight said was true, then Helios would leave no village behind. He would ransack it and destroy it. Arthur was not heartless. If she was endanger he was obviously going to make sure she was safe. And if she was carrying his child then he obviously couldn't keep the banishment in place. "Do not tell me what I can and cannot do." He was not going to let others tell him what he should and should not do; how he should and should not feel.

He had let his emotions cloud his judgment so many times . . . and it had only resulted in the breaking of his heart. "When we arrive, we will see how much truth there is to your words." For he didn't fully believe him. Well, perhaps he did, somewhere deep inside. But certainly not on the surface. He was still fighting it. He was still rejecting what 'Amaren' was telling him. But he would not do so to the point of risking Guinevère's life.

[Guinevère]

Amaren wondered again how they had gone so low as this and how two people reclaimed what they felt for one another. A single kiss had broken them, and he hoped that a correct one would help heal them. If they beat Helios' army and no threat showed in the first day or two they were there, then what? Would his father leave her there? Would seeing her again start healing them?

"I will tell none of your men who I am." Amaren agreed staring at this father with confused and almost angry or hurt in his expression. "It might be easier then I though, for I know not who you are." Meaning this younger man was nothing like his father. "It will all be as you requested, sire." He used the title rather then the name father as requested. HIS father would never sound so final and kingly toward his own son--though from the stories he heard, his grandfather had.

"But what I say to my mother is of my own choice. I will not leave her open to attack nor harm. We are leaving your kingdom, and it becomes clear that in this moment she might be more mine then yours." His father rather then Arthur's wife. "So you either give my your word that you will not leave her behind, or I will tell her who I am and what is coming for her."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was not offended by his words, for he didn't know who this was. He had trusted too many in his life, and he needed to learn to separate his emotions from his judgment. He would always rule with his heart, but he could not open it up to anyone. Not after what happened. And that included this knight who claimed to his son. Nor did he believe that Guinevère belonged to either of them. He'd once thought that she was hers, and he is . . . but that night had changed everything; made him question so much. So why now should he believe that he had any claim to her. Only to the child that she may be carrying. It was the last words spoken by 'Amaren' that caused Arthur to pause. Is that what he thought? That he would leave Guinevère in harm's way? "Do not blackmail me," Arthur responded in a stern voice, intolerant of such ultimatums.

He would do what was best for everyone, which is how he had been trying to rule ever since he became king, though knew he often failed. "You walk around, claiming that you are our son. Claiming that you know everything, including how we feel. Do not presume anything, for you know nothing of the circumstances. You know nothing of how I feel and what I need to do. Do not tell me what is best. For you have earned no right to do so." Indeed he had warned him about the assassin, but that did not give him the right to claim to be his son. And act as if he knew what was best for everyone. Act as if he could make Arthur feel a certain way, or do certain things. Is this how they supposedly raised their son? Dictating feelings for others? Or was it his desperation making him act so?

[Guinevère]

Amaren watched is father tell him what e could and could not tell him. Amaren knew he was desperate to his father acting more like his father, but he did not know how to handle everything. Holding up his hands, one of them with the sword hanging from it and walked backwards. Ending the conversation.

"We can speak more on the matter once we've reached the village and you have seen how things are for yourself." He offered, not wishing to fight more with the man his father was. "I will let you have the watch, and I will go tend the fire." Neither man would sleep much until Guinevère was in sight. Amaren turned to walk away but then stopped and turned to look at his father, "When you want your sword back, I will have it waiting for you." With that Amaren turned to walk back to camp and wait for dawn, so everyone could ride out.

The next day, the ride was long and hard, and awkward. He avoided his father if he could, not wishing to fight with him more and cause the man to have a bad opinion of his own son. Amaren spent most of his time with his uncle, and at night even asked Elyan to tell him some stories of what life was really like when he and Guinevère were children. As no one knew he was asking about his mother, the stories were less edited for children and he begin to see more about his parents as people rather then as a child who saw only their heroes.

Finally the day came when they all knew they were growing close, and just as they were about the cress a hill, a woman's scream filled the air. There were men's battle cries and more frightened cries filled the hills. Amaren kicked his horse into a gallop but he already knew what he would find when he arrived. Helios.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had to admit that he was rather relived that 'Amaren' left. He didn't know how to process everything, and the disbelief was still surfaced in his mind. How could he believe all this? It just seemed so absurd. Arthur kept watch for the rest of the night, losing himself in his own thoughts of his alleged son, and thoughts of knowing he would see Guinevère again soon . . . and mentally preparing for that reunion. Though he knew that no amount of preparation would ready him for it. He wasn't sure he was ready to see her . . . as he had been in the middle of getting ready to marry another woman, or at least negotiate the terms under this alliance. And now, he would be seeing Guinevère again. The night passed by both quickly and slowly and Arthur found little sleep. The next day he traveled mostly in solitude, keeping to himself and especially avoiding 'Amaren'. For he had nothing more to say to him . . . not knowing what to say to him.

When they made camp for the night, Arthur noticed 'Amaren' remain close to Elyan, and the king went to keep watch. Still needing distance from him and everyone. He kept watch for most of the knight, finding little to no sleep. For tomorrow, they would reach Guinevère's village. So when morning came, Arthur was ready to go, though not emotionally. Still, they could not stall for she was in danger. As they rode near the village, the sound of distant screams filled the otherwise silent air. It was enough to cause Arthur to race forward, 'Amaren' having done so already and the rest of the men following closely behind. As soon as they arrived, they saw it. Helios' army, ransacking the village. Capturing those they could and destroying people's homes. Arthur looked around, drawing his sword and dismounting so that he could start to eliminate the threats. It did not take long for Helios' men to notice Arthur and the others, and a few began to approach them, swords raised and ready to attack.

[Guinevère]

Amaren rode his horse into the village, and did not dismount until he was well into the mist of Helios' men. As his father's sword was all he had, he left it Excalibur in the sheath that crossed his back, and fought the first man with his agility until he could steal the man's sword and then use it. No one would use Excalibur other then Arthur Pendragon, and the only time Amaren would use it was when his father fell.

That was not this day.

Amaren had practiced defending himself since birth, and been trained in the many ways to fall a man if no choice was left. There were many but the knights of Camelot were highly trained and the first way fell. Amaren wasn't staying around to keep watching them fight--he knew his mother would be taken and he had to find her first. When he made it toward the side, he found them. His mother. The hostage. Amaren flipped his sword around with a spin of his wrist then held it up ready for advance. 'Don't be foolish, boy.' Helios told him, pushing Guinevère to the ground, and pulling his own blade.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur couldn't help but watch 'Amaren' as he engaged in combat. His fighting style was . . . familiar. So familiar. As if . . . Arthur had taught him himself. But no. That could not be his. Surely it was just Arthur's mind clouded by the words 'Amaren' had said to him. And yet, that gut feeling re-emerged in Arthur so strongly that he couldn't just shake it off. But had to push it aside for such a distraction could cost him his life. He quickly held up his sword to block an attack from one of Helios' men. The other knights had dismounted as well, quickly getting involved to help even the odds. Helios may have an army but they were not highly trained men. Which meant that they had no specific strategy in battle, other than swing to kill. That, was their weakness. And one Arthur easily took advantage of. Each time a man fell by his sword, his eyes would search his chaotic surroundings to look for 'Amaren' and . . . Guinevère.

She was here, according to Elyan. Arthur had not yet seen her, but what he did see -- or hear -- caused him to pause. Hearing words uttered by a man who was clearly not on their side, Arthur looked at him as a strong wind swept through them. He felt unchanged but something told him that it had some sort of effect . . . somehow. And it didn't take Arthur long to find out. A charging man rushing toward him made Arthur once again hold up his blade and quickly push his sword through the man's chest. He should have fallen, but what happened instead . . . was impossible! The main just raised his head and looked at Arthur, before pulling his sword out far too casually and easily and swing at Arthur once more. The king's eyes were wide with shock as he staggered back and stared at the seemingly immortal man. Magic. Undefeatable magic.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère fell to the ground as the warlord known as Helios pushed her aside in favor of the knight whom had come to her aid. She watched as the men exchanged blows, and the younger knight of Camelot seemed skilled but Helios did as well. She feared which man would fall. Her eyes looked toward the battle field, knowing they were not in Camelot yet the field was filled with the bright hopeful red.

Arthur! She saw him there in the mist of the battle, fighting men that did not seem to fall! A cry of pain had her turning back to the battle of the knight and Helios as the warlord got in a blow and the younger knight feel back. "NO!" She screamed as she looked and grabbed a near by stick to give the knight aid. When she struck Helios, he turned to swing his sword at her only just missing most of her. Her cheek held a thin red line where the tip caught her as she fell again to the ground.

Helios used the moment to look over the battle before him, and she noticed the knight did too. Hopeless. They were all going to fall here! The younger knight pulled the somewhat golden sword from where he carried it on his back and pushed to a stand. "ARTHUR!" He called as she spun to throw the sword toward Arthur, and Helios moved again to use the distraction to down the knight. Guinevère's cry of NO this time was louder and more frantically high pitch as she reached out to grab Helio's foot and shorten the blow. He kicked her in the ribs, to shake her off, but at least his low had not been mortal.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur didn't know how he was going to win this battle. He still didn't know how they had defeated Morgana's immortal army all those years ago. And now, it seemed he was faced with a similar circumstance. Once that seemed hopeless. Still, he fought the men where he could, looking around to see if the other knights were having any more luck but it seemed they were not. Suddenly hearing his name being called, Arthur spun around to see 'Amaren' toss him the sword and . . . Guinevère! She was there, and . . .she was injured. Acting out of pure reflex and instinct, Arthur caught the sword in his hand, gripping the hilt of it. He didn't know what good this sword would do, only that it was being given to him. Quickly turning back around just in time to block an attack, Arthur fought the man knowing it was trivial . . . or well, assuming it was trivial. For when the blade penetrated his chest, the man burst into pieces and vanished. Arthur's eyes widened at the sight as he inspected the sword again. Magic. It had to have been some form of magic! He was . . . fight magic with magic?

Hearing a scream broke him out of this curious trance as he turned back around just in time to see Helios kick Guinevère and Amaren lying on the ground, injured. Arthur ran toward the sight and positioned himself in between Helios and Guinevère and pushing Helios back with all his might to prevent him from striking her. Holding up his sword defensively, Arthur briefly glanced at Guinevère and Amaren as he was scrambling to his feet. Looking around, Arthur noticed that all of Helios men were occupied, distracted by the knights that were fighting them. Looking between Helios and Amaren, Arthur grabbed the young knight, pulling him to his feet to first make sure he was ok. He was alive. Injured but alive. "Take her to the horses and ride far away from here. Now," Arthur demanded, turning the sword in his hand in preparation as Helios charged at him and Arthur took a few steps forward to distance Guinevère and Amaren from the battle.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère saw Arthur step before her, and she looked up feeling more then a bit of fear at the sight of him here when all seemed lost. "Take her to the horses--""No!""--and ride far away from here. Now!" "No!" She didn't not want to leave Arthur here and not know what happened to him! She saw the young knight grip his ribs from the pain but then he ran toward her. She backed away at first but let him help her up.

'Arthur Pendragon,' She heard Helios say in his smooth voice. Taunting the king. 'I've heard many things about you.' The knight put an arm around her, but she could tell he had trouble standing up, so instead she put his arm on her shoulders, "We can't leave him." She whispered, as Helios spoke again, 'Had I known you wanted the girl, I would have shared.' Guinevère took back as she watched the men, and had to hold back a scream as Helios moved forward with a strong attack. "We need to leave," The knight said but neither of them moved, clearly unable to leave their king.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur looked at Helios, a stern expression on his face. He was not one to engage in talking for the purpose of provoking one's opponent. Though that did not mean his words left him unaffected. Arthur held his sword up, ready . . . forcing himself to ignore Helios' words against Guinevère. Being so angry and attacking irrationally was a strong weakness. Though there would always be things that set Arthur off. Speaking of his family and loved ones, was definitely one of them. Seeing him advance and attack with a powerful blow, Arthur held up his sword to block it. The sword that 'Amaren' had given him was so powerful; cutting through the air, and so conformed to Arthur's hold . . . as if it was made for him. Impossible though. Utterly impossible. Now was not the time to think about such things however. He did not fail to notice Guinevère and 'Amaren' still standing behind him. This was like the Fyrien situation all over again when she had not left!

Using his strength, Arthur pulled his sword away from Helios, pushing the warlord back while doing as, as Arthur moved forward to place some distance between them and Guinevère and 'Amaren'. But if they were not leaving, then Arthur needed to remain close enough to make sure no one else attacked them. The sound of battle was now filled with the clanging of metal between the two leaders. Helios wasn't without skill; the warlord had strategy and swift movement when he fought. Making him more formidable than perhaps all of his men combined. Where Arthur swung to blow, Helios countered it. And vice versa. Each managed to get through a few strikes with their elbows and hilts of their swords . . . but the battle dragged on. On, until one of Helios' men came charging at Guinevère and Amaren. Arthur turned his head -- his first mistake which Helios took full advantage of by striking Arthur across his jaw with the hilt of his sword.

Arthur staggered back, his priority shifting from Helios to Guinevère and 'Amaren'. Hurrying toward them, Arthur approached the attacker from behind and pushed the sword into his chest, causing him to burst before quickly turning back to Helios. The shock on the warlord's face gave Arthur what he needed; the confidence to know that he could not win. For Helios had not anticipated that his immortal men could be defeated. "It's over Helios," Arthur stated. But as Arthur was, Helios was a man of pride. The king's words were his last chance to give Helios the opportunity to back down. But he knew he wouldn't . . . and not long after, Helios charged at him, yelling out an angry cry. It was at this moment, Arthur knew he had won . . . because Helios's focus was clouded by shock and anger. After only a few more swings, Helios left his torso unprotected and Arthur took advantage, swinging the edge of his blade against Helios' chest . . . causing the warlord to freeze, and then fall to his knees, collapsing to his back as the life left his body.

Arthur watched him, as if to be sure he was dead and took the opportunity to catch his breath. He looked around, seeing that there were not too many men left. They would have to finish them off. First, he turned to look at Guinevère and 'Amaren', quickly walking toward them. "Are you both alright?" He asked quickly, finally noticing the blood on Guinevère's cheek, and the way 'Amaren' struggled to stand. His eyes looked over them both, briefly glancing at the nearby house that was not burned down. "Go inside," he instructed to them softly. With the threats gone, and soon to be fully eliminated, they did not need to flee -- not that he thought they would anyway. Plus, he didn't want her to have to see more blood shed, for she had seen enough. "I'll be there shortly," he assured, looking over them both one more time before rushing to the knight's aid, for apparently this sword he was given . . . was the only thing that could defeat immortality.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère could not have move during the fight if she had too. She could only watch as Arthur and the warlord exchanged blows. When Helios got in a stronger one while Arthur was distracted she tried to move forward but was tangled with the injured knight and could not move. She had not seen the approaching man until he was nearly on them. Before she could scream he burst into ash! Arthur stood behind him.

Her eyes were wide for she understood nothing of what was happening. The fight was over as Helios seemed to understand as little as she and charged forward. "Arthur!" She cried out, forgetting that there was too much between them for her to speak so informally between them! Yet he did not need the warning, for he delivered his own final blow.

"Are you both alright?" He asked as he turned to look at them. "Breathing." The knight told him, and Guinevère could only nod. Arthur! Arthur was here! "Go inside," He told him, "I'll be there shortly," It seemed the battle was turning. Camelot just might win.

The knight helped her (and her him) into the home that was not her's. "You need to sit." She told him, "My ribs are broken I think, I will be fine." Now he sounded like Arthur! For the first time she looked into his face and felt herself pause for a moment before speaking again. "I should bid them." She told him. He nodded but didn't move. "I fear I do not know your name." Whom to thank for saving her life back there. "I am called Amaren."

Her heart nearly stopped beating with how hard it skipped a beat when he said his name, while watching her closely. was he making sport of her now? "That is a fine name." She whispered, "My mother thought so."

[Arthur Pendragon]

As Arthur walked toward the other knights, he glanced over at where Guinevère and 'Amaren' were, to make sure that they went inside. When they were out of sight, Arthur focused his attention on the situation at hand. Each time one of the knights managed to impair one of Helios' men, Arthur struck him, causing him to burst. They all had questions about the sword, but Arthur had no answers to give. Oddly enough, Merlin seemed the most shocked about it. He just stared at the weapon . . . having a strange expression on his face. Arthur just told him to snap out of it. Once Helios men were defeated . . . Arthur made sure that no one was injured. They all seemed fine, having a few cuts and bruises but nothing major. He then told them to ride and see find the people who had managed to flee Helios' wrath. Arthur made sure to send all of them away . . . so that he could have a few moments with Guinevère and 'Amaren'.

Once they headed out, Arthur looked around, quickly surveying the area to make sure all the attackers were dead. Putting his sword in his sheath, still impressed with its magnificence, Arthur returned to the house that 'Amaren' and Guinevère were in. With all the chaos, this was the first time things had calmed enough for the magnitude of the situation to register in his mind. Guinevère was here. A woman that he never thought he would see so soon, if ever again. And now a man who claimed to be their son. Arthur didn't know what to do, or how to feel for so many emotions were coursing through him. Taking a deep breath to remain composed, he entered the area to see Guinevère and 'Amaren'. He took off his gloves, setting them on the table as he went closer. "How bad is it?" Arthur asked, not having failed to notice that 'Amaren' was injured as Guinevère was near him and aiding him how she could. Though he stepped even closer so that he could see for himself.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère had helped the knight remove his armor so she could bind his ribs. She nearly jumped when she heard the sound of the voice that never left her heart or mind. "How bad is it?" Arthur asked, moving closer. She stared up at him for a moment before she was able to answer, "His ribs are broken," She said softly, before realizing that she was staring. Blinking she looked down and picked up the spare makeshift bandages.

"I will be fine." The knight told his king, looking at him almost expectantly. "He's stubborn." She tried to jest but it feel flat. Moving toward the sink she wet some of the bandages so she could begin cleaning the cuts that everyone had. "A trait that my mother swears I get from my father," The knight said, not looking away from Arthur. "Yet he swears the same of her." His parents sounded like they were in love, and with Arthur so near . . .

She could not even think of the knight. Arthur was here. Why? Had he been tracking the warlord? Why here? Pulling a wet bandage up she walked over to where the men were but paused before going too close to Arthur. Unsure of everything in this moment, she wanted there before approaching to clean the injured knight's cuts.