Lancelot - The Dark Untold Tales

Foreword

This is a fictional adaptation of the tale on Lancelot of the Knights of the Round Table. Its not based on any historical or written notes of any authors living or dead, but purely a working of my own creative mind. It does not seek to make any judgment on the character nor of his standing from any published or unpublished works.

Its a dark tale written from the point of a man's struggle with his own soul and principle for the love of one woman. It may be found in this tale, certain excerpts which are deemed to be offending to some, but I would implore you to read with open thoughts. As I re-affirmed again, this tale is of my own creation and every word and line I placed here is my way of showing the tale.

  

How it soon become

I saw the barbarian charging at me with the raised mallet held in this hand. I had to wait for the right timing before I crouched down to swing my broadsword onto his lower chest and spilled his guts out on the field. The barbarian fell down and I brought down my sword one more time on the back of his neck to make sure he is dead. On stabbing him in the neck, I felt the need to twisty the blade to cut off his spine. If I let him live his next life as a spinless mortal, he may raise a sword against me but I am banishing him to a fate worse than hell in his living days. .

"Auric dies!" I shouted out to the others who are on the same battlefield. My voice traveled wide and reached their ears as they all stop their fighting. No one wants to risk death or being injured to a lost cause when the leader is not more. I removed my sword form the dead body and wiped the blood off it blade. It was then I felt the wounds on my body where the armor did not protect but they are not fatal or it would be lying there on the ground.

"We win again, Lancelot. Well done, my knights." I hear my King and good friend, Arthur of Camelot. Yes, he rejoices as we have beaten yet another foe and we can go home now. He call forth the other knights and they stagger towards their King. He hails everyone a hero of the realm while we stood with our back up ignoring the flow of blood that seeps out of the wounds in our bodies. Heroes do not moan and groan of such petty cuts as we have sampled many of them before and would be more to come. But the one we choose not to sample is the one which would removed our soul from body.

Auric who lies dead now on the ground would be telling his at the grand table when he meet his ancestors. For us, it would soon be a round table and feasted by the servants after we soothed with balms and bandages to the cuts. We would drink and eat to our victory before we are called to go home or to some servant's bedding. My bedding is normally at the tavern with the local wenches who would moan and screamed of my humping on their body. I know not desire at times but the evil thought of my King who goes back to his wife, the lady Guinevere. My evil thoughts then would be his thrust into her as they are locked a passion of love. For every thrust he does to her, I would do the same with more force here like when I wield my sword. I care not for the wench beneath me nor the opening of my wounds for none shall soothe down my hate on knowing my love is being served by another.

Tonight I stand naked inside the deserted ruined place of worship on the hill. I am naked of all my clothings and also of my bandages as I am in need to redeem my sin. My sin not of my love for my King's wife but the fact that I could had killed my King today from the back if not for the intervention of Auric. Arthur's back was exposed to me then, and all I need to do was to thrust my sword into his back. It would had ended his place on this world and also in the bedding with my love. But it never did happened.

I bend down to the saddle pouch and removed the two 'cat-o-nine' whip. It balanced well in both my hands and raised it up high above me. I then bring it down in a swooping down to the side of my waist as the whip end curled itself around my waist to the back. The lashing opened up unhealed and new ones, causing scores of blood to open up. The pain is excruciating but I did not stop there. I raised up my hands and bring it down again. I discover flagellation recently when I saved a monk from some barbarians. He told me of it and I find it more rewarding to my mind and heart than humping some wenches in the tavern. No one knew of my action as the armor concealed the wound and if seen, it can be attributed to old battles.

"Stop!"I heard the voice and I know it well. My arms went down and I slowly turned to see the person who dares to command me. She stood there with her cloak covering her body from the cold winds. "I am your Queen. Obey my order or face the King's wrath.

She walked towards me and stood behind me. I did not turned to look at her but she commanded me to do so.

"No, my Queen. I cannot. I am ashamed to face you. Please go and leave me to my punishment. Its for my foul deed to think of killing the King. " My head hang down in shame as I recount my intention to her.

"Lancelot, you did not kill him. Explained yourself of these foul thoughts. Was it because of...." she paused in her words and we all know why.

"Yes, my Queen. Because he is yours and I cannot have you. I am destined to live my life at your side but never with you. Every time he retires to the chamber with you, I am left with a raging desire to kill him. In my mind then, he is ravaging you and not loving you. Its should be who should be loving you." I speak out my mind and I felt relieved of the thoughts.

"Give me the lashes, Lancelot."I did not have to as she took it from my hands. She must had stood back for a while before she step forth to lashed my back with it. I felt every stroke that hit my body and it was not pain that coarse through it but pleasure of love and lust. I fell to my knees and she did not stopped at all. It must have been twenty or more lashes before I find her stopping. I looked down at the flooring and see the pool of blood there. It glisten like some some spreading of the bread and yet I wanted to taste it. I placed my finger to it and then stuck it in my mouth. It taste not of blood as I have sampled many before but of something sweet. It was then, I felt her body holding me from the back. Its hurts as her holding me pulled at the open wounds behind. She rubbed her body against my back and she kissed me on my neck. She licked at the blood that was spilled there.

"Lay with me, Lancelot. Do it here on the flooring where your blood flows wide. Use that as our bedding and give me my desire." I turned my body to face her and she was all there in her nude body.She had removed her cloak before she lashed me. I reached for her face and laid lips to her's. There was blood but I felt was only desire, She pulled me down onto her body and spread herself for me.

"Do me, Lancelot. Show me your desire. I am your Queen and I command it."

Much later, I got up from the flooring to see her washing herself with the pouch of water I carried with me. Her body is a sight to watched as she washes the blood off it. She then reached for her gown and I reached forth to assist.

"Do not, Lancelot. You might smear it your blood. I can dressed myself." I watched her dress and then she looked at me.

"If you are wondering how do I know where you are; well, I had followed you before. To the taverns and also to here. Do you remember the wench that comes in with the mask on some of your nights? It was me. You could not do much then, as I always have you tied down to the bed posts. You do like the rough handling then and when I saw your desire waned on those nights, I got Arthur to sent you to rescue the monk. It was all planned by me."She has pulled on her cloak.

"Does Arthur know?" I had to asked.

"He does not or even cared. He is with Merlin most times. My bedding excites him no more."

Who am I?

Here lies a land where vast part of its is split into kingdom owned by powerful Kings. They ruled the land with their army of knights and foot soldiers against the invaders of their border. Many battles are fought then and the victor would claimed new lands to expand his border. It was also a time when magic exist and from it came great creatures rarely seen by some.

There was one creature however seen by many then as they thrive on these lands, fouling its earth with their tools and birthing new tracts of it with their blood at times. They were called Man.

They choose to lay the foundation on this land which other living creature have not shown so openly. Or even could performed.

They laid the characteristics which only they themselves inherently developed within that no other living creatures would do. They called it their unique characters.

But to the eyes of those who seen it; some of these characteristics represent a desecration of the meaning of life. These characters defies the basic founding principle of to kill for survival to that of survive to kill. Man does both as it may fancy their needs. More to it, they choose not only to harm another to death but inflict upon them sufferings in the mind and body before death.

Surprisingly in the annals of Man' writing handed to this day, we named it then as the era of Chivalry.

This tale would show you what was hidden from us. Its a one Man's view.

His name was whispered by many but we would now announced it for all to hear.

Lancelot of Camelot.

CWE Book II Part 13

X111

Braven

I cried again when I was told of the old man was hanging outside the city wall. The last crying I did was when the spies told me of Prime Leader Raihan’s death, and now Senior Adviser Domo.

I refused to let anyone tell Jeane about it. Her father’s death will be avenged and in due time. I hear the city is now under the control of the newly appointed Lord Conal. The ex-Lord was retired to Red Hill alongside with his grandson. It seems there was a coup mounted by the son and the Generals was involved. Now a madman sits on the seat as Lord. I would had marched into the city if not for Damai who held me back.

‘We are not ready to fight him yet. Not in his own grounds. We must bring him out to fight on our grounds.’

For this time I listen well, but I told Damai, no delay until the next same season.

Now I had to see Jeane and explain all to her.

Lord Conal

It good to be back on my seat and now officially known as Lord Conal. Lord Camlash is no more but me now, Lord Conal. I stage the coup which brought the old man off his push cart. I had some help with some generals, which was obedient to my command. You see I learned many people secret when I tortured the old man. The Senior Adviser lived too long, and he commands a lot in his mind. He was soon telling me things when I told him of how I will kill the children. But sadly he died later not from my torture but his body gave way. I used the available knowledge to convince some generals to work with me, and then approached the old man. His guards was mine to control so I had him by his legs then. And of course his grand son helped a lot. Canaan was in my arm that moment when I asked him to sign the new order; my succession as the new Lord..

After he proclaimed me Lord and I exiled him to Red Hill. There he will stay until I am in need to his counsel. I then send out messages to the other Lords and tell them of my new role. As Lord, I cannot be concern on petty matters so I decided to hand one over to Granus as a gift. I called it the gift of friendship. After all, Mitchy is not my friend anymore, and his fight with Granus over my sister made him my enemy. He should had appreciate my friendship more than not anyone will give away his mistress to another that willingly. Not even Mitchy would think of that although he disliked her.

I immediately ordered the recruitment of another ten thousand men, and more officers to be trained.I also appointed some special advisers from the west, to be my strategist. There are many ways to kill a bear I was told, but I want to see a new method not seen by any here.

Dina has failed me twice now, and I am not pleased with her. I will give her one more job which if she failed to do, she will not need to come back at all.

Lord Camlash

I am sitting here in the carriage with my grandson to move to Red Hill. I am sad that the same generals I took into my advise is now the one whose betrayals I cannot accept, and my most trusted adviser lies over some part of the front wall, being eaten by the carrions. My son sits as the new Lord,but he may not last long as I am still alive, and I can come back to take the seat. Then the generals can feed the carrions then.

I have killed one son, and what is another. After all I have are three grandson who can take over one my seat. I liked this one more, maybe I will put him in front first. Canaan, you are a very special child; and because of you, I did not kill your ‘father’ the other day as you were in the line of fire too. If I had just activated the switch like what I did with the assassin, you will had died with your ‘father’. But I needed you so I decided to give up the seat to him.

Lord Giantus, I hoped you have better children than mine. I know Micha has is my daughter who can be as deceitful as me. I am her father after all.

Mistress Camy

The unborn child makes me look clumsy and I am easily tired. I am not concerned on that, its just that the child father cannot be found for some time now. Sometimes he does disappear at long stretch of time, but he will turned up. But this time, those time length is too long, and I am getting concerned about him. But during his absence, I have many messages from Granus who still missed me. I must be crazy to entertain such a man at this stage, but his messages are too tempting to resist replying.

‘Camy, are you well?’ My husband’s father called. He must have just arrived as he was standing at the doorway of my chamber. ‘Can I come in and see you? Are you decent, my child?’

‘Yes, father, Please do’, as I slipped the message into the hidden drawer of mine. I will reply later. ‘Why do you come at this early hours, father.’

‘I come to share with you some food which was cooked on my request for you. You need to be strong to deliver the child. Is Mitchy here? I see him not at the Hall lately.’ My Lord took his seat at the table next to mine. As we were eating, we shared news on the latest development in the city and my health of course, Mitchy came barging in his untidy looks and dirty clothes which smells of wine and many other bad odors. I turned to threw up the contents of my stomach and the father stood up to slap the son.

‘How dare you barge in like this? You are a disgrace to the family.’

‘I am not, father. If its family we concerned about, then she would be ashamed. Your brother Conal send his own wife to be Granus’s. Which man will do that? I may dislike your flirty ways, but I will never send you to my enemy. Only Conal can do such things.’

I do not what triggered the pain, but I felt it to my heart as my unborn child is coming out. And its not time as yet, not for another moon or so.

Grand Lord

I am living my last years in the world of evil. How can one man do that to his wife? I wanted to message the old Lord but was told he will not received guests or messengers. I tried to speak to Giantus, and he also chooses to keep silent. The whole empire knows now, and I wondered who will act first?

Mistress Kimi

I am a product of my family and now sold to my husband. He shall deem fit to sell me, and I must go to whoever he sells me to. Such are the ways of the ladies in the empire. Its unheard of in the upper echelons  like ours, but there were such precedent before. I was in my carriage to the new section of the city with Shiven; the one which housed the home of Granus.

I heard of him when I was in his city, a man of great appetite and drinks too much.I heard also rumors that he was involved with Lady Camy, but that was history. And of course that he may be the father of the unborn child. I knew his father Lord Giantus who was a kind host when I came here. He put me up in the nice chamber overlooking some lakes and assigned more servants than I need. He also arrange for Shiven to sleep in a room near mine, and did not restrict him on his weapon.

Now I am to be his as I was given by my master. I await his presence in the chamber, while I can hear him coming down the corridor. He opened the door and walked in, smelling of wine and sweat. I dare not looked at his face, but i stared at his feet, which was caked with mud and dirt. He walked up the bedding and lie down, without a word. I got up to joined him but he stopped me.

‘You will sleep in the other corner. I have arranged the beddings to brought in. Do not disturb me.’ It was to be like for the next few days. He sleeps in whatever he has on during this drinking stupor and I sleep in my corner. Soon the smell of his dirty clothes was used to me. I left a set of clean ones for him one night, and on the next day, a set of dirty ones was where the clean were.

But he has yet to speak a word to me since I arrived. I also did not leave the chamber without his permission. Nothing happened until that one night, when he said, ‘You may go out and do whatever you want. You need to stay here or accompany you. But bring your guard. Theres been attempts on your family members.’

I was shocked and asked who it was.

Dina

I am a descendants of the ‘sicarii’ and I am not one without the oath. I cannot denied my master’s command to remove his own sister. She may be my friend and under my care, but today she is my assigned target.  I do not questioned my oath on the validity of such an action. But as I sit her on the rood ledge, I watched my target moves around in her chamber, it brought me memories of the days I used to see her in this manner. She was youthful then and the birth of her child,who was born early but remained well. Her husband, the young master had come back to her side, and the baby is the bond which binds them. I can see getting dressed to welcome her husband who now returns to her bedding. I prayed that mine will do so, but the scar is too deep to heal by itself back to normal. It turns him off and he avoid me. But the time to act is now.

I crept along the ledge and was down scaling the pillar to the upper levels. I tracked my silent steps to the door which will open me to the inner chamber. She sleep soundly and was breathing very heavy due to her early birth. I removed the ribs cover with my left hand while my right hand reached for my dagger. I place the tip of the dagger on the child’s chest and closed my eye. It was to let my training takeover my body and conduct the moves.

The cry was all it took for me to release the dagger onto the servant’s neck. She surprised me with her entry and my reaction was to throw my dagger. Again, my right hand reached for my second dagger but the innocent eyes whose stare was bewitching held my draw of the dagger. It was that distraction which caused me to be stabbed in the back, the very same .spot I was hurt before. I turned around to face my attacker and slotted in my dagger into his ribs. I then flee to the door but it was blocked by a two more guards with drawn swords. I let off two more daggers which only one hit the left guard. I was then withdrawing further into the chamber until I saw my escape route; through a rear window. I landed on my legs but the wound on my back caused me to fall on my side. I l clutched my shoulder and ran across the garden. I know that this track will lead to the rear gate. I can hear the alarmed being raised and more guards can be seen alerted in the chambers. I reached the rear gate but i can see on all sides are guards approaching. But there was a small stream near the gate which I think flows out. I jumped into the stream and waddle on to the nearest bridge, There I remained to wait for the guards to cleared the area. I can hear them running on top of the bridge in both directions, but no one saw me. I decided to move on with the stream as its dark here compared to the inner garden now full lighted up. I half swim and waddle crossing over some bridges, until I came to a tunnel which a grill enclosure blocks the entrance. I can hear the sound of more stronger flow of water from the tunnel. I took out one of my dagger and scrape it against the foundation of the enclosure. Its corroded surface and constant pressure on the grating by the flowing water weaken the foundation,and soon I got one bar open. I squeezed myself through and hurting my wound more, but I was in the tunnel. I followed it until I came to the main river. From there, I just keep on swimming until I passed out from my exertions.

Mistress Camy

Thank the Gods, my baby is safe. I held her while she was crying from all the commotions which scared her. I saw the dead servant and guard. The guards are searching the ground now and then my husband, Mitchy came in. He was all concerned for his daughter and instruct the guards to be doubled immediately. I had then taken hold of the baby and was trying to soothe her down but he ignored me entirely. Did he not see me scared badly like the baby, or does he care for her only.

I turned to the dead bodies and saw the daggers on the side of the bodies. I bend down to looked at them and remembered them from someone I knew. She has a distinct design on her daggers; its called the assassin mark. I was furious then, among all assassins, she dares to be the one who will harm my baby. It was then, I find Mitchy’s arms around me. He whispered to me to be brave and care for the kid. I looked up at him and said; ‘I will see to it.’.

‘Who was it?’ I turned to see my husband’s father who came in his night robes. I ran to him and immediately he held me like his own daughter. I told him about the attempt but not the assassin. He can be told later. He need not know now. As I held him, my thoughts was on my family in Camlash. Since my  own family member has ordered the death of my kid, so be the lines be drawn. I will draw the sword on my family. What I cannot do alone, I will get help from those who will helped me.

CWE Book II Part 12

book 11

The outsiders

Part Vi

 By Jimmy Loong

This is a land lying in destruction, physical and spiritual. If the twisted railroads and the burned cities and the fields covered with the bones of dead men--if that were all, we could soon rise out of the destruction. But the hate that burns in old scars, and the thirst for revenge that has distorted men until they should be in straitjackets rather than in high office--these are the things that may make peace a sorry thing.

- Excerpts from Irene Hunt, Across Five Aprils, Ch. 12

X11

Braven

Its been six months now since the last battle with Emric and Conal. Damai has managed to contain the border well, with his men and as more of the settlers are moving to the new land. I have moved back to the north to be with my son, while Damai send for his family including Claudia. I don’t know whether to miss her or learn to live without her. As for Darius, I heard he speaks to his ‘mother’ much and spend time with the twins.

Since I have been back, for some reason I find myself with Jeane as she is always checking on her father’s health and also on the Lord. Soon I find myself talking to her on Darius and his welfare, as he was his mother for a period of time. But her biggest contribution was to joined Lydia in training the women on how to fight with weapons. She is a formidable lady with a purpose now in life again.

As for Darius, he is training the new recruits in the art of bow and arrow. His skills has improved and he is very adept at it. One day he even showed me his skill of shooting while riding on a horse. He had the horse reins in his mouth for control when he shoots his arrow at the target. I told him to train the men in this new warfare and formed his own column. He was ever happy to do so.

One late night, when the whole settlement was resting or sleeping, I find myself very much awake. I had the lamps lighted up so I can read the reports, although it was tiring as my eyes are not as good as before. Soon I myself joined by Jeane, and she offered to read them to me. As she was reading the reports, I find myself looking at this woman who is now all alone here. She has learned to adapt to her new life, and as a warrior before, she choose not to complained of the discomfort.

‘You think you want to stare at me or listen to these reports.’

‘My apologies, Lady Jeane. I was distracted by the gleam on your hair. I am so sorry for that.’

‘And I thought I had more than my hair to attract you.’ She looked at me and smiled. I don’t what was there to say. I been fighting for over twenty years and not seen any comfort in any woman’s arm for so long. The only one I had is now probably in the arms of another who loves her.

‘Jeane, I am an old man. There are many others who can offer you the life you want. In fact, I think I am more than ten seasons order than you.’ I wanted to hold her but I think she needed more than I can offer.

‘There are, but they are not Darius’ father. You are old, and I think I like older man more. My previous lover was old too; older than you. Its not your love I seek; its only your warmth.’ She was in my arms and I was soon holding her to protect her from the outside world. Perhaps this old man can offered her warmth after all she did take care of my son for so many years. And love may take time.

Darius

I was sitting by the shore line when Lydia caught up with me. She sat down next to me and looked at the same scene I was watching, the rising sun. I come here sometimes when I need to think and this was one of those days. I have said my goodbye to my mother of birth some time back, and till now she has not send me any messages. I seen my mother of care, now turning to my father’s tent at dark, and I wondered who do I call my true mother. I think I love both of them, but then again, I am not sure.

‘Darius, its okay for your Jeane to seek your father. I too seek mine on some nights.I mean men to share my bedding or mine in theirs. Its a part of life as we get older. ’ Lydia has over the years learned to read my mind and thoughts. ‘You should too, if you open your arms more. I know of many young maidens who will welcome you. So will their parents to have you as their son.’

‘Lydia, you are as bad as Signar. How can you think of such things?’

‘Signar; may the Gods has mercy on his soul. He was never my lover. I would had died under his weight...’ That caused us to laugh.

True, I have my admirers too like Lydia said, but I have not made my choice as yet. Some of my peers are already with families and some are about, but not me. I am still searching for the right lady, and she may not be here. I tried to get Lydia to be married once and she almost threw me out of the home we shared. She is very adamant to remain as she is and without a burden. But to me she is like my elder sister, very much older and wiser. And I am to her the nearest the kin they can called as a brother.

‘Nay, I am not ready as yet. I liked my mothers. They are nice and kind but I am not ready for any woman in my life. But I wondered if Claudia can accept Jeane. You know...’

Lydia got up and said, ‘your father will decide and you got to train an army now. Be gone now.’

I left Lydia by the spot and went back to the settlement. Maybe she need sometime alone too.

Claudia

Its been some time since I joined my husband with his twins. We are now staying at one of the forts on the borders. Its so close to home and yet so far to reach. The fort is much build larger than normal to housed the five thousand men we have here now, and its wall are made from stones and not woods anymore. Damai has named the fort; ‘The Stronghold’ as he predict it can hold up any attacks. He has aged since we last met and he still missed his friend Signar. He only stares at the daggers which he keeps with him on his pouch.

But since I have been with him, I feel a lot safer and comfortable. I do feel safe in the northern settlement even with Genus, and we do spend time talking together with Darius, but its not the same anymore. Darius is an adult now and he does not need his mother, unlike his step brothers here. I do asked about my father and brother, but Damai tells me there is not much to tell. My father is back in command but my brother is in Red Hill. I pleaded with Damai not attack or attempt any assassination on him and he said it not for him to decide, but he did promised me he will not plan any.

Today, Damai came back early to the chambers. I served him his drink and was about to hang up his sword when he spoke to me.

‘Your father send for you. You will be allowed safe escort to the city and also allowed to come back. He also said you can bring the twins.’

How did he know? It was a mistake to come to the border.

Domo

He asked me and I had to tell him.

There was no threat to my life or anyone, but he was getting old and he wanted to see her. He also now knew about her husband’s current whereabouts and the twins. He said he did not blamed me for not killing Damai, but was thankful. But he wants to see his daughter again and her kids. I was to arrange it all and that include safe passage for them. I am a loss as I am concerned on his sanity; if he changed his mind, the daughter and grandkids will die.

But his request went out before he saw me. He knew I would agreed and even if I said no, he would had done it anyway. Now I have much to do. I need to informed my other Lords. There are other precautions to take like posting spies on Red Hill to avoid any stupid moves from there.

And also I need to plan their routes so that they can be safe. I have to get guards I can trust with.

Lord Camlash

In my life, I have many mistresses, but only two daughter. In my rage, I banished one of them from here, and today, she is standing there before me, with her kids. She has grown older but she has the looks of her mother. The twins came up to me and wished me well. I held out my hands to hugged them and kissed them as if they are my own. In fact, they are; it just I did not know they are until recently.

‘Sit, Claudia. We have much to speak.’

And we did; all four of us for a long night. Canaan joined in later and soon the children were friends;. I wished we were the same in our age. Soon I send the mother and child to sleep in Canaan’s chamber, and I also doubled the guards. None shall harm my family unless I allowed it.

When come morning, I pleaded with her to stay but she declined.

‘No, father. I need to go back to my life. You were not there for a long time, and it won’t change with one meeting.’

‘Claudia, I know. And I do not want to stop you. But the next time we meet, we may be not as close anymore. There is a war coming, and your husband has choose his loyalty to the other side. I hope he fares well.’

‘I will, father, as I have been for the last years without you. Take care of Conal. He needs a good father.’

I wished her all the best and send them off. I then told my servants to remove the beddings and tables which my daughter and her sons has used. They are to be burned, like the same personal effects of Claudia many seasons ago. I have only one daughter now and she is in Lord Micha’s care.

Conal

I did not know I had a stepsister, who is now the wife of the man who defeated me in the battle. This is unreal and cannot be allowed. I looked at Dina and she nodded her understanding of my required action.

Now I got an old man who needs to talk to me. And I have a lot of questions. Families history is bad if we do not know who we had sired and may meet in the Empire.

Dina

I packed my daggers and was about to leave when I looked at the reflection from the smooth metal face.

I see not a young girl, but a fully adult lady. Most ladies my age are now married or with families, and yet I am still riding across the land to carry our murderous acts. I have prayed for the other life, but the circumstances prevailing does not permit. Even my master now speaks to me when needed and does not share my bedding. I am back to be his guard, but he forgets I care about him. Or he does, but that care is of the duty and not feelings.

Now he asked me to do a job for him which involved his family and yet he does not show any griefs. He is a better person than I am in this game. We should exchange bodies and let this one be run by his mind.

My thoughts was disrupted by the servant who tells me my horse is ready. And so are the men I am bringing along. Its going to a long ride and I will be ready then.

It was then the pain came and I could not stand at all. Its been like this since I lost the child. The physician I attended to cannot tell me what is wrong.

Damai

She is late, and I am concerned. I am waiting here at the rendezvous point with my personal squad of ten men. Domo and I agreed that she will be delivered safe to here by the guards and then I can takeover from here. Now I trust not the old man as they are late..

Then the attack came.

The arrows took my men by surprised and they all went down. I turned my horse to escape but I find my path locked by two men with drawn swords. To my right, coming out of the bushes was the bowmen; all four of them. And then she came out on her horse, riding towards me. If not my experience and training, I would not had deflected the daggers thrown at me with my shield, but it drew to pull out my own sword. When she rode passed by me, I swung my sword at her but it missed her. She rode past to stop just behind me, I turned my body to faced her, just in time to deflect another oncoming daggers, but one was to find the back of my left thigh. I then had to ducked to avoid some arrows aimed at me.

I am in a trap here and I can’t fight them all. I need to escape fast,as the wound is not fatal, but I am losing blood. I then decided to rush the two swordsmen with my horse; and when  near them I kicked out my legs at them. They did hit my horse who is still able to run. It won;t be far as I can feel her weakening. I did not turn back to see the attackers, but I did ride on for a distance.

Then I remembered the oncoming carriage of my wife and children. I dismounted in the nearby forest and made my way back on foot. I do not know what did happened but I saw the carriage came rushing out in fast riding with a few personal guards around it. I saw back at the place of ambush, there were some fighting going on and I see them personal guards there wining. I decided then to turn back to my border and my men.

Dina

The carriage arrived just as we were clearing the grounds of the dead bodies, but they came in riding fast.They were supposed to be delayed at the tavern which I have bribed the owner to delay them with drinks and food. But they are here now ahead of my planned schedule.

The personal guards in the fore of the carriage was engaged with my men using their swords and lancers. There were twenty of them and I am outnumbered. I turned my horse and rode off in the opposite direction while my five men fought it out. I turned back in time see the carriage riding pass the ambush place accompanied by the remaining personal guards.

I reined in my horse and took out the bow. I shot off an arrow which went through into the carriage compartment. I then rode off for the forest line to escaped my attackers.

Damai

I saw the assassin with the bow and arrow. When the person there shot the arrow, it was  coming towards the carriage. It did struck through the window of the carriage but the carriage did not stop. I ran out and waved at the oncoming personal guards escorting the carriage.

The stopped for me and picked me into the carriage. I saw my family safe and one arrow was seen on the wall of the inner wall inside the carriage. Claudia was relieved to see me and she related her dearly in the tavern, until the commander was suspicious of the feast given without the need to pay. So he ordered them to move out and ride fast. It was then they saw the assassins clearing the dead bodies.  She thought I was among them but the driver was ordered to to stop for anything. When she looked out for me, she saw the assassin on the horse shooting at them with the bow. She jumped onto the children to shield them. The arrow did hit the place she was sitting on.

I was relief that children were safe and so was she. Its not a daily affair even for an army officer like me to see their family at risk.

The carriage was met further up when they rode into one of my outpost. There my men immediately took us to their care and released the personal guards of Domo. The guards described the leader of the attackers as a lady with daggers.

I said I know,as I got one in my thigh and two in my pouch.

CWE Book II Part 11

X1

Prime Leader Romus

To lose a battle is nothing new, but to lose when one’s ally is no helping much was not acceptable. I send a strong protest to Lord Camlash, but instead I got was a reply from his cowardly son. He denied the charges and said my men was at fault with a weak strategy. He also claimed the Outsiders did not fight fairly as in any battle. If the young master was in front of me, he would had lose more than his writing hand. To Emric, my assigned leader; I had him send to the West to restored his confidence and strength, while I will lead the next battle.

‘We lost again, my Prime.’ I did not see  the Grand Lord coming into my hall, which is very unusual as its always me who patronize his hall.

‘Yes, Grand Lord. We lost to a smarter foe and a foolish young leader who run at the sight of losing.’ As I was speaking, my hand was clenching the written reply from the young master.

‘Speak not of that, Romus. Master Conal rule the city now while his father is in ‘retirement’. He may be your Grand Lord one day. But not today for sure. I came to see you to offer my help. I give you a column of my men; say twenty five thousand with five thousand archers and lancers. Do your revenge but win this war for the Empire.’

With that the Grand Lord was walking out of my hall assisted by his servants. I remained with my head bowed until I can hear no more of their steps. Then I looked out the window to see the setting sun. It will be over my dead body if the young master will to become Grand Lord.

‘Ream, let me read your plans. Your stay with the Eastern people may give me some ideas which can turn the tide of the war. From your report, you tell me of their unconventional tactics and we will see if it can work here.’

I send Ream to the over the range to the other empires to seek knowledge and alliance. He was away for over a year now. And he came back not alone but with a group of warriors who has been training the Praetorian in the new art of war. We have come to a new age now.

Lord Camlash

Truly in this world, despite my age, I am still to handle my son’s issues. And this one is not new but bigger in numbers. Conal has done no wrong to bring back his defeated army, but he should not had condemned the Senior Praetorian. Its a sad thing when we had the two sides on conflict. I must pacify the issue soon.

Today, I hear of my daughter is in conflict with her husband again despite a short time of reconciliation. I fear she can be the next issue to create problems between her husband and Granus. To make matter worse, she is with a child but the rumors is that its neither of them who is the father. I am at loss to this children of mine; all schemers and doing things which can destroy my dream. Except for my grandson who is ever nice to be with. His smile can rub away all my woes and his laugh can be heard daily.

I have a guest in the form of Domo, my faithful adviser.

‘You seek me, Domo. How can you manage these steps at your age? I find difficulty with mine.’

‘I am old, my lord; and I have able servants to carry me. Like yours, they served as my legs.’ A fair answer as he does not want to say I am a crippled while he is old and weak.

‘Tell me your concern of this visit.’ I reached for the piece of fruit to pass to my grandson, who is standing next to me. We enjoyed the fruits every morning while watching the flowers bloom.

‘Its your son, Conal. He is back and causing trouble again. Not only has he insulted the Praetorian, he also removed the Generals Marcus of his last battle. That general is from Lord Giantus, and not ours to remove. He has to be stopped.’ Poor Domo was on his knees although supported by his servants, he does looked very sincere in his pleading.

‘I know and I will take care of it. I have pacified Giantus and would do the same for the Praetorian. Be gone and rest well, my adviser.’

I signaled the end of the meeting and had my servants escort the Adviser and his servants out of my hall.

Conal, you need some lessons in the art of leadership. And some humble teachings.

‘Come, Canaan. I got a story to tell you. Its called the story of the ‘Fruits in the Garden’ The story goes likes this. There was a lovely valley which one farmer found was good to plant some fruits he liked. So he did with one single tree. It grew well and give him many fruits. But it soon became old and decay stepped in. So the farmer loved the fruits so much that he pruned it, dug the ground and nourished it. ‘

‘One day, new branches came to sprout. Over a period of time the tree became large and fruits soon appeared. But part of the tree was dying, so the farmer grafted with other similar fruit trees. As he was concerned on his new grafted tree will die, he transplanted the young branches to other areas in the garden and they all grew well. But the trees fruit was not all the same, some was sweet and some sour. So the farmer removed those branches which grew the sour fruits, and keeping the ones which grew the sweet ones.’

‘But the tree eventually ended growing all sour fruits. In despair, he wanted to cut off the trees but his love for the fruits was there. So he grafted more trees and hope to see them grow. They started again the whole garden and soon the trees gave him sweet fruits again. But he was sad that he may see his trees grow sour fruits again, so he said to himself, one day I may have to destroyed all that I have done.’

‘Grandfather, can I taste the sweet fruit?’

‘I don’t know, Canaan, as the garden is mine, but I trust not my trees which I grow in it. Maybe you could be the newly grafted branch, or I may have to let it die before the fruits turned to poison in me.’

‘Then Grandfather, you are not a good farmer at all.’ The child slept in my arm, but I slept in the arms of the farmer who decides my fate.

Conal

How dare the man removed my power over the army? He must be mad in his age. I am the commanding officer and none may take my place. He even refused to see me in his hall; dismissing me like his servant. I am his son, and his rightful heir. I cannot take this humiliation, so I am now moving to stay at the retreat in Red Hill. I have not been there, but I know its a nice place. But first I need to remove the current patron of the place. I can move her back, but that will be getting her closer back to her son. No, I will move her elsewhere. I know the place to send her to. After all, she can be my representative on my behalf. So be it, and I will send the needed messages.

I looked in at Dina who is still now recuperating from her wound. She has done well, although she removed about half of them, but I was told that one of them was a revered leader. His death overshadowed the victory; sad but good for the men to know this. But I heard stories that he was one of my men, which made him a traitor to the Lord. So be it, traitors shall be removed by any means including murder.

‘Rest, Dina. I will see you in the morning.’ I left her in her chamber for the servants to dressed her wound.

Dina

He leaves me here again, for once but since I came back with this wound. The wound may heal but not the scar. And its the scar he disliked to see on my body; a reminder of his own scars being imprisoned by his father. But he does not see the scar of my heart which need healing for all I did was for him.

Is it truly that man are without feelings? I will let time tell me soon, and if its true, may my training work for me against my beliefs.

The master has asked to formed a team of my own from his men. I will do just that as per his request. But I will select the men whom I can trust, and their loyalty is to me.

.

Mistress Kimi

Since the Prime Leader, my godfather Raihan left here, I am alone to my thoughts. If not for Shiven, I would had been more depressed, but he did cheered me at times. We are cautious in our words and gestures as to avoid the wrong perception by us or the servants. So we speak or meet only in their company or in the open areas like the Inner Garden. Since the last incident, we never mentioned it, nor do we dare to repeat it. But today, I got news of my new home in the city of Lord Giantus as special envoy of Lord Camlash. Its often the close family member are appointed to such positions, and they are also known as hostages. But this is a rare case of a daughter in law to be given the honor. Shiven was to move with me, as my personal guard. Then I am not so sad as he will be around me and I can feel safe.

I missed Canaan and I do get news of him from the loyal servants that he is well and happy with the old man. I hoped he will grow well and be a man like his father.

As for my loyal subjects, there has been more news of their development and I am happy to see that one day my father’s name will be called on for their fight to freedom.

Shiven

I do not know what to expect in the new city, as the one I lived in To date was at Lord Camlash. But the new city may promise more interesting developments and new friends. Here in Red Hill, the pace of life has been slow like the flowers which bloom here; you see them daily and nothing happens to them until they wither and dropped off. I want to see more than this place, but I also feared them as there are many things I do not know of out there.

We were on the road to the new place came the next dawn, leaving our place of comfort of over a year now. I prayed we may meet some assassins or bandits, as I need to break some bones to escape my boredom. But my prayers was unanswered by the Gods.

Mistress Camy

I disliked being told to stay in the chambers, not when the weather outside is nice and warm. I don’t care what the physician says about my health, as I know it better than they do. I know I am with a child, but its too early to be a burden to my movements, so why can;t I move outside like I used to do. Moreover he cares not for his child; he even accuses me of carrying Granus’s child. I do not know he can think of such, and if not for his father, I would had died by his beatings. I was with Granus but we were not long together, not so much in the beddings anyway. But I remembered telling my husband some time after we reconciled that I was with his child. I am sure its his as I was not with Granus that long. But he disbelieves me and ran to his other mistresses who adores his visits.

But I am a woman, and once scorned remain ever defiant to fight back. This child will be born and he will find his own father soon. And it may not be his true father, but the father who will adore him as a son. And helped him win back his city and land.

But now I need to go out and see the sun, even if I have to kill the servants and guards.

‘Father, I did not see you earlier. Pardon me, for my lack of manners.’ I did not expect to be disturbed by the old man.

‘None taken, my daughter in law. I was in the garden too, and I saw you coming in. How are you?’ My father in law, Grand Lord and Lord of this city, Micha of lately walked with a walking stick and sits often more than walk.

‘I was bored, so I came out to walk.’

‘Mitchy’s mum was the same. She would not stay in the chamber when she was with him. She insist on being with me at the Hall and discussing with the advisers. Perhaps you are like her. Care to join me for a short walk? I am sure no one will disturb us.’

I am beginning to think this old man likes me more when I am with his grandchild inside me. We will walked and talk, and perhaps get to know each other better.

‘So tell me, father; how goes the war now with the Outsiders?’

We do need a topic to speak on, so why not the ongoing war. Its a long war after all, and more should be done to end it soon. Isn’t that what mistresses hope for in their Lords’ arms.