synopsis

Scotland 1068
The magic continues ...
The secret son of Merlin was separated from his family by the legacy of a spell
lost at a time when the Earth was good, green and perfect, when
there was a place called Camelot ...
Truan Monroe was created as an orphan on an island in the Irish Sea, but its
life is shrouded in mystery: it is also a valiant warrior, and has
amazing magical powers. A startling vision of the past
Truan carries through a time portal to a realm of mists
and castles, knights and wizards, wars and lost secrets.
A fragile strand binds the fate of Truan to the beautiful woman he would one
day was in arms. Passionate, Amber follows Truan through the centuries
for that fantasy world, but also dangerous, as a cruel
trap can separate them forever ... unless that love wins out
battle against an evil force, as ruthless as the passion!


Quinn Taylor Evans
SHADOWS OF CAMELOT






Part I SHADOWS

Chapter I
Spring 1068
Forest Camden, West Country

A squirrel, who collected acorns in the thick carpet of the forest floor,
abruptly jumped into the trunk of a gnarled oak tree, squealing,
alarmed. A rabbit stood on paws, ears twitching
nervously as an ebony crow, disturbed in his
assault on a neighbour's nest, let out a loud squawk and flapped his wings.
A gray wolf entered the clearing.
It was sleek and powerful build and mingled in the shadow of
forest. Her eyes were black as night and glowed when he stopped
and sniffed the cool morning air, looking for a smell.
The rabbit was released into the hollow trunk. Safe in the high branches,
the squirrel popped his teeth as the crow let out a squawk and flew
at grazing to defend the feast of eggs in the nest plundered
looted.
The wolf ignored not only the noisy complaints Squirrel as well as the air strikes of the crow; long
ears rushed
forward when sniffed a different smell coming from the edge of
forest. Smell of people.
The black eyes glittered. The wolf crossed the clearing in long strides,
abandoning the easy rabbit hunting, to approach the new prey.
The sky was cloudless, an intense shade of blue under a sun
Incandescent, who was long forgotten past winter.

At the top, of a lark chirped fields, clear sound and music in
Amid the lazy buzzing swarm of bees in Rhododendron
rape. As an invisible hand, the breeze caressed the high grass
meadow, bringing with it the sound of conversation and laughter of children.
Wagons and carts post is empty beneath the thick canopy of redbuds
and alders. Nearby, the horses were tied up, dozing eyes
closed under the trees, shaking occasionally to Tails
away the flies.
Food baskets, barrels of wine and barrels of dark beer brought from
castle had been placed under the trees, waiting for the return of
hunters and the noon meal. There were long tables too low
brought the castle. Women talking in low voices, the watchful eyes
in older children, who were playing battle some distance.
Occasionally sounded a laugh.
Old Meg stretched from his nap, awakened by a voice
distant he felt, more than heard, like an echo of remembrance to
same time old and new.
Instinctively, opened blind eyes, though guided more by the sounds around you.
At first tranquilized with conversations
calm and cheerful laughter of children. Did not indicate danger. same
thus was unable to ignore a sudden chill in the warm spring air.
Although if he did hear a sound, she felt movement beside her
when the girl, Amber, rose suddenly.
Guided by that inner sense which was his vision, she reached
thin and heavy hand of veins as though he had sight and gently grabbed the
thin arm of the girl.
- What is it, girl?
The answer, not in words is heard Kaden, the young master came
expressed, but by connecting the thoughts of the girl with the
her. Amber could not speak. He's chasing butterflies.
Years before, just Amber survived the brutal massacre of his village
the entire Nordic invaders. Cruelly abused by his captors,
she was found cowering in the burned ruins of his hut
family. Wounded in body and spirit, retreated to within a
world of silence.
Only one person was able to attract the girl out of your world
Sad painful memories and make her smile again. The handsome young
boy who was the jester, Truan Monroe.
Truan had become friends with Amber, alleviating their sadness with
Simple tricks, flowers that appeared in the air or coins taken from behind
ear, and won their confidence, although the girl did not trust
anyone.
with Truan, she felt safe and protected. They shared jokes and
he told him stories that evoked smiles in the face of that nonsense
said. Meg, however, suspected, with that fantastic sense of things, that there was more in Jester
he let others see, some secret hidden from everyone.
So something happened between the two and friendship suddenly
ended, and Amber had retreated back to sadness.

The joy and fragile hope had turned into pain and sorrow
once again, do not laugh and playful as before. Truan Monroe,
, wizard of sleight of hand and jokes courageous warrior still
worse, it was at most a terrible troubadour who could not
humming a single note in tune. A contradiction in itself. nothing
it seemed to be in Truan Monroe.
Beside Meg, the thin arm of Amber broke away from the hand grip
old. This instantly felt joy, as if the girl laughed loudly.
The butterflies flew away, out of his reach, Amber said, by
through the connection of his thoughts.
- Wise Creatures - Meg replied So amended, with concern
increasing: - Do not let him wander away. - Well knew the
curiosity and the temperament of the child. Out babysit his mother, Lady
Vivian.
a year and a half, Kaden was a robust and lively boy, taken from
natural curiosity about the world around them deadly and growing
aware of his unusual heritage. Even now, as I was blind, the
Old felt the child moving away purposely away, guided by
that curiosity. Amber also felt troubled by stubborn
Boy.
I'll bring you back before you go too far. It's almost time for men
return.

In the mind of the girl, Meg raised the hope that it might have a
moment alone with Truan Monroe, now after her return from their land,
beyond the Irish Sea. Spent many weeks there and returned for reasons
not revealed to anyone.
Stephen Lord simply told that while he could serve,
leaving him when deemed necessary. As a pilgrim warrior.
The boy ran in pursuit of a bright blue butterfly, which
fluttered just beyond your reach, on the edge of the meadow.
Every time he almost reached the butterfly escaped a course
lazy zigzag, as if guided by some sort of instinct
fantastic for self-preservation.
Finally disappeared in the woods that bordered the limits of
meadow. with a crystalline laugh, the child followed her, completely
ecstatic.
Kaden, wait!

As naturally as if uttered the words formed in
thoughts of Amber, but no left, no matter how much she
he tried. Frustrated, lifted the hem of her skirt and ran after the boy.
It was just a few yards ahead and wore a tunic Dark blue
and decorated with silver wire as his father's pants. her hair
black glittered with bright shades of copper, inherited from the mother.
The forest was cold without the warmth of the sun seeping through the trees. Kaden
led her to a fun hunt. Amber, however, finally reached
and, as always, thought impossible to be angry with him.
Hid a smile behind a serious expression when approaching the boy. Kaden was balanced on strong
legs, the
focused attention on something that had on him a great
fascination. A butterfly, no doubt.
Kaden had not yet learned the fragility of such fine things. More than one
Reckless butterfly had been crushed by their enthusiasm to hold it and
show it to her mother.
He had the heart of a poet and the temperament of a warrior. The
poet would be devastated if the butterfly succumbed. And Amber, then, would
deal with tears, and did not know what was more persuasive: if the laughter
bars or the tears that streamed down the remarkable blue eyes
Boy, when something made him sad.
When approaching behind Kaden, she saw what had his attention
fascinated, and blood suddenly froze in his veins.
The wolf lurked just beyond the clearing, the gray bristly hair of the neck, the
Fixed head down between the powerful shoulders, the dark look and deadly
in children.
The air froze the lungs of Amber. A cry tore him the mind,
but no sound was formed in his throat. Only inches
distance, Amber fought against terror and panic, certain that any
sudden movement could make the wolf attack.
Come to me, Kaden. The words repeated time after time in his
brain. Please, come to me!
It was not the child, but the wolf that raised the fixed and gloomy look of a
split second to look at her as if she had heard. So, it seemed that
smiled at her, his tongue hanging to the side of the mouth, showing the
rows of gleaming teeth.
Kaden then turned and stared at her wide-eyed, with trusting innocence. In his childish babble,
murmured the word
"Dog" without realizing that the deadly creature that only the Post
few steps away from it was not one of the hunting dogs of his father,
trained to be tolerant of possessive little hands and fingers
boisterous.

There was nowhere to hide, nowhere safe. The only
chance was to run. Amber reached out slowly for the child and made
a signal to get in close, careful not to make any
sudden movement. In plain language of signs that you Meg
taught, begged the boy to come to her.
He hesitated, pointing to the wolf and repeating the word "dog". Amber
nodded, using familiar signs to explain that he should
away.


He knew that the boy understood, because this turned to the wolf and smiled
Kids with malice, testing it, oblivious to the dangerous game he did. then
turned back to her and held out her arms.
Amber had a moment to act and took Kaden's arms. in
seconds, the wolf would be upon them. Grabbed the child firmly against
his chest, turned and ran.

Fired blindly toward the meadow. Branches of trees and shrubs
Strong tore her clothes and embarrassed in her hair. she
felt a sharp sting on the face and bent his head over the
boy to protect him. Behind him he heard the animal to move by
bushes, chasing them.

Amber stumbled, almost fell, and regained his balance. his lungs
burned. Every muscle screamed as she forced herself to continue
running, knowing that if I stopped or fell, the wolf immediately
jump over both. Then through tears and matted hair, Amber saw the sunshine
that filtered through the treetops and the bright green of the meadow.
with a silent sob, grabbed Kaden so hard against him that
boy shouted. A branch curled up on her skirt. She tripped and fell
on one knee. As he struggled to his feet, he heard the animal soon
ago.

The wolf lunged at the back of your legs. The shock threw it
to the ground. Amber tried to scream, but no sound came out. They were so close
camp, and yet, no one could hear them. Then, when
the deadly fangs to cut, she bent over the child, protecting it
with the body.

Amber felt excruciating pain. He closed his eyes tightly, trying to
block sensations. The pain gradually gave way to a cold
increasing that led beyond suffering.

Saw the wolf that attacked her and heard the fierce and terrifying sounds she made.
Seemed almost a cruel laugh. But nothing else felt. The
darkness penetrated to the borders of his vision.

Then he noticed a new sound in the forest, a fierce and terrible howl of rage
which became louder and closer. The wolf stopped his attack.
Amber slowly opened his eyes, almost unable to breathe, such was
pain and terror. Just a few steps away, two wolves
docked in a deadly battle.

She immediately recognized the gray wolf that attacked her. his fur
seemed lifeless near the gleaming black hair like the other night
animal.

The two creatures were of similar size and strength and used
of wit and speed as it docked, fighting, falling and
and then rolling back to his feet in a tangle of legs
plaited and sharp teeth tore pieces. Then, as
if maddened by the smell and taste of blood, the attack became
more desperate and ferocious.

Suffocated beneath her, Kaden cried, her terrified screams
amounted to frenzy harsh sounds, growls and roars that filled the
forest. So Amber heard a wild and frantic cry. There was a
human scream, but the scream of a wounded animal.
Through the haze of growing darkness, she saw the wolves to depart from
suddenly. They stood face to face for a moment, with ears
stuck against the heads, wide mouth, pulled back on the prey,
sides heaving under the bloodstained skin. Then the gray wolf
slowly receded.

Very limp and yet refused to shrink the tail and run. only
when we arrived at a safe distance and under dense cover
the trees, the creature turned and disappeared.
Amber stared at the black wolf and a new fear seized her. The animal turned
slowly and came toward her.

Crossed the clearing in long, powerful strides. The sun that filtered
treetop gleamed in his black coat, giving
impression of being surrounded by a bright golden light.
Seeing him get closer, head down, his penetrating gaze locked
her, Amber grabbed the child tightly to her chest and tried
desperately to crawl to safety.

No!, Your shouted silent thoughts. His last strength to
abandoned, and the darkness of unconsciousness engulfed her.
Do not be afraid.
Amber was not sure he had heard the words or imagined as the
creature bent on it.
The light expanded. The shadows of the forest disappeared. The last thing
Amber saw that the wolf was a gloomy ferocious animal with black hair
gleaming, piercing eyes.

Approached her, that predatory and sinister walking, jumping by
circle of light. But the creature that emerged slowly took another form.
Framed by the light, walked toward Amber, hidden features
in the shadows. The last thing she saw where the wolf had been. was a glance
deadly and pervasive, long black hair that fluttered around
broad powerful shoulders and passed a predatory man.

- You're safe now, do not let anything hurt her.

The words seemed to be whispered by the trees on high as the
fluctuate around Amber. Then his eyes slowly closed.
There was no fear or pain. As darkness.






Chapter II


- She can not hear you - Vivian said gently, as if Truan
Amber leaned over. - You are in a place where no mortal voice
can reach it.
Vivian looked at the warrior through the fur-covered apple. he rode
as if all the hounds of hell pursue the frantic trip
back to Camelot with the girl cradled in her arms.
His shrewd blue eyes met his. Outside the behaviour
Fool, and the emotions they were naked in anguished expression
Fine features.
- It will survive? - Truan asked.
- The wounds were deep - Vivian answered with entire
honesty, because there was no certainty of life, even with
their powers. - There was a lot of blood loss. I'll do what I can.
Truan reached out and grabbed her wrist, the anguished expression.
Taken by surprise, Vivian flinched and tried to pull away. However,
even with his extraordinary powers, was impossible. It was far
stronger than her.

- Will she live? - Truan asked again, and Vivian felt that even
the answer was no, he would never accept.
The brutal encounter in the forest was shocked and saddened everyone. between
who hunted in the forests near Camelot for many years, no one
remembered having found a wolf.
A warrior approached the mace. Wore leather tunic, pants and
boots as the other warriors who had hunted that day. However, the
mantle on his shoulders was a beautiful dark blue. The blue of the royal house of
Anjou.
- The lady is my wife, warrior - he reminded Truan. - I
I value each bone of the wrist. I understand your concern for
girl but will be of little help to get hurt the only person who can
help her. Additionally, later, be forced to break your neck.
Rorke Fitzwarren, chancellor of the English king William exchanged by the arc,
lance and spear, more effective weapons against wild pigs and bush
deer. But it was a forged on many battlefields warrior
including the Battle of Hastings, nearly two years before, when the king
Saxon Harold II, was defeated, which led to the conquest of England by
William of Normandy, the Conqueror.
- Just - Vivian said both. - No time for that. - looked
for Truan. - The girl saved the life of my son - said gently. -
I feel compelled to save her. It is the touch of a healer she
need, sir, but I cannot help it, break my arm.
Another warrior stood beside the Truan.
- I myself experienced its healing powers, my friend. If someone
can save her, Lady Vivian is because their powers
are great. I carry the scars are proof of that. need trust
it, because there is no certainty, unless Amber die without
this.

Stephen de Valois, the king's son and now lord of Camelot, spoke so
convincingly and without threats. The two men had fought together against
Malagraine and powers of darkness in the past recent months. The loop
friendship and trust established through the blood shed in
Battle was a strong bond.
Truan's eyes never left Lady Vivian. No threat
her husband nor the combined strength of ten warriors could do
him to let go. However, that look as blue as his own,
saw tenderness, compassion and honesty. Finally, his fingers loosened.
- She must live! - Said; his voice almost a whisper, full of anguish
desperate.
Vivian rubbed his aching wrist. He had failed to get rid of until the Truan
loose. That was very unusual. Equally unusual was not
access to the thoughts of the warrior as he had so easily to the
others.
Truan's thoughts were strangely hidden it behind
some impenetrable wall through which Vivian could not see.
But there was no hiding the emotions exposed in fierce sense of
protection he showed to the girl.
Vivian's sister, Cassandra, had spoken of the connection with the girl Truan
Monroe. Only he was able to make the girl smile and rejoice
again after he had first come to Camelot. but some
something had happened between them, and to avoid Truan spent Amber
away from where a chance encounter left them alone.
No one could figure out why. The girl was admired by all
Camelot. In recent months, a matured girl suffered
for a young woman of rare beauty and grace.
While trapped in a world of silence caused by tragedies
suffered, she communicated through the use of sign language that
Meg taught him.
Children of Camelot, like children everywhere, sometimes
judged frustrating to adults understand them. The language of
hands of Amber gave them the ability to communicate in another
manner. Even some of the warriors and knights forged in battle
were seen to communicate with their hands, what they thought was a means
Efficient transmit messages silently.
However no matter what indicate acts of Truan months
past, the emotions that Vivian saw showed that he liked
deeply the girl.
- Can I stop the excessive flow of blood and close the wounds - she
explained gently, trying to give you hope. - Will relieve the pain of
so she can not feel anything, and keep in a deep sleep to
to recover his strength. This is the easy part.
Truan frowned to face her. I knew it was not an easy task. she
smiled softly. Then the smile faded, replaced by a frown
who joined her delicate eyebrows over dark blue eyes.
- But I can not give life where there is no, or call her
back when it is. This is the burden of power I possess. It is both a
gift as a curse. I can not give her the will to live. It
just Amber: a choice of heart and soul that she needs to do.
And those words, they both knew lay the fate of Amber. suffered
other when the family had been brutally murdered and his village
destroyed. In his shame, grief and guilt, was to wonder why
only she'd been spared, although he had not escaped the
brutality that others had suffered. Old Meg once
confided that the girl wished he had died that day not to have
to live with the shame afterwards.
- But she is alive now - Truan reminded her hopefully. -
It is certainly a good sign.

Vivian thought of William of Normandy, now King of England,
he lay dying, after the Battle of Hastings. Rorke
Fitzwarren ridden by England for two days to find it,
following the rumors about the fabulous healer, who was the only
that could save his master. Rorke had taken her and forced her to return
with him and heal the wounds of the Conqueror.
At the time, she hated William. He had taken all of his people in
Saxon conquest of England. But Vivian received much in return
through love and passion he had discovered with the man who was now
her husband, and the son, whose life saved Amber.
Apart from war and death, came the hope of the future. His family had
session, the powers of Darkness banished from the mortal world, and his father,
Merlin, freed from the curse that imprisoned in the world between
worlds.
However I felt that there was no peace to Truan Monroe, warrior
mysterious that crossed the Irish Sea and had pledged his sword to
Stephen service, months before. look through deep emotions, and
true thoughts remained hidden. There was something else that young and brave warrior
braver than we knew.

- Yes, it's a good sign - Vivian admitted, giving hope to Truan. -
Now bring the sails closer and let me see what needs to be
made.
Leaning on the gurney, she pulled the blanket that had wrapped in Truan
about Amber when found in the woods. Was drenched in
Blood.
Vivian practiced the art of healing throughout life. Born endowed with the
ability to stop the bleeding and amend the meat with touches
experienced hand, the power of the ages to flow through it in a kind
of healing energy that joined and sewed the edges of separate
wounds and mend broken bones, as it met the fragments
washer until the whole piece to stay stronger than before.
She stepped back to view the damage had been done, a heavy heart
painfully to feel with just a touch near the wound, how much
pain the girl had suffered to save his son.

Once, near London, Vivian had been attacked by a wild pig.
But this was a creature of Darkness, with unusual powers
almost destroyed. I was amazed to discover that the injuries
Amber were not different from those, precise cuts, methodical, made
not simply to maim and overthrow, but to kill and destroy.
Knew enough about animals to know that most did not attack
by evil, but killed only when hungry or afraid. such
not investing against human creatures and prefer to avoid them if possible.
Not satisfied with the first attack, the creature found the Amber
attacked time after time, in different locations, for pure pleasure.

Cassandra, now Lady of Camelot, brought a bowl of water
steaming with herbs. Although not possessing the skills Unique Vivian, had considerable knowledge
of potions and media
healing.

Cassandra been instructed in the treatment of diseases such as fever,
chill and scurvy, boils and the usual assortment of cuts, fingers
crushed and other wounds.
She blanched when the cloak was pulled, exposing the wounds.
- What kind of creature could have done such wounds?
- A wolf - Truan replied.
- These injuries are not of a wolf - Rorke said. - Were made
with a gun.
- I saw the animal-Truan declared.-was a wolf. Then disappeared in
shadows as if it had never been there. - It was the first time that
spoke of the meeting, recalled that another meeting in the forest, in
middle of a snowstorm.
That day, in the forest, he and Lady Cassandra had encountered
a creature of flesh and blood, mortal, but with the powers of Darkness:
a man who took the form of an animal and then disappeared into the
shadows. Truan knew the unspoken fear of Cassandra, that
creature had not died in the snowstorm, but that could somehow
form have survived.
- Surely it could not have gone - Cassandra said, her
serious expression and tone of voice telling him that she also
remembered.
- As if he had vanished into the air - Truan snapped. - Of meat and
bone for a moment, then disappearing as if it had become part
the mist.
- Everyone must leave now - Vivian ordered, taking control. - There
much to be done. - For the old Meg, who moved another potion of herbs in
fire, said: - Stay with me, I need you. - Then he turned
Truan to: - Let's. There is nothing you can do here. - When
he looked at the young pale and motionless, Vivian assured him: - I will send
news as soon as it is finished. - This time, it was she who held the
his hand in his, trying to give you comfort through your touch
dressing.
Truan immediately felt the gentle warmth that flowed and ran him over
skin, relieving the coldness of dread and fear. Without a word, returned if
to leave.
Alone with Amber, Vivian focused on power at its core, even
I felt him move inside. A violent stream flowed through their
veins, the power of Light to mend the torn muscles and nerves
where she played, stitching together the meat and leaving only a slight
pink scar where there had been injury.
Truan stopped at the bedroom door. He looked back at the club where
Amber lay still and silent, her golden hair spread
range, bare shoulders.
His blue-green eyes were closed. She did not woken since
he had found. His thoughts were closed at the bottom of the vacuum
a unconsciousness, where no pain or memory could achieve it.
Truan was wondering what Amber had seen in those last moments
when found and who would remember.
He turned and grabbed the sword and short dagger hunting. Already thinking about
back to that clearing of forest stained with the blood of Amber,
came out with certain steps.
Stephen followed him, shouting orders to his men. He stopped on the threshold of
door and glanced at Cassandra. One thought pervaded
between.
Nothing that Cassandra could say would prevent them from returning to the forest
now, but she found comfort in knowing that they were going together. trust in
Husband skill as a warrior. He faced the powers of Darkness,
risking his life to save her and her own unborn child. Truan was
like a brother to her. Saved his life before. Trusted him.
The wolf lifted his nose and sniffed the air. The mist clung to his
coat the tips of glistening black hair, bright eyes
set: between angular features.
Then he heard a noise: the breaking of a branch and the sound almost
imperceptible from a past in soft forest floor. Human sounds and
smell of people.
The black eyes glittered. The wolf turned and fired into the forest,
Following the smell, while an older than the time needed
warmed her blood: the need to kill ...
The candle flames flickered weakly. Cassandra looked up
when the warrior crept silently into the room and
followed him to the gurney where Amber was lying.
Fog droplets sparkled in the mass revolt of black hair that fell
on his shoulders. The stubble darkening his face. Fatigue is
showed the beautiful dreary features. His eyes a dark blue
dug into Amber.
It had been hours since her sister, Vivian, finished closing
the last of the wounds and applied the ointment dressings that, with the
time, would remove any trace of wounds. Then, exhausted, Vivian
off to her room in order to care for their child, Kaden, and ensure more
once that he was really good. Cassandra insisted on staying
with Amber.
The girl was pale under the layer of skin that protected against
cold of the night. Will stir up only once, when Vivian closed her
injuries, as if tormented with pain. Later, however, had been quiet
again.
- We will not speak of it to anyone, even - Vivian murmured before
leave. Cassandra understood their fears.
- You cannot know if her blood was poisoned - insisted
Cassandra. - Maybe it's a real wolf that attacked her. So, not
there would be cause for concern.
- I pray that I may be right, sister. But if it was a creature of
Dark the attack, there is a possibility that if the blood has
mixed with it, and it would be the same if the girl conceive a child of
Evil Cassandra shivered as he remembered again the meeting in the forest,
months before the brutal death of his half-sister, Margeaux, who had the
child torn from her body while she was still alive: a child
born with the blood of a mortal human and a creature of Darkness
flowing in his veins.
- The wounds are closed - muttered, in answer to
not formulated Truan when he stood beside the mace and looked
for Amber. - She is sleeping soundly. It is better for you
can regain his strength.
- Will she live?
Cassandra looked down at his hands, wondering how to respond
better.
- So it seems.
For the first time since entering the room seemed to relax Truan, the
fatigue to disclose on his face.
- You've been here all this time. You must be tired. She smiled
lightweight.
- Yes, and with some discomfort, but Vivian was on the verge of exhaustion and
Kaden had not seen yet, after our return. I told her that
would be with Amber. You came back safely.
- We both returned safely - Truan reported. Cassandra felt
disappointment. Had not found what they were looking at
forest.
- Then failed to find the wolf.
Silence was the answer. Cassandra was certain that they would return
to the forest until the animal was found.
- You spoke of discomfort. Not you? - Truan asked.
- It is a malaise that my son can remedy - she answered, with
a slight smile, blinking to run her hands over her breasts
swollen. - I was away from him for long. If I do not give him the
nurse, I'm afraid to burst. - His smile widened.
- I believe that your husband is able to offer some relief for your
discomfort - Truan said with candidness, the most relaxed ways,
Now it turns Amber was still alive and rested.
Cassandra burned cheeks flushing. The frankness with which the
men shared such things never ceased to admire it.
When his son was about to be born, Stephen, her husband,
had refused to leave the room, and turns the child into the world. insisted on
be the first to hold the child, moments after birth and still
covered in blood. Since then, in the privacy of your room, Cassandra
the discovered frequently to look with the same awe and humility
while she looked after the child.
- Do not be embarrassed - Truan said. - You are fortunate to have someone
with whom to share such feelings.
- You will also share such things with anyone ever - snapped
Cassandra.
The expression of Truan changed, the smile disappeared. He shook his
head.
- Never.
That was not said in anger, but in sorrow. Cassandra felt
Truan considered this to be his destiny. She laid her hand on his arm and
tried to feel his thoughts, but were closed to her.
- Your husband and your child hope, milady. Thank you for your kindness.
When she was Truan slowly approached the club where Amber
lay. Her breathing was regular and continuous. The color returned to his face, and
the skin was cold to the touch. Amber rested in peace, unless the
slight wrinkle that joined eyebrows, as if she was in pain.
He stroked his fingers furrowed lines, massaging them until
disappeared.
The skin under his fingers was like a warm satin feel the reburning
in his memory to remember the last time I touched her. In that brief
meeting, months before, Truan allowed, foolishly, that friendship is
turn into something more.
Unable to keep their hands off of Amber, incapable of deny them even more powerful desires that
roared within him, he
kissed. A kiss that never should have happened because of sadness
that had brought her and the suffering it caused. For a moment,
ceded to the feelings and emotions that dominated. feelings
impossible that still remained, but he hid from everyone.
Especially Amber.
However, as she lay there, fast asleep, oblivious to the pain and all
the further around, Truan could not help thinking about that kiss.
In your thoughts, created an image. Then, closing his eyes,
concentrated therein. When he opened them again, holding a pen in
hand. It was a brilliant shade of blue with lighter shades of green
the tips. The exact eye color of Amber.
Went from light pen over Amber's lips, wanting more.
If you kiss her now, she would not remember. Could not even know.
- Forgive me, Amber.
With these words, Truan apologize for much. Lies and
disguises, for what he was and could never be. Then he kissed her, slowly and
tenderly, putting his lips on hers, inebriating up until the
taste filled his soul as a souvenir.
Forgive me.
Truan fell asleep in the chair beside the brazier and dreamed. with wars and
battles with light and darkness, and a recurring image that seemed
out of the shadows and the mist: a creature carrying a parcel
teeth.
In his dream, he pursued the creature, which shrank, always escaping a few steps further. Finally,
Truan begun
shorten the distance and when he was almost within reach, turn the
creature was a magnificent black wolf.
The mist shone on the tips of his thick, dark hair. eyes also
dark glowed with a judicious and intelligent expression, as if
would share a secret. Then, the animal jumped away,
disappearing into the forest, leaving the package behind.


Truan knelt side and pulled the wrapping carefully
folds of bright blue fabric. A hand emerged, followed by
another, a small twitch fists in the air, as if the mantle
opened, revealing a naked baby.
Was a boy, strong and healthy, with thick black hair
molded hood a sleek dark, bright eyes, the color of the mantle.
Were keen eyes, old eyes, the truth of the ages and
promise of the future to look at him back.
In his dream, when Truan reached out to the child, the wolf
reappeared, tearing the child, wrapped once again in the mantle of
their reach. He stood up and, with drawn sword, out back
Wolf.

The animal had stopped at the edge of the clearing, the child wrapped in a blanket
tip of the powerful jaws. The black eyes of the wolf, the maw
spun back on dangerous teeth, it becomes a challenge
silent, mispronounce.
If you do not fear the darkness, then follow me ...









Chapter III

Tell me ...

The words are gone when Amber agreed. Gradually, the dream
also faded, until all she could remember was vague,
shrouded in shadow images that crept across the borders of their
thoughts. So, also disappeared.
Amber leaned up on one elbow, slowly. The fire burned in
hearth, casting a golden light on the walls. She recognized the
room as one of those on the second floor, above the main courtyard.
Then he saw the penalty.
It was a brilliant blue, the intense color to glow against the dark skin
covered the cot. When held up to the light, the green shone between blue.
Amber stared at her, wondering where it could have been because it is not
remembered having seen no down well among birds Hunting
Stephen Lord was creating. Then forgot to notice a pen heat
that seemed nestled under your feet.
He fumbled his fingers and felt a slight movement. Shuffled them again and
heard a squeal in response. A hairy-nosed appeared on the edge of the covers, followed by two
round eyes like
accounts.

Pippen. He was a like a bear animal, of dubious origin,
with a dark, smooth-haired, curly tail, sharp eyes who lost no
nothing and a mischievous disposition. Out created by Lady Cassandra from
small and considered most of Camelot, at least the vast
kitchens and pantries with its abundant food stocks, their
private domain. Food was her first crush.
Somehow, entered the room and had sunk under the covers to
her feet. Comfort was his second passion.

At any time of day, he could be found or Xere-ing between
drums and barrels in search of something edible, or burying
a cozy nest for a nap.
Amber fingers fumbled again, and immediately received a
Grumpy response Pippen, to be dislodged without ceremony
its hot warmth.
Then everything returned to her in a rush of painful memories
terrifying: Picnic in the meadow, Kaden wandering into the
forest, the encounter with the wolf and the attack ...
Amber moved her legs underneath layers of warm skin and felt
only a slight twinge of pain. He grabbed the edge of the deck and pulled.
Shivered with the cold breath of morning air against bare skin.
Their nakedness aroused pictures other memories of her clothes
being cut off. She ran her fingers lightly by the extension of the right thigh
and leg, feeling the gentle slope of scars.
- I'm glad to see that you feel better.
Amber quickly pulled the fur against her, when Lady Vivian entered the
room. A maid carrying a tray on which was a bowl of
steaming liquid. Not exuded a faint smell of herbs or medicines, but
smells delicious, a consistent and tasty stew. there was
Also chunks of bread and apple tartlets with creamy sauce
that made his mouth fill with water.
- I thought of something more substantial for today - said Vi-vian, while displaying the
created to put the tray on the table next. - Will help her
regain his strength.
Followed the gaze direction of Amber to a slender ankle, exposed in
edge of skin covered with a particularly nasty scar now
just barely visible.
- It takes skill to close the wound - Vivian explained
- But thought better a scar to see her limp in one leg and use
a cane.
That brought a smile to the face of the girl.
- How long have I been here? - Amber asked, with signs of
Meg taught her hand.
- Five days - Vivian replied, taking the linen cloth that covered a
basket of warm bread. - Do you remember anything that happened?
Amber frowned, struggling with vague memories.
I remember of picnic in the meadow. Kaden had peram-bulado to
forest, and I went after him ...
He stared at the scars on his leg, remembering more, things
horrible.

- They will be cured with time and will hardly be noticed - Vivian
assured him.
Amber shook her head. His concern was not due the scars.
Tried to form the sounds of the name Kaden with his hands, but
was difficult because there were no signs for proper names. Frustrated with
silence that robbed him of his voice struck the sides of the stretcher with handles
closed.
Tears flooded her eyes, the rage to add to the frustration. its
inability to speak Kaden stopped her from calling back, away from the
danger lurking in the forest. The words rolled down his
thoughts. And she could not say any of them!
Vivian felt the anguish of the girl and gently took her hand.
- It's okay. I can understand your thoughts. You only have to
think the same way I would.
Amber lifted her eyes brimming with tears, and her thoughts
uttered a single word, the child's name.
Kaden?
Vivian wrapped it with an arm around his shoulders, while assuring:
- Thank you, my son is safe. Was not hurt, except for a few
few scratches and cuts that have already healed. I fear that you have suffered
the worst. - He saw the doubt in the expression of the young. - I assure you, speak to
truth. I had to stop him from coming to this room. He has felt much
miss you.
I could not bear it if something happened to Kaden,
Amber said, by connecting their thoughts. I saw the wolf,
until it was upon him. She closed her eyes and winced as the
memories returned. We would have been dead if not for the other wolf.
Vivian amazed.

- There was another wolf?
It was the first time that day someone said that there were two wolves in
forest. Amber reached out a soothing cup of herbal tea.
The girl took the slightly sweet tea slowly.
He attacked the first and the wolf chased. He shivered again before the
memories. At first I thought I had imagined or dreamed it.
Frowned as he remembered. It was a bit like dreaming, the
sudden burst of light from the fog in the forest ...
Vivian felt her hesitation, as if Amber does not believe in itself
had happened.
- Do you remember anything else?
It was like waking from a dream and remember some of it, Amber replied,
struggling with the elusive and vague images. We know that there are more
things to remember, but can not.
The more he tried to recall more images fleeing. Vivian took the
empty cup from her hands.
- Will return to you over time - guaranteed. - When you're ready
to remember.
What about the words?, Amber asked. Be able to speak again?
Or live with this silence with the others thinking I'm some kind
Stupid changes regretful?
Although Vivian could have used his powers to force the girl
speak, hesitated, knowing that healing could be more dangerous than
illness.
The mind was a fragile thing, made of desires, dreams and secrets.
Amber had buried the pain deep inside, along with the ability
talking. Force her to confront the horror what happened that day long ago, when his family died,
could cause you more grief, maybe even get her to madness.
- I know of no magic cure - Vivian said. - You have the
ability to speak. Return when the pain of not speaking is greater
that the pain of old memories.

Struggling to understand, even disappointed, Am-ber
agreed. Tea relieved much of their aching muscles, and now his
appetite seemed ready for a richer diet than the broth of
the last five days.
Soon Amber consumed a very strong stew, three eggs
boiled, several slices of cheese, a big hunk of ham and three
apple tartlets. It was hard to tell where it all off, a body that
thin as a reed.
- Now, we see what needs to be done about their hair
and clothing - Vivian announced. - There's nothing left of her dress.
Amber turned her legs over the side of the stretcher. She stood up unsteadily and
quickly sat down again.
Vivian spent a supporting arm around her waist.
- It is more or less like the beginning - assured. - The muscles also
are healing. You need to give them time to become strong again.
- He has helped Amber to a nearby chair. - Soon will be as strong
as before. Even the scars will remain. - He wrapped a thick skin
around the legs of Amber, and then went to the door and called the
servants who had been waiting outside.
They brought a huge barrels and buckets of hot water, which
steaming in the cold morning air, a ball of fragrant soap,
linen and several pieces of clothing they put on the bed.
Then four guys robust loaded into a huge pot
iron.
The uncertainty of Amber on the use of the pan faded when bucket
after bucket of water was poured into the huge cauldron. Vivian helped her
enter the steamy bathroom after the servants had gone.
Added a scented powder which, she explained, had been crushed leaves
dried penetrating odor. The perfumed powder was mixed with water
as a balm that soothed the painful itching of wounds
healed, and the heat would relieve the pain of sore muscles.
After that, Amber sat before the fire grate, glossy skin
Hot bath smelling of scented soap with pine oil. Vivian
brushed her hair as dried up.
When Amber protested that she was doing the work of a
created, Vivian replied:
- This is insignificant. You saved the life of my son. It is a debt that
can never repay.
He stopped and put his hand over the soft curve of the belly.
- One day soon, I'll have a daughter whose hair brushing able
as well. - He smiled to continue the task. - A girl with black hair
as the father, and the deep blue eyes of his grandfather.
Given the look of surprise on Amber, she shook her head.
- No, my husband does not know yet. There will be very happy, because the
birth of Kaden was hard, and he swore he would not pass me by
that again. But I want another child. Kaden is growing very
pampered. He needs to learn to share with brothers and sisters. find
the moment right to tell my husband. A moment between battles and wars,
when he is happy with something. So, will not fight me
why.
By reflection, watched as Amber smoothed the soft and fine wool dress
who now wore. It was an intense shade of blue that highlighted her color
Eye, the carded yarn dyed with rare wild blackberries. realized
gesture of appreciation, any woman would be happy to receive something as
fine.
- It was a gift from Truan - Vivian said, answering the question
the thoughts of Amber. Before the startled expression of the girl,
said: - He insisted that you accept this dress to replace the one
that was ruined. Somehow, Truan feels responsible.
Amber's surprise was evident in their eyes startled expression.
- Was the one who found Truan - Vivian continued to explain. - If he
had not arrived in time ...
Silence hung between them. Was heard only the hiss of burning in
brazier. Amber fought again with the fleeting and vague memories of
undefined images that refused to be remembered.
Vivian finished brushing her hair and braided them with ribbons
same color as the dress. When it was over, picked up the towels and brews
herbs, and put them into the basket.

- Enough for one day - said Amber. - You need to rest now.
You will feel stronger tomorrow. Maybe after tomorrow can give
little ride. Meg is looking forward to being with you - amended,
passing the basket handle arm. - Later, she will bring you
dinner.
Amber grabbed her arm when Vivian turned to leave.

Thank you for saving my life.
Vivian put her hand on Amber and stroked it.
- Thank you for saving my son's life.
After she was gone, Amber dozed in the chair before the hearth; the
heat wrap it with Pippen to warm her feet. Had fingers
closed on the blue pen.

In those last moments before falling asleep, vague images
permeated by your thoughts. Dark visions of a creature
terrifying, a burst of light, and where a man had been the wolf, the
walk the circle of light and reach out for her.
Amber felt much stronger the next day. Strong enough,
after the young kitchen maid picked up the empty board, play
covered with skin and legs hanging on the edge of the bed.
Lowered one foot, then the other, to the floor of polished stone. Then
with hesitant steps, crossed the room to the table.

Pippen watched his progress from the corner of the room, with a vague
expression of disinterest.
Do not be so convinced, she thought. You have four legs
walking, while I have only two, and as weak as reeds.
His knees distorted and would have felled if Amber does not hold
the back of the chair. Pippen let out a snort that sounded like
a laugh.
Arrogant man!, She thought, to concentrate all his efforts on
remain upright. He felt as if he had done something very remarkable,
when he crossed the room back to bed.

As promised Lady Vivian, Amber felt stronger with every step.
He sat on the cot again, thinking that the other day inside would
those four walls.
Meg brought her morning meal. Treated as if it were a
invalid. Kaden had brought with him. Amber was happy to see the child, which
seemed oblivious to the nightmare that lived in the forest.
He was his usual malicious way, to explore the room on legs
constantly moving hands to seek whatever
was beyond their reach, with typical curiosity of a child
only recently discovered to be further explored world.
Meg finally took Kaden away with the promise of a visit to
courtyard where he could see the riders in their training.

Amber went to the door, more confident with each step. The sun was hot
the stones of the floor, where focused through the open shutters. she
heard the now familiar sounds of Camelot: A burst of laughter, the
rumble of distant conversations, and the occasional bargain bargaining in
market, the noise of cars that followed beyond the walls, and
above all, the sound of guns Knights Lord Stephen, who
practiced simulated downstairs in the courtyard battles.
Amber leaned on the windowsill, hoping to catch some sign
them, but the singing tower blocking her vision. The spring air was
Sweet, warm sun on your face, but it was not enough. She craved
be out there.
Shuddered as the memory of the brutal attack on her village assaulted her
mind. Though he tried to evict her, the memory came in Glimpses
images: the burned ruins of the cottages and huts; the bodies of men, women and children lay
where
had died; Father dead on the steps of the small church where
begged the attackers to spare the villagers.

His father and two older brothers had died outside the
hut of wattle and daub. Inside, the bodies of his mother and two brothers
smaller bloodied straw floor, while the barbarians
Nordic took possession of anything of value, food, clothing,
metal tools and weapons. After methodically destroyed the furniture
his father and brothers had cleverly constructed. Crushed loom
where his mother sat in the afternoon, before the fire, and broke it
small wooden cradle. So they had discovered, crouched
in a corner, protecting the little sister.
Amber cut the barbarian with the carving knife his father had given him,
when sent to the cottage with her mother and younger children.
Also attacked him with his bare hands. Her younger sister had been dragged
out of the hut, paralyzed with fear, eyes wide with terror,
in the sight of the murdered family. Amber never saw her again.
Then, the attacker had turned to her. Had awful things in mind.
Even now, Amber could not stand to be closed in places
small and tight. It made her remember the horror of that day,
when it becomes trapped, unable to escape! and the only thing we had been able
Do crimp off the look on the hut wall until it was over.
He closed his eyes, sending the images to the dark corners of the mind.
For a long time I did not think that day. Maybe if she had
been able to scream that day, scream and moan for your loss, maybe could have exorcised the
pain.
But there had been no tears. Neither the time nor now. only
walls were closed, memories of things that Amber did not want
Remembering ...

Slipped quietly out of the room, looking first at
one direction and then another, to make sure that no one had seen her,
it certainly would return to the room, full of concern. its
need to escape, however, was much stronger than the
need to rest.
As he walked slowly through the halls, she heard the sounds
distant servants in the rooms below, renewing stocks
food pantry, barn and smokehouse in preparation for the
meals noon and night.

Approaching the end of the hall, which was attached to the boardroom where
Lord Stephen received his knights in council, Amber Heard Voices.
The old Meg had once said that when someone loses the use of a
of their senses, others replace it. The old knew whereof he spoke,
for although blind since birth, had an amazing audition.
Deprived of the ability to speak, listening to Amber was also
sharp.
She learned to distinguish subtle nuances of speech and, in passing, recognized
the voices of Lady Cassandra and Lady Vivian in the nursery.
Often had joined them there with Brianna, while children
played. When the kids got tired and took a nap, all
talked about healing methods used different herbs and remedies
for various diseases.
Often spoke about King William and court life, and
Amber listened with fascination; many stories More excuses were counted between solemn
whispers and laughter. some
sometimes weeping, retracing the fragile bond of family, talk to your father
looking at their sleeping babies.
Sometimes told dirty jokes, until the old Meg
scolded.

- What will the girl think? - Warned the sisters in more than one
occasion. - You make up this old blush with your conversations.
- What do you know of such things? - Brianna asked one morning,
not long before.
- I suspect that she knows more than you'd like us to know -
Vivian had replied, with a look askance at the old.
- Bah! - Exclaimed Meg, from where she sat in the corner, hands
occupied in rolling balls of yarn to the loom. - I lived a lonely life,
devoting myself to teach those placed under my care. No
nothing to say.

- Is that you need to tell us! - Cassandra Vivian encouraged when
had become obvious that the old did not mean anything to them. Eyes
Vivian twinkled with mischief, though his expression became more
solemn.
- Our mother heard it from her mother. He told me that Meg was very
beautiful when young.
Meg had shrunk into a ball on the chair and grumbled about young
bold with nothing better to do than gossip.
- They said that their hair was as black and glossy as
wings of a raven, skin as clear as a summer's morning, and his
body, voluptuous curves.
Singing, Meg snort with reproof and turned his back to the sisters,
while Vivian continued.
- They also said that more than a boy wished Miss. Meg and tried
lure her to a secret place where he could enjoy it.
Meg had thrown a ball of yarn in the basket near the floor.
- They also said that a young dashing almost succeeded -
Vivian continued, taking a needle reach Kaden. - It has become
her friend and gave her beautiful gifts. Then one day, right from your
success and knowing the ability to heal Meg, he pretended that he had
injured in stalls. When she went to see what the extent of the
injury, the young man tried to seduce her.
As if connected by some invisible web, both as Brianna
Cassandra had turned to Meg
- So what happened? - Asked in unison. Vivian stooping
and forward the voice slightly lowered.
- They said he first kissed. Then bewitched by their
breathtaking beauty, placed her hands under her skirts. That's when
happened.
- What happened? - Sisters inquired simultaneously.
- He disappeared in a puff of smoke - Vivian answered. -
Almost set fire to the barn.
Cassandra exploded into laughter.

- I can feel the heat.
- And when the smoke cleared? - Asked Brianna. - What happened
then?
- When it cleared, the young man was gone, and in its place was
a donkey.
- She turned?
- They thought so because he was never seen again.

All four, including Amber, had turned and looked at Meg
Tired of hearing them laugh at their expense, the old abandoned chair and
keeping the bony body as upright as possible, passed by them.
But outside Meg who laughed last.

- Not because he tried to seduce me - informed with a cold air
disdain, on the hand to the bedroom door. - It was the size of your
virility. An insignificant little thing that was disappointing. - So
went out the door, leaving them all in a stunned silence, mouths open.
When passing through the room, Amber heard soft laughter. Found Meg
with them, despite the previous affront as it was never far from
babies.

Amber squirmed main hall, pausing for a moment to warm
spring sunshine. Required much more force than anticipated to reach
there. She felt weak, newly sewn by shivering muscles
year. But would not backtrack.
After a while, the weakness passed, and she continued on her way
slowly along the sidewalk below the balcony, where we could see the
patio Knights of Lord Stephen trained.
It was a large open courtyard. Above the sidewalks were the counters of
second floor rooms, including rooms that once had
been occupied by King Arthur, according to legend, the council chambers and
the large room called starry chamber.
Great gates stood on the opposite side of the courtyard.

Opened onto the rows of cottages cottages of the inhabitants of the castle,
protected within the high and dominant external walls.
Camelot was a ghostly ruin and disintegrated when they had
gotten there first. Many repairs, however, had been made
since. Now, teemed with life, with artisans and merchants who
brought their families to live again under the protection of
legendary castle.
Every day they gathered them vegetable farmers, pastoralists and farmers
bringing the crop, livestock, forestry and hunting crates of fish
Fresh to sell at market.
Amber often accompanied Cassandra shopping and old Meg,
because merchants walkers always brought rare herbs or powders of some
distant port.
One of the men of Lord Stephen always followed in order to
take care of the payment and borrow a pair of strong arms to carry
purchases. On those occasions, Truan used to go together, counting
stories of the markets of the East where empires traveled.
Spoke of the white towns, marble, with minarets made of gold,
where holy men called for workers to the prayers of
later the top of the towers. The rich and powerful potentates
carrying bags of gold to market on the backs of camels.
Occasionally, when one of those bags were opened or cut by
some audacious thief, coins sprawled across the floor and the
hands of the beggars and the poor.
Meg accused him of telling fables, but he just laughed and then turning the
hand in the air before Amber slowly opened fingers.
Tiny golden crystals glittered in the air like coins
Gold carried by some powerful potentate.
Truan told stories of exotic markets in the Byzantine Empire where
rare spices, herbs, powders and strangers opiates could be
found. And where a chief of the tribes of the desert could buy a
light-skinned girl with golden hair for a handful of rubies.
As he spoke, he took the hand of Amber, cradling her in his. And she
felt a strange, restless heat.
Amid the mysterious shadows of eyes Truan, Amber also via
a glimpse of laughter when he ran his other hand over the palms
intertwined. A polished stone, a blood-red slipped
to the palm of her hand.

- Bah! - Meg bufara that day. - Simple Tricks and charms of a
fool. What use is gold dust that is blown by the wind or a stone
Color worthless? If you want to do magic, my beautiful friend, then arrange
a piece of bread or a pie before they die of hunger.
Although Amber knew the charms were simple tricks
easily explained by the rapid concealment of objects within
sleeves, or picked up by fingers faster than the look, she holds
polished red stone. Was hidden in the room she shared with
Meg.
Truan, however, no longer accompanied them to the market or
looking after the evening meal in the Great Hall. He had been angry
Amber since that day, many months earlier when, on impulse,
kissed him, a foolish attempt to make him understand somehow the
feelings that she hardly understood.
Since then, he spent most of his time with men of Lord Stephen.
Other times, disappeared completely,
returning when the gates of Camelot were closed for the night, or
not returned.
One night, unable to sleep, Amber turns him back just before
dawn. Passed so close, in the hallway of the room, she felt the cold
that clung to his robe and, in light of a torch on the wall, turns
mist that glistened in the wild mass of black hair that fell to
his shoulders.
Amber wanted Truan talk about that night in an attempt to
preserve the friendship that united them, for he was the only one who seemed
understand their suffering.
However retreated into the shadows when the torchlight will focus on
Truan of features at the same time beautiful and have terrifying, eyes
sparkle with some strange inner light. As if it was not a creature
this world.

She had let go, afraid to be seen with fear of change
he had seen it, for there was nothing playful carefree that
always had a joke or a funny story to tell.
- Move your ass, you stupid fool! The harsh order of Sir Gavin
snatched it out of the thoughts and brought back to the present, when

Amber passed near where he and a younger warrior name
Gareth, circled each other, wielding swords.
Gareth was just a few years older than her. Out squire
Lord Fitzwarren and now training for the Brotherhood of the Knights.
- Stop being mesmerized with the girls and concentrate! - Sir Gavin
growled at him. - Yes, otherwise I will treatment -tea it like a pig in
spit!

Amber knew that she was the cause of the distraction of Gareth. He smiled to
get your attention and barely fell in time when Sir Gavin turned the
sword to hit him in the head. Then, with incredible ease and speed,
resumed concentration, staying one step ahead of the heavy blade
wielded by older rider.
The two men circled each well having dealt several blows
placed diverted in response by the blade on the other. when Gareth
dealt an unexpected blow to the unprotected side of Sir Gavin,
he acknowledged the feat of the student with a snort of approval.
- Yes, it's like this!


Gavin then pretended to duck with a counter-coup movement, turned
unexpectedly hit with a thud and the back of the boy with the side
plan sword. Caught by surprise, Gareth staggered. She recovered and
she turned to confront Gavin blade positioned for another blow.

- Like I said, young warrior. - Sir Gavin smiled, and Gareth
flushed with embarrassment at being betrayed by foolishly
self - move the rear, or will lose it.
Around, the other warriors burst into laughter as they had suffered
same humiliation and embarrassment one time or another during the
training itself.
- Raise your sword, man! - Gareth challenged. - There's more to the rear
move than me!
- Ooops! - Gavin sniffed satisfied, while others gathered in
around to observe. - It seems that the pet is thirsty for more. - smiled
with pleasure. - We'll see who will be able to sit in the back
for the evening meal and who will stand.

Amber paused to look. Since coming to Camelot, months before,
Gareth had become a friend. Often sought after
evening meal. Although she felt Truan miss the friendship
Gareth helped fill the void of loneliness.
He was an amiable person, with sandy hair, blue eyes and a laugh
easy. Meg, however, warned that there could be other intentions behind
that camaraderie.
He is a young knight in training, and they like to use the
"sword", especially with girls. Can offer friendship to you. but
make sure not offer him more.
Gareth, however, was not like other men treated the girls
and women without commitment, which flirted with the knights in
Camelot while performing their tasks. He had always been kind and

occasionally brought her small gifts: a ribbon, a branch of
lavender or an apple stolen from the pantry.
As others gathered around Sir Gareth and Gavin, Amber
away, determined not to give cause for further distractions. had it
any hope of escape unharmed challenge to Sir Gavin, Gareth
need all your concentration, not to mention strength, speed
and agility.
Amber hoped to find Truan thank you for the gift of
dress. But he was not among the other warriors
trained in the main courtyard. By following the covered arcade, she saw near
large font on the opposite side of the courtyard. Practiced alone, in a place
tranquil, separated from the rest of men.

She wore chainmail or protective armor; removed his robe and wore
only doe leather boots and pants that molded her hips
narrow and muscular legs. Nor wore leather gauntlets
or helmet to protect hands or head.
While other knights wielding broad swords
required brute force, with views from a man in two, Truan
preferred the sword manufactured in Spain, who wore quickly and
Agility breathtaking.
Unlike Gareth, who owned the limited strength of a boy who
soon become a man, the strength of Truan was like a cat: agile,
swift and deadly.
His concentration was intense. Seemed oblivious to everything and everyone around her,
completely focused on an enemy that only he could see.
No two movements were the same as shredding and Truan
carve the air with incredible grace and speed, and then retreating investing
Again, all this even more unbelievable when he saw Amber
trained eyes closed!
Others stopped to watch. They looked so much she admired the
intense power of each movement, a strange kind of dance, graceful and
mortal, it was scary and beautiful at the same time to see.
Amber began to feel increasingly uneasy. The force of evil Truan
was controlled, being relentless, almost brutal. Fear rolled his
stomach, a fear echoed the terror of that day, some time before,
when she turns her family was murdered.
At that moment, she did not recognize. It was no longer the gentle friend
You brought laughter and friendship. There was no trace of kindness or
tenderness in him now.

It was like that time in the hall, when the turns back just before
dawn, as if a mask had been torn, revealing the
man under her, a man who hid behind laughter and jokes
sleight of hand.
Suddenly, Amber realized it was a mistake to go there. He glanced
eyes around, looking for somewhere to escape to, but it was
later.
As if sensing his presence, Truan turned suddenly. The sun sparkled on
sword. In a terrible blur muscles gleaming and shiny steel he
targeted at sword point directly to the heart of Amber.
A cry of horror went up the yard, frozen in sudden and terrible
immobility.
Truan heard the screams through the courtyard. But an inner voice screamed one
different notice.
Attack! Mate before it's dead!
Images flashed through his mind at a glance. A sword in his
back and some unseen danger waiting to shoot him. then
felt, rather than heard another voice.
Do not do it! For the blood that boot will be your own. The life
will take your life!
The words moved with his blood with the warmth of the sun.
Were wrapped around the hilt of the sword as a mighty hand
invisible to blow that paralyzed the last moment, as he
invested.
Eyes still closed, Truan gradually became aware of the warmth of the sun
over his head, the sound of the wind and other cries of warning,
so his senses returned that distant place where he
out, to turn inward own thoughts and fight a
imaginary enemy. Slowly, she opened her eyes.
The polished steel glistened under the sun of noon, the tip of the sword
compressed, not against the breast plate of a warrior, but against the Woolen
blue, taut over a shaky sinus.
Truan breath, pulling air into the lungs, as
was breaking the water surface, after swimming at the bottom.
Gradually, his thoughts enlightened, took focus, and he
realized what he had almost done.
Amber stood dumb before him. His eyes were large ponds
dark, the bloodless features frozen in terror. His lips were
parties in a stunned and silent scream. The distance of a hair
death, she seemed not even breathe.
- You idiot! Your brainless!
Gareth Monrose of the young knight who had been training nearby
with Sir Gavin, was the first to reach them, eyes flaming with anger.
With a furious gesture, pushed the blade of Truan for
side.
- Who gave you permission to train here? - Asked. - You
could have killed her!
No one knew better than Truan of dire consequences if not
had retreated at the last moment. His own anger appeared at
surface, wild and boiling. It would have been very easy to kill the boy by
his insults. But that same inner voice that warned him to take the
sword at the last moment, now warned that it would be unwise
give way to anger. Truan lowered his sword and stuck the tip into the soft earth. smiled
kindly, but his gaze did not move away from Amber.
- I chose a place separate from others not to put anyone in
danger. Also, as you can see - still smiling, shrugged and made
a gesture of contempt towards Amber - she's not hurt. only
scared, nothing more.

Blame it on the girl, by venturing into places where it could not be.
Only then Amber seemed to return from that place of dread. blinked
as if he had been struck. Panting forced passage
by frozen lips. The terror receded, replaced by grief and
later, by a glance of anger when he called her girl.
Better see her angry than with the irrational terror moments before,
Truan thought to continue:
- You better go back to the nursery, Miss. Amber. The little color
what remained was completely drained from her face and then returned
a furious blush that made her blue-green eyes as radiate
gemstones. The slender hands fluttered in angry words,
collide to each other. When his fingers entwined,
Amber clenched her hands into fists, as if he wanted to hit someone.
He had no doubt who it could be.
- You are not a gallant knight! - Gareth shouted angrily.
Truan smiled with good humor and bowed with a sweeping gesture before him,
a mocking bow.

- Just a fool, as you pointed out - snapped.
- Well experienced more with words than with the sword.
- I see no experience in either one. Or mood -
Gareth replied, his voice tight with anger.
When Truan just gave him a stupid smile, he left
out a snort of disgust and turned to Amber.
- I escort you back to the hall, where it will be safe.
- His hand closed on her arm.


Amber stiffened. The color drained from his face again to physical contact,
while the terror of being touched took the place of the earlier anger.
Gareth was much stronger than her. Amber felt her resistance,
when he tried to free himself, and realized he would get hurt.
Her look was very different from that of earlier times. It was a
look of distress, dread, being physically touched.
Truan know where it came fear, because the old had told her things
horrible that the girl will suffer a trauma so deep and devastating that
stolen her the ability to even talk about it. He shook
hand on the hilt of the sword.
- You will allow me to accompany me back to the main hall, Miss.
Amber? - Sir Gavin suggested to solve interfere. Her gaze met
of Truan briefly, as he continued: - The patio
training is no place for a lady.
Gareth's face flushed with anger at the intervention of Sir Gavin.
But did not dare say anything to the oldest rider, status
superior to him. When his hand loosened in Amber arm, the
Truan relaxed hands on sword hilt.
Amber pulled away quickly from Gareth. He looked up Truan.
Those sparkling blue-green eyes, he saw suffering, confusion and
questions I heard as clearly as if she did them. but not
dared to respond.
Gavin turned to follow her, but she reached out and shook his
head, resolute, indicating clearly that did not want anyone
did that. Shrugged and straightened the back. The defiant stance Truan moved because he knew it
was
hard-won.
- Amber?
She turned, exposed emotions for all to see, in the expression of
fragile hope the sound of his name.
Truan smiled, like the fool that he needed to believe it was Amber.
Then winked at her. Waved his hand in the air and then with a twist of
wrist, opened his fingers.
- Please accept this small gift as an apology
By any hassle that may have caused you - said,
a wry smile. - To add to your collection.
Amber looked at the small five-pointed star that was in the palm
from his hand. Was flat and bright, a fragile crystal that sparkled and shone the
sun, catching the light in a thousand different colors. It was just like
those he did appear by magic to a group of children,
only a few days before. They had been enchanted by
magical gift, apparently taken down. She did not.
Tears filled her eyes. No words were necessary. Truan
knew he had hurt her deeply. Amber turned and fled from the patio
training.
Truan took his sword, turned and also left the yard.
Gareth took the hand with the sword. Sir Gavin grabbed the young knight by
arm, restraining him.
- Do not do it - said the boy. - You'd be dead before
could lift his sword to strike.
- He is a brainless fool.
- Who is the fool? - Gavin asked. - He who makes others
believe it or those who believe?
- Speech by, old puzzles.


Gavin's eyes narrowed at the affront, but missed.
- It's a puzzle only if you choose not understand.
Vivian saw the counter top when Amber ran away from the patio
training. She passed through the doors of the main hall, without looking
sides, but with his head bowed. Without seeing them, Vivian felt tears and chaos
emotions Amber, along with the deep and overwhelming grief. E
realized who was the cause of it.
He looked across the courtyard to the men gathered there, then he who
away from the other, the sun to boot sparks of black hair and body
tan. Beside him, he felt Meg, who also watched with a wrinkle
founds her eyebrows together, as though he had sight. And for the first
Instead, Vivian realized that the old you hiding something.
- What you see I can not see? - Asked, turning to one
that had been his faithful companion and babysitter since she was a baby.
Meg who had carried out the immortal world he was born into
the mortal world, to the abbey, where the exiled monk Poladouras, and
Meg had itself created.
- You know very well I'm blind - answered Meg - You see
better than me. Occasionally, I run into a wall before
therein. - He shrugged. - Nothing more.
Vivian snorted.

- We met a long time, honey. Do not play with me.
Tried to get the thoughts of the old and immediately found
powerful resistance.
Meg flinched, as if suffering, and raised his thin hand.
- Do not do it, girl. I'm old. There is nothing important that you
not already know.
To liberate the mind of Meg, Vivian felt a single word that came
whispered some distant place in the remembrance of old: brother.
Truan leave Camelot without returning for a fortnight. Then, another
instead hiding behind the guise of silly, devoted himself to matches
Tray with men of Lord Stephen until late at night, drinking
too much wine, as if tormented by demons who did not want
face. Always went away in the last hours before dawn,
usually in the company of women without Compromise
served in the house of Lord Stephen.
Amber watched it all from a distance, until he could bear no more.
Then retired to the room she shared again with Meg Or
went to seek refuge in the nursery, where helped take care of
Babies Lady Vivian and Lady Cassandra.
However no matter how hard she tried to forget the friendship that once
had shared, she clung constantly look for Truan,
whenever he was in the main hall, trying to understand the
changes that had happened to him.
Truan still entertained the men of Lord Stephen and the ladies with
jokes, illusions and sleight of hand. But continued to treat her
like that day in the training yard as a child. in the rare
occasions where Amber had found himself, he retreated into a silence
uncomfortable and disappeared quickly.
What had happened? To lie down at night, Amber was the
imagine, watering the indoor tears. What had she done so
Truan hate her so?
- What is your name?
The woman turned, his fingers linger on the beautiful embroidery yarn
the, finer than anything hanging on the wall tapestry
she had seen before.
- Mary - replied at the same time reaching for the
tie that bound her hair. Let them free, shaking his head
the sick and silky cascade of shiny black for their fall
shoulders.

She knew it was not pretty . But the body was well-made , full breasts and
wide hips . Her hair was her most beautiful feature , the drain
the back and over the shoulders in a black silk curtain . had the
ajar and low-cut bodice , the dark halo of a sinus exposed by
a moment and then hidden in a game which she did very well.
- Are you a simple girl , Mary , for sure - his mother told him
long before. - And there's the name of his father to complain or
help her through life . But is appealing - had added , examining the
naked body of young Mary with a critical eye . - You must use what you have with
cleverness and not waste . Never let it cheap. Write a man
pay to extract pleasure from you.
Then Mary instructed in ways to please a man. But that was
had enough time . She had been with many men since then
But always your choice . Months before , had chosen Truan Monroe .
There was something else that warrior with beautiful dark features ,
Blue eyes like a crystal and with the manners of a fool.
Was tough and strong because she had seen in the training yard. And when others
were not looking, smiling face of Truan abandoned, replaced
by intense and meditative impetuosity that excited as
no other could.
For months, left him realizing it, by subtle ways, she would
happy to lift their skirts for him and nobody else. Now, come Truan
look for it.

The smile was gone, replaced by that impetuosity. Mary knew
Truan watched as she loosened the laces of the bodice; continued
observed when Mary left the dress fall on the stone floor and
posted completely naked before him.
Then, slowly, she approached where Truan sat in chair
on the brazier. Truan walked away when Mary knelt before him,
ran a hand through his neck and tried to pull her head to kiss him.
She smiled a sly way and then left a trail of kisses for her
chest and the hard, flat belly.
He was perfect, tall and wiry, with gleaming muscles wrapped around the
long bones of the leg, the skin shine like dark gold in the firelight
the brazier.

His hand slid Truan by the hair of Mary, but in his
thoughts, the warm silk that passed through her fingers was not black, and
yes the rare golden amber color.
She offered her breast, moaning as he sucked hard to
inside the mouth. However, in his imagination, the nipple that hardened the
Contact your language was a pale pink, not dark brown.
So Truan loved. The body that opened he was eager to slim
like a reed, and the sweet inner warmth that was received in full
just a name.
Amber.
Truan violently possessed with that name being whispered in
your mind. But the woman who screamed beneath him, lewd body
shaken by wave after wave of pleasure, was not Amber.
Mary woke up when Truan moved to his side. She held out her hand,
but he dodged. And when Mary called his name to beg
come back to bed, she found that she was alone.







Chapter V




The party was to celebrate the summer solstice. Everything was in Camelot
adorned with garlands of flowers. The gates had been opened to
villagers from the vicinity, who brought food, cool hunting
forest, the first harvest of the summer crop, rolls of thick wool and rough
sheared the flocks of sheep and barrels of wine.
Musicians played, and athletic tournaments were held. At night, the fires
burned as torches burned on the parapets of Camelot
celebration.

In brief, according to the plans, Lady Vivian and Lady Brianna would return with
their husbands to London.
From there, Lady Brianna and her husband, Tarek al Sharif, would travel home in
North Country, in order to arrive well before the first chill of winter and
for the birth of their first child.
Meg would go with them to the abbey of Amesbury, on the trip to London.
- I'm old - she told Amber. - I lived most of my life
in the mortal world. I prefer to spend my last days in the place that was my
home for many of those years.

Meg wanted to return to the small abbey, where Lady Vivian was raised,
to spend the rest of his days tending the gardens.
- I've been away too long. I'll have to replant everything when we return. there
old enough for a job. - And she was close enough to
Vivian lady when her second child was born at the beginning of next year.
So it was decided.

Amber had decided too. Despite the fact that like
Mrs. deeply. Cassandra and her baby, there was nothing that
retained in Camelot. No family nor the hope of forming a.
And so, she also decided to return to London.
The trip would take nearly two weeks, taken at a slow pace in the days
Hot summer for comfort women and little Kaden.
Amber and several other women had already begun to Camelot
preparing their luggage for the journey.
Amber hoped to have a moment alone with Truan to tell him
he was leaving, but in recent weeks, he disappeared with the first
morning light, turning right after she left the salon. heard
conversations that Truan spent a great deal of time with a
Village women.

Amber discover not know why it caused her so much suffering.
After what happened, I thought the touch of any man
disgusting and repulsive. Truan, however, never played that way. Nor
even that time when he kissed her. She remembered that even
Now, that stolen kiss in the shadows. For the first time, not felt
fear, just wanted to reach out and touch it. And kissed him back.
But he suddenly pushed her away, ending the kiss as
could not bear his touch.
But if Amber closed her eyes, could be recalled that intense and brief encounter, the heat in your
mouth Truan, the
fiery sweetness of breaths to meld, that manly body
to writhe against his.
Although he considered no more than a child, not out of the body
a child that corresponded to the momentum of the body Truan.
Did you talk to him about that day and more. words
were trapped in your heart and in your thoughts, and if
made clumsy when she tried to use sign language
with hands. Truan seemed to not want to hear it. He saw it as a
child should be treated leniently or simply
tolerated. If only he could present it as a Truan
woman ...
Now, through the open window, Amber heard laughter and conversation,
followed by live, according to the expert marksmen gathered in the courtyard and
outdid each other with the long bow. The sun was hot, the bitter
winter cold was little more than a memory, as well
participate in the celebration.
Then she saw Truan, when it took place near the line to test
aim. The afternoon breeze Moldovan fine linen shirt on his shoulders,
the deep cut V neck to expose the dark and golden skin
down. The silky, black hair like the wings of a crow, fell
in loose curls to his shoulders.

His legs became strong in a wide stance, weight balanced evenly,
as Truan lifted the bow, spent his long fingers on the string and
pulled back in a single fluid motion, without effort, the muscles
luzirem.
He tilted his head slightly to one side and looked through the shaft of the arrow,
aligning the edge with the target. A breath of wind lifted his mane of dark hair, and Amber held her
breath,
knowing, for having observed the men of Lord Stephen, the lowest
breath of wind could change the direction of flight of the arrow.
Truan seemed oblivious to anything or anyone else around her, not
be the target and the arrowhead. The air in the lungs ached Amber, which
had held his breath in anticipation.
In thoughts, shouted him to wait for the wind to pass shoot
the arrow, as others had done. So, gasped,
amazed at the strength of the arrow, when he escaped the arc and sank in
target, exactly in the center.
Sir Kay struck the back of Truan, with a broad smile on his face, a
expression that looked like a teenager, though a man
gray beard, sixty years.

- Wow! That skirts some beautiful girl you raised this time? that
luck!
- Mary, laundry, if the rumors are true - said Sir
Gavin, holding a mug in a toast. - The same girl who
hit in the head with the hammer that the cook uses to soften meat
hard, if I'm not mistaken, and made him a bruise.
- He told me he bumped into a door - Sir Rolf joined them,
smiling over the edge of the mug.
- Oh, it was certainly the door - said Gavin. - We all had
a brawl with the door!
The men burst into laughter soon died when the Truan
reminded of the bets they had done against their expertise in the arch.
- Want to gather now, before you become too fond of to
Wine King William to remember the amount due - said. Grudgingly, they extended him the
coins bet.
- This is the second time you won the arch - Kay muttered. -
Are you sure there is not a trick it?
Truan shook his head with a smile of malice.
- No trick that you can distinguish, especially after three
mugs of wine.

- So how can someone overcome it, archer? - The man asked,
humorous, but with a certain harshness in his voice.
- Beginning not to drink a drop of wine. It dulls the
senses and leaves slow reactions - Truan informed. - That is the reason
why it was so easy for the Roman senators assassinate Caesar.
Only then he accepted the cup of wine offered by one of the men.
It poured all at once, the heat will go through the veins and the heat
womb. Tied the leather pouch that contained the coins now
won and stuck it in the front of the shirt.
When he turned, he heard a shriek and children's laughter. The small
Kaden had run away from his mother and ran across the yard as soon as their
little legs could carry him. With his mother at his heels, ran straight
to the line of warriors who were testing their skills in arc and
axe.

Oblivious to the danger, Kaden is tucked among the men, trying to escape
Vivian.
Truan took him almost to the brink of disaster, raising him on her lap.
The child was a bundle of energy that thrashed and kicked, his eyes
blue and gleaming black hair to her falling over his forehead. To a casual observer, the warrior and
the child
could be father and son.
Only a closer look at the differences became obvious in
shape of the eyes and high forehead of the child, whose hair spread
forward as his father, Rorke Fitzwarren, Count of Anjou.
- Where are you going, little warrior? - Truan asked the boy, who
suddenly addressed a serious look at it. Truan seen that look
before, amid laughter and tears. But neither laughter nor tears appeared. Instead, a yawn escaped
when taken fatigue
care of the child. Kaden rested her head on his shoulder and shoved the Truan
thumb in his mouth.

His chest rose and a long sigh, like that of all
children, when they stop long enough to discover that they are time
tired, his eyes closed slowly.
- Slept, I believe - Truan said. Patted the boy's back, feeling
projections of the fragile shoulders.
- Holding a child is natural to you - Lady Vivian said, when
approaching quietly not to wake the child. - Not so with all
men. Are you sure you did not do this before?
She put her hand on the back of Kaden and felt panting each breath
amid the occasional grumblings that every child makes when sleeping;
that soothing sound that every mother seeks hear.
Truan nodded.
- Fatherhood is for others, not for me.
- I know a warrior who once felt like you but who
changed his mind - Vivian replied, thinking of the her own husband, a strong warrior, as Truan,
thought
marriage and parenthood were for others but not for him.
Again, Truan nodded, almost sad expression now.
- Can not be. Never - said, convinced - because no woman
would want to carry my son.
Vivian looked at him in amazement. Could it be that the man did not know
was as beautiful and attractive? Especially in moments like this, in
that was not the role of court jester.

- When did you decide that, warlord? - She asked.
- It's something that I know - and he replied, for a moment, the sadness in her
eyes was so deep and compelling, whatever the reason, that
Vivian realized that Truan believed it. Then, a gleaming smile
replaced the sadness when the fool returned, while the man she
'd glimpsed, with so great and painful sorrow, fading up.
He put his hand on his chest, to start reciting ballads distasteful:
Dear lady, I do not know what else to jolt me, with the smell of his
son, or the smell of my horse. His pants are filled efedem. It
course are full of ...
Vivian raised his hand to stop him, while trying
stifle a laugh. He continued:
So I ask you, Lady, please
giving some relief those who find the little rascal, it is wet and stinky.
When you finish the silly rhymes, Truan straightened. The corner of his eye,
had caught a glimpse of the great hall in the upper window a glittering gold
the color of warm honey, and then disappeared.
Amber pulled away abruptly from the window and leaned against the cold
stone wall beside. He closed his eyes, keeping that image of
jester holding the infant.
Although he was too far away to see the expression on the face of Truan,
there was no mistake: it could only be adorable tenderness at the nest
Kaden against his shoulder.
Why, then, Amber thought, he could not show some kind of
kindness to her?
She dried her tears. When you climb the stairs to the bedrooms, with a
armful of freshly washed white clothes to be packed
for the trip, Amber noticed a glimpse of a rounded shadow
passed across the hall. Pippen thought. At least, not the dog
abandoned. Undoubtedly been attacking the pantry again and
headed into her room with something Pilfered.
When approaching the room, he heard a scraping and scratching at some
place. The natural instinct to bury something Pippen was potential
value and look later.
Amber met frequently with apples, nuts and peel dry bread, not to mention shiny objects, pieces
of wire and
bits of fluff, the most unlikely places. but his
favorite hideout was the niche of loose stones behind a basket on
wall near the fireplace.
Upon entering the room, she saw the basket upset and shook his head.
What will become of you, she thought, going behind the animal, when I'm not
longer here to protect you?


He whistled softly to Pippen, to grab the basket upset.
If the cook find him first, will hang your hide on the wall
tannery.
But the animal was not hidden behind the basket, or anywhere
in the room.
Finally Amber gave up looking for Pippen and returned to the main hall,
for there was much to be done about the preparations for the party
that night. Would be the last celebration before returning to
London.
- Stop fidgeting, girl, so I can finish it! -
Meg complained, when once again began the laborious task of
heavy braid of golden hair in one thick braid Amber.
Needless, Amber replied, Grumpy. I do not intend to attend
the banquet. I prefer to make my meal in the room.
Wise old Meg's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, to feel the
sadness in the girl's thoughts.
- You would not want to disappoint or Cassandra Lord Stephen - said,
persuasive. - They have been very kind to you these past few months. this
is a special occasion to celebrate baptism of their son.
It is the last time all three sisters
will be together before Brianna depart for the North Country, in order to
wait for the birth of his own son.

I do not intend to disappoint them, Amber countered, trying to organize
thoughts. It is that I will be required elsewhere.
It was a lame excuse, and Meg knew that.
- What about the Little Master Kaden? - The old woman asked. - He is
incorrigible and be embarrassing. Lady Vivian is relying on you to
look at the child as their responsibility to maintain very
busy. Unless - Old amended, with narrowed eyes - there
another reason for you not want to go to the banquet.
Amber looked up and saw the reflection of Meg above its on board
metal used as a mirror, and speculative look in those wise
blind eyes that seemed to see too. In its milky depths without
no trace of color, noticed a tender wisdom and realized that the old
knew she was lying.
Rose suddenly, leaving the chair. His unruly hair was
loose braid to spread, loose on her shoulders, as if
were a living thing, gleaming in the torchlight on the wall.
Amber shook her head stubbornly and just undo the braid until
Meg is putting forth a glorious posture of defiance.
If I'm treated like a child, then I will use my hair as a
child!, mentally retorted. Then turned around and fled the room and
speculative thoughts of old, terrified that he might not
hide their true feelings.
Heard a burst of laughter in the hall below, which indicated that the
night celebrations had begun. The aroma of roasting meat in
spit mingled with the pungent smell of cedar logs freshly cut,
the rare fragrance of sandalwood cider and burning candles that
clustered around the walls, and even more rare spices
aromatize fruits that swam in grout of honey. There was also the
smell of roasted pigeons with glaadas plums, cakes and puddings. And
especially the heady and spicy scent of hot wine and beer
Dark.
Amber crept through the shadows to the edge of the hall, looking for a
place near the little lady Vivian and Kaden.
The tables were already full of food. Musicians played the lute and
zither. The hounds, exhausted hunted the last days,
dozing in the corner, oblivious to the party.

Laughter and shouts of encouragement lifted when men
of Lord Stephen began a round of betting data
wood bright colors, marked by numbers 1-6 in each
one of the six faces. Were placed in a glass timber. one
men started the game, flicking the data in the cup for later
bangs it on the table with a thud that made the little Kaden laugh
excitement.
Then, the glass was removed, revealing the data on the table. earned
who take off data, face-up, the sum of the numbers were
greater.
Bets were made between the riders, before the data were
thrown on the table. Each round, a chorus of groans and cheers
Wild echoed, while the losers delivered precious coins
for the winners.
Kaden was fascinated with the game of dice, and small hands
rapid spread, anxious, to the edge of the table, Amber, who
been watching the boy was faster.
Gareth Montrose smiled as he approached her. Pointed for men
the table.
- This is no longer a game, but a display of magic. - pointed
the room where Lord Stephen and several of his men were gathered.
The young lord of Camelot was as tall as the king. But there were others
was also as high as Stephen Lord. Truan Monroe was found
among them the center of attention. Performed some slight trick with
hands that held everyone's attention.

- Look, I'll show you. - Gareth leaned closer to
Amber and explained, muttering to the table that others could not
hear. - Observe carefully the next round. There are certainly two
data that will roll with the same number. 6 - Faced Look
questioning her, he smiled. - I saw this game many times before, in
London. There are lead weights in the data, so they tip over and roll
as well.
Data were thrown once more amid grumbling and high
cheers. Two rolled face up, showing both the brand
the 6. Gareth smirked and spilled beer mug, which
just one of the girls eager filled service. When he offered
Amber, this shook his head. He had no taste for the bitter drink.
Lady Vivian joined them and took the restless child.
- Passed their bedtime. If I let you stay over, will be angry
and impossible in the morning.
Kaden protested when she took the lap of Amber undoubtedly
feeling that their plans for the evening had just to be cut. She arched her back and tried to escape
from his wife,
but she held firmly. When the boy protested, Vivian
soothed with gentle words. Soon, he leaned his head on his shoulder
and stuck his thumb in his mouth.
I'll put you in bed for you, Amber suggested with hand signals.
She was eager to escape the room. Tired of constantly seek
By Truan, looking just a look that indicated he still
liked her. Just find the jester, jester, to smile back.
Vivian shook her head.
- Stay and enjoy the fun. It is not necessary that we both lose the
dinner.
Amber looked around the room, for men gathered there. Gareth followed her
direction of the eyes, saw the look disgusted and hurt when she's
Truan dug in Monroe and then the quickly way that
looked away before anyone noticed. But he turns. spilled his
Stein, strong drink making her impatient and
daring. Slammed the mug on the table with.
In a voice loud enough for all to hear, but addressing the
one man, called by Gareth Truan.
- Lord silly! I bet ten pieces of silver I'll find the trick
deceives you with these good men.

Truan turned slowly, his gaze narrowing toward the young
Knight and then in the slender young man who was standing beside
goals.
Before, Truan turns Amber enter the hall alone, silently and without being
noted. She wore her hair down, as girls of Camelot. However, the
youthful innocence was an illusion. His hair fell in waves
challenging and sexy her shoulders, a silky robe that shone like dark gold for a moment, and then,
as the light of the flames next.

He wanted to take her in my arms and hold her tight as she had once.
Did away with kisses the pain perceived in her eyes. but not
dared. Because it could not bear to see the disappointment and horror on that face
worshiped when Amber knew what he really was and what was
able.
She wore the dress Truan had given him. It was a soft blue, the color of
morning sky, and matched her eyes. Truan caught her eye,
briefly, and those kind and candid eyes, unmasked the true
thoughts as clearly as if Amber spoke of his feelings
aloud. If only you knew the truth, Truan thought.
I could never tell, because the truth would turn any sense
she had by him in fear. Best pain and anger than that.
Truan smiled back at Gareth, with an air of silly, curving his hand
shell behind the ear.

- What are the petty gossip listen to women? - Asked,
imitating the mannerisms and naps ladies in a way that made up
even women in the salon laugh at his incredible representation. - Or is
the clucking of chickens loose in the castle? - Suggested to bend your arms
and hit them like wings, while imitating the clucks of chickens in
patio.
Then he looked again to Amber, while pretending to listen attentively.
- No, not that either! It's noisy chatter of children
should have been put to bed hours ago, with babies castle.
The expression on his face that he saw Amber squeezed her

heart, when words had the desired effect. two bright
patches of redness and anger appeared, one on each side.
- The Listening, a teacher of fools - Gareth responded harshly -
is a challenge; proves that it is more than a common thief who plucks
a coin from one pocket just to make it reappear in another; or
more than a seducer of young innocent, who woos with tricks
Amazing sleight while robbing them virtue.

Gareth took the dagger from his belt and tossed it on the table edge. The blade
Bright spiked himself in the wood, the cable shaking, ending any
doubt that this was a reckless challenge.
Beside him, all the color drained from the face of Amber, an expression of
sheer terror that Truan never seen before. She trembled all. His eyes
widened staring at the blade, painful memories to return to your
mind. When connecting your thoughts to Amber, Truan felt all
the terrible memories of that day in the past, when the family
Amber died.

She tried to pull away but Gareth stopped and pulled her against him.
The silence suddenly took all the great hall. Could be heard only
wheezing warm fire in the fireplace and the restless whining of dogs, which
agreed to feel the sudden tension in the air.
Kaden shifted uneasily in his mother's arms. Vivian soothed with
a gentle touch while looking urgently find her husband,
Lord Fitzwarren. He was among the men closest to
Truan. If you understood the urgency of his thoughts seemed
ignore them. She handed the child to Meg Truan smiled, but the expression in his eyes was
far from humored.
- Make your challenge, sir knight! - Exclaimed. Besides not drop
Amber, Gareth put the possessive hand on his shoulder. Smiled confidently.
- Convince the good people of Camelot once and for all that their
tricks and apparitions are real, and the silver coins you
took these men are yours.
- How they were still unconvinced? - Truan
asked, smiling calmly as if it were all a game.
The look of Gareth preached on the dagger on the table, with a
expression of satisfaction.
- You made everyone believe that the hand is quicker than the eye - he
retorted - but nobody actually saw his tricks, just a
money taken from the hair of a girl or a dove appears
suddenly in his hand, as if by magic, both easily concealable
the sleeve of his tunic. Made the statement, like taking a coin
Silver Amber behind the ear.
She flinched at the touch, reduced to a quivering, terrified creature.
To prove his point of view, Gareth pulled two coins
inside the sleeve. They fell in the palm of his hand, and he took them to the
high, to show how the trick was done.
- What if I can not? - Asked Truan.
Gareth smiled as he passed his hand over the face of Amber, aware of the effect
caused it and it looked silly.
- So everyone will know who the coward is silly.
That goes beyond a frivolous challenge - Rorke Fitzwarren muttered to Stephen, nearby. - I will not
allow a rider to my service insult one of his men. Stephen restrained by hand
on his arm.
- Do not interfere, friend - snapped, watching with intense Truan
interest.
- But the wannabe has bloodlust - Rorke said. - Everything
because of an insult in the training yard he brought in
first.
Stephen nodded, remembering a conversation with Truan,
months earlier after Stephen returned with Cassandra by portal
time sure Truan out who had opened, allowing it to
follow him and save his life.
With renewed interest, declared:
- There are more things in the game than you think. Let's see what our
Friend is capable.
Rorke frowned when Truan announced:
- Then choose the means of challenge.
Gareth's smile deepened. He took the knife and yanked it from the table.
- Let the hand is quicker than the eye for all to see!
When he turned the dagger, holding it by the blade all around
Truan moved away. Unless Rorke Fitzwarren. He put his hand on
Truan arm.
- You have proven who is in battle. Everyone here knows i your expertise.
No need for that. It is he who acts like a fool.
- Not that it matters - Truan replied softly.
Rorke's eyes narrowed. It was not like that of the young warrior
remote island in the Irish Sea feel the need showing off for a girl. Especially when you could choose
between the
young people of Camelot, one to warm your bed. Truan smiled and
shoulders, as if it was not a serious issue at all, but simply
a dispute that he could not refuse.

- I have never been able to resist a challenge.
- Even if this challenge can mean a dagger thrown in his
heart? The lad is an expert with the sword, but even better with a
dagger. Put more than one of my knights kneeling with this
ability.
- I appreciate your concern, Lord Fitzwarren. But what can happen
worse? Camelot is free from a dull fool? The price seems
of little importance.
- It is when your own blood you speak - snapped
Fitzwarren.
The smile flashed Truan, malicious.
- Speak, Lord, as if I had already lost.
- I saw the boy's skill - Rorke repeated.
- Ah, but did not see mine. Take a step to the side, my lord. If the crosshair
it fails, I would not want the dagger struck him. If the sight of it is
good, and I fail, I do not want to get his tunic stained with blood.
- You're an idiot! - Rorke fumed with disgust to give several
steps back.
- This is the challenge - Gareth said. - If you are truly
able to take a coin from the air, then be able to take this blade
air before the hit. Otherwise, you better take your feet
quickly from harm's way.

- What if I'm successful - Truan amended - then I will have the same
opportunity with the dagger.
81
Gareth smiled, caosta air.
- Of course.
- So let's get started! - Truan exclaimed. He leaned in
ironic reverence for Gareth, but his gaze went to Amber, who
was the low side of the young knight to the head.
Gareth whispered something to her. When Amber did not seem
listen, he grabbed her chin and forced her head back. The look
it found the Truan briefly, full of silent
torment was like a knife in your heart.
So confident that Amber and all the others watched, Gareth made
crosshairs carefully and threw the dagger with deadly accuracy enregelar the
bones. Straight to the heart of Truan.










Chapter VI


Gasps of surprise when spread, faster than the eye, the
Truan hands gripped the blade. Everyone stared at him, astonished. then
Slowly he turned the knife in the air and seemed to balance it standing on the edge
finger.
- The hand is quicker than the eye - declared and withdrew his hand.
The dagger did not fall. Continued to oscillate in the air as if suspended for some
invisible thread. He turned slowly, the light of candles and torches to reflect on the
blade.
Most haunted everyone, Gareth stared with a mixture of
disbelief and anger.
- It's an illusion! - Shouted. - Mislead us all with this trick!
- What trick? - Truan asked innocently, opening her hands and
extended to show that it manipulated the dagger. - It is his
released by his hand. Unless you have fooled us - suggested.
The humiliation stamped on the face of Gareth. The expression in his eyes
was pure hatred. He collected coins from the table that had been
wagered and flung them to Truan.

Truan raised his right hand. In mid-flight, the coins stopped
and suddenly, as the dagger seemed to hang in the air.
- If the coins are lost, it will be difficult to spend them - Truan joked,
waving his hand slowly. The coins disappeared and then
reappeared in his cupped palm. He slipped between the fingers,
turned his hand and dropped it in his pocket. Everyone cheered, delighted,
Gareth laughing.
Deeply humiliated, Gareth grabbed Amber by the arm and pulled her
against him. In the sudden flash of anger that flashed in the eyes of Truan,
Gareth saw what I expected: something far more important to the jester
cut than coins or admiration.
- Let her go! - Truan exclaimed.

There was a buzz. A woman screamed. While everyone looked,
Nobody knew what had happened. Were sure of only one thing:
hand Truan not touched the blade that seemed suspended in the air. however
heard that unmistakable buzz of a weapon rending the air with
force. And then the thud and time consuming when tremor hit the wall,
Gareth behind, holding his sleeve on wood.
For a moment the young man was too stunned to speak. Then, the color
went up to her neck. Grew red with anger. He picked up the blade and pulled it
the timber. As she turned, looked ready to fight. Everyone in the room
sought weapons.
Indifferent to danger, Vivian slipped into the side of Amber and pulled her
back.

- Enough of these games! - Vivian exclaimed, putting his other hand on the
Gareth, trying to persuade him with the power of your thoughts. -
This is a time for celebration - Explained. - There will be more sports tomorrow at the training yard,
sure.
The thoughts of Gareth, Vivian met powerful resistance
we had not anticipated. So the resistance faltered and disappeared as
is expelled away. Gareth's hand loosened under her arm
Amber, and he released her.
- Go now - Vivian whispered to Amber.

Amber shuddered. The look he gave Vivian was still terrified,
but no longer guarded the expression of a lost soul. Finally, she
nodded, turned and left the hall.
Truan watched her leave, grateful to Lady Vivian. Knew of his powers and
suspected that she had used far more than words.
- It's not over, silly - Gareth swore through pursed lips, the
turn around and exiting the hall, with the laughter of men of Lord
Stephen echoing in his ears.
Vivian raised the threat in Warrior voice. Truan was not behind
Amber. Remained in the hall. Vivian watched him with increasing interest,
as he continued to play the role of jovial playful,
drinking and laughing with the men of Lord Stephen, leaving visible that
did not care to dispute with Gareth.
Vivian, however, saw something in his eyes when he faced the boy,
an emotion briefly revealed an expression that betrayed his
feelings: he was in love with Amber, with an intensity that
vine of the soul itself.
Vivian had no doubt that he would have ventured quietly
his life for the girl, or even taken a life to protect her. However,
for reasons she did not understand, Truan refused to reveal those feelings to anyone,
especially for Amber.
How do you capture the wind?, Truan thought, with increasing frustration,
back to Camelot, just before dawn.
He felt it moving through her senses. Inhaled it with every breath.
But he could not touch it!

Entered the hall by the laundry, empty at that early hour. However
felt the shadows move around each other, as if to observe
as he passed. Camelot had fled during the evening celebration
anterior and wandered the neighborhood as a creature of the night. with the
corner of roosters, somewhere in the distance, he returned. search
been in vain.

When passing through the kitchen, heard the distinct sounds of crockery and utensils
metal, followed by the shrill voice of the cook to call the servants that
helped prepare the meal for the family.
Entered through a side passage, aware that Stephen frequently
would get up at this hour of the morning. Do not want any meeting that
demanded explanations. Cut through the terrace linking the
corridors of the rooms downstairs, to the gardens.
The gardens had a rich abundance of fragrant roses, vines
of bluebells and crocus that were grown
disorderly, after many years of neglect, before lady
Cassandra the podasse. Closer to the kitchens was the garden, with certain
stimulants flowers and herbs planted between beds.
It was there that he met Amber.
Was kneeling amid the fragrant plants, with soil and grass to tarnish his hem of the dress. Her hair,
loose as in
Last night, concealing her features as she tilted her head.
Truan frowned. Although I knew Amber spent a lot
time in the gardens with Lady Cassandra and Lady Vivian, learning the arts
cure, he could not imagine what had brought her there at that time of
morning. Then he saw the tremor in those fragile shoulders and heard her sobs.
Cost him the last vestiges of self-control not to go after her in
Last night, after the confrontation with Gareth.
Had thought there could be nothing worse than the term debt; fear
those eyes. But now I discovered something much worse
Tears.

The sound of crying the devastated, as if some creature had buried the
claws into your own soul and open a wound. - Amber - Truan
whispered her name as he muttered thousands of times
thought. At first she seemed not to hear him. There was still time for
he quit before Amber returned and saw him. But failed.
On the floor before her, lay some dark and furry thing. Arriving more
close, Truan recognized the coat with ringed distinct brands. he
knelt beside the Amber and stroked lightly the animal. Was cold to
touch, there was no sign of life. The pet was dead did
some time.
I once had a pet Truan well, a little like creature
with a ferret, silky coat, which had relieved the solitude of a
little boy with no mother and no father to love him.
The animal was small enough to curl up in front of his tunic,
and he carried everywhere with him, along with an assortment of strange treasures found during
their
farms on the island where you grew up. The pet often skipped out in the most unpredictable times,
surprising her guardian and
tormenting her when crawling under skirts and enrascava feet
her. It was no wonder that both had survived until the age of seven.
The pet lived with Truan until his fourteen years. Curled on his
pillow at night, accompanying him everywhere. However, the same
so that all living things, the animal aged, the muzzle
become gray with age. One day, upon waking, he discovered that the
critter gone.
Out as if the creature had fled and taken along his childhood. Truan
never seen him. However, for a long time, holding the small cloth
where the pet was sleeping. Brought it inside his shirt, as if thereby
could maintain the innocence of childhood.
Over time, had not needed the cloth or the creature, because the memories
remained in his heart. Knew the scoundrel Pippen was loved
this way for Amber. No doubt she found comfort in animals
as he, with his pet. And that was taken from Amber
as well as everything else.
- He was, Amber - said gently. - There is nothing you can
do. - He understood very well the helplessness of such loss. - I
bury for you, here in the garden.
She stared at him, then. His eyes were slightly swollen cheeks
wet with tears, the expression of unbearable sadness.
Truan stood up and gently pulled her to her feet. should not
have touched it, because by doing so, had only one pulse; embrace it.
Hugged her. There was no resistance, only the smoothness of Amber
merging with it.
She was small and frail. Had breathing ragged by tremors
the desperate cry that left him devastated. Leaned her head on his
shoulder, her face pressed against his heart.
Truan closed his eyes, memorizing the feel of having her in his arms, the
way that clung to him, the complete surrender to sadness every
breath she took, the feeling of tears through the fabric of his
shirt.
Then a gasp ran through the bottom and trembling. Amber looked up.
Tears hung on her eyelashes when she looked at him with a sadness
and unbearable suffering. He showed, however, by no fear
be touched by him.
Truan gently stroked her face, tears wetting the tip
his fingers. Then, cradling his face stained with tears in their
hands, tenderly brushed his lips to Amber.
Heard the soft sound she let out the back of the throat, felt the
startled gasp against his lips, and then the docile submission that
mouth, a hesitant kiss that snatched his soul.
That kiss, he felt the past and future collide, as if some
something destined to happen if messed and woke up. Pulled her away from
Suddenly away from you.
Amber turned pale, the dazed expression and full of confusion.
- Get out! - Said Truan violently, and then more gently.
- Go now. I will arrange that your pet is buried.
She hesitated, then he turned angrily.
- What are you waiting for? Get out!
Unable to speak, the thoughts of Amber told her, in connection
between.
What did I do to you to hate me so much?
Tears streamed down her cheeks. Truan could not bear to look at her,
see the pain he caused her.
Heard the wounded groan that Amber let out, and then felt the
sadness deep within the soul itself, when she fled from the garden.
Although Amber tried to speak with Truan in the days that followed, he
seemed to have disappeared. After there was no longer. The day of departure
to London approached.

She was sorry for Pippen. Even children in Camelot felt that
Loss of the animal. There was one more playful running throughout
part, stealing toys or cause chaos in the kitchens. Even
Cook seemed to miss the animal.
The days passed swift. At night, Amber fell into bed and slept
deeply and without dreams, tired of the final preparations and
stow luggage, work that often had to be done
again after Kaden was rolling baskets and chests in the rooms lady
Vivian.
The child showed sulky, as if he felt the sadness in the air, although
Vivian insisted that it was because there was born a new tooth. Kaden
tested the patience of everyone, including Meg, usually more
tolerant, who created the boy's mother, like the son in temperament and curiosity about things.
Amber met up with Gareth occasionally, but he was the
most of the time in the training yard. Had approached her one-
once or twice, perhaps to apologize for the confrontation on the night of the party,
but then disappeared when other people approached.
The day of departure finally arrived. The sky was full of clouds
summer that brought a terrible wind.

Lord Fitzwarren was eager to leave. I wanted to make the first
camp in a sheltered place, several miles east before
nightfall. The knights of the king were already assembled in the courtyard, the
coachmen sitting on the bench of the wagons. The belongings of Amber
Packaged in the second wagon found themselves, along with Meg and
with bed for Kaden and women.
They parted. Vivian and Brianna wished bon voyage to his sister. Cassandra
promised to visit London next spring, when the baby
Brianna had been born, and stay as long as necessary to help
second child of Vivian. There were many tears, until the
husbands became restless and announced that the night would fall is not
depart soon. Looking at the sky, Amber thought that night had fallen.
Searched for Truan and spotted him among the men of Lord Stephen. would
accompany them to the borders of the West, and then back to Camelot.
- It's time - Rorke Fitzwarren again reminded the wife.

- Where is Meg? - Vivian asked, looking around in search of
old, who had gone to get Kaden in the room. After he had almost trampled by horses nervous, it
was decided that the
boy would be safer in the nursery, out of the way
danger, until they were ready to go.
Amber laid a hand on Vivian's arm.
Meg say we're ready to leave, said motioning
Quick hands. I will give more time for the lady to stay with their
sister before we say goodbye.
Vivian watched Amber cross the courtyard and frowned. Then he turned
to Cassandra and spoke of things that needed to recall each until
they were together again, although they communicate by
thoughts.

- Maybe I'll surprise - said Cassandra, who had the gift of travel
by time. Although the husband swore he would not risk that
way again, his eyes dancing with mischief. - You can find me
London sooner than you think.
In the courtyard, the distance, the head of Truan rose suddenly. Felt anything,
as a subtle wind shift, a sudden chill that tingled
every nerve ending and made him shiver. Amber knew off
behind Meg and Kaden. The time of departure approached.
He told himself that it was better. He told himself that she would find
a little peace and joy with Lady Vivian and her family. He could not
venture that Amber knew the truth, because not bear the look
her when she saw him as he really was.
That unease ran through his blood and intruded into their
thoughts. Was seized with a strange impatience.

Amber was taking too long. Should have been back with the boy and the
old.
Vivian felt the restlessness Truan and then saw him throw the reins to
side and unmount suddenly. Then he realized the source of their
concern. An alert went over his skin as a kind of icy hand.
Followed him.
Truan climbed the steps to the hall, two at a time, and came to
rooms on the second floor in an instant. Vivian burst through the door behind
him soon after. Screamed in horror when he saw the room.
The furnishings were overturned, torn tapestries of the walls, and
curtained windows. The brazier spilled out, and full acre wood
steaming permeated the air. Amid the destruction, they both heard the cry
muffled a child. Vivian ran across the room, pushing things
out of the way, pushing the tapestries. Amid the rubble and
destruction, found his son.
Kaden sat on the floor, eyes wide, colorful faces
Scare. Had a scratch on the forehead and one in the arm, but apparently
found himself unharmed. Vivian took him in her arms, hugging him tightly.
He turned to the noise of others entering the room behind them.
- In the name of God, what happened here? - Gavin looked at the
destruction to get behind Rorke Fitzwarren, which came with the sword
unsheathed. Several weapons were drawn as Lord and Stephen
his men approached.
- Something far from God - Truan said with grim voice to crouch.
He pushed a heavy bag to the side and leaned on a form
shrunken, drenched in blood.
Vivian's son held for Cassandra, the sadness of their
eyes to reveal that he knew what he would find. He knelt beside the Truan and
slipped his arm under the shoulders of the old lying there, a halo of hair
whites to fall on the thin and emaciated features.
- My face - murmured to entertain Meg's arms. Feel the beat
decreasing heart, the struggle to keep it running, the firm will
used to pull every aspiration. Blind eyes opened slowly.
Meg reached out weak and trembling hand to her, gently stroking
Vivian's face, as he had done countless times when she was a child. And
the tenderness of his touch, Vivian gave the dying thoughts:
found by chance in the nursery a hidden creature between
the shadows; Kaden had approached, and she fought to protect
boy.

Vivian infused into the dying woman a little of their own strength,
wanting her to fight, to live, even though there was
no hope. Inside the chest, felt a conflict: had the
power of immortal life, could heal the worst wounds with only one
touch, but could not stave off death.
- Where is Amber? - Asked the dying, to feel the horror and
suffering in thoughts of Meg realized that only the old
know the answer, because Amber was not in the room.
Meg grabbed the front of the mantle of Vivian. He stared at her as if
enxergasse first.
- The creature took to - said in a broken whisper; and a
Finally, shuddering gasp: - To the darkness.
Vivian laid a kindly old nurse on the floor. When
looked up , Truan was gone . Confident that his son was
safe, at least for now , Vivian was behind him. She found him in
starry chamber .
It was a holy place . Out there that her husband had taken the sword
Excalibur , and Tarek al Sharif led the Grail , to connect them to the power of
Oracle , placed in the center of the Round Table . Ali , King Arthur
once seated , with her loyal knights, and ruled Camelot , a
time and place that had smoky in myth and legend .
Excalibur shone in its place on the table , the tip of the sword aligned
in perfect symmetry with the light reflecting of the Grail and the Oracle , one
triangle of bright light , power and hope for the future .
Truan stood before the royal seal in the bottom of the chamber . carved out
the same pale sandstone with the castle of Camelot had been
built .
Five hundred years later , he was clean of dirt and soot that
accumulated over the centuries, once again revealing the ancient inscriptions
Latin is proclaimed as King Arthur of Brittany. It was like the light
Truth emerging from the darkness.
Now, the huge carved medallion, as tall as a man, gleamed
with a dark moisture seeping along the carved images
into intricate shapes and trickled down the rock face.
- He took - Truan said - because I knew I would have no choice but to
but to follow them. - Leaned seal stone, knocking fists
against ancient inscriptions, as he repeated with violence: - He
took!

- Who took her? - Vivian asked, because nothing felt than
happened.
Truan moved slowly away from the stone.
- Gareth took her through the portal.
- How can you know that?
- I know anyway that you know of such things.
For the first time in her life, Vivian felt a real fear.
- Who are you? - Asked, trying to penetrate his thoughts.
- Your thoughts betray - Truan replied softly. - I
fear, anger, distrust ... - Slowly walked away from the wall, and she
saw the blood on his hands, as if the stone was bleeding.
Others entered the room behind them. Vivian extracted under those
attendance, especially the sisters, whose power was great.
- Who are you? - Asked again, hiding behind the fear
anger.
Truan raised his head slowly . Gone was any resemblance to the fool
court that entretivera your mood , your tricks and charms .
Gone was the silly grin , replaced by a fierce expression , as if
some dangerous animal lurked within him , disguised by smile
affable and handsome features .
Vivian realized the presence of Cassandra behind him , and felt his
unbelief , even before hearing the gasp of surprise sister .
The fool was gone, replaced by the visage of someone who Cassandra
once found ... Someone that he seemed ,
96
the beautiful chiseled features , in severe mouth and eyes , which had
a striking shade of blue .
Were the features of someone she had met on the journey to that
distant future , where the battle between the Dark and the Light began and where
a kingdom was lost . A young man who had that same remarkable color
eyes , which had transmitted to the daughter who now stood before him , and that
also passed from father to son .
- Brother ! - Cassandra said .









Part II - CAMELOT
Chapter VII


Cassandra slowly approached the stone seal. Months before, she
had used his power to open a portal on the spot. through
that portal, departed on a quest to complete his destiny: to seek
Oracle of Light
To find out another world, a world that existed five hundred
years before the time of Arthur. Although the place to find it
looked like Camelot, with its sandstone walls, parapets and
starring legendary camera, was not the same.
To find the other side of the portal was another Camelot, one that
existed in a world ruled by the powers of Darkness, and Cassandra had been
trapped in ice, perhaps doomed to remain there forever,
that tomb, with the son unborn in the womb, if not the Stephen
follow, a perilous journey through the portal, which no mortal
never done before.
Cassandra rested his hands on the rock surface, feeling with
its powers, traces of energy that still lay within the seal
stone ... those who had recently experienced such a path.

Returned the senses inward, dragging with it the power born,
listening to their essence, reaching them and feeling the presence, while
lingered there. The murmur of two souls who had passed through the
way. One was gentle and innocent: a deadly, human soul. but
other was not.
Cassandra felt plunging into the rock, to become unite
with her. The portal opened a cavernous passage full of shadows and
sounds, screams, maybe the voices of others who have gone through that
way through the centuries. There was, however, no light guide, only
darkness that loomed ahead, pulling it. It was as if trying
wrest it from the mortal world into that world of darkness.
Then he felt the force of an arm to wrap it around the waist and was pulled
back. As if torn from the edge of a cliff.
Stephen held her firmly against his chest. He hugged her, refusing to
release it. Began to speak gently, her head down next to hers,
calling her back. With words of love and the sound of your name
son, made her want to return to that place that lay beyond
portal, where she almost out again.

Finally, he felt that Cassandra heart beat strong and steady, more
Instead, under his arm, where the surround her breasts; a sound that meant
life for the child that all those months dwelt within it, a sound
which meant life to Stephen every night I lay beside
her. Cassandra raised her head, eyes that stared back were
again with clear recognition. And at that moment, was
as if the heart of Stephen himself began to beat again.
She turned in his arms and rested her head against his chest. The
memory of that another time we had lost nearly one
another flowed between both urgent and real way as they embraced,
as if it had happened only moments before.
Stephen knew well what awaited on the other side of the portal. once
open, there was no guarantee, those who passed by him, which
again find their way back.
Holding his wife tightly against him, warned Truan:
- You need to wait! It is very dangerous to go alone.

- You did not wait when it was behind Cassandra - Truan replied to
mouth tightened into a hard expression, open, finally, the connection to
thoughts of Cassandra. Through that connection, he saw
glance what she had seen, experienced what she experienced moments
before ... and all those past months.
Truan put his hand against the stone seal, the same place where
Cassandra landed. He felt the inner energy, as a flag in March
left behind, serving as a guide to the path. Even now, she felt
that fenecia. He shook his head to get away from the stone, fingers
wet with blood covering it.
- If I dwell, the trail through the portal will disappear - Truan
said, very seriously. - And there is nothing to mark the path that
they took. Amber will be lost forever on that another time.
You know I speak the truth.
Although Stephen wanted to persuade him, there was no argument that could
to use. He needed no gift of psychic to understand the reasons that your friend had to go after
Amber.
Understood them from the heart.
Truan wiped the blood from his hands, the blood that marked the journey
through the portal. But that was that blood? Gareth? Or Amber?
He knew for sure that Gareth had, or at least the human form of
young knight, who had taken her.
How to catch the wind? Not long before, he had returned from another
futile search for a creature born of a union of Darkness and outrageous
mortal flesh, then that Lady Mar-geaux lain with Malagraine and
conceived a son of Evil.
The creature had been ripped from her body by the demon lady Margeaux that
begotten; a child with a few moments of life and view of
Glance to escape through a blinding snowstorm; a
Child of Darkness, which possessed the ability to take the form of
man or animal.
In the forest, Truan looked into the eyes of Darkness, who had taken
the form of a huge gray wolf. And, for a moment, one felt
kindred spirit. As if looking at himself. Two lobes, each with
instinct to kill, the sounds of their struggle shattering the silence of the forest,
blood of both to shine on the leaves of trees and drenching the earth.
Different and yet the same. Both capable of becoming,
both with unimaginable powers that could kill and destroy. where
was the difference between the two? Who could tell what was good or
Bad?
He struggled with those questions throughout his life, hating that
part of himself that was neither man nor beast, but a
terrifying creature, caught somewhere in the middle of the two
species. It was a loner who had fought with the legacy of power that was born, trying to escape
what he was.
Then one day at the top of a mountain outside where more than once
trying to escape, the vision finally reached him, a whisper of the past and
a voice of the future that called for it.

Truan be dreaming had thought, the very thin air for your lungs,
cold lash it climax in that wind. He thought he might die.
Maybe even yearned for death, hoping that would relieve him
the torment of uncertainty.
However, as his mortal life was ending, the heart beats each
increasingly weak to pump blood, lungs ceasing to fight
pull the air, he discovered that immortal part of living inside the shell
his mortal body. That was when he had first seen the
child of their dreams staring at him.
- Follow me - the child whispered, as if that power inside
grew stronger, an energy of bright light that expanded,
bringing with them the knowledge of the ages, the power of other blessed
with that power that came before it, the accumulated memory of their
stocks and experiences, as well as images of his past,
present and glimpses of the future. A past, present and future of which
Truan was part and could not escape.
Could escape. Could hide in some distant cave or atop
a mountain. However, he refused the power of light that had been born,
the powers of darkness would claim it. And he saw the future that
unfold if it were to happen. A future of suffering
unbelievable, death and destruction to all mankind. For the
humanity was the embodiment of hope for the powers of Light
When finally returned from that journey, Truan was changed very
older, with the knowledge of the ancient soul. The old Abbess
that created it felt immediately. The look in his old eyes
Wise was both happiness and sadness.
- Did you find what you were looking for - she relayed her
thoughts with a gentle smile. Then the smile faded. - E
now will leave me.
- I never leave - Truan sworn, talking about heart and soul. - A
part of me will always be here with you.
The old abbess, Elora, and agreed to hand landed on her face.
- When you was delivered to my care, I knew it was only
for a short time, there would come a day when you should leave.
Accepted. And I know that day has come. Go now, son of my heart.
Truan left the island, leaving away, in a quest to understand
the mortal world where he was born. Finally, upon returning, discovered that Elora
gone. Still, some said, having perished in that same ridge
mountain where he had a vision of the future, for how could
an old woman survive in such a place? Others said she
simply walked into the sea, until he Tragara,
rising to the surface in a silver and gold mist. Truan never
more turns. But he remembers it. An elderly, yet without
stale with age. Old in his first memory of her, and even
thus unchangeable in his last memories.
Since that last time we left the island, kept Truan
the true nature hidden so carefully concealed as the
thoughts behind a guise of a charming fool foolish.
Outside the fool who first met Stephen Lord and his men,
jumping from a tree, like some winged creature, to fall at the feet
them with an empty smile on the face, beginning a search that
brought up to that point: your destination.
Brianna had approached him hesitantly. Was instinctively cautious,
attentive, contained, while Vivian, as the power he possessed, as was
a force of nature: frank, open, fearless.

But it was Brianna who understood that neither Vivian or Cassandra
had achieved with his extraordinary powers: the duality of
spirit which still haunted Truan, part creature; part human, and
nevertheless, neither and therefore misunderstood and feared.
Reached out, his touch so light and fragile as a bird's wing,
by binding to not link shared thoughts, but the connection
spirit of all creatures that have the common bond of instinct.
Pulled his hand suddenly, as if he had been burned.
- You have the power of transformation! Truan smiled sadly.
- I will not bite her. Never liked the taste of the Hawks, their claws are
very sharp.
She smiled hesitantly, in return, unsure if he was being teased or
absolutely honest.
- Not like I took a nasty rodents.

The sadness is gone, and Truan laughed, shaking his head.
- I felt really missed not having you around to torment me,
sister. - Then the smile vanished, replaced by an expression
Thoughtful. - I felt really missed not having my family around me.
Brianna looked at him with knowing eyes.
- We all felt very. But you need not be lonely.
There are those who are able to accept ourselves as we are.
He agreed.
- Yes, I have three of you.
Vivian was, direct as that force of nature that the Truan
compared, which frowned as if he had beheld something
great importance that needed to be decided.
- You need to tell our father! - She exclaimed, with a firm gesture. - He
is part of it as much as us.
Truan nodded.

- No time. - Her gaze met Cassandra. Of all of them,
she knew what lay ahead.
- Now you need to go, before it's too late.
- Then, you must take the sword of Arthur - Rorke said Fitzwarren,
Excalibur taking his place on the Round Table. - She has
great power.

- None - Cassandra said softly. - He can not take anything that
existed in the time of Arthur. The past could be changed,
consequently changing everything that followed in the five centuries since
his death.
Stephen Fitzwarren and exchanged glances, each thinking
same thing.
- Then that would mean ...
- What none of us could exist - Vivian conveyed the thought
aloud. It was a very serious fact that affects them all.
- What about Amber? - Stephen asked. - It does not exist in the past
as written, the past that created the world we now live.
His presence here will change the future?
- This is why you must find it - Cassandra replied, was
impossible to say how the presence of Amber beyond the portal could affect
the past and the future.
- If she's alive - Truan said quietly, because I could not feel
anything except that Amber left the essence as track.
- Stephen survived the journey through the portal - Cassandra
argued. - It is possible that Amber also survive. The path is
clearly marked. You need to follow before it disappears. - She
opened his hand. Was covered in blood.
- Is the blood of Amber?
- The creature was injured when Meg fought to protect children. I feel the
life force of all three in this blood.
- I must go now - Truan murmured.
- Will not wait for our father? - Vivian asked.
- Tell you where I went.
Cassandra grabbed his arm as he stood before the old
postage.
- Trust in the power that dwells within you. It's the only thing that can
save it and bring it back to us.
Stephen pulled her gently back to his side, and fired up the
friend.
- May your journey be safe.

Truan put his hands on the ancient stone seal. Skirted with
fingers the edges of graven images. Turned his thoughts to
his intimate at the same time that it came into contact with the power
interior. Expanded way beyond the mortal world, into that
another world that existed in that vacuum of darkness where Amber out,
essence left behind traces in blood.
His hands went slowly through the rock into the vacuum
that awaited. It was like diving into a deep, dark pond. The
portal opening has expanded like ripples of water spreading
in concentric waves of sight, sound and texture. Truan penetrated the darkness,
with those glistening drops of blood as signs showing the
way.
- I have a son?
As a man who had been punched, the expression of Merlin was
astonishment, full of infidelity, to look for Vivian.
She felt her thoughts in a fragile and fleeting connection. There was a
torrent of emotions, not only disbelief, but also of anger,
when he turned to his mother, Ni-nian. There was also suffering,
realizing he had been tricked by someone he loved more
than life itself.
And in the silence of Ninian, Merlin knew the answer.
- Why did not you tell me? - Asked, hurt. - How? When?
- So, gave way to anger again. - Why do you hide something
just me?
Vivian felt trapped, caught in something he wanted no part.
Was forced to go there, no choice, when
Truan made the decision to go through the portal and go after Am-ber. However,
Now, she wanted to leave, to escape the anger he had never seen before among his
parents.
Vivian was sure that Merlin should know, as she and
sisters, Truan was sent to a safe place, as a child, to
their own protection against the powers of darkness. However, the reaction of
Merlin, disbelief and anger, Vivian realized that he did not know
had a son.
In a fury that frightened her, Merlin ran across the room and grabbed Ninian
arm.
Although it was created in the mortal world and the monk by Meg
Poladouras , Vivian spent much time in the place where she and her sisters
had been born , the world between worlds , where Merlin had been exiled ,
after Arthur had been killed and Darkness took
government of the kingdom . Merlin never seen her raise her hand to Ninian .
- Tell me the truth , woman - he demanded .
Vivian knew that Ninian had no choice but to tell the truth , because
was an enchanted . Although he possessed many powers , they were not
nothing compared to the power of Merlin . If Ninian resisted, he
rip to force the truth of it with the use of that power . Vivian feared
result, because I knew what it meant. If it was not freely given ,
it was a violation of the soul , would cause such a deep hurt
and complete that Ninian could never forgive him for that.
- Please ... - Vivian begged both.
- Stay out of this daughter - Merlin said gently . - This is between me and her
mother.
Vivian looked at her mother, she felt pain in that heart, saw the maelstrom of
infighting. It was as if faced some enormous suffering that
transfixed and then her frail shoulders sagged, as if she
desist from fighting.
- I longed to tell you, my husband - he said, softly. - I wanted
and yet ... I could not.
Merlin reached for Ninian, feeling the suffering that existed
inside her, wanting desperately to believe that Ninian had
that the same reasons which had protected the daughters.
- Why? - Asked gently, holding her by the shoulders and
turning towards him. - I shared everything with respect to our daughters,
when we were forced to send them away. Why you could not
tell me about my son?
Ninian slowly looked up. Suddenly looked much older,
an unbearable sadness, suffering and grief in words. extended the
hand and tenderly touched the face of her husband, trembling fingers.
- All these years we shared everything, my husband. We went to bed
together and share our bodies and souls. I felt you move
inside me with a passion so great that I thought I could die
this. And you felt the movement of each child gave me the move
within me, including the child conceived after Brianna
born, though he lived only a few moments.
Vivian looked up. I did not know that his mother lost a son.

- You held each in his arms, still wet with
My mortal blood - Ninian continued, the tears in his luzirem
eyes - even that little dead baby. - A tear dripped from
your lashes.
Merlin stared at her incredulously.
- What are you saying? Truan is my son or not? Vivian felt her heart
break, so great was the sorrow of Ninian. I did not want to hear anymore.
I just wanted to leave and return to her husband, hug him and hug his son.
But I could not because I knew it was also part of what
begun when the creature of Darkness led by Amber portal.
- Yes - said Ninian, in a whisper. - But is not my son.
Turned away from Merlin. Suddenly looked small, fragile and hurt,
how to gather the strength to endure some deep inner suffering.
- What are you saying? - Merlin exclaimed. - How can this be?
Ninian breath, trembling. His voice was a painful whisper to
saying:
- He is your child with another.

- Can not be! I never cheated on her with another, nor could. I was exiled
to this place.
- Do not speak of this place. I speak of before. In the mortal world - said Ninian. -
When you loved another.
Merlin was stunned. Vivian wanted him to deny it. Wanted his
father refused because he could not bear the suffering of the mother, who
Merlin believed he loved others before them.
But his father did not deny. On his face, she saw the anguish of truth. a
fact that he had long buried, without realizing the
consequences. Merlin closed his eyes and hung his head.
- So long ago. - His voice cracked with emotion.
The beginning of the end. A stolen moment that should never have happened and
with such devastating consequences.
- What are you saying? - Vivian asked, looking from one to the other.
That was more than just a lost love, something much bigger than
somehow affected everyone.
- Who is the mother of Truan?

Ninian stood silently at the window, sadness and pain to devise
his handsome features.
Merlin looked at her with all those same emotions and the last traces of
hope, still wanting desperately to believe her. However, the
Ninian condemned to silence. She hid it from him during all
those years.
- Santa?
Merlin's gaze softened as he faced Vivian. He put his hand
gently on her face.
- It all happened a long time ago. If I knew ... - sighed
background. - My son - he repeated. - From what you told me, his powers are
and large, however, it may be at the greatest danger of all.
It's a trap and, if successful ... - He turned to the door, the
already distant thoughts.
- Santa? Where are you going?
- I need to warn you.
And it was. Vivian knew the place we were looking for Merlin, the place where ever
was when she was a child.
- Mom?
A single tear ran down the face of Ninian, when she turned the
window.
- I lived all this time in this place. All my babies born here, in this place that most people do not
believe
exists. We chose to come back here later.
Vivian knew she spoke the release of Merlin, the curse of
Darkness that had held there between the two worlds of mortals and
immortal.
- I can not stay here now.
The restlessness of Vivian grew. Never seen her mother so.
- What are you saying? It's just a misunderstanding. Santa will return. I know
will return.
Ninian nodded.

- No - said with great sadness. - Do not return. The hurt is very
deep, very great suffering. It's something that can never be
forgiven. I knew that, even when I fell in love with his father,
knowing that he loved another. - He shook his head. - I gotta go, do
could bear to see that what he felt for me has become hate. -
He looked around. Seemed to remember every detail, retaining all the
memory. Then left without looking back.
- But ... where will it go? - Vivian asked, the tears you marejarem
eyes.
- For a place apart, where maybe I can figure out what to do with
the rest of my life.
- How do I find her?
- We are united by a bond that can never be broken, daughter.
I loaded each of you in my heart. My blood flows through
you guys. I'll be as close as your thoughts.












Chapter VIII


Truan ran, stumbled and fell but got up again, following
that glittering trail of blood through the passage.
Grew stronger the smell will fill the senses , moving through it ,
pushing it to that passage of light and sound in turmoil , chaos
bright pictures , as Truan crossed a rain of
shooting stars , each color flaming .
So was being pushed toward the center of the light , which exploded , and
it was thrown through the light beam to the other side .
Fell and rolled over, groaning in pain as his shoulder hit the ground ,
tearing the skin in several places . Her dazed senses ceased
spinning inside the head . Pulled air into the lungs and slowly
opened his eyes .
A lively lawn spread before Truan , in undulating terrain .
The outline of the leaves moving in a nearby branch took shape . then
more leaves and branches became visible , as his vision took hold and
expanded to encompass the surrounding area.

Truan turned back, the sudden movement causing your mind
plunged into chaos again. He stared at the canopy overhead.
Where were you?
There was a sense of familiarity in the formation of trees in large
cluster of rocks outlining the clearing and in the course of the stream that
ran meandering through it . It looked like he had been here before.
A gust of wind brushed his face , bringing the sounds of the forest .
Were also strangely familiar , in an agitated winches
Squirrel and cranky croak of a raven , followed suddenly by a
expectant silence .
A terrified woman scream threw knees . Each focused direction
that sound, Truan stood up , drew his sword and went to the forest ,
as he had done before , in another time.
Heard the cry again and cut through the creek , quiet and
deadly as the creatures of the forest, to chase that sound and
human scent he belonged .
Found a clearing in the forest edge . Followed against the wind , hair
the bristling neck , his hand closed on the handhold sword .
Came nearer and heard clear and insistent voices .
Then he saw the two women in the clearing. One had dark hair, with
Sweet black eyes, high cheekbones and narrow chin. Found itself
side by side, it was small and thin, no more than a girl to.
The first was dressed in fine satin, the patches of grass in sharp
pale glow of expensive fabric. He had his hair tied in a thick braid
black that fell down her back, and of the right hand, wore a red stone that sparkled like
dark blood.
The girl wore her hair loose. The sun sparkled on the silken tresses
that spread over her shoulders and down her back in glorious locks
golden. Her dress was simple but fine fabric, and a Moldovan
slender body, prepared for battle. Holding a spear in robust
small, elegant hands.
His slender chin was firm, fixed look ahead, her lips slightly
opened, breasts heaving up and down under the bodice of the dress
each deep breath, as if she was running.
Truan recognize it anywhere: fragile, beautiful, eyes full of
emotion, the strength to transpire through fear and pain.

- Slow down and very carefully - she said to the other woman, the
husky softness of her voice to stun him, frozen lando him down for a
moment blinding him to everything else.
He imagined that voice thousands of times, heard a murmur in her
kind of thoughts, the tender words converted into images
she created with the language of hands Meg taught him.
The sound, however, was like a dream, something imagined and felt, but never
experienced up to that point. It was soft and yet strong, as
steel wrapped in velvet. He found her.
A lavishly dressed woman grabbed Amber's arm, trying to pull her
back. Neither noticed him, continuing to look around the clearing, the
back slowly.
Then, holding the spear before him, Amber pulled the other away.
- You need to go now! - Said insistently.
- Do not leave!
Amber shook her head vehemently.
- It can not attack two at a time. Run! - Called when the wolf
jumped across the clearing toward them.
The woman did not run, but pulled out a narrow knife from his belt and held it
before him.
The wolf was a huge creature , all muscles and nerves in the thick
black hair , the lips drawn back over the deadly fangs , and a fierce
terrifying growl to sprout from within his massive chest . Attacked .
The first foray Amber flustered . His grip was awkward , and the
numbness spread from the fingers to the shoulder with the force of
shock at the tip of the spear, to hit the hard bone of the shoulder of the animal
rather than the vulnerable chest as she intended .
Amber 's hands were wet and cold when she thought of the teeth
Wolf have sunk into his flesh . Vira hounds attacking one
helpless rabbit, and could imagine the pain of flesh and muscles
torn . But heard that after the first blow , began
a kind of numbness that spared the prey of experience
Final agony when it was shattered .
She was terrified . Fear squeezed her throat at the moment
the wolf attacked again, a blur of black fur and teeth
aggressive .
Truan raised his sword and charged into the clearing . Hit the wolf with a
coup glance that passed beneath their legs and sent volteando about yourself upside down. The
Animal growled, a feral sound that was partly in surprise, partly from
pain and fury, to scroll through the clearing. Immediately jumped to his feet and walked around
the
hunting, looking for a new point of attack.
- Amber! - Truan warned softly. - Do not move!
All his senses were focused on the wolf, not a creature of
Dark as before, but still dangerous. Truan not notice the expression
Amazed and slight frown Amber to hear your
behalf.

He felt the attack even before the wolf moved. It was instinct,
of the tie he shared with all creatures that moved
through his blood, a silent warning, and bristled the hair on their
nape.
Communicated through that instinctive bond, the blood pulsing with
violence in their veins. There would only be a result. Death.
You do not want to die today!, Sent the wolf, so clearly
as if he had spoken. Get out of this place, brave warrior of the forest, and
live to hunt another day.
Felt when the wolf hesitated, a change in cautious, the
no more ears pressed against his head, but curved
slightly forward as if listening. Realized after indecision
uncertainty, when the animal's head tilted upward at an angle
hard.
That bowed head turned and, for a moment, their eyes
found: the glowing yellow wolf and the deep blue immortal.
As if some silent agreement had been signed, the animal turned
abruptly and left the clearing, silent as entered, with only the murmur of the lower branches to
mark the path by
which fled.
Amber's heart gradually ceased his frantic mismatch. by
Finally, she managed to pull air back into the lungs.
- Intended to fight with your bare hands?
His voice Truan pushed back to the border conflict, to the body
mortal, to date, attracted by the sound of that voice, soft
as a quite different plume of smoke than he imagined without
no trace of sadness or painful memories.
He looked at his hands, only then aware that no longer held the
sword, but tossed aside, with all thoughts focused on
connection with the wolf.


That dangerous place where the events unfolded affected the
future where it came from, there was no shyness or uncertainty Amber. not
was no painful silence or memories of the horrible things she
faced, and had taken her ability to speak.
Everything happened as had happened before, when the wolf attacked the
forest. As before, her dress was ripped and there were traces of
Blood. But she did not seem too hurt.
- Sir Knight! - Amber exclaimed, staring at him curiously. -
How do you know my name, when I do not know yours? - The remnant of fear
disappeared, replaced by interest.
Truan only then realized that not only she did not remember the
suffered horrible things, but he had no recollection
goals.

- Or is it perhaps a sorcerer who appears by magic, at the last moment,
to save us?
Truan coughed to hide his surprise. Amber felt that not
remember anything, including his journey through the portal. however
come much closer to the truth than you might think.
- It has a name so I can thank him for saving my life?
He had not counted on that. Changed everything.
- I called Truan. She smiled.
- That was not so hard, was it?
- Harder than you think.
- But you did very well - Amber greeted him, a glow
mysterious dancing in his eyes. - Maybe not miss the sword
next time.
Despite the serious situation they were in, Truan laughed. that
was a creature he did not know, a spirited young, bold,
beautiful, it was not haunted by the past, but the person who Amber
might have been if not for the experiences that happened.
Truan only then realized that the other woman walked slowly
toward them, cleaning the leaves and dirt dress. It was beautiful with
a regal air, despite the leaves that clung to his hair and
dirt that stained her face, her smile was radiant.
Guinevere. As surely as if the woman had said in the name
aloud, Truan knew who she was. In its time, the story of
Guinevere was shrouded in myth and legend: the daughter of the Celtic King on Rich
land, which brought great power with his marriage to the warrior king of Britain and radiant hope
for the
future of a kingdom, designed to last a thousand years.
The woman, who was more myth than legend and soul and substance, walked
toward him, and it was not hard to see why Arthur and maybe a few
others had lost their hearts to her.
Guinevere shown himself brave as any warrior, refusing to
flee for his own life, choosing instead to fight
wolf. However, with all its regal beauty and courage, it was
also an air of sadness.

Truan felt the approach of warriors and quickly resumed
sword. They were dressed in blue tunics and trousers, with polished
iron armor over his chest, swords reluzirem to the midday sun.
Eleven warriors who used the old Latin timbre inlaid in
steel in their breastplates and cuffs decorated their swords identical
the inscription on the Great Seal, the starry chamber.
With equal proportions of admiration and respect, Truan realized
who were: sires Bors, Gawain, Gaheris and Lochiel, whose real knights
names were carved on the panels of the Round Table. men
were all killed in their time but whose legends still
alive.

Sir Bors, the eldest of Arthur's knights, was a wise man who fought
with cold calculation and the mathematical genius.
Lochiel, the lover, who claimed to be no girl that you
could withstand, was the way he fought conquering a woman,
with sweet seduction and skillful escape.
Gawain, the gentle giant, whose size was most enemies
leave the field before the battle began.
Gaheris's nephew Arthur, whose bravery and loyalty become
legend in stories repeated by countless generations that had
followed.
- Stop it! - Guinevere ordered when the Knights moved the
Truan gunpoint. - Do not hurt! We're only alive because
Sword of the stranger.
One by one, the swords were downloaded, although no sheathed.
Truan smiled inwardly. Knights Arthur would not risk the lives of
his queen twice. She turned to him.
- We are very grateful, sir warrior - repeated. - Who is your
Master? Who can the king offering gratitude for your service?
The question caught him off guard. Truan recalled that traveled
five hundred years into the past. A past where Arthur, not William
the Conqueror was king, and where the powers of Darkness expected to
claim the kingdom.
The events were triggered at that time and place, events
that directly affect the future where those he loved
deeply now existed. It took a great care, because if
acted frivolously or recklessly, could put them all in
great risk.
Expected to find Amber and return with her to the time and place of
both. Was prepared to face Gareth. But it was not
prepared in case of Amber did not know him much less desired
back with him.
Everything had a purpose that is not yet revealed to him. however
Truan felt the danger of events that moved beyond their
power to stop them, it did not take very careful.
In his time, he hid under the guise of a fool
court, but Arthur did not need fools to amuse her
cut. He had, however, need to warriors, because he was about to
face the biggest battle of his life.
- I owe allegiance to no one, milady - Truan answered the
thoughts to form a plan that would keep him close to Amber.
- All the kingdom owe allegiance to the king - Sir Bors reminded him.
Truan felt a reminder of his tenuous position. Chose his words
great care and attention.
- My sword is my master - snapped. - I go where it takes me.
- A mercenary! - Gaheris said, making no attempt
to disguise his contempt. - Sell your skills to the bettor more
high, no matter if it is the king or Malagaunt, but who has the purse
richer.
Leaning on his sword, Truan made a sweeping gesture.
- Do I look like my services sold for the highest bid? - His
clothes were those of a warrior: tunic, pants, boots, sword.
- So maybe a bad warrior.
- Not from what I saw today - Guinevere interceded.
- Yes - Amber nodded beside her. - We saw him face a
wolf with his bare hands and courage.
- Maybe we should test your skill with your sword - Lochiel suggested.
- We have only your word for being a warrior.
- On another occasion - Sir Bors closed the discussion. - There are only
a few hours of daylight. We need Camelot reach before nightfall. You will come with us. The king
will like
to talk to you, warrior.
The coach was on the road that cut through the forest, surrounded by more
Arthur's men. Was closed with heavy tapestries to seal cold
that has passed through the windows.
The tapestries were not in blue and gold, the colors of real Arthur, but
a vivid and brought forest scenes, animals, trees, the
sun, moon and stars. The banners rippling in the columns of the coach
were green too.
- I have no horse - Truan made clear the obvious, as the ladies
were followed until the coach.
When Sir Bors ordered one of his men to dismount,
Guinevere opposed.
- Come with us, warlord. - At the invitation was an order
subtle. - It's little more comfortable than riding a horse, and I
would like to know more about a warrior who should not loyalty to
no man.
The coach was large and spacious inside. Truan sat in front of
Guinevere. Amber slid into the seat next to her. The coach yanked
forward, and Truan was forced to place his feet on the opposite side to
keep sitting.
Out of the coach, two of the men of Sir Bors followed on each side, then
beyond the windows, and within an easy distance of attack, whether the new
Passenger prove to be dangerous.
In front of Truan was aware of silent contemplation and Queen
Amber's fun to see how he struggled to avoid being thrown in
ground.
- How does a warrior as great expertise and independent modes
is walking in the forest? - Amber asked with curiosity
undisguised.

The color of the tapestry was reflected in his eyes, making them even more
green than blue. The filled and curved lips twisted into a smile
she tried unsuccessfully to hide.
- I came from far away - he explained, without lying - and no horse
have survived such a journey.
- However, you survived.

Amber was a wonderful seductive creature whom no mortal
could resist.
- I survived only by the skill with my sword.
- For we have only his word and is yet to be proved -
she pondered.
- They are dangerous times - Truan said. - Only a fool or someone
appropriate expertise would dare to risk traveling through the area alone.
The coach turned around a bend, bouncing hard on the road
bumpy. Amber was thrown forward and would have fallen on the floor of
Truan coach is not grabbed.

Strong but gentle hands brushed the curve of her breasts and closed in
Amber around the arms, preventing it from falling to the ground. Instead,
collapsed on Truan. She lifted her head, and her gaze met his.
Look passed in a flash of recognition, the fraction of a moment
where some memory of the past returned. Past that lay in the future,
five hundred years from now. And for a moment a flirtatious smile
passed over his lips.
Truan could have forced her to remember, but something stopped him.
That Amber was free of the past, and the powers of the elders, he
wanted to hear her laugh, do not you cry, wanted the warmth of their smiles, not the haunted
expression that turns each
time I touched her.
Returned it to the opposite seat and let it gently. However, the heat
contact was on the tip of your fingers, the softness felt those breasts
through dress. Even now, those soft breasts rose and fell
faster than normal, and laughter in her eyes glowed Amber
in a different light.
- Tell me about your family - Guinevere asked, studying him thoughtfully. -
I was born here. I know most of the families in this county.
Again, Truan chose his words carefully.
- I have no family.
- No horse, no family, no loyalty to any man -
Amber commented.
- Ah, but I have a sword.
The future queen watched intensely.
- Did we may have met before, warrior sir?
- Guinevere asked. - Who knows my father's service?
Truan nodded.
- I'm new to this place. Not met before.
- Accept your answer yet, sir warrior - she stated.
- But we'll talk about this again.
He agreed.
- If it please Your Majesty ...
- The observation is premature, sir - she murmured, smiling lips
disappearing. - I'm still not the queen.
- There will be soon, my lady? - Truan asked.
The story told from one generation to the next, was legend or myth, it become known that Queen
Guinevere out of
Arthur.

He also spoke that theirs was a great love, disturbed only by
mutterings about the knight Lancelot. It was all conjecture, told by
ages in myth and legend. But whatever the truth of that
past he was now part, had an unexpected sadness in
future queen. She sighed.
- Yes, very soon. - The smile returned gloomily. - The same
moment of our arrival, if so decided by the directors of the
king, the generals and his Seneschal. - She looked at him thoughtfully. - When the
seen in the forest ...
Truan felt to search for the memory of something experienced. then
what it was. Guinevere looked out the window.
- You reminded me of someone.
- I hope it's a nice souvenir. - Her gaze met
her, and Guinevere smiled sweetly.
- Yes, a memory to last a lifetime.




Chapter IX


Well after nightfall finally arrived in Camelot . the first
Since Truan turns fortress, Camelot was a place of refuge , a stack
stone ruins , full of battle scars , under the shroud of
centuries of neglect and ravaged by the elements. Very little of his
greatness had survived .
Intact , there remained only the starry chamber, with the ruins
Crumbled of the Round Table , and the stone seal carved with the
Latin words and ancient inscriptions .
In the months that followed, with hard work and experience
craftsmen , the castle of Camelot had been restored to a semblance of its
past greatness , a place that many still believed to exist only
in myths and legends , a bright symbol of hope and faith for the future .
But that was five hundred years forward in time .
That was Camelot and outside , when Arthur , Warrior King , had claimed
throughout Britain , under the force of his vast army . And that solidified
claim by marriage to Guinevere , daughter of a powerful
clan chief .
When they arrived, bonfires gleamed through the region. Across the river, whose course
had changed in five hundred years, the gleaming towers of sandstone rose
the fortress walls like giant sentinels posted on guard.
Torches were lit along all the walls. tassels
flitted, in colors of bright blue and gold of Arthur, in welcome
to the new queen.
The coach moved with difficulty across the bridge, followed by the knights and
Warriors. As passed through the gates, the lights of the torches
played by features of the two young women who sat
before Truan.

Amber's expression was full of surprise with the mass of people who
had gathered to greet them, a sheltered within the virtual city
massive walls of the castle-fortress. Flowers and gold coins rained
by opening the window in tribute. She took one of the flowers, a
Delicate white rose.
- See how welcome, milady? It is certainly a sign that find
happiness and love here.
Guinevere took the rose in hands. He looked at her thoughtfully.

- Love is a rare gift that can neither be bought nor
sold - replied, very seriously. - Not with gold coins, or land
even a crown. Should be given from the heart. If you find a love
well, my dear Amber, hold it. Fight to the last breath to
save you, because life is not worth being lived without it.
Then he looked up. His gaze met Truan briefly.
- Yes, sir warrior, even queens yearn for love. We are, after all,
human with feelings, needs and hopes, nothing different
anyone else. we are different just because we can not choose whom to love. make
choice for us.
- But what if you could choose, milady? - He thought he was speaking Guinevere
Lancelot, however, as history recorded, it probably does not
even find that brave knight before that day.
Guinevere smiled.
- So I would choose a young warrior without a horse, or land,
or titles, only with his sword, his name and his ability to
chase with a look woodland wolves.
- These gifts are insufficient, milady.
- I do the trade for what awaits me - she said, with such
honesty and frankness that Truan surprised.

The coach shook and stopped before the broad stairs of the main hall. the
torches shone, making it look like day within the fortress walls.
A large fountain in the huge courtyard with bubbling water that trickled down
hands of stone figures, carved in roman style. Equal to that,
hundreds of years in the future.
All in Camelot had come to welcome their new queen,
including Arthur, who came down the stairs, surrounded by his other
Knights, advisers, generals and his Seneschal.
Guinevere seemed to gather energy emotionally. Truan saw the hesitation
moment when she closed her eyes, silent concentration
strength, and heard the hasty prayer that muttered in thought. when
Guinevere looked at him again, it was with strength, courage and gratitude.
- Thank you, warrior sir, for making my trip enjoyable.
- Do you think they plan to behead me now? Truan
asked, not entirely joking, because the reputation of Arthur as
a violent warrior was also legendary.
- Not likely, since I have talked to Arthur. he is
a wise man.

- So let's hope it's a man in need of all
warriors can use. I do not intend this to be plucked and coach
placed on the block of the executioner.
With a step further, Truan opened the door of the coach and quickly
down with the sword at his side.
Before any of Arthur's knights reached the door of the coach,
He reached for the new Queen of Camelot. In the shadows
coach, Truan saw her breath. The hand that took his trembling only
slightly, and then signed with light pressure.
Truan felt the presence of Arthur and the knights of his,
advisers, generals. Also felt that the questions were forming in
thoughts of the king, even before he spoke.
- What is it? - The king asked. - One of my warriors traveled in
coach?
Many stories were told about Arthur. His birth
in a noble family of Romans and Celts descendants, named
lost in obscurity, its extraordinary value and skill in
battlefield, his ingenious strategy, charisma and energy
warrior boy who had united the warring clans of Britain against
that the invaders would claim, the brilliant tactician who waged a war
intellect, wit and indomitable power with everyone, including
the boss who finally granted him what he valued most: his daughter, Lady
Guinevere.
But linked to myths about the achievements and power of Arthur, had the
stories of his lord counselor, ingenious and brilliant intellect,
whom some called abbot, magician, prophet.
Truan seen a glimpse of Merlin in Camelot, days after the return of
By Cassandra portal. But there had been no look
recognition between them, any time they face him Merlin
and he felt the flow of communication in a single word: son.
Then learned that the old abbess, Elora, spoke the truth, his father did not
had no knowledge of it, it would never have been able to hide
it Truan.
Truan knew the circumstances under which her sisters had been
created, kept separate, safe from the powers of Darkness, covert
by obscurity, the truth known only to a few, protected
by the powers of Light.
He accepted it. But now, at that place and time, it was discovered
Merlin looking for among the inner circle of trusted advisers
Arthur.
Many believed that Merlin out through wise counsel,
which made it possible to be King Arthur, show boldness in clashes
military that no other field general would have dared count
with a wit that no mortal could, against the hordes
Northern invaders, and conquer the power to govern with prudence
and kindness. Merlin, however, was not among those who had been
greet Guinevere.
- A strange, my lord - Sir Bors told the king. - Found in
forest and the reason for our delay.
- If it were not for this strange kind, my lord Guinevere
spoke - we could have delayed us permanently.
Arthur was taller than most men, his hair a
dark brown, cropped around beautiful aquiline features, which
revealed his strong Roman heritage. He wore a beard and mustache, also
trimmed, and dress the king's coat neatly done
deep blue velvet, silver contoured neck and sleeves.
The pants were blue, and black boots. The trimmed blue fur cloak
had silver clasps, with the embossing of the royal insignia.
His eyes, however, were the eyes of a warrior, insightful,
smart, seeing everything in a last glimpse of, narrowing when
Truan returned to a blue inquisitive look that spoke of the fierce blood
Celtic flowing in his veins.
- I heard that there were problems. - Looked at Guine-vere. - You do not
was injured?
- No, my lord. As you can see, I arrived safely.
- Yes - said Arthur, making clear the man inside, in
its fullness, not entirely immune to shocking young woman beauty
chosen for their queen. He took her hand in his. Took it to his lips and
kissed, which surprised her.
Seemed genuinely relieved that she had arrived unscathed. Afagoulhe
fingers, resting on the other hand, a tender gesture, inappropriate
for a warrior or a king. Guine-vere seemed touched by the gesture.
- I would not give reasons to her father to lay siege to my
boundaries before the votes are pronounced.
She stiffened slightly, but the smile remained.
- Of course not, my lord.
Arthur turned then presenting it to those who had been dumped
on the patio and sitting on top of the walls, eager to see the new queen. she
stood regally beside him, a slender young man of strength and tenderness
unbelievable, it probably would have chosen something else if
choice was his.
Who Guinevere loved so deeply? Truan was imagining,
when Arthur then turned to follow her, stepped up, until the
main hall.
- Come on - he said. - Are you all tired of the trip. there is something
to eat and a fire to warm themselves.
The words were quite cordial, spoken as a courtesy to the
lady beside her. But Truan saw exchanged between Arthur and Sir Bors looking
communication with the changes of men who understood each other
very well. When the guards closed around him, his hand
instinctively went to the sword.
- Please, my lord - Truan heard the voice of Guinevere, a full
soft authority that would require in the days, weeks and years
were ahead. - I owe my life to this warrior - explained
forcing them to stop the procession to the hall. - Would the king reward
his brave and loyal subjects to punishment for doing what you have ordered
to do?
Caught in a dilemma in public, for which there was no easy escape,
Arthur had perhaps the first lesson in how to deal with women,
particularly those that were queens. She put the question with great
diplomacy, his hand resting gently on his arm. wise man
it was acknowledged her wisdom and turned back.
- This man is a loyal subject of Camelot? - Asked. - I did not hear
a loyalty oath.

Truan smiled inwardly, to meet the gaze of Arthur at the same level.
He had sworn allegiance to Camelot that another time and place. would not
a lie to say it again now. Not posted on my knees
ground, as custom demanded knew: cocked his head like a
man who recognized the status of another.
Heard when Lady Guinevere breath.
- Not feeling well, milady? She came up.
- No, my lord, but it's just fatigue, while you keep us
everyone here in the cold night air, waiting for words not in
heating up.
Arthur laughed.
- It is true, my lady. - He turned to Truan: - What says,
Warrior? Will swear allegiance or spend the night with chained dogs?
- There is a choice, my lord?
- There's always a choice.
Truan smiled because his words were for Guinevere, so she
could know that he had a friend who to trust.
- I swear my allegiance to Camelot, by my sword, my strength and my
sacred honor.
- Well spoken, young warrior. Welcome to Camelot. It remains to ensure
you to prove both his skill with the sword as their loyalty.
Amber followed behind the king and queen. He turned again, looking at
back to Truan, a pensive expression on face. Truan was with
servants and attendants. When he reached the top of the stairs, Amber
crept from the shadows and landed her hand on his arm. Even if he could not see it clearly in
shadows of the doorway, he knew that touch.
Moved through it like mercury, incandescent fire
began in gentle pressure of his fingers and ran for his blood.
- Sir Bors is the more experienced fighter - she warned, her voice soft as
smoke seeping into their dreams and senses. - Has great expertise. will
expect you to attack first. That way, he knows what to expect.
Lochiel is dangerous because of its strength - Amber continued to explain.
- You can take down six men and still stand to face the
Next.
Truan smiled to hear that voice. Did you hear her mutter other words,
of longing and desire, that sigh when he touched her. his fingers
Amber slid down the arm.
- And Gawain? - He asked, not because they needed to know, but because
needed to touch her. Gently pulled her closer. There was no
resistance, only the flash of fire in her eyes, the light of a torch
next.
- Gawain is known for his bravery. He would rather die than
dishonor.
His hand slid further up Truan in Amber arm, his fingers
rubbing the curve of her breast.
- And Gaheris?
He heard her gasp in amazement. He felt the sudden sinus pressure against
his fingers. Felt the surprise of desire had awakened the senses and
the thoughts of Amber, something she did not expect or
experienced before.
- The other pledged their swords and family names Arthur in
terms of loyalty and honor. Gaheris is the most dangerous of all, because it is
the king's nephew. Has everything to lose and everything to gain, and nothing he will not do to
prove
worthy of the favors of the king.
- Why do you say that?
- Because ... - Amber hesitated, and his thoughts, felt the Truan
response. Because she wanted him to stay in Camelot, for reasons that
could not even understand. Nothing spoke right to conceal one
secret in mind. Then smiled, small well-made teeth gleaming
a mischievous expression. - Because the woods are full of wolves. E
I would not mind being eaten by one. - He turned with the intention
to move away to the hall.
- Wolves are not what you should fear, Amber - Truan snapped.
- Should fear him, warrior sir?
- Never, Sweet Amber, because I'd never hurt her.
She smiled hesitantly, unsure if he was telling the truth or was a joke
at their expense.
- Even if you were a wolf?
The question startled him. What did she know? Do you remember?
- Even so, small. I would be at his side and the heat up
while you sleep. Would walk through the woods with you, guiding her. I
protect you with my life, with my last drop of blood.
Amber was very serious, reached out and touched his hand.
- How in the woods today?
Truan felt that she was looking for more, something that peered inside the
darkness that enveloped the memories of another life.
- Yes, in the forest. Amber agreed.
- I always feel safe when you're around,
Mr. Wolf. - Then she was sneaking into the hall and
joining the others.
Truan saw shadows advancing on each side, as the knights
Arthur around him. Smiled, unconcerned.
- It would be a shame to Lady Guinevere find the blood of their
Knights drained the steps of Camelot - said calmly.
- You are very sure of yourself, warrior - Sir Bors replied.
- I am sure of the result.
Truan felt he hesitated, then walked through the door of the legend that was
Camelot.




Chapter X




- Send my gratitude to the king for his hospitality - Truan said, the
inspect the cell that would be your accommodation for the night and also his
prison. Sir Bors agreed.
- It was the King's wish that it be offered every comfort for you
do not need anything.
Truan met the steady gaze of the rider.
- The King is very generous - murmured, a smile curving her mouth.
- And in the morning - Sir Bors said, gesturing to the
young squire came out - there will be an audience with the king. It is very
curious as to how a warrior appeared walk alone in the forest,
nothing, except the clothes on and an unusual weapon made of ...
- Paused, searching for the word.
- Steel - Truan gave the correct terminology.
The alloy forged in fire and hand made in the empires of the East
East, in another time in the distant future was the subject of much
curiosity and speculation among the men of Sir Bors.

At that time and place, the weapons alloy of iron and other substances
known were the best that could be found. Steel, a
compound of the much stronger metal than iron, capable of producing a
cutting edge and resist blows from other weapons on the battlefield, only
would be used after several hundred years. If humanity survives.
Truan Sir Bors felt watching him during the feast in celebration of
arrival of the new queen. The cup of wine on the table before him, not
emptied out. While other knights stood, each in his
time, toast the engagement of the king, only the discerning eye and teller
Sir Bors did not show frank admiration for the beauty queen, but
had been focused firmly on Truan.

Truan lifted his own goblet in salute to the rider, his gaze
also measure it. In Sir Bors he felt, not an enemy but a
watchful guardian whose first duty was which - profitably for the king.
The shadowy enemy that Truan followed through the portal would not
found in the body of the loyal knight, but in others it remained the
party. He heard every word, every glance had seen, felt each
thought. Somewhere, at the party, felt the presence and dangerous
dark of a bad heart.
Who or what Truan find, when finally confronted
the one who won the trust of the people of Camelot, in the future, and
Amber then kidnapped for that time and place? And for what purpose?
The massive cell door closed behind Sir Bors and squire. Truan
smiled at the creak of metal against metal when the heavy bolt
was run.
He knew he had been brought to the guest house to make sure they
he would not go away.
But Truan had come there to find answers, and I was not willing to
allow Sir Bors and his men or the simple stone walls
prevented.
- Bed and Breakfast - smiled sadly and muttered scornfully.
- Dungeon.
In the future, such places would become the personification of terror and power of
man over man. A place where people were taken and
tortured, and which never returned.
On the table were the basics for survival: a pot of
water, a loaf of bread that the rats would undoubtedly compete with him,
before dawn, and extravagance of a small oil lamp
oil, so that Truan certainly could appreciate the luxury of their
accommodations.

Those fools thought that four walls could imprison him. Reviewed
your options out there. The most immediate and simplest did look
the corner. Had company. Curiously, with regard to the eyes staring at him, his nose
twist as could capture the smell of bread and fresh meat.
- Mice! - Truan exclaimed in disgust, rejecting the option, although
it was obvious that if a rat could enter the cell, he could escape the
same way, easily.
Never liked rats after a particularly confrontational
unpleasant one, as a child. By experiencing your newly discovered processing power,
Truan done as most precocious and curious children, and ignored the warnings
of the old abbess to use his powers wisely.

Lessons are always a duality: the obvious thing that you learned and
larger truth that lies beneath the obvious. Elora demanded that he always
understand the two.

- Tell me, my little student, what you learned from this beautiful day?
Truan resigned himself to the fact that, at age eight, in mortal terms, not
yet reached the level of development or discovered the full
potential of his powers
- I learned that one should not make hasty decisions. must judge
things more carefully, because they often have consequences
which can not be predicted.
She pulled on her knees and you had applied a beating. Truan had been
completely stunned. It was a sad and senseless human reaction,
absolutely insane. Yet it had the desired effect of
educate you.
He grew up that day.
- No offense - told fellow rodent who sat in
corner of the cell, staring at him curiously - but there are more choices
wise, much higher in the food chain. - He turned to his
Nearby options.
There were at least tens of meters of stone masonry, rock and
landfill at the top, between your current location and the main hall
Camelot, through that long descent into the darkness, guided by
torches. Not an insurmountable obstacle, but an escape very
time consuming.
The side walls were common cell walls on the other side, where
he risked being seen by his fellow prisoners. Again
nothing insurmountable, but once he was in another room, would
to escape from there too. Again, it was a waste of time. again
attention again to the door and the passage beyond that allowed the
more accessible means of escape.
Could concentrate energy and make running the bolt of the lock.
But the sound of iron against iron ranger would alert the guards, who
were standing in the passage. Which meant he should find
an alternative means of escape.
Supported both against the wall of the open side of the door hands. applied
slight pressure while leaning forward, turning his thoughts
inward.
Looking for the light, that inner place where the power dwelled within him,
a candle flame that never rested, but burned
continuously. Concentrated on it, expanding thoughts, until
the flame rose, reaching it, surrounding him it with the powers of Light
Moved with his blood, burned over each end
nervous and throbbed at the tip of your fingers.
Viewed the wall as if it were made of mist, which disappeared
under his hand, surrounded him, until he passed the mist and out the other
side.
The first attempt years before passing through a solid mass
out a confusing experience. When trying to impress a girl
enchanted, who discovered intense human emotions, if Truan
projected through a tree bad and assess what was on the other side.
I was not prepared for the much denser rock mass behind
tree, and turns firmly wedged. Stressed out the reason for
get away. Had concentrated his powers and departed hormonal outbursts and
finally managed to break free.
Upon hearing this later, Elora was horrified by the danger he had run,
all because of normal human feelings and emotions, who at the age
fourteen years in human terms, the left between childhood and
adulthood.
Then, one morning, she insisted that the two should make an
walk together.
They came to a small room in the community. The house belonged to
a young enchanted, several years older than Truan. His name was
Mara.
Mara was skilled in the healing arts. Talked with her several times,
seeking remedies for the various injuries he suffered in the process
normal growth.
Mara was slender and beautiful, with gentle eyes, a sweet smile and a touch
also gentle, healing when applied in various cuts and polishes
scratches.
Elora had looked at him excitedly.
- You're immortal - she said. - However, human blood flows along
his veins too, along with human needs. You are no longer
a child. However it is still not the man who must become a
fulfill his destiny. Go, my son. It's time to become that man.
Truan be returned to the cabin. Realized that man needed to
become. To turn around and look back, Elora realized he was gone, and he
felt that with her, also outside his childhood. The door was open,
and had Truan step into adulthood by taking the hand that you Mara
stretched.
She had been kind and tender, telling him, in equally kind words,
as a man and a woman joined together in physical union of their
bodies. Then shown him.
Mara's body was so slender as her breasts were beautiful and
lustful when approaching Truan completely naked.
She led him to the cabin and into his body and showed him
mortal passion and desire he had never imagined
exist. When Truan was exhausted too quickly, with anxiety,
Mara cleaned and then showed him with her mouth and hands, as
mortal flesh recovering quickly. Also the left to explore your
body with youthful enthusiasm and admiration
- You lie down with others - said. - They give you a pleasure
very large, until the day you lose your heart.
- Never. You have my heart - he said, while sucking the tense Nipple
breast into his mouth and felt him stiffen as his meat between
experienced hands of Mara once again loomed.
- No - she murmured, almost sadly, among the trembling sighs.
- Will other.
So Truan had looked at her over the swollen nipple, wet their
caresses.
- I can not imagine feeling more than I feel now.
- It will happen as it should be for all creatures of mortal blood. E
you know, because at that moment would gladly give his life for
woman get hold of your heart.
- Impossible - he had sworn, to roll it beneath her and love her,
losing themselves in the humid heat of the body that is closed around the
her.
- You have great powers who just started noticing. its
link will take you away from this place and me. Will demand a lot from you.
It should not turn against it. Somewhere within that target,
another awaits.
Mara landed her fingers gently over her lips as Truan
wanted to discuss.
- I'm your first. It was my destiny. It is my destiny carry their
sons. It is in your future with another.
He accepted the fact and stayed with her until departing on your journey to
empires of the Middle East, where his knowledge of mortal man
grown and expanded. Mara As predicted, overlaid with other
women and they find great pleasure.

It all out long before. In human terms, was a Truan
man of twenty-eight. He doubted he saw Mara again. felt
gratitude for all that she taught him.
Silently, as the mist that he envisioned, down by
passage. The first guard felt nothing when Truan approached,
unnoticed behind him. A slight pressure at the base of the neck and the
guard fainted. Truan leaned back against the wall. When the man
wake up, continue to keep an empty cell.
The second guard turned.
- Hey! - Called. - Is this you? - Followed slowly down the aisle. Given the
Truan vision, his eyes widened. Then he saw his companion
leaning against the wall, eyes open, but no vision. - What is
this? - Yelled, raising his gun.
- This will not hurt a bit.
With lightning speed, Truan cut any warning cry with
the gentle pressure of your fingers on the neck guard. this also
was silent, his eyes without seeing fitarem.
Both guards remained at their posts. For any other
guard who went through the end of the corridor, it would seem that met the
duty, as they were ordered, and that nothing was wrong.

Truan slipped into the corner of the passage. The stone steps
led to higher levels of the fortress were just ahead.
Guinevere watched the reflection of Amber in mirrored metal on the table,
before him, the way he hurried in the normal routine of the night,
each task performed efficiently and smoothly, but in silence,
as if his thoughts were somewhere else.
Guessed where they had strayed: For a young warrior
found in the forest, which seemed to be of much interest to many
including the king.
- This is the third time you doubled this dress - Guinevere said,
gently smiling when Amber finally looked up.
- Milady? - Amber asked, unsure of what he was told.

- You are a dear friend and their service is beyond
recrimination - Guinevere praised her companion.
Remembered Ninian, and once again felt that the pon-ed
longing. Wished that everything could be different. Then pushed
memories away, hidden suffering, in that corner
hidden from your heart.
- If you insist on double and redouble every costume - continued - I fear that
tearing of both handling.
Amber smiled, the flushed cheeks to quickly put the dress on
others who had taken the steamer trunk.
- Is there anything else you want, lady? - Asked. Something more than
wanted? If it was just a matter of wanting, Guinevere thought.
His hands slid the dress, thinking of all the things that had
wanted: love, passion, tenderness, freedom to choose your own
destination, all that would not only mean to. Not even if they were
wishes of a queen. Especially the wishes of a queen.

Looked into the mirror, as he had so many times during the months
past. What route? A young woman whose destiny was born out of a daughter
chieftain of great power woman whose greatest value in the world was
in enabling the alliance between his father and the king, whose uncertain future not
promised neither love nor passion.
Accepted that future because he had no choice. However, and
as the girl who now asked: "Is there anything else I can do
the lady, my lady? "but whose thoughts were somewhere else
place?
- Apples, I think - Guinevere replied.
- Apples? Guinevere smiled.
- There are several in the basket?
- Want a Yes, milady?
- I was thinking maybe an apple, or several of them, could
be enjoyed by our guests.
Amber's eyes widened. She had seen the guards surrounding him when
Arthur had retired for the night.
- Sir Bors had lead him to the dungeons. Guinevere sighed.
- Yes, I know. Something I'll have to remedy in the morning, when you have
opportunity to talk privately with the king. However, perhaps a
few apples prevent you from starving and give you strength for what
I fear that Sir Bors want for it. - He smiled mysteriously. - If the guards causing you problems,
tell them that the queen sent.
Amber's eyes rounded in surprise and admiration. in the long
journey from home to Guinevere to Camelot, had been aware of
sadness of his mistress in what should be a happy occasion. Of course,
heard whispers that an alliance with Arthur was not the first
option of the young. There were rumors that maybe she had given her heart
other.

However Lady Guinevere stoically agreed with the union and
resigned. However, at that time, was not someone Amber
glimpsed before, someone strength and regal posture acquired on
that her engagement to Arthur had been announced.
- Do not be late - Guinevere warned when Amber quickly donned his
mantle and filled the bar with half a dozen shiny apples. - Delivered
apples and then hurry back. Do not talk to anyone the way. E
take this. - He tucked a small bag in the hand of Amber.
Amber knew contained chamomile, a simple calming her
placed in the chests of Lady Guinevere.
- If you are questioned by someone, tell them I sent for this
sleeping pill and you lost your way. You can find the way back in
security?
- I have an excellent sense of direction - Amber said. - And I know
a path that probably will not find anyone.
When she left the room, Guinevere again advised:
- Be careful.















Chapter XI

Head down, senses alert, using the powers he was born with,
Truan explored passageways and corridors of Camelot, looking for
that sneaky devil of Darkness that had brought him here.
As an animal following the scent of his prey, he snuck
silently for doorways, where men lay asleep,
underwent closed rooms where we slept advisers and generals
the king. Underwent an alcove where urgent heard whispers behind
a heavy tapestry, and felt the sexual tension that throbbed in the air, which
did remember the mortal needs. Then the sound of clothes
being laid aside hurriedly, hastily joining the two bodies, and
subsequent sighs.
In the main hall, all was quiet, except for the crackle of the fire
the huge fireplace. When dogs budge, he penetrated them by
senses, calming them into a deep sleep.
The cook was dozing in his cot, wide hand closed on the bosom of
their young maid, coiled beside her. By all lanes open past the guards who stood in
their posts, oblivious to pervade the light mist that brushed the floor
stones, stopped briefly at his feet and then continued, esgueirandose
the corners and up the stairs to the second floor bedrooms.
Truan felt her before seeing her, the hurried pace of the heart; felt the
Animal perception with that found in the wild; stealthily
softness of her scent, that mixture of shy sweetness and subtle heat; on
light step of the feet on the stones.
Then he saw that brief glimpse of gold, when she passed very close
him, next to the second floor, which opened into the courtyard below counter.
The moon captured the color of her hair, the pale glow of the skin above the
bodice of the dress, in stark contrast to the dark green velvet, the
colors of the Queen, which involved his shoulders and slender body. he felt
Also the guard posted at the lowest level, directly from your
way. And the two guards who now joined the first, Truan
daring one sensed danger, which could not Amber be able to
rid of.
Caught her in the shadows, grabbing her as she passed. The shriek
was muffled under a strong hand. Amber's fingers dug into
that claw suffocating, while pushing instinctively with
other hand, the chest of the man who accosted her. And in doing so, she dropped the
mantle bar, and half a dozen apples fell to the stone floor with a
thud, then rolling in different directions.
- Did you hear something? - One of the guards shouted to his companion.
Truan Amber pulled against him.
- Huh? What are you talking about? - A second guard replied in
response.
Amber struggled, arms squeezed between their bodies while
was secured firmly against the captor.
The first guard went up to the porch.
The light of an oil lamp on the wall nearby, bathed the features
Amber and terrified countenance of the man who held her. above
curve Truan hand, her eyes widened when he finally
acknowledged. Taking a finger to his mouth, Truan asked for silence.
- I heard something - said the guard across the counter.


Headed straight toward them and pushed Truan Amber Young
into the shadows. When the guard drew his sword and came closer,
he turned to Amber's arms, sheltering her against the wall,
hiding them both as if they had disappeared.
An apple rolled across the stone floor, pushed by some force
invisible. Gravity took over, and the fruit past the guard
Awe, who turned and followed him toward the stairs. The apple came down the
steps like a ball rolling until it reached the level below and
slowly stopped.
- Did you hear something, is not it? - Commented his companion to take
apple and examining it. - You know, this is very dangerous here. met a
man once who was attacked by one of these. - He took a bite of the
apple with a laugh. - You're lucky, my friend. She could kill him!
The laughter echoed down the hallway to return to their posts.
Slowly Truan took his hand, but it continued to feel the heat of the curve
of soft female lips. His fingers slid by the arm and around the waist of Amber. He pulled her in the
direction
opposite and away from the landing into the safety of the alcoves.
- What are you ... - she whispered.
Truan put a finger on the lips of Amber to make sure that no
there were more guards around.
- What are you doing here? - She asked insistently.
- I wanted to take a walk. A thin blonde eyebrow
arched.

- After walking through the forest on foot? Should feel an excess of energy.
He chuckled, before that spirit unexpected facet of Amber,
that he was never allowed to know. By transposing the portal, it does not
only apparently lost all memory of his life in
Camelot, but also got rid of the pain and anguish of the past.
- How did you escape? Sir Bors men are scattered around, with
their heads smashed? - Amber asked.
The middle of their bodies, pills each other, Truan took an apple
much like those she carried hidden in the bar
mantle.
- It's a little beat, but not hurt.
Amber's eyebrows came together on the blue-green eyes.
For a moment, Truan felt that she struggled with some vague
recall that peered through the darkness which had about
past. Looked at the apple like a gold coin Truan
had suddenly taken from behind his ear. Her gaze met
him, slightly confused.
Then, as suddenly as it had appeared, the memory is gone
before she could catch her, disappearing once more in black
vacuum. Amber laughed, a soft sound of music filled more traits
rough. Like velvet. Soft and silky to the touch when petted a
direction, slightly creepy when stroked on the other.
In later life, his laugh had been silenced. Truan looking for her in
his eyes, a small, rare reward by simple tricks
practiced.

- First, you dodged the guards of Sir Bors, now of the king.
You, Mr. Wolf, is unreliable. - He reached the apple. The tips of
fingers of both are brushed, and that contact, and light as soon as
the touch of a pen, he felt another reminder to whisper into her.
Amber stared at the rake face, his mouth only inches from his.
Truan felt the sudden change in his heartbeat and then saw
accelerated in the pulsar slender vein in his neck.
Her delicate hands held him by the arms, as if to push him,
But Amber did not push. Instead, he felt a pressure
smooth when his fingers closed. The bright bluish-green of its
eyes darkened. And in the depths, Truan felt the memory of something,
once shared a brief encounter, a kiss, something that should never
have happened.
- Maybe - Amber murmured, eyelids fall shut to the search for
something lost in memory, something that should be remembered, however
could not - I have reason to fear for my own safety.
His breath was warm and sweet to brush the lips of Truan. he closed
eyes in agony. His hands were shaking when holding it.

Had only to pull her closer and then taste it. He felt that
she did not resist.
- Amber - His name was both a soft sigh and a
deep agony.
For things that could not be.
The sound of his name seemed to talk to her in some corner of the memory. The
voice, that voice seemed to have mumbled his name a hundred times,
a unique sound that Amber longed to hear.
She slowly opened her eyes. And as anyone knows who has been
a certain place and experienced certain things before Amber was sure
that had been together that way, and touched so
above.
Truan saw it in his eyes. No question, but a certainty.
He felt the sudden warmth that flowed through her, at that moment when
memory and desire have become one.
He pushed her gently, cutting the physical contact, as well as
recall.
- I'll take you back to your room.
Truan hurt her. Felt that in his confused silence as the Amber
followed. He said nothing, but thought it strange that he knew
exactly where his room was, having never been there before.
Outside the chambers of Lady Guinevere, the hand of Amber
closed in Truan arm.

- Sir Bors is determined to prove that you're an impostor - she
warned.
He had anticipated this and have been surprised if it happened otherwise.

- He suspects that you may have been sent by Malagaunt.
The enemy of Arthur at the time and place, a warlord of
Northern regions, which had joined the Saxons, if that part of the story
had been recorded accurately. Truan knew very well, however,
that the real danger was not from Malagaunt, but within
Camelot. Arthur was betrayed by someone close to him, which led him to
leave Camelot exposed and defenseless.
And how he seeks to prove that I am an impostor?
Under the lamplight on the wall, the face of Amber became very pale.
- There will be a battle, a show of skill and courage with
swords and other weapons. But you will be inferior in number and
will be ...
- Dead?

That simple word harbored any fear that was inside of the heart
Amber. A fear that was beyond a mere concern for
stranger who just met that day, even if that stranger
had saved his life.
- Why are you telling me? - Truan asked, wondering if she
reminded of something else, something that would put her in a serious
danger.
- I do not know. - Amber looked away from him, a wrinkle between
eyebrows.
Holding her chin, Truan forced her to face him. Than she
remembered?
- Why are you telling me? - Asked again.
- Because of the way you look at me - Amber
murmured. - The same way he looked at me forest. - He reached the top, the fingers to close on
him. - It is
as if I knew him somehow ...
It took all his willpower to move away from it, when it
Truan wanted to pull her against his chest. Feel the softness of that
body to merge with him, hear the startled grunt in his throat and
then feel the warmth of her breath on his lips.
- Go - said firmly - before it's discovered. again he
saw the confusion and hurt in the eyes of Amber.
- Will you remember what I said?
Truan nodded and smiled to hide his true feelings.
- Try not to die - assured. He waited until she grannies
into the room and ran when he heard the latch.
Amber leaned back against the door. The candles had been erased. The only
light came from the fire in the brazier. His boss did not move and seemed to sleep
quiet.
Sighed in silent gratitude for the lack of light and silence
surrounding. Could not trust his voice, nor conceal the wild
heat that burned his skin and the frantic beating of his heart. Such
as the forest that afternoon when, for a moment, had the
sure he knew the man who had come out of the shadows as if
of them.
Be reminded of something, at least for a moment, that night,
as a dim reflection in a mirror, a glimpse into another time and
place.
Finally, away from the door. Undressed under the light the brazier and doubled
Carefully dress and the tunic. Lay down and covered himself with the skins
thick. And as thoughts slid dreams, ran his fingers over the soft skin, stroking,
leaving her warmth surround her like the heat of a wolf lay the
his side.
Guinevere watched her from the shadows. He continued to look well after
hear the uniform and deep breathing of the sleeping young man in bed
beside her. Your thoughts refused to sleep, tormented
for what lay in his heart and the future that was opening before her.
The recalled. The thought of what could have been. A single tear trickled
down her face.

Merlin stood in front of the crystal ball. With eyes closed,
ran her hands slowly down the surface of the sphere, trying to keep the veil
time.
As close as the previous day, five hundred years of the past came to
it, an existence in mutants images that moved across the surface
the crystal and then blended into a single point of light.
Saw the time is prolonged, a journey, a traveler. He himself,
captured a ripple of time, trapped, the power of the Light
engulfed by the powers of Darkness, the passage of years little more
a heartbeat, an echo of voices from the past, present, future,
forgotten and then recollected. And then a single image within the
crystal. Itself, but not the same. A young, the future of light, surrounded
by Darkness, last repeated by the son of the father.
- No! - Shouted, hand in hand to close. - You will not have
too. Will not!
His body tensed with anger and the power of light that burned within
goals. Was still young, full of memories, regrets, ambitions and dreams. Dreams, crumbled, a lost
kingdom. And all
was happening again. The last extended claws to destroy the
future.
Without looking up, he felt the presence of Vivian. It was so like
mother, full of life and the essence of fire that was his power, a power
cure that saved the life of another king, in another time and place.
His first daughter a kindred spirit, very similar to it, however,
different, in that the only way to merge the mortal blood and the powers
immortal, and temperament. In love with those he liked,
stubborn, willful, purely human traits that were, was also
daughter with whom he had had more contact over the years of your life
mortal.

Until the danger becomes too great. That danger that stretched
through the centuries, it played them all now. Her daughter had come to try
heal the deep wound between him and Ninian.
Daughter, said Merlin, with tenderness by connecting their
thoughts.
You will go back, Vivian replied with certainty, because it was not
I need to ask. It will be very dangerous. The path is not clearly
marked.
In the cold logic of the thoughts of Vivian, Merlin still hear the whisper of
fear, the need to persuade him against what he wanted, what he
knew she would not.
The passage of it will serve as a guide, Merlin said.
And she realized that her father spoke of Truan.
And when you're there? What will happen?
He is part of it now. For a moment, thoughts of Merlin
deviate from her back to some distant memory. as I was
from the beginning. Then he turned his eyes Vivian. He needs to be told. Do not let the powers of
Darkness
master it.
I'll go with you!, She cried passionately. Indeed, with both
our powers ...
No, my daughter, Merlin exclaimed with a vehemence that Vivian had never heard
before. I will not allow!
He saw the stubbornness and defiance in her eyes, as if seeing the
own eyes to stare back.
He thought of Cassandra baby in Kaden, and child Brianna now
carried in her womb. Were the next bright hope for the
future. A legacy of the powers of the Light for which there could be no
future if he failed now. Vivian tried to persuade with reason.
Should not risk the child bearing. You will be required here, you
and her sisters. I have great faith in their strength and power. And if I fail ...
hesitated at the thought, too horrible to imagine, because even
their combined powers might not be enough to halt the
Darkness, if he failed.
If I fail, continued Merlin, you should use their powers to protect
children because they are the only hope for the future.
Vivian reluctantly accepted the weights.
Mom was gone, he spoke softly. Will not say or do something
to retain it?
She came to me of his own free will. Part of free will.
Mom goes away because he believes that you can never forgive
she did.
- I should know!
Just like Mom should know that you loved others before them?
Do not engage, daughter, Merlin said gently. This is between me and her
mother.
Merlin heard that Ninian would not, could not stay with what
was between the two. The pain would be too great: the pain of truth
she had carried all those years; the truth that hiding
him; and the certainty that he could never forgive her.
What had once shared had been taken of them with the truth, perhaps
Dark with his hand to extend the time to inflict some
ultimate revenge against him. And now, sought to reach his son and threatened
everyone.
But what if ...
And if he did not return? The question arose in the middle formulated
Vivian thoughts.
Merlin felt the torment of her daughter. It was so like Ninian ... Possessed
those same red hair and heart-shaped face. when the
stared, saw Ninian, like the first time he saw her and fell in love
by it. Merlin stroked his face. But he could not say the words
she needed to hear: that he forgave Ninian.
His hand tilted sideways, and he walked away.
I need to go. already. I'm late too. Time is running out.
Vivian wrapped his arms around the neck of father and hugged him, yielding to
purely human emotions flowing inside her. Whatever
were between Merlin and Ninian, he was still her father, a bond that does not
could be broken by hatred, suffering, the truths of the
past or even the future uncertain. This could be the last time
she would see him.
Santa!
He squeezed her tightly, cradling her head against his shoulder, as
did when she was a child. He kissed her on the cheek.
Tell your sisters ...
Vivian agreed with a nod. Then, as Ninian that
was bold and in many ways stronger than Merlin, she
away.
We will be waiting for you.
There was no time.
Merlin turned his thoughts to the intimate, seeking power,
seizing him cross the portal connecting your world to the world
mortal. Sent a goodbye to daughter in a long, loving look back and
then began the journey back to Camelot.
When Merlin passed through the gate, entered the starry chamber. not as
had been, but as it was now. Marked, bore the signs of a
ancient feud where brave knights had died that
final battle, the last position of strength to save a dream.
Months before, he had come here, free the world between worlds
shared with Ninian. When you think about it, his heart ached.
Ninian, the passion of his life. All those years, it holds that
secret, never betray him and never share it with him, he should
know.
Slowly approached the stone seal. The seal of Arthur, that
another time and place. The warrior king and his counselor. Friends. as
close as brothers. Separated by secrets that lay between them. in
a lost kingdom.
Arthur was dead. A reminder that lived with Merlin in exile
like so many other memories.
His presence would change things, alter the order of the precious balance
within which they lived now. But this balance was already endangered
when his son had traveled into the past.
His son. Lured into a trap, that destroy the future. so
as it caused the destruction of the kingdom all those centuries before.
The sins of the father.
Put his hands in the ancient stone seal and turned his thoughts to
intimate, seeking the power of light, starting the journey to the past ...



Chapter XII


- Hey, you! Stand! The king wants to see it - the guard shouted. The iron creaked against
iron at the instant that the bolt of the cell door was pulled.
The guard stared in surprise when he pulled away from the wall with
a quiet way. It was common to find prisoners so after
spending the night in the dungeons, with nothing but bread and water for
sustain them and the possibility of implementing await them.
- Morning - Truan greeted the jailer. Ate the last apple and
played the kernels in the corner, where he knew the mouse was.
After he left Amber, his search led him to another part of the castle.
From there, he searches the armory, the tents that housed the
residents in Cameiot soldiers and the king's chambers.
Gareth had found traces of the sneak like an apparition
silent and steps on stones, in ports and through the openings
the windows. Then right near dawn, entered the stables of King.

Found many empty stalls and come to an obvious conclusion. many
of Arthur's knights were absent from the celebration of welcome
the night before. Should have been called away and not
had returned to Camelot. But undoubtedly were expected in
soon. The marriage of the king with Lady Guinevere would be concluded within
five days.
After a visit to the kitchens, Truan had crept back to
his cell in the dungeon, waiting for the jailer.
The morning was halfway now. Could be sentenced to hang,
beheaded or shot and dismembered. The announcement of the guard that he
would see the king had to wait another destination. Arthur was curious
about Truan. Curious enough to at least slow its
death, in favor of something more interesting, like Amber warned. And he
I was curious about Arthur.

Arthur, the boy warrior, conqueror, politician, king. a man
bright enough to build a kingdom that should have lasted a single
thousand years, a dynasty of kings that would follow. But not last.
According to the legend and the ephemeral history reports, everything was lost
because of betrayal. Some said it was the betrayal of the Queen
with one of Arthur's knights.

Others, that he had died, betrayed by his own son, a child conceived
with his sister when he was a boy. Such cases Truan knew, were
Frequently when a bloodline to the throne had to be
ensured. Whatever the cause that put the wheels of destruction
Moving Camelot had fallen under the power of Darkness, Arthur died
without a legitimate heir to the kingdom, and everything was lost. Under the power of
same darkness of the evil that had taken Amber and brought him here.

- Clean this place while I'm gone - Truan said over his shoulder,
for mouse peering from the corner.
There was no answer, nor did he expect any. Your satisfaction came from
amazed expression on his face guard while looking around the small
cell to see who had spoken Truan.
Out after nightfall they had reached Camelot, the day before.
The torches along the walls and in the main halls gave the idea
grandeur of the fortress. Now, in the sunlight, with fullness via Truan
what served as inspiration for the legend and myth, an indication left
behind the ruins that he and the men of Lord Stephen had
found and where they had sought refuge.
Was much higher than the findings ruins, with large wings that left
the main hall, connected by branches in colonnades.

These wards sheltered accommodation for other family members
real, its directors, chambers of importance to visitors without
questions including the father of Guinevere, after the conclusion of negotiations
for the wedding, a few months before. And the accommodations top
counselor of the king, whom confided everything once.
The walls and stone floors gleamed new, pale sandstone to capture
the light that filtered through the open balcony doors and windows, the strong
Roman influence in lighting that invaded the rooms and the great hall,
and in absolute contrast with the closed chambers and dark towers
and cold and prohibited castles, five hundred years ahead in the future.
The blue and gold colors of the king were now interspersed with tones
Bright Green Lady Guinevere, the tapestries that hung from
decorated the walls and floor and banners fluttering of the highest towers. The presence and
influence
it already felt, even in the starry chamber.
It was there that the guards escorted him. There was, immediately outside the
chamber, which received instruction to wait until the king was
ready to receive it.

Truan felt those who were inside the starry chamber beyond
massive doors: Arthur and eleven of his knights, including Sir Bors, his
directors and two of his generals. Lady Guinevere occupied a
position of honor, as befitted his status. Amber also
found there. With that undesirable vibrate boiling blood, the Truan
felt, connecting to it in a way that had called them from the
moment he saw her for the first time in another time. realized his
restlessness and uncertainty, the same restlessness that Amber looked at him in
shadows, when they had been hiding from Arthur guards at night
earlier, at that moment he could have kissed her, and she did not
resist.
However, somewhere in the starry chamber Truan felt
who needed to find; whom he was bound by blood
that flowed in his veins, the brilliant and wise man who had the king of
Britain, with the powers of Light, whose fate had been sealed by
events, that time and place, condemned to exile when
Camelot was lost. His father. Merlin.
The massive doors opened, and he was escorted inside by Sir Bors.
In the eyes of that great knight, Truan saw nothing that could
reveal what awaited him. In his thoughts, he felt not death
but the challenge, as Amber said.
Arthur was not willing to accept him as a warrior
by words alone. It would prove to be one. Truan cursed
imprudent not to have thought to bring a horse.
Arthur turned to talk to Guinevere. It was evident that he
respected and valued his opinion.
Whatever it was that had been written about that king and queen
legendary, Truan felt that theirs was a true partnership
ambition and power, an intelligence-based and duty union. However, the
based on respect, Truan knew that love would blossom. A love that would
be strong enough to resist the accusations of infidelity and betrayal
awaiting them in the future.

At their meeting in the forest, Truan perceived the thoughtful expression
Guinevere and the sudden intensity of emotions that traversed when
had looked at him: this sudden certainty of meeting him before. But he only
felt. She left no nothing away. Become adept at hiding
feelings. Amber sat next to her, who in a position
allowed to accompany her mistress, at least until Guinevere
becoming Queen of Camelot. It was the hand of Amber, not the King, that Lady
Guinevere sought cheating apprehension about the fate that awaited
Truan. A seizure that seemed unwarranted because he had known in
previous day.
- Join us, warrior - Arthur invited him obviously having
completed the most important issues. - I hope you slept
as well.
The look of Truan found Amber briefly, those
blue-green, depths he saw a flash of joy.
- Okay - Truan said, repressing the urge to smile
back to her. Not improve their condition getting caught smiling like
a smug guy before the king.
- And eat?
He heard a soft muffled sound and glanced at Amber more
once. The blush tinged her cheeks, and her eyes sparkled with
effort to maintain composure.
- Really, my lord well. You should be greeted
by apple orchards Camelot. A rare vintage, great.
This time it was Sir Bors who choked and then tried to cover with a
sudden cough behind gloved hands. Over the glove, looked
his men with an angry way that promised punishment.
- Well, sir warrior - Arthur continued, leaning back in his chair
with the confidence of one who is sure of his power - might
tell us what should be done with you.
It took Truan surprise. Felt the intelligence and wit
Arthur, but did not know what form it could take. Should be admired.
The legend grew. Truan sharpened his acumen.
- Most would want to see me thrown in a dungeon - said,
glancing at Sir Bors - or maybe hanged at the gates,
gutted and quartered - continued, adding to the list other
well known torture, usually applied at that time.
- But what do you suggest is better? - Arthur asked, resting her chin
on hand with an amused look in his blue eyes.
Behind the king, seizing Guinevere seemed to increase,
Although she also observe with growing interest. Amber had
become decidedly pale, her soft lips parted in a
silent warning before it considered a blunder on the part of Truan.
Your thoughts is connected to it.
What are you doing? Arthur is no fool! Treat it like one and you will see
hanging at the gates!
And you mourn my death, sweet Amber?, Your thoughts
penetrated like a silken heat into the mind of Amber.
Truan saw her startled expression with the tender invasion, and the response
sprouted before she could hold her.
I could not stand!
The strength of the statement, as if coming from the soul, stunned him. he had
Awareness fascination Amber, that another time and place
had shared. Kept away from her his own feelings,
judging a girl who was looking with the feelings of a
child, born of grief guarding.
But the emotions felt within Truan Amber were not
a child's feelings or feelings of someone outside
deeply hurt and looking for comfort. feelings were
violent, passionate, a woman, evidenced in the sudden
burn the blood, acceleration of the pulse and the sweet longing
physical necessity springing from its core.
Truan forced his thoughts back to Arthur. - I suggest - said
the king - that makes the best use of what is in front of you.
Arthur sat up in the chair, the increased interest. that young man
bold and daring warrior remembered someone.

The memory came coupled with affection for the camaraderie found
only in manliness, sharing a quest, and the longing for lost
this.
- And what would it be? - Asked the king, with growing curiosity.
- I'm a warrior - Truan explained. He directed a look at Sir Bors, that
was measuring, waiting for him to pass his own neck in the noose. A
Warrior - Truan continued - one that could be at your service. a king
need warriors.
Why waste such useful skills with the executioner, when they can
be of good use?
- Really, why?
The question drew everyone's attention to the large doors, which had
to open. A young man walked slowly, followed by his men.

Like all knights of Arthur, he was dressed in a tunic and
pants of a bright blue, with a silver breastplate over. He was tall and
walked with the confidence of those who proved their worth in battle to
side of the king. Not the young knight in training who once called
Gareth Montrose.
- Welcome home, nephew.
In salute Arthur, Truan discovered an important fact that not
knew. Gareth was the nephew of the king! Gareth met the gaze of the
same level, when the rider circled slowly round the table,
receiving the greetings of comrades. It was someone from the circle
intimate confidence Arthur, king of flesh and blood, and a traitor to
traveled to the future.
It was the confrontation that Truan choose. The advantage was clearly
against him. Ali, Gareth was seen with confidence as a loyal warrior. The deadly game that would
get five hundred years to
forward in the future had now rumado to another level. At least
his opponent showed the clear.
- Milady - Gareth welcomed Guinevere fell down on one knee
before her.
In polite greeting, Truan felt a veiled threat. Does
Guinevere felt too? Or was there something more between the two?
Ambition perhaps in simpler terms mortals? The future of marriage
Arthur and Guinevere to the heirs of the marriage
prevent any claim or Gaheris Gareth could do
with respect to the crown.
As far as the story was written, not Guinevere had no son Arthur,
although it was widely commented that had given birth to a child
conceived in an adulterous involvement before Arthur's death in
battle at Camlann. By chronology, an event that
would not take place for another year yet.
Guinevere kept his composure, but her slender hands were
with the knuckles white where he gripped the arms of the chair,
while Gareth turned his gaze to Am-ber in salute
silent.
His eyes locked on hers, sparkled with a possessive lust,
when tilted his head, as if seeing something in a glance
thoughts of the young man who did look Truan.
- I heard that warrior on the streets, my lord - Gareth told the king. -
All in Camelot comment, telling stories of the daring rescue
Lady Guinevere. In my view, he hardly has the look of a warrior, looks more like a guy ...
ordinary.
- He suggested offering their services - Arthur commented, fun with
Nephew participation in the conversation.
Gareth casually rested one foot on the platform where Arthur and
Lady Guinevere sat, separated from riders around the Table
Round. Supported the weight on the back of the chair Amber arm.
- Oh, for the keeper pen, no doubt. He has the air of sty.
Like a cat playing with a mouse, Gareth took Amber's hand in
her, playing with her slender fingers. When she tried to pull her hand, the
His fingers tightened.
Truan felt the pain of internal disturbance and Amber, as Gareth
increased the pressure with force capable of fine bones from trying
deliberately force her into submission.
Amber was very pale. His eyes filled with tears. however
stubbornly refused to give in to that childish game of brutality, even
Truan feared that Gareth could break every bone in his hand.
Even then, she did not scream, did not ask for help, or go with the look
in thought. Instead, he closed his eyes and tried to block the pain.
Maybe it was so survive another episode much more brutal in
future.
- If you continue, nephew - Arthur intervened - will hurt the poor
girl, and she will be of little use as love or as his wife.
The grip loosened Gareth, but he did not let go of Amber.
Stroked it, a delicacy which is to soften the abusive treatment. She endured it in silence hurt. But
what
meant the last comment from Arthur? Truan looked at Amber with
eyes that sparkled. She would marry Gareth?
She did not say that I accept Gareth confessed. Looked at Amber
a possessive way. - But I intend to persuade her.
- There are matters of greater importance than that - Amber said softly,
But everyone, including Truan, heard. - The marriage of the king will be in
few days. - He put his injured hand inside the other, on her lap.
- And then you will have no more excuses, beautiful Amber. - Gareth pegoulhe
hand again, insisting when she resisted.
But he did not hurt this time. Amber took her hand to his lips,
Look for deviating Truan as he kissed her.


- But what should be done with the swineherd? - Asked the
attention focused on Truan. - I'm afraid of no use, because the
pigs are scarce; many were prepared for the party of their
marriage, my lord. Maybe he can entertain ourselves somehow.
- I do not think that missing pigs - Truan snapped, causing a silence
amazed at the hidden allusion not hid from
Nobody, except the deaf and dumb. - But I propose one
entertainment that will appeal much more to Sir Gareth: A
skill with weapons competition. What better way is there - said,
with an engaging smile - to prove my claim?
Arthur studied both men with a thoughtful expression.

Had no blood splashing to see the young stranger desire.
However, if a skilled warrior, could make use of these qualities.
If not, then it would have no use. Very few, and Sir Bors and
Merlin, had faced the youthful impetuosity of Gareth.
- What say you, nephew? - Arthur asked. - You just
back the frontiers of the North. We postpone this competition until
that has rested?
- I see no reason to delay! - Gareth exclaimed. Smiled with hate. -
Prove its falsity, warrior, and I will have the tip of my sword,
esgoelando like a pig on a spit!
- Why are you doing this? - Guinevere asked when Truan entered
in small private garden where she had summoned. Amber postavase
nearby, the pale features.
- The king doubted my abilities. Fair competition is a means
to prove my skills.
- But this is not necessary!
- Yeah, if I want to not be considered a swineherd - Truan replied,
smiling with good humor to try to calm her fears.
Guinevere frowned.
- Gareth should not be trifled with. He is an experienced warrior
who overcame many of Arthur's knights. E. ..
- And?
She was in Camelot was just three days. Soon be his queen. not
longer had any awareness of life that opened before him a
life would be full of intrigue. He looked around, as if he thought that
walls have ears, and whispered, afflicted:
- Gareth is very ambitious. There are times that ambition outstrips
compassion. Do not trust him.
Truan smiled while leaning forward and whispering:
- Me neither.
Guinevere looked at him with surprise.
- You are a stranger here, knows nothing about Gareth. Have no idea
what he is capable of.
- So, it is best to assume that it is capable of anything. She raised her
hands in an exasperated gesture.
- I give up. You are the most stubborn, foolish and surly man who has
met ...
There was something in his voice, a hesitation, as if to say that, had
suddenly remembered something. Then his expression changed, softened, when
put his hand on the arm Truan.
- Promise me you will be careful. - Guinevere smiled sweetly. - I
would not want to lose such a gallant warrior who faces no wolves
sword.
Truan covered her hand with his and assured:
- You will find that I am not easily defeated, milady. Amber would
say something, but then apparently thought better of it and gave up.
However Truan felt within her thoughts. With impertinence,
perhaps recklessness, he wanted to hear them from the lips of the young.

- What, Sweet Amber? - Asked, taking her hand gently on
its. Was the same as Gareth had held tightly, two days before,
that first meeting in the starry chamber. Bruises marked the
pale and silky flesh. Truan felt pain in muscles and bones
and wounds, however, her grip was strong and secure.
- Gareth has much to lose - Amber added his warning to the lady
Guinevere.
- Yes, it has - Truan replied, gently sliding the thumb
back and forth in the back of the hand of Amber. His gaze did not
unglued from her, as the pain dissipated those injured muscles and
replaced by the warmth that flowed between them.
Heard the gasp of surprise, and then saw the same surprise in the eyes
it, when the pain disappeared. Amber stared at him as if he saw a
Image Lost in the shadows and imprisoned in his memory.
- What is it? - He asked.
Delicate eyebrows joined.
- I do not know how to explain, but it's like ...
Truan felt the beginning of a memory that could put her in
danger. He released her hand gently and cut the connection of their
thoughts. He turned to Lady Guinevere.
- You will think me in the morning, milady? - Asked, interrupting the
metal and emotional connection with Amber. - I'll need all the help they
can get.
- I will do much more than that, warlord, because there is nothing
I would like more than to see a new champion in Camelot. - Drew
a piece of bright green ribbon braid that hung over her shoulders.
- Our chance meeting in the forest brought to Camelot. The least
can do is offer you my support. Use my colors, sir
Warrior?
Truan accepted the tape.
- I'd be honored, beautiful lady.
- And will his sword back too - she assured him. - Convinced the
King. He appreciates beautiful weapons and suspected that
unless you are also a thief, the competition will be tougher
than Gareth imagine. I pray for it - Mended with melancholy.
- If I fail, you will see that my body is veiled
properly? - Truan Amber asked, with an air of humor. The
Her face lost color and then stained scarlet with rage.
- You are a fool! Well done if Sir Bors or one of his men put
to run. - Then, completely abandoning all sense of
protocol, fled the garden without waiting permission Guinevere, amid
a rustle of skirts.
- Sounds like you have the ability to enrage it as no
else - Guinevere commented after Amber was gone.
- Best to see her angry - Truan muttered to himself as he turned
and wave goodbye. There was much to be done before morning.
Guinevere watched him walk away. He was recalled from someone with
much pride, haughtiness and sense of duty. What terrified her.
Merlin followed by quiet gardens, along the branches in colonnades,
and passed through the doors of the rooms. He stopped in front of one, feeling a
presence I have not felt for a long time.
My friend. The word formed in his thoughts, in supplication part
partly excuses for what was lost between them, by
blindness.
I turned my back on you because of a large error. Two wrongs do not make a right. I should have
stayed. Maybe if
had ...
Felt a deep loss for the friendship of Arthur regret. He had been blind
the slightest mistake, he had thought that Arthur had made, for loving her
too. This could not be changed now.
Forward, finding the other rooms. His footsteps decreased
Despite the resolution not hesitate. He reached out and lightly touched the
Wooden door of her room. It was more a man of sixty
years of age, but a young warrior who had traveled those same
halls and corridors that felt the fire of ambition and promise
future, and restless passion of love to awaken in his veins. a love
prohibited.
His fingers closed into a fist in the air, knowing that he would not dare go
to where she was. Their choices, however they were misguided,
had already been taken and could not now be undone. Not at
well it; not for the sake of their son.
Lingered a moment longer, Downing that essence into
itself again, feeling the excitement of youth, remembering
Passion and desire that burned between them like a fire out of
control and threatened to burn down everything in your path, to ashes. E
then, as he had five hundred years before, and loving it no less than
then Merlin stepped forward, looking for the person whose life mattered above
everything: the child born of that passion, in whom the powers of Light
carried the hope of the future.
Merlin found him sleeping in the rooms of riders, safe
fairly among those whose loyalty was Arthur unquestionable. There was only one, the nephew of
Arthur, which in
position, occupying their own room inside the main hall.
Gareth, whose treason was now known. If I'd known then ... But
not known. Arthur left in grave danger, and evil had closed around
him, until all was lost.
There was hope yet. With his son. He knelt beside the man
asleep, hiding its presence. Touched him on the shoulder, chin
with stubble. Then gently placed her hand on his
heart. There was a heart inside that mortal flesh, which, however,
boasted the power of the universe in the pulsating beat. He felt the power within.
The power that had given him, not knowing when he and Guinevere lay up
together for the last time. Her destiny was with Arthur, not with him. if
knew she was carrying his child, could leave her? Even now,
did not know the answer. And neither could have made such a choice.
The man who was his son, Merlin saw himself and hope for
what could have been and could still be.
Truan, muttered in thought, to land a hand to his forehead and let
the power flow between the two. Dream on, my son, with things you need to know,
and remember that I love you. Remember ... You are the target, my son,
voice whispered through the dreams of Truan. I was diverted from my
target. You need not be. For within you do hope for
future of humanity. Be careful with the choice that must be made, or
all is lost. You have the wisdom of the ages. Do not go astray
this truth, and all who seek will be yours.
The child of your dreams returned, looking back to Merlin. E
then Truan was a child. Then, no longer a child but a
man who was staring at him.
- I do not understand. You need to tell me what is waiting for me.
- Do not miss the truth, my son. Believe in what lies within your
heart. Do not abandon yourself.
- You must tell me! Do not leave me! Santa? - Truan woke with a
startle. Was bathed in sweat, still vivid dream in your senses.
So real that Truan jumped to his feet, sure someone will look at
it.
He felt something in the air, a powerful presence that seemed to touch him,
as a comforting hand on his shoulder. But when he turned to
around, there was nobody.
An encounter with the darkness? He knew that it was not because that presence
powerful it was familiar. It was something else. Something that had reached his own
soul and touched him. A single word leaped from his thoughts. Father









Chapter XIII

The day was hot , the sun shining . A slight breeze blowing side of
flag rippling panels of a bright green and snapping the
tassels of the same color on top . The colors of Lady Guinevere , by which
Truan now prepared for the competition .
A deadly competition , Truan had no doubt if Gareth was able to
determine the outcome .
Beyond the gates of Camelot , the lawn was dotted with tents and
flags of other bright colors , including blue and gold of
Arthur . The guests kept arriving , made days for
celebration of the marriage of the king with Lady Guinevere . And anxiety by
competition , summed up a festive atmosphere , which ran for one
hidden thrill of nervous anticipation .
The story never mentioned anything like this before , except perhaps in the greatness
that outside Rome, or perhaps in the distant empires that
Alexander the Great once reigned . There was a display of
hope and fate , as if the future somehow started there and
Now , at the time of that marriage and dreams that he might meet if not for disloyalty and
betrayal.
It was for that destination Truan now entered, closing his eyes and
thoughts back to the intimate, bringing the power and wisdom
interior, allowing blood to flow along with the throbbing in
her veins with each beat of the heart.
The dream came back and paraded before him.
You are the target, my son, the voice whispered again. I tore myself from
my destiny. You should not. For within you lies the hope for the
future. You have the wisdom of the ages. Be careful with the choice
should be made. Do not go astray this truth, and all who seek
will be yours.
I do not understand. You need to tell me what is waiting for me.
In your thoughts, Truan heard again the voice of his dream, the voice of
child ... himself.
You must tell me!

Do not miss the truth, my son. Believe in what lies within your
heart. Do not abandon yourself.
You must tell me! Do not leave me! Santa?
And, as if he had suddenly broken the surface of the water, Truan
emerged from the dream, gasping with realism, as the night before,
when awakened by the certainty that someone had been there, near him.
Wore only pants and boots, tunic shirt and put aside
for early that morning training. A thin glossy film
Sweat bathed her skin and moistening the palm of your hands. The Dream
seemed so real ...
The breeze penetrated by the flag, when the flap was raised and
Truan turned, almost expecting to see the embodiment of that dream
standing there before him.
- I'm sorry - Amber said, realizing that surprised him.
Truan slowly let the air escape that had retained in the lungs. lowered
the tip of the sword is nothing common with that practiced. Cut the air with it,
when returned to the intimate thoughts, relying on their
directions.
It reminded him of another time, when he looked at the Amber
extension of a blade, which almost cut her dress and tender meat
beneath. In her eyes, turns a fragment of memory of that day,
which aroused a glimpse of fear. So the memory was gone in
moment he lowered his sword. She took a deep breath.
- I called ...
- But I did not answer.
Amber stared at him with a strange look.
- Answered. It sounded as if to say ... daddy. Truan smiled.
- Maybe I was praying for divine intervention.
Amber's face paled. In his speech, he saw fear. And much
More: strength and passion.
- I was praying to God?
The question took him by surprise. How to respond? Did not believe in
God, as she had been raised to believe? That, for him, God meant
other things? Those things that defined their existence and were well
different from her? But this would be different in matters of faith? would not
different only in what each chose or needed to believe?

- Yes, I believe it was. - Truan smiled because Amber looked very
serious. - Certainly would not hurt to pray.
Her eyes darkened. Suddenly, Amber came closer and
landed her slender hands on it, which rested on the sword, with
a fiery force as if he could force you to understand what
should.
- You should not play with it. Gareth is taking the competition
deathly seriously. He believes that you insulted the king and Lady Guinevere, and ...
- And you? - Truan laced his fingers with hers. - I did it?
- I know not.
- So where is the insult?
- It's what he believes ... - Amber hesitated, suddenly
uncertain. His fingers would be disentangled from his Truan is not
closed hand, preventing him from retreating.
Small and firm, her breasts pressed against the fabric of the tunic
each aspiration as if she deemed it difficult to breathe.
Truan took Amber's hand to his lips, knowing he would not dare
more, but wanted to feel the softness of her skin, taste it at least
a kiss at your fingertips.
- In what he believes?
Her gaze met his. Not shy or scared, or mysterious, but
frank, full of emotions that Amber no longer cared to hide, and
a vague recollection that he had been touched by him and touched, that same
way in some other time and place.
With a deep breath, Amber replied:
- He believes that there is something between us.

The sound of his voice that startled sound as if she had
remembered something, and could not see clearly, but only
feel, and the fragile strength of his hand reached the depths of Truan, the
heart, tearing all the reasons he had sworn not to feel
nothing for Amber.
The expected target beyond the green panels fluttering flag.
- What do you believe? - He murmured, daring to insinuate
within the thoughts of the heart, the soul of Amber.
- I. ..
Was on the tip of his tongue deny that moment that remained in
suspended between them, in the forest, when we both saw one seemed
shared past that was in the future; that alcove
Sheltered where Truan had held in her arms; outside the
room when tasted on your lips desire and longed for more. however
she could not.
Amber held out her arms, rubbing the soft breasts against him by
clothes, when pulled to kiss him, an intense and fierce explosion
sense to erupt between the two as hell.
Her lips parted in touch with the Truan, with a sweetness
smooth rendering that burned his insides. He deepened the kiss,
his arms close around Amber, with a fierce eagerness and
possessive, a hunger for long denied, as if he could pull it
into the body.
He stroked her back, memorizing the feel, every fragile bone strength
each muscle, how the slender column Spine bowed down to the softness of the nest between
legs. She seemed to become part of it. And Truan let out a
moan deep in his throat as his fingers stroked the Amber,
clinging to it, the sweetness of her mouth when opening all the warmth of his
breath to fill his lungs in the surrender of that kiss.
Suddenly she pulled away. The expression on his face was one of amazement. Truan
saw the confusion amid the deep desire that sparked Eye
Amber. That the gods could help them, she thought.
Amber ran and left Sir Bors, the entrance to the pavilion.
The knight turned to look at her, pensive, and then dropped the tab on
place to enter the pavilion. Extended the sword Truan.
Truan stared at him speculatively. Took the gun, tested his balance,
returning to familiarize yourself with the feel of it, heavy and firm in his
hands.
- I serve the King - said Sir Bors - and our new Queen. she said
you should have your gun back. - Agreed on the head. -
A man should have his own sword when about to go to
battle.
- Even if a battle kidding - Truan said. after
Amber warning, he knew there would be no "play" in the fight
that awaited him.
Sir Bors smiled, and his smile confirmed the notice of Amber.
- Anything can happen on the battlefield, as every
warrior knows. - Pointed green tassel and exclaimed, surprised: - Uses
the colors of the Queen!
- Either these, or colors swineherd - Truan snapped.

The knight smiled again. Then the smile faded.
- Sir Gareth is young - he explained. - Has a lot to learn about men
and battles. Often acts before thinking.
Truan arched an eyebrow at that unexpected violation
loyalty.
- It's a warning, Sir Bors?
The knight nodded.
- Do not be fooled. My loyalty is first to the king. If I judge
that you succeeded, I'll be the first to shoot him with my sword. however
I believe in fairness. Neither impartial nor honor in there
condemn a man before being put to the test.
- But then hang him, if he fails - Truan amended, feeling
who appreciated the knight, despite the fact that he spent the first
night in the dungeons in order of Sir Bors. At least, that's what
assumed.
The knight laughed and gave him a slap on the back.
- Of course! - He winked at Truan. - But I do not think you want
fail.
- None - Truan replied.
In addition to the pavilion, the trumpets announced the call for
competition. The feud would soon begin. When Sir Bors turned to
out, Truan felt that something bothered him to see him stop at the entrance
the pavilion. So deciding the knight spoke by way of advice:
- Although it is allowed, be careful with those who can
attack him from behind. I never considered such a righteous actions
competition.
- But just a war? - Asked Truan. Sir Bors outlined a
smile.
- All is fair in war.
Truan agreed.
- Thanks for the warning.
When Sir Bors came out, Truan had no doubt against whom the knight
warned.
The contest, planned as part of the celebration of the royal wedding
had two teams of twenty men each. Truan was placed in
Lochiel team. And was relieved not to have to face this giant
on the battlefield.
A simulated battle field marked out by lines cut the
lawn in front of the row of pavilions, with a line delimiting the middle. of
each side of the field were three gas defense: a mound of earth,
how old forts in the hills; a barrier of stones, where
opponents could easily hide and wait to attack; and
"kills" made of tree trunks and bushes that had been cut,
dragged to the site by horses, and all rebuilt to simulate
a forest.

The rules for the contest were clearly exposed by the Seneschal
Arthur. Each team had to have a battle strategy in order
to take the other team's defenses. One was represented by the color
bright blue, the other represented by gold. Truan carried two colors,
royal blue and green lady Guinevere. Each warrior carried a banner
with the color of your team.
Points were earned when he was made a conquest, and tassel
confiscated. Once taken by an opponent, could not be
recovered. The team that had won more pennants, after
all the defenses are taken, was declared the winner and honoree
as the champion of the day.
Were allowed swords, as well as tricks, breastplates, shields and
helmets. All the knights of Arthur wore helmets. Truan rejected.
Rather a wide field of view without being covered by the heavy piece of
metal.
Injuries were common, but no man was allowed to
attacking an opponent who was lying down and confiscated the banner,
nor strike a blow that would cripple the opponent.
The excitement grew. Was palpable among the knights of King and
guests who watched the pavilions. Bets were made.
Truan accepted a shield, but the trick did not, preferring to
focus on the accuracy of his sword. Sounded the bugle. Arthur rode
to the battlefield, in the midst of his knights.
It was awesome, astride his horse, a warrior king who fought
many battles for much more than banners and the thrill of victory.
Dismounted and made a speech about honor, courage, and impartiality. Fez
everyone laugh when reminded them of the ladies who attended them.
- It is very disconcerting if someone spread on her back in the mud -
said. - I know very well. I ask you to let the clothes of his opponents
intact. At least the pants. Not like the ladies of Camelot
discovered that the stories my knights count gabandose
the size of their swords are in fact lies.
The review kicked more laughter among men.
- Fight well and cleanly. I need all my knights.

- Will you give me your own tassel, sir? - Gareth asked. - To
Loading the honor of the family?
Arthur nodded and handed it to one of his own nephew banners
blue, with real stamp adorn it.
- Good contest! - Exclaimed while jumping for the horse once more and
galloping toward the edge of the field.
The teams took their positions behind the rocks and hills. The
Seneschal of the King handed her a bow. The tip of an arrow Out
wrapped with a cloth soaked in oil. Arthur fitted the arrow in
rope. The seneschal lit the tip filled with oil, and the king released the arrow,
sending it to the top in a sign that the feud started.
The strategy team Truan was simple. Would be divided into two
forces, sneak into the sides of the battlefield and then join a
penetrating attack by the forest edge.
Your own banners were the bait to lure the enemy. as soon as
were inside the forest, invest in individual achievements. The
wisdom and wit were not wasting time in making the
landmarks, as his opponents clearly showed the intention of doing.
Once the enemy was conquered by the loss of tassels, landmarks
Automatically them would be as spoils of war.
The simplicity of the plan had not been predicted by opponents, posted to
defend the trenches of stones and hill fort. The enemy passed
they sneaking rather than fighting. Attracted by the bait, went straight
into the trap that awaited them at the forest edge.
Among teammates Truan, and Gaheris were four of
younger riders king. Sir Bors and Lochiel accompanied the dispute
beside the king. Had already given his share of participation in competitions during all those years.
Along with Arthur, were the judges of the contest.

The forests of each side of the field had been prepared as a
maze of thick bush, thorn bushes, trees, fallen trunks.
The dispute became so serious that the men entered the forest. a
Gaheris opponent attacks with a bang at a glance, which he dodged
at the last moment, to see the glow of the sword of the adversary in a radius of
sun. Countered with a hard thrust, seized the-tassel
opponent and tied it to his belt.
Viewed other opponents and took positions to trap them, the coats
clearly visible in contrast with the colors of the forest.

Truan tore his coat, putting it on a bush in the same
height of a man. Seeing the strategy, Gaheris took his helmet and tunic,
smiling with the trick, as the two crept through the trees.
Within minutes, they heard wild cries of war. the tunics
were attacked. The screams turned into exclamations of surprise
and then swearing when opponents realized
ploy too late and they were attacked. After a brief struggle,
Truan Gaheris and seized two more pennants and then
retreated to the edge of the small forest, which would join the rest of
team. A glimpse of golden attracted their attention. Gaheris smiled and
pointed to what he thought were his companions. Plunged into
the woods to find them. Truan saw the shine of the sword too late
to warn you. His opponents had used the pennants won the
Gaheris order to lure into a trap.
The young rider was lying , but did not bleed much.
- I should have been more cautious - mumbled , a moan , more than
frustration and anger than pain . - He took my tassel.
- You saw who it was ?
- He wore a helmet . - He smiled . - But I recognized his plume. It was sir
Malcolm . He will not let me forget it.
Truan flashed a sly smile .
- So I have to take him . Go back to the field , so your
is wound care .
The butcher has ceased to bleed. Gaheris nodded , and the two
parted . Truan headed through the trees in search of Sir Malcolm .
She found him on the edge of the lawn , following the strong back of the hill .
Attacked him , aiming his helmet .
The blow glanced off , moving the helmet on the shoulders of Sir Malcolm . The
Knight mumbled , stumbled and fell to one knee . Then jumped to his feet
with sword raised . It was a fierce warrior , wielding the sword of
battle with great strength and power . Truan , however, had the advantage of
who was born with powers and felt every move before the knight
would.
After half a dozen blows, invested with the tip of the sword,
overbalanced him and snatched the tassel of his robe when he fell.
- You learn quickly - Sir Malcolm muttered, smiling amid the
Sweat and dirt streaked her face. Put the helmet in place.
Truan greeted him with the sword and ran fast, bypassing the
promontory of rocks through which passed before, in its rush to
forest.
Rose to a high point and surveyed the field in front of him. several
components of both teams had left the field after
lose their banners. Gaheris seen among those who sought help
among the ladies of Camelot.
The warning cry came from Sir Malcolm, whom he had left on the brink of
forest. Truan turned and jumped to the left, while a blade
flew down where his head had been moments. scams
following were malicious, violent, intended to maim or kill. on
heat of battle, he caught a glimpse of the helmet plume Gareth. retreated,
dodging another blow, and jumped, taking the sword in the air in order
to rebut another onslaught.
Fought on top of the hill fort in progress, locks, defenses and
incessant assaults. It was a dispute for more than a
simple tassel. Out so Truan realized that Sir Bors had warned.
Truan escaped from the center of the battle, his left side
momentarily exposed, as well as the right, he advocated
against Gareth. He felt the power of the young warrior, fury and momentum
anger at wielding the sword with tireless energy. Truan
anticipated each stroke, trimming it. Gareth, however, also took the
front, as they fought beyond the middle of the field, very close
the pavilions.
In the blur of colors and faces, Truan heard a woman scream and afflicted
recognized the brilliant green colors of lady Gui-nevere, which
raised. His sword shivered under another blow when he tried to
defend, amid shouts of Arthur's knights, who watched them
the pavilions.
Truan feinted to the left, avoided the blow with a step to the side, and
then took his own sword down, the blade planed a numb shock. Gareth staggered backward,
regained his balance, turned and sought refuge behind the strong second
the hill. When Truan chased discovered he was gone. Then he saw
receding into the nearby forest. Chased Gareth.
Upon entering the forest, Truan passed a fallen comrade. knelt
on the floor beside him.
The name was Rohan rider. Out seriously injured. A tear open the
extension of her thigh. The blade cut an artery, and the cut bled
profusely.
The young man trembled incessantly, his teeth clenched tightly to control
pain. Even so, warned Truan:
- Stay tuned! The knight blue plume attacked me, although I've
I've lost my tassel to another.
Truan extended to the handle of the dagger, the only weapon he had left.
- Take.
Truan made a gesture of thanks and took the dagger. took a
tassel belt and doubled it in a thick square of cloth. Compress the
against the wound, temporarily halting bleeding.
- Rest peaceful - told the young man to get up. - I
meet.
A cold revolt writhed within Truan. competition between
fellow warriors was one thing, but it became very
more than a game.
Crept blindly through the trees, letting her senses
expand and become one with the earth and wind. hearing,
groping, feeling what could not be seen by the human eye.
Then he felt a dangerous presence with the sudden raising of the hairs
neck, that vibration alert of some subtle change in the air, a
glimpse of movement direction, but not seen.
Was attacked from behind, the force of the blow glancing off the trunk of a
new tree, side of the head Truan as he slipped away and
counter-attacked with a slash that hit a shoulder to her attacker.
That momentarily stunned his opponent, who was wearing a helmet and
chest harness. So they both recovered.
Fought between the trees and into a small clearing, the
blades of swords glinting in the sun at noon. Leaves, shoots and
pieces of bark flew as the two attacked each
other.
Truan forward, right and left, striking a blow at the helm
opponent, who lost his balance and fell to one knee. At his feet,
countered the attack, but Truan felt that the opponent's strength was fading.
The movements of the warrior became slower and their steps
less firm. Each onslaught faltered with increasing weakness. same
thus Truan pushed him back, relentlessly, thinking of Sir
Rohan, who had been attacked without mercy, though he had already lost
tassel, and despite the insistence that Arthur did not use blows
mortals.
When you took a slash grazed the side, Truan even felt
pain, but fought back, yelling fierce words in your thoughts,
Driving the next and the next blow, as if some demon had
taken control of your mind.
Attack! Mate before it's dead! The words were whispered in his
mind.
Did the opponent retreat, consumed by anger. Circled him, brandishing the gun
until the enemy fell back, and this time, barely had the strength to
up the sword. So when Truan would strike another blow, a voice
different spoke in his thoughts, a poor and low tone. a voice
that was familiar in dreams:
Do not do it! His wrath is the blinding!
The notice finally penetrated the haze of his hatred. Truan lowered his sword
slowly. The opponent dropped his too. Truan reached into
helmet and pushed him back.
The blood Truan froze in the veins as he stared in horror not Gareth,
But the face bloodied and sweaty Arthur!
Dirt and sweat empastavam the features of the king. His chest heaved with
effort of each breath under the heavy armor. Had a butcher
background on the forehead, which had suffered a blow to the helmet and corrugated metal are
buried. Her hair was soaked in blood and sweat, glued
head. He smiled a painful smile, acute and appreciative eye.
- For a moment, I thought I could be in real danger.
Their gazes met.
- I thought that too - Truan admitted. - You fought like
intended to kill me.
He reached for the king. Arthur took it and stood up slowly in
feet.
- I forgot to protect me. You are a formidable opponent.
- This is not your helmet - Truan said, kicking the piece aside.
Arthur agreed.
- I lost my fight on, and Gareth gave me his.
- Gareth Truan murmured, burying the tip of the sword in the ground a
new kind of anger to wallowing in your blood, before the deception that almost
led him to kill Arthur.
- Yes - the king said proudly. - The only one in my team who was not
forced to surrender his tassel.
- I did not know that you planned to join the contestants -
Truan said , still shaken by the terrible mistake that almost committed.
- Often I get together to either team . It is a way to keep
my skills sharp . - Arthur arched an eyebrow at
Green tassel lady who had given Gui - nevere Truan . She looked at him thoughtfully ,
as if trying to see something more . - I wish my knights
had half his skill with the sword . - Handed the tassel. -
You have earned a new title today , I believe. For never saw a
swineherd wielding a skewer so skillfully . I
that there is much that has not revealed to me .
Neither was time to reveal , for, as Arthur Knights
approached by the forest and surrounded them , the competition ended .
Gareth was among them and walked slowly toward the past
thio; Your tassel was intact , the same he had carried the honor of
family. Arthur smiled to greet him .
- Thank you , my nephew . If not for his helmet - He raised floor
the crumpled piece - I could have lost my head .
The look of Truan went to King Gareth. The young knight smiled.
- Has only two banners, swineherd. - He raised two
too. - Same number I snatched. - He appeared
presumptuous and arrogant.
- Looks like we still have a winner - said Arthur.
- He won three pennants today! - Someone exclaimed.
Several of the men of Arthur drifted to the side, when Sir Rohan
emerged tottering, helped each side by two companions. The
Truan bloody tassel that had given her was tied up in your
leg.
- He gave me one of the banners won to roll it in my
injury after he was attacked at the forest edge. - Sir Rohan
handed the banner to the king. - I would have died if he did not help me. The
stranger achieved three banners - said, loudly, so that all
hear - and is, of course, the winner of the contest of the day.
A muscle twitched in chin Gareth, but he has not shown
another sign of the anger that burned inside, facing the humiliation of
Truan obvious defeat.
- It seems, swineherd - said in a sarcastic tone - that its
team won the competition. Was fortunate to have as companions
skillful. Next time, can not be so lucky.
Arthur put his arm around the shoulders of his nephew.
- Accept that was defeated, as I - the king recalled. Then smiled
affably to Truan.
- There is much we can learn from their expertise and
there will be other competitions - promised, hinting that the result
can not be the same next time. - Come - said, knocking
back Truan, with an enthusiasm that was not shared by
nephew. - Let's celebrate. You put yourself to the test, warrior. I believe
we have to find her a new name.






Chapter XIV


Amber looked Truan among the knights, the flag of the king. She had seen
before briefly when Arthur will toast to the winning team.
Had presented them with an ornate garland of blue and green ribbons, the
first garland under the reign of King Arthur and Lady Guinevere, which soon
become his queen.
Truan was wounded in the competition. Amber had glimpsed the dried blood on
side of the chest, under the cloak that Sir Bors had placed on his shoulders.
But she could not approach to ask about the severity of
injury.
Several rounds of toasts were erected between knights and warriors,
each participant to tell their version of the dispute. Were heard criticism and
jokes, mostly by injuries in embarrassing places. in its
Most of the knights of Arthur maintained good humor and
dignity.
Except for Gareth.

There was a feral touch his jokes and how to report their
achievements, as it is now trying to save a bit of wounded pride,
with comments that boasted wins the day.

Amber searched for Truan, again, among the other warriors
celebrated, but not found. I was tired of the party, which
enter the night and continue until the culmination of the ceremony
marriage, there three days.
Guinevere saw the look of Amber wander the pavilion, felt his longing for
out there and the reason too.
She also longed to escape but could not. The hours ran. soon
another day born. A little more and would marry Arthur and Guinevere
would take the place beside him.
The thought brought a pang of longing for things lost that
could never happen . Her fingers curled over the tissue
dress. A souvenir emerged as
a life that appeared in her womb . Then forced his hands to relax and
memory back to the past , where it should remain .
- He got away - said , smiling gently when Amber turned ,
with a look of surprise. Oh , to feel those things again, that
saw so clearly reflected in the eyes of Amber ; longing and anxiety
along with the first awakening of desire . - Sir Bors saw him leave after
returned the tapes with my colors - explained .
They exchanged a look . In the girl's Guinevere saw passion and longing .
- He was hurt! - Amber exclaimed , unable to hide his
true feelings .
- Go, then , quickly, before someone sees you out . - So
asked : - Do you love him ?
Without thinking , as instinctive as breathing , was on the tip of the tongue
Amber say yes . But it was impossible . she did not
knew. And yet ... He looked down at the closed hands without
know how to respond.
- I do not know.
- How do you feel in your heart? - Guinevere asked. Amber encaroua,
not as a future queen, but as a woman.
- I feel as if I had always known him. As if we had
encountered before. It's like that, milady? - Amber asked. - Something
one can neither understand nor explain, but it is somewhat
sense deep down? As if it were part of the soul?
Guinevere was startled by the passion of those words, a passion that
once and felt that echoed deep inside her. Maybe it was really
something that would only be understood to be felt.
- I believe it should be - answered softly. - And we are powerless to
deny, no matter the consequences. - Amber looked away,
with a distant air, her voice full of longing. - Grab this moment and
keep it inside you - Guinevere said, almost aggressively. -
One moment, one hour, one day, be long or short. It may have to last
an existence.
- And if he does not want me?
Guinevere smiled at her again. He had seen the look in the eyes
warrior. I once had seen the same passion in the eyes of a lover.
With the certainty that passion recollected, commanded:
- Go look it up.
Truan not returned to the main hall or the house of
Knights where slept the night before. Finally, Amber
found a young squire who had seen him near the stables of King. with
a pain squeezing his heart, it occurred to her that he could have
solved from Camelot.
Summoned him to enter the stable, small clouds of dust to
up under his feet, amid the pungent odor of hay, leather, harness and
horses. There was no answer, only the noise of the horses fidgeting,
restless in the stalls, by capturing her scent.
With a sinking heart, Amber realized that no one was there. to
if, however, turned to leave, she saw movement in the shadows along the
wall. A fleeting movement, as if some stealthy creature
hiding there, stalking her.
- Mr Wolf? - She called again, using the name he had given her
after they first met in the forest, a name that Amber also
heard running between the Knights, after the team had left Truan
victorious. They had called so partly in jest, because
the encounter with the wolf in the forest that day, but also with a
sign of growing respect after he won the competition. For one
Wolf was to be feared and respected.
Again, she saw that vague movement. The horses seemed to feel
also, and those closest to the wall bays invested against
gates, snorting as if they sense a new smell. Amber
forced himself to control the restlessness to get closer.
Like a wounded animal, Truan had retreated to the shadows, absorbing force,
mending the wound flesh under his fingertips while gritted
teeth to endure the excruciating ordeal that cured.
Then, panting heavily, nauseated by pain and smell of blood, he leaned back, eyes closed, against
the wall of
stable. When his eyes opened again, turns Amber enter the stall.
Also seen in the tension of uncertainty slender body; the way
the sun of the late afternoon passed obliquely through the opening behind her,
sliding the golden hair like fingers of fire surrounding it
in light.
Felt his sudden arrest, when the horses became
restless, and she turns hesitated. Picked up the accelerated beat of his
heart as if to touch her. Then headed off into the Amber
stables, refusing to be afraid, as she called him.
It was what she called his name, but the name which Knights
Arthur had toasted to celebrate the victory. Mr Wolf. a name
Amber innocently given him after the meeting in the forest, others
how was close to the truth.
He would have laughed in the face of cruel irony, but he was afraid that the sound could
frighten her. It would not be the laugh of a mortal man, but the growl
wild and fierce creature transformed into an immortal.
Yet even then, moved through the shadows toward Amber,
following it, allowing you a glimpse of the creature he had become and
she should fear. Amber, however, did not run away; approached
boldly.
Truan pulled away from the wall, forgotten the painful injury, as already
was nearly healed. To rise from the shadows, his expression
bitter and sweet in front of the wonderful powers he possessed. powers
could give you everything except mortality.
Amber saw the sudden movement in the shadows. Too late,
spotted the creature that moved along the wall, with a rapidity
awesome, as if to follow her. As if the hunted. So was
on it.
Amber was thrown against the wall of the barn. Instinctively, was prepared
to attack, and those powerful fangs that retalhariam.
However, instead of the powerful claws of an animal to break it in
pieces, she felt strong hands on the back, preventing its fall, and
extension of a wiry and vigorous shaping up against his body. The cry of
dread that was let out muffled by the curve of taut muscles
a strong shoulder.
Instead of pain, Amber felt a sudden warmth, violent, where those
hands touched her. Shoulders back and by extension, when
closed around it with a possessive force and Wild
could tear it in half.
The warmth spread over her skin like the caress of a lover, one
seduction of the senses so complete, so vigorous, so primitive and
love that stole his breath.
- You should not have come here. - The voice sounded rough, like a
growl coming from inside the chest Truan.
- I needed to come - Amber replied, struggling between fear and desire. -
I was afraid ...
- You should be afraid. - His hands empalmaram her cheek, his fingers
compressing brittle bones, hurting her. - You should be terrified.
Should run as far away from me as possible.
- I can not! - She murmured. - I wish I could, but I can not!
- Then I'll go!
Forced her back against the wall, hands stuffed with
Amber firmly by the hair, his fingers pressing the skull as
would tear his head off his shoulders.
Did not. Instead, he kissed her, forcing her to open her lips,
hurting her mouth and then invading his tongue until she
groaned.
With that gentle sound of surrender that crept through her senses,
at that moment he realized that Amber bear anything
but to leave it, even a violation at all akin to that which
her suffering, in another time and place, Truan realized that not
could send her away.
He inhaled her strength and passion proved to the soft swollen lips, and
then, still holding his head, his fingers stroking her hair,
leaned his forehead against Amber. Her voice was full of agony:
- You do not know what it says. Do not know ... what I am.
She put her hands over his. They were so incredibly small and
fragile that could be easily broken, and yet had strength and
firmness.
- I know I can not bear you to go away. I know that there is some
thing inside me that comes to life when you touch me. - Amber
breath and his lips trembled. Spoke from the heart. - I know
Love. Which ever loved. Truan threw her head back, eyes
closed in silent agony.
It was taken by a weakness of the bones melt, something against which he
fought long and could no longer cope.
- There are things you need to know.
But did not know how to tell her. The other life that brought him so much
pain; the journey through the portal and things still not fully understood; the powers of Darkness
and his
fear, that only mortal emotion, that could not be
able to protect her; that by loving her, could destroy the love
Amber by him.
- Take me away from here - she said, and with those words
murmured softly, made it clear that he accepted everything Truan
needed to tell him. His hand closed over hers.
Truan held her against him as they rode bareback, advancing
the shadows of the afternoon was ending. Housed her in his arms as
Amber curl up, soft and small, the curve of his body,
dreaming, sleeping and waking when the horse fell step.
He felt the coldness of the lower her dress rustling branches on entering
forest, the sound of birds strangely familiar.
Been there before or had dreamed?
Finally stopped and Truan slid to the floor. Reached for
get it and then put his side. Released the horse to graze.
Draught crossed the small clearing.
Amber seemed to see something familiar in every rock, tree and bush, as
had been in that exact spot before. He ran his hand down
ferns, light as air on your toes, the moss surrounding the
trunk of a tree, felt the fertile dark soil underfoot.
He closed his eyes. The breeze in the forest rubbed his face, and rays
sun caressed, warm. The fragrance of the woods brought with it the
Souvenir tried other things, a time of indefinite
time, and a meeting that was both terrible time and able to
stir the soul.
Then he felt the closeness , the warmth of the Truan you snatch .
Amber turned and slowly opened his eyes .
Her black hair , tangled by the wind , fell by the shoulders and
framed the stiff and intense features of Truan . His eyes were
deep blue , almost black , and shone with a strange light
Golden . She wore the beautiful blue cloak that Sir Bors had given him . The robe open
showed that he wore only pants and leather boots.
Surprisingly , the wound on the side of his body was almost
cured . All that was left was a scar from a pale pink . Amber
touched him there , with the retreating moan he let out , fearing terlhe
caused pain. But the expression in his eyes was of a different kind
of suffering , and other memory whispered into his mind . Touched his
chin, tracing the outline of bones strong ; felt the shadow of a beard
shave his skin, a muscle to contract. Rounded the curve of
dark eyebrows over his blue eyes darkening with every touch ,
while she memorized every detail of those features.

The look on your Truan was spiked, and those blue depths,
Amber saw and felt the awakening of another memory. The memories are
together, like a gentle breeze that stirs a tapestry over a
window and allows a glimpse of what lies beyond. He reached out and
let it be remembered glimpses of another life, while
that protected the suffering of those memories.
Amber's gaze did not deviate from his, as he raised his hands and
slowly untied the laces of the bodice of the dress until it hung
loose over her shoulders. So, still having the reminiscence of what
begun between the two, very time before, in another time and place, she let the dress
slip shoulder and fell to the floor at his feet.
Truan picked her up with immense tenderness and carried her to the shelter of
a tree nearby. Ali, extended the cloak in soft soil and lay it on
it.
The desire raged within Truan, powerful, dark and possessive when
controlled hands, forcing himself not to touch her, tortured by knowing what
Amber suffered on that another time and the need to join her.
- Amber ... - whispered her name as if to tell something, but she
silenced with fingers resting on her lips. Then he took her hand
him and took her to the breast.
Truan felt the sudden tensing of rosy nipple; heard a sudden gasp
Amber, the heat that invaded both the heartbeat and to
accelerate in the palm of your hand.
Amber's breasts were small and tall, carved in clear skin and
satiny.
Amber's hands trembled when pulled. The trembled when
lean over her and kiss her. The kiss, transmitted the memory of a
first kiss stolen, long before, in the halls of Camelot
that another time.
When the kiss ended, Amber stared. That memory is
expanded by diverting to other memories of laughter and friendship,
magic, trust and tenderness with which Truan had always loved her.
She kissed him again; returned those laughter and magic, tenderness and
confidence in the first impulses of his body to discover it.
Amber was silky in every place he touched, and vibrant with tenderness and
joy, warmth and passion. At first, let Truan she remembered only the sensations. Then tangled on
what
now shared to undress and lie next to Amber. each
touch, every caress, every kiss, every new experience that provided
Amber ateava it on fire, in-cendiando it with feelings now
shared.
Amber's legs brushed, restlessly against him. Her back
arched, as she threw her head back, her hair to
spread the mantle. Truan started stroking it tenderly,
observing changes in your skin, the shaking beef, spasm of
a muscle in response; you heard the groans of frustration when he
hands away. Then started again, tracing every curve, every
soft depression. Felt the heaving breasts, ran her fingers down the slope
to the waist, gently squeezed the volume of the buttocks, and then
slid his hand at the hip and the soft depression of the flat belly,
teasing below and then retreating.
The sounds that Amber let out sobs were no words
wishes she had just begun to discover. His eyes opened,
wide, dark, full of sweet torment as Truan brushed the
lips on her shoulder and then ran her tongue down the valley between her
breasts, to surround each hard nipple.
Amber grabbed her shoulders, and her hands slid feverishly
for the neck as he forced her to slow down.
- Please ... - she whispered.
- In a little, small - Truan whispered; His breath ruffled her
skin from the breasts, and their lips touched her nipple.
Amber gasped between agony and pleasure, to bury his hands in
Truan hair and pull it against you. When the tongue
hot and humid slipped a nipple, she shuddered and let out a
scream.
Amber tasted of earth, wind and fire, the body convulse the
pleasure every suction stronger. He patted her hips, and she arched her
body instinctively, given the primitive desire to join.
Amber's hands dug into the shoulders of Truan. She arched her
body and contorted in spasms, lifting and pushing the hips
forward, on a purely instinctive urge to enable it had
more access and more intensely involved. Then, clinging
aTruan shouted his name louder and louder, until it reaches the climax.






Chapter XV



Finally, the strong and uncontrolled heartbeats Amber
quieted, the breathing became slower and the skin has cooled. Truan away
kindly damp strands of hair from her forehead.
His eyes opened slowly, staring at him through the ghosts of
Old memories that disappeared as the new memory
what they had just shared assumed all spaces. The passion
Wild seemed to be resting inside.
He felt the question unanswerable at least for now, Who is
You? because it would be dangerous to know Amber. Silenced her with a kiss,
wrapped her in his arms and carried her through the trees until a sheltered lagoon.
There was no wind, just a whisper of something that seemed to whisper the
water surface, which tumbled the rocks and fell in a cascade
pond to the bottom, and then burst into bubbles returning to
surface singing sounds.
The water was neither cold nor hot, but silky, involving them in
shades of blue and green and glittered for a moment,
dark velvet as the following, to sparkle in millions of lights, as
If bubbles were stars.
There was neither day nor night, looked a moment suspended in time. The
twilight tinged gold the water surface and the skin of Amber.
She rested in the arms of Truan and at the same time, it was slippery
like a reed, rubbing against him and then floating away. when
he lay back on the arm, let it float loose, and his fingers
slid her hips and down her thighs, the knee and shin
delicate, until brought back, holding her by one ankle, with a
gentle tug that brought them together again.
In the security arms Truan , Amber relaxed , the muscles to
elongate , being carried away by the current. Streamers of moss in
edge of the pond, brushed the hips and sides of the breasts Amber
with green fingers of water , until it seemed that she could float
outside the body, no longer confined to the limits of the meat, but as a
bubble to float softly . As the bubble of desire she felt it
moving just below the skin's surface in those places unexpected ,
bringing back waves of memories , the passion that Truan had given him ,
and causing other passions waiting to be discovered .
Water spirit , goddess , witch. All these images were created in
his mind was while surfing the pond.
Truan hands caressed her knee to thigh , her thoughts
infiltrate it, showing images of their hands to touch her , to afagla ,
as he pulled her back , letting the water pass through where it
longed to sink ; sent him pictures of pink and soft nipples
distended with lust of the water, and then contracted in hard and firm accounts
caresses that made him, until brought near you. Led him to
legs around his own waist until you feel the soft hair brush
her womb.

Amber opened her eyes and looked at the bed net , floating , burning with
the desire that swelled inside her once again .
Not yet , Truan muttered in thought , pulling her to him and
deeper in the middle of the pond until the water beat down on her shoulders and
Amber breasts flattened against him as she clung .
When connecting your thoughts , Truan felt that Amber did not know
and then swim away any fear you . He kissed her tenderly ,
showing the passion that was waiting , as he pulled down the
surface of the water , their bodies entwined , her hair floating like
algae.
Amber felt controlled fear . Blew bubbles over her eyes
closed , and she opened them, staring at him in surprise , still stuck in the air
lungs. Finally , could no longer hold his breath . Truan realized
his instinctive struggle to return to the surface . When the instinct became
panic , he pulled her against him .
Held her face , put his mouth over Amber and kissed her . that
kiss air breathed into his lungs and then she breathed again, in
connection that kiss .
Realized that the panic gradually diminished, and Amber surrendered,
confident, to him, putting his life in his hands. slid together
that underwater world safe, where no one could find them,
as if they were inside a womb that sheltered and protecting them.

Rose slowly to the surface, connected by air and water
flowed between them, by the current of passion that grew in their intimate.
Emerged sighing softly, cherishing each other, the bodies
slip and rub it by increasing the intensity of the desire.
Amber eyes closed when it was floated again,
approaching him and then away. Hands Truan
slipped by her sides, thumbs caressing her breasts
as he steadied, and then down to her hips to pull her
back.
Looked into her eyes and crept into his thoughts , feeling it ,
realizing the changes that popped like bubbles under his skin,
color to rise to the surface as the desire expanded every caress,
arousing her , steadying her and then arousing her again, a
succession of waves crashing against Amber and then retreating , her breasts
floating , nipples breaking the surface when pulled over Truan
once and let her feel all its excitement.
Draught , Truan looked into her eyes gleaming , blue-green puddles in
bluish-green world. Amber gave to that desire with the raw
same certainty with which you had given it to life when layered .
Confident if offered to him completely .
Thoughts from Truan invaded hers , capturing each image
as he watched . Then he showed the way in connecting their
minds . In the eyes of Amber , Truan saw those pictures reflected
back when loved , burning with desire to be part of it .
Hypnotized , let yourself dream , see and feel .
The images slowly rolled one after another , replacing one
another , the body of Amber loose in the water , moving against him , the
emotions and sensations to invade it every caress of water, each
Truan movement . She saw exactly what he saw : the way in which
his body was seeking to Truan , curl your legs to the waist
goals . Then the slow slide into her.
Amber knew it was made for Truan , meat , warmth , passion . Pasted the body
lean to him and then when Truan lifted from the water and pulled another
Instead , his fingers gently tighten her buttocks , lifted to
he could penetrate her a little more .
Amber wrapped her arms tightly around the neck Truan ,
while those images paraded through his mind . images
stunning , erotic , full of a junction so that she could see ,
besides feeling his body within his . So , the whole extent of
meat buried inside her , touching her soul.
Amber raised her head , and her eyes , saw Truan violent ardor
passion. Passion for him , materialized in the flesh buried inside her .
Amber continued to stare at him when Truan began to move at a pace


cadenced as old as time. The first waves of passion
grew into it as if driven by an eternal spring.
Truan felt the climax get into the bottomless blue-green eyes of
Amber, that expression that was both scared as
glamor; felt it in raucous babble of his name on her lips,
in the throes of his flesh that pressed. So, surrendered
well and allowed to invade the ecstasy of that moment when joined her, breathing life there
inside, spilling the seed in her womb.
Slept for hours, wrapped in the mantle, sheltered in the arms of the
other, united in one body. Or was it days? It did not matter.
When awakened, Truan carried her to the pond and bathed her, hands
gentle on the most sensitive places, sliding through his hair and Amber
the breasts with the same care, damming the passion, until she
thought he could die like that. We then took it back and wiped the
with the mantle, with tenderness and care, until Amber did not want more than
he was tender and careful, and pulled him against her, and then into
itself. Twisted with desire and necessity under Truan, gri-ing him
name in that supreme moment hovering between life and death.
What is this place?, Amber asked in thought while lying
lying together satiated.
He heard and answered their minds in that connection:
A place apart.
For how long can we stay?
Until it is time.
Time, time. Hidden from the outside world, past and future
expected. Truan took the time to depart, grabbing every precious
moment, clinging to Amber.
Truan dream forced to retreat when it arrived, unlike
that other time when sought, wondering, needing him.
Now, however, was more than a dream that woke him with a
urgency that come each end nervous and burned his blood. That ancient power called immortal
who was born with that put aside the mortal humans.
Away from Amber.
He left her there, safe, sleeping, and crept into the forest, feeling the
able to move within him, transforming him as advancing the
mist, a creature again, feeling the closeness of the Dark
hunt it.
Amber dreamed that Truan gone. He reached out and sought
he was not there; was an immortal lover, a dream within a
dream. Someone she knew. Someone always known.
He closed his eyes and dreamed that Truan returned through sunshine and
fog, a deadly creature of flesh and blood, and with an immortal soul.
A dark wolf running through the forest, leaping between the fog, the leaves
rustling its passage.

He advanced through the light, a mortal man, an immortal creature,
waking her from sleep with a new urgency in the flesh. Took the mantle
above his body and stroked it.
It was not a dream.
He leaned over her, burying his hands in his hair, his fingers
they twist the silky strands. Then caressed her belly. The body
Amber replied, and she arched, throwing her head back with
a passionate moan, welcoming him in. it within themselves a unique and powerful
investee, when he loved her.
That age-old way of all wild things, the Truan
complained, marking it. Kindly buried in the skin of his teeth
shoulder as he slid his meat deep inside her, pouring the
seed inside, joining Amber for the soul.

Wanted to stay there with her forever, a world apart safe. however
were not safe.
Even there, the darkness is closing, advancing by shifting shadows
the forest, as the shadowy creature that crawls Truan and making it
more powerful and threatening.

















Part III - DESTINATION
Chapter XVI


Dusk was falling when they returned , riding through the hills
surrounding Camelot as ancient guardians .
Had only been out for a few hours ? Seemed more and Amber
wanted to hold on to them. Not wanted back .
Truan felt so stiff muscles in the body of Amber , sitting at her
front , coiled in the curve of her breast , the slender hand closed in
hem of the robe , as if she held a shield before
itself. Also felt in her thoughts , as she clung to
pictures of what they had shared , retaining them . But the images of the
awaiting them in Camelot were closed as shadows , lurking .
Camelot was all ablaze with lights . Fires dotted the
lawn . Perfilavam torches up on the battlements and towers shone in as jewelry
placed in a shiny golden crown. The guests who arrived
for the marriage of the king exchanged the tents and pavilions at castle
while the celebrations continued into the night.
As they approached the gates of Camelot , Truan felt tension and
different from the festive bustle , which ran By his blood in silent warning. The brightness of the
lights within the
castle walls was not the torches of the festival, but that of
Knights of Arthur as gathered, sporting full armor
war, the glow of the flames to reflect on the blades and breastplates
Swords, while putting their steeds.

He felt a sudden sense of alarm in the tension of the body of Amber, the
hand to further close the folds of the robe.
- Something happened.
Truan captured the chaos of tension that came to him from within the walls
Castle: angry thoughts and caught warriors, not
with lewd pictures of women who would share their beds, but
those preparing for a battle.
Entered through a smaller back gate, along with the Great
double gates which, in time of siege, sealed off Camelot as a
impregnable fortress. Truan dismounted. Amber slid to the floor,
beside him.
- Halt! - A guard shouted.
Truan Amber pulled back the horse, hiding in the shadows, the
his back, when the guard approached. At that time and place, she
was a lady of some position and bride of the king's nephew.
Would be put at risk if it were seen returning with him. although it was
Wear the best way after the events of the day, had no Truan
doubt that he was still regarded with suspicion by many.
Especially Gareth.
- Come out! - The guard exclaimed, the light of a torch to sparkle in his
sword, wielded ahead when it came closer.
Truan surrounded the horse, holding the reins firmly. With a touch,
calmed the animal, if this flank and hurt Amber, who
found behind him in the shadows. To all appearances, Truan
seemed simply adjust the bridle while the horse calmed
soft words. At the same time, glanced at Amber and with
a simple thought, warned her to stay where she was.
If he could not see her there, huddled against the wall, then the
guard did not see her. However, Truan could feel it. And
surprised to realize that fear that was not dominated by it, but
by him. That brought him back the taste and smell of Amber, to do
remember warm and thick in his blood.
Then he felt another presence. Already felt among riders
meeting, and it was stronger now. He caught it in the core, which made each
muscle strain and anger digging the pit of his stomach.
Also noticed the panic of Amber, deeper fear that,
instinctive, other than her fear of the guard. It was a fear that
came the memory of his other life, that other time, shrouded in
same darkness that prevented her from remembering Truan and who had
shared in that distant future.
It was the recollection of instinct from the soul, the man who now
rode slowly toward them, the man who was engaged
that time and place.
- Well, well, what have we here? A thief at the gate?
Truan would have recognized the voice of Gareth had not even
sense.
The young rider wore a breastplate gleaming chest,
the helmet on a tunic and trousers in blue and gold colors of Arthur.
Drew his sword and brandished with confidence. Out overcome in
field competition, which unleashed a deadly game. both
knew about the betrayal that happened, a betrayal in simple exchange of helmets,
which could mean the death of Arthur, if he had not retreated Truan
the final blow.
- You know what we do with thieves in Camelot - Gareth said
an outline of smile that had no sign of humor. Then
addressed the guard: - Stay away! - Ordered. - I'll deal with it
this thief. - Leveled his sword at heart of Truan.
From the shadows, Truan captured the fear of Amber and forced her to return to
safety of the darkness with a single strong thought.
Do not do it, girl!, Murmured to her, the connection of minds.
Eased her fear, letting his strength flowed around Amber, the
protect it.
- Where have you been all afternoon, champ? - Gareth asked the
voice emanating resentment and hatred. - I thought you were looking forward to
claim favors all the ladies waiting to
greet the hero of the day. Who knows - suggested - walked planning
treachery against Camelot. We know very little about you. maybe
I have surprised to sneak back to the castle after
meeting with Malagaunt because we were told that he now advances
the borders of the North.
Truan felt thoughts Knight, anger and poorly controlled
dark ambition that dwelt within his soul that would lead him to betray
the king and destroy a kingdom in the future tense that awaited them. Also felt the sudden panic
of Amber, that
fear from the soul growing inside her.
It would be so easy to destroy Gareth simply crush him and pluck him
heart. The desire burned in his blood, that powerful instinct
animal. But the logic warned him and held his hands when he
reached out and grabbed the blade of the knight. He stared at
eyes on Gareth, while slide warmed to his touch.
- Take care - Truan warned. - You can get hurt. The pulsed voltage
in the air. A silken thread of light shone on the edges of the sword, incandescent,
and climbed the blade toward the handle and the hand that held it.
- Stop, Sir Gareth!
The deep voice of Sir Bors resounded like thunder.
- What is it? - Asked when approaching and recognize Truan of
immediately. He glanced from one to the other, felt the cold edge of
Fury shudder in the air and saw the sword by Gareth balcony. Interposed between
the two.
- You have duties elsewhere - Sir Bors reminded the young
knight. - Go take care of them.
- Ask him where he was - Gareth challenged. - You are turning less
an hour after we received the news that Malagaunt
crossed our borders.

- Get away, boy - Sir Bors warned, with the authority of someone who served
Arthur long time and felt no threat in the bonds of blood
between the king and his nephew.
- This man won the king's favor today. Would not
bode kill him here, in the very gates of the castle. If you have
Objections to do and can prove them more than sulking
have been overcome in contention today, then make a formal complaint and will be heard before
the
court in due course. If not, then I suggest you go see your
men.
Gareth finally dropped the sword, but made no attempt to
disguise his hatred for the horse to get around.
- On another occasion! - Exclaimed, and then urged the animal forward,
to join his men.
Truan realized the speculative gaze of Sir Bors and captured the thoughts
Knight. He also had questions but were tempered with
wisdom and caution, and Truan felt a sign of respect.
The knight laid his hand on the neck spotted horse sweat, the
thoughtful expression, as if she knew something.
- Was away this afternoon, my young friend.
- Yes - confirmed Truan.
Mental questions raised by Sir Bors saw him glance for eyes
shadows, and realized that he had guessed the truth. He said nothing, but
finally nodded in agreement, as if accepting the fact
hear no more explanation.
- Returned in time. Received news that crossed the Malagaunt
northern border. - Sir Bors watched him closely. - You will need a
horse rested. The king wants to give a special welcome to it.
Asked you rode by his side. - Handed sword Truan.
Been cleaned and polished, and the steel blade gleamed with a deadly glare.
- Take care, warrior - Sir Bors said. I I ride on the other side of the king . - He made mention of
disguise
warning.
- Then , it will be well protected - Truan said .
The knight turned and crossed the yard , shouting orders to his men .
Disappeared among the warriors , horses and helpers battle that filled the
patio . When Truan turned , Amber was gone.
It felt to sneak through the shadows along the wall behind the
shed the tannery and then the yard to the door of the little chapel , which
was connected to the main hall .
The chapel was very cold and dimly lit , with only the light of candles
the altar to clear the way . Amber had been there earlier that morning ,
with Lady Guinevere , to pray that there were no injuries
serious in any of brave knights . And one felt in future queen
intense distress, when he said his prayers , knowing that no one other
be Amber , would hear .
Father in heaven , forgive my sins , help me to accept what I and Lead me
the path that I must follow .

Words were full of sadness and despair that Amber could have
misunderstood, if he had not relanceado eyes to her mistress and seen the
tears running down her cheeks. Amber continued kneeling at
walking distance, wondering what could be the cause of both
torment and anguish.
Now, your slippers crackled softly while advancing the floor
stones. The chapel was small, weak candlelight to flicker in
faces of the saints and the Holy Mother of Jesus. As you approach the altar and
small door that connected the chapel to the main hall, he found that there
was alone.

A figure found himself kneeling in prayer. At the sound of approaching
Amber, her head rose and candlelight on the altar focused on the
features frightened lady Guinevere.
Was praying again. Perhaps the departure of warriors, perhaps by
king, perhaps for another reason. Amber stared with a look of understanding.
Lady Guinevere had been sent out to the pavilion early
that day, seeming to understand the deep and compelling
need that Amber had to leave. And dispensed with a warning
whispered, be careful, but not tried to stop her. It was as if
understand very well the things that Amber barely understood.
A sound at the chapel door startled them both. Lady Guinevere grabbed
quickly Amber's hand and pulled her down beside him, with a
Simple muttered word:
- Pray!

Knelt with their heads down, side to side, hands clasped
ahead, hearts beating triggered when the door closed and sounds
of heavy boots echoed, slowly approaching the altar.
At each step, the panic grew along the nerve endings
Amber. Outside view across the courtyard? Something had happened to
Truan? Was he being dragged into that cell which had been
trapped?
Who was coming? Truan? Gareth? Or maybe one of the other
knights of the king, who had seen them when they returned to the castle and certainly
have told the king?
A shadow appeared within your field of vision. It took all the
concentration of his will not to give in to panic, do not reveal it
by words or gestures, but remain quietly staring straight ahead, as if those earnest prayers that
murmured with such fervor.
- I heard your prayers, lady.
Fear constricted her heart to recognize the voice of Gareth and,
a moment, Amber almost believed it was possible that he
controlled his life so completely.
Before, she had thought kind and gentle, when known, to come
follow Lady Guinevere to Camelot for the first time.
Out months before? Weeks? Or just days, as it seemed? really
remembering that Amber had that was not clear. As if it were something
had dreamed, but that did not take part. But it all seemed real.
As real as Gareth, standing beside her, watching her, waiting for her
if you betray the slightest emotion and show the smallest lie.
- So, you know that I pray for the safe return of all - Amber
said, fixing his gaze on, the image of Our Lady in
altar.
- Really, Amber? Or the safe return of one of those
they will face Malagaunt?
Guinevere rose quickly, the cold expression, impenetrable, regal,
while still being queen.
- If you want to pray, Sir Gareth, then leave with their prayers. not
want to disturb him.
Amber rose as well, and Guinevere hand closed around
his arm. But Gareth prevented them from leaving.
- And how long were you praying? - Asked, with a look
intense.
- We are here since this afternoon, when we arrived the first news of
betrayal Malagaunt - Guinevere said, speaking through gritted teeth,
firm expression, without betraying the lie.
But Gareth did not look pleased.
- Is that your answer too, Amber?
- Yes, of course.
He reached out, grabbing the piece of a fern leaf dry
of her hair.
- And was here all afternoon? - Asked by crushing the delicate leaf
between the fingers.
- I've said yes - Guinevere replied, although the question was not
directed at her. - You doubt my word? If so, you might want
take the matter to the king.
Gareth's eyes narrowed, his expression of hatred when faced lady
Guinevere. But it was not a challenge he was prepared to
face at that moment. Yet.
The doors burst open, startling everyone, and a young knight
entered.
- The king calls! Let's go!
This time when Gareth reached out, Amber was sure he
intended to strike her. However, instead slid his fingers through his
chin, sliding down her throat, closing them. His hand trembled,
as Gareth fought against any force majeure which denied him the
pleasure of hurting her. Finally, took his hand away with a brusque gesture.
- There should be no secrets between us, Amber. - The words sounded
sweet, but contained a subliminal threat. - Talk about
it again when I return.
Finally he left, and Amber let out the breath he had been holding
a tremulous sound much like a sob.
Lady Guinevere wrapped an arm around his shoulders, trying him
give comfort, knowing that there was nothing I could say to ease the suffering Amber now felt: the
pain of loving someone being engaged to another.

Truan felt the moment when Amber was in danger. Was monitored and
continued to observe the chapel until Gareth and one of his men by
left end.
Yes, the knight swore silently, we'll talk about it
again.
They reached the village shortly before noon following, near the
boundaries of the ancient kingdom of Gwynedd, before time claimed by
Celtic and now protected by Arthur.
The smoldering ruins and charred corpses left behind by
Malagaunt were a sad reminder of past battles on behalf of
peace, and the fate that awaited Camelot that future time which
Truan come.

Arthur thought to divide his forces to search Malagaunt. Truan
rose from the ground, which observed the traces marked on the soft earth.
- At least three score of men; travel light and to the East. If the
You divide your forces - warned subtly Arthur, to mount
new in her horse - will inferiority-ized in number, no time for
rest of his men join the fight.
- What do you suggest, warrior? - Sir Bors asked, his eyes to
narrowed thoughtfully.
- Following these tracks, for no other comes from the camp. they
inches in front of no less than a day away, and to the East.
- How do you know? - Asked the king. - Maybe has some flair
special knowledge?
Their gazes met. In the eye of the king, Truan felt the memory of
a friendship of many years kept fondly; that between
Warrior Boy mentor and advisor who claimed to have made the
kid a king, And the thoughts of Arthur, also felt a flash
recognition. For a fleeting moment, he remembered his old
friend and maybe saw something in the young magician who rode a horse
battle ahead.
Truan smiled.
- There is no gift or magical to see the direction in which they fled.
- And what is the test by which assesses the number of hours that have passed
since departed? - Gareth asked, stopping beside the horse to
Truan, with a defiant and arrogant expression.
The smile widened Truan. Pointed to manure the ground.
- You are treading on it.
Sir Bors was stricken suddenly by a fit of coughing to disguise the
Laughing while the other knights of Arthur were not so careful when
hide their own reactions. Even the king was hard not to smile.
Truan say anything around the horse once more, while Arthur gave
order, over the protests of his nephew, so that, apart from a small
strength left to take care of the needs of survivors of the village,
everyone followed eastwards.

- How can you be sure it's not a trap? - Gareth
asked the uncle.
- Want to make some accusation, my nephew?
Gareth glanced at Warriors and Knights
around him , watched them struggle to maintain composure and realized
laughed at him . Turned his horse and walked away. East.
Soon after nightfall , they reached a place of camp.
Both men and horses were exhausted , the tunics and shields
plastered with mud and peppered the long journey following the trail
that seemed to disappear entirely by the uneven terrain .
Truan continued on the horse , motionless , his thoughts reach
beyond . Malagaunt and his men were around, perhaps just
a few meters away , who knows him to watch them even now .
- We will make our camp here - said Arthur . And when Truan
not immediately dismounted , but he urged the horse to a small knoll
and stood staring into the darkness , the king joined him. - You disapprove -
said , puzzled .
- It is not I disapprove - Truan replied cautiously ,
reminding himself that he was a stranger among them.
- By God , you remind me of someone ... - said Arthur , his voice lowering of
tone with the memory . - Someone who I really miss . someone
whom he had once called friend .
Truan felt the thoughts of the king, the sadness of the lost camaraderie,
a friendship stronger than the bond between brothers.
- He had his way of changing a sentence - Arthur snorted with
memory. - To make a suggestion I could follow or not, but
with the certainty that if I do not follow her, was destined to fail.
- He fumbled in his saddle as if the mantle of loneliness will not settle
as well.
? - And then he was gone - continued the king - without a word about the
reason. I was so angry, and then regretted anger, for he had a way of knowing such things. - Looked
at
Truan thoughtfully. - How do you sometimes seem to know things.
Three scores of men among so many brands of hull? It would take a
wise to guess the true number.



Truan shrugged.
- An educated guess that has yet to be proven. I could be wrong.
- Men do not lightly betting their lives.
- I may be a fool.
- I think not - Arthur and pondered, then asked: - What is
that bother you?
- This place is not safe. At least soldiers that may not be
caught sleeping in the darkest hours before dawn. It would be easy
sneak between them from all directions.
They sat in silence for several moments buddy, Arthur
consider the suggestion thoughtfully.
- There may be some merit in what you say.
When the king gave orders, Sir Bors looked at him with a speculative air.
- Trust me, old friend - Arthur said. They made their fires
against the cold of the night. The mattresses were stretched, the shapes of
soldiers asleep to dot the camp. Horses were
moored nearby, while the guards took their positions.
That's what Malagaunt and his men saw the camp and surround
attack, those final moments before dawn, when the sky
dawned gray and guards post and shrunken head down,
napping.
Sleeping soldiers, guards property, the king sleeping in his tent
campaign. All ghosts. An illusion. A trap that awaited the
enemy.
As picked up the King's plan, Truan also realized the
approach of the enemy, several meters away from the camp.
There was still time for a withdrawal. Truan knew the danger it incurred
to interfere at this moment in history, even insignificant. as
things could change, pondered, simply by their presence there,
that battle? How would if he did not act?
She moved silently to Arthur, whose acute gaze swept the darkness
that dispersed. Orders were passed from man to man,
gestures when several dozen men stormed the camp
King.
- Not yet - Arthur commanded, raised the gloved hand, men
await your command, while before them, camp
came alive like a beehive suddenly plucked a branch
tree.
Warriors swarmed the camp, burying those swords
sleeping rolls estate, investing into the tent of the king, attacking
the few horses tied there. Guards were silently killed.
But no blood dripped or soaked the ground.
Instead, empty bed rolls were kicked away. The stall
King was turned into rags only to reveal that he was also
empty. And the guards 'dead' at their posts, fallen before the blows of
enemy showed no bloody bodies, but breastplates, helmets and
Empty tunics. At that moment, when men of Malagaunt
Began understanding that they had been deceived, Arthur gave the order to attack.
A single torch flame signal was given to all his men.
Invested down the hill and swept the camp.
The fight became brutal and bloody. Men Malagaunt
comprised nearly three score of heavily armed warriors. The
first surprise quickly gave way to the lust of blood and screams
War echoed in the air.
Man against man, swords flashed in the light of the fires, the
horses relincharem amid shouting on both sides.
Truan advanced with his horse to the core of the battle, protecting the side
left the king. Sir Bors guarded the right of Arthur, Gareth in
rear. Formed an impregnable wedge against investing
heart of combat, swords spinning and shred those who were
the ground around.
Once arrived to the center, Truan felt danger when the wedge
Protective surrounding the king disbanded. He looked back and saw Gareth
away to the right, almost making Sir Bors lose balance. The
Youngest rider lost his sword.
Was a common casualty in battle or out intentional?
The error protected Arthur made on one side completely
vulnerable than others. With the toe of his boot, Truan picked up a sword
Fallen off the ground and tossed it to the knight.
- Take it! And defend your king!
Gareth stared. Whatever you think, picked up the sword and turned
to be confronted with a new enemy assault.
Twice the enemy broke through the wedge and protection
approached the king, with the intent to kill Arthur, the blue plume and
Gold readily visible and highlight it among his men. And, every
Instead, Truan sensed the danger and deftly turned to face him,
pushing away as a warrior transfixed other to
then kick the body of the blade tip. Then he realized the moment
in the battle faded, and soon followed the cry of withdrawal
enemy.
As quickly as it began, ended with the Warriors Malagaunt
fleeing for their lives. A few men of Arthur
gave chase to them until they were given the order to return to
camp.
Truan recovered the sword from the body of an enemy. During the conflict, he
abandoned his horse and continued the fight on the ground, preferring the land
solid underfoot. He spat aside, getting rid of the taste of death. However,
like the others, was covered by that mixture of sweat, dirt and blood,
the smell of battle that no one could really get rid of.
Arthur would hardly be recognized under the dirt and blood
Emplastar his breastplate. But grinned when one of his
men addressed him. Struck the back of Sir Bors that brotherly way
between warriors who fought a battle and survived as
victorious.
- What about now this young warrior, old friend? - The king
asked Sir Bors. - They told me that there are at least two score of
Malagaunt men killed and another twenty who escaped. for my
accounts, this amounts to three score.
Sir Bors merely grumbling. Pushed the helmet back with a gesture
clumsy. Suffered a blow that opened a tooth in protection
head and cut her forehead.
- A casual guess? - Murmured.
- Yes - said the king, his gaze narrowing thoughtfully in Truan. - So
casual as the one that we would be attacked in our sleeping rolls.
- Did a nod to Truan. - I am grateful for his insight,
warrior. Malagaunt not return to our borders soon.
But when you do, be sure to not find in
sleeping in our posts. And when we come to Camelot, you should
accept a place at the Round Table. Earned it today.
Truan was stunned by that turn of events. era
a change had not foreseen. However I was not amazed that
Gareth. Saw the glare of the young warrior and realized that
nearing the time when they should face each other, a
altogether. Prayed that he might be able to protect Amber.
Began the journey back to Camelot that day,
confident that, for now, Malagaunt was far beyond
Northern border, where he retired. Truan, however, knew that a
not too distant future, come another day, with a result quite
different.
They made camp that last night, before returning to
Camelot, in a protected place. Ali, warmed his hands at the stake and
roasted rabbit and squirrel hunted in the forest.
A double perimeter guards surrounded the camp; visible,
if someone came to see him, the other hidden watching their posts
hidden. Arthur was a warrior who learned from every mistake, both their
as enemies. There would be surprised how Malagaunt out.
The king had sat nearby, with four of his knights,
commenting on the attack. Gareth was silent throughout the
journey from the borders of the North, and now was not seen in part
any.
Truan, however, felt their anger and darkness of evil that clung to him.
- How did you know men would be found that Malagaunt
place? - Sir Bors asked as he chewed thoughtfully, a piece
meat taken from a spit in the fire, - And do not give me answers
as perhaps - amended then.
Bors, Truan felt the wisdom born of much experience. It was more
older than Arthur, a warrior who was the first of the inner circle
riders chosen for the legendary Round Table. A mentor who
transformed into a boy warrior, as well as another mentor
wisely counseled on strategies to take and maintain a kingdom. The
he knew or believed about Merlin?
- There are those - Truan began, choosing his words
care - who is said to possess special knowledge, one
gift of insight that others do not have. They see things that others do not
can see. A change in the wind, a vision in a dream. - He reached
hands before the fire, letting the heat pass through it until you find
that inner fire that had been born.
Hands separated, and the flames parted slightly, Allowing
glimpse into the heart of the fire. For changing, yellow light,
orange, red, blue, constant change, and shadows
lived there, the edges of the flames. Hazy images of faces
who had left before and faces the future. Joined hands again, linking them to
front.
- I heard about that - Sir Bors said thoughtfully. - Such men are
called sorcerers or wizards. They say they are not mortal blood.
- Cut another piece of meat from the spit and shoved it in his mouth. - I know
a man - said, chewing. - A man with very
knowledge and wisdom. - He frowned a thought. - Maybe
know him. To some it is known as Merlin.
Truan curled his fingers against the palms to hear that name, and then
slowly flexed them again.
- His name is mentioned with the king.
- Once their friendship was deep - Sir Bors murmured. - More
deeper than between brothers. Together, they built Camelot.
- Now, however, no more? - Truan asked, for he had thought of
find it there.
- He left Camelot over a year ago. No explanation or
the king or any other person. Just said he could not stay.
Some say it was a pilgrimage to the holy land. Other than that
is dead. - Looked at Truan. - Others believe that return
Arthur when you need it.
And Truan knew was that last hypothesis that the rider believed.
Sir Bors pointed to the fire that burned between them.
- What you see in the flames, warrior?
How much to reveal? Dare he say something and risk change
future more than I could have ever changed your presence there?
- Malagaunt return - Truan said finally. - And do not give satisfied
in evading into the night with his tail between his legs.
Sir Bors agreed.
- If you could see the future, when would that be? Their gazes
found through the fire. It was just a guess, of course.
- If I were able to see the future, say they will in the coming year -
Truan replied, knowing how to end the tale he knew, if
history in the present tense survived the Darkness.
- And if that happened - Sir Bors continued with that game "and"
with an intense look Truan - Can the kingdom survive?
Truan felt the disturbance in the rider, the need to know, and
reluctance. For with the knowledge, as Truan was well aware,
came a terrible responsibility.
He thought of the legend of Camelot that continued until his own time,
Despite the efforts of Darkness to destroy it. The great fortress nothing
was more than a pile of ruins in a desert valley, but the legend
survived and had taken shape, with accounts of Arthur and Merlin.
- Camelot will live for as long as there is hope in the hearts
men.
Sir Bors agreed. Seemed to accept. Sought his sleeping roll and opened it
before the fire.
- What about the king?
Truan did not answer immediately, because it could not lie to the rider.
Searched for the best way to explain. - He will be remembered? - sir
Bors insisted.
- Yes - said Truan - will be long remembered.
Around, around the camp, the voices became more indistinct
as others spread their sleeping rolls, Arthur sleep between
his men , wearing the armor of a warrior . If they were attacked ,
would not be easily located between them.
Sif Bors slept , his snores echoing bass amid simmering fire .
But sleep was far from reach for Truan . He sat
for hours before the fire, as if dreaming , but
awakened by visions of the past paraded in flames : when a young
mage and a warrior king built a kingdom that would last a thousand years. E
heard old voices who fidgeted and whispered in his blood by
your senses . Voices from the past and the future.
By continuing to stare at the flames , had a vision of a great battle and
the blood that soaked the ground : the blood of the past and the future to
muster. And in the midst of battle, a great king , the magician that helped forge
a legendary kingdom, and the glow of a bright sword - Excalibur .
Tried to retain the vision , but she vanished as if viewed from a distance
very large , glimpsed from afar, and Truan knew it was the future that
awaited them .
There is a great danger .
It was as if someone touched him on the shoulder, waking him from sleep. then
Truan heard above the murmur of the dying fire, a voice that
whispered through his senses, warn him.
Were suspended at that time between night and day,
when the first light of dawn appeared on the horizon and the stars
still shining in the night sky. As if the night sky with the surrender
reluctance.
Embers glowed in the ashes of the bonfires. Wisps of fog agarravamse
trees and glided across the floor like silent apparitions,
bending over the warriors slept on,
undisturbed.
The guards were still at their posts, the watchful eyes to
scanning the perimeter. Nothing revealed they had felt or heard
voice that whispered an urgent notice through the senses of Truan.
There was danger in Camelot.
He slipped the sleeping, silent warriors as
mist, like a creature of the night, your senses far reaching,
hearing, feeling. He tried, but could not get rid of that
premonition of danger, something dark and evil, an evil force as
powerful as that found earlier.
They were all there, or wrapped in their cloaks or standing at their posts.
Less a warrior, Gareth. The blood Truan froze in the veins.
Launched thoughts from afar, looking vision, but there was as
a veil of darkness that closed around everyone in Camelot,
including Amber. That vacuum shadows, Truan felt the trap,
Darkness to seek it, and knew I needed to go ahead.
Not alone, however.
Sir Bors awoke from sleep. With the instinct instilled in the blood of all
warriors, the hand of the rider closed over the hilt of the sword
when he stood up, quickly. Was awake and alert immediately look to seek the Truan over the
glow of the dying fire.
- What is it?
- There is danger in Camelot.
As the night before, when they had talked about things
could be felt Truan full acceptance of the rider.
- So let's go to Camelot. - Passed quickly among the other
knights and warriors, waking them. But before everyone
erguessem rolls sleeping Truan was gone.
Started guided by instinct journey. A man running to the light,
with ribbons of mist surrounding it: a black wolf emerging from the light,
mist to reflect on his thick dark hair.



Chapter XVII


- I never saw anything more beautiful, milady - the young maid greeted
Lady Guinevere. - You already look like a queen.
- I do not feel like a queen - Guinevere replied. - I feel
like a sieve, all pitted with holes of their kebabs
with this needle. - He looked at the girl, who was motionless and changes to
bedroom window. - What do you think? Please the king, Amber?
At the sound of his name, Amber turned the window opening with a
frown.
- Did something, milady?
- What I want - Guinevere replied - is to be free of this dress
clumsy. It's like being wrapped in a carpet, and then put the foot
hoping it can walk. It will be a miracle if I do not blow all
seams before the bishop.
He gestured to the seamstress to take off the dress, which required that
let loose several points on the arms and bodice. Just as was the costume
light blue, decorated with golden thread, to match with the colors of the king,
that could only be used in the body being sewn.
- Have you been looking out this window all afternoon - commented
to be released by the end of the dress and the heavy tail coming out of his
shoulders. It was a costume to be worn only once, at their wedding
with the king.
His voice softened, knowing Amber hoped by whom.
- They certainly have not returned yet. Amber shook her head.
- Hovers an eerie calm in the afternoon, and the sky is getting increasingly
dark since noon.
- Maybe go raining - pondered Guinevere.
Amber rubbed his hands through his arms for warmth against the sudden
cold that seemed to invade the room, despite the fire in the brazier.
- It seems almost overnight. I can not see beyond the walls.
The darkness of the afternoon was unusual, almost as if night had fallen,
instead of a storm to form. No cloud was seen in
horizon, but kept getting colder and darker. maybe it was
later than she thought. His gaze swept the battlements and towers.
The wrinkles on his forehead rose.
- I do not recall having heard the change of the afternoon - thought,
aloud, wondering where they would have gone the guards of the tower. Every day,
at dusk, the guards were replaced, and the torches, lit the
towers. But no light showed, not in the towers or on the battlements.
Guinevere joined Amber the window. Again she wore a dress
and tunic in shades of your own color, bright green.
- It's getting colder - said, hugging herself when
the wind blew, and burst into the room. The fire on the hearth was extinguished, and
ash littered the ground. Several candles were extinguished, and the flames
of oil lamps flickered.
Guinevere also shuddered.
- Close the windows.
One of the maids swept the ashes. Put more wood on the hearth. the
flames flickered as gusts penetrate beneath
the door and around the window opening, making it appear more winter
than early summer.
After dinner, Amber sat down again with the small
tapestry had begun, trying to focus on the intricate design.
Lady Guinevere sat before the hearth, reading aloud old one
Latin text, his two small dogs to sleep at his feet.
The two terriers were yellowish white, with long hairs
brushed the stones of the floor as they went, curved tails on
the back. The square muzzles made you feel like you had gone
for a door suddenly shut off.

Were small intelligent animals not found anything better
to hunt an occasional mouse that dared to appear, and then
deposit the critter dead at the feet of Guinevere for approval.
In the short time they were in Camelot, the rat population out
almost all eliminated and the terriers had won the esteem of all,
particularly the cook, who hated discover a bug eyes
round to face her funds from the pantry.
Even the huge hounds of King learned to respect
animals, going off of them for fear of take a bite ankles. What was missing the dogs in
size remaining on temperament.
They were unfailingly loyal to Lady Guinevere, but seemed to feel that, in
which concerned the king, should showcase the best of behaviors.
Otherwise, would be driven from Camelot.
At any time of the day it was possible to find them running and playing, the
long hair to drop their eyes and imagine how someone doing
could see. Beggars four paws, made the rounds
pantry, kitchens and gardens, accepting food with great enthusiasm,
or leaving them to know of his displeasure, if not received,
with a bite on the hand or ankle.
Amber soon made friends with them, because she loved animals. when his
mistress was busy, the dogs followed her wherever
were always ready to play and get into some trouble.
Guinevere called them his little trickier, and they seemed
ease his loneliness by finding so far from home.
One of the dogs scratched the door. Amber let him out, relieved by
brief interval during boring embroidery. The terrier ran out the door,
barking as he launched himself down the hallway, toward the landing.
His companion was not inclined to do the same, put his head
on the paws and dozed, content to let his friend break into the night,
Hunting gusts of wind, leaves and an occasional stray cat.
Amber returned to her embroidery, making a little progress, distracted
constantly by the storm that shook the windows.
Guinevere realized the frustration of the young to jab the needle into the fabric and
heard the sigh she let out to find a career
points needed to be redone .
- In this step , this will end when an old tapestry , the
fabric bear all the holes you 're doing .
- I made the same mistake four times - Amber said , annoyed .
Guinevere looked for work and found it difficult drawing a wolf
embroidery on fabric.
- You said little after her return yesterday - commented and asked ,
hesitantly - Is everything okay?
- I would like to be released from my engagement - Amber finally spoke .
Then, almost defiant , continued : - I can not marry Gareth .
It is not right . I do not love .
His features masked a deep unhappiness . And they brought the
remembering the desperate request that Guinevere had done to his tutor, and
only answer he had been able to : . 'You know your duty , His Girl
future is not of their own choosing . "
With those words in mind , Guinevere asked :
- His warrior asked her to marry him? No, not ask -
she herself said, before Amber could speak. He knew all
the lies and excuses. All told herself. - It is impossible -
continued, and saw the suffering That shone in her eyes. He leaned
on the Latin text so that Amber could not see his face.
Guinevere closed his eyes at the memory of that other conversation, as
if it had happened yesterday, maybe just hours or moments before, so great was the pain so
intense and the
feelings that lay behind the words.
His fingers dug into the palms, nails cut the flesh.
Slowly, she's desencurvou, smoothing the dress at the time of the womb,
where once felt the child move. A child conceived in passion. The
saw that same passion burning in the eyes of Amber.
It was the passion of a girl, overflowing with blind fascination, but
the passion of a woman who knew what she was lying with a man,
share one physical joining of body and soul, then later lie
alone in her bed with a reminder to make her suffer inwardly. a
memories so painful that could only be relieved by that
junction again.
His fingers trembled on the text page, hand unsteadily. He knew what
was to love like that, surrendering totally surrender to pleasure
found that union, lie in the arms of a man and convencerse
that could somehow escape the duty that awaited her.
Such thoughts always opened a door tightly shut, the door
to the past and to the memory of the child who felt the move in
her womb. A child who grew into her with a resistance
fierce; why Guinevere cheerfully endured the pain of childbirth to trazla
the world, and, later, in tears, was placed in the arms of
another woman, never to see her again.
Even now she was suffering, as if the child were still part of you,
perhaps forever part of you, a reminder of that lost love.
- I know what you speak - said softly, trying to comfort
Amber. - He can not offer you anything. Only the sword, and in that
lies his honor and his duty. But not with you.
Duty. Honor. Ties that they had arrested a young man more than love
she felt for him.
- But I love - Amber said quietly, expressing what they felt in
first moment I saw Truan in the forest. A feeling that
welling up inside her, deep down, like a lost memory that
suddenly returned. - I've always loved.
- But he loves her? Said that? - Guinevere asked. - No, not tell.
Why can not. He will lie to you and then leave. because
needs. And you will be alone with the memories of what we shared,
and yearn for it with every fiber of your being until the day I die.
Amber was stunned by the impressive sadness contained in those
Words softly whispered.
- You must have loved him very much.
Guinevere raised his eyes, which shone with tears.
- With all my heart and soul.
And Amber knew she did not speak of the king.
The fire was almost extinguished the brazier, and the cold increased in the fourth.
Amber asked one of the servants to bring more fuel, but the man did not
returned. Now, the basket was empty. With a look of disgust on the
irregular career points that had embroidery, Amber has set aside the
tapestry.
- We need more wood for the fire - said, taking the basket near
the brazier, the mind overwhelmed by the words
of her mistress. Who was imagining, out of love Lady Guinevere?
The hall was dimly lit by lamps hanging oil
walls. Flickered, almost fading with the wind
swirled over the edge of the counter.
In the winter months, when there was snow on the ground, the wood was
stored in a large room next to the stairs, to facilitate
replacement of wood in the king's private chambers.
Amber filled basket of sticks and was about to return to the
room when lightning raced across the sky like a glowing sword
cut the darkness for a moment illuminating everything with a light
brilliant.
Called the terrier that accompanied , but there was no answer . then
the yard was again immersed in darkness, with only the light from the torch
waving in the wind . Even the guard towers were dark .
No torch had been lit along the battlements or towers . when
another ray coruscate , briefly illuminating the patio , Amber saw some
thing close to the source . He picked up the torch from the wall, pulled the robe around
himself and crossed the yard toward the source .
The light of the torch provided a minimum luminosity
threatened to become extinct anytime . When you get to the source , it
lifted the torch before him , trying to see what was there .
Then , another bolt ripped through the sky and the sudden burst of light at the top , Amber
saw what was on the ground at the base of the fountain. It was the Lady Terriers
Guinevere .
The little animal lay aside his head back at an odd angle ,
the broken neck of a wild manner.
But whatever had attacked him had not been content to simply
kill the bug. The golden white coat was stained with
blood, a horrible gaping wound in his throat. What or who
attacked had tried to decapitate him.
Amber's hand trembled as he touched the still warm body, and
thought emerged, as if coming to the surface of deep water, and
with it came the certainty that it all happened before: a cold day,
Moody, the courtyard fountain of Camelot, the loss of a loved
buddy.
Withdrew his hand with a brusque gesture, some of what had come to him
memory, the memory of another time and place, but very similar
the present. Yet different. And Truan was there. Searching for her,
taking her in his arms, con-fortando to the loss. And she felt safe.
As safe as he had felt that day in the forest, confident
he would not let anything happen to him.
Pippen. Suddenly, the name arose in his mind as if someone
had murmured, and with it, came to light the memory of the animal
was called by that name.
Another lightning flickered from the battlements and for a moment the walls are
illuminated. The gates were open Camelot! And the gates,
Amber saw the bodies of the guards dead where postavam!
Amber rose quickly forgotten when the torch went back to
stairs leading to the second floor rooms. entered the
room, and Lady Guinevere looked up from the text. The other terrier
Amber felt distress and began to bark.
- What is it? - Guinevere asked. - Did something happen? The king and
his men returned?
Amber did not tell her what I had found in the yard. There would be more time
later.
The little terrier passed her in shot, barking ferociously.
Guinevere started to go after him, but Amber gently held her
arm.
- No time.
He looked pained the room in search of something that could be used as
gun. Saw a small knife they had used to cut an apple after
dinner, and picked it up.
- You need to tell me what happened! - Guinevere cried.
- We can not stay here - Amber said. - Someone opened the gates!
Camelot was attacked!






Chapter XVIII


- You are the target. Within you lies the hope for the future.
The wind was a bit cooler, the storm to lash Truan
as he ran. It was like trying to push it back, keep it
away from Camelot.
I pulled away from my destination. You should not. Beware the
choice that must be made, or all will be lost.
The words whispered in her mind and in her blood burned a
legacy of the past that expected.
Launched thoughts by storm by distance
who had traveled miles from Camelot, in pursuit of
Malagaunt.
Be careful with the choice that must be made ...
The choice to surrender to the love for Amber, as there had been able in his
own time, lest she should know the truth about
he was: a creature born of mortal flesh and bone, with a soul
immortal who turned at will in animals that Amber had every
right to fear.
The choice of sharing friendship with Arthur , a king that some
believed to be just a myth , but a man of flesh and bone
built a magnificent kingdom that will endure in the hearts for five hundred
years and would last another five hundred more if he made the right choice .
These were the thoughts of Truan the journey back to Camelot ,
through the wild moors beats by storm and the hills
revolts by the wind , the ground passing beneath his tireless steps , the mind
focused on Amber ; the pale glow that adorned body drops
Water from the pond , as he lay under his , free of souvenirs
past, to surrender to a passion that took her breath away ; on
deep golden hair spread his cloak ; the color of
eyes , a glowing bluish-green as the shallows of the lagoon where
his body had joined him .
In another time and place , she had taken possession of his heart with the
gentle manner and the silence of emotional muteness . At the present time , and
place , Amber had claimed her heart forever with laughter sweet ,
kindness and courage to face a wolf alone in the forest .
He was not free to love her in that existence; she was not free to
love it in actual existence.
Everything was back to that brilliant dream that had become so much legend
as a myth in the hearts of mankind. He had been driven to Camelot
swearing allegiance to Stephen Lord, as his father had once sworn allegiance to
Arthur. But failed. His father abandoned Camelot when Arthur
needed him most. And the kingdom was lost. What would have happened if Merlin
Arthur had not abandoned?
You must choose the dream whispered over and over in his mind, and Truan knew that the choice
should be made on the expected
Camelot .
Lay before him , dark and quiet a dazzling dream , hope
for the future of all humanity , shrouded in darkness . Truan felt
that oppressive presence in the whipping wind and cold
cut like a knife , the same evil force that found by
first time in a blinding snowstorm. An infiltration of Evil extend
the time to claim the future.
The battlements were dark and abandoned . There was no guard
towers , and a cold claw of fear gripped his stomach at the thought
it was too late . Had become once more a warrior with
sword balcony, the animal instinct of the wolf still burning in his blood ,
while the hair on the neck stand on end.
Not approached the main gates , but went to the southern wall . Ali
turned his thoughts to the intimate , gathered power , becoming
again, his body disappearing as he bent to
forward, hands penetrating the stones of the wall and then moving
to the other side .
Emerged beyond the main gate , near the stables , and ducked
quickly , the sword hidden on the body so it could not be seen
easily.
Oppression had befallen Camelot. He experienced before,
when Cassandra traveled by time portal to the past in search
The Oracle; and another time, when they were followed for Margeaux
within the forest. With the same animal instinct before Truan sniffed the
Death.
Found brutally murdered gatekeeper to open the gates
to someone he recognized. Gareth.

Three other guards were also killed, murdered before
could sound the alarm attack or draw their weapons. The lookouts on
towers had suffered the same fate when the men of Gareth
crept inside.
Truan followed the trail of half a dozen riders Camp
Arthur, Gareth between them. But those tracks had joined
nearly two dozen other riders, who hoped in
hills situated between the borders of North and Camelot. men
Malagaunt.
This was then the trap that Malagaunt really planned. There is no
other attack on a remote village in the North, small and poor to be
some strategic importance or significance , but an attack on the very
heart of the kingdom , while the king and his men were far and
only a handful of warriors stood there to defend Camelot .
Gareth and his men had acted quickly. Truan found much
more dead inside. Arthur 's warriors had been
brutally murdered , many in their beds , others abandoned
to die in their own blood , while Gareth and his band are
focused on the prize they sought, the future queen . Truan not
had no doubt that this was what Gareth intended.
Arthur finally decided to choose a queen and secure the future of
Camelot . His marriage to Guinevere had created an alliance with the
powerful clan chiefs of the land of the West. and promised an heir
for the kingdom. And children born Guinevere frustrate any
claim that Gareth had with respect to the throne .
When Truan left the camp of the North, Sir Bor sounded the alarm and
spread the news among the men of Arthur .
They could not be too far away , but could not wait for Truan
them.
While crossing the courtyard to the private atrium surrounding the hall
principal, he felt the extent of the betrayal of Gareth .
When gained entry into Camelot , Gareth had his men
open the gates for men Malagaunt . Out very little that
anyone been able to do to stop them . The personal guards of the king , the
Private entrance lobby , had also been killed . within the
patio , near the fountain , Truan found a small terriers lady
Guinevere . Probably , the dog was killed when he went to raise the alarm .
On the death of a pet , Truan felt a cold cruelty,
felt that same cruelty in the death of Pippen . And his thoughts
sharpened . There was a pattern in it, things that were repeated . events
going the same way , again , as had happened before .
Heard sounds of struggle inside the residence of the king and stood in a jump,
running to the steps leading to the second floor rooms.
There he found the partner terrier on the landing , dead too .
Just beyond the porch , the door of the room was Lady Guinevere
gaping .
Inside the room, Truan felt the presence of Amber: a tangible thing
he could almost reach out and hold, so clear and strong in the subtle trail
their smell, the warmth of tapestry Truan knew she had touched little
before, and fear that hung in the air.
And that essence, he could feel what had been the Thoughts
Amber. Aware of the danger, she had fled and Guinevere together, waiting
find safety in another part of the castle.
Truan launched thoughts beyond the room, looking for Amber
and Lady Guinevere. He went to where the led, guided by that
essence that was now part of it as much as breathing. then
heard screams ... or felt the fear that hung in the air.
Ran down the hall where Amber had pulled into the shadows, protecting it
with its power, eager to touch her, love her, that plagued other
life by the fear that she might run away, when he learned the truth of
he was tormented by fate in this life that reached the
with unseen dangers , afraid that he could not protect her .
The main hall below was chaos as the fight came up there,
Most private guards Arthur to fight side by side with servants
against the mercenaries Malagaunt . Desperate to cross the hall
and follow the path that Amber had taken , Truan joined the fight , shooting down one
man and then turning to face another attacking him by
backs .
Truan blocked the blow , feeling the movements of the warrior, and struck
powerful blows with his sword . Another blow shook the extent of
blade. The warrior invested again, but instead of taking the sword
up and parry as his opponent had predicted, Truan abaixouse
on one knee and took up the sword in a wild counterattack .
The blade struck the warrior at the top , under the ribs . With both hands
closed around the hilt, the sword Truan buried deeper ,
thick coat through the muscles and organs vulnerable
protected there , and then felt the scrape of steel against bone.
The expression of the enemy was stunned surprise , then shock ,
when the blood ran down the length of the blade. The Warrior
staggered forward , and Truan pushed her body away ,
ran over him and moved quickly.
Went up the opposite stairs leading to the rooms of the Board of
King and starring chamber, still following the trail where Amber and
Guinevere had fled . Screams rang where he was seen . two of
Gareth men attacked him .
The first died quickly. The second fell to the ground in agony when
Truan cut off his legs . Leaped over both and opened with a
kick the doors of the starry chamber. The flames of oil lamps
shuddered when he burst into the room .
Felt the presence of Gareth immediately , a familiar presence
experienced for the first time in those past months during a
Snowstorm , when he and Cassandra had followed Margeaux
to the forest and found her dead , her unborn child ripped from
her womb .
On that day, the storm had closed over them as if it were something
alive, determined to destroy them. The creature turns Truan through the snow
blinding was a son of Darkness who had lived in the past during the time
Arthur, born in the future as the powers of Light became
powerful again.
Upon entering the starry chamber was confronted with that creature
born around the same time that he, a seed of Darkness, sent to
destroy the future.
Gareth turned his body and turned. Amber held in front of her, one arm
closed over hers, pressing it against the
body. On the other hand was a knife, the tip compressed against
the throat of the young . One of the men had Malagaunt Lady Guinevere
prisoner .
- Do not approach , warrior , or both die ! - Gareth threatened ,
Amber pushing ahead like a shield. In his eyes ,
Truan saw the darkness that shone in his soul , the darkness that created it ,
born of flesh and blood but with the powers of evil
- His powers are great - Truan said , advancing slowly,
gaze locked on the hand holding the knife at the same time
was aware of the threat Guinevere . - Use your powers against
me, not mere mortal - challenged , using the thoughts
manipulate the mind of the warrior Malagaunt . He felt the resistance
Gareth when he realized the ruse . - Raise your sword against me ,
Gareth . Let me see the powers of Darkness, not the coward hides q
behind helpless mortal women . - Did you see the flash of anger in
depths of the cold eyes of Gareth . - Fight me , come meet me !
- Truan pressed their opponents, seeing assessing the chances that
look.
No! Do not do it! - Amber shouted, wincing in pain as
Gareth pressed the knife harder into her throat. His gaze was
supplication. - You should not - muttered.
Truan blocked thoughts, closed, isolated from their own
emotions and the overriding desire to attack Gareth, boot Amber
his arms and slashes him.
- Choose the weapon you want, said Gareth. - Whatever the medium
who wants to challenge me. The Power of Darkness against the power of the Light
Here and now, Gareth. Once and for all. Or ... are you scared?
- I'm not afraid of anything! - Gareth replied, pulling further
Amber against him.
- So maybe my powers are greater than their - Truan
suggested with a smile.
Gareth smiled an evil smile, to accept the terms of
challenge.
- The choice of weapons is mine.
- First you have to drop Amber and Lady Guinevere.
Gareth agreed, and acceptance of the conditions, Truan felt that perhaps
Gareth what was sought all the time. Amber dropped and
with a nod, he ordered the man to leave Malagaunt
Guinevere free.
When Amber hesitated, and Truan felt she could run to her
meeting, shook his head vigorously, ignoring the emotions felt
therein. Amber turned to Lady Guinevere and pulled her away from the
Man Malagaunt.
- Send him away - Truan said Gareth. - Do not trust a man
with a gun at my back.
Gareth nodded and glanced at the mercenary, who turned and
left the room.
- If you lose, they still die - Gareth said. Truan smiled,
keeping the mind impervious to Amber, refusing to give in to
mortal emotions. Had only one thought, one goal.
- I do not intend to lose.



Chapter XIX


- What will be then? - Asked Truan, every thought, every sense
Gareth focused on not letting anything interfere, aware that
was faced with a kindred spirit, and it was dangerous to allow
intrusions. Although there were other masters whom they served, the two
were very similar. - What weapon do you choose? Gareth's eyes
glowed.
- You agree to the terms - he reminded Truan. - You
thank you for your word to keep the agreement.
A warning pervaded by the senses of Truan and ran for his cold
blood, the voice from his dreams.
Take care, my son! The Power of Darkness lies in deception, and cheating in
the betrayal. Uses his own weakness against you!
- My word is pledged - Truan replied, eyes to
narrowed, sharpened and focused way, watching every move
Gareth, rummaging through her mind looking for some disloyalty.
Gareth put the knife on the Round Table and spread his hands, palms
upward.
- You suspect some trickery on my part. Truan sniffed.
- I'm tired of your tricks and games. You choose the means of
challenge. I accepted. Now, point your weapon or give up.
A cold smile curved her lips Gareth. Was the embodiment of
impiety and hypocrisy.
- I never give up.
Truan leaned forward, hands gripping the edge of the table. its
expression was a predator, intense, deadly, greedy for blood, then
Gareth's every move as if hunted.
- Then enter the weapons and let's get started!
- Yes - said Gareth, also leaning forward, hands
closed at the edge of the table, on the opposite side. They were like two creatures
deadly, every muscle tensed, eyes riveted on each other,
preparing for combat.
- But there's no reason to look for weapons. We already have them.
You and me.
Truan felt that warning to run in his blood again, as if Merlin
was at his side and mutter. A premonition that the bargain
had done would be very expensive. Gareth's eyes sparkled in the depths
his ingenuity.
- I choose the power of transformation. A formidable weapon. not
agree? It will be interesting to see which one is more powerful.
It was as if Truan take a physical blow. Gareth was not no fool.
Far from it. Possessed many of the same powers and dragged Truan
shrewdly into a trap, as surely as the deluded
to carry it to penetrate five hundred years in the past to save Amber. Gareth expounded the worst
fear
Truan, like a knife buried deep, cutting the flesh to leave a
mortal wound.
That other life, the life he shared with Amber in the future, Truan
could not bear that she knew the truth of how he was a
creature born mortal and immortal, both human as a being of
mist. I was afraid that if Amber found out what he was,
reject with fear and revulsion.
And so Truan hid her, hiding their powers charms
Fools and gestures of prestidigitation: a coin or flower taken from behind
ear, the sudden appearance of a small sheltered dove in the palm of
their hands, a flame that suddenly appeared; Stupid jokes and
silly rhymes.
Everything had a tremendous disguise to bring laughter to the eyes
Amber and a gentle smile to her lips, where before there was only silence
emotional and frightening memories because of what she had suffered
before.
And slowly, like a flower in spring, Amber emerged from the gloom
the past. The expression in his eyes had changed to the suffering
fascination, and then to love. Only then he walked away from her,
tormented by what he had come to feel: a profound awakening of a
mortal desire, a passion that Truan should not feel. Why not
could bear that Amber knew the truth, because he was afraid of
horror and revulsion would see in her eyes when she learned the truth,
he was deliberately cruel and had blocked her feelings for Amber.
However, in this world, that place in the past five hundred years,
she did not remember anything from that other life,
anything they had shared . Truan finally surrendered to those
feelings and dared to love her .
Lain with Amber as a mortal being , giving him your body, your
heart and soul . However , at that juncture of the flesh, he also
had joined her as an immortal creature, claiming her like an animal
calls his mate , willing to protect her with his life , if
necessary, marking it have nally like that of wild creatures and
after joining his body to hers , planting his seed deep inside ,
that timeless so that Amber had called forever, and interfacing the
past to the future .
Take care , my son ! The Power of Darkness lies in deception , and cheating in
the betrayal. Uses his own weakness against you ! The words of his father
echoed in his mind.
Gareth wily off . It was a cruel irony of the fact that by agreeing
with the power of transformation as the chosen weapon , the only means
by which Truan could save Amber and Lady Guinevere , risked
lose it when she knew the truth about what he was.
Truan felt the fear and confusion of Amber . Saw in his eyes and listened to
question that was forming in her mind when she frowned .
No matter what happens, no matter what you see , he muttered
the connection of your thoughts , you must trust me ! Believe
what we share ! Trust in my love for you .

Heard the answer that came from the heart and it was whispered from the lips of
Amber, shared passion, hidden memories, the glimpsed
hours that had joined in that place shelter of the forest, where she surrendered to him at the
bottom of that pond
gleaming, when entrusted his life to Truan.
I love him.
But when Truan Gareth turned to face the extension of
table if he had.
Had begun.
- Get out! - Truan exclaimed to Amber. - Go away!
His senses scanned the starry chamber. Gareth was there,
But what form?
- I will not leave!
For a moment, Truan lost concentration.
- Get out of this place! And do not look back!
Just then he felt Arthur's men approaching
the gates of Camelot. If Amber and Guinevere reached the courtyard,
would be safe.
When she still refused, Truan said Guinevere:
- Take it and go!
Guinevere pushed Amber to the stairs leading to the gates of
starry chamber. But when they went to meet them, have failed
Next. Could see beyond the gates busted, but could not
out, deterred by some invisible barrier that imprisoned.
Gareth's laugh echoed in the room with an icy cruelty and
deadly that reverberated through the walls and hissed as the threat of a
Snake in the shadows.
Truan turned all his focus back to the camera and Gareth, releasing
perception, attracting powerful gift he was born with, feeling it grow
and expand within you, taking you beyond the limits of mortal flesh,
using the power of transformation, Gareth chose the weapon and the only way to keep Amber
safe.
Amber turned to the door smashed when Truan out behind them , and
yet still impregnable . At that moment had
tried to flee the room , Gareth disappeared undoubtedly hiding it
somewhere in there . Now Truan also out . but she
could still feel it .
If he closed his eyes , knew he was there , somewhere ,
moving through the shadows , like the dream in the woods when Amber
awakened and had first seen the creature coming toward
between the shadows and mist. Then Truan passed through one prism
light, turning to her, hugging her, protecting her. Similarly to
happened that day in the forest , when the wolf jumped into the clearing ,
he returned to her side ...
I was terrified . Sensed the danger , the soft fuzz to bristle in their
arms , an instinctive fear that came from some obscure place within
curl up your memories and in your stomach and pressed his
lungs.
Guinevere pushed into the shadows in the corner by the door
broken, terrified to see the mist curl up on the floor angrily
camera, curl up around each of the Round Table and chair
then extend over the table surface in those who had
ancient Latin words and the brilliant crystal that glowed like
heart of an eternal flame to the center.
Guinevere grabbed her arm, pulling her over to the corner, while
vague beginning to take shape across the chamber. one way
long and winding with a tail with that shook a rattle and a snake's head. Then eyes
formed in the head, black and inscrutable. At the same time
the creature continued to take shape, with that long neck to
Broach forward as if seeking its prey, there was a hiss,
a horrible sound like souls in agony.
Amber looked away from the horrible creature, refusing to see her,
blocking all image and sound that invaded the starry chamber as
concentration of a storm. Terrified as I was, was forced to
think of only one thing: Truan, and the words she felt in
thoughts as clear as if he had pronounced. Trust
Me.

The snake slid across the floor of the chamber as if searching for that
elusive essence. Hate coleava inside the creature, who slipped
under the table, passing between the chairs, an embodiment of Evil
that hissed with frustration and anger, his eyes blood-red in sparkle
slipped slightly as the basis of the actual seat and then along the
wall, searching and becoming more agitated every time, not to
find nothing but the swirling mist that constantly
dodged.
Your search was fruitless. So that broad head tilted toward
the stairs and the two mortals who crouched in the shadows. with a
deadly hiss, changed course and slid the ladder.
Amber saw the creature approaching and pulled along with Guinevere
level. Crossed busted door through which they could not
escape, hiding in the shadows, with the hope that the creature
not see them. However that demonic thing seemed to sense where they went and slid the
body down the steps toward them. Amber could no longer see it
clearly. The mist concentrated and then became denser,
filling the room, and it was impossible to see anything.
So clearly as if the embrace, the power involved both
surrounding them in a blanket of fog that kept the creature to see them,
hiding them, protecting them.
Gradually, the fog began to lighten. Dissipated when the
enough that Amber could see, she realized that not
were more on top of the stairs near the door, but across the
chamber, hidden behind the huge royal seal.
Then he heard the horrible hissing snake. Erupted angrily as wind,
taking the room and dispelling the mist with a blast stormy dark and terrifying power. So Amber no
longer saw
the serpent. Seemed to have disappeared in the storm.
Truan felt the change in the powers of Darkness, captured that exact
time the entity realized they could not find Amber
Guinevere or the blinding haze and had become the malevolent darkness
that eddy and departed the mist. Truan also become,
using the Powers of Light, seizing the inner strength to see
your mortal senses not allowed: the way the darkness
would take next.
Amber had protected and Lady Guinevere once. However darkness
continue to take on new forms, as well as the deadly game
continue, in offensive and counter-offensive. Truan would have to invest in
some point to quit that fatal dis-bitch and destroy the evil

Felt that evil concentration again, the coldness betrayal,
greed , avarice living in all human souls and the margins of
known world .
Take care , my son ! The Power of Darkness lies in deception , and cheating in
the betrayal. Uses his own weakness against you !
It filled the chamber again, that grew in the shadows in the corners ,
pushing back the light of the oracle stone , rising at the edges of
Round Table , the symbol of all that was in the hearts of hope
men , to take a new shape and form. The one big wolf
gray .
Amber saw when the creature jumped to the top of the Round Table .
Fierce, deadly , fanged sight and death in the eye ; further
terrifying than the animal they had found in the forest that
day when she and Lady Guinevere traveled to Camelot . Sniffed the air .
Then jumped to the ground , focused and forward in long strides ,
across the chamber towards the stone seal , where they hid , not
more safe.
Truan whirled, turned once more in his mortal body. It cost Him
precious moments until her senses and strength enlightened
return to be faced with the new challenge of Gareth. Then he saw
the gray wolf crossing the chamber, heading to where Amber and Lady
Guinevere hid.
He will use his own weakness against you!
Those prophetic words rang like an alarm in the directions of
Truan. Gareth picked up his biggest fear, that Amber found out what
he really was, and now used against him. But all that mattered
Amber was. Truan could not even bear to see her dead, even if it meant
discover the truth.
Became once more, feeling the power of the creature you fill
the senses and the soul, man of flesh disappearing,
replaced by muscles, strength and killer instinct of the black wolf.
Amber watched the scene in disbelief. When the snake take turns
way, realized that somehow they had entered a world
where everything was, somehow mutable. The creature appeared not your
fear and your imagination. It was real.
Just as the fog that prevented acobertara everything and the creature
find them, was also real.
She felt no cold and terrifying, but warm as a caress in his
skin, soft as a promise whispered in his mind: Trust
in me.
Did not understand what was happening. Do not know where Truan
gone, there for a moment, gone the next. But accepted that
there were things in this world that polishing not be explained.
The weather did not detain that magical place where Truan possessed? the
days had not passed as if they were hours while loved?
He had not seen the wolf in the forest for a moment and then Truan, coming to her
through the fog and sun rays? He did not seem to know their
thoughts as clearly as herself? Magic? Witchcraft? or something
more?
Accepted because he had to accept. Otherwise, you would have to believe
Truan, somehow, that left her demonic past,
scary. And Amber could not believe it.
Do not know what it was that connected them, and did not understand the reasons
that had made search for him on the day of the tournament. I just knew I should. that
your future, your life, whatever they were related to him. that
life, in another life, perhaps for eternity, if such a thing existed.
Trust me, Truan asked. She trusted because she loved him with all
heart and all your soul. And as he watched the black wolf crossing
jumped the room, attacking the gray wolf, the wild growls
tearing his soul, Amber knew she had nothing to fear from that beast
black.
The two animals are attacked and bit one another, the teeth
sink into the thick fur, looking vulnerable neck or belly.
His howls and growls echoed through the room until Amber could not
anymore that sound have rificante. Covered his ears with his hands,
trying to isolate the noise of skin and flesh ripping.
In the frenzy of the battle, as teeth and claws dug and cut,
Truan felt the transformation start again, slower this time. the
movements were lethargic, disturbed by the loss of strength of
previous and the injuries sustained in the fight transmutations. then
Gradually, the form beneath him changed, changed and took another
contour of a man who slowly emerged injured trying to
protect against wild attack Truan.
Blue, torn and tattered robe, the hood was all that protected the
face and head. So that was also ripped and torn by
gleaming teeth and claws. Hands were raised to protect the head
exposed, vulnerable without a gun.
Truan experienced a powerful lust for blood. Burned in their
veins, pounding in your heart and echoed through his mind quote it,
like that day in the past.

Mate before it's dead!
He saw the bright blue eyes and features of the man. feature
recollected distant dreams, deadly dreams, gentle hand to land
on his shoulder, and heard the voice that spoke with love and tenderness.
Son.
Then the voice that answered, you tear the memories, will
destroy them.
Mate before it's dead!
While the power of Darkness and Light power of waging a battle
within it, Truan looked down, through the eyes of the beast that is
become. But what was seen with mortal heart and soul. The man who
lay beneath him was his father, Merlin!
With a snarl of agony, Truan departed from the man who still
prostrate on the ground. Panting, the killer instinct still strong within him,
Truan crawled backwards for several feet, head down, fighting
the inner darkness that closed around his heart, as he looked at the
man who lay there.
Amber saw when the Grey Wolf turned again, and then
continued to watch with disbelieving eyes when the animal took
form of a man. Felt a vague awakening recognition
although he could not remember when find that person.
- Can not be - Lady Guinevere murmured beside her.
He got rid of the hand of Amber to come out of hiding, behind the stone seal.
- No! - Amber warned, going after her.
- Are you? - Guinevere said, crossing the room tes an Amber
could stop her.
The man raised his head. The hood had fallen back as he struggled
with the black wolf, and revealed the strong aquiline features, the oblique line
firm chin, the sensual curve of a mouth surrounded by a beard and
dark mustache, triggering a memory of someone who had Amber
known. Then he looked up and stared at Lady Guinevere.
It was an intense, glowing blue light, love and passion. eyes
Amber turns to look at her! And he knew that he had met with the man
before. And just as surely as he knew he had found him, knew
who it was.
- Marcus Merlinus - Lady Guinevere said, softly, her heart stop
beating at the name uttered that worshiped only in prayers and
dreams. - Thought I'd never see him again.
- No! Do not do it! - Part of a growl in part a cry, the sound
was plucked from the depths of his soul when Truan slowly
once again turned and saw helplessly Guinevere walk in
toward the man lying on the floor of the starry chamber.
Only he saw the wickedness that marred the man's eyes,
overlapping the blue; only he felt the blackness that was in the soul
creature as Guinevere drew away from safety.
Be careful with the choice that must be made.
Amber heard the terrible growl and then, horrified, saw the wolf
black jump on Guinevere and carry it with him as he rolled by
ground. So, could only look in disbelief when the beast stopped and slowly
shook, and she thought he would attack Lady Guinevere. That's not what happened. He stood over
her
as if to protect her.
The transformation started slowly. Gradually, the black wolf
disappeared, powerful muscles and gleaming fur replaced by
powerful muscles and long black hair of a man.
Amber's heart leapt in front of his sight, as emerged
gradually the wolf form. Deep in her heart, felt that
always known, since that first meeting in the forest, when
Truan come between her and danger, and then, when brought to
that special place, returning through the mist, shortly before
dawn. Truan was a wild creature, wild, a fiery lover
and passionate that the scored skin and soul.
Did not understand anything of what had happened. just accepted
because she loved him with all my heart.
He looked weak and trembling, slow gestures and full of pain, although
apparently was not injured. So, Amber noticed the movement
the ground when the man called by name Guinevere rose
and jumped to the knife that lay forgotten under the Round Table to that
time.
Amber let out a cry, calling for Truan the instant that the
man grabbed the knife.
Truan sensed the danger and then heard the name.
Precluded by that persistent weakness of the transformation, it does not
could turn again to save it, But warned her with
every ounce of strength he had left.
Gareth saw the knife, saw also when the gun was in the air. Mirada
him, a deadly blade capable of giving a fatal blow while Truan
was not yet fully transformed at that moment unique in that all creatures, such
like him, were in the vacuum between the mortal and immortal worlds, and
vulnerable.
Took no more than a fraction of a second, and yet, it seemed like a
Agony of time when Amber interposed in the path between Truan and
knife.
- No! - He shouted.
He grabbed her, pulling her into the arms, to protect her, away
Gareth, away from that deadly illusion and the real danger and
real.

Amber's hair came loose long braid, spreading out their
back and on the fingers of Truan. The expression on his face was dazed, the
slender body taut as a bow. Then he felt the violent shaking of
pain that came from within, before you see it in the strong grip of his hands
to grab him on the shoulder, and heard her gasp in that escaped her lips.
When pulled her against him, Amber suddenly seemed no more than a
child, small, weak and helpless. A warm wetness trickled down
his fingers, staining the soft golden satin of her hair. with
extreme care Truan and laid on the floor. The look of Amber dug up
in his expression permeated every emotion they had shared, and
traces of old memories now slowly returning.
Truan felt the memories of another life is clarifying. tried
push them back, but could not. Amber realized that outside
freed from the darkness that kept her from remembering. A shiver of dread
the come.
With the perception of all creatures, he felt that something was moving beyond
its ability to prevent.
- No! - Whispered vehemently. - Stay with me! Stay with me!
Amber shivered with the cold slowly invaded, but he felt
fear. His fingers trembled when touching the face of Truan. seemed not
get to see him more, but realized his presence and knew he
held. Heard the murmur of his name, felt the warmth of his breath
on his face and then his lips. And she whispered under the gentle warmth
that kiss.
- I love him. Always loved him - said, when he felt the cold disappear
replaced by a gentle heat that enveloped her as her eyes
closed.
Truan pressed it against his chest as the whispered words died
Amber's lips. He could not push death back nor could
bring life back where there was some. But if this Amber's life
to him? And if he join his immortal soul to her?
Through hatred and suffering, he saw the open gate and knew
Gareth escaped. Furthermore noted that in addition to the link between the two
worlds, was precariously open, past and future. but all
What mattered was holding Amber's arms.
The sounds that filled the starry chamber were not mortal sounds, but
rage of impotence in those things beyond your reach: the howl
a wounded creature who lamented the lost companion; the
cry of a mortal who feared losing the only thing for him
meant life, and felt as if his heart had shattered.
Truan Amber snuggled in his arms and buried his face in her hair.





Chapter XX

Guinevere rose slowly to see two men walk in
its direction through that open in stone seal slot, One was a
young warrior, tall and wiry. The tone he had in his tunic was
Unknown to him, but he wore blue and golden colors
Arthur. And had the bearing of a king. Or who would be king one day. not
could know who was Lord Stephen, the lord of Camelot, five hundred
years in the future.
The other followed behind, a little away, surrounded by clouds of fog
whirlwind and in the glare that shone behind them, as if the
emoldurasse a radiant sun. She stared at him when she saw him approaching; not
via his features, but he had a way of walking known, long
past, broad shoulders too familiar, the mantle length
to curl around him as if the very gusts wait
his command.
Guinevere held her breath as he came into view, the outline of
his head, the aquiline features, the eyes of a cobalt blue that certain
time had gazed with a passion Breathtaking, the strong set of the jaw, mouth framed by
dark beard, cut flush, which she remembered her tingle
lips.
Someone remembered, except by short hair and beard, interspersed
white wires. And the eyes that stared, though full of the same
passion, sported an aging and sadness expression.
And was the same, however, different. He who loved Guinevere of
all their heart and all their soul, to whom he had given unqualified and
who would be willing to sacrifice everything. The man whose wisdom had
helped create a wonderful kingdom erected to last a thousand years, and whose
friendship with the king had finally taken from her.
It was him. Guinevere felt it in my heart, with all the painful loneliness
she sunk since he was gone. It was a product of his
imagination, transformed from a repulsive creature. It was him.
Guinevere's face was wet with tears. The torn dress and
bloodstained, her dark hair falling tangles by
backs. She looked like a refugee from a holocaust, and yet,
never seemed more like a queen. Bold, radiantly beautiful,
Your strength and courage are reflected in sweet look where he saw glimpses of
passionate memories. Guinevere for two years had passed.
For him, half a lifetime: centuries, in the years that separated
their worlds.
He dared to love her and risked a kingdom. However, why not
could endure the suffering that love would cause the king, he
abandoned, never realizing that in doing so, left open the
port for the betrayal that had put an end to the reign of Arthur.

He saw the puzzlement mixed with love in her eyes , the love that I knew
would always be there , regardless of options or stocks that
separated . Also see the questions that seemed impossible
formulate, for fear of the answers that could bring .
- Marcus ? - Guinevere murmured .
Only she had always called thus by the name given to it when it
become the real adviser Arthur ; at that time in which Guinevere
was destined to be a queen upon her engagement to Arthur when
he had served his father and saw the beautiful girl blossoming as a woman ;
when dared to love her intelligence, her beauty and her rare spirit ,
finding that her passion of youth that arises only
Instead , fervent as the flames of a hell, and that binds two people
through time , no matter how briefly lasts .
It will link to it as well , and through the Son to the left ,
without knowing it , until that day that revealed Ninian ,
finally that Truan was not her son , the young man in Camelot
played the jester, with charms and tricks
ridiculous, was in fact the son of passion between him and Guinevere.
Did you catch her and take her in his arms, but was arrested the other
allegiances, and also a deep and passionate love for Ninian.
Locked into that another time and place that lay beyond the portal, while the
future Guinevere was there with Arthur.
- Are you really? - She stared in wonder at the same time and
incredulous.
He agreed.
- There is so much to say, dear Gwen.
Guinevere shook his head, and he felt the fight she waged
for understanding. Knew of the powers with which he was born, but
not his immortality. And in turn, he knew that Guinevere would
Queen one day, but who had given him a son. Now, however, the
destination of the future lay in the hands of that child.
- In short, my dear love - he murmured, the bond of their
thoughts, that old way we once talked,
speechless. - We will have our time and talk of things
need to be said, but for now, there is another whose need is
greater than ours.
He felt his acceptance because he never lied to her, not even when the
left. He turned and crouched beside the young man who was kneeling to,
weighed down by grief, cradling his lost love in the arms. Said then a
single word.
- Son.
Merlin felt the weight of the look of Guinevere, heard her gasp in amazement,
as if suddenly deemed difficult breathing, and realized that she did not
discovered the truth: that Truan was the true son.
- Son - he repeated, laying his hand gently on the shoulder
Truan and with that contact, allowed his force to flow through
Binding of touch. Let the feeling of an existence is
pour over the words, that son he never had held,
whose eyes he never looked at her as a child, whose first fragile steps
to the immortal world he never witnessed.
- You can not hold a mortal life as she was. It is the only
power they do not possess.
Truan finally looked up. Understood, but not lie down.
Stroked lightly with a fingertip, the features of Amber. eyes,
that awesome color, a bluish-green,
once filled with much sadness, then filled with the passion that had
found each other, now closed by death; the curve of the chin
that if he closed his eyes, could feel when she landed on
your heart, the compressed face there; warm lips with passion
he proved; the slender hand, fragile bones, which she once stretched,
timid to take a silly treat he had given her, and then lifted with
strength when she tried to protect him.
Protect it? The irony of the fact it was like a bitter poison. With all
its powers, coming of Light, with the wonderful gifts he was born with
the ability of transformation, to summon the dawn and bring the night
moving stars in the sky, it was she, with her fragile mortal strength and
powerful love that tried to protect him.
- They need you, my son - Merlin said gently. More than
ever, he understood how heavy was the mantle of responsibility
by those powers they possessed.
- In your own time - explained. - The Dark become powerful
again because of what happened here. The enemy attacks from the North.
Truan agreed with a slow nod. He looked up, his face
a mask of anguish and pain, and looked at his friend, Lord Stephen. that
Camelot reigned over a different time and place. Stephen, that's for sure
once traveled through that same portal to reclaim lost love.
Theirs was a bond of friendship as strong as out of Merlin and Arthur,
forged in battle and blood, and for years into the future time
expected beyond the portal.
- I need you, my friend - Stephen said gloomily,
comprising the loss that his friend had suffered.
Truan rose, cradling Amber gently in his arms.
- Son? - Guinevere murmured, resting, hesitant hand on his arm
goals. It took all the strength to capture the impossible, that the young
she was now staring in fact, the child who gave birth at the time and
place in their world. Truan was just a bit older than her, in
future and place where it came from.
There was so much pain in his eyes that, with the instinct of every mother,
Guinevere wished to depart. But he knew he could not. then
spoke to the heart of things he knew were true.
- Do you always keep in your heart. This is both the blessing and the
burden by love as we love.
He nodded.
- I'll leave here, where we found each other, free of suffering
the past that haunted her. If only things could have
been different ...
If only ...
Guinevere wanted the same thing thousands of times. Prayed for it.
Tried to bend the future to his will. But there could, in the same
so that he could not.
Behind them, the sounds of battle had ceased. Then they heard the shouts
Warriors who fell swarming over Camelot, resuming
fortress. The chips were kicked from one port to the next, and Arthur
entered the starry chamber. Slowly down the steps, evaluating the
destruction. On reaching the foot of the stairs, he saw Stephen and quickly drew
the sword. Then his gaze fell on Merlin.
Looked at him incredulously.
- Is that you, old friend? Merlin agreed.
- Yes, there is much to explain, and little time for that.
Camelot is in danger. - He pointed to the portal that lay behind him,
through which he and Stephen had traveled.
Arthur moved forward, looking beyond the portal for the camera
starring existed on the other side. Tried to understand, remembering
something that Merlin once had told him about the worlds that lay in
different planes of the known world. He turned suddenly look
tight to face Merlin.
- What lies beyond?
- Camelot.
Arthur let out a gasp of disbelief.
- When?
- It's the future you see.
- As you once told me ... - Arthur agreed. - And Camelot
survived?
Merlin nodded.
- He survived, though not as you wished. And is in grave danger,
that threatens us all.
Arthur turned and looked at the portal, the temerity of adventure burning
in their blood did not burn as long. had
talked about such things when he was a kid. Merlin knew
possessed great power. He turned to his friend, the vibrant words
of anger.
- You left without saying goodbye!
- Would have let me go if I fire me?
- No.
- I had to leave - Merlin told him by connecting his
thoughts. - Believe that I had my reasons and that was the best
do.
- I was angry with you - Arthur replied. - I swore
that, if met, would send throw it in the darkest dungeon.
Merlin smiled briefly.
- The orders still stand?
- They are! - Said Arthur. Then his expression changed. He put the
hand on Merlin's shoulder. - I missed you, old friend.
Truan Amber gently deposited on the moss-covered place, in
under the tree where they had lain together for the first time. with
care, pulled the edges of the robe around her as if to
protect it from the cold. In that place, however, there was neither cold nor time.
She seemed to be just sleeping, as if he just had to kiss her
we woke up, his eyes filled with passion and love to extend
arms and pulling her against him. Amber leaned over and kissed her tenderly
on the face.

- Sleep, dear Amber - he muttered to send their thoughts to
her, although there was no answer - where no suffering or
sadness can touch it.
Guinevere expecting Truan when he left the clearing. was
different now young warrior she met at the time
the wolf attacked. It was full of youth so beautiful, impulsive and endowed
that easy and careless mood intended to disguise intelligence
sharper.
Was still young, beautiful and full of passion, but above all there was in him a
sadness and a sense of grim purpose. Gone was the joy of his
eyes, and it made that Truan mourn the loss suffered.
- I'll stay with it until you come back - said Guinevere,
unable to find words to say more. Truan took her hand in
it and held it gently.
- I would not want anyone else to take care of Amber, my dear
lady. - Then he bent his head and kissed her hand.
Guinevere accepted that precious son affection which had lost
hope to see you again sometime. Had given him the opportunity to
see it man made, and she had been happy to learn that grow very similar
with his father, whom he loved so deeply Guinevere.
- Go - said. - The others are waiting. - Said goodbye the same way
that once had goodbye to Marcus Mer-linus, without realizing that it would be
last. Go now, Arthur awaits.
Saw him leave, mounted workhorse, an immortal son of the power of
Luz's son Merlin. His son. And the pain she had carried from the depths
that day when I had given to another for safekeeping, was relieved by
first time. Ninian, his dear friend, kept his promise.
Truan rode the mists of time, for a short distance.
Just a few steps across the lawn that stretched before
Camelot, and then by extensive and wide valley, crossing five centuries, the
combine their powers with Merlin and open a portal to that field
Battle linking their two worlds.
His sword was stuck in the saddle, a small knife stuck in his belt. to
side saddle shell was fighting with the timbre of Lord Stephen,
blue and gold, the colors that Arthur was carrying when confronted with an
enemy at the same battlefield.
Were waiting for him there. Lord Stephen Rorke Fitz-Warren and Tarek
al Sharif in their mounts combat before the army that had
gathered at the site, under a sky loaded, where the thunder rumbled.
Three hundred warriors, knights, archers and heavy infantry. while
Therefore, in the hills, positioned in front of them, joined an army of
Saxon mercenaries and rebels borders North, the armor
Battle to sparkle at a glance how the black death under the covered sky
clouds.
- They crossed the borders of the North makes a fortnight - said Stephen, the
low voice, serious expression. - Since then their number is steadily
grow. Each rebellious Saxon region joined them.
Were inferior in number, with no hope of receiving reinforcements
London time. And Gareth was among them. Truan felt it.
- How many? - Asked, his gaze scanning the local
strategic enemy army.
- Six hundred - Rorke Fitzwarren reported. - For the last count taken
by scouts who returned soon after dawn.
- We face the worst disparities - Tarek al Sharif pondered. - In
Syracuse, the enemy retreated and fled.
Looked through the small valley. The enemy had taken their positions. a
expectant silence fell on the turf. There was not even a
movement in the air, or a corner of Finch. Only the silence
heavy, as if time were somehow still and waiting.
? - Yes - agreed Rorke. - But they were not as well armed.
And struggled promise of gold, not his own kingdom . A man will fight to the death if it's for your
home and your
family.
- As we fight for our homes and families . Truan turned such
like the others, to hear that voice coming from behind them . The sound of steel
being withdrawn broke the silence as the guards and Knights
Stephen surrounding the lone warrior who rode his horse
battle and was heading toward them . Had approached so quietly -
that no one had heard or seen.
Arthur was resplendent in their true colors , with the breastplate
silver , his helmet and shield , imposing, fearless , and moved on ,
Intrepid through the corridor swords drawn, after having spent
the same portal that opened Truan .
- Stop it! - Stephen ordered , as Arthur approached more and
finally pulled the reins .
Only now the others who rode with him became visible ,
emerging through clouds of mist creeping , spreading in
range the hill to arise from that same opening time . Gaheris ,
Sir Malcolm , Rohan , all the knights of Arthur and a good portion of
his vast army . Sir Bors was there too, the wrinkles on his face
deepening with a smile as he approached Stephen .
- I am very glad you do not have pierced . We would be
forced to slaughter them and then fight those stupid Saxons
Also - said , in a good mood .
- If I had not recognized, we would have finished with all of you -
Stephen replied.
Arthur laughed.
- You may have merit, young warrior, to govern
Camelot. We'll see.
Rorke Fitzwarren forward by pairing your horse to ; Stephen. His gray eyes scanned the man before
him. era
a Briton who served a great king in the conquest of Britain. Saw, not
a fool or a coward but a man not unlike William,
a warrior who preferred battlefields, where the conflict was
clearly seen, not political subterfuge.
Drew his sword, a sword that had fought the darkness.
Crossed it on the arm, extending the hard-wielding toward
Arthur.
- His sword, my lord.
Despite the overcast and threatening day, Excalibur shone with the promise
of all that had gone before and those now gathered
that battleground, willing to fight and die for a dream.
Arthur had brought Excalibur with the portal, for the sword, the
gleaming symbol of hope, belonged to that time and place in
last until the events that had not happened
were to take place. More than that, your friend would not tell you.
Merlin passed by the assembled knights. He gestured upside
Truan when Arthur closed his gloved hand around the handle and gripped
the sword, feeling the familiar weight of the gun again, safe and sound
in his hand, as if it were part of it.
He raised his sword in the air and let out a war cry. The blade shone
when the sun broke through the cloud cover.
- We will fight for our realm - said Arthur, looking at Stephen. -
Let the battle begin.
As the armies gathered to attack, Merlin put a hand on
Truan the arm containing the child.
- Not
I need you to fight today. Lord Stephen need your
counselor, if he come out victorious. Truan nodded.
- He already has a wise counselor - replied, looking at her father. then
drew his sword. - I will fight by your side.
- You wanna die, my son? - Merlin asked, as the result of what
Ahead lay not come to him in the vision that summoned but was
wrapped in the darkness of clouds and mist, like clouds and mist
Now amortalhavam the valley.
For a moment, the aggressiveness softened in expression Truan.
His voice was soft:
- I want to live.

And what was not said, were the words that had both
pronounced with anguish, as young in separate existences.
- I want to live only as a mortal being with the woman I love.
And Merlin knew there was nothing he could do or say to stop him.
The story was written that day spoke only of a
skirmish between Saxon against the Norman army of King William
one of the many conflicts that had happened after the conquest. nothing
read hundreds of warriors clashed in battle, more
the number of the whole army of William Hastings, when
faced King Harold II and fought for the throne of England.
Nor was there anything written about the two warriors whose armies
fought side by side against the enemy who tried to claim the throne of
England. A dress with a real battle armor of an ancient king
whose name would later be known forever in myth and legend, with his sword raised high, the sun
shine in the legendary stone handle, Knights of the Round Table
fighting beside him. The other, a warrior prince who could never
claim a throne, but claimed that Camelot and was willing to
shed blood for it.
And the link between them, the past and future of Camelot, was the Warrior of Light
whose sword desferia as fatal blows as Excalibur, that day when
he summoned the powers of the elders, and had shot the enemy one by one.
Truan fought in the opponents half , opening up a trail from the top of your
warhorse , and then jumped to the ground , taking the fight there.
Fought beyond the point of exhaustion, beyond the point where he felt the tremor
when killing the other enemy blade , apart from the sense of blood
sneezed on sword hilt ... beyond caring whether live or
die that day .
The blow that struck the side brought it back to that mortal world
pain . The blood he felt was his own , flowing freely from
side of his body, when the sword of the enemy torn tunic and
Soft layers that protected her ribs . Instinctively , he
took up the sword as he turned to face this new attack .
The air left his lungs with a deep sound that was a mixture of
pain and sad satisfaction when faced with Gareth . He had expected
find it every blow that desferia , every warrior killed ,
searching among the fallen enemies and those who were still struggling .
Like a man possessed , knowing that Gareth was there . Sentiao
the blood itself . Twice before , had met well .
a , in a mock battle , when Gareth Truan had led to a dangerous game
concealment that almost cost the life of Arthur . Once again, the
starry chamber .
- You will not escape this time - swore Truan .
- I'll kill him first - Gareth replied .
The expression of Truan was hard, cold and desolate eyes .
- I'm already dead - he replied in a whisper . - Like you, since
that moment that took the life of Amber .
Then attacked him , the terrible blows with hatred and suffering
the death of Amber .
Gareth counterattacked , but soon his sword was raised only in
defense , to avoid being pierced and killed each new blow that seemed
come even harder .
It was as if they fought one last battle . Everything else ceased to exist
around them . The powers of Light against the powers of darkness , every
onslaught of sword Truan , until Gareth was erected under
force the blade to tremble . Then came the death blow , when the sword
avenger of Truan pierced his heart .
A deep darkness engulfed the battlefield. as his
mortal blood was pumped breast, Gareth Truan faced with a
mixture of surprise and anger. At that time, the balance of battle
changed. Around them, it seemed that Stephen and the men of Arthur
finally gained some advantage by making the enemy retreat.
Gareth Truan pushed away from him. Gareth fell to his knees, the sword
still in his hands. However I could not find the strength to
lift it.
Truan turned his gun once more. The blade quivered
to cut the skin, tissue and then the interlocking bones of the spine,
separating the head from the body.
Light exploded around. Truan circled and then seemed to move through
him as the lightning flare-bright, cutting
darkness.
The battlefield fell silent around the army of Arthur, the
Blood of past and future drench the soil.
- You fought well - told him Arthur.
Truan looked up. Had knelt and leaned heavily
on the hilt of the sword, the blade buried in the ground, next to the
body of Gareth.
Welcomed gladly physical exhaustion that had invaded his mortal body,
allowing perpassasse around him, leaving him unable to feel
anything else. Do not want to feel anything, because I knew the pain that
expected. The pain of a wound much greater than that of its side
body. A wound that would never heal until he was with Amber
again.
As Truan stretched out her hand, that mock battle, Arthur
now proffered his.
- Rank, my young friend.
Excalibur flashed the light of the setting sun, reflecting the golden rays of the
promise kept for both the past and the future.
Arthur then turned his sword and held it out towards Rorke Fitzwarren.
Excalibur, he knew awaited him in the past. The past he was
part and which would return.
- I give it to you for protection warrior - Arthur told him.
- You'll be here in Camelot, the place where it belongs - you Rorke
assured.

Arthur nodded. Taking the reins of his horse, rode,
blinking slightly because of a minor injury. He looked
for the man who had his counselor, his mentor and his friend.
An older immortal than when they were spoken for the last time
that other time, five hundred years before, in the past.
- Come with me - said, with that command authority that you
came so easily. Then continued: - Please, old friend.
And thus followed in the forefront of that vast army of ancient
Warriors and Knights, whose place in history had been recorded as a legend and
myth. And spoke of things about which they had not spoken for
lack of time in the past.
- I was angry when you left - said Arthur, pen-sativa. - I thought
he had betrayed me.
Merlin's gaze sharpened. Carefully avoided the possibility of
Arthur come to know the truth, because he could not bear the idea that
could cause this man, whom he loved like a brother, the
suffering to know what had passed between himself and Guinevere. By having the
faculty of knowing the future, also known he and Guinevere
could never be together. They were part of a story. And for a
moment, could have changed the outcome. But in the end, the Merlin
left, hoping to preserve the dream of Camelot.
He had loved her before she should go Guinevere Arthur. So the Merlin
let him go, because he knew that this was the fate of Guinevere. Thus, with
all honesty, he could say:
- Parti because he could not betray him.
- I felt as if you had taken a knife and cut my head -
Arthur admitted, frankly, for the first Instead, it would never have the courage to tell another
living being. - And she
felt their loss equally intensely.
Amazed, Merlin examined the face of his friend, and then his
thoughts, seeking the truth behind those words. era
possible that Arthur knew the whole time!
. - You were a friend of both of us. Made it possible for us to be
together.
And at that moment, even with his powers, Merlin could not have
sure what Arthur spoke. If that first meeting between
a noble young King, arranged by her father; or that last
he himself had lain with Guinevere and then departed, freeing it
to follow his destiny as queen.
- What about the past? - Arthur asked, his gaze scanning the
extensive hills surrounding the valley and the glittering castle, Camelot, which
was nestled there like a crown jewel.
- I saw the ruins. I heard men speak of Lord Stephen the end of
Camelot.
Merlin knew he risked much to tell Arthur something
what was to be from the past, in his own time, when
returned as it should. That future time which lay between Camelot
as he was known and when he left at the time that preceded the
Fall's reign.
Gareth was dead. One embodiment of evil Dark, born
at the present time, 1068, a slave of Darkness used to
attract Truan to the past in order to destroy it, and this
environment, destroying the future as now known, in which the hope
Camelot survived in Lord Stephen and future generations, their
own grandchildren, who had already been born. The heirs of the powers of Light
Merlin, however, could not let Arthur returned without any
knowledge of what awaited him. Owed it to him, such was the bond of
their friendship. And thus Merlin tried to explain as much as it could.
- There will be a great cataclysm.
- Can be overcome?
In the voice of Arthur, Merlin heard the vehement strength and determination of a
mortal, a warrior, who had built a kingdom and not let him die
easily.
- It's part of our history - Merlin replied. Arthur agreed.
He knew there were things that could or should not be changed.
- What will happen?
That was as far as Merlin could tell you.
- You will be betrayed by someone very close to it. The muscles in
Arthur jaw twitched.
- We'll meet again?
And that question, Merlin felt that it was still impronunciada,
knowing that he could not lie.
- We will not see each other again - Merlin said, sure, and realized
Arthur visibly relax. The king agreed. And not a thought
vocalized passed between them: whether Merlin Arthur could not bear to betray him.
- What about Guinevere? - Arthur then asked, and in the way
uttered her name, without the use of formal title or reference as its
Queen, Merlin felt the depth of the love that grew even now
by it. Two strangers, a meeting arranged marriage saying
respect to title and wealth, according to the story.
- Wait for the Lord, my lord
The king looked at him and, for a moment, a truth deeper
flickered between the two, not expressed in words, unknown until
the same mind, maybe just something that Arthur guessed.
- You have a beautiful son. A child which a king would be proud. If it were
for me to have one, would a man like him. - Fitou Merlin
thoughtful. - You need to say goodbye to her. Guinevere never me
forgive if you're not.
Arthur glanced once more to Camelot, that symbol of dreams
away and yet so near, as the mist was forming even
now, waiting to take them back.
- I'll miss you - said - all the days of my life.
Then, without looking back, gave the signal to his men and led them to
forward into the fog, back to the portal that had called her two
worlds for that brief moment in time, back to that time
that awaited them. Into the legend and myth.
Guinevere was waiting for him on the other side of the portal. Reached out, and
Merlin took it, feeling again that wild shock of
passion just by touching it, remembering all the ways in which
had played when joined together as lovers. Then locked the
memories within the memory of the past, where they belonged.
- You will not be - she said, sure, and a great sadness in
look.
- I can not, my dear love - Merlin said, open-ing it as
before, feeling the excitement to the depths of the soul. and also feeling
the murmur of that love that es-Perava. In the future.
. - I hated him for a moment - said Guinevere, landing
his head against the heart of Merlin. - At the same time, I loved him.
Feeling our child growing inside of me, you were wondering
me, hoping he could return. But even now, I think
knew you would not come back.
- I do not know - Merlin muttered, his face buried in her hair. -
With all my powers, I do not know! If you knew ...
- If I knew the future would be different. His guilt consuming and, finally,
I lost somehow.
They both knew that Guinevere was telling the truth . Merlin let go then, and
walked hand in hand , as they did many times as a young
lovers .
- Arthur really likes you - Guinevere Merlin said . - You should
Build your future with him . - Do not tell him that the time it would
Arthur would soon , like the two together lasted so little.
Guinevere nodded, accepting the words , but you have not
dropping his hand .
- I remember something about that? At least you me
let you have the memory of this part ?
Merlin could not give her what she asked because even those
moments that were going together could change things ahead .
And they could not risk .
- You 'll know you were deeply loved by two men
just wanted to share his life .
Guinevere Merlin realized he could not , dare not promise more .
Accepted it because it was more than that with which he had left at that
previous season .
- I would like to see our son again .
- It's dangerous , Gweri .
- Please ...
He took her in his arms and cradled her head gently between
palms . In connection with his thoughts and a last kiss
starting , Merlin sent him a vision of a return to that Truan
place apart , to return to his own lost love .
The forest was as it had always been at the time, and when Truan
Amber had lain together, united bodies in passion and love
that does not need words . And he found her there , just as the
left , so still and silent as if dreaming , as if
needed only to touch her so she came back to life again, with
passion, under their caresses .
It had been days , hours or just minutes since the Truan
lain there until he could return ? In that place , time ceased to
exist. In that place , he maintained the death of distance , refusing to
allow her to come claim Amber .
Washed her hands of the blood of battle and handed them to her , pulling
gently aside the edges of his robe .
Amber 's lashes were a dark golden . The lips were
gently separated , as if breathing was short , while
slept .
As he had done in that other time, when they had brought him here and
become lovers to immerse into the bottom of the pond, and had taken Truan
Breath control of Amber and then returned it in gentle pulses
that had filled her lungs and she returned to life, he now
approached his lips to hers.
In those moments of agony, mortally wounded, Amber gave his life and soul to Truan. He had
taken his soul at heart and had joined the
its. Now ... the pain come, as if her soul was being cut two halves of a twin thing, which could only
continue living if the other lived. Truan restored his soul and life,
plucking them from that place into your heart, where the holding,
sheltered and protected until now. Amber wanted to open his
eyes, who lived. Therefore could not live without her.
Truan air filled his lungs with Amber. Painfully, perforce,
pulling it from the cold and the darkness and into the light and heat, breathed life
and soul to his beloved. The heat from the mouth of Truan against Amber; heat
your love again returned to fill it, wrap it, protect it.
Amber's eyes opened slowly. And just saw it. She handed him
arms.
- I thought I had lost.
- Never! - Truan whispered vehemently, as proved tears
that streamed down the faces of Amber, and then tenderly took possession
his lips.
- Never.




Epilogue



The sun declined behind the abbey of Amesbury , casting long shadows
the garden and on the slender woman who was working there as
a cold autumn stole the heat of the last day of summer.
The old monk mumbled , rubbing his eyes as the light diminished ,
and then went back to reading feverishly those last lines of the ancient text
Latin.
When finished, the Poladouras looked away. Shaded his eyes with his hand
wizened , pressing them against the glow of the setting sun . for a
We do not see anything. Then he saw the outline of a man
astride a horse . As if it had come straight out of the sun .
Behaved like a warrior , but with the attitude of royalty , tall ,
stiff , your sight firmly in front , the hem of the robe flapping
around it .
Poladouras moved slowly , the pain in the bones installed the years during
the long hours of the afternoon he had been watching the young collected at
extreme care , precious herbs and healing plants , enough to
last throughout the winter. Muttered to her attention.
She stared at him, and then a wrinkle of worry creased her forehead.
- Is everything all right?
- It's getting late - he mused, pointing to the sky with his staff,
while blue fenecia at dusk. - The cold penetrates my bones.
- You are a wonderfully pleasant afternoon - she said, aproximandose
with concern.
- Bah! Nice when you're young. Tell that to my bones!
She smiled gently.
- I do not think there is anyone convince worldwide. his bones
are very stubborn. - She laid her hand on his arm. - Want me to go
with you? Could you make a soothing tea.
Poladouras dismissed her with a gesture.
- You have not finished their harvest. Later will. And I do not
like a woman playing the harp for me because your herbs
medicinal stay long in the sun or frozen because of
my pains.
Ninian smiled indulgently. There was a familiar pattern that
conversation. He grumbling, to comfort her. Your tears, the words
kind of Poladouras in response. Always willing to listen, even
when exposed heart. Willing to sit silently,
while doing the harvest in your garden and imagine what the future will
reserved.
That standard will define the passage of days since he arrived there,
needing to find some peace in life, a place, a hideout
where he could take refuge from the pain of separation from her husband.
- Complete Woman! - Poladouras snapped. - Or I will not have peace. - What if
dragged into the abbey worn by the time needed
urgent repairs, a fact that he refused to accept, saying
which thus had a certain charm.
Ninian tried to understand how there could be some charm in stones
that threatened to fall on their heads any time, or
cracks in the walls that would freeze them when winter came.
Would have to ask his sister if we could not do anything about it.
Returned to the harvest, working against time, changing
stations, the declining light and suffering that was always present there
inside, in their hearts, like a wound that would not heal, but stay
forever open where once there had his heart.
Find some comfort there, and Poladouras accepted her, getting her
once received as his sister, creating it to be an excellent
woman who now had a son.

Then, to get the basket, Ninian spotted the lone rider. it
was framed by the setting, tall and imposing sun in the saddle, the mantle
revolver cloud of mist which focused at the end of the day. there was something
familiarity in him, something she felt or perhaps captured or
waited. An emotion that began with the sudden firing of the heart, and
then continued the strong beats as the rider pulled the
reins and the horse jumped.
It was beautiful. Even before you see his features, as he walked out of that
golden glow of light for the faint shadows of the garden, Ninian knew
era. Know that within the heart, such
as seen countless times in the past. The past of both
shared.
- Ninian - he said as he walked slowly toward her.
Ninian wanted to run into his arms. But could not. Instead,
clung to the suffering of his departure, knowing that he had gone to another.
He raised his pain as a shield battle ahead, the only defense for
not be heartbroken again.
- How did you find me?
It was his own voice sounded. And even it seemed. Then, almost
laughed. How did he find? Of course, he would know where to find it without
Nobody needed to tell you. Just as he knew all things.
Including the size of her love for him. Always.
- Why are you here? - Ninian asked, because it was the only question
matter, and the answer the only answer that mattered.
He took a deep breath, as if he had forgotten to breathe or contained the
breath, waiting for her to explode with rage. Ninian was above that
right now. Then simply replied:
- Why are you here.
He had even said those words or merely the thought?
That way that once flowed so freely between them. She did not know.
I just knew it was not enough.
- What about Guinevere? - Asked softly.
- I love her - he said, with brutal honesty, because he could not
lie. Then continued: - I will always love you with that first
awakening of passion that a young man finds
with your first love . I can not deny it , Ninian . Or you would like
I would.
He knew very well. Your thoughts , your heart .
- We have a child in common . I will not deny this, as there Garia daughters
you gave me , because they are part of my blood. She dropped the shovel with
had been working and then stared at him with all her radiant
beauty. Forever young , passionate, full of anger , pain and love.
- Do not talk about the blood we share. Wonder what 's in your
heart.
- You are my heart .
Ninian was surprised . He had always been a passionate lover, but
never demonstrated passion through words . Never seen the need
them , when he could convey his thoughts. Ninian felt the
Now , even as he heard the words he said , and knew that they were
true . Felt all the passion in the words that she had taken and then
had given him in those days and weeks had been banned for the first time
to the world between worlds , and no longer cared if he lived or
died .
Ninian had healed him with his kindness and his spirit. After she had healed with
her body and her heart, returning him the will to live. Devolvendolhe
passion. Even now, Ninian felt losing the battle to
protect through pain and anger. He walked away, fearing that he could
see the answer you were looking in his eyes. Wanted more and wanted him
said.
- Your heart is not enough - said with painful sorrow,
desperate that he could understand or speak the words she
needed to hear. She felt him standing behind her,
heat to ward off the cold shadows of the afternoon as he had thousands of
times. If he touched her, she would be lost. But he did not. instead
addition, the passionate words that whispered longed Ninian one
whole life to hear.
- That's all I have left to offer, because you already have my
soul, the air that I breathe, all my hopes and dreams for the
future. As it has since the time it came to me. I do not want
live without you, Ninian. I love her.
She turned then, and Merlin thought he seemed barely changed since Ninian
that first time I lifted my eyes and looked at her, a girl
slender, an enchanted woman who appeared in the fog, carrying a
bright sword in hand and hope in the eyes of love. or those
months who had followed the first time she had lain with
him, taking his mortal body of apathy, when Merlin had thought nothing
remained, joining him, returning his life as he felt reborn
within it.
- Can not be the same - Ninian said, letting go of the pain.
- There will be - Merlin replied, reaching for her nest
face in the palms, tenderly, half afraid that Ninian could
move away, but she did not. And the closer your lips from Ninian,
he muttered a solemn promise: - Does a lot more than you
could ever dream of.
Clouds of mist curled up around the trees and the forest
undulated gently on the floor of the clearing. The wolf ran by fog
great strides in the urgency to pass on your muscles under
shiny black coat. Then conjugated forces. The powerful muscles as he jumped grouped by
Prism light. Emerged on the other side in long strides. Not a wolf,
but a man, tall and wiry, thick folds of his cloak to do
eddy currents fog.
The mist still clung to his cloak as he ascended the steps of
Camelot. The flickering light of the oil passage in the wall flickered and
then seemed to burn brighter, banishing the shadows of the wall. it
turned his thoughts from that place and sent them forth, the senses
expanding the power of the Light that flowed through his veins.
Felt the approach of the young and the subliminal power of thoughts
her. Then he saw when he opened the door to the room, having felt their
proximity. Her hair was the color of a bright blaze, eyes
Tone Flame Heart, a gleaming blue, gilt edges.
The eye color of both, a tie that bound them through the
blood of his father.
There were deep lines in his mouth and around the eyes, not brands
were there before, Vivian thought to give a warm welcome to his brother with a
gentle touch. But this seemed only to add to its beauty, the features
stiff, like the predator that moved like an animal that roamed
through the forest, his lips closed in a hard line.
Suffering and sorrow had transformed it into a man who
Postava before her countenance haunted by the remnants of that
pain and grief, along with fear.
Then he looked at the bed across the room and to the young
slender lying there. Not the girl he loved
at first, but the woman whose body avolumara with the child she
struggled to give birth. His son. Conceived a mortal child with love and
passion. A gift that he believed that any woman would
willing to grant him .
The lines in his mouth and eyes softened when he walked
her, putting himself on one knee beside the bed , looking for her
one way at the same time tender and possessive , as if he could
snatch her from death itself , if necessary . As once plucked .
He had not spoken about it to anyone . Vivian had no idea what he
had that wonderful powers possessed. Certainly as large as
those of his father . Perhaps the biggest . Because he refused to allow death
Amber took , carre - gando it to a place apart , and claiming there
your life , and then return to their own time and place only a few
months earlier.
Both were changed . It was as if one could exist without the other ,
as the powerful love that Vivian experienced by her own husband ,
but that seemed somehow so pale in comparison. It was as if
Amber was only truly alive when it Truan
found nearby, and brother could just be at peace with that
part of him that was mortal when he played Amber again. If not , Vivian
feared he could become an apparition destnemoriada to wander the
world, unable to be either mortal or immortal .
She put a hand on his brother's shoulder .
- Began after dawn . Will be soon. Truan agreed .
- Let's .
- She will need someone ...
He looked up at Vivian , and his face was transformed ,
tender young again and full of love.
- Please let us - Truan asked gently .
She left because they could not do otherwise . There was something in the voice of
Truan and their thoughts was too intimate and passionate
so she was part of it.
- I thought you were not coming - Amber whispered to him. - I dreamed that
I was lost . But you found me .
- You will never be lost - Truan murmured against her lips ,
feeling his soul reborn in the sweetness of that kiss .
At that moment another contraction started . Amber clung to the sides
the bed , concentrating forces against the pain as his body fought
to give birth to her son . A mortal child with immortal powers .
It was then that Amber felt hands gently Truan your afagarem
where was this child within her. When the pain began and its next
muscles contracted , Truan away the pain away , retreating to
your body heat with a suit , taking it to him within their own
body, so she felt what she felt , her pain, her anguish,
fierce battle was going on in her womb .
And through that link physical contact and thought that connected them,
as happened from the time he had returned to his life ,
Truan saw and felt the child , live strong, the stretch in his anxiety to
birth, looking for him.
Amber's eyes stared up at Truan, when she felt the
contractions began again. Yet there was no pain, only a after the last compression and tender
words of Truan to creep by
your thoughts with promises gentle, with love, letting his muscles when she handed him the
hands that small portion of life that Truan had given him.
Later, with his son asleep within Amber, Truan embraced
and both felt the heart beat in the same heartbeat of the young
who pulled to his chest, the saved soul within the tiny fist
it was bent inside your hand. This is what we fought. it was
would not let go.
And besides Camelot, the night covered everything like a blanket. a bright
Blue Star seemed suspended between heaven and earth like a jewel
gleaming.
A sign, some said, when the star streaked across the sky, a powerful
headlamp illuminated a path, a dragon eye that saw beyond
the mists of time ...