Chapter Thirty-Six

Having already donned the studded leather doublet over his padded tunic, Arthur stood with his arms extended while Bruce attached the vambraces. He looked at Sweyn. “It’s on his wrist, yes, the band I have to remove?”

He nodded. “I’m certain her hold on him is weakening. Hagen sounded angry when she attacked the white flag. That’s the first time I’ve seen him challenge her. Also, when he was talking to your father, she wasn’t near him, and I’m sure he seemed confused until she came close to him. I wonder if her hold here isn’t as strong. She looks worse now, pale, haggard.” Sweyn’s eyes brightened. “When its only you and him, Lord Arthur, he might hear you if you speak to him.”

Raising his brows, Arthur jerked his head back slightly. “Talk to him and remove the band.” Turning to Lilyrose, he rested his hand on her cheek before tugging on his gauntlets and walking to Hero, leaving her standing with Lionel.

Accompanied by his standard-bearer, Arthur rode out. Dismounting by the designated area of battle, he turned and raised his arm in salute, knowing Lilyrose would be watching from the gatehouse wall. Kite shield on his arm, sword in hand, aware his heart was pounding like Hero galloping, he slowly walked to meet Hagen, already waiting for him.

Up close, Arthur was surprised to find the chief was shorter than him. Although of stocky build, Hagen’s face was ashen, almost emaciated.

“You are Arthur. The one to wed my.” He paused, frowning. “You will wed my, Agata?” His gaze darted about, as if searching for something he’d misplaced.

Arthur took a few steps to the side and back, hoping Hagen would follow and move further from Marlis. “My lord, there’s no need for this.”

Momentarily closing his eyes, the chief gave a quick head shake and said, “A challenge has been issued and accepted.” He banged the hilt of his sword against his round shield. And rushed at Arthur.

Who dodged to the side, shield up. He thrust out with his sword. Hagen blocked him easily. Their moves were polite, cautious until Arthur collided with Hagen, knocking him over. The chief kicked out. Arthur staggered back.

“I don’t want to kill you,” said Arthur, breathing heavily.

“Then come. With me.” Hagen was panting loudly, his shoulders rising and falling with each breath.

“This. This isn’t what you want.” Straightening, Arthur stepped back.

Hagen moved towards him. Gradually slowing, he lowered his sword. “What. Why am I?”

“Kill him.” Marlis half-ran towards them. “Hagen, kill him.”

Blinking rapidly, he glanced over his shoulder.

“I no longer need him. Do as I command.” Pulling her lips back, she pointed her staff at Hagen. “Kill him.”

His body jerked, he tottered forward, then slowly straightened. His dark eyes widened, he bared his teeth and lifted his sword.

Arthur backed away. “My lord. Hagen. Don’t listen to–” He brought his shield up, sliding back with the force of Hagen’s attack.

Their world narrowed with neither yielding an inch. Each strained to gain the upper hand. With a frustrated bellow, Hagen flung his shield away. Gripping his sword with both hands, he cleaved it at Arthur.

Who managed to lift his shield in time. He staggered back, swiping at the bloodied sweat trickling into his eyes. His left arm hanging like a dead animal, he dropped his shield.

Hagen’s breathing was loud, tortured. His beard glistened, moist with blood. Shaking his head, staggering slightly, he lurched towards Arthur.

Straining to raise his sword, he barely managed to stop Hagen. Down on one knee, he gasped as pain shot through him. Weariness was creeping over him. How much longer could he keep fighting? He remembered Garnet’s words – release the wildness.

Hagen stepped back, as if gathering himself for the killing blow.

Closing his eyes, Arthur took a shaky breath, pressed his hand to where the pendant lay against his skin. He felt the growing warmth of Ruby’s pendant. “Please,” he whispered. As if in reply, his body radiated warmth, filling him with a strong belief in his own superiority.

Hagen brought his sword down in a two-handed grip. Almost casually, Arthur’s sword came up to block it. Staring unblinkingly at the chief, keeping his sword against Hagen’s, he slowly got to his feet. With little effort, he shoved Hagen back.

Giving him little time to recover, Arthur attacked: hitting, striking, battering. He knocked Hagen back. Elbowed him in the face.

Dazed, Hagen fell.

Down on one knee, Arthur grabbed the chief’s arm. Sliding the blade under the band, he sliced it off.

Marlis howled.

Hagen’s body jerked for long seconds before he lay still, unconscious.

Arthur hauled himself to his feet. Breathing heavily, he faced Hagen’s army. They watched him, silent.

The exultant feeling still surged through him. His mouth set in a hard line. He could take them all on and win, he was sure of it.

“Who do you think you are?” he said softly. “Coming here, threatening me? My family?” He took a step forward. And stumbled.

The pendant flared fiery-hot against his skin. The sudden pain cut through to Arthur’s better side. Blinking rapidly, he came to his senses, silently berating himself.

Holding his sword against his leg, breathing heavily, he said, “Come. Tend to your chief.”

A tall man stepped forward. At his signal, a handful of men slowly approached.

“If you have need, we can send physicians. I give you my word, no harm will come to you–” Arthur raised his sword as the northerner drew his. Then he realised the man was looking past him.

Marlis, eyes stretched wide, darted forward. Her free hand kept reaching towards Hagen’s prone form.

Hagen’s men had drawn their swords, forming a steel barrier.

“Give him to me.” Her voice caught.

“We will die first,” said the tall man.

Arthur braced himself, waiting for her to blast them with her staff. Instead, she looked around like a lost child, blinking back tears.

“I must see him,” she said softly, taking another step. She stiffened, grimaced. Clutching her chest, she stumbled. “Let me. Please. Gadreena–” Her eyes bulged. She lurched around. Like a marionette, she staggered away towards the forest.

Frowning, Arthur stared after her, confused. She seemed genuinely concerned about Hagen. And he was sure she’d started weeping before turning away. Shaking his head, he returned his attention to the northern men. “Bring your chief in. He’ll be safer there.”

Looking at one another, the men hesitated.

Arthur glanced back at Marlis, already halfway to the forest. “We don’t know how much of a threat she still is. She may try to take Lord Hagen. Please, I give you my word, no harm will come to you in my father’s castle.” He raised his brows slightly as a thought came to him. “Your man, Sweyn, is here, safe with us.”

The tall man, eyes wide, started forward. “Sweyn is here? He’s alive?”

“Yes. Come.”

Reluctantly, they gathered themselves and made ready to follow Arthur.

Glancing down, Arthur frowned at the band, lying like a shrunken worm against the churned grass. He ground it into the earth with his boot before limping to Hero.