The White mountains were frigid and dark the three young warriors appeared as shadows on horses. They rode with caution this was the furthest any of them has ever been. Their only guide was that of a phantom soldier.
Who was the ill-fated soldier, could it be Arthur's brother or was it Gwaine's father. They have been riding for some time now, though it was dark, they did not see a body. It could only be assumed that the cayotes had a feast. How long before the Saxons got wearied of their wounded prisoners. Arthur quickened his pace the two young men followed.
Arthur gave the signal for them to halt, they were now at the interception, Morts crossing. They dismounted their horses. He looked at the black canvas above. They were moving too slowly, the scout had more experiences within the mountains he must have made his calculations from his own pace, they had to make time on foot. They gathered what was necessary and off they went into the wall of darkness.
The night creatures were in full alert, more so the cayotes; their laughs seem to echo through the mountain walls. Arthur's company stayed close, they dared not fall out of step or they could be lost into the abyss.
A small light shone ahead, the young warriors moved forward with greater caution. As they came closer they could hear men arguing, they had reached the Saxon's camp.
The Saxons had a small fire going, the prisoners were kept at a distance from the fire. They appeared to be all bound to a large log. Arthur counted seven but could not see their faces because of the poor lighting. One disgruntled Saxon kicked at one of the men repeating foul expletives as he did. There were men on watch, about three, the others took heat from the small fire. One man paced and ranted threatening any man who opposed his command would be beheaded. It was clear this was their leader Gaelom.
He was huge in structure, he stood over six feet from the ground. He had a wide and commanding torso, as the light of the fire caught his face you knew immediately that without words he could drive fear into the most savage beast.
"Keep your heads low." The three warriors huddled together.
"What's the plan?" Lancelot asked
"See that ridge over there, I need you on it, take out every possible threat."
Arthur instructed Gwaine, he nodded in agreement.
"Lancelot and I will quietly take out the the look outs. Then we move closer in. We must be swift, quiet and accurate..." Arthur continued with instructions.
Gwaine ran off to his post, when he was secure Lancelot and Arthur parted in opposite directions.
One of the look outs kick idly at dirt he appeared cold and frustrated. Arthur waited in the dark for the right moment. The irritated Saxon turned finally, Arthur jumped at him one hand over his mouth pulling his head backwards the other armed with a well sharpened dagger which he used to open the veins on the Saxons neck releasing him from his frustration. He then quietly pulled him out of sight.
One of the Saxon's look out was now joined by a second man.
".....his father is our leader not him." The second man scorned
"Yea, why don't you go tell him that then." Amused the other. He appeared older and from his many scars more experienced than his companion.
The other man Shook his head.
"That's what I thought."
Lancelot looked on the two men. How can he kill one without alerting the other and then eventually the whole camp. He needed to separate them, but how.
Gwaine saw his plight from the ridge where he hid. He angled his bow and released the arrow which pierced the the elderly Saxon's heart, he fell to the ground. The second Saxon turned to see his comrade's descent, his eyes closed and mouth opened. Before he could react Lancelot launched at him his elbow thwacked his jaw and his knee bolted his side. The Saxon stumbled, before he could regain his balance Lancelot pulled his dagger and released it into the upper left chamber of his chest. The Saxon fell motionless to the ground. Lancelot quickly viewed the surroundings, the other Saxons were not alerted. He gestured to Gwaine telling him thanks then pulled the Saxons out of sight.
