Lady Scarlet of Camelot

Chapter 10

Of course, going to town with two Camelot Knights will have people looking. But when one of those said knights is often seen with the king or prince people take notice. They stay back though not wanting to anger the knights. I start by heading to the same stall that I bought the apples from the first time. After picking out enough apples Leon catches a passing guard to take them back for us.

"Why do you need that many apples," Leon asks as we walk along.

"For our picnics and the kitchen will need them for the guest that are coming in the up coming weeks."

"Scarlet," Morgana drags me over to the fabric store, "We must get you a new dress for the feast or the tourment."

"Morgana," I can feel my face turning red, "I am sure Sir Leon and Sir Matthew do not want to have to wait that long for us to pick out the things we like."

"You're only saying that because you hate picking them out," Morgana chuckles, "I will go and pick something out and I will meet you at Gwen's father's blacksmith to pick up that piece you ordered."

"Gwen, can you show me and Sir Matthew the way," I take the lead on keeping Leon with Morgana so that I can hopefully get to know Sir Matthew better.

With a nod form Leon we set off. Matthew flanks me on my left and Gwen walks a few paces ahead of us. We walk in silence for a few minutes. Matthew looks straight ahead most of the time useless checking for danger. Never looking at me for more than a second. Quickly arriving at the blacksmith Gwen brings us inside her home. I remove my hood, "My father should only be a few minutes."

"Of course. Tell him not to worry and risk making a mistake, I can wait," she joins her father leaving me alone with Matthew, "Sir Matthew. May I ask a you a question?"

He takes of his gloves, "Of course, My Lady."

"Can you tell me about my brother," his head snaps up, "I only know him as my brother. The last time we spoke he promised to tell me some of his stories when he returned," I lower my head, "He arrived during the attack on our home."

"He was a great Knight. He lead his men with strength and honor. He never asked one of us to do something he wouldn't do himself," Matthew chuckles, "He would even help clean the stalls. He often spoke of you and your father and what he remembered of your mother."

"All good things I hope."

"Yes. They were."

The door opening and Gwen and her father entering pauses our conversation, "My Lady," he opens the blue cloth bag, "I hope it is to your liking. Prince Arthur bought the stones with him."

I gently take the belt in hand and look it over. It matches the gold one I took form the vault. The only differences are that it is silver and the stones are a mix of emerald and blue sapphires, "You did a wonderful job Tom," I can see that nothing else is in the bag by the way he is holding it, "The blade, is it finished as well?"

"Oh, yes one moment," he disappears behind a cloth divider that hangs from the ceiling. The sound of a lock open surprises me. He returns holding the silver dragon, "Gwen if you could."

She puts the belt on me and attaches the dragon with under the instruction of her father. I gasp and clutch my stomach acting as if I am scared. Matthew quick grabs my shoulder making sure that I am okay. Only to be meet with a blade pointed at him, "Well done, My Lady."

I put the blade back before looking at Tom, "You have done a wonderful job on this piece," I pull out a small bag that is filled with coins, "I may have work for you in the future. Again, thank you for rushing this. It is well done."

He takes the bag and after check it, "My Lady, this is to much. I-"

"Gwen has helped by making a dress for me. That is what the rest is for," I send her a wink, "I fear we must be on our way."

Exiting their house, we leave Tom still in shock still. His work area is connected to his house as we get to the edge of his fence a face that I hoped would never so up is riding down the main road of Camelot market. I freeze causing Gwen to gently touch my arm, "Lady Scarlet?"

Matthew moves me away and behind a tree, "Lady Scarlet, what is wrong?"

"He's here," I answer, "Lord John Whittemore is here."

Matthew pulls off his cape, "Gwen fetch one of your plain cloaks that has a hood. Quickly!"

"He was not going to be here till later in the week."

"He won't touch you," Matthew undoes my cloak and pulls it off my shoulders.

"How do you know about..."

"Your brother nearly took off my arm after reading a letter form your father. He gave it to me to read after our sparring."

"Here, My Lady," Gwen lays her plain cloak on me and ties it in place.

 "Keep both of these with you and take them to Sir Leon and the Lady Morgana," he orders handing both my cloak and his red cape to her, "Tell them what has happened and that I am taking Lady Scarlet back to the castle."

I pull the hood up covering my face. Gwen must have seen the fear in my face as she does what she is ordered. Matthew lays his hand on the middle of my back and we start making our way back. Even with the sun shining on his chainmail it is less noticeable then his red cape that has the coat of arms of the Pendragons on it. We weave in and out of the people and head towards the servant's side gate.

As we enter, I can see that Lord Whittemore is unpacking his saddle with his riding partner. A thud of hooves draws our attention to the main gate to see Arthur, Percival, Walsh, and Oliver returning from their hunt, "Boy, come here," Matthew orders a young servant. He quickly comes knowing our faces, "Go quickly and tell Prince Arthur that he needs to go to Lady Scarlet's room quickly. Then run and inform the King the same."

Not staying to watch the boy we quickly use the back stairs and head up to my room. Isabella knocks over a jug of water as we burst into the room, "My Lady, what's wrong," she helps me to my vanity chair.

"Lord Whittemore is here," Matthew answers shutting the door, "Help Lady Scarlet clean herself up and fix her hair. The King and Prince Arthur are on their way. I need to get a new cape and get someone to watch your room," opening the door to leave, "Do not unlock the door unless it is the king, the prince, myself or Sir Leon."

Isabella bolts the door behind Matthew before she returns to me. She brushes my hair before moving to place my family circlet on my head. The gold color clashing with the silver I am wearing, "I need to change dresses. A simple red one and grab my gold belt with the dragon on it."

"Of course, My Lady."

I take a deep breath. He is not going to win. You have a plain for this. Uther and Arthur will not let this happen let alone the knights. I keep repeating this in my head as Isabella helps me dress. She places the white veil over my hair, then places my golden circlet on top. Locking in my belt I check myself over in the mirror I have. It's time for war.