Forbidden Love - Merlyn [2]

Chapter Fourteen: To Entertain

Merlyn had never witnessed a bandits' feast before and she certainly wished she wouldn't witness another. It was similar to a banquet that Uther often held except it was way rougher and more brutal. The hall with the circular cage in the middle was filled with bandits and random women all feasting on a recent hunt. The food was not sophisticated at all, much of the meat was just raw which turned Merlyn's stomach; the men were boisterous, loud and disgustingly grabbing at both food and women alike treating neither different from the other.

Merlyn and Gwen were forced to sit in the main hall of Hengist's Fortress watching the festivities. Gwen was sat in her designated seat beside Hengist with Merlyn stood behind her – her hands still tied in order to keep her under control. Thankfully, Merlyn had taken the opportunity to at least loosen the ropes so that her hands still could gain blood circulation, however, she knew she couldn't completely remove the rope otherwise the bandits would just tie it again tighter. Gwen kept giving Merlyn sorrowful and worried looks, Merlyn wished that she could comfort Gwen but they were in serious trouble and Merlyn could still not see a way out of the problem without using her magic and she couldn't use her magic because of Gwen ... she felt like she was running in circles.

"Silence!" Hengist's voice raced across the room, loud and demanding. Immediately the room followed his demand. Merlyn's head shot over to the strong yet older man who had a look of glee in his eyes as he stood up addressing his people. Something was going to happen and it was nothing good. Hengist suddenly turned to face Gwen who was watching the man as well with great distaste. "Our royal guest, Lady Morgana, has grown bored!" Merlyn watched as Gwen flinched away form Hengist as he rested his hand on her shoulder. He was not gripping tightly but the sheer fact his filthy hand was on her shoulder was disturbing for both Merlyn and Gwen. "She needs entertaining."

Bandits' laughter and cheers rained through the hall, their faces filled with glee as Hengist nodded to one of his men on the far side of the room. Quickly, the man pulled a lever down. Inside of the circular cage that dominated the room was an iron grate that was connected to a tunnel that followed deeper into the Fortress. As the lever was brought down the iron grate was lifted up and an entrance to the cage was created through the tunnel. Seconds later, a large, shirtless gladiator came running into the cage with a sword in his hand. He wore only black trousers and two arm braces along with a black choker, he was a bald man who clearly loved the fight. As soon as the men saw the gladiator, he began encouraging their cheers, showing off, swinging his sword, making wide gestures to get applause. It was clear the bandits were on his side.

"Bring on the challenger" Hengist ordered. Swiftly the iron grate was lifted again and this time a slimmer man came jogging into the cage wearing chainmail! This man was not one of Hengist's. Merlyn frowned as she looked at this man, he had short black hair and held a sword in his hand like it belonged there. As Merlyn stared at him, she swore she knew him, his stance, his look but she couldn't put a name to the face. However, someone else did.

"Lancelot?" Gwen mumbled quietly, only Merlyn heard it. The moment the name passed her lips the man himself turned to lock eyes first with Merlyn and then with Gwen. His gaze stayed with Gwen for a few precious moments confirming what Merlyn knew to be true. It really was Lancelot. Hengist suddenly took his seat as Lancelot finally broke his gaze with Gwen and turned to look at the bandits' king.

"Only one of you will emerge from the cage alive. Do you accept the challenge?" Hengist asked as was customary. Truth was once you were in the ring that was it, you were fighting however if you accepted the challenge you were not branded a coward. Lancelot bowed to Hengist in acceptance, for any answer would not be heard over the cries of the excited bandits. The gladiator stood ready for Hengist's signal. The self-proclaimed king nodded his head and the gladiator immediately swung his sword at Lancelot who barely had time to block the thunderous attack. It was clear this gladiator liked to use brute strength; his style was one of violence. Whilst Lancelot blocked each attack and dodged the gladiator's swinging attacks, he quickly found himself locked in a battle of strength up against the cage wall. Having no other option Lancelot kneed the gladiator in the gut giving him the opportunity to push his opponent back and get away from the side of the cage.