The Promise

Here's the next installment, hoping this does better than the first chapter. I'd like to thank those who took the time to read this and leave feedback, I appreciate it greatly. Please continue to do so and enjoy this new chapter.

~Two

Head rising from the water, Lyn drew in a deep breath coughing from the sudden rush of air. Her head pounded fiercely, hammering. The rapid thrum of her heartbeat echoed in her ears and after moments of allowing the pain to pass, she recollected and gave a joyous cheer, splashing water in the process.

She survived! She'd made it through and was still alive! It was only moments ago where it seemed she would have drowned; having been trapped in a maelstrom with the pressure of water on and all around her. But now she was out and alive; with little to no thanks toward the dragon. A warning from the brute on the method of travel would have been greatly appreciated. Had she known she would be swimming through an endless powerful whirlpool of water; at least she would been better prepared. One thing was certain; the next time that overgrown lizard showed its face he would surely get a piece of her mind.

At least she had arrived. Question was where had she arrived to? Looking around she saw nothing but wooded area, miles and miles of it. Why a forest? Swimming to shore, her body dripped wet as Lyn stepped on land, foliage crunching underfoot. She shivered from the sudden chill and wrapped her arms around herself, giving a low growl of frustration.

Why couldn't the damned beast have waited until her shift had ended? At least then she'd have been wearing decent clothes. Speaking of such, the witch tugged at the wet clothing, pulling on the shrunken leather with much difficulty after which she managed to pull down the bandeau top, covering what little she could of her breasts. With another hard tug she slicked the short skirt down over the garter belt.

She shook her head, disappointed. Perhaps it was for the best her clothes were ruined. People would think her a harlot dressed in this manner anyhow. Sighing, Lyn turned back toward the water and glanced out to the horizon, breath hitching at a sight believed to only exist in a dream.

Surrounded by a circle of trees was the lake she had emerged from, still and calm. Her heart warmed at the sight of the gleaming sun reflecting its rays off of the water in sparkling twinkles. A burst of wind sent a flock of butterflies dancing in the air. Lyn smiled at the wondrous sight; a feeling of peace, serenity, one long forgotten, waving through her.

The call of the wilderness only added to the beauty. It was all so surreal, yet to take it in physically, feeling and touching it, there were no words. New York may have its areas and moments of beauty such as this, but it couldn't compare. This here was so much more. The air was fresh, clean. There was no garbage, no tires, nothing. Her predecessor was lucky, fortunate, to be a part of and witness such beauty. Merlin! The moment of peace was gone abruptly as she remembered who and what she was here for.

No longer lost Lyn turned away from the lake and treaded into the forest, more foliage crunching underneath her knee high stiletto boots. How was she to find Merlin? Old family legends spoke of him residing in a placed called Camelot, somewhere in what was now Great Britain albeit she'd never been. Her grandmother had told stories in Camelot being a shining city where equality and justice towered over all. She had even described it as a utopia. As dandy it all sounded, the question now was where was Camelot? And how was she to get there? For miles there was nothing but dense forest.

A sudden sense of animosity overcame and settled in the pit of Lyn's stomach. It was something dark, something fierce and detrimental. Lyn stopped in her tracks, searching, scanning the area keenly, only trees and shrub were in view. Something was wrong for another thing came to mind, it had gone eerily silent; no birdsong or chirping of insects. She started at a twig snapping behind her.

"Look here Howell, it seems we caught us a swan." The voice was British and deep with a sharp edge. Lyn turned to see a rather large bulky man with dark scar riddled skin step out from behind a tree. On account of the poor state and quality of the creased and bedraggled clothing, it was fairly noticeable he was of low rank which led the young witch to conclude she was in the right era. A sinister grin pulled at his lips. "Such a lovely swan, wouldn't you say Howell?"

His response was a loud arrogant laugh with a voice to match. Lyn turned to her right. This man was smaller in size and height, lanky with shadiness to him. His leer and grin was something wicked as he stepped close, "Aye Aballach, a pretty swan indeed." He gave a dark chuckle, eyes shining with callous.

Dangerous vibes reverberated from both of the men, promising misery and pain. It was almost, for a moment, as if she were home, dealing with two delinquents with only ill willed intentions. These men aimed to hurt her. She could feel the malice in the hearts.

Lyn took several cautious steps back. "I'm in a bit of a hurry" she spoke. "So if you'd just get out of my way, that'd be great." The two men shared a confused look at the peculiar expression, staring in silence. "Right," Lyn started, "Forgot I was in the past. You people wouldn't know what I'm saying. I should definitely learn how to speak in your dialect if I want to pass for being one of you." She paused as she carefully chose her words. "Allow me to rephrase, I'm in quite the rush-"

She gasped as the bony fingers of the thin man, whom she guessed was named Howell, clasped around her throat forcing her back up against a tree. He stared her down, green orbs filling with lust. He inhaled, taking in her distant floral fragrance. Lyn tensed underneath his grip.

Howell chuckled. "Tell me swan, what is a beautiful creature such as yourself doing out here all alone? There's danger afoot, lurking in every corner." His grip tightened. Lyn tightened her neck, refusing to bend to his will even if things were beginning to run downhill quick. If the situation wasn't turned around soon things would surely take a turn for the worse. And so Lyn did the next best thing she could think, she laughed confusing the two even more.

Her lips pulled into a smile, almost a leer. "You've no idea what I am capable of. Allow me to show you." Giving a small grunt, she brought her boot into Howell's groin forcefully, bringing him down on his knees in a pain filled groan. A straight powerful punch had him on his back.

Behind her, the bulky man, Aballach, reached for the ax strapped to his back. The woman, the wench, proved to be more powerful and strong than expected. It seems she'd have to be eradicated sooner than anticipated.

Vociferating, Aballach raised the weapon high and attacked; running and swinging with mighty force. Lyn ducked with impeccable timing, avoiding the strike of the sharp blade. She moved to stand in a flawless fight stance, hands ready at her sides and form perfect. She repelled the glare Aballach sent and with a grunt he swung again.

Lyn ducked, moving swiftly. He swung once more striking only air as she slipped by him. Aballach growled in anger, condemning her for being slick. He missed once more and gave a frustrated cry, swinging wildly in all directions.

On the floor, Howell writhed, the pain in his most sensitive area still firing. Eyes closed, he listened to Aballach's grunts and cries of rage. Had the doxy not fallen under his wrath just yet? To confirm, he opened his eyes and allowed himself a glance of Aballach failing to land a single strike.

Pushing past the ache, Howell rolled himself onto his hands and knees, slowly pushing up to stand with a quiet groan as his mind processed a plan of stepping up behind the woman and apprehend her. With another groan he moved, stepping lightly, toward a fallen branch laying mere feet away. He took hold of it and soundlessly approached, deeming fortunate he had not yet been noticed.

As Aballach swung again, Lyn grabbed the hilt hindering the attack. She grunted as she struggled to keep her defensive stance against the large man. Her teeth grit for he was almost as strong as an ox. She cried out in sudden pain as a hard object struck heavily on her back, her strength diminishing resulting in her dropping down to a knee.

Howell out cried as he raised the branch up high to strike again, murder in his eyes. Instincts taking control, the witch's eyes flashed a bright gold. Both men soared back through the air by an invisible powerful force, each slamming against the nearest tree with a sickening crack; Howell lying dead with a broken spine.

Adapted with high resistance, Aballach brushed off the impact and stood. His eyes caught sight of his fallen partner, chest tightening at the loss. Enraged, he set his glare and charged, bellowing. Lyn rushed to her feet and swung a powerful sucker punch, slamming into his jaw. She struck a second time with another blow, adding a kick to the back of his leg as she slipped behind him. Like a sack of potatoes, Aballach went down.

Lyn panted, breathing heavily. All those years of studying self-defense seemed to have paid off more than foreseen. Wiping the sweat from her eyes, the witch stretched out her limbs. Her downed opponent moaned in hurt. Spotting the ax several feet away, Lyn traveled the distance and picked the weapon from off the ground. She approached the man and placed the weapon upon his neck, pressing it into his skin careful of drawing blood.

"Sorceress…" Aballach groaned, immense pain rummaging through him. "That should be the last of your worries" Lyn responded with a ragged breath. "Why?"

"The king shall have your head once he learns of your magic! You shall burn in hell witch!" Aballach retorted. Lyn seethed teeth grit, "Why?!" She pressed the blade in a tad more, issuing a yowl from the bandit. "It was all Howell!" He gave a whimper. "You appeared an easy target!"

Lyn scoffed, "Yeah well you were dead wrong." Her ears picked up a sudden sharp whistle. She turned and ducked as an arrow flew past, imbedding itself in a tree. Glancing around wildly, shapes and forms became visible behind the surrounding trees; an ambush. "Shit!" Lyn cursed as a number of armed men ran into view with a cry of way. Grunting angrily, she turned and ran.

The sound of chasing footsteps behind her was thundering, booming. Panting, Lyn ran as fast as she could muster, jumping over fallen logs and roots. The path before her had become a labyrinth; so many directions, which was the right way? She screamed as an arrow struck a tree inched from her head. In defense, she flicked her palm back, using her magic. Pained cries were her confirmation she had successfully taken a couple of her assailants down. How many left?

She took a quick left running through brush, crying out as the ground suddenly disappeared. A steep hill came into view. Lyn braced herself as she rolled down in a rough crude manner. Colliding with a great force caused her to groan out loud in agony. Had it not been for the years of training, she would never have gained a high resistance to such blows.

A second groan sounded. "Oh, what on earth was that, a boulder?" Rolling to his side, the unfortunate stranger glanced up, breath hitching and eyes widening at the sight of Lyn writhing on the ground just inches away.

How? How could it be her? Was this another vision perhaps? It didn't seem as if he were peering through the veil of magic as before, it certainly did not feel as so. She was here, in person. He could feel a strong sense of power and purpose emanating from her, something not felt before. And with it came a powerful, uncontrollable, biological pull toward her.

Forcing the pain down, Lyn sat up with a groan, rubbing her head. "I'm sorry, I-"she gave a gasp, one of relief, as her gaze landed on whom she had quite literally rolled into, "Merlin!" She moved to his side in a frantic crawl and pulled him into a tight hug, "Oh, I found you!"

Merlin was at a loss for words. What on earth was going on? Who was this woman? How was she here? A whistle sounded in sudden. "Oh crap" Lyn pulled back and stood, pulling her predecessor along. "Come on!" She pulled him into a run, taking off deeper into the forest just as the cavalry slid down the hill, chasing after them with shouts of aggravation. Merlin glanced back to the mob. "Uh… why is it we are being chased?"

"Well," Lyn replied in between pants. "To make a long story short," she jumped over a log, "Bandits!" That had been all Merlin needed to understand. The two skidded to a sudden stop as another small group set before them, swords unsheathed and hindering escape. "Great" Lyn breathed, glancing about to see them surrounded. Things had definitely turned for the worse.

To the right an armed bandit vociferated as he charged, sword raised high. Lyn threw the ax she had in hand with remarkable deadly precision. It was then the circle of men charged all at once. The young female's eyes flashed gold, time slowing. In quick action, she moved to her ancestor and swept his feet out from underneath him, hearing him grunt from the sudden impact of the ground.

With impeccable timing Lyn hopped up into the air, performing a flawless fan kick, knocking the advancing assailants back. Once on her feet she moved to a perfect cartwheel, over the warlock using his back for support, sticking the landing. She rushed forward and struck the nearest man with an open palm nose punch, moving on to a spinning side kick to strike another. A distinct shout caught her attention. She glanced back as a man charged her ancestor, "Merlin!" Her eyes flashed gold and soon after Merlin found himself sliding back as if pushed by a non-visible force. She then turned back.

The warlock watched as a swordsman rushed behind the woman whose attention was on another. Feeling he must protect her, he raised his palm, chanting in the ancient language as his magic flowed through him in vibration, his eyes shining gold. The swordsman was thrown back with a grunt.

Sending her opponent to the ground, Lyn turned at a shout to her left where two armed men came. Determined to finish off, she lunged forward into a somersault, retrieving an ax from the ground, throwing it and hitting target.

The remaining bandit charged with a growl of anger, swinging his sword. Lyn rolled again in a dodge, picking up a crossbow and firing off a single bolt; the thud of the body heavy. Feeling weak and drained, Lyn released a weary sigh and dropped to her knees, breathing heavily. Her body shook with adrenaline and exhaustion. It had all been so sudden, so sudden.

At the sound of footsteps, the witch glanced up, eyes meeting those of her predecessor. He held a hand out to her. "Are you alright?" Lyn nodded, taking his hand. Both warlock and witch gave a gasp from the sudden rush pulling them toward each other, linking them.

Merlin exhaled, retrieving his hand and breaking the connection. "What is going on? Who are you?" Lyn gave a nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of her neck. "Yeah, I guess an explanation is in order." Where to begin? She took a quick breath. Speak proper, her mind mused.

"Well, I am a sorceress" she chuckled, "My name is Merlyn and-"

"Is this a jest?" Merlin interjected. Lyn shook her head, "No-"she cried out in sudden as a bolt pierced her leg. A second struck her shoulder as she moved to step in front of the warlock who caught her falling form.

"No!" Merlin cried in a panicked breath. He glanced up as several more bandits rushed in with war cried, led by Aballach. Acting quickly the sorcerer tightened his hold around the witch and raised a palm up, eyes glowing gold as he chanted in the ancient language sending all men soaring back in a scattered commotion. With them now still, he exhaled and lowered his hand.

"Nice" Lyn groaned voice pain filled. She gritted her teeth as Merlin led them away, settling under a shaded area beneath a set of trees. Another groan slipped past her lips as she was lowered down to the ground, prying herself up against a tree.

Merlin took a knee beside her and addressed her wounds, taking notice both arrowheads had pierced straight through her flesh. "By gods" he gasped. "That bad, huh" Lyn commented in an exhale. The warlock glanced up to her. "Merlyn, I-I'm… afraid the bolts have gone straight through…"

Lyn gave a humorless chuckle. "It's just my luck." She held her wounded shoulder, shaking her head slightly. "I've not been here an hour and already I'm bleeding out." Her hand fell. Could magic fix it? With her weak, her magic would surely fail. She looked to her ancestor, taking in his worried expression. Perhaps his magic would work, and even so the wound must be free of blockage. With a deep sigh, she took hold of the shaft protruding from her shoulder and pulled.

Merlin gave a gasp in shock amidst her anguished cry at the feeling of the bolt sliding through her. On instinct the warlock placed his hand over the bleeding wound, applying pressure. "Fuck!" Lyn whimpered wincing as tears brimmed her eyes.

The foreign angry word left the young sorcerer stunned mere seconds for he shook it off and returned his attention to his blood coated hand. Chanting quickly, his eyes glowed. His hand lifted, the wound remained. A couple attempts more hadn't seem to make a difference.

Merlin gave a frustrated sigh. His magic was useless. Lyn groaned. "Your neckerchief, use it as a tourniquet." He glanced to her, eyes widening slightly in surprise; she seemed to be growing pale. Quickly, he took the cloth from his neck and wrapped it tightly around her shoulder to his best efforts. "I must get you to Gaius."

Lyn breathed out, "Who?" Taking a hold of her, Merlin carefully hoisted her up, "The court's physician. Sorry" he apologized as she groaned. He lifted her injured arm over his head laying it to rest about his neck. "He will know what to do." His other arm slicked around her waist.

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