Since dawn, they'd been hiking through this forest.  That had been about four hours ago, and the five were all growing weary.  Wade even noticed that Quinn had broken a slight sweat, despite the crisp December air.

"Guys, we've been walking for hours," she said, trying to call a short break so that Quinn could catch his breath.  He'd seemed tired a lot the last few worlds, and she was worried that he might be coming down with something.  "Let's face it, there's no civilization on this world."  Wade pushed her hair behind her ears as she scanned the area around them again.  There was nothing but trees and rocks.

Quinn stopped walking and stood next to her.  He inhaled a deep breath of the fresh air, enjoying the fact that this world seemed free of pollution.  "Come on, Wade," he said, throwing his arm over her shoulders.  "We have to at least find some water, if not shelter.  We have about a week's stay on this world - which includes Christmas."

"At least we'll have no trouble finding a tree."  She sighed, then let him lead her along as they began walking again.

He was relieved that she hadn't pressed him about her obvious concern.  He knew that they'd all noticed his shortness of breath over the last few hectic worlds, and he hoped they'd just write it off as slide-lag if he just ignored it.  He'd become accustomed to his condition, although he wondered if he could ever get used to hiding it.

Maggie stooped and picked up a small rock off the ground.  "Maybe we should stop for lunch," she suggested while looking up at the tree branches overhead.  There was a bird on one that was an easy toss for her to make - the perfect target.

Wade glared angrily at her and Quinn shook his head.  "Let's just keep walking, Maggie."

"Yeah, and enjoy the wildlife," Wade added.  "Before you kill and eat it."

Maggie dropped the stone and kicked it ahead of her as she reluctantly continued their little trek to nowhere.  "Fine.  But we'll have to eat sometime."

They continued on in silence for a few minutes.  Then Rembrandt suddenly yelled a warning and they all spun around as people suddenly appeared and attacked them from all sides.

Maggie fought off the man who grabbed her and was about to kick him when she felt a blade press against the side of her neck.  She stopped moving and immediately became still, afraid that her throat would be cut if she even breathed wrong.  She started to raise her hands, but they were quickly grabbed and held tightly behind her back.  The dagger was still pressed to her throat, but now it was under her chin.  She was held tight and unable to do anything at all.  She saw that two other men had Rembrandt and Arturo in the same situation that she was.

Quinn fought the three men whose attack was focused on him.  This was the last place he'd expected an ambush.  But sliding had made him always prepared for anything, and these people hadn't been able to stop his fight like they had the others.

Quinn had had the advantage of being in the middle of the group - the last to be attacked.  That had given him time the others hadn't had to assess the situation.  And it had kept a blade from being against his throat now.

Wade screamed as her wrist was grasped by one of the three men.  She'd thought, since most of their attackers fought Quinn, that he was their target and they probably thought that he was their leader.  But she now realized that the others were all just being stopped.  She was what they wanted.  The man tried to lead her away into the woods as she struggled.

Quinn quickly also noticed that Wade was the point of all this.  He broke free from the other two men and ran after the one that had her.  He pulled Wade away from the man and tried to shield her behind himself.

The three men gathered their swords again and all stood in front of Quinn.  The one who'd grabbed Wade spoke, "Let her go."

"No," Quinn replied defiantly.  "I won't let you take her."
one who'd spoken seemed to be their leader.  He raised his sword at Quinn.  "Then you will die."

"Wade, run!" Quinn shouted.  He dove at the men and tried to give her a chance to escape.  She obeyed and ran as fast as she could.

Quinn held them all off for a short while, but one of them finally got the upper hand and shoved Quinn.  His head smacked hard against a tree, and he fell to the ground, unconscious.  The man prepared to run him through with a sword.

"No!" Wade screamed.  She hadn't been able to let Quinn risk his life for her and had come back.  "No, don't kill him!  Leave him alone!"

The men all stared at her with puzzled expressions on their on faces.  They stepped away from Quinn as she'd asked.

Wade was confused, but she rushed to Quinn and kneeled next to him.  The men made no attempt to stop her, and she carefully touched the side of Quinn's head.  When she withdrew her hand, there was blood on it.  "Quinn.  Quinn, can you hear me?"  She worriedly tried to wake him.

One of the men put his hand on her shoulder.  "Leave him.  I understand you not wanting us to kill an unconscious man, but you needn't help him.  He is the enemy.  Now come along; we must go."

She looked at Quinn then back at the strangers.  "No.  I'm not going anywhere with you until I know that he's alright."

"Kalin, what is the matter with you?"  The man grabbed her firmly and stared into her eyes.  "What did they do to you?  These people kidnapped you.  They must have brainwashed you!"

Wade now got a good look at this man.  He had a similar build to Quinn and looked about the same age.  But his hair was darker and longer, and his face had a rougher look with sharper features.  He also had a few days worth of stubble from not shaving.  But what caught Wade's attention were his dark eyes.  They seemed to be staring deep into hers.

He pulled her up and away from Quinn.  "It will be alright, Kalin," he said, his voice softer now.  "Let us take you back to camp."

Wade stared back at this man.  Could Kalin be a double of hers?  "My name is Wade Wells."  She motioned to the others.  "These people are my friends."

"How can that be possible?" another man said.  "She appears the exact way as Lady Kalin."

"You ever heard the theory about how everyone in the world has somebody who's an exact double of them?" Maggie asked somewhat sarcastically.

Wade held up a hand to silence her.  From what she guessed, her double was a friend, if not leader, of these people.  Had they not called her *Lady* Kalin?  "If I am this Kalin, then you'll do as I ask?" Wade queried.

"Of course, my Lady," the second man replied.

Wade smiled.  "Then I request that you release my friends."

The first man nodded, and Rembrandt, Maggie, and Arturo were set free.  The men shafted their swords.

Wade smiled, proud of herself, but decided that she should probably tell the truth.  "Now," she continued, "this will be hard to believe, but I am not Kalin.  However, I am not your enemy and we have no quarrel with you."  She hesitated a moment.  "May we come with you to wherever you're going?  My friend might need a doctor."

"I suggest you return to your own land, young maid," the leader of the others said, no longer referring to her as Kalin.  "We travel North to join with our army, and to accompany us might bring you to peril."

Maggie stepped forward.  "Um yeah, whatever," she interrupted.  "Look, we're not from around here, and really don't have anywhere to go.  We may not be involved in your little war thing, but we do need food and shelter."

"Then I will assist you in atonement for our mistaken attack upon you," he replied.  "I am known as Brad, second in command of the First French Legion."  He motioned to the other men who were with him.  "My companions, Keith, Luke, David, Matthew, and Paul."

Wade extended her hand.  "Wa--"

"Yes, Wade of Wells," Brad said, taking her hand.  "A very unusual name, especially for one with an appearance so astounding."

"Just Wade will do," she said, then introduced her slidemates.  "Maggie, Rembrandt, Arturo, and the one you knocked out is Quinn."

Brad looked over at Quinn, still motionless on the ground.  "For that act, I am most truly apologetic."  He signaled David and Matthew, and they entered the woods and returned a moment later with six horses.  "You shall be guests at our camp and you shall be well fed.  It will be arranged for you to have escort on your journey from there."

Wade nodded in appreciation.  "Thanks."

-----

"I do not trust these strangers," Daniel advised Kalin once the scouting party had arrived at the camp with the sliders.  Quinn had regained consciousness, only suffering a small cut and a serious headache, and he and the others were waiting outside while their situation was discussed.

Kalin paced across her tent.  She was the exact image of Wade, except her hair hung down her back and she wore the clothes of the soldiers.  She looked to Brad.  "I also trust your counsel in situations such as these.  What do you advise should be done?"

"Despite their strange dress and tongue, I feel that they can be trusted and are not spies for the English," he told her.  "And indeed we owe them a service."

Kalin nodded.  "This is so.  We shall grant them stay the night and give them five horses for journey come the morrow.  You saw no danger on your scout?"

"None," replied Brad.  "The only armies our yours, m'Lady.  The Third, and Fourth also about a day's travel further, and they remain 'til given word otherwise by you alone."

Kalin nodded once more.  "As we know not what lies to the north, the strangers will be advised to travel south.  What becomes of them hence forth is out of my hands."

"Very well, my Lady," Daniel agreed, trusting her judgment without question.  He and Brad turned to leave.

"Wait," instructed Kalin.  "Send to me their leader as I wish to learn more about these travelers who are guests in our camp."

-----

Looking across the camp at the setting sun, Quinn remarked, "This world seems to be stuck in the 13 or 14 hundreds."  He turned back to the others.  "Their clothes and weapons, even this camp, it's like something out of a history book."

"However, we are in the company of the French, and that puzzles me," pointed out Arturo.

"Yeah, I noticed that also," Quinn stated.

Maggie shook her head at them.  They were playing their usual game of 'What's this world and how's it different?'  She always felt left out, watching the two of them discuss all sorts of past events.

Joining in, Wade commented, "There must be 70 men camped here.  If this world is in the 13 hundreds, then that's a fair sized army.  Don't you want to know what this war is about?"

Quinn was about to reply when one of the soldiers, Jared, approached them.  "Lady Kalin has requested the presence of the one who leads your group."

The others looked at Quinn and he stood.  "I guess that'd be me."

-----

Jared stopped as he and Quinn neared Kalin's tent.  "What is it?" Quinn asked.

"You remind me of one who used to command along side Kalin," Jared told him.  "But I know that cannot be so.  I do not wish for you to misguide her."

"I won't," Quinn replied, a bit confused.

"Very well."  He opened the flap of the tent and motioned for Quinn to enter.  He did so, and Jared left them.

Kalin stood in the center of the large tent, her eyes fixed on him.  "Hi," Quinn said awkwardly.

Kalin slowly crossed the distance between them.  "How is it so that I gaze upon a ghost?"

"Um, I'm real," Quinn told her.  "Flesh and blood like you."

She carefully touched his arm.  "'Tis not possible."  She found herself staring into his eyes.  "Jared warned me, but I never expected..."  She paused.  "Quinten, my first in command, my lover...  You were said to have died with the fall of the Fifth.  How is it that you stand before me when you met death with your men?"

"I'm not the man you knew," Quinn told her.  "I come from another world.  My friends and I can cross between dimensions.  We call it sliding."  He didn't know why he was telling her the truth about himself, but he found himself blurting out the whole story.

She simply listened in awe to his tale for the next hour, trying to understand.  When he started talking about Wade, she became as excited as a small child.  "I wish to meet this mirror-world maiden who looks as I."

Quinn smiled.  She'd completely dropped her leader stance, letting it slip as they talked, and he realized that she was just another person caught up in an overwhelming situation.  He wondered how she'd come to command a whole army.  "Okay."

"Beg pardon?"

Quinn realized that she wasn't familiar with that term.  "Um, okay, it's kinda like saying alright."

"Is that not but two letters?" Kalin asked.

Quinn shrugged.  "I guess so."

"Okay."  Kalin looked at him and grinned.

Quinn grinned back.  "You learn quickly."

She looked down at her feet.  "Yes."

Quinn gently thumbed her face, then lifted her chin until she looked at him.  "What made you the leader of this war?" he asked softly.

"It is what I am fated to do," she replied with firm belief.  "And I do not lead the war.  War 'tisn't something of which to be proud.  I simply lead anyone who will follow in hopes of soon reaching peace.  I am destined to free my people and reunite France."

"But is that what you want?" Quinn asked.  "How can you wish to lead an army?  You're so young."

"Age is of no importance," she snapped at him.  "And if you think a woman cannot command, then you are mistaken.  Besides, it is not my place to question my role in this war.  And 'tis my wish to lead my legions into battle.  It is the will of God that I do so.  He has brought me thus far, given me an army that hath faith in me, and now he will show me how to take back a kingdom.  And I shant stop 'til France once more has its freedom."  She paused.  "And then there will be peace."

Quinn looked at the spark in Kalin's eyes as she spoke with such a strong dedication.  "I wasn't implying that you don't belong here.  Trust me, I know you are more than capable of leading an entire nation if you had to..."

"Then enough talk of war."  Her expression softened again.  "Bring your companions and we shall dine."

-----

After the evening had long since become night, they all still sat around the large fire, talking, laughing, eating although they were full hours earlier, and enjoying each other's pleasant company and a chance to relax in their stressful lives.

The sliders had become acquainted with Kalin's closest friends and consorts who had shared the evening meal with them.  Daniel, Brad, and Jared held key positions in Kalin's army.  Daniel, who was probably in his late thirties, was Kalin's advisor and helped plan her battle strategies.  Brad was her second in command, and leader of the scout parties which were periodically sent out in order to be able to predict in advance any possible threat.  And Jared, who was older, was something of a warrior.  They'd learned that he had fought along side Kalin in all her battles.

They had also gotten to know Keith, Jared's younger brother who Quinn had taken an immediate liking to.  And Jared's sister, Lydia, who was Kalin's best friend and a girl Wade recognized from having gone to high school with her double, although she'd been a senior when Wade was only a freshman.

"What is this Christmas that you mentioned?" asked Keith, referring back to when Quinn had brought up the subject.

Quinn set down his cup.  "It's a holiday.  You've never heard of it?"

"Indeed I have not," answered the 19-year-old with much interest.

Wade smiled.  "Christmas is a time that we spend with loved ones, share gifts, and celebrate the birth of the Lord."

"You are allowed to celebrate such a day?"  Daniel seemed shocked.  The others shared his confused expression.

"Of course," Wade told them.  "Why wouldn't we?"

"All celebrations such as that are not permitted," Kalin spoke, her tone becoming serious.  "It is a forbidden to honor any other God than those of the English.  And to speak of just one God is a crime punishable by death.  'Tis something we fight against... and the reason for this war."

Quinn shook his head.  "It's a sad thing when people are told what to believe in."

"I can't believe any society would kill those who speak of God," Wade added in stunned disbelief.

Kalin's smile returned.  "We have left England and found these shores, hence we shall speak of whatever we wish!  No man can force their rules upon this land.  We celebrate Christmas if it please us to do so!"

Kalin lifted her cup and many other cups rose to join it in a toast.  "To freedom," Kalin simply stated.

"Freedom," several voices echoed.

"And to the rebirth of France," Daniel added.

"To France," Kalin repeated softly, her eyes sparkling in the firelight.

After they'd all finished their drinks, Lydia looked to the sliders.  "And we now have a day of celebration to look forth to with anticipation.  A new holiday for the first time since we came to a new land."

Jared pondered this for a moment.  "Would not it have been more likely for the Lord to have been born in the Spring?  If the shepherds were out with their flocks during that night, I highly doubt 'twould have been in December.  They'd surely hath frozen to their deaths."

"You've got a point there," Rembrandt agreed.

"Yet what is the use of bickering over an unknown date?" inquired Kalin.  "Is not the purpose the reason of celebration, and not the day upon which we do it?"

"That 'tis true, I suppose," Lydia remarked.

Maggie just watched the others as they discussed the significance of the day.  She felt slightly out of place.  To her, Christmas had never been about a baby and a manger.  It had always been spent wondering if she'd spend the next on the same military base, or pondering over what present her father might give her, or laughing at the thought of Santa Claus, but never considering that there was more to the day than just that.  Christmas was just another day.

Flicking a small stick into the fire, Maggie watched it pop and spark, then returned her attention to ongoing conversation.  "Shame to be at war during Christmas," she interrupted.

"Why is that?" asked Keith.

Maggie shrugged.  "I thought it was a day of hope, not one of battle."

Nodding, Kalin responded with, "Then what better a time?  To have hope in times of battle is something priceless.  I could not have asked for a greater gift."

Maggie couldn't help but grin slightly at that.  She listened contentedly as the cheerful conversation resumed.  She had to admire these people.  She glanced from her slidemates to their new friends.  Yes, she truly admired them all.

-----

The full moon lit their way as Quinn and Kalin walked.  He'd started out just accompanying her to her tent, but they'd ended up going for stroll, neither of them tired.

Quinn watched her intently, greatly fascinated by the girl.  She was brave, compassionate, and willing to fight for what she believed in.  She reminded him of Wade.  "You kept calling this land new," Quinn remarked, breaking the comfortable silence.  "How long have you been here?"

"Myself?" asked Kalin.  "Just a short while.  My great grandparents came here a long time before I was even born; however, I grew up in France."

Quinn waited for her to continue.  She sat down on a log, him sitting next to her, and decided to start at the beginning.  "France used to be the main country in Europe.  Then the English came.  At first it wasn't a problem, conditions were friendly.  However, England eventually staked a claim over France as it grew and become a more powerful force.  The common language became English at some point, only royalty speaking French."  She shrugged.  "Later, people started bringing in gods from other lands that England was expanding to.  Soon, everyone was forced to believe whatever the English told us, banishing our own religion.  It was such a slow transformation that most didn't notice, did not care."

Kalin sighed.  "When things got really bad, some people tried to leave.  My great grandparents led a group to China.  They then decided - based upon an insane idea that the world was round - to sail to Turkey, in hopes of being able to worship freely, and perhaps find sympathy from a nation that would join forces with France to drive out the English.  Somehow though, they ended up here."

"That's amazing," Quinn commented.  "But I thought you said you hadn't been here long?"

Kalin shook her head.  "No.  My grandparents remained in France when their parents left, not journeying here 'til much later.  I grew up in France, not involved in this war until the English decided that the new land should be theirs.  One day, I just realized my calling.  My home, Paris, had become the capital city of England, France divided and crumbling.  My parents wished us to flea to the new land where their parents still controlled a great city."

She looked down at the ground.  "They were killed before we could leave."

"I'm sorry," Quinn said softly.

"'Twas a long time ago," replied Kalin.  "I was 19 when I chose to fight.  I traveled to Avignon where I met Quinten.  He helped me form an army.  I now have five legions.  Our struggle was futile in Europe, hence we journeyed here.  However, the English took my grandparents city... and Quinten was killed trying to defend it."

She gazed sadly over at Quinn, quickly looking away when he caught her eyes.  "I attempt every day to take it back," she finished, standing up and starting to walk back towards the camp.

Quinn quickly followed.  "Where are you going?"

"'Tis late," Kalin answered.  "We should sleep."

Quinn sensed the change in her behavior after talking about his double.  It was now awkward between them.  "Kalin..."

She turned back to face him.  Their eyes locked and she just stared at him for a minute.  "You could stay," she offered quietly, surprising even herself.

Quinn shook his head.  "I can't.  I owe it to my friends that I try to get them home.  I can't ask them to help fight a war."

"I understand."  Kalin looked down again.  "I should not have asked."

Quinn stepped closer to her and lifted her chin, making her look at him.  She made him believe in her struggle.  "I wish I could say yes."

-----

Wade rolled over and looked at Arturo in the dim light.  "Professor, you awake?" she whispered.  Rembrandt was snoring softly and Maggie's chest was rising and falling smoothly, alerting Wade that they were both asleep already.

"Professor!" Wade hissed again.

He turned to look at her.  "I would be asleep if you'd quit doing that," he replied.  "And why is it that you never call me Max?"

"I can't sleep," Wade complained.  "Quinn isn't even back yet.  What do ya think he's doing?"

He gave her an exasperated look.  "Miss Wells..." he sighed.

Wade blew some stray fringe from her forehead, then propped herself on her elbows, placing her chin in her hands.  "I can't help it that I'm not tired.  You think he's still with Kalin?"

Wade flicked a small pebble at him when he didn't respond.  "Professor!"

"What is it now?" he asked, trying very hard to keep his voice to a hushed whisper.

"I was thinking about your question," she told him.  "About me never calling you Max.  I think it has to do with respect.  I mean, professor is a title you have to earn, ya know.  And you just don't call older people by the first names..."

Arturo thought about what she'd said for a moment.  "Is that why you always have that sarcastic tone in your voice when you call me Max?  It's a form of disrespect?"

"Um, well..."  Wade had to admit that she'd been caught.  "Sometimes it is, I guess."

"And Mr. Mallory?" he inquired.

"I don't think so," Wade answered.  "I think he's just seeing you as one of the gang when he does it.  But I think he calls you professor a lot because you're like a father to him.  He really looks up to you, ya know?"

Arturo smiled slightly.  He was starting to consider Quinn as kind of like a son to him.  He hadn't known the feeling went both ways.

"So where do you think he is?" Wade asked again.

"What?"

"Quinn," Wade clarified.  "What do you think he's doing?"

Arturo sighed.  "Miss Wells?"

"Yeah?"

"Go to sleep."

-----

When Quinn and Kalin finally made their way back to her tent, Jared was waiting for them.  Kalin assured him that she was fine, and after casting Quinn a strange look, he left them.

"What was that all about?" Quinn asked her.

Kalin frowned.  "I believe that he does not trust you still.  With me, I mean.  Alone."

"What's wrong?" Quinn wanted to know.  Kalin seemed embarrassed.

"I feel that perhaps 'tis you who should not trust me," she stammered.  "Or rather that I cannot trust myself because I should not trust you, yet I trust you with all my heart."

Quinn smiled as she blushed awkwardly.  "It's okay, I won't bite or anything."

"But I d'not even understand from whence you came.  All I have is a wondrous story."  She sighed in frustration, then absently played with the edge of some parchment that was on the small table.  "'Tis silly.  All this talk of trust when it does not make any difference.  You leave in the morn and we likely shant ever see one another thereafter."

"Yeah, you're probably right," replied Quinn.  Part of him regretted that he wouldn't get a chance to know her better.  He glanced down at the sheets of parchment that she was fiddling with.  There was writing on them.  "What's that?" he inquired.

Kalin instantly dropped her hand to her side.  "'Tis of no importance."

Quinn looked at it curiously.  "It's in French.  I thought you said that only royalty could speak French, much less read it."

"My parents taught me.  Because of the kingdom here that..."  She trailed off, then waved her hand to signal that it didn't matter.

Quinn sensed that she didn't want to talk about it.  "I think I'll call it a night," he said, then rephrased at her puzzled expression.  "I'm going to go find my friends and try to get some sleep."

Kalin nodded, then watched him as he left.  Once he was gone, she picked up the pages of parchment.  She looked up for a moment, questioning if she should have talked to Quinn about it.

-----

"We are *not* getting involved," Maggie stated firmly the next morning.  "We're not, Quinn."

He looked at her and sighed.  "I'm not asking that we go to war.  I just want to stay for a few days.  We've got nowhere to go and no food.  It makes sense that we remain here at camp for a while."

"Oh no," Maggie replied, shaking her head.

"Maggie, he has a point," Wade added.

"Well, so do I," she snapped.  "We don't know what's going on here, and we have no right to ask to stay.  These people are at war!  We can't get involved in this.  No way."

Arturo reluctantly took her side.  "We have discussed this many times before.  It isn't wise to interfere with other worlds.  It's also dangerous."

Quinn cast a glance at Rembrandt, wondering what his view was.  He simply shrugged.  "I'm not saying we get involved," Quinn repeated.

"If we stay with these people, then we are involved, Quinn," Maggie stated.

"Maybe we should be," said Wade.

Maggie raised an eyebrow at her.  "What?"

"I think we should get involved," Wade told them.  "We've helped people before, people we knew nothing about.  But we know what this is about, and it's a good and noble cause.  I say we stay and help them."

"Miss Wells, you're suggesting that we intervene in a holy war."

"It's the right thing to do," Wade stated simply.  "That's how I feel."

Rembrandt eventually nodded.  "Maybe Wade is right.  Our world is advanced; we might be able to help somehow."

"Oh really?  Just how, Remmy?" Maggie quipped.  "And besides, little miss Joan of Arc surely doesn't need our help.  However much Quinn would like to give it to her."

"This isn't about Kalin," Quinn said firmly.

"Sure, it isn't, Quinn."  Maggie glared at him.  "You're risking our lives for her if we stay."

"I'm not risking anyone's life," Quinn stated as he turned to leave.  "I'll go find out about the horses.  We'll leave right after breakfast."

-----

After the morning meal, Kalin approached Quinn.  "You're leaving?"

He nodded.  "Yeah."

Kalin looked at the ground for a moment.  "I shant ask you to stay; however, to say that I do not wish it would be untruthful."

"I have other responsibilities, Kalin," Quinn told her.  "You know that."

"Yes.  I understand."

He looked awkwardly at her for minute, wanting to say more but not knowing what.  "Good-bye, Kalin."

"Sahar will get horses for you," she told him.

Quinn had met Sahar last night and knew where he'd find her.  He gave Kalin one last look, then headed for the other side of the camp.

She watched his back as he walked away.  "Safe journey, Quinn," she said to his retreating form before heading to her own tent.

-----

"Sahar," Quinn called to her when he spotted her.

She gave him a slight wave as he walked over to her.  "I take it you're looking for some horses," she said.

"Yeah," Quinn replied.

"Kalin thought you might change your mind," she told him as she gathered a few bridles.

Quinn shook his head.  "My mind doesn't change unless four others agree with it."

Sahar nodded in understanding.

-----

Kalin walked over to her table and picked up the pieces of parchment.  She'd always cherished them, and now she considered burning them.

She suddenly looked up as Daniel quickly entered.  "M'Lady, the camp is under attack!"

"How many?" she hurriedly asked.

"At least 200 men," he informed her.  "The camp is completely surrounded.  It's an ambush."

She dropped the parchment and rushed out of the tent with him.  "How did they know we were here!?"

"That, I do not know," Daniel answered.

-----

"Well, this just sucks," Maggie groaned as all hell began to break loose.

Wade looked frantically around.  "Where's Quinn?  We have to find him!"

"I suggest we find a way out of this camp before it is too late," Arturo advised.

"I'm not going anywhere without Quinn," Wade shouted as she took off across the camp.  Rembrandt ran after her.

Maggie threw her hands in the air.  "I suggest we find some weapons.  Things are gonna get ugly."

-----

Rembrandt had lost track of Wade as the camp instantly became a war zone.  Kalin's men were already trying to set up some kind of perimeter, but they were far outnumbered and falling quickly, never having been given the option of surrender.

As Rembrandt searched for Wade, he came upon Kalin.  She was frantically shouting orders.  He grabbed her arm.  "We've got to go," he told her.

"I'm not leaving," she insisted.

"Then order your men to retreat," Rembrandt said, raising his voice to be heard over the shouting that had broken out.

Kalin spun to face him.  "I have ordered a retreat!" she told him.  "But we're surrounded in this meadow, and they're blocking any shot we have at reaching the forest.  A few people can get past that line, but not an entire legion."

"If a few people can get past, then come with me," he yelled to her.  "You'll do a lot more good alive than dead.  They're on horses and you're not.  Everyone here is going to be killed."

"Then I fall with my people," she shouted back.  "I will not leave them."

-----

Wade gave up her hunt for Quinn as the ambush quickly turned into a bloodbath.  She was unarmed and found herself in what had become the front line.  She knew a lot of people were breaking off and trying to make it to the forest.  She decided that would be her best bet also.

She said a quick prayer that the others were safe as she took off running.

-----

A group of five men on horseback made it's way to the center of the camp where Kalin was.  She drew her sword and stood firmly as they approached.

"We wish only to speak," one of the men called to Kalin.

"Your actions currently speak louder than any words," Kalin shouted.

The man dismounted.  "Allow me to introduce myself," he said.  "I am William of Zion, and I seek to make you an offer."

Kalin bristled at his words, and Daniel placed a hand protectively on her shoulder.  She gave him a look, and he removed his hand as she took a step forward.  "Then call off your men and we shall speak."

William laughed.  "My offer is simple.  You come with us, and I'll have my men fall back."

Rembrandt and Daniel both started to step towards her, but Kalin held out a hand, stopping them.  She looked at William for a moment before stabbing her sword into the ground and walking forward unarmed.  "I agree to your terms.  You have me, now withdraw your men."

William struck Kalin, knocking her out.  Then he mounted his horse, slinging her over the saddle.  He turned to the men that were with him.  "We will take these people with us.  As for the rest of Kalin's army, see to it that they pose no more threat."

Daniel and Rembrandt watched as he rode off with Kalin, leaving them captured by his four men, and the others still under attack.

-----

In the midst of all the turmoil, Quinn spotted Wade.  She was unarmed and trying to make a run out of the meadow for the thick forest.  A soldier came up behind her and she spun, trying to fight him off.  Quinn desperately attempted to get to her, watching out that he wasn't trampled by horses or attacked by one of enemy soldiers himself.

The soldier struck Wade with his spear, using it as a pole and ignoring the sharp end.  Quinn guessed that he was well skilled in fighting with a staff.

Wade tried again to run, but he caught her ankle with a swing of his spear, striking her hard.  She cried out in pain as she fell.  She felt her ankle twist and was fairly positive that it was sprained, if not broken.  She couldn't get up.

A horse reared up in front of Quinn, blocking him.  But to Quinn's relief, Keith protectively held his sword over Wade, stopping the soldier from killing her and then drawing him away in a heated fight.  Quinn made a mental note to thank him later.

Wade heard hoofbeats approaching her and she turned her head.  A horse was baring down on her.  Its rider was holding a sword, leaning over and positioned to stab her with it.

"Wade!" yelled Quinn as he ran towards her.  But she was still too far away to even hear him over the noise of the battle.  He watched as the horse drew nearer to her.  He saw her grab a sword off the ground, roll onto her back, and hold the sword above herself.  The soldier's sword clanged against hers and Wade's hands slipped.  The soldier's sword reached her and she screamed.

Quinn couldn't tell from where he stood if she'd been stabbed or only grazed by the sword.  But Wade's arm dropped and she let her head rest on the ground.  "WADE!" Quinn screamed again.  She didn't move.

Quinn ran as fast as he could across the meadow, trying to reach Wade.  But suddenly the wind was knocked out of him and he plunged into the ground.  He'd been struck hard across his neck and back from behind.  As his chin hit the ground, he managed to look towards where Wade was lying.  Brad rode along side her on his horse, and he reached down for her as he passed.  Wade lifted her arm and he grasped her wrist, pulling her up with him in one fast motion.

There was a red spot on Wade's side and she slumped limply over the saddle once on Brad's horse.  But she'd moved.  Quinn had seen her raise her arm - she was still alive.  But he still didn't know how badly she'd been hurt.

Quinn didn't have a chance to wonder about her anymore, though.  Or any of the others either.  He didn't even see what hit him, but a bolt of pain coursed through him and everything plunged into blackness.

-----

The water dripped down her arm as Maggie rung out a bandage, then washed it some more, trying to remove more of the blood from the cloth.  When she was satisfied, she rung the water from it again and placed it with the others.

The small group of them that had survived the battle had set up a new campsite near the river.  Maggie had offered to wash the blood-stained clothes and old bandages.  She'd wanted to get away from the camp.  All the wounded were being taken there.  The battlefield had been left littered with bodies, forgotten to the world - but not forgotten by Maggie.

All her military training and her instincts told her to not return to that place.  It was unsafe and put them all in danger.  But she and Jared had organized a few small groups and sent them back one at a time.  Since then, the camp had filled with injured and dying.  Every time a group went out, more people were brought back that needed medical help.

Maggie had taken control of the camp since Jared went back to the meadow each time, and she'd fallen into her old role as a military leader.  Tents had been set up and she'd assigned people to get the wounded there, care for those that were brought in injured and in pain, assess supplies, and others had been assigned to digging the shallow graves that would allow them to put the dead to rest with some dignity.

Maggie looked out across the river at the setting sun.  It was almost night fall.  No more groups would be sent out after she returned to camp.  She almost didn't want to ever go back.  All day she'd doctored the wounded as they were brought in.  She'd been the first to run out and lend a hand when a group returned.  But in her heart, she wasn't the calm and in control leader that she was pretending to be - she was scared and searching for her friends.

She put her face in her hands and cried for a moment as the darkness of night slowly fell on her.  Maggie never cried, it was something she was proud of, being able to control her emotions whatever the situation.  But this time was different.  Her whole life consisted of just four people now - and three of them were still out there.

Wade might be perfectly fine and safe with the group of people who'd broken off during the fight, but Maggie didn't know that for sure.  And as for Rembrandt and Quinn, she'd completely lost track of them in the fighting - all she knew was that they hadn't been brought back yet with the survivors, and she prayed that they wouldn't be brought back tomorrow with the dead.

Placing all the wash into her basket, Maggie finally headed back to camp.  The walk wasn't very long and she arrived back at the camp in less than fifteen minutes.  Arturo rushed over to her when he spotted her coming.

"The last group just got back a minute ago," he informed her.

Maggie looked intently at him with eyes that asked everything.  She didn't need to say a word.

Arturo's expression was hard for her to read.  Relief, disappointment, concern, worry... fear?  She waited for him to speak.  "They found Quinn," he told her.  "He was taken to tent 3."

"Oh god!" Maggie gasped.  She'd set up four tents.  Tent 1 was for the people who didn't need any medical attention or only had minor injuries, tent 2 for ones who'd been seriously wounded, tent 3 for critical wounded and dying, and tent 4 for the sad cases that died as they were being brought back.

"I only caught a glimpse of him," Arturo continued.  "But he looked pretty bloody and was carried in.  I was about to go help if there was no sign of you."

"Well, I'm back now, so let's both go," Maggie said as she tried to control her panic.  If Quinn was carried in, that meant one of two things: Quinn was unconscious, or he was so badly injured that he couldn't walk.  She wouldn't even consider the option that he'd died.

Arturo rested his hand on her back as they hurriedly made their way to tent 3, both saying silent prayers for Quinn.

They entered the tent and saw that Quinn had been laid down in one corner.  His jacket was covered with blood and he was unconscious, but nobody was helping him.  They were trying to save a different life first - Keith's.  Maggie watched them for a second.  Lydia and Jared knelt next to their brother, unable to do anything for him.  He was too badly injured.

Maggie would have tried to help them, but she knew that there was no hope for him.  She and Arturo needed to focus on Quinn.  They pulled their eyes from the sight of Lydia and Jared, even though they shared their pain, and hurried over to Quinn.

Maggie checked his pulse and found it strong and steady, which she thought odd from the amount of blood on him.  She quickly removed his jacket and pushed up his shirt.  "Where's the wound?!" she asked frantically, searching his skin.

Arturo placed a hand on her arm.  "He's fine," he said.

"What?"

"There's more blood on his coat than his shirt," Arturo explained.  "It's from somebody else."

Maggie ran her hands over Quinn's chest and sides again.  Arturo was right, he wasn't wounded.  She breathed a sigh of relief.

-----

The air was cold, and Wade tugged the fur up under her chin.  Hair tickled her nose and she sneezed, then opened her eyes.  She was outside, looking up at the stars and lying beside a campfire.  She shivered and pulled the fur up higher before realizing that it was animal skin that made her blanket.  She found it disgusting that an animal had to be killed to make a stupid blanket, but as she shivered again she decided that it wasn't that horribly bad.  Besides, she hadn't killed it.

Wade started to sit up so that she could move closer to the fire, but as she did so, a sharp pain ran through her side.  She leaned her head back down and took a few deep breaths.  When the pain was gone, she managed to adjust her position enough to allow her to get a good look at her side.  Her shirt had a long slice in it across the side of her waist, and the area around the hole was stained with blood.

She flinched as she pulled up her shirt.  Wade's side was bandaged with a white cloth that wrapped around her whole waist several times.  She tried to pull the bandage down in order to see how badly she was cut, but her attempt caused another rush of pain.  She moaned loudly.

"Hey!" Brad scolded her.  "Don't touch that!"

Wade was startled by his sudden appearance from behind her.  She jerked around towards his voice, but gasped in agony from the quick movement.

Brad sat down next to her.  "I'm sorry," he apologized.  "But you shouldn't mess with the bandage.  Hopefully you won't have a very noticeable scar."

"And my ankle," she asked.

Brad frowned.  "It's swollen quite badly and is at least fractured."

Wade nodded.  "Yeah, it hurts like hell."  She sighed.  "So where are we?"

"About ten of us made it to the forest," he told her.  "We are heading south to meet the Third or Fourth."

"What about my friends?"  She started to sit up again.

Brad placed a hand on her, keeping her down.  He pulled the fur back over her.  "You should sleep now.  Your friends are likely safe.  We will talk in the morning."

Wade wanted to press the subject, but decided it could wait until morning.  She was tired.  She said a few more words to Brad, then closed her eyes and left her drift to sleep.

-----

A wet cloth was being wiped across his back when Quinn awoke.  He was lying on his stomach, a position he didn't much care for.  He flinched as his back was touched again.  He opened his eyes and looked over at Maggie who was caring for him.

She gently caressed above his eye with the side of her hand, not touching his cheek like she normally would have.  "It's good to see you awake."

Quinn took in his surroundings.  He was in a tent, lying on a mat on the floor.  There was a soft light from outside.  He guessed that it was evening.  "What happened?" he asked.

"Looks like somebody struck you with a staff," remarked Maggie.  "You've got a nasty welt down your neck and back.  And I think a horse clipped your face.  There's a nice sized bruise on your cheek.  The hoof must not have gotten you very hard, luckily; your face is still in one piece.  You were just hit hard enough to knock you out for a long time."

"Not that long."  Quinn looked at the light coming from outside again.  "Just a few hours."

Maggie brushed his hair back with her fingers, pushing it from his forehead.  "Quinn, it's morning."

He sighed, then rolled onto his side and just looked at her for a moment.  "What happened to Wade?"

Maggie shook her head.  "I don't know.  But she should be safe.  I saw Brad take her.  She was bleeding, but it looked like a flesh wound.  They should be with the Third or Fourth section.  A group split off during the fight, so we figure they'll meet up with the others."

"Thank God," Quinn said with relief, but he noticed that Maggie seemed uneasy and became worried again.  "What's wrong?"

"I thought I might have lost all of you."  She rubbed her face with her hands.  Last night had been so hard.

He tried to sit up a bit.  "It's okay, Maggie.  I'm fine, and you said Wade is alright.  You didn't lose us."

"After the battle, all I had was Max," explained Maggie.  "The hours after it ended were almost unbearable.  We retreated, leaving all the fallen behind.  I sent groups back to check the meadow for survivors.  We'd basically left everyone behind for dead.  I didn't know if the searches would find many who were still alive."

She paused and looked at Quinn again.  "You were one of the ones who was left.  I looked for you in every group that came back.  I didn't know if you were even alive.  They finally brought you back last.  You were covered with blood and I thought you were dying.  I was so scared.  And the night was so long....  We lost Keith and Sahar, and a few others we knew.  And a lot we've never met.  I've just been so afraid until you woke up just now."

Quinn thought she looked about to cry.  "Hey, it's okay," he soothed, even though the news of Keith's death hit him fairly hard.

Maggie's bottom lip quivered.  "They said that they brought back probably everyone who wasn't dead."  She sniffed, trying to hold back her tears.  "We never found Remmy."

-----

The wind blew across the grass of the silent field.  The once beautiful meadow now lay covered in bodies.  The ground was wet with blood, making patches of mud in random places throughout the trampled grass.

Quinn sucked in his breath, as he shielded his eyes from the mid-morning sun, gazing upon the site of the battle.  This hadn't been the location of a fight.  It was a slaughter.

Lydia shook her head.  She had lost her brother because of this.  Jared put his arm around his sister, comforting her.  After a minute, she shook him off.  "We know they took prisoners," she said loudly, once again becoming strong and trying get through the day without falling apart.  Keith had given his life in this war, and she'd fight just as bravely for what they all believed in.  "They're probably headed to the coast to catch a slave ship.  Let's find their tracks and see if we can stop them before they sell our friends."

Nodding, Maggie followed her onto the battlefield.  The others walked along after them across the meadow, their group of 18 seeming so small.

Looking at all the bodies made Quinn sick to his stomach, yet he couldn't turn his head away.  He was searching for Rembrandt.  He cast a glance at Maggie then Arturo, and he knew that they were doing the same.  Quinn hoped they wouldn't find him.

Upon reaching the far side of the field, they all stopped.  The English army had obviously headed North.  All the tracks they'd found went in that direction, except for those of their own people who retreated to the Southwest.  Lydia became increasingly angry, as did Jared.  "Damn those bastards," he cursed.  "They're headed toward Zion."

"What's Zion?" Quinn asked.

"It's Kalin's city.  She was queen by birthright."  Lydia's hatred was clear in her voice.  "Until it fell to the English."

A look of understanding washed over Quinn's face.  Kalin was heir to a kingdom.

"I thought you said they were probably going to the coast," Maggie said.

"They aren't going to sell our friends," Jared stated coldly.  "They're going to execute them."

-----

As she opened her eyes, the first thing Kalin saw was stone.  She squinted and tried to focus in the dim light.  She was looking at the wall.  She rolled over and took in the room: damp, dark, and there was an unclean smell that came from unbathed flesh.  She shuddered as a rat scampered across the dirty floor.  Then she noticed that she wasn't alone.  "He lied to me," she said quietly.

Daniel walked over to her and placed a hand comfortingly on her arm.  "You couldn't have known."

Kalin got up and walked over to the cell's only reachable window.  She looked through the bars of the small opening down into a massive courtyard.  They were somewhere in the large wall of the city, probably above the gates.  Below was the entrance to the kingdom; across the shops and courtyard and some places that common residents would call homes, the steeple of the old church was visible, now no longer bearing the cross atop it; and beyond the wall on the other side of the small room, somewhere far down below that only other window, there would be the lake in which the city stood almost like a proud island.

Kalin sighed, not even needing to ask where they were.  She slowly turned back to the group of people who were in the cell with her - Daniel, Rembrandt, Ruth, Jadia, and Naomi.  "I am so sorry," she told them.

"Not your fault," Rembrandt said.  "What you did was brave."

"I was foolish," countered Kalin.  "I gave us to them.  I should have fought."

"Not a one of us blames you," Naomi said.  She was disgusted at being locked in a filthy prison, but she couldn't fault Kalin for it.

Kalin looked down at the floor.  "My army?"

Daniel shook his head.  "We do not know."

She put her face in her hands and was tempted to cry.  "How could they have known where we were?"  Her voice shook as she spoke.

"Perhaps 'twas a betrayal," Ruth said, casting her gaze at Rembrandt.

"Hey, I'm locked in here with the rest of you, aren't I?" Rembrandt objected.

Daniel also turned to face Rembrandt.  "That means little."

"No," Kalin firmly stated.  "If we were betrayed, 'twas not by the likes of him.  His tale is one that could not be a lie."  Had they not all seen the girl who looked exactly like her?

They were unable to debate it further as the door to their cell was opened by several guards.  A few of them entered the cell and grabbed Naomi, Ruth, and Jadia.

"Where are you taking them?" Kalin demanded.

"'Tis none of your concern, little girl," one of the guards told her.

Another guard laughed.  "They're going to stand trial."

"For what crime?" Kalin asked, outraged.

They didn't respond and turned to leave.  Kalin refused to let them just walk out.  "Whatever you charge them with, you charge me as well.  I stand with my friends."

One of the guards struck her and she fell to the floor.  "You don't stand at all unless it is ordered by the Queen."

Kalin glared at them.  "I am the Queen," she stated as Daniel and Rembrandt helped her up.

The door was slammed shut, and all that remained of the guards was the echo of their laughter in the hall.

-----

Searching the part of the meadow that had housed the tents, Quinn finally found the one he was looking for.  No longer standing, Kalin's tent was just a pile of cloth and wood on the ground.  Quinn bent down and began to work at clearing the area.

"What is it that you hope to find?" Lydia asked him.

Quinn didn't respond until he stood a moment later, holding the object of his search.  "This," he answered.

Lydia raised an eyebrow in puzzlement at the flag in his hands.  "And just what, pray tell, do we need with Kalin's banner?"

He didn't get a chance to answer before Maggie and Jared approached them.  "We managed to gather six of the horses," Maggie told them.

"Mark found a few saddles and bridles," Jared added.  "Arturo and the others are still searching for food and other supplies.  The situation appears hopefully."

Quinn nodded as he picked up a pole and re-attached the material of the banner to it.  "Then soon we'll be ready for battle."

-----

After they'd rested and had a meal, the group of eleven gathered in a circle to hold a meeting.

"I think we should go back and try to find any others who survived," Wade suggested.

Brad disagreed.  "We don't know if anyone else is still alive.  'Twould be foolish to return.  The English may still lay in wait for our return."

"No," Wade said angrily.  "They are still alive!  Some of them must be.  We go back, and we find them."

Paul shook his head.  "We'd be best to continue south and seek the Third or Fourth," he sided with Brad.  "Then, God willing, we can search for Kalin and any survivors of the ambush."

Defeated and with an anonymous vote against her, Wade reluctantly agreed.  They'd find help, and then she had less than a week to find her friends and slide off this world.

-----

"Are you insane?!" Maggie asked Quinn after they'd all gathered in one of tents that remained standing.  "We're going to attack an entire kingdom with 18 men and six horses!"

Quinn's serious expression didn't waver.  "Where's the Fifth Legion?" he asked.

"The Fifth is in shambles," Mark stated.  "'Tis only 20 men with no leader."

Jared was the only one who caught on to what Quinn had in mind.  "To the north, directly between us and Zion," he answered.

Quinn smiled.  "Then we've just doubled our number."

"Mr. Mallory?" Arturo queried.

Lydia also didn't understand.  "Without Kalin, why would they join us?"

Quinn's grin broadened.  "Because they'll follow me."

-----

"Well?"  Quinn looked to Maggie and Arturo as he finished adjusting the chain-mail.  He was now wearing the same clothes as the soldiers in Kalin's army.

"I still think you're an idiot," was Maggie's only reply.

Arturo agreed with her, but he chose his wording more carefully.  "Impersonating your double is a dangerous thing, Mr. Mallory."

Quinn was all too aware of that fact, but he pushed his fear aside.  "It's the only way to get Remmy back."

Maggie let out a long breath.  "Okay," she sighed.  "Let's go."

-----

Hands tied, Naomi, Ruth, and Jadia stood on the platform in the large courtyard, defiantly facing those who would soon accuse them with false charges.  Around them was gathered most of the citizens of Zion.  A trial such as this was a rare occurrence.  Pickpockets were often hung without much in the way of fancy proceedings.  But today, today there was to be a trial.  And rumors were circulating quickly.

A hush fell over the crowd as William stood.  He made a show of slowly walking to stand before the three prisoners, reveling in his new status of Sir.  He'd been knighted by the Queen for his delivery of the traitor Kalin.

He cleared his throat and unrolled the scroll that was in his hand.  "By orders of the Queen, you three are charged with blasphemy, mutiny, and the crime of practicing witchcraft.  All punishable by death," he declared loudly.  "How do you respond?"

"We are guilty of no such crimes," Ruth practically shouted.

"So you deny refusing to worship the gods of England?" William asked.

"I will not be forced to bow before any false god," Ruth replied.  "I worship only one God!"

"Such practice is forbidden by our Queen."

"Your Queen is a fool," somebody in the crowd shouted.  "The true Queen is held in your prison!"

At this, gasps and murmurs spread through the onlookers.  William frowned as hushed whispers of the name "Kalin" still reached his ears.  He turned to face the largest section of spectators.  "Even now they use witchcraft to spread their blasphemy!"

The man who'd spoken could now be seen amidst the mass of people.  He was quickly drawing attention to himself.  "I speak of my own free will.  You only claim 'tis blasphemy because you are afraid to admit the truth!"

A few other voices joined his, threatening to start a riot.  William motioned to his guards and they moved to seize the offending few.

From far back in the crowd, a boy of sixteen watched in silence.  He knew the stories of Kalin - everyone did.  These people were mostly French, once free and now oppressed in their own city, practically prisoners behind their own walls.  Yet none would speak.  And as he lost track of the few who had, he knew why.  It was the same reason he wouldn't stand against the new Queen.  To do so would mean death, and he wasn't eager to join those that were being lead away by the guards.

Jordan turned and walked away.  Today there would be silence.  Tonight there would be secret meetings and whispers in the dark.

-----

After traveling into the night, Quinn finally got a glimpse of *his* legion as they found the camp of the Fifth.  But no sooner had they arrived than they suddenly discovered themselves in a very tense situation.

"You are dead," a man said, holding a sword to Quinn.

Quinn quickly drew his own sword and put the tip to the man's throat, mirroring his position.  "Apparently, I'm not."

Many other hands instantly rested on their own weapons, ready to defend their leaders in the blink of an eye.

"I think we've gotten off on the wrong foot here..." Maggie tried to diffuse the stalemate before it blew up in their faces, and with very uneven odds.  Favoring the wrong side.

Jared, who was behind the other man, mouthed the name "John" to Quinn.  Nobody else saw his action.

Quinn wasn't sure he understood, but he was getting tired of having swords pointed at him.  He decided to take a chance and slowly spoke.  "I didn't come seeking a quarrel, John," he began.  "I'm here to ask for your help.  Lady Kalin, along with a few others, is being held prisoner by the English."

Quinn regarded his new opponent for a moment before eventually tossing down his sword, hoping his faith wasn't misplaced.  He was gambling a lot with that sign of good will, placing the next move in the hands of the man he seriously prayed was John.

A minute dragged by before John sheathed his sword.  "You plan to rescue her?" he asked Quinn.

Quinn nodded, relieved at the disperse of tension in the air.  The rest of the men also seemed more at ease.  He looked back to John again.  "I plan to takeover a kingdom."

-----

Footfalls could be heard in the corridor outside their cell, waking the sleeping occupants.  Naomi shuddered.  "They're coming back."

Kalin, who'd been awake since the first crack of light had touched the cell's window, stood as the sound drew nearer.  She withdrew a letter from her cloak and handed it to Rembrandt who was closest to her.  "See that this gets delivered," she requested quickly.

Rembrandt looked at the folded piece of paper.  It was addressed in French and sealed with a circle of wax that bore an intricate symbol.  He raised an eyebrow questioningly at Kalin.  "Why can't you--"

"Your fate is a different one than mine," said Kalin as she turned to face the cell door.

Rembrandt slipped the letter into his jacket as the door was opened, revealing Sir William.  He stepped in front of Kalin.  "Your majesty," he mock bowed, "it appears as though you are to have your wish."

"And what wish would that be, William?" Kalin asked, knowing full well that he'd been knighted but purposely not acknowledging it by refusing to call him Sir.

He cast her a sharp look at the display of disrespect, then he motioned for the guards to take her and the other women.  "You're to stand trial along with your friends."

As she was shoved in the back, forcing her to walk, Kalin still stood straight and kept her dignity.  She shrugged off the guards and walked defiantly on her own, determined to face whatever lay ahead bravely.  Although she had to fight back a tremble at the look Sir William gave her as he slammed the cell door shut.  The loud clang seemed to have a certain finality to it as it echoed through the hall.

Stepping down the stairs, Kalin had feeling that she wouldn't be coming back.

-----

At midday, Brad called for a break.  Wade gladly accepted the chance to sit down; her ankle was throbbing from walking on it.  She'd let Matthew ride the horse since he was more seriously injured than herself.

Brad sat next to her as she pulled off her shoe.  "I can hardly believe you're walking on that foot."

Wade glanced over at him.  "It's not that bad," she replied before grimacing in pain.  Maybe it was that bad.  She sighed.  It could have been worse.  If she was careful, she could still walk, although the pain was starting to really get to her.

"You're much like Kalin."  Brad grinned at her.

Wade smiled back at him.  "Thanks."

"We should meet with the Third soon," stated Brad.

"'Bout time," Wade replied with relief.  She wasn't happy about the thought of much more walking.

After simply relaxing for a moment, Wade turned to Brad again.  "How long have you been involved in this war?" she asked him.

"Far too long," he answered.  "Sometimes I feel like 'tis never going to end."

"It will," Wade told him positively.  "I know you'll win.  It's God's will.  I can feel it."

Brad couldn't help but smile again at her optimistic outlook.  "You're so certain."

Wade gave a little nod.  "Yep.  You're on the right side."

Brad just raised an eyebrow at her, then he got up and walked away.

-----

As they were marched to the recently constructed stage in the center of the courtyard, guards had to walk alongside Kalin to keep the flocks of people back.

Amongst the large crowd, many different voices rang out.  Some shouted that Kalin should be set free, and others cursed the soldiers and guards.  Some of the English residents loudly proclaimed that the four women were indeed witches.  However, the yells instantly silenced as the proceedings began.

Kalin remained firm during the next hour, and Sir William grew annoyed with her.  A few people murmured that he was a fool and should release the prisoners.  This angered him further, and he turned to Naomi, Ruth, and Jadia.  "If any one of you decide to testify against Kalin, you'll be given your freedom."

His offer shocked Kalin.  She glanced at her friends.  Ruth stood defiantly, Jadia simply lowered her head and refused to face him, and Naomi trembled with nervousness at the thought of their fate.

"You will all be put to death for your crimes then!" Sir William shouted.

"What right do you have?" Kalin protested.  "You've proven nothing!"

He shrugged.  "What more proof do I need?"

"You cannot do this!" Ruth yelled.

Naomi finally broke down.  "Kalin is guilty," she said.

Sir William smiled.  His plan had worked, and he now had the proof he required.  He'd scared one of them into a false confession.  "What was that?" he asked Naomi.

Out of fear, Naomi forced herself to speak louder.  "Kalin is guilty of all crimes."  Her voice cracked slightly as she spoke.

Kalin stared at her in disbelief, yet remained silent.  Ruth angrily shouted, "Traitor!"  Jadia cried silently.

"And what of the two men?" Sir William inquired.

A tear ran down Naomi's face as she replied, "They're guilty as well."  Then she cried as she watched while her friends were sentenced to be burned at the steak.

-----

Daniel flinched as he turned away from the cell's window.  Rembrandt wondered what was going on.  Daniel hadn't left that window for the past two hours.

A faint sound of shouting could be heard, and Rembrandt knew that a great many people must be yelling in order for their voices to carry all the way to the outer wall of the city.  He stood and dared to glance out the window himself.

Smoke could clearly be seen rising from the courtyard.

-----

"Kalin est mort," Sir William informed the queen of Kalin's death later that afternoon.

She nodded her approval.  "Et son corps?"

"M'Lady?"  William didn't understand why she'd queried about the bodies.

"Je souhaite faire un exemple d'elle," she stated coldly, seeking to make some kind of example out of the dead women.

-----

Following the river north, Jared guessed that they'd reach Zion by nightfall.  They only had an hour or so's journey still ahead of them.  He caught up to Quinn and was about to ask him if they should make camp for the night here, well out of sight of any English soldiers who might leave the city.

They were interrupted by shouts from up ahead.  Quinn cast glances at Maggie and Arturo, then he and Jared ran to meet John and the other two men who were walking in front of the group.

When Quinn spotted the men, he quickly called to them, asking what was going on.

Luke ran up to Quinn and Jared.  He pointed to the river as he caught his breath.  "You need to see this."

Casting each other concerned looks, Jared and Quinn headed towards the river.  When they were past the trees, Quinn immediately saw the bodies.  Jared waded into the shallow water and over to them.  Quinn followed.

"What kind of barbarians are we dealing with?" Jared asked, stunned and disgusted.

The two bodies had obviously just been tossed in the river.  There was no respect whatsoever for the dead.

John approached them from upriver.  He gazed sadly at Quinn.  "Quinten, there's... another one."  He tilted his head in the direction he'd come.

Quinn quickly went with John, his feet sending up sprays of water as he hurried.  When he saw what John had been talking about, he tripped and fell to his knees.  Quinn simply sat in the water, suddenly feeling sick.

Two large pieces of wood had been stabbed into ground.  They were crossed and tied together to form an X.  Tied to the wood was Kalin's lifeless body.

Quinn thought he heard John mumble condolences, but he wasn't sure.  He just watched as Jared walked over to her body.  It took Quinn a minute before he found his legs and was able to follow.

Jared touched the silver chain that was left around Kalin's neck.  His fingers gently slid down to the charm that hung from the necklace.  He shook his head sadly.

Quinn peered over his shoulder at Kalin's necklace.  He wondered why it had been left on her body.  The medallion bore an intricate and beautiful design.  "What is it?" Quinn asked Jared.

He looked up at Quinn.  "The symbol of Zion," he replied.

Quinn fell silent as they took Kalin's body down.  He removed his cloak and draped it around her.  Jared gave him a thankful look.

Still feeling weak from seeing Kalin - Wade's double - dead, Quinn closed his eyes for a moment, trying to make the image go away.  Not able to fight back the nausea anymore, Quinn suddenly ran away from the river and collapsed to his knees.  He placed his hand on a tree to steady himself, but then he bent over and became violently sick.

When he'd stopped vomiting, Quinn became aware of somebody placing a hand on his shoulder.  "You okay?" a soft voice asked.

Quinn wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, then turned to face Maggie.  Her expression was concerned.  Quinn slowly stood up, still using the tree to brace himself.  "I'm sorry," he mumbled.  "I just..."

"You're just human," Maggie finished.  She rubbed his arm comfortingly.

"How bad is it that right now all I want to care about are Wade and Remmy?" Quinn asked, feeling guilty.

"Right now I feel the same thing," added Maggie.  "But I know you'll still do what's right for these people.  It's who you are, Quinn."

She sounded like she meant that.  Quinn shrugged.  He wasn't so sure that he wasn't just acting out of a selfish need to find his friends.

Maggie put her arm around him.  "Come on," she said, leading him back towards the others.

Arturo, Jared, and John cast Quinn nervous looks when he returned.  He nodded that he was alright.

John cleared his throat.  "'Twas a warning.  They'll be expecting us."

"We should make camp," Jared suggested.

Quinn disagreed.  "No, we won't be scared off.  They won't keep the others alive for long.  We push ahead."

-----

As twilight settled over Zion, Naomi ducked into an alley between the shops and sat against the wall.  They'd actually let her go - alone and with absolutely nothing, but they'd kept their word.

She curled her knees to her chest and shivered.  She pulled her arms tighter around herself, still clutching the knife she'd stolen.  She remained that way as darkness fell, unable to close her eyes.  But she wasn't as afraid of the countless dangers that lurked in the large city as she was of the nightmares that sleep would bring.

With each blink, she could see the faces of her friends, hear their cries.  She'd betrayed them... killed them.  She fiercely rubbed the tears from her face before wrapping her arms back around herself.  Kalin would have never betrayed her.  How could she have testified against her?

And the consequences of her actions weren't yet over.  Tomorrow, Daniel and Rembrandt would be hung from the neck until dead.  Naomi shuddered again as Sir William's words played through her mind.

At the sound of footsteps, Naomi's head jerked up.  Basked in shadows, a lone figure stood across the alley.  She jumped to her feet and held the knife in front of her.

The figure stepped forward, and Naomi saw the young man.  Little more than a boy, he calmly approached her.  "That knife belonged to my father," Jordan told her.  "I'd really hate to die by it."

So he was the one she'd stolen it from.  Naomi lowered her hand slightly.  "I'd more likely kill myself than injure you," she replied.

"You were one of the First?" Jordan asked.

She nodded slightly.  "Yes, but I am a traitor to them now."

Jordan glanced at the knife which she'd raised again.  "I thought we'd made agreement that you shant be using that."

"Would only be in self defense," responded Naomi.

"I won't harm you."  Jordan carefully watched the frightened girl.

She hesitated.  "Why wouldn't you wish it?" she asked.

He shrugged.  "You've done nothing that most in your place would not have done."

"I betrayed friends," she almost yelled.  "I deserve to die!"

"But you lived.  Do not disgrace your friends further by taking your own life."  He held out his hand for the knife.

Naomi reluctantly placed the knife in his palm.  He tucked it in the edge of his pants, then he held out his hand again, this time seeking hers.

-----

The gentle glow of fires was a very welcome sight to Wade as she and the small group made their way to the camp of the Third Legion.  Her ankle throbbed and she could use a good meal and nice place to sleep.  She never thought she'd miss the Dominion quite so much.

A man approached them, and Brad walked forward to meet him.  Seeing his face in the illumination caused by a full moon, Brad smiled.  "Caleb, my friend.  'Tis good to see you."

Caleb returned his smile before it became a frown.  He looked over at Wade.  "Is Kalin injured?"

Brad sighed.  "Her name is Wade, yet the resemblance is striking."  He paused.  "Come, take us to Thomas.  We have urgent matters to discus."

-----

Once in the moors that surrounded the city of Zion, Quinn called for a stop.  He offered to scout ahead with a few people.  Luke objected to Quinn's going, not wanting to chance putting their leader at risk.  Quinn reluctantly agreed, and he, Maggie, and Jared went instead.

Quinn waited with John for their return, which was over an hour later.  And they didn't bring good news.

"There's no way we're getting in there," Maggie informed them.

"The gates are well guarded; no one will be allowed pass," continued Luke.

Jared's face was creased with lines of worry as he frowned.  "If we attack, we must do so from outside.  And we have no way of even approaching the prison before our friends are put to death."

Quinn didn't like the sound of this.  They needed to be inside those walls.  Then something tugged at the back of his mind.  A long shot, but worth investigating.  He looked at the others.  "Can any of you read French?"

-----

Quinn handed the parchment to Lydia.  Jared had informed him that, although he could only speak French, Kalin had taught his sister to read and write it almost fluently, which was much better than Quinn's ability to pick out only a word here or there.

"You took this from Kalin's tent?" Lydia asked Quinn.  He nodded.  "'Tis a story I've never read."

She paused, and Maggie and Quinn waited for her to continue.

Lydia sighed.  "Most in Zion know about this.  Some say 'tis a prophecy."  She looked questioningly at Quinn.  "It speaks of miracles and angels."

"What does it say exactly?" Quinn asked.

"Um, a group of travelers are forced to fight, and draw up arms to save a kingdom," she began, hesitating on a couple words.  "Comme des anges... As angels, they enter the city; the moon shall become dark as though blood to hide their entrance."

She glanced at Quinn before continuing to read.  "It goes on to say that from inside the fortress, a rebellion rises up, and a new nation is born free from the ashes.  And when a great leader twice becomes a martyr, then all of France shall stand united."

Jared looked at the three of them.  "That copy was with Quinten when he died," he told them.  "He found it in the Church in Zion.  Nobody knows who wrote it."

Maggie didn't understand Quinn's fascination with it.  "Yeah, that's a great story," she said.  "But I don't see how that helps us."

Quinn returned his gaze to Lydia again.  "And angels can soar over walls."  He grinned, then spoke to Jared.  "Tell John to gather a few who are willing to enter Zion.  No heavyset men, and preferably strong."

They all watched Quinn in amusement as he licked his finger then held it up to test the breeze and smiled.  "The wind blows from the south, so have them head for the open moors.  Find the highest point against the horizon and I'll meet them at that hill.  Of course, we will need a few supplies."

Maggie raised an eyebrow at his curious behavior.  "Do I want to ask what you're planning?"

"Perhaps not," he stated seriously.  Then he touched the side of her face and looked into her eyes.  "Maggie, I can't ask you to do this with me, but I have to."

He paused as she looked at him.  She knew he was planning something dangerous, and his eyes betrayed that he didn't expect for everyone to get back alive.

"Say no, and I'll understand," he told her, then smiled at the trust in her eyes.  "But, Maggie... you're looking very angelic tonight."

-----

Quinn tied the two rods together at one end, then propped them and secured a crossbeam halfway down, forming a frame in the shape of an 'A.'  He looked over at the two similar frames that were being constructed.  Lydia and Mark would be joining him.

He took a moment to wonder where Maggie was.  He'd been sure she'd go with him.  But he could understand why she wasn't there.  He was asking for something she couldn't give.  This went beyond trust or loyalty.

Quinn sighed and continued his work, aided by the glow of the full moon.  He shuddered as a gust of wind brought a chill over him.  That wind must hold, or all hope was gone.

Three more poles were suddenly dropped on the ground beside him, and Quinn looked up.  Maggie stood there.  "Need one more?"

Quinn smiled broadly, noticing how she'd changed into common clothes.  Her hair was also braided back in a similar fashion to Lydia's.  She'd be going with them after all.  "There's always a spot open for you, Maggie," he told her.  But then his expression changed to one of concern.  "You're sure about this?"

She hesitated as she noticed his change of clothes also.  The chain mail was gone, and none of them carried a sword.  They'd be going in unprotected.  She shrugged off the uneasy feeling that hung over her.  "Yeah, of course," she answered.

Quinn reached out and touched her arm before testing the strength of his frame and then walking over to where the others had spread large cloths across the grass.

Lydia had already begun to weave one of the sheets of cloth to her frame, stitching it tightly with a needle and thread.

"Don't rush things," Quinn called to her, Mark, and Maggie.  He didn't need to worry about his voice reaching the night watchmen.  This far from the walls, all sounds would be swept up in the wind before traveling close to range of any ears other than theirs.  "Make sure everything is strong and secure."

Quinn got another chill as the wind grew stronger, causing him to shiver.  He looked toward Zion once more.  Large and imposing, it was a mighty fortress, threatening in its strange beauty.  And in a couple short hours, the four of them would be attempting to reach beyond those massive walls.

-----

"We cannot go with you," Thomas told Brad, Wade, and Paul.  "About 100 of the English lie in wait beyond the hills about a day's journey.  There soon will be a war waged here."

Wade got up from where she'd been sitting quietly, resting her ankle while observing the conversation.  "You guys are overlooking the obvious," she finally blurted.  "Thomas, your men are far outnumbered.  And we have injured people.  Plus, we're camped in a valley, and I think I know enough about battles to realize that we could be blocked in at any time, and remaining here is futile if not suicidal."

She paused, wondering if she'd overstepped her place.  Besides, what did an average college girl from another dimension know about fighting wars on strange and unknown worlds?  But, too late to back out now - might as well speak her mind.

"We should try to find Kalin and the others," Wade continued.  "Together, we might actually stand a chance."

Paul frowned.  "A good strategy, but what of Matthew, or the rest of us for that matter?" he asked.  "We need to rest, and any journey now would be useless with the English upon us by the morrow."

"He's right," Brad agreed.  "At first light, we should leave this valley and take a stance from wence we can fight."

Wade didn't like this idea at all.  She rubbed her temples to ease her growing headache.  There was no hope of retreat, surrender wasn't an option, and to fight would surely mean defeat.  She'd seen this situation enough times in movies to know that the odds were impossible....  Or were they?

Wade's eyes suddenly sparkled with excitement as an idea formed in her mind.  "I've got a plan," she said, and then started telling Thomas of how they could win this war, just like as seen on TV.

-----

Running his hand over the dark cloth, Quinn stopped once more to test the leather straps that had been attached to the cross beam of the large frame.  "Do I dare even attempt this?" he whispered to himself.

Jared watched him for a moment before approaching.  Quinn appeared so deep in thought.  "Everything is ready as you've asked," he finally said to Quinn.

Quinn stood up as Jared handed a sack to him.  He still held three others.  Quinn quickly checked the thin twine cord and grappling hook.  He nodded.  The twine would be long enough, and plenty strong.  "And the other ropes?  You've tied knots every ten feet?" he asked Jared.

He nodded.  "John is making sure the steaks will hold; we'll guard them the entire time.  And the distance to the walls has been carefully paced.  Arturo has checked the calculations you gave him.  All is in order."

Quinn took a deep breath.  The winds still held steady.  It was now or never.  "Alright, give those sacks to the others.  And make sure they each have a knife."

Jared left, and Quinn sought out John.  He found him and Arturo near the steaks.  Quinn looked at the long piles of twine rope, then his gaze met Arturo's.

"You're ready?" he asked Quinn.

"We will be shortly," he answered as Maggie joined them.  She had the sack tied securely to her belt on one side.  At the other side of her waist was a knife and a pair of gloves.

She glanced over at Luke, Jared, and Lydia who were walking towards them.  "We're ready now," she told Quinn.

He smiled awkwardly.  "I guess we'll be seeing you tomorrow, Professor."

Arturo drew Quinn into an embrace and patted him on the back.  "Be safe, my boy."

Quinn paused before handing him the timer.  "Just in case... find Wade and you two slide."

Maggie hugged Arturo next.  "Don't worry, I'll take care of him," she said about Quinn.

Arturo smiled at her.  "Good luck, Captain."

Quinn gave Arturo one last look, then turned to Maggie as they met Jared, Lydia, and Luke and headed back to four huge kites.  "You'll need to help tie the straps," Quinn told Jared as they walked.

A few others helped them with the task, and soon Quinn, Maggie, Luke, and Lydia were all lying down with the leather straps about their shoulders, leaving their hands free.

Jared finished securing Lydia's harness.  "You're certain about this?" he asked his sister.  "I can go instead."

"No," she objected.  "I'll be fine.  You need to stay with the army.  We'll signal you when it's time.  Until then, do not worry."

"I'll worry anyway," he confessed.  "But safe journey."

Quinn watched their exchange as he fastened one end of the rope to his leather belt.  The other end was tightly secured to one of the pegs that had been driven into the ground.  Quinn took hold near the other end once he was done.  The others had all done the same.

"Make sure you keep track of the knots," Quinn reminded his team.  "The wind will be in our faces, and our destination behind us.  The count of knots will be our only reference of distance - without it, we're completely blind."

Quinn looked at the men who were assisting them.  "Get us onto our feet, then stand clear.  The wind will do everything from there."

When the four were ready, their hands were taken and, with strong heaves from the others, they were lurched up so that they were standing.

Jared stood back as he'd been instructed.  He watched the four in awe.  "Comme des anges," he said with stunned intrigue.

-----

The wind instantly ripped at Maggie.  She held the twine with all her strength, keeping herself from being snatch up from the ground.  But a gust of wind suddenly pulled her upward.

Twine rushed through her hands, and she desperately counted knots as they slipped past her fingers.  The thick leather of the gloves made her task difficult, but she could already feel the heat from friction and was thankful for the protection.

She wondered about the others, but couldn't turn her head and look for them.  She also couldn't push back the loose hair that had come undone from her braid and now whipped at her face.  At the momentum which she was being whisked upward, twine sang through her fingers, and counting became her only focus.  She couldn't lose track or she'd be blind.  She needed to know her distance.  Too low and she'd be slammed into the massive castle walls.  Too high and her grapple wouldn't reach the ground to bring her down again.

But she wasn't up enough yet, so she kept counting.  And then she reached the mark, but twine kept being pulled through her hands.  She quickly looped the twine around her wrist.  The force at which she stopped made her hand feel like it was being ripped from her body, but she looped the cord several more times, holding herself in position.

It was only then that she dared to glance for the others.  But as she did, everything plunged into darkness.  Fear washed over Maggie as her mind whirled to figure out what had happened.  After a moment, she noticed that the moon was dark.  A lunar eclipse, and they were basked in the shadow of the umbra!

She looked at the dark moon for a brief while.  It was beautiful, and the darkness which covered it had a tiny bit of scarlet tint in it.  She'd never had the privilege of witnessing such an event before.

Her eyes adjusted slightly to the darkness, and she saw the others.  They were all safe.  Then she realized that their shadows were no longer being cast across the ground.  They were almost perfectly hidden from the guards below.  Maggie said a quick thank you to whatever, or whoever, was watching out for them.

Quinn was shouting something, but she couldn't make it out through the wind.  He seemed to realize this and began motioning with his free hand.  She nodded, even though she doubted he would notice the slight movement.

She reached into the sack at her waist.  It was time to drop the grappling hook.  She surged upwards as she released it, the loss of that extra weight taking her over the wall.  She grasped the thin twine with her free hand as the grapple struck the outside of the wall.

Maggie was still pulled upward as the grapple bounced off the wall.  She held her breath as it hit the wall again, finally finding a hold.  Her relief was fleeting as she set about her next task.  She quickly tied the twine to her belt, then removed the knife from her hip.  She almost dropped it, but then clung desperately to its edge with her gloved fingers.  She couldn't lose it!

Once she'd regained a firm grip, she started to saw at the thicker cord which still secured her to the peg so far away.  It snapped, and she jerked again slightly.  The relief on her arm wonderful as she dropped the rope and released it from her belt also.  Now there was just the thin twine and a grappling hook keeping her from being whisked away by the fierce winds.

Time to end this little joyride.  Twisting, she slashed the cloth.  Maggie quickly bobbed downward, cutting the sheet more as her descent slowed.  As she neared the ground, the crude gloves were quickly tossed away, freeing up her hands.  She loosened the straps of the harness, then tore longer slashes into the strong material, destroying her wings.

When she was almost upon the ground, she freed herself from the awkward frame, and it drifted off into the night.  Maggie rolled as she impacted with the ground.  Catching her breath, she shakily stood and looked around.  She was at the edge of the town center.  And she wasn't alone.

A girl, probably not much older than ten, was staring at her with wide eyes.  "You came from the sky," she gasped.

"Um, it's okay, I won't hurt you," Maggie quickly stammered.  "Don't be afraid."

"I've heard people talking," the girl said.  "The stories are true.  Angels have come to save us."  She rushed off down an alley.

"Hey, wait!" Maggie called after her, but the girl had already disappeared into the shadows.

Maggie turned and saw two more people across the courtyard.  She considered running, until she made them out to be Lydia and Luke.  She rushed to meet them.  "Are you alright?"

"Yes," Luke replied while pulling off his gloves.  "We're uninjured.  And yourself?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," answered Maggie.  "Where's Quinn?"

"Over here," he called from behind her.  He was across the courtyard and walking towards them.

Maggie quickly frowned.  Quinn was very noticeably limping, and he had his hand pressed against his thigh.  She ran over to him, as did Lydia and Luke.  "You're hurt," Maggie said when she reached him.

He shook his head.  "It's nothing.  Just a scratch I got getting off that building over there."

"You had to climb off the roof?" Maggie asked as she forced Quinn to sit down.

"Actually, I fell off," he answered before wincing in pain as Maggie pulled his hand away from the wound.

"Well, that explains how you got down so fast," she commented as she got out her lighter and used it to see better.  She wiped away some of the blood, and Quinn had to bite back his scream.  "It hurts?" Maggie asked with concern.

"It wouldn't if you'd quit touching it," Quinn replied as she moved her hand.  "Aw, damn it, Maggie!"

"This cut runs halfway to your knee," she said, still inspecting the gash.  "Take off your pants."

"Maggie!" Quinn hissed at her.

"I'm taking care of this whether you like it or not," she replied firmly.

Quinn batted her hands away.  "We don't have time for this.  I'm not bleeding very badly.  Let's move before we get unwanted guests."

Luke agreed with him.  "We could not have landed unnoticed."

Recalling the girl, Maggie reluctantly gave in and let Luke help Quinn to his feet.  He put an arm over Luke's shoulder thankfully.  He could use the support.

Then they started to walk.

-----

An hour later, Quinn, Maggie, Luke, and Lydia entered the back door of a small shop.  They'd been found by a boy named Jordan who claimed to be a friend.

Naomi stood as they entered.  "It is fortunate you found them first," she said to Jordan.  "You weren't followed?"  She glanced at the door.  "Rumors spread even as we speak, and the English search for intruders."

Lydia quickly hugged her.  "I feared that you were dead."

"I should be," Naomi responded quietly.

Luke put a hand on her arm.  "Do the English search outside the walls?"

"I don't believe so," Jordan answered.  "Why?"

Maggie helped Quinn sit, then he picked up the conversation.  "An army waits for our signal," he explained.

Jordan seemed impressed.  "And you four have come to free the prisoners?"

"Yes," replied Maggie.

The teenager nodded.  "Then we will have much work to do in the morn as they are to be hung at noon."

"We should do something tonight," Quinn suggested.

Jordan obviously didn't agree.  "You came here by a miracle I cannot understand, and 'tis wondrous strange.  Yet, from the looks of you, I gather 'twas no easy task.  You should rest."

"He's right, Quinn," Maggie added softly.  "There's nothing we can do tonight, and you're injured."

Quinn sighed dejectedly.  But he'd be ready to leave at first light.

-----

Working by the light of a single candle, Maggie cleaned the cut on Quinn's thigh.  He complained, but she decided that the actual wound wasn't as bad as it looked.

"There's something wrong with this place, Maggie," he commented as she began to bandage the cut.

She looked up from her task and studied his face in the shadows caused by the flicker of candle light.

"We walked through all the stores on our way here, right?" he continued.  She nodded.  "Didn't something seem strange to you?"

"I'm not sure what you're getting at, Quinn," she confessed.

"I'm not either,” he relented.  "But shouldn't a city of this size have a blacksmith?"

"I suppose so," answered Maggie.

Quinn frowned.  "I don't recall seeing one.  It's been bothering me."  He adjusted his position, and Maggie placed a hand on his knee to keep him from ruining her work.  "And the people are mostly French... oppressed in their own city since its fall to the English."

Maggie sighed.  "Quinn, your mind is going places that I can't keep up with."

"You're military, Maggie, think about it," he prodded, working it out in his head as he spoke.  "What better way to keep people from rising up against you than to deny them of weapons?  Without a blacksmith..."

Maggie finally caught on to what he was getting at.  "These people are practically being held captive."

-----

Wade stood at the edge of the valley and surveyed the camp in the early morning light.  Tents were still up, possessions scattered about, and a few fires were slowly dying after the cold night.  Wade moved her gaze to the horses.  She hoped nothing would happen to them.  She debated once more over her decision to leave them there.

No, she'd done the right thing.  The horses were safe along the edge of the sleepy camp.  It was the camp that wasn't safe.  Already an army moved in on it, poised to attack within a couple more hours.

She took a deep breath and then headed back down into the valley.  She was to meet Thomas and Brad at the tents.  Then they'd wait for the intruding danger.

-----

Quinn woke as Jordan entered the small building.  Everyone else was already up.  Quinn stretched as he watched the boy place a few sacks on the table, then he got up and joined the others.

Jordan smiled at him.  "Things are already well underway," he told Quinn.

Quinn had no idea as to what exactly was going on, but at least they were getting an early start on the day.

Jordan began removing food from the sacks.  "Queen Margaret should be taking her usual morning stroll through the garden in around one hour," he continued.  "Perhaps would be a good opportunity to... talk with her."

Quinn nodded.  "We can get to her?"

"I believe so," Jordan answered.  "But if that fails, there is another plan.  Also, the people are ready for battle."

"You've spoken with the army outside?" questioned Quinn, not understanding.

"This city cannot be taken by an outside force," Jordan replied.  "It will fall from within.  And you have the means to accomplish that."

Maggie shared a look with Quinn, then turned her focus back to Jordan.  "We do?"

He eagerly nodded.  "Yes.  The town speaks of angels and impossible things.  You darkened the moon.  You've brought fear to the English, and to every else you've given hope.  All they need is a knight to guide them, and they will rise up."

Quinn noticed how the boy's eyes were on him.  "A knight?" he repeated.

Jordan smiled.  "Apparently your reputation precedes you."

-----

As a slight breeze ruffled her long skirt, Maggie caught herself actually having fun.  She was dressed up, strolling through a beautiful garden with an astonishing view of the palace.  They'd simply walked right by any guards.  After all, they were nobility, just out for some fresh morning air.

Her thoughts being drawn back to the task at hand, Maggie quickly dismissed any fairy tale fantasies that were running through her mind.  She went back to being annoyed.  She was wearing lace, silk, and lots of layers of it.  And she looked like such... a girl.  Not quite her idea of the proper attire for a military operation.

She held back a giggle as she glanced over at Quinn.  He actually looked rather sharp in all this get-up, though.  However, he appeared to be even more uncomfortable than herself.  Maggie considered asking Jordan where he'd gotten the clothes, but Quinn hadn't mentioned it, and they probably didn't want to know anyway.

The three quickly came to a stop as Jordan held out his hand.  He lowered his voice, and they proceeded to walk slowly so as not to draw attention to themselves.

"There she is," Jordan said, motioning to an immaculately dressed woman.

Quinn nodded.  He had to admit that she did stand out among the rest of the people who were out that morning.  "You two hang back," he instructed.  "I'll try to gain us an audience."

With that, Quinn broke off and headed over to the Queen.  Maggie and Jordan watched as he plucked a rose before approaching her.

"M'Lady," Quinn offered, extending her the rose.

Queen Margaret turned to look at him and gasped, obviously recognizing him.  Quinn had to hold back his own surprise, but he acted quickly before she could utter a word.  In a split second, Quinn had a knife against her side.

"My friends and I would like to talk with you," he told her, smiling and continuing a casual stroll.

She replied in French, and Quinn took a different approach.  He motioned to Maggie and Jordan then to the palace.  "Un mot en privé?" he requested, trying to recall the bit of French that he knew.

She cast him a dirty look but nodded and made no attempt to struggle as Maggie and Jordan joined them and they went inside.

-----

"What sort of cowards are you that you hide?" a voice called from the edge of the camp.

Thomas, Brad, and Wade slowly exited one of the tents.  As they'd planned, the English had completely cut off their exit from the valley.

Thomas stepped forward.  "I offer you a chance to surrender," he shouted.

Patrick, leader of the English, dismounted and approached the three.  He walked until they could talk without shouting, but came no closer.  "You are in no position to make demands.  As you can see, your camp is surrounded."

"A camp which is empty," Thomas added.  He raised his arm and waved it in the air.  At his signal, men exited the trees at the edge of the valley.  They took up positions that blocked in the English.

Brad laughed.  "'Tis still you who should surrender," he told Thomas.

"What are you saying?" he asked in surprise.

"Another fifty men stand behind your line," Patrick clarified.  "We are now on both sides of your pathetic legion."

"That isn't possible!" exclaimed Wade.

Brad shook his head.  "You still don't understand."  He pulled out his own knife and quickly slit Thomas' throat.  He fell to the ground, dead.

Wade put her hand over her mouth.  She shook her head.  "It was you," she said to Brad in disbelief.  He'd been the one all along.  Brad had easy communication with the other side while on scout missions, he'd had heavy influence over Kalin, and he'd been the only one with a horse during the first attack.  Wade couldn't believe she'd placed so much trust in their betrayer.  She should have known.

"Your God has betrayed you," Brad told Wade who had her face buried in her hands.

She looked up at him.  "He didn't betray us.  You betrayed him."

Patrick applauded.  "Such a touching scene," he mocked, then he walked up to Wade.  "Kalin, what a lovely catch."

"I am not," Wade started to explain, but then decided not to bother since he wasn't even listening.

"One last chance to surrender," Patrick told her.  "Say no, and you all die."

Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Wade relented and called for everyone to fall back and to lower their arms.

-----

Once inside the Queen's personal chamber, Quinn removed the blade from its position against her side.  "Ne criez pas," he warned her not to call for help.

She nodded and took off her elaborate cloak and placed it over a chair.  "Qu'avez-vous l'intention de faire avec moi?" she asked of their intentions.

Getting a good look at Margaret for the first time, Maggie let out a long groan.  "I don't believe this," she grumbled, staring at her double.

"Small world."  Quinn shrugged but grinned at Maggie.  Then he returned his attention to the Queen.  He hesitated for a moment.  "Can you speak French?" he asked Jordan.

The boy shook his head.  "I fear I cannot."

Quinn sighed, wishing he'd thought to bring Lydia along.  But they'd left her to put plan B into action if they were to fail here.
"Vous deviez pardoner les hommes qui sont condemners," he requested a pardon for their friends in not-so-fluent French.

"Et si je refuse?" Margaret snubbed him.

"Vous devez," insisted Quinn.

"Je ne va pas le faire."  She crossed her arms over her chest and glared defiantly.

Quinn had Jordan grab her.  He tilted his head towards Maggie.  "Alors elle va le faire."  He smiled as he informed her that she wasn't needed.

"Attendez, qu’est ce qui va arrivé à moi?" Margaret asked what their plans were for her as Maggie began to take her clothes.

Quinn tried to think, wishing he knew more French.  It was easier to make the few words he knew into actual sentences than it was to translate her words back into English.  "Vous parlez français?"

"Naturellement," she replied with annoyance.  "Tous les nobles parlent français."

"Alors vous apprendrez également à vivre selon la règle française."  Quinn ended the conversation.

Maggie was impressed.  "Rembrandt mentioned you spoke Latin one world, and now French, Quinn?"

"I don't actually speak either," he confessed.  "I just know a few words here and there."

Maggie grinned.  "You are such a dweeb."

Jordan cleared his throat, successfully getting their attention.

"You'd better change," Quinn said to Maggie.  She nodded.  "Oh, and remind me later that I owe Remmy ten bucks," he added.

"What for?"  Maggie raised her eyebrow at him.

Quinn tried to hide his grin.  "We're on a world without hair dye, and your double is most definitely a brunette."

Maggie gave him an annoyed look.

He glanced at her double again, then turned away.  "I owe Wade fifty," he mumbled.

-----

Lydia enter the prison.  She was carrying a sack of food.  The plan was for her to leave the food for Rembrandt and Daniel, but she knew the guards would eat it themselves.  That's why it was drugged.

She shivered as she walked up the steps.  She hated being alone, but Naomi might be recognized, Luke was rallying the people, and the others were attempting to get Daniel and Rembrandt pardoned.  It had been two hours since she'd heard from them.

As she entered the hallway which contained the cells, Rembrandt and Daniel were being led out.  "Why are they being moved?" Lydia asked the guards.

"These traitors are being hung," one of them answered.

"No," Lydia protested.  "That isn't suppose to happen yet!"

The guards pushed past her.  "There has been a change of plans."

Lydia didn't ask any more questions for fear of being arrested herself.  Instead, she just followed her friends as they were taken out.

-----

Quinn closed his eyes as the rope was adjusted to the right length.  He couldn't watch.  He subconsciously twisted his wrists, trying to loosen the ropes.  But they were tight and held firm, as did the binding around his ankles.

"I'm sorry," Maggie called from off to the side where she was being held.  "Can I help it that I'm no good at French?"

"Not your fault," Quinn replied, his eyes still shut.  He took a few deeps breaths.  Probably his last, he figured dejectedly.

The sound of footsteps on wood pounded in Quinn's ears as more people walked across the large platform.  He turned to look at them.

"Q-ball!"  Rembrandt actually seemed happy to see him.  "I hope this is part of your master plan."

"Sorry, Remmy," Quinn said.  They both knew that things weren't exactly looking good.

Rembrandt was forced to stand a few feet from Quinn, placing the four men in a line.  Quinn didn't want to think about the trap doors under their feet.  He felt so guilty for getting Jordan involved in this.

Time pasted quickly as they stood there.  Those were their last moments alive.  Quinn sighed.  He sure hadn't expected to die like this.

Voices were all just a blur as the proceedings ended.  This was it.

"It's been a fun trip," Rembrandt said to Quinn as a rope was placed around his neck.

Quinn could only nod before a noose was slipped over his own head.  Then it was tightened around his throat.
 
 

TO BE CONTINUED...