The Saxons

Aurelius sat staring at his food, his hands folded in his lap. His hair was mostly tamed now with the exception of the side of his head where he had been resting it against his hand. I had to fight off a smile after noticing that, it made him appear childlike.

"The food is very nice." I said. I figured if I am going to be here a while I must learn to make the best of it, even if it does mean speaking with this questionable king.

He looked up at me, his eyes squinting a little. "Yes, I suppose it is." He exhaled rather loudly and poked at a grape. "I feel I must apologize for my actions earlier, it was unchivalrous of me."  He sighed again looking towards the doors across from him.

I wondered if he wants to leave as much as I do. "That's all right... You were just trying to protect Merlin."

He gazed over at me, eyebrows furrowed, "I... Yes, yes."

Suddenly the doors burst open, two guards came rushing in with great panic on their faces and sweat dripping from the tips of their hair. "Sire, the Saxons are just about across our border, they've killed four of our men already." They were both young, possibly younger than both Aurelius and Uther, how sad that they would have to risk their lives so young.... One stood tall, hair like a grizzly's reaching his shoulder, and the other had hair like straw, but with a hint of strawberries to it. Their faces seemed kind, but their panic and urgency over took them.

Aurelius stood up quickly. "I must go change at once, you two gather more forces, you can explain the rest on the way." The two nodded and ran off quickly; Aurelius turned to me. "I'm sorry, I'm sure you can find your way back, tell Merlin I will return in three days hence." And before I could say a word Aurelius was gone.