Lancelot was riding next to Arthur in front of the small caravan, made up by knights, Roman foot soldiers, Larcius and various carriages. Arthur had received orders to escort the son of the murdered Roman nobleman to Eburacum, from where he would be taken to Londinium, and finally back to Rome.

Suddenly Lancelot became aware of a horse and rider that were coming to ride on his left side. He was surprised to find it was Larcius. The Sarmatian felt even more confused when he witnessed the smiles that were exchanged between his commander and the young Roman, before Arthur pulled on his white stallion's reins and turned him around to inspect the rear of the caravan.

"Arthur said that I should talk with you," Larcius explained, recognizing the stunned look on the knight's face.

"Talk?" Lancelot echoed. "About what?"

"While you were gone from the fortress, I talked often with Arthur," Larcius began. "He made me see a lot of things that I never had thought about before. He made me see you and the other Sarmatians in a much clearer light. This might sound dumb, but before I came here, I never really thought about what it must mean to all of you to be dragged away from your family and your homeland, and be forced to serve Rome, all because of an agreement between Rome's leaders and your ancestors." Larcius paused briefly, and Lancelot nodded to him to encourage him to continue.

"Arthur told me about how you were taken from Sarmatia, and how you were treated when you first arrived in this country. Like dogs are used for hunting, you were used to fight Rome's battles, weren't you?" He briefly glanced at Lancelot who was listening intently. "Arthur told me about the right to be free, the right to make your own decisions. He told me about the round table, equality between men. It made me think. About Rome's ways and about the way you serve Arthur despite how Rome is forcing you to serve him. I've watched closely how Arthur and you, and the other knights as well, interact with one another. It's not about serving Rome anymore, is it? It's all about friendship now, isn't it? Maybe more even than that."

Lancelot smiled softly at Larcius. "Yes, it is. Arthur is my closest friend, and I consider all of them as my brothers. I would give my life for them."

Larcius nodded his head in understanding. "Arthur made you come alive for me. Forgive me for saying so, but at first I did think you had killed my father and mother, but now I know you never could have done something like that. There's something else Arthur said that I should tell you about."

Lancelot looked at the young Roman curiously.

"My father was a very powerful man in Rome. His family has been members of the senate for centuries." Lancelot could hear the grief in Larcius' voice. "I don't intend to keep silent about the murderer of my parents. I don't think my father's friends in Rome will be all too pleased to hear that the man who ordered his death is a Roman centurion." Larcius turned his head to face Lancelot again. "Arthur is right that the commander will never be tried for his crimes, but my father's friends should be able to arrange for him to be called back to Rome, and reduce his rank, maybe to something like foot soldier." Larcius grinned mischievously at the dark knight next to him.

Lancelot returned Larcius' grin with a bright smile, laughter shining in his eyes. He watched in surprise as Larcius drew his sword. Uncertain of what was going on, his own hand went up over his head instinctively to the hilt of one of his double blades.

"Now that I'm going back to Rome, I have no need for a sword anymore," Larcius continued. "My father only gave it to me for protection against the Woads." The sword in his hand was beautifully crafted, a piece of exquisite workmanship. "I'd guess it's about the same size and weight as your two swords are, don't you think?" He offered the sword to Lancelot.

Lancelot lowered his hand and took the sword from the young Roman, weighing it, examining it closely. "Yes, it is. It's a good sword."

"I would like you to have it," Larcius explained, his tone of voice genuine. He took the reins of his horse in both of his hands as he watched Lancelot's reaction. "And in case you ever lose another one of your own swords, then you'll at least have two left to fight with," he added, trying to suppress the laughter ringing in his voice.

Lancelot couldn't help but chuckle out loud. Larcius soon joined him

"Hey Lancey, are you sure the boy is safe with you?" Bors' boisterous voice interrupted. Suppressed laughter rose up behind Lancelot and Larcius.

Without turning around, Lancelot answered Bors. "I can promise you that you will not be safe from me this journey, Bors!" his tone threatening although laced with amusement.

The suppressed laughter increased in volume when all of them, including Arthur behind Lancelot, and Larcius next to him, laughed out loud.

Lancelot turned back to Larcius. "Thank you. I'll gladly accept the gift." He carefully sheathed the Roman sword in one of the sheaths hanging behind his saddle.

Galahad came to ride next to Lancelot on his other side. With a nod to Lancelot, Larcius held back his horse and left the two Sarmatians alone.

Galahad followed the young Roman warily with his eyes, before he focused on Lancelot. He watched the dark knight intensely, still feeling protective of the older knight. "What was that all about? Are you alright?"

Lancelot nodded slowly, internally smiling at Galahad's concern. "There might be some justice afterall," he answered as he looked over his shoulder to where Larcius was now talking with Arthur. Lancelot briefly caught Arthur's gaze, and the commander and his second in command shared a knowing smile. "It seems that Arthur is not the only decent Roman around."