Prologue
"Merlin, are the rooms ready for the visiting nobles?" recently crowned King Arthur demanded, his voice strained.
The dark haired servant following in his King's wake nodded wearily. He had been run off his feet for the past few days, readying the castle for Camelot's visiting ally.
The King felt a pang of sympathy for the young man jogging to stay by his side. It was unfair of him to ask so much of Merlin, but everything needed to be perfect. Camelot could not be seen as weak at any cost.
After a period of unrest in the Kingdom following his announcement to repeal the law against Magic, things were starting to wind down. Hopefully, the visitors would not notice the slight tension remaining in the air.
Both King and his servant, also known as the King's unofficial advisor, friend and Camelot's protector, entered the throne room, where a meeting had been called.
King Arthur wasted no time with meaningless pleasantries and got right down to business, something he was well known for.
"I want four knights riding in within the hour to meet with King Stephan and his entourage," Arthur stated. As always, who was going was up to the knights. Nothing was forced on them without it being critical to Camelot's protection.
Of the forty knights gathered in the room, at least half of them stepped forward, silently telling the King they wouldn't mind being put to the task.
King Arthur Pendragon breathed out a relieved sigh. Everything was going to be alright…
