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Chapter One ; A New Start

Wind caressed my face as I halted my tall, graceful horse at the top of the hill. I patted the creature's pale neck gently, and then cast my eyes out to look upon the view. Finally, it seemed, I was nearing the end of my journey. After about two weeks worth of voyage, I could see the tall and beautiful castle of Camelot. This was my destination.

My name is Ava Redwood, and I'm twenty one years old. I had grown up as the countess' daughter, though I was adopted as a newborn baby. I never knew my parents, but didn't care about this – my mother and father could not have wanted me if they gave me away. And besides, I had had a happy childhood with Lady Eleanor in the castle of Merdrith, a few kingdoms away. I wouldn't have changed it for the world.

Whenever I had asked her about my real parents, Eleanor just dismissed it and got another conversation going, so after a while I gave up asking. Eleanor had always been a motherly figure to me, and had helped me through everything that life threw at me. Simply put, I owed her everything that I had. But that time had come, of course, when she had to let me go. She had said one day out of the blue, "You are old enough now to have a fresh new start." And so, with not much say on my part, I was packed up and sent on my way to Camelot. Eleanor and King Uther Pendragon were half cousins, and were very close, so Eleanor was sure that he would let me stay. Sure enough, after she had sent a letter to the King asking his permission, he replied with much acceptance. Eleanor was going to sent men to accompany me on the trek, but I had refused. I had always been very…responsible, able to take care of myself. After much discussion, it was to be decided that I was allowed to journey alone, although some knights of Camelot would meet me at the edge of the forest.

I was not your average princess. I was often addressed as a princess. I knew how to fight with a sword and knew archery. I had been taught all this kind of stuff at a young age. I was quite capable of looking after myself. So, with only my horse, Jade, and my swift-footed greyhound dog, Ben, I started out to discover her destiny. The sky was quickly darkening, and I automatically sped Jade up, determined to make Camelot by nightfall. My horse galloped over the hillside and soon made it to the edge of the forest.

A few knights of Camelot had been camping out since that morning, preparing for me to arrive that day sometime. I didn't take much longer than they had expected, and when they were just about to call it a night, one of the knights spotted a silhouette against the gloom of the setting sun. He shouted at his fellow knights, "I can see her!" And then, when I got closer they crowded around me with welcoming faces. "My lady! It is good to know that you have arrived safely." The knight commented. "We hope that you find yourself at home in Camelot."

"Thank you," I replied, and let the knight lead my horse through the forest and towards Camelot.

We arrived just after the sun had dipped below the horizon. One of the knights ran ahead to alert the King, and soon enough I was being led through the town that lay just before the grand castle. King Uther Pendragon met us at the entrance to the castle. Next to him stood tall and handsome himself, Arthur Pendragon, the Prince of Camelot and the heir to Camelot's throne. He had the looks, but from previous occasions I had come to see the man as a bit of a prat. He was fairly nice, but a bit unfair at times. Though what did I know? I'd only met him twice at feasts, although I had met his father a few more times than that.

Arthur helped me off my horse, which I was grateful for – I was beginning to feel the wrath of tiredness slowly sneaking up on me. A servant came along and told me that my horse would be in the stables should I need her, and my dog in the kennels. I didn't know where these places were – but I guessed I would learn soon enough – so I nodded my thanks and let the servant lead my animals away.

"Ah, Lady Ava," Uther greeted me with a tight embrace. "I trust that your journey was good?"

"It was, sire, though I am glad I have arrived now." I replied, smiling.

"Of course. Well, we are delighted to have you here. Make yourself at home – there will be a feast later celebrating your arrival."

I was touched to say the least. "Thank you, my Lord. I am honoured."

Then a slender, pretty lady with very long black hair made her way down the stairs that led up to the castle. "Sorry I'm late." She apologized swiftly before fixing her gaze on me. "You must be Ava. We've never met – I'm the Lady Morgana."

"Ava Redwood. It is nice to finally meet you at last." I replied, glad there was another female within the castle. I had heard a lot about the Lady Morgana.

"Morgana, please show Ava to her chambers so that she can prepare for the feast tonight. And take Arthur with you."

…

They led me through Camelot's halls. It was such a grand place – and so much bigger than the palace back at Merdrith. Morgana and Arthur promised me a tour tomorrow of the castle as a whole, but along the way to my chambers they pointed out a few places. We passed the knights training, and I marvelled at the way they moved their swords. I recognized the man who was commanding the knights as the same knight who had spoken to me when I had first met the group of them on the edge of the forest. "Nice work, Leon," Arthur patted him on the shoulder. "Thank you, sire." Leon replied, eyes fixed on the knights he was training.

"Do you command this lot usually?" I asked in disbelief as we walked away, even though I knew the answer.

"Of course." Arthur grinned at me. "It's my job to keep them in order. Sir Leon is my head knight, he takes charge if I'm away or cannot make a session."

I nodded, secretly impressed with the knights that Arthur trained, and secretly surprised too. But why was I surprised? The future king of Camelot was a great swordsman from what I had heard – and a few had commented that he was the best knight in the realm.

Finally we arrived at what would be my chambers. "Mine's just up the hall and up some stairs if you need me." Morgana told me as Arthur pushed the door open. I wandered inside, the King's ward closely shadowing me. I was amazed at this room – even this was grander than my room back at Merdrith. It was all red, and all around there were gold dragons – the symbol of Camelot – and gold linings everywhere you looked. It was quite beautiful.

"I'll send round my maidservant to help you prepare for the feast for tonight." Morgana said. "I'm sure Uther will appoint you a more permanent one tomorrow."

I smiled at her. "Thank you, Morgana."

"Don't mention it." She returned my smile and wandered out the door. Arthur cleared his throat. "Well… if you need anything, just ask."

I smiled at him too. "Thank you, Arthur. I really appreciate it." He nodded and walked out, closing the door behind him.

I sat myself down on the red and gold bed, gazing about the room. This was my new home now. The start to my new destiny - and I was anticipating what it might hold for me with bated breath.