Introduction...

Arthur's mind floated in the void of the Camelotus book. He was frozen in time. The story was reeling him into it's world. In his unconscious mind, the life story of another him took place as if he was living in a reincarnated world.

Arthur's POV

"And that is why a King should be knowledgable about his kingdo-" my tutor slash nanny noticed that I wasn't paying much attention. She snatched the drawing from my desk. "A king does not doodle, Arthur..."

This is my nanny, MERYLIN GORMAND. But only I call her by her short name, MERLIN.

"I'm sorry Merlin, but I got bored." I've been sitting in this chair for three straight hours.
"Arthur, this is important." She rubbed her forehead.
"I know...I know. But can't you give me a break? I'm tired." We started the lesson at 8:00 AM. Had a lunch break then proceeded with the lesson afterwards.
"I am aware of that Arthur, but the deadline is coming soon. You must prepare or else you'll never retrieve your family's status. More importantly, the crown." Merlin went back to her position and started flipping through the next pages of her book.

You see, the PENDRAGON ROYAL FAMILY has been ruling CAMELOT since it's foundation. Our logo, the extinct CAMELOTUS FLOWER symbolized our family tree. Where all PENDRAGON royals ruled with a heart. That's what my dad always say. We treat the kingdom as if it's part of the family. Nobody is left behind. But times have changed. And the appointment of the Pope was a hindrance to the society.

The Pope had control over everyone and everything including appointing someone to be a King. My Mother and Father, the previous King and Queen, were murdered by rebels. Not one of my relatives survived. Only I and Merlin, who is my Mother's LADY IN WAITING, were left from the massacre.

The Pope is the only one who knows of my existence. Rules state that he can directly appoint me as the next King at the age of 16. I am pass that legal age yet I remain a peasant. This exam I'm studying for is a test for the pope to see that I am worthy of receiving my Father's status. Until then, the Pope is the one ruling Camelot at this time. So I must study to take back this Kingdom and to avenge my parents.

"I know Merlin. I believe that I can pass the exam. POPE HENDRICKSON will be surprised of my vaast knowledge." I assured her. "You should know that i am still a kid at heart. Just because I'm King, doesn't mean I cannot have fun anymore..." I tried to reason my way out of this lecture. Merlin look me straight in the eye and sighed.
"Alright, we may end this lecture early. You may go..." It didn't take long for me to run straight for the door.
"Arthur! Please be careful!" I know what she was referring to.
"I know...and I will. I'll be back before supper, Merlin." Grabbing my sword, I immediately ran out of Merlin's office room. The spiral stairway down from her tower was a challenge but the process was fun.

*****

Welcome to Camelot. I may be a King-in-training, but Pope Hendrickson allowed me to still live in the castle. I am given the disguise of a 'Castle Worker'. My room is on the other side of the castle while the other maids and butlers lived at the East Wing. To them, I am working as the wizard Merlin's SORCERER-IN-TRAINING. Yes, Merlin doesn't only teach me Kingly knowledge but also magic. A king must know everything...including how to fight. Sadly, Merlin cannot provide me the knowledge to wield a sword. So I did the next best thing...training with commoners and skilled swordsmen.

"Free at last!" I stretched my arms. Walking down the busy streets of Camelot was refreshing. I can see villagers going through with their personal lives. Some stores and shops are closing early. It is almost closing time, Children are coming back from school; and men and women heading out to enjoy the night shift.

As I neared the training field, familiar faces came into view. "HAUSER!...GRIAMORE!" I called out. Hauser was busy conjuring a powerful storm blast from his sword. Meanwhile, Griamore was focusing his magic into creating a strong force field to block Hauser's attack.

"This time! This time! I'm gonna break it!" Hauser kept forcing his way through the shield.
"Try me..." Griamore doubled the quality of the purple force field.

Upon hearing my shout, they saw me and stopped what they were doing. "ALTHER!" Hauser waved. I forgot to mention that no one in the Kingdom nor these two who I truly am.

Everyone refers to me as the commoner, ALTHER DRAGO.

I finally caught up to them. "What are you two getting so worked up about?" Griamore took out a flyer from his pocket.
"Alther, you better to read this..." I read the contents of the flyer.
"This fight is gonna be amazing! It's good to kick back and relax...and maybe kick some butt while we're at it." Hauser paraded in excitement.

"THE BYZEL ANNUAL FIGHT FESTIVAL huh?" I've heard about it multiple times in the past but was never able to compete since my class schedule got in the way.
"Are you gonna join or not?!" Hauser took the flyer. I was in deep thought. Will Merlin approve of me going this year?
"With that thinking face, I am guessing Miss Merylin will not allow you to come." Griamore stated. He got that right.
"With wizard training and magic class, I don't think I can attend. But I want to." I sighed. If Merlin agrees to this, it will mean a lot to me.
"Try asking her tonight. Do your chores, study in advance, clean her bookshelf...do anything. Get her in a good mood. She'll never say 'NO' if you do, Alther." Hauser says it like it's a piece of cake.
"Easier said than done..." I sighed yet again. "But, I'll try. Besides, this will be a perfect training session."
"That's the spirit!" Hauser did a rough bro tap behind my back.
"Now that is settled, let's start training.." Griamore said. He was one step ahead of us. Griamore conjured a massive shield. He tried to ambush us but I was quick on my feet to dodge the growing shield. Hauser wasn't lucky enough. He was trapped within Griamore's domain. For now, he can't use his magic until he gets out.

"No fair! You didn't give us a head start!" He complained. Griamore started giving him kicks and punches. The two were now engaged in a hand-to-hand combat.
"This is gonna be fun.." I set my sword aside and dived right into the dome.

*****

Later...

It was almost sundown, the tree of us were inhaling an exhaling deeply. I always do this everyday after Merlin's lectures. Training with the guys helps me grow stronger. Hauser and Griamore headed home while I headed back to the castle.

While walking alone, my mind drifted off to what Hauser said. "Maybe I should ask Merlin's permission..." I said.

'Ask me what?' Merlin's voice startled me. I took a look around but there was no one. 'Up here, Arthur...' I looked up to see a floating crystal ball. That was Merlin's way of communication.

"Merlin...I...well..." how do I say this?

'We will discuss that later. If you don't mind, please come to the castle quickly. Pope Hendrickson is asking fro your presence.' She announced. Fear struck in me. It must be serious. Pope Hendrickson would never call me unless it's something important.

"I'll be right there..." and with that, the floating crystal ball dissolved. I raced towards the castle like my life depended on it.

What could Pope Hendrickson want?

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I hope you enjoyed Chapter 1 of Camelotus everyone! Stay tuned for the next chapters. What happens in Byzel? What does Hendrickson want? All will be revealed.

FUN FACT: Merlin's surname GORMAND means GLUTTONY.