It's an above average morning in Camelot. Not that I'd know; I've been stuck inside with all this paperwork. So fun! A knock at my door brought me out of my doldrums. "Enter."
Merlin entered, followed closely by an older woman. She had Merlin's eyes and dark hair. His mother?
"Sire," he said, and inclined his head. "This is my mother, Hunith. Mother, Prince Arthur." I was right, yeah I'm good.
"Your Highness," she said, and gave a small curtsey.
"Very lovely to meet you Hunith." I looked over at Merlin, pointedly. "I assume there is a reason he's brought you to meet me?"
"Yes, erm, I was just getting to that-"
"Merlin, dear, I'll explain. I was there after all," Hunith took over.
"Please sit down here," I indicated the table. "You look like you've walked all day."
"Two, actually," she said as we all took seats around the table.
"Please explain why you're here. I'm guessing it's not just to see your son," I smirked at Merlin and he smirked back.
"Well, you see, we've been gathering in the harvest and storing for winter. Just as it happens every year, this warlord, Kanen, rode in with his men to reap his part of our harvest. Which is most of it. He bullies and threatens us until he gets what he wants. Just before I left to come here, he killed a man and gave me this," at that she indicated a nasty bruise beneath her eye. Merlin bristled.
"Ealdor's in Cenred's kingdom, isn't it? I assume you've asked him for help."
"Oh yes. He doesn't care about the outlying villages. That's why I came here; to see if King Uther would help us."
"Hmmm," I said. "I can get you in to see my father, but I can't guarantee he'll help." I wish. I know bandits like Kanen. He'll keep on taking unless someone gives him a good reason to stop.
"Thank you, your Highness," she replied. Merlin turned her face so he could get a better look at her bruise. I'd like a crack at Kanen myself, for Hunith's sake. I can see where Merlin got his compassion from.
"Merlin, why don't you take your mother to see Gaius? See what he can do for her and take some time so she can rest. I'll send someone to fetch you when I've arranged your audience."
"Thank you Sire," he replied then helped his mother up and out the door to see the physician.
xxxXxxx
Finally the time arrived for Hunith's audience with Father. I stood on his left so I could easily clarify anything for him.
"The winters are unforgiving in Ealdor, and there are many children. Many won't be strong enough to survive. We hardly have enough food as it is, and if Kanen takes our harvest, our children won't live to see another summer. Please, we need your help," Hunith pled.
"Ealdor's in Cenred's kingdom. Your wellbeing is his duty," Father stated. A bit cold, I thought.
"We've sent pleas to our King, but he has little concern for outlying areas. You're our only hope."
"I have the utmost sympathy for you and would have this scum removed from the face of the earth."
"You'll help us?"
"I wish I could." What?
"Surely we can send a few men?" I asked. Nothing's happening here, for once.
"That is not the problem."
Morgana spoke up, "Then what is?" For once I'm glad she said what we're all thinking.
"Ealdor lies past the Ridge of Essetir. For a force from Camelot to march in would be an act of war." Technically that's true, I suppose. But there are other ways, surely.
Hunith dropped to her knees. "I know you're a just king, a kind man. I'm begging you, help us, please."
"The treaty we've made with Cenred took years to negotiate. I cannot risk hundreds of lives for the sake of one village. I'm afraid we cannot help." Is he serious? He's not even considering other options to help.
I saw Morgana glare at Father before escorting Hunith out. At least she can get away with that. I wish I could—Father is being very stubborn. I needed some air to think.
xxxXxxx
I'd ended up at the battlements, pretending to look over Camelot. But I was really pondering Hunith's situation. It just wasn't right, or even fair that we couldn't help her, especially since that rat Cenred won't do anything. Scum. I heard footsteps and Merlin came up to stand beside me. "I'm sorry. If it were up to me, we'd be on our way there now."
"You tried. And thank you for getting an audience with the King."
"I wish that Camelot was able to help others no matter how far away they lived."
"I'm going back to Ealdor."
"Of course." I'd expected that.
"It's been a privilege serving you." Wait, what? That sounded like a permanent goodbye.
I turned to look at him. "You're coming back." You'd better; that wasn't a question.
"Well, she's my mother. I have to take care of her before anyone else. You know?"
"I'd do just the same. Well, you've been awful. Really, I mean it. The worst servant I've ever had."
"Thank you, Sire." He turned and started walking away.
"Merlin," he turned. "Good luck."
I stood there a few minutes longer. I'm really going to miss him. Wait, what? Ugh! Now I need to find a new servant. Anyone is guaranteed to work harder than him. Aw, forget it! I wonder what Father would do if I followed them? I could go in disguise . . . surely one man in disguise couldn't be considered an invasion? Those farmers will need some kind of training to stand a chance . . . and with those kinds of thoughts whirling through my head I headed back to my chambers to plan and prepare.
xxxXxxx
I couldn't believe that Morgana and Guinevere had decided to go with Merlin and his mother. I knew Morgana was a force of nature and would help in some fashion, maybe with provisions. But she'd volunteered their aid as well as material goods. They now had a slightly better chance at success, but not really.
I waited an hour or so after they left to leave myself. I'd already explained to Father that I was going on an extended hunting trip. Now I'd have to remember to bring something back.
I caught up with them well after nightfall. They'd likely be asleep. I followed their tracks off the road and stopped the horse to walk the rest of the way to their camp. That's when I heard footsteps. I could see Merlin's tall form walking toward me through the mist. He'd heard the horse and gotten up. Good—he's not totally oblivious. He's carrying a sword? Oh great. Hopefully he won't impale himself with it. Still, I could have a bit of fun with him.
He turned around this way and that looking for the "intruder." When his back was turned I put my sword against his back. "I'd ask you for money, but I know you don't have any."
"Arthur!" he yelped. He whipped around and I had to duck as the sword swung near my head.
"Put the sword down, Merlin. You look absurd." I took his sword from him and we walked toward the camp, sitting at the campfire, which he stoked.
"How much further is it?"
"Er, maybe a few hours."
"How many men does Kanen have?"
"Erm, I don't know. I believe, from what my mother said, maybe as many as forty." Yikes.
"You should get some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be a long day."
"Thank you. Erm, I know you didn't have to come."
"Get some rest."
xxxXxxx
In the morning, we rose early and packed up quickly. The ladies didn't seem very surprised to see me there. I guess Morgana and Guinevere knew me pretty well by now.
Those last few hours seemed to pass quickly, and soon we could see Ealdor. All did not seem well though. People were running around frantically and thuggish men gave chase. Clearly Kanen had returned. As we got closer, I heard a villager yell, "No!"
I threw my sword into a post behind one of the bandits. As soon as I was close enough, I swung off my horse and retrieved the sword. I was immediately attacked. I heard the others ride up behind me and dismount, ready to engage bad guys.
"Kill them!" I heard one of the bandits yell. That's an order; he must be Kanen.
I could hear swords clanging around me. Good, the others must have engaged. Just then, a bandit came up behind me. Before I could react, Morgana was there to parry then kill him. Great, saved by a girl.
"Remind you of when I used to beat you?" That was mean.
"That never happened," I yelled back. Even if it was true I'd still deny it. Forever.
The bandits started fleeing. They hadn't expected anyone to fight back. Ha! I knew they'd return though. Kanen confirmed this when he yelled, "You'll pay for this with your lives! All of you!"
And with that cheery parting thought, I walked toward Morgana and Guinevere to make sure they were fine. The village elder walked up and introduced himself as Matthew. I introduced the three of us standing there then decided it was time to get things rolling here. I turned around, looking for Merlin, and found him talking with another villager, obviously a friend. "Merlin! Assemble the villagers; I need to talk to them."
"Yeah, in a minute. I'm just talking-"
"Now, Merlin. There isn't a lot of time." And this isn't social hour; there are lives on the line here.
"Yes, Sire."
Everyone gathered toward me and I straightened up to address them. "I've seen Kanen's type. He'll be back. And when he is, you must be ready for him. First of all, we have to prepare for-"
"Am I the only one questioning who the hell this is?" Merlin's friend was apparently cheeky, and rude enough to interrupt me. I decided to let that pass.
"I'm Prince Arthur of Camelot."
"Yeah, and, er, I'm Prince William of Ealdor," he scoffed.
"Settle down. He's here to help," Hunith interjected.
"But he's made things worse. Kanen will be back, and when he is, he'll want revenge. You've just signed our death warrants." Oh he's a regular optimist, that one.
Hunith raised her voice, "He saved Matthew's life!"
"That's okay, Hunith. This is his village. What would you have us do?" He knows better than an experienced warrior? Okay farmer, enlighten me.
"We can't fight Kanen. He has too many men."
"So what's another option?" Still waiting for that brilliant plan.
"Give him what he wants." The villagers shook their heads and started murmuring amongst themselves. They clearly didn't agree.
"Then what? Those of you who don't starve to death will face him again next year! And the year after that."
"We'll cope. We'll survive."
I heard many of the villagers saying things like "How?"
"The one way he can be stopped is by standing up to him." Stubborn young thing!
"No. You only want the pride and glory of battle! That's what moves men like you! Look, if you want to fight, then go home and endanger the lives of your own men, not ours!" Ouch. I wonder if there's something else behind this besides animosity at strangers.
He stomped away angrily. I heard Merlin say, "Will," then go after him.
After watching them, Hunith said, "I'm following you. If I'm to die, then I want to die fighting."
Mathew chimed in, "That goes for me, too."
Others echoed these sentiments, "You can count me in. I'm in. Me too! Yeah!" Well, at least the majority were with me. Hopefully they'd take to the training this easily.
xxxXxxx
We were all tucked in bed in Hunith's house. I could tell the ladies were asleep, but not Merlin. Maybe he had something on his mind.
"Have you always slept on the floor?" That was an interesting entrée, Arty. Mental slap.
"Yeah. The bed I've got in Camelot's lavish in comparison."
"Must've been hard."
"Mmm. It's like rock." Another mental slap.
"I didn't mean the ground. I meant, for you. It must've been tough."
"Mmm. Not really. I didn't know anything else. Life's simple out here. You eat what you grow and everyone works together. As long as you've got food to eat and a roof over your head, you're satisfied."
"Sounds . . . lovely." Not so much.
"You'd loathe it." Got that right.
"No doubt. Why'd you leave?"
"Stuff just . . . changed."
"How?" I stuck my foot in his face to wind him up a bit, "Come on, stop acting interesting. Tell me."
"I simply didn't fit in anymore. I wanted to discover somewhere that I did." Maybe, but it feels like there's more to it than that.
"Had any ideas?"
"I'm not sure yet." That sounds less than certain- I'll have to ponder that.
"We'll begin preparing the men tomorrow. It's gonna be a long day. Get the candle."
xxxXxxx
Training day! Hip hip hooray! Yeah, not so much. Hunith made us breakfast, but I found the gruel exceedingly plain and tasteless. I'd rather just get started with my day. To that end, I requested Merlin to help me dress and he came obediently to me. Unfortunately Morgana noticed.
"You haven't learned how to dress yourself?" She taunted.
"You don't have a dog and fetch the stick yourself. No offense, Merlin."
"None taken." Ha. I win again.
Hunith came over with my bowl of gruel. Oh no. "Prince Arthur, you didn't eat your breakfast."
"Didn't I?" I tried to sound surprised. I hope she bought it.
"Come on, eat up," Morgana said sarcastically. I pretended to take a bite.
"Mmmmm," I hummed, and handed the bowl to Guinevere. "Right. Let's get going. We need wood, and plenty of it."
"Of course," Merlin replied, rightly assuming the job was his.
And with that, we all headed outside to get to work.
xxxXxxx
I'd gathered the village men together for training. I lined them up facing one another, each with a sword or stick. They were doing all right with the fundamentals, but that's not what I was worried about.
"I won't be able to teach you everything there is to know about sword fighting, but you can learn the basics: the stance, how to parry a blow, how to land your own. On my count! One! Two! Three! Four!" I stopped them to make a new point, "Now, you may have to watch for the feint. So, keep your feet moving, and only stay in range long enough to land your blow. And again. One! Two! Three! Four!"
Morgana and Gwen watched the training as they sharpened swords. They almost looked like they were plotting something over there. Women. I turned back to the men.
"One! Two! Three! Four! Again. One! Two! Three!" I had an idea and walked over to the village elder, who looked to be struggling a bit. "Matthew. I want you to arrange sentry duty to keep an eye out for Kanen and his bandits."
"Be glad to."
"If there's any hint of a raid, I want you to come back here immediately. I don't want you fighting all by yourself."
"Ha-ha," he nodded and walked away.
A little later we took a break. I drew water from the well to drink and noticed Morgana and Guinevere approaching me.
"Looks like we've already fought and failed," Morgana said.
"They'll toughen up," I replied, glancing at the men. But would it happen before the battle?
"They have to," Gwen added.
"How are we doing for weapons?"
"There aren't a lot, but we should be able to gather what you need," Morgana answered.
"It's not the weapons that trouble us. It's having enough people to use them. We think the women should be permitted to fight," said Gwen.
"You haven't sufficient men. If they were qualified soldiers, maybe you'd have a chance, but they're not," Morgana added.
I looked at them, "It's too risky." For the women. They knew that, didn't they?
I put down the dipper and walked toward the resting men. "Right! Back on your feet! Come on, let's go!"
xxxXxxx
The next morning, I gathered all the village men together. Just teaching them to fight was not good enough. We needed a strategy to take what advantage we could.
"We're not going to be able to protect Ealdor with only sword and sinew. We're going to need a strategy. We have to find a way of restricting their movement and luring them into a trap. If we fight them on their terms, then-"
A woman's sudden scream cut me off. I immediately rushed outside to investigate, followed by the rest of the men. Matthew was slung over a horse, an arrow in his back. "Get him down from there!" I yelled.
The village men took Matthew down as villagers gathered around. Well, he's definitely not alive, unfortunately. I read the note pinned to his back by the arrow. A coward's work.
"What does it say?" Merlin asked.
"'Make the most of this day, it will be your last,'" I read grimly.
A woman I knew to be his fiancé came running toward us, "Matthew! No! No! No!"
That's when my favorite pessimist shoved his way through the crowd, "You did this! Look what you've done! You've killed him!" He blamed me. Maybe I should be blamed. Merlin interceded for me.
"It wasn't his fault."
Will wasn't having it, "If he hadn't been parading around, acting like we're his own personal army, this wouldn't have happened!"
Okay, that was enough. I pointed to the other village men. "These men are courageous enough to fight for what they believe in, even if you aren't!" I replied.
"You're leading them to their deaths! You've killed one man. How many more have to die before you understand this a fight that can't be won? When Kanen attacks, you haven't got a chance. You're gonna be massacred." Those were a coward's words, but they worked. I felt guilty. Was there something else behind those words though?
xxxXxxx
After that mess I needed to think. Do something mindless for a bit to refocus. Sharpening my sword suddenly seemed like a good idea. After a while Merlin appeared and sat next to me. I'd seen him follow Will after his tirade.
"Will's father was killed fighting for King Cenred, so he doesn't trust nobles." Ah, that explains a lot.
"Do you suppose the villagers believed him?" It was hard for me to tell.
"No. He's a known troublemaker. They usually ignore him." That's good, kind of.
"And if he's right?"
"He isn't." Did we hear to the same rant? Or does he have more confidence in me than I do?
"I'm handling these men like soldiers, and they're not. You've seen them fight. They...they haven't got a clue!" That was an understatement; they probably had too much confidence in me too. "You need to warn them to leave the village before Kanen comes back."
"No, we're going to stay. We're going to fight, and we're going to win."
"Merlin, it can't be done. The odds aren't great."
"It can." Does he want to give me a headache? "We're going to force Kanen to regret the day he ever came here. All you have to do is get the men ready, and the rest will take care of itself."
"How?" I could feel frustration leaking out of me.
"You've got to have faith in them. Because if you don't, they'll feel it, and the battle will be lost before it's even started." That's true, but how do I work out believing in myself?
xxxXxxx
I decided to hold a meeting to address all the villagers that evening. Everyone needed to know what to do. I paced around the room. "Tomorrow morning, the women and children should collect what possessions they can hold and go to the woods."
"We're not leaving!" Guinevere surprised me again.
"I understand you want to help. The women can't stay. It's too dangerous."
"The women have as much right to defend their lives as the men do!"
"But none of you know how to fight."
"The more of us there are, the better chance we stand!" That's technically true, but they were women and meant to be protected—I cut that thought short as all the women in the room stepped forward. Apparently I wasn't going to win this argument.
"This is your home. If you want to fight to defend it, that's your decision. I'd be honored to stand with you. Kanen attacks tomorrow. Kanen's vicious. He fights just to kill, which is why he won't beat us. Look around. In this circle, we're all equals. You're not fighting because someone's telling you to, you're fighting for so much more than that. You fight for your homes. You fight for your family. You fight for your friends. You fight for the right to raise crops in peace. And if you die, you die fighting for the noblest of causes: fighting for your very right to survive!" I saw several nods of agreement; the speech was working. "And when you're old and grey, you'll remember this day, and you'll know you won the right to live every day in between! So you fight! For your family! For your friends! For Ealdor!"
The villagers stood with swords and fists raised, "For Ealdor! Ealdor! Ealdor! Ealdor! Ealdor! Ealdor! Ealdor!"
xxxXxxx
The next morning I left the house early—partly to stand watch and partly to miss breakfast again. I heard someone approach me from behind and turned to see Guinevere holding a bowl.
"Arthur, Hunith made you this food." She handed me the bowl. Great.
"Thanks." She turned to leave. "I think."
Gwen stopped and turned back around, "Food is scant for these people; you shouldn't turn your nose up at it!" I just stared at her. Not because she was a servant who spoke out of turn, but because she had the courage to tell me what was on her mind. Like status didn't matter.
She looked absolutely appalled at herself. "Oh, no. I-I shouldn't've spoken to you like that. I'm sorry."
"Gwen." She's going to start her adorably awkward rambling again. She started to leave.
"I'm sorry; I don't know what I was thinking. It won't happen again."
"Guinevere!" That stopped her—good to know. "Thank you. You're right. And you were right to speak up. I should've listened to you and Morgana. We'll need all the help we can get."
"We'll be all right." I wish I was that confident.
"How can you be so certain?"
"Because I have faith in you." Wait, what? "I mean, we all do."
"Thank you." Well that was illuminating. I wish I had time to ponder that. But now I had to eat and get back to the house to prepare.
I met Merlin there. Amazingly he already had his chainmail on. He helped me with mine then reached for a bracer to put on me. "No, not today. Put on your own." He looked a bit puzzled, then relented and reached for his own. I put on a few pieces before I noticed he was struggling with the buckle on one of his bracers. I stepped over and helped him with it. I guess it's different doing it for yourself and when you stand a real chance of getting hurt.
He looked nervous. I put my hand on his shoulder, "You all set?"
"My throat's dry."
"Me too." I held out my hand and Merlin shook it. "It's been an honor." He looked like he wanted to tell me something though.
"Whatever happens out there today, please don't think any differently of me." Why would he say that? I turned to look at him.
"I won't. It's okay to be afraid, Merlin." That must be it.
"That's not what I meant."
"What is it? If you've got something to say, say it now." He gazed at me intently—he definitely wanted to say something.
Morgana chose that moment to walk in, "Arthur. They've crossed the river." It's go time.
I walked outside quickly, finding the villagers lined up according to plan. I went down the line of villagers, shaking hands. "You ready?"
"Ready," the villager replied.
To another villager, "For Ealdor."
I reached Gwen and shook her hand, "Are you scared?"
"Not at all." Good girl.
Gwen, Merlin and I ran to our ready positions. Kanen and his men rode out of the woods and into the village. They were mean, ugly and spoiling for a fight. They'd definitely get what they came for.
"Hold," I ordered. A few bandits dismounted and ran closer. "Nobody moves until they give the sign." Kanen and his men stopped and looked around the empty village; they looked puzzled. Good. "Hold."
"Come out, come out wherever you are," Kanen said menacingly.
A cue for Gwen, "Now, pull!" Gwen and a villager pulled up a hidden gate, trapping the riders inside. Now Morgana needs to light the fire. She was taking her sweet time.
"Now, Morgana. What are you waiting for? Something's wrong." Merlin ran off. Where was he going? "Merlin!" Kanen or one of his men will see him . . .
"There's one. Get him!" I had to be right. Great. "Kill him!"
Oh there's the fire. Finally. It'll trap the riders. He must have run off to help Morgana.
"Come back! Don't run off!" I heard Kanen yell. It worked, because they rode back into the village.
"Now!" I yelled. The villagers gave a battle cry as they sprung out of hiding to fight. Things got really crazy really fast. The villagers were fighting valiantly, but I could tell they weren't winning.
I turned around to assess the battle. In front of me and a few yards away stood Merlin and Will. He came? I had no time to ponder that, because something was happening in front of them. It appeared to be a kind of windstorm, tornado-like. It wasn't very big, but started blowing over friend and foe alike, but mostly foe. It died down as the bandits started running away. The villagers redoubled their efforts and gave chase to the fleeing men. I stalked angrily toward Merlin and Will.
"Pendragon!" Kanen had marched out to face me. How did he know my name? I turned and raised my sword. He fought dirty, kicking and head butting, but I disarmed him in a few seconds. He grabbed another sword and came back. After a few more blows, I ran him through. He collapsed face down.
I resumed my walk toward Merlin and Will. Once of them had conjured that windstorm, and I would find out which. "Who did that?"
"What?" Merlin replied. Not the correct answer.
"Wind like that doesn't just materialize from nowhere. I know magic when I see it. One of you made that appear."
Merlin looked dodgy, "Arthur-"
"Look out!" Will yelled suddenly, and shoved me to my right. Kanen, still alive apparently, had picked up a crossbow and aimed it at me. Unfortunately Will's motion took him into the path of the bolt and it went into his chest. Kanen collapsed again, hopefully for the last time.
"Will!" Merlin yelled in shock. Both of us ran to him.
"You just saved my life," I told Will, in shock myself.
"Yeah. Don't know what I was thinking," he gasped through the pain.
I looked up and yelled to the crowd at large, "Come on! Get him indoors!"
Merlin, a couple village men and I carried Will inside his house. We laid him on a table and he somehow continued to talk. "That's twice I've saved you."
"Twice?" I replied. When was the other?
"Yeah, it was me. I'm the one that performed the magic," he confessed.
Merlin tried to interrupt him, "Will, don't." I looked at him—he knew?
Will wasn't done, "It's all right, Merlin. I won't live long enough for anyone to do anything to me. I did it. I saw how hopeless things were becoming and I had to do something."
"You're a sorcerer?" I was still puzzled.
"Yeah. What are you gonna do? Kill me?"
"No. Of course not." Kill him faster? What was the point? To Merlin I said, "Do what you can for him."
He nodded. I put my hand on Will's shoulder and led the women out. The two friends deserved these last few moments together.
xxxXxxx
Will wasn't the only villager to die during the battle, but he was the one honored most. Everyone stood around as we lit his pyre. The four of us had already packed and were ready to leave directly after the funeral. I stood next to Merlin so we could have a brief chat.
"I'm sorry. I know he was a good friend."
"He still is."
This isn't very easy for me. "You knew he was a sorcerer, didn't you? That's what you wanted to tell me?"
He didn't answer right away. "Yes. It was."
Time for an unwelcome reminder, "You know how dangerous magic is. You shouldn't've withheld this from me, Merlin."
I walked over to Morgana and Guinevere; it was time to leave. Final preparations would give Merlin a few minutes to say goodbye to his mother.
As soon as he'd finished, we all mounted and rode toward home. I hoped the villagers would recover quickly from their losses, as well as remember what they accomplished together. I also hoped Morgana had given Father a good reason for her absence. Otherwise I wouldn't want to be her.