Posted Feb 24, 2015
SUMMARY: The arrival at Camelot brings about a rather awkward meeting.
204. ARRIVAL TO CAMELOT
May 1, 515 / 2006
"A blunder at the right moment is better than cleverness at the wrong time."
- Carolyn Wells
Dawn, May 1, 515
Somewhere in southwestern Britain
Merlin, great wizard of the Arthurian era, woke with a start. He was used to getting visions. Being a wizard, it was common, as much as it was for Viviane, High Priestess of Avalon and the Lady of the Lake.
This was more than a dream or a vision. Something was affecting his own magical core. The magic of Avalon for some reason felt different-stronger. Much stronger than it had been for all his life. If anything, the magic of Avalon had been waning, as more and more people turned away from it and the Goddess. What was causing this surge in the very heart of magical Britain?
Then, there was the vision itself. Four individuals—faces which did not belong. All of them were quite young, most of them just becoming of age, if that, and at least one of those was a powerful wizard. What were they doing here? Perhaps, they had something to do with what was happening in Avalon.
He sat up, and coaxed the small fire back to life, and took some time to reflect on what he'd just seen. How soon would Viviane know of this development? More importantly, where exactly was this taking place?
Royal Bedchamber, Camelot
The Beltane feast had been magnificent. They had indulged in perhaps more than they should have, but Arthur, high king of Britain, had ulterior motives in having his first knight and his wife assist him back to the bedchamber. Gwen believed herself at fault for the lack of an heir. Arthur believed that perhaps it was he himself at fault, and so orchestrated a potential solution.
He knew Lancelot fancied him as much as he fancied his wife. Gwenhwyfar had most certainly spoke out against such a terrible act, but Arthur had in the end convinced her to participate. "For years our forefathers have done these things without shame... in the faces of the very same gods who look over us tonight," he had said.
So it was, that on this early morning, the three of them lay in bed, soundly asleep. Gwenhwyfar lay in the middle, with Lancelot and Arthur on either side of her. The three of them had made love to each other for the better part of the early morning. The feat had not been all that difficult to pull off, considering Arthur most definitely had feelings for his first knight... and a few others, if he were honest with himself. Bishop Patricius might frown on such things, but really... the Goddess did not differentiate. The thing was, he needed an heir, and making love to Lancelot would most definitely not provide one.
Arthur was awakened by a soft body landing in the bed with them. That was followed a mere second later by three more soft bodies impacting with the floor of the tight quarters.
"Fuck..." came one voice, while the body which had fell on the bed was already scrambling.
"Aaron... w-w-w-where... God... oh my God... j-j-j-j-just..."
"Shhh... shhh... it's all right," said another. There came a flash of light and a bolt of energy struck the entrance outside of the chamber itself.
"He hurt somewhere?" came a voice belonging to the person who'd landed on the bed.
"No... no... the port key... looked messed up, like a thunderstorm."
"Look after him. I'll... Lumos!" A point of light suddenly bloomed, revealing one of the strangers now in the room. "Bloody hell. No one move. I mean it!"
"Ras?"
"We... we're in someone's bedroom."
"Yeah, figured that much." The speaker had a really odd accent, Arthur thought. Whoever they were, they were harmless. Wizards, perhaps, but harmless.
"Arthur?! Who are these people?" Gwenhwyfar demanded.
"A question I would see answered," said Arthur.
"Arthur... as in... Merlin's pants!" Rasalas exclaimed, nearly dropping his wand in shock.
"Well... no, I do not have Merlin's clothes, but my lady's question still remains unanswered," said Arthur, looking confused.
Rasalas could feel his face getting very hot, now having embarrassed himself in front of the most powerful man in the country. He forced himself to calm down and recompose himself.
"My name is Rasalas, your majesty. I apologize for invading your home in such a manner."
"Your arrival was most unusual," said a third voice, sitting up. Rasalas resisted raising his eyebrows. They had obviously interrupted something other than sleep.
"We have been sent by the great mother, to seek your sister. We need her help with a serious matter in our world," said Rasalas.
He glanced at the floor, where Aaron was still trying to console Ryan. He was quite literally shaking like a leaf.
"Ryan?"
"It's... I'm... that... that w-w-wasn't okay!" he moaned.
"Ras... you have a calming draught?"
"Your majesty, forgive me. We need a moment before..."
"By all means," said Arthur, "It seems your journey was with complications."
"I'm s-s-s-sorry," Ryan sobbed... "God oh G-g-god..."
"Ryan... I'm right here," Aaron soothed, cradling him and rubbing his back.
"Wha's wrong with 'im?" Brady asked, having untangled himself and climbed to his feet.
"Thunder and lightning," Aaron explained, "The port key... it was like we were hurled through a violent electrical storm. It's... it's his worst nightmare."
Now everyone in the room understood at least part of the issue.
"Ryan, here," said Rasalas, producing a vial. Aaron accepted it instead, and helped the young wizard drink it.
"Better?"
"I... j-j-j-just g-give me a m-m-moment..." Ryan sucked in a few breaths, feeling the potion do its job. "G-g-god... acting like a b-b-baby. I'm s-s-s-sorry g-guys."
"Deep breaths. C'mon, it's gone. You're safe."
"I know... j-just..."
Aaron hauled himself to his feet, then helped Ryan up. Now, Arthur could see Ryan was the tallest person there, taller than most of his knights, if he had to guess.
"Your majesty, I present my companions, Ryan, Aaron, and Brady. I again apologize for invading your space in such a way, it was as much a shock to us as it was all of you."
"I see," said Arthur. "You seem to already know of my identity, but I do introduce my first knight, Lancelot, and my queen, Gwenhwyfar."
Rasalas bowed his head. "We're honoured to be in your presence, sirs... and my lady."
Lancelot swung his legs over the side of the bed, though keeping a blanket about his midsection since he was still nude. Gwenhwyfar, meanwhile, also wrapped up in a blanket, cast hateful glares at the three boys who dared invade their privacy.
"How is it you've managed to just be dropped into our chamber as it was?" Lancelot asked.
"A complex port key, sir," answered Aaron, "We knew it would work, just not sure of how accurate."
"W-w-well, we did p-put the pointer r-r-right on t-t-t-top of the c-c-castle, Aaron."
"It's okay... you're safe," Aaron continued to placate him. Ryan was still visibly shaking.
"J-j-just bear w-w-with me... I'll b-b-be fine."
"We'll keep that in mind for future such journeys," said Rasalas, "Once again we really do apologize. Bloody hell, never thought I would meet the three of you in this... uh..."
"It is quite all right, young wizard. Now as to meeting my sister, you are in luck, as she is here at the castle," said Arthur, his eyes dancing with amusement. "She will be more than eager to meet with you, I am certain."
"Arthur... no. These people... summon the guards, have them removed," Gwenhwyfar pleaded.
"My love, I am certain they mean no harm."
Gwenhwyfar huffed, and continued to glare daggers at the intruders.
"I assume, all of you are magical?" asked Lancelot.
"No, not me," answered Aaron "I'm just a Muggle, as they call it."
"Same here," said Brady, "Ras here an' Ryan are the wizard folk."
"A Muggle? Such a term does not sound all that friendly."
Rasalas frowned a moment. He'd never thought of it that way. Really, it actually did. Sounded like something of lesser intelligence.
"Then we would equally be considered such," said Arthur.
Rasalas shook his head and grinned.
"Your mother was a powerful witch, in the service of Avalon. It's quite possible you're a wizard, sir."
That earned another hateful glare from Gwenhwyfar, though she still remained silent up to this point. Though, in all honesty, she'd never considered the possibility. What this young heathen was saying did make some sense.
"A heathen... s-s-she th-th-thinks we're heathens," Ryan muttered, giving Gwenhwyfar a hateful glare of his own.
"Really now?"
Meanwhile, Gwenhwyfar's eyes went wide.
"Arthur! Have them taken away! Evil is at work here—"
Rasalas gave a gesture with his wand, speaking, "Silencio!"
Gwenhwyfar found she was unable to make a sound.
"Apologies, sir, but... last thing we need is to be at odds with your men."
Arthur frowned, but put a hand on Gwenhwyfar's shoulder. She swatted it away, and gave him a frosty glare.
"Listen, dearest, they have business of great import, and do not intrude here lightly."
That did nothing to reassure her, as Lancelot fetched her clothes from the floor and passed them to her.
"If Arthur is magical, then perhaps, so might I be," he said.
Rasalas chuckled. "If you're not magical, then neither am I. If the Lady of the Lake cannot produce a magical child, then we're in—"
"D-d-d-deep shit," Ryan finished, giving a weak smile. It quickly left him.
That got a laugh out of Arthur, and another hateful glare from his wife. Her world was falling apart, and fast, it was that simple. She was about ready to explode, with this latest revelation. It was enough Arthur's sister was a witch; now, apparently, Arthur himself might be a sorcerer! As she could still make no sound, she began to cry, for it was all she had left. Arthur tried to console her, but she lashed out at him, and both he and Lancelot ended up restraining her.
"Perhaps the maidens might be of help with this." Arthur thought aloud.
"Allow me. I shan't take long," Lancelot offered, throwing on his tunic, and securing his scabbard and belt around his waist.
Rasalas flicked his wand at the doorway, muttering a spell. It shimmered a moment, as Lancelot left the room.
"Might I ask what it was you just did?" asked Arthur.
"I cast a silencing charm on the door. Until we were sure you lot wouldn't start shouting for your knights, we had to play it safe."
"I see. It does make sense," Arthur agreed.
"Shit, though, this could have ended up much worse," said Aaron, "We've not tested the accuracy of the marker in the planetarium."
Arthur once again tried to console his wife, who was once again casting death glares at the boys. That only earned more swats and swipes from her. Rasalas grew tired of it, and pointed his wand at her. "Stupefy."
She slumped against her husband.
"I apologize for doing so, but she's bordering on hysterical."
"How 'bout a calming draught?" Brady suggested.
"Good thought."
Rasalas reached into his pouch, and summoned a calming draught.
"Sire, if you could help me by propping her head up, this will help calm her down."
Arthur quickly laid her out, and propped her head up, while Rasalas unstoppered the vial, and gently pried her mouth open. He then tipped the contents into her mouth, and messaged the throat to get it to go down. He waited a few seconds, then revived her.
It was just in time for Lancelot to return, along with Elaine and the maidens. The maidens seemed confused at the extra number of people in the room, but quickly tended to the visibly shaken queen.
"Come, my lady, and freshen up for breakfast."
"Go, my wife, and I will see you at breakfast," Arthur promised.
Gwenhwyfar gave him a bewildered look before being led out of the room by her attending maidens. Arthur watched her go, still in a haze about what was going on. The first question, the one he'd been meaning to ask from the get-go.
"From where have you travelled, young wizards?"
"M-m-more like, from when," answered Ryan, "Ras, should we sh-show them?"
"Likely we would have anyway, and we need to see if the door leading back to your room still works," said Rasalas.
He reached into his pouch, and pulled out a sphere that was a deep purple, almost black shade. From what Arthur and Lancelot could see, it was covered in small symbols. It had to be about the size of a small pumpkin. Rasalas looked around the room a moment, before picking a bare spot along the wall, and setting it down. He then touched it with his wand.
Incredibly, the object instantly vanished, as two lines etched out along the seam between the floor and the wall, until they were three feet apart, before then rising straight up to six and a half feet, before merging once again to form a rectangle on the wall. An opening then seemed to materialize, instead of a door, revealing a room on the other side.
"Astounding!" said Lancelot, while Arthur simply gazed at it, mouth agape.
"Uh, Ras... I think you broke him," Aaron laughed.
"I am spelled speechless, young wizard," Arthur finally managed.
"Follow us, and we'll show you how we landed in your bedroom," said Rasalas.
Arthur picked up his belt and scabbard, and secured them to his waist, before following the group into the chamber that had been suddenly added to his bedchamber. They passed through another doorway, and into the common room.
"Welcome to my sanctuary," said Rasalas, "The decoration is from another castle I was at one time familiar with, makes me feel at home, that sort of thing."
Indeed, the room was still dressed like the Gryffindor common room back at Hogwarts, although the room's shape had changed somewhat. The fireplace had a fire crackling merrily in the grate, and a set of couches and chairs looked more than inviting.
He pointed to an archway on the left side of the fireplace. "Dining room and the kitchen through there. But this is what got us here."
He led them into the planetarium.
"My word..." All Lancelot could do is cast his eyes on the enormous map of the night sky that was projected on the ceiling of the half-spherical room.
"I find myself also astounded, Lance," said Arthur.
His eyes were fixed not on the sky being projected above, but at the map that seemed to make up the floor.
"Let me show you something," said Rasalas.
He panned the map a little to the west, focusing on Glastonbury.
"This should seem familiar, Lance, even without the marker."
"This is truly astounding."
"It is." Rasalas zoomed the map in to its closest magnification. "It won't show a live picture, but the detail is incredibly close."
"W-w-we don't know what feeds it th-th-the information it has," said Ryan.
"Thing is, when we set up the... device here... to send us to Camelot, we didn't expect it to quite literally drop us in the middle of your bedroom. It's more accurate than we appreciated."
"This contraption did not come from here, did it?" asked Arthur.
"Actually, it did," answered Rasalas, "It's one of a pair of objects. I don't know if the second one is capable of what this one is, but... it's truly astounding magic at work."
"Yet, travelling from location to location is not all you have done. The things you have here, they are not from here," said Lancelot.
"Come back out into the main room, and take a seat," Rasalas invited.
Arthur and Lancelot followed Rasalas and his three friends back out to the main room, and settled into the comfortable couches in front of the fireplace.
"Your assumptions are pretty close to the truth," said Rasalas, "The planetarium not only allows us to move from place to place, but across time as well."
"From how far in the future have you come?" asked Arthur.
"Fourteen hundred years, wasn't it?" said Brady.
"Fourteen-hundred and eighty-one years," Aaron corrected him, "Two-thousand-six."
"But surely—" Lancelot began.
"There are a good number of things that even magic can't do," said Rasalas, "Time travel is something that is definitely possible, with some limits of its own."
"Shit we ain't got time to get into," said Brady.
"Please don't ask us about the future, if we tell you, it could be disastrous," Rasalas warned, "We have all been warned about the dangers of playing with time. Just meeting with you is dangerous in itself."
"Why would it be considered dangerous?" asked Arthur, confused.
"Because you now know of us, and you've got a glimpse into the future. It will affect everything you do from now on. You might try not to allow that, but it will happen anyway."
"We c-c-c-could Obliviate th-th-them once w-w-we're done here."
"No. We have no idea how long we're going to be here," Rasalas answered, "We will be seen by more than Arthur and Lancelot."
"You seek the assistance of Avalon."
"Back where I belong, the Goddess has named me her champion. But without access to Avalon, she has sent me here—or provided me the tools so I might arrive here."
"Why would such measure need to be taken?" asked Lancelot.
"The world is out of balance, her words exactly. There is a dark wizard at work. He sees me as his equal, and has already tried to kill me on a number of occasions," Rasalas explained, "The magic of Avalon is much purer than ours."
"Then perhaps, we will help you obtain it," Arthur promised. He had to stifle a yawn.
"Gods... we again apologize," said Rasalas.
"We received little sleep," said Arthur.
"W-w-why not get a l-l-l-little more rest? We have a f-f-f-few things w-w-w-we need t-t-to look after as it is," Ryan suggested.
"Just, I would ask you not touch anything in here, there are things that could be unsafe. Are there any young children in the castle presently?"
"No, and there has not for some time," Arthur answered. It was hard not to miss the pained look that flashed across his face.
"That's one less worry. Unlocked potions cabinet and young children, not a good combination."
Lancelot furrowed his brow a moment, until he understood what Rasalas had meant.
"We should figure out how to put a proper door over the opening as well, in case we want to actually lock it," said Aaron.
"Yeah, agreed." Rasalas glanced at Arthur and Lancelot. "Not that we don't want you visiting, but..."
"You might wish a certain level of privacy," Arthur finished.
"Exactly. Though we do have our own rooms for sleeping."
"Come, sire. Let us get more rest."
Lancelot had stood up, and offered a hand. Arthur took it, and was helped to his feet.
"We will speak again with more rest," said Arthur, as Lancelot led him back out to the bedchamber.
"Gods... that went a little better than I'd hoped, in a way," said Rasalas, standing. "Give me a moment."
He went out into the parlour, and put a silencing charm on the doorway. He could see both Arthur and Lancelot were again laying down in the same bed, and had to smirk. There was a rumour they loved each other as much as they both loved Gwenhwyfar... and it seemed there was substance to it.
"Rather f-f-funny, actually. God, Brady, you landed on top of L-l-lancelot. P-p-probably not the wake up call he'd wanted."
"Yeah, very funny," Brady scowled, "'cept it wasn't."
"Moving right along... We'll probably have a couple of hours before they're awake again. Seems like they were preoccupied until only an hour or so ago."
"Y-y-yeah. Lance and Arthur doing each other," Ryan smirked.
"Seriously?" Aaron raised his eyebrows, as did Brady.
"Strongly doubt Gwenhwyfar approved. I think she's about ready to explode, with the latest revelations."
"D-d-d-didn't see. B-b-but she's getting a bit of a r-r-reckoning, sure of that much."
"What, you mean, her 'good little Christian' image being further shredded?" Aaron said, nastily.
"Something along that line. But we know already, the woman's a snake. Wanting a trophy husband and all that tripe."
Brady glared at Aaron. "don' say that."
"C'mon, Brady, you read the same stuff I did. It was all about her image and nothing more."
"R-r-right. Well let's see if this door still works," said Ryan, wanting to avoid an argument.
He crossed the room, and gave the door knob a try. It opened easily, revealing his room back at home.
"God... unbelievable." Rasalas blew out a breath. There had been a risk that it wouldn't work, but... there it was, Ryan's room back at the Sawyers.
"W-w-well... let's go, t-t-tell the others we're still... well... we w-w-won't be out of c-c-contact."
They all stepped through into Ryan's room, passed through the house and out to the back yard. Sure enough, everyone was still gathered at the bonfire, finishing off the last of the warm drink they'd made.
"Great goddess!" Casey exclaimed, spotting them approaching.
"Gotta love magic," Rasalas grinned, as he found himself again enveloped in a hug by his godfather.
"Good grief, boy, you were gone less than an hour," said Casey, as they all took seats. "Where did you land?"
"Y-y-y-you w-w-won't believe it unless w-w-w-we show y-y-you."
"What happened?" Casey all but demanded, now getting a look at her boy.
"The port key was like riding through a lightning storm," Aaron explained, "He's still a little shaken up."
"G-g-getting better, Ma. Ras g-g-gave me a calming d-d-draught."
"We landed in Arthur's bedroom by accident," said Rasalas, "I think if anything, Ryan's distress put them at ease that we weren't a threat. Not sounding callous or anything..."
"N-n-no, no offence t-t-taken."
"Y'all landed in the king's bedroom," Corey deadpanned.
"I shit you not," said Brady. "Never expected..."
"Yeah... that landing was awkward to say the least," Rasalas agreed, "Arthur sure as hell won't forget, nor will his companions."
"Companions?" questioned Casey, now very curious.
"It was a rumour, Mrs. Sawyer," said Aaron, "Now confirmed to be true."
"Yeah, but we also know that Arthur loved Lancelot as much as he loved Gwenhwyfar, right? Good on him, all I have to say," said Rasalas.
"Well, this is a great piece of news," said Phil, "Knowing all of you will be able to attend the steam festival on the Labour Day weekend."
"Yeah, need to get the schedule final," said Brady.
"And with you being confirmed to be there, all the better. I'm already speaking with the senior members of the club. And Rasalas, something I wanted to ask you, and haven't had the time... you did offer to let us expand the miniature railway. Are you still willing?"
"Yeah, absolutely. I'd love to see some sort of... maybe a water tower and so on built on my side. You guys know more about that stuff than I do, so I'll leave it in your hands."
Ryan grinned. "D-d-damn. That's g-g-gonna be awesome."
"Thing is, we won't be around here all that much, once we get in contact with Avalon. Arthur confirmed that his sister is in the castle, so I'll likely meet her either later today, or within the next day or two.
"If all goes well, we'll be training in Avalon most days. I'm not kidding around. This is all of dire importance."
"We know, kiddo. But there are things here that will need your attention from time to time."
"Which is where Fawkes can help out. With a solid connection through the sanctuary, it should be no trouble for him to reach us," said Rasalas. "So any important messages, we can come back if we need to."
"Good. Label's gonna wanna keep in touch," said Brady. He pulled his cap off and rubbed his head. "God, can't believe we did this, y'know. Goin' back, what, fourteen-hundred years? Never would've thought..."
"Trust me, it's just as incredible for me, Brady," said Rasalas, "We have done things very few wizards have done... ever. And for someone non-magical... you and Aaron are probably the first."
He thought of something else.
"Uh... something else to bear in mind. Camelot is five hours ahead of us, running on London time. If it's quiet in the sanctuary, there may be people asleep. And for now, I'd rather we keep the number of people going into Camelot to a minimum. I'd rather not overwhelm the people there with our rubbish."
"And likewise, I would suggest we not permit anyone from Camelot to come into the house," said Casey, "That way we limit their exposure to our world."
"Yeah, somewhat ahead of you on that. I agree."
"'ya look ready for bed, mom," said Corey.
"Feel about ready for bed."
"C'mon. I'll take 'ya up."
Brady and Corey both stood up, and Brady gave his mother a hug.
"Glad you're still with us," she whispered to him.
"So 'm I."
Sometime later, Rasalas and his friends retreated back to the house, leaving Sirius with Casey and Phil. Rasalas needed to make a couple of adjustments to the room, and continue with the research, since it looked like they would have a couple of hours yet.
The modification was rather simple, enlarging the parlour by a third, and changing the opening that led back into Arthur's bedchamber so it included a proper door. It was as simple as projecting his wishes to the chamber, and watching it come to life. A second change was to include a clock over the three doors, so one could be sure of what the time was in the location the door represented. Aaron had mentioned it earlier, right? Now, it was a necessity.
Shortly before 9 am (4 am local), Arthur again stepped into the sanctuary, followed shortly after by Lancelot.
"Sir," Rasalas greeted, rising. Aaron and Ryan quickly followed, with Brady being last.
"We are unsure of whether you have had breakfast already. No matter, come, and be honoured guests," said Arthur.
"I see you have made a change to your chamber," Lancelot noted.
"It was a matter of me asking the room to change it. And yes, for privacy, which most certainly goes both ways. If there is a better suggestion for the location of the door, I'm willing to move it. Preferably, though, I would rather the connection not be in a public area of the castle, if that makes sense."
"W-w-we have a connection back to our own time, and n-n-not just anyone should know about that."
"I see your issue," said Arthur, as they passed through the bedchamber, and into the common area of the suite. "Perhaps, there."
He pointed to a vacant spot against the wall.
"This is still a part of my private chamber."
"Do you have guest quarters? They'd l-l-likely be more appropriate, sir."
"Arthur trusts your company," said Lancelot.
"You trust rather easily," said Rasalas, "Knowing someone all of a few hours and you let us into the private part of your home willingly."
"Had you wished us harm, we would likely already be dead, Rasalas," the king pointed out.
Rasalas could only give a weak smile. "You are kind, sir. If the tables were reversed, I would not have given such a warm welcome."
"Let these matters be put to rest. Come. Allow me to introduce you all to my royal court, and have breakfast."
He was already leading them down some stairs, and through a small corridor. That opened up into a large octagonal room with an enormous hearth at one end, in which a fire was blazing brightly. At the centre of the room was an equally enormous circular table, with many seats around it. A number of people were already present, with breakfast already out.
Arthur's wife was already seated, and as she spotted him, she gave him another bewildered look. Rasalas could easily guess her thoughts—she was simply overwhelmed with the events that had happened, on top of the new information now in front of her. He didn't dare guess how things would end up, though he had a strong suspicion her relationship with her husband had been irreparably damaged—not that it would matter too much in the future as it was, if their research was correct.
"Friends, fellow knights," Arthur spoke, "We are honoured to have three guests who have travelled far to attend my court. They are here on an urgent matter that is of secret nature. However I ask you all to extend the courtesies you would extend me. I introduce Rasalas, Brady, Ryan, and Aaron who will be joining us for an indeterminate period."
Four places were vacated, directly opposite the king's seat. Rasalas and his friends quickly occupied them, and Rasalas could feel all the eyes in the room on him. After all, they had most certainly not changed their clothes before activating the port key, and so their outfits stood out compared to what was worn by the occupants of the castle.
It was at that time that a woman stepped into the room from another passageway. She was immediately followed by a man in simple robes. He had dark hair and a strange marking tattooed over his left eye.
"Good morning, my sister!" Arthur greeted, "Your arrival is timely. Come, meet four guests who have only arrived early this morning."
He indicated Rasalas and his friends. "I introduce Rasalas, Brady, Ryan, and Aaron. Friends, I introduce my sister, Morgaine."
At that, Rasalas and his three friends rose, and bowed. They'd decided on how to act when introduced, figuring this would be the best way to show respect to a priestess of Avalon.
"Well then! Welcome," said Morgaine, taking up a seat a few spots to the right of Lancelot. The dark-haired man took the one beside her.
Arthur suppressed a smirk, but asked, "All is well, Accolon?"
"All is well, sire."
Ryan and Aaron shared a look, and Rasalas had to suppress a smirk of his own, knowing full-well what Morgaine and the dark-haired knight had been up to.
"What brings you to Camelot?" questioned Accolon.
"W-w-we need to speak with Morgaine, and hopefully high-p-p-priestess Viviane," said Ryan.
"Sister, when breakfast is completed, would you join us?"
"Of course. I expect quite the tale from our visitors."
"It is, my lady," answered Rasalas, "All you need to know, the Goddess you serve is behind our presence here."
"You follow the old ways, then," said Accolon.
"N-n-not exactly, sir. I believe in the embodiment of the Goddess, that everything that is, everything we are... it comes from h-her. Ma and I practice a few of the rituals during s-s-samhain and Beltane, particularly."
"Well. You missed out on our festivities last night," said another knight, "There was much drink to be had."
"We decided it wouldn't be wise to just land in the middle of such an event," said Rasalas, "Our arrival might not have been taken well."
"W-w-we held our own Beltane bonfire b-b-b-before we t-travelled here, the embers still b-b-b-burn as I speak. Our c-c-c-calendar matches y-yours, and I bid all of y-y-you a happy Beltane. The goddess b-b-b-blessed us with a successful j-j-journey here."
Aaron reached over, and gave his shoulder a squeeze in encouragement. His words were met with warm smiles and raised goblets.
"Likewise, blessed be, and a happy Beltane," said Rasalas, "I'm still relatively new to the old religion... if that's even possible, but know that the goddess has touched me personally recently, and it is on her instruction I find myself here."
"Is that so?" questioned Morgaine, "May I ask in what way?"
"I don't wish to go into detail in front of so many faces," Rasalas answered, "There are a lot of things that need to remain secret."
"Of course."
"And you would not instead follow the teachings of God?" questioned another. He was dressed in well-fitted crimson robes, an ornate crucifix hanging around his neck.
"I don't deny his existence. Brady and Aaron both follow the Christian god, but... it is the goddess who has directly spoken to me, sir."
Rasalas' comment had Brady immediately fingering his own crucifix, while Aaron frowned.
He finally spoke up, saying, "I subscribe to the teachings of Jesus... but I do not follow the church. And really, we're not here to discuss which religion is right and other shit."
"D-drew..."
"What?"
"Let's not alienate half the castle," said Rasalas.
"Sorry."
That brought silence to the table for several minutes. It was clear that, even though the newcomers were young, they had an agenda, and weren't afraid of speaking their minds on the matter. Gradually, the noise in the room picked up as people began talking amongst themselves, the matter forgotten. Rasalas was more than thankful when it ended, though, not liking the spotlight. He'd felt more than a few eyes on him the entire time.
So it was, that Rasalas, Brady, Ryan, Aaron, Arthur, Lancelot, Morgaine, and Accolon returned to Arthur's bedchamber. The maidens had once again looked after Gwenhwyfar, since she was still clearly unhappy with the unexpected guests.
When they stepped into the sanctuary, Arthur and Lancelot found it had been changed yet again, to now provide a smaller copy of the round table in the castle's great hall.
"I thought you might find this more suitable," Rasalas explained.
Morgaine, simply gazed around for a few moments.
"This is extraordinary magic," she at last said, "You say the mother Goddess sent you here?"
"I did," answered Rasalas, "And if my guesses are right, she gave me the tools to do so, including this sanctuary. Let's take a seat."
"I hope you don't mind if Accolon joins us, just as additional security. Though I do trust you, some of my fellow knights grow uneasy at your unexpected arrival," said Arthur.
"No, it's perfectly fine," answered Rasalas, "I could understand some of them were likely put out by Aaron's comments at breakfast."
"Yeah, s-s-seriously, Aaron, last thing w-w-we need is for them to throw us out of the castle on our asses. B-b-by the looks of a few, they were about ready to."
That got an amused look from Arthur.
"The final decision still rests with me, and though your comments might have upset a few, you only spoke your opinion."
"Thank you. We're certainly not here to make enemies, I have enough as it is already back where I come from. The matter at hand, as a matter of fact. There is a dark wizard at work who threatens the existence of the world itself, if he is allowed to continue unchecked. He believes I have the power to defeat him for good, and so has attempted to kill me on a number of occasions—starting when I was just over a year old."
"Only a monster would attack a baby," said Accolon, a dark look crossing his face.
"I think then, this paints the kind of individual our world faces. I faced him again when I was eleven, and it was only through a very powerful protective charm my mother placed on me that I was able to survive.
"I faced him again a year later, and only some extraordinary tools allowed me to once again defeat him. Fawkes?" he called out, to no one in particular.
A crimson and yellow coloured bird fluttered in from another room, to land on the table in front of Rasalas.
"This is Fawkes."
"He is beautiful," said Morgaine, "I have seen one of his kind, perhaps once."
"Then you know what he is. For those who don't, he's a phoenix. Their tears have extraordinary healing powers, they can lift insanely heavy loads, and they're as close to immortal as a being can get."
"They do live incredibly long lives," Morgaine agreed, as the bird lifted off and fluttered over to her. "Their magic is truly ancient, even here in our world."
"I know there has been at least one more attack, but I don't know of the details, because of something else that has happened last summer. Someone nearly killed me while I was walking along the side of the road. The damage was so bad, I have very few memories of my life before then. I have a pretty good idea of my life, thanks to a few more friends... but nothing first-hand.
"Ryan and Aaron are two of my closest friends, and Brady here... perhaps the closest of all, because without him, I would've died back in August."
"And now it becomes clear why they travel with you," said Arthur, "To suffer such hardship in your young life."
"Though we know your life has been by no means easy either, sir," said Aaron, "Neither you or your sister."
That earned a sad look from both siblings.
"Being separated from my little brother was hard," Morgaine admitted.
"But it was necessary, sister. Our place in the world has only been cemented by lessons we received as children."
"Why has the Goddess sent you here?" asked Morgaine.
"To seek out her followers here, and receive training in the magic of Avalon. That's what she said."
"She appeared to you?" Arthur, his knights, and Morgaine were all surprised.
"The silhouette of a ghost, the best way of explaining it. She showed me a vision of something he will do if not stopped—namely, force his way into Avalon in an attempt to tap into its power."
That received an angry look from Morgaine.
"But surely—"
"My lady, where I come from, Avalon has been closed to us, and has been for a long time. Thing is, it still exists, and somehow, Voldemort—this dark wizard I speak of, will learn of a way to force his way into it."
"The Goddess would react poorly to such a defilement."
"She gave me a warning, and I've become her champion. And as her champion, I am asking for your help, and the help of the sisterhood, so we might put an end to this monster, once and for all."
"Then I can only pledge to help you in receiving such assistance. You should know, it has been a long time since I have set foot in Avalon, in that we have become estranged."
"You've hidden yourself from Viviane." At Morgaine's nod, Rasalas continued, "You need to make things right with your aunt, as we'll likely need her help as well."
It was then brown owl swooped in through the open door leading back to the Sawyers', an envelope secured to its leg. It fluttered down to the table beside Rasalas.
"For me is it?"
The bird seemed to nod in the affirmative.
"Forgive me," he said to the room, before relieving the bird of its mail. It took off again, back out from whence it came. Rasalas, meanwhile, broke the wax seal on the envelope, opened it, and pulled the parchment from inside.
Rasalas Black
27 Bennett Road
Newcastle, Ontario
Mr. Black,
We have collected on the debt of the Aitkens family, in relation to the attack on Mr. Gibson on January 1. This was done at dusk yesterday evening. We will require further instruction as to what these individuals should be tasked with doing. We have a few suggestions, but await your input on the matter.
Find enclosed your monthly statement of accounts, as par your instructions.
Regards,
Garokat,
Senior Account Manager,
Gringotts, Toronto Branch
Rasalas gave a nasty smirk, as he passed the letter over to Brady, while keeping the bank statement. "Such wonderful news this early in the day."
"Yeah, it is," Brady agreed. "What d'ya think they got in mind?"
"Shovelling dragon shit? Dunno. Really, don't care, long as they're worked 'till they drop."
"I sense ill-will," said Lancelot.
"Oh, trust me. The individuals I have ill will toward deserve every bit of the punishment they are about to receive. The goblins can be particularly cruel when it comes to justice. I won't get into the matter that has me arranging such a punishment, but know that someone dear to me was harmed terribly, and no punishment can ever atone for it. I would curse their afterlife if it were possible."
Morgaine looked shocked. "That would be a terrible thing to do to someone."
"So's tryin' to cut my cock off," said Brady, waspishly.
Rasalas, meanwhile, caught Morgaine's shock. "Wait. You mean, it's possible to curse someone's afterlife?"
"Ras... I think that's beyond the dark arts."
"Blackest of the arts," said Morgaine, looking horrified, "To maim someone beyond death, it is unspeakable!"
"But possible. Trust me, there are a very select few I could see it being used on."
"Neither I nor my aunt will ever teach you such magic. And I would warn you to not mention such magic to my aunt, or find yourself denied the lessons you seek," said Morgaine, gravely, "Such magic... it has no place in the world. Are my words understood?"
"I understand them."
"Good. Then let us discuss sending a message to my aunt..."
UP NEXT: Dumbledore receives a bit of bad news; Rasalas and his friends are finally invited to Avalon to meet with the Lady of the Lake; Arthur has a confrontation with his wife; and Brady is forced to reflect on a few matters while tending to his best friend, who is once again inebriated...
CHAPTER NOTES: I did warn about dark!harry, right? Becoming the official Black heir, there are some things that are beginning to assert themselves. Tack on the fact that his personality has changed—undergone a bit of a redevelopment since he was attacked in September... there are a number of things he'll never put up with. Poor Malfoy... Poor Belletrix... Poor Dumbledore... Poor Tom...