"The Perilous Lands?" asked Arthur incredulously. "The Perilous Lands?"
"Yes, Sire," said Leon. "That is what the leader of the Druids said."
They had returned in the early afternoon and given a fully detailed report on what had happened. Only Guinevere was in the council room with them. Mordred was absent, having been sent on some useless errand by Arthur to avoid any possible future complications.
Arthur ran his hand through his hair. Why would anyone live in the Perilous Lands? He could think of no answer. He thought back to his quest there, where he, Merlin, and Gwaine had recovered the trident of the Fisher King. Then he thought of Merlin, being trapped in that throne room, alone, for a long while. What had happened in there? Merlin seemed to be rather quiet after that experience. Had something happened to him in there? Something magical?
The King pushed these thoughts out of his mind. That was behind them now. He would never discover what Merlin did in that room before they were able to get the door open. There were more pressing matters at hand.
Emrys.
Morgana had mentioned that name before. What were her words? Not even Emrys can save you now.
That had been years ago. After Arthur had pulled out his sword from the stone. It was a distant memory, as was most of his time spent with Merlin. It didn't feel as though he had been without his friend for six months. It did, however, feel like he'd been stuck with George for years. He gave the man as many possible and obscure jobs as he could think to give, so as to be rid of him throughout most of the day. God, I wish I didn't have to deal with George every day.
No. He pushed the thoughts of Merlin and George and their services from his mind again. He was having trouble concentrating.
Emrys. The Perilous Lands.
"We leave tomorrow," he announced.
The group shifted nervously. They had heard of the Perilous Lands and the stories surrounding it.
"I've been there before, I promise you," said Arthur reassuringly. "I promise you that we will return from there, hopefully with the man who will save us."
The knights did not look more at ease. They knew that Arthur had gone there on his Quest so many years ago, but that did nothing to placate their concerns. Not wanting to sound cowardly, however, they bowed in turn and went to leave.
"I am coming too," came an unexpected voice from Arthur's side.
He turned to face his Queen, confusion and disbelief on his face.
"What? No, Guinevere, I will not allow it," he said. "It's too dangerous."
"I have a duty to this kingdom as much as you do," she snapped back. "I will accompany you and Percival and Leon. While you may be King, you are still not very good at convincing sorcerers to fight for you. And I don't have a problem seeing why."
Arthur stared in disbelief as she stood up and walked out the door without so much as a second glance. The knights, who hadn't yet left, shifted uncomfortably at the atmosphere in the air.
Arthur sighed dejectedly. He made up his mind to get going sooner rather than later. "Ready the horses. We leave as soon as possible."