Episode 25: Camelot Pt. 2
As Mason continued to lead the paladins through Camelot, they came upon the entrance to a forest. The wizard made his way over carefully as he debated whether or not they should travel through the forest. Trevor walked up to him and asked, "What do you think Mason? Should we go in there and see if that's the way to the castle?"
He crossed his arms, "I suppose it's worth a shot. I frankly believe that the castle is deeper inland, so the deeper we go, the better of a chance we have at finding the castle."
"You don't think there are any monsters in that forest do you?"
Mason continued forward, "Don't jinx us."
"Yeah, right." Trevor replied, as he waved the others to follow him into the forest.
Upon entering, minimal light from the sun was able to seep through the trees, giving off an eerie feeling as most of the forest was shrouded in darkness. Mason used his staff to shine some more light along their path. They all treaded carefully as they followed the trail, going through some thicket of vines and puddles of mud.
"Did we really have to go through this place?" Oli asked, swatting at a fly that landed on his neck, "I didn't expect that I would need bug spray."
"Now`s not the time to be complaining Oli." Theo replied as he himself accidently went through a bundle spider webs, "Seriously! That's what I get."
Oli chuckled, "Now who's the one complaining." He retorted.
The yellow paladin glared at him, "I think I swallowed a spider." He fussed, pulling off the webs from his face.
Jocelyn clutched onto Trevor`s arm, the instant she heard the word spiders, "Oh god, Theo I know you just didn't say spiders."
"I sure did, this place is probably crawling with them." He replied, pulling the last bit of spider webs from his hair.
Jocelyn gripped onto her boyfriend's arm even tighter, "Out of all the places in Camelot. We had to travel through the one that has spiders."
Trevor chuckled, "I didn't know you were afraid of spiders."
"She isn't afraid of them, she`s terrified of them." Katie added, walking behind the two.
"I`m not terrified of them!" She exclaimed, "I...just so happen not to like spiders."
Mason turned his head and smiled at the young paladin, "Not to worry Jocelyn. Given that we`re in Camelot, the spiders should be easier to spot."
"What do you mean, easier to spot?" Trevor asked.
The wizard chuckled, "It's more than likely that the spiders here are about the size of a dog."
The black paladin gave a mild whimper and tightened her grip even more, "Why would you say that Mason!"
Trevor gave a frown and patted his girlfriend on the head, "Don't worry I`m sure we won't run into any, but do you think you can let go of my arm? You`re starting to hurt me."
"I`m not letting go until we are out of this forest." She proclaimed, shaking her head back and forth.
He simply sighed, not paying attention as he bumped into Mason, "Woah Mason, why did you stop?"
"Looks like we have a little problem that we need to cross." He pointed out.
The paladins gathered around their mentor and noticed that he was talking about the swamp that was blocking their path. Mason pondered for a moment, trying to find a way across or around the icky swamp, but it looks like there was no other path except through.
Sasha put a hand over her mouth, "Please tell me that we don't have to go through that. It smells awful."
Katie nodded in agreement, "I`m with you there, but I have a feeling that we`re going to have to cross it." She sighed, standing at the edge of the swamp.
"I know it won`t be pleasant, but it seems like the only way." Mason said, shining his light over the swamp, "Hopefully this swamp isn't home to anything."
In that instant, from within the mucky waters of the swamp, a barrage of tentacles sprang out and grabbed a hold of Katie`s leg. Everyone was caught off guard as Katie screamed, reaching out to grab a hold of Sasha`s hand. Unfortunately, the tentacles quickly pulled her into the swamp; dragging her into the depths.
"Katie!" Jocelyn cried out, rushing to the edge.
"Bloody Hell! What was that just now?" Theo asked.
"I don't know, but I`m pretty sure it's not friendly." Peter added.
Trevor kept calling out to his sister, "Katie! Katie!"
"I couldn't grab a hold of her. Can you see her Trevor?" Sasha asked worryingly.
"I can`t see crap!"
"I don't see anything either." Mason added, shining his light around to try and catch a glimpse of her.
Suddenly, the silver paladin popped out of the water and gasped for air. She struggled to stay afloat, splashing around water as the monstrous tentacles tried to pull her back under.
"Holy crap, we have to help her!" Jocelyn shouted.
Without hesitation Trevor dived into the swamp to save his sister. He swam up to her and grabbed a hold as he tried to pull her away from the tentacles, "Hold on sis I got you!"
Katie couldn't reply as she continued to gasp for air, while at the same time trying to fight against the mysterious tentacles. Trevor used all his strength but to no avail, whatever was pulling her down was a lot stronger. Then from out of nowhere, a roar was heard from within the swamp and Trevor felt himself being wrapped up by one of the tentacles; he was furiously thrown out of the murky waters.
He landed with a thud, next to his comrades. Everyone helped him up as they continued to look on at Katie, struggling to stay alive.
"If we don't do something soon, Katie`s a goner." Peter expressed.
Trevor began to look more worried with each passing second, "Whatever that thing is, it's strong and huge."
"Mason you have to do something. Isn't there some kind of spell that can help?" Jocelyn asked.
The wizard gritted his teeth, "Of course there is, but not without hurting Katie."
Before anyone could say anything else, a small trail of sparkles whizzed passed them. The mysterious being buzzed around Katie and took one swift dive into the swamp. After a few seconds, a yellowish glow began to emanate from the waters. Surprised at the turn of events, everyone looked on as the light grew brighter; then the strange creature roared and the tentacles that latched onto Katie instantly let her go.
The silver paladin took one big breath of air as she settled down and stayed afloat in the water. She looked around in the swamp, trying to figure out what just happened when her name was called out.
"Katie! Hurry swim back here." Her brother called out.
In one short swim, Katie made it back to the edge of the shore; soaking wet. She took a moment to catch her breath as everyone gathered around, Trevor kneeled down and put a hand on her shoulder, "I seriously almost had a heart attack sis."
Katie gave a weak smile, "Yeah, me too."
"We`re just glad that you`re okay." Mason said.
"Yeah thanks to whatever that was that just saved her." Jocelyn added.
Oli then pointed out, "Uh guys look."
Everyone turned around as they looked back at the swamp. The glowing light from within the water began to dissipate and a trail of sparkles launched out of the swamp. The mysterious occurrence made its way over to the group, buzzing around each individual.
"What is that?" Peter asked, bewildered.
"It's a fairy." Mason replied with excitement.
"That's a fairy? Wicked." Theo acknowledged.
The tiny creature stopped in its tracks as it spoke up in its squeaky voice, "Hello! That was a close one you almost had there."
"Hello there, I don't know what you did back there, but thank you for saving our friend." Mason expressed.
The fairy smiled, "Sure thing! I heard a scream and decided to come check it out. When I got here, I saw that your friend there met the creature of the swamp. So I decided it would be best to help out."
Katie stood back up, "Thank you for your kindness um, I don't suppose you have a name?"
"The name is Ella."
Mason bowed, "We are in your debt Ella. You don't suppose know what that creature was?"
Ella giggled, "I think its best if you didn't know. Anyways, what are you humans doing here? It`s been a long time since I`ve seen humans."
"Well long story short, we are here on a mission. We`re trying to stop two evil beings from finding the castle of this land." Trevor spoke up.
The fairy gasped in surprise, "I don't suppose you mean King Arthur`s castle?"
"Yes! That's the one we`re looking for." Jocelyn answered.
"Do you know the way to the castle?" Mason asked.
Ella nodded happily, "Of course! I noticed the virtue stones that you carry on your wrists. You humans are the paladins, correct?"
"We are. How do you about us?" Peter questioned.
"This land belonged to King Arthur. Many magical battles happened here that I was a part of. Let's just say I served under his majesty." Ella explained.
"Incredible, so you`ve been here since Camelot was sealed away?" Mason wondered.
The fairy nodded, "After the paladins won the war against Lord Gremdon. Merlin asked me to stay behind and keep an eye around this place."
"So you`re some sort of guardian?" Theo asked.
"Hmm, more like a watcher."
"If you`ve been watching this place, then you must have seen Erebeth and Abanor pass by." Trevor asked.
Ella frowned, "Sorry, haven't seen them."
Mason sighed, "They are looking for the castle. I don't suppose you can help us and take us there?"
The fairy whizzed around happily, "I would be honored to help you guys! Follow me!"
Ella took off, leaving her trail of fairy dust behind. Everyone smiled and began to follow her out of the forest. They were glad to know that there was something in this land that was friendly, hopefully their new friend would be able to lead them to the castle in time.
As the day passed on, the dark witch and her ox companion continued through the land of Camelot. The two eventually came across a river as they stopped to get a bearing on their surroundings. Erebeth began to grow frustrated since she was unable to use her magic to pinpoint the location of the castle, "I don't understand! This place is supposed to increase the power of my magic. Not diminish it!" She stated.
"Enough of your whining! For the moment let's just focus on finding this damned castle!" Abanor yelled.
Erebeth scoffed as she walked up to the river and leaned down. She swayed her hand in the water as she stared at her reflection, she was suddenly brought out of her thoughts as her partner called out to her, "Erebeth! Look, towards your right. Over the tree line."
The witch did as he said and a wicked grin formed on her face, "Well, well, it looks like the odds are in our favor."
From where they stood, Erebeth and Abanor could just barely make out the outline of a tower; just beyond the tree line.
"Is that tower part of the castle?" Abanor assumed.
Erebeth nodded, "Yes, there is only one building in this land. Come, we must infiltrate it before the paladins catch up to us."
The dark witch headed off, with Abanor right on her tail. A short time later the two subordinates arrived at the great stairs that lead to the castle gates. Not wasting any time, Erebeth rushed up the stairs. Trying to pry the gates open without her magic, but to no avail.
She scowled, "It seems these gates will not just merely let us it."
Abanor then stepped up and moved her out of the way, "Maybe it will open if I try."
The monstrous ox then gave a swift and powerful kick, causing part of the gate to crumble as a hole formed. Abanor then gave a satisfied snort, "Problem solved."
"Finally you are useful for something. Let`s go."
As the two subordinates entered the castle to continue their mission, the strange orb of white light that pursed them, continued to hover in the sky. It made a strange noise as it whizzed into the entrance of the castle, watching over Erebeth and Abanor closely.
Moments later, after following the fairy out of the forest and throughout the land, the rangers ended up on the grand stairs that led to the entrance of King Arthur`s castle. All the friends stared in awe, admiring the grandness of the castle.
The castle looked as though it hadn't aged a day, still standing on top of the motte overlooking Camelot. The stones that made up the castle were pristine, making the structure even more beautiful. It still seemed to be holding up and looked as though someone continued to care for it.
"Here we are! King Arthur`s castle." Ella introduced.
"Bloody hell, I think this might be bigger than Buckingham Palace." Theo expressed.
Peter nodded, "Just look at the exquisite architecture. To think we are seeing this with our own eyes, Jocelyn your dad would have a field day here."
"I think he would pass out from the excitement alone." She responded.
Trevor began to walk up the stairs, "As much as I would love to sightsee, we still have yet to catch up with Erebeth and Abanor. So we better get moving."
Mason began to follow him, "Yes, those two are probably already inside. We must hurry."
Everyone else agreed and started to head up the stairs. Although, before they continued any further they turned back and thanked the tiny fairy for all her help in getting them out of the forest. Mason smiled as he and the others waved goodbye, "Thanks again for your help!" The wizard said.
"Yeah, thanks for saving me! Stay safe out there." Katie added.
The tiny fairy smiled, "It was my pleasure. May you all succeed in your battle against Gremdon! If you ever need my help again, just use the spell that summons fairies." Ella explained, flying off.
The paladins watched as she disappeared over the hills and then continued their trek up the stairs. All eight of them reached the main gates of the castle, they all began to prepare for the fight against Erebeth and Abanor.
"Alright guys, time to suit up." Trevor said.
The paladins morphed into their armor, entering the castle one by one. Katie was the last one to step inside, but before she could, there came an ominous growl from behind. She quickly turned and froze in place at the sight of the black shuck in front of her.
"What is that thing doing here!?" She thought.
The evil dog didn't move as it growled at her. The silver paladin didn't flinch either, glaring at the shuck from behind her visor.
"What the hell do you want from me!?" Katie yelled.
The beast didn't respond, continuing to stare at her with those deathly red eyes. The black shuck then gave one ominous howl, vanishing without a trace. Katie only looked on, confused as to why the beast followed her into Camelot. She clenched her fist, turning around and marching into the castle to catch up with the others. The silver paladin could only wonder why this omen was after her. Her heart pounded furiously with each passing thought as to why. For the first time since Katie became a paladin, she was scared.
A/N: Hey all! Hope you enjoyed the newest chapter. I should wrap the Camelot arc within the next chapter or so. The juicy action will be coming up so stay tuned! See you guys later!