Posted January 21
SUMMARY: Rasalas, Arthur and the knights make preparations for the battle ahead; and a suggestion Lancelot makes in the sanctuary's planetarium has some unexpected results...
Act III, Episode 15
THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM
June, 2007
"Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure."
- Confucius
It took only a matter of minutes for Ryan, Aaron, Rasalas, Arthur, and Brady to return to Camelot, with Kreacher being sent for pepper-up-potions and sobriety potions from sanctuary's stores. The castle was already abuzz with activity, the great hall filled to overflowing—it was standing room only. All attention was given to a pair of knights who looked wore out, having raced across the countryside as their lives depended on it.
"We have rode since yesterday morning, sire. They come with numbers until now not seen—arrived by boat... many settlements on the coast... already put to the sword... the heathens make for Camelot, we... we're certain."
"How fast are they travelling?" Rasalas questioned.
"They will reach Camelot tomorrow evening at latest," said the second.
"Advance parties have been seen, sir," said the first, "We barely escaped death on one occasion, coming on an encampment... we mistook them for one of our allies."
"One of the tribes?" Accolon questioned.
"We believe so."
"The very tribes we have relied on in the past," said Arthur.
Lancelot, meanwhile, had unfurled a large map and spread it out on the table. "Where was this encounter?"
"We think it was here," said the second messenger, pointing to a spot mid-point between Camelot and the coast.
"They ain't movin' as quick, so... mornin' after tomorrow," said Brady. "Got an idea of numbers?"
"Uncertain," said the first messenger.
"Sir, what about the people outside the castle itself?" Aaron questioned, "If the Saxons reach the castle... lots of people will be in danger, right?"
"He's right, sire," said Cai, "Protection should be offered to the citizenry."
There came voiced agreement from a number of knights.
Arthur gave a nod. "It is then ordered. Sir Gawain, see it done."
"Somethin' else... anyone who can shoot... get 'em up on the castle walls," Brady suggested.
"Those skilled in archery, you mean," said Arthur. At Brady's nod, Arthur said, "So ordered. Our numbers shall be stretched as it is. A call should be made for those with any combat skill, that they join in battle."
"Where was Viviane killed?" Rasalas questioned.
"We found her body and those of her protection here, we think," said the second messenger, pointing to a spot not far from the coast. "They had stopped to make camp, as evidence suggested, and were likely taken by surprise."
Rasalas made a sour face. "The Lady of the Lake, taken by surprise?"
"Y-y-you're thinking s-s-set up," Ryan guessed.
"Very much so. Those responsible... it's an abomination, plain and simple. Fawkes."
The phoenix appeared in his customary flash of golden flames, while Rasalas produced a sheet of paper and a pen, and scribbled out a quick message. "To Morgaine, urgent. We'll meet her in sanctuary."
Fawkes accepted the rolled up paper in one of his claws, and vanished the way he came.
"Sire... my friends, uh... Accolon, Cai, Bedwyr... let's get back to the sanctuary. I need access to the planetarium map. Rest of you, there are things you can be doing... we'll return shortly," Rasalas decided.
A few minutes later, the smaller group was gathered in the sanctuary's planetarium. Rasalas quickly marked the two locations on the map, and zoomed it in as close as he could.
"It is a shame it cannot show individuals," said Lancelot, "Such a thing would—"
What sounded like a book falling to the floor had everyone looking out the door leading back into the common room. Given the circumstance, Rasalas, Brady, Aaron, and Ryan investigated, while the rest of the knights present drew swords, ready to protect their King.
The source of the noise turned out to be yet another journal, along with a scroll. Ryan picked it up and opened it, only to groan in frustration. "Of c-c-c-course it had to be w-w-written in Latin."
"That's what Google Translate is for(1)," said Aaron, "Go get your laptop."
"You guys figure out what it's for. Meantime, we have to keep working. Even if this stuff's what I think it is," said Rasalas.
Ryan headed back into his bedroom, Aaron in tow, while the others returned to the planetarium.
"Nothing of concern?" Arthur asked.
"The sanctuary's having a bit of fun again," said Rasalas, rolling his eyes. "Ryan and Aaron are working on it."
"Back to it, then," said Arthur, "Given the clarity of this map, this location would be the most ideal battle line."
"It gives us the high ground, and will give us ample time for preparation," said Lancelot. "It is called—"
"Camlann," Rasalas finished, as the label appeared at the location, "We know."
Brady flicked a hand at the map, reverting it to its modern-day profile. CAMLANN was replaced by QUEEN CAMEL, as the modern-day settlement filled in.
"I still find it astounding, the power of this map," Cai remarked.
"'an we's still not sure all it can do," said Brady.
"I think we'll find out shortly," said Rasalas. He flicked a hand at the map, restoring the historical version.
"Given the valley here—" Arthur pointed to a spot close to the pointer, "It's likely to become the battlefield."
"So if we set up a series of traps in the tree line here," said Rasalas, pointing to a copse of trees forming the southwestern edge of the area, "We could take out some of the enemy before they even enter the fight."
"Thinking of Aaron and Ryan's favourite magical attacks, how much difficulty would there be in creating a deploy-able trap that works the same way?" Accolon questioned.
"You're thinkin' spikes comin' from the ground," Brady guessed, to which Accolon gave a nod.
"Definitely do-able," Rasalas agreed, "And we do have some time to get that sort of thing in place."
"There is concern that such traps may harm fellow knights," said Bedwyr, doubtful.
"We can put in measures that can prevent that," said Rasalas.
"'an I have some ideas," said Brady, "Couple'a huntin' tricks—cheatin' really, but... if it'll drop a buck, it'll drop a man."
"All options are on the table, Sir Brady," said Arthur.
It was then Fawkes flamed in, with Morgaine clutching his tail feathers.
"It is true? Aunt Viviane is dead?"
"Messengers arrived with urgent news only an hour ago, my lady," said Cai, "We informed Arthur at once."
"We are assessing the situation, sister," said Arthur, "But Avalon is threatened, just as Camelot."
"Parchment and a quill, quickly," said Morgaine.
Rasalas reached into his pouch, pulling out a page of paper and a pen. "This suffice?"
"Well enough."
She went over to the drawing table, and scribbled out a quick note, then rolled it up.
"If Fawkes is willing..."
Fawkes fluttered over to land on the table.
"To the sisterhood at once. They will know what to do."
Fawkes accepted the rolled note, and flashed away.
Only a moment later, both Ryan and Aaron stepped into the room. They brought with them a stack of printed paper.
"Thank the goddess for Aaron's t-t-typing skills."
"And for the brevity of the journal, considering it was written in Latin," said Aaron.
"I assume it brings us useful information," said Arthur.
"Oh, v-v-very. Ras, s-s-since this is your, uh... property... it's y-y-your show. Put this on the console—" Ryan held up the scroll, "—and well... it's..."
"It's a spell," Aaron picked up, "The phrase is 'Vivunt Animata'... uh... live animated, the translation."
"Hand or wand movement?"
"Touch the scroll to the pedestal and speak the phrase," said Aaron, "Nothing else."
"What else does the journal tell us?" Arthur questioned.
"Just an explanation of what it does... as Sir Lancelot so wished, the map will give us a real-time picture."
"Thinkin' more than a few people would be bothered by that," said Brady.
"I think in this circumstance an exception can be made," said Arthur.
"And we still don't know just how much detail we'll see," said Rasalas, "I'll be surprised if we see more than just dots, right."
He stepped up to the pedestal at the centre of the room, and noticed how the orb still mounted on its centre now seemed to be pulsing a deeper blue. That matched the scroll in his hand, which now shimmered a deep navy blue shade.
"All right. Here goes nothing." He touched the scroll to the orb, and there came a near-blinding blue flash, as they met. God oh God, was it bright! The entire room seemed to light up from the effect. And if that was the appetizer...
" Vivunt... Animata!"
The light rapidly transcended the visible light spectrum, from violet up through to red, and back again, and Rasalas felt every hair on his body stand on end. The floor shook a moment, before what seemed like thousands of gassy lines shot off through the door back out to the common room—all of them being a different colour.
"Great Goddess..." Arthur whispered. He was feeling the exact same sensation as Rasalas.
"Uh... ditto," Rasalas muttered. "Thinkin' that was just a trigger. Feels like Avalon magic."
"Ryan?! Aaron? What's going on?!" came Casey's alarmed voice from the common room.
"M-ma? It's o-k-k-kay. Just cast s-s-some p-powerful magic," Ryan answered back.
Casey still hurried into the planetarium, only to stop in her tracks, seeing the surge of threads wafting through the doorway. "Great goddess..."
"Lord Peverell?!" Auror Jackson questioned, also hurrying into the chamber. "What in the world..."
Only now was the massive surge of threads beginning to dissipate. The air, however, remained charged with magical energy, the orb on the pedestal at the centre of the room still pulsing, cycling through the visible light spectrum in rapid succession.
Five hours ahead, at Hogwarts, students and staff were in the midst of breakfast, when the air momentarily charged with magical energy, with the torches on the walls all flaring up for a moment, before returning to normal size. All conversation died for a moment, before becoming much more animated, with everyone talking about the disturbance.
Dumbledore, meanwhile, frowned. It felt like Peverell's doing. What was the young wizard up to now?
'Doing the bidding of the Goddess, doing what is right, headmaster,' the voice of the castle snarked in his mind, 'Something you have neglected to do for some time.'
"My word," McGonagall whispered, mostly to herself.
Temporary Saxon Camp,
Southwest of Camlann
The camp had been awake since dawn, with the invaders already finished their meager breakfast. At that very moment, every torch in the camp, every flame, every campfire flared to three times its height, if only for a second, before returning to normal.
It would send the camp into a fervor, with no one able to determine the source of the clearly magical event.
The thousands of magical threads had finally faded, and the pedestal at last settled to its blue shade from earlier, but the map on the floor began to light up with many small dots. Equally, the map dimmed, now representative of it being dark over England—the small dots now creating small light spheres that seemed to cast a glow... and as a clump of dots, showed up as a brighter light.
"Bloody hell..." Rasalas muttered.
Arthur motioned to the map and zoomed in on the mass of red-coloured dots, and was momentarily surprised at just how much detail the map provided. While it didn't show face detail, everyone could still make out what the people were wearing, how they were equipped, and in what direction they were headed.
"This... this is astounding," said Lancelot, "Our next consideration would have been to scout the enemy's location... but this..."
"It shall save us the trouble, Lance," Arthur finished.
"It'll be useful even in our present," said Aaron, "Be able to look at stuff going on, y'know, stuff like that."
"I won't have this used for spying," said Rasalas, "And beside the point, you'd need to know what you're looking for."
"The numbers do concern me," said Arthur, "I see some of our tribes allied instead with our enemy."
"Thank Mordred's silver tongue," said Rasalas, "My bets, he's been speaking to them since day one of joining Camelot."
"It would not have been a decision made overnight, I agree," said Arthur. "No matter. They choose to ally with the enemy, then so it shall be. They shall receive no quarter, no mercy."
"The battle with the Saxons has arrived," Casey assumed.
"It has," Arthur answered.
"Ma, w-w-we're going to help."
"I expected nothing less, dear. As much as I'd like to tell you 'no', I know it's not my place. All I can ask, is you to be careful."
"I'm willing to lend my wand," Auror Jackson offered.
"No. Though part of me would like the additional assistance, involving official government support may not be wise," Arthur answered.
"History's already being twisted up a bit as it is," said Rasalas. "Just... continue to watch the property. I doubt there'll be a problem, but... never know."
It was then a second Auror hurried into the room.
"Uh... Sir Peverell... DMLE head wants a word."
"As if this can't get any better."
"I'll fire-call Kate," Brady offered, and hurried out of the room.
"Kreacher."
It took a moment before Kreacher popped in. Rasalas momentarily mentally berated himself for waking the elf, but...
"Apologies for waking you, but we have a problem. I've got Mr. Young waiting at my front door. Could you show him into the sitting room, offer him refreshments? We'll be down in a few minutes."
"Of course." Kreacher bowed low, and popped away.
"Guess I shouldn't be surprised. Magical backlash probably went for miles."
"Through no fault of your own," said Arthur, "We had no indication the spell would cause such an effect."
"The government still frowns on such things, sir," said the Auror.
"And considering the department head himself is here..." said Aaron.
"You have been in trouble for similar circumstances," Lancelot guessed.
"During the Beltane rite. And it was Casey who conducted the ceremony," said Rasalas, "We ended up with a fine for causing a magical backlash. Thing is, we really don't have time to deal with this sort of rubbish right now. These dots on the map, they represent the Saxon invasion. It's happening right now, before your very eyes. So my attention has to be there... not with an unfortunate side effect of spell work which was critical to the operation."
It was only now that the Auror noticed the map and its incredible detail.
"Damn. The detail this shows... it would be insanely useful to the department!"
"And for now, the ministry can't know," said Auror Jackson, "Maybe we might convince Sir Peverell to share his technology, but in the end its his call. If you can't keep it quiet, we'll Obliviate you and you'll be reassigned, simple as that."
"All right. But seriously, the DMLE could use this."
"Once a number of things are resolved, count on us inviting the DMLE and the minister in for a visit," Rasalas promised.
Brady then returned, with Kate in tow.
"Let me guess. You've broken the statute of secrecy again."
"Should have bought a lottery ticket," Aaron snorted.
"I felt the magical surge myself, I'll have you know... considering I live in west Toronto."
"D-d-damn. That's like, eighty clicks from here."
"C'mon, Ry, there had to be thousands of magical threads that shot from the pedestal when Ras activated it."
"And what I'm seeing on your map is the result of your spell work, I would assume," said Kate.
"Exactly. The chamber's had a little bit of fun with us when Lancelot suggested something. It wasn't as far-fetched an idea as he—and I for that matter, thought."
"You realize, it's likely thousands of non-magical people felt this event, Rasalas. Be prepared for a nasty fine, that's at a minimum."
"Well, let's go speak with him, get it over with."
"We will continue here," said Arthur.
No surprise, Rasalas found the DMLE department head seated in the sitting room, with a pair of Aurors keeping him company. Kreacher had done as asked, and provided a tea service and refreshments.
"Sir Peverell," said Mr. Young, rising, "Quite an awful disturbance you've managed to instigate—again."
"As I have already warned my client, I felt the disturbance myself, in west Toronto. So we are somewhat aware of the magnitude—"
"An estimate that also falls short, Miss Lewis," said Mr. Young, "We were still getting reports of magical detectors being set off when I left the office. Last report came from Montreal... and the American Department of Magic is also posting inquiries, and nearly activated a protection protocol."
"Protection protocol?"
"Post nine-eleven stuff," Mr. Young Clarified, "Had they done so, we would've had to follow suit, and only a lot of fast-talking on my part prevented it, part of which will be you explaining this incident to my American counterpart."
"It was felt in Washington," Kate assumed.
"It was. Now as serious as that was, Darlington Nuclear plant has shut down because of the backlash... I don't have all the information in front of me, but as I understand it, the backlash damaged some of the equipment that connected the plant to the provincial power grid."
"And with nowhere for the electricity to go, the plant shut down," Kate assumed. "That would cause an electricity shortage... the province will have to import more power to make up for the shortfall."
Rasalas had to think a moment.
"Shit... and there's no way I could help fix it—physically, or financially."
"So the question, Sir Peverell. What in the world did you do, that caused this much chaos?"
"Short of it? Doing the bidding of the Goddess. Long of it? We have access to a rather detailed map. As I've already promised some of your Aurors, I'll let you and the minister for magic have a very close look at it once a few pressing issues are put to bed.
"The magical backlash was by no means intentional, but brought about when an advanced feature of the map was activated. The gist of it, it was an unlocking spell that tapped into the earth's magic."
"Avalon magic," Mr. Young guessed.
Rasalas gave a nod.
"Auror Jackson's been keeping me up to date with some of the things you're doing, if not all. We do know the necessity for secrecy, so we don't ask to many questions—"
"Yeah, you might not like some of the answers," said Rasalas.
"As was said by the minister," Mr. Young agreed, "However, you have once again caused serious disruption to both the magical and non-magical population... this time on both sides of the border."
"I have my cheque book ready."
"Be warned, it will be substantial."
"You know you cannot do anything further," said Kate, "He does have status above the Canadian ministry."
"But I do have to be held to the same standards of everyone else," said Rasalas. He grinned. "How about I offer a million galleons to the Canadian DMLE... you guys can use it to train up more Aurors, get better tools, whatever..."
"Sir Peverell..." Kate cautioned.
Mr. Young, meanwhile, was wide-eyed by the offer. "That's... a lot of money... and it could be seen as a bribe."
"It could. But given I've inconvenienced a lot of people, it's only fair. Obliviator's office might be busy with this, office of Misinformation, Muggle-worthy Excuse Committee... they're all in your department, right? It's my own penance. And do note, I make this offer in front of my solicitor."
"I'll deduct the total of the fine from your contribution," said Mr. Young, "I'll send the official citation along with Auror Jackson, likely later today."
"You have my deepest apologies for the inconvenience," Rasalas said. "I'll work out a statement for the press and send it through Kate."
Rasalas at last returned to the sanctuary's planetarium, and found everyone still gathered, reviewing the map.
"Looks like whatever we did woke the bees' nest," said Aaron, "Everyone's hurrying about looking for the source."
Rasalas smirked. "Good luck figuring out what it was."
"And how did the meeting turn out?" Arthur questioned.
"The DMLE's getting a very substantial donation, and I'll be fined for the incident... no indication of how much yet, but it's gonna be a lot. The disturbance was felt in Montreal and Washington, at least as far as Mr. Young was aware when he left the office..."
"It's likely the magic was felt everywhere, Rasalas," said Morgaine, "Every creature alive would be touched by it. Look. A herd of deer, bedded down for the night."
She gestured at the map, indicating a small herd of deer resting in a copse of trees, southeast of the Saxon camp.
"Hope they don't fine me for every incident... bloody hell."
"A matter best dealt with after this more pressing situation is put to bed," said Lancelot, drawing everyone's attention back to the Saxon camp. "They number in the thousands."
Arthur moved the map so it centered back on Camlann. "We have but a day to make preparations."
"So we make it count," said Aaron. "Uh, sir... we could use a bit of help, four or five people."
"What for?" Rasalas wondered aloud.
"Molotov cocktails," Aaron answered, "We have lots of gas back at the house, and we can transfigure things into bottles, right?"
"And what might a 'molotov cocktail' be?" Arthur questioned.
"It's a b-b-bottle filled with flammable s-s-stuff. We s-s-stuff a rag in the top. When we light it and th-throw it at an enemy, it b-b-breaks and explodes."
"Gasoline or diesel?" Auror Jackson questioned.
"We have both, but gas works better."
"Got any Styrofoam?"
"Uh... I th-think so," Ryan answered. "The white fluffy stuff they use to p-p-pack things in."
Casey seemed to think a moment. "Packing peanuts. I think there's a bag of the stuff tossed in the attic, dear."
"Mix some of the packing peanuts with the gasoline," said Auror Jackson, "Let it sit for a while and the Styrofoam will dissolve into the fuel."
"You're talkin' Napalm," said Brady.
"Exactly. Not only does it explode into flames, it sticks to whatever it lands on. Quite effective against groups of enemies."
"Right, that's rather scary," said Rasalas, "Why on earth would you know about that?"
"The department does spend some time studying non-magical tactics.," answered Auror Jackson, "We study both police methods, and tactics used against law enforcement in the past. Molotov cocktails are a favourite tactic used during riots and civil unrest."
"Pepper spray," the second Auror suggested, "We could probably get you guys a few canisters of it."
"It would have to be by the end of the day," said Arthur, "There will be little time tomorrow morning."
"We'll need to be at Camlann by the sunrise," said Lancelot.
"We will have people at the battlefield long before," said Rasalas, "If we are to have ample time for preparations, get traps in place, we'll need the day as it is."
June 11
Rasalas was awakened by someone prodding his foot.
"It is just before midnight, Sirs," came Kreacher's bullfrog voice.
"Thank you, Kreacher," said Rasalas, sleepily.
The dreamless sleep potions had been a good idea. All of the knights had been given a dose to ensure everyone was well rested. Rasalas knew that without it, he would have been kept awake with thoughts on the upcoming fight. The battle at Hogwarts had been with no warning, no chance to worry over it.
This battle... they had known right from the beginning it was coming. A lot of people would die, and Rasalas was unable to prevent any of it. He'd had plenty of mental debate about his reasons for taking part... but it all came down to supporting Arthur. Arthur had supported Rasalas on many occasions, and it was only right he return the favour at his most critical time of need... even with what was likely to come. Was he ready to say good bye for good?
"We should get dressed, 'an not need come back here," said Brady.
"I have similar thought," Arthur agreed.
He flicked a hand at the wardrobe he'd set up, summoning his heavy leather armour. It had been some time since Rasalas had seen him wear it. Another flick of the hand had him dressed.
Brady smirked. "Take a picture, Ras... it'll last longer."
"Piss off."
Now it was Rasalas' turn to do the same thing. In this case, he'd put on a pair of jeans, the motorcycle chaps he'd been given for Christmas, a tee shirt, and a heavy navy tunic Bedwyr had got him only a few weeks prior. Up to this point, it hadn't been used. To complete the outfit, he put on the armour he'd been given for Christmas. Another gesture of the hand affixed a pin to his chest which represented the Peverell line.
"Best get used to using that one," he said, mostly to himself.
Brady, meanwhile, went with his jeans, chaps, and heavy leather jacket. Like Rasalas and Arthur, his equipment had a number of charms placed on it to make it more durable, and highly resistant to damage.
It was then there was a knock at the door. "You guys up?" came Aaron's question.
"Yeah. Come in."
The door opened, and both Aaron and Ryan stepped into the room. Both were already dressed.
"B-b-b-before we get g-g-going... uh... Dobby?"
Pop. "Mr. Ryan sir called for Dobby?"
"Yeah. Here. My camera. You mind snapping a picture of us together?"
"Ryan..."
"No. I would have it done, Ras. Let the memory be preserved," said Arthur.
Brady, meanwhile, smirked, remembering his comment of only a minute or so ago. The five of them arranged, with Arthur in the middle, Rasalas at his right, and Brady to his left. Ryan and Aaron knelt in front. Arthur drew his blade, and rested the point on the floor.
"Whenever you're ready, Dobby."
Breakfast was set out in the great hall—Arthur had insisted that everyone eat together, and Rasalas fully agreed. That day, it was necessary that everyone be on the same page, to function as a single fighting force. Very little was said as people ate, with the focus being entirely on the great challenge ahead.
"Guys, if we could all stand," said Rasalas, seeing as most people had finished.
At Arthur's encouragement, everyone stood.
"Hand in hand, or hand on shoulder, so we are all linked... good. Ryan. Your show."
Ryan bowed his head.
"Blessed mother of the earth, heavenly father of men... w-w-we stand before you t-t-today, asking for your s-s-s-strength, wisdom, and g-g-guidance, as we go into battle against t-t-tyranny, and protect this l-l-land against our enemies. Grant all of us the s-s-s-strength and will to prevail, and let those who f-f-f-fall today, know your face, hear y-y-your voice, feel your love, as they g-g-g-greet friends and k-k-kin on the other side."
"Blessed be," said Rasalas.
"Amen," Brady whispered.
With that, the gathering broke, with several groups heading in different directions. Most would be on horseback, while a few other groups would be on foot, given a different task. Given the battlefield was only a few kilometres away from the castle, they would still easily arrive at the site with time to spare. Estimates put the enemy arrival at Camlann about mid-morning at the earliest.
Rasalas, Arthur, Brady, Ryan, and Aaron all took to the air, and flew just ahead of the knights, while Lancelot, Cai, and Accolon lead the knights on horseback. Behind the mounted force, were three different groups on foot, all of them armed with a pouch filled with Molotov cocktails. The bombs were all magically shrunken down and sealed, only needing the user to pull one out for it to be restored to original size. It automatically lit when thrown, saving the worry of it harming the user. It had taken a few hours' work to get sorted out, but worth it, according to Aaron.
As they neared the battlefield, Arthur was surprised to find a large number of people already present: some of the peasantry from Camelot and the surrounding area, all armed and ready to fight alongside their King. So too had a few of the tribes, much to Arthur's relief. Not everyone had been swayed by Mordred's poisonous tongue.
Still, Rasalas knew it would be not near enough. The enemy was easily ten times the strength, and the magical contingent was up to this point unknown. Care had been made to warn the knights about the additional danger, but most of the militia would be unaware. No matter what, there would be many deaths here.
Now, as they crested the hill, they could see the army of Saxons had reached the opposite side of the field. The stage was set. Arthur and his companions touched down, and Arthur handed his broom to Rasalas.
"My companions! Friends! Allies! All of you stand here with me as we face down a great, fearsome enemy who now threatens Britain's very future. They have plundered our coast, murdered thousands of innocents, intent on foisting savagery and barbarism across our land.
"It ends here, today, on this field. We fight to the last man, we give no quarter; for no quarter will be given us by the enemy! God and the Goddess willing, we will see this day through, that our lands be once again safe, our descendants be free!"
The massed force of defenders cheered and shouted, spurred by the King's words.
"As to my future. Be it known in front of all of you, before God and the Goddess, that Sir Peverell shall carry on my name, my title, and my kingdom, should I fall this day."
"Sir..."
"No matter my fate here, Camelot must carry on. I trust you will do that which is right... that which is necessary, to preserve all we hold dear."
Now, Rasalas felt an odd sensation strike him from head to toe, and he knew. Something had changed. Just how much, he wouldn't know until they returned to present-day. The massed defenders, however, roared and cheered with approval. Their King was securing their future, establishing a very clear line of succession, even if it wasn't through blood. After all, Royal Prerogative was a rather powerful thing. Still...
"Arthur... sir... you can't..."
"I can, Rasalas, and I have done. Now speak as my war-duke, that we might bring an ending to things."
Rasalas again bowed his head, but then stood tall, and pressed a finger to his throat, amplifying his voice.
"Make every shot, every strike count. A quote I read goes something like, 'What we do in life, echos in eternity.'(2) I think that line cannot be more prudent, than here, today, this moment in time. We face insurmountable odds, but not impossible. Nothing is impossible, if we put our hearts, our minds, our faith, and out trust, into the task at hand.
"Trust your friends, your companions. Do so, and we will once again join at the round table, our land and our future secure. But no matter what, fight with courage."
The defenders cheered again, as Arthur, Rasalas, Brady, Ryan, and Aaron again took to the sky. It seemed like the signal as—
"Arthur. Look, a little right of centre," said Lancelot.
"Here." Aaron reached into his pouch and pulled out a pair of binoculars.
It wasn't the first time Arthur had used them, and so he quickly focused on Lancelot's directions. He let out a snort.
"He's joined the Saxons. Should we be surprised?"
Rasalas had no doubt as to who they were talking about. Arthur, meanwhile, handed the binoculars back to Aaron, then drew Excalibur from its sheath. The Saxons were already beginning their advance, and so Arthur levelled the great blade at the enemy. Nothing further needed be said, as the defenders started off, to meet destiny head-on.
UP NEXT: Rasalas and his companions join Arthur and the knights of Camelot, as they attempt to defend Britain from the Saxons. Hold onto your butts. And yeah, major warning upcoming: Graphic violence, gore, character death.
CHAPTER NOTES: So we've arrived. The battle of Camlann. I'd originally planned on the battle taking place in this chapter, but the theme seemed mostly about preparation, and so I've once again moved the actual battle into its own chapter. But really, we're there this time, no going back, no more postponing it. And I do warn, it's not a happy ending. If you've read 'The Mists of Avalon', or know Arthurian legend, it really isn't. And as much as I'd like to change things... good grief, I've changed a bunch of stuff already.
As for Arthur naming Rasalas/Harry his successor... hmmm... some interesting ramifications that might come out of this now, eh? When can Harry ever be normal? :p
(1) Can't remember if Google Translate was around in 2007. Correction is welcome.
(2) Virtual cookies to the first person to name the movie in which this quote was used, also during a pre-battle speech. :D
