Id: Eleven days and this is what we're getting, seriously!? Why exactly is this one so short?
Superego: It was intended to be part of the last chapter, but it felt too bloated. In fact, this chapter was supposed to be longer, but it eventually felt like padding.
VB: Not to mention I went over several ideas for this one, rewrote it multiple times. Next chapter's going to be longer though, may be the longest so far.
...
Hey guys, so sorry for the wait, also, sorry that this one's going to be so much shorter than compared to the previous ones. It was supposed to be in the last chapter, but at that point it stretched too far than what I would have preferred. Opening is going to be a flashback with Gaheris and Morgan, than we can get to the rest of the stuff.
Warning: Character death will be involved this chapter, but you guys probably already expected that. From here on out, things are going to start getting more serious. Hopefully, it'll end up being a good job.
Without further ado, here is CHapter 16, and I hope you enjoy :).
The moon was bright tonight, the youth noted as he pondered. "What is troubling you, Gaheris?" Her son turned around as Morgan found him by himself in the courtyard. "It is not like you to be by yourself here so late at night, especially when you leave at dawn." Gaheris looked away with a guilty expression, Morgan moving closer to see his face, "What's wrong, my young boy?"
Gaheris looked troubled before finally speaking, "Are you truly, alright with this?" When he looked up to face his mother eye to eye, he continued, "With me leaving for Camelot?"
'He does not with to leave you and Gareth alone,' Agravain's words whispered in her head. Gaheris was like that, always worrying about her and his siblings. Adjusting to a new kingdom would be challenging for him, especially without having those he knew most by his side. Granted, he would be Gawain's squire, so he would still be serving close with his eldest brother, but his concerns were more focused on those he was leaving behind rather than the life he was moving forward to.
Morgan sighed, "Do you believe that I would agree and push for Gawain to serve my brother if I thought it would not be for the best? That I'd send you to an unfriendly and cruel kingdom?" She stroked a hand through his hair, "Do not be so worried Gaheris, my brother is a good king to serve under. Anyone who can win the loyalty of your older brother so greatly would be a great person to serve."
"Or just be a gifted liar, like Ywain." Gaheris replied, his tone growing harsh as he muttered the name. Blinking, realization of what he said dawned on his face, as though it was a subconscious thought, he had ended up voicing. Worry and horror ran across his face as he stared at his mother. Her face turned hard the moment that name was uttered, her mind lost somewhere in the past. "I-I'm sorry mother, I did not mean it like that! Please, I didn't know what I was saying -"
"Enough." Morgan stated, taking a breath to calm down. "This will be different Gaheris. I know that we've suffered damage to our family in the past, but it is always wise to keep an open mind. Arthur is a much better man than your cousin was." Well, she was a woman, but Artoria was still a better man that him… "You'll be safe in Camelot Gaheris, and you'll be free. Free to be more than a mere swordsman for hire. There, you can be a true knight, where you can defend your people and kingdom."
"Yet I'll be leaving you and Gareth behind." Gaheris replied, which Morgan was expecting. He had enough faith in Agravain to know his brother could handle himself, but it was them he worried for. "Too far away to be able to help you in case anything bad happens here in Orkney. How can I protect my young sister if I'm away in another kingdom, a kingdom that could very well come to war with this one if Father chooses to try and claim the throne once more?"
Morgan sighed, "Do not fret over your sister right now Gaheris. Soon enough, she and Agravain will be reunited with you and Gawain in the Round Table, I can promise you that." She smirked as Gaheris gave her a quizzical look, "Don't try to confound yourself right now my son. Have a bit of faith in your mother. You'll all be together soon enough I can promise you that." If her sister can be a king, then her daughter can be a knight.
"But will you be with us?" Gaheris asked, to which Morgan didn't reply, "Even if we are all in Camelot, where does that leave you? You can't simply leave whenever you desire."
"I-I will be okay, Gaheris. I know I'll not be able to be with you all forever, but we will meet again. I will be safe, Gaheris, please trust me." Morgan replied, but she couldn't stop the angry glare that appeared on Gaheris's face.
"Safe with the man who beats you." Gaheris muttered under his breath, to which Morgan gave him a warning look, "What, he did that night, and he's done it before. He doesn't care about you at all." Gaheris pulled his arm out of his mother's reach, "He failed to protect his eldest child and he never bothered to comfort you at all!"
He stopped as his mother grabbed him by his shoulder and turned him around to face her, "Enough Gaheris, I will not say this again." She looked into his eyes and Gaheris felt himself stewing in guilt. He never liked bringing up these painful memories, but they always bothered him. In many ways, despite his desire to be a great knight, he in many ways was still a young boy who wanted to be his mother's knight. Which made sense since he was 13.
"I don't want to leave you here alone Mother." Gaheris admitted, his face dripping to the ground, "Not alone here with no one who cares about you." He squeaked lightly as Morgan lifted his face to meet hers with her hands before pinching his cheeks.
"I promise Gaheris, we will all be reunited again, as a family." She embraced him tenderly, "Just promise me this. Promise me that you'll be a good and loyal Knight of the Round, that you'll serve faithfully by your brother, protect your sister when the time comes, and grow into a good man. Your life is not confined to this land Gaheris, you can be so much more, and I know you will be." She ruffled his hair lightly, "Please, promise me that you will be a good knight, a good brother, and for whoever you eventually choose, a good husband. Do that, and I will be the proudest mother there could ever be."
Gaheris hugged his mother back, "I promise mother."
Night eventually turned to day, and 'King Arthur' and his forces were finally making their trek back to Camelot. Lancelot gently patted Gareth's head as she waved goodbye to him, Agravain coming to her side. Kay and Gawain waved to them goodbye, the latter beckoning for his brother to catch up. Giving his sister one last tight hug, Gaheris got atop his horse as he gave his mother, second older brother, and little sister a smile a wave as he departed. His time in Orkney wasn't exactly idyllic, but it had been something to grow accustomed to. Now, he'd no idea where he would end up. Even so, he had a promise to keep…
"For you Mother, I will be as great a knight as I can be." He muttered quietly, gazing at the endless sky.
Chapter 17: A Death By Fool
"So, you're leaving now, my dear?" Guinevere asked Lancelot as the man placed his helmet on, covering his face and hair, the latter of which had been wrapped in a ponytail and appeared out the top of hid helmet and went down his back.
"Yes." They were alone now, in this hall of the castle, no one could hear them. "The King's orders are absolute, and if he desires my aid, so be it."
She nodded, "I know. Whatever happens in Lahia, I ask thee. Please ensure the safety of my cousin and his family. They have so much to live for, and do not deserve death." Lancelot looked at her soft expressions, the way her dark hair swept down her body, and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Do not worry, my Queen. We have no interest in harming them. Our only goal is to protect Lahia." Lancelot replied, his voice soft and calm, even underneath his helmet.
She gave him a soft smile, but spoke again, "And, if you find her? What will you do then?"
"She will be executed, as she should be." Lancelot replied, "For her crimes, death would be a merciful end." He watched as Guinevere's face grew worried and nervous, "Does something trouble you?"
"Is it, merciful, dear Lancelot?" She clasped her hands and knotted her fingers, "How are we to know that?" Queen Guinevere lowered her gaze to the ground, as though staring at older memories.
Lancelot replied in a firm tone, "My dear, you are not to blame for what she has done." She looked up and met his gaze, "Whether you were hypocritical or not, Morgan Le Fay is responsible for her own actions. You did not compel her to betray her own family, nor did you command her to try and destroy us before in the past and now." He sighed, taking her hands in his, "Before this is over, if you wish, we will both admit our sins to the King, and ask him for his judgement. Until then, we must do our best to aid him, that is what matters most. Whatever we have done in the past must be left there. Otherwise, how can we continue?"
She nodded, "I do feel guilty for what has happened, though I wonder, why would she do this? What would she have to gain by doing this?" Her thoughts were a mystery for him, "Why go this far?"
"Perhaps it is spite. Perhaps she is simply driven to deny her own sibling their rightful reign, refusing to allow King Arthur his deserved victory." Lancelot replied.
Guinevere sighed, "I wonder if it is that simple?" Her thoughts were somewhere else, and her guarded expression made Lancelot wonder, was she keeping something secret?
"Is there something you wish to tell me, my Queen?" He asked, his tone curious, not accusing.
She seemed about to say something, but then shook her head, "No, it is pointless to discuss, and it changes nothing." Guinevere gave him a quick embrace, "Safe travels my love."
Lancelot reciprocated, "We shall return, my Queen, I promise you that."
That was before Lancelot had left with 'King Arthur' to check Lahia, and if necessary, lead its people here to Camelot for protection. They were likely to be there soon, if they were not yet there already. If they found her, then they would also kill Lady Morgan. And here was Queen Guinevere, sitting on her throne, the 'Queen of Camelot.' Almost 10 years had passed, and the innocent and spoiled girl she had been slowly been lost since the day of her marriage with Artoria.
They had all changed since then; Artoria, Morgan, and Guinevere. Back then, they were as close as sisters, Artoria and Morgan being genuine sisters notwithstanding. For some time, Guinevere had blamed herself for Morgan's descent to evil, but was she even… no, it would not help now. She still didn't understand what her old friend had meant. Dear lord was she useless.
"Is something troubling you, my lady?" Guinevere left her thoughts as she saw Mordred walk towards her, covered head to toe in armor… much how Artoria has over the last few years.
She bit her lip before responding, "Just worried about my Lord's trek to Lahia, as well as for the wellbeing of my cousin." Guinevere didn't know what to say as Mordred took a seat on the throne next to her. Perhaps dreaming of ruling one day as well? "How did your meeting go, Sir Mordred?"
"Until King Arthur returns from his quest, we won't be sending any more knights out of Camelot. Tension is already high enough as it is with so many strangers forced into one Kingdom, and not enough space for everyone. Until Father returns, we cannot take any more risks." Mordred replied.
Guinever nodded, "A wise decision." She sighed, "I suppose it may be selfish to say this, but I hope they do come back soon. I've not seen Guiomar in so long, and you have a brother you may meet soon enough."
Mordred chuckled, "I do not care that much about meeting him, but who knows. With Father leading the charge however, I doubt we have much to worry over."
…
…
Well, this had gone wrong, very, very wrong. Malphas couldn't tell if it was because of disobeying orders from his own fire, King Arthur trying to kill him, or the barrier he was surrounded by, but he could tell things were very wrong. The blast from King Arthur's sword ripped and burned through the ground, the dirt flying and earth shuddering worse than an earthquake. At the last moment however, Morgan had managed to teleport herself and King Guiomar to his side, erecting a shield between them and Excalibur. Malphas's eyes widened in terror and awe as he saw the mighty energy ripple around them, cutting into the ground and causing the land to shake. Even the patch of Earth they stood on surrounded by the barrier was cracking and fragmenting.
His eyes widened as he saw part of the energy coming from the sword bounce off the shield and collide into the Lahian walls, the structure crackling and damaged from impact, a hole almost completely through. One could wonder if King Arthur had enough power to bring down Lahia with a single swing if he were so inclined. All that power had been channeled into eliminating Malphas, it was a miracle he was even saved. But then again… he was not even supposed to be there in the first place.
"I'm sorry Father." Malphas muttered, Ceren whinnying with worry. Guiomar was standing right next to his mounted son, sword in hand, having hastily grabbed it before being teleported.
King Guiomar sighed, "We survive first, then we will talk." He had better things to do than berate his son.
"Indeed." Morgan muttered before giving a mighty shout, the marks on her body lighting up as her barrier expanded and surrounded them from above to every side as she spread her arms out, shining a brilliant blue, clashing starkly with the holy golden light emitting from Excalibur. "We need leave this place now." She would receive no argument from Malphas, foolish he may have been, he was not idiotic enough to go for peace when his enemy was clearly out to murder him.
Soldiers ran out from the gates of Lahia, racing forward to stop the King of Knights. With a beckoning motion from her head, Artoria's forces took their stand to intercept them, Walbert leading the charge as flipped his sword from its regular form into a whip before melding to a spear. With her focus not deterred from her target, Artoria signaled Gareth and Lancelot.
"Attack Morgan now, while I have her in place." Artoria commanded.
Gareth was ready to run out, but she looked to her mentor, who seemed uncertain, "And what of Guiomar and his son? Do they die as well?" His tone worried, almost accusing, and its frightened Gareth.
Artoria was undisturbed, "There is no need once she is gone. I can press more strength, but I overcome the barrier, it will kill them as well. You must break through and kill Morgan while I hold her in place." Lancelot simply nodded in turn and led Gareth as they raced forward along the beam of Excalibur's light.
Artoria slowly pressed the energy on the barrier, slowly striding towards her sister atop her white horse. Morgan's eyes widened as she placed more energy into her barrier. How powerful her sister had become? Unfortunately, a familiar cry rang in her ears, and she saw a young warrior in armor race towards the barrier, lance and shield in hand, charging through and beating away anything that buffeted her. The girl screamed as her speed rose, her lance crackling with power.
"IRA LUPUS!" She cried out as she charged right at her mother's barrier, Artoria ending her assault at the last moment while Gareth punctured through the shield as though it were tissue paper, breaking around her as the distance between herself and the one she had called mother went from yards to feet, her lance poised to skewer… That is, until it was deflected by a certain King.
Moving with shocking speed, Guiomar entered the space between mother and daughter and struck out with his sword. The mighty blade deflected the lance with a mighty swing right where the two weapons met at their tips, and Gareth's eyes widened as her lance was almost knocked out of her grip, all while unable to stop herself from running right into him. Bringing his blade back, he met her shield with sword, his back foot dug into the ground as he pushed against her, and Gareth was sent flying back. She was fortunately saved by her mentor, who caught her and placed him by her side. Gareth was shocked, she hadn't gone all out against Sir Ruthius, but she had poured all her strength into that move, and King Guiomar had batted her aside like it was nothing. Even Galehaut had never managed a feat like the, her lance always finding a way to cut through his giant blade. She could understand why he had been Lancelot's rival in the past, for the man showed no fear as he stared down herself and Lancelot, sword in one hand, eyeing to see who would make the first move. Her master's dark armor and sword heavily contrasted Guiomar's brighter armor and, if less ornate, more normal and lighter blade.
There wouldn't be time for a face off however, for with her sister now racing towards them all, Morgan had different plans. A dark and purplish aura surrounded her body as her eyes glowed a misty green, "GLORIA CHAOS!" The dark aura burst and from her, enclosing itself around everyone within a 100-yard distance. Gareth felt her brain spin and grew dizzy, her legs shaking as she tried to remain upright… was she upright though? She was unable to tell, her mind felt as if a chorus of demons were screeching in her ears, colors felt twisted and messed up, her eyes were loaded with twisted images that made no sense at all. The only thing she was sure of was the firm grip of her teacher's hand on her shoulder, likely to steady her.
Morgan gave them a quick look before turning attention to Artoria. Her steed had gone wild the moment it touched the dark pulse of energy, leaving the King of Knights no choice but to part from it. To Morgan's shock, Artoria simply stood up, sword glowing in hand, and charged at Morgan, releasing the bean of energy as though she were stabbing her in the gut. The beam was smaller, but more potent and concentrated, almost like a blast from Rhongomyniad. Fortunately, it made Morgan had to simply make a smaller but more protective barrier in front of herself, absorbing the blast. How could Artoria still fight? The Mind of Chaos spell could break a victim's mind in a matter of minutes, even Vivian had struggled to break free during a day when Morgan had felt mischievous. Artoria was not even affected in the slightest.
As if to confirm her fears, Artoria spoke, "Your illusions have never worked on me Morgan, and they never will. The only reality approaching either of us is your end." Well there was one time when the illusion worked… worked too well. Morgan shoved those thoughts away. Defending from an attack of her sister's head on would not succeed, but her sister was standing below her, in the trench that had been made by Excalibur, which meant that…
"Lelchior, mier rhantos, soren veil Avalon!" Morgan cried out as the thick black roots erupted from the displaced dirt her sister stood on, twisting around Artoria as strands of dark purple light surrounded the King, until Artoria was cocooned in dark purple light and tough blacked roots. Vengeance of the earth, one could call it. It wrapped itself around those that it saw as guilty of harming nature, bringing them below the dirt to be swallowed, made to be nutrients for the land. Now, they turned their rage towards Artoria.
'Does Morgan believe that this will hold me?' Artoria didn't know if she should laugh right now as well. 'Nothing will hold me, and nothing will end me. My duty still remains.'
Morgan grit her teeth before twisting her head to Guiomar, Malphas, and Ceren, all of whom she'd made sure weren't affected by the pulse. "This will provide us some time; we must leave now." Not a moment later, a sizzling sound was heard from the dark cocoon, Excalibur's light a sharp contrast. The Mind of Chaos would also fade away in a few minutes. "Boy, get over here." She commanded, to which Ceren dashed towards her, Malphas getting off his friend right next to her. Morgan grabbed his right arm, "Give me a moment, I need to account for the steed."
Malphas felt his mark glow as she held his right hand. He felt himself feeling… rather strange. Ceren whinnied, feeling the same thing as well. The youth could see his brother, still sleeping in their Mother's arms as she rode forward on her own horse, a good distance away. Guiomar placed his hand on his son's shoulder, the feeling slowly entering him as well. There, they would be safe… Malphas's eyes widened as. Along with the glow of Excalibur growing brighter, there was another glow just at the tip of his sight… that other knight!
…
'That glow… That glow…' Lancelot's thoughts were jumbled, twisted, his eyes struggling to understand. Whatever Morgan Le Fay had done, Lancelot had to fight the incantation. Yet that light, it had to have been the light of Excalibur! So, his King was still fighting, still fighting to stop her sister, and he had to support his liege! Yet just when his bearings somewhat recovered, the light vanished, he could not tell from what, but it was gone, no, it was being veiled, held back, that had to be it! He gripped his sword in one hand, one of the few things he knew right now. Morgan Le Fay… would not escape!
"Oath to my King…Reaching the end, beyond the boundaries…" Lancelot spoke, his voice returning, his sword lighting up in a bluish hue.
Morgan's eyes widened, the mind spell was about to where off, Artoria was about to break out! The roots were snapping, and the barrier was cracking! She couldn't contain both her and Lancelot!
Guiomar seemed to have a resigned expression, "Malphas, perhaps I should have told you everything." He gave a kind smile to his son, "Protect your mother and brother, and remember, none of this is your fault." He gave a look to Morgan, "You'll have to watch over him now. Do not fail." King Guiomar didn't even look as she wordlessly nodded. Another lie, and she wondered if he knew. The man let go of his son, turning his back to face his old rival.
"Father, wait!" Malphas cried out, attempting to reach him, but Morgan simply tightened her grip on his right hand and held him in place with surprising strength. He glared at her, "Let go of me!"
She did not bother to reply, she now could get them both and the boy's horse to safety. "Sozde no voyos, avio de vierres…"
"ARONDIGHT – OVERLOAD!" Lancelot roared as he leaped forward towards them all, his jump covering the distance between them as he brought his sword down, bearing all his strength. He could not see, but he could sense it. She was here, and she would be stopped.
…
Guiomar gripped his sword with both hands as Lancelot came at him. 'Fine then old friend, I'd have not had it any other way.' He swung his blade upward to meet Lancelot head on, so fast Malphas was barely able to see it. Cracks formed in the Earth as the swords connected, Guiomar stopping Lancelot right in his tracks. In terms of strength, they were even. One could say the same in terms of experience as well.
Unfortunately, their swords told a different tale…
"Zis den John."
CRACK!
The barrier shattered, Excalibur's light tearing it apart as it sought its targets. Nothing would protect them now… but that didn't matter to Malphas. In that moment, with the holy light of death coming to claim him, there was only one thing he could see…
It was the sight of Arondight, having shattered his Father's sword, now ripping into King Guiomar like cloth, cutting into him from head to torso…
And Excalibur's light touched nothing. There was no Morgan or Malphas for it to reach. They had vanished from its path. All that was left was the falling body of the King of Lahia.
Id: And the character who will be voice acted by Sean Bean if this was animated is...
VB: Very funny, but yeah, I could see that.
Id: So are we looking at an FFXV thing, or is this going A Song of Ice and Fire? Because I can see it going either way.
Superego: This story isn't bleak enough for it to be a George RR Martin work, though it will be more fantastical.
VB: Yeah, this part has been in the works for a while. It was originally going to be the forces of Lahia fighting Lostbelt Artoria's army, but then I realized that if I want to write Guiomar as a good king who cares for his people, that part didn't make sense, especially since he has more brains than that. Although, more would have been fleshed out later on... oh well.
Id: Well, messy as it was, at least you managed to get that part done. Was a big pain to write.
VB: Yeah, it was hard writing this, and not because I was extraordinarily attached to Guiomar as a character. I just didn't want it to end up looking dumb, and I'm still not convinced.
Superego: I'd say that his death itself was foreshadowed, but the whole thing with Lancelot killing him could have been done better, in my opinion.
...
Well, that ends this chapter, next one will start dealing with the fallout of what happens, an explanation from Morgan Le Fay, as well as basically mark the start of Malphas's journey. These chapters were akin to a prologue to set the foundation, now the plot's going to be moving much more forward.
Or at least that what I'm hoping will happen. I'll try to be quicker, but I'm not sure how successful I'll be.
Until next time, this has been the Venomous Blade, and I'll see you guys later =).