**Iron Fist**

Morgan was pleased with her plan and this new apprentice she had found.  With a little help from the Necklace of Forgetfulness, her charge was settling into life as a Sorceress of Avalon quite nicely.  She carried within herself a strange power that seemed to amplify the spells and potions that Morgan was teaching her.

"You are a quick study, Danielle," Morgan said.  "The ability to transform these apples into birds and frogs usually takes much longer to master.  Shall we apply this principle to our task at hand?"

"You mean the soldiers?" Danielle asked.

"Yes, we will make one from the muddy riverbank," Morgan said.

"What must I do?" Danielle asked.

"Imagine the perfect soldier, however that might appear to you.  He must be fearless, and well skilled," Morgan said.  "Close your eyes and picture him, then repeat the spell."

Danielle, ever the obedient student, pictured a man.  He was tall with a strangely scruffy beard, and wild hair.  He was well muscled and solid.  His eyes burned with a fire, a passion, and she wanted desperately for him to be real.  He appeared familiar to her, and she knew he had all the qualities that Morgan required.  She repeated the spell as she remembered it, and a burst of energy tore from her hands to the muddy ground in front of her.  When the energy stopped, she stood in horror as she watched the smoldering earth before her. 

At first, all that happened was the forming of a mound as the mud pushed up.  Then there were sounds of snapping and stretching coming from it.  The top of the mound split like a shell, and a man stood.  He was already armed with a sword and wearing armor, but his appearance was not quite right. 

"He does not look like him," Danielle told Morgan in disappointment.

"He is a creature of magic, Danielle," Morgan said.  "He is only a shadow of your ideal."

"I saw the soldier I wanted.  He was so real to me, I thought…" Danielle said dejectedly.

"You desired him?" Morgan said laughing.  "We have other spells for that."

"I don't want to use a love potion to get a man, I want…" Danielle didn't finish.  Morgan would not like her confession anyway.

"You want the Fairy Tale," Morgan said bitterly.  "I am a Fairy Queen, and I assure you that the Fairy Tale is an impossible dream.  You are a sorceress now; magic can give you whatever you want."

Danielle looked at the dim echo of her perfect soldier and sighed.  There was no fire in his eyes, there was no thought in his head, there was no soul, and worst of all, there was no resemblance. 

*****

"I've never had to tie my pants on before," Jesse said as he fiddled with the odd leather ties on his leggings.  They weren't quite tights, but they were close.  Thankfully, the tunic that went with it was long enough to cover any embarrassment.

"I just might kill that wizard for this," Logan said bitterly as he pulled on his tunic.  It was a rich midnight blue, with embroidery around the collar and cuffs.  "I look like a pansy," he growled as he pulled on his boots.

"You look like every other knight around here," Jesse said.  "The pansies don't show up for a few more centuries."

Jesse finally finished dressing, and his tunic was similar to Logan's, only a lighter shade of blue.  They had a look around while they waited for Merlin to send for them.  Jesse, ever the historian, found some of the books rather interesting.  Logan was looking at the odd assortment of herbs and potions.

"Good, you're ready," Merlin said as he strode in.  "I suggest you control your temper in the presence of the King," Merlin warned Logan.

"Logan knows when to behave," Jesse said quickly.  "Arthur isn't the one who brought us here against our will."

Logan smiled at Jesse's quick defense.  He would have liked this kid even if he wasn't family.

"We are going to the great hall to meet Arthur during his council with the knights.  Not all of them are present, but all of the important members are there.  You will be scrutinized, and possibly challenged…" Merlin explained.

*Snikt!* "Bring it on," Logan said.

"I don't know if you're going to want to flash those claws for the King," Jesse said.

"Your squire is correct, Sir Knight, I would suggest discretion," Merlin said.  "The appointed hour has arrived, we must meet the King."

"I'm no squire," Jesse said angrily.

"Yeah, he's my grandkid," Logan joked.

"Uh, thanks," Jesse said.  "Not the title I was going for…"

Merlin just laughed.  Sir Logan was the only champion he would need.  It mattered little what the young one's skill was.

*****

After a seemingly endless descent down a winding staircase and a long trek through three halls, they arrived at a large wooden door.  The guards straightened up at the sight of the old wizard, but eyed Logan and Jesse suspiciously. 

"You may announce me immediately," Merlin said in a quiet but commanding voice.

"And your guests?" the guard inquired.

"Their names I will divulge to the King myself, they are expected," Merlin said waving the young guard's question aside.

"Very well, sir," he said and went inside.  He returned a moment later to usher them into the hall.  There was still discussion in progress, so the three men waited.  Logan and Jesse took in the sight of the table.  It was round, but not one solid circle.  It was open in the middle like a great ring, with a small opening to allow a speaker to stand in full view of the council.  The king was seated in the chair opposite the opening, and a blonde knight had the floor.

"There have been reports from several villages of a new agent of trickery," Sir Gawain continued. "A sorceress has been roaming the countryside casting spells."

"No harm has been done," Sir Agravain said quickly.  "Some witnesses say that she is very beautiful, a vision of violet light."

"Beauty can be deceptive," Lancelot interjected.

"What say you to these rumors, Merlin?" Arthur asked.

"The rumors carry some truth with them," Merlin began.  "This Sorceress was brought here through magic and is under Morgan's guidance."  The room erupted into murmurs of disapproval.  Morgan was a well known enemy.

"And what is Morgan's plan this time?" Arthur sighed.

"She is massing an enchanted army, and will attempt to lay siege to Camelot itself, if we do not stop her first," Merlin.

"You have a plan?" Arthur asked as he looked at the two strangers Merlin brought into their council.

Merlin beckoned his champions over.  "Allow me to present to you two worthy knights, Sir Logan of Canada and Sir Jesse of Westchester."

Logan and Jesse gave the King a respectful bow and waited.

"I am unfamiliar with these places," the King began.  "Tell me good Magician, is there magic at work within the walls of my castle?"

"Nay, your Majesty, the walls had nothing to do with it," Merlin said with a smirk.  The entire hall erupted with laughter.  Even the King had to laugh, despite his dislike for the casual use of magic within his castle.

"They are battle tested champions then?" Lancelot inquired with a hint of challenge in his voice.

Logan immediately gave the obnoxious knight his attention.  Lancelot received a glare that would stop any challenge, but Lancelot was unmoved.  He knew the look, he used it himself.  As far as Lancelot was concerned, this stranger was no knight until he saw his skills for himself.

Merlin and Arthur observed the silent exchange between the two men, and it was Arthur who finally spoke.  "Perhaps a friendly tournament would settle the knights' distrust of your champion's skills."

"These knights are here to fight a Sorceress, not our own knights," Merlin said lightly.

"Then I challenge him," Lancelot said as he tossed a glove at Logan's feet.

"You just made a big mistake there, Bub," Logan growled.

Jesse grabbed Logan's arm and could feel the tension in the muscles. "Get a grip there, gramps," Jesse whispered.  "Keep your claws to yourself, remember where we are."

Logan relaxed his arm, but never took his eyes off the rude knight seated by the king.

"The challenge has been made and accepted," Arthur said.  "Sir Logan will choose the weapon."

Logan just smiled broadly and said, "Fists."

"Agreed," said Arthur quickly, before Lancelot could protest.  He did not want this challenge to get out of hand, these men were too angry.

Jesse smiled as well, at Logan's quick thinking.  "Just don't kill him," Jesse said quietly with a hint of humor in his voice.

"Not even if he begs me," Logan chuckled.

*****

Danielle had completed her studies for the day, having made three dozen soldiers for her mentor.  She was feeling weak, and retreated to her room to rest.  She tried to remove her jewels, but the clasp was unmovable.  Too tired to care, she laid down and immediately fell asleep.  All too soon she started to dream of strange things.  There were people in strange costumes working magic like she had never seen, and then she saw her warrior.  He was amazing as he fought his enemies.  His hands were his weapons, with blades that extended like claws.  As she watched him fight, the scene changed.  His enemies disappeared and he walked toward her holding a ring. "Not even death…" he said with fire in his eyes, and then the dream faded.

Danielle woke with a start and her heart was pounding.  "Who are you, clawed warrior?" she whispered.  There was no one to answer, so she lay back down to try to sleep.  Maybe he would visit her dreams again…

*****

"Sir Logan has chosen the weapon, therefore it is Sir Lancelot's duty to choose the venue," Arthur said.

"Right here would be just fine," Lancelot said sternly as he started removing his tunic.

"Suits me fine," Logan said and pulled off his tunic.

Arthur heaved a sigh. "Very well.  Guard, bar the doors," he said. "We do not need the Queen or her ladies to walk in on a brawl."

Logan was already standing in the open area inside the table, and Lancelot walked around from his position near Arthur to join him.  The table was quite large, allowing for a thirty foot open circle in its center.  Logan thought it was a little larger than the cages he was accustomed to fighting in.

"Come, Sir Jesse, they will need room," Merlin said as they walked to the outside of the great round table.

"Gentlemen, consider this space the field of honor and behave according to the laws of chivalry," Arthur said.

The two men stood facing each other.  Each took in the other's build and stance, trying to size up their opponent to plan the best way to attack. 

Logan noted that Lancelot was in fairly decent shape, no doubt from years of bearing the weight of armor and swinging a broadsword.  He wasn't overly concerned with the fight, he would allow him to get in a few good hits and then mop the floor with him.

Lancelot didn't like Sir Logan's look.  He carried anger in his eyes, and he was barely polite in the presence of the King.  The stranger's lack of respect had to be dealt with.  His build was strong, but he was older, and no doubt in his declining years as a knight. He wore a strange necklace with two rectangular ornaments on it, and Lancelot briefly wondered about its significance. He quickly shoved that thought aside to face the matter at hand.  Lancelot was confident that he would go down quickly.

"If both opponents stand ready…" Arthur said gazing at their staring match, "You may begin."

Lancelot wasted no time.  At the word 'begin,' he closed the distance between him and Logan and landed a respectful right jab square on Logan's jaw.  Logan allowed his head to snap back slightly, but didn't move otherwise.  He turned back to look at a stunned Sir Lancelot and smiled.  Lancelot stepped back and gave a snort.

"You mock me, sir," Lancelot spat out.

"Not at all," Logan said with a blank expression.  "You challenged me, remember?"

Lancelot lunged for him again hitting Logan in the ribs with his right and his kidney with his left.  Logan jerked back from the force of the impact, but he quickly regained his composure.  Lancelot had waited for Logan to straighten up and planted another brutal right cross against the side of Logan's jaw.

With that, Logan had enough.  His head snapped to the side with the impact of the punch, but Logan just used that momentum as he spun around and landed a brutal jab to Lancelot's kidney.  When the knight lurched forward, Logan caught him with an upper cut to the jaw.

Ouch!  Jesse thought; leave the man his pride, Logan

It was obvious that Logan's punch had rung Lancelot's bell as he staggered back.  "Sir Logan, me thinks you have an iron fist," Lancelot admitted moving his jaw back and forth to make sure it wasn't broken.

Logan smiled and waited for Lancelot to make another move.  When Lancelot made another attempt to catch Logan with an upper cut to the chin, Logan dodged it and caught Lancelot with a blow across the cheek.  Lancelot was visibly shaken by the force of the blow and Logan took the chance to end the fight peacefully.

"I've no quarrel with you," Logan said.  "Do I really have to hit you again to prove I'm a worthy knight?"

"Nay, sir," Lancelot said with a chuckle.  "You are worthy."  He offered Logan his hand and Logan took it.  Both men smiled and started putting their tunics on.

"Well met, good Knights!" Arthur said.  "Let us adjourn to the dining hall for a goodly feast!"

As Logan and Lancelot walked out together, Lancelot examined his sore knuckles.  "Alas, Sir Logan, your jaw is iron too."

Logan just laughed, "Close."

Sir Mordred and Sir Agravain exchanged looks as the company of knights filed out of the council chamber.  Mordred was not pleased with the arrival of these new knights. He must get word to Morgan concerning the events that have just transpired. 

*****

The hour was growing late, and Lady Danielle joined Morgan on the terrace for the evening meal.  Morgan was lost in thoughts of politics and her plans to bring England back into her control.  Mordred was desperate for the throne, and would indulge her every whim if she could put him there.  Arthur was a worthy opponent, and Mordred was a mere shadow of his father's regal stature, but Arthur was diametrically opposed to everything Morgan held in high regard.

She glanced across the table at her new charge.  Lady Danielle had not fully surrendered to her new life and was in some unknown turmoil.  Morgan may have to weave a little extra magic around her young apprentice to maintain her web of control.

"Are you quite rested from this morning's spell casting?" Morgan asked her.

"Yes, Mistress," Danielle said.  "How many soldiers must we make to complete your army?"

"I have added to our numbers while you slept, putting our army at two hundred strong," Morgan said.  "After our meal we shall continue our endeavor until we have at least five companies."

"That will be a taxing endeavor," Danielle said.

"Yes, but tomorrow, we may increase our army more quickly with a duplication spell," Morgan said.  "I want to be marching on Camelot by the next full moon."

 "When our army is complete, what will my task be?" Danielle asked.

"Using your purple fire against the castle gates," Morgan said.  "You will be my battering ram, clearing the way for our forces to breach the city."

Danielle did not know if she liked that idea.  "We will not harm the peasants," she said.  "We are there to reestablish the rightful king, not harm the people…" Danielle asked nervously.

"Yes, child," Morgan said with a bland expression.  "We only wish to remove the usurper and put the Kingdom back in the hands of its rightful King."

Danielle hesitated.  She knew little of the politics of the land save what Morgan had told her.  She did not like the idea of innocent people being hurt.  Perhaps if she could breach the fortress quickly, the city could be taken without too many people being harmed.

"Very well, Mistress Morgan," Danielle said.  "It shall be as you ask."

Morgan smiled broadly at the compliance of her new pupil.  Perhaps she would even keep her around after this war was finished.

*****

The feast was a grand affair, with the knights and ladies of the court dressed in their finery for the occasion.  The king had the center seat at the main table, with the Queen on his right, and Lancelot beside her.  Merlin sat on his left, with Sir Logan and Sir Jesse in a place as honored guests beside him.  The other knights all took their places seated beside their wives or favored ladies of the court. 

Logan had a look at the queen.  Gwenevere was attractive, but couldn't hold a candle to Dani.  It was hard to believe that Camelot would one day fall because of her indiscretions.  How funny it was to see her sitting between her husband and her Lover.  Logan shook his head.  People could be so foolish.  Already the signs were there for anyone to see, but the King ignored it.  Love is truly blind.

The food was brought out on great platters and the fare was rich with wild game.  There were several spit roasted pigs, legs of mutton, roasted goose, duck and quail, and the highlight of the feast, a wild boar that was felled by the King himself that morning.  Serving wenches brought around pitchers of wine and ale and trays of fresh steaming bread.  There were bowls filled with fruit and trays of sweetmeats. 

It was an overwhelming sight, and Logan and Jesse were amazed at the way everyone dove in with their fingers.  Everyone, including the ladies had their own knives that looked like small daggers, which were worn on their belts.  Logan and Jesse glanced at each other and shrugged.  Logan was about to just pop a claw out to cut a piece of meat off the nearest roast when Merlin handed him two dinner knives.

"Our customs are no doubt different from yours, please accept these as a peace offering for bringing you here," Merlin said.  "You will alarm the ladies if you use your blades, Sir Logan," he added quietly.

Logan sighed and took the small daggers, handing one to Jesse.  No toy dagger could make up for being kidnapped.

There was entertainment for the court, a minstrel and a jester.  The music was fine, if a little vintage, but the jokes were lost on Jesse and Logan.  Many of them made references to the politics of the day, or to the valiant deeds of the various knights.  Logan didn't really pay any attention until the jester started talking about the sorceress…

"A fair and frightening maid of light

Walks with the charms of Morgan's might.

Her hands do glow with a violet fire,

Beware, good knights, the Sorceress' ire.

Sir Logan of strength and noble state

Brought to this court by Merlin's gate

With fists of iron and heart of gold

He marches forth with valor bold.

His quiet squire with loyal grace

With youth and courage on his face

Does follow his master to meet the foe

Though the path be marked with woe.

So here be two with courage great

To journey past our noble gate

And smite the beautiful evil maid

Though before them wicked spells are laid.

Let God's own grace protect their quest

And keep them near His holy breast

To guard them from an evil fate

'Til they return victorious to our gate."

Logan had never been honored in a song before, and he was quite speechless.  The room erupted in shouts and applause, and the minstrel took up the song.  The King turned to Logan and Jesse and raised his goblet.

"To our valiant visitors!  May they find success in their noble quest," Arthur said with a smile and took a drink.

The room erupted in shouts of agreement from the knights as they drank to the new knights seated at the head table.  Merlin gave Logan a nudge and whispered.

"It is custom for you to make a toast to the host after such a display of favor," Merlin said.

Logan stifled a growl.  He was not the wordy type, and speaking to a bunch of medieval knights was not on his list of things to do today.  Jesse gave him a nudge from the other side and Logan sighed and stood.  He tried to think of how to word this so he didn't sound rude.

"Good King, you honor us with your hospitality and kind words," he said.  "May our assistance help to keep your noble kingdom safe."  He raised his goblet and took a drink, and then quickly sat down.

The hall erupted in approving shouts as the knights drank to Logan's toast.  Logan sighed heavily.  At least he seemed to please the crowd with that medieval drivel he just shoveled.

The feast continued without any further speeches, and Logan and Jesse were shown to a guest room for the night.  An older woman came in with a large pitcher of water and tended the fire. 

"Is there anything you require?" she asked.

"No, thank you," Jesse said.

The woman left, and Jesse and Logan were finally alone to reflect on their day.

"It's funny, but I have the strangest urge to sing the Camelot song from Monty Python's Holy Grail," Jesse said humorously.

"You'll get over that if you want to live, Kid," Logan said.

Jesse laughed but then turned very serious.  "So tomorrow we go to slay a woman?"

Logan felt a tinge of guilt when he heard Jesse put it that way.  "She's evil," he said.

"Because they say so?" Jesse said.

"You have a family to go home to," Logan said quietly.

"At what price?" Jesse said.

"Go to sleep, Kid," Logan sighed.  "We'll play this one by ear.