III — A Festival
The first break of dawn shone brightly over the happy citizens of Camelot and their guests. The festivities were to begin in only a few hours and the final preparations were hurriedly being put in place by bustling merchants and servants.
In honour of the kings and queen visiting Camelot, Arthur declared that they should have a festival— of food, music, dancing and fighting. Also because of the magic users wishing to compete, preparations would be made to allow magic within the battles and the entertainment.
It would certainly make it a bit more difficult for the knights without magic, but they all accepted the challenge and stuck their chests out saying: "When we win against magic, then we'll know who's the strongest. We don't need magic to win!"
Merlin wanted to laugh because he's beaten them before as an old man. So he wasn't itching to participate, since he has won against the Knights before. Not that he thinks they have realised that. One day.
Not that Merlin would have the chance to compete anyway. Arthur still wanted to make sure that the magic users weren't using deadly force against their opponents. He asked Merlin to discretely watch for any unnecessary spells and block them if he has to. Or on the lookout for people who haven't accepted the peace yet.
Even though magic was finally acknowledged and allowed within Camelot, who knew how many sorcerers still held grudges of the many decades that they were hunted for.
As Merlin walked out of the citadel, down to the lower town. The small streets were lined with stores covered in colourful ribbons and cloths. The streets were alive, happy and buzzing with excitement and energy. It was hard not to smile as he spun and wound his way through the bustling city people making the preparations in the early morning.
Merlin made his way to the King's tent and got ready for his arrival, for the tournament.
"For goodness sake, Merlin. Where were you this morning?" Arthur barged in, lecture at the ready.
"Prepping for your arrival, Sire," Merlin smiles.
"You're an idiot! I had to get myself ready. So you better not mess anything up today, Merlin. The five kingdoms are watching this." Arthur went to slap his servant around his head.
"Me? Mess up? Never." Merlin chuckled, dodging and grabbed the armour from where it was waiting.
• • • •
"Ladies and gentlemen! As King of Camelot and host of this year's gathering of the five kingdoms, I welcome you all! To the tournament of the year, all are welcome, including our newfound friends, the magic folk and our allies of the other kingdoms. Without further ado, let the tournament begin!"
Along the front row, sheltered by a fancy tent and roof, draping over the edge, seated the four kings and queen with the Queen of Camelot in the centre. After they sat, the rest of the crowd took theirs without the privilege of a roof above their heads. Arthur took centre stage within the arena, backed by the other competitors.
Gwen sat in the middle, next to the empty throne for the King.
"Begin!"
The clashes of metal followed by the cheers and screams of the audience rang out from the arena, back to the area where the participants take a break and tend to their less serious wounds.
The all out battle had only two competitors who possessed magic. Merlin stood at the edge, watching the competitors and the King for any ill intentions or harm towards anyone.
Though this fight was only the beginning of the festivities, it was a hard and long watch for entertainment. Arthur was cruising through most of the competition but had yet to face either of the magic users.
Only few competitors remained, the King, one of the sorcerers and a knight in training.
The cheers from the crowd almost overtook the sounds of clashing metal and swords.
Merlin hid at the edge of the arena to the tents and carefully watched his King to ensure no harm came to him.
Arthur and the knight teamed up against the sorcerer, edging in like a stalemate. Each side waiting for the other. Arthur and the knight shared and look and both charged in.
The sorcerer held up his hands and his eyes glowed like brilliant flames in the smouldering fire. The king and knight were flown onto their backsides but recovered quickly, jumping to their feet, the sorcerer pulled out a staff and waved it as to stop them from approaching.
"Stop! I warn you!" He shouted over the crowd just as it died down, noticing the change in atmosphere. "I will destroy the lower town as reprimand for the decades of hunting! Of deaths! Of hate and of fear against our kind!"
"No!" Arthur stepped forward, removing his helmet. "Do not punish my people for my and my fathers sins. This is a time of peace, this is to show your kind that we truly welcome you with open arms. Do not destroy their homes. Their livelihoods. Fight me, take it out on me. Not them. Please," Arthur declared.
The sorcerer stopped in motion as he listened. "Ah," he smiled, shaking his head and his hand. "You almost got me. No, this isn't just about you, King Arthur. This is about the culture in which all of Camelot lived their lives. They are not welcome. They still fear us and hate us. Because of you and your father's hatred and fear of magic. This is not against you, but them!"
He took up his like his was ready to cast a spell. Merlin was worried about what he would do and wondered if he needed to step in.
"I refuse!" Arthur continued. "Do not blame them, they only know what we teach them. We taught them to fear and hate. They will learn or they will tell me that I am no king for them. However it is my wish that we may all live in peace. That is my goal."
"With a tournament? Of battle and inviting your new friends. I think not, Arthur Pendragon. Here, is the beginning of the end of your reign." The sorcerer shouted and cast a beam of light into the sky.
And deep boom from the lower town followed and the screaming began.