The Dawn
The morning rays seeped through the gaps in the door, prickling her eyelids, and she awoke. Her surroundings were dim, filled with the smell of hay and the presence of other living creatures. Casting an eye to the blanket wrapped around her as some bare form of protection against the cold - doubtless the work of her stepbrother - made her recall that she was in the stables. She had been so concerned with a newborn foal that she spent the entire night with it.
"Oh, no... I mustn't delay Ector again..."
The kind face of the stepfather who had raised her for the past fifteen years appeared in the girl's mind as she hurriedly but carefully put away the blanket, set her clothes straight, and prepared the morning feed for the horses - the routine task which began the day for her. Once she was done taking care of them, it was time to head to the garden behind the household where her stepfather awaited. Every morning, she would be allowed one mouthful of bread to sustain herself through her sword training, and only after its completion would the famished combatants breakfast. It was a daily practice established between herself and Ector.
"I finally managed to land a blow on Ector yesterday... In truth it only pushed him back a step, but is that not enough to make a difference on the unforgiving field of battle? It might lead to the opponent losing his footing. So it was my victory, of sorts, I suppose..."
The girl spoke happily to her stepfather's beloved horse as she passed a brush through its thick coat.
Ector was the strongest and toughest knight in the world that she knew. Although he had not attained great renown in battle - never being a topic of rumors, having never sought fame for himself - he was the very ideal of knighthood for the girl. And while the passage of time bested all men and Ector withdrew from the front lines of war, it did not diminish his skill with a blade. Her joy was as clear as day the moment she had forced her stepfather to show even the slightest surprise.
"But he seems rather troubled as of late... him, of all people. I worry for him."
Her stern teacher had softened somewhat. The pitiless instructor, who would took note of her every action and promptly called attention to her mistakes, now often looked to the girl with an unspeakable expression on his face - one of unease, and of remorse, and of sorrow.
It was a surprise for her to see such weakness in the old knight. She wanted to help him resolve whatever it was that tormented him, but how much could a simple squire such as herself do?
"I wish that you would speak freely of your troubles. I will do everything I can to help... unless you plan to cut down on our meals... is it something to do with your body?"
She had once asked this of him.
"It's only your imagination. I shall be fit for another ten years, I assure you... and Artoria, my good sir, it seems you are not quite ready to do 'everything' to help."
He would only reply as he always did, in a matter-of-fact tone. And while it was good that Ector remained hale and hearty, that only stoked her curiosity further as to what was bothering him.
The girl stood lost in her own thoughts until her stepfather's horse brushed her cheek with its long face.
"Yes... it must be my brother causing trouble again. Not even Ector can cure Kay of that sharp tongue of his."
The girl stroked the back of the horse with a wry smile on her face, and then left the stable behind. Opening the wooden door, a great field of grass spread before her eyes, lit by the morning sun.
Their residence was outside of the main town, removed from the daily lives of greater society. Although Ector did prefer the quiet, he did not dislike company; the girl knew that she was the reason her stepfather had chosen to live here. It always made her feel apologetic whenever the thought crossed her mind, but she understood that to be a trespass on his pride. After all, Ector had performed his duties as a knight - taking her in, raising her, even while leaving behind his place next to the other knights. She could not respond to his actions with guilt. Her feelings towards Ector shall always be those of gratitude. Such as it had been, so it would forever be.
"Hmm... but..."
She did, however, have one complaint in that he would never allow her to call him 'father'. Ector was adamant in never permitting the girl to call him by that name, filled with her love.
The old knight awaited her in the back garden. Over all these years, his form had remained unchanged - always bidding her forward and sternly impressing the finer matters of swordsmanship upon her. Ten years had passed since she learned to take up the sword, and not a single day had gone by without his diligent teachings.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Ector! I overslept!"
Throwing the piece of bread prepared by Ector into her mouth, she picked up a wooden sword.
"You seem lively enough for one who just woke up. Very good then... there is no need for me to hold back this morning, as well."
The old knight calmly and smoothly brought his sword and shield to bear as he always would - and the girl pretended not to notice the regret weighing down on his softened gaze.
After their breakfast, Ector passed to her a full set of knight's gear.
"Artoria, it seems Kay forgot his things. Go to town and bring it to him. You can make it on time if you leave now."
Kay - son of Ector and her stepbrother - had gone out to the town. There was apparently some sort of fair taking place; he had ridden off on Ector's horse to join in the festivities, but in his haste forgot that most important possession of the knight, his lance.
"Sigh... my own brother, a knight, forgetting his own lance."
"Indeed. There have been no jousting held in recent years, after all; we have only had draft horses and few steeds suitable for combat. That was one reason why I could not teach you the handling of the lance."
"Is that so? It seems simple enough, fashioning a mock spear."
"You cannot be trained on a mockery of the real thing. I can provide you a fake sword, but not a fake spear - that was what the great Magus had dictated. It would not do for you to acquire any strange quirks in your spear hand, he said."
"I will not acquire... quirks. I only need to deliver this to Kay, yes?"
"Do so... it is your last task for the day."
The girl gave a nod, took out one of the horses, put her brother's belongings on its back and made for the town. Travelling down the hill upon which Ector's house stood and passing through the grasslands, she made her way between the fields. She could see some clouds in the sky, but given the clear weather visible in all directions, there should be no concern of rain. The thought of her brother pressed on her, but she held her horse to its usual pace. With the heavy luggage on its back, she should not force it to move any faster.
"There is nobody around... it's so lonely, even though it's time for the harvest."
After passing her gaze over the familiar farmsteads, she turned her eyes towards the distant forests. It had provided much for them; the hunters would enter and bring back only the meat and wood they needed. However, since the year before, it was no longer their hunting ground; outsiders had entered it, slowly encroaching on the livelihood of the Britons. Now, if you entered the forest and had the poor luck to run into them, those tribesmen would not only take your spoils for tomorrow - but likely your life that very day.
Fifth-century Britain was an island beset by storm. It began with the fall of the great empire on the continent; having lost its protection, the power of Britain waned, and the tumult across the sea brought new enemies to their shores. The Saxons, as they were called, crossed the waters seeking food and clothing and land - everything they needed to sustain themselves.
Britain was a nation ruled by many tribes and kings. Although there was endless conflict between the tribes themselves, they were also at war with the Picts inhabiting the north. It was the threat of this northern invasion that led to the cooperation between the kings.
However, there was one among them who broke the covenant. He aimed to employ foreign tribes for his own ends, claiming to seek the unification of Britain. This traitorous king was Vortigern - the incarnation of the white dragon that was born of Britain and would one day destroy it. Vortigern was the one who had invited the Saxons and threw them into the chaos embroiling the island.
Londinium, the fortress built under the rule of the old empire that was the linchpin of Britain, laid in ruins. Uther Pendragon, known as the greatest of kings, was defeated in battle with Vortigern and forever disappeared from the eyes of the people. Vortigern granted land to the Saxons and by doing so, allowed the other kings a moment of repose, which helped to silence their complaints towards the onslaught of foreign tribesmen. However, even to this day, many of them made their opposition known.
Britain had entered a dark age. War became practically routine. The island itself had hardly an abundance of fertile land on which to grow what few things they could, and the lives of its people became more strained by the day. It was clear that the nation would destroy itself in a not too distant future. However, the Britons did not lose hope - for all of this had been prophecised by the great Magus Merlin, who was an adviser of King Uther and protector of Britain.
"King Uther is choosing the one who would become his successor.
The advent of the red dragon shall bring the Knights together and vanquish the white dragon.
It shall soon be known. The King lives."
———
In mid of her way to the town. She saw a young man lying at the side of road, resting under an oak tree.
She stopped her horse to get a better sight of the lying man.
He's a teenager with auburn hair, he wears white t-shirt with a black trench coat, a red scarf wrapping his neck, and black trouser.
"I never see him around here before. He's seem to be a foreigner. Is he a Saxon? But, for some reason I think he's not a Saxon, Roman? It wasn't either, I guess. Should I ask him instead?"
She get off from her horse and approach the man.
She touched the face of man at cheek and that man eyes started to flickered and open slowly revealing his brown golden eyes.
Shirou's POV
She shouldn't take all of the weight being a 'King'.
She doesn't have to pretend as a 'Man'
But, I can't replace her. No one can.
But, at least I can lighten her burden.
…
"someone's touched my cheek just now"
I opened my eyes and what I saw or should I say who.
That was her.
Her "finely textured" blonde hair that seems "as if sprinkled with gold dust" and her green eyes "like an emerald".
"Umm, forgiveme for waking you up. I never saw you around here before, who are you? Where do you came from?"
That was really her. For some reason, she looked younger.
Speaking 'looked younger', I'm back eighteen years old again!
But lets put aside 'being young again', I replied to her question
"my name is Shirou, I am a wanderer from Far East"
I decided only giving my first name, and using 'wanderer from Far East' as my identity. Cause I can't just say I am a Magus outright to her face.
"Aah, I am sorry, I should be introduced myself first. My name is Arthur, I am just a Squire (knight in-training), I am apologize for my mistake"
"be at ease, I don't mind"
"is that so? *sigh* well, Shirou, right? You said you were a 'wanderer from… Far… East?' Where is that? Eastern Britain?"
"No, it's way further across the sea, across many lands"
"Across… the sea… you are an outsider?" she bewildered with my statement "are you a Roman?"
"No, my country is way way further than that. I'm from Land of Rising Sun"
"Land of Rising Sun?"
She repeating my Country name. Then I took notice of her horse
"are you heading somewhere?"
"ah that's right, I need to send brother Kay belongings. Pardon, I need to hurry"
She get back on her horse "Then, excuse me"
After she bid farewell, she raced his horse to the town.
As soon as she was out of sight, I started walking along the same direction she went
From what I've already known, I realized a few things.
Although she's the same 'person' that I know, she hasn't become that 'person', yet.
That mean, I'm in fifth century Britain, before the winning of Kinghood or should I say 'the dawn of appointment'.
I don't know how I arrived in this time…
"Hello, Shirou Emiya!"
… Well, I guess I'll going to find out.
That greeting was from an robed old man with a cane. That old man wasn't really a human, but rather a vampire.
Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg.
I don't feel his presence before because he wasn't 'here' before, but he is 'here' now. Confusing, isn't it?
"Hi,… Zel… retch…" I answered with low spirit, because I kind of 'expected' him "is this your doing?"
"Gah ha Ha Haha Hah!…" he laughed, well that's kind of his personality 'angered at evildoers, laughed at good doers'. He must be enjoy… "Nope"
"Huh?" did he just denied my confirmation?
"I didn't do anything about your circumstances. In fact, I came here because your circumstances"
"So, you didn't involved in this situation of mine?"
"Not at all"
I sighed and asked another question "well then, do you why I'm here and now?" maybe I should asked this question instead. Because, sometimes in Clueless Mystery, 'whodunit' and 'howdunit' methods can't solved the mystery, rather, it's 'whydunit' said a certain Lord of Clock Tower.
"Well, if I had to say the cause of your circumstances. That was because of…
"You"
"Me?"
"I don't know how exactly you done it, but you're here now. And I'm sure know 'why' now"
'whydunit'. That's because of 'me'
If I reverse the cause
Why(motive) - I'm here
I'm here - to(motive)
"I'm here because…"
I want to save you. The image of Arthu… no, she was Saber and her real name was Artoria. She was the person I loved. "I wanted to save her from regrettable end."
"is that so? I won't stop you. But, there's something I need to tell you"
"what is it?"
"Look, you can't change the 'outcome', 'Britain was destroyed' is confirmed by Quantum Time-Lock. But, you may changes a few things in the 'process'. You said you wanted to save her from an end with regret. Well, you could having involved in her 'character development' perhaps"
"is that so, if Britain's destruction is prevented, what going to happen?"
"if the 'outcome' is 'Britain is eternal' the Human Order Foundation would have collapsed and the modern world would have been destroyed. I'm sure you know how Quantum Time-Lock works"
That means, I have to be careful when comes to saving her from regrettable end. That's why, Merlin who's said posses Clairvoyance didn't even try to prevented it.
"well then, I'll be careful"
"good, and one more thing" he started approach me as he said that.
"what else" he stop right before where I stood and snapped my forehead.
Ouch* "what was that for…"
Suddenly, I felt my brain just take a lot of informations
"considered a gift of mine, I just giving you Blueprints for your projection magecraft"
"Err,… Thank you, I guess?"
"You're welcome. Remember, you only can interfere with the 'process', not the 'outcome'"
"I'll keep remember your advice. Then excuse me"
I walked past him to follow her
After I past him, he was muttered something.
"I wondered, is it gonna like Mark Twain's book?"
I can't believe I pulled this out. I lost half of my time plays FGO for writing this chapter.
I decided to pick Medea Lily for free SR servant.
I'm FGO NA player, my ID: 933 691 522
Right before I finished this chapter, I read Quantum Time-Lock from Nasuverse Wiki/Fandom and Time Travel Wikipedia. When I read time slip method I found a book titled 'A Connecticut Yankees in King Arthur's Court' I read its synopsis and I laughed, I really recommend the book.
What's Zelretch gift? well that's Spoiler.
Anyway, see you next time