Chapter 4
[Forest Tree Line Just Beyond Camelot]
Gwen crouched low in the brush. Tears streaked her eyes. Disbelief rattled her. She beheld pillars of smoke rising from within the walls. Flames rose against the mid-afternoon sky. She could almost hear the screams from the square.
Just two turns of the hourglass earlier, Arthur and she started what was to have been a two-day celebration. Rose petals and streamers lined the stoned byways. Joy lightened everyone's mood. A feast for all would've been a few hours away. On the next day, a tournament was scheduled.
Alas, that was before the Sorceress teleported the eastern soldiers into their midst. Two Eastern Roman meri accompanied by Egyptian and Sub-Saharan warriors swept through the city before Resistance could marshal its resolve.
The knights crossed swords with their opponents.
Arthur ordered Boeve to see her to safety. Then, he jumped into the fray.
Why does this keep happening to us? When will this stop?
"Milady, we should go before we're spotted." Boeve placed his hand on her shoulder. "Forgive me. It will not be long before they realize we're not in there."
She conceded a nod. She didn't want to leave Arthur in that state. Still, she knew she was Queen. As such, the kingdom lay in her hands. "Aye. Pardon me."
"There's nothing to forgive." He led her toward his waiting horse. Then, he stopped. "Please get on him." He drew his sword. "We have company."
"Company?" Dread shot through her.
"Aye. You do indeed." Freya stepped into view. "Help is already here. In the meantime, Gwen, I suggest you listen to Count Boeve. I will see you to Whitgate. There, you will both be taken care of."
"I will stay here. Perhaps Arthur and I disagree. I will not allow Camelot to fall like this. I owe Mustafa for his perfidy!" he declined.
"Then, I will leave you your horse," Gwen noted. She got down off of it. "Just don't be rash. Think of Princess Josiane."
"I am. I…." He stopped. Once again, he felt something out of place. Instinct put him on another watch.
Loud sounds akin to Thunder's roar in mid-storm shook the area. Twin roars shattered the din from the clouds. The familiar lion roar challenged the invaders. Hooves echoed threatening to deafen anyone in the vicinity.
The reinforcements surged out of the forest toward the beleaguered city. Whereas Camelot would've sent its forces to relieve others' distress, now Britannia repaid the favor in kind. Tintagel Orange and Blue rushed up the southern road. At its head, Leon, Elyan, Accolon and Morgana led the charge. Nemethian emerald knights followed Malodius' hard charge. Gawain and Lancelot had their swords already
Boeve looked skyward.
At that moment, Carpet's woolen underside streaked by overhead. By it, the two dragons swooped low toward the walls.
His heart seized at that sight. "JOSIE! She's heading into that!" He bowed to Gwen. "I will play my part."
Freya stifled her own urge to comment on Arthur's behavior. If I give into that, will I be any better than him or the way Morgana, Morgause or Nimue were? She shook her head and cast the teleportation spell.
"I know. Do what you can." Gwen stepped toward Freya. As the mists enveloped them both, she called, "Save Arthur!"
"I will!" Despite the venom between the Pendragon and the other parties, he marveled at the sight in front of himself.
A loud boom shook the vicinity.
"I'm not letting her go into that without me!" He jumped on his horse and rode toward Camelot as fast as he could manage.
Love would not be denied….