The Lost King—Chapter 10
Merlin, for some reason, couldn't stop smiling. Across the booth sat his friend and King rapturously enjoying a plate of chips and a burger. Next to him was the girl who not only saved his life, but had, in one blow, told Arthur everything he had ever wanted to say. All he wanted to do right now was bask in the perfection of the moment.
Addy, however, was not sharing in Merlin's glee. She was miserable. She couldn't look Arthur in the eye. What on earth had gotten into her? Where had that little tirade come from? The depth of emotion that had come out of her was terrifying. She knew that she deeply cared for Merlin, but until then, hadn't known just how much. She had never, ever felt this way about anyone or anything before in her life. True love was not something she had ever believed in. She pulled her jacket closer around her and slunk even further into the booth.
"Merrin dese er uhmazine!" Arthur mumbled, shoveling yet another handful of chips into his mouth. He swallowed and suddenly called out, "My compliments to your chef!" to the curious looks of the other cafe patrons. The old lady in a pink-striped shirt who had taken their order simply rolled her eyes and smiled. Everyone else pretended not to be staring at the wacko in the white bathrobe and sweats.
He shoved a chip at Merlin and said, "Have you tried these? They're incredible!"
"Yes, My Lord, I have." Merlin said, trying to keep a straight face. He had noticed the awkward stares Arthur was getting from other eaters.
"And they do this with potatoes?"
"Yes."
"Incredible. Maybe this twenty-first century is not so bad after all."
"No. Maybe not."
Arthur slurped at his cola, and his eyes rolled back in his head. "Gods! What amazing food this place has!"
"Yes, My Lord."
Addy pushed around the remains of her sandwich with her fork. Was this what her life would be like from now on? Babysitting Arthur? She sighed. That wasn't fair. Arthur wasn't an idiot, he just acted like one occasionally. Actually, he acted like a royal pain in the ass, but that was sort of to be expected. But then, sometimes, he really surprised her. Like how he treated her after her little melt down. In the car, he had actually apologized to her and to Merlin. He had said:
"Merlin, I don't have a clue what she was going on about, but I do know you have always been the most loyal and bravest friend I ever had. I am sorry that I haven't told you that more often. I am also sorry that I do treat you like an idiotic mutton-head, when you have proved yourself to have great wisdom. I don't know where I would be without you. Honestly. And My Lady, I am sorry if I offended you, as well. I see that you care very much about him, and I am grateful that he has someone so passionate and loyal looking out for him." It had been so honest and thoughtful, Addy nearly cried. A part of her was beginning to understand why Merlin felt the way he did about Arthur, and why Arthur was the stuff of legend.
She put down her fork and looked around the cafe. Arthur had momentarily stopped raving about the food, but the patrons were apparently desensitized to his rantings already. Her eye caught a glimpse of the TV screen, just over the counter. The screen had gone black and then a green and white test pattern had come up. Words were scrolling across the bottom of it, but she was too far away to see them. An emergency warning? About what? Panic gripped her, the dread she had been feeling for days suddenly came back full force.
She turned towards her friends. "Um, guys? I think something's going on-"
The cafe shook as a thunderous explosion rocked the street. The power died and the cafe patrons murmured anxiously amongst themselves.
There was another explosion, farther away, and without hesitation, both Merlin and Arthur flew towards the door. Addy followed close behind, more scared than she had ever felt in her life. I knew something bad was going to happen, she thought as she raced across the street toward the noise.
Just ahead, Merlin and Arthur dodged and weaved through the congested traffic. There was no real thought, only action. As they ran, Merlin noticed squads of military personnel heading in their direction. The shuddering noises were getting louder as well. People on the street were running away in panic and the evening sky was filled with roiling smoke.
As the rounded the last corner, they emerged from an alleyway into a war zone. Ahead was a multitude of militia firing into a thick bank of dense cloud so tall, it dwarfed the nearby buildings. In the street, dozens civilians were in terror. The army had blocked off the front and a series of traffic accidents had blocked off the exit to the back. Now, they were cornered in a narrow, dead-end street, surrounded on all sides by tall, imposing buildings. The only way out was ahead, toward whatever horror lay within the smoke.
The last of the weaponry discharged and the soldiers fell silent. Merlin, Arthur, and Addy climbed over cars and rubble trying to get closer to them. Suddenly, from within the vast fog blanket, came an ear-splitting roar. Shattered glass rained down upon them, and they ducked under a toppled bus.
Addy reached out for Merlin's hand. He was trembling just as much as she. But in his eyes, she could see a battle-harded look of determination.
Arthur peered around the bus. The smoke was clearing and a shape began to emerge. It was black, with large out-spread wings, large powerful claws, and a monstrous head. It's teeth were dripping with blood and debris. It roared again and charged the blockade of army men. They tried to fire upon it, but nothing seemed to harm the foul creature. It chewed and clawed its way through the machinery, tanks, and armored vehicles like they were made of bread and cheese, not metal and men. The ranks decimated, the remaining soldiers fled in terror through the already crowded streets. But they were trapped along with everyone else.
"What is that thing?" Arthur nervously asked.
It took Merlin a second to find his voice. When he spoke, it was as an old man, cracked and raw. "That... is the Afanc!"
Author's note-
Sorry to leave you like this, but I will post the next few chapters as soon as I can. In the meantime, a preview:
-Arthur finds his voice
-Our heroes must face the monster. One will fall.
-And one will rise.
-And finally, the last hero will learn discover something they never knew about themselves.
(Don't you just love previews? They're my favorite part!) Until next time...