So, here it is! It's extremely short, barely 400 words, BUT there is a very good reason for this!
'Lord Agravaine was killed whilst trying to apprehend the Warlock, Emrys, who also died in the struggle. It is a tragedy that such a selfless, noble life has been lost, but his sacrifice has ensured a brighter, and safer, future for Camelot. Lord Agravaine will not die in vain, for we are now one step closer to winning this war against magic, thanks to his sacrifice. He will be commemorated as a hero of Camelot.'
There was silence for a moment, before the soft shink of metal on metal filled the air. Arthur watched as his knight's, led by Sir Leon, raised their swords to the sky, as Sir Elyan lowered the flame to the pyre. Agravaine's body had already been laid to rest in the tombs beneath Camelot, next to the body of his brother, Tristain. As was tradition, the Knight's had gathered to pay their last respects to the lord, as his sword and cloak were burnt in the middle of the courtyard. It reminded the young King of the time, not too long ago, when he'd had to lay both his father, and his most loyal knight to rest.
Arthur didn't stay to watch the fire. He felt a heavy stone in the pit of his stomach as he turned away. Once he was clear of the crowd, Gwen appeared by his side, gently taking his hand in hers.
'Are you alright?'
He shrugged, knowing that she would understand, as his gaze travelled up, staring at Gaius' tower. Gwen followed his gaze.
'We were lucky, Arthur. The damage could have been so much worse.'
Arthur bit his lip, not taking his eyes off of the tower. 'Agravaine was in league with Morgana. He used us to locate Emrys for her. He betrayed us.'
Gwen stared at him. 'What? But… the funeral…'
She caught sight of the look in his eyes and frowned at him, as he looked her in the eye for the first time since he'd brought back Agravaine's body.
'What's going on, Arthur?'
'I just lied to the whole of Camelot,' he smiled, watching her eyes go wide. 'I just lied to my Knight's, and my people, and Morgana has no idea.'
'Why?'
'Because Morgana's plan was always to have Emrys killed. And now that he's dead, she thinks Camelot is no longer protected.'
'Emrys was protecting us?'
Arthur nodded, still smiling. 'Yes, he was. And, I can promise you, Guinevere, he will continue to do so for some time.'
'How can he possibly protect us when he's dead?' she exclaimed in a hushed tone.
Arthur beamed at her. 'That's the trick isn't it? And Morgana will never see it coming.'
Mwhahaha *cough*… ANOTHER cliffie! I do like these! Although I'm pretty sure some of you can guess what's going to happen next…
Drop a review, and let me know what you think! I'd love to know your theories about what's going to happen next.
Next chapter shall be up next Saturday at the latest, but I will do my best to get it up earlier, once my Trig test is out the way.
TTFN
Valkyriexx