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Chapter 7: Training Begins
When Harry awoke he once again found himself in the enormous Royal suite. This time however when he began to look around the enormous room he noticed that he could see perfectly, and what was even more disturbing was the fact that he did not have on his glasses. Then Harry began to remember the events that had transpired within the Great Stone Chapel. His body was sore but all and all he felt better than he ever had. He got up and made his way to the large vanity mirror and finally saw what the effects of bonding completely with Avalon were. He now stood a respectable 2 meters. He had the sculpted look of an athlete who had trained all of his life. As Harry studied his new form he heard a knock from the door.
"Yes" Harry replied as he saw Sorian, Darius, Gladius entered the room
"Your Majesty it warms our hearts to see that you have passed the Trials of Excalibur." Sorian said to the young king.
"Thank you I don't guess I have a day off do I" Harry joked
"I'm afraid not sir, and tomorrow you will begin your training. While you now have access to all the powers of Avalon you must learn to wield them and not destroy yourself." Sorian.
"You must also begin to learn the ways of the sword" Gladius said with an almost sickly smile on his face.
"Then what is first today." Harry asked the three advisors
"A public address. The people wish to see their new King." Darius said
"You should know I am not the best public speaker" Harry said once again fearful.
"I am sure you will do wonderful your Majesty. Just be yourself." Sorian said
Harry also learned that he would also once again have a meeting with the High Council to confirm that he had indeed passed the Trials. Harry was not nearly as frightened as he was the first time he met them. When Harry did meet with the High council he unveiled to them his plan to return Avalon to the public eye. He informed them that no longer would Avalon hide within the mists. They would once again become players on the World Stage. He ordered the Goblins who were traditionally the diplomatic core of Avalon to open up relations with all of the countries in Europe were a Gringotts was placed.
When asked if he wanted humans to speak on their behalf he informed them he would not hide the fact that Avalon was a place of great diversity and it was these strengths that would truly make them great. It was also decided that once again Avalon would take up their seat upon the International Confederation of Wizards. Harry who had only a small amount of knowledge about the legendary council was told that this was the council that put forth all of the major treaties throughout the world.
It turned out that while Dumbledore was Chief Warlock of the council he in fact was only supposed to be a stand in for the King of Avalon. Since all wizards and magical beings could trace their magic to Avalon the council was originally created to maintain the bonds the Ancient Island. Within these walls the King could veto any treaty or decree the council sent forward. While Harry could not interfere with the inner workings of governments he did hold great influence in many of the members of the Council. The British Magical Community was one of these governments that Harry would have a great influence over. Just like many Muggle Governments like Canada and Australia who were commonwealths who recognized the British Monarch as their Head of State. The British Magical community recognized the King of Avalon as their head of state. The major difference between the magical and muggle governments was that while in these countries the Queen was a figure head who's title stated that she was defender of the commonwealth. Harry was actually empowered to defend the commonwealth. He was granted the authority to fight at the request of the government any Dark Lord or group who would do harm to members of the commonwealth. Harry knew that if he wanted to defeat Voldemort he would need the support of the British people to help him. He knew that while the wizards of Britain were bigoted towards others not like them they were also a proud people who loved the fact that their magic could be traced back to the holy isle of Avalon. This would work in his favor. With the initial plans worked out Harry adjourned the council so that he could get ready to address the people.
This event scared him more than facing Voldemort. Up until this moment he had not really thought about what the people would say having him as their King. This to him would be the greatest test that he would have to face. He knew that he had to be a voice of the people, but could he do it was the question that he kept asking himself. As Harry stepped out on the balcony which overlooked the crowded square of Arturtan the largest city on Avalon. He saw crowds of people cheering to the man that they hoped would bring prosperity and put an end to the war that was being waged around them. As Harry began to speak he could feel the pulse of the crowd. Through Avalon he could feel their emotions, hopes, and desires for a better world. It was then that Harry realized that the true power of Avalon was not the strong magic's that he know commanded. It was the people they were the true power of Avalon with their help and only with their help would he put an end to Voldemort and his followers.
The next day as promised Harry began the grueling training regiment that would continue up until he left for Hogwarts at the end of the summer. Harry had decided that while he could get the knowledge he needed to complete his education on Avalon. He would do like his mother had and use going to Hogwarts as a diplomatic gesture. Which was truly funny because while Hogwarts was in the middle of Scotland it was still a domain of Avalon. It like Hogsmeade was subject to Avalonian law. But the gesture was still non the less powerful.
"Your Majesty we should discuss your security arrangements while you attend Hogwarts." Gladius said as he and Harry sat and rested from their vigorous work out.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked really unsure as to what he had in mind
"As King of Avalon you are a public figure and target. There are many out there that would love to do you harm just for being the King of Avalon not just Voldemorts followers. If I may suggest your Majesty we reinforce the herd of centaurs already stationed in the Forbidden Forest and you may want to consider moving a Legion of your Majesties troops to the Forest as well. This would hide them from the students and allow you to only have 2 body guards with you." Gladius said
"Do we have enough man power to do this? I wouldn't want to leave Avalon defenseless" Harry asked
"As of right now we currently have 8 standing legions and 3 additional in reserve here on Avalon." Gladius said.
"Well then that is what we will do." Harry said
"Excellent then enough slacking lets get back to work." Gladius said as he stood up and took up an attack position with his practice sword.
For the next few weeks Harry would begin his day with physical training in the early morning hours. Then it would be followed swordsmanship till mid morning. Then Harry would attend council meetings till about noon. Then after a short lunch Harry would begin magical combat training with Sorian till evening meal.
The magical combat training that Harry was attending was far different than the dueling lessons that he had when he had attended Hogwarts. With Sorian he learned how to tap into the powers of Hogwarts and cast spells without a wand and without using words. While Harry still required to think of the correct spell to the get the correct effect. The results were impressive. He was able to cast spells with greater power without his wand because he was tapping directly into the magic of Avalon. While he was still no where near as powerful as Dumbledore or Voldemort. He was at least beginning to make progress towards the ultimate goal. In fact he had learned more in the past few weeks with Sorian and Gladius than he had in his entire 5 years at Hogwarts where most of the knowledge he did receive was sanitized to "protect" young witches and wizards.
While Harry prepared himself for the role which he had taken over. Others were preparing to attempt to continue to manipulate Harry.
