Reviews
Iskandr
Sorry but I felt the need to explain stuff about this setting.
RoyalTwinFangs
Thanks
Rangle
Small when compared to others he's seen.
Joe Lawyer
I agree and nice use of the word buttressing.
skelly4128
I'm not aware of any anti conception plants that may have existed at this time. What is it called.
Charles Ceaser
Now that's a scary idea.
Selias
I recommend taking the time to at least watch the pilot.
frankieu
I always found that show very entertaining.
Jump Chain Gothic 5 - Merlin
Part 7
Camelot. Albion.
Morgana was standing at the far end of the throne room next to Uther, in order to greet the participants in the tournament. Gwen was standing a little behind her, but also beside her, as was the custom for the personal maid. Morgana's task of formally greeting each knight, and wishing them luck was a dull one, mostly because she already knew half of the men competing as they were Camelot knights, and also because the task was repeated over and over again. Finally, after many stiff and formal greetings, the knight she was actually looking forward to meet, made his way in front of the que.
"Knight Valiant of the Western Isles" he greeted.
As he introduced himself the warrior made a bow at both Morgana and the King. The ruler of Camelot noted that the knight was wearing a yellow vest with serpents intertwined almost to form a triad, a symbol of magic as Uther well knew. But maybe that was just a coincidence, was his thinking. After all the Pendragon symbol was a dragon, a creature of magic, and the king was a great enemy of all magic.
"I saw you fighting today." Uther said in response. "You have a very aggressive style"
Valiant smiled more than a little arrogantly upon hearing that.
"To lose is to be disgraced" replied the knight.
Uther smiled, appearing satisfied by those words.
"I couldn't agree more" he said before turning his head towards the young woman at his side "Knight Valiant, may I present the Lady Morgana, my ward".
Valiant positioned himself so that he give the young woman a short bow and when he smiled at her Morgana smiled at him in return. A moment later she noticed Arthur glaring at Valiant out of the corner of her eye and that made her smile even more.
"My Lady" Valiant said.
Morgana smiled somewhat flirtatiously at him, although given that the king was standing next to her she was careful not to make it obvious that she found this man attractive.
"I saw you competing today" Morgana mentioned.
Valiant was now smirking rather than smiling. He was sure of himself this one, and while in others this pride might be make him offputting, Valiant at least had the skill to back up any boasts he made.
"I saw you watching" the knight said "I understand the tournament champion has the honour of escorting My Lady to the feast".
Morgana grinned, she making Arthur jealous and that always gave her a perverse jolt of pleasure.
"That's correct" she confirmed.
"Then I will give everything to win the tournament" Valiant said with conviction.
Morgana felt almost charmed by the knight, but his arrogance wasn't as charming as he thought, and making Arthur jealous was her main objective this evening, not stroking the ego of this warrior. Still she smiled anyway and nodded at him, seeing no reason to offend the man. Valiant nodded back at her.
"My Lady" he said once again, before walking away.
After a few more knights, it was the prince's turn. Arthur bowed to his father in a sign of respect and the two exchanged greetings. Morgana noticed Arthur looking at Valiant before turning his attention towards her.
"They all seem rather impressed by Knight Valiant" she said, just to goad him into some sort of jealousy.
Arthur of course immediately took the bait. Morgana was well practiced at emotionally manipulating the prince, she enjoy provoking him like this, but she wasn't sure why.
"They're not the only ones" the king's son stated.
Morgana smirked upon hearing that, more than a little satisfied at his response.
"You're not jealous, are you?" she asked,
Arthur made an attempt to hide his true feelings, but he couldn't fool Morgana
"I don't see there's anything to be jealous of" the prince said.
Arthur was too proud to admit that yes, he was actually jealous of the attention Valiant was getting, his own father was even now attempting to recruit the warrior into his army, so the young man simply walked on. As soon as the young prince was out of earshot, Morgana immediately turned towards Gwen
"Could Arthur be any more annoying? I so hope Knight Valiant wins the tournament" she whispered "Or maybe Sir Gothic".
Guinevere, who always sweet and kind, was actually shocked to her mistress say such a thing.
"You don't really mean that" she insisted.
Since Uther had decided to shower his attention on Valiant it was up to Morgana to formally greet the remaining Knights, so rather than reply to her maid she got on with her duty.
(Line Break)
Camelot. Albion.
"What about Nth metal" Cameron suggested in a soft voice as we walked around the room "It is supposed to have special anti-magical properties".
As part of her job of protecting me my Terminator was trying to get me to create a suit of armour that offered superior defence than that of simple steel. Nth metal had anti-magical properties, however while I should be able to create a replica of my existing knight's gear with that material, using virtual construction technology, I recalled Nth metal could be unstable in its pure form. Which I mentioned to Cameron.
"I might end up blowing up the construction machine so, we'd have to erect a force field and experiment with the material" I said to Cameron "Nth metal is a transuranic iron so it's not very stable, but if it is a type of iron then we might be able to use to make a kind of steel".
While refining the metal and forging it into some sort of armour would be hard work, it should be simple enough to test its anti-magical properties since all I would have to do is learn a kind of offensive spell and cast it at the armour and at sets of armour that weren't anti-magical in order to see if Nth metal worked as it did in the Justice League animated series.
My memory of that show also reminded me that an electric current was part of how Nth metal worked, and that might make wearing the stuff somewhat tricky. Sure an isolating layer between myself and the armour would help, but it might not be enough if the metal's strange properties were increased by an electric current running through the metal.
Still if I could figure out how raw Nth metal was turned into something that could be used as armour and weapons, I could make an anti-magic sword. Sure I already had a weapon that could kill mystical creatures of all sorts, but I only had one of those, and I didn't think the Great Dragon would make me another sword given how dangerous and powerful they were.
"The only downside to using something like Nth metal for armour is that it would interfere with my ability to use magic" I said "Which granted isn't really an issue for now".
Hopefully it would not mess with my near-ascended powers.
"In folklore cold iron is suppose to be effective against fairy folk and some other supernatural creatures" I informed my companion/perk "But I don't know if cold iron is just normal iron or not, the cold bit might mean its iron that's not been forged".
The Matter Furnace should be able to create the material, and if wasn't just raw iron than we could study it. I should also consult my high priestess magic tutor on the issue of supernatural protection. She might have some magical amulet that would help keep me safe. If she saw any value in having me as a student then she'd want me protected. However that was a risk as she might want something in return, so maybe I'd seek out my own means of mystical protection.
We stopped talking as a servant passed us by with a tray of wine goblets, I took one, but before I could do so much as sip it, Cameron took the goblet and tasted the wine, not because she was thirsty, but because she was checking for poisons. Sensible as if Knight Valiant was willing to use magic to cheat then he wouldn't be above poisoning people, and I didn't think he'd care if innocent people got hurt while he was trying to take out a fellow competitor.
Before we could carry on discussing more methods of protection against the supernatural the Lady Morgana came over to where Cameron and I were standing. Since I'd already made my formal introductions this evening neither of us nobles bothered with any greetings between us.
"I don't believe we've met" Morgana said to Cameron.
My Terminator curtsied at her ladyship, and her whole attitude changed to one more suited for a serving girl.
"I'm just Sir Gothic's servant, milady" said Cameron, now sounding more like a native.
Morgana seemed mildly surprised to hear this.
"You have a maidservant" she said to me.
Normally knights had menservants or squires. It wasn't considered proper to have a personal servant that wasn't the same gender as you, not that I cared, and no else had made an issue of it so far.
"Cameron's been with me for many years" I told her ladyship "She served me long before I became a knight".
My intention behind those words had been for Morgana to assume that I meant Cameron and I had been together since our childhoods in this world, which would explain why she was at my side now. Morgana had her own loyal servant that she wouldn't wished to be parted from, and therefore should understand why I'd want Cameron around even though it might be proper for me to have a woman servant.
"Knight Valiant seems to be the centre of attention this evening" Morgana commented.
His aggressive style had impressed many, but while he was skilled I knew that Arthur could take him in a fight, as could I, but I had what some people would consider to be super powers. If it weren't for his magic shield and the fact that I had to hold back I wouldn't worry about the guy at all.
"There's more to knighthood than swinging a sword around" I told the noble woman "Valiant is too arrogant for my taste. A true warrior lets his actions speak for him".
Morgana smiled at me.
"Is that what you do?" she asked.
I nodded, and focused my power so that both Morgana and the woman who could one day be queen, felt a wave of pleasure pass through them. I could see them both blushing, but they would just convince themselves that this was oddly warm this evening rather than think I was doing anything to them.
(Line Break)
Tournament Grounds. Camelot.
I brought up my shield just in time to block the blow of the mace that would have struck my shoulder, or even my head, if I hadn't reacted so quickly. The shield was the finest that money could buy, and while scanning all the shields for sale in the market place had been risky, it had been worth it in order to ensure I had the best one money could buy.
Even my armour was new and improved, having been replicated to be a perfect match in terms of appearance, and weight to the armour I'd started with. However while the material the armour was made out of was steel, it was very high quality and had been constructed on the molecular level giving it a toughness beyond that of any armour forged by a blacksmiths tools. I did intend to see if I could recreate my armour using metals that had some mystical properties, or at least superior protection against magic, but that would have to wait until I understood more about arcane forces and had time to experiment with different substances.
Right now my concern was focused on the giant of man, he was tall even my my standards, who was trying to beat me down with mace. It was blunt instrument in more than one use of the word, however it was still heavy and the man swinging it about, who was a knight from some part of Albion, could put a lot of strength behind each blow.
The crowd were loving every second of this, despite the fact that this knight was attempting to clobber one of Camelot's knights into a sticky paste, or at least a bruised mess. Lucky for me my superior reflexes and strength were keeping me safe, and already the man's blows were slowing down. Hardly unexpected given the sheer weight of his weapon as well as the armour he wore.
I blocked blow after blow, knowing that if my shield broke or if I missed a strike I would be trouble, but I kept myself safe and wore the foreign knight down, when I could his breathing over the cheering of the crowd I knew it was time to go on the offensive.
This time I didn't just block the blow, I used my shield to force the mace aside and swung my sword around. The knight brought up his shield to block, and from that moment on he lost the momentum of the fight. When that happened he'd already lost the match.
Most serious duels were over rather quickly with the stronger, and often more skilled, warrior overpowering his foe's defences before going in for the kill. In a tournament both knights held back so as not to kill or seriously injure each other, and they fought to entertain as much as to show off their skills.
Now I was working to end the match rather than to make the crowd happy, or to hide my true skill. Using my shield, which would already need repainting in black and gold, I bashed into the larger warrior with such force that he toppled backwards.
For a moment it looked as he might regain his balance, however I didn't allow this, and once more I used my new toy to unbalance the enemy knight, who fell to the ground. He couldn't simply get back up, since he was tired and in full armour, and before he could attempt to roll out of the way I had my sword pointing at his heart. It wouldn't penetrate the armour, it was a blunted blade, and his chest was well protected, but the move made it clear that I considered him to be defeated.
Perhaps I could have let the man get up and carry on fighting, however given his breathing I didn't think he'd last long and the knight knew it. He let go off his shield and mace, and I did the same before helping the man to his feet.
Despite having looked as if I was going to get pulverised mere moments ago as far as the crowd were concerned I'd turned the tables against what looked to be a superior foe, and as I helped the man I'd just defeated to get off the field the crowd cheered all the more loudly.
(Line Break)
Camelot. Albion.
Since during this Jump I was suppose to be relaxing I'd not used my vast powers for anything important, and not just because I didn't want to risk getting caught, and mistaken for someone using magic, I simply didn't want to get too involved. I'd spent a lot of mental energy over the years trying to direct the course of fate for whole galaxies, and while the destiny of single kingdom didn't seem like much when compared it was still more responsibility than I desired.
However when I saw some getting bitten by one of Valiant's shield snake things I decided to take action. If only because I liked the knight who had been harmed, he treated the servants well and was always polite to those he talked to, he was also fairly skilled with the sword, but didn't brag about it.
Sir Ewan, if I remembered his name correctly, won several duels in the tournament before facing Valiant, who invoked the snakes on his magical shield to attack Ewan and defeat him. Since I could remember the events in the show I knew that Ewan was treated for his injury by Camelot's court physician Gaius and his apprentice. Merlin discovered the true nature of Valiant's shield and decapitated one of the snakes. With the snake's head, Gaius was able to brew an antidote to the snake's venom, and Ewan was on the road to recovery.
I also know that Prince Arthur planned to call Ewan as the crucial witness in his allegations before King Uther he was going to tell everyone that Valiant was using magic to cheat in the tournament, but unless I acted Sir Ewan would be attacked by another of the shield-snakes and he would die before he could confirm Arthur's accusation against Valiant.
Right now the court was being gathered, and I should be there, but I'd diverted to the chambers of the court physician, pretending that I had come out of concern for Ewan when in fact I had other intentions.
"Watch over him" I ordered Cameron in a whisper "Don't let anything bite him".
I then turned to Gaius who seemed to be preparing some kind of paste, not doubt to the treat the wound.
"How is he?" I asked the healer.
While Gaius spoke I laid a hand on the knight's bare arm and used my healing powers to speed up his recovery. I couldn't outright heal him without people becoming suspicious of me, but I could make this easier for the knight, and if he lived then Knight Valiant would be removed from the contest at the very least.
"He should be up and about soon" said the physician " the anti-venom is doing its work".
Since I wasn't known to be friendly with the knight I knew that I shouldn't stick around, and besides the prince had called the court together, and as a knight of the realm I should be there.
(Line Break)
Camelot. Albion.
I stood close to Valiant, knowing that I might need to disable him should he not surrender after the acquisition was made. Since I'd gotten here a little later than I should I found that the chamber was already filled with guards, servants, my fellow knights and of course, Valiant and Arthur, who were all standing to the side in order to make a clear path for King Uther as he strode up to the throne.
Arthur had requested a meeting with the King, and the whole court was here. Uther didn't need anyone's approval to act, however at times such as this he made sure that he had his advisers and sycophants around him, as well as the knights who carried out his will.
"Why have you summoned the court?" Uther asked, how sitting on his throne.
The throne of Camelot was a simple thing. Given that Camelot was an old and wealthy kingdom the king could have had made a much fancier seat for royal backside. However Uther seemed to be someone who preferred the practical over the fashionable, to some extent at least. Which was why didn't adorn himself in too much jewellery, and tended to wear chainmail along with his somewhat fancy clothing.
"I believe that Knight Valiant is using a magic shield to cheat in the tournament" Arthur declared
Uther looked uncertain as he faced Valiant, and began questioning him about what the prince had just said.
"Sire, this is ridiculous. I've never used magic" stated the warrior
While the man's tone of voice remained calm his body language betrayed his nervousness, which didn't prove his guilt as having someone accuse you of using magic while in Camelot was rarely something that ended well even if you were innocent and Valiant was not.
"Does your son have any evidence to support this?" he continued
Uther repeated the question to his son, acting as if he wasn't within hearing range.
"I do" Arthur said confidently.
The prince presented his father with the head of the snake which Merlin had chopped off. Clearly it was not the head of snake you'd find in these lands, it was far too big, and the head's mere existence was enough to convince the king of a need to investigate this matter further. So Uther asked for the shield, and Valiant gave it to him, reluctantly I noted.
"Be careful, Sire" Arthur urged.
The prince then turned to his man servant.
"Merlin" I heard him whisper "We need Ewan. Find out what's happening".
Before long a still ill looking Sir Ewan entered the chamber, and when questioned he confirmed that a snake from Knight Valiant's shield had bitten him. His wound was further proof, I'd seen it and there was no way it could seen as anything other than a bite.
This was enough for Uther to order Valiant's arrest, and had the knight remained calm he might have been able to talk his way out of this, but he drew a sword, and could have done some harm if I hadn't been standing exactly where I was. Before Valiant could hurt anyone he felt the tip of my sword on the back of his neck, he wisely surrendered at this point, and was soon dragged away by some of the guards.
While I was pleased by this outcome it did mean that I was going to have to face Arthur in the final match of the Tournament, and since I desired to stay out of the king's sights I wasn't sure if I should win or not. There would be other chances for me to spend time with the Lady Morgana, and it would still be a victory for Camelot. Plus I could always compete and win next year.
(Line Break)
Tournament Grounds. Camelot.
The sound of two steel blades crashing into each other again and again was deafening. Prince Arthur and I had both cast our shields aside, and now we faced each other with only our swords. We were two knights of Camelot, who were ready to meet each other on the field of battle, and our skills with the swords would decide who was the victor here. Which was something the audience couldn't be any happier about.
Steel swords were not light in weight and it while our high quality armour didn't hamper our movements as much as it could it was heavy stuff, yet both the prince and I moved faster than any other knights had during this contest.
As I slashed with my blade, a move the prince easily protected himself against I began to wonder if Arthur was special in ways that went beyond his destiny. His origins were magical, and perhaps that affected him in ways that no one could see.
Soon I became far to busy to think about such things as the Once and Future King went on the offensive. I was forced to block each blow, I had no time for anything else, and when the two weapons met the sheer force Arthur was putting into his attacks caused my arm to ache.
While his face wasn't visible behind his helmet I could just about make out his eyes and they showed me only fierce determination, no hint of doubt could be seen, and the power of his blows matched that level of devotion to his victory. He would not accept failure, and he would not surrender this match. To put things simply, he wanted to win very badly.
I could still beat him, I could use my powers to cause him to trip, or I could have caused the nerve endings in his hand to spasm due to pain, but then it wouldn't be a true victory. If I was going to win it would have to be while using my more mundane skills.
Yet even as I traded blows with the young price I wasn't sure I wanted to win. Partly this was because I didn't want Uther to notice my existence anymore than he already had, but also I was concerned that losing this match would cause Arthur to lose confidence in himself, and that might cost him somewhere down the line.
At no point did I decided to throw the match, as I was conflicted on the issue, but I did hesitate for a moment, and that was enough for Arthur to disarm me as our blades skidded against each other. I lost my normally firm grip and before I even think about throwing a punch or trying to recover my weapon, the prince had his sword pressing against my neck.
It was a blunted blade so I wasn't in much danger if his hand slipped, but I had no desire to have naked steel touching my skin so I raised my arms in surrender.
(Line Break)
Chambers. Camelot.
After I'd had enough of the feast, which had been fun despite not getting to escort the Lady Morgana, I'd returned to my chambers for some rest. I might have lost, but I'd lost to the reigning champion in the final match so my honour was intact, and Knight Valiant would be dealt without Sir Ewan dying so that was a plus. They arrogant warrior would be hanged first thing in the morning.
"You let him win" stated Cameron.
That wasn't totally true. I could have won, just not fairly.
"He took me by surprise" I admitted "His skills have improved rapidly".
Which was no doubt helped by facing a foe who could challenge him. You can learn as much from a defeat as you can from a victory, and the prince had learned. He must have been carefully watching my duels in order to study my fighting style, and he'd adapted his own style so that he could beat me. At the time I hadn't seen this, but in retrospect it was obvious.
"There'll be other contests and other chances to beat Arthur" I said to Cameron "But overall I think him winning was for the best. If I'd beaten the reigning champion after showing a sudden increase in fighting skills then people might think I was using magic, but not cares who came second place. All the attention is on Arthur and I can stay in the background".
Besides Arthur was deserving of victory as for his faults he was a great fighter, and the people of this land needed to see their future king as supreme in battle.
"I would have liked to have escorted Morgana to the feast" I admitted "But she's not going anywhere yet. We're still very early in season one".
There was no rush. I had ten years before I had to leave this world, and plenty could happen in that amount of time.
"Now I'm going to bed" I decided "I know what happens next in the show, but there might be more going on this season than I saw on the show so I need to be rested in case something dangerous happens".
This was a land of myth and magic, which meant many strange and wondrous were out there. Some of them would becoming to Camelot. I'd have to prepare for them as best I could.