"Oi! Wake up sleepy…head?"
This was the voice of Mordred. After they ate together last night, she went home and left Archer in the infirmary. After waking up early to do her daily tasks in the castle, the Red Knight was called upon by the King. Giving her orders to wake Archer up and take him to the room of the Round Table so that he can get his job and room.
As she walked into the infirmary and slammed the door wide open, she was greeted to the castle healer tending to an already-awake Archer. Said healer was checking up the redhead for the usual stuff- disease, bruises, physical defects. As Mordred approached the pair, she couldn't help but notice the healer was a bit pink. The Red Knight doesn't know it yet, but it's quite natural for a healthy woman such as our healer over here to be flustered while checking up the currently half-naked, well-built, good-looking youth that is Archer. But the Red Knight doesn't know that yet, so she couldn't be blamed when she asks,
"You alright Janice? You don't look so good. You're red all over."
'Janice' was taken aback by the sudden voice, and literally jumped when she heard it. At her expense, Archer could only laugh at the display.
"S-s- Sir Mordred!" came the reply, albeit a bit shaky "Wh-what brings you here today?"
"Him, actually." She said while pointing at Janice's patient. "I've got orders to take him to the King."
"O-oh…" Janice replied with disappointment in her voice. "Well, he's already healed up by now, so. I guess you can take him away now."
"Great." Came the nonchalant response. Mordred then addressed the redhead "Hurry up and take your stuff. You've got places to be. And put a shirt on damn it!" She then walked towards the door while saying, "I'll be outside when you need me." And then the door shut closed.
Just as she heard the click of the door lock, she placed an ear towards the door. 'What was that about?' Mordred thought, 'I know Janice's the timid sort, but something's wrong with her today. Did the idiot do something?' Just before she began thinking of the possibilities of what might've happened, she heard a voice.
"I didn't have the time to thank you for helping me recover Janice." It was Archer, "So right now I'll say it; Thank you for all that you've done for me when I was unconscious. You're healing abilities really helped me out."
"I-I-It was nothing at all! Sir Archer." Came the reply. "I didn't do much, really. You didn't have any wounds in your body, after all. Just some bruises here and there"
"Even so, I appreciate the work you've done for me. And for that," she heard Archer pause for a moment, "I give you this." Mordred couldn't see it of course. But whatever it was, it made Janice happy. For it was,
"A rose?" She asked with surprise in her voice
"A pink rose." Came the reply, "Where I come from, it means thanks. I couldn't think of anything else to give you in gratitude, so I gave this."
Mordred couldn't hear what she said next. And neither did Archer, because the Red Knight heard him ask,
"What was that again?"
"I said it's an amazing gift, Sir Archer," Mordred could hear the smile in her voice. "Thank you."
"Well," Archer replied. When he said this, he rose from his bed. A signal, "I'm happy to hear that, Janice. I wish we could talk more, but I'm afraid I have to go now."
Mordred heard some shuffling in the room- a sign of movement. Before she moved away from the door, she heard Janice ask,
"Next time you get hurt or something. Just know that I'm here to help you out, ok?" There was hope in her voice as she said it.
"Sure, Janice." Archer replied, "I'll keep that in mind." And with that, the door opened.
Archer-now fully dressed with all his stuff in his bag- saw Mordred leaning on the wall and proceeded to move towards her. He then asked if she was ready to go. To which she said yes. And then they headed off.
They were 3 minutes in their walk when Mordred sparked a conversation.
"So… How's Janice?" Asked Mordred mischievously.
"What do you mean?" Came the reply.
"Oh, come on! Archer. I've known Janice for a few years now. I know when she has the hots for someone. And right now, she's into you!"
"…You've been eavesdropping, weren't you?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"…She's just a friend to me." Said Archer, finally spilling the beans. He did not expect that Mordred would snoop in their conversation. So, with nowhere to go, he relented.
"Right." Came the reply, clearly unconvinced. "I've met knights who said that they were friends with their wives before marriage. Clearly you're in denial right now."
'Cheeky brat.' Archer thought he then said,
"It's not like that. She just… reminded me of someone I knew."
"Oho…" Mordred said. "Is she a looker like our healer friend?" If smugness was a word, Mordred embodied it right now.
"…Yeah… she was…"
"…Oh…" The Red Knight did not expect this turn of events. So, thinking quick, she changed the subject.
"Where the hell did you get a pink rose? Those things grow around here? Where'd ya find the place you picked one up?"
"Oh, you know. I got one somewhere around the castle. Just plucked up one from the ground and kept it for a while before giving it to Janice." The redhead's voice teetered with signs of hesitation. It was obviously a lie, but he covered it up with enough genuineness to hide the fact.
No one knows this - Not even Mordred – but Archer projected the rose while Janice wasn't looking. He initially decided to keep his projection magic before meeting Arturia. And he contemplated on just giving something else to the healer. But a gut feeling within him told him otherwise. Something's telling Archer that it's best to keep Janice in his side right now, rather than not. If wooing her is a way to keep her in touch, then so be it.
"We're here." Mordred's voice brought him out of his musings.
As he looked up, he was greeted to the sight of the door to the Round Table. Mordred opened the door and the two of them went in. The Knights of the Round that are present -except the King- gave them fleeting glances before resuming whatever they were doing beforehand, probably kingdom related business. The King however, proceeded to head towards the pair with a scroll and key in hand. She spoke to the two the moment she was close to them.
"Ah. You've made it, Sir Archer." The King then looked to Mordred. "Thank you for bringing him here, Sir Mordred."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Came the reply, clearly happy at the praise. "Was just doing my job, that's all."
The King then looked towards the redhead and then spoke to him.
"Here in this scroll is the written document of your appointment as cook." She then gave the scroll to Archer. It was a sealed scroll. Not quite unique, just a regular one that the King uses.
"And here is the key to your room." As she handed it to him, Archer began examining it. It was made of silver. Hand crafted by a blacksmith for months on end. Very high value. Whatever room he has, it's guaranteed to be like a 4-star apartment.
As he kept the items in his bag, Archer looked towards the King. And with a smile that can smite any woman who can see it, he spoke
"Thank you, Your Majesty." His voice brimming with gratitude. "Nothing I can do will repay the kindness you have shown me today."
Good thing Arturia was a master at keeping her emotions in check. Because an arrow struck her heart at the pleasant sight that is Archer's smile. If she didn't keep herself in check. The King of Knights would've turned into a peach. She couldn't help but wonder who this man is to be able to make her feel this way. It's as if she becomes someone else whenever she sees the man.
"I appreciate your gratitude, Sir Archer. Think of it as a token for proving your worth to me in our duel."
"I take it that Sir Mordred over here will guide me to the kitchens, Your Highness?" Archer asked. Expecting an affirmation to his question. But fate always finds a way to prove him wrong, doesn't it?
"No, Sir Archer. This time, I will guide you."
Suddenly, silence passed through the room. The Knights in the background who were eavesdropping in the conversation, gazed upon their King in disbelief. Why on earth would their King personally see to a mere cook's assignment? Their King could've just handed the task to Mordred, after all. Who is this mere cook that even a King would take interest in his wellbeing?
Of all the knights to be surprised at this development, Kay had to be the least of them all. He knows what his sister is thinking right now. What with all the years they spent together, it's only obvious that he should. He can see through the mask that Arturia placed herself. And what he sees is something that gave him mixed feelings. Kay knows his sister is smitten with the redhead, whether she knows it or not. And clearly, it's altering her thought process. She's never been the type to do menial things such as guide someone to their jobs. She's also never been the type to give out high quality rooms to anyone in general! Truly, whether she knew it or not, Arturia cares for him.
And it is here that lies the problem. His sister is a King! A king that has a kingdom to govern. A king that has people in need of her help. A King that's married. Granted, the marriage is a farcical one. But that's not the point. The point being, is that she doesn't need distractions like Archer to hinder her mission of bringing a better life to her people. Archer needs to go.
But deep down, Kay knew this would become a mistake he'd regret. Why was it so? Because, for the first time ever, Arturia fell in love. No, not like those childhood crushes that she immediately forgot after becoming king. True, genuine, actual love. Her eyes tell everything. Every time she saw the redhead, her eyes sparkle. When said redhead thanked her for the job and the room, they shone. Literally. From Kay's point of view, it looked like her sister had emeralds for eyes. So vibrant and full of life unlike what he's seen before, Kay knew that what he was thinking of doing would hurt Arturia more than it would help. But he knew that if… whatever that's going on between the two kept on going, serious consequences will occur.
So, what will he- oh shit! He's been caught eavesdropping. Back to work everyone! Nothing to see.
Basically, everyone continued working like they weren't eavesdropping in the first place. Earning a sigh from the one who caught them. Arturia- the one who caught them- then looked to Archer and Mordred. Speaking to the latter first,
"Sir Mordred, return to your duties. I will take it from here."
"As you wish, Your Highness!" And with that. Mordred's gone. Quite hastily, if I might say.
Looking back at the redhead. She said,
"Well, then. I believe we must head to the kitchens to get you started. Shall we head off now?"
"If his Highness wishes it so, then who am I to argue?" Of all the things Archer is labelled to be, smooth talker would be one of them.
Arturia couldn't help but smile a little at that. And with that said, the two left the Round Table and went to the direction of the kitchens
10 minutes later…
"We're here."
In front of the King and the redhead are the doors to the kitchen. They were big, expensive-looking, wooden, doors that nearly reaches the ceiling. They only open towards the hallway, so it's a pull-push door. As the King opened the door, the redhead was greeted to an amazing sight.
The kitchen is as big as a modern-day basketball court for comparison. As you go in, you will see lots of tables separated by 3 arms' length from each other; each table has its own purpose that depends on the time of day, but right now, they are for preparing the ingredients.
Large cauldrons filled with loads of food of all kinds are what you see when look passed the tables. The stoves underneath them are huge. Able to take on 30 kilos of firewood while having enough room for more. They burned in a fiery blaze. They burned so bright that they illuminated the room by themselves.
Of course, when there's fire, smoke and ashes come forth, so to counter this problem, the ceilings have air ducts that can channel the smoke out of the castle. While the staff spend every day trying – and failing – to get rid of all the residual ashes after using the stoves. Causing most of the floor, and in worse cases the staff themselves, to be covered in soot. A detail that Archer is truly dismayed of but decided to keep to himself.
To the right side of the kitchen are the sinks. At least, they are in purpose. But it's just a large, wide tub that has running water, yes, but it's unclean. Another detail that irks the redhead.
The left side of the kitchen is filled with barrels. As Archer watched, he saw a man open one of them and pull-out vegetables of all kinds. He concluded that everything in those barrels must be food of some kind. Deep down, he wishes that they didn't pack meat into those barrels because he knows that they will become contaminated if they do.
Archer hasn't even started his job yet, and he's already stressed. Blame the kitchens for that.
The King then went towards one of the tables to call for one of the people supervising the cooks. As she walked towards him, the people in the room took notice of her. Stopping whatever they were doing prior to look at their King, not expecting a visit. She dismissed them by saying, "As you were.", before they decided to show their respects with a bow. The people quickly returned to their jobs after that.
"Ah! If it isn't the King himself." Came the cheery voice of the man the King was looking for, "How are you today, my King?"
"I am well, Sir Luke." She said in her usual regal tone. "I am here with a new recruit to help you in your work in the kitchens."
"O-oh!" said Luke. "I have not heard of any news of a new cook in our ranks, so forgive me for any offense I have made in my surprise, Your Highness." He bowed a little at that.
"None taken." Came the reply. "Which was why I personally went with the recruit myself to the kitchens tell you."
It's a lie. Arturia just made that excuse in the fly to validate to herself that it was only for duty reasons she's with the redhead. She then looked at said redhead and introduced him.
"This man is Sir Archer." The King said. "He's proven his worth to me in our duel yesterday. His talent -other than combat- is to cook. So, in regard to that, I gave him a job here. I take it that you will guide him in his tasks, correct?"
She asked it as a request, but Luke over here can't help but sense that it was more of an order than anything. So, replied.
"As you wish, Your Highness. I will see to it that Sir Archer will become accustomed to his new job."
"Thank you, Sir Luke." Came the response. "The terms of his servitude to the kitchens are in the scroll he possesses." With that, the King then addressed the redhead.
"Find me around dusk. I will take you to your room" she said.
Unknowing of the look of surprise of Luke. He was not expecting Sir Archer to be someone of such importance. Why would he think that way? Because not only was the redhead in front of him escorted to his job by the King himself-which is something that's rare. But he was given a room! And he will be taken there by the King himself. Luke needs to be wary of the redhead. Whoever the man might be, he's surely someone even the head cook shouldn't fuck with.
"As you wish, Your Highness." Said Archer. And with that, the King of Knights left the kitchen.
The redhead looked to his new superior. Said superior just sighed. Thinking about everything he needs to do to get the man in working order. Luke then said,
"Alright then. Follow me." He motioned the redhead to the table he was supervising on.
"Before we start, I believe some proper introductions are in order." Luke waited for the response -which was a nod- before he continued.
"I am Luke of Glouchedon. I'm from the place of the same name. I came here to work as cook for King Arthur's Court 5 years ago. And since then, I've been promoted to Head Cook." He paused for a moment before asking, "Now, who are you?"
"Name's Archer" came the gruff reply. "I saved Sir Mordred in a fight against Drecken not too long ago. Currently, I am under the employ of your King. I hope we get along."
Archer then brought out a hand of which Luke shook. The head cook then said.
"Well met." He had a determined look on his face. "I would make it my duty to prepare you for the arduous task of being a cook. And hearing your feats, it just made my job easier. But the question remains. Are you a good cook?"
"I'm much better than Sir Gawain, if that's what you're wondering." As the redhead finished, a howl of laughter erupted from his new boss.
"Ah, that was a good one." Luke said. "I like you already. Witty, charming, youthful. It's no wonder you're the King's favourite."
"…What do you mean by that?"
"Aw, don't play the fool, Archer. Everyone in this room saw how he acted towards you. Only the Knights of the Round were given rooms by the King himself. I'll also add the fact that only you- not even The Round – were personally escorted to their rooms by the King. Either you're some super important noble in refuge, or you must've had something special with the King to deserve such treatment."
"…" Before he could speak, Archer was interrupted by Luke's second bout of laughter. When he stopped laughing, the head cook went on
"Sigh…" Wiping a teardrop from his eye, he said. "I'm just playing with you. The look on your face says it all. You really are some noble from God knows where. But none of that matters now. Whatever place you came from, forget it. You're in the hell that's Arthur's kitchen now. And I'm your boss. And that's all that matters to me. Don't worry about the looks everyone is giving you. They won't spill."
Archer wasn't worried about the onlookers; he was already tired from Luke's antics to care. The man had the gall to declare to everyone in the room who he thinks the redhead is. And not only that, but the head cook unknowingly planted a target on his back-if the glares pointed to him when Luke said he was the King's favourite indicated anything. Now, he must keep an eye out for potential enemies in the kitchen. And did I mention that this wasn't even day 1?
"Now, show me your scroll" Luke said. "In order to tell what job you're good at as well as what I'm going to give you, I need to see what King has to say about it."
Archer then grabbed the sealed scroll from his bag and gave it to the cook. Luke's eyes widened as he read the document. After a few minutes, he piped up.
"Well, I'll be damned. You got yourself a recommendation over here." the head cook shoved the now open scroll towards the redhead's chest.
"I don't know what you cooked, but if it was good enough for you be given praise by a Knight of the Round Table, well shit! You deserve to be the head cook, not me."
Archer was busy reading the scroll to care about Luke. He was busy trying to figure out who recommended him.
'I find Sir Archer's cooking to be of utmost satisfaction… his way of cooking is unparalleled… I duly recommend Sir Archer as a cook for the King… Signed by…Mordred. Guess I owe her thanks for this."
"So, what becomes of me?" Asked the redhead
"Well, judging from what King wrote." Luke took the scroll and read the terms of the job. "You have six hours' worth of worktime in the kitchen. That is, if you aren't called for a mission of sorts. That's the jist of it."
Six hours of work a day in the Castle is unheard of. Everyone in the kitchen had 9 hour shifts So, the people who were eavesdropping and heard about it started glaring daggers at the redhead out sheer envy. 'Great… another reason for people to hate me' was the sarcastic thought of Archer.
"Did the scroll by chance say why I only have six hours?"
Rereading the scroll, Luke replied, "Yeah, there is. Something about 'duties concerning the King' and whatnot. Probably means you're going to be called upon a lot in the coming days. Must be about that whacko Drake or whatever."
"It's Drecken."
"Whatever! After showing you the ropes around here, I'll let you leave. Day 1 starts tomorrow. Agreed?"
"…Agreed."
Later that evening.
After learning the ins and out of the kitchen, Archer was given the task of janitor. The reasoning behind the decision was that everyone started at being a janitor. If he wanted to cook, Luke said, he would have to clean first. Not because Archer was bad at cooking, but Luke had to be fair in treating everyone in his employ. If Archer wanted to ascend to 'cook' status, he would have to earn it first through cleaning. It isn't a problem for the redhead; he was the best in that department too- though no one knows that yet.
Remembering the order to find her after dusk, Archer headed off to the Round Table – the room where it was most likely for Arturia to be in. As he neared the door to the Round Table, he was greeted to the sight of a Knight in black armor. With eyes as black as his hair. He looked, tired, to say the least. Oh wait, that's his normal face.
The Black Knight turned to see Archer walking towards the same destination as he was. With a grim tone, he spoke to the redhead.
"Boy. What are you doing here?"
"I've come under the order of his Highness, the King, to search for him once dusk arrived." He replied in confidence
"You lie." The tone was filled with venom "The King would never let a Scot like you in his castle. Who are-!"
"Sir Agravain. You've returned" A third voice popped up from behind the redhead. As 'Agravain' gazed upon the owner of the voice, he straightened up and said,
"Your Highness." As he said that, he gave a salute to his King. "It is a pleasure seeing you."
"As am I seeing you. I see that you are acclimating well with our new cook."
"C-cook?" he glanced upon the redhead in suspicion.
"That is correct. While you were gone, Sir Archer over here earned himself a position as one of my cooks."
She was supposed to say, "as one of the Castle cooks." But thought it was appropriate for getting the message through that: Archer is not an enemy. Because right now, Agravain was becoming hostile to the redhead.
"I see." He got the message. "I believe that I owe you an apology, Sir Archer." His voice was rigid. As if hating the words, he's saying right now.
"Apology accepted, Sir Agravain." Came the reply. "I wish that we can get along in the future." Archer raised his hand expecting the Black Knight to shake it. Agravain did. And he squeezed it hard. A sign that they might not get along in the future.
"Well then." Said Arturia. "I believe it is time to take you to your room, am I right, Sir Archer?" To which the redheaded nodded.
"Well then." Arturia said. She then turned to Agravain and said, "As you were, Sir Agravain. Sir Archer and I have a task to accomplish."
"…Have a fair night, your Highness." If Agravain had feelings for what is transpiring right now, he'd rather not say it.
"To you, as well."
And with that, the King and the redhead left the Black Knight to his own devices.
30 minutes later.
The pair finally made it to the room. They conversed a bit on the way. But not interesting enough to take note of.
What is interesting enough to take note of, is the room itself. The room was decorated with everything you would expect. It has expensive furniture, expensive rugs, expensive wall art. And a balcony Archer can lounge in. Speaking of which.
"Your Highness. I can't accept this. This is too much."
"Nonsense. I said it before, and I'll say it again: you've proven you're worth to me the day you and I fought." She gazed upon his eyes. Filled with sincerity
"But Your Highness-!" Before he can retort, Archer was silenced by a raised hand.
"Hush, now." Arturia's voice was filled with an indescribable emotion. "You've earned your place. Now, it would do you good if you simply accepted it as a gift."
"Besides," she continued. "I give my finest warriors the room they truly deserve. A testament to your prowess in the field of battle than anything." With a smile that held an indecipherable emotion, Arturia left his room. Leaving the redhead on his own.
After their conversation. Archer locked his room and changed from his usual battle clothes into a more casual wear. Since he can just simply project his own clothes, he didn't pack any. So, he improvised. Right now he's wearing a red shirt and black pants that's from his time. After he changed, he began unpacking his stuff. He brought everything out. They were normal stuff. Some food from Mordred, a compass he got from a bandit, and the scrolls the templ- wait, what?
Things from an old temple are not 'normal stuff'. Especially these scrolls. They were intricate in design. They look like they were made for a noble. There are 3 scrolls. One was ruby red. The second is lapis blue. And the last is a mix of different colors, but the main color is gold.
Archer remembered when he got them and concluded that he forgot about them because of the things that's happened to him over the past 3 days. Now that he has the time to look at them closer, he realized that not the Sword Mordred has is not the only thing Drecken was after that day. Whatever these scrolls contained, they will probably contain information about his next move. As he grabbed the golden scroll, he began to read.
When he bares his teeth…
Somewhere…
"It was your fault!"
"Is not!"
"If you hadn't been stupid enough to move the horses close to the fire, then we wouldn't be in this situation, Gaheris."
"I listened to what you told me to do! You said-."
"Enough! None of you are right. What you've both done is lose our only way back to Camelot. Now, both of you apologize before I make you."
"…I'm sorry Gareth."
"As am I, Gaheris. But it's still your faul- Ow!"
These were the voices of Sir Gawain and his Squire Brothers, Gareth and Gaheris. The Trio were in a mission to their homeland, Orkney. They received reports of Saxon incursion around the area. To which their King sent them to investigate. Their mission ended weeks ago, but because of the distance between Camelot and Orkney, they spent the weeks after trying to get back to Camelot.
They are relatively close now to their destination. The trio arrived and decided to stop and rest for the night at the border between Sorestan and Glouchedon. They were about to eat their meals when Gaheris accidentally stoked the fire a bit too much and caused the horses to become frightened by it. Now here they are, in the middle of woods. Trying to find their lost horses. How bad can it be?
The trio were walking around when they heard a twig snap. Turning around towards the noise. They were greeted by a dark, ominous looking figure. Their torches weren't close enough to see who this might be. Gareth and Gaheris are shaking in their boots as they huddled closer to their elder brother. So, to dissuade their fears, Gawain drew Excalibur Galatine; his brothers followed suit and drew their swords anticipating combat.
"Show yourself! Who are you." Came the bellowing voice of Gawain.
To the trio's surprise the dark figure fell into the ground below. Seemingly become unconscious. The younger Squires looked to their elder brother for guidance. Gawain simply sheathed his sword and with his torch went towards the figure. Not wanting to get left behind Gareth and Gaheris went with him.
What they saw shocked them. It was a lady. Probably in her late 30s but still young looking. With brown hair hidden beneath a shroud. As their gaze on the woman went to her face, they were greeted with a neck covered in blood and wounds. Multiple. Couldn't be counted since her own blood covered them. As they looked at her clothing, she saw that she was a nun. But looking closer, they figured she was probably an elder from a monastery. And that's not all.
"She's alive! But barely." Came the voice of Gawain he then looked at his brothers and spoke
"Take whatever she has, Gareth." He looked towards his other brother and spoke.
"Gaheris, prepare some medicine. If we make it in time, she will live."
"On it!" was the reply. And after Gaheris left to head for their camp, Gawain followed. Leaving Gareth on his own.
As Gareth looked around for anything the lady could've left on the ground. He was greeted to a torn parchment. As he picked it up. He read its contents. It was a covered in blood so he couldn't decipher most of the words. He sees a drawing of what looks like a bow. Finally, he saw a bunch of words that doesn't make sense on its own since the rest of the sentence is covered in blood. What he can read is…
…Winter meets its death…
Author's Note:
I promise, this isn't a crossover. I swear, I have a storyboard and everything. But it won't go anywhere deeper into Narnia lore. I'm only doing it for the weapons.