Ealdor
September, 503 AD
"Wait, wait, wait. You mean to tell me that freaking Camelot is real?!" I asked Merlin, my heart filling with excitement, as I followed him around the crop field while helping him carry the food he was harvesting.
"Yes," he responded promptly, an amused smile forming on his lips, "do you not know that in the twenty-first century?"
"As far as we know, it's just a legend," I explained, bouncing on my toes as I felt a surge of energy. "No one has been able to definitively prove its existence."
"Who is the Nenanthal now?" he shot back with a teasing grin – referring to a previous conversation we'd had in which I'd playfully called him a Neanderthal after sort of explaining what electricity is when he'd asked about my solar charger.
"Neanderthal," I corrected with a smirk. "You don't even know what a Neanderthal is! You don't even know about the theory of evolution!" He frowned, looking down at me in confusion. "Point made," I noted and gave him a wink.
I've been staying with Merlin and Hunith for four months now. The kind woman has been completely amazing to me, treating me almost as if I were her own blood; and I really couldn't be more grateful for everything she and her son have done for me. Who knows what would've happened to Dallas and I if we'd had to survive the medieval world on our own? And, honestly, setting aside the lack of indoor plumbing, electricity and refrigerators; life in this time period isn't as bad as I'd initially thought it would be.
However, from what Merlin was just telling me, it looks like things are about to change drastically for us – allegedly, his mom has long been contemplating sending him to freaking Camelot, as she has a close friend who lives there and is willing to become the boy's guardian.
Not too long after my arrival in Ealdor, and after many jokes on my behalf referring to the character in Disney's 'The Sword In The Stone', Merlin had confessed to me that he has magic. Because that's real, too. Most people in the village know this and they are willing to keep his secret (though some are not too happy about it). But despite the laws against it, Merlin has been increasingly getting more reckless with the use of his gifts (or so I'm told), and Hunith fears that he'll eventually be found out by the authorities, or worse, be pulled towards the dark side; so she'd started pondering whether she should send her son to someone who can guide him in the art of sorcery.
I puffed, "I mean, I guess it'd be a fun experience for you. But what about me? Am I supposed to stay here? Who's gonna entertain me all day long? Surely not that ass-hat pal of yours!…" I rambled on, fearing that my only… I guess I can call him a friend, would leave me alone in this strange land.
"Will is not that bad," he replied.
"He's a pervert!" I scoffed. "Not to mention condescending, cowardly, short-tempered..." I started listing until he cut me off by placing a hand on top of my mouth. I glared at him.
"All right, I get it. You do not like him," Merlin said, looking amused.
"Understatement," I mumbled when he finally allowed me to speak again.
"Astra," Hunith called my attention as we ate dinner that night. I lifted my gaze to meet hers and quickly swallowed the food I was chewing on in preparation for the response I'd likely be expected to give. "I was thinking that, perhaps, you might enjoy joining Merlin in Camelot."
I almost fell off the kitchen bench as my body jolted with excitement, a big smile forming on my lips, "Oh, goody! I'd love to go! My entire life I've been told that Camelot was just a legend. It'd be so cool if I got to see the real thing!"
Merlin chuckled beside me and I shot him a grin.
A thought crossed my mind and my smile faded as I addressed Hunith again, "Who'll take care of you, though?"
"Oh, please, I will be just fine!" she assured me. "Camelot will provide you both with a better life. Bigger opportunities… I want the two of you to go."
I glanced towards the sorcerer and he gave me a small nod, indicating that he agreed with his mom's words.
"All right, I'm in!" I smiled once more as anticipation bubbled within me.
Right after dinner, Merlin and I rushed to our rooms so that we could pack. For me, it was an easy thing to do because I still only have the few things I'd originally packed for my supposed adventure to Austin – all I had to do was shove everything back into my backpack and that was it. So, once I was done, I went to Merlin's room and helped him with his stuff, knowing that he'd have a lot more things to bring than I.
"So… is Arthur king yet?" I asked the boy as I helped him to fold some shirts, my being still buzzing from excitement.
"I do not know who the king is," he replied with an apologetic look.
"How can you not know?!" I wondered, flailing my arms around and accidentally dropping one of the shirts, which earned me a playful glare from the boy. He then shrugged, but did not answer my question. I huffed and continued to help him in silence.
If we assume, for a moment, that pop culture is somewhat reliable; and if we consider that Merlin is barely out of his teens, we can speculate that Arthur's not even alive yet. Or, if he is, he's likely just a child, not yet old enough to pull a sword out of a stone, never mind rule a kingdom. This deduction was kind of a bummer, since it would've been fun to experience Britain's golden age, or whatever.
The bags were soon done and we set everything down by the front door before going to sleep, knowing that we had a big day ahead.
"Take this letter, give it to Gaius when you meet him," Hunith instructed as she handed Merlin an envelope the next morning as we readied to leave.
The boy carefully placed the paper inside his backpack. "I shall get it to him as soon as I can," he assured his mother.
"Very well," a nostalgic smile formed on the woman's lips as she looked between us. "Now go. You have got a long journey ahead of you, children. I trust you to stay out of trouble," her voice turned stern towards the end as she gave us a pointed look, then she gently shoved us towards the door.
Dallas waited outside, already saddled and ready to go.
"No promises!" I called back to the woman with a teasing smirk and she replied with a playful glare.
"I love you, mother. I promise to visit before too long," Merlin told her after hugging her tightly.
I watched the scene with a churning heart, suddenly wondering if my family back in Texas were missing me, and if they were looking for me, or if they were actually glad to have me out of their hair… But I didn't let the homesickness get to me as I put on a smile and waved at Hunith once Merlin had released her, "Thank you for everything, Hunith! See ya'!"
And with that, Merlin, Dallas and I took to a dirt path that we would have to follow for a while, according to what little I'd picked up from the instructions that my human companion had gotten from his mom.
"How come you get to travel on horseback and I have to walk all the way?" Merlin asked me with a frown, having to look up at me for once as I rode beside him.
"It's simple: I have a horse and you don't," I replied with a shrug. "Plus your legs look like they could use the exercise," I added with a smirk, then I laughed at the glare he sent me.
"Rise and shine, Merls!" I exclaimed as I played 'Sweet Child O'Mine' loudly on my phone.
My companion squealed like a little girl as he shot up from his spot in the tent, panting as he held a hand to his chest. I laughed heartily.
"What have I told you about using your strange object?" he scolded with a disapproving look.
"Oh, right. Can't risk Dallas reporting me to some stinky King," I replied with a snort. The boy huffed and shook his head, but didn't say anything else.
We have been on the road for almost a week, and we'd set up a camp in the woods at some point when the sun had begun to set the night before. Sleep had evaded me as a slight drizzle hit my tent – which I'd reluctantly shared with Merlin – for most of the night. The pitter-patter made it hard to concentrate on travelling to dreamland; plus I had a lot of things running through my mind.
What is Camelot like? Will I get to meet Arthur freaking Pendragon himself at some point? Will 'Gaius' be okay with taking me in, too? How will I hide my true origins? Will knights be everything that the movies make them out to be?
I'd eventually given up on sleeping and spent the remaining hours of the night watching 'Supernatural' on my tablet – which turned out to be a bad idea because it had caused me to startle at every sound outside the tent after I'd watched the episode with the wendigo.
When the sun began to rise, I'd gotten up and retrieved some of the food that Hunith had packed for us.
"Anyways, I made breakfast," I announced to my friend while tossing him an apple. "Hope you like it."
"Glad to know I can count on you to keep me well-fed," Merlin told me with a chuckle.
"I'm not your mom, dude," I shot back with a playful glare. "If you want something else, ya' can get it yourself."
We ate in silence and then packed everything up, both of us eager to hit the road again.
"How much further?" I asked as Merlin checked the surprisingly specific map that his mom had given us.
Sadly, I can't read it well because I'm way too used to Google Maps simply telling me where to go; so I rely on the boy for directions.
"We could make it there by noon if we hurry up," he replied with a pensive look as he analysed something on the paper parchment.
I nodded, pleased with his conclusion, "Let's go, then."
"Is that it?!" I asked with a gasp while pointing at some towers that were peeking out from among the treetops.
The stone they were built with was almost white, while the roofs were a darker blueish grey. I was surprised to see that it was rather French in style – not at all like the castles I'd seen when I travelled to England with my cousin Sage.
"It must be!" Merlin replied with excitement clear in his voice. "Turn that thing off and let us hurry!" he commanded while gesturing towards my phone, which was currently playing 'Mr. Blue Sky' by Electric Light Orchestra.
"It's called a mobile phone," I corrected him in a playfully condescendent tone while quirking an eyebrow.
"I do not care what it is called," he shot back with a disapproving look. "Turn it off before we get arrested."
"Since when is it illegal to be from the future?" I questioned. All I got in response was a glare. "Party-pooper," I mumbled as I paused the music and shoved my phone into the pocket at the side of my riding leggings, which I then zipped-up for better concealment.
When we arrived at the entrance to Camelot's inner city, or whatever it's called, I dismounted my horse and loosened his girth, which helped him to relax and cool off after the long walk.
"If anyone asks – Dallas is slow, spooky and old. I don't want the knights to kidnap him for war or something," I told Merlin sternly, which made him chuckle.
"Right," he said with a nod.
We entered the city and wandered around for a couple of minutes. It was full of cute little wooden stands with long, colourful fabrics serving as roofs where lots of different items were being sold: fruits, veggies, clothes, jewellery, cheese, pottery… you get the gist. I couldn't help but be reminded of stores like H-E-B, and the ridiculous amount of plastic that is used to pack the products sold there. This seems way more natural and sustainable.
I also saw some blacksmith stands, some carpenters, what I think was a seamstress… and a man selling live chickens, which caused my stomach to churn. I can't remember the last time I ate meat of any kind, and I can't fathom the idea of buying a live animal just to kill it for food an hour later. At least at H-E-B all of the bloody bits are taken care of, already…
Life was buzzing as women did their shopping for the week and men walked to and from their jobs.
I noticed that a lot of people were glancing at me with either curiosity, disdain, or a mix of both; which made me suddenly feel very self-conscious. I pulled my hood over my head, wishing to make myself as invisible as possible while memories of high-school flooded my mind.
"You need to get new clothes," Merlin whispered, "you stand out too much."
My eyes widened in realisation and I looked down at my outfit, which consisted of grey riding leggings, black riding boots, a white v-neck shirt with the Avengers logo on it in black, and a black bomber jacket. Then I gazed at my surroundings, taking note of the long dresses that women wear here.
"Yeah, maybe," I agreed with a frown. But I just couldn't picture myself in such different clothes.
As we neared the castle courtyard, we noticed people gathering around the centre of it, which made us exchange a curious look. Then a trumpet sounded and the people looked up. I followed their gazes and spotted a man standing atop a balcony. He had short, dark hair with some streaks of grey in it; his face was slightly wrinkled, which indicated he was at least fifty years old (but likely more); and he was reasonably fit, if a bit over the 'ideal' weight. The shining golden crown on his head let me know that he was the King, without a doubt.
"Huh. I expected kings to be morbidly obese and hairier than Cousin Itt," I commented as I raised my eyebrows.
Merlin looked down at me and frowned as he asked, "Who?"
"Oh, he's a character from an old TV show," I replied, waving him off. "Never mind that. Let's see what's goin' on."
Standing on my tippy-toes while leaning against Dallas's shoulder for support, I managed to make out a simple wooden platform, atop which stood a man dressed in a long, black, hooded robe; and he held a hatchet in his hands. Beside him was a stone block.
I instantly realised what was happening – I've seen the live-action 'Alice In Wonderland' movie many times!
"Let this serve as a lesson to all," the King spoke in a loud booming voice that startled me for a second. "This man, Thomas James Collins, is adjudged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic." I shared a wary look with Merlin. "And, pursuant to the laws of Camelot, I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death." He paused to clench his jaw and I felt my heart-rate increasing. "I pride myself as a fair and just king, but for the crime of sorcery, there is but one sentence I can pass."
"Oh, sheep! The witch trials are real!" I whisper-yelled. "I mean, I knew that, I just never thought I'd witness them!"
Merlin turned to me with widened eyes and I saw a mortified expression on his face. Then I noticed that I'd clutched his sleeve at some point, out of anxiety, and let go of it, moving to tangle my fingers in Dallas's mane instead.
A man who appeared to be around thirty years old was dragged onto the scene by some guards and forced to climb onto the platform, where he was pushed down to his knees before the stone block. He seemed terrified out of his mind and I felt a lump forming in my throat at the sight.
"Don't wanna watch," I mumbled as I felt the colour drain out of my face. I turned to hide my face against Dallas's shoulder to shield myself from watching the beheading of the man. Gasps echoed through the crowd as metal made contact with stone, producing a crushing sound.
"It is over, Astra," Merlin whispered after a few moments, a hand softly squeezing my arm. I turned my head to look up at him and then at the King, who stood tall and proud with a hint of a smile on his lips.
I can only hope that, despite his frightened demeanour, Thomas James Collins did something awful which made him deserving of his sentence.
"When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos," the King spoke again. "But with the people's help, magic was driven from the realm. So I declare a festival to celebrate twenty years since the Great Dragon was captured and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery." He raised his arms up as if he were basking in glory. "Let the celebrations begin!"
My mind felt like it'd been placed in a blender and I blinked rapidly for a few moments as I went over everything I'd just witnessed.
"Did he just say dragon?" I asked, to which Merlin nodded, not looking too surprised. I huffed, finding that I suddenly felt too exhausted to fixate upon that fact. "I guess we should find Gaius."
"Yes, let us do that," my friend responded in a whisper. I gave him a sympathetic look, knowing that he must be shaken by the treatment of magic people in Camelot. It's certainly not what I was expecting. Why would Hunith send her son to a magic-hating place?
Almost as soon as we'd turned to leave, a loud wailing sound made us turn back to face the scene.
"There is only one evil in this land, and it is not magic!" a woman dressed in brown rags shot at the King. "It is you! With your hatred and your ignorance!"
I averted my gaze, the pain in her tone striking at my chest.
"You took my son!" the woman continued. "And I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a son for a son!"
"Darn, poor lady," I mumbled, exchanging a sad look with Merlin. I was ready to get walking again when she suddenly started speaking in a tongue I couldn't recognise, and then she vanished into thin air.
"Seize her!" the King yelled. But, obviously, there was nothing to 'seize' anymore.
"Fun, stuff. Great first impression," I quipped, trying to mask how unnerved I was feeling by the events. "Can we go now?" I asked Merlin as I started nibbling on my bottom lip. The boy nodded in agreement and we finally got away from the gut-wrenching scene.
We walked for a few minutes until we reached a back entrance to the gorgeous castle, which Hunith had instructed Merlin to seek. Once there, he turned to me and said, "I am going to go inside and look for Gaius. When I find him I shall ask him where you can leave Dallas."
"Okie dokie. I'll just wait here, then..." I replied while looking around at the huge, ornamented walls in awe.
Merlin was about to enter the castle, when a thought crossed my mind and I quickly stopped him, "Oh! Can you take my stuff with you?" He nodded and promptly helped me to untie my camping tent and sleeping bag from the back of my saddle, then I handed him my backpack, which he swung over his shoulder.
"And hurry – I don't want people talkin' to me!" I semi-jokingly yelled after him as he disappeared into the building.
I sighed and rested my arms and forehead atop my Thoroughbred's neck, being careful not to put too much weight on it as I gently ran my fingers through his long, cream-coloured mane. "All this so that I can hopefully get a high-school diploma one day, aye Dal?" I asked in a mumble as I closed my eyes for a moment and breathed in his horsey scent.
About ten minutes later, Merlin finally came out of the building.
"The stables are behind the castle," he informed me with a grin. "Gaius says that he keeps his mule in a fenced field and that you are more than welcome to keep Dallas with it."
I sighed in relief, "Great. Thank you, Merls." He nodded and motioned for me to follow him.
Once Dallas was settled in the paddock with Gaius's mule, Merlin led me to the apartment-like place where we'd be living.
"Gaius, I am back!" my friend announced as he opened the door.
The place is big enough for three people. The walls are lined with shelves that contain lots of books, items that seem like medieval chemistry tools; jars full of plants, flowers, and slimy substances; and some dishes and cutlery. A long work table stands in the middle of the room, a small cot next to it; and behind that is a kitchen bench, followed by a stove and a wooden counter, and there is a dark wooden door beside that. There is also a narrow spiral staircase leading up to a second storey.
An elderly man rose from his seat at the kitchen bench and walked towards us. He had wavy white hair that almost reached his shoulders, kind blue eyes, and sharp wrinkly features.
"This is my friend, Astraea," Merlin introduced me as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders. I did my best not to shy away from the unexpected physical contact.
"Nice to meet you, sir," I greeted the man while offering a small grin. "Hunith had nothing but great things to say about you." I extended my hand for him to shake it – but instead he took it gently and placed a kiss on the back of it, making me frown up at the young sorcerer for a moment as I held back a grimace.
"The pleasure is all mine, dear," Gaius responded with a soft smile. "I am afraid I only have one room, so you will have to share it with Merlin," he added with a sheepish look, motioning towards the spiral staircase.
"Oh, right. Yeah, no problem," I replied. Although I felt a bit awkward – I've never shared a room with anyone other than my cousin Sage and Aunt Kelly, and only on vacations! Rooming with a boy… well at least I know that he won't try anything weird. I think.
Reluctantly (though I tried not to show it) I followed Merlin up towards the room. It was small, just enough to fit two individual beds with plain white sheets and a small wardrobe. However, I liked that the window in it had a direct view to the stables, meaning that I could check on Dallas from there.
We began to unpack our stuff.
"Does Gaius know about our… uh… secrets?" I asked in a whisper.
"I do not believe he knows about yours, but he knows about mine," Merlin replied, giving me a sheepish grin. "I saved his life earlier today."
My eyes widened in surprise, "What happened?"
"I might have startled him when I came in and he fell from a ladder… so I moved a mattress to catch him," he explained with a shy grin.
"Awe, look at you. Day one and you're already a hero," I teased, earning a playful eye-roll.
