Arthur; the Legend and Myth Chapter 19

19.

The scene in the tavern was tense with six knights seated at the long table. Merlin was standing by the doorway as if he was guarding it. Arthur was at the far end and looked at the five others. He then threw the empty coin purse on the table.

“We are broke.” Arthur laid it out plain. “We need the coins to pay for the food that are laid here.”

“Measly and miserable.” Gawain tossed the bread onto the table. He was gnawing it after placing it in his mouth.

“It’s still better than your Molly baking.” Gaheris blew out the family secret. The statement was taken with smiles and then they sobered up to the matter in concern. It was Merlin who laid out the facts. The lack of coins was hampering their efforts to build the castle and even the food on their table.

“I will put it to discussion now.” Arthur spoke with his clear voice. “We have no charitable persons to pay us. Pendragon who is supposed to be our Lord have not been seen since. Sir Kay had left us and I am happy for it. I find him loathsome at times.”

Gawain who vouched for Sir Kay groaned on the last words. He like Sir Kay and seen his fights. He has some bad attitude but Gawain could accept that. Sir Kay once helped him in a tavern brawl and they became friends.

“I am proposing that we find our own coins.” Arthur looked to the knights. “We will not plunder the others that do not deserve it but the land owners that are defiant to the Lord.”

“Which one’? You or the other one named Pendragon?” Lancelot mocked his leader. “I am all for it. I am referring to the landowners.”

It was then Merlin stepped forth with the charts. It showed the surrounding the lands. He had marked out five locations. Arthur started off with the locations.

“We hit them hard and get the coins.” Arthur told the knights. “We ride today.”

Cedric Troy owned a large tract of farmlands while he hide out on the larger mansion he called his castle. The mansion was a large sixteen rooms on a two level structure. He also maintained a barrack with fifty guards and a house hold of servants with triple farmhands and shepherds. He also bred the colliers to guard his sheep.

“I want that flock sold tomorrow.” Arthur motioned to Gawain. “I will ride on with the others to the mansion.”

Three knights rode on to the mansion, leaving the three brothers behind. Galahad had insisted that he stayed behind. Arthur rode on with Percival and Lancelot. Galahad looked at the three departing.

“What can three do when a dozen may fail?” Galahad asked.

Lancelot swung his gladius at the guard. The blade cut in deep at the left waist and the guard dropped the sword. Lancelot twisted his right arm and then withdrew the blade. He stepped back and then thrust the gladius into the guard’s neck. Once he had killed the guard, Lancelot moved forth. He was on the pathway towards the mansion when he saw Arthur was close behind. The other had removed his threat with the shield pushing the wounded guard. Lancelot released out a smile on seeing their advancement. They had come in riding like the four horsemen of Hades but they were actually three. They rode past the sentries and arrived at the mansion. The guards who were in the barracks were alerted and rushed out. They were unprepared for any attack and were reaching for weapons. Percival had dealt with such scene before and went for the guards. He used his horse to disperse the guards and then jumped off before he engaged them. Percival was armed with gladius on both his hands and he swung out with both. He was like a dancer except that his movements were deadly. He killed three guards before Arthur reached the mansion path. The pathway was guarded by four guards there and then he mounted to steps to the mansion door.

“Hold on!” Lancelot who was still mounted rode over. He had circled the mansion and killed two guards before arriving there. “They are retreating.”

Arthur nodded. These guards are paid to be sentries but they never could stomach the killing. More so when they are losing the battle then. Lancelot dismounted and overtook Arthur at the door. He was to open it when with his instinct, he jumped back. The figure rushed out from the doorway with a long sword. It was a three feet in length on the blade with a short hilt. Lancelot eyed the hilt was bejeweled and that amused him. He braced himself on his legs to counter the moves by the other.

“I am Lord Cedric Troy, and master to the land here.” The Lord was an elderly man who stood over Lancelot and held the frame of a fighter with the slim look. He was dressed in armor from his neck down to the toes. Each part of the body was covered with armor with breaks in the joints to allow for movements.

“Who are you?” Lord Cedric asked. “Did Pendragon send you? I can reward you more. Tell me.”

“I care not.” Lancelot rushed forth with his gladius. He was going for that sword. He had a fascination with the swords. He has a collection of them in his care and that one held by Cedric. Lancelot thrust the shorter sword at Cedric but the Lord deflected it. The Lord fought with the longer blade and avoided the shorter sword. He swung hard at the Lord once more but the armored greaves on the left forearm deflect it. Lancelot fought one while Arthur stood at the side with Percival.

“Coins? Gold? I have it all.” Lord Cedric kept at his attack. His moves were slower due to the armor but it protected him. Lancelot blocked the attacks and then saw his move to attack. He blocked the long blade and then move in fast with the gladius thrust into the face. Lord Cedric could not scream for the blade was in his mouth. The blade cut in deep into the back of the head. Lancelot then turned his hand to twist the blade. He then left the gladius there and retrieved the long handed sword. He pulled it off the Lord’s hand and then looked at it.

“I have it.” Lancelot called out. He then looked at Arthur. “I have it.”

Arthur soon cleared the mansion and then he collected his dues. There were the bounties there and it eased his concern then. He then called on the servants.

“You are free from now.” Arthur told the servants. Just before they took their leave, Arthur offered them to be his subjects. “You will live free on my land. Serve me.”

Arthur soon invaded the other landowners but by then his name had been spoken. The servants there fought for him and removed their masters. His acquisition of the lands filled his coffer and the works started on Camelot. The news of his exploits spread wider and more came to Camelot.

“We will have Camelot inhabited when the snow arrives.” Merlin looked at the setting of the stones to mark the main structure inside the castle. It was to be the main Hall there.

“Nice table.” Arthur commented on the round table used by Merlin. The table was circular and it was made of hard wood. It held the circumference that could seat twelve person but on that occasion it was covered with drawings and parchments.

“I found it in the forest. It was a sawn off dead tree trunk. I think it’s oak and this is a rare one. Its ancient and sacred in its form. It must have been a tall tree then, but they sawed it and left this stump. It took me a few days to uproot it and when I saw the remaining height I reckoned it will do well for a table.” Merlin smiled. “My own working table without the edges to stumbled over when I walked around it.”

“I like the table.” Arthur pushed the drawings aside to look at the table surface. It showed some intricate designs and Arthur was intrigued by it.

“The carpenter helped me to craft it. Those are runes designs.” Merlin continued on. “It tells of the qualities of a warrior. It also spoke of the divine Gods and their guidance to the warriors.”

“I commissioned the designs.” Merlin was proud of his tasks then.

“It needed seats.” Arthur mumbled out. Merlin smiled.

“It does. I have the carpenter doing it now.” Merlin smiled. “The table will be in the main Hall and it will seat your knights. The ones that you trust the most.”

Arthur then saw Lancelot at the bay practicing his new sword. Arthur was told that the sword was an infamous one. It was named Arondight. He fancied one himself.

It was then Arthur asked of the sword Excalibur.



“Yes, I mentioned it to you. I will assist you in finding it. It’s time the sword finds its new master.”

Mirror; a last minute request works

Here was what happened eighteen hours ago.

"Dad, I need your help. Can you write me a tale about a mirror for my submission tomorrow?" I knew then the extra scoop of ice cream was not the norm then. With the 'goading' by the mother, I relented and here is my 'other scoop' of works.

The mirror reflects us in our surrounding. It does not speak nor does it move unless we moved. I am not a mirror but young person with an affinity towards mirror. I knew that one day when I was in my grandfather’s room. He had passed on but his memory remained with us. I was close with him and still recalled the hours I spend with him in the room. He was mostly sleeping on the bed while I played there next to him. He told me a lot of stories of his travels and that soon made me intrigued that his life was more than just lying there on the bed. It was much later I found out that he was sick soon after an accident at the workplace and was bedridden since. One day I asked him of his travels and this was he told me.

“I am here on the bed due to my accident but most times I am not here. I am in my mirror. My mirror takes me places I cannot reach and be the person I cannot be anymore. “

It was from there I learned of his secret.

“The mirror is handed down to our family by a passing stranger. He left with my father and him to me. The stranger told us that he was dying and he had no one to give it to. My father took his offer for we were need of a mirror then. What my father did not tell me then was the purpose of the mirror until near his death.

“Son, there are gifts in life that only miracles can bring. I was a father to you but I have not much to spare for you and your mother in the family times. I had wished many a times to be with you but the work brings the food to the table. I regretted that but with this gift I was with you. I was in your dream running in the park and having that picnic or we were at the seaside.”

I did not understand then until he showed me the mirror. It was a hand held mirror with an oblong frame with the crafted designs on the frame. At the back of the mirror was the print; made with pride.

My father then told me of the words to speak and then I saw a change from my view. I was no more myself in the physical sense but I was there. I was looking at myself seated next to my father. Then I saw myself looking at me.

Was it real?

I recalled then I was asking myself or the other self who I was. It took my father some words to calm us down and then he told us of the mirror.

“It will take you to places where you appeared as real. You are not limited to your physical state here.”

It scared me and I had the mirror stored away. I had it wrapped in cloth and stored in a box that was kept in a huge case with layers of books over it.

I had forgotten of it until I was to go to college. I uncovered it by accident and then I recalled the words told to me. I sat there and looked at it. It was then I saw the photograph of me with my first set of new jeans.

It was Texwood. It was the brand to be ranked with Levis and AMCO then. I was to show it to Jenny.

“Jenny….I wondered where are you?” It was then I took my first approach to the experience with the mirror. I recited the words and then closed my eyes.

Maybe I was expecting fireworks or maybe some heavy metal music which I adored then when younger.

Or maybe the opening music from Star Wars.

The resounding electronic keyboard with the violins and biolas. I knew my music for I was into the scene as an aspiring music conductor.

But there was no sound coming out of the mirror.

I opened my eyes and saw my reflection in it. I recalled then that I was looking at the mirror with my thoughts on how I will look in the new clothes and how will Jenny feel then. Jenny was my girlfriend then.

“Hi Jimmy. That looked neat on you.” I looked at my clothes and then I was dressed in a new red shirt and jeans that held a waist line of thirty two with the classy new sneakers. I looked up and saw Jenny. She was in her usual; the old worn out shirt and skirt made from jeans and sandals.

It was unreal for I had not seen Jenny for five year then when she had died in a car accident. She did not meet me that day when I wore the new jeans. She was…. dead.

“You looked like you saw a ghost.” Jenny approached me. I looked around and tried to make sense of my surrounding but it was more unreal then. I was back at the park where I was supposed to meet Jenny. The garden seat was still there and so were the bed of flowers but I recalled they were removed to make way for the new shed there. I was there last week. That was the real event.

“Jimmy, speak to me. Are you fine?” I saw her right hand reached me on my left forearm. It was unnerving and I stepped back. It was then I found myself back at my room and staring at the mirror. I stepped away and reasserted my emotions then.

Did I see a ghost then? Was it real? Was I ever real there?

The challenge was to do it again. It was the foolishness of youth. I grabbed the mirror and thought of my jeans and Jenny.

“Hello, Jimmy. You are back.”

It was my first of many more trips in the mirror that I re-visited my past. I met my old friends, old places and even my dead grandfather.

“Hello Jimmy. I see that you have grown up. Please tell me of your life.”

Surreal or real but I told him everything of what I could recall. We shared our activities and knew more of my father not mentioned before. He told me the older days when he was younger.

“You know Jimmy a year after you were born we came to see you and your parents during your one year birthday. It was the first time we saw you. Your dad and myself never spoke for a long time but when you were born, he told us about it. Sorry he did not tell us. He wrote a note and left it at our house. The same home he was staying for over twenty five years before he left to be with your mother. You were born in his twenty six years of age.” I recalled then my Grandfather smiling.

“We went to the address he wrote. Your grandma and myself was there during that birthday of yours. We had our first meal with you and your mother with you in my hands. You were a great baby then and very much like your father. Both of you were adorable when younger in the cradle of love but like him, you turned out differently when you get older.”

It was true that I became a tyrant in my adult life as was my father. Ironically, I never seek my father for I was in fear of him; alive and dead. He was not the one that you want to meet every day or missed your dinner when he was at the table. The only kind words that he spoke to me were on my birthday. It was a single syllable; Happy Birthday. I was surprised that he called me to his bedside and handed the mirror. It was the only conversation which we had that was more than one syllable.

Back to the mirror, I found myself soon a frequent visitor in the mirror. As mentioned I was in there or was with it or was it was in me, I was not sure.

Today, I am in the same bed my father had lain on. I was seconds to leaving this world but I have an unfinished work here. I looked at my right hand holding the one thing that I had treasured for so long. I looked outside the room to the assembled members of my family and those that still count as my kin. None had dared to come in and say their final farewell. Even my pastor had done the final rites in the abbreviated version.

I was bad. So were my father and his father. I knew this for I was able to ask the later. He told me my dad was not that bad but misunderstood. So was I. I guessed I am my best in the mirror world. In the real world, I was the ‘black sheep that the shepherd had not bothered to bring into his flock’.

But I held the family inheritance. Funny I used that word. It should be a curse. A family curse.

It was then I stared at it. I wished I may see my grandfather but my father turned up instead. He stood there as if he was alive but both of us knew that we were in the mirror.

“Jimmy, you are the beholder now. Do as you please but bear this in mind. We cannot change the past no matter how many times we visited it.”

“No, Father. We cannot change the past but reliving it in here does not make it better either. We have to look beyond the image that we see. We have to improve on the image for the better. I have to stop the reliving and began living as I should be. My son will not carry this curse into his life. He will live his life as it progressed. That’s why we call it a life and not a reflection.”

With that I tossed the mirror to the wall and it broke.

It also broke the barrier to my family love. They rushed in to comfort me and in my dying breaths I told my son this.

“Life is not looking at the mirror but looking from it as life unfolds for you what was to be reflected. “

I left them with my conscience that the curse was lifted.

I was wrong.

I met my son today.

“Dad, I got your note and the mirror you broke was Mum’s.  You wrote the words for me. So how are you? Still the bad dude, huh?”

I guessed like my father I should have stuck to one syllable and not three that sounded like this.

“One for all and all for one.”

Tweet....My apologies for the misprint on Chapter 18.

My apologies for the misprint on Chapter 18. I was in a rush in my alter ego of the workman and did not check then. There were calls of distresses and SU...P.... what his name had to run faster than the antelope and jumped higher over the river crocodiles yaping jaws and smiled like a yelping hyena while the clients go over the top like Mount Krakatoa.

Life is fun sometimes on a weekend....most days.

On the right side of life, I done up to Chapter 15 at 11,000 words on Team Seven while watching reruns of Constantine ( could not recall the ending fro the last view ) and episode of Scandal ( Season Two ) with some dashes in watching Hunters ( click clack click learned their language though ).

And then I opened my page and saw the white lines on the post.

Did some one poured 'blanco'; the white stuff you squirt on the mistakes you wrote ( hang in there, I am talking stationery as in white papers and not stationery in the pose. ) ? I was alarmed ( it was smeared across the whole posting. As if the reservoir had cracked open....).

Anyway corrected that and we are clear now.

That's all fro now. I need to get back to the distresses calls. Oh my goodness who let out the hippo. He's got the river mouth covered wide. And that is not his jaws.

Darned work specs; now I have to be the janitor too.

Arthur; The legend and myth Chapter 18

18.

Arthur looked to the bay from the view at the hill. He recalled his earlier assessment of the place. The bay was the pincer of the hills on both sides although one side of the cliffs was lower. He had wanted to build the fort there near the cliff to the right on facing the sea. Its firm foundation made of stones will suffice for the fort. He staked out the plateau for the main building before it reached the steep drop onto the farmlands.


“It won’t hold.” Merlin told him. “The woods from the forest are not built to withstand the sea winds. Build your castle with stones here. We can name it Camelot.”

“Camelot? Why Camelot?” Arthur quizzed the druid.


“It’s derived from the word of the Latin’s. It meant doves in peace. It will be a place where the people will congregate like the doves for the peaceful mind here.” Merlin replied. “As Callum is to the Welsh for doves, the last words of Lot meant the mass.”


“You made that up, druid.” Arthur looked at the other. “But I liked it. Camelot it will be. A place of peace and …”


“A befitting place for the knights.” Merlin added. “Your knights, my Lord.”


Arthur was taken aback by the honor bestowed on him by the druid but he knew he was not a Lord then. He was just a vassal of the land that belonged to Utter Pendragon. He held no strength of knights and more to it he held no deeds to stake his honor as the Lord. It was then Merlin brought forth the drawings he had on Camelot. Arthur looked at the druid who had then displayed to him the drawings he had made. There was the bay and the two pincer of land that covered the bay. He saw then the pass and the flat land beyond there with the forest forming a boundary on the left and the river on the right with futile farmland. On the parchment there, Arthur sensed the calmness of the land and he was proud that he was to be its owner.


“My Lord, the detail layout of the castle.” Merlin pushed his way forth with the new parchment that detailed the castle. It showed an imposing castle with the twin towers that loomed over the cliff and its walls that lined the cliffs to the bottom of the hill towards the flat farmland.


“The castle sloped to the farmlands with its second walls and the four shorter towers with the ramparts.” Merlin drew his fingers across the drawing he had made. “There will be five towers on the sloping walls to the main gate on the outer walls. The five towers will be your lookout to the farmlands and the forest.”

“Each tower will hold eight archers to defend it, and the ramparts will hold an archer on every gap. The outer walls will be thick to the length of man, and it height thrice that of the man.” Merlin explained his drawings. “There will be the main gate that will be sturdy with the double layer of wood and reinforced with the metal rung for durability.”


“There will be a side gate on the slope for the escape to the bay. There will the inner walls that will cover the top of the hill and protect the inner castle which is your home, my Lord.” Merlin gestured to the hill area. “It thickness of less but it was to be the last bastion of the castle. It will have wall openings for the archers and above all, its gate will be as sturdy as the outer walls’ one.”

It was then Merlin stopped and looked at Arthur. The later was not looking at the drawings but at the designer. He then asked Merlin a question in his mind.

“You speak of the walls made of stones. Your towers are deemed the same.” Arthur frowned his expression. “Do you see stones here that I could use?”


Merlin stepped back and then jabbed forth another parchment. He had the answers to everything.

“There is, my Lord. A quarry sits near us although it had been long abandoned. There are remains of its task and more could be taken.”

“Pray to me to who can I get them for me? The men in the village are fewer now since some have left after the battle. Peter is dead, and to whom may I ask for assistance?” Arthur stared into the bay. It was sad to him that despite the promises, some of the villagers have left. They cited their reasons from the bad tidings of the event to the loss of their loved ones.


“Peter is dead but I am not.” Merlin quipped up on his expression. “I could do the task and get the help. I have been busy with my mind. I got with me a handful of ladies to assist. We lost many of your friends, but with the Gods on my side, I have a family of masons to assist in the building of the castle. They have travelled by and agree to the task. Though I may need your assistance.”

“I promised them the quarry in exchange.” Merlin looked down at his toes. “It was a good bargain then.”


“Of which I owned not the land but how am I to give it?” Arthur asked back. He then looked to the bay once more. “Perhaps I can throw you in as their slave for lifetime may helped in the negotiation.”

“That deed had been done but it’s not myself that I sold to them but the new designs that I will build for them. It will assist in their task.” Merlin raised to the occasion smiled once more. “I am sure the quarry represented no interest to anyone except those masons.”


“I dread to think of your promises.” Arthur sighed. “I think what we really need is a load of gold. I know not where and how to get it.”


“Perhaps you do, druid. After all, it had not eluded me that druids could make gold….” Merlin cut in on the unfounded accusation.

“I stand clear of that, my Lord. Gold is also the lure of the demons for us. I have not seen any druid able to change the stones into gold.” Merlin replied. “I am a humble druid and with me, the tasks I could perform are of function than greed.”

“Speak no more, druid.” With that Arthur walked away leaving Merlin holding his drawings. The leader had on his mind thinking of the gold he was to get if he was to build the castle. It was a fine drawing and he liked the idea but without gold, his dream will not be a reality. He bumped into Percival who was watching the farmlands. Arthur joined him then.

“Healthy land and yet we lack the healthy hands.” Percival lamented on the waste there. “These poor sods don’t know where to lay their hands on. They think the sea offer them better but they missed the best here.”


“I had seen the farms here. They are mostly rearing dairy cows and other sorts. Farming of vegetables are few with the mountainous terrain and marshlands.” Arthur cut in but Percival was there to reply.

“I know my farming very well. I was one before joining the Legion. I grew crops when I could.” Percival smiled. “These are arable lands. There should be wheat, barleys and vegetable roots there but they toiled with the bare numbers and waste of the soil.”

Arthur shook his head and proceeded on. When he reached the village, he saw Lancelot staggering out. The man was drunk and almost fell on the tavern steps. Arthur managed to grab the drunken man and led him to a nearby stool.

“Sorry, Arthur. I had one too many then.” Lancelot leaned over and coughed out some of the potent brew. He then straighten up and looked at the standing Arthur next to him. “Pardon that one. Did I tell you an amusing tale I heard in there?”

Arthur was to walk on but Lancelot held out his hand to stop the man.

“Please hear me out. The guy in there told me that there are rebellious landowners around here.” Lancelot turned to cough out more of the potent contents from his body. He then continued with the mix of pungent taste that escaped his mouth.

“These land owners defied Utter Pendragon. They feigned their allegiance and robbed the villagers or farmlands of their harvest.” Lancelot laughed. “I think we ought to seek justice for them too.”


Arthur ignored the drunken man and took his walk. He was surprised to see Percival looking at him. The other may had followed Arthur there. The later motioned to Lancelot but Percival waved it off.

“I had seen my share of drunken talks. In the Legion, I have them sobered in the latrine pits but we are no more the Legion now.” Percival smiled and then looked at Lancelot. “I guess he is of the bad crops.”


“Nevertheless, even the bad crops have their own quality.” Percival continued on. “Do you know him? I mean close or longer than me. I had seen him before in the Legion but he hides in him dark memories.”

“Stop that, Percival. I know Lancelot well.” Arthur snapped out. “We are not in the Legion. Let us ….be ourselves.”


“And for that, I come to you now on another request. We have no coins to pay for our food.” Percival stood there and looked at the leader. “The traders will not extend to us any more food.”

Arthur’s shoulders slumped down on the realization that this was due to come to but he did not expect it so soon. He recalled his bag of coins were empty for some days. He was to speak when he saw the knight that had gone missing during the battle. The errant knight was not alone. He was with a dozen riders. Arthur recognized those riders by their looks.


“Ex-Legionnaires.” Arthur mumbled. He watched them rode up and then Sir Kay dismounted before him. The other was to speak when Arthur lashed out with his right fist at the face. Sir Kay fell back on the blow and then crouched up. The riders reached for their sword but Sir Kay stopped them.


“Hold onto your swords.” Sir Kay called out. “He is Arthur.”


Sir Kay then stood up and faced Arthur once more. His hands reached out to cover his face but Arthur was quick. He grabbed the hands and pulled it away. He then screamed at Sir Kay but the later spoke up fast.

“I left the village when I saw the battle was won. I did some thinking before it and realized we need the numbers. I went recruiting for more men. I was looking for ex-fighters with our type of experiences. I got them at the taverns and on the road. I told them of our new task. We can’t fight with those feeble fishermen.”

Arthur glared at the arrogant knight. He was in mind to dismiss the knight. It was Percival who stepped in.

“You fool!” Percival was to swing his fist at Sir Kay when Arthur stopped him.


“He is still one of ours. So back off.” Arthur held the other off. He then turned to Sir Kay. “Ride out now. You are finished with the knights.”


Sir Kay glared at the man who had then dismissed him. He pushed Arthur and then re-mounted his horse. He rode off with the mercenaries that he had brought along. Percival also stared at the departing riders. He then looked at Arthur.

“Fucking mercenaries! All they want was gold.” Arthur cursed out. “I am in need of it too.”

Arthur; The Legend and Myt Chapter 17

17.

The seven knights as they were termed by Pendragon stood to one side with Pendragon and his men on the other side. They were flanked by the villagers on both sides. Pendragon riders numbered about twenty and they were introduced as the knights. They were dressed like their leader.

“Arthur, you have obviously placed this village into dire conditions.” Pendragon paced in front of his knights. “We are its protectors and you have done the opposite. Their numbers …”

“We were here on the invitation of the one named Peter.” Arthur argued back. He looked around for support and found no one stepping forth. Peter who brought them there had perished in the attack. The others were either too upset or were against Arthur.

“We came here …” Arthur was interrupted by Merlin who appeared then.

“Lord Pendragon, I begged your forgiveness.” Merlin approached the one he had called Lord. “My name is Merlin.”

Pendragon looked at the robed figure and then studied the figure. He was then approached by one of his knights who whispered to his ears. Pendragon nodded and then looked at Merlin.

“Your name had been whispered by others.” Pendragon spoke out. “It does not do justice to your physical figure, druid.”

“Druid? I am offended.” Merlin replied. “I am no druid. I am …”

“Soothsayer? Or perhaps conjurer of tricks?” Pendragon added on. “I am not keen to know more. I have my own jester in my court.”

“Pendragon, who is Merlin?” It was Percival who asked. The later looked at the previous Legionnaire commander.

“For your words, I am Lord Utter Pendragon.” Pendragon replied. “To you, I am to be addressed as Lord Pendragon. To your question, Merlin is who he said he was. I cared not what he told to you but the issue I am keen is what are you doing on my land.”

“Your land?” Arthur was surprised at the words. “I thought that the land here…”

“Belonged to the Romans? I know you well, Legionnaire.” Pendragon smiled, and then his expression was grim. “The Romans are no more here. The Romans fought the natives here. We the Welsh were also their enemies alongside with the Picts. They lost the battles and then build a wall.”

“What was it called? The Hadrian Wall?” Pendragon laughed. “Did it stop the Picts? No, they are still out there. When the Romans left, I picked up the pieces. I am here to protect my people.”

“Who am I? You may asked.” Pendragon snapped at Arthur. “But you may not question my rule here.”

With those words, the knights of Pendragon clanged their swords against the heavy shield. Pendragon then relate his tale.

“I am Utter Pendragon, the lord of the land here with my brother Ambrosius. He who is my blood line holds the bastion at our castle with his knights. The land is in dire need of leadership to calm its people and to protect them from the invaders. The invaders are the Picts; once our brethren and now our enemies. The invaders from the sea once heard of in rare battles but now landing by the numbers. And of course the departing Romans who had taken our land for theirs and then left with nothing for us.” Pendragon looked at Merlin. “My land is watched by my brother and myself with allies of good Lords to our call.”

“Tell them, druid. Tell them of Cumbria. Tell them of the Mallerstang. Above all tell them of the serpents.” Pendragon roared out. It was then from the echoes of the cliffs and hills, the eerie shrieks were heard. Pendragon knights’ leveled their swords and looked to the skies.

“The dragon refused to be tamed and dire to its feelings that I called it serpent.” Pendragon smiled. “Tell them Merlin of our taming of the serpents.”

“Perhaps it’s a tale best told on another day, my Lord.” Merlin bowed to the other. “I think the call for battle against the invaders prevailed over that.”

Pendragon looked at the druid and smiled.

“Merlin, you are ever as charming to the day we first met. I shall ride on and leave this place to these knights.” Pendragon looked at Arthur. “It should be an honor to you, once Legionnaires and now knights of the land. You have …how may I placed it?”

“A gap in their hearts, and for that you will remain here as their guardian.” Pendragon laughed. “You will remain here to protect them until their young ones are brave to yield the sword. How say you to the matter, Legionnaire?”

Arthur was to protest at the turn of the event but Merlin stepped in to intervene.

“We will be honored, my Lord.” Merlin then looked to Arthur. “These seven knights are brave but their numbers are small. Please allow them to build their own …settlement to better protect the village.”

Pendragon glared at the druid and the nodded.

“It’s fair that they build a …settlement here. I can’t be everywhere and I am needed most at Mallerstang.” Pendragon then looked at Arthur. “You may build your home here. Make a castle if needed. Let it look over the bay. Name it…”

It was then Merlin intervened once more.

“Camelot perhaps. A fine name to the place.” Merlin smiled. “It rang with Cumbria and with its name, the legend of Pendragon will live on.”

“Camelot it’s.” Pendragon replied and then remounted his horse. He rode off without a second glance at the baffled knights. Once Pendragon was far by sight, it was Arthur who was first to question the druid.

“You lay on us the spell.” Arthur grabbed the druid by the lapels of his robe. “You make us fools while you spoke to the other. Who are you to do this?”

“I am sorry, Arthur. If I have not done that, you would had been killed or at best removed from here. Utter Pendragon is not any Lord to trifle with. I did it to serve you.”

Arthur threw the druid to the ground. He then looked to the six others who were there on his call. They came on his call to save the village and retrieve a sword. The one and only sword named Excalibur. Then he felt as if he was under a spell to be there. He wanted to speak to them but they were already stepped away. The knights he had called on were leaving.

“Here me out!” Merlin crouched up onto his knees. “I did not place a spell over all of you,. You came here on your free will. You came here because all of you have a task here.”

“A task which will mark your names into legends.” Merlin voice was cracking then for he saw the others were not stopping. “I begged of you to hear me out.”

Gawain stopped and then turned to look at Merlin. He was followed by Galahad and Gaheris.

“Druid, you spoke your last words to us.” With that Gawain turned to walk once more. It was Lamorak who tgehn stopped and spoke up.

“I am going to the tavern for a meal. I hoped that will settle for my killings here.” With that Lamorak turned to the tavern. Somehow his intention was shared by the others. After all, they missed their dawn meal.

It was there that Merlin took to the tale of Utter Pendragon. The mutton took time to cook so the knights gloomed over their fermented barley drink and listened to the only entertainer there.

“Utter Pendragon was of the lineage of King Constans. He fled to avoid being killed at a young age. When he was old enough to claim his heritage, he returned with his brother Ambrosius. He defeated the then named Lord to King named Vortigern. When the new Lord was to be installed, Ambrosius was elected. Utter remained his staunched ally and braved the land to battle for his brother. He fought the rebellious King Pasgen of Buellt and many others.”

“When did you join him to clean his horse?” Lamorak asked without his sight leaving the doorway to the cooking area. “I am famished but you may continue speaking.”

“Utter Pendragon wanted to build his own castle at where the River Eden flows. He ignored the legend that the river was the dwelling of a dragon there.” Merlin had then stopped to look at the knights. He was surprised that none had voiced any objection to the fable he was to spin. “Pendragon needed a moat for his castle and the water was to come from the river. He urged his workers then to route the river there but each time they do it, the walls of the castle will collapse. He was baffled and then I came to his assistance.”

That last word drew a brow from Arthur. Merlin continued his tale.

“I was adept at …..building castles. It was one of my learning” Merlin stammered on those lines. “I studied the river and its flow. There were no dragons there but the river did flow fast. It was faster when routed to the moat and hence with its fast flow, it was battling the castle wall. I was to report that to the Lord even though it was late into the night when I concluded my study.”

“You meant you worked late? It must be tiring.” Lamorak made a snide remark at Merlin and the others all laughed.

“Yes, it was late that night. I woke the Lord and told him. It was then a shooting star went passed our heads.” Merling raised his right arm to display the movement of an arc. “I took it then to tell the Lord that the dragon had departed.”

“And did it?” Lamorak displayed his brawns to the matter.

“I think it did. Actually, I routed several passages to the moat to ease the flow and reinforced the walls with heavier stones. It worked and the castle was built.” Merlin smiled then. His tale taken on a solid foundation was a reward then.

“Tell me of Gorlois.” Merlin heard the request and it came from Arthur. “My father once told me of the so named King Gorlois. He told me to ask of it when I have the time then. And that may be now since you are well versed with such tales. Pendragon was in it.”

“More than you know.” Merlin muttered to himself.

“Gorlois? A familiar name indeed.” Merlin reached for the goblet of fermented barley. He took a deep gulp and then looked at every one seated in the tavern.

“There was nothing to speak of him. I meant he was the Duke of Cornwall, and then he died by Utter Pendragon hands.” Merlin smiled.

“Don’t be lame, druid. You served Pendragon. And surely you knew more.” Percival voiced out. “Since you mentioned Gorlois, I knew of that name from my postings at the border. Since you mentioned it, I can now relate to the name Pendragon. He was beyond the wall then but his exploits were spoken by the traders.”

Merlin sighed before he continued on.

“Gorlois was the Duke then. He met Pendragon when the later was returning from Lundein. Gorlois was with his bride then, Lady Ygerna. The …Lord was attracted to the …” Merlin was interrupted by Lamorak.

“You mean he got his tunic in a twist.” Lamorak smiled. :”I know that feeling.”

“Thank you, Lamorak but I shall continue on.” Merlin related that the Lord was so intensely attracted to the lady that he asked Merlin for help.

“Did you remove his desire then?” Lamorak displayed his brawns once more. “A cut here and there will do the task.”

“Oh, I know your preference. It must had been painful.” Lamorak laughed. “The worst will be on the spine.”

That brought laughter to the knights except for Percival. He had seen his share of such among his men and for that he had them whipped. Merlin gave out a weak smile and then continued.

“No, I disguised the Lord to look like Gorlois,. He …seduced the Lady without her knowledge…” Merlin was interrupted by Lamorak with some more snide remarks. The former ignored the man and continued on.

“Lady Ygerna was soon to birth a child. A son to be exact but the child was soon given away.” Merlin looked tio Arthur and then away. “That was the result.”

“A splendid move.” Lamorak could not resist the last words. With that the knights had their meals and then prepared to leave. They stopped at the tavern doorway when they saw the gathered crowd outside. A young girl stepped up and offered to Arthur a stalk of flower.

“Please stay.” 

Arthur: The Legend and Myth Chapter 16

16.

Norse had led on the warriors with him to the pass. They were numbered about fifty of them. He was leading the first group into the pass while Carlstom stayed back in reserve. The pass was narrow with the sides at a steep slope on the right but to the left it was gradient friendly slope, Nose had led his men to the right side. The invader leader knew that if the defenders were there, it would be on there on the gentler slope. He took the point to check for the defenders. It came as expected but not in the order of things.

Percival released the arrow he had notched on the bow string. It went for the strongest he saw then. The arrow lodged into Ainstrom’s neck from the left and out on the other side. The invader could not even utter a word before he collapse holding his neck. Norse did not see Ainstrom fall but he sensed the attack was on when the later fell hitting the back heel of his left leg. He did not turn back and called his men to move forward. He was to move back when he saw the giant charging him with the battle axes.

“Come at me!” Lamorak was screaming at the top of his voice waving the battle axes. The raving giant charged into the invaders. The raving lunatic have laid his axes deep into the first invader on both shoulders. His attack shook the others who then pulled back to form a front against the giant. Lamorak was not alone for long when he was joined by the others who was with Percival. The men ran ahead of their leader with their courage brought up by the giant.

Norse still in the lead and was deflecting the trident thrust by the fisherman. He pushed the trident off to the right with his shield before he thrust his sword deep into the midriff. He twisted his sword and then slashed it across the chest. The fisherman went down screaming with his hands holding onto his wound. He then pulled out the sword and then faced another fisherman. He lashed out with his right leg at the charging fisherman and then dropped his shield with the side on the falling fisherman. His shield struck hard on the back of the neck and then Norse was moving forth.

Percival saw the attack on the fisherman and he charged over. He swung his sword at the murderous invader. Norse saw the sword aimed at his left shoulder and raised his shield to block it. The blow was hard and Norse felt his balance jolted by it. He did a body roll to hold some distance before he crouched up. He saw the other and recognized the features of the man. That was no fisherman and held the looks of the Legionnaire. Norse was to attack when another fisherman stepped into his line. He got the trident into the left forearm but he got his sword out and removed the arm that held the trident. He was to attack on when he saw the two riders approaching fast.

Lancelot was infuriated when he heard the fighting at the pass. He looked over to Arthur.

“They were supposed to come here.” Lancelot with his impulsive behavior then rushed to his horse. Arthur tried to stop him but the other had ridden off. Arthur grabbed his shield and then mounted his horse to ride after Lancelot. The ride was hard and fast before they reached the pass. Lancelot was there first with his sword slashing. He rushed into the invaders before he jumped off his mount.

“Come on!” Lancelot landed on his feet and then charged at the invaders. He thrust his sword at the nearest one and it drew blood. He was to move to the next invader when he saw Percival shouted the warning.

“There are more of them.” Percival called out when he saw the second group led by the invader he did not kill earlier. The second group came screaming with their raised swords and shields. He round up the fishermen to regroup and counted his strength. He was down to half his number and looked for the other group.

“Where is Gawain? And also his brothers?” True to his words, Percival heard the shout from the beach. It was Gawain and his brothers with the men they lead flanking the invaders. They were releasing arrows into the invaders from there. It was not part of the plan. They must ahd marched to the flanks and attacked the invaders from there. *t was working then for the arrows took down three invaders in the back.

“They are at the rear!” Carlstom saw the flanking move. “Seek shelter!”

The call went among his men to seek shelter. They turned to draw their shields to block the arrows but some charged the archers then. Three went charging and were stopped within the next few feet. The others had followed the call and huddled together with the shields to cover their body. Carlstrom saw the incoming group at them and then called for the fight to be launched. In the shorter distance between them and second group of archers, the invaders roared to life and charged out. It was the barbaric call of the invaders which stunned the archers then and on seeing the invaders coming at them, they dropped their bows to draw the crude swords given to them. The invaders were used to the fighting charged straight into the archers.

Gawain and Gaheris were at the front of the group had drawn their swords. They thrust out with their weapons at the invaders. Gawain swung his sword to be blocked by the shield but he kept at it. He was pushed back by the sheer weight of the invader and had to crouch down to avoid the swinging battle axe. It was then he slashed in from the right and cut deep into the invader’s ribs. He pulled his sword out and then stepped back.

Gaheris had then cut down his opponent with a down cut on the left shoulder before he saw Galahad stumbled on his opponent. The later have raised his arms with the long handle battle axe aimed at the fallen Galahad’s chest when Gaheris threw his sword at the invader in the chest.

“Diolch i chi brawd.” Galahad thanked his brother. The later smiled and was pushed to the ground by a brute form on the invader group. Gaheris rolled with his fall and then crouched up with his right hand reaching for the dagger in his boot. He stabbed upwards into the attacking brute in the left thigh and then drew it out to stab into the groin. The brute fell to the knees and was attacked by Gaheris with his fists on the face. It was mismatched of body frames but Gaheris was a tough fighter with the fists. His blows rained on the face and then with an upper blow to the jaws, the brute went down.

“Da ar chwi!” Galahad cheered his brother before he picked up a fallen sword to continue his fight. They were outnumbered but they were winning then. It was then he saw Lancelot charged in with the horse. Among the invaders, Carlstom was calling for a withdrawal. He then saw Norse confronting the raving giant who attacked them earlier.

“Norse!” Carlstom called out but the former was facing his enemy. Lamorak was bloodied across his chest with more blood on his axes and hands. He stared at the invader before him. From his years of fighting, he knew the leader from the followers. He singled out that invader and fought his way there.

“Face me!” Lamorak called out. Norse in his rage charged at the giant. He went in swinging with the sword with the shield in the front. Lamorak brought down the axes hard onto the shield and used his body weight to force the invader back. He pushed hard and sent the invader to the ground. He kept on attacking the invader and then kicked at the fallen man. He then stepped on the fallen man and kicked the man before he chopped down with the axes.

“Ah….” Lamorak called out when he killed Norse. It was the satisfaction of a kill.

Percival saw the invaders were defeated when some of them running for cover. They were still in the numbers but their fight was over. The surviving fishermen were few left standing with their trident bloodied. He rallied the standing ones to him and awaited Arthur who was kicking at the departing invader. He was soon joined by Gawain and brothers with Lancelot next. It was only Lamorak who was still in the fore with his body covered in blood.

“They are leaving.” Percival voiced out. He then looked at the others to their call. Arthur nodded to the claim and lowered his sword.

“Check the dead and tend to the wounded.” Arthur called out.

 It was late morning, when some orders were seen at the beach. The invaders have departed with their boats. Arthur shook his head when the numbers were told to him. They lost half their men with the other half wounded. The women and elders came to tend the wounded but the cries of the families were heard throughout the morning. Arthur tried to console the grieving families but to many he was seen as the demon which had plagued their lives. He soon retreated to the village tavern for the needed drink. It was close to noon then when he heard the calls of riders. He stood outside the tavern and saw the approaching group of riders. They were armored and held weapons on their mounts. He counted twenty of them and was led by the leader in the front.

“I am Utter Pendragon. Who are you and why was this village not evacuated?” The rider who spoke was on a white mount and was dressed in the heavy mail coat and metal greaves on the limbs. He carried a heavy shield which was half his height and a long sword in his right hand. He had on a metal head gear with the rounded can cover that reached his jaws. There were the slits for the eyes and there was a vertical slit from there to the jaws in the middle.

“Answer me, knave.” The rider who identified himself as Pendragon then removed his head gear. It showed an elderly man with the grey beard on the lower part of the face. His hair was braided to the rear of his head and secured by the strip of cloth behind. The rider dismounted and approached Arthur.

“Who are you?” The rider confronted Arthur. 

Arthur" The Legend and Myth Chapter 15

15,

The sentries alert was seen just before dawn. Peter himself rushed down to alert the others. Arthur who was seated at the bay saw the lighted beacon. He stood up and donned his chest plate before he pulled on the belt holding the gladius. He looked at the fireplace with most of its woods burned and only the embers He shuffled his feet to clear the sands from the sandals before he walked to the seaside. He dipped his feet and felt the warmth onto it. It was strange that despite the cold air, the water was refreshing. He wriggled his toes and then walked in the water. The waves rose to his knees and with each step he felt the tiredness in him dissipate. He loved the water for it was always refreshing. He heard his name called.

“Arthur, we need to prepare for the attack.” It was Lancelot standing just before the waves. Arthur nodded and then his mind flickered back to the preparation. Percival and Lamorak were at the left side of the bay on the hills. He held ten men with him and was armed with the spears. He kept them there to outflank the invaders. It was all he could allocate given the limited number of volunteers. Gawain and his brothers are on the pass. They were there with the others armed with bow and arrows. They were to stop the invaders from reaching the farmlands or at worst reduced the numbers.

Arthur waved at Lancelot and then proceeded to the beach. He approached Lancelot but the later had turned to the fireplace. At the fireplace were the horses. Arthur and Lancelot was the last bastion protecting the village.

That was the preparation.

Or the lack of it.

“They are here.” Percival called out to his men. He notched on the arrow and then pulled the bow string. It was his personal bow and felt at ease with it. He had used the bow for many battles. It was a gift from a defeated warrior of the isle domain. The warrior had handled over the bow before he was beheaded by the Legionnaires. It was a good bow made from the old wood of generations ago, and handed over to him as birthright. The pull was easy but the string was kept tense. The rawhide string held on taut at the pull. His thumb held on tight despite the incoming coldness from the winds. His body tensed from it too but he kept his posture. He did twitch his toes cladded in the sandals. He kicked his sandals into the sandy ground there for a firm hold and He saw the invaders land the boats at the beach. It was as they had planned. The invaders beached there with their five boats and then the warriors stepped on it. The boats hold the creature motif that resembled more of the sea creatures. He could make out the common motif of the sea serpent. The sides of the boat were adorned with the round shields. The single sail on the boats were lowered when the boats were docked. Despite the low light at dawn, he could make out their dressing. They were covered in the plain tunic and trousers with the knee length mail tunic. Some of them had on the head gear with metal dome over the head, spectacles like visor with mail neck guard. The others wore fur lined cover made from the sea creature skins. They were carrying round shields alongside their blades were double edged worn in leather bound wooden scabbards. Percival seen those blades which interested him was its unique pattern which was welded on each blade. Added to it were the elaborately decorated hilts.

Those invaders were Vikings, and they had gathered there before the cliffs. Percival had chanced the opportunity to know his foes better for he was once posted at the forts near the coastal areas when the Vikings came to harass the locals. Percival ran alone across the beach divide and then looked at the gathered invaders.

There were a hundred of them there. It was a smaller number than what he was told.

Maybe they did not arrive in their actual numbers or the fisherman was wrong in the estimates.

But one thing was confirmed.

They were not there to fish. They have no fire there and were huddled close to each other. He could make out three leaders among the fifty and those leaders were not easy foes. They held the hardened looks that spoke of battle experiences. One was taller than the others and was clothed with the thick oily skin coat that reached the waistline. His feet covers were the thick seal skins as favored by those who lived by the sea.

“Norse, when do we move?” The one who spoke to the tall one was shorter and squared in the looks. He was dressed like the other and was armed with a long handle curved axe. The second warrior had a clean shaven face but his tresses of blonde hair hung on over his shoulders. He was a huge figure with the rounded shield and battle axe. The battle axe was a single side sharpened and it lengthen at the lower before it curved inwards. 

“Ainstrom, we will move when we are ready.” The one named Norse flared out. He was not comfortable to be questioned. He stepped away to speak to the other gathered at the side. He singled out the leader there which was an elderly figure.

“Carlstom, I need to talk to you.” Nose called to the other. The elder one approached the taller man. The third leader had on a head gear which covered the head but it did not hide the wrinkles on the face. Carlstom stood there upright and was almost at toes to Nose.

“I want you to take ten of the warriors and do search on the pass. I feared that the place will be our ambush area.” Nose gave out the order. He entrusted the task to Carlstom for the later was experienced in the battles. He was blinded in the right eye from one of those battles and would not take unnecessary action. He once told Ainstrom he intend to keep his left eye. Ainstrom knew Carlstom fior years and was his leader when Norse was a younger warrior. Norse joined the voyages to gain the experience and the treasuries. The rumors from the other villagers told him of some warriors taken refuge there and may be of a threat to them.

Carlstom nodded and then selected his warriors before he set off. Norse then proceeded back to his own group. There were from his village. They have been with him for over three voyages then and four for some. They have earned his respect from the unselfish actions in battle.

“Carlstom will scout the pass.” Nose told his men. “We will back them when the sun reached the beach.”

“Why must we wait? Soon it will light and we can be seen.” One of Norse’ men called out. Norse glared at the man who shouted.

“We will await Ainstrom plan. So sit there.” Norse then turned away. He disliked being told to wait but Ainstrom was the appointed leader. He has to adhere to the rules. It was set then and the warriors then huddled once more at the beach while Carlstom trailed off on the task. Percival saw the breakaway group heading his way. He had guessed the task of the group. He would have done the same but with the Legion he would have called on the Auxiliaries. The later were the mercenaries employed with the romans coins. Percival sneaked away to hide among the nettings. He was keen to know where the group was headed.

And precisely the small group was easier to handle.

Carlstom led his men pass the nettings and then they reached the entrance to the pass. The leader of the group held his advancement there. He was cautioned by the lack of activities at the bay. Even the roving canines were not seen and the whole place looked deserted. He looked to his men and held back half the numbers. He cursed at himself for having to turn his face to see anything on the blind side. He could not see anything that was not out of place except the silence there. Carlsom then took the other half towards the pass. The elder man was not senile despite his age. He stopped his advance and then looked to his sides. His instinct told him that he may be followed. He asked the ones with him to spread out.

“See to the darker corners. I sensed we are followed.” Carlstom whispered to the others. He then looked to the sea and saw the break of dawn was sooner than he expected. He had to rush his task or they may be in for surprises.

“A handful scares you? Surely your age betray your courage.” One of the men who followed Carlstom voiced out. The elder man ignored the other and stayed his eyes on the dim light of the bay. He held firm on his axe but the dampness there was concern. He never had felt the sudden fear until then. He sensed that the recent voyages were cursed with the pickings smaller. At some battles, they were confronted by the settlers united there. There was also another concern then in the form of one other.

“You will not speak so brashly if you had met Utter Pendragon.” Carlstom shuddered on the thoughts of the name he had just mentioned. He had not met Utter Pendragon but the reputation of the leader was known to him. This leader came with his army to quell their raids was one of the scarce pickings. It was on the last raid that they stumbled on Utter Pendragon. They were ambushed by the later and barely escaped with their survivals.

“It’s Heimdall.” Carlstom had held the dying warrior from the upper reaches of the coasts. Heimdall had not waited for them and took on the voyage earlier. Carlstom then was with Norse had taken off a week later. They landed at the coast and took their raid to the nearby monastery but they stopped when they met Heimdall retreating. He had lost half his men in the battle.

“Take him to the Monastery. They have healers there.” Norse had called out but it was a useless effort for Heimdall had died. Norse had then led the group to the Monastery but Pendragon had left the place. Norse then enraged and it was retribution then. He had all the monks slaughter and then their carcasses hung over the ceiling. It was from the dying monks that they knew of the leader who stopped the previous invasion.

Utter Pendragon was a Welsh leader who had rebelled against the Romans. He had built his own kingdom up north in the hills but when the Romans began withdrawing from the lands, he had travelled down south. He had expanded his kingdom with the elimination of the weaker land claimant. He had taken to protect those he had conquered.  Norse would have taken chase to avenge his fellow invaders but he knew his numbers were limited compared to the other leader. They had sailed back with the smaller treasure from the monastery. Since then, Carlstom had travelled to the other villages to learn of more tales on the leader named Utter Pendragon.

“Utter Pendragon here?” One of the men shook Carlstom from his idling thoughts. “I was told that he is back in his castle at Camelot.”

Carlstom ignored the question and searched the pass area. He knew it was a trap there but the real treasure was in the village. The last raid they uncovered coins and food. Nose had agreed with him and took on this raid with more men combed from the other villages. They were told that they will collect that time. Carlstom saw the sunshine had reached the beach and was it time to go back. He signaled the others to retreat back and he brought up the rear.

Percival saw the group retreat and he knew that the attack was on.