Arthur; The Legend and Myth Chapter 12

12.

The village named Bedyr lies at the bay which were shadowed at it sides by the high cliff protruding like a set of horns of the bu. The village however was two miles inland with only the small port at the bay. The elderly of the villagers have spoken the reason why they were so far from the bay.  

“The water once rose closer to the lands here and the village was filled with many. We have peace then but we had to appease the sea dragon that provided us the fishes in the bay and nearby sea.” The wounded man named Peter had recovered enough to recount on his village. He told them they were a hill away. Just when Arthur was to ask on the sea dragons, Peter had rushed to the peak and then exclaimed his view of the village below.

“Bedyr lies yonder.” Peter called out. The group of weary riders after having missed the comfort of soft bedding perked up towards it. Their first sight of it was the inland village with the rounded tops of the hut and the hastily constructed fences or corrals for the reared creatures. There were several raised platforms that were used to dry the fishes with sea salt to preserve it. There were a few wells there but located far from the sea to avoid contamination with the sea water. Arthur counted fifty such huts that looked as it was occupied but the others were in dire of repairs. The sound of the sea waves resounded on the land for the village was near it.

“Beyond those hills is the sea. There we have a smaller settlement where the livelihood was the daily catch. We sell the catches to the inland settlements.” Peter in his excitement rode on ahead while the others trod on with a lazy approach. They crossed the small stream and then arrived at the village.

“Hello! Where is everyone?” Peter had called out when he reached the village. When there was no reply, he dismounted and searched the huts but no one stepped from the doorways or ran from the nearby hills. It was still silence with the bolted doors and windows.

“I have brought you the descendants of Bedyr. They have come to protect us.” Peter called out once more. “The legend is real.”

Yet no one came out to greet the weary riders. It was Sir Kay who resented to be ignored dismounted and ran into the nearest hut. His mount was not a horse but a small wagon pulled by the mount. On the wagon were the daily supplies and the assorted weapons taken from the armory at the arena. He slammed down the door and then screams emitted from there before an elderly lady emerged. She was dressed in a brown tunic that reached her knees and with her greyish hair she was a fierce fighter for she had Sir Kay running out. The lady was holding a fishing spear with both her hands.

“Hold that crazy lady!” Sir Kay called out to Peter. “She is going to kill me.”

The elderly lady stopped when she saw the group of armed men. She stood there and glared at them. It was Peter who approached her with his arms extended.

“Lady Bella, it’s me. Peter the limp.” Peter hobbled over. “I have returned.”

“Aye, it’s you, Peter. What ails you to bring that half clothed barbarian into my home?” The elderly lady motioned to Sir Kay. “If he is thinking of ravaging me, he ought to think thrice for I have outlasted three of my lovers. Manannan takes me to the Otherworld before I took him for the next lover.”

With that the elderly lady smiled her toothless expression at Sir Kay. The others on hearing that laughed at the embarrass Sir Kay. The later in his arrogance on being made to look silly challenge them to a fight. It was Arthur who intervened and eased the tension. Peter have consoled the lady and asked on the fate of the others.

“They ran during the last moon to avoid the invaders. Everyone ran and was never to be seen.” The lady explained and then repeated herself. “None have returned.”

Peter looked with disbelief at the lady and then hobbled to the hut. He searched the place and later emerged with a defeated expression. He was gone for a season and they won’t wait for his news. He then fell to his knees with his arms reached to the skies.

“Aeron, please grant me the strength to fight alone against the invaders.” Peter called out. “Once I am done, I will take my place in the Otherworld with the fallen.”

Arthur was to dismount when he saw Merlin reached into his bag. The druid pulled out a few items that looked like mini orbs before he tossed it. Once the orbs were high up, Merlin clapped his hands and the orbs became projectiles that soared higher and cracked into loud noises. The druid then started rambling at the top of his voice as if he was calling the wrath of the Gods onto the land. It was all silent after that, and without a warning, the shriek sound came from the bay.

“It’s the dragon!” Peter called out. “They are back.”

It also called the return of the other villagers who were in hiding nearby in the hill sides. They came running to the village on hearing the shriek from the bay. Peter was soon overjoyed when he was surrounded by the villagers. They ignored the riders and congregated to speak of the dragons. Peter in turn approached Merlin.

“You have revived the dragon. We have not seen one for years.” Peter smiled at the druid. “We thank you.”

Merlin nodded and then rode towards the bay. Arthur followed behind and was soon next to the druid.

“What was that you did?” Arthur asked then.

“I called on the dragons.” Merlin looked at Arthur and then smiled. “The Bedyr needed a sign and I gave them one. It was a simple spell of mine. I created the fanfare with the orbs and then threw my voice as taught towards the bay to imitate the call of the dragon. Never knew one so I made mine up. It worked.”

“You are a …” Arthur snapped out.

“A deceitful person”, Merlin spoke out. “No, I am not. I am merely your servant to fulfill the prophecy of Bedyr. They needed the sign and you are to get the sword. Both will be satisfied.”

With that Merlin rode to the edge of the bay where the water rippled near. He dismounted and approached it. He looked into the waves and then smiled.

“You will be with your master soon.”