33.
The
mood of the victorious army of Arthur was solemn with the many tending to their
wounds, and to some others was to mourn the dead. The other army had retreated
with their wounded led by Sir Erec. The latter had retrieved Owain’s body to
return home.
Centurion
Marius's timely arrival with the Legionnaires had turned the battle to their
favor. The Sarmatians without their leader have retreated from the battle
leaving the army led by Erec and Lord Bern had stood to fight the legionnaires
but they were no match against the Legionnaires. Sir Erec was wounded in the
left shoulder when he tried to cover the retreat of the army and was rescued by
Lord Bern.
“I
had come here not to assist you but to quell the rebellion here. It’s the duty
of the guardians of the Antoinne Wall. And also to protect it once Prime
Pilus.” Marius justified the march there. “The Governor of Britannica will be
notified.”
“Thank
you, old friend. Live well, and prosper.” Arthur had replied to Marius. Marius
marched back with his legionnaires and Lamorak offered to follow them. Lamorak
had told Arthur that he will return to Rome to complete his final years there.
As
the defeated army of Mordred, the mood of battle was over.
“Our
battle is over. We have been defeated.” Lord Bern told Sir Erec with the
dejected expression. “We will return to our land.”
It
was also a sad event with Belvedere and Tristam standing over the dying King of
Camelot.
“Why
won’t Lancelot stepped in?” Tristam asked then of the other in the tent with
him. Belvedere did not reply and stepped out of the tent. He saw Lancelot was
there with Jaseth seated next to the knight. He approached the two knights.
“Lancelot,
Arthur is dying. Won’t you see him?”
“I
hold no relevance to Camelot anymore. I came to battle Mordred for he was
killing my people.” Lancelot looked to Jaseth was looking grim-faced at the
spot where Lancelot had beheaded Mordred. Mordred body and removed head were
retrieved by King Lot’s knights and taken back to Normandy.
“And
yet you came?” Belvedere snapped out. “Why can’t you come down from your throne
of pride?”
“Who
are you to caution me?” Lancelot glared at Belvedere.
“The
one who had known you as a friend, seen you get yourself deluded over a lady
who cannot be yours, and now you acted foolishly to battle for the one you
despised.” Belvedere stepped up to Lancelot. “Tell me if I am wrong.”
Lancelot
was to raise his sword but held back. He looked hard at Belvedere.
“I
don’t despise Arthur. I only despise myself for being the fool.” With that
Lancelot took off to mount his horse and rode away. Jaseth took his mount and
chased after Lancelot. Belvedere heaved a deep breath and then went back to the
tent.
“Arthur
asked for you, ” Tristam told Belvedere. The latter approached the dying King.
“Belvedere,
take Excalibur and have it returned to the lake. Don’t give it to anyone, not
even Merlin.” Arthur handed the sword over.
“My
King…” Belvedere was to speak but Arthur stopped him.
“I
am soon to die. Grant me this last wish.” Arthur looked at Belvedere. “When I
am dead, bury me at Camelot.”
Back
at Camelot, Merlin stood there alone while the allies of his had all departed
for their homes. He stood on the rampart looking towards the lake where he had
sent Vivianne. He looked to the rear of him and saw the spot where Morgause had
lain there wounded and later whisked away. He knew that somewhere out there,
Morgause had been hidden from him.
“Black
Lord…” Merlin sighed. He had never met the Black Lord but there were tales of
the Lord which spoke of the powers of the Lord. It was then he saw the scout
riding hard to Camelot.
“I
bring dire news, my Lord Merlin. Arthur is dying. He may not make it.” The
scout told Merlin. The latter held up his hands and conjured up a portal before
him. He stepped into it and was then outside of Arthur’s tent. He proceeded
towards the tent and saw Arthur there with Tristam.
“How
fares, Arthur?” Merlin asked.
“Arthur
is dead.” Tristam looked at the wizard. Merlin rushed forth to search Arthur’s
bedding and was stopped by Tristam.
“Excalibur?
Where is Arthur’s sword?” Merlin looked at Tristam.
“Belvedere
has it. He was told to return the sword to the lake.” Tristam told Merlin.
“I
must have it. Step aside.” Merlin pushed the other off and conjured the portal
to carry him to the Lake. He landed at the edge of the lake facing the four
ladies of the lake’ Vivianne, Vivian, Nymue and Nimue.
Vivianne
was holding Excalibur in her hands.
“Stop
there, Merlin. Excalibur had returned to the lake by Belvedere. You will not be
allowed here anymore.”Vivian told Merlin.
“No,
wait. I need to have Excalibur. Arthur may be dead but I can find a new
champion.” Merlin pleaded to the ladies. “And more to it, the Black Lord is
here. He will reclaim the land and we will be minions to be ruled by him.”
“We
have no more concerns on the ways of the realm here. We will retire to the
lake. Please take note that the lake will be forbidden for the next hundred
years while we rebuild the domain.” Vivianne looked at Merlin. “Goodbye, old
friend.”
“No!
Wait. You have to …” Merlin called out but the ladies had retreated into the
lake. Merlin tried to follow on but the lake will not respond to his commands.
He stood there looking at the lake and then heard the familiar voice.
“Merlin,
the war is not over. I will return for you in time and avenge my sister and
son.” That voice belonged to Morgause Le Fay. Merlin sighed and stepped back
from the lake. He then saw the dark Elf standing there.
“I
am still your friend, Merlin.” Ronin greeted the old wizard. “We could hide in
the enchanted forest.”
No comments:
Post a Comment