Arthur II Book IV Epiloque

 Epilogue

 

Unseen by Merlin then was Belvedere hidden behind the rampart of Camelot, he watched the wizard standing there ignored by the ladies of the lake. He had returned the sword as instructed by Arthur, and in return was given the sword of Balin.

“Used it wisely. The curse of the sword had been lifted but its powers remained there. You may need it to battle the demons that were unleashed by the sisters.” Vivianne told the old knight.

“What about Lancelot and the …others?” Belvedere asked.

“Lancelot had ridden off to the main continent. He harbors no desire to fight on his land. You are the only remaining knight. And the oldest. Lead the others to battle. Camelot lived with you.” Belvedere heeded the words of the lady and then rode off but he had to see Camelot once more.

The once-great castle Camelot was past its glamor with three of its main towers damaged, and most areas of the castle damaged. It was abandoned soon after the battle with the dragons. Even the settlement around it was abandoned or razed by fire done by the dragons or man-made. The only scant remnants of the once-great Camelot was its fine main gate which remained closed.

Belvedere saw the lonely lady standing there at the forest edge and approached her.

“My Queen, are you well?” Belvedere recognized the lady as Queen Guinevere.

“Yes, I am fine, dear Sir. Were you with Arthur when he was to die?” Guinevere asked outright.

“Yes, my Queen. I was there till his death. He …” Belvedere was cut off by the lady.

“Was Lancelot there?” Guinevere asked.

“No, my Queen. He was…” Again Belvedere was cut off.

“Then it's good that he was not there. He will be in more grief if he had seen Arthur’s death. Lancelot loves him too much as well as …disliked the King.” Guinevere spoke to Belvedere. “I will be leaving now. I have a new life to begin.”

“Yes, my Queen. Do you need an escort? Belvedere asked.

“No, I will be fine. No one wants to harm me anymore. I am without the need to be rescued anymore.” Guinevere told the knight and turn to walk away. The knight was confused by her words but he did not attempt to follow her.

Guinevere walked into the forest and was headed nowhere when she met Vivianne.

“Guinevere, I have come to ask you to join me at the lake. We are short of three ladies now. Will you join us?” Vivianne extended the offer.

“I am not sure I am the right person. I have many…” Guinevere was stopped by Vivianne.

“We are all sinners in some stage of our life journey. The ones like us have been given the new chance of cleansing our sins. Will you consider that?” Vivianne looked at Guinevere.

The consideration of Elaine at Joyous was to then look out of the castle opening hoping to get a glance of her once lover, Lancelot. During the last passing of the moons, she found herself yearning for Lancelot. More so when she was with his child inside her.

“Lady Elaine, it's best you stepped away from there. The cold draught will be bad for your health. And the child.” Lady Angharad placed the shawl over Elaine’s shoulder.

“Will he want to know?” Elaine asked.

“Every father wants to know their child. He will return to you.” Lady Angharad replied. It was not so for Molly who had to bid farewell to Lord Bors. The latter had recovered and wanted to ride out.

“I am to leave here and far away from the Elders, and Lord Bern. I thank you, Molly, for your generous care, and do take care.” Lord Bors then rode off without a second glance. Molly wiped her hands on the apron and sniffle at the lat departure.

“There goes another good man.” Molly sighed. “Guess my life is as lonely as the cold winter.”

“Would you join me in Rome, Molly?” The lady heard the call and turned to look. It was Lamorak on the wagon; he was to sit up and offered the lady the seat next to him.

“I got a tavern there that needed some good handling.”

All was set then at Camelot, except one more who was named Tristam. The young knight had ridden off to look for a new Lord to offer his service.

When the sunset at the lake as seen from the backlit of Camelot, it was a different scene at a place not far from it where the Black Lord held his hideout. It was a deep cavern inside the mountain and the in the center of the cavern was the dark pit from which the Black Lord emerged. Standing around the dark pit were the minions that served the Black Lord. Among them was a lady dressed in a dark suit.

“Welcome back, Black Lord.” The lady greeted the emerging dark-skinned figure who was then given a cloak to cover the frame.

“I am feeling better, Lilith. How fares our new servant, Morgause? Or is it Lilith? You always like that name.”

“Better and hopefully soon to be ready to serve you,” Lilith replied.

“Good. I am glad. I have rested far too long.” The Black Lord roared. “The realm needs a new King.”

“And I have the knights to do that for you.” Lilith said.