Arthur; The Legend and Myth Chapter 51

51.

The iron fort at Badon Hill was situated on the top of the hill with a great view of the land to the horizon. It was a constructed fortified castle with the three layers of terrain cut into the hill slopes to form the defensive ring around it. Each ring was a dug out moat with the sharpened wooden stakes to deter off any invaders and with the depth to sink the rider for the foot soldiers to spear them. The castle wall was thick and the main wooden gate was fortified with the metal grille drop down gate on the outside.

Ambrosia then then Lord of the castle stood by the hill slope at the lowest rung of the ring. His eyes were watered with tears at the sight of the weary stragglers that had sought refuge there. He had set up the tents at the foot of the hill to accommodate the ones that were unable to climb on. His food supplies were low but there were charities to be done during the dire period. He saw the stragglers were of all age and gender but they shared one common fear; the fear of the barbaric Anglo Saxons.

“My Lord, we do not fear death but the mode of being kill by them frightens us then.” Ambrosia recalled the words of a wounded knight. The knight then was without his right arm had led a small group of the protected to the sanctuary they sought there. There were more accounts on the atrocities of the invaders.

“We were the lucky ones.” A survivor had said. “We ran for the trees on the hill but they came at us. We were butchered like animals. Their hammers and axes fell with on our bones and flesh. They sheltered no mercy for the young or old, man or woman. The later were worse if death had not taken their souls for their cries of mercy will always ring in mine.”

“You have left like the flock of sheep to the pack of wolves. You are a bastard to leave us to those heathens.” Another cursed at Ambrosia but he fought not against those words for it was the truth. He had no force big enough to stop the killing. He took the decision to fortify the one place where they may hopefully appease their desire for revenge. Ambrosia retreated back to the castle and locked himself in the chamber. He went on his knees at the altar in the chapel. He was not a believer before for he was brought up as a Roman with years of worshipping at the pagan gods.

“God, I am sorry if my mind is not with you. I am at a loss now. Can you show me the light or do I wield my gladius like my previous side?” Ambrosia had given up on his fighting to that of a leader. He had also given up his Roman heritage and joined the locals. He had acted as adviser to the castle lord before he was the only surviving one there. He had to organize the defenses with all the notable knights killed or on the plains somewhere. He had sent out scouts to call for reinforcement but there were no replies. He can only assumed that the scouts were killed or there was no reinforcement. He then prayed harder.

Across the land at Camelot, Arthur was once again at the round table. He looked at the spread out map before him before he looked up at the gathered knights. His trusted knights were at the table but there was one more seat taken by the newly arrived guest.

“Earl Sevain and his army are here. They are our allies.” Arthur announced. “His army stands at a thousand knights and eight thousands foot soldiers. If he added that to mine, we have a force of three thousand and fifteen thousand foot soldiers. That is a huge army but my scouts told me that the Anglo Saxons numbered over twenty thousand strong.”

Arthur then looked at the knights and the Earl.

“We will fight for they are spread out at different locations.” Arthur then pointed to the map. “We will take them here at Glein.”

The Glein was at the mouth of a river that flowed on the plains. It was an obscure location except it was near the borders where Arthur was heading first. He was told that a detachment was there. It was to be a morale battle. They all needed it then. The battle was swift with the overwhelming force that took back the village. It was garrisoned by a few hundred Anglo Saxon warriors and none were mounted. The Earl had part of his knight in what was a new form of armor with the metal plates and coverings to the whole body and including the horse body. It was a heavy suit to don but the so named knights fought with their extra armor. They also carry the long extended lance which was used to sweep the foes off the horses or pierced the armor. They numbered at over three hundred strong.

“The new knights we named the Cataphract will be the army of the Lords.” Earl Sevain marveled at the heavy armor knights that rode into the village and withstood the invaders. The new form of armor was heavy but the knights in it were trained to move with it. The horses were huge and with the armor, they wore out fast. Nevertheless with the shortcomings the Cataphract was a formidable foe.

“You should try it, Arthur.” Earl Sevain told him. “I don’t want to lose my son to poor armor. However I do like your shield.”

Arthur had taken in the words voiced by Merlin and fashioned the image of the cross to his shield. He had brandished it to the knights and the words that he added to the shield were that he was fighting God’s war on the heathen. It was during the battle that the rift was sowed among the round table knights.

“I don’t care who they are but to me they are murderers.” Sir Kay shouted back to Percival when he thrust the sword into the Anglo Saxon captive. “I am here for vengeance. What Boudica did to the nobles, I am to recreate for fear will stop them from coming back.”

Sir Kay had seen the atrocities done by the invaders and with his anger he had killed the captives taken without mercy Percival wanted step forth to stop him but decided otherwise. Percival took a few steps forward and he saw Arthur. He then appeal to Arthur but the later had shied away from the matter. He told Percival that the invaders deserved no less than the mercy shown by them to the villagers. It drove Percival to anger and he rode off from the village to avoid being part of the killings.

“Despair not, Percival. We are at war now.” Lancelot had joined him and consoled the other. “Sir Kay was not of ours. He was Briton and he fought for them. This battle is his revenge for his people. He was for the Battle of the Queen Boudica. I heard him shout her name in the battle.”

“Killing and murder drew on a thin line.” Percival added his own view.

“Yes, I heard of it too but the Britons were no better than at it. They killed many of our nobles then.” Lancelot recalled that it was later discovered that seventy or eighty thousand nobles were killed by the Boudica rebels. They were massacred in the vile ways to the accompaniment of sacrifices and banquets.

“Nobles? Lancelot you are no more a legionnaire nor a Roman citizen now. You must remember that you were once a native of the land but your upbringing was Roman. You are a Briton by right but we are more civilized now. It was not the Legion nor the Romans that taught us that. It was our own wisdom.”

“The civilized or the killing?” Lancelot mocked at the wisdom bit. Percival had not listen to the other and was looking at the village. He sighed then for his battle was to end the fighting and killing. If he was to do that, he had to rout the invaders out for good. It was in Percival’s thoughts then but he was to see more that will challenged him. The army under Arthur fought on then into the region held by the Anglo Saxons. It was then he discovered a new threat to his rule.

“Arthur, the Scots are in league with the Anglo Saxons.” Earl Sevain threw the severed head of the Scottish leader. “We are fighting more than the invaders.”

Arthur cursed at the new enemy. He knew the Scots had been against him but to join in this war was unforeseen. He had thought the King of Scots had seen his way to maintain peace. He then issued the command that the battle was to continue.

“We will march on there.” Arthur pointed to the place on the map. “Dubgla in Linnuis.”

“Earl, you will go on ahead to Bassas river and take on the garrison there at Cumberlang.” The Earl was to take his column there but Arthur requested the Cataphracts.”

“Earl, we fight together or none.” The leader of the Cataphracts declined the command. “We are the Earl’ and none others.”

“Baron Rueben, you will ride with him. I have another to ride with you.” Earl Sevain called on the other to be brought over. It was a lady dressed in the green gown. “Take care of her well. She is my daughter Lisanor.”

Lady Lisanor stepped forth. She glared at Arthur and then at Baron Rueben.

“I will ride with you.” Lady Lisanor then turned to Arthur. “I will fight the Scots if it ends my life.”

That ended the discussion and the columns prepare to ride out. Arthur saw Lisanor walked to a nearby tent and he followed her there.

“Lisanor, I …” Arthur was dumb stuck then and his words were replied by the lady.

“”It’s has been over ten years, Arthur. Ten long years of waiting for you.” Lisanor snapped at him. “No it was ten years but only five years when the tears stopped falling and the milk from my breasts dried. Our son, Lohort asked of you and my reply then was you were dead.”

Arthur tried to place words into his tongue but she was already packing her things. Then she turned to look at him. “I hated the Scots more than you. I will fight with you as what my father had asked of me but I will not watched your back. You will do so yourself. Now leave.”

With that Arthur was sent off back to his column. He had relented then to talk to her and rode with his knights.

At Dubla, it was another village by a stream but there was a change to the enemies.

“We will hold our position here.” Arthur called out to the column. Baron Rueben rode up from the head of his own column and questioned Arthur.

“We need to form our lines. The Anglo Saxons are backed by the Scots and Picts.” Arthur motioned to the stream. The enemies were crossing it and there were several thousands of them walking over and they have their supplies wagon being dragged over. There were the Scots and Picts among the ranks. “We have to let them cross over.”

“Why can’t we attack now?” Earl Sevain asked back.

“The ground is soft. If we attack now, we will risk our horses to be caught in the mud. We must bring them from the stream towards us. Shield the Cataphracts. They need to be hidden. Move also the knights back and cross at the far side to flank the enemies. Let them see the foot soldiers.” Arthur then changed the order. “Give me fifty knights.”

The alliance of Saxons, Picts and Scots saw the army that was lined up and took their lines on the stream bank. They looked at the lineup of foot soldiers and the few knights. They were almost equal in strength.

“The knights are few.” The shouts went among Anglo Saxons and Arthur took to the front with his round table knights. He had the ten knight ride down the line up and taunted the enemies. Sir Kay was the most vocal with his expletives and curses. Lancelot stayed by Arthur’s side with Percival watching the parade of the others. It was Arthur’s idea to bring the enemies to them.

It did not work.

“Lancelot, ride up and challenge them.” Arthur told Lancelot but the later hesitated. He used his excuse that he was not keen to take the challenge. He was to ask Arthur for another challenger when Percival rode out. The later rode towards the Anglo Saxons and then threw down his shield. It was a challenge to a duel. A warrior stepped out to meet Percival. He was a tall and lanky figure with the thick fur coating but the two feet length hammer he held was menacing with the head and the spike on the other end. Percival dismounted from the horse and then drew his gladius.

“Beaduleoma…” (Translated as sword.) The warrior muttered to himself on the sword used by Percival and without warning charged. The hammer came swinging down hard but it missed Percival who had side stepped. Percival moved in with his gladius on a wide swing and cut at the other on the left forearm but the thick coat protected the other.

“Arghh…” The Anglo Saxon cried out from the impact pain and then swung the spike handle towards Percival. The later fell back to avoid the blow but he lost his balance on the soft ground. The Anglo Saxon went forth for the killing blow but he was stopped by the gladius thrust into the lower chest. Percival pushed the gladius across the wound with his voice screaming out. The Anglo Saxon fell on the face screaming the death throes. The defeat of the Anglo Saxon raised an alarm on the line up and they charged out.

“Run!” Lancelot saw the mass of warrior converging on Percival. He decided then to ride out to help his friend. Meanwhile Arthur had given the command for the foot soldiers to brace for an attack while he drew out his sword. Lancelot riding out then saw Percival running for his life. Lancelot rode harder and then stopped before Percival. He grabbed the later onto his horse. The rode hard then back to their own army and somehow they survived it. Percival dismounted and rushed to be in the front line. Lancelot turned the horse and joined the line. The battle then began with the clash of bodies and the bloods flowed.

It was just then Arthur signaled the retreat at the center. It was a hasty one and more bodies were strewn in the ground but it worked. The gap deepened and Arthur was moving the pincer move. He saw the bodies falling; his own foot soldiers were not as great compared to the enemies. They lack the ferocity needed.

It was time for him to call in the riders.

The Cataphracts charged in like the boulders in an avalanche. They tore into the enemies with their heavy armor on the more solid ground there compared to the trampled soft ground. The retreating foot soldiers turned on their retreat and formed the pincers on the enemies.

“Ambush!” The call was late but it was heeded in a defeating rush for the river. The enemies stopped there when they saw the knight line up across the river. It was a time to surrender.

“Kill them!” The call from Sir Kay was heeded. The killing began even before Arthur could stop it. For that time, Arthur felt that being the King was sometimes powerless at times.

Arthur; The Legend and Myth Chapter 50

50.

Merlin waited patiently at the tree line with his glances to the clearing. He felt his messenger may have not delivered his message. He favored the pigeons but he was told to trust the crows more but of late nothing seems to work the way he wanted. His visions have failed him and it was a major concern. He looked to the trees and then spoke.

“I guess you are still my allies.” Merlin looked at the cherry tree and there was a reply. It did not come from the tree. After all trees don’t talk.

“I got your message. You must feed your crow better.” The Black Knight smiled. “My cats are still hungry but we saved the message.”

Merlin turned to look at the knight with the hurt expression. He had taken months to train the crow and then it was eaten. He did not hesitate to tell the knight of Arthur’s plight.

“I cannot…” The Black Knight tried to work the issue and Merlin cut in.

“You must. The last battle with the eleven Lords and Kings was coordinated. I know you were the leader behind it.” Merlin glared at the Black Knight. “You were the one that they were there. Today you will do the same. Get them to rally behind Arthur.”

“Who are you to accuse me, druid?” The Black Knight hit back but Merlin had his reply.

“Lady Igraine. She told me. Pendragon had it planned and got King Urien to organize it but the lot of them had already been recruited by the Lord with the assistance of Lady Igraine.” Merlin looked harder at the Black Knight. “I knew it all. The battle was to test Arthur.”

“And now he needs you to complete his test and be the King that all of you have planned for.” With that Merlin took off on his mount. The Black Knight stood there surprised at the request. He thought that by getting on the round table was the task for him. He recalled the meet with Merlin then at the tavern in the village far from Bedyr. They did not want to meet near to the others.

“You must join the Round Table. That is the only way you can be of any real use.” Merlin eyes were roving at the occupants there. There were seated at the far corner and it was shadowed. He saw the other two occupants were behaving within the likes of a drinker there but he knew that the owner was taking glances at him. Merlin looked to his clothing. He was sure that the tunic he wore was plain and should not have revealed his true identity. Then he saw the tattoos on his arms. It must have been the giveaway.

“I am an exile, druid.” The Black Knight looked at the other. He had a personal dislike of Merlin but knew that the druid was ever powerful as the King maker. “I am an exile of the Anglo Saxon clans. I led them here with other brother and gave them a home away from their land. I also have them killed when I betrayed their hideout in the village where your knights slaughter them.”

Merlin recalled then it was Sir Kay who did the task. He had allowed them to escape but the other knight was the unforeseen vision. That will be remedied one day.

“Not all, Hengist.” Merlin spoke the true name of the Black Knight. “You knew one escape. Your son, Octa escaped. He is the one bringing in the new war.”

The Black Knight had then sighed. It was rumored that Octa his son was the leader of the new Anglo Saxon threat. He had thought his son had returned home but the fool was back. It was then Merlin reinforced his view.

“If you are on the round table, you may avert your son’s death. More to it, you may help Lancelot. He is a proud man once more but he could not overcome your defeat of him. He may challenge you but with you next to him, Arthur will see that will not happen. With you on the round table, you can train your once apprentice. Make him strong and let carry your name when you are no more.” Merlin picked his words well. “You are getting old and will soon leave us.”

“Do it one last time for Igraine, Master Gareth. She loved you too like Lumbria did.”

The Black Knight regretted his past and then took to the mount to rally the others. He knew in his heart, he had to save Arthur and his other son, the one they named Lancelot. With that done, Merlin then rode on for one last quest to save Arthur and make him the King he was to be.

Merlin then sought the enchanted lady who dwell in the lake Just as Merlin was looking for his own quests, there were others looking out of the wall openings and Guinevere was not an exception. She stood by the opening and watched the sun setting on the horizon. She felt her quest was misleading then. At one moment she was headed for Camelot to meet the King and the next she was sent away.

“Guieneve, how are you?” The lady turned on the mentioned of her name. She saw then it was her hostess then. Her own caretaker and protector have been sent to another chamber for rest as she was advised.

“I am fine, my mother lady Igraine.” Guinevere did a low cutsy to the lady she had regarded as the senior of the ladies. “How are you?”

“I am fine. And I can see that your …behavior have improved.” Lady Igraine smiled. “You were one with the mischiefs then.”

Guinevere let off a weak smile with the lady’s words. It was a veiled disclosure of her past demerits by the lady’s view. Lady Igraine then took to the matter on her mind.

“I did not know why you were sent here?” Lady Igraine took the seat without looking at Guinevere. She then looked up. “Did you…”

“I did nothing to shame the House if that was what you meant.” Guinevere snapped off forgetting her manners. “I did not meet him at all.”

Lady Igraine expression was a pained one with the frown that displayed the wrinkles in the eye brows area. She had raised her right hand to motion for Guinevere to seat near her.

“I am sure Arthur has his reason. After all, as ladies of the House, we are to remain how may I placed it insignificant at times. I was just advised that he feared the Anglo Saxons are back in our land.” Lady Igraine looked at Guinevere. “You do recall the Anglo Saxons?”

It was a query that spooked the memory within Guinevere. It was before her banishment, there was a dark event that she recalled then when she was with the servants in the village. She was allowed to go over on the good behavior then but in the village, her rebellious streak made her do the worst then. She had ran from her care and ended up outside the village. She recalled then she was among the trees and lost in her way. She walked on for some time and the fear of the dark creatures dawned on her mind. Soon she heard noises and then rushed over to meet it.

“What have we here?” It was a woodsman as seen with the axe in his hands. “Are you lost, my child?”

The woodman was a huge figure then with bearded look. He was dressed in the dirty tunic and the wooden sandals. The man approached her and smiled with the broken teeth.

“I am Anders, and not here to harm you.” The woodman reached for her but she backed off. Her escape was then blocked by the tree trunk before the man grabbed her right arm.

“I said I won’t hurt you. Why are you running?” Guinevere then gave out the shrill scream and tried to pull her arm free but in the struggle, she got her dress torn at the shoulders. She looked at the figure looming over and screamed louder. Her screams were replied when she saw the figure reached for the arrow embedded in the neck. She saw the figure fell to his knees before collapsing onto her. She screamed then while her hands pulled at the heavy body on her.

“You are safe now.” Guinevere felt the heavy weight lifted off her then. She saw it was another man who was standing there with the bow in the left hand. “I am a knight. My name is Blackthorn.”

Guinevere had dreams of that incident for weeks and was down with a fever then. She had also loathed the presence of any male near here and more to it, the servants was murmuring that she was ravished by an Anglo Saxon hunter. It was the foul name that she kept on hearing until her father made the ruling that the word Anglo Saxon was not to be mentioned then.

“Are they here?” Guinevere asked in concern.

“No, they will not be. Arthur will protect us. You will stay here with us.” With that Lady Igraine took her leave of Guinevere. The later stepped away from the wall opening and slunk into the dark corner with her arms wrapped around her chest. She was shivering then and weeping at the dreams that were to recur.

“Curse to you Arthur for bringing me here.” Guinevere was muttering to herself then. At that moment across the land at Camelot, Arthur was in his chamber with the same thought on the long threat. He pondered on the offerings of the Earl. It was obviously a mistake of him to approach the Earl but he had doubts that he could be raise any army with his recent ascension. There are many lords and kings including land barons that does not see his sudden placement there as their wish. They were surprised that Pendragon will take on an unknown like him despite the news that he was the true son of Pendragon. Many have said that they were the heirs but later spoken to be untrue were executed or exiled. He may not be any exception to that. He knew that his only credential to the throne was his victory over the Anglo Saxon at the last battle but there were others before him and was won by the few leaders including one named King Urien. The later was ever sowing the seeds of discontent on Arthur but due to the respect for Lady Igraine, they have remained at the whispering levels.

“What if I fail?” Arthur called out to himself. “What…”

“Arthur, are you fine?” It was Percival who had stepped into the chamber. The older ex-Centurion approached the man he had sworn to serve. Arthur turned to look and asked of the reason for Percival to be there.

“King Ban and Bors wishes to ride for Normandy for the help of the knights there. They were with us at Bedgraine. They hold a grudge against the Anglo Saxons too. They can offer us five hundred knights and five thousand foot soldiers.”

“What is their demand?” Arhur asked then. In the last battle, the knights were rewarded with gold and foods for their effort but Arthur did stop at offering the captives as slaves. He will not have the people on his land as slaves for war rewards. Even though they were Anglo Saxons. He had seen the way the captives traded as slaves when he was in the Legion.

“They asked for land on ours.” Percival replied. “It’s near to the north and by the sea.”

Arthur thought it hard and then decided to defer this decision. He was concerned on how Pendragon had done the same and then having to fight a lengthy war against what was his allies on the land. He told Percival to hold the visit by the two brothers until his decision is made.

“But Arthur…” Percival tried to reason with Arthur then and was snapped off.

“Give me time please, Percival. I need to think if not….as a King for that is my mine to be.” Arthur lost his composure then and dismissed the other. Percival left without a word from the chamber.

Arthur; The legend and Myth Chapter 49

49.

Arthur sat by himself at the wall opening with his stare on the open sea. He was seen there many times with his mind pondering the major issues. He was King by namesake for a few weeks then but the coronation have yet to be conducted.

“Did you call me, Arthur?” It was agreed that among the twelve knights and the druid they were to call him by his name. After all, he did professed equality. Arthur looked over to the druid who had stepped into the chamber. Arthur had personally decorated the chamber form its bare walls to the elaborate adornments of the Legions with the replica eagles and the weapons. The later was stacked vertically against the walls with the swords, the spears and then the shields. There was the odd flair and hammer with the Picts daggers.

“I heard of the Anglo Saxons…” Merlin continued on what he assumed was the concern but Arthur turned to another.

“I sent the lady away.” Arthur interrupted. “I had to. She was so …”

“I heard about it.” Merlin turned away from Arthur. ”The only reason I could think of was that you were concern for her safety and Camelot may not be secured….”

The words trailed from Merlin and then he looked at Arthur.

“You were to wed her and be the King and Queen.” Merlin lost his patience then. “Why did you ride out there? To meet her or was it Lancelot?”

“I rode out to meet …Lancelot.”

“Nop, you were not.” The druid snapped back. “You were there to see the lady. I wondered why or was it the need to know who was to be your Queen. Did Morgause put you up?”

“Don’t mention her name. She has no part in it. It was one other.” Arthur words trailed off. “The coming war is my concern. And if I fail, then I will be discarded from the throne I was to be on.”

“I was approached by …No, I approached …”

“Yes, you approached an old ally to assist you.” Merlin completed the words for Arthur. “Was King Ban and Bors not sufficient? Or the Black Knight?”

“Yes, I an old ally. It was Earl Sevain. I was with him before.” Earl Sevain was a baron of the lands when Arthur had visited when he was still in the Legion. He rode in with a cohort of five hundred legionnaires and a detachment of Auxilia the mercenaries on horses. They were in the land to track down the Picts invaders that were seen there. He had seen the iron fort on the low hill and then rode in. The fort was named the iron forts for the walls that ringed it with the vertical incline and then the buildings were seen behind the walls with the hill height the castle was seen by far. There was the four towers that looms higher than the main building which may had housed the main hall and the personal chambers with the kitchen and dining. The barracks were on the right which could house over a hundred soldiers. The knights which there were fifty in the castle took their own accommodations there. The stables were on the left of the barracks and there was the armory there on the right. The servant quarters were to the rear and there was a rear gate to leave the fort.

Arthur then the Centurion rode towards the gates and was challenged.

“I want to see the head of the castle.” Arthur was then brought to the castle to meet the owner.

“I am Earl Sevain.” That was how he met the man and then the next important thing that he wished he had not forgotten.

“My daughter Lisanor.” The lady was dressed in a green gown but the waist belt with the quiver filled with arrows. The lady had her dark tresses kept long but kept it managed with the hair scarf to hold it in place at the forehead. She was plain look but her eyes were bluish and piercing. She had the bow in her right hand. The lady stared Arthur.

It was not a welcome sight but they got on along after a week’s stay in the castle.

“Do you have any more scars that I have not seen yet?.” Lisanor stared at the Centurion. Arthur turned his body to look at the scar that she was motioning. It was third deep love making in the locked chamber assigned to Arthur. Their intimate tryst began on the third visit after a slugging feast. She did hold a solid fist and Arthur have the mark to show for it.

“Yeah that was a nasty one which the arrow pierced me there when we were retreating.” Arthur rolled over to climb out of the bedding. “Normally, it will be you to be laid there.”

Lisanor strolled to the personal jug where she squatted over it. It was her morning ritual and then the cleaning of the mucks he left on her body. Arthur stood up before he flexed his muscles. Making love to the lady was one strenuous march with the weight lifting. He reached for the body cloth when she commented.

“You are going to hang it there or over your shoulders.” Arthur looked below and smiled before he replied.

“You could hang over me instead of there.” Arthur proudly moved his hips towards her. Lisanor smiled and then walked over. She reached out to his face and then leaned over to kiss him on the lips. Arthur’s arms went forward to grope at her breasts and then reached further down. She took the move to climb astride him with the legs around his waist before she engulfed him into her. Arthur leaned back to give her the leverage and then moved his lower body. It was the morning Loholt was conceived but the father was not there for the birth. He was sent back North to fight the Picts. He was not to see his lover for the Legionnaires were told to back off from there. When he met the Earl after a lapse of ten years, he was introduced to his son.

That was troubling Arthur.

“You have a son?” Merlin shook his head. This was not in his visions at all. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I would have if you have asked me but you didn’t. You were so fixated on me being the King here.”

“Where is this lady you mentioned?” Merlin contained his anger then. “Your son too?”

“I met them when…No, I met the Earl when I was there last week to seek his help.” Arthur spoke in low tone. “It was years since I was there. I came out with my request for help because the Earl holds the influence there. I knew for he once boasted to me of those allies. It was then he turned against me. He told me of Lisanor. She was kept in the castle for the last ten years while my son was sent to exile in some Baron’s castle. The bastard have not told me but sentenced my …family to that.”

“If I recalled, Earl Sevain was an ally of the Governor then. He was given the rights to rule that part of the island with his own allies. The arrangement was the Legions will not ride on there. Probably that way you were never to go back there.”

“I was his …daughter’s lover. His grandson father…..” Arthur exclaimed in frustration. “How could he…”

“You were …How was I to know?” Merlin replied. He then reached forward to calm Arthur who then continued on.

“I confronted the Earl. He finally admitted to it and I was given a condition. Be with Lisanor and make her the Queen. He also offered me his army.” Arthur sighed in despair. “What is a King when he cannot defend his own family?”

Merlin saw the despair on the Arthur and told what needed to be done.

“Agreed to it. You are in need of the army.” Then Merlin left him there. He made his way outside the castle and then to the plains. His ride was to seek the aid of another. Adjacent to the direction taken by Merlin was Lancelot. He stood by the tree trunk and looked to Camelot. He felt the hands that held him from the back.

“I am here, Lancelot.” Elaine leaned her head on the back of the knight. “If it’s was me, would you have rode off without saying hello?”

Elaine was staying at Lancelot’s smaller castle nearby. He had commandeered an old fort which used to house the guards. He had the place added with new quarters and the wall that surrounded the place. He had the place accommodate a dozen knights and the servants with the fifty foot soldiers. Elaine had taken to meet Lancelot at the nearby trees. Lancelot heard the lady and replied with his hands holding Elaine’s hands.

“The treatment by Arthur was uncalled for.” Lancelot then asked Elaine of Guinevere.

“Her name is Guinevere.” Elaine told Lancelot. “She was a distant relative but we had never seen here for years. She was a nuisance to the family which was what I am told. I don’t know why she was exiled.”

“Why was she asked to marry Arthur? Morgause could have been a …”

“Morgause? She is too young. Why do you asked? Maybe I should marry Arthur.” That statement from Elaine drew Lancelot’s concerned look.

“What about us?” Lancelot asked.

“Only if you make love to me.” Elaine was convincing then. “I may re-consider.” 

Arthur: The Legend and Myth Chapter 48

48.

The sight of Camelot was relived for Lancelot when he reached the plains that were before the castle. He could feel the knights that were in the task also heaving with relief. Since the battle with the hounds, the knights have been tensed and so were the foot soldiers. He then saw the column approaching him.

The banner was Arthur’s.

“Lancelot, is that the lady you were to fetch?” Arthur approached him and without a formality or welcome had asked for the lady. Lancelot nodded and then pushed his horse aside. Arthur rode to the carriage and addressed the lady there.

“My King, I am Lady Elise.” The bosomy lady appeared before the carriage opening. “Lady Guinevere is not suitable to meet you now.”

“I understand.” King Arthur did a slight bow to the lady. “I am not here to intrude on the lady but to escort her to the castle for her safety.”

“Safety? Is not the earlier column enough for her?” Lady Elise asked with a sarcastic tone. “Surely the knights of Camelot are warriors and not some whimsical farmer.”

:No, my lady. They are warriors but we are facing a bigger force.” King Arthur replied. “The Anglo Saxons are back.”

Arthur then turned to approach Lancelot. He told the later that they were to ride for Camelot then.

“The extra column will assist the ladies there.” With that Lancelot rode off with Arthur and was later to be seated at the round table. There was one more new figure on the round table.

“Hello Lancelot. We meet again.” The Black Knight greeted the other. Lancelot reached for his sword but Arthur stopped him and then took the seat before the table.

“We will all respect the round table. All seated here are allies and hold no grudge against each other. We are all for one and one for all. Right now we have to be all for one in battle against the Anglo Saxons. They appeared on our lands once more.” Arthur glared at Lancelot and then he continued. “The Anglo Saxons have plagued us for such a long time with their raids and worse of all, occupied our lands.”

“What of…” Lancelot snapped out at the Black Knight but was cut off by Arthur.

“Among us all, there are some who were claimed to be the blood of the Anglo Saxons. I was  one too. The village of Bedyr have them as settlers too but they are no more Anglo Saxons as I am no more a Roman Legionnaire. However I will ask all seated to take a vow before me and with me before God that we will protect this land from all that is the enemy. Be it the Anglo Saxons, the Picts and even the Normans.”

“And even the Romans.” The voiced belonged to Gaheris. His statement was watched by all at the table but Arthur soon attest to it.

“And even the Romans. We shall fight them as one and if need be die as one.” Arthur looked at the ones seated there. The consents rang loud in the hall that day. Arthur smiled at the agreement of the knights at the round table and then turned to describe the threat posed by the Anglo Saxons.

“We thought that we had them defeated when we removed the Bear heads leaders….” Arthur was interrupted then.

“One escaped if you recalled I told you.” Sir Kay replied. “He was never found.”

Arthur glared at the other for disrupting his delivered words then. He looked back at the others and continued.

“Even if one of them survived, he must have been a greater leader than we thought. As I speak, my scouts told me that Anglo Saxons are once more on our land. They are led not a Bear head leader but of another.” Arthur looked towards the Black Knight. “His name unknown to us but he have done not one but several raids. As I speak again here, the Anglo Saxons are being reinforced by the other clans and their numbers held big in the columns.”

“How many are there? Could it be a thousand or five thousands of them? We have more among us and the allies.” Sir Kay again displayed his arrogance towards Arthur.

Arthur shook his head before he replied.

“Our numbers are that great given that most of our allies like King Lot having withdrawn their forces to their own land. Most of the smaller Lords have also retained their own for the safety of their own lands.” Arthur sighed. He was the King but his stay as one was not long and thus lack the influence to garner the level of support needed.

“You are the King..” Sir Kay hit out again but he was quiet down by Percival who tapped the other on the left shoulder.

“I am the King. And even as a King, I have to …able to raise an army but to do so, I needed …a say that they will not reject me. I am still not the King that Pendragon was.” Arthur then sadly missed the days when he was in the Legion where the commands fof the Centurion was never questioned. He could lead several cohorts into battle but then he had the Eagle banner to rally to. In Camelot, he held nothing of such.

“You needed a symbol, Arthur.” Percival read his concern. “In the Legion, we have our Eagle but here …”

“We have something that could be called on.” It was the voice of Lancelot. He stood up and then explained. “The enemies are non-believers. They worshipped the pagans. Carved figures from the stones. Our people are believers. We hold Him in our heart and mind. We whispered His name in our prayers. We …”

“Pagans, God, Cross and … I am no believer and if I am to be, it will be my sword.” Sir Kay again displayed his arrogance. “I have seen many warriors prayed to their Gods before the duels. Not all of them got the blessing they wanted but the skillful fighter returns to fight another day.”

“Maybe they did not pray for the win but the swift death when it’s needed. No one wants to look at the spilled innards before taking the last breath. I much prefer mine to be swift,” Lamorak spoke out in fear. Percival looked to the one who had served with him.

“I am of late been listening to the words of the believers. I am for one now. I do my prayers daily and in remembrance of Him in my prayers. He guide me in my life now. He is also in my skills.” Lancelot confessed. “I hold this near to my chest.”

Lancelot removed the miniature cross given to him by the friar and since then have been his mentor. Friar Tuck have also travelled to Camelot with the lady.

“We need to have Him with us in our battles.”

“If I may suggest.” The Black Knight spoke from his seat. “I am a believer too. The symbol we carry close to our hearts can be that symbol. I have it on my shield and armor.”

Arthur stared at the knight who had spoken of the cross as the symbol. He himself had not used any symbol on his armor or shield. He had thought that the sword he carried was the symbol of his ascension. After all, it was the sword in the stone. Many have tried to remove it but only he had successfully done it. He looked at Lancelot and recalled the one that the other held. He was then in doubt on his and called for the discussion to be held the next day. He took leave of the hall but was stopped by Lancelot.

“Arthur, of whom I have brought to you. Are you going to see her?” Lancelot found himself stumbling in his words. He had felt that Guinevere was not given the proper welcome when Arthur pulled him off the column.

“Yes, I am. It’s just that Anglo Saxon had taken precedent over her. I will see when I am …prepared.” Arthur replied before he took off on his own path. Lancelot left standing there was feeling uneasy of it and rushed off to meet the ladies. He was soon dismayed to hear that the ladies were not there but redirected to the castle of Pendragon.

“On whose orders were those?” Lancelot questioned the servant.

“The King himself.”