Chapter 9.
I was feeling dizzy. My head was pumping, hurting. I couldn’t see a thing. But that was because my eyes were closed, I realized. So, I opened them, and the light was rushing up to me, blinding me again. Once I was accustomed to it, I could see what was surrounding me. And frankly, it surprised me.
Arthur was standing over my bed, watching over me, it seemed. When I locked my eyes to his, I could see that he sighed with contentment.
“Miss Avalon, how are you doing?” he asked me, helping me in a more comfortable position to speak to him.
“My head hurts, but I will survive,” I said, making a tiny joke. “How much time did I sleep?”
“Two days, milady.”
“What? How is that even possible?” I whispered to myself.
“I wanted to apologize.”
“Why, my lord?” I responded, shocked once again.
“It all happened because of me. I could not stop them, I should have.”
“There were too many, you could not have stopped them all, my lord. And it seems like we won.”
“Yes, we were lucky. Morgana will keep coming and one day, we will not be able to defeat her. She is powerful. She has magic, which we do not possess,” Arthur explained, sadly. “But I do not want to worry you. You just arrived and we have already been attacked, during your ball. It is unforgivable. And you handled that very brilliantly. I did not have the knowledge of your capabilities to fight.”
“Oh no, I do not know that knowledge either. I was lucky. Seems like luck is on our side these days, my lord,” I responded.
“I will teach you then, milady. But for now, I will let you rest.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
“Call me Arthur, will you? When we are just together? The protocol does not allow me to be just Arthur in public, and I hate it,” he explained.
“Only if you call me Avalon,” I responded.
“Deal.”
With this last word, he left the room. To my astonishment, I kind of liked his presence. He was a charming and pleasing man. And honestly, it was better than being alone. Which I was most of my days. I wasn’t feeling like sleeping at all, after resting for 48 hours. But I was getting bored staying in bed all day long. The only other visit that I had was the doctors, who just came to tell me to stay and not move from this chamber, because of my head injury. Thus, all I could do was remembering the ball and the attack, and how I killed those men. Even if they were the enemies, I could not suppress the guilt I felt every time I closed my eyes.
“Hello, sleepy head,” said a recognizable voice, behind me.
“Hello, Merlin.”
“Have you been crying?” he asked me when he looked at my face.
“Well, yes,” I admitted. “I am not really proud of what I have done before collapsing in the battle.”
“But they were the enemy,” pointed Merlin.
“I know, but that does not change the fact that I feel guilty. I killed them because I released my magic. It was too powerful, and it got out of control. And I know you told me to be careful with it, but I… I…,” I said with shivers in my voice.
“But you were fighting for your life,” finished Merlin.
“Yes,” I sighed. “Is that why magic is forbidden, Merlin?”
“It is more complicated than that.”
“Then explain it to me!” I begged.
“Uther’s wife, she died because of magic. Everyone loved her. She was a good and respected queen, who cared for her people, a lot like Arthur now. But Uther, when she died, he became inconsolable. He banned magic forever. He even went after every warlock in the kingdom, accusing them of having killed the queen. He hanged every one of them, then chased every magical creature to kill them and destroyed every magical objects. It was a long time ago, but nothing has change ever since. And now, with the threat of Morgana, magic will not be allowed either,” Merlin explained.
“Oh, okay,” was my only response.
How could I respond to that? It is not like I lived it. But I could understand hiding your powers not to be hanged. Even in my area, magic would not be seen as a good thing. People would be scared, and they would chase people like Merlin and me.
“I have an idea,” Merlin exclaimed. “Before you get scared to use your magic again, we will practice every morning and every evening if we have time. You will become an expert in no time. How can it go wrong?”
Indeed, how could it go wrong? I wondered.
Chapter 10.
Five days later, I felt at the same time tired and rested. Tired because Merlin made me practice my magic every night till morning when no one could see us. Rested because my head no longer made me flinched. And I could finally go to my chamber, as the doctor said to me this morning.
I had a few visitors during these five days. The knights came to see how well I was recovering, which was very nice of them. Lily came every morning to help me get clean and change clothes. I could never thank her enough for what she did to assist me. And of course, Merlin came every day. But I never saw his majesty again, not since the day I woke up. I wondered if I did something wrong or to upset him. I really hope not. I don't need him to be mad at me right now. Especially since I'm here because of his favor.
As I was packing my things, I heard footsteps behind me. I turned around to see a beautiful woman walking towards me. She had blond hair, light skin ton and the prettiest eyes I have ever seen. They were in an emerald green shade that suits her well. And, to my astonishment, she was accompanied by none other than Sire Tristan.
“Milady Avalon, let me introduce you Milady Iseult, my wife,” said Tristan.
Yes, of course, was my first thought. Everyone knows about the legendary romance between Tristan and Iseult. It is not as famous as Guinevere and Arthur, but I should have understood it sooner. I don’t know why but I thought knights couldn’t get married.
“Oh, nice to meet you, Milady,” I responded with a bow. “I did not know you were married, Sire Tristan. Or, that knights could, actually.”
“Usually, as knight, we do not have time to concerned ourselves for marriage, but when I met Iseult, I just knew,” he explained looking at his wife with love.
“Where did you two meet?”
“At a ball, organized by my father,” explained Iseult with a melodious voice. “My father is the king of the neighboring kingdom of Camelot, Mercia, and he did not look kindly on this match. He disapproved it from the very first moment, without even knowing Tristan. However, for my father, a knight was not good enough for me and I run away in Camelot. King Arthur married us, securing my place in the court, and having the majesty’s protection. My father was furious and tried to attack the kingdom. But Camelot won and his majesty was kind enough to let my father live, by signing a treaty.”
I was listening carefully to their story. It was horrible how Iseult was treated just because she fell in love with a knight and not a prince. It was so unfair. It shouldn’t be that way. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do a thing and so as them.
“I wanted to thank you,” started Iseult.
“Me as well,” interrupted her husband.
“To have saved the life of Tristan,” she continued.
“Oh no, do not thank me. He saved me as well. I should be the one to say thank you, Sire Tristan,” I responded.
“No, do not. You put yourself at risk for me, and I wanted to say I am forever grateful for what you did,” said Tristan.
“What do you mean?” I asked, having a weird feeling about where this conversation was going.
“We know what you did. You can rest assure we will not tell a soul. Your secret is safe with us.”
“Yes, without it, Tristan would have been dead, and so will I,” added Iseult, with tears in her eyes.
How could they know? I didn’t used magic in front of anyone, did I? My memories of that night are still blurry in my head, but I remembered clearly using magic to kill those men, not for anything else.
“How did you know?” I asked Sire Tristan.
“When you fought the guards, your eyes… they were glowing.”
What? How was it even possible? My eyes could glow? I had to stop being shocked at everything people were telling me. This world was so unknown to me, I didn’t know how to react. But I knew one thing, my eyes shouldn’t be glowing. And I was sure Merlin had some information about it.
Chapter 11.
Luckily, I could return to my usual routine, meaning waking up at 7 a.m. by Lilly, taking my breakfast with the court, who welcomed me like a heroine, which I wasn’t at all, and continuing the regular morning exercises with Merlin.
“Can I ask you a question?” I asked the young man after our session.
“Of course, you do not even need to ask,” he responded.
“Do my eyes glow when I use magic?”
“No, they do not. Why?”
“Tristan said so. Apparently during my fight with Morgana’s men, my eyes started to glow. And he told me it was magical. Do not worry, he will keep my secrets and do not know about you,” I explained.
“Wait, wait, wait! He saw you do magic?”
“Apparently, yes.”
“And he told you your eyes were glowing during the fight?”
“Yes,” I exclaimed. “Do you know what that mean?”
“It can mean multiple things, like a rush of power, a feeling of anger, or an enchantment placed upon you. We can erase the last one, I am sure it is not it.”
“I am glad to hear it,” I responded with sarcasm.
“Do not worry, we will figure this out,” exclaimed Merlin, putting his hand on my shoulder to reassure me.
After these words, we rushed back to Camelot on our faithful steeds. I needed to hurry up because I had a sword lesson with none other than the king. So, I left Merlin, who had counselor things to do. He explained what he was doing but I did not really get it. It is mostly battle strategy, handling problems of the court and the people, and making sure Camelot is safe. He had a lot to do, as he told me.
When I arrived on the field, it was not Arthur who was waiting for me, but Percival. The tall man was already practicing his swordplay on a mannequin made of armor.
“Milady,” he granted me with a bow.
“Sire,” I responded all the same.
“His majesty had urgent duties to take care of, so he sends me to help you, Milady,” he explained.
“Oh, of course, Sire,”
“Are you ready to begin?”
“Yes,” I said, excited to start fighting.
“Perfect. We will start with the basics: your posture, the way to hold a weapon and then, I will teach you some attack and defensive moves,” Sire Perceval told me.
And the session began. Perceval was a patient and a good teacher. He did every move first, so I could see and then, made me replicate while explaining why I should stand like this or hold the sword like that. Of course, it was not a real sword, but one made of wood. Real ones are heavier and harder to work with. Maybe one day I could practice with a real sword.
After hours of training, we finally began seeing some real attack offensives. Sire Perceval was playing my opponent, holding a wooden sword as well. And he won each time. But it did not surprise me. It was his job after all.
“Sire Perceval, can I ask you a question?”
“Sure”.
“How did you become a knight?” I asked, my eyes filled with curiosity.
“I always wanted to become a knight. It was my dream to protect the people, my friends. I was born in Camelot. And my father was a blacksmith. He told me everything he knew about sword and how to fight with it. And one day, when I was 17, I entered the tournament. I won and King Arthur made me knight of Round Table of Camelot,” he responded.
“Wow, it is so impressive,” I congratulated him.
“All knights have to win a tournament, Milady.”
“Oh, I did not know. And where is the Round Table, Sire?”
“In the castle, Milady. But we only used it to prepare for war,” he explained.
“Oh, maybe that explain why I did not see it.”
“It is just a table, Milady,” he assured me.
But not for me. It was the famous Round Table of Camelot. And I wanted to see it. Maybe I could ask Merlin or perhaps even Arthur.
“We are done for today, Milady. You are a fast learner.”
“Thank you, Sire.”
“I order you rest, water and some stretching otherwise you will be so sore tomorrow you will not be able to walk,” advised Perceval.
“It is dully noted, Sire.”
Indeed, I was already feeling tired and drained. And after exposing my gratitude one last time, I went up in the castle and finally collapsed in my bed to gain a few hours of sleep.
Chapter 12.
The following evening, all the court was gathered for a nice dinner that king Arthur organized in order to celebrate our victory on Morgana’s men. It had been more than a week since the attack, but Merlin told me his majesty wanted to wait for everyone to be rested and well so everyone can join. It was so thoughtful of him.
Everyone was delighted to be here. I could see their joy and hear them laugh. It was nice to be included in such a happy event. King Arthur presided over the table, so all the court could see him. Merlin was seating next to him, followed by Sire Tristan and Iseult. While on the other side, I was seating between Sire Gwaine and Sire Perceval. As I already knew Perceval, I made conversation with the other knight.
“How is your evening, Sire?” I asked Sire Gwaine.
“It is very good, thank you Milady. And yours?”
“As well. Did people tell you how much you look like the king?”
“Yes, very often indeed. But I do not know where it comes from. I look like my mother actually, a fine woman. I do not know her well. My father raised me. He was a knight of Camelot as well.”
“He must be proud of you, I am certain,” I said.
“Yes, he was. Tell me about you, Milady. About your childhood in the kingdom of Franc.”
“I am an only child, and I did like any other princess. I love dancing, music, and horses,” I responded trying to be as ordinary as I could, without lying to much.
“I am an only child as well. I always wanted a little brother or sister.”
“As do I,” I exclaimed.
“I have an idea. You always wanted a sibling and so am I. So, if you need someone to be there for you, like a big brother, count on me,” he offered me.
“As long as you do the same with me,” I responded.
“Deal!”
And we started laughing and laughing and laughing. So much that it hurt. I liked Gwaine’s company. It was simple and easy to talk with him about anything, without giving to many details of course.
“Sire Percival is one of the best here and we do not care that he is from the common people. Most of us are sons of knights, dukes or counts like Sire Tristan,” explained Sire Gwaine.
“You are too modest,” replied Sire Percival, next to me. “Sire Gwaine is one of our bravest knights.”
“Perhaps, but you are our best fighter.”
“Ok, I think there is too much ego over here,” I said with sarcasm.
“Well, it is your fault for sitting next to us,” Gwaine replied.
“It is not me who did the layout,” I responded.
“So, it is his majesty’s fault then. But we will not tell him,” he whispered to me in secret.
“He shall never know,” I said with laughter in my voice.
And we kept conversing like that until the end of the evening. It was so nice to talk to someone like that. To make jokes and goof around, like nothing mattered. But soon enough, reality would catch up to us, eventually.
Chapter 13.
As I lay in bed, I kept tossing and turning, unable to find sleep. Every time I tried to close my eyes; I saw visions of nightmare haunting me. This had been happening since that night.
So, I decided to go for a walk, outside, wanting to enjoy the fresh night air. It would calm my nerves and maybe help me sleep later. As I reached the garden, I could feel the morning dew. I haven’t realized it was this late. Or this early. But I kept going, feeling lighter already with the scent of the flowers surrounding me.
Finally, I spotted a bench. As I approached it, I saw that someone was already sitting there.
“Miss Avalon,” said the person.
“Greetings, my lord,” I stated when I finally saw who is in front of me.
“Do you have trouble sleeping?” he asked, inviting me to seat next to him.
“Yes, Sire. And you?”
“As well. And please call me Arthur.”
“Do you want to talk about it, Arthur?” I replied.
“Oh, as king, I have many worries that I am sure will bore you.”
“Maybe it is precisely what I need.”
“Perhaps,” he said with laughter. “What about you?”
“I do not want to worry you.”
“Please Avalon, talk to me,” he said gallantly, taking my hand in his.
I could feel his skin brushing against mine, soft but at the same time calloused in some places. I was well aware of where he was touching me, my nerves waking at his contact.
“Every time I close my eyes, I see over and over again what I did to Morgana’s men. It is haunting me in my nightmares because I feel guilty. I… I never killed a man before. And I do not know what to do,” I admit.
I turned my head to him. To see his reaction. But he had none. Instead, he was looking at me, a smile on his lips, and his eyes locked in mine.
“You know, the first time I killed a man, I must have been 15. He was trying to kill my father during one of his banquets. I did not hesitate. It was him or my father. I still remember how it happens. I had a dagger and I remember having his blood all over my hands. It was warm against my skin. And every night, I was taunted by this memory,” he explained.
“How did you make it stop?” I asked in a little voice.
“It stopped the day I realized there were bad men in this world and if I let them live, they would have cost more damage. In a way, killing them saved others.”
He was right. Indeed, I have saved Tristan by killing those men. But it still hurt. Less but the pain was still in my heart.
“Could we talk about something else, please?” I asked, feeling crushed by my emotions all of the sudden.
“Yes, of course. Ask me something, anything.”
Okay, I needed a minute to search for a question. Maybe something I was dying to know. There were so many things I wanted to know and understand about his life. But I chose carefully.
“How was Guinevere? I heard she was a good queen. If it is too personal, you do not need to answer.”
“She was indeed a good queen. The people loved her. That is why I married her, because she was a trusting person more than anything else. And she was also chosen by my father to be the Queen of Camelot. She knew every rule, every law and… and everything there is to know about Camelot. She spent years learning it all. It was a great deal losing her.”
“But you were not in love?” I couldn’t help but ask.
“No, we were not. She was in love with someone else. With Lancelot. And before being bewitched by my sister, he was in love with her as well.”
“Oh,” was all I could say.
At least, the legend was true about that.
“Lancelot killed her, and I killed him. He was my best friend. But I preferred him dead than under my sister’s grasp.”
“Is that why you are so against magic?”
“Magic is evil. Nothing good ever happens with it. Can you not see it?”
Arthur was getting angrier by the minutes. Was it the subject of magic or Morgana that made him so outrageous?
“Arthur,” I said with a calm voice, reaching for his hand this time. “Magic has some good. I have seen it.”
“It is not possible. Everything that happened to me was because of magic. First, my mother, then my father and the queen. You cannot ask me to believe in the goodness of magic!” he shouted.
“But Arthur, I have…”
“NO!” he interrupted me, raising to his feet, and pulling on my hand to free his, hurting me in the process.
I never saw him like that. Ok, I didn’t really know him that well, but I never thought he had this dark side.
“I should go,” I concluded with a tiny voice.
I did not wait for his response. Instead, I turned around and without looking back, I returned to my chamber. As I walked, I realized something. Arthur was completely against magic. And if he knew about Merlin and me, he would not hesitate to kill us both.
Chapter 14.
As usual, I was training the morning with Merlin. Every day, I got better and better. And every day, it was easier to use magic without feeling guilty. Merlin was patient and explained everything to me. He helped me when I used to panic, calming me down. It usually happened when I used fire, triggering my memories of that day. But, with the warlock’s help, it became easier, and I was more comfortable with it.
Merlin taught me a lot. First, it was basically just learning a new language, working with a list of words in Latin that he gave me each day and that I had to learn each night. However, it was worth it now. Because with all of these words, I could conjure whatever spell I like to use without thinking too much about it. Second, the wizard told me about the fourth elements. It was a basic training, but I needed it. Merlin said that these were the fundamentals of magic and that I needed to master them before anything else. And after almost two weeks, I could more or less handle these elements. And I was really proud of me. Can you imagine that more than a month earlier, I didn’t know about magic or that I possessed some, and now I could do all kind of things with it? It was incredible!
And it was not all! Since we finished working on the fourth elements, Merlin was now teaching me more complex spells. It was harder to understand and to control them, but I did it gladly. Because this was how I could help Camelot and Arthur with what was coming. And I was absolutely sure something was coming. First, because I knew the legend and at some point, the big battle opposing Arthur to Morgana and Mordred would happen. Second, because I could feel it in my gut. And that something was imminent.
So, after three hours of learning new charms, we finally decided to stop the lesson for today. And like each time, I felt drained and exhausted. But something taunted in my mind.
“Merlin?” I called out to him.
“Yes,” he answered, pulling his horse closer to mine, since we were on our way back to Camelot.
“I need you to answer me honestly please.”
“Is everything okay? You are making me worried.”
“Yes. But I cannot quite understand a thing,” I tried to explain.
“What is it?”
“When we first met, you just ask me where and when I came from, and you believed me. Why did you do so? At your place, I would have said it was nonsense. After all, a girl coming from the future and not knowing what she is doing, it is crazy! So, I am asking you: why did you believe me?” I asked.
From the first time I arrived in Camelot, I felt as an impostor, because I was. I lied every day, and it was grueling. But mostly because I was accepted so easily, without questions. And honestly, I thought it was suspicious.
“Truthfully,” started Merlin, “I do not really know. A part of me found your arrival odd, however another part of me trusted you right away. It felt like I should trust you. And I did. I know you now, and I am glad I made that call. It was strange, but not the strangest, believe me. I have seen things weirder than you.”
“Glad to hear it,” I said with sarcasm.
“Sorry,” apologized the warlock. “But I trusted my guts, and they never disappointed me. And actually, I am glad we met. You are a breath of fresh air in the court.”
“Really? Why?” I can’t help but ask.
“Because you have some sense and you are smart, not like the ladies of the court. They only talk about clothes or marriage. They are not concerned by the threats Camelot is facing nowadays, threats that are imminent.”
“Iseult is not like that,” I retorted, having spent some time with her.
“No, she is not indeed. But few of the ladies are like Lady Iseult, unfortunately. The others are clueless about what is happening. And it worries me. I am afraid that next time, it will not be so easy to defeat Morgana. She is gaining power more and more every day. I worry that I will not be enough.”
“Why are you saying that? You are the most powerful warlock that ever walk the earth,” I said.
“It was not always the case. My father was the most powerful wizard I had even known, but he used to much energy fighting against the non-magical politics that he died. He tried to protect as much warlocks and creatures as he could, but it was too much for him. Using your magic too much can kill you Avalon, never forget that,” Merlin explained.
“I am so sorry, Merlin. I did not know.”
“I do not really remember him. I was 7 when it happened. Uther started his politics 10 years before, but my father found that unfair, so he intervened at the cost of his life. But I was lucky, I got good memories of him and his legacy of magic and convictions. I owe my father and my mother everything. They raised me to be the man I am today, and there is no better gift.”
I could understand why the legend said that Merlin was wise. No matter how young he seemed, his words were well founded, made sense and were true. I could see why Arthur chose him to be his adviser. And I could feel that it was not the last time I would ask Merlin for guidance.
Chapter 15.
“It is a good day to meet the people,” said Arthur, enthusiast, looking at the clear blue sky.
It was indeed. A few knights, Merlin and I were accompanying him to see his people on horseback. Merlin told me the king like to organize such days, to get to know his people and to be involved in their life. During this event, they talked with the king, expressing their needs and desires. It was a good way to be close to everyone. And the people loved him for that.
We spent the entire day talking to mostly farmers in need of cattle to survive, which the king assured he will deliver. It was nice to see Arthur be so close to them and to rule so kindly. As we reached to border of the city, we nearly saw everybody, and we could return to the castle. It was not that I didn’t appreciate what Arthur was doing, but it was nerve-wracking to see so many poor people living in these difficult situations. I didn’t know how Arthur was doing it without getting emotional or tired. He gave them time and an open ear. But at least, he was helping the best he could.
“Hold,” said a knight in the front of the procession.
“What is happening?” I asked Merlin, with which I was riding.
“I do not know, but stay close to me,” he warned me.
Two knights went up to the forest to see what was going on. I had a strong feeling that something bad would happen. And looking at Merlin’s face, his instinct was telling him the same thing.
“We are under attack!” screamed a voice far away.
“We shall not let them reach the borders. Perceval, Gwaine with me. Merlin and Tristan go around the forest. We will encircle them. Milady Avalon, stay here with Sire Hector.”
The king gave the orders, and everyone went their separate ways. Well, everyone except me and Sire Hector. No, instead, I watched them leave and I waited for them while doing nothing. Yes, I was ecstatic.
However, things went up to fast. Some men escaped from the forest and ride towards us. They looked like the ones who attacked us last time, Morgana’s guards it seemed. Sire Hector faced them, but they were too many, and he fell alongside the men he’d kill.
Just as I realized Sire Hector will never rise again, the men rushed towards me. I couldn’t face them all, not when a knight of Camelot hadn’t succeeded. But I could protect the town while accomplishing the one thing I hated doing in this situation.
I ran away. Well, I rode away since I was on my horse. However, I casted a protective spell so that the guards could not enter the city. Instead, they were chasing me, which was way worse knowing my odds towards Morgana’s men.
I went deep into the forest, trying to escape from their grasp. I wanted to lose them in these woods, but they were on my tail. I was pushing my horse to go even faster and faster, and he didn’t like it very much. So, he arched his back and I fell over. The men sneered at me, as I was all alone without backups. I was about to slam their mouths shut with another charm, but someone arrived in their backs and faced them all. In five minutes, they were all dead, on the ground in front of me.
“Are you alright Milady?” said Arthur, helping me get to my feet.
I couldn’t pull away from those dead faces. It was like they were looking at me.
“Avalon, please answer me,” begged Arthur, shaking my shoulders.
“I am fine, I am fine,” I repeated.
“Then, look at me!”
I did as I was told and plunged my eyes into his. I couldn't take my eyes off him, being hypnotized by his gaze. His eyes were such a color, such an intense blue that they reminded me of the ocean. And I felt a weird movement in my stomach, however it was not important in that instant.
Arthur took a step forward and put his hand to my cheek.
“I wanted to apologize,” he said softly.
“Why?” I asked, my eyes still in his.
“For my behavior the other night. I was rude and you did not deserve that.”
“Yes, I did not. But since you just saved me, I will just forget about all of that,” I responded lightly. “How did you find me?”
“I heard voices and I followed them to you,” Arthur answered. “What happened to you?”
“Some guards attacked us. Sire Hector faced them, but he died. And… and I rode to the forest to lose them. Then, you arrived,” I explained. “And for you?”
“I lost the knights during the fights. I cannot believe what they are after. I overheard them talking before finding you.”
“What is it?” I asked, burning to know.
“The holy grail!”
“The grail? The cup holding the blood of the Christ?”
“Yes, and I guess Morgana wants it to gain more powers to face me as the legend said it is a magical cup,” said Arthur with anger. “We need to stop her.”
“Yes, we must. But first, we need to get back to Camelot,” I said with conviction.
“Absolutely, you are right. You take my horse, I will walk.”
“We will go faster if we share the horse, my lord,” I busted out following my logic mind.
“Alright then,” he nodded, holding my hand while I took my place on the mount.
He followed me right after, seating closer than ever. He placed his arms around me in a protective way and then hold the horse's bridle.
“How did you meet Merlin and the knights?” I asked not to think about how close we were.
“I met Merlin nearly 10 years ago, while he was travelling to Camelot. We were both young men and we get along very rapidly. Merlin understands me better than anyone else. As for the knights, I met them when they did their tournament. Most of them are knights of my father and they followed me during my reign. I am glad they stayed. I could not do everything that I did without them.”
“That is because they trust you and they have faith in you,” I replied.
“Thank you for the kind words, Avalon. They mean more than you realize.”
“You are a good man, Arthur. The best one I have ever met.”
And I meant it. Every word. Arthur tuned his head towards me. I felt my heart beat faster with the way he was looking at me and standing near me. He tucked a lock of hair back behind my ear. Then, he lined closer, again and again, till I could fell his touch on my lips.
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