“Lead, follow, or get out of the way.”
― Arthur Pendragon, The Trials of Arthur
The Thunder of Romanto lowered its altitude to come on level with the Tower of Camelot. The tower was shaped like a sword, made of metal, brick, concrete, and granite. Its surface was gleaming white and grey, reflecting the sun like a dull mirror. More importantly, the Tower of Camelot is one of a dozen main ports for airships throughout Camelot. The tower can support half a dozen airships, and several smaller airships. Built centuries before during the long and peaceful reign of King Arthur Pendragon. The Tower of Camelot and her sister towers are marvels of Arthurian architecture and engineering.
Sandra with Cato and a few of their Arcadians were on the main deck when the Thunder of Romanto pulled into port. While the airship was fast and not uncomfortable, she missed her saber cat Elias, but he and the other felines had to return to the Shattered Lands. Their home to the far north. As the mooring lines were tied to the pier, the gangway plank was set in place between the ship and the pier. Of course, Bishop General Xander Zachery and his staff were first to set foot off the airship. With Sandra and her small group taking up the rear. They were met at the docks by a contingent of the royal guards and…a wizard. Sandra blinked in surprise; the wizard carried a long wooden staff as tall as the man holding it.
The man himself wore robes of midnight blue, but the wizard was young. With brown hair and the signs of growing an impressive beard. The man was tall and had a pleasant looking face. The wizard bowed slightly to the General as a sign of greetings and respect saying in a polite voice.
“Welcome to Camelot, I am Dogan. Chief Wizard and Advisor to his Majesty, the King of Camelot Adrian Pendragon. Forgive us for the small reception, we were unaware of your visit.”
In other words, why the hell did you come here? Sandra thought, reading between the lines.
“Thank you, Chief Wizard Dogan.”
Xander said bowing slightly in return.
“We apologize for the last-minute notice, but haste dictates our actions. If we can have an audience with your king, I will be more than happy to explain why we are here.”
Dogan nodded in agreement, but before he turned around he spotted Sandra and her few Arcadians. The wizard gave Sandra a slight bow of respect and walked towards the elevators. The group followed the wizard with the royal guards flanking them on all sides.They passed by other airships with their crews and dock workers loading or unloading cargo. Sandra saw airships from other nations, she thought about how it use to be. Although the Arcadians are warriors, her people were industrious. There borders were open to foreigners, and they too traded with many nations. At the time, airships had not been invented yet. The Shattered Lands would have been as prosperous as Camelot before The Fall. Sandra mentally shook herself, she needed to pay attention. The Bishop General was not telling her the whole truth. She was starting to suspect that there was more to this mission than meets the eye. As they reached the elevator which is a circular metal platform atop granite with runes etched all over its surface. They all went on the platform and as soon as everyone was in place. Dogan made a gesture with his hand and the elevator began to descend.
“I must say, Camelot is truly a wonder for the ages. Your city’s mastery of magical uses and industrial capabilities are beyond anything I have ever seen. Even in the Church Lands.”
Sandra rolled her eyes at Xander’s words, the man was only trying to flatter the wizard. The Romantians could care less about Camelot’s magical and industrious potential. The Romantians see the Arthurians as rivals for dominance over Avalon, and the wizard Dogan could see right through the Bishop General’s flattery too.
“Thank you, Bishop General, we are proud to continue the work of our ancestors. Camelot has remained a shining beacon of hope and justice, something your god would appreciate if I’m not mistaken.”
Sandra had to work hard to keep the smile from appearing on her face. Some knew for all their talk of peace and justice, the Romantians have spent centuries conquering nation after nation. The Arthurians knew that if they were not as powerful as they are now, the Romantians would have already subjugated them. Yet, priests and missionaries from the Holy Church of Romanto are allowed to preach and practice their religion within the borders of Camelot. But the Arthurian Kings have always kept close watch over these so called holy men and women. Because countries who were conquered by the Romantians tend to have been visited first by some of Romanto’s faithful.
“Yes, Lord Romanto stands for light and order throughout Avalon. Any who follows that path is a child of Romanto.”
Xander retorted with a smile. Dogan shrugged saying.
“There are many gods throughout the world, I’m sure, many of them consider all humanity their children. But I consider religion to be too frigid to the realities of life. Life is unpredictable, complicated, and flexible to the realities of the world. Religion tends not to bend to those realities, and problems have arisen from such ironclad religious beliefs. I have seen what a religious war does to people, and Camelot will not tolerate such things.”
Dogan’s words were both an explanation and a warning. Although Camelot has a policy of religious freedom, that does not mean it will tolerate religious prosecutions or intolerance against other religious groups and organizations. It was Dogan’s subtle way of telling the Bishop General to have his people on their best behavior. Xander seems to have gotten the message, because he nodded to Dogan and said no more for the rest of the trip. Horse carriages awaited them when they exited the tower on to the busy streets of Camelot. The carriages were all elaborate and decorative with red wooden frames, and steel or iron reinforcements. There were four carriages and they looked strong and beautiful. Sandra approved of them, as she went to sit in the second carriage, Dogan said.
“War Leader, it would be my honor if you rod with us in the third carriage.”
Sandra looked at the wizard who had a pleasant smile of welcome on his face. Then she looked at Xander whose face was disapproving, she smiled sweetly at the Bishop General. Returning her attention back to the wizard she bowed slightly and spoke.
“It would be my honor to share a carriage with you Lord Dogan. I have heard much about the wizards of Camelot, the School of Merlin is known even in the lands of the Arcadians.”
Xander scowled, he did not like the idea of Dogan and Sandra near one another. The Arcadians were hard to control at the best of times, but should the Arthurians and Arcadians come to some type of understanding. Well…Xander really did not want to contemplate such a scenario. As soon as everyone was situated in their carriages, they set off down the street to the castle at the center of Camelot. Sandra was sitting by the window, watching the bustling crowd outside going about their business. It was surreal, seeing how peaceful the kingdom was. The people simply did not have a care in the world, it was something Sandra had not seen in a while. Not even the finest cities in the Church Lands could compare to what Camelot has.
“Is this your first-time visiting Camelot?”
Dogan asked the question casually, and Sandra responded still looking out the carriage window. They passed a fountain with statues of dolphins and mermaids. Businesses and shops had citizens going in and out, carrying packages and produce. They passed by parks, schools, and a hospital. They passed homes and apartments, they had running water and even magical machines doing utility work.
“Yes, I’ve heard plenty of stories about Camelot. But never thought to ever visit the city.”
She turned to look at the wizard then and smiled.
“Your Camelot is truly a wonder.”
Dogan smiled and nodded at the compliment. Then he said something interesting.
“I’ve studied some of the history of your people.”
Sandra raised an eyebrow at that, responding with.
“Oh?”
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Dogan nodded saying.
“Yes, before The Fall. Your people had built cities as similar as Camelot’s, some of our architecture is based on Arcadian design.”
That got Sandra’s complete and total attention. Knowledge of her people’s history was forbidden by the Romantians. Of course, the Arcadians did not obey such foolish commands. The Arcadian shamans kept secret scrolls and remembrances of the history of the Arcadians. Her people were determined to learn and remember their past, despite Romantian iron rule. Sandra was about to ask the wizard a question when she heard someone clearing his throat.
“Eh-hmm.”
Both Dogan and Sandra turned their attentions on Xander who said?
“Pardon me Lord Dogan, but can I ask you to please not fill the War Leader’s head with the past of her people. The Arcadians use to worship a devil of great evil, the Prime Evil. That all ended through the light of Romanto. We have been teaching the Arcadians the right way, the way of order and righteousness.”
“While the Holy Church of Romanto views Olana as a she-devil. Many scholars all over the world have the opinion that she was an actual goddess, despite her appearance to the contrary.”
Dogan said off handedly.
“They would be wrong, as wrong as the Arcadians.”
Xander snapped, losing a bit of his self-control. Dogan smirked at the Bishop General and said.
“And that is why I am not religious. One man’s god could be another man’s devil.”
Xander grunted in semi agreement, but said no more. He sat back in his seat, Sandra too did not say anything and just enjoyed the rest of the ride looking out the window.
………………………………..
King Adrian Pendragon, son of King Argon Pendragon and the descendant of King Arthur Pendragon sat upon his golden throne awaiting the visitors from the Church Lands. His Queen Priscilla Annetta Gordon Pendragon sat in her own golden throne by his side. The throne room was filled with the lords and ladies of Camelot, any visitors from a superpower like the Holy Church of Romanto is cause for the nobles to come in attendance. Camelot has always had a subtle dance with the Romantians, who tends to conquer nations like a child picking up toys. King Adrian’s ancestors have never trusted the Romantians. My father never trusted those religious fanatics, they talk about justice and order. But their rule is brutal to those they have conquered. The Romantians have been coveting Camelot for a long time. It is only a matter of time until they try to add my people to their conquests. A hand touched the back of his own, and Adrian turned to face his lovely wife, who looked beautiful in her red and gold dress wearing her silver crown of state. Her wine red curly long hair was striking, along with her honey brown eyes with flakes of gold.
“Your Majesty, you are scowling dear and it is making your nobles nervous. They think you are displeased with them.”
The queen said gently in a whisper. Adrian quickly smoothed his face into an expression of impassivity. Controlling is body language was one of the first lessons taught to him by his father.
“I don’t like the fact that the Romantians are here with three airships, or I should say three warships in port. Why are they here? My love, I do not like this visit.”
Queen Pricilla patted her husband’s hand and spoke.
“Calm yourself my dear, whatever reasons has brought the Romantians to our home. We will handle them together.”
Adrian nodded at his queen’s words just as the tall White and gold double doors to his throne room opened, and Dogan walked in with nine or ten people trailing him. As soon as the wizard reached the bottom steps leading to the king’s throne, Dogan bowed deeply then he straightened up saying.
“Your Majesty, may I present Bishop General Xander Zachery from the Holy Church of Romanto. As well as his Arcadian War Leader Sandra of the Vales Tribe.”
Sandra blinked once in surprise, she never told the wizard her name. Much less the tribe she belongs to. How did he know? Sandra dealt very rarely with wizards, the shamans of her people are a different matter though. Dogan continued.
“Allow me to present the King of Camelot Adrian Pendragon and his Queen, Pricilla Annetta Gordon Pendragon.”
Xander bowed and said.
“Greetings your Majesty and your Grace, forgive us for the short notice of our visit. We thank you for granting us an audience, but we discovered information that allows us to believe that your kingdom is in grave peril.”
At the Bishop General’s declaration, the lords and ladies murmured and whispered to each other. King Adrian held up a hand to silence his nobles, they immediately complied.
“What is this peril to my people you speak of?”
The King demanded.
“More than ten days ago, a greater she-devil of immense power entered our world. Accompanied by several powerful she-demons, we believe they have made their way into Camelot. Even as we speak, the denizens from the Nether Realm walks the streets of your city.”
This time the nobles throughout the throne room could not hold back their gasps of shock and disbelief. The King himself only widen his blue eyes a fraction and then then narrowed them in thought.
“How do you know this?”
In reply, Xander gestured to a priest in white and gold robes. The priest stepped forward and bowed.
“Your Majesty and your Grace, my name is Albedo Zaan. I am a priest for a small modest church in the village of Green Brook. I was present the night the greater she-devil entered our world. I do not know how she bypassed the holy and sacred wards of the church. But she did not come alone, one of her servants captured
1. The greater she-devil then interrogated me herself. Afterwards, I was placed in a deep sleep and in one of the living quarters. Unable to leave until the sun rose that very same morning.”
Sandra had seen the priest Albedo Zaan before, staying close to the Bishop General. She was never allowed to speak with him, even though he was there on the night of the greater she-devil’s arrival into their world. So, this is the first time she has heard the details, and for some reason. Sandra had a feeling that they were not getting the whole story. Apparently, King Adrian thought the same.
“Why are you still alive?”
The priest blinked in surprise, as if not understanding the question. The King clarified.
“Why would a greater she-devil who made the effort of coming into our world in secret leave one living witness alive to tell of her arrival?”
Albedo shrugged and shook his head.
“I do not know your Majesty. Maybe it is part of her plans? I cannot contemplate the machinations and motivations of such a being of pure evil.”
King Adrian nodded in understanding, then he asked.
“Why would one of the Nether Lords come to Camelot? For what purpose does this greater she-devil come to my kingdom?”
This time Xander motioned for Albedo to step back and the priest complied.
“Three thousand and six hundred years ago, one of our holy knights stopped a pair of twin demons from entering Camelot. They wanted to destroy the city and gather all the magical particles from the destruction. Their purpose was to use the magic of Camelot to gain control of the mantle of Olana the Devil Queen of the Nether Realm. Sadly, the twin demons could not be destroyed. Instead, a temple was built in the middle of the Dark Forest. The twins were placed in a tomb where they would stay imprisoned for all time. Unfortunately, four or five days ago. The greater she-devil freed the twins. We believe she seeks the mantle of Olana and has come to Camelot to destroy and gather the city’s magical particles.”
King Adrian sat back in his throne and thought about what he had just learned. The King was certain that the Bishop General was not telling him the whole truth. But if there is a greater she-devil who has come to Camelot with the purpose of destroying the city and gathering its magical particles. Then it is a threat he could not ignore.
“What do you need?”
“Permission to search Camelot.”
Xander did not hesitate in his reply.
“My people have the ability to find devils and demons. And we have the knowledge on how to deal with the evils from the Nether Realm.”
The King thought about the Romantian’s request, it sounded reasonable but he felt uneasy allowing a foreign force free reign in Camelot.
“I will allow your people to search the city for these fiends of the Nether Realm.”
The Bishop General smiled and nodded in satisfaction, that smile and feeling of victory soon went away with the King’s next words.
“Your people shall be accompanied by my knights and royal guards. They know the city best, it would save your people time and effort in the search.”
Xander’s eyes widen a little, then he composed himself and spoke.
“I thank his Majesty for the use of his knights and royal guards, b—”
“Then it is settled, I am sure you all have had a long journey. Since you will be staying in our fair city, rooms shall be prepared for you and your people. I will have my First Knight contact you in the morning, so you and he can coordinate your efforts in finding this greater she-devil.”
King Adrian had cut off the Bishop General in mid-sentence. It was clear to Xander that the King’s decision was final. This was an argument he could not win, Xander bowed to the King and Queen of Camelot.
“Thank you you’re Majesty and you’re Grace, your hospitality is most welcome.”
The King and Queen nodded accepting Xander’s gratitude. A man servant stepped to the Bishop General and bowed.
“If you would follow me my Lords and Ladies, I will show you to your rooms.”
Xander had nodded for the man servant to lead the way, and as the party left the throne room. Xander lamented the lost opportunity to search Camelot without being watched by the King’s subordinates. He had hoped that searching the city for the greater she-devil would be enough of an excuse for the King to give them free reign. But King Adrian like his father before him, and his father before him is a cautious man. But Camelot will not be able to stand against the might of the church for much longer. Soon, the light of Romanto will come for this kingdom. Xander smirked at the thought.
………………………………..
When the Romantians left, King Adrian had a few words with his Lords and Ladies before they too left the throne room. When only the king, queen, the wizard, and the royal guards were left. King Adrian declared.
“Even if there is a greater she-devil bent on the destruction of Camelot. I do not trust anyone from the Holy Church of Romanto. They covet Camelot, its resources, and its power.”
“Agreed your Majesty, but if this greater she-devil does intend to destroy Camelot to gather its magical particles. Then let us use the Romantians to find this threat, and deal with it. They are not the only ones who know how to vanquish devils and demons.”
Dogan’s words were sagged advice that Adrian took to heart, but he asked his Queen.
“What do you think my dear?”
“I think the Romantians are hoping to use this situation to their advantage. But advantage over Camelot is secondary, I sense urgency from the Bishop General. Whoever this greater she-devil is, the Bishop General truly wants to stop her. The only question is, are the Romantians doing it for the sake of the world or are they doing it for the sake of the Holy Church or Romanto?”
The King had to admit that his wife had a good point, he had a feeling in time they would find out the answer. By then, he prayed that it would not be too late.