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Chapter 3
The great circle was a magical place where the great leaders of Avalon and it’s neighboring countries and the council of wizards could all meet. The location was beyond the veil of magic, in what Claudious would call another dimension. Here time was frozen, or at least, greatly slowed. Every time Marion came here she would find herself overwhelmed by the power of the circle it’s self. Here it was always twilight, with soft rolling clouds of mist. There was a great round stone floor and entirely surrounding the circle of the floor were walls of pouring waterfalls. In the center of the stone circle was a great round table with a fire burning eternally in a bowl of crystal in the very center of the table. The fire seemed to hold back the mist. Marion often wondered what would happen if the fire ever went out, would the table become lost in the mist, would the entire dimension of this world cease to exist? or would it just simply be darker and not as hopeful.
It was in the great circle that the council worked to defeat the dark magic’s of the land of darkness and bring a lasting peace between nations. Yet, Marion reflected as she stood halfway between the round table and the flowing waterfalls, it seemed that all the council did these days was try to tell her how she needed to live her life. The council was always trying to urge her into marrying one of the neighboring kings son’s. “to fulfill prophecy.” Marion hated coming here. Taking a deep breathe she steeled herself for what she was sure would be one of her greatest battles with these people ever.
“There is King Ulric and his son, Prince Quinlan.” Robert stated at her side. Looking over Marion could see King Ulric and his son slowly emerge from the roaring water. Why is Quin coming? Marion thought to herself. It was very unusual for anyone other than the king or high wizard of a country to come to one of these meetings. Marion always came because of the prophecy and because of her magical powers. The fact that Quinlan had come only increased her worries about being forced into a marriage she did not want.
King Ulric stepped into the misty light from the crystal bowl on the table. He was an older warrior king with salt and pepper hair and a thick beard with a few streaks of silver. He had the look of a warrior starting to go to seed, but who was still lethal and powerful none the less. His son, was a handsome young man with black waive hair. He was also muscular but unlike his father he was young in the prime of his life. He had the look of a warrior about him as well, yet in his eyes Marion could see more than just a warrior. This was a brilliant young man who would make an excellent king one day. He really wouldn’t be such a bad choice, his strengths would serve him well if he did become Avalon’s king. Typically in Avalon the king rules in matters pertaining to war and defense. The queen handles the rest of the kingdom. In rare circumstances the king or queen may be forced to take control of both aspects of ruling, but typically they would end up relying on the royal advisors to assist them in their duties. This young man would make an excellent partner in ruling Avalon, if only she didn’t already love Danny with all her heart. (And while she believed Danny would make an excellent king she knew that it would take a miracle for Danny to be accepted as such.) As it was she could rarely stand to be around Prince Quinlan as everyone was continually trying to force them together.
“Welcome Lord Ulric, Prince Quinlan.” Marion greeted Them with a slight bow of her head that clearly stated she was their equal. She had no intention on letting her self be cowed into a marriage and she intended to assert herself as an equal now.
Next came three figures from the realm of Atlantis where the people had embraced technology and the spirit of transformation. Most of the people from Atlantis were shape shifters. They could summon wings and fly, change their shape to swim in the Oceans deeps, or become like a Minotaur to race through the woods. Marion bowed her head in welcome. “Welcome Master Griffinwold, King Ardric and...” She looked at the third man still in the darkened shadows of the mist.
“You have met but it has been a few years my lady.” King Ardric stated as his wings slowly disappeared from his back. The figure stepped forward from the mist and Marion could not hold in her gasp.
Robert looked over the young man wondering at Marion’s reaction to him. He was tall and muscular with chiseled features and long black hair. He froze looking at Marion in surprise then his eyes seemed to fill with a lust and hunger that made Robert want to protect her from him.
“Kendrick?” She asked in confusion. She had traveled to Atlantis once, before she had met Danny. As an apprentice for Claudious she had once negotiated a truce between the Atlantians and their enemies the Lockmorne (magical creatures that excel at mind control who live in the lands of Atlantis.) She had not gone as Lady Marion heir of Avalon but as Claudious’s student in magic. There she had met Kendrick who had assisted her on behalf of Atlantis. By the end of the negotiations Kendrick had asked her to stay and she was sorely tempted. It had been painful leaving him behind but then she had met Danny. Danny had helped her forget, but Kendrick would always be her first love.
“May I present my son, Prince Kendrick.” Marion blinked in surprise apparently she wasn’t the only one who liked to hide her station. She could almost laugh at her own surprise, it was so obvious she could have kicked herself for not noticing it before. No wonder he seemed like a kindred spirit.
As Griffinwold and Ardric took their seats his son stepped over to Marion. “It is a pleasure and privilege to see you again Marion.” He stated taking her hand and pressing a silken kiss to it. “I must admit I am surprised that you are here. Have you become a master in magic already?”
“Lady Marion is here as the Queen of Avalon.” Robert stated stiffly. He didn’t like how forward the young prince was behaving towards his dear friend.
This time it was Kendrick’s turn to blink in surprise. “You’re the Lady Marion?” He asked. As he watched she blushed and brushed a lock of hair behind her ear nervously.
“Um, Surprise?” She asked making him laugh. A sound that sent little shivers down her spine. Kendrick had grown in the years since she had seen him, in spite of how she felt for Danny she couldn’t help appreciating the ways he had changed.
She almost recoiled as a predatory glint entered his eye. “All this time I was fighting my father when he was pushing me to come to Avalon and court you. If I had known, things would have been very different.” He said with a smile. His words caused her heart to rush, though she wasn’t sure if it was excitement or fear. Then noticing that more of the council were arriving he kissed the palm of her hand and went to sit by his father.
Pushing down the rush of butterflies in her stomach Marion tried to stop blushing and welcome the rest of the council. She felt evil feeling like this so soon after leaving Danny. But she couldn’t stop the rushing of her heart as Kendrick looked back over at her with a sparkle in his eye.
Slowly the circle filled. The greatest magicians in the land. Kings and Queens of neighboring lands. Marion was disconcerted that so many of them brought their son’s. Finally only Claudious was missing.
He appeared in a whirl of magic, his long white beared fluttering in the wind. He wore his wizards cloak of power, the highest mark of power. It’s colors changed depending on how it’s owner felt. Right now it was a wizard’s purple with flashes of silver flashing through it like lightening. His robes were usually a soft dove grey, it looked like he had come to the council ready to fight. She only hoped that he wasn’t going to be fighting against her.
The entire council rose in greeting to him and bowed. At last the council could begin.
Robert stood beside Marion as they saw off the last of the royals. She held herself with grace and poise and yet he could see how very tired she was.
“Milady, lets get you home.” He stated as he escorted her toward the waterfalls and the passage back to Avalon. It had been a long night listening to the wizards and royals argue was exhausting even to him.
“All I can say is thank God Claudious was on my side.” Marion stated causing him to smile. More than anything else Marion wanted freedom, but she was a slave to her crown. He was sure that was at least part of the reason she hardly ever wore it.
“He was your greatest champion in there. Though I must admit I had a hard time not teaching Prince Edward to show some respect.”
“He was certainly sure of himself.” Marion agreed. “Poor Quin. I think he liked being pushed at me about as much as I liked having them all pushed at me.”
“I got the impression you didn’t mind Prince Kendrick so much.” Robert fished. “I had no idea you had even met him.”
Marion blushed but tried desperately to hide it. “When I was studying with Master Gravenmeyer I was sent to Avalon as an adept to negociate a treaty. We both kept our ranks from each other. It was my first taste of freedom.” It was on the tip of her tongue to admit ‘and love.’ But as close of a friend as Robert was to her, she still simply couldn’t say it to him. It felt like betraying Danny to have all these feelings coming back to her so soon after leaving him.
“Freedom?” Robert asked as if he knew that wasn’t all.
Marion blushed as she recalled her first kiss, followed by more of the same. “It was great, no one knew who I was. Kendrick showed me around Atlantis and he taught me how to swim.” She stated picking up memories that would help her keep from blushing.
“And that is all?” Robert pushed seeing the blush on her face.
“All right fine.” Marion caved. “He gave me my first kiss, and suggested that I finish my training as a student of Master Griffinwold in Avalon.”
“I thought he seemed rather forward. He was eyeing you like a wolf does a lamb tonight. I intend to make sure he respects you when he comes, even if it does mean problems with Atlantis.” Robert vowed.
“You are a good friend to me Robert, and an excellent Captain of the Guard. Even though you do tend to be a little overprotective.”
“Would that I could be overprotective of you. I love you like a sister Marion, but you are difficult to protect. I would that those wizards had not taught you so well to sneak around and get into mischief. I have been thinking that I should assign you some guards.”
“We have been through this before Robert.” Marion warned.
A scowl lined his brow. “Things were different then.” Marion had no answer to that, but there was no way that she was going to put up his overprotectiveness. She might not have her freedom but she demanded her privacy, at least as much of it as she could get.
Lady Marion was hounded on with questions and silly problems until she was ready to scream. She often found herself wishing, once again, for the times when she could just slip away to go for a hike with Danny. The hollow emptiness within her often threatened to overcome her. Whenever she found herself depressed to the point of not wanting to get out of bed to face the world she would think of Danny and imagine his family. She couldn’t give up and let the armies of darkness destroy that. So she faced each day with as much courage and enthusiasm as she could muster. Knowing that the people needed a leader who could be strong for them. Yet, there were days she didn’t feel very strong; and on these days she became peevish.
Lady Marie noticed this and suggested that they go for a ride. Robert, of course, insisted that they have an armed escort.
They rode out and around the castle walls. Marion, Lady Marie and Robert out in front. Far enough that they could talk without having the rest of the escort hear.
“Marion you have been under a lot of stress, and you have been worrying about Lord Briant a great deal. Yet it seems to me that there is something else eating away at you.” Marie asked.
“I really don’t know what to say. You are right, you always seem to know when something is bothering me. It is something that I must deal with in my own way.”
“Marion we are more that just your lady in waiting and captain of the guard. We are your friends it is our duty and honor to help you through times of need.”
Marion did not want to insult them, yet how could she tell them about Danny? She took a deep breath as she considered what to say. They were nearing the woods and the magic of nature seemed to start enveloping them. Her eyes rested upon the Great Spire, it’s beauty intoxicating to her. It was a white stone monolith that stood shining in glory. Placed there before the first great war, it was charged with magic to warn the palace of an attack.
At length she replied “It is just that there is nothing really that can be done. If there was anything you could help me with I wouldn’t hesitate to ask. You are the truest friends I have.”
A scream whaled out from within the forest. A lord and his entourage had fallen under attack from outlaws bent on stealing anything they could get their hands on. Most of the men had fallen already though there wasn’t a great number of them to begin with.
“Marie, ride back to the palace and send reinforcements. Robert send someone to protect her. We have to help those people.”
“Marion! Wait, we need reinforcements. Please ride back to the palace with Marie.”
“If we wait for reinforcements they will all be dead! I will use my magic to make it appear as though there are more of us than there are.” With that Marion started charging down the hill and onto the forest road. Robert had no choice but to follow with his men.
The outlaws startled by the thunderous roar of 40 charging men quickly disappeared into the forest. Robert breathed out a sigh of relief there were fewer than 15 men with them, Marion’s illusion had worked.
Marion was off of her horse and inspecting the wounded the instant she arrived on the scene. Most of the men had fallen by arrow wounds and then had their throats slit. Marion had no hope of saving their lives. There was a young girl with them who was dead; killed instantly by an arrow. There was a lord who had taken an arrow but had continued to fight. It had saved his life. There was also a young man fallen he was obviously the lords son. His wounds were not as bad, although he was unconscious. Pulling her emergency pack from her horses saddle bags Marion started bandaging the wounds.
“Marion we have to get you back to the castle. Your trick worked but there is no telling how long they will keep their distance.”
“Then come down from there and help me. I am not leaving without these two who can still be saved. I can create a porthole into the palace but it would be dangerous to move them without a litter.”
“Marion, we can handle taking care of these men. The outlaws may come back and I am responsible for your safety. Jeffery, cut two of those thin branches right there. Corban, take the saddle cloth off of your horse we will use that.”
“The branches will be sufficient, thank you.” Marion stated plainly as she pulled a blanket out of her saddlebag. Each side of the blanket had several loops of cloth just perfect for looping onto branches.
“Where did you get that from?” Robert asked intrigued by her preparedness.
“It is just a plain blanket; I have it for travel.” As Marion finished saying this Jeffery was already back with the branches. Together they fixed up the litter and tied it to a horse. Robert had several men get down to help Marion and Jeffery. Together they lifted the young man onto the blanket, then turned to get the older man. Suddenly there was an attack from the trees.
Marion had been unable to maintain the magical illusion that they had a small army protecting them. Instantly Jeffery threw Marion to the ground and stood over her protectively. Robert ordered the men create a circle around Marion and the wounded. With the last of her concentration she wrapped a magic ward around as many men as she could, saving them from the onslaught of wooden arrows.
Marion started to climb back to her feet when Jeffery threw her back down to the ground. “I’m sorry milady but please stay down.” he commanded as a large group of outlaws came swarming out of the trees towards the knights.
A strange feeling seemed to tickle at Marion’s senses. Following an inner urge she looked over to see a group of archers looking down upon them from the trees. Their arrows were ready for release right into the backs of the men protecting her. With all her magical strength she released a spell of warding around the men protecting them from the arrows. The archers, however, had many more arrows. Marion wasn’t strong enough, in her magic, to protect them all for that long. With the last reserves of her magic she summoned the strongest wind she could. A gale force wind suddenly blasted it’s way through the forest. It dissipated quickly in the foliage of the trees. Fortunately, she was satisfied to note that it had thrown the archers from the trees.
Three of the outlaws broke through the lines coming straight for Marion and Jeffery. Jeffery, engaged them in battle but the third man slipped past. Marion had no intention of letting the man get away. Unfortunately that was his plan as well. Marion grabbed a sword that was lying on the ground, probably the one the Lord’s son had dropped. She then attacked him with it. Fighting to the best of her limited ability she managed to hold him off. He backed off for a moment and pulled two boot knifes out of his pocket. Marion barely had enough time to wrap herself in a magic ward when the knife was thrown at her shoulder to wound her. The knife bounced off her magic ward and fell harmlessly to the ground. Creating the ward had taken enough of her attention that the man was able to slip past her guard. Suddenly he grabbed her and thrust the knife so it was almost touching her throat.
“A witch from the royal court, you will bring a pretty ransom.”
“Tell your men to back off!” Marion commanded. “I have reinforcements on their way. You can not hope to be able to fight an entire armed garrison.”
“You mean more illusions don’t you witch.”
Robert saw Marion’s precarious position and commanded a stop to the fighting. “Marion! Release her this instant and we will spare your life.”
The outlaw smirked. “Why do I not believe you? The witch comes with me. All of you turn over your money to my men, for taxes.”
“A witch?” Robert stated bewildered “How dare you speak of black magic this is ...”
“Robert!” Marion warned. The last thing she wanted was these criminals knowing that she was the Lady Marion. Who at the moment was the acting royal authority. What would they think that they would give him for her ransom if he knew that? For that matter what wouldn’t they give them?
“Joseph! there is a whole army riding out towards us, Just get the money and let’s get out of here.
“Hold steady it is just another of the witches illusions.” Joseph called out.
“Wait and see for yourself.” Marion challenged flatly.
From atop his black stallion, Danny’s heart beat almost uncontrollably from seeing Marion in danger. He had to do something.
“I will tell you this much if I die today you will die before me. I won’t hesitate to slash your throat.”
“Stop! Release her. I will come willingly as your hostage if you will just release her.” A man in armor, with his helmet visor down, stepped his horse forward and prepared to get down.”
Marion was touched, who was that man who had said that? Her heart made her want to believe that it was Danny’s voice she had heard. That is impossible.
The outlaw leader stopped obviously considering his options, the armor the man wore would be worth enough to feed him and his men for a year.
“I don’t think so. Apparently this woman is worth a lot to you people; far more than your ransom would be armor and all. She comes with me.”
“I can’t let you do that.” Robert stated forcefully. “Release her now and we will let you live. Otherwise you will be drawn, quartered and then put in a crows cage.” Marion thought she was going to be sick. Those gruesome punishments had long ago ceased to be inflicted upon criminals. The very thought of it seemed to overwhelm her with nausea.
Joseph’s men started running off towards the woods, the soldiers let them go; concerned only with Marion and the man who was threatening her.
“Where do you think you are going?” The outlaw leader commanded of them.
“That army of theirs is upon us! I’ll not die for your pleasure!”
“Fool’s it is an illusion! Created by this witches magic.”
“I wouldn’t count on it Joseph.” His last remaining man declared as he turned to run away. Looking over Joseph saw the size of the army closing in on their position. He stumbled backwards with Marion still trapped with the knife to her throat.
“I know it is an illusion now, that many solders wouldn’t be marching out here for this! Unless...”
“Unless the person being threatened was the Lady Marion. The one and only hope for our land against the Lord of Darkness.” Robert finished for him.
“Release me now and you will live.” Marion stated calmly as the hundreds of men reached their location and circled in around them.
“Lady Marion!!” Joseph stated his eyes bulging out of his head. “My life is over, I will never be permitted to live, except in agony. So we die Milady.” He hissed as the point of the knife pierced the skin around her neck. Marion screamed as a magic and invisible hand seemed to hold the knife back. The knight who had offered to take her place was upon him. The silver flash of metal and Joseph’s dying scream resounded in Marion’s ears. The man who was holding her prisoner fell to the forest floor. Turning to see him take his last breath she watched a crazed wildness evaporate from his eyes. At last subtle peace seemed to release him into the spirit world.
Marion stood in shock for a moment. Until she realized that she was shaking all over from adrenaline and fear. She turned to find her armored savior to thank him, but he was gone.
Instead Robert came over to her. “Marion are you all right? Your bleeding we need to get you a healer.”
Marion touched her neck where the blood was slowly trickling out, she was still in shock and the sight of her blood didn’t seem to help.
“No, it’s just a flesh wound.” Marion answered as she snapped back to the moment. “We need to see to the men first.” She stated walking over to help with the transport of the wounded. “Where are the healers? We have to get these men taken care of now.”
Marion, we will take care of them. You need to get back to the castle and get yourself taken care of also.” Christine answered her.
Marion looked around making sure that every wounded man was being taken care of as well as the two she had charged in to save.
She then turned back to Robert. He was sending out teams of men to round up the outlaws. They were also getting the solders back in line and using the day as an exercise in their training.
“It look’s like Marie made them think the entire army of darkness was at the gates.”
“Our queen was in danger, it was a proportional response.” General McDougal answered her.
“I am not a queen.”
“With all due respect milady, you might as well be. The entire kingdom is looking to you to lead us. Have you have any idea what would happen if not for you? Civil war, my dear, some of the people would want one man to assume the throne, others would want a different man. You have no idea how important you are, and you have no right risking yourself this way.”
“General, If you will see to the men, and the scouting parties I will get Marion back to the palace to have her wound taken care of.”
“Robert,” Marion asked as they started riding back to the palace. “Who was that man who saved me?” I assume that it was one of our knights we have in training? He used magic to save me. Without him I would now be dead. I must thank him.”
“Milady,” Robert hesitated not wanting to reveal Danny when he wasn’t ready to reveal himself yet. “I am not certain which of the men saved you.”
“Please make all efforts to find out. He deserves a reward and my profuse gratitude.”
“I will ask our men, but something tells me that he does not wish to be known at this time. Otherwise he would have stuck around after he had saved you. Let’s get your wound taken care of.”
The words had only just left his mouth when the noise of the rustle of wings and the pounding of hooves. From the air above a familiar voice cried out in alarm.
“Marion!”
Marion blinked and looked into the sky in surprise. “Kendrick?” She asked in surprise. Just as he landed before her. Her solders were about to attack but Robert called them off. Kendrick bowed to her. Just as a number of Minotaur emerged from the forest a number of them held some of the outlaw men who had run away.
“We came across these outlaws a few moments ago. I decided to bring them to Avalon with us for judgement.” Kendrick stated with a smile.
“Thank you, they have much to answer for.” Marion stated turning her head to look again at the carnage they had wrought and seeing the body of a young girl. It was in this moment that Kendrick noticed that Marion had been wounded.
“You are bleeding!” He cried out in anger and fear.
“Prince Kendrick. I was about to see about getting Marion back to the safety of Avalon where she can be treated.” Robert stated.
“I can get her there faster.” Kendrick declared as he pulled her into his arms bridle style and took to the sky.
“Kendrick!” Marion’s scolded. “I’m not an invalid!” Kendrick was instantly surrounded by other flying guards they flew over the mote and directly to Avalon.
Robert hissed in anger praying that the soldiers on the battlements would recognize Marion and hold their fire.
“Bloody hot headed princes!” Robert growled, but sighed in relief when he saw that they were not attacked by his men.
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