Page 41 of The Sword & the Stone

Merlin's expression was shuttered, his mouth pressed into a grim line as he surveyed the scene. I sensed his disappointment radiating off him in waves. "Perhaps," he said, his voicedeceptively calm, "we should all take a moment to compose ourselves. Dawn will be here in a few hours, and we have a long day ahead of us."

"Merlin—"

He held up a hand, stopping me in my tracks. "Not now, Arthur. We have more pressing concerns at the moment." He then tossed me my pack, telling me they must have gone back to the horses before coming here, and I was so grateful. I sagged with relief as I caught it.

I wanted to push, to force the issue and clear the air between us. But I knew he was right.

With a curt nod, I turned away, heading to the privacy of the darkness to slip my clothing on and cover up as much as I could manage. I felt the weight of everyone's stares, the unspoken questions and judgments hanging thick in the air.

Warm around the fire, the men listened as I recounted what the orb had said to me, once again repeating the riddle word for word, as if it was seared into my brain.

“How did you know where to find the orb?” Merlin asked, not meeting my eyes. He just stared into the fire blankly.

“I’m not sure,” I said, rubbing my chest. “I felt a tugging sensation, and it’s like the rest of the world went silent. The same thing happened when I found the wooden box in the boneyard. It’s like I’m drawn to the magic and it wants me to find it.” I looked up, meeting Lancelot’s eyes. “Was it like this for the others?”

He shook his head, running a palm over the lower half of his face. “No. There was no magic involved. They were mortal kings, and none of them had Excalibur. For them, it was more likea hunt, but the trials never presented themselves the way they have for you.”

I sat back, letting that sink in. I was different, marked by magic in a way no other ruler of Camelot had been before. It was both exhilarating and terrifying.

"So what now?" Percival asked, his brow furrowed with concern. "We have a cryptic riddle and no clear direction."

"Do you recognize where it wants us to go?" I asked hopefully. "The riddle mentioned a bridge of shadow and a chasm of secrets.”

“I think it's referring to Dead Man’s Path,” Tristan said.

I sat up straighter, my curiosity piqued. "Dead Man's Path? I've never heard of it."

His eyes were distant, as if recalling a long-forgotten memory. "It's an ancient stone bridge that spans a vast chasm."

"Sounds like the perfect place for the next trial," Gawain chimed in.

"But why is it called Dead Man's Path?" I asked.

Tristan's expression darkened. "They say the souls of those who have fallen while attempting to cross haunt the bridge."

"That has to be it then. If the riddle points to Dead Man's Path, the magic will show me the way there."

“This is new territory for us too,” Tristan said. “It’s like the quest itself is responding to you, Arthur. Unlike the kings that came before you.”

We sat in silence for a while, everyone lost in thought. I couldn’t fall back asleep if I tried, though I was exhausted.

Merlin shifted, drawing my attention. His blue eyes were clouded, his expression unreadable as he stared into the dancing flames. The firelight cast shadows across his angular features, highlighting the tension in his jaw.

"Arthur," he said, his voice low and curt, "I think it's time we address the elephant in the room."

My stomach clenched, a sense of doom washing over me. I knew that tone, the carefully controlled calm that would rupture at any moment. "And what elephant would that be, Merlin?" I asked, trying for a lightness I didn't feel.

His gaze snapped to mine. "Do you intend to fuck every one of your knights?"

Gawain choked on a cough, while Lancelot and Percival both went utterly still beside me. "I beg your finest pardon?"

Merlin leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he fixed me with a look that seemed to strip me bare. "You heard me. First Gawain, now Percival. Is Lancelot next on your list? Or maybe you'll just work your way through the entire Round Table before we even reach the Grail."

His words cut deep, slicing through me like Excalibur itself. I recoiled as if he'd physically struck me, my heart constricting painfully.

"How dare you," I whispered, my voice trembling. "As if I'm some whore spreading my legs for anyone who asks."

Merlin's eyes flashed, his mouth twisting into a bitter smile. "If the shoe fits, my lady."

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