Page 11 of The Sword & the Stone

“And what role do you all play in this quest then?” I eyed each of them skeptically.

The knights exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them. "We’re bound by the goddess Odessa to serve the wielder of Excalibur, and to protect and guide them on their path to the throne. But the trials themselves? Those you’ll ultimately face alone. We cannot interfere with the trial."

I exhaled slowly.Alone.Because of course. Because becoming the ruler of a legendary kingdom couldn't possibly be easy. "Right then," I said, squaring my shoulders. "I suppose we should set out at first light?"

Lancelot nodded. "The sooner we begin, the better. The trials have a way of...accelerating matters."

That sounded ominous, but I pushed the thought aside. One impossible thing at a time.

As I glanced around the table, I met each knight’s gaze one by one. “Clearly, I’m not what you expected. I’m not some noble-born warrior maiden or a powerful sorceress. I’m just…Arthur.” Lifting my chin, a flicker of defiance ignited in my chest. “But Galahad said the sword doesn’t make mistakes.”

Lancelot held my gaze, his molten eyes seeing too much for my comfort. "For all our sakes, I hope the sword chose wisely."

Chapter Three

MERLIN

I slippedthrough the shadowed corridors of the castle, my footsteps silent on the worn flagstones. The weight of the day hung heavy on my shoulders, the image of Arthur standing on the stone, covered in blood, wielding Excalibur seared into my mind.

Lost in my thoughts, I almost didn't notice the figure detaching itself from the shadows ahead of me. Then a familiar voice spoke, low and amused. "You're losing your touch, Merlin. I could have stabbed you thrice over by now."

I looked up, a wry smile tugging at my lips. "Gaius. I should have known you'd be skulking about."

Gaius, the king's private sorcerer and my oldest friend, stepped into a shaft of moonlight, his face breaking into a smile. “Someone needs to keep an eye on you, especially now.”

“You know, then?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, my eyes darting to the side. “About the sword and Arthur?”

He nodded. “I felt the magic shift when she pulled Excalibur from the stone. The prophecies are coming to life. The once and future king is back to unite the realms.”

I rubbed my forehead. “I thought I’d have more time to prepare. She’s so young, Gaius.”

“As a halfling, she’ll have centuries to figure it out,” Gaius said gently. “Arthur will have to grow up fast if she wants to survive what’s coming.”

“And what exactly is coming?” I asked, dreading the answer.

Gaius glanced around to make sure we were alone before continuing. “I’ve heard whispers from beyond our borders. Mordred is gathering her forces. She’s aiming straight for Camelot.”

My blood ran cold at the mention of that name. Mordred—the king’s estranged daughter, a powerful sorceress cast out of Camelot years ago for dabbling in dark magic. I always knew she’d return one day, seeking revenge and her birthright.

“How long do we have?” I asked, already mapping out plans in my mind.

Gaius shook his head, his face grim. “It’s hard to say. Mordred is good at hiding her movements. But the signs are there for those who know how to see them. The crows are gathering, Merlin. War is on the way, and it’s sooner than we’d like.”

I closed my eyes for a moment, the weight of the realm settling on my shoulders like a leaden cloak. For centuries, Camelot had awaited the coming of the Once and Future King, the one destined to unite Albion and Avalon and usher in an age of peace and prosperity. I had always assumed it would be a man, a great warrior and leader, born to privilege and power.

Never in all my wildest dreams had I imagined it would be my best friend.

"Then we have to be ready," I said, my voice steely. "Arthur will need us now more than ever. We have to make damn sure she’s equipped to face what the crown will mean for her.”

Gaius nodded, his expression softening with understanding. "Of course, my boy. I will do all in my power to aid young Arthur, just as I once aided you." He reached out, gripping my shoulder. "She is lucky to have you by her side. Your bond with her is a powerful thing. It will see you both through the dark days ahead."

I swallowed against the sudden lump in my throat, my heart swelling with a fierce rush of love and protectiveness. My Wart, my…queen. I would walk through fire for her. I would lay down my fucking life to keep her safe.

"I failed her, Gaius," I said softly, the old guilt rising up to choke me. "When we were children, when the village burned, I promised her I would always protect her, and I failed."

"You were a child yourself," Gaius said firmly. "You did all you could. And look at her now, Merlin. Look at the strong, brave, incredible woman she has become. That is in no small part thanks to you and your love for her. But there’s something else you need to know.” He tightened his grip on my shoulder. “The king has given Arthur a quest to prove she’s worthy of wielding Excalibur and taking the throne.”

I felt a chill run down my spine, a knot of dread forming in my stomach. “What kind of quest?” I asked, almost afraid to hear the answer.

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