Ormardu slammed the tankard down next to his pallet and wiggled deeper into his sleeping furs- the bear skins folding themselves round him in a loving embrace. He'd sort the oblivion of the drunk to help block out the dreams and tonight, tonight, he must of had enough- tonight please, for one night of peaceful sleep. Yet even as he arranged his big body he knew it was not to be.

 

It always started the same- the expedition down below. The dream got worse depending on how bad a day it had been. Tonight was going to be a bad one. The castle has been busy all day- servants opening up rooms for the Parliament, supplies arriving, cleaning, Prince Bishop Hatfield’s arrival, a real headache; the worst so far.

 

There had been noises and odd happenings in the cellars for weeks, even before the Gathering now a month a ago, however they were getting worse- the servants had refused to go into the cellars and the Men at Arms were reluctantly bringing up supplies. They had got so fed up with it that three weeks ago they had arranged an expedition down below- only to come back panicked with a tale of seeing a 'ghost'  floating around. In their scrabble to get out none of them seemed to have got any details......

 

Ormardu had gone down with Rhino and Ellendain. Rhino was the Commander of the Lions and his close friend. Ellendain the Defender of the Lions, (technically his immediate boss as Ormardu was a Defender) and another friend. It had been intended as a quick scouting trip- they were all lightly armoured and had only taken four of the Men at Arms with them. Just a quick look around....

 

"I really like this place" I said again. The Cellars were damp and cool, just like the caves had been at home. It smelt too clean though, despite all the dust....

"You said that already" Ellendain said from behind me.

"Fourteen times already" Rhino added. I half turned and smiled at my friends. They know me so the sight of my fangs didn't make them flinch as most others do.

"Its nice!" I said. Ellendain rolled his eyes, making his sharp, Elven face look ridiculous in the flickering light from the torches. We were walking down a narrow stone corridor somewhere under Camelot-  we hadn't gone that far (I think). We was following the foot prints of the guards who'd come down last week. Everyone was relaxed really- I only wore my furs and Defender tabard. Ellendain was in light Elf chain and his Council tabard, while the boss, urm, Rhino wore his old blue Council tabard (my favourite) over a thick tunic. The four Men at Arms ( I thought we needed another two, but I was told I was 'paranoid' or something) were only in half plate. We was scouts not a war party.

 

I didn't understand really why we was here at all. I mean yeah there had been some noises (sounded like Orc music to me) and a few things shifted around ( I think the kitchen boys were having a laff), but nothing like a ghost. Still the Boss wanted a look about. No real danger he'd said, just reassure the staff. Any problems we can go back later. We weren't going any further than the chamber they reached either. I didn't understand a word so I didn't argue.

We walked down more boring corridor, with miles more looming ahead. I was bored.

"Why did people build lots of corridor?" I asked

"To travel down obviously" Ellendain replied laffing. My turn to roll my eyes- Elven humour. "you know" Ellendain continued in that sing song voice of his "I haven't been anywhere as boring for nine hundred  years"

"Nine hundred years!" I said loudly " you can't be that old" he cant be that old,  he just can't count right.

"Seriously" he said. " I am nine hundred, give or take a few years. If Rhino can be one hundred and twenty eight, then why can't I be nine hundred?" He turned a statement into a question- he does that a lot.

"Rhino is only severty five. My mum was that old before she was killed" I said " Rhino your severty five aren't you?" I directed my question to the Boss, walking between us. Rhino is a Dwarf, my Commander, and my best friend. Drinks well too.

"No I am hundred and twenty eight. I have been fighting wars for severty five years" Rhino speaks in a deep rumbling voice. A voice that commands respect and obedience-he never has to order, only suggests. He's got such presence, like my dad had. I think us Lions people owe him, Bish, and Jo so much he'll never have to order us.

 

I broke out of me thoughts as we approached a  junction- I shifted my mace to my hand, an old and very comfortable weight. We slow down and there was  rise in tension. A slight breeze came from the junction. It turned left and right. I went first looking left and right as I stepped though. The trail went left, to the right was a wall

" Its a wall" said to the mob. Rhino stepped forward.

"Solid?" Ellendain asked. I hit it with my mace. The stone powered a little but remained a wall.

"Yep". I said to him. Rhino smirked. We turned left and resumed our march.

 

Rhino didn't like travelling like this, he preferred to lead, as he'd said to me once, only once- 'despite what I am now, remember what I was' I always remember that, but on this trip we'd out argued him. I was bigger and could take more blows than the others- they weren't Ogre after all so I went first. Ellendain was taller and could look over both of us so he went third. His Elven eyes were good ( better than mine) and he would warn us of danger. If we hit Trouble Rhino would get though, I'd seen him in battle and I wasn't going to try and stop him- it wasn't pretty. Anyway we all knew it was the one in the middle who always survived......

 

After we rounded the corner we settled back into our long plod. Occasionally the corridor got narrower or wider, but never branched or had doors. I was bored and started thinking about the Hafling pies I had upstairs. I hadn't told the Boss I'd made them he doesn't like me eating Hafling meat....

"Are you all right?" Rhino's voice cut into my thoughts. I realised I hadn't re-slung my mace and hefted it back onto my shoulders, into its familiar spot. Nothing had changed.

"Look" Ellendain said. He'd spotted something on the ground ahead. I walked forward and picked it up. It was one of the Camelot guards helms. I heard shuffling of feet from the Men at Arms with us.

"Did one of you come back without your lid?" I asked. None of them would meet my eyes. I knew none of the guards were that scared of me, I am one Ogre not a tribe but they certainly looked bothered. Rhino took the helmet off me and handed back to the lead guardsman, he looked really glum

" I think Read came back without his" he mumbled. Then it hit me, they were embarrassed about running and leaving good equipment behind. Now I was angry at them. I looked the lead one up and down, he was thin but otherwise quite tasty looking- a quick lesson would teach the others....

"I think we better get on" Rhino said forcefully. I realised he was staring at me. I had been licking my fangs. I only do that when I'm hungry for meat, which is a lot. Rhino had seen me do it a lot. It had taken him months, in fact until we had gone to Rockholme (wot a dump!) for him to get me eating chicken and pig and not Humans or the other races. I think it wos in that period after the Spring Festival of Thanks that our friendship had started. I turned around and started marching again, trying to remember when I'd met Ellendain. I heard the Elf sigh behind me.

 

It was getting colder and damper. I grinned more, the moistness reminding me again of the caves. The corridor began to open up. I unslung my mace, and I heard weapons and armour adjusted behind me. I grinned. We had learned a lot about protection since the Gathering. Krugar had been amazing in teaching us how Dwarves thought and reacted and Cheetah had told us load about security. They had 'adjusted' my 'hit it' reaction and Ellendain’s 'think it though' reaction and we worked a lot better as a bodyguarding team now. Its just a shame Ellendain had to spend so much time at his Barony sorting out the mess that Traitor Thomas had left. If I ever get my fangs on him........

 

The corridor opened into a room. A large circular chamber. It had a high ceiling and Ellendain sighed in  relief as he straightened up behind me. I hadn't noticed he had been hunched over, but then again he had been behind me. In the centre of the room was a well- thats what it looked like anyway. A circular pit with a rope going down into it tied to a bollard in the floor. I started forward, I could use a drink.

 

As I pulled the bucket up I realised I could hear no water sound. I turned to the group who were still inside the door looking concerned but before I could say anything the chamber was filled with bright light. I stepped back to Rhino and the others. Just as I did a man appeared over the well, the light was coming from him. He looked like a naked Human, well built, but not heavily muscled. He had his eyes closed, and his long brown hair hung over his face. He hovered with his hands by his sides. There were no weapons showing (obviously) but if he was doing this light magic he probably didn't need them.

 

Our party had weapons drawn  Ellendain had covered one side of Rhino and I moved to cover the other flank. I'm proud that the Men at Arms had spread round to cover us in a semicircle. Rhino hadn't noticed, he was concentrating on the floater.

 

The 'man' opened hazel eyes and looked down on us. He smiled warmly ( the heat in here rose!) He spoke in a light voice

"I am Sir Percvil of the Round Table- who disturbs my rest?" Rhino stepped forward and we moved with him.

" I am Rhino Kahzad of the Lions People of Avalon" he said in that deep voice. The figure looked pleased.

"Welcome" he said " I have called for you" Rhino kept his face neutral, but I don't think I managed to keep the surprise away.

"Yes Ogre, I have brought you here though the miles of corridor. I have brought you here instead of to the myriad of other rooms and corridor. I have brought you here because I have felt your stirrings above in the land of Avalon”.

"Brought us" I said. I hadn't meant to say it, it sorta slipped out. Ellendain shot me a glance. The figure laffed lightly.

"Yes brought you. I have the knowledge of the Ancient times within me to share with you. But I wish to be free to do so. I must have my bindings broken first"

"Bindings?" Ellendain asked. The figure raised his arms and thick heavy gold chains appeared disappearing down into the well. They looked heavy and unbreakable.

"I was placed here after the fall by the invaders. I have watched and slept on and off thought the time since. Your arrival and activity above have awoken me fully. I called you. Called you to free me." he lowered his arms and the chains vanished again.

"How do we free you?" Rhino asked. I was concentrating something smelt wrong here......

I barely heard the next comment.

"Your Ogre, though young, could probably smash these chains. I will temporally enchant his mace to allow him to do so" he reached out an arm towards me, inviting me. I looked at Ellendain and Rhino. The boss looked in thought, concentrating. Ellendain looked blank.

"Well I  suppose I could" I said. I was stronger than them after all- I am an Ogre

*Thats right, stronger, much stronger* I heard.

"Did you say something?" I asked Rhino, he shook his head "should I?" I asked him

*Don't ask, do. Do it*

"All right" I said and reached forward with my mace. I reached out- that well was huge, and made contact, as I did I looked down.......

 

Then the nightmare began.

 

Rhino slept alone tonight. His lady love Lady Sapphire having returned briefly home on Unicorn business before the Parliament next week. His bed felt huge and cold without her. Rhino would normally sleep lightly as benefited a Dwarvern war leader, however tonight even that sleep alluded him. His body was tired but the mind still raced. It had been a long day- all the people coming and going, William arriving, letters and dispatches from all over Avalon and beyond into Edjera. The lack of news about the remains of the vanquished Chaos army was a concern still- Rhino wiggled around trying to find a comfortable spot- stop worring, what's the point of a Command structure if none does their jobs? he mused. On top of everything else he had a moody Ogre on his hands.

 

Ormardu had been acting odd since the expedition down below. Admittedly he'd come close to death when they had met that spirit but something was bothering him. The Ogre was more short tempered than usual and drinking a lot more. It had begun to affect his job- its hard to be open and accommodating when your bodyguard growled at anyone who came close. Ormardu was not talking about it though and he would have to work it out himself.

 

Rhino snuggled deeper, thoughts of Sapphire on his mind, he began to drop off. Before he was fully asleep a roar broke the silent night. Rhino was out of bed before the walls had stop vibrating, a small black hammer in hand (just because your at home doesn't mean you should relax completely- Dwarvern war rule No.3). Rhino knew that roar- only the Ogre could make that much noise. Hammer in hand, Rhino charged out of the room.

 

 

Ellendain was meditating. He sat cross legged in loose robes on the floor of his chambers. There is such peace at Camelot he mused- unlike at his Barony. The scars of Thomas's betrayal had yet to be fully removed. The Manor House where he's butchered his entire household was still being demolished, the land it stood on to be blessed and purified.......

No.

Stop thinking about it he told himself. Positive thoughts. He sank deeper into his trance. Peace. Camelot had been so quiet since they had descended down below and defeated that spirit masquerading as one of Avalon's Heroes. The castle had been quiet, no noises, no rumbles, nothing. Well apart from Ormardu being a little more grumpy than normal, but ah well....

 

Ormardu was Ellendain's second in command. A logical choice given he was Rhinos bodyguard and very visable. The Defenders needed to be there and visible- partly as a deterrent to show that the person was guarded, and partly because of the very real dangers the command group faced. Ellendain wanted to be with Rhino and Ormardu full time himself, but his very real duties at his Barony......He signed and rose from his stance. Too wound up he thought and left his chambers.

 

Walking always helped, always had. He'd walked from his homeland nine hundred years ago, he'd walked to Avalon’s green fields. Walking to the keep roof wasn't quite the same, but as needed. It was a clear, slightly chilly night. The full moon shone down brightly. The guard nodded acknowledgement  as he went up to the battlements. Ellendain did this often when he stayed at Camelot, the guardsmen were used to it.

 

The Elf stared out at the landscape of grey and sliver. Below he could see lights from the guard house and turrets, Prince Bishops lights were on. He caught the occasional neigh of one of the rare Avalonian horses in the stables. Quiet.

A rumble built beneath his feet- he felt it before he heard it, then a roar split the night, a cry of power. Ellendain knew that roar, had heard it all too recently. The castle was rousing around him as he ran for the stairs  With the roar in his ears he ran the corridors to Ormardu's Den.

 

Ormardu's chambers were next to Rhinos (after much debate). The Ogre had 'decorated' them by throwing large amounts of furs around. Add bottles, bones, and things he'd collected and the whole place had become his Den, he liked it like that. Now as Ellendain rounded the last corner he was not surprised to see Rhino standing outside the room. Under his booted feet were furs apparently thrown out of the room, the door itself lay in two parts, obviously blown outward. As he came to a stop Prince Bishop William Hatfield came up the stairs on the other side of Rhino. Behind him Ellendain could hear the running feet of the guardsmen. Rhino was staring into the room, his face as serious as Ellendain could ever remember seeing him.

 

Blood pounding in his Elven ears Ellendain looked in. The interior was hidden by a flickering orange field. It blocked the doorway completely. William Hatfield arrived.

"What happened?" he asked. The Prince Bishop was an odd man, as tall as an Elf he was thin but strongly built. His features were young, but his eyes spoke of experiences far beyond his years. William Hatfield commanded respect and got it. If not for the Gods he may well have been faction leader.

"William, remember I discussed the spirit we battled with you?" Rhino voice was tense, tight with a steel sharp edge.

"You mentioned it when I arrived, wha.." Rhino interrupted his second in command.

"Its in there"

"It was destroyed!" Ellendain cried.

"Obviously not" Rhino said with sarcasm.

"I saw its body fall into that pit- I grabbed Ormardu before he fell with it. It was dead"

"You can kill the shell, but not always the spirit" William said quietly.

"He touched the mace, it grabbed his arm........oh gods...." Ellendain almost whispered. Rhino spoke with anger.

"Nobody comes here and threatens a Lion. Nobody comes here and threatens my friends. Nobody" he took a step forward.

"Rhino, you can't go in there" Ellendain said. If he was lost....

"Stuff it up your arse" Rhino cut back.

"Rhino, what are you..."William never finished the sentence. Rhino jumped though. Ellendain a second after; the orange field crackled and whirled, then settled down humming loudly.

 

William turned to the silent guardsmen

"Call the Council together he said quietly "we have a major problem".

 

 

End of Part One.

 

PT2

 

Rhino awoke in a field of red flowers. He was lying on his back looking at a cloudless blue sky. Listening intensely for any noise that would give someone's position away- and hearing none, Rhino slowly, cautiously,  pushed himself upright, his armour jangling as he rose.

Armour?

Rhino looked himself over- he was in his chain mail suit, his formal leather Council tabard belted over the top. His legs were covered in his leather armour and plate greaves. The small 'butt-monkey' axe the Phoenix Guards had given him hung from one hip, and the two-headed Axe he had grown up using was on the ground next to were he had laid. Rhino picked it up gingerly and looked round again.

 

He was alone. The filed of flowers seemed to stretch forever over all horizons. He suddenly recognised the flowers- the Humans called them poppies. A sign of death, or was it remembrance?

 

Rhino drew in a breath and hefted the familiar axe. There was no clue to where he'd come from. No trail across the field, no door, nothing. He slowly turned around- flowers, flowers, flowers, there. A patch of poppies were shorter or perhaps missing. Rhino headed for it.

 

 

Ellendain snapped too standing, his sword in his hand. He felt tired and his muscles felt like he'd been fighting. He slapped his empty hand against his armour and realised he was holding a dagger. He raised his arm to eye level slowly, he was so tired. It was his dagger and it was bloodied. Then the smell hit him- the smell of death.

Fresh death.

He looked at his body- fresh blood, brain matter, and other bits were stuck to his chain mail. His red Lions Council Tabard ripped to shreds. He raised his sword, it too was bloodied. Ellendain suddenly realised he was standing on something.

Slowly he looked down.

He was standing on a pile.

A pile of bodies.

He stood in the body of a male Dwarf, his booted feet within the ribcage. The Dwarves head was intact, lifeless eyes rolled back in the head, his tongue hanging out of his mouth. A sense of satisfaction rolled over Ellendain- that had been his kill. He remembered it distinctly, but yet as well he knew it hadn't been him. The Dwarf was not alone, mealy the top of the pile, below him, under him, were at least thirty more. Ellendain closed his eyes. He knew he did not kill them, but yet remembered burying his sword or dagger into each one, and enjoying it.

Slowly he opened his eyes and looked about.

All around him, as far as he could see were piles of dead bodies. Dwarves, he knew, and all his kills. As far as he could see, all to the horizons, bodies.

He screamed.

 

 

It had taken four days to gather the Lions Council and William was tired. He had organised guards (The Defenders insisting on the job) on the room and its unchanging energy field, and guards on the floor leading there. Meetings had been called. The room probed with magic, attempts at communication made. And all for nothing.

Nothing.

Rhino, Ellendain, and The Ogre gone.

 

Now he faced the hardest thing he'd ever had to do- he had to tell the Lions.

 

Prince Bishop William Hatfield stood in an anti-chamber to the Great Hall of Camelot. A door was all that separated him from the mass of the Lions assembled out there. Some had come with the Council members when William’s urgent summons had sent the Ritual Circles humming. Others had arrived for the Parliament, ironically due to have started today. Others had come after they had heard of the emergency, a show of the solidarity the Lions were infamous for.

 

He was alone. A bottle sat on the table in front of him. Rhino had given it to him when he'd arrived- how long ago now? It was the last bottle produced by Rhinos Uncle Rasputin before a slight accident had closed down his distillery. The bottle teased him, its green liquid called him, tempted him, but it felt wrong to open it. The last bottle.  William picked it up and turned it, the candle light reflecting majestically in the glass.

Rising, he slowly he put it down and sighed.

With a heavy heart he turned towards the door.

In the doorway he stopped and half turned back.

The Last Bottle.

He turned to face the Lions.

 

 

Ormardu screamed and roared in frustration. He was trapped!

He pounded on the walls, he pounded on the floor, pounded the ceiling. He pounded until he collapsed exhausted.

When he woke he pounded again.

He was trapped!

Trapped in his own mind.

Trapped in his own body.

*No escape.*

 

 

The bare patch was a circle in the poppy field. The plants had been flattered into a completely regular circle. Not a plant was damaged. The pattern started in the centre and spiralled out, a perfect unbroken pattern.

 

Rhino had seen them before, though never this perfect. They appeared at random throughout Avalon’s fields. Some said they were Fey, others thought they were transport circles. Rhino took the opinion of the natives of Avalon and avoided them.

'Why risk what you don't know' his Uncle had once said to him. 'A soldiers job was to survive and fight not risk the unknown'. And he had survived seventy five years of war with that advice.

And his instinct. 'A solider, a Commander, on occasion must use spontaneity and improvise' Rhino couldn't remember who'd told him that.

Spontaneity.

Rhino looked again at the circle, and then slowly round at the field, the endless unbroken red field, his own path though the fields already covered by the plants.

Survival.

He stepped into the circle.

 

 

When he'd stopped screaming he had moved. A different Dwarf lay dead at his feet. Headless his time, with only about twenty below him. Ellendain didn't remember the fight, but felt the satisfaction of the kill.

*They are only Dwarves* said a thought. Ellendain smiled. Only Dwarves- Dwarves had been killing Elves since the two races first met. Millions of lives.

*Dwarves were only good for killing*, he started moving, walking down the pile. He hefted his sword. Bring on the Dwarves.

 

Pile after pile of bodies he passed, the smile grew into a maniacal grin. He no longer thought of the bodies as people mearly as HIS KILLS. He counted briefly but gave up at 1,000 dead. ALL HIS KILLS. He stomped with purpose though his killing fields, occasionally chopping at an outstretched limb or popping out an eye with his dagger.

 

One eye popped with satisfaction and hit him on the chest, sticking to something he wore. He reached for it, wondering what it tasted like. His fingers closed on it to pull it from....

The Lion of Avalon.

The Symbol.

Only half remained, the roaring jaws. He froze, fingers round the eye ball.

.....oh gods......a small voice in his mind said.

"....oh Gods......" he ripped the eye ball from the Lion.

"....OH GODS......." he screamed, and screamed and screamed.......

 

 

The Council had met to decide how to approach the Lions with this. In the end William and Lady Josephine, (Magi, and Lions Third in Command) sat in plain wooden chairs before the dais. The three soft padded chairs upon the dais  untouched and  unused. The Honour Banner of the Lions, and the Pendragon Banner were rolled closed.

 

Between them and the Lions was a clear space, the speaking space. Down each side of this in equal numbers sat the Council, all bar Cheetah- head of Lions Security, who stood at William’s right arm. The space on Lady Josephine’s left arm was left empty for Ormardu, as there was an empty seat in the Council for Ellendain.

 

Lady Josephine was already seated when William finally entered the Hall. The room fell silent immediately. The only sound an occasional sob from Lady Sapphire, who having been incommunicado since she left had only just arrived and been told the news. Lady Sapphire was being supported by Lady Flower, (who Ormardu had made several unsubtle advances to, despite her being engaged).

 

The tension in the room was palatable. If nothing else the missing people and rolled up banners told almost the tale themselves, but the faces of the members of the Council all but shouted the news. Even Ugluk, the Orc Strike team leader mealy held his beer tankard rather than swig from it. As William took his seat Ivan, Herald of the Lions stepped forward.

"Parliament in session" he announced, somewhat redundantly.

The assembled Lions waited. William rose to his feet.

"Thank you for coming to Camelot, Lions. I wish this Parliament could be under better circumstances......."

 

By the time William had told everything he knew- the spirit quest, the roar, Rhino and Ellendain's disappearance, the attempts to probe the room, and to contact the missing, and the failure of every attempt- he was shaking. William sat down slowly. The worst part was the way the Lions had sat there and said nothing......

The silence seemed to last for hours, then Ivan stepped forward

"We have examined the field" he said quietly "it is impenetrable. We can let people try if they wish, but only a few at a time. The room is sealed." Mole, a high ranking Mage of the Lions, stepped forward slightly,

"I have examined the room- I wish it was otherwise, but it is so" Mole commanded a lot of respect in the Lions, he had the ear of Floris Brand, the most powerful Mage in the world for one thing. Several Lions hung their heads at his announcement.

"Are we giving up then?" asked Three Chop Nick of The One.

"No. We have the room watched. The Defenders stand ready to help, and I'm sure while you are here so do you" Marcus Tarquinian, General of the Lions, didn't speak much at Council- his voice was heard more on the battlefield. William sighed to himself- this was going better than expected.

"So we do nothing then?" demanded Parmenian of the One. He was a berserker, and his voice carried a lot of weight with the younger Warriors amongst the Lions. Oh no William thought.

"We can not do anything" Lady Josephine shot back acidly.

"Let me go in there- I'll do something!" cried Caradoc. There were louder voices in agreement "why do we sit here when Rhino, our Lord General, is trapped? We should go in there, get him out" Caradoc actually stepped into the speaking area. A short, but powerfully built Human Caradoc was a berserker also. When Caradoc spoke the passion he put into his agreement would often persuade many- he would be a good leader if he could control his temper. Damm, not now- thought William. Ramat, an Elf healer stepped forward.

"You were not listening Caradoc, there is no way in. We cannot get in" Caradoc half turned to him

"There must be a way" he growled. Caradoc carried his weapons naked, not sheathed. William felt Cheetah start forward.

"There is not one" Lady Josephine stood and shouted at Caradoc "do you think any of us" she indicated the Council "would be here if there was?" A large lady Lady Josephine could be quite intimidating, especially when mad, like now. She moved to confront Caradoc, Cheetah moved up behind him. Pointing a finger at Caradoc Lady Josephine continued "Rhino means more to me than you could know. More to us. If there is not a way" stabbing with her finger she repeated "there is not a way " Caradoc was visibly shaking, a sign of a coming storm.

"Is there anything we can do?" asked Stefan Louis, Lions Master Healer. Caradoc shot him a look that would boil blood. Stefan didn't even blink. Lady Josephine returned to her chair.

"Yes there is" William began, ignoring Caradoc, Finally he thought "there is a sword, the Sword of Wayland. This evil sword has been plaguing the Lions for the past year....."

 

 

When he stepped into the circle the poppy field faded from view, there was a sickening lurch, then the Great Hall in Camelot faded in, but not Rhinos Camelot. The banners were different and the stonework fresher. On the dais was a single throne, and on it a man in battered plate mail. He wore a bloodied, ripped, Gold coloured tabard with a rearing Lion upon it. The man seemed asleep, one arm draped over the side of the throne, the other propping up his head. Rhino realised were he was. Four hundred years ago in Avalon’s past had been the Golden Age- the Age of Arthur, the Round Table, Merlin. That man on the throne could only be King Arthur, the Pendragon. Except.....

 

There was none of the strength, the power of Arthur. The King looked old; his face was etched with age lines, his muscular armoured torso slumped in the throne. His bread and hair wild and unkempt. A tankard loosely hung in his hanging hand. Rhino recognised the posture- the exhaustion of the battle weary. He tired to step forward.

 

"No spirit" a voice, vaguely familiar, said from behind him. Rhino half turned, and realised he stood in chalk circle, arcane symbols written around the edge. Behind him was a man dressed in black robes with a grey over- tabard; he had long wild black hair and an enormous bread, yet even so the face was familiar- Floris Brand. But, he could not be here so it could only be, must only be...

Arthur, he’s here" Rhino turned back, the figure on the throne stirred and opened sharp piecing blue eyes that locked with Rhino's and seemed to read deep into his soul.

"I see him Merlin". The King rumbled, a power in the voice. A power Rhino had heard once before, many centuries away at the Gathering when the Pendragon had returned briefly to the world.

"you are the person who will inherit Avalon" the King continued. Rhino nodded, unable to speak.

"Speak- who ate you?" the King commanded without raising his voice.

!I am Rhino Kahzad of the Lions people of Avalon"

"What title are you. King?" there was almost a disapproval in the voice.

"No. The Lions wished me to have that title but I refused it. That title belongs only to one man" The King seemed pleased.

"And thus you are?"

"Lord General". Rhino could not decide on a proper honorific and left one off.

"How is Avalon" there was a passion in the King's voice. He leaned forward, the tankard clattering to the floor, his exhaustion shrugged off.

"The land is re-building. The years of chaos took their toll, but we recover. The Chaos army is collapsed. The Manors rebuilding. People return".

"And Camelot?"

"Rebuilt. Re-inhabited. Again the Capital"

"Good". The King paused, as if unsure how to say something. He broke eye contact with Rhino to look at Merlin behind him. No words were spoken but Rhino sensed they communicated.

"Merlin brought you to me tonight. I needed to see you. I needed to see who would inherit Camelot. It, I, am almost gone. In the morning I fight Mordred........" he trailed off.

"Arthur. This will not hold forever" Merlin’s voice had become almost song like "something calls him back".

"Very well then." Arthur voice became more authoritative "a warning and a request Rhino Kahzad. Under Camelot is a spirit, one of Mordred creations. It is very powerful. We bound it into Camelot itself. Its power feeds the stones, keeps the protections bound into the castle and thus into Avalon working. Its inherent evil is combated forever by the spirit of one of my  Knights- Sir Kay who gave his essence so this place would be protected.

"This creature must never awaken. We do not know if Kay can fight it forever, or if others must join him. We do not know if or how it will awaken. If it does Camelot and Avalon will fall. I request from you Rhino Kahazd that you and all your successors keep this creature asleep of...."

"I cannot hold this spell Arthur, quickly" Merlin's voice was strained.

"I swear" Rhino said solemnly. The King smiled and nodded in salute.

"Thank Yooouuuuuuuu" Camelot faded away to blackness. Rhino floated in a void.

 

*Oh, dear. What a Shame.......* a voice said from all around. Rhino tired to answer but was suddenly somewhere else.

 

And pounded and pounded and pounded and pounded.

He don't know who he was anymore. All he knew was to pound. It was a hunger that ground at his soul.

Pound, Pound, Pound, Pound, Pound..........

 

 

PTIII

 

Rhino snapped to standing on top of a pile. His axes were in his hands- very old comfortable weights. He felt tired, battle weary. The smell of death was all around him- each one he knew were his kills.

His Kills?

When?

Yet he remembered every kill, each blow, each death.

He looked quickly over himself. His armour was blooded but undamaged, a few scratches, a minor dent.

Then he saw the bodies, they were Elves. Hundreds, no thousands of them. The pile he stood on was about forty deep. He felt the satisfaction of a kill but not of a victory.

 

Something was very wrong. He scrambled down the pile and onto the relatively clear ground between piles.

He  held his axes ready.

The meeting with King Arthur had been either cut short by the spirit or a fake. Arthur had tired to tell him something important, but it was fading. The idea that someone, Sir Kay(?) had been, was,  battling a spirit  was a section missing from Avalonian legend. It was a reminder how much they still did not know about Avalon.

His home.

Why was he here and not at home with the Lions?

Why, why was he walking though these killing fields?

*Your kills*

No. Not mine. Never. Elves and Dwarves had often fought, but he did  not hate them. He slashed out.

"NOT HATE THEM" he roared. There was a wet sound behind him, he swung round and saw an arm fall to the ground. An anger filled him.

He was here because of the Ogre.

The Damm Ogre. Who was he to take him from his home. Was any friend worth this sort of sight?

*No.*

*Let your anger grow*

Ogres. His anger grew.

Ogres- they were evil, fanged monsters. They killed his friends. Made him kill Elves.

Battle lust filled him. Rhino went hunting for Ogre.

 

 

Dwarves.

It was Dwarves flaunt. He had followed a Dwarf. A Dwarf had brought him  t this place. Ellendain started running.

Then stopped. Lions. Lions run by a Dwarf. Dwarf friend. If Dwarf friend then why here?

 

It took a while for his brain to solve the puzzle- one word exploded onto his mind.

OGRE.

They had followed an Ogre: a fanged, claw footed, furry Ogre.

He was the reason.

He was why he was not with the Lions.

Not Home.

Ogres.

Ogres had been killing his people for years, centuries. Ellendain set off again.

Ogres.

He was going to kill Ogres.

 

 

Pound, Pound, Pound, Pound, Pound, Pound,

A door opened.

He ran through it.

*Hunger*

Food,

*Kill*

FOOD!

*Kill!!*

 

 

The landscape changed, the piles of dead fell away. In front of them was a clear plain. Once they entered it everything fell away- to all horizons there was nothing but plain. Desolation.

And each other.

They started walking.

 

 

Saturday night. Second night of the Parliament. The noises had returned to Camelot- clanking, roars, screams, and smoke had began to fill the castle. Smoke without fire. Several of the staff had left.

The Lions were uneasy, last night Demons had come to the Great Hall and throat slit the Prince Bishop and Lady Josephine. Demons looking for Sir Kain Redswift, one of the Defenders. Kain had not even been there, he had been with Three Chop Nick watching The Room. The Demons had carried poisoned daggers, a party led by Dr. Leech and the Healers had found a cure deep in the cellar complex under Camelot, but in the process had found a fur belonging to Ormardu- abandoned in the tunnels when they had carried him out of the ill-fated Spirit Quest. It had been a reminder to the Lions of all they had lost.

 

The Quest to destroy the Sword of Wayland had been a success. The expedition led by Marcus Tarquinian had cast the evil sword into the Well of Tears removing its evil forever. But the price had been high- four dead, Oberon of The One, Darius of Shannock Gareth Dell, Jeremiah Wilkinson, a guest from the Weaponsmiths Guild, and Celestial, another Quest from the Death Jesters.

 

The heavy tension in Camelot had worsened becoming a general depression.

 

And today...... William looked down at the bottle.

"I'm glad you were not here friend" he signed. Today a group of Drow from the mines of Skcree had come to Camelot. Drow carrying the severed head of Panther, Cheetah’s bothered, and several others from the Children of Malar group. They had said their piece and then attacked without warning. With them they had brought a Death Knight, a construct designed to do one thing: kill. They had nearly lost Cheetah, Caradoc, and Parmenian, only quick action by the Stefan and Ramat had saved their lives. It had taken almost all the power of every Incantor in attendance to destroy the Death Knight. The only dead were it and the Drow, but all the magic users were now nearly out of power.

But.

But that had not been all today. A heavily armed expedition had set off down below to find the cause of the noises. Ewan McEwan, Marcus and Reaver of The One had organised it after the Drow attack- there had been to many tense warriors around for anyone to be comfortable. The party had found a new transport circle in the room Rhino had described as the place where they had met the spirit. Despite everything Ewan took a party though.

It had led to another realm below Avalon.

The realm of the Sleepers

 

The writings the party found on the walls of the place told the tale. The five Sleepers were Knights of the Round Table- King Arthur’s Knights. The oldest of them was Sir Kay who had given his mortal life to fight an immensely evil spirit. The others were younger Knights. The writings were unclear but inscriptions suggested they slept round Kay and strengthened him in his fight- their tombs were arranged that way- their dreams, ideals, and beliefs fed Kay’s fight. Together the Sleepers kept Camelot and Avalon in existence as long as they did not wake.

 

They had been awake.

 

Mordred had been defeated at the Gathering, banished to the Void. When that had happened and his power was lost to the Chaos Army in Avalon it had been routed. Marcus' forces had wiped most of them out. Most, not all. Some had made it here. They had woken all but Sir Kay. That was the source of the noises, the Sleepers fighting with the Chaos Creatures to prevent them waking Sir Kay.

 

Ewan's party had joined the fight and together they had temporarily routed the Chaos Horde. However the Sleepers could not return to their rest. The Chaos Horde had taken the four Elemental Cornerstones of Camelot, literally and magically the keystones of the Castle. Without them in place the Sleepers could not sleep, could not help Sir Kay, and Camelot would begin to fade, followed by Avalon itself and all living there.

 

That alone was not the worst news. The Sleepers powers kept the Cornerstones within Camelot itself. The bad news was that the Spirit had awakened. It was the same Spirit that had taken Rhino, according to the Sleepers. It would be trying to get Rhino and Ellendain to kill its hosts mind to it could be free- only Sir Kay’s efforts prevented it doing so directly and fleeing Camelot. Without the Cornerstones to allow them to sleep and dream Sir Kay's strength would fade and he would lose. Everyone would lose.

 

The Party had left the Sleepers guarding Sir Kay and headed for the surface. They told their tale at the End of the Open Parliament session. Immediately half present had demanded to hunt the Cornerstones. William had wanted to send them but Mole insisted on sending a message to Floris Brand, asking for his help. A part of Floris was Merlin, and if anyone knew how to defeat the Spirit it would be him. A tense debate and vote followed. Mole's proposal won, just. The Lions agreed to wait.

 

And eat. The Castle staff had readied a banquet for this Parliament and it was ready. Reluctantly people had sat down to eat. Now they awaited William to bless the dinner, thank the staff, and start the procedures. But as the stood in the anti-chamber he couldn't. The bottle haunted him. A Lions banquet without Rhino........

 

There was a knock on the door. He didn't answer.

It opened anyway- Anthony Flombard stuck his curly haired head round the door.

"Your Grace, they impatiently await you" William cursed himself. Think of the Lions first. He patted the bottle

"Later Friend" he said and turned to leave ignoring Flombard’s puzzled look.

 

 

Dwarf

Elf

*Enemy*

The two Warriors drew closer.

 

 

The food was brilliant, the wine excellent, but this was the quietest banquet ever. Depression hung over the room like a shroud. Even Parmenian's slurping as he drank his dinner seemed subdued. As the final course of cake was being cleared away the Hall doors opened. A cold wind blew in fluttering the candles. The staff stopped moving. Heads turned. Cheetah was on his feet.

 

 

Food

*Soon*

FOOD

*Soon*

Kill

*Soon*

KILL

*Soon*

 

 

In the doorway was a women. A tall, broadly built Human women. She was dressed in heavy white furs and carried a plain wooden staff, its tip glowed bright white. She had flowing white hair and her face was sharp with piecing red eyes. The women moved with determination, each step she took into the Hall seemed like destiny at work. William could feel her power from the doorway, even Mordred did not radiate such power. As she moved down the room magic users jaws dropped. She stopped just in front of the high table, looked at the empty chair held for Rhino then turned to address the room. Her voice was deep, powerful, yet still feminine.

"Lions. I am Walker. I bring news."

 

 

*Closer*

The Warriors set their weapons ready.

 

 

The room was so quiet the wind could be heard rustling the trees on the far side of the courtyard.

"Then Welcome" William said standing. His deep voice tinny compared to hers. Without turning she nodded thanks.

"Rhino news?" asked Stefan.

"Yes". The Hall seemed to erupt in noise- but it was only the sound of the Lions leaning closer.

" I sensed the Sleepers awake. I felt the Spirit stir. The Sleepers have told me of your loss. Help I offer".

"Can you get wee Rhino oot?" Ma McEwan asked in her broad highlands accent.

"No." Faces fell across the room " I cannot. The Lions can." Puzzlement crossed two hundred faces.

"We needed a bridge. A link between where they are and here. A route for them to travel back on. This” she patted her glowing staff "is the bridge".

"How do we know you are not mealy another spirit here to draw us into danger?" cried Kain.

"You don't. But I offer help. Do you have a better plan?" there was no sarcasm in her voice but her words stung.

"No" said Kain quietly.

"You Lions need to find the Cornerstones, without them the Bridge or existence here is hopeless" William stood.

"Walker is correct. We need to search. Marcus, Ivan, Cedric, Ugluk, Reaver, Shawn, Red Mist, Sapphire, are your teams ready?" William felt better acting rather than reacting. There were confirmations from around the room.

"Hold on. What about this bridge. Don't you need anyone for that?" Caradoc cried. Walker quarter turned to face him.

"Yes. I do" A chorus of voices rang out with people offering themselves. Walker simply lifted a hand and silence descended again. "The people I need are already chosen. Cheetah of the Children of Malar, and Kain Redswift of the Defenders. You will form the bridge" Kain nearly fell off his bench, while Cheetah mearly looked bemused.

"Right, that done. Team leaders get your people. You know the brief, four teams to find the Cornerstones, four teams to find the locations they must go.  Time is short." There was a shuffle of chairs and people rose, effectively ending the banquet.

 

Walker remained where she was. Kain and Cheetah came to her side. They received many jealous looks or cries of 'good luck' as the other Lions left. Ramat hesitated, then approached Walker.

"Need a Healer?" he asked nodding his part Elfish face in salute.

"No. Just the Cat and the Wolf" Ramat looked between  Cheetah and Kain, something awoke in his memory.

"Ah........" he said then the knowledge faded.

"Your race prevents you remembering it all" Walker said. For the first time Ramat cursed being a half breed. There had been something there...... He moved out of the Hall leaving only Josephine and William.

"What will you do?" Josephine asked.

"And why us?" Kain asked quickly. Walker smiled at him.

"You have been inside too long. You have forgotten Almur" Kains eyes went wide as he remembered.

"Wolf........" he whispered his defocusing.

"Wolf, Cat" William looked at each one " no normal race can get in...." he left the statement hanging. That’s where Rex the Castle cat had gone.

"Correct" Walker said.

"Will it hurt?" asked Josephine. Cheetah smiled at her.

"Only if we don't return" he said quietly.

"Can they travel from here? Or do you need to be upstairs?"

"No. They can travel from here." Walker seemed to sense something  "now in fact". She turned to them.

"You will need to remove your shells. Armour will be no use where you travel". Cheetah immediately starting stripping, discarding his clothes as if anxious to be free of them. Kain was a little more reluctant, but his duty to his pack was clear. The two were soon naked. Kain was chilly in the Great Hall but Cheetah seemed unbothered.

"I chose you because you are both touched. Been changed. Transformed by yours Gods. Cheetah most recently. He called on Malar to grant him aid when William and Josephine were throatslit. Malhar granted him the powers of the Cat.”

“Under that influence he attacked Shaggy McEwan as I recall” Kain said.

“The Cat is always the slowest to leave when called on. He is still with you. I will invoke him to join with you” Cheetah nodded to Walker who leaned the glowing end of her staff to his left arm- its glow touched his flesh and spread to surround him.

 

Golden fur began to grow fast on his arm, then in thin patches all over him, it quickly grew into a thick pelt, black patches appearing Cheetah’s body became fuller, more muscular- but it was sleek not bulk. He threw out his arms and stretched growing a good foot, long claws curled out of the fingers on his paw like hands. The toes of his feet grew longer becoming claws, pushing him onto the balls of his feet, his legs changed allowing him to balance as his tail grew out and his genitals slid into a fur hidden sheath: Cheetahs head changed slowest- fur crept up his neck, the ears elongating and pushing up onto his head as his forehead became sloped and a cats muzzle pushed out of his face. His eyes became deep green and slited. The cat man opened his jaws to reveal his fangs. He was complete.

 

Cheetah purred as the light surrounding him faded.

 

“You Kain” Walkers voice jerked him out of his staring “have been changed by your God before. Call him to you- he will answer while I’m here. I do not have to invoke him. The ability is yours.” Kain hid his surprise- yet he had always known hadn’t he.....

“Almur. Take me” was all he said.

 

The Change was faster than Cheetah’s. Reddish-grey fur seemed to grow and cover him in an instant, his body became much taller and fuller, thicker and heavily muscular. Kain rolled forward onto the balls of his clawed pad like feet. As his tail grew out and his genitals vanished his head changed, the neck pushing forward as his lupine muzzle pushed out, his ears grew pointed and pushed up onto his head, his eyes became black and slited. He was complete.

 

Kain growled in satisfaction.

 

“You are ready” Walker turned to the cat “you bring speed and agility” she turned to the wolf “you bring strength and power” She addressed them both “but only together will you accomplish this task. The barrier will not let in those of the normal races. You are both far beyond that. But there’s is a risk- do not let yourselves fall to instincts. If you do the spirit will take you, and even I can not bring you back from that. Work as a team or you and us will die. Rhino, Ellendain, Ormardu, and yourselves must touch the staff willingly. Once they are you must invoke Avalon’s name and you will return” Walker held out her staff horizontally. “Take each end” they did. “Then begone on your task” The white light turned green, enveloped them and they were gone.

 

 

Weapons ready they met.

“Elf”

“Dwarf”

They stood and faced each other off. Eyes locked. A starting contest. A rumble filled the air and shook the ground, lightning cracked in the sky. They didn’t flinch.

 

 

The waiting began. William could do little but wait now. The eight teams were out there. Cheetah and Kain were away on their task.

 

Shawn Robert’s team reported first- they had found the point where the Cornerstone inscribed with the symbol of Earth would go. Shortly after Marcus’s team returned with the Cornerstone inscribed with the Air symbol. They had defeated several Chaos creatures to do it with only minor wounds.

 

An hour passed, slowly. There was a sickening lurch and smoke billowed forth for every corner, and hole in the Hall. Screaming, curses, and sounds of breaking things filled the air. A report was not long in coming.

“The way up to the roof, and the Castle gates have vanished. Replaced by sealed walls.” Anthony Flombard reported “we are sealed in the castle”.

“Kay is weakening” Walker commented, “Camelot begins to fade.”

 

Ugluk’s team returned next. The Orc’s team had found the Fire Cornerstone. Time Passed.

 

 

The ground between them buckled and twisted. They had to fall away from each other to keep standing. The earth collapsed in on itself where they had been standing. The sky blackened, thunder rolled across the sky, lighting smashed into the pit that formed.

It appeared.

The Warriors prepared to fight.

 

 

The Plain stretched to the horizon. Nothing grew on it- no trees, no bush, no grass. A strong wind whipped their fur. A wind that carried no scent.

Almost like having my Human nose back thought Kain as he turned around slowly searching for a scent. Cheetah was on all fours on the ground sweeping at ground level. Kain held the staff, its tip duller here but he could still sense the power.

The plain reminded Kain unhappily of his homeworld Titan, whole areas resembled this when the Demon Krawwl had finished with them......

 

Then he caught it. Faint, very faint. He drank deeply. Cheetah too was drinking it in. Rhino.

“RRRRhinooo” Kain growled.

“And morrreeee” Cheetah purred his tail twitching. He’s too comfortable Kain thought, Walkers warning ringing in his mind. To be trapped here.....

“Letssss Runnnn” Cheetah purred getting to his feet. Kain nodded his shaggy head and adjusted his grip on the staff.

They ran.

 

Communication was slowly lost with bits of the Castle; the garrison, the upper chambers, the kitchens. As soon as Sapphire and her team arrived with the Earth Cornerstone they joined with Shaun Robert’s to place the Cornerstone home. Red Mists group arrived back with the Water Cornerstone, Reaver right on his heels with the location for the Fire stone- his group went straight back out with Ugluk’s.

Two left.

William and the Incantors left performed a quick ritual to protect the Main Hall. With Walker here, and the now unflured Lions banners  acting as anchors this room would be sealed last.

 

 

Kill

*Now*

It appeared. Two small things looked at it.

*FOOD*

Friends?

*FOOD*

Hunger took control. Weapons were drawn.

 

 

The scent was stronger now.

They pushed their speed.

 

 

The Ogre.

Ten foot of solid muscle. Limbs like tree trunks. Massive fangs protunded from its mouth, a horn bigger than Rhinos arm jutted from its forehead, its skin the texture of leather hide. It wore a fur loincloth with a belt made up of Elf and Dwarf skulls, Its massive clawed hands held a hammer and a mace- each alone the size of Ellendain.

 

It roared.

 

*KILL IT*

They charged.

 

At some point Cheetah shifted to all fours and became fully animal. He sped off. Kain redoubled his efforts.

 

 

The Sleeping Chambers vanished. There was no longer a way to check on The Room.

Cedric’s team brought in the Water Cornerstone. Another two teams left.

Only Air remained.

 

 

It swung the mace at the Elf. The Elf dodged a blow that smashed a three foot deep hole in the ground. The Elf swung and connected with the monsters left leg, the Ogre roared but took no damage.

*KILL*

The Dwarf ducked under the Hammer and attempted to rip open the belly. He caught the belt and an Elf skull crumbled to dust, the Ogre swung his arm back and caught him, sending him sending him flying. He landed heavy and twisted his fighting arm as he skidded along the ground.

 

 

Ivan’s team arrived breathless. They had encountered heavy opposition and closed off routes. They had the final stone. The last teams left.

“Endgame” said Walker.

 

 

Ugluk stood before the recessed symbol on the wall. He held the slightly glowing Fire stone. He took a pull on his tankard and slammed the stone into place.

A rumble shook the room.

Over the symbol appeared a Knight dressed in the ancient plate of Arthur’s Camelot. He nodded thanks at the party, closed his eyes and vanished. The symbol’s glow grew brighter than a touch.

Ugluk drained his tankard.

 

 

*What?*

 

 

Rhino opened his eyes. Above him was a cheetah. He blinked, rolled out of the way, and got to his feet. Below him Ellendain was fighting Ormardu. He briefly saw a huge Monster and his hate bubbled, he moved towards it.

 

A pain lanced though his leg. He whipped round axes ready. The cheetah spat a piece of his leggings from its mouth. Rhino stepped away. The cheetah opened its jaws and reared.

Changing.

Becoming Humanoid.

Cat-Man.

Rhino knew.

 

 

Cedric slammed the Water stone home.

 

 

*No*

 

 

The Elf slashed at the monsters belly. He cut him badly and hot blood spurted all over him. The Ogre recoiled.

*Kill it*

The Elf pressed the attack.

 

Kain reached Cheetah- again a Cat-Man- Rhino stood with him, blooded and bruised.

“Kain” Rhino said.

“RRRRhinooo” Kain growled. He looked past Rhino at the battle behind him. Ellendain battled something. He moved slightly away from the others to see.

‘Cub play fight???’ Some thing  said. No- he fight for real, against....

*KILL IT* A Monster. A huge Monster. Something snapped. A pack mate was in danger.

The staff fell.

“Kain, no!” The wolf was gone. Kain was gone.

“Weee musstt stopp the fight” Cheetah growled baring his fangs.

 

 

*KILL*

The small thing was hit by the hammer. Its left arm stopped moving.

Pain. Left leg. Swing mace. A small furry red thing rolled to one side.

*KILL*

 

 

Marcus slammed the Air Stone Home.

 

 

*Kill the Shell. FREE ME*

The Elf moved in again, ignoring the furry thing. He connected with an arm. The Mace fell, just missing a Dwarf.

Dwarf?

*KILL THE OGRE. NOW*

He moved for the monster again.

 

 

The whole castle was shaking. William could hear breaking things. Only the Hall remained unsealed.

 

 

The Wolf recovered and again charged the Monster.

*KILL*

*KILL IT AND GET ME FREEDOM* The Wolf attacked.

Something jumped in the way. Gold and black it hissed at him.

Cat.

The Wolf went for it, it moved fast, but he just caught its tail, he twisted and jumped for its neck.

Cat and Wolf went rolling over, claws slashing.

 

 

Rhino moved behind Ellendain, using the flat of his axe he hit the Elf.

Ellendain crumbled to the ground.

 

 

Sapphire slammed the Earth Stone home.

 

 

Outside Ormardu’s Den the air grew hot. Three Chop Nick and Wildcat were pushed back against the heat. The outer wall buckled.

 

 

The bubble burst.

 

Ormardu’s Den exploded. Camelot shook to its foundations. Every light source went out. William watched a signed cat fall past the Hall windows.

 

 

A scream echoed through Avalon. From north to south it echoed. The Sky turned blood red. Animals stopped moving, the rivers stopped moving, everything stopped Being. The Land simply froze. Avalon shuddered and snapped back, the scream died away. The last chaos creatures clapped their appendages to hearing orifices as their last hope died. In the Mines of Skree the Drow who killed Panther had reason to doubt their actions.

 

 

In the Great Hall of Camelot an armoured Knight appeared over the dais. His body was youthful and muscular, but his eyes were centuries old.

“Sir Kay” William breathed, The Knight seemed to see past the Hall. His voice carried to all in Camelot.

“He is defeated. The Sleepers Rest. Thank You.”

“Where is Rhino?” demanded Caradoc. Sir Kay pointed to the area between them and him.

“Deliver” he commanded.

Nothing happened. Sir Kay looked at Walker. Together they shouted,

“DELIVER”.

Nothing. Walker looked pale. Sir Kay closed his eyes.

 

 

The scream echoed through their minds. The plain shimmered.

*Noooooooooooooooooooo* Then it was gone.

Ormardu jerked like a puppet cut from its strings, he began to fall, Rhino grabbed him and lowered him. His black Ogre eye locked  with Rhinos. The Dwarf saw something, someone, else there.

“We must go” The Ogre said. Ormardu pulled himself to his feet with a strength he should not of had. Rhino watched him walk to the staff and pick it up. Closing his eyes he pointed it at the rolling fighting ball of fur.

“Enough”. They stopped rolling, Cheetah on top, he jumped away from Kain, who \also jumped to his haunches.

“We must go”. Ormardu said again. The Cat and the Wolf blurred slightly then were half people again.

 

Rhino went to check on Ellendain. The Elf was in a bad way. A broken arm and many bleeding wounds. Rhino placed his hands on Ellendain’s chest and called on Malar to help. His hands became larger and grey, his forearms bulked. Ellendain’s wounds closed and his breathing became regular again. Rhino closed his eyes enjoying the feeling, he teetered on the point of letting Malar take him completely.

 

A hand touched his shoulder. Cheetah looked down at him

“Nottt furrr youuu, yett” he purred. Rhino reluctantly took his hands from Ellendain. The Elf stirred. Rhino watched his enlarged forearms return to normal.

A rumble echoed across the plain. Huge black walls appeared at the horizons and arched over the sky, it grew dark. The walls began to move inwards. The Wind became a gale.

“This bubble is collapsing.” Ormardu shouted.

“Then lets go” Ellendain was groggy but awake. Only minor bruising remained. Ormardu gave the staff to Kain

“Invoke it” he ordered. Kain took it and held it horizontally. The tip pulsed randomly.

“Weee must all grabbb holddd” he growled. One by one they grabbed the staff.

“We musttt invoke the nammeeee of Avalonnn”  Cheetah shouted over the wind. As one they shouted

“AVALON”

 

 

“We must be together in this “ Sir Kay informed the Lions “you need to call them back”.

“Together- Rhino, Cheetah, Kain, Ormardu, Ellendain, Lions” William punched the air with each name. All over Camelot Lions picked up the chant.

“Rhino, Cheetah, Kain, Ormardu, Ellendain, Lions”

“Rhino, Cheetah, Kain, Ormardu, Ellendain, Lions”

“Rhino, Cheetah, Kain, Ormardu, Ellendain, Lions”

“Rhino, Cheetah, Kain, Ormardu, Ellendain, Lions”

The chant went on

And on.

And on.

 

 

A small ball of light appeared in the air before the dais. The Lions shouted louder. The groups out at various locations magically appeared in the room, the chant grew louder. Walker joined in. The ball expanded.

And expanded.

And expanded to fill the entire speaking space. Sir Kay pointed at the ball.

“NOW” he said even above the chant.

“.......LIONS!!” the sphere burst, the blinding light flooded the room, the Lions averted their eyes. Walker smiled.

 

 

The Chant ended.

In the space stood Rhino, Cheetah, Kain, Ormardu and Ellendain. They faced Sir Kay.

The ancient Avalonian Knight nodded in salute at them.

“Thank You” he said, closed his eyes and faded. Kain leaned back his head and howled in victory. They turned round to face the Lions. Walker stepped forward and took her staff.

“Thank You” she said. Ellendain was staring at her.

“But your......” she smiled at him as the memories flooded into him.

“Yes. I am an Old One”

“But your Legend!” Ellendain cried.

“So is Camelot. And so are the Lions” she turned to the silent room.

“They are home. Your home is safe. Tell them who you are. Tell me who you are.” None needed prompting.

“LIONS!!!!”

 

The cry was power. All over Camelot broken things became fixed, shattered windows repaired. One very lucky cat jumped to her feet and scampered for the kitchens. Every door and window reopened. The sun shone in.

There was a pause.

 

“I’m hungry” said Ormardu. Laughter echoed thought out Camelot.

 

END

 

Epilogue.

 

 

I had thought none saw me leave da Castle but I should know da Boss better. I heard him walk up.

It had been a week.

A long week.

 

Floris Brand had arrived early next morning, very annoyed. He’d been camped outside all night after responding to Moles call for help. As if ta make up for it he’d spent all week magically prodding and probing me, Rhino and da others. All week he’d been telling me ‘how lucky I’d been to ‘ave been processed by Sir Kay’

Ha.

Lucky.

We had not been ‘lucky’ at all. Da Lions had lost much over the weekend. Five had died.

 

And all because I’ds been weak before a spirits will. Rhino kept telling me I woz wrong and it could of been anyone. That da Chaos creatures would of come anyway- that if da spirit had not been so busy trying to get them to kill my soul then it would of have more time to fight, and probably kill Sir Kay.

But even so.

 

I’ve taken to coming out here to think

And get away from da looks da Castle staff ‘ave been giving me. I still say it wasn’t me fault. I said lets ‘ave a drink. It woz Bish that got that bottle. It wozn’t my fault he’d kept it past explosive point. Anyway I never liked those picture windows- who cares if they woz old, at least it was nothing new that got broke.

Rhino stopped behind me.

“Floris got to you too/” I asked. Rhino sat next to me on my rock and looked out at the view of the fields- lunch grazing stupidly on the grass.

“He can be a bit......much” Rhino said softly.

“I think he only did those tests cos he’s still miffed dat there was something powerful enough to keep him out of Camelot dat night”

“Probably”. A looked over my shoulders towards the Castle.

“No Defenders?”

“I slipped them” I laffed.

“You slipped your bodyguards to come looking for your bodyguard?” Rhino grinned.

“My Friend”.

“I nearly killed you!” I wasn’t laffing now.

“So? The Demons nearly killed William and Josephine. They are still here. I have always said no Lion stands alone. Do you doubt it?”

“No. Never......its just. If I hadn’t been there......”

“In the cellars? It would of been another. Ormardu, you are not all-seeing. Kain is still beating himself over the Demons as it is. Don’t start on me.”

“But Pa and Oberon died!” Pa McEwan, head of our Clan had died retrieving the Air Stone. Oberon was a fellow brother of Mithras from The One. I sniffed, losing Oberon was bad enough to lose Pa as well......

“The Cornerstones would of had to of been replaced anyway....”

“But if I’d been there maybe Pa would not of died....”

“No. Because you would not of been with him. You would of been with me at by side. Where I cannot move without you.” There was a long pause.

 

“Is Kain still a Wolf Man?  Cheetah has slowly changed back over the first three days, all the time being watched by Floris, but Kain had not changed back.

“He says his God will keep him like that until they, we, free Titan”

“Oh” I sighed and looked out at the view. Lunch still grazed. Why are cows stupid?

 

“You know wot I fancy?” I said.

“Lunch” Rhino said with a smile.

“A Walk. A long walk. I haven’t explored for a long time” Rhino half turned to Camelot and sighed. The adventure bug,

“Sometimes.....I.....” he said.

“I saw Gerren the Beastman at our Parliament. She wanted to know if I’s woz going to the Vipers Parli at da end o this week. I want to, but I’s canna leave you.”

“Yes. I had a letter from King Gustev inviting me to the Parliament”. I looked at the view, I woz peckish.....

“Can’t be far. Shall we go?” Rhino stood and moved off. I followed until I realised we were not going back to the castle.

“Where wes going?” I asked confused.

“King Gustev’s party, didn’t you want to go?” Rhino called over his shoulder.

“Shouldn’t we tell ‘em?” I waved a thumb at Camelot.

“Shove it up their arses” I smiled. Kain could track us anyway.......

“You know Boss- I’m hungry”

“Now what have I told you about Hafling pie?”

“I only want a small one.......”

“No.”

“Wot about Goblin then. There so many of em none would miss one...”

“You ask Shagnasty for Goblin pie”

“Yeah not a good idea” Rhino started forward again.

“Come on- lets walk” he said.

 

As we creased the hills around Camelot I turned and looked back at the Castle.

I stuck my tongue out at it.

It felt right somehow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ãPaul Baker 12/97.