Page 101 of Awakening

There must have been at least several thousand men and women in all. The King and his followers made their way to the base of the plateau. Emrys rode down to meet them, knowing the path up the hill would be difficult to find. Trystan and Marc waited for him to return.

The King and Emrys crested the steep path first. Behind them, Trystan’s father rode alongside Brioc. They all looked exhausted but at least they were here.

Noah dismounted and gave orders to the soldiers to setup camp as the King approached Trystan and Marc. Emrys dismounted and followed the King.

“My king,” Locryn said, clasping Trystan’s wrist and hand. He turned to his son and did the same. “Marc,” he said with a tilt of his head. “Emrys, may we speak?” Locryn placed his hand on Emrys’ shoulder, motioning with his head to walk with him.

As the King and Emrys stepped a short distance away, Noah greeted his son. “Trystan.”

Trystan pulled him into a brief hug. “Father, it’s so good to see you.”

“You have a great many believers, son. I’d thought most people had lost faith in Arthur’s heir ever returning, but I was wrong. The lords had their armies ready upon our arrival. They are solidly behind you.”

“Thank you. I needed to hear some good news. I hope I don’t let them down.”

“I suspect you won’t.” A smile lit his eyes as he nodded. Noah turned to Marc. “Good morrow, Your Grace.”

“Noah, it’s good to see you again,” Marc answered. “You made excellent time. We didn’t expect you so soon, though you do look a might tired.”

“That would be an understatement, Your Grace. We have been traveling day and night these last few days. The men and women are sorely tired and hungry.”

“Once the camp is set, make sure everyone is well fed and allowed to rest for the remainder of the day. They will need their strength,” Marc instructed.

“Of course, Your Grace.”

“Trystan, you look a bit ragged,” his father said. “Did you encounter any trouble on your journey?”

“We did have to fight some rather unusual creatures along the way, but our alliance with the elves was a success.” Trystan looked down at his clothes, not realizing how dirty they’d become. “I imagine I look worse than I feel.”

“As do we all, I suppose. If there’s anything you need, you let me know.”

“I will, Father.”

***

Emrys and Regent King Locryn paused a short distance away from the others.

“So, Emrys, is this it then? I expected to see a castle when I arrived. Not a barren hill top with not but a few stones some might call ruins.”

“Your Grace, this is the location, but in order for Camelot to reappear, Excalibur must be placed in the keystone. Unfortunately, the keystone has not revealed itself yet,” Emrys replied.

“Why do you think that is?”

“I can only assume that it has not appeared because it is protecting itself and Camelot. I would recommend making sure the soldiers are prepared for anything that might come our way. I fear a terrible enemy will soon be upon us.”

***

Deep in the Troelli Caverns, Morgaine and General Îarik discussed the plans for their attack. Îarik had a map of the land and tunnels rolled out on the floor. Using the spear he held in his hand, General Îarik pointed to a location on the map in southern Loegria.

“Here is where we are now,” Îarik said. Then pointing to northern Wales, he continued, “My people live within this area to the north, as you already know. There are two southern cave entrances. Here and here.” He pointed at two locations on the map, one south of Camelot and one to the northwest. “These are the closest to Camelot. The southern cave exits in a dense grove of trees while the northern one has little to no cover.”

“Where does your army sit now, General?” Morgaine asked.

“I have spies hidden at both locations. Their information tells us that an army of soldiers is camped primarily along the northern side of the plateau with guards and lookouts stationed around the entire perimeter. The King and his closest advisors and officers are camped atop the plateau, also surrounded by guards. The heir along with Myrddin are also camped near the King, as expected.”

“How many do they have?”

“We estimate near to six thousand, most of which likely have no proper training. With our several hundred archers and warriors and your army, we shall see a quick and easy victory.”