2 Camelot

After walking a while the boys finally reached the gates of Camelot. The gates were so large that a giant would have a hard time getting over.

'' Hold '' said one of the guards at the gate.

'' Hey, what gives. Let us pass. you guys know us '' said Mordred while still holding Loholt.

'' We know who you are Mordred and I can see Loholt, Amir and Tom with you. but I do not recognize this one '' said the guard and pointed at Jacob.

'' He is a friend '' said Mordred.

'' Don't be ridiculous. He may as well be a spy from the Emperor '' said the guard '' I can not let him pass '' the guard continued.

'' He is not a spy. He saved us from a chimera in the forest. You can trust him '' said Mordred.

The guard had a surprised look on his face.

'' Please, sir. Let me pass. I promise that I am no spy. I just want to help my new friends '' said Jacob.

The guard looked like he was about to give in.

'' I take full responsibility for Jacob while he is in Camelot. You have my word '' said Tom.

The guard looked at Tom and then said '' Very well then. You may pass ''.

The boys went within Camelot.

'' Thank you, Tom '' said Jacob.

'' Don't thank me. Just don't be a spy,'' said Tom and they both let out a smile.

After walking a while further. The boys reached the inner castle where the king was.

'' I will take Amir and Loholt to see Morgan Tud. She is going to be disappointed that her apprentice was wounded in battle. Even though he is the one that should help others in battle '' said Tom.

'' Just let me die here '' said Amir.

'' Yeah. Death would be mercy considering what she has in store for you '' said Tom.

Tom then carried Loholt and Amir to Morgan Tud.

'' Okay then. I will take Jacob, to meet with the king '' said Mordred and took Jacobs's hand and ran into the castle.

The two boys reached the doors to the king's courtroom. The two guards standing there tried to stop Mordred and Jacob, saying there was a meeting going on, but Mordred did not listen. He instead dodged the guards and kicked in the doors open.

'' My king, I have brought a visitor to see you '' said Mordred and everyone in the court turned to look at the two boys.

The courtroom was beautiful. It was something right out a fairy tale. The courtroom was filled with equally legendary people. Jacob looked around and noticed some of them. There stood, Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad, Sir Percival, Sir Gawain, Sir Bedivere, Sir Tristan, Sir Agravaine, Sir Kay and many other legendary knights and atop the throne sat none other than the king of knights himself Arthur Pendragon and to his right. Sat prince Madoc, King Arthur's younger brother and to his left stood Merlin, the court advisor, wizard, and servant to King Arthur.

'' Mordred, who is it you have brought with you?'' Said Arthur.

'' I have brought a Friend, sire. He has no place to call home, so I was hoping that he could stay here in Camelot '' said Mordred.

'' You have brought an outsider to his majesty's sacred kingdom. He may as well be an enemy for all we know '' Said Agravain.

'' Would you all stop calling him an enemy already. He is my friend, He saved me, Amir, Tom, and Loholt from a chimera with a single punch '' said Mordred.

'' Impossible '' said Agravain.

'' It is true. I saw it with my own eyes '' said Mordred.

'' Listen here you naive child….''.

'' Enough Agravain '' said Arthur.

'' but sire, we do not know this child. Let alone trust him ''.

'' You're right. We do not know him. So why does he not introduce himself '' said Arthur while looking at Jacob.

Jacob walked closer to Arthur and while he did. Merlin lend over to Arthur and whispered. '' I do not sense any evil from this child. I think Mordred's story may be true ''.

Jacob, now stood before the king and the court.

'' Introduce yourself child '' said Arthur. While everybody else was holding their breath in anticipation.

'' My name is Jacob and…..''.

'' And? '' said Arthur.

'' And I want to be a squire! '' yelled out Jacob.

Everybody just stared for a moment and then laughter could be heard from within the courtroom.

'' Oh. Forgive me, child. Please do not take our laughter as a sign of insult. We were merely laughing at the circumstances '' said Arthur '' But where did you come from? '' asked Arthur.

'' I came from Limbo '' said Jacob.

'' Limbo. That is not a place I have heard of before '' said Arthur and looked around the court, but everybody else was just shaking their heads. Even Merlin shrug his shoulders.

'' Very well Jacob. If you are serious about becoming a squire. Then that means you must serve under a knight. Now, who could you serve? '' Said Arthur while looking at his knights.

'' I will take him '' said Agravain. Arthur thought about it for a moment, but then said '' No, I have someone else in mind ''.

Arthur then looked at his brother, Madoc.

'' Brother if I recall. You currently do not have a squire. Right? '' said Arthur while looking at his brother.

'' No, I do not '' said Madoc.

'' Then would you perhaps like to take young Jacob under your wing? '' said Arthur.

Madoc looked at Jacob and Jacob looked at him, and after a few seconds, Madoc finally said. '' I will take him '' and smiled at Jacob. Jacob also smiled back at his new master.

Mordred ran behind Jacob and gave him a big hug.

''Congratulations Jacob. You know it is funny '' said Mordred.

'' What is? '' said Jacob.

'' It is funny that you are the prince's squire and I am the king's squire '' said Mordred.

'' Wait. You are king Arthur's squire? '' said Jacob and Mordred just answered '' Yep '' with a proud smile on his face.

Agravain looked slightly annoyed.

'' Do you have any objections with my decision Agravain? '' said Arthur while looking at Agravain.

'' Of course not sire '' said Agravain.

'' Alright. Henceforward. Jacob shall now be known as Madoc's squire '' said Arthur and everybody in the courtroom shouted '' Yes sire! ''.

'' Very well. Now that that's over with. We can move on to the next agenda '' said Arthur, but before anything else, a guard came running into the court.

'' Sire, a scout from Emperor Lucius army says that the emperor would like an audience with you, your majesty ''.

Arthur stood up from his throne and said without hesitation '' My knights ready yourselves. If the emperor wants an audience, then we shall give him an audience '' said Arthur (while walking towards the doors of the courtroom) but as he walked towards the doors. Arthur walked past Jacob. Jacob noticed a sword at Arthur's hip and he sensed great power coming from it.

'' Excalibur '' said Jacob quietly to himself.

Arthur was now leaving the courtroom. Beside him was Merlin and behind him, all the knights who were in the courtroom.

'' I have to, be by the king's side no matter what '' said Mordred while looking at Jacob. Jacob smiled and said '' Go ''. Mordred smiled and ran after Arthur.

'' I know that we have just become master and servant, but will you perhaps join me, Jacob? '' said Madoc standing behind Jacob.

Jacob turned around and looked at his Master and smiled. Jacob then nodded.

'' Very well. Let us go then. My squire '' said Madoc running out the courtroom.

'' Yes, my master! '' said Jacob running behind him.

The king, the prince, merlin and all the knights from Camelot, were now on horseback, riding towards Emperor Lucius's army near Camelot. Jacob rode with Madoc and Mordred rode with Arthur.

'' The Emperor's army have been near Camelots border for a while now and they now seek an audience with you, your majesty. What do you think he wants?. Clearly, it is not war. Considering that he would have attacked long ago '' said Gawain riding close to Arthur.

'' I have no idea what Lucius wants, but, why do we not find out for ourselves '' said Arthur and who then came to a cliff, at the end of the forest, they were riding in and in front of them all, was the entire army of Emperor Lucius. Almost 100.000 men and at the front of the army. Stood Emperor Lucius himself and smiled towards king Arthur at the top of the cliff.

'' Well, I think he is inviting you over to talk '' said Merlin besides Arthur.

'' Whatever gave you that idea '' said Arthur.

'' Well, the fact that his men are spelling '' I want to talk'' with their bodies. Is a clear giveaway '' said Merlin while smiling at Arthur. Arthur just looked at Merlin with an annoyed look on his face.

'' Let us go and see what he what's '' said Arthur and rode down the cliff.

''Sire if he wants to fight then let me fight him myself '' said Mordred. Arthur just let out a smile and a small laugh and kept riding down the cliff while Merlin and the knights followed.

Madoc and Jacob were still on the cliff. Jacob looked out at the Emperor's army and was amazed by the red and gold armor the soldiers were wearing.

'' Are you scared? '' said Madoc and looked down at Jacob in front of him on his horse.

'' No, I am just amazed '' said Jacob.

'' Yeah, the Emperor always loves to put on a good show. Let us join the others '' said Madoc.

'' Let us. I promise, I will protect you, master '' said Jacob while looking at Madoc with a smile on his face. Madoc smiled back and rode down the cliff to join the others.

After a while. Arthur, Merlin and the knights, now stood before Emperor Lucius and his army of 100.000 strong. Madoc and Jacob also joined Arthur in the front.

'' To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing you and your army here at Camelots border, Lucius '' said Arthur.

Lucius smiled and dismounted his horse and walked straight towards Arthur.

Arthur also dismounted his horse and walked straight towards Lucius. Merlin, Madoc, Mordred, Jacob, and all the knights were ready to dismount as well, but Arthur just looked back at all of them and shook his head. Which made everyone stay mounted on their horses.

King Arthur of Camelot now stood face to face with Emperor Lucius of Rome.

Many would say, that Emperor Lucius was a living rose. his clothes certainly supported that saying.

'' My dear King Arthur Pendragon. It has been too long '' said Lucius.

'' Not long enough, I am afraid '' said Arthur while holding his belt.

'' Now, now no need to be so hurtful. After all the trouble I went to. Bringing a portion of my army of Rome to Camelot and as you can see. We have not crossed the border, which should tell you, that I have not come for war '' said Lucius.

'' If it is not war, your after. Then why are you here black rose Emperor? '' said Arthur.

'' Ah yes. I wanted to introduce you to someone. Please join us, my son '' said Lucius, looking back at his army.

Arthur and everyone behind him was in shock, by what Lucius just said.

'' You have a son? '' said Arthur in shock and Lucius just looked at Arthur with a smile on his face.

After a few seconds. A boy could be seen coming through Lucius army, to the front, where his father and Arthur stood. The boy was wearing similar clothes to Lucius. He was about the same age, as Jacob and Mordred, so he was still just a child.

The boy now stood in front of Emperor Lucius and Lucius put both his hands on his son's shoulders.

'' This is my son, Markus. Say hello Markus '' said Lucius. Markus looked up at Arthur and said '' Hello. Arthur Pendragon ''. Arthur still in shock had nothing to say.

'' I know. He leaves everyone lost for words '' said Lucius while looking at Arthur, but after a few seconds. Arthur finally said '' Let me get this straight. You brought a portion of your army, to Camelots border. Just to introduce your son to me ''.

Lucius nodded and said '' pretty much ''.

Arthur looked back at everyone behind him and all of them had a confused look on their faces. The same as Arthur's face.

'' Well, he is known to be a showoff '' said Merlin. Arthur just looked at Merlin.

'' So what now Lucius? '' said Arthur. Now looking, at the black rose Emperor.

'' Now….now I, Markus and my army, return back to Rome. Unless of course. You want to stop us, here and now? '' said Lucius with a smile on his face.

Arthur shook his head and said '' I do not want to lose the lives of my knights, if it can be avoided '' said King Arthur.

Lucius looked down at the ground and said '' shame, but then again. You have always been so noble and so selfless. Oh king of Camelot, but correct me if I am wrong. I hear that your Queen - the lady Guinevere - and your son - prince Gwydre - are currently, not in Camelot ''.

'' That is correct. They are both currently at a castle near the sea. Taking a small vacation '' said Arthur.

'' Oh. Now, why would tell me that? Are you that certain that I would not kill your wife and son, while they are away from Camelot and her knights '' said Lucius while walking closer to Arthur.

'' I am '' said Arthur with confidence.

'' And why are you so confident? '' asked Lucius. Now standing face to face with Arthur.

Arthur just looked Lucius straight in the eyes and said '' Because. You would not find any amusement, in killing a defenseless woman and an innocent child. Regardless of their titles ''.

Lucius just looked back into Arthur's eyes and smiled and then said '' so you do know me, after all ''

Lucius then turned towards his men and said '' We are leaving. Markus, you will be riding with me ''.

'' Yes, father '' said Markus.

Lucius and Markus mounted Lucius's horse, that was covered in black rose gold armor and then, Lucius looked back at Arthur and said.

'' I shall wait patiently for our next encounter. Arthur Pendragon ''.

'' And so shall I. Lucius Rose ''.

Lucius smiled and said '' Say goodbye Markus ''.

'' Goodbye King Arthur ''

'' Goodbye prince Markus ''

After those exchange of words. The black rose Emperor rode back towards Rome, like rose petals in the wind and after a while. They could no longer be seen by Arthur and his knights.

Arthur went back to his white horse - Llamrei - who Mordred was still sitting on and mounted Llamrei. He then set out to ride back to Camelot.

The sun was setting in the distance. By the time Arthur and the others had reach Camelot.

'' Well, how do you think that went? '' said Merlin, but Arthur did not answer him.

'' Well if you ask me. I think it went pretty well. considering that we did not end in a war '' said Merlin.

'' Merlin. Do me a favor ''

'' Anything sire ''

'' Shut up ''

And with that comment. Merlin did not say a single word, till they reached the inner castle within Camelot and while Merlin was silent, everybody else just smiled.

Night had befallen Camelot when Arthur and the others reached the castle.

Arthur dismounted Llamrei and help Mordred down as well. Arthur then looked at everybody else and said '' I know that we have a lot to discuss, but for now, let us get some rest ''. Arthur then went up the stairs that let to the castle and Merlin followed behind him.

Everybody else dismounted their horses and went to the stables, so the horses could get some rest. Mordred took Llamrei to the stables as well.

Madoc dismounted his horse and helped Jacob down as well.

'' So how was your first day as my squire? '' said Madoc.

'' If I am being honest. It was pretty exciting '' said Jacob with a smile. Which made Madoc smile as well.

'' Very well then. Meet me at early light tomorrow. Where I shall tell you your duties and chores, but for now take my horse and follow Mordred to the stables, he will show you what to do and I will see you tomorrow, my squire '' said Madoc and then walked up the stairs to the castle.

'' I can't wait, master. I would do my best not to disappoint you '' said Jacob while waving to Madoc. Madoc looked back at Jacob from atop the stairs and waved back. He then went inside the castle.

Jacob then took Madoc's horse by the reins and walked towards the stables.

After having put the horses into the stables.

Mordred and Jacob went to where their rooms were.

'' This is your home now '' said Mordred and opened the door to a big room with a lot of beds in it.

'' This used to be a storage room under the castle, but the king remodeled it, to be a place for us squires to stay and rest '' said Mordred.

Jacob was amazed at the room. It was his new home ever since he had left Limbo.

'' Oh. It seems Tom, Amir, and Loholt are already asleep. Just take the bed beside mine. No one is using it '' said Mordred, while quietly walking towards his bed. Jacob also quietly followed behind him.

They were now both in their beds. Mordred put his head on his pillow and put his sheet over himself and said '' Be sure to get lots of sleep. Us squires have a long day ahead of us tomorrow ''.

Jacob who also had his head on his pillow and his sheet over him, said '' I will, and thank you for everything, Mordred ''.

'' No Problem '' said Mordred. Who then yawned and immediately fell asleep.

Jacob could not wait for tomorrow. He was really excited, but for now, he should get some sleep he thought to himself, and closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Jacob suddenly woke up in the middle of the night.

He felt extremely cold for some reason. He looked around the room, but all he could see was Mordred and the others still asleep. He then felt a strange presence in the courtyard that sent chills down his spine.

Jacob teleported outside, to the courtyard.

The courtyard was illuminated by the light of the full moon, and in the middle of the courtyard stood a figure with a cloaked hood, looking around the courtyard.

Jacob hid behind some boxes and observed the figure's behavior, but then the figure turned and looked straight at the boxes, where Jacob was hiding behind.

The figure lifted his right hand from under his cloak and gestured to Jacob, to come out.

Jacob was in shock.

'' How the hell did he know that I was here '' Jacob thought to himself.

Jacob came out from behind the boxes and slowly walked towards the stranger, whose face, he could not see because of the hood he was wearing.

After walking a little closer, Jacob finally said '' Who are you? '' and stood a couple of feet close to the stranger. they both now stood amidst the light of the full moon.

The stranger did not respond, but instead took off his hood and that was when Jacob saw the face of a man, with curly yellow hair and blue eyes.

At first glance, Jacob almost mistook him for the sun itself. The stranger was like the sun, amidst the night.

After getting his bearings together again, Jacob asked the stranger again '' Who are you? ''

'' Hmmm...… I have many names, dear child, but for now, I think I will go with... Lug ''

'' What do you want, here in Camelot? '' said Jacob.

'' Oh I don't know. What could a trickster like myself want? Other than an audience and some fun '' said Lug.

Jacob just stared, at Lug.

'' I see that you are trying to read my mind '' said Lug.

Jacob was taken back by that responds

'' You are not human ''

'' And neither are you, dear Jacob ''

Jacob's blood froze.

'' How do you know my name? ''

'' It seems you have great power, but don't know how to use it. Given time and practice. You could even learn, how to block others out of your mind, but it seems, that your father Gabriel. Did not bother to teach you that important lesson '' said Lug.

Jacobs's knees started to shake.

'' I will ask one last time. What do you want here in Camelot ''

Lug just smiled and said '' Dear Jacob. Did you not hear what I just said. No matter, let me give a straight answer. I. Want. Some. Fun ''.

'' What kind of fun? ''

'' Oh. Dear child. That is for me to decide '' Said Lug with a wide smile on his face.

Lug then started to shine. The light coming from him felt like it was coming from the sun itself. Jacob had to cover his eyes and when he opened them again. Lug was gone. Jacob was now alone in the courtyard, and after a few seconds. Jacob teleported back to his bed.

He now looked up at the ceiling and thought '' I do not know what Lug what's, but all I know is, that he is extremely dangerous ''

Jacob then closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Far away from Camelot. Stood Lug atop a mountain, that overlooked Camelot. Lug put back on his hood, and all that could be seen was his wide smile and his blue eyes.