Guinevere

Guinevere Leodengrance had spent the better part of the last ten years as the apprentice to the Master Mage Merlin himself. Her Mother and Father had discovered she was of the Fay and had her tested at the Academy on their next trip to the Capitol. Her Father was a King in his own right, but the harsh winters and dry summers of her homeland had led to the decline of his Kingdom. Her Mother was a stunning woman standing over six feet and possessed the body of an athlete, her Father was more normal in stature, but was a fierce warrior that had never tasted defeat in battle. Guinevere had been raised in her parent's castle and had never wanted for anything, but they also knew that there was little for her in the Kingdom as her brother was the heir to the Throne and was being groomed as such.

She remembered the day that the British King had come to visit and meet with her Father, it was one of the few mild days they had experienced in many a year. The Great King stayed for three days and nights, each night he insisted on putting on a feast for his hosts as payment for their graciousness and most accommodating lodgings. The feasts were of such breath taking size and merriment that Guinevere remembered them to this day. Once the King of Britain departed, her father sat her and her brother down and explained what the visit was in aid of. It had turned out that the Kingdom had some very important strategic ports that the British King wanted to take advantage of. In return the British Empire would become a close ally and assist the Kingdom in these times of drought and famine. At the time she didn't understand the details of what it all meant, but life in the Kingdom changed for the better from that time on.

Although she didn't want to attend the Mages Academy, she was the daughter of a King and she had a duty to do whatever it was that would advantage the realm. So when she turned ten, she dutifully, and tearfully packed her meagre possessions and headed to London to attend the Academy. Now ten years later she was a hairs breath from her Robe of Cumhachd Agus Ughdarras and there was nothing that was going to stand in her way. She had spent the better part of the last six months trying to develop a new type of fuel that would reduce the amount of smog and pollution in the city areas and she felt she was mere inches away from succeeding. A knock interrupted her train of thought,

"Yes?" she yelled at the door.

"I suggest you use a bit more decorum in the future Apprentice." Merlin said with not a little anger in his voice.

"I am so sorry, Master Merlin, I was heavily distracted by this experiment."

"One of the very things I have come to discuss with you. What is this experiment you are conducting?"

"Sir I believe I have developed a fuel that will run our diesel engines cleaner and more efficiently than the traditional diesel oil. It is a derivative of the diesel oil but it has a lower ignition point and a higher explosive factor, so it would take less of it to power a vehicle to the same level as the diesel oil." She explained succinctly, she knew Merlin hated long winded explanations.

"Very good, and then what?" He asked.

"I don't understand Sir?"

"You invent a new fuel, how long will it take to get this approved by the council, how much will it cost to make it a viable option? How will it be met in the real world where there are thousands and thousands of people reliant on the current technology to earn a living? Then, there is the question of safety, if it has a lower flash point than the current fuel option, is it going to pose a danger to those handling and using it?"

"I hadn't thought that far ahead." She said sheepishly.

"Don't despair, the idea is sound and if there comes a time where we can use it for a fuel alternative, it will be your name that is printed at the top of the patent. But there is a task that I need you to undertake for me."

"Yes Sir." She tried to hide her bitter disappointment.

"As you no doubt have heard through the Apprentice rumour mill, Arthur Pendragon has returned and taken the Sword of Power for his own. As a Mage I am not allowed to interfere in the politics of the people, but I need someone that has knowledge of the British Empire and how the last twenty years has progressed. I want you to be Arthur's advisor on all matters pertaining to the recent history of Harold's reign. This is a vital role that will entail you being at the young man's side for almost all of everyday. Do you feel you are capable of this?"

"But Master Merlin, are there not more qualified people that could do a more thorough job?" She questioned.

"There may well be Apprentice Guinevere, but there are none I trust more than you. I understand that the task may seem onerous, but I can assure you that Arthur's success is vital to the future of the Empire and the safety of the British people as a whole." He did feel a little bad misleading the girl such, but she was the future of the young Prince and she needed to be there next to him. "This is an opportunity for you to expand your experiences and make you more whole as a person and a Mage." He explained.

"Yes Sir, I will do the very best I can. I will not let you down." She replied, but it was barely half-hearted.

Merlin held out his hand, as Guinevere took it they were suddenly in another room, obviously in another building. The furniture was of the highest quality, higher than she had ever seen or even thought about. There was a fire raging in the massive fireplace and the room smelled of Incense, it was the most relaxing room she had ever imagined, it just invited relaxation and positive energy.

"Prince Arthur was working well into the night, but I expect he will be down very soon." Merlin explained as he handed her a glass of whisky. As she took a sip, she was stunned at the quality of the amber liquid, it was as smooth as silk and gave a very calm warming feeling as it went down." That my Dear is one of the finest whisky's that has ever been distilled, over two hundred years old and still a baby." Merlin said as he savoured the colour and aroma of the golden liquid.

"Master, are you sure I should be partaking of such expensive whisky, I am really just an apprentice playing advisor?"

"And why shouldn't a beautiful woman be able to savour my whisky?" Arthur said from behind her. Fortunately the whisky was on the side table or she would have worn about two hundred pounds worth of whisky.

"Your Highness, I did not hear you enter, my apologies." Guinevere said as she stood and then curtseyed.

"Please, I am not the King yet, and I may never be, so it is Arthur, and you are?"

"Guinevere Leodengrance, Sir."

"I have carefully chosen Gwen as your advisor on matters pertaining to the disgraceful rule of Harold and the political effects of that rule." Merlin explained. "Do not be fooled by her youthful look, she is as quick as a whippet and as intelligent as any you could name, including me." Merlin spoke the last part with a look of disgust, the thought that such a youngling could possess such amazing intellect and sense was something he admired and hated as it only served to show his age.

"In that case Guinevere, please don't show up my other advisors too much, I do need them to maintain a modicum of self-confidence." Arthur said with small chuckle.

Guinevere looked up and saw the young Princes eyes and she suddenly forgot why she was even there. The piercing blue was almost like ice and his face was so familiar, and yet unknown, he was tall, but not too tall, and he was very well built. Years of training with a sword most likely the source of that, she thought, his smile was easy and genuine, and he moved with the grace and poise of a man that knew he was special, but his manner was far from arrogant or intimidating. She wanted to look away, but his smile had her entranced and she felt herself staring like a school girl meeting a famous actor. He was so very beautiful.

Arthur wanted to impress the young woman, but all he could do was look into her huge brown eyes and wonder what it would be like to kiss those sensual, perfect lips. She was very tall, although shorter than he, and her countenance was that of a confident and intelligent woman that would brook no foolishness. This was a woman that he wanted to get to know better. He realised he was staring and caught himself before it became uncomfortable. He cleared his throat and went to the bar and poured himself a double measure of the whisky and then offered another measure to Guinevere. She nodded and he poured a generous measure.

"Merlin, so what news have you from the Capitol?"

"The 'King' has lost his way completely as far as I can tell, as you know there is very little that I can do to assist you, but I can pass on information that is widely known. His behaviour was something to behold when he launched the King Harold, the day after we raided the Palace. His speech went on for over ninety minutes and when all was said and done, he rambled and said nothing." Merlin considered his next words very carefully. "I would suggest that his time in control is rapidly slipping away. Perhaps you need to discuss the matter further with your Advisors." Arthur looked at the Mage, his mind considering the information that he had been given, albeit in circuitous manner.

"I think I shall have to deal with these matters today, Merlin. Please have a safe trip back to the Academy, and I shall no doubt here from you in the near future." He bowed to Merlin who returned the gesture. He was suddenly gone and Arthur was left with Guinevere and a lot to consider.

"I think we should call a meeting of the circle." He said to the young woman.

"The Circle?" She asked.

"I have an inner circle of people that I rely on as my most trusted and capable advisors. Of which you are now one of. So let's be about it." He drained the glass and immediately headed for the door, Guinevere sat there looking stunned at the events of the last few minutes. "Well, are you coming?" He asked standing in the doorway. She shot to her feet and walked quickly after the Prince, as she went she was trying to get her wits about her. She was w2ell and truly thrown by the Prince, he was nothing like what she was expecting, he exuded intelligence and authority. There was no question as to why the young man commanded respect and loyalty. Now she had to prove herself in the company of some very experienced and powerful men. She took a deep breath and spoke.

"Sir, I am unsure what I can possibly add to the circle as you call it. I was an apprenticed Mage up until an hour ago." She protested.

"You have a distinct advantage over me, I was raised in Hong Kong, and as far as what that bastard relative of mine is concerned, and you have first-hand experience in the political climate that has led to the mess we now oppose." He stopped and looked at her, "I have tried to surround myself with the best people, Merlin has placed you here and as far as I am concerned, that makes you a member of the Circle. You either sink or swim, it's up to you." He looked at her for a moment longer, his eyes boring into her. She nodded and broke eye contact and walked on in silence.

They entered a room that seemed to be hidden behind a wall, inside there was a large round table that had a dozen chairs around it. Already seated were Sir Percival Gifford, Sir Galahad Rookdale, Sir Gaheris Bravenswood, Squadron Leader Lancelot DuLac, and Sir Gawain Summerisle. They all stood as Arthur and Guinevere entered, Arthur immediately indicating that they should sit.

"Gentlemen, allow me to introduce my newest advisor, Guinevere Leodengrance, Merlin has personally selected her as my advisor on matters regarding the political climate during Harold's reign of terror."

Guinevere steeled herself for the howls of protest and dismissal, she was after all just twenty years old. But it didn't happen, if anything the opposite happened, every one of the men rose and made their way over to her and welcomed her and introduced themselves. The gracious and accepting greeting she received again threw her for a loop. There was a bit of small talk and banter before Arthur called the meeting to order.

"Gentlemen, and Lady. I would like to address a matter that Uncle Percy and I have discussed at length. We have filled six permanent seats at this table, and now it is time to fill the seventh seat. I have discussed with each of your personally my thoughts and intentions and have received unanimous agreement. Squadron Leader Lancelot DuLac, please come forward." DuLac looked at Arthur with a shocked look on his face, he walked slowly around the table and stood before Arthur. "Please kneel." He dropped to a knee, the sound of Excalibur being drawn gave him a bit of a start.

"As Regent in exile, I hereby Knight you in the name of the Pendragon line." He tapped DuLac on each shoulder twice. "Arise Sir Lancelot DuLac, Knight of the Realm and defender of the Throne."

There was a cacophony of shouts and banging on the table in support of the new Knight. DuLac was so shocked that he was speechless, all he could do was smile like an idiot as the rest of the Knights slapped him on the back and congratulated the Pilot.

"Sir Percival, if you would?" Arthur referred to his Uncle.

"It is my pleasure, Your Highness. Sir Lancelot, do you, Knight of the Realm do hereby swear fealty to His Majesty Prince Arthur Pendragon, Defender of the Realm and Leader of the Faith?"

"I do." He said solemnly. Percival reached over and drew a sheathed sword and held it in both hands before DuLac.

"Take this Sword and bear it in defence of the Prince, should you fail to execute your duty, it will be beholden upon you to fall upon your sword. Once you take this weapon, you are inexorably tied to the Crown and the duties and responsibilities there entailed. Do you so agree and commit?"

"I do so commit, Sir Percival." Lancelot announced proudly. Again there was the uproarious sound of the other Knights celebrating the ascension of a Knight of the Realm. Arthur stood back and allowed Lancelot to enjoy the moment, it was a pleasure that felt excellent to the core, and something he never considered he would feel.

"Gentlemen, it is time to turn our attention to far more serious matters." Arthur announced. The men all clapped Lancelot one more time and they all returned to their seats. Arthur stood at his seat at the table, he remained silent for a few moments, his eyes roaming the table, he was proud to be the regent that these men looked to as their future King.

"Firstly, I would again like to congratulate Sir Lancelot and announce his elevation to the post of Air Marshall. Before you protest, Lance, I have read your file, I have studied your missions and spoken to all of the Pilots that have served under you. The suggestion that you serve me in that role was universal and acclaimed by everyone." Lancelot simply nodded and sat back. "Now, the information I have received suggests that the time for us to launch our bid to remove the illegitimate Regent is at hand. I am expecting Sir Geraint any moment, and when he arrives we will discuss the Land Armies current disposition, until then, I would like to discuss our Naval and Air reserves."

He looked to Percival.