---

Down through history there has been many stories of heroes and the weapons of power. Thor with his Warhammer Mjölnir, the sword of Aries and Mars, Attila the Hun’s sword, and King Author’s Excalibur. These are but a few legends. Yet for every one of these legends there are two legendary weapons lost to time. Among those lost weapons are the few whose power comes with a cost. They are the cursed weapons of power. Each curse is unique to the weapon. The Black sword is but one such weapon of great power. This is the story of the weapon and its newest welder.

---

Chapter 3
Throne room of Castle Avalon, Avalon City.

Dame Eleanor of the Light, Grand Marshall for the Gray Wolf Knights slowly paced back and forth in front of the empty Emerald throne. She knew that mystical workings were happening within her island home. First there was the sudden appearance of five men in the Royal Garden. Then six hours later two blinding white flashes of light deep in the Ravenswood Forest. Then there was the fact that the headstone in the center of the Emerald throne was now glowing. According to legend it was a sign that the Emerald Queen had returned. Lastly there was the report of a rift in the protective mists that surround Avalon itself. A rift that was now closed once more.

“Grand Marshall I bring news from the Ravenswood Forest!” Dame Bridget’s panicked voice drew the older woman out of her downward spiraling thoughts. Even as Bridget came to a stop a few feet from her and kneeled down on her right knee Eleanor prayed the younger knight’s report would yield some answers to her worries. She couldn’t have been more wrong. “The Emerald Queen has returned to us. She is accompanied by a champion. A male champion.”

“Where is the rest of your patrol Dame Bridget?” Eleanor asked harshly.

“Dead, my liege. All but myself and Dame Mylisant killed in battle by the Queen’s Champion.” Bridget looked up at the leader of her Chivalric Order with fear in her eyes. “Dame Eleanor our sisters were struck down with a single blow from the Champion’s sword. I speak truth when I say the Queen’s Champion wields a sword unlike any other I have seen.”

“What do you mean Dame Bridget? Tell me exactly what the sword looked like?” Eleanor demanded of the younger woman.

“It was a solid black bastard rune sword. With a blade at least five feet long from the hilt. The hilt itself is embedded with a large spherical ruby that looked like the eye of a dragon. The blade is made from an unearthly, mystical black metal, and is etched with mysterious runes.” As Bridget described the sword used to cut down her sister knights a shiver ran down her spine. “And I swear by all that is Holy Mistress. The sword howled as it struck down our sisters.”

“Worry not I believe you Dame Bridget. The blade you described is one of the fabled Black Swords of the Eternal Champion.” Eleanor sighed then looked back up towards the Emerald throne. “Where is Dame Mylisant and the Queen now?”

“They should be on their way as we speak, my liege.” Bridget answered. “There is something else you should know.”

“What is it Dame Bridget? Why do you appear to have swallowed a bug?” Eleanor sighed as she took in the look on Bridget’s face.

“The woman who claims to be the Emerald Queen returned. Claims to have been traveling with the five men we have in the dungeon.” Bridget answered with a wince.

“Oh, this day just keeps getting better and better.” Eleanor sighed then turned towards the nearest throne room guard. “Dame Racheal fetch the men we captured in the Royal Garden and bring them here. Dame Rosa please go to the Tower of Sages and fetch Grand Master Grahone or one of his brethren from the Order of the Bear. I have a feeling that we are in need of a Great Sage.”

“That’s an understatement.” Bridget mumbled under her breath.

“What was that Dame Bridget?” Eleanor snapped.

“Nothing my liege.” Bridget answered quickly lying to cover her embarrassment.

“No, I heard you say something Dame Bridget. What was it?” Eleanor asked sharply.

“I say that you made an understatement about needing a Sage, Mistress.” Bridget answered honestly grimacing.

“You know something Dame Bridget. You may very well have hit the nail on the head.” Eleanor sighed then chuckled. “Let us hope that our esteemed mages are wiser than they let on at times.”

“Please forgive me Dame Eleanor, but you have more faith in them than I do. I sometimes wonder if our Great Sages have the brains to pour piss out of a boot.” Bridget giggled. “With the instructions written on the heel.”

“Sadly. You might be right Dame Bridget.” Eleanor said before joining Bridget in her laughing.

Gates of Avalon Castle, Avalon

David and his mother looked up at the massive iron portcullis as they passed over the drawbridge and between the towering flank towers of the castle’s main gate. Even though they had seen the massive fortification from the distance. The sheer size of the wall towers and curtain wall amazed the two. Beyond the curtain wall they could see the towering citadel of the castle proper. Unlike his mother David had studied medieval castle architecture. Everywhere David’s eyes fell he saw elements of castle defensive architecture throughout the Medieval era. David knew without a doubt that this castle would never fall to a siege.

“Mom I hate to tell you this but unless you can talk whoever is in charge to handing over dad and others. There is no way in hell we’ll break them out.” David had pulled alongside his mother so that only she could hear him. “Even with the power of Stormbringer on our side. This place is beyond impregnable.”

“I may not have your knowledge of castle architecture David, but even I could tell that much.” Kathern snorted. “Though our main worry isn’t getting them out.”

“Then what is mom?” David snapped.

“Keeping them alive. How many men did you see on the battlements David?” She asked.

“I would say less than half are men. That means the majority of the guards and knights are women.” David answered his mom not understanding where she was going.

“Now take all that into account. What does that tell you about the society we’re dealing with David?” Kathern asked him heavily.

“What are you saying mom? That the people in charge are women?” David asked sharply.

“Exactly. Remember what Dame Mylisant called me when she first greeted us? She called me Queen Morgana and something about returning from beyond the mountain mists of Avalon. I have a feeling that this society is matriarchal in nature. If my research is even halfway correct. The Avalon society was far more progress than even the Amazons. It was a true equality of the sexes. I would wager that their most powerful of mages are males. Placing them on the same footing as their female counterparts in their military. The only other time in history both real and fantasy where this occurred was with the Melnibonéans. That’s if the legends are even halfway true. Which with the way things are going right now. I am forced to say that those legends have to have more than just a gain of truth in them.” Kathern explained for her son honestly.

Once they were through the gate and into the inner courtyard Mylisant lead them over to the castle stables. As David and Kathern dropped from their saddles they both felt the muscles in their lower backs pinch. “Oh man. Either it’s been longer than I remembered, or this body really hates riding horses.”

“Longer than you remembered David. I feel the saddle myself.” Kathern groaned. “Damnation it has been too long. The last time I felt like this your father was first teaching me to ride.”

“Dame Mylisant, Grand Mistress Eleanor wishes to see you in the throne room at once.” A stable hand called out as the knight dismounted. The boy looked over at David and Kathern. “The Grand Mistress has offered the Royal Garden for our guests.”

“Thank you, Jacob. Please find someone to fitch the rest of the horses from my patrol. Then see to the horses I have returned with.” Mylisant ordered the boy.

“At once Dame Mylisant. Should I find a guide for your guests?” He asked.

“Yes please, Jacob.” Mylisant turned to face David and Kathern. “Lady and Lord I must take my leave of you for now. Until then I leave you the capable care of Jacob. He is one of our most trusted stable hands.”

“Thank you Dame Mylisant. We’ll await you and your Grand Mistress in the garden.” Kathern told the woman airily. It wasn’t long before they were led through a gate in the inner wall to a vast garden behind the citadel walls.

Royal Garden, Avalon Castle

As they walked around the garden Kathern was pulled towards a massive reflecting pool in the middle of the garden. As Kathern neared the edge of the pool she felt an upswelling of power deep within her. With a certainty that she had only felt a few times in her life Kathern held out her hands before her. Taking a deep breath, she began to chant. Kathern had no idea where the words came from, but she knew that they would bring her answers.

“Serpent's breath, charm of death and life, thy omen of making.” She repeated the phrase three times before something happened. At first the fountain of water slowly began to churn and swirl. With each successive repetition of the phrase a thick mist slowly rose from the churning, swirling waters. As the mist rose it began to take on the appearance of a dragon’s head and neck. Finally, after six repetitions a deep rumbling chuckle filled the clearing.

“After six hundred years you have returned my apprentice. This time you have brought a Champion worthy of you and your lineage.” The dragon head rumbled.

“Greetings ancient one. Forgive me but I have never stood before you.” Kathern’s answer had a very different reaction from behind her.

“Oh, shit mom. What did you just do?” David gasped.

“Silence, David!” Kathern snapped out she fought to control her own fear. Turning back to the dragon Kathern steeled her nerves. “I seek answers great one.”

“You have the answers already my apprentice. You only need to accept the truth of your feelings.” The dragon told her mysteriously.

“I have questions but not answers. Only theories.” Kathern countered. “Like why do you call me apprentice in the first place? This is the first time I have been graced with your presence and power great one.”

“Only in this lifetime my apprentice. More than five centuries ago you stood in this very spot and asked for my guidance and teaching.” The dragon chuckled as Kathern’s eyes bulged out of her head. “I see that you begin to gasp the truth behind my words, young Morgana Le Fey. True Queen of Avalon.”

“Oh man. Dad is going to shit gold bricks when he hears this mom. We really are on Avalon. The next question is when are we on Avalon.” David grunted out as he was hit with a gut-wrenching pain. “Son of a bitch that hurts.”

“DAVID! What’s happening now?” Kathern demanded of her son only to have the dragon smugly answer her question.

“Your Champion has begun to fulfill her role. Both body and soul. The Black Sword demands it payment. Its hunger must be feed. It has been more than a thousand years sense its last meal. The paltry few souls it feasted upon barely sated its hunger.” The dragon rumbled as he looked down on David’s wreathing form. “Even now the power of Stormbringer fills your Champion.”

“Can I stop this Master?” Kathern asked quickly. She wanted to save her youngest son. “He is my son. Please help me.”

“I fear that not even I can change the fate of the Eternal Champion.” The dragon answered her honestly. “Not even the Old Gods hold that power.”

“If his fate cannot be changed. Then what can be done?” Kathern asked.

“I fear that not even I can give you that answer my apprentice. Fate is a fickle Mistress and never gives up her secrets. Even the Prophetesses of legend could only grasp glimpses of her mysteries. I can tell you this about your Champion. The more they draw on the power of the black sword. The faster they shall change.” The dragon told Kathern with an almost sorrowful tone in his voice.

“My child asked the question of when we have arrived on Avalon. Are the legends true? Does time on Avalon really move slower than in the outside world?” Kathern asked the dragon hoping that there was a way for them to return home.

“Time as you know it does on not move the way it does in the outside world as it does here in Avalon. For every hour here ten years have passed in the outside world my apprentice.” He answered her bluntly. The dragon then looked her directly in the eyes. “In the scant twelve hours you have been in this world a full century has passed in the world outside of Avalon’s Mists.”

“I hate to say this mom, but everyone we know, and love back home is dead.” David whispered from his position on the ground. “We can’t go home can we?”

“I fear not Champion. This world is now your home.” The dragon answered honestly.

“Any more good news oh great one?” David snarked.

“Ah the impudence of youth.” The dragon chuckled. “You have chosen your Champion well my apprentice. She shall serve you well in the days to come.”

“Can we not use female pronouns just yet?” David whined.

“David it is time to face facts. You have maybe four to five days at the most before the last of your manhood is gone.” Kathern sighed. “I can see the changes you can’t. You are changing even without drawing on the power of Stormbringer.”

“Your mother speaks only truth Champion. Though she gives you far too much time remaining as a man. Even now that sword is siphoning off your manhood with every passing moment. Though it is returning the favor by bestowing you with a strength that is unparalleled in this or any other world.” Even before the dragon explained this to David he knew what was happening to him.

He had noticed his wider hips and smaller waist at the end of the fight with the knights. He also knew that even though his arms and shoulders were thinner and narrower he was still stronger than he was back home. The way he wielded the bastard sword was proof of that. He had also felt his bones shifting slowly to a more feminine frame. The last round of pain let David know that even now his organs were starting to shift as well. Even now he could feel the bones of his face slowly shifting to give him the face of a young woman or teenage girl.

“It doesn’t matter. I’m still a man.” David snarled as he slowly drew Stormbringer from its scabbard. “I’m pretty sure that even you will die if I cut you with this.”

“Oh, I would die young Champion, but not before I ended your life in return. You will find that dragons are not so easily killed. Not even my lesser kin Champion. Stormbringer truly is a powerful weapon.” The dragon chuckled then warned. “Yet she is not a true Dragon Slayer like her Holy Sword brethren. Of all the Holy Swords SHE is a true soul slayer.”

“Excuse oh Great One. You said that Stormbringer is a Holy Sword. How can that be?” Kathern asked in shock for her son.

“Because the first true wielder of that sword was Lucifer Morningstar. First of God’s Angels and mightiest of his warriors.” The dragon answered bluntly. “It is said that Lucifer used Stormbringer to slay the mightiest of the Great Old Ones and drive the Dead Gods into hiding.”

“Holy shit!” David breathed out looking down at the sword in his hand. “Just how powerful is this thing?”

“They didn’t name her God Slayer for not young Champion. Several millennium ago, the Lords of Chaos and Law greatly feared the blade you now hold in your hand. They had justification to fear that blade and her siblings. She and her siblings may not be dragon slayers in the truest form of the words. They still hold a power beyond any other Holy Sword.” The dragon informed them both with a chuckle. He then turned to Kathern looking her solely in the eyes. “As powerful as your Champion is my apprentice you hold even greater within your soul.”

“What does that mean Great One?” Kathern asked him.

“You will find the answer to that question in the passage of time.” With that the dragon disappeared before their eyes. Leaving both mother and son with more questions than answers. As much as Kathern wanted to scream just then in frustration she knew that she had to maintain her composure.

“Well, that was fucking helpful mom.” David snarked as he sheathed Stormbringer.

“Watch your language David! I don’t care if you just managed to sum up the situation perfectly.” Kathern grumbled as she looked around the garden. “Where the hell are your father and the others? They should have been here by now.”

“Mom I got a feeling that they’ve been dragged before whoever is in charge around here.” David nodded his head towards a door on the far side of the garden. “I got a feeling that we’re about to get the same treatment.”

Kathern looked to where David nodded and spotted the three Gray Wolf knights exiting out the door. “I do believe you’re right David. Keep Stormbringer sheathed unless they draw their swords first. Am I understood?”

“Yes ma’am. You want this to go nice and smooth. No killing.” David grumbled as Stormbringer whined. “Can I at least beat up on them a little? You know a few broken noses, fat lips, a black eye or two. You know nothing too serious.”

“You will behave yourself David. We still need answers. The only people who can give us those answers are here in this castle.” Kathern sighed as she heard David grumble in acceptance of her order. “Very well, if they get stupid you can beat the crap out of a few knights to drive the point home.”

“Thanks mom.” David said with a grin right before he laughed evilly. Hearing the laugh David slapped his left hand over his mouth. “Oh damn! Did that just come out of me, mom? Please tell me that I just didn’t cackle like some Disney cartoon villain?”

“Sadly, my son I cannot tell a lie. You just cackled like the Mistress of all Evil, Maleficent my dear.” Kathern answered with a small hidden smile. She wanted to laugh as a lovely blush came to her son’s cheeks in his embarrassment.

“Oh god. This sword is screwing with more than just my body. It’s even twisting my thinking.” David moaned into his hand.

“My Lady, Grand Mistress Eleanor wishes to see you and your Champion now. If you’ll please follow us to the throne room?” One of the knights asked them both. With heavy sighs the Pendragons moved to follow the women but were brought up short by the one that had addressed already. “Your Champion must surrender her sword, Lady.”

“Like hell I will.” David snarled as he grabbed Stormbringer by the hilt. “You want my sword. You’ll have to pry it from my cold dead fingers, bitch.”

“DAVID! What did I say about killing the local guards and knights?” Kathern snarled.

“Sorry mom, but that promise just went out the window. They want me to surrender our only form of protection. That is not going to happen.” David snarled himself as an evil light came to his eyes and a feral grin graced his lips. “Like I said. They can have this sword when they pry it from my cold dead fingers.”

“I see. Very well then David keep your sword. If they should push the matter. Kill them all.” Kathern ordered her son as she saw the look on her son’s face. A single thought ran through her head at that moment. ‘This is the face of the White Wolf. This will be the last face her enemies shall ever see.’

Even as David reached for Stormbringer it leaped from its scabbard of its own accord into his hand. Even as David grasped the hilt his arm was enveloped in a bluish-purple flame that reached the tip of Stormbringer’s blade. The two knights stopped dead in their tracks as they suddenly faced a pale demon Lord that seemed to come howling straight out of Hell’s darkest depths seeking blood and souls. Both women turned and ran from the garden with the sounds of demon laughter chasing them. Once they were alone Kathern turned to her child turned demon.

“Sheath your sword David. You’ve made your point.” Kathern chuckled coldly.

“Yes mother. Though I reserve the right to calm their souls should they get stupid.” David grumbled as he returned Stormbringer to her sheath. As he moved his hand away from the sword’s hilt David stopped at the sight of his right arm and hand. “Mom what the hell just happened to my arm?”

“I believe that it has been covered in plate armor, David. If I were to place the time and style I would say mid to late fifteenth century Gothic English full plate armor.” Kathern answered David honestly as she slowly examined the rest of her son’s body. Stormbringer had exacted a price for the use of its power.

Where David’s chest used to be flat for a girl he now supported a pair of B-cup breasts. There was no longer any doubt in his face that David was a teenage girl. His waist had shrunk even further. While his hips were what most would kindly call child birthing hips. Though she couldn’t see it Kathern was positive that David now had a bubble butt much like his sister. In short the overall appearance for the person before Kathern screamed at the top of its voice ‘I am woman. Hear me roar.’

“Oh boy! How do you feel David?” Kathern asked him kindly.

“Like I just ran the Boston marathon in a latex cat suite then got stomped on by a ten-ton bull elephant.” David chuckled softly then looked down at the two protruding mounds on his chest. He let his gaze continue on down his body taking in as much of it as his clothing would allow. He knew that he had lost even more of his manhood to Stormbringer’s hunger. “Shit. Mom I think I don’t have much longer as a boy.”

“We’ll deal with it when the time comes David.” Kathern told her son trying to reassure him. She knew the rapid changes were unsettling her son. Before David could reply their attention was once again drawn to the door leading into the citadel. Both knew the knights standing there.

“Lady Kathern.” Mylisant said in greeting as she and Bridget approached them. She gave David a close hard look. “Um… Sir David?”

“Might as well just call me Dame, Mylisant. Though I’m still working on the name part of that right now.” David told her honestly.

“Might I make a suggestion Dame Pendragon?” Bridget asked with a small smile.

“Sure. Why not? Tell me what you got.” David grunted.

“I assume that you have hear of Mordred, the illegitimate son of Morgana and Arthur but there is another story concerning Queen Morgana’s children that has been either lost to time or just ignored. You see in our recorded historical texts they all say there are three Ladies of the Lake. Those same texts tell us that Morgana Le Fey is their younger sister. Those texts say that Morgana had a daughter named Morganette and an adoptive son named Passelion, who in turn had a child named Morgan, described as an being an ancestor of the Lady of the Lake.” Bridget explained for David with a friendly smile. “Nowhere in our historical texts is Mordred ever mentioned as being her son. To our most learned scholars the false King Mordred is nothing more than a fantasy used to teach the lessons of faithfulness and fidelity.”

“Are you suggesting that my son take the name of Morgana’s daughter Morganette?” Kathern asked Bridget kindly.

“Lady Pendragon please understand I meant no disrespect. It’s just that your son is more your daughter now than when we first met him in the forest.” Mylisant answered her honestly as she too looked David up and down. “If we present your child as a he appears now to the Grand Marshall. She’ll find it hard to believe what we claim. Making it even harder to gain the release of your companions.”

“I was kind of hoping that we could avoid that for a little while longer.” David sighed then looked back down at his changing body. “But you’re right. I don’t look exactly like a David anymore. You said that Morgana’s grandchild was named Morgan. Do you know if it was a boy or a girl?”

“None of our scholars are positive on that matter. Some say a boy while others say a girl. All we do know is she had two children and one grandchild for certain. A few of our scholars believe that Morganette gave birth to another two daughters later in her life. Though none have found proof.” Mylisant answered with a frown of discontent. “For me the mystery has always been the man called Mordred.”

“Why’s that Dame Mylisant?” David asked her as they head for the door.

“He has far too much influence in the story of Avalon for my pleasure. The man is supposed to be the illegitimate son of Arthur and Morgana. Yet this fact is only portrayed in the French retellings of the Arthur legend. Retellings that ignore the fact that Morgana was both a protector of Arthur’s Camelot and the one to escort him to Avalon following his wounding during his final battle.” Mylisant sighed. “But until I am granted access to our historical records I’ll never be able to figure out if my ideals on the man are even halfway true.”

“Wait a minute. Why wouldn’t you be granted access to the historical records?” Kathern asked her with honest curiosity.

“I have not yet served my time with the Gray Wolves, Lady Kathern. I still have five more years before I can attend the Tower of Sages.” Mylisant said proudly.

“Mom, I got a feeling that if this Tower of Sages had access to yours and dad’s library back home they would go crazy.” David chuckled as they walked down the hallway towards the throne room. “I mean at last count you two had have more than two-thousand books on King Arthur, and the Knights of the Round Table alone. We had to turn the garage into a library to just to handle the overflow.”

“Lady Kathern do you really have two-thousand books on King Arthur, and the Knights of the Round Table?” Bridget asked in excitement and disbelief. When Kathern nodded Bridget almost tripped over her own feet. “The time in which you come from must be a truly wonderful age of enlightenment.”

“I wouldn’t say that Dame Bridget. The outside world is filled with civil and political unrest. Crime runs ramped, City Watches no longer care because they fear losing their homes and their freedom for doing their duty. Our political leaders only care about keeping the small amounts of power they have gained instead of doing their duty to their voters. Yes, knowledge is more freely available to our people, but a great many are lacking in wisdom to use that knowledge properly. Some individuals go so far as to twist that very knowledge to meet some political end, not to truly educate.” Kathern told her bluntly. “We live in what is called the Great Information Age. Sadly, it should be called the Great Misinformation Age.”

Kathern had finished her explanation of the current outside world just as they reached a pair of massive wooden doors. Mylisant turned to Kathern. “We cannot accompany you further Lady Kathern. One word of advice. Do not anger the Grand Mistress. She is guarded by twelve of our finest knights within these walls.”

“She gets stupid. She gets dead.” David snarled as he stroked Stormbringer.

“Please, Dame Pendragon, control your anger.” Bridget almost begged. “They have not faced the power that you hold at your hip.”

“Then make them behave themselves. Because if they try me. I’ll feed their souls to Stormbringer with a smile on my face.” David snarled.

“Child you will control your anger. This is not up for discussion.” Kathern ordered him knowing that was the only way to keep David from killing every last Knight in the throne room. She decided to take matters concerning how to address her son into her own hands. “And the moment we walk through that door you will answer to Morgan. Do not fucking argue with me on the matter. This is for your protection as well as the rest of us.”

Throne room of Castle Avalon, Avalon City.

Professor David Pendragon, along with his fellow researchers were escorted into the throne room by four very professional guards. As much as he wanted to say that it was by choice he couldn’t. The iron cuffs and fetters prevented that idea. Of his four companions David was especially worried for his son’s friend Lee. The boy kept ogling the female guards then knights. Professor Dale Grant was also worried about his son and what the guards might do to his son.

“Dale are you seeing what I’m seeing?” David asked his fellow educator.

“Oh yah. If your wife was here I can just hear her now. Everywhere I look I’m seeing evidence that her theories were correct. I won’t even go into how those twelve knights validate Professor Clara Leiber’s theory on medieval society among the nobility.” Dale chuckled then saw the look on Lee’s face. “What is it Lee?”

“How can there be female knights dad? Everything I’ve learned about medieval ages says that there was no way this is possible.” Lee complained.

“Once again our public-school systems fail our youth.” David sighed. “I’m going to give you a fast lesson in medieval history Mister Grant. While female knights have been overlooked they were far more prevalent than most hidebound Historians would care to admit. Especially during the Gothic period between the twelfth and sixteenth centuries. During a time when the daughters of lesser noble families had little to no chance of becoming something other than a lady-in-waiting. Most didn’t even have the chance at an arranged marriage. It was felt by their parents that if their daughters were to be nothing more than a glorified bodyguard for the upper nobility. Then they would have them trained as knights by their family’s Sergeants-at-arms or Captains of the Guard.”

“Wow. Really Professor P? By the way who’s this Professor Clara Leiber?” Lee asked him with more than a little interest.

“She was the foremost Professor of medieval history and literature of her time at the Hamburg university in Germany. She would have been one of the greatest researchers in medieval history if not one for one glaring period of time in her life. In nineteen-thirty-six the Nazis used Professor Clara Leiber’s research and findings to promote their twisted propaganda for the ideal Aryan Woman being a mother and warrior. Sadly, she was sent to the Death Camps in Poland during World War Two and most of her research was destroyed in reprisal for her part in Operation Valkyrie. Thankfully one of her research assistances smuggled out copies of ninety percent of her work. Most of her research is now in the hands of the history departments at Kent and London.” David answered him honestly.

“Um… I know this is going to sound crazy, but other than her research is there any other proof that were female knights?” Lee asked his dad and David.

“More than enough actually, son. The greatest proof is the sheer number of fourteenth through sixteenth century suits of Gothic armor for women. One out of every five Gothic suits of armor were forged for women. Especially the suits that came out of England, Scotland, central and eastern, Europe. The most numerous are the ones belonging to noble families out of the southeastern European nations.” Dale told his son then chuckled at the look of surprise on Lee’s face. “I’m not lying Lee. Believe it or not I spend more time correcting the identification on Gothic armor than I do on actual weapon identification or dating.”

“Wow. Talk about getting thrown for a loop. Why are you telling me this now dad?” Lee asked his father sharply.

“Because every one of those knights are women and armed with horseman’s axes. That is besides the shields and broadswords on their hips.” Dale grunted. The sounds of the doors to the throne room opening drew everyone’s attention. “We’ll take this up later son.” He then looked towards the guards mumbling. “If we have a later that is.”

“Um… Professor P, is that your wife?” Mike Lansky asked. “And who’s the girl?”

“That’s Kathern alright Mike. Though I’m not too sure who the girl is with her.” David told them all honestly.

“Sir. I think that is David junior.” Lee said as he eyed the pale skinned, white haired, girl with crimson eyes standing next to his friends mother. At least he thought she was David’s mom. This woman looked like a much younger version of the Professor he had met earlier that day. As far as he could tell this woman was only barely twenty-five. Not a woman old enough to be the mother of a teenager. “Or at least I think that girl is David.”

“I do believe you’re right Lee. See that sword at the girl’s hip. That is the bastard sword we were examining in the restoration lab.” Dale told them all. “Though there is something different about the sword now.”

“Yeah you’re right dad and what’s with that plate armor covering her arm?” Lee agreed as he eyed the armor covering the girl’s right arm. “I mean it looks like something out of my fantasy novels.”

“I wouldn’t go that far Lee. Though I would say it’s mid to late fifteenth century Gothic full articulated plate armor. I would need about an hour of truly up-close examination to lock down the exact time frame. It does look ceremonial, but I have a feeling that it is functional in every way.” Dale told his son.

“I have to agree with you Dale. It is in the style of the more influential central northern European armors of that era. As for those fantasy aspects I would have to say they came straight out of Jeroc Vanderkrieg’s mind. I know that sounds crazy, but he would be the one I would pick to design a full suit of armor for a wielder of Stormbringer or one of the other black swords for the Eternal Champion.” David told his fellow Professor and two grade students then he turned to Lee. “Who would you have chosen Lee?”

“I don’t know sir. I mean there are a large number of fantasy artists that have the talent to draw armor that is both functional and artistic.” Lee answered as the two women walked towards them. “Professor Pendragon, is it my eyes or does your wife look a little like those fantasy paints of Morgana Le Fey?”

“Depends on which artist you’re talking about Lee, but I would agree with you.” David answered honestly as he examined his wife. “Kathern is that you?”

In answer of her husband’s question Kathern just hugged him. “Oh god it’s good to see you David. I thought that we had lost you and the others.”

Anymore greetings were interrupted by the Grand Mistress. “Lady, Champion, if you’ll excuse me. Do you know these… men?”

“This is my husband, Dame Eleanor. Allow me to introduce Professor David Arthur Pendragon. As for the other men in my group. They are Professor Dale Grant. Our two graduate studies aides Mike Lansky, and Tony Little. The young man with them is Lee Grant son of Professor Grant.” Kathern told the Grand Mistress by way of introduction. “I would greatly appreciate you releasing their restraints.”

“My Lady please forgive me, but we have yet to identify the intentions of your companions. Name do they pose a threat to the peace of Avalon.” Eleanor snarled.

“I give you my word they are no threat to Avalon. They like myself are scholars. We seek only the truth and facts of history.” Kathern countered.

“We shall see, Lady. Grand Master Grahone of our Saga’s Council shall decide the truth of your words.” Eleanor countered and looked over at a man in his mid to late thirties. “Grahone please administer the potion of truth.”

“That asshole take one step towards my friends and father. I’ll feed his soul to my sword bitch.” Morgan snarled as he grabbed the hilt of Stormbringer.

“Morgan I told you to keep your temper in check.” Kathern snapped then breathed in deeply. “Don’t worry I’ll take care of this problem.”

“Okay mom. But if that fugly asshole goes anywhere near dad and the others. I’m taking him and the rest of these bitches out of the equation.” Morgan snarled and moved his hand away from the hilt of Stormbringer.

“Kathern why did this young lady just call you mom?” David asked her sharply.

“Later dear when we are alone.” Kathern told him as she patted his arm. “For now, just let me deal with the Grand Mistress and Master.”

At the looks the two Avalon leaders were giving his wife and supposed child David Arthur Pendragon senior showed an uncommon amount of self-restraint for an intellectual. He kept his mouth shut until he could get them alone. In his life of academic study and research he had learned a valuable lesson. Behind every myth surrounding a legend there was always a gain of truth. Especially the myths surrounding medieval legends like King Arthur and Camelot.

“If we might return to the subject at hand Lady?” Eleanor demanded. When Kathern nodded her head the Grand Mistress turned to Grahone. “Give the truth potion.”

“That won’t be necessary Grand Mistress. I’ll vouch for these men. You have my word they mean Avalon no harm.” Kathern told her while holding her hand on Morgan’s chest. She knew that her child was ready to kill in the defense of her father. “Trust me. You also don’t have enough knights to stop my Champion.”

“A woman barely out of childhood. What kind of threat could she pose?” Eleanor snarked giving Morgan a dismissive snort. “She barely knows how to hold a sword let alone how to wield that sword.”

“My daughter and Champion is more of a threat than you give her credit for Grand Mistress. My Champion not only knows how to use that sword but has the wherewithal to use it. She can end the lives of these twelve knights and your own in a matter of seconds. She has trained from the time she was old enough to walk to carry and wield that dark blade.” Kathern told the Grand Mistress graciously.

“I would have proof of your claims Lady.” Eleanor demanded as she waved for one of the knights to step forward. “This is Dame Aales of the West. She is one of our finest knights with the horseman’s axe. If your Champion can last against her. I will withhold the truth potion.”

“Very well Grand Master if you insist.” Kathern sighed as she realized that there was no way Eleanor wasn’t going to accept her word about her husband and friends. With a sigh she turned to Morgan. “Try to control your anger, Morgan.”

Morgan didn’t even think twice. He leaped from behind his mother drawing the bastard sword at his hip. Stormbringer cleared its scabbard as if by magic. Dame Aales brought her axe up into the guard position barely in time to block Morgan’s first strike. As the knight staggered back from his blow Morgan he was already swing at her head. Aales knew that she should have the advantage in this fight. She had the training and the experience. Yet this upstart was already pushing her to her limits. She quickly realized this was no ordinary opponent. This child was deadly beyond reason and her sword was not of this world.

“MORGAN CONTROL YOUR BLOODLUST!” Kathern yelled at her child once more as Morgan drove the knight to her knees with an overhand blow. She could tell that Morgan was going for a killing strike. She knew that Stormbringer was affecting his thinking in more than one way.

“This bitch tried me, mother!” Morgan snarled but backed away from the downed and disarmed knight. “She moves, she dies.”

“I suggest you put a leash on your wolf, Lady.” Master Grahone warned Kathern as a ball of glowing bluish light formed in his hand. “I would hate to put her down as an object lesson in manners.”

Morgan didn’t even think twice as he swung Stormbringer cutting the mystical ball of energy in half. Much to everyone’s surprise instead of exploding the ball of energy was absorbed by Stormbringer. With this sudden turn of events Grahone staggered back from the now blazing sword. Grahone looked into the eyes of the Champion in front of him. At that moment in time, he knew that this young woman was more than just a Champion, but an incarnation of the Eternal Champion. Not just any Eternal Champion either, but possibly the White Wolf of legend.

“If I was you asshole. I would find someplace else to be right now. The only reason you’re still alive is because of my promise to my mother.” Morgan ground out between clenched teeth. “I break bones and souls before I break promises.”

When David heard this from the teenage girl before him. He knew that she was his child. He had heard David utter those words more than once over the years. With a heavy sigh he gave her an order. “Morgan sheath your sword now.”

“Yes sir, but if this fuck stick even thinks of using that shit on you or the others. He will be Stormbringer’s next meal.” Morgan answered his father as he stepped back slowly sheathing the sword. “The same goes for the rest of these shitheads. They’ve already been warned.”

“Morgan we’re trying to settle this matter in a diplomatic manner.” Kathern told him kindly. She knew that her child was very close to just killing the Grand Mistress of the Gray Wolf Order and Grand Master. She could also tell that Morgan had lost another piece of his soul to the rapidly growing Melnibonéan side. Once again that cursed sword had taken another piece of his son’s humanity and masculinity for the power it bestowed. A sure sign of this was the armor plate that now covered his right shoulder and torso. Kathern knew that with each use of Stormbringer more of Morgan’s body would be cover by that mystical armor.

Even as this thought passed through her mind Morgan dropped to his right knee grunting in pain. When Grahone started to move towards him Kathern drew on an unknown power deep inside her. The blazing lightning that hit Grahone in his chest sent the man flying backwards. Kathern didn’t have time to think of what just happened she just turned her attention on Dame Eleanor.

“I was promised that this would be a peaceful gathering. Yet you and your so-called advisor have steadily gone out your way to break that promise. First with threats, then with challenges of combat, and now outright attacks.” Kathern snarled as she looked over at her kneeling son. “Morgan can you stand?”

“Give me a few seconds mom.” Morgan grunted through his teeth. “After that I’m killing that bearded cock sucker.”

“You will restraint yourself Morgan. No killing the Mage.” David senior ordered as he stepped forward. “As for the rest of these yahoos that’s another story. If those knights move one step from their current positions you’re free to deal with them however you see fit. Even if you have to kill them to restore the peace.”

“David we’re trying to end this with diplomacy.” Kathern snapped.

“You might. I’m pass that point, and so is our child.” David snarled as he turned to Dame Eleanor. “Grand Mistress care to explain exactly why you have decided to pursue a course of action that will gain you nothing but bloodshed?”

“The Stone of The Unbroken Promise.” Eleanor answered as she pointed towards the massive glowing emerald at the top center of the throne. “Welcome back my Queen. We have greatly awaited your return.”

-----tbc-----