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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.

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Chapter 4
Tower of Sages, Avalon City

Professors Kathern and David Pendragon, Professor Dale Grant all stood in the center of the Grand Library for the Order of the Bear. Grand Master Grahone stood not too far away. He studied the three foreign scholars with the eyes of a fellow researcher. He was surprised at the knowledge these three outlanders had of their legends and history. In the last three hours he had learned more about King Author and his Round Table knights than he had in his forty years of studying the ancient texts. Yet he was surprised at their lack of knowledge concerning Queen Morgana, her Gray Wolf Knights, and Avalon itself.

“Master Pendragon might I know what you’re hoping to learn here in our library?” Grahone asked the professor kindly.

“To be honest Master Grahone a way home.” Kathern answered for the three of them bluntly. “Though for right now a starting point would be welcome.”

“Please excuse my wife’s short temper Master Grahone. We are just a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of manuscripts that you have at your disposal.” David told the mage in hopes of keeping the peace. Not he could blame Kathern for her anger. As much as he hated using a card catalog and Dewey Decimal system. He was wishing for something along those lines just then. “Where is your index?”

“I believe I understand the problem now. You’re unfamiliar with the use of our summing spells. I’ll get one of our apprentices help you with finding the texts that you need.” Grahone told them as he turned and walked away.

“Summoning spells. Really? That man has no idea of what we need. Hell, we don’t even know what we need.” Dale bitched. “What I would give for a card catalog and something resembling the Dewey Decimal system right now.”

“Dale you just voiced what I was thinking.” David chuckled.

“I wonder.” Kathern mumbled as she scratched her chin in thought. “Couldn’t hurt to try anyway. This is a land of magic after all.”

“What are you thinking Kathy?” David asked her.

“Just a little experiment, David. Let’s see if there is any truth behind all that bullshit Grahone and Eleanor were spouting in the throne room.” Holding out her hands Kathern concentrated on power she first felt in the garden. Talking a deep breath Kathern tapped into that wellspring of power. “Dewey I call upon your guiding numbers. Bring forth order to the disorder. Align the knowledge held here within these walls. Give birth to guiding index.”

With each word of the first verse a heavy mist formed around Kathern. During the second verse the mist spread throughout the library. The mist began to swirl through the library touching each shelf, book, and scroll. Soon books and scrolls were flying about the library rearranging themselves on the shelves. Soon signs began to appear over different sections of the shelves. There were sections for legends, history, magic, languages, philosophy, science, alchemy, animals, and literature. As the last book and scroll settled into place the mist condensed in the center of the room. The wooden floorboards creaked and groaned as they stretched upward. Within moments a cabinet formed in the center of the mist.

“Son of a bitch! What the hell?! Did you know she could do that Dave?” Dale asked in total shock as the mist finally dissipated.

“In the words of our children Dale. Are you fucking kidding me?” David snarked then pointed at the sweating Kathern. “I got a feeling that Kathy is only being to dap into a power far beyond anything we can comprehend.”

“Damn that took more out of me than I thought it would. Who knew organizing over seven-thousand books and scrolls would take so much power. Though I wasn’t expecting to end up with this kind of order.” Kathern chuckled. “Where do you want to start?”

“The one place that has the most impact on our current situation. With legends.” David told her as he looked towards the newly formed section. “Especially the legends concerning Morgana le Fay and her return.”

“While you two dig into the legends surrounding Morgana. I think I’ll tackle the legends surrounding that bastard sword of Morgan’s. There is something about that sword that doesn’t add up. By all rights Stormbringer shouldn’t have that much impact on its wielder.” Dale grumbled. “Don’t take this the wrong way Dave, but right now. I’m just happy that Lee wasn’t the one holding that sword when the portal opened up on our ass in the lab.”

“Speaking of Lee and Morgan where are those two kids?” Kathern asked the two men.

“Lee, Mike, and Tony are down at the public practice field with Dame Mylisant. She said something about teaching them how to use a sword properly. As for Morgan the last time I saw her. She was in the company of some knight in green armor.” Dale told her with a small smile. “I got the very distinct feeling that knight and your child have a lot more in common than we would want to admit to in mixed company.”

“Did you say a knight in green armor?” Kathern asked with an amused grin.

“I did. Why?” Dale asked with his own grin.

“Two knights cursed by the weapons they wield. One the Eternal Champion, the other Arthur’s greatest and most feared asset.” Kathern chuckled. “I can think of no one better to train my child in the ways of a cursed weapon and the life of a Champion.”

The Deranged Dove Tavern, Avalon city

Morgan took a seat near the back wall of the tavern. Her escort was getting them their drinks. As Morgan looked around the room she counted no less than 30 soldiers. Most where giving she and her escort a wide birth. She knew the reason they were shying away from her but not her escort. It was not like either of them had reached for their weapons or acted in a way hostile manner.

“Still trying to figure out why no one is coming near us?” The green knight asked with a chuckle as he set a tankard of ale down in front Morgan.

“Pretty much, sir. By the way you never told me your name.” Morgan pointed out.

“Long ago I was called Bertilak de Hautdesert. The cursed Green Knight of Camelot.” The man chuckled. “Though that is only one of the names given to me.”

“Hold on here. I’ve read most of the Arthurian legends. There was only one legend concerning a Green Knight. He was a nameless knight transformed into an immortal being by the magics of a nameless witch to test the knights of King Arthur’s court.” Morgan told the man seated before her. “In that legend this knight wielded a cursed battleax that was said to cleave the souls from men with a single blow. He was no friend of King Arthur or his knights.”

“That legend is only practical correct. I always had a name. It’s Bertilak de Hautdesert. The woman who transformed was no nameless wench, but the wife and queen of King Arthur, Guinevere. Though I wasn’t never meant to be immortal. For that I can only thank Queen Morgana Le Fay for her intervention. If not for her magic I would have died many times over at the hands of Arthur’s Round Table Knights. You see I was to be both a judge and tester of knights for Arthur.” Bertilak chuckled.

“Didn’t turn out the way Arthur or Guinevere wanted.” Morgan said as she chuckled with him. “Though I do wonder about your curse. If you don’t mind. What exactly does your curse entail Sir Bertilak?”

“The same as yours Dame Morgan. I too have my fate tied to a weapon of power.” Bertilak explained as he pulled the battleax from his back. “Just as you wield the cursed sword Stormbringer of the Eternal Champion. I wield the twice cursed battleax Braindead for the Champion of Judgement.”

Morgan looked down at hip where Stormbringer hummed as the battleax was set down next to the table. “I don’t think my sword likes your battleax.”

“She would be the first of her kind if she did.” Bertilak chuckled. “Even now our fellow knights would run screaming into the night if they knew that there were two cursed weapons within the walls of this tavern.”

“How did you know that Stormbringer was alive?” Morgan asked in surprise.

“Of the Seven Great Holy Swords only the one at your hip is both alive and cursed. As powerful as Excalibur is it is still only a sword without a soul. Stormbringer has gone by many names throughout history, but this one truth has remained. Stormbringer is both alive and has a soul.” Bertilak told Morgan with a small smile of pride. “In my life I have known three of Stormbringer’s wielders. You are the third. Your predecessors both ended in tragedy.”

“I’ve been told that every wielder of this weapon has end in tragedy. Though I’ll be honest I’ve never heard of your battleax.” Morgan said as she took a drink from her ale. As she set it down Morgan her ale a thoughtful look. “Not too bad for a microbrew. Got to remember to bring Lee to this place when I get the chance.”

“Unless your friend is a knight or champion Dame Morgan they’ll never let them through the door. The only reason Bruno let you in now is that armor you’re wearing.” Bertilak explained for Morgan kindly. “Speaking of your armor. Where is the rest?”

“Your guess is as good as the next man’s Bertilak. All I know is that from the neck down I’m covered in some type of soft leather and chain mail now.” Morgan bitched as she pulled what was left of her shirt from her left arm exposing the chain mail and leather armor covering her left arm down to the wrist. “The plate armor only covers my torso and right arm. It first started appearing in the castle garden. I would love to know why it’s appearing. Better yet where it was forged in the first place. I’ve never seen any type of armor like this in all my studies.”

“I though as much. Until you summon the last of your armor you won’t be able to remove it, Morgan. That is part of the curse we both suffer under as Champions.” Bertilak told Morgan harshly then thumped his chest plate. “Before I was summoned and transformed by Queen Guinevere. One minute I was a simple woodsman clearing an area for new crop fields. The next thing I knew Braindead is in my hands and I am covered in a green glow. I was attacked twice during my journey to the castle. Each time a new piece of armor appeared. When I neared the castle I let my anger get the better of me at only having a partial suit of armor. It was during my anger that the rest of my armor appeared. Only then was I able to remove my armor.”

“And the rest as they say in my homeland is history.” Morgan snarked gaining a chuckle from the Green Knight. After taking a drink from her ale Morgan looked down at her body. “Bertilak I have a question. You said I need to summon the rest of my armor. How do I do that exactly?”

“I can only tell you what happened in my anger Morgan. Though from what I can see of your leather armor. You don’t need the rest of your plate. That young lady is dragonhide leather armor. The only thing that plate armor will do is add a layer of modesty and padding against blunt weapons.” Bertilak explained for Morgan before he looked down at Morgan’s legs. “Though I would say your leggings provide far more modesty and freedom of movement than most ladies skirts.”

“Right now, my jeans are a little tight for jumping around, let alone fighting.” Morgan chuckled as she realized where Bertilak was looking. “Though I can see what you mean about providing a layer of modesty.”

“Those boots you’re wearing appear to be made from the same dragonhide leather. If they are then your patron has been very generous.” Bertilak chuckled as he examined the boots Morgan was wearing.

“I think they’re actually part of the leather armor that I’m wearing. Because I can’t feel where the boots stop, and the leggings start. I know that the leather comes in two pieces. A top that covers my torso and arms. Then a bottom that covers me from my waist down.” Morgan told the older Champion. “I got to ask. Please don’t take this the wrong way Sir Bertilak, but how long have you been a Champion?”

“I was there when Arthur faced Mordred at the Battle of Camlann in the summer of five-thirty-seven Anno Domini. Shortly thereafter Queen Morgana left Britannia with Arthur for Avalon. Five years later she returned for me.” Bertilak told a stunned Morgan. “I take it that a great deal of time has passed in the outside world.”

“You could say that Sir Bertilak. More than fifteen-hundred years. How long where you a Champion before the battle?” Morgan wasn’t liking where her talk with Bertilak was taking her just then.

“By the time of Camlann I had been Arthur’s Champion for thirty-years.” Bertilak chuckled than took a drink from his tankard of ale. “I’ll go ahead and tell you now. In all the time that I have been a Champion I have not aged. I appear the same as I did the day I first took up Braindead.”

Hearing this Morgan took a heavy swig off her tankard of ale. “I need to get some fresh air, Bertilak. That is a lot to take in.”

“Sit back down wench.” A voice snarled from behind Morgan as she started to standup. “Bertilak you know your kind aren’t welcome here.”

“Morgan allow me to introduce the fool standing behind you Lambard the Shepherd. Royal Guards Knight and self-proclaimed Defender against magical beings.” Bertilak snorted then glared up at the knight. “Lambard the young Lady that you just insulted is the Champion for the Emerald Queen.”

“A tavern whore?! As the Emerald Queen’s Champion?! Surely you jest!” Lambard laughed as he swung his fist towards the back of Morgan’s head. He never connected but he did scream. “MY ARM! SHE CUT OFF MY ARM!”

“You know something fuckface. I promised my mother that I wouldn’t kill any more Avalon knights. I never said jack shit about cutting off arms and legs.” Morgan snarled as she stood over the knight with Stormbringer in her right hand. With a sneer of defiance Morgan looked around the tavern. “Anyone else what to try me?”

“You have made your point young Champion. Sheath your blade. Lucas get that fool Lieutenant of yours to the mystics. Take his severed arm with you. They might be able to reattach it.” The tavern keeper called out. “And the next fool that tells one of my customers they’re not welcome. I’ll personally gut with my own hands.”

As Morgan was returning Stormbringer to her sheath Morgan felt a highly recognizable ripple of magic crash over her body. This time though she knew what the feeling meant. Morgan took hold of the magic and forced her will on the power. She had one define thought running through her head as the magic flowed over her body. If she was going to be fitted with a suit of mystical armor. Then she wanted that armor to be more form fitting, body conscious, and functionally fit for a woman.

As the power rippled across her body the armor flowed like liquid metal. The bulky breastplate and backplate of the cuirass molded to her torso. The gauntlets, epaulieres, brassarts, coudieres, elbow-guards, avant-bras, for both arms were now a tighter, smoother fit to her shoulders, arms, and hands. The faudes, tuilles, cuissarts, genouilieres, and grevieres, that now graced her from the hips down fit her like a pair of leggings. The sollerets that covered her boots were fitted with spurs. The gorget or neck guard was an addition to her armor that was both welcome and a little concerning. She felt a dragonhide coil cover the top of head down to the back of her neck pinning her hair down. Morgan knew that the helm that now covered her head was a close helm. With the addition of the helm Morgan could tell that every inch of her body was now covered by full plate armor.

Before the last of the magic left another mind took over from a mentally exhausted Morgan. Morgan could tell that it was Stormbringer who was now guiding the magic. She could tell because the plain white armor Morgan had formed was rapidly taking on a Gothic flourish with goldleaf etching. She could also tell that Stormbringer was exercising her twisted ideas in how a female knight should appear in full armor. There was one change that worried Morgan slightly. That was the addition of three inch heels to her boots and the sollerets that cover them.

Morgan was thankful for two final items Stormbringer formed in a nod to modesty. The first was a long lion cloth type skirt that cover the front of her groin and ass while not incumbering her legs. The last was a cape that fill from her shoulders down to midcalf on her. As the magic finally faded away Morgan was able to move once more. She reached up and lifted the visor of her helm. Once she was able to get a good look at her armor she knew exactly what the other knights were thinking.

“By the gods, an albino Empress of the Dragonkin stands before us.” Sir Bertilak confirmed her thoughts. “After more than four thousand years one of the White Wolves of Melniboné has finally returned to us.”

“Any chance I could get another ale, Sir Bertilak?” Morgan asked as she removed her helm and coif before sitting back down. “And maybe something stronger.”

“Tobin another beer for myself and your finest wine for Dame Morgan.” Bertilak called out to the tavern keeper. Once he had placed the order Bertilak reached over and tapped the miniature dragon atop Morgan’s helm. “There hasn’t been a Dragon Knight in over four-thousand years. And the last black knight was more than seven hundred years ago Dame Morgan. You can expect for some of the younger knights to challenge you over the next few weeks.”

“Let me get this straight, Sir Bertilak. I’m going to have a bunch of yak nuts wanting to fight me because there’s a dragon on top of my helm. You got to be fucking kidding me.” Morgan snarked then chuckled.

“This is no jesting matter Dame Morgan. You are a threat to every knight within the walls of Avalon. Not because you’re a Dragon Knight but the Emerald Queen’s Champion. That is a position which is far more envious than mine here in Avalon.” Bertilak pointed out for Morgan as Tobin the tavern keeper arrived with a fresh tankard of beer for him and a pewter goblet of wine for her.

“Here you go Bertilak. Your usual Bavarian beer.” Tobin said as he sit the tankard down in front of Bertilak. “And for you Dame Morgan. My finest burgundy.”

“Um… I can’t afford something like this sir. Just bring me another beer please?” Morgan asked Tobin politely.

“Dame Morgan your silver is no good here at the Deranged Dove. As for what I serve you it’ll be nothing but my finest burgundy wine.” Tobin huffed as he turned to walk. “Oh, and you’ll find that your silver is no good at most taverns in Avalon.”

“Damn. What was that all about?” Morgan asked bluntly.

“You still haven’t figured it out have you, Dame Morgan. You are the Emerald Queen’s personal Champion. Just as I am the Once and Future King’s personal Champion.” Bertilak slowly explained for a befuddled Morgan.

“Okay I got to be either really slow on the up take here or I’m missing something Sir Bertilak. What does it matter if I’m my mom’s Champion?” Morgan asked him.

“Champions are the closest thing to living legends Dame Morgan. The people of Avalon see us in a light that none of the knights will ever face. You’ll find that your only chance at normalcy is to take each day one at a time.” Bertilak told her before taking a deep drink from his beer. Hearing this Morgan was right behind him in taking her own drink to steady her nerves.

“How do you deal with the bullshit Bertilak?” She asked.

“I let the youngsters issue their challenges. Then beat them to a bloody pulp on the tournament field. As the challenged you’ll have choice of weapons, time, and place. Use that to your advantage. Until you’ve been trained to joust stick to the sword. Just leave that particular sword at home during the challenges. No need to kill some poor fool trying to make a name.” Bertilak chuckled as Stormbringer and Braindead moaned in unison.

The sounds of three male voices raised in anger at the door drew Morgan’s attention. “Oh boy. This is not going to end well.”

“Worry not Dame Morgan. Bruno will not hurt your friends too badly. Only a few bruises nothing more than they would receive in a good training bout.” Bertilak assured Morgan as he turned to look at coming confrontation.

“Don’t bet on that Sir Bertilak. You see two of my friends are elite warriors from my time. While the other has been training in unarmed combat from the time he was six. Unless Bruno is half Orc. He’ll get his ass handed to him by all three.” Morgan chuckled as she thought about Lee, Mike, and Tony. “The only question will be which one goes ape shit first. The kid, the squid, or the grunt.”

“Well at least Dame Mylisant was able to find your friends proper clothes.” Bertilak told her as he took in the way they were now dressed. “I did not know that your friends were members of the Gentry. Though I am unfamiliar with their houses.”

“Because two of those are the crests for the US Army, and Navy. The third crest is for the Dawn Grove Tower Academy.” Morgan chuckled just as Lee dropped Bruno with a few short jabs and a kick to the jaw. “Yup just as I thought would happen.”

“I must say that your young friend is quite formidable in unarmed combat. Though I do wonder if he can actually use that rapier and gauche?” Bertilak asked her.

“Lee is deadly as hell with that rapier and gauche. I’m actually surprised that he isn’t carrying twine rapiers.” Morgan chuckled as her three friends walked towards them. “As for Mike and Tony’s swords. I can guarantee those sabers aren’t for show.”

“Wow, Morgan. Where the hell did you get that armor?” Mike asked as they neared the two Champions. “What is that early sixteenth century German Maximilian armor?”

“Get real Mike. That armor is straight out of Milan late fifteen-nineties to early sixteen-hundreds.” Tony corrected his friend.

“Gawd! I can’t believe you two. I glade my dad isn’t here right now. Because if he had to grade the two of you on your identification of that armor. You’d both fail.” Lee sighed as he gave Morgan’s armor his full attention. “Though you’re both right about the era and Maximilian Gothic style. You’re both wrong on the country of origin. Think more along the lines of the Balkans. That armor has all the markings of Romanian armor. If I had to nail down an actual regional order. I would have to say Transylvania’s Royal Order of the Dragon.”

“Not a bad guess Lee. Though you’re wrong. On time, country, and style.” Morgan told them as she stood up slowly. Once standing Morgan placed her hand the helm still sitting on the table. “According to my new friend here. This is the traditional Melnibonéan armor with signature dragon helm worn by their rulers.”

“Wait a minute, Morgan. I thought that the Melnibonéans were ruled by an Emperor. According to legend they were a patriarchal society.” Mike snorted. “Everyone can see that armor was made for a woman.”

“I can see that the outside world is not as enlightened as our sages believe.” Bertilak chuckled. “Please sit gentlemen. Tobin three more beers.”

“Coming up Bertilak.” Tobin called back before yelling at a barmaid. “Cristiana fetch three more beers for the Champions’ table.”

“Get Bess to handle that Tobin. I got my hands full with Lady Albree’s party in the backroom.” The barmaid snapped as she headed through the doorway to the room.

“I heard Cristiana, Tobin.” Bess called out as she headed for the bar.

“Talk about getting first class service.” Lee chuckled as he looked over the Green Knight. “I thought the Green Knight was Arthur’s enemy.”

“I’ll fill you in later guys.” Morgan chuckled as her three friends gave her funny looks. “But let’s just say that certain Arthurian Professors got shit wrong.”

“Okay Morgan we’ll get into that later. Right now, you can explain how you came to be wearing that armor.” Mike said as he held up his right hand stopping further questions from Lee and Tony.

“First I need to correct a misconception about the Melnibonéans, their Dragon Isle and Bright Empire, gentlemen. The Bright Empire stood for over ten-thousand years. The Melnibonéans were a humanoid race descended from dragons. The idea that they held their females in lower esteem is foolish at best, lunacy in truth.” Bertilak told the four them bluntly. He could tell that he had their undivided attention. That they were hanging on his every word. For one of the few times in his long life Bertilak drew on his skills as a Bard of some reputation.

“Of the eighty-seven Empyreal Melnibonéan rulers twenty-five of them were woman of great power. Eight of them shared in appearance with young Morgan. It was believed that it was from those eight women the last and greatest of their Emperors drew his appearance. According to the historical records he was one of the Eternal Champions as well. Of all the Eternal Champions his fate was one of the more tragic. His fate was cursed before he ever took up one of the Black Swords.” As Bertilak told the foursome the tale of Elric of Melniboné. As he told the story Bertilak gained the attention of the other patrons. Soon free beer and wine filled the table.

When Morgan felt the call of nature she found that she needed the help of a barmaid to lift the faulds and culet out of the way. Morgan was beyond embarrassed. Though once the barmaid explained she was once a member of the palace guards Morgan’s embarrassment subsided slightly. After Morgan had taken care of nature’s call the older woman took her off to one side. “Don’t worry love. We’ve all been there. Though I do have to admit that was the first time I’ve seen a mystic armor summoned in the middle of a tavern before.”

“I didn’t exactly plan on that ma’am. It was either let the magic run wild or take control. Seeing as how I had no desire to end up looking like some twisted fantasy for sexually deprived teenagers. I did everything I could to control the magic.” Morgan snarked. “As it was I barely had any control over that crap.”

“I don’t know about that lass. From what I saw you showed a great deal of magical control. I would say your control is on par with the ancient arcane powers of the Melnibonéan rulers.” The barmaid assured Morgan. “As knowledgeable as Bertilak is I would suggest that you visit the library in the Tower of Sages.”

“Thank you ma’am. I’ll take care of that in the morning.” Morgan told the woman with a slight chuckle. “I know this is going to sound a little strange. Earlier you said that you were a member of the palace’s guards. Aren’t you a little young to be retired from active duty?”

“Here in Avalon military service is a requirement for all citizens. We normally join the standing army for four years then go onto what we want to do with our lives. Some of us go on to study at the Tower of Sages or Hall of Masters. While most of us just turn to our family farms and businesses. Those of us who return home continue to train as soldiers for the army.” The barmaid explained.

“So you’re some kind of reserve force. That does explain a lot of what I’ve seen so far. What about the knights? Where do they figure in the whole military scheme of things?” Morgan asked her as she adjusted her armor.

“The Knights are a sperate force from the army. There is only a hundred Gray Wolves in all of the kingdom. They come from all walks of life. Only the bravest of our soldiers are chosen to join their ranks. They might leave the Order for a time, but they are Knights until the day they die.” The barmaid told her with a smile. “None of whom will never match a champion on their best day.”

“That is one kick in the ass I’ve yet to figure out. I learned to use a sword back home sure, but I’ve never been in actual combat with a blade.” Morgan grunted. “At least not until I arrived here. I’m still trying to wrap my head around this whole champion nonsense. Just what the hell is a champion?”

“Champions are a very special type knight, my Lady. They are gifted with powerful weapons and strange mystical magics. The legends all say that Champions are also cursed in some way.” The barmaid kindly explained for Morgan. “Sir Bertilak is a good example. He carries Braindead the twice cursed battleax for the Champion of Judgement. He is the most forthright of all King Arthur’s Knights and doomed to walk the earth until the final battle for Avalon.”

“Wait a minute. I thought that Avalon was supposed to be this peaceful retreat from the outside world. The last great stronghold for magic and the Knight of the Round Table.” Morgan told the barmaid with a crocked smile. “What is the final battle you’re talking about ma’am? Is that the reason for the standing army?”

“According to the legends the final battle will come with the return of the Emerald Queen, Morgana Le Fay. The final battle shall be between the Dark Fae of the Winter Court and Humans.” The barmaid explained for Morgan.

“Okay what is the Winter Court and the Dark Fae?” Morgan asked then held up her hand. “Never mind ma’am. I think that I need to talk with the sages of the tower and my parents. I hate to say this, but I got more questions than you have answers.”

“Speak with Grand Mistress Silver Labyrinth. She is Avalon’s foremost scholar on the Dark Fae, the Winter Court, and the final battle. If anyone can give you the answers you seek. She is the one to have those answers.” The barmaid told her. “I would offer one word of warning. Do not let her appearance put you off.”

“Why do you say that?”

“She wears a mask to hide the right side of her face. The whole of her right side was disfigured by mystical fire during a duel with another sorceress.” The barmaid explained with a shutter of her shoulders.

“Hey, Morgan, you coming back inside?” Tony called from the hallway.

“I’ll be right there T.” Morgan called back then looked at the barmaid. “Thank you for explaining a few things for me ma’am.”

“My pleasure Dame Morgan. Though as I said before Grand Mistress Silver Labyrinth can give you a much better explanation.” The barmaid told her as she left the privy.

As they walked into the main room for the tavern. Lee, Tony, and Mike were still sitting with Bertilak. Only they were alone. There was a crowd of ten to fifteen fellow patrons gathered around the table. Across the table from Bertilak was an empty chair and a fresh goblet of wine waiting for Morgan. With a friendly smile for the gathered crowd, she took her seat and listened to tales of King Arthur and his Roundtable Knights well into the night.

Tower of Sages

“I hope you two are having better luck than I am.” Said Kathern as she sat back in her chair rubbing the bridge of her nose. She chuckled as she patted the stack of books in front of her. “Because I think I’m in information overload. I never would have expected to find original copies of the Sage Of Hope, Lords Of Water, Means of Quick Silver, and Tome of the Mithril Moon.”

“Don’t feeling like the Lone Ranger, Kathy. To think that I would have to have to travel to a mystical island to find Guardians Without Honor, Mystic Swords Of The Void, Heirs And Armor, and Dwarven Blacksmiths Of The Ice-Crowned Highland.” Dale chuckled as he stretched his arms over his head. “There’s another seventy books on mystical armor and weapons on those shelves.”

“If you think that’s bad Dale. Take a walk over to the Arthurian section. They have the complete works of Lord Gerardus, not to mention Merlin’s History Of Arcane Sorcery, and Codex Of Answers.” David snorted. “I won’t even go into what else they have stuffed into that section.”

“The problem we’re facing is too much information and nothing to guide our search. All of these books talk about Morgana’s power, her apprenticeship under Merlin, her stewardship of the Dozmary Pool, and the role she played in King Arthur’s court. None of them talk about her time here on Avalon.” Kathern sighed. “It’s as if she showed up here with Arthur’s body. Buried his ass. Then headed up into the mountains. Never to be heard from again.”

“Lady Kathern you have merely been looking in the wrong section of our library.” The voice was slightly muffled by the woman’s mask but clear enough for the three professors to notice that it belonged to a woman of culture. “To find the history of Queen Morgana Le Fay and Avalon you must read the History of the Emerald Queen, or The Emerald Throne Chronicles.”

“Good evening ma’am. We’re slightly surprised to find a sage here so late.” David said with some surprise as the threesome took in the woman’s appearance. “Allow me to make introductions. To my right is.”

“Dale Grant Professor of Medieval Armor and Weaponry. Your lovely wife and fellow Arthurian Professor Kathern Pendragon. You’re Professor David Pendragon the outside world’s leading expert on King Arthur and his Roundtable Knights.” The woman interrupted him with a chuckle. The woman gave them a small curtsy and introduced herself to the trio of Professors. “Grand Mistress Silver Labyrinth at your service. I’m the Tower’s expert on all things concerning the Dark Fae, the Winter Court, and the final battle of Avalon.”

“It’s pleasure Mistress Silver. Thank you for your advice on where to look for information on the Emerald Queen.” Kathern said as she stood up to greet the woman.

“The pleasure is mine, Lady Kathern. Though from the new look of our library we owe you a great deal. Everywhere I look I see a new form of organization.” Silver said as she walked up to the card catalog. “What pray tell is this?”

“That Mistress is a card catalog and the key to the reorganization of your library. Now anyone can walk in and find the knowledge they want. Without having to know a summoning spell. This is a system from the outside world and works for everyone.” Kathern explained as she opened the top left hand draw. Over the next thirty minutes Kathern explained how the Dewey Decimal system worked with the card catalog. Silver was greatly impressed with this new system.

“To finally have a system that organizes the mess that was our library is a working of great wonder and extreme arcane power. It is little wonder Grand Master Grahone warned the rest us to tread lightly around you my Lady.” Silver whispered in wonder. “It is little wonder that your personal protector is the Eternal Champion.”

Before Kathern, David, or Dale could comment the door to the library was thrown open by an excited page. The teenage boy had taken no more than five steps into the library before yelling at the top of his lungs. “GRAND MISTRESS SILVER! COME QUICK! THE GREAT WORM, DEATH LORD UNNUT, HAS RETURNED!”

“Why do I have the feeling that we’ve just stepped into Tolkien novel?” Hearing this Dale asked of no one in particular.

“More like something from Charlie Jane Anders or JK Rowling would write about Dale.” David chuckled until he looked over at Kathern and Grand Mistress Silver. “What’s wrong Kathern? What’s got you scared?”

“In the Dark Cornicles of Merlin, Steffen the Grand, speaks of three dragons that are so ancient and powerful they’re Great Worms. The first is the Death Lord Unnut. The second most powerful of the Great Worms. If he has returned to Avalon then his brothers cannot be far behind. Of his two brothers Pelzrog, the Taker of Life is the weakest. Our greatest worry is Nezzar, The Voiceless.” Kathern explained slowly.

“Just how powerful are these dragons Kathy?” Dale asked her.

“Only a knight wielding one of the Holy swords stands a chance at killing them.” Sliver answered coldly. “Even then that chance is a slim one at best.”

“What about the Eternal Champion?” Kathern asked quickly. “What would be their chances at killing one of these Great Worm dragons?”

“That has never been tried. Before you ask the reason is simple. The Eternal Champions have always been the agents of Balance. In the great scheme of the universe. The Three Great Worms are neither good nor evil. They’re fundamental forces of nature.” Silver explained kindly. “For Unnut to have returned is not usual. It’s just unsettling at the best of times.”

“Does he returned often?” David asked with the curiosity of a professional academic.

“He always returns on the summer and winter equinox. He’ll spend the day feeding on the Queen’s deer then return to his cave in the mountains.” Silver answered with a small smile. “No, our worry is his brother Nezzar. Should he return then the Winter Court has finally decided to strike out against us.”

“What is the Winter Court?” Dale asked quickly hoping that her answer had nothing to do with the legends he learned at his grandmother’s knee.

“Some believe they are the remnants of the Melnibonéans or one of the other dragonkin races. Those individuals are fools at best. The Winter Court are the Dark Aos Sídhe for the Unseelie. Foul evil creatures that take pleasure in the torture of mortals, are easily offended, and should be avoided at all costs. Like all Aos Sídhe they are highly skilled with magic and beautiful beyond compare, though psychologically similar to cats with a callous nature.” Silver sighted. “Of all the sages here, I have spent the most time amongst the Unseelie, Seelie, and the unseen courts. I’ll tell you all truthfully. The Aos Sídhe are not to be trifled with, ever. The Beansidhe are women of great mystical power. While their males the Fearsidhe are fearsome and highly skilled warriors without equal.”

“Why do I have a feeling we’re about to face these Dark Aos Sídhe and their minions in the near future?” Kathern sighed. “On our own.”

“I doubt that Lady Kathern. The Winter Court have been content to stay deep in the mountains. Only coming out to raid the occasional caravan passing near or through their territory. It would take something like the return of the Emerald Queen or reappearance of the Ruby Throne to drag them out for a confrontation. If that should happen Arthur and his Roundtable Knights will return to face them on the battlefield. They will not be alone. The Summer Court and the rest of the Light Aos Sídhe will rise alongside them for the final battle of Avalon.” Silver assured them all. Then she chuckled. “Not that we would need them. There’re currently at least two Champions residing within the walls of Avalon.”

“Excuse me Mistress Silver there is only one Champion in all of Avalon. As powerful as Sir Bertilak is he cannot stand against the Wild Hunt on his own.” The page corrected the sorceress politely. He knew that he was on firm footing.

“Nivel my dear boy you are sadly mistaken. Lady Kathern arrived on Avalon in the company of her own Champion. Even now as Unnut settles in the northern hills overlooking the surrounding woods. The Enteral Champion is even now drinking with the Champion of Judgement.” Silver chuckled as the boy’s lower jaw fell open.

-----tbc-----