《The Fool of Pendragon》


 A Fools Prologue

    My eye sight was very dull at that moment. I felt light headed as a light bulb over me was suddenly lit. I recoiled at it, and slowly looked back up at the face that was standing over me. Glancing around, I found what I was looking for.


    The sword still lay in its sheath, the beautiful golden and bronze design lit the room with a bit of royalty. Just seeing it made some of my worries go away. But then they were replaced with other worries, doubt of my friends safety.


    "Hey, can you hear me yet? That truth serum seriously isn''t doing the trick." The man said, looking over at another person in the corner of the room, who was rummaging through my pack of stuff.


    He threw things about, water and food, my supplies. "That chemist said it was the real deal." He said, he looked up from having his head in my pack. He was bald, a long scar across his smooth scalp.


    His eyes, which looked diseased and bloodshot, looked right back at me the moment he saw me staring. "Still not speaking?" He said.


    "That''s what I just said, you idiot. You''d think someone like him would have more money, or at least something we could barter off." Said the one in front of me, he had a hood over his head, shadowing some of his face.


    Baldy looked at the sword leaning against the wall. "What about that? I had to pry the damn thing from him."


    Panic rises in my chest, but I ignore it and push it back down my throat. Taking a few breaths to get my bearings together, I let a grin grow on my face. I couldn''t help it, the tension was making me shake even.


    The hooded one looked back at me and tilted his head. "What are you smiling about? Captured by some bandits and your smiling?" He said in disbelief.


    Finally, I found enough of my conscious to speak.


    "Sorry, just noticed the reason I couldn''t see was the shine off that head of yours. Puts a nice shine to the room." I said, letting out a chuckle. They both grew sour faces, especially baldy, who didn''t seem to like my joke.


    Hood waved him off, and crossed his arms at me and got real close, leaning forward. His breath was so bad it could only be described as rancid or acidic. I pulled back from it and blinked a few times.


    "Now that you have your wits about to even joke around, what were you doing there of all places?" He asked, pulling his hood back, making his face visible. It was scarred, just like the other ones head, but instead was a four claw mark across his face. Do bad guys always have scars? His dark hair was pulled back, his forehead could be seen, where a tattoo was, in the shape of an upside down cross.


    "What do you mean?" I asked, trying not to recoil at his breath. Trying harder not to tell him to go eat a breath mint.


    Suddenly, the bald one let out a little sound of surprise, and a whistle. "Hey, check what I found!" He said, waving a card badge in the air.


    The guy in my face turned to his partner and they both inspected the badge. If I didn''t hurry then I''d be in trouble. I feel around my wrists with my fingers, it seems like a pretty good knot, their definitely very well experienced in the art of tying people up and stealing their things. Maybe murder also.


    Slowly I concentrate and close my eyes, and imagine a small candle light balanced on my finger tip. In the next moment, I feel my finger warm up a bit. I glance over my shoulder to see a small fire had lit on my finger. Pushing back the urge to smile, I ran the small fire over the rope just a bit, then put it out as the tattooed one turned back around with my badge in his hand.


    "So, your a knight? You don''t look like one, and your pretty young..." he said, obviously wanting me to tell. "Unless you stole this off some sorry sod, that''d be more plausible."


    I made a small over exaggerated gasp. "Me? A thief? I would never!" I said in a high and mighty tone.


    "Then your a knight? You obviously have the mark also, right?" He asked, poking about my stomach as if I had buttons on me.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Mark? Don''t know what your talking about scarface, but maybe you could pawn garbage off? I could always just get another. How about it? Let me go and you get a free profit." I bargained, feeling the burning of the rope spread further around my wrists.


    The two bandits looked at one another then back at me in sync. "What stops you from telling the guards about us?" Baldy asked.


    "You could always, I dunno, trust me? I''m not too friendly with the guards either at the moment, so I don''t think you''d have any trouble." I said, but right as I did say it, I immediately realized I shouldn''t have.


    Tattoo guy blinked a bit. "Your wanted?" He asked, his interest piqued.


    "Um, no. I mean, technically? Sort of? I guess so." I settled with that as I stuttered, my nerves being racked and telling myself in my head of how stupid I was.


    Tattoo frowned, then ripped my shirt open a bit, looking at my chest above my heart. "What''s this mark here? It''s not a knights mark, is it?" He asked.


    Above my heart, a black circle, with a line pointing downwards at the bottom of it showed itself towards the thieves. I mentally pushed the flames faster on the knots, if I didn''t hurry then they would notice without a doubt.


    "Feel like I''ve seen that symbol before, don''t you?" Baldy asked Tattoo, who just shrugged in reply. As they inspected my mark, the knot came undone, and I smiled.


    "Alright boys, terribly sorry for the delay, but I''ve gotta get going." I said, offering a smile. They both looked at me confused for a moment, but we''re to slow to notice that I stood up, stepped up on the chair, and jumped.


    I wrap my legs around Tattoo''s neck, while I take my thumbs, and push them into his eyes. He screamed in terror and scratched and thrashed about. I tense up my legs and grab onto a piece of wooding on the ceiling, letting go of him.


    While Tattoo was wailing about his eyes, I swung on the piece of wood, and kicked Baldy, who had been searching for a weapon. As soon as he picked up a knife my foot was flying into his face.


    I land on my feet and kick Baldy in the hand, making him drop the knife, and knee him in the face. He fell on his back and grabbed his face. I''m about to go for the knife, but large arms wrap around me, squeezing my chest.


    Tattoo couldn''t see, but he had grabbed me. He grunted as he squeezed harder. Quickly, I reel my head back, and slam the back of my head into his nose. A satisfying and wet sound went through the room.


    But it wasn''t quite enough to make him let me go, the squeezing did lessen for a moment, but came back once he got his bearings together. There was only one way to break free of this hold other than that.


    "Sorry in advance." I squeezed out of my throat, just as I swing my leg in front of me, and swing it back hard, landing a kick on his crotch.


    This definitely made him let go. He wailed in despair, his hands going to his Johnny quickly and whimpering, his face going purple. I spin around as I land on clear ground again and kick him in the side of the head. He flew to the side and hit the table that was against the wall. His body slumped and he became still.


    One down...


    I turn back to Baldy, who is now getting up from our previous tussle. I take a step back and feel around the table top that Tattoo had hit. Some objects some into play.


    First object I felt was metal, and from the feel it was a kitchen knife. I smiled and whipped it out in front of me. "Aha!" I yelled in triumph.


    But we both froze as we both notice it was just a fork with dull edges, and nice handle. I let out a nervous laugh. "Well... this is awkward." I mumbled.


    Baldy paid no more time for squabble, he rushed forward and tackled me, throwing me over his shoulders. I''m in the air for a moment, and I thrust my hands out at the right moment to cover my head, successfully rolling to break the fall.


    Looking at the ground, I found the knife I saw earlier. I scampered towards it, but a foot slammed into my stomach, making me winded. I coughed and spat on the ground, as Baldy raised his foot to stomp on my head.


    Rolling out of the way, I stopped and grabbed a bucket that was on the ground, filled with a liquid. Having no hesitation, I splashed him with whatever was in the bucket. Baldy covered his face, but as soon as he put his arms down, I slammed the bucket over his head, and punched it, making a ringing noise.


    He almost fell over, so I had to help him. I grab a pan off the table and hit the bucket on his head again with all my might. This causes him to trip over Tattoo, and plummet into the chair I was sitting on when tied up.


    The room fell silent. I slowly took some deep breaths and stretched. Walking around their unconscious bodies, I grabbed my bag and stuff, including the decorative sword. Relief flooded me once more, looks like I pulled through, for now.


    I turned towards the unconscious captors and relished in the victory. "This is what happens when you capture the legendary Dagonet! Or that would be Sir Dagonet to you!" I said, pointing at the bucket on Tattoo''s head.


    There was another silence. I''m reminded that no one is watching and I can''t boast. Disappointment rivers through me as I walk to the stairs that lead to the upper floor of this place.


    "Here goes nothing." I mumbled.


    But as soon as I started up the stairs, the door opened to the upward floor I was heading to, and there stood another man. This one was different from the others, clothed in a dark cloak and long hood. He stretched his hand out towards me, and suddenly all the wood of the stairs ripped apart, and an invisible force pushed towards me.


    Then I''m in the air, spinning around like a rag doll. Smashing into the wall with a large force, I feel my vision fade a little, the world starts to spin.


    For now, let''s stop there. I know what your thinking, oh great, a story that starts off in the present and has to go into the past to tell the whole story of how we ended up in that place.


    Well deal with it, it''s one of those stories.

 Fool of Royalty

    The smile on my face was one of the largest I''ve ever had as I looked in the large mirror at my reflection. I wore a black suit with a red undershirt, with a top hat on my head.


    They did say I could dress however I wanted since today was special. I admire the view of myself as the door opens behind me and one of the maids walks in.


    "Dagonet, sir, you only have around ten minutes." She warned me, looking worried.


    I just give her a smile and her face turns red. I walk up to her and put my hand on her shoulder. "Don''t worry, little fairy. Tell them I''ll be down shortly." I said.


    Then my smile disappeared once I saw who was standing behind the maid. The large man in knight armor stared at me with an annoyed look.


    His long black hair hung from all sides, and his sharp looking face would impress most shady people. He stepped into the room and pushed me back to the mirror.


    "We all know that when you say things like that your buying time for something stupid." The knight said.


    I laugh nervously. "Don''t know what your talking about. You need to grow a funny bone Lancelot." I said.


    Lancelot sighed at my small jab at his self esteem, and gestured to my attire. "Your going like that?" He asked.


    I wave my hand. "Never been a fan of knights armor, too heavy. Besides, I do have leather under this." I said as I pulled apart my under shirt for him to see the leather armor under.


    "I know, I know. But could you at least dress like a knight since your being Knighted today?" He asked, shaking his head and massaging the bridge of his nose.


    He did have a point. After living as a Fool my entire life, I''m old enough to be knighted today. I turned eighteen the day before. Just so happens that I''ll be knighted at a certain ball. The party is done every year to commemorate the killing of the legendary black dragon.


    I shrugged. "I dunno, maybe next year I''ll dress as one. My knighting ceremony, my clothes." I exclaimed.


    Lancelot shook his head and gave me a look, a look saying for me to do whatever. He turned back around and stopped before exiting the room.


    "Ah, Jasmine wanted to speak with you." Lancelot said, looking back at me in the eyes. This caused me to smile uncontrollably, I couldn''t help it.


    This made the old knight in front of me groan and turn back around. "Try not to get too cheery. And if you make a move on her-!"


    I put up my hand with a serious expression. "She may be beautiful, and the princess, but she is like a sister to me. If I planned to make a move on her, I would''ve done it already." I said, putting look of relief on Lancelots face.


    Then I grow a grin again. "Plus, we both know I could woo any woman I put work towards." I boasted.


    His look changed to a glare, then he turned around and finally left. I''m left with a boasting and radiant attitude. The maid had watched our exchange, and gave me a smile.


    She was rather young, pretty face with freckles, and her hair was bowed up in a bun. On the slim side, but overall she was nice looking. But not my type. I wasn''t sure what my type was.


    Girls had always been very flirty with me or completely came onto me. I had never thought of having an actual relationship. At that time, no woman had ever caught my true attention.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "I''m all done here. I''ve still got some time... if anyone asks tell them I''ve decided to have a small detour. Arthur will understand." I told the young maid.


    She gave me a bow with a smile. "Of course Sir Dagonet."


    Someone calling me "sir" really threw me off. Before everyone treated me just like a Fool, but today I''m a knight, not just a Fool. I''d have to get used to it. I give her a small wave and make my way into the hall.


    Immediately I''m found with the sight of rushing maids and servants moving through the halls in a hurry. In all directions they moved with different things in their hands. Clothes, food, dishes, some even having crates of wine.


    A thought came to mind, and as a butler passed carrying a crate of wine, I snatched myself a bottle. He looked like he wanted to interject, but I gave him a wink, and kept on through the halls.


    If Jasmine truly did ask for me, then she was at the normal place. I waded through the crowds, clutching onto the bottle of wine. Another maid passed with a plate of wine glasses, I snatched two from the plate. She didn''t interject, as she probably knew who I was, and instead gave me a small smile and a giggle.


    Soon I found an empty hall, the research hall. One of the quietest places in the castle. I walked through the marbled halls, my footsteps echoed through the halls.


    Soon I stood in front of a large door, made from a dark wood, giving an old and relaxed smell from it. The smell of paper emulated from the door.


    As soon as I opened the door I''m met with someone running at me, and throwing their arms around me. I nearly dropped the glasses and wine, but held them away as the princess hugged me.


    Jasmine sees the bottles and lets me go. "Took you long enough, we were almost ready to leave and go find you." She pouted.


    Her blonde hair was pulled back into a pony tail, and her white royal dress suited her very well. She was a really small girl, nearly a foot shorter than me, yet only a year younger.


    Then I caught onto what she said as I set the bottle and glasses down. "We?" I asked, then caught sight of the person who was grinning at me.


    The boy that stood near a book shelf had long blonde hair, wavy and seemed to move even without wind to help it. His blue eyes shined when making eye contact with me.


    In return joy leapt in me and I threw my arms around him in a bear hug. "Theo! You beautiful bastard!" I yelled as I lifted him up in the hug.


    He tapped uncle on my shoulder. "Okay okay! I''m happy to see you too." He said, as I set him down and I examined him.


    "I thought you said you''d be away until next month." I said, I couldn''t wipe the smile from my face.


    "Yeah well, no boring meeting with the border patrol is gonna keep me from missing my brothers knighting ceremony." He said, as he put a hand onto my shoulder.


    Looking at him I nodded. "Thank you."


    Jasmin came between us and grabbed us both by the necks. "Alright, make room for me too! Little sis is getting lonely over here!" She said with a teasing voice.


    We all goofed off for a few more minutes, until we all sat down and I poured us all some wine. As I sat I questioned Theodore.


    "Does your father know your back?" I asked, setting down in the comfy chair.


    "No, but knowing him he knows a certain jester has rubbed off on me. So he probably expects me to show up." Theo said with a chuckle.


    "Let''s hope Arthur doesn''t get too angry at you." I said, sighing and looking at the sky light ceiling to the library. Books surrounded us and the smell of paper still loomed, this place looked like it was made of books for how much it had.


    Theodore was the prince of the kingdom, and was supposed to be on the border with some other governors to check up on things and have a meeting. Me and him were born pretty close to each other, and we''d grown up being close to each other. Some of the knights, and even Arthur himself said us to be practically brothers.


    Does it seem odd for a Fool to be treated like this in a kingdom? Not really. In most kingdoms, the Fool is personally selected by the king, therefore whoever hurts or thinks harm in the jester could even be sentenced to death. Their practically one of the kings most trusted. And of course, it''s my job to keep him in high spirits when he''s not feeing so hot.


    Jasmine smiled at us. "Don''t worry, I''ll talk him out of making a big deal about it." She said.


    "Thank you, sister." Theo said, then looked down at his glass. "Before we head to the party, suppose we have a toast?"


    Me and Jasmine nodded in agreement, all of us taking out glasses and bringing them close just before touching.


    "What do we toast for?" Jasmine asked.


    Theo shrugged, then looked at me. "It''s your special night, you should toast for us." He suggested.


    I nodded and looked at the wine, the dark red color reminded me of blood. I shook my head and focused on the toast. I raised my glass, and the others followed.


    "May we have another decade of peace... to a life full of adventure." I said, Theo smiled at this, Jasmine gave us a look as if to say, boys will be boys.


    The night pulled on, and we headed to the party in high spirits.

 Fools in a Party

    The huge doors opened dramatically upon our entrance. Immediately eyes were drawn to us, me in my black and red suit, Jasmine and her white, and Theo and his Blue.


    There was some murmurs about my attire, also about why Theo was here and not at the border. But we ignored them as we made our way to the buffet. I had purposely not eaten lunch today for tonight, I wanted to eat as much as I could. I had heard an excellent chef from one of the neighboring countries. This meant obviously that there was new foods I''d never seen.


    One that caught my eye was squid. I had heard that octopus and squids were cooked or eaten raw even in some countries, but it seemed like a weird sense of taste to me. Being picky with my food, I examined the squid as I picked up a small bite sized piece, then pushed it into my mouth.


    "Use some silverware, Dago." Jasmine warned, obviously worried about others starring at me for my unusual non-royal attitude.


    "Fine, mom." I said, frowning and grabbing a fork and plate. Theo grabbed some clams and other new foods he''d never seen either.


    "Have you tried any of this before, Theo? You''ve been to other countries before haven''t you?" I asked, before biting into another squid, it was quite tasty, to my surprise.


    Theo shrugged, "I''ve been to so many parties in other countries that I''ve all but forgotten. Though, I have eaten the squid before you have. Not really my taste." He said, eyeing the squid going into my mouth.


    As we conversed about the different foods, someone had walked up to us. She wore a very flashy looking dress, gold and red trim. Her hair was in many hoops, looking like a mining drill. Her make up was blinding to look at, not in the good way.


    "So I hear you are the Prince of Atura? Theodore, correct?" She asked. Talking to a prince to make her position go higher, obvious.


    Theo swallowed what he had in his mouth, polite as always, and answered her. "Yes, that is me."


    "Aren''t you supposed to be on the border, at another party?" She asked, her tone was obviously high and mighty. I could tell Theo was trying hard not to be annoyed by it.


    Theo placed his plate on the nearby table. "Yes, but it was less than a party, and more of a meeting that I had to be in. Just some generals on the border."


    "Isn''t that dangerous? If it''s a meeting then wouldn''t the generals you were going to be meeting with be a bit agitated?" She asked.


    Theo grinned at her questions. "Worry not, I talked with the generals before I left. They understand why I came here instead." He explained.


    "Why did you come here?" The woman asked again, it seems like no matter what Theo said back she''d keep asking different questions.


    She was most likely trying to get dirt on him to spread rumors. The very thought made me gag. But he dodged the question by grabbing a young ladies arm that was passing by. The girl didn''t struggle much, right when she saw his face she melted.


    "Don''t mind me ma''am, but I believe I''ve found a partner to dance with." Theo told the older lady, then wandered off into the dance floor with the younger girl.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    The older lady that was asking the questions frowned and walked off towards me next. "And who are you?" She asked.


    She wasn''t as polite to me as to Theo, which made me a bit sour. I give her my best mocking smile. "Someone who doesn''t want to talk to you." I said bluntly.


    She clicked her tongue and cursed under her breath before finally walking away from the table, leaving me and Jasmine looking at her back. Jasmine sighed and glanced over at me.


    "Must you be so blunt? She a lord of a town." She said.


    I waved my hands around. "Oooh~, I''m so scared!" I said sarcastically.


    Jasmine pinched my side, making me jump. Then she grabbed my hand and pulled me along the crowd towards the dance floor. "C''mon, lets dance." She said.


    But as we were going on, I saw someone I had wanted to talk to. The King was surrounded by a bunch of people, like always at parties. He looked uncomfortable, to me at least.


    To others he might look right at home with that smile and face, but I''ve known Arthur since birth, just like Theo. He is definitely wanting an out. As his Fool, I would disappoint if I didn''t lend a hand.


    "Gonna have to decline. My duties are needed." I said, letting go of Jasmine''s hand, and sliding through the crowds. I didn''t have time to listen to her protests, but surely she''d understand what I was doing.


    Luckily most of the people around the King were young lords and princes from other kingdoms and cities. They''d obviously be trying to get on the Kings nice side.


    I forcefully put myself in between the King and the crowd, quickly getting everyone''s attention. "My my, young gentleman, didn''t you know of the young Princess, looking for a partner to do dance with?" I asked, pointing over to Jasmine.


    She heard what I said and gave me a small nervous smile. It wasn''t the first time I''d done this, but Jasmine liked to dance, so she''d appreciate many partners.


    All of the crowd dispersed, all now crowding the princess or just getting the ready message and walking off into the party. I turn to the King and bow. "Your Fool at your service, my Lord." I said.


    Arthur smiled, "always tactful. Are you ready for the ceremony?" He asked.


    I put my hands on my hips and chuckled. "Of course. My greatness is finally being noticed, such a dream come true." I said.


    Arthur gave me a quizzical look. "Just be ready for questions. You are the first ever Fool to be knighted, in history." He said.


    "I know. But we know that I could take on any knight in the whole kingdom." I exclaimed, in which Arthur didn''t argue.


    Being trained by many masters in many styles of fighting, I am basically a deadly puma masked as a Fool. Back then I was quite content with being this skilled.


    "You might be challenged for this. Just in case, what weapon would you want?" Arthur asked, straightening his gloves on his hands.


    I rubbed my chin. "A normal long sword will do. I''d rather do with knives or maybe a short sword, but if they want me to prove me being a knight, then let me prove in the traditional way." I said.


    Arthur smiled and nodded. To be challenged during a knighting is a doubt, basically. If someone says I''m unworthy of being knighted, they challenge me to a duel. The rest is self explanatory, I win, I still get knighted. I lose, and I die.


    Being that I''m the fool, and well known, I would most likely be challenged by someone. Though I haven''t told this to Jasmine or Theo, didn''t want to worry either of them. This also explains the reasoning of my leather armor under my suit.


    Arthur was about to say something else as Lancelot walked up behind him, tapping his shoulder to get his attention. Arthur leaned over and listened to something Lancelot whispered into his ear. After a moment, Arthur nodded and whispered something back, in which Lancelot then took his leave.


    "What was that about?" I asked.


    Arthur scratched his beard. "Just discussing someone. There seems to be another attempt on my life." He exclaimed, though whispered to me so no one would overhear.


    "Couldn''t they try something more remote? Assassination during a party is so cliche." I said, grinning. Arthur lightened up a bit at my smile.


    I snapped my fingers with an idea. "After the knighting ceremony, how about I challenge someone myself?" I implied.


    Arthur slowly came to realization to what I was saying, then he smiled. The perfect way to kill an assassin without word getting out, would be the new knight proving himself in a duel. A duel he will challenge a stranger.


    In this case the stranger being the assassin.

 The Fool Knight

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    By the time Arthur got everyone''s attention for the ceremony, much of the people were either drunk or bored with talk and gossip. Myself, I had decided to tell jokes and dance with some of the girls to amuse everyone.


    Theo had walked over to me during the party and told me he had talked to his father, Arthur.


    "He wasn''t as angry as I thought. Seems he is more set on the assassination than me right now." Theo said, for a moment, you''d think he was whining that he wasn''t getting attention, but he was actually genuinely concerned about his father.


    I had smiled and put my hands on my hips. "Don''t worry, we have a plan." I said.


    Theo had tried to question me about the plan, but as soon as he did the voice of the King boomed over everyone. The herald then spoke off a paper towards everyone when their attention was grasped.


    "This here party will host the ceremony of knighthood of the famous Sir Dagonet, the kings faithful Jester." The herald spoke, his voice sounding high and sort of raspy.


    Murmurs and even some laughs filled the crowd. Some were saying things like. "Is this the Kings idea of a joke?"


    Time to wow the crowd. I stepped forward and stood in front of Arthur, who smiled down at me for but a moment. Then reached for his sword and unsheathed it as I knelt down.


    Everyone fell silent, as they were supposed to when a knighting was being done. Arthur''s blade was shining among the crowd, a gold and bronze sword done in his hand.


    Excalibur itself. Only members of the circle were knighted with Excalibur, regular knights would be knighted with their own sword.


    I closed my eyes as the sword touched both of my shoulders gently. Arthur''s voice boomed across the room.


    "Today, another well talented, and trusted man joins my inner circle." He said, raising his sword and extending his hand toward me.


    "You may rise, Dagonet." He said, just as I took his hand and stood to my feet. Arthur turned to the crowd, then continued.


    "To prove his mettle, Dagonet will choose one person from the crowd for a duel, someone who is obviously suited to battle of course." Arthur said.


    This got the crowd stirring, immediately I made eye contact with Theo and he made a scowl. He knew the plan now. He didn''t have to be so worried, I knew what I was doing. or at least I thought so.


    I scanned the crowd and look for the hooded man in the crowd, I could see some of the nobles faces as my eyes passed them. Some looked nervous, probably thinking I would pick them, others looked ready to prove they were better than any jester.


    I ignore all the looks and figure out where the man is, he sees me make eye contact and he freezes a bit, but quickly gains his posture to not look suspicious. I point at the hooded man and smile. "You there, may I have the honors to a duel with you?"


    the man didn''t look away from my eyes after I spoke, he knew that he had been caught. He stepped forward, the crowd thinning away from him, like he was parting the sea. he walked near the steps and stopped, looking up at me.


    "What are the rules for this bout?" He asked, his voice was deep and handsome sounding. He didn''t sound any evil or angered that he was caught. Good acting for an assassin. I turn to a guard standing near me and grab the sword he is holding, a normal longsword.


    I grabbed the blade and turned back to him. "Until one calls uncle. If one does not call it in time, no matter."If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Suddenly he smiles, his face half visible from under his hood. "So what your saying is that I can kill if you are not giving in?" he asked.


    I nodded, and tossed him the longsword. He caught it with deft, and flipped it around in his hand skillfully. Obvious for an assassin, he is probably skilled in swordplay. I pulled my blade out, the short sword I''ve always used as a weapon of choice.


    Stepping down the stairs, the crowd started to walk to the ends of the room, creating a large circle of open space. once landing on even ground I watch the assassin take his place in the middle of the circle, and put one hand behind his back. Was he planning on a fair fight? He was obviously going to try and kill me before I give.?


    That''s if I give, which I won''t.


    I take the same posture once I''m in front of him, our blades touch, and Arthur raises his hand. Once his hand is lowered the fight would begin. But first before going on the offensive, I need to determine his fighting style. Is he fast or a slow fighter? Does he aim for limbs or arteries? My mind races as the possibly flies through me, that I know nothing about him other than from the stance he is taking.


    Time seemed to stop as? Arthurs hand waved down, and instantly the man took a hop back, and charged forward using his heel for more momentum. For his first attack his took a wide slash at my hip. I reacted in kind, jumping over him with extreme swiftness.


    Landing behind him, I quickly spun around whilst bending down, knowing he would see that I dodged and try for another wide slash. From under him, I balanced myself on my hands and kicked him in the knee, making him tumble a bit.


    Aiming carefully once standing, I jabbed at him with incredible speed, but his reflexes were quicker than I expected. His blade danced off my, deflecting my attack. Gritting his teeth, he pushed my blade aside, and swung his leg for a kick.


    This hit landed, as I saw I wasn''t going to be able to dodge, I got ready for the blow and didn''t stumble much. I quickly move my arm, and catch his leg as it hits me, holding him in place. The crowd gasps as this happens.


    It took me a moment to try and not to mock him in his open way of fighting, but it didn''t stop me from bringing my blade into his leg. The assassin let out a scream of pain as my blade dug through his skin.?


    Dropping his leg and taking my blade out, I take a few steps back and let him catch his bearings. He grabbed his leg with his free hand, blood pulsed out of it. His speed is definitely inhibited now that he''s injured and he knows it.?


    "Going to give in?" I asked, getting into a ready stance again.


    This made him laugh a bit under his breath. "Not quite."


    He suddenly reached under his belt, and produced three small knives, glinting as he flashed them, and threw them in the kings direction.?


    A part of me froze, there was no way for me to help, I was on the opposite sided of the room. But as the knives went through the air, I saw Arthurs face, still straight and proud.?


    The knives stopped in the middle of the air, freezing there in time. Everyone in the crowd either froze? from the sudden action or gasped and took a few steps back from shock. The assassin looked shocked and confused at his failed attempt to kill the king.


    From behind me, a voice sailed into my ear. It was old sounding and wisdom filled.


    "Seems like I was late to the party." It said. I turned around and made eye contact with an old man with a long grey beard, and shaggy hair. His pointed hat and dark royal blue robes drew him attention.


    Beside him stood another person, a girl with long silver hair. She had her hand out, a glow emanated off of it. She was casting magic to stop the knives?


    The assassin clicked his tongue in irritation and yelled in anger, straight at the king. The girl with silver hair saw this, and, with a single flick of a finger, sent all the knives into the assassin. They all stabbed him in the stomach, in which he stumbled and fell to the ground.?


    His hands shook as he tried to pull the knives out in a panic. His eyes, now wide open with shock, went to the old man, who I knew very well, as did most of the people in this room.


    "Damn you, you old magician..." The assassin mumbled as blood leaked through his mouth. The knives strong poison was killing much faster, which is why he was shaking so much other than being impaled.


    "Right on time, Merlin." Arthur said, still with a straight face; he then turned to me. "Finish him, Dago."


    I gave short bow and started to walk towards him. The assassin dragged himself away, as if he could get away. I remember I felt bad for him then, and I hesitated as I raised my sword. Then, as the assassin turned on his back, he opened his jacket, and I saw the small linie of smoke lift into the air.


    The look he gave me was the look of a dead man, but he smiled through it. "Long live the old Empress." He mumbled.


    Just as I turned around, I yelled at the crowd. "Get down-!"


    But warning them had little to do with saving myself. The alchemist fire that burned brightly in the lit flask lit the room with a bright blue flame. The last thing I felt before the explosion of flames was the burning sensation on my back, and hitting my face on the marble floor.


    </section>

 The Fools Recovery

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    Waking up after such events would obviously leave someone feeling sore, but all I find myself caught with is a pulsating headache as my eyes blink open. Trying to take in my surroundings, I''m met with the sight of the ceiling, stone and plain.


    But it was a familiar ceiling, I was still in the castle, I would recognize that color tone of stone anywhere. A ceiling light was connected by the chandelier in the middle of the room. Finally having enough consciousness to sit up, I try to, but immediately regret it.


    Pain arches in my back, it feels like someone had cut open small holes in my back with a knife. Falling back down on the bed I was laying on, I trace a hand to my back and feel some bandages wrapped around myself.


    Wondering why I''m bandaged up, and where I am, someone heard my struggles and came walking to my side. I froze and looked up at a girl with shining silver hair, her grey eyes seemed to cut right through me. Her face was hard to read, but I vividly remember her being at Merlin''s side during...


    The memories come flying back, and I find myself about to push off the bed again, but the girl next to me grabs onto my shoulder, pushing me back down on the bed. if she wasn''t going to let me leave, then I could at least ask her what happened.


    Making eye contact, I speak up. "What happened at the party? Is Arthur and everyone alright?"


    I spoke these words, but they came out strangled and hoarse. My throat was abnormally dry, and I tried to swallow, but my saliva seemed to not be working. A cup was pushed in front of my view, I glanced back up at the girl, her face motioned from the cup to me.


    I nodded and took the cup, some weird liquid was inside, colored of a strange blue. raising an eyebrow, I looked over at the girl, who was looking at me expectantly. Giving in to drinking didn''t take much resistance on my part, I was parched.


    The only part that made me dislike the drink was the texture. It was hardly happy going down my throat, it had trouble traveling down and I felt like I was going to gag from it being stuck for a moment.


    After forcing the liquid down, I spoke as I looked at the empty cup. "So, are you going to tell me now?" I asked.


    The girl suddenly took the cup from my hand and walked over to a table to set it down with others. My eyes then wandered around the room, I recognized this room easily, I had been inside it many times with Arthur and Theo; sometimes by myself.


    This was Merlins workshop.


    Alchemic bottles lined one wall, all having strange liquids and some even glowed. Another side of the room was full of paper, having one desk with piles of it all around. The bed i was atop was in the middle of the room, three sides of the bed my sight was blocked by curtans that were meant for privacy I was guessing.


    The girl worked busily, throwing a bunch of weird looking plants into a stone bowl and started to smash them up, then placing them into another liquid. Watching made me momentarily forget my worry, but not for long.


    "Hey, are you ignoring me?" I called over to her.


    She stopped for a moment, then glanced over at me and made the gesture with her hands of zipping her mouth. Was she telling me to be quiet? This girls level of sass was unsurmountable. If I could stand I would''ve walked over to her and shook her to tell me where everyone was.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    I called out a few more times but she had little reaction, not a peep from her was made. Slowly giving up, I decided to gather my thoughts. After the explosion, I was carried to Merlin''s workshop to this... girl.


    I saw during the fight, after the assassin had thrown the daggers; she had stopped them in the air before they hit Arthur. I haven''t heard of this girl before. She can use magic and she showed up with Merlin, is she an acquintance of his?


    As I''m beginning to relax, I felt a nudge on my shirt; which I had just noticed that I wasn''t wearing my clothes from the party, and instead a plain white shirt and grey pants. When I was changed was unknown to me.


    The girl had returned with another liquid, this one had a slightly different color, and it was darker. I accepted it into my hands and stared down into the liquid. Unlike the last mixture she gave me, this one was warm.


    The look on her face seemed excited, yet anxious. Raising an eyebrow, I shrugged and gulped it down as fast as I could. I''m happy I did drink it fast, it tasted horrible, but it slid down my throat easier than the last one.


    "Ugh... what was in that?" I mumbled to myself, not really questioning the girl as I thought she would just ignore me again.


    The girl stared at me, probably waiting for some sort og reaction to the drink she just gave me. Feeling nervous suddenly I laid down on my back again, sitting up hurt a bit still. But I had noticed that the pain was easing somehow.


    If this girl really was a magician, then her concoctions were probably healing me somehow, or it was one of Merlins magics he used on me when I was asleep. That old Wizard must trust this girl quite a lot to use his workshop. I remember when me and Theo used to play pranks on him by mixing up his drinks and putting whatever we made into his afternoon tea.


    Thinking of the past, I failed to notice the girl had taken the other now empty cup back the table and started another one of her alchemic pieces.


    I made a silent prayer to have someone else to talk to other than this quiet girl giving me gross liquids.


    Just as if answering my calls, the door opened to show the old man himself, Merlin. His pointed hat was in his hands, and as he made eye contact with me; that cheeky smile of his formed. The same smile that he usually grew when he was about to lecture me.


    "Dagonet... I thought I taught you the dangers of alchemists fire before?" He said, setting his hat atop his head once more and walking over to me. Half way to me, the girl walked beside him and handed him the third potion she had created.


    He inspected it and nodded to her. "Good work, keep at it witht he fourth."


    My body recoiled at his words. There was going to be a fourth? What about a fifth? A cold sweat ran down my back, I better not have to stay in bed all day taking weird medicine from this socially awkward girl.


    Merlin handed me the cup, as he did this I pointed over at the girl, who was now back at the table and not looking this way. "Who''s that?" I asked.


    The old man gave me a half smile. "As you know, I was away on business in the east. I met her shortly after arriving." he said.


    "Okay, but why is she here?" I asked, pointing down at the ground.


    "Because she is my new apprentice. Her magical skill is vast, but she needs to be polished." He said, pointing at the cup in my hands. "She has been making a series of potions to make the wounds on your body heal faster without using your life force."


    "My life force?" I questioned, becoming worried again.


    Merlin leaned back in the chair he was sitting in at the side of the bed. "If healed by magic, if the wound is great enough it will take a huge amount of mana to heal; not only that but it will take a toll on the persons life span. Which is why she is working on an alchemic solution, which doesn''t do this." He explained.


    "Okay..." Silently I gave in, glancing over at the girls back once more.


    "Let me guess, she hasn''t said a word?" Merlin said, twisting a part of his beard. He and I made eye contact then, and for a fleeting moment I saw sorrow in his eyes; but it was quickly replaced with his normal stern stare.


    "Yeah... does she have anxiety or something?" I mumbled my question.


    He let out a chuckle. "No, nothing of the sort. I''m sure if she could she would speak a lot." He said.


    "If she could?"


    "Yes."


    There was silence between us. Merlin was staring over at the girl, his face still blank. I couldn''t fathom all of the thoughts that? were flowing through that head of his. Now that I think about it, I wouldn''t want to even if I could.


    "Whats her name?" I asked.


    Merlin smiled at this question, saying her name with ease.


    "Carmen."


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