Arthur's Sons (Book 1)

Excalibur (Part 3)

Rowan arrived it seemed; just as things were getting interesting. "...The swords the fables speak of could destroy anything, alive or dead." Geoffrey explained to Arty and Merlyn who had been looking for a weapon to kill the dead.

Rowan came up behind them quietly and caused them both to jump when he spoke up. "Can you show us one of these fables?"

"Well, let me think. Yes. Mmmm..." While Geoffrey searched the shelf his brother turned to him and cocked his head slightly.

"I'm assuming it didn't work out." He spoke in his mind through their bond.

"I started to unravel the spell but the wraith sensed what I was doing and chased after me, sorry." Rowan shoulders slumped a little and his brother put his hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry, you did your best. We'll find another way." Before Rowan could respond Geoffrey found what he was looking for.

"This is the Chronicle of Beltain. Now then... Ah, here we are. "Sir Marhaus looked upon the great sword, begotten in the dragon's breath and found it passing good."

"What did you say?" Merlyn piped up in hope.

"Sir Marhaus..."

"No. No, no. No, no. Not about him. The dragon." Merlyn said waiting to hear the words again.

"The great sword begotten in the dragon's breath..." Before Geoffrey could finish the three looked at each other and practically ran for the door.

"Thanks Geoffrey!" Rowan called over his shoulder leaving the old man looking startled and confused.

"Rowan, where is Gwen?" Merlyn asked moving quickly through the halls. Rowan gripped his mother's hand to keep him moving so he could concentrate on letting his mental barriers down and sifting through the onslaught of voices to find Gwen.

"Morgana's chambers." He spoke opening his eyes and raising his mental shields to block out the chatter. They race along the corridor until they reach Morgana's chambers and Merlyn knocks quickly.

Gwen opens the door, her face lighting up upon seeing them. "Merlyn. What are you doing here?"

"I've come to ask a favour." Merlyn told her sheepishly.

"Ask, Merlyn. You know I'd grant you anything. I mean, not anything. Obviously, not anything. What is it you want?" Rambled with a faint blush causing the twins to chuckle lightly.

"I've come to ask for a sword. The strongest sword your father's ever made." Gwen look surprised by this.

"What for?"

"To save Father." The twins spoke in unison and Gwen merely nodded before making sure she had everything before closing the door and heading toward her home in the lower town. They entered quickly and Gwen checked to make sure her father wasn't home before pulling a box out from under the bed, she opened it to reveal a beautifully crafted sword which she carefully removed before standing and holding it out to Merlyn who took in gently.

"My father's been saving this. He's always said it was the best sword he's ever made."

"It's perfect." Merlyn murmured inspecting the blade, it had almost perfect balance and was razor-sharp.

"He'll kill me if he finds I've taken it." Gwen wrung her hands nervously and Merlyn placed the sword inside a piece of cloth before turning and placing a hand on Gwen's shoulder.

"He'll understand. You did it for Arthur."

Gwen smiled and cocked her head coyly. "I knew you were proud of him really." Merlyn blushed and huffed out a laugh.