Arthur's Sons (Book 1)

Summer Solstice (Part 2)

They rose early on the first day of midsummer's three-day celebrations, ate quickly and covered the last few leagues to the Stones of Nemeton. Unlike the past few days, both boys were hyper-alert and practically buzzing as they neared the stones. They were coming to the edge of the forest and as they broke the treeline Arthur gasped in awe of the great stones looming in the distance, Merlyn smirked at his reaction before kicking her horse into a canter with the twins following. Arthur quickly followed and was confused when she turned her steed to the right and headed for a small patch of trees that seemed empty of all but the birds and critters in the underbrush.

As they approached the trees Merlyn slowed her horse and dismounted the others following, Arthur stepped up beside her as she waited; clearly confused. Before he could ask the air in front of them rippled and two druids appeared dressed in brown robes from what he guessed was some sort of sight shield.

"Lady Emrys" The druids spoke out loud bowing deeply.

Merlyn flushed and cleared her throat. "Er, there is really no need. Just Merlyn will do." She told them politely and Arthur chuckled at her discomfort which earned him a glare.

"Have you come for the celebrations, My Lady?" The druid on the left asked and Merlyn sighed before nodding.

"Yes, I have brought myself, my son's and the Once and Future King." Merlyn told them and they gasped before looking to Arthur in shock.

"Your Majesty, it is an honour." The druids spoke bowing to Arthur who looked confused.

"I'm not king yet, I'm merely a Prince." He said and the druids smiled amused.

"You are the king of prophecy, no matter your status as of this moment. You, our Queen and your children are most welcome." Arthur looked to Merlyn who just shrugged giving him a 'just roll with it' expression.

Arthur turned back to the two druids and smiled graciously. "I am grateful for the opportunity to witness the customs of your people." The druids nodded before turning and disappearing through the shield, Merlyn grabbed her horses reins and led them through the shield and Arthur gasped in awe at the small city of druids, hedgewitches and sorcerers gathered preparing for the main events of the next day.

There were stalls selling an abundance of magical items and wears while others performed magic for the smaller children who ran about barefoot with wreaths of flowers atop their brows. Arthur was grinning and Merlyn was watching his reaction pleased as he drank in the wonders of magic being used all around him. Two familiar faces came out of the crowd and Merlyn beamed before hurrying over to meet them and pulling them into a crushing hug.

"Aglian! Iseldir!" They laughed and hugged her back before pulling back slightly.

"Emrys, I'm surprised you came all the way here." Aglain smiled and Merlyn gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"It's Merlyn, Aglian. And the twins came too." She said indicating the twins who stood by their father looking content at the goings-on around them.

"Ah, Tywysog Tân." Iseldir said inclining his head to Arty before turning to Rowan inclining his head in a bow again. "Tywysog y tywyllwch."

"Why do you call us that? The druid boy we helped escape Camelot called us that but we never got an explanation." Arty said stepping forward head cocked curiously.

Iseldir chuckled lightly before letting out a sigh. "Both are titles much like your mother's druid name of Emrys. Tywysog y tywyllwch means Prince of Darkness." He said looking at Rowan who paled slightly. "And Tywysog Tân means Prince of Fire." He finished looking at Arty who looked surprised.