Witchers of Camelot

A Memorable Meeting

It took a few moments for Galahad to return to the present. All around him, the other knights were busy laughing themselves to death.

'I keep telling you', said Bors in his usual booming voice. 'The boy is smitten. Whoever this lady is, she must have left quiet the impression'.

'Aye', agreed Lancelot. 'Tell us again about this lady, Galahad. That she'd be able to steal your heart with a glance'.

With every laughter, Galahad turned redder and redder until he himself began to feel hotter than the camp fire.

'Alright. That's enough', ordered Arthur. 'I'm sure our young knight will meet his lady again soon enough. For now, keep yourselves alert. The Forest of Camelot has its dangers lurking about. The rest of you, get some rest. We'll be escorting the princess tomorrow'.

With that, they all slowly quieted down, still having the occasional snickering at the young man's expense. Galahad picked up a stick and began teasing the flames to keep himself occupied. However, he still couldn't keep her out of his mind. Her hair, pale as snow flowed with the wind. Her beauty, unlike anything he's seen before. A scar on her cheek showing everyone a strong and fearless warrior. And her warm touch as she laid her hands on his cheeks.

When he first came back from his quest, he told his fellow knights about everything he saw on his journey. The lost soul searching for her missing head. The giants who stood higher than the mountains.  About being trapped wondering in the mist for weeks. And about the lady of the lake who helped him find his way.

But in the end, they all thought it to be his wild imaginations. The others thought he'd gone mad. 'A powerful knight could hardly survive that journey, much less a young maiden' they said, not believing what he said. In the end, they rewarded him for defeating the Green Knight but thought nothing of the rest of his tale. And now, over half a year has passed and still, he was the butt of their jokes. 

Suddenly, the old man, Merlin sat next to him. 'You know, my boy. No ordinary people could survive in the Misty Lake'.

'Yes, I've been told. But I'm not lying', he replied.

Merlin laughed. 'And neither did I say that you were. You know, in my youth, I myself have travelled far and wide in search of knowledge. And many of the things I've seen, you would not believe'.

Galahad moved closer, wanting to hear more from the old man.

'In one of my travels, I heard stories of magical beings said to guide those who are lost and without hope. The fae'.

Galahad's throat began to dry. 'And you think the pale haired maiden was one of them? A fae?'

Merlin smiled. 'I would not dare assume anything. However, if it is indeed a mystical being who guided you out of the mist, then you are a very fortunate man. A fortunate man, indeed'. Merlin gave him another cheerful glance before going to his tent.

Everything in the forest turned unusually quiet when suddenly, Galahad heard a scream followed by a howl. The knights stood looking at each other. Arthur nodded, giving them the signal to move.

They rode towards the sound, coming just in time to see two other knights trying to defend a carriage. Wolves rounded them, waiting for a chance to attack.

Lancelot and the other quickly rode towards them, making quick work of the wolves. Blood and carnage ensued until finally, what's left of the wolves retreated.

With the carriage safe, its guardians thanked them before knocking at the carriage door. 'M'lady, the wolves have retreated. All thanks to these valiant knights'.

Who came out the door made everyone's jaw drop. A beautiful and fair skinned maiden of golden hair smiled at each of them. Beside her, her consorts each as beautiful as the last presented themselves. 'We thank you, good sers for coming to our aid. None of us would have made it if it weren't for your rescue'.

Then, for a moment, the lady looked around her and her expression darkened. 'The hunter, our guide. Where is she?'

The two knights looked down. 'I'm sorry, my lady. She stayed behind hoping to buy us more time'.

'No. There is still hope. Sir knights. I know it is ungrateful of me. But please, try to find our guide. We wouldn't have lasted for long if it wasn't for her'.

With that, Arthur and the rest of them rode their horses and rushed towards the hunter's direction. They finally stopped when they reached a wide open area covered in blood and carcass. In the middle stood a hooded figure holding a blade. She struck it and a yelp echoed all around them as the blade pierced through a wolf's neck. They all watched in astonishment as she sheathed her sword.

'My lady', called out Arthur. 'We've come to your aid'.

The lady laughed cheerfully. 'A little too late for that, don't you think'. All around them, over a dozen of the beasts laid dead. The hunter took down her hood and a white braided hair flowed from it.

Galahad was the first to step forward. 'L-lady Cirilla'.