Warriors of Camelot

Chapter 14: Fate and Destiny

Silence hung in the air. 

"You mean- it's up to us to save Camelot from Nevar?" Morgana ventured slowly. 

When Raven didn't respond, Morgana felt the truth slowly sinking in like a stone that had been dropped down the well.  Her eyes widened in shock and disbelief. 

"But we can't!"

"My father would have our heads if he knew that we were interfering with magical business!" Arthur agreed sharply. "Magic is banned in Camelot. It always has been," he added solemnly.

Raven pondered over this matter for a moment.

"Would you go against the law if it meant saving your kingdom, Arthur?"

This response stunned everyone. As far as Arthur knew, magic could only be evil. Uther had once told him that it corrupted the soul- and yet...

Arthur peered curiously at Raven's pleading face. Clearly she was someone who used magic to preform good deeds for the sake of others. Until now, Arthur had never believed that such a thing was possible. Could Uther have been wrong? 

"Fate is not something that we can escape from," Raven continued. "It's already written out for us by an unseen hand."

At this point, Raven surveyed the crowd gathered before her. "Only you can decide how you act in response to knowing what your destiny is."

Arthur was taken aback by the wise words that had just been spoken by this... sorceress. 

Raven wasn't the first person who he had mentioned destiny to him. From a young age, Arthur had known that he was destined to rule a kingdom, but could there be more to it than that? Was it possible that magic might be involved in shaping his future?

"You have all been chosen to complete the task ahead for a reason," Raven revealed. "Each of you has different skills, but all of them are required if the mission is to succeed.  Many things can be achieved together which cannot be done alone. "

There came yet another pause. It lasted for some time because each individual was caught up in their own thoughts.

 Deep down in his heart, Arthur knew an enemy army could never be defeated by a single soldier. Every knight required the strength of his army for support, especially if the tide began turning against them. Likewise, Arthur may be a prince, but he relied on the support of his people  just as much as they relied on him for leadership during rough times. 

The kingdom was in danger. That much was certain- and apparently it was their duty to protect it. If that was the case, then they must have faith and believe that they could face the tasks ahead. Everyone in Camelot was relying on them for support during what could potentially be very challenging times. 

Arthur glanced at Morgana. Faint memories of a conversation that they'd once had drifted through his mind.  A short while ago Uther had forbidden Arthur from setting out on a quest that would potentially save Merlin's life. Morgana had uttered words which made the prince change his mind:

"Sometimes you've got to do with you think is right and damn the consequences." 

The consequences of using magic could be dealt with later. At this moment in time, protecting the city was the priority. 

With his mind made up,  Arthur took a dep breath and turned to face Raven. "What must we do?"

"Arthur-" Gwen began, but her protest fell on deaf ears.

"If the kingdom is in danger then it is our duty to protect it," Arthur declared. "We all have our duties and we cannot escape from them- not even me.  If my father will not accept that the kingdom is in danger, then, as Prince of Camelot, I will make a stand against Nevar."