The Kingdom of Camelot

Chapter 8

Sonic was finally back on the road again. Lagging a mile or two behind, the knights and Merlina followed his trail on the road back to Camelot. Separated from their king and ruler, they began to talk amongst themselves.

The magic-less wizard signaled Percival to hold back a bit, falling a few yards behind the boys with her, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"So what did His Highness say to you when you two went into the forest?" She asked, hopeful of good news. She knew the kingdom couldn't last forever, but it would last longer if an heir to the throne were to come along. More than that, however, she wanted to know what was happening in the lives of her friends. Percival felt her cheeks growing warm, and thanked God she wore her helm as she rode.

"I feel no real need to discuss the King's private life, especially without his permission." She replied, trying desperately to throw her friend from the topic.

"Very well..." Merlina sighed, a bit disappointed, as Percival felt herself relax. "in that case, let's discuss YOUR personal life...come, what happened in the forest?"

"Why does it matter at all to you?" No longer embarrassed, the knight found herself beginning to get annoyed.

"Well...I feel like I may have caused undue trouble...I'm his adviser, and I neglected to teach him ANYTHING of courtship...if I had brought either of you any grief, I would like to know, that I may at least try to make reparations..." She bowed her head in shame, as the horse beneath her walked along, unaware. Percival gave in, with a frustrated rolling of her unseen eyes.

"In that case, while these matters are none you should be so concerned with, I will tell you this: there is nothing to make reparation for. I hope that will put your mind at ease..." Merlina smiled a child-like grin, filled with excitement and joy.

"I wish the two of you the best of luck, Percival!" she responded happily. The knight grumbled audibly, but couldn't help but feel glad as well.

Sonic returned to the group, looking agitated.

"Is something the matter?" Asked Galahad.

"There's a blockade...I did some snooping, and they're on the look out for...well, the Knights of the Round Table...I don't know what's going on, but I think we should hold back for a bit, until we think of a way through there."

"What? How dare they try to keep us from our home?!" Sir Lamorak's blood began to boil with rage. "Let's just smash through the barricade! Let them try to stop us!" He drew his swords, holding them high in the air. "Who's with me!?" His sister moved behind him, giving a gentle tug to the strap of his saddle, unlatching it, and sending him to the ground.

"These are our own people. We can't simply slaughter them!" She glared at her brother from atop her horse.

"We can't let them slaughter us, either!" Gawain protested.

"Um, guys?" Sonic attempted to interrupt.

"You would harm those you are sworn to protect, Gawain?" Lancelot reached for his sword. "That is something I cannot allow."

"Guys!"

"Be that as it may, something must be done..." Galahad spoke, moving between Gawain and Lancelot. "We may be sworn to protect them, but surely this is treason. Enforcing the law might be the best course of action." The knights of the round table broke down into a pack of squabbling children.