Athanasios Perseus Apollyon - The Forgotten Tide

Chapter 27: The Round Table & the Lady of France.

Percy's POV

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue over the land, I approached the legendary realm of Camelot. The mist-laden fields and the imposing silhouette of the castle stood as a testament to its storied past. My arrival was timed to coincide with a dire situation threatening this bastion of chivalry and honor.

The atmosphere was thick with tension as I dismounted from my sea-green stallion. The sounds of clashing steel and shouts of defiance reached my ears even before I reached the castle walls. Camelot, once a symbol of unity and strength, now faced a grave peril that demanded immediate intervention.

King Arthur, renowned for his unwavering resolve, stood at the castle's edge, his gaze fixed on the horizon. His knights, the famed Round Table, were engaged in fierce combat with a dark force led by the treacherous Morgana and her ally Mordred. Their once-proud kingdom was under siege, and the very essence of Camelot was at stake.

Merlin, the enigmatic and wise advisor, was deep in thought, clutching a peculiar artifact. His normally calm demeanor was replaced by urgency and concern. He caught sight of me as I approached and nodded with a mixture of relief and gratitude.

"Lord Perseus," Merlin greeted, his voice laced with hope. "Your timing could not be more fortuitous. Camelot is in grave danger, and we are struggling to repel the forces of darkness."

Before I could offer further reassurance, I saw a familiar and unwelcome sight. Artemis and her Hunt emerged from the shadows of the forest, their numbers swelling to nearly a hundred maidens. At their head was the immortal hunter Orion, whose presence seemed both a challenge and an omen.

Artemis's expression hardened as her gaze met mine. "Perseus. What brings you to meddle in affairs that are none of your concern?"

Her voice was frosty, her disdain clear. The Hunt, with its fierce and determined maidens, seemed poised for confrontation. They were not here to aid Camelot but to further their own agenda, and their intentions were ominous.

Orion stepped forward, a smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, the Depth Lord himself. How entertaining to see you involved in this conflict. And what brings you to these lands?"

It was clear that Artemis's Hunt had their own plans, particularly concerning Morgana. Their desire to include her in their ranks posed a significant threat to Camelot's defenders. The tension between us was palpable, but the immediate crisis took precedence.

As the conflict between Camelot's knights and Morgana's dark forces escalated, Hunt's intervention became a critical issue. Artemis's maidens engaged in combat, their skills and determination on full display. Despite their prowess, the combined might of the Round Table and my Sea Squad proved to be a formidable force.

The battle raged on with an intensity that spoke of desperate measures and unwavering resolve. I fought alongside the Round Table, my trident slicing through the darkness, my spear and sword complimenting my every move. Each strike and parry was a testament to our unity and determination.

Artemis, despite her animosity, was a skilled combatant, and her maidens were formidable. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome the strength of the Round Table and my Sea Squad. We pushed back Morgana's forces with relentless vigor, turning the tide of the battle in favor of the defenders of Camelot.

During the heat of the battle, Orion's demeanor shifted from amusement to concern. He watched the clash with an increasingly furrowed brow. It was evident that the situation was far more dire than he had anticipated.

As the battle drew to a close, Artemis's Hunt was forced to retreat. The maidens, though skilled, could not withstand the combined strength of the Round Table and my Sea Squad. The victory was hard-won, but it came at a cost.

With the immediate threat averted, I took a moment to speak with King Arthur and Merlin. Their gratitude was palpable, and their relief was evident.

"Lord Perseus," Arthur said, his voice heavy with the weight of recent events. "Your intervention has saved Camelot from destruction. We are in your debt."

Merlin nodded in agreement. "Your arrival was timely. We owe much to your bravery and skill."

"Yet, your role in History is done, All of the Round Table was meant to die here, Arthur your wife will be unfaithful, thus I give you a different path, Join me as a Part of Hydlona, Fight to prevent the world from ending, continue writing your names in golden letters though history.

The moment of respite was brief, as I had another important matter to attend to. I journeyed to Atlantis, where preparations were underway for a significant occasion—the five-millennia birthday celebration of my niece, Pallas.

Atlantis was alive with festivities as the underwater city buzzed with activity. My parents, Poseidon and Amphitrite, were at the heart of the preparations. The city was adorned with colorful decorations, and the atmosphere was vibrant and joyous.

The party was a grand affair, attended by family and friends from across the pantheons. Hephaestus, Apollo, and Hermes were present, their presence adding to the celebration. Hades and Hestia also joined, their warmth and camaraderie a welcome addition.

As the festivities unfolded, I took the opportunity to catch up with everyone. We spoke of recent battles, the Sea Squad, and the challenges we had faced. I made it clear to my friends that the existence of the Sea Squad needed to remain a secret from Olympus. It was crucial to protect this knowledge from the meddling of the Olympian gods.

The celebration continued late into the night, with laughter, music, and stories filling the underwater palace. It was a rare moment of peace and joy, a chance to reconnect with loved ones and revel in their company.

However, as the following centuries drew to a close, I received urgent news. Joan of Arc, the legendary heroine, was in critical condition. Her plight had persisted for centuries, and her time was running out.

I journeyed to her location, finding her on the brink of death. Her strength was waning, and her spirit was faltering. I acted swiftly, using my healing abilities and ancient potions to stabilize her condition.

"Joan," I said, my voice filled with determination. "Your fight is not over yet. Rest now and recover. You have more to do in this world."

With Joan safe and recovering, I returned to Hydlona, where the preperations resumed with renewed energy. The Sea Squad, now free and bound by new laws, was prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The future held both opportunities and trials, but with the support of those I held dear, we were ready to confront whatever came next.

As I looked around at the faces of friends and family, I knew that our journey was far from over. The bonds forged through battles and trials were stronger than ever, and the challenges ahead would be met with unwavering resolve and unity.