Calan - The Immortality Paradox

Chapter Twenty: Assault of the Kray Authority, Part Two

Date: 468, OA19,654

Location: Royal Citadel, New Avalon, Kray system

The streets outside Camelot were iced in a crisp layer of morning dew as the rays of starlight from Dragon's Eye combed the landscape. Rooftops glistened and the fresh air smelt of ageing stone and soiled earth. Homesteads near the edge of Camelot's wall seemed peaceful and unstirred by the events to come as Wanderer zoomed past with two sentries sprinting at her side; their spears almost horizontal as they matched her pace. The soles of their caligae scraped against the cobbles in unison.

The plan had unfurled like one of the castle's rich tapestries. Despite the Legislature's protestations against the foreigner's assumed intent, the Queen was the leader of the land. Her word was final, and Zhě was nonetheless thankful that Her Majesty's subordinates were stubbornly traditional. An army, primitive though it was, manned the walls of the castle and had duitifully watched the skies for the past few days. Forgemaster Waterman had also agreed to equip each soldier with a nanometre shard for extra shielding. Though it was clear to Wanderer that he was neither convinced nor impressed by its potential. Zhě neglected to inform them of its true power as it would needlessly have brought about more questions. Perhaps a reference to some superstitious aegis might've prompted a few. The Queen, meanwhile, had taken her sons deeper into the castle and into the catacombs beneath the city. The civilians would soon be joining them.

Towering above the rest of the city, the Church of Annwn had appeared so ineffectual during her first observation, but now it wore its grandure well. Helping to commence the evacuation of the Citadel. Within moments, one of the sentries had climbed its turret and a baleful wringing sounded across the city. Zhě shuddered as an unexpected queasiness built up inside her. As if the weight of all New Avalon was rested upon her shoulders. She found herself staring past the ecclesiastical monument, and into the blue ocean of sky, anticipating at any moment a gathering of specks to materialise. She had never seen a sky so clear. It would be tragic to watch it burn. The second sentry observed her cautiously, equal parts taciturn and apprehensive. This was likely his first experience of warfare. Little did he know the power that would be unleashed on his home, without mercy or prejudice. Offering a full augury now would be counterproductive.

At the behest of their beloved bells, the Avalonions poured from their homesteads, carrying their meagre items - baskets filled with vegetables and bread loaves, sacks of freshly-harvested wheat and barley, and disorderly stacks of wood roped together and slung over a shoulder. A couple of children passed by, confusion plain on their faces at having been awoken so early. In one hand, Zhě noticed the youngest was carrying a tiny, wooden sword. Soldiers directed them towards the passageway beneath the castle, to wait out the storm. This is madness, she thought. They are fighting the ocean with a box of matches.

Once the bell-wringing had ceased, Zhě was escorted by the two sentries to a vantage point on a patch of grassland near Camelot's border wall. She had scoured most of the city in her brief visitation, but had not found this impressive viewpoint. Ranks of stone buildings descended with a shallow gradient down the brim of the Citadel hill to the river Dulas, which wound its way, snake-like between civilisation and wilderness. A luscious line of trees followed the riverside, marking the boundary with its stone wall counterpart. The Caradoc Viaduct was suspended majestically over it all, anchoring the Citadel to its perimeter outposts. As the three watched the skyline magnify in light, one of the outposts was suddenly accompanying its infusion of colour in a red flame. Configurations of smoke rose up from each of the encircled outposts as the appointed guards signalled their vigil. Despite the impossible task ahead, their distant warmth eased Wanderer's queasiness.

'My men have followed your commands to the letter.' The Forgemaster did not sweeten the prominent contempt in his voice. Taking orders from an outsider was undoubtedly a shameful experience. 'Let us hope the outcome is favourable.'

Zhě swivelled on the spot. Though she had long since forgotten the pain of her injury, the straws of grass beneath still summoned an inkling of fear. 'I'm very grateful for your belief in me Forgemaster, despite having not had the chance to earn it yet.'

'That's true enough.' Waterman was a sight to behold. A deep red cloak was fastened diagonally across his chest, half-obscuring the golden-trimmed armour plating. Whoever was responsible for its forging deserved praise for so successfully concealing his love of banqueting. The sword in its scabbard blinded her as it bounced the photons boastfully in her direction. Other than the spear-tips of the guardsmen, Zhě had not seen so much metal in the Citadel. 'The King died not long ago. Initially, when the duties of the monarchy passed to Queen Pendragon, I was unsure of her capabilities. But over the years, Her Majesty has proved herself a guiding force for our people, especially in times of need. A storm came once before, many rotations of the moon ago, as the Sagemaster would put it. A magical storm, that stole people in the night. Shoes abandoned, beds empty and families undone...'

The Disappearing. The Incubus's sphere of influence was great.

'...I myself lost my...darling daughter,' the Forgemaster clutched the hilt of his sword for a moment, 'and I was almost lost to despair. But the Queen was strong, kind and beyond the limits of her duty on that terrible day. She comforted each of us as if we were her own family. From then onwards, we have always shown her reverence, and served her with the utmost devotion. For me, in the memory of my dear Jacinda. For you to capture our Queen's confidence so quickly speaks volumes to your assignment here. To my dying breath, I will always obey Her Majesty. Consequently, I will serve you.'

Zhě, moved by his words, nodded in reply - there was nothing else to add.

'You say you have an indication of their arrival? The...Kray Authority?'

'My ship...my beacon has given me prior warning. They'll be here within a day.'

'A day?' Wanderer detected a hint of diffidence. 'They are well-equipped, these enemies?'

'Without a doubt. But the hope is that they don't know I'm here yet. The element of surprise might be the last vestige of defence that will protect your lands and people from utter annihilation.' She sometimes forgot to subdue the pessimism of the truth. However, her unlikely companion took the admission rather well.

'Then, in a day's time, they will know the wrath of the Avalonians!' A cacophany of shouts echoed the military leader's inspirational sentiment. Spears hammered against stone. The Citadel was alive with defiance.