Touched(Sequel to Change of Plans)

Memories Among The Ashes

It is often said that a hero will arise in the wake of destruction. As King Arthur looked out over his destroyed city he wondered who would be the hero that would come and restore Camelot to it's former glory? Who would help to bring peace back into the city?

Looking at the piles ash and rubble, Arthur felt lost. It was his duty to protect his people and his city, but he failed them. He did not stop Morgana when he had the chance and now she has torn Camelot apart. For all Arthur knew Morgana was still out there preparing another attack. With Camelot's defenses so weak, the Knights all wounded, and the castle virtually destroyed Arthur did not know how they could stand another wave of attacks. The thought of Morgana's return haunted Arthur's dreams.

Since the Great Battle Arthur had been sending men out into the surrounding lands to hunt down the High Priestess, Morgana. She had disappeared during the battle, and there has been no sign of her since. Arthur believed that Morgana had fled after the Great Hall caught fire. The entire hall was enveloped in chaos, so it wouldn't have been hard for her to slither away behind a screen of smoke.

"Sire, if I may..." Gaius spoke up as he stepped out of the shadowy corner and into the circle of advisors speaking with Arthur, "While I agree Morgana is not someone we can risk underestimating I think it would be wise to call off the search. Bring your men back to Camelot. They are needed here. If we have any hope of rebuilding the city then we will need all of our forces."

"So you advise me just to let her go?" Arthur spun around and faced the men all crowded behind him at the doors of the balcony. He looked at the old man before him, short and thin. He appeared to be so frail and week, and yet he stood before his King firmly protesting the Kings actions. In Gaius's old eyes a spark of strength was still shining.

Gaius had been the Court Physician for years. He had served on the court since before Arthur was even born. Gaius also served during the years of Great Magic Purge when Arthur's father was still King. In fact it was due to the enormous amount of loyalty that Gaius showed during the Great Magic Purge that King made him a royal advisor. Arthur had grown up with the wisdom and guidance of this Court Physician, and Arthur knew that there was sense in what Gaius was trying to say. However Arthur could not dispense the feeling that Morgana was out there just waiting for another chance to attack.

In the past Arthur would have looked to his father for guidance. His father was a great King, a strong and Noble King. Arthur always hoped that when he became King and took his father's place he too would follow in his father's footsteps, but as Arthur turned back around to face the destroyed city he could not help but feel like he had disgraced his father.

"My Lord, Camelot is weak. Our army is small, defenses broken, and the spirit of the people is dashed..." Arthur already knew everything Gaius was telling him, but that did not make the decision any easier. Either he could call back his men and rebuild the castle and Camelot's defenses, or he could send more men out to track down Camelot's greatest enemy and insure that she will never be able to hurt anyone in Camelot ever again.

"... I do not advise that we let Morgana go or that we forget about all of the horrible things she has done. I only suggest that we temporarily refocus our attentions. Camelot needs you full attention, My Lord. Your men need to come home." Gaius finished explaining his point then stepped back into the crowd of advisors.

"So that is it then, you all agree with Gaius? You all think I should stop the search?" Arthur asked softly. His voice was distant as were his thoughts. He was thinking about the dozens of men that were out somewhere looking for Morgana. He wondered how many of them would return if they were successful and did find Morgana.

Arthur was reminded of all of the good and noble men that were lost during the Great Battle. Many of them having been trapped in the Great Hall after the fire caused part of the ceiling to collapse. Among them was one of Arthur's bravest and strongest Knights, Sir Gwaine. Time and time again Sir Gwaine had proven his loyalty and his noble heart. On more than one occasion he helped Arthur out of a tight situation. It truly was disheartening for Arthur and the other Knights to learn of Gwaine's disappearance after the Great Battle. He was a truly noble Knight who met a fiery end.