Giving Fantasia: The Taking Fantasia Sequel

Chapter 31: The Round Table (Round 3)

Chapter 31: The Round Table (Round 3)

"Well – they --- they---" Arthur wrestled with his words. Finally he blurted. "They can't! The guardians can't leave Fantasia!"

Wendy practically levitated with hope. Across the table Ariel, Peter, and Jim looked ready to sprout wings.

"Your Majesty," said Eric. "I respectfully disagree. It's all a matter of logic. The guardians are unneeded so they must leave." 

Taking Ariel's shoulder, Eric icily eyed Jim. "All of them."

Jim almost left his chair. But the royal advisers interrupted his ascent.

"Captain Eric is spot on." agreed Captain Amelia. "It's a drudgery, but it's protocol. It would be negligent for the guardians to stay."

Arthur fidgeted. He was losing the battle.

"But the guardians can't leave!" he repeated, searching for a persuasive argument. "I need them here in Fantasia! They haven't given me a full report yet! I have more questions!"

"Well luckily the guardians are here now!" said Master Cogsworth. "They can give you a full report and leave. Really Your Majesty, I think it's time to stop overreacting – "

"But that's not all!" Arthur persisted. "I need the guardians to stay because – because – because – "

Suddenly Arthur snapped. "I need them here for my wedding!"

It was the second time Arthur had referred to Elsa, his future queen. The guardians had gauged that Arthur and Elsa's relationship was controversial (especially amongst the royal advisers), but they hadn't expected a marriage. However, King Arthur was fighting for them; so Peter, Ariel, Wendy, and Jim kept their mouths shut.

"Your wedding? Lady Elsa's coronation?" Eric chuckled. "Your Majesty again I apologize. But I don't think a wedding invitation will justify breaking the rules. The Wishing Star won't allow it. The guardians must leave."

"Well -- I need the guardians to protect Lady Elsa." Arthur retorted. "What if I have another heart attack? What if the world blows up? Lady Elsa is my future queen and I want her safe until our wedding! The wedding is only three days away – The Wishing Star can just deal with it!"

"Your Majesty – " several advisers began.

"No more arguments!" Clearly frustrated, Arthur pointed to his crown. "I am the king! And by royal decree I command that the guardians stay until I am married! I am the ruler– I am the boss – I am the king! – "

Arthur slashed a hand, staying Eric's protest. "I am in charge and that is final! Stop it, lock it, put it in your pocket!"

Master Cogsworth slapped his head. Fail. Kings do not rhyme, it's a waste of their...time. Drat.

Eric gripped Ariel's shoulder. Ariel flicked him away with her trident.

Sourly Eric consented. "Yes. Of course Your Majesty. The guardians are welcomed to stay until your wedding. Three days –"

He glanced cattily at Jim. "--Seems harmless enough."

Irritated, Arthur repositioned his crown. As Archimedes waddled across his shoulders, Arthur muttered something that sounded suspiciously like 'duh.'

Wendy breathed. She ran a haggard hand under her hat. Across the table, Peter and Jim were doing the same. Ariel mouthed Thank You to the king. They had dodged a bullet – even if it was only for three days.