A Face that launched a thousand ships

Part 15

  part 15

"Heh, it's pretty obvious that they would not attack from the front."

"Oui, but mon cher, we must put a decoy. It is important to have the element of surprise!"

"I suggest we still assign a small squadron in front and put the big and strong ones around the kingdom!"

"Si, that is a great plan, Gilbert."

"Heh! Don't you mean... 'AWESOME?'"

"Of course, I won't lose to that... that-!"

"Tonio, calm down, you'll get your revenge."

"Ah... si...Gracias, Francis."


Six months had already passed since they last saw Antonio at the party. Maria's tummy was already quite large.

She stood by the balcony of their palace, savouring the cool fresh air as it brushed against her. What a peaceful day it was. The sun was up, the people were doing their daily chores, and there was no war. At the moment, Maria felt quite relieved that there was no bloodshed... yet. She rubbed her round tummy with a smile on her face, "Don't worry, my dear, it will all be fine." She closed her eyes and tried not to think too much about the war her husband would soon engage into—after all, it was bad for her and the baby.

All of a sudden, she felt someone embrace her gently from behind. "Good morning, love." A deep yet comforting voice greeted her. The hands of the man landed on top of her tummy gently, making sure not to hurt the baby and the mother. She placed her hands on top of his and greeted back, "Good morning too, Arthur."

He gave her a peck on the cheek and started rubbing her tummy. "I wonder what the gender of our baby is." He said curiously. Maria laughed, "I hope it's a boy, someone as handsome and as gentlemanly as the father." She smiled.

Arthur smiled, "Well I hope it's a girl, as beautiful and caring as her mother." They both laughed at realization of their silliness. Maria suddenly paused, "But I do hope it's a boy..." she said, almost sighing. "Why do you say that, love?"

"It is so that someone would be able to take over this kingdom after you. I do believe a boy would make a better ruler than a girl."

Arthur pouted at the statement, "I don't think so..." Maria's eyes were suddenly filled with curiosity, "And how come?"

"No matter what the gender, if the person was born to be a ruler, then he or she would make a good ruler. It is not in the gender that our rulers are chosen, but by their loyalty, faith, and ability."

His wife sighed in defeat, "I guess... you are right."

He scoffed, "Of course I am!" he jokingly said as he gave her another peck on the cheek.


A few knocks were heard from the door of the king's room. "Yes, come in." the king permitted.

In came a knight in full black. His armour clanged as he took steps forward to where the king's table was. As soon as he reached the table, he removed his helmet which revealed his blonde hair and blue eyes. He held his helmet at his side and knelt with the other hand on top of his armoured chest. "I have come to report the progress so far, your Highness."

"Ah, yes, please do." Arthur dropped everything he was doing and started listening to the man.

"Armies one to four are ready. Armies five and six though are still preparing. We also suggest that we add a bit more of ammunition in this important mission since the ones we already have would not be sufficient. The estimated time until full preparation would be three months from now. Until then, we must keep training and planning things out."

"I see." The king sighed. "Very well then, I will grant that request of added ammunition. Please do train them hard." Arthur's jade orbs glimmered with hope, his voice dead serious, "I want this mission to be a hundred percent sure win." The knight rose from his position and gave the king a reassuring grin, "As you wish, your Highness."

He once again wore his helmet and started walking out of the room. As soon as he reached the doorknob, Arthur called onto him, "Alfred!" The knight turned around. "Also, I just wanted to inform you..."

Alfred's blue eyes widened in utter surprise, his mind went black, and everything seemed to be... getting really serious.

"I will be by your side in this mission. I will fight alongside my people."


It was five in the morning, Arthur had already gone up, and he was off to the training grounds. He wore a simple white shirt tied with a brown belt by his waist. His trousers were quite loose and easy to move in. The boots he wore were also brown and made with leather, the same with his gloves.

He went into one of the locked sheds where he keeps his weapons. On the corner of the room was a large treasure chest made of wood and covered with gems. He took out the golden key hanging from his neck and opened the chest. The chest contained a majestic sword. The handle of the sword was made of steel decorated with a snake that wrapped around it. The blade was made of an unknown material that can cut through steel. On both sides of the blade were engraved words. The scabbard, though, was lost long ago.

Arthur held the sword with great care. His left palm was on one of the sides of the blade. He positioned the sword in front of him and closed his eyes.

"My Lord, grant me the courage to bravely avenge my wife. Let this blade of mine cut through the people who stand in our way. May this sword bring us eternal peace and joy, and with this, may all our sorrows end. Amen."

He opened his eyes once again, this time, those jades were full of even more determination. Arthur stood up, closed the chest, and went out of the shed with Excalibur in his right hand—ready to face the enemies.