Camelot

V

When my eyes opened again I was back on the Wolam Island, the morning of my oath ceremony. “Good morning Guinevere, you do know you don't have to be a complete Wolam Witch to stay here. You can always remain as you are. We'll train you to control your abilities without the oath.” My mother pleaded.

“I can do this mother, just believe in me.” The words came up out of my mouth with no control.

Was this really happening? Did I dream everything about Camelot? Or is this just a memory? I didn't have any control over my movements. As a prisoner in a moving cage I watched myself complete my morning routine, but it went by so quickly. One minute after my mother tried to beg me not to take the oath we were already sitting outside with our stones in a circle.

“Last time Guin, you fail you leave.” My eldest sister laughed at me. “How does it feel knowing that you're going to break pour mother's stone cold heart because you can't make a simple little flame.”

“Quit it Fay, you're not going to scare me into backing out of doing this.” I stood my ground.

“Poor little Guin, the last child is always such a disappointment. If I were you I'd just go and hide.” She chuckled, and then everything started to change.

The world around us faded into darkness and all that stood there was Fay and I. “Guinevere you must be careful.” Her whole demeanor changed.

Winds from nowhere wiped around us as we stood in a real of complete darkness. “What's going on, what are.you doing?” I finally had control over myself again.

“Guinevere you're dreaming. Please give me your hand.” Fay outstretched her hand to me.

“Why should I trust you! You sabotaged my oath ceremony ten times! I should've just let you be banished and I could still live on the island in peace.” I shouted.

“You have no reason to trust me, but I have to warn you and I'm already fading. I don't have enough power to stay in your dream world please, you just run from my father. Get away from him and never turn back!” Her voice kept getting farther and farther away as her being in front of me started to fade.

I started to reach my hand to her out of my curiosity, but my pride held me back. “I'll never forgive you for what you've done to me.” I yanked my hand away and watched her hurt expression disappear into the darkness.

I stood there staring at where she disappeared, anger flooded my vision as I imagined her being burned alive, executed for the evil witch she was. And as I imagined her screams one by one every family member from the island appeared around me. Every single one to the newborn baby that was born right before my oath ceremony. In the crowd I found Fay, I wanted her to feel pain, the pain of being ripped away from your family and all you've ever known. Screams came at me from every angle as I watched every single last one of them being burnt alive. All of their painful screams banned against ears as I suddenly became paralyzed, forced to watch their faces, fill with pure fear. I watch until everyone was ash, but I still couldn't move. The smell of smoke filled my nostrils as I knew why, it was my turn to be burned alive. The flames started to creep up higher and higher, every inch scorching my skin. I could feel my blood inside me building as I started to melt. I screamed and screamed for help, but when the wind finally picked up it carried the ash of all of my loved ones around me in a large vortex. The fire faded as all of the air was being striped from the area. Collapsed to the floor I gasped for some form of air but nothing came. As if two hands clung around my neck I felt my lungs burning, my windpipe being crushed under the force of someone's hands. I felt what it was like to truly be dying.

“Wake up? Wake up! I was furiously shaken awake and out of the nightmare.

I didn't even feel like I had enough strength to open my eyes. So I laid there in someone's arms just shaking uncontrollably. Tears streamed the side of my face as I just melted into whoever was holding me. I was so scared and didn't know what to do, was this the kind of visions my father warned me about? Is my family really going to be burnt alive?

“It's okay, you're okay. It was only a nightmare.” a new make voice filled my ears.

“What happened?” I could hear Sir Lancelot run into my room.

“She was screaming, I thought something was wrong so I came in. She was just having a nightmare but she seems pretty shaken up about it. I must go see my father, I'll send Elizabeth to come watch over her.” The other voice started to leave me. He placed me carefully on the bed and left.

“Thank you Arthur, I'll make sure she's alright.” Lancelot started to walk to my bedside. “Guinevere, open your eyes. Nothing is going to hurt you.” His voice was so calming.

Still shaking from the nightmare I was too scared to try my imagination just kept showing me all of my loved ones burning faces. “Guinevere, open your eyes.”

I fought my dear and slowly started to open them little by little. “See that's not so bad is it?” Sir Lancelot kneeled before me, bags under this eyes showing he had been awake at night. “I'm sorry we were unable to find your father. It pains me to say it but some members of the village suspected him of some form of sorcery. King Uther didn't believe the villagers, he found no proof and beyond his better judgement allowed your father to be free after that your father left just a few days ago, leaving his bakery to be cared for by an older gentleman and his brother who goes by the name of Merlin.” He wasn't saying something, but I was still too scared to ask.

“When I reached the bakery the villagers had decided to cover all of the windows and doors, and they were burning it to the ground. A bunch of the other knights and I stayed trying to put out the fire all night. The good news is we didn't find any bodies. Then news is that someone was in there, we heard screaming, if they did escape they're somewhere hiding and they're probably hurt.” He hid his eyes from me. “We're showering most of the forest but we can't find them anywhere. As of now we know nothing.”

I had no idea what to say. Staring at him I just could believe what was happening. Nothing but guilt was inside me. Even  though I had just met them I grieved for them.

“Arthur is asking King Uther to allow a small band of on to fo searching for the. King Uther is a goal oriented king, he may not allow a search for a baker. Just warning you now. I'm sorry Guinevere.nim a least thankful that I pulled to out of there when I did, otherwise you may have been stuck in the same state that they are in.”

“Lancelot, don't try and look for them.” I spoke up as he started to leave.

“Why not?” He sounded confused.

“If they just went through what you say, they may think that the knights believe the villagers and want to execute them they won't want to be found.” I looked to him. “Let me go and find them.”

“After last night and what I just saw there's no way I will allow you to do anywhere until I know you are better.” Sir Lancelot became more stern. “What ever did happen to you last night? When Elizabeth found me and said you were ready I assumed all was well, then I come in and see you on the floor screaming?”

“I started to remember something, for some reason a terrible headache came upon me I don't know and if was only a nightmare. Please let me search for them. I promise I'll be alright. Please.” I pleaded, trying to hide the pain that still lingered in my head.

“Not this time, I'm sorry Guinevere. I know I gave you the choice to go live with your father but he's gone and so is the bakery where he lived. If he comes back with a place to live than that option will be open once more. For now you are my ward and must listen to what I say I'm sorry Guinevere.” He left the room in a hurry.

I could see that it hurt him to do what he did, but I know he does care. Since the day he found me in the barn there was something about him, Every time I see him my breath gets heavier and I can't help but to smile.

“My dear, I heard what has been going on. Are you alright Lady Guinevere?” Elizabeth entered the room. “Had I known I wouldn't have left last night.”

“I'm fine, just a headache.” I shook her off, semi blushing as j continued thinking about Sir Lancelot.

“I know that face Lady Guinevere,” Elizabeth chuckled, “you're in love.”

“In what?”

“You're in love. Your glowing as bright as a rose and your eyes are gleaming. Quickened breath causing you to breathe through your mouth. You're in love Lady Guinevere and you've got it bad.” Elizabeth rambled.

“What's love?” I asked.

Judging on the face Elizabeth just made this is beyond my usual stupid questions.