The Legacy of Arthur

Part 4

"Chance," Wes warned, holding Merlin higher. "I don't think arguing with him will make things better. Merlin, sir, is there any way for us to see the castle?"

"You could see it now," Merlin insisted. "But it's invisible."

"How will we know when we've found it?" Wes asked, with patience far and above my own.

"Oh, you need to unlock it," Merlin said simply. "There is a circle of lodestones at the peak of the hill. Once you arrive you need only speak the spell aloud, and you will find yourself within the castle."

"And the spell is?" Wes prodded, as Merlin twirled and turned within his ball of hair.

"I can't tell you," he said petulantly. "You'll tell her."

"I realize your disdain for the lieutenant, but she is a skilled warrior."

"You've only just met her!" Merlin argued, "How would you know?"

"She fought in a famous battle. Those who survived would have to be skilled," Wes needled, and I felt a flush to my cheeks. I crossed my arms firmly over my chest and looked away.

"She doesn't even have a weapon." Merlin's voice was more reasonable now, but this seemed to be a sticking point for him. I flipped open my holster and held my handgun aloft.

"Things have changed. We can handle ourselves. What do you have to lose, old man? If we're killed, it just means you sit in Camelot instead of that dingy old cave."

He seemed to consider my words and then gave a sage nod. "This is true. Different surroundings would be wonderful after so long. I hope you die."

"That's not--"

"I will tell you the spell!" he said with finality, "You need only say the words; Aperi regis nomine!"

"Well," Wes said, considering the words and mumbling them to himself. "Now we only need to find the lodestones."

We made good time, vaulting our way up the side of the hill. The slope wasn't particularly taxing, and we made it to the peak just as the sun began to set. The view from the top was spectacular, forests stretching in every direction, while the river meandered through the trees. There was a single patch of dirt at the very center of the hill, but I noticed a problem immediately.

"There are no stones here," I said flatly.

"They're invisible," Merlin seethed loudly.

"Give me the wizard. I'm throwing him." I snapped.

"Chance, no, just try the spell," Wes pleaded, turning to hide Merlin from my outstretched hand. I fumed silently and stood at the center of the patch of dirt.

"This had better work. Give me five minutes before you come in, so I can get out of the entrance and secure the area." I growled.

"Are you sure you'll be alright on your own?" Wes asked with concern, but I gave him a withering look that stopped any further arguments. I turned to face the setting sun, my back to the two of them, and articulated the Latin spell. The air around me seemed to waver and drift, as if the ground had suddenly grown intensely hot. Stoneworks began to materialize into view, blocking the sunset as they solidified. I spun, seeing Wesley slowly disappear into the ether.

The room that formed around me was a dozen yards in diameter, a vaulted ceiling stretching high above. Strange runed monoliths lifted from the ground around me, and the same patch of dirt was still present below. Torches burned along the walls, doing an admirable job of keeping the room lit, considering just how old they would be. A single large, open doorway served as the room's only exit, leading into a thin hallway. While only ten feet across, the ceiling stretched far above me. Long, open windows stretched dozens of feet before the roof arched up and over.