The Call of Camelot

Chapter 9 - Camelot

I lifted my face, allowing the gentle warmth of the sun breaking through the forest canopy warm me. A smile creeping across my face as I closed my eyes to take in the subtle sounds and smells of the beautiful woodland.

Flocks of birds, singing their beautiful melodies were hidden amongst the branches of the tall, lush oak trees whose leaves were turning almost fluorescent beneath the sun's warm midsummer rays.

I opened my eyes and reached out to affectionately stroke the mane of the beautiful pony whose back I was astride, receiving an appreciative whinny in response.

I adored riding horses. As a girl, I'd been fortunate to have had a number of ponies who would join me on weekend rides amongst the woodlands and countryside near my home. It had been years since I'd been on a proper ride and I hadn't realised just how much I'd missed it till I'd mounted this beautiful chocolate coloured mare, who I'd affectionately nicknamed Kit, after my favourite chocolatey biscuit treat...

The delectable Kit Kat, of course.

"As we pass the next corner my lady, we will need to halt for a moment to water the horses, then we are to journey back to the town." came the voice of my new guard, who was riding his own horse just behind me.

I turned my head and gave a nod of permission, squeezing my legs and giving Kit a light kick of my heel to get her to trot beyond the next corner.

I'd nearly jumped for joy when Mordred had suggested that he take me on a tour of the town and surrounding woodlands, but the excitement was quickly squashed by Merlins rather untimely truth bomb!

From the moment Merlin had introduced him, Mordred had been nothing but kind and courteous, bowing in greeting and making small talk with me. But I hadn't really known how to react to him, so awkwardly, I'd barely said a word.

"Just there my lady, by the log, there is a small stream behind the tree line." he gestured.

I pulled back Kit's reins so she came to a stop where Mordred had instructed. I heard the knight dismount his own horse behind me and rush to my aid, but I'd leapt down from Kits back before he had the chance to help me.

Afterall, I am far from a helpless damsel!

I did give him a small smile as a thanks for the gesture though, but I still couldn't bring myself to meet his eye.

The sound of flowing water became louder as I led Kit through the bluebells and daisies that were bordering the muddy road, then through the trees and ferns till a small narrow stream came into view.

Leaving Kit to drink at the water's edge, I positioned myself on an exposed tree root that was hanging above the brook and happily dangled my feet over the crystal clear waters.

I leant back to take in the picturesque beauty of the clearing, admiring the range of colours and different plants. My attention eventually turned towards my new companion who was knelt between our horses, filling his wineskin.

My immediate impression of Mordred was the warmth that he radiated, whether it was in his charming smile, which was so wide it had made the corners of his eyes wrinkle. Perhaps in his tone of voice, which was soft and smooth, or the way he'd behaved at the stables, clucking and cooing over each of the horses.

It was clear this man had a gentle soul, one he, surprisingly given his military position, made no effort to hide.

I couldn't help but feel a small blush in my cheeks as I watched him run his wet hands through his tousled, sandy hair and across his face and stubbly beard. He seemed to feel my eyes on him and turned to catch my gaze, eyeing me with great amusement.