Magic in Camelot

The Fires of Idirsholas

Merlynn hadn't slept in weeks since she'd seen that vision, and for the first time ever she truly understood what Morgana had been going through. Between the haunting images of the vision and the Great Dragon shouting at her from his cave below Camelot, Merlynn had been on edge, the news from the shepherd this morning only adding to her worry.

A man from the northern plains had arrived at court this morning to inform the King that smoke was seen rising from the ancient fortress of Idirsholas. She recalled Gaius' recitation of the legend clearly, 'when the fires of Idirsholas burn, the Knights of Medhir will ride again.'

As always, Arthur was convinced that the legends were superstitious nonsense, but Uther commanded him to investigate anyways. While she packed, Gaius warned her that this wasn't just a story, that 300 years ago, seven of Camelot's knights were seduced by a sorceress' call, succumbing to her power and becoming a terrifying and brutal force that could only be stopped by defeating Medhir herself. Now, something has awoken these knights, and no one but Merlynn believed the stories were true.

They had been riding for half a day when Arthur shouted over at her. "What is it, Merlynn? Don't tell me you've been listening to Gaius' bedtime stories again?"

"I just hope that's all they are." Merlynn replied, worried. She could argue with Arthur about how Gaius has always been right, but she was certain he wouldn't listen, or maybe he just didn't want to.

They stopped for the night, and for the first time in what felt like a long time, Merlynn actually fell asleep, and when morning came, she didn't want to wake. Arthur woke her gently before he woke the other knights, and for a moment, she felt at peace staring up at Arthur's bright blue eyes. Merlynn sat up and Arthur pulled pieces of grass and other things out of her hair.

"Don't get used to this, I already have one lazy servant, I don't need another." Arthur joked with her, walking to get the other knights up.

"Wouldn't dream of it, Sire." Merlynn called to him, getting up herself and preparing the horses for the journey ahead. They made it to the Castle of Idirsholas by midday and began searching the ruins. They passed the threshold into the walls of the castle and Merlynn kept close to Arthur, sword in hand. "What's that noise?"

"What noise?" Arthur asked, shortly, trying to keep an eye on his men and surroundings.

"A sort of trembling sound."

"That's your knees knocking together. Come on." Arthur was short with his response, but Merlynn noticed he tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword and became more alert after she expressed her concerns.

The group made their way into the castle, Arthur pushing a gate open that led them to a large room with a table of ashes in the middle of it. Arthur approached the table as the knight spread out to investigate the room. Merlynn stood close to Arthur, facing the door watching his back as he bent down to feel the ashes left on the table.

"Seems part of Joseph's story was true. Probably just travelers passing through." Arthur said, wiping his hands together to get rid of the ash residue.

Merlynn turned back towards the door and noticed seven people standing between them and the exit, completely covered in black armor and clothing. "Or maybe not." She said as she raised her sword, alerting Arthur of the threat behind them. Arthur and the other knights turned around and scrambled to fend off the advancing attack.

The black knights moved swiftly and powerfully, attacking without hesitation. Merlynn blocked a couple of attacks from one of the knights before she was backed up against a column in the room. The knight swung for her head, causing her to duck out of the way. Sir Vidor stepped in to fend off the black knight, and Merlynn was given a chance to take in the battle around her. She watched as Arthur thrust his sword into one of the knight's sides, but the black knight was unfazed, responding to what should have been a deadly blow with a growl. Sir Vidor was cut down, drawing Merlynn's attention back to her own battle. Soon, another of Camelot's knights fell, and Merlynn found herself fending off two attackers being backed into yet another corner. She managed to duck around the knights and give herself a little time to breathe. She tried to come up with an escape plan and saw Arthur disarmed.