Heir To Avalon

By C. A. Zraik

A full length novel of the Arthurian Legend:

A fierce battle of both sword and heart: Heir To Avalon.

The first relationship to go awry is the relationship between Merlaina, Arthur, and destiny. Arthur, destined to rule Britain, sets out to fulfill his role on the battlefield at St. Albans. Merlaina, whose destiny is to rule the mystic Isle of Avalon, rejects destiny's call, determined to remain at Arthur's side. Consequently, after a heated confrontation with the Lady of the Lake, Merlaina dons a disguise and enters the heartless world of ruthless men and savage war as Lancelot du Lac.

The relationship between Merlaina, Guinevere, and Arthur is the crux of the story, and it is within this relationship we see the greatest sorrows evolve and the greatest damage inflicted by deceit and innuendo.

• Language: English
• Publisher: C. A. Zraik
• Release date: Jun 23, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458099150

C. A. Zraik

I am an author with ebooks available here on SmashWords.com, on Amazon.com, and Barnes and Nobels.com. My ebook full length novels include; Heir To Avalon, The Fairies Tree, The Roamer Series; Roamer, and Looking for the Elf Lords, and The King's Box. Childrens books include; From the 'Letters From Grandma Series': Spring in Grandma's Back Yard, Summer in Grandma's Back Yard, Autumn in Grandma's Back Yard, and Winter in Grandma's Back Yard. I taught Creative Writing and am now retired from teaching. Readers of my books can contact me at [e-mail]. I would love to hear your feedback. Thank You for reading my ebooks, I hope you enjoyed them!

Book preview

HEIR TO AVALON

by

C. A. Zraik

SMASHWORDS EDITION

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PUBLISHED BY:

C.A. Zraik on Smashwords

Heir To Avalon

Copyright © 2010 by C.A. Zraik

Smashwords Edition License Notes

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HEIR TO AVALON

Merlaina perched on the parapet outside her bedroom watching the soldiers scurry around in the courtyard below. Lord Ector's troops were preparing to join Uther Pendragon at battle on the plains at St. Albans. Merlaina frowned as she looked for Arthur. She didn't understand why he could go but she could not. She'd been trained as well as any of the soldiers at Forest Sauvage. She had insisted on it.

She and Arthur had grown up in the foster care of Lord Ector at Forest Sauvage's court. Merlaina arrived at Ector's manor a babe barely six weeks old on the same day as Arthur. The Lord's wife, still grieving over the loss of her own babe three weeks earlier, had been thrilled to gain two others in its place. Suckling at Drunella's breast, Merlaina and Arthur bonded like twins. From infancy they became inseparable.

Early on, with her spirited and competitive nature, Merlaina managed to charm Lord Ector into allowing her freedoms most young ladies were denied. Merlaina learned to ride and ride as a warrior. She could sit and manage any horse including Arthur's big white stallion. She wielded a sword as well as any seasoned soldier and was often the initiator of playful combat with the boys. She beat them her share of the time. After suffering multiple bumps and bruises they quickly grew to respect her skill. She possessed her own sword and dagger, a much prized birthday gift from Lord Ector, given to her at the youthful age of ten.

Merlaina roamed and explored the mountain sides with her brothers quickly matching them as an equal. She even cajoled the seamstress into fashioning her garments identical to those Cia, Bedivere, and Arthur wore. As for tutoring, she sat long hours with the boys while Merlin, an aging cleric Lord Ector had taken a fond liking to, taught them Latin, numbers, history, and of strange wonderful new lands.

Growing up at Forest Sauvage had not been easy for Merlaina. With all the young ruffians Lord Ector fostered, she had to sharpen her abilities. In doing so, she grew to detest any sign of weakness in herself or others. Long ago she decided it was a cruel unfair world that awaited her, one in which she intended to survive.

But Lord Ector had steeled his heart and finally denied her something. She could not ride out today with those she loved most. He had insisted she remain at the manor to care for Drunella. Scowling, Merlaina beat her thighs with her fists. It wasn't fair! Just because she was female didn't mean she couldn't hold her own! The servants could care for Drunella. She wanted to ride with her foster brothers and Arthur.

While the clamor beneath her echoed off the high stone walls in the courtyard, Merlaina's thoughts were drawn to tendrils of a thick, opaque mist spiraling up from the ground. She stiffened, realizing she was about to slip into one of her prophetic visions. No! Not now, she begged, already knowing her plea would go unheard.

She wished with all her heart she could put an end to the debilitating clutches of foresight but knew from experience she could not. Her journeys through the grey orb of prophesy were manipulated by something beyond her control, beyond her understanding. The worst part about the visions were their lingering after effects. They left her in a weakened state, ill with exhaustion, sometimes for hours.

She lost all sense of what transpired around her as the mist formed an impenetrable cloak, temporarily isolating her from the real world. The sharp clank of weaponry receded, abrasive shouting stuttered into soft whispers, stench caused by anxious horses wafted away. As the dense cloud embraced Merlaina, clean, damp air clung to the mist. Then a deep expectant silence ensued as the vision claimed her. Merlaina's breathing slowed and she closed her eyes, surrendering.

Inside her vision a foggy barrier swirled and then parted to reveal a tall young man walking toward her. Upon his head rested a silver helm. His yellow and green enameled armor boasted the respected colors of the House of Ector.

Fascinated, Merlaina watched as the colors on the breastplate and shield shifted. Yellow and green melted together dripping off leather and armor alike. Merlaina blinked, surprised, and in an instant the leather jerkin and shield bore the colors red and white. The young man's helm disappeared, replaced by a thin circlet of gold. His majestic sword, catching the ever growing starlight, blazed with shimmering yellow fire as it hung from his leather baldric.

Her heart skipped a beat. She knew this man! She'd grown up with him. Crossed swords with him. She'd even beaten him at his own game a time or two. Her lips formed a soft smile and she whispered, Arthur!

The dense mist floated out and away dissipating into the darkness like the silent drawing back of a portiere, broadening the scope and distance of her view. In her vision Merlaina stepped forward and gazed down into a valley where a huge army gathered. Campfires speckled the plain, twinkling brighter than the stars overhead. Laughter and talk wafted into the dark night sky carried aloft by a cool breeze blowing in from the sea. The aroma of meat simmering over open fires permeated the air.

What is the meaning of this? she wondered, shivering.

Turning her back on the horde of men, she wrapped her wool shawl tighter around her shoulders and searched for Arthur. Startled, she watched as he walked toward a lovely young woman, a woman close to her own age, a woman Merlaina did not recognize. His stride was even and purposeful. Arthur extended his gloved hand to the young lady in a sign of welcome and bowed low. As he put his arm around the woman's waist, Merlaina's heart protested, tightening inside her chest. What....? Where had this woman come from? Who was she that Arthur treated her with such tender respect? Trembling, she reached her hand out to stop Arthur, pleading aloud, No....!

The scene wavered. Please, not yet, she begged. I must see who this woman is to Arthur. But colors ran together, dripping, melting, then blending into gray. Gray nothingness....

Merlaina swayed on the ledge of the balcony. She fought to clear her woozy head, battling the miserable after effects of the vision and her anguished emotions. The ground beneath her swam, rushing up to meet her. She had to step away from the ledge! She gulped for air as the bustling courtyard reeled back into sight. The sounds, the smells, and the activities materialized abruptly and overpowering. Nausea churned inside her stomach. She lost her balance. She couldn't stop herself.

Merlaina threw her arms out trying to grasp on to something as she started to fall forward. Black spots danced in front of her eyes and a silent scream rose inside her throat. A strong arm encircled her waist almost knocking the breath from her as she was pulled backward against an armor plated chest.

Shocked and gasping for air, she gazed up into the face of her rescuer. Arthur! Blinking to clear the fog from her head, she turned and wrapped her arms around his thick sun bronzed neck, still afraid she might collapse.

Another vision, little sister? How fortuitous I sought you out just now. I wanted to say good-bye to my favorite jousting partner and I come in time to save her life instead, he teased, a silly grin lighting up his rugged, handsome face. Come, let me get you some water and you can tell me all about it, he said gently lifting her into his arms.

Merlaina blushed and her heart fluttered. She wanted to remind him that she was not really his little sister. In fact, over the course of the last few months she'd found herself wishing she could mean more to him than a 'little sister'. She quickly looked away from his probing gaze, hiding her chaotic emotions. This strange new feeling was more than unsettling. The disturbing reaction that tugged at her breast whenever Arthur came near her lately was almost akin to fear. No, not fear of Arthur himself, more like the fear of the unexplained.

He carried her down to the kitchen and propped her in a wooden chair in the far corner away from the noise and fuss. Feeling better now? Arthur asked. His tender smile set Merlaina's heart throbbing.

She nodded as he handed her a bronze cup of cool well water dipped from the bucket on a nearby table. A chill of delight ran up Merlaina's spine as his hand brushed against her's. Now come. Share this new sight with me, he demanded, dropping onto one knee before her. You'll feel the better for it.

Merlaina sipped from the goblet noting that Arthur tried to hide his apprehension. She knew her uncanny visions spooked him because they often contained warnings. Merlin had attempted to explain the nature of mystical prognostication to him several times but the essence of how and why the visions came about escaped Arthur. Arthur preferred life to unfold in blunt, explainable, and tangible terms. He had no patience for the 'gray areas' as Merlin referred to anything beyond the ordinary.

I know not what to say, Merlaina shrugged, rubbing at the burning ache in the center of her forehead. I saw you in my vision but I do not know what it portends, she sighed, weary.

Arthur contemplated her with raised eyebrows. Did you see something concerning the coming battle? Arthur asked, gently fingering the sleeve of her gown. A serious frown displaced his smile and Merlaina wished the smile back.

She gazed into his questioning gray eyes wondering whether Arthur would miss her as much as she would miss him. She wanted to beg him not to go. Not to leave her. She didn't want him to leave home a young, carefree lad, and perhaps return to her as an old, broken man. She wanted to scream at him. She wanted to shake him. She wanted to throw her arms around him and weep for her loss.

Merlaina swallowed hard while blinking back unwanted tears. She took a deep breath and forced herself to smile as she pushed her distressing thoughts away. She wouldn't be able to bear it if something happened to Arthur but she would not send him off jeopardized by her sadness.

I saw nothing I can say is grave, she assured him with a smile, deciding to reveal everything to him except the appearance of the strange beautiful young woman. No, it wasn't time to reveal that part of the vision, not until she knew more about her. 'Twas only confusing, my Lord. You walked toward me, not able to see me, which I expected, and you were dressed as you are now only your allegiance colors were different, and you carried a great sword. Behind you sheltered an army. I assume it was a victorious one for all the laughter and song going on. You were not harmed.

The vision indeed appears not grave, Arthur said, beaming at her. In fact, I shall look forward to winning this great sword you speak of. Just think! My first real battle and you envision me winning a great trophy! I shall take this vision as an omen of noble things to come and henceforth, you shall bestow upon me good luck! Arthur tore a strip of lace from Merlaina's sleeve and tucked it beneath his left shoulder plate. Satisfied, he brushed at a stray lock of her blonde hair and leaned forward kissing her chastely on the cheek. I must leave you now for the battlefield. Uther Pendragon calls us to arms. Wish me God's speed, little sister. As for you, stay out of my quarters and mind the castle. I promise to return and gift you with spoils if you're a good girl during my absence. He winked and smiled as he rose to his feet. I will see you soon enough, till then, I bid thee farewell.

As Arthur left the room so too did the light that always seemed to emanate from within him. Nay, Merlaina thought, sighing. Nay, my precious one, you shall not gift me with the spoils of war. I want nothing to do with whatever takes you from my side. She drained the liquid in her cup and sat back to think.

Lord Ector and his men at arms were ready to depart. Her foster mother's voice, calling her to present herself for the farewell, drew her out of a melancholy muse. She gasped, tossed the empty cup to a servant and bolted out of the kitchen, ignoring her protesting headache.

Lord Ector waited impatiently as Merlaina gathered her long skirts and ran across the muddy yard. He embraced Merlaina for a quick moment, and then leading her by the elbow walked a short distance from his troops.

Merlaina, Ector's voice grew serious, pray watch your mother carefully that she not over do herself. She is not well and may falter before I return. I hope to see Merlin on my trip, and if so, I will ask him to come by if the battle can spare him. Perhaps he will see to the healing of the mistress. Until then, I entrust her care to you. Do what you can until I return. There's a good girl, he said, kissing her brow before turning her back toward the frail arms of his ailing wife.

It was a good half hour before the courtyard stood empty but for those being left behind. Thick dust hovered in the air and the yard was a sticky mess. Stable boys began the unpleasant business of putting the grounds back to rights. Drunella coughed long and deep and Merlaina, appalled at the blood she spit up, called the servants to assist her in escorting the sickly dame to her room.

Merlaina immersed herself in taking care of Drunella as the poor woman battled with death. Merlaina's heart broke, racked with despair as she watched the only mother she had ever known slip further and further away. During those long, creeping, weary steeped hours, her loneliness grew. She missed her brothers and Lord Ector terribly as each day waned.

Merlaina sat next to the narrow window in Drunella's room gazing out over green pastures and corn fields, out beyond what lie at the edge of the forest, thinking about the twists and turns her life had taken; about the past, and about her future.

When the Roman Legions retreated from Britain's soil the quality of life declined. The beautiful manor houses were vacated and destroyed, the Baths abandoned, and laws ignored. Some farming techniques and the roads were kept up, but Britain reverted to a barbaric and lawless realm. Petty land wars constantly broke out between rival tribal kings. When these kings weren't fighting each other they banded together and fought the invaders from the North, strange little men who painted their naked bodies blue and fought like wild banshees.

Merlaina sighed. What was this nature in men that compelled them toward greed and war? Now, the Saxons who dwelt along the Saxon Shore in the Southeastern part of Britain were sweeping inland, usurping the land. An important city lay under siege and Lord Ector and his foster sons had gone off to war. Uther Pendragon, Britain's first King to be reckoned with since the Legions left, had vowed to drive the invading hordes off Britain's soil once and for all.

Such unrest. Such pettiness, Merlaina thought. If women ruled the world things would be settled over a nice long chat and cup of hot, spiced, cinnamon wine. The relentless wars were growing wearisome and the land and its people suffered. Merlaina sighed again, long and deep. No telling how long it would be before Ector's army and Arthur came home....If they ever did come home. No, she wouldn't think like that! Lord Ector and everyone who left with him would be back soon. They had to be back soon.

Merlaina fidgeted as she paced the thrush covered floor. She needed to get out of this stuffy room. Out of the manor. Out for a long ride in the open fields, or a relaxing swim in the lake. She felt trapped here, enclosed, smothered. How quickly her life had changed. She longed for the carefree days of childhood. Gay laughter, wooden sword fights, and hide then seek in the woods. Chained to her responsibility, Merlaina returned to the window seat in Drunella's room and sitting down, tipped her head back leaning it against the cool stone wall. Resigned, she closed her eyes sinking into the memories of happier times.

***

To Merlaina's dismay, Drunella was carried to her grave a week later. All color went out of Merlaina's life as they lowered Drunella into the cold earth. The manor was draped in black and everyone wore mourning garb. Disheartened, Merlaina wandered about, depression weighing down her thoughts.

Lord Ector, with his sons, Cai and Corben, and his foster sons, Bedivere, and Arthur, lingered long at battle assisting King Uther. Ben, Lord Ector's youngest son, and Merlaina, were all who remained at the great hall save servants. Ben, mature beyond his fourteen winters, ran the castle and property well in his father's absence. There was no need for Merlaina's interference save what little he asked her to do. No doubt he meant to spare her the tediousness, where in fact, she would have welcomed something to occupy her mind.

Merlaina walked the winding pathways in the lush gardens that surrounded the Keep's Chapel allowing memories, bittersweet in her boredom, to flow through her. There was little else for her to do but revel in the past.

Merlaina followed the stone path to the stables and wandered among the horses offering bits of apple to the work ponies. The armory lay in the back of the stable and she gazed wistfully for long moments at the shiny breast plates, her own among them. She fantasized that she rode next to Cai and Bedivere, a short length behind Arthur's big white stallion. She imagined the cool wind whipping through her hair and the blazing sun hot on her face. She smelled the sweat of her horse and the green grass of the field beneath her roan's hoofs. Joy and laughter surrounded her as they rode together. She smiled at the wistful thought but her heart ached.

The idea, so simple yet dangerous, struck her like a bolt of lightning. She pondered its consequences for mere moments. Yes, she thought, hadn't Merlin spoken of old legends where women had actually led battles and trained soldiers? Filled with excitement and purpose Merlaina tried her best to appear nonchalant as she walked back to the manor. She'd have to control her elation as she didn't want to raise any questions. She'd have to be quick and careful in her ploy and preparations. There was much for her to do before nightfall.

Darkness fell and the small hours of the morning were long in coming but come they finally did. Relieved and eager to be away, Merlaina fitted a dark helm over her recently shorn locks and left the note she'd written to Ben on her bed pillow. Gathering up her single pouch of belongings she climbed out the window. Huge, thick vines hugged the rough outside surface of the manor walls and she