Tales From Camelot Series 8: LADY Part 2

By Paul Green

The incredible and emotionally-charged conclusion to the story of the Lady of the Lake.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paul Green
• Release date: Dec 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310220630

Paul Green

The author’s three children had grown up and his eldest had two of her own, Isobelle and Oscar. Their imagination knew no boundaries. Every cupboard was a ‘den’, a sheet draped over objects, a tent, not to mention the fun they had with their toys! The author worked on this and wrote several books around them. What a joy.

Book preview

Tales From Camelot Series • Book EIGHT

LADY

Part 2

paul green

Table of Contents

Cover Page

Title Page

Copyright Notice

Tales From Camelot Series

Reader Recommendation

Acknowledgements

Cover Page

From the author ...

Prologue

Excerpt

~ Wheels Within Wheels ~

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Excerpt

~ Weapons of War ~

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

~ Threads ~

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

~ Wedding Blues ~

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

~ The Gentleman and the Lady ~

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

~ Final Curtain ~

Excerpt

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

~ Lamentations ~

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

~ Turning Point ~

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Notes to the reader ...

Previews of Coming Attractions . . .

Tales From Camelot Series

About the Author . . .

Copyright Notice

ISBN-13: 978-1519797261

ISBN-10: 1519797265

www.PaulGreenAuthor.com

Copyright 2015 Paul Green All Rights Reserved.

Second Printing: January 2016

Printed in the United States of America. No part of this work may be used or reproduced, transmitted, stored or used in any form or by any means graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, scanning, digitizing, tapping, Web distribution, information networks or information storage and retrieval systems, or in any manner whatsoever without the express written approval of the author, except by reviewers who may quote brief excerpts in connection with a review.

For further information, contact [e-mail]

United States laws and regulations are public domain and not subject to copyright. Any unauthorized copying, reproduction, translation, or distribution of any part of this material without permission by the author is prohibited and against the law.

Tales From Camelot Series

Part One (2012)

Book 1: PENDRAGON

Book 2: CAMELOT

Book 3: CHAMPION

Book 4: SORCERESS

Part Two (2013-2015)

Book 5: ROYALS

Book 6: EXCALIBUR

Book 7: CURSED

Book 8: LADY Part 1

Book 8: LADY Part 2

Part Three (2016-2017)

Book 9: WARLORD

Book 10: MIRROR

Book 11: WYVERN

Book 12: QUEST

Grand Finale (2018)

Book 13: LEGEND

www.PaulGreenAuthor.com

Reader Recommendation

Due to the unique subject matter, this series will appeal to a very broad audience: teen to elderly, male and female alike.

Although some parts may be considered to be too intense for pre-teen or younger readers. Ages 13 and up recommended.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to all my reviewers. Your input has been invaluable.

Thank you to my son Christopher for his help in designing the covers.

And extra special thanks to the One who gave me the desire to write.

From the author ...

Winds in the east, mist coming in

Like something is brewing, about to begin

Can't put my finger, on what lies in store

But I feel what's to happen, all happened before.

-Marry Poppins (film), 1964

At the risk of sounding whimsical, I can't think of a better way to introduce LADY Part 2. Which I think you will quickly discover for yourself from the very beginning. As I have mentioned in times past, this whole storyline has been stuck in my head for years. It feels good to finally get it out. I can now die happy, knowing it is finally out there in published form. Eh, not that I'm not planning on departing this world anytime soon, mind you. I still have many more stories to write.

My 20th book. And what a milestone it is. I have always stated that AWAKENING, Book Two in the Second Chance series, has been my personal favorite story. LADY however, eighteen books later, may possibly finally trump that. Back in AWAKENING, I am sure that most people likely wouldn't have understood why I had made such a statement at the time. But then again, you didn't know Alana at the time like I did. As I was writing her story, I already knew her. I knew her heart, I knew her background, I knew her heritage and lineage; I knew everything about the Daughters of Shira - long before the reader learned those things later on in the series. And I knew about Protectors and even her future daughter White Heaven as well. Thus for me personally, that's what made her story all the more moving as I was writing it.

If you haven't yet read my early AWAKENING story, fear not; I have tried to be careful all along not to give away too many spoilers; only enough to help you appreciate her a little better and how she fits into our Camelot tales. And though Alana hasn't always gotten a lot of 'air time' if you will, or 'story time' since that book was written, she has always remained among my most beloved of characters. I am glad that in this outing we will get to spend a little more time with her; and perhaps you might even understand a little better why she has always been special to me. I have always loved her unique personality, with a beautiful heartwarming child-like quality to her; but at the same time there is also something very moving and deeply stirring about her character. Hopefully you will see it too, if you haven't already. Granted, AWAKENING was written early in my writing career and I wasn't exactly all that polished or experienced; but still, her story has always been the most touching to me, personally. That is, until now. Having finally completed both Parts 1 and Part 2 of LADY, I think AWAKENING has a new contender - in the story of Alana's youngest daughter, Kealani. Albeit for very different reasons.

Up until this point, no one has ever really known just exactly what White Heaven is. But after all this time and after so much speculation, and after much debate after so many stories in two different series, you are finally going to find out.

Boy, are you going to be surprised.

You are also finally going to learn the truth about Excalibur.

Boy, are you going to be surprised.

And there are going to be quite a few other astonishing revelations and puzzle pieces which will finally be put together in this outing, to which all I can say is ... boy, are you going to be surprised.

And yes, as you might expect, this particular story will also be involving our friends from Second Chance as well as those from Camelot. After all, they are White Heaven's family also, and she is a product of two worlds. Or ... ahem ... perhaps more than two.

A plea from me: as tempting as it might be, please don't jump ahead to the end. If you are the type who likes to skip to the end of a book to see how it all turns out, please don't. Not this time. If you do, you will ruin not only the ending but the entire experience. Because this particular book is unique in that it is very much about the experience and the journey; and jumping to the end will completely negate and void the experience and render the journey all but meaningless. You don't want to make such a long journey for no reason, do you? I have been saving many amazing and jaw-dropping revelations for this particular book; and for a very long time. Revelations going all the way back to Second Chance as well as Tales From Camelot. Trust me, there are going to be a whole lotta OMG moments in this one, so you don't want to jump ahead and ruin them all. So just this once, resist the temptation and don't do it.

I will tell you right up front, that while this one focuses more on Hawk and Kealani, this is a complex tale, with many interwoven plotlines, and it will always keep you guessing. But it won't be complex in a bad or confusing way; you won't get lost, I promise. Rather, it will be intriguing, albeit maybe just a tad mind blowing to see how it all comes together.

The opening Prologue will be a little intense. But if you can survive that, you will enjoy our lighter and more enjoyable first section: 'Wheels Within Wheels'. This will be where a brand new female character is being introduced. She will end up being a pleasant and likeable character; but also one who has a subtle and important role to play in the overall story of the Lady of the Lake, and also Hawk's destiny as the Judge. For those who are curious, the origin of the phrase 'Wheels Within Wheels' is a quote from the ancient prophet Ezekiel, who had a vision of God's plans within plans. As I said, it will be a complex tale, but not a confusing one. The core of this story is simple: the Lady has a plan. The Judge has a plan. The girl wants to save the boy and the boy wants to save the girl.

But unbeknownst to most, her brother Kal also has a plan. Yes, as some of you have rightly suspected, the quiet and shy boy does indeed know far more than he lets on, and his abilities are more than some have believed. Deep secrets seem to be the trademark of the last and final generations of the Seed; namely, Alana and her three children: Jenny, Kalani (aka. Kal), and Kealani. You will discover that Kal does indeed possess a similar mindset as his mother and two siblings. His name means 'Turning Point' and you will finally learn why. You will even learn the small details; such as the subtle single-letter spelling variance in Kalani's and Kealani's names.

But the One also has a plan. Though as most of us know, his plans and purposes are not always clearly evident at the onset. Yet another reason to not jump ahead; for it will ruin the whole experience of seeing how it's meant to play out. Sometimes, the journey is more important than the ending, wouldn't you agree?

Hence, the introduction of our surprise new female character at this juncture. Furthermore, this new character introduction will also serve as a fun and creative vehicle to help advance the story forward; especially once we get to the part where everybody is visiting the Marketplace. It will be a delightful and memorable experience for all parties. And even though you may not fully comprehend and appreciate her value and contribution until later on, it's okay; she will nevertheless be a delightful surprise and a fascinating character from the start. During her introduction, you will at the same time be brought up to speed on several astonishing plot elements, some of which are sure to shock you. Wheels within wheels.

The next section entitled 'Weapons of War' will be an emotionally powerful and moving section, with even more amazing and jaw dropping moments. And many of those puzzle pieces I had mentioned earlier coming together, including answering questions you have had for a very long time. For me personally, this is the most powerful and moving section of all.

As for the rest of the book? You will cry and laugh and cry again, and everything in between. If you thought our last story had some powerful and emotional moments, wait until you get into this one. Get out your hankies, folks; this one's gonna be an amazing emotional roller-coaster ride from the first pages and it's not gonna let up until the very end.

By now, we have quite a cast of characters, I know; especially with the merging in of the gang from Second Chance. I have said it before and I will say it again, I have just become too fond of them to let them go completely. I just can't do it! However, as I have always tried to do in the past, I will endeavor to keep plotlines somewhat segregated in order to prevent you from becoming confused or overwhelmed. I will try to keep certain characters only within certain contexts to make the stories easier to follow.

Some characters will fade into the background in this particular outing - but only in this particular outing. Such as Shae and Gawain, and the headless green knight, and many of the other new kids, including Tristan and Isolde's new child Taliesin. Sir Tristan is coming back, remember? And their new son Taliesin has a very important role to play in the years ahead. And Galahad and several others who are also being temporarily put on hold for the time being. We'll be getting to know the younger children better in Part Three. And also more about the grown-ups, too. Even Uther and Igraine - we are not finished with them, either. And Bors and Bedivere and Lancelot and all the rest. Their stories are all coming, to be sure; we need to finish building that Round Table after all. And then go on that Quest! But we are not in a hurry and I don't want to rush things; we are taking things one step at a time. As far as this story is concerned, this one is about the Lady of the Lake.

By the way, the more observant of you should have noticed that is a dragon on the cover; did you catch that?

One last thing. Take a deep breath before you turn the page and begin the opening Prologue. It's going to be quite an eye opener, rather startling and a bit disturbing and ... uncomfortable. For not only will it be revealing just how high the stakes really are, we will also begin to comprehend the true motivations - behind the secret purposes of the mysterious Lady of the Lake.

Prologue

It was the one year anniversary celebration.

He was stripped of his powers and bound in chains. In the very Royal Throne Room of Camelot's former High King Arthur, the Judge was being brought forth to appear before the Great Accuser and Father of Lies, and his captor: the Great Dragon himself.

Crowded around the Judge and surrounding on all sides were a thousand jeering demonic faces, deriding him and taunting him in unearthly, ungodly, vulgar profanities that few humans have ever had to suffer. But it was nothing compared to what he already had to suffer - the loss of everyone - and everything - including himself.

Camelot was no more. House Pendragon was no more. Everyone was gone. Even the great love of his life was no more. He had failed. And Shadow now held the reigns in Pretania.

Even the landscape had drastically changed; as great and terrible cataclysmic events had leveled the entire land - many of which had been at the unbridled hands of the powerful Judge himself. The Great Forest was burned and destroyed. There were no more mountains of snow and ice, for the country had been flattened and laid to waste and was now a charred and barren wasteland. For the Judge had been very angry.

Also charred and barren of life, were the more recent gruesome burnt remains of the body of Merlin. He had now been dead for three days; lying upon the floor at the Great Dragon's feet; placed there as an offering by the god Nimue, who herself had been the cause of Merlin's demise - due in no small part to the sword Excalibur, and Kal the brother of White Heaven, who had been deceived and had unwittingly placed the sword of legend into Nimue's hands. After showing her appreciation to Kal by turning him into ashes, Nimue had then shattered and broken Excalibur into thirteen pieces; it's thirteen jagged shards now permanently embedded in Merlin's burnt dead flesh in thirteen places.

As for Kemuel, he too had fallen to Nimue's fire only three days earlier, and had been burnt to ash; and his ashes had only recently been strewn all across the surface of the royal dais and beneath their feet where the demons now stood.

And even more ashes had been brought in and dumped upon the floor for the hellish one year celebration; though those ashes were much older. Spread across the floor of the entire throne room were the year-old ashes of all of House Pendragon, such that it ran like a carpet an inch deep; and all of the demons were rejoicing while they merrily trampled the ashes beneath their feet into powdery dust. Hawk was the only one still alive, who had been kept as the Great Dragon's plaything for the past twelve months.

As for the Great Dragon himself, he often took on different forms. Most of them were of a reptilian nature. Large ... small ... whatever suited his purpose or preference. This day he had chosen a twelve-foot-tall sized form, with which he could enter the former High King's throne room and even sit in Arthur's large throne chair should he so choose. The other throne chair belonging to Guinevere had long since been tossed into the fires along with their screaming victims. Though at the moment the Great Dragon was standing to greet his 'guest'. His two-legged bipedal appearance resembled a black-winged 'angel', with large bat-like wings, sharp draconic claws for hands and feet, and a blood red dragon's head and tail. It was almost as if he was mocking the red and black standard of House Pendragon. Which he was; for the Pendragon standard was still hanging upon the walls on either side.

Standing beside the Great Dragon to his right, was Fallow. Among the thousand celebrants present, there were arguably none more jubilant than the demon Fallow; who proudly stood alongside the Great Dragon holding a place of honor. For this was the day that Fallow, the Bane of House Pendragon, would receive his long-coveted reward and ascend to the rank of High Demon; a promotion he had been diligently coveting for a thousand years. And Pretania would be his to rule from that day forward, from the very throne room in which they were now standing in, until the End of Days.

As for the god Nimue, the Archdemon? She already ruled over one third of the earth as a god, in reward for the deaths of Merlin and Kemuel and their wives. Fallow was welcome to his little island nation of Pretania which she had helped procure for the Great Dragon. Pretania was too small to hold her interest. She was done with the region and had already moved on, for she had much larger secret ambitions and goals and plans and objectives, including ... overthrowing and supplanting the Great Dragon himself.

But it was an important day for another reason, as well. For this would be the day that Hawk would finally be released of his year-long torment of unspeakable pain, immeasurable guilt, and unimaginable suffering.

His eyes had been gouged out. His ears had been ripped off. His long dark brown hair had been shorn and his head was now shaven bald; and his face, chest and back had been mutilated. The bones of his ribcage remained fully exposed just as other parts of his body; such that he was no longer recognizable as a man. They had cut off his hands. And he could no longer walk, for his feet had also been severed - by none other than Fallow himself. His tongue had been partially cut out, leaving only enough to afford him minimal speech or to utter an occasional response when spoken to. Fallow enjoyed hearing some of his responses while taunting and torturing him and burning him and cutting him. And those things were nothing compared to what else had been done to him.

But no more, would Hawk have to suffer. This was his day. This was his time. This day he was would finally know the blissfulness of sweet death.

Finally, on his last day of life, the Judge was brought before the Great Dragon. As he had no feet, he could only crawl through the ashes upon amputated limbs - amongst the very powdery ashes of all those whom he once loved. He was bound with four chains - each one permanently attached to each limb with iron pins through bone - both in his two upper arms and two thighs. The other ends of the four chains were held firmly in their claws by four monstrous demonic guardians.

And the Great Dragon was pleased. And he grinned a reptilian grin. Which immediately brought the entire rowdy jeering demonic assembly to a quick quiet order so that they might hear their supreme Master's words. For none would ever want to displease the Ruler of Shadow. And he spoke with a hiss in his deep rumbling almost subsonic voice: This-s-s? This-s-s s-s-sniveling excus-s-se of mortal frailty? This is the Judge? Whom S-s-shadow once thought to fear?

Down upon his forearms and knees, Hawk was forced to kneel before the Great Dragon; albeit through no choice of his own; as without feet it was no longer possible to rise or stand. He didn't reply. He rarely replied. It wasn't easy to speak with one's tongue partially cut out, nor did he ever care to converse with his demonic jailers - beyond screams of torturous inflicted pain which oftentimes could not be so easily contained.

The wicked grin broadened upon the reptilian face. You are reduced to nothing, maggot. You are a failure. Even the One has-s-s fors-s-saken you.

Finally Hawk raised his head, and with mutilated face he sneered at the Great Dragon - albeit blindly, for he had no eyes in his sockets. Lie. It is I who forsook the One.

You deceive yours-s-self. The One bereft you of your powers-s-s.

I forfeited my giftings when I turned my back against His will. I took things into my own hands, knowing what it might cost me. I own my own transgressions.

Why do you defend the One? When it is-s-s He who has-s-s turned His-s-s back on you?

The One is my God. And I have since repented.

The Great Dragon guffawed with a loud mocking laugh. And look where repentance has-s-s gotten you. The One cannot s-s-save you. The One is-s-s weak. He dares-s-s not s-s-set foot in my pres-s-sence nor s-s-show His-s-s pitiful face. He fears-s-s me. Acknowledge me, mortal, as the one true god. And I s-s-shall consider allowing you to live.

Hawk sneered at him. Go ... to Hell.

The Great Dragon grinned wickedly. Hell ... is-s-s where you are now undoubtedly bound. I s-s-shall welcome you into my domain with anticipation.

Then, the Great Dragon looked at the four powerful demonic guardians, each one holding one end of a chain, and each one attached to one of Hawk's four limbs. And gave them an order. Tighter.

Instantly they obeyed and pulled all four chains taught, forcing their captive's body to instantly slam to the ground coated with the thick carpet of human ashes, amidst a great cloud of dust. Now prostrate upon his mutilated face and chest, face-down in agonizing pain as they stretched him out in all four directions, he was forced to ingest a mouthful of the ashes - and taste upon his partially severed tongue - those dearly beloved who had all died because of him.

One way or another... the Great Dragon grinned, ...you will bow before me. Have you any final words-s-s? Will you deny the One, and s-s-save yours-s-self?

With his face on the floor and the ashes of House Pendragon in his mouth, Hawk did indeed have some last words to say. He turned his head aside and spat out the ashes. And in the presence of the Great Dragon and all the terrible creatures surrounding him, the Judge offered up his final prayer: Father in Heaven, I am a sinful, wretched man. Forgive me for the things I have done and that which I have wrought. I acted alone of my own volition, against all warning and counsel. I allowed my heart to rule over sound judgment. Do with me what you will, but do not lay my transgressions at the feet of all others. They did not fail you; it is I who failed them. And you, most of all. Failing you was my greatest sin. Please; I beg of you, Abba Father; have mercy on them; they did no wrong. Let this cup of wrongdoings be laid to my own account, and my account alone.

They would be his final words.

Hawk's prayer only served to infuriate the Great Dragon. He was now done toying with his prisoner; as he had been toying with him for an entire year. On this day, the anniversary of his capture, it was now time to end the year-long celebration and move on to bigger and better things. With cold rage in his reptilian eyes, he spoke two chilling final words to the four demonic guardians. Finish it.

And so they did. The four giant guardians pulled with all of their might, and in all four directions; and the Judge was ripped apart.

*** *** ***

But the One had heard his prayer.

It was the prayer He had been waiting for.

And he answered his prayer.

And so it was, that Things change. Times change. And Rules change. For with the One, all things are possible.

I alone walk amongst the shadows of forgotten memory, living and reliving what happened before. I saw all. I was there; though he knew it not. Even to his last moments.

Ultimately, it was his strong heart and noble prayer which won out in the end, and gave us this new act of grace. And I will not allow former things to repeat themselves.

He chose a wrong path. The cause was love; and I am to blame. I must tread carefully this time. For even now, love cannot be ignored - the bond is too powerful. Nevertheless, this time it is I who must walk his path in his stead, and remove the road he once sought to travel.

In this, I shall give him life, and I shall pass away. For the path of destiny cannot be exchanged nor altered without sacrifice.

~ Wheels Within Wheels ~

From Adrien

Camelot's brand new Royal Historian

6th Century, 506 A.D.

My first official writing. Granted, I know my job description is to document the complete histories of House Pendragon, starting at the beginning. And I will - after I somehow manage to complete and collect, compile, sort, analyze, index and categorize all of my initial findings and notes and research; and all without the aid of a computer. And then I will most likely re-sort and re-organize and re-categorize and review them again, as I really want to get it right.

Most of this is all new to me. I am just getting used to the idea of even having my own office, right here in the Great Library! Much less being paid for doing this. It is a dream job and I am in heaven. And it is a dream time in which I now live. I am discovering all kinds of new and amazing facts and details in the Library. So much so that I am tempted to sleep here. Except I don't think Sara would let me. But I digress.

Yet at the same time, amazing things are happening right here, right now, just outside these walls! I have to write about it! While all this is going on! From firsthand experience and while it is all still fresh in my mind. Therefore, until I finish my initial research and begin at the beginning, I am beginning by writing about what is occurring in the present, happening right before our eyes at this very moment. So bear with me, as this is my first official effort at historical documentation. Hopefully my skills will improve over time and I will sound more accomplished and professional by the time I get to the beginning.

That really does all make sense if you think about it.

Sigh. I really need an editor. Fact-finding and research are my specialties, not proofreading. And I really wish that ink on parchment scrolls wasn't so permanent.

Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes. I was about to tell you what it happening right now. Only ... to tell you about what is happening right now, I have to go back and tell you about what happened before.

Oh great, this is already starting to get confusing. I should have categorized and reviewed my notes before I even started writing this. Someone really needs to invent a parchment backspace button.

Chapter 1

Greece - 15 years earlier

492 A.D.

In fearful silence, a young Grecian woman gave birth in the lower storage hold of a merchant trading ship, just as the ship was passing between the Pillars of Hercules; the ancient landmarks known in more modern times as the Strait of Gibraltar.

She and her husband were stowaways fleeing the ongoing Roman persecution in their homeland, after their secret passage had been purchased for them by a strange and magical benefactor: a beautiful little white-haired angel.

Conquered by the Romans six centuries earlier at the infamous Battle of Corinth in 146 BC, Greeks had now suffered at the hands of their Roman oppressors for generations. The rebel families of the young couple had in recent years been slaughtered to a one for speaking out against Rome and refusing to bend their knee to the current Emperor Anastasius. As young children, only the two of them had survived, and had managed to escape Rome's iron fist tyranny with the tragic sacrifice of their parents ... and the unexpected aid of their mysterious little angel. They had never learned the identity of their strange and tiny magical benefactor, and had only seen her once and only briefly, but they were extremely grateful to their enigmatic savior just the same.

The two children had been alone, but together since; growing up in caves in and around Greece, and abandoned buildings and anywhere else they could find, living in fear and trying to avoid detection by Rome. The man's relatives had been influential political families in Greece and a thorn in Rome's side. The man's father has been a former Grecian General with a proud heritage. One of his own direct ancestors had been King Leonidas; who, with a small but mighty force of only 300 brave soldiers had fought the Persians at Thermopylae in 480 B.C.

The woman's relatives were also known by their Roman oppressors, though they held no political affiliation. The man's family had been Grecian Noble rulers; whereas the woman's family, while they had not been among the ruling class, they were still unique and special in their own way. And if it were to be discovered that there were survivors of the two rebel families who had prices on their heads, the two children would be hunted down and summarily executed on the spot.

They trusted no one, only themselves. Even fellow Greeks could generally not be trusted, for so great was everyone's terror of Rome. They disguised themselves and altered their appearance and changed their Grecian names to something more common and forgettable.

When they came of age, they committed themselves to one other, and bonded as husband and wife. They had a child together - born in secrecy, that very day in the hold of their escaping merchant ship.

They had heard rumors about a new land to the west; an island nation beyond the Pillars of Hercules. A nation where they might have a chance to not only survive, but live in peace and safety and even flourish.

The birth process suffered no complications. The most difficult part was remaining silent down in the ship's hold to avoid detection. And as their ship passed between the two famous landmarks, departing the Mediterranean Sea and entering into the open Atlantic ocean, the young father looked out a porthole, confirming that they had indeed escaped their past troubles. It was at that moment when a new hope blossomed in their hearts, along with the arrival of their brand new baby girl. A hope for a new future.

Of course, the last thing they wanted was to give her a Grecian name. Instead, they named her Shiloh, which was Hebrew in origin, meaning 'peace'; for their hope and their prayer was that with the birth of their new child, their life would now be one of peace. She had dark almond-shaped eyes and jet-black hair - hair that was so black, it almost seemed blue. Just like her mother. They had always known what the color of their child's hair would be; just as they had known it would be a daughter. For such was the pattern.

The new young mother had been the last surviving member of two very unique and special family lines which had been living in Greece at the time. Family lines which had been believed by Kemuel and Eddi, and also Merlin and Shira, to have been obliterated; completely wiped out and utterly erased from existence. The ancient couples hadn't known that the very special girl child with a very special ancestry, had secretly escaped along with her Grecian childhood friend, at the beckoning aid of a mysterious ghostly child. They hadn't known that the two children had grown up in hiding, resulting in a child of their own. And they hadn't known, that the young couple was now making their way for the nation of Pretania.

What Kemuel and Merlin had known however, though they never spoke of it, was that the demise of their family lines in Greece could ultimately be traced back to the unfortunate actions of a single man - another ancestor from a thousand years earlier in 550 BC. A Judge. A wayward Judge who had made wrong choices and decisions, and had set things into motion which eventually led to the destruction of not only Shira's and Kemuel's family lines in Greece, but ultimately the decline and downfall of the entire Grecian empire. Rightly had Merlin said that a wayward Judge can be a dangerous thing.

Few historians faithfully documented such things accurately; for most Grecian writers had chosen to romanticize those darker times and catastrophic events in a more 'mythical' way. Kemuel and Merlin never spoke to any other of the Grecian Judge who had gone astray and had caused such devastating calamity. They never spoke his name. Even ancient historians thought to rewrite his legendary actions in order to paint their history in a brighter light. But his name was not forgotten to some, and it had at one time been very well known in Greece. For his name, had been Hercules.

*** *** ***

Now a thousand years later in 491 A.D, fifteen years following their escape from Roman occupied territory, many things had happened to the young Grecian couple; not the least of which was arriving in Pretania. At the time, King Arthur was only in his early twenties. They never actually made it as far as Camelot, though. They did however, arrive on Pretania's shores at a northern harbor where the merchant trading ship was bound. They had ended up at a small unnamed farming community to the east of the snowy northern city of Sterlingshire. There, the father obtained employment as a farm laborer. It wasn't Camelot, life wasn't golden or glorious, but it was certainly far better than the life they had left behind, and they felt blessed. And with the exception of life's hardships, they did in fact, for the first time, know peace.

But one cannot hide indefinitely from the hardships of life. At age four, Shiloh's father died of the plague, which was prevalent at that time in the north; leaving only her mother to provide for them by selling pottery and straw baskets.

Her father had always talked about someday making it down south to 'the golden city of Camelot'. But he was never afforded the opportunity. Farming was a tough life, but it was a secure life. They were safe. The landowner was kind and treated them fairly. Her father had been pragmatic and reluctant to leave their peace and safety in pursuit of a rumored 'dream', and so he had chosen instead for their family to remain in the north. Granted, he had suffered an early untimely death. But he had at least been fortunate enough to witness with his own eyes, and to experience personally, the life of peace he had so greatly desired and had fervently prayed for his family. He had even managed to purchase for themselves their own small home before he passed away. Upon his deathbed, he felt blessed, for having faithfully provided for them; and he knew the One would continue to watch over them, and somehow continue to provide for them in the years to come. And he died in peace.

Seven years later however, life's hardships struck again. At age eleven, Shiloh's mother also passed away after contracting pneumonia. Leaving the child all alone in the world with no family; a world which tended to take advantage of pretty young girls. Fortunately, that world had already begun changing. A thousand years of barbarism was fading away. And because of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, the nation all around her was slowly but surely turning into something beautiful.

With the added recent passing of her mother, the kind landowner offered to step in and take the young orphan into his own large comfortable home. She graciously rejected his offer, choosing instead to remain in their small humble family house and attempt to earn her own living as a potter and basket weaver.

After a reasonable amount of time for grieving and mourning had passed, the landowner once again offered her a generous hand of invitation to come and live with him.

Again she graciously refused, as she was determined to make her own way.

A few months later, the landowner offered a third time; this time more insistently.

Shiloh was smart enough to know the landowner was interested in more than merely being a parental guardian. She knew he intended to take her as a wife when she came of age. Something her father had warned her about often, in regards to men in general; for it was clear from even the earliest age that she would grow up to become a very beautiful and desirable and sought after woman.

And so it was, that Shiloh decided it was time to leave. She knew that the fourth time the landowner would inevitably ask, that he would not 'ask'. Thus, in the quiet of night, under the cover of darkness and a new moon, she packed her meager belongings into their family's mule-drawn cart, and secretly left behind the only life she had known.

Her destination? Camelot. Or more specifically, the famed Marketplace of Camelot. Shiloh had always enjoyed crafting. Her mother had begun teaching her basket weaving as a toddler, and her father had been the one who had initially taught her ceramics and making beautiful things with clay. Both crafts reminded her of her beloved parents, which made her crafting even more precious. And the love she put into her handiwork definitely showed.

She intended to continue her craft in the Marketplace. She enjoyed using her hands to make beautiful things; something which was also a common trait among those of her line.

What was uncommon for those of her line however, was that her hair was no longer blue-black. Instead, it was now medium brown. It was not long and straight nor did it hang to her waist. Instead it was cut shorter to shoulder length, and was 'curly'.

For it had been her father's idea from the very beginning, that both Shiloh and her mother alter their appearance. They had been dying and cutting and curling their hair for years, and applying make-up in such a way as to be 'counter-productive'; so as not to enhance their beauty, but rather hide their features. And they had been altering their appearance ever since they first boarded ship in Greece. Her parents had spent a lifetime hiding from those who hunted them. They knew what the color of blue-black hair signified and represented to those who understood; and thus they had chosen to hide from all varieties of potential pursuers; not only Romans, but also enemies which were not flesh and blood.

It took the young curly, brown-haired girl nearly four weeks to trek the long distance south in a mule-drawn cart; largely because she was cautious and crafty in her route, changing directions often in an attempt to evade pursuit from her former landowner. Her ploy was successful, in that her feigned trail had led him east instead of south, and she would never end up seeing him again. Guarded only by a raven flying high overhead, she made the trip safely. And by the time she arrived, she had turned the corner to age twelve.

Though she was still grieving and emotionally recovering from the recent loss of her mother, she nevertheless found herself completely overwhelmed by the beauty and majesty of Camelot, such that she was finally able to put aside her mourning. And she was equally overwhelmed by the expansive Marketplace. But she was mostly overwhelmed by the hospitality of the people. And she marveled, that High King Arthur and High Queen Guinevere had effected such amazing and wondrous changes in the world.

Even 12-year-old children were free to open up a shop in the Marketplace. Shiloh had no difficulty obtaining her first merchant stall, once she showed beautiful examples of her crafted handiwork to the Marketplace Registrar. Even lowly Castouts had in recent years been granted the right to open business in the Marketplace. They gave her a free booth just inside the western gate, where she could set up shop - as was normal procedure - asking in return only three percent of her earnings - the same standard affordable rate as any other merchant, regardless of gender, caste or lineage.

There was seniority, however. Her booth location was situated at the outermost edge of the vast sprawling complex near the western gate. All beginning traders first started out at the outermost edges, typically near one of the four main gates. The famed Marketplace was indeed vast. Now with over one thousand shops, it was roughly circular in shape, with four entry gates in the north, south, east and west. Castle Camelot was situated just beyond the eastern gate, on the opposite side from where Shiloh's booth was located. The Royals had always entered via the eastern gate and few of them had ever bothered to venture to the far opposite west side; for the central area was where the best eating and shops were situated.

The Marketplace of Camelot had grown over the years to where there were now many, many streets lined with merchants and vendors and encompassing a large area of two square miles. Eventually, the more successful vendors worked their way inward towards the more crowded center. Bors' eatery, which was among the very first, was situated in a prime location in the direct center - bordering alongside a central grassy park area, where people could sit at picnic-style tables and where weddings were occasionally held. It was in fact that same middle grassy park area where Elaine and Geraint's wedding had been held in the big white tent many years earlier, back when George and Julian and also Bedivere had first arrived in Camelot. It was also in that same central grassy area where a young boy named Arthur had been kicked in the face by a mercenary named Lancelot, who ended up saving Arthur's life, just as Arthur was about to pursue a deadly murderous thief, and as a result a new friendship was born. Over the years, House Pendragon had amassed many fond memories in the Marketplace, and it was still a favorite place for them to go and relax and set aside the cares of the world. Incognito, of course, with various types of disguises. And naturally, the popular central area with all the best shops, and especially Bors' eatery, had always been their primary destination.

As for the 'disguised' 12-year-old girl, she was quite content to remain on the outermost western outskirts. For like all daughters of Shira, she had no desire to attract attention; as all she wanted from life was to make a simple modest living, and offer help to others whenever she was able. And who knows, but perhaps someday, meet a nice man.

On either side of her little Marketplace booth were two other vendors who had already been there for several months. Both of whom happened to be older married women with families, and who quickly befriended their new younger merchant neighbor, and practically 'adopted' her like a daughter. Naomi was a seamstress, Elizabeth made baked treats and other delectable delights.

Elizabeth the baker invited her to stay with her that first night in her home with her family. The next night, she stayed with Naomi the seamstress and her family. Day after day, each woman would 'fight' over Shiloh as to whose home she would stay in that night, as both women and their families quickly grew quite fond of their young guest. It became a game, as to which home she would stay in - until eventually she could afford her own small place among one of the local villages. But even during those very first few weeks and months, she never wanted for anything.

Shiloh was overjoyed to realize that the One had led her to a place where all of her needs would be met. She quietly laughed to herself that first night, the first time she had laughed in a long time, after she had gone to bed and said her nightly prayers - when she suddenly realized what she had just prayed. Quoting Psalm 23, she had spoken the words: Give us this day our daily bread. And one of her two newfound merchant friends, whose home she just happened to be staying in that night, was a baker! And though she had known hardship and loss, Shiloh was not one to dwell on such things. Her name meant 'peace', and she was aptly named, for peace was the very foundational core of her being. Even in the midst of life's greatest storms, and though sometimes she hurt and was oftentimes alone, she nevertheless still knew a peace which passes all understanding. She knew that she wasn't alone; and she always possessed a very grateful heart and spirit and was equally grateful to the One for his care and direction and provision; and for Chaverim the raven, who always watched over her. And ... for the mysterious little white angel who had many years earlier been her parent's salvation.

After the first year, at a mere thirteen years of age, she had finally saved up enough to purchase her own tiny single-room home in one of the seven villages surrounding Castle Camelot - the southernmost village, which was the same village in which the baker and the seamstress lived. It was really nothing more than a tiny wooden shack, with a single bed and table and chair and a fire pit in the ground for cooking. But she was delighted with it and proud of her significant accomplishment. She had her own home! To Shiloh, it seemed like a palace. For it was indeed her own home, which she had purchased with her own hard-earned money - and she kept it clean and neat and tidy and was once again very grateful to the One for his generous provision. And there she remained for the next two years; until she turned age fifteen.

Which now brings us to the present time of our ongoing tale. A young 15-year-old potter named Shiloh, with medium brown curly hair, an 'unattractive' appearance and who operated a small remote pottery and basket shop near the western gate. Who, might have completely disappeared as an unknown entity in the unwritten annals of history.

But in fact, the opposite was true. For the young girl from Greece, whose family had been mysteriously saved by a beautiful magical white angel, had far more in store for her than what she ever could have possibly dreamed or imagined.

Chapter 2

Camelot

It was early January, only a week after Christmas, and an unseasonably kind sun was blessing the region with its warm summer-like kiss. As the early morning rays of sunlight landed lightly upon her face, Anna opened her eyes. Due to sheer exhaustion, she had been asleep for an entire week; for a week earlier, she had performed an amazing miracle on George, and such things always tended to leave her debilitated and immobile for days and sometimes even weeks. When her blurry eyes began to focus upon her surroundings, she realized that she was in hers and Lot's own comfortable bed, in their bedroom of their Camelot family suite.

There was only one other person in the room with her at the moment, sitting in a large comfortable armchair in the opposite corner. And when Anna saw who it was, she offered her visitor a sleepy grin.

A smirk appeared on her visitor's face. Hey, sweetie. 'Bout time you woke up. I'm not getting any younger, ya know.

Anna managed a weak giggle as she oftentimes did at George's jokes. Or rather - Lady Georgina as she had now come to be known over the past week. Do I know you? she replied in teasing. You look somehow ... somewhat ... familiar.

Lady Georgina arched her eyebrow at her. Honey, I think you know me better than even the Master Physician. Seriously? You even removed my tattoos? That's getting a little personal, dontcha think?

Anna smiled. I was being thorough.

Oh, you were thorough, all right. There's not a scratch on me. Dang girl, even my wrinkles are gone; I look almost as young as my girls! Kinda went crazy overboard, if you ask me. Although, I still have the gray hair; guess I can't toss my supply of hair dye, can I? Now I know how Shira and Eddi feel.

You never ask for anything, George; you never have. For many years, Gwen and I have greatly desired to do something for you, to show our appreciation for all you have done for us and continue to do for us. The sacrifices you make on our behalf are countless. But the timing to do something for you never seemed right. Now, with the recent changes in you and being reunited with your father, and with the breaking down of the wall in your mind, the timing finally seemed ... fitting.

Well, aren't you the talkative chatterbox. I guess that's a good sign you're coming back to earth. Yeah, yeah, I know; I've already grilled Gwen on the matter. Though she still won't fess up as to which of you two schemers initiated the idea.

She has approached me. I have approached her. We have both initiated the idea at various times over the years; but it has not been until only recently where we thought you might actually ... accept it.

You know... she smiled, ...you're probably right about that. Although most of the effort was on your part.

With no small amount of prayer on her part.

It knocked you on your back for a week, kiddo; you've been dead to the world this whole time. Which amounts to several more weeks of recovery taken out of your life, just to pull this off. After all those gazillion sessions with Frederick, in which case each time also wiped you out, and then his last and final one in which you really scared us; we weren't sure if you were coming back to us after that one. And now you go and do it all over again with me. You can't keep going whole weeks without eating or liquids, little girl. It's not like you've got a reservoir of fat to live off of; you're not a bear. For crying out loud, Anna; you're barely any bigger than Morgan! In fact, I daresay she might even now have you beat in the weight department.

You must understand George, this gift of healing was given to me in order to bless others. This helps give my life meaning and purpose.

I never would have asked this of you, Anna; never in a zillion years.

Freely I have received, freely I give.

Georgina smiled. That sounds vaguely familiar.

Merlin has taught me much over the years. He and Kemuel, both. I appreciate all the council they have given me.

Uh huh. All right, I've gotten on your case enough for today; I'll give you a break and yell at you more tomorrow. Anyway, in case you were wondering, your hubby Lot is downstairs gathering a few munchies and some apple juice to bring up to you. The Doc said a short time ago that you were showing signs of waking up this morning, so ... Lot will be back up in a few, along with dear ole' Doc. And you better eat it all, little girl; or you'll be feeling the back of my boot.

Anna grinned. I will try.

How are you feeling?

Anna closed her eyes. Tired in body. I have no strength; I cannot lift my arm. But otherwise ... reasonably well. My head and thoughts are at least clear. I may need to close my eyes, as the room is bright; but I am awake. I do not mind speaking with you. I enjoy having you here.

Would you like me to close the drapes?

No. I like the sunlight.

Listen, uh ... I'm not even sure where to begin in saying 'thanks for doing this'. I'm never been very good with the emotional mushy, gushy stuff - although ... I've definitely been experiencing more than my share of it, as of late. Like you said, the timing. So ... until I can think of a better way to say 'thanks for doing this', can I just say 'thanks for doing this' and hope you understand the depth behind it?

Again Anna nodded with her eyes closed, this time with a big smile on her face.

I mean ... it really does change a lot for me, Anna. I'm not yet quite sure of all the ramifications or what changes are going to be in store for me yet; but for the record, I'm going by 'Lady Georgina' now, instead of 'George'. Oh, and I wear dresses now, too.

Anna giggled.

Anyway... Georgina smiled, ...I just wanted to tell you...

I know, George. I mean, Georgina. I can see your colors.

Georgina raised her eyebrow. With your eyes closed?

I already saw. I already knew. Words are unnecessary. I am pleased ... you are pleased.

Oh! Well, okay then! Of course, I still may throw a few adjectives your way on occasion, so ... prepare yourself for occasional random praise. And I'm still gonna be getting on your case about how much this stuff whammies you.

You are very important to us, Georgina. You are important to me. You have great worth and value; as a Protector, as a person, as a friend. You mean much to me personally. Gwen of course, goes without saying. It is we who can never repay you for all the sacrifices you have made on our behalf.

See what I mean? You're starting in with the mushy gushy thing and already I'm tearing up. Which is probably my cue to leave. The Doc made me promise not to wear you out, that you still need to rest for a few weeks to get your strength back up to par. So as soon as your hubby gets back up here, I'm gonna skedaddle. One more thing before I go, though. Since you seem to be wide awake and feeling gabby, my father asked me to convey to you that he wishes to come and speak with you as soon as you feel up to it. Perhaps in a day or two?

Why?

Besides thanking you for getting me to finally start wearing dresses?

Anna smiled. Besides that.

He ... has a proposition to offer you.

What sort of proposition?

Honestly, I'm not exactly sure as to the details ... except that I'm reasonably certain it has something to do with our little war against Shadow.

Anna opened her eyes.

I thought that might get your attention.

War?

Yup. In case you've forgotten during your little nappy time, we're up against an Archdemon. Nimue - aka. Ashtoreth, Ishtar, Isis, Aphrodite, Venus ... blah, blah, blah.

I have not forgotten. I have been troubled over these matters for some time. Have you learned anything more in this past week?

Besides the fact that we're dealing with an evil god who is among Hell's triumvirate of three big bads and is bent on our total destruction and extinction? And that our favorite creepshow Fallow is still out there somewhere with his ghostly cohort Gorlois and they're up to no good? And that there is still a giant 'D' word sleeping beneath the castle? Well, then there's that little thing about how apparently, each of the three Archdemons are in charge of one third of Hell's minions. Which means ... we are officially at war with one third of Hell. The bottom line? Yes, Anna; it is an entire one third of Shadow who is going to be coming after us, probably in an all-out assault. The fun just never stops.

I had already suspected that might be the implication of Nimue's presence in our land. Do we know the timing? Has there been word from Kemuel?

"No. Still no word. It seems like ages since we've last seen him. I hate it when he's gone for long periods like this. Been a while for Merlin, too. Although, now that Nimue has revealed herself to us, I'm sure we'll be seeing Kemuel soon enough. He's not going to leave us in the dark with these kinds of odds stacked against us. I wager he'll be popping up sooner rather than later. My father however, believes it is still some time away - perhaps years - before Hell's army actually shows up on our doorstep. He seems convinced that the timing will somehow coincide with Kealani reaching adulthood. As for the big bad 'D' downstairs? Sara's guess is that Nimue will likely manage to awaken it somehow, in order to recruit it to her evil cause - namely, the total annihilation of Castle Camelot and House Pendragon. Right now though, that's all surmise and guesswork and speculation and all those other fancy words for ... we don't really know. As for Fallow and Gorlois? Not a clue; except that they're likely somehow tied to all of this. One thing we do know and have learned over the years ... demons are patient, and are most likely to strike when