The Griffin

By Steven Price

When Avery Cole, a young man who thought having to choose a brand of toothpaste was too much responsibility, decided to relieve himself in the back alleyway of a bar, he never expected he would become the unwitting vessel for the sword Excalibur. Or that this one accident would reignite an eons long cold war between the conquering Empros Corporation and the secret protectors of the Earth, the Tribunal. Though he would prefer to just run the other way, Avery will be forced to accept his role in this new world from a motley crew of companions composed of a dwarfish bartender who may be the Earth's first hero, a monster hunter exiled for the crime of compassion, a steampunk cowboy murdered by the Corporation, and a Samurai betrayed on the eve of his greatest victory. Not to mention the possibly immortal and definitely insane man named Solomon, who may just be a certain ancient king, and his life companion Eustathios, a pig only he can understand, but everyone loves. They will teach Avery what it means to be a hero, whether he likes it or not.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Aug 2, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543935752

Steven Price

Steven Price’s previous novel, By Gaslight, was shortlisted for the CWA Historical Dagger, longlisted for the Giller Prize, and named a Book of the Year by NPR, CBC, and the Toronto Globe and Mail. He is the award-winning author of one other novel, Into that Darkness, and two collections of poetry. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with his family.

Book preview

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Chapter 1: A Little Prophecy on the North Side

Chicago, always cloudy, always cold, thought Avery, as he absently pulled the collar of his jacket a little higher. If you’re looking for beautiful blue skies then you better look somewhere else. No matter the weather though, this is going to be a great day. Traveling north on Lake Shore Drive in the Blue Bomber, his beloved Honda Civic, he started to feel a strong pounding in his chest. The sudden panic could be from the enormous check he signed before leaving on this latest adventure. It’s cold out, but I’m sweating and sweating bad. What if Jill says no? What if what I planned doesn’t meet her expectations? Am I even ready to have a Mrs. Avery Cole in my life?

I can’t believe I’m actually doing this, he said to James, his best friend and the original member of his support group.

Yeah, don’t you think you two should live together first? Not that I think you’re doing the wrong thing. You’re definitely marrying up.

"I actually believe the right thing for you to say is, ‘Don’t worry Avery. You’re absolutely making the right decision and you will live happily ever after.’"

"Don’t worry Avery. You’re absolutely making the right decision and you will live happily ever after," said James mockingly with as much soaking wet sarcasm as he could muster.

The conversation then moved on to a topic near and dear to James’ heart: James. James was whining about school work again and bragging about how hardcore he was for taking six classes in one term. Typical U of C measuring contest. Avery was quite happy to be taking his two classes this semester. After four years of the University of Chicago he needed a little breather. Besides, Avery felt proud of his easy schedule, like he had managed to find a hidden loophole in the system. Normally I would be listening closely to what my best friend was saying, well, at least pretending to, but the importance of the day was weighing heavily on my mind hence my constant whining. Sorry James. Maybe James is right, thought Avery, maybe I am moving too fast. I’m about to take the first step in making the biggest decision of my life. What if Jill thinks we’re moving too fast? What if she would’ve wanted to get engaged in the spring instead of the winter? Oh, god, who would ever want to get engaged in the middle of a Chicago winter? Maybe I haven’t thought this all through yet. I mean, I have no doubt that Jill is the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. But Jill, like my other life mate James, is a planner. What if she wants us to be more secure first? I’m sure she wants the whole picket fence, two and half kids, and a dog. Though I should never be put in charge of kids or a dog. I love her, but we don’t even know what we’ll be doing after graduation!

Avery was not listening as James continued blabbing. You’re pretty lucky, you know. I mean look at Jill, and then look at you. Damn lucky.

Thanks for the vote of confidence! Makes me feel all nice and toasty inside. A real hallmark moment to tell the grandkids. I know I’m lucky. I love her and things are great. I’m just thinking about how much things are going to change. You’re going to St. Louis for that consulting job and I’m hopefully going to grad school.

"It’s about time we grew up, Avery. Aren’t you sick of living in tiny dorm rooms full of roaches and noise, with no privacy whatsoever. Some responsibility could be good for you anyway. Can’t keep wearing torn jackets and mostly clean shirts forever. There’s a whole world out there bigger then these sheltered walls you know."

The Blue Bomber and its crew finally pulled off onto Madison and Avery began scanning the road for a parking spot. He luckily found an open street spot under the L tracks on the left side of the street. Parking karma, my super power. Damn, I hate parking on the left, said Avery.

I’ll do it if you can’t.

No, no, I got it. I just hope the ring’s ready. I made the restaurant reservations for next week.

You left just one week for the ring!! Don’t you know that these things could take weeks?

Avery begrudgingly agreed with his friend. James is right. I screwed up. Maybe I’m just scared to take that last step? No, too easy of an answer. All I know is that I can’t even bear the thought of living my life without Jill. She’s the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning and the last thought I have before falling asleep. Damn, I should have brought a warmer jacket, thought Avery, but I refuse to let Chicago win this one.

Avery and James entered the small jewelry store and walked up to the only section of the jewelry cases not full of browsing patrons. Man, I hope the ring will come out all right. I knew I should have put off booking the restaurant. How am I going to keep this from her? If I ruin the surprise she’ll never forgive me! And I suck at keeping secrets!

"RELAX! I can’t take this anymore! You’re driving me crazy! The ring will be coming down those stairs, it will be ready, and you and Jill will be living happily ever after in no time. Trust me."

A store clerk finally noticed Avery and James waiting somewhat patiently at one of the jewelry cases. Avery hadn’t seen this particular clerk before and the way he was looking at Avery’s worn jacket and jeans, he clearly didn’t think Avery had any business being there. After failing to garner the attention of the clerk, Avery finally noticed the salesman who had originally sold him the ring. Mr. Cole, you cut it pretty close but, as I promised, we made the deadline. The salesman then opened the small deep blue box to reveal a ring inside with one solitary diamond. A beautiful choice, sir. Of course, your young lady would find any ring you give her special.

Finally, holding that ring in his hand made him feel more confident and excited then he had felt in days. Who says procrastinators never win? Thanks. It just feels right, said Avery. And it did. It really did, thought Avery. If I get just one thing right in my life let it be this, because, to be honest, I seem to be completely failing at everything else. James says I just have a fear of failure that prevents me from giving anything my all. I think it’s just a healthy belief in my own weaknesses and their ability to completely undercut anything I do. Not with Jill though. I knew when I first saw her in Calculus 510 that if I didn’t act now she would be gone and I would always regret it. Sometimes I wonder what my life would have been like without her and I don’t like the picture I see.

Avery then handed over the most expensive check he had ever seen. As soon as the check left his hand Avery felt like his body had decided that breathing should be an optional choice at best and he would collapse right there on the carpeted floor of the store. Luckily, James was on hand to do what he did best, kick me into action. As the two friends walked out of the store, Avery couldn’t keep his hand from gliding back down to the little box in his pocket. As his hands glided along the engraved designs on the box Avery couldn’t help but think how much hope resided in one little box.

Oh god, what the hell are you worried about now? James asked.

I just thought… What if she says no?

She won’t. Have some faith, Avery. The kind of happiness you guys have always turns out right. It’s a done deal. So that’s why I keep him around, thought Avery.

Once the duo were back in the car, Avery realized that his future best man hadn’t committed to the celebration party tonight. So are you finally going to take a night off from studying and come out to the pub?

I…can’t…I have something important to do. You know, make sure everything gets shipped out okay. Last time my trunk arrived home with an enormous hole in it and ruined all my stuff. If I get done early, I’ll stop in for a while. I promise.

As the friends headed back southside on Lake Shore Drive, Avery stole a glance at the exhibit banners covering the outside of the Field Museum. They were adorned with a Celtic cross and advertised the opening of a Celtic history exhibit in a few weeks. As much as Avery might want to check out the new exhibit, he hoped that when it opened, he and Jill would be far too busy planning a wedding in her hometown of Boston to find time to go. I’m really going to miss this city, thought Avery. Jill will probably drag us to New England permanently, which was okay. The few times Avery had been to Boston to visit Jill’s family he had enjoyed it. I guess I can only live in a city with a cursed baseball team. Who knew? Avery noticed James suddenly jolt upright in his seat as if he had forgotten something important. You mind if we make a quick stop on the north side? I just realized I needed to pick up something.

Come on! That’s completely in the opposite direction. It better be quick. I don’t like the idea of walking around with a big diamond ring in my pocket. I may as well have a big ROB ME sign plastered on my chest. Where do you want to go that can’t wait ‘til tomorrow?

Just a small shop. There’s a book I need for my thesis that they only have at this store. Old manuscript, pretty cool stuff.

An old manuscript that can’t be found in Reganstein? On economics? Avery asked questioningly. Seems weird but I know better than to get in the way of James and his homework. Alright, but keep it fast. I just spent all my savings and I’m really ready to start drinking.

He really was lucky that I’m such a good friend, Avery thought as he agreed to put off the festivities, and turned the car around to head up to the north side. They eventually arrived at a small antique bookshop, nestled between the obligatory Starbucks and a hair salon. The store window was piled high with assorted nostalgic goodies like old action figures, videogames, and books. I have no idea what James could possibly want at a place like this. For god sakes, it has a sign advertising ‘PLASTIC SKULLS – 3 FOR $5’! Come on. What could you possibly need in here? You’re an econ major! And this place looks a little shady.

It’s only to establish the right atmosphere. You don’t have to come in if you don’t want to. My book should be waiting for me at the desk. That is… if you’re too freaked out to join me.

The bastard knew me too well, Avery thought as he fell for James’s bait while keeping a firm hand on the little box in his pocket. With a grin and a perfect mocking bow Avery opened the door for his esteemed friend. After you, good sir. I insist. Hey, maybe I’ll find something cool inside.

Suit yourself, Avery, but I don’t want to hear you moaning about it. I’ve agreed to follow you to much worse places before. What about that concert? Avery had miscalculated how much the tickets cost and the two had been stranded with no money, and had to walk almost the entire length of Clark Street from Wrigley back into the city.

Hey, it’s adventures like those that build character! And we made it back okay. Sure, returning to Hyde Park after midnight probably wasn’t the greatest or safest idea. James did his patent pending eye roll and moved past Avery into the store. If Avery was expecting the store to look better on the inside than the outside, he was in for a disappointment. The store looked like The GAP for the local goth scene. One section of the floor contained a pile of plastic silver skulls that had a Made in Korea sticker on the back. Avery couldn’t help but wonder again, what the hell was James here to purchase? Mr. Preppy Econ Major in a place like this? Well it’s good that he’s moving beyond the khaki pants, button-down shirts, and power ties. The guy looks like a mini Ronald Reagan. Feeling proud that James might finally be expanding his hobbies beyond the world of finance, Avery moved farther into the store.

As he did, the store began to change. Gone were the fake skulls, t-shirts, and dark eye liner. It was if Avery was walking into a completely different place. This store was full of shelves that looked as if they had never been dusted and the books had not been moved in fifty years. There was also a weight to the place, as if Avery had stumbled upon a profoundly ancient site. What the hell are all these books? As he gazed around at the store, he noticed something strange. The place seemed to go on forever and some of the objects for sale looked really old. Not retro fifties or forties old, but more like thousands of years old. A Viking helmet could be seen on a shelf behind the cash register. Doing the calculations in his head, Avery thought of the store front they had walked up to and there was no way that storefront could contain all of the things on display inside. There were just too many shelves and aisles. This is a little unsettling, thought Avery. But maybe they open into an adjacent store somehow. Let’s not get crazy about it, Avery.

James interrupted Avery’s thoughts. Hey, just wanted to tell you they have what I need at the cashier but there is a little bit of a line.

Don’t worry. Go buy your crap and then we’ll get out of here.

Avery decided to explore the store, may as well, who knew how long James was going to be. Couldn’t he just use Amazon like a normal person? Looking at the other people browsing, Avery noticed the mix of other shoppers in the store. A weird mix of college kids in t-shirts and jeans, goth teens all in black (buying plastic skulls and eyeliner of course), older men and women in suits, and some even older dressed in black robes. Avery began to feel as if all of the customers were following him through the store, as if whatever items might catch his eye would provide them with some important answer to some strange question.

Hoping to escape all the attention, Avery moved deeper into the store, and slowly left his burgeoning fan club behind. Once he reached the back of the store, he noticed a small wooden stand with a fifteen year old girl sitting inside, ignoring the activity in the store and text messaging like her life depended on each emoticon. Avery half expected her to be selling lemonade and he was a little surprised to discover that she was offering to tell fortunes for five dollars a pop. Now Avery didn’t usually believe in the spiritual world, but he had always been at least a little curious at what a supposed psychic could come up with for his future. Most likely a long happy life full of family and love. Maybe monetary success. Sometimes though, he knew, you don’t always get the rosy story. A friend of his once had his fortune told on summer vacation. The seer told him that he would die a fiery death. He returned to school to find that his dorm room had a fireplace. His friend never once used it.

With James taking longer than Avery expected, he decided to give the kid a chance and see what this young oracle had to say. As Avery neared the booth, the girl looked up at him through purple tinted lenses. She swatted away some loose blond hair and got right back to texting. Avery ignored the girl’s attempts to blow him off and sat down in the chair in front of the booth, his palms outstretched, ready for his fortune to be told. Alright, I’m all ready for my reading. You can look at my long lines anytime you want. Oh, thinks Avery, maybe I should be showing her a little more respect. She probably takes the whole palm reading thing seriously. Sometimes I can’t help myself. I can be polite or a sarcastic jerk, and unfortunately for me I go with sarcastic jerk most of the time.

Oh, sorry. I didn’t see you, just trying to get some work done for my finals comin’ up. God, I can’t wait for them to be done. I don’t deal well with stress. Oh, that’ll be five bucks.

Wondering what kind of homework involved texting, but not willing to argue, Avery forked over the fee and the girl gripped both of his hands and began to peer intently at his palms. I swear I wash my hands. Avery’s attempt at friendly banter was ignored.

You don’t seem to be a believer to me. Why are you even doing this? You won’t believe anything I have to tell you anyway.

Fair point, thought Avery. Curiosity, and my friend’s taking forever at the cash register. I don’t mean to insult you, I just find it hard to believe that you can predict my future based on some lines on my palms. And it creeps me out to think that our lives have been marked out and planned by someone or something else. I prefer a world that includes more choice than that.

The palms are just part of the show. They simply provide us with a prop. You can’t tell anything from someone’s palm.

So what do you use?

How clean your fingernails are.

What?

Kidding. Someone’s uptight today. Well, let’s see what we can find out from the skeptic with a stick up his ass. She began to strangely hum and quietly sing to herself. Avery made an attempt to try to pick up the tune, but didn’t recognize it. It sounded like an eighties pop song sung in Finnish. After a few minutes she abruptly stopped humming, and began to look quickly back and forth between his two hands. This can’t be right.

What can’t be right? Figures that the one fortune teller I go to is broken, mused Avery.

You have no fortune to tell. You’re just…well, blank. Hmmm, someone could be concealing your future from me. Very powerful spell maybe. Nope, total blank, sorry, kid. She removed her hands from Avery’s and sat back down in her chair behind the booth looking like Lucy about to give Charlie Brown some psychiatric advice. Just as she opened her mouth, and it seemed like Avery was going to get an explanation for her cryptic statement, she promptly closed it. Just as suddenly, she returned to her business on the phone. What a waste, thought Avery, this was worse than the time my fortune cookie said, eat more pineapple. At least then I got a whole meal. Of course, what did I expect a fifteen year old kid in high school to tell me anyway? A real glimpse into the future? No, just as I thought, she’s as phony as the plastic skulls in the front of the store.

Don’t I get my five bucks back since you couldn’t read my fortune? And who are you calling a kid? I’m at least eight years older than you.

Without looking up she said, Don’t always believe what your eyes tell you. I’m older then Chicago, my knees ache, and I still have a shell from the French revolution in my ass, so cut me some slack. Besides, you were only going to spend that money on beer tonight anyway.

Well, thanks for everything. Have a good day. Crazy nut. Crazy, crazy nut, Avery swore to himself. I hate this spiritual magic crap. I should have just waited in the car. Or better yet I should have dumped James out at the nearest L station and gone home. As Avery moved away from the shabby fortune telling stand, he heard that odd humming again, just louder this time. His ears felt as if they were popping. Avery turned back to the girl only to find her giving him one of the greatest glaring stares the world had ever seen. She was completely enshrouded in light, and her purple eyes were glowing. Avery frantically glanced at the other people in the shop to see if anyone else noticed, but there was no longer anyone nearby. Almost like they knew to back out of the way. Wish I got that memo. I’ll admit that I’m not the bravest man in the world, and this little trick is beginning to creep me out. Despite wanting desperately to move, Avery felt like his brain was stuck in its own proverbial blue screen of death.

You can ridicule me all you want, Avery Cole, but you must accept that there are forces in this world that cannot be explained. It was fate and love that brought you to your fiancée, and fate that has brought you to this place at this particular time. Choose whatever path life throws at you, exercise your individuality, but never choose ignorance.

How do you know my name? How are you making your eyes glow like that? And are you floating? Avery began to nervously clap for the young Oracle, hoping that was all just some elaborate magic show. Am I required to tip a magic trick?

You will need to believe, Avery. Sooner or later you will need to believe, for your life will depend upon it. Someone worked very hard to hide your destiny from others. Be alert, Avery, and pray for your friend James, he is at a crossroads in his life. Two paths exist for him to follow and very soon he will have to choose. You are capable of far more than you believe. And for what it may be worth, I’m sorry.

The booth, the strange girl, and Avery’s five dollars disappeared into a plume of purple smoke. Before he could react, the chair also disappeared right out from under him. Avery rather unceremoniously fell to the ground. Hey! You could have left the five bucks. Maybe at least two bucks back? Nice trick at the end there though. Very Lord of the Rings, but a little too much smoke. After talking irately to the air, Avery decided that he had definitely spent way too much time in this store. At the cash register, James was finally finishing up with the shopkeeper and placed an intricately bound scarlet red book into his carrier bag.

That took a lot longer then you promised. I hope it was important, Avery chided.

Well, it was tough there at the end to get the book I needed. He actually refused to sell it to me! I’d already paid in advance for it. It was crazy, what value could this book have to him anyway? Only I know what do with it.

What do you mean by that? I’m pretty sure we can all read, jackass.

Forget it. Let’s head back home. You have a pre-engagement party to get to and I have a lot of work to do tonight.

Avery and James headed back to the car and the overcrowded rush hour streets of Chicago. As James looked out the window, Avery was still trying to figure out what song the girl was singing. Definitely eighties, thought Avery. Looking back to his friend, Avery wondered if he should tell James what happened in the store. It sure would be easier to just talk about the Cubs or Blackhawks. And James could probably use some mindless sports chat anyway. Avery had noticed that since leaving the store James had been uncharacteristically quiet. I usually can’t shut the guy up, Avery thought to himself. The fortuneteller warned me to watch out for him, that he had a big decision to make. You know what I really can’t believe? I can’t believe I’m even buying into that act at the store. He’s probably just stressed out about his thesis paper anyway. I think it’s also weighing on him that he can’t afford to stay in Chicago with the rest of us. Heading back home to a cubicle job in St. Louis must be devastating for him. Luckily, I get to hide out in grad school for a while.

To no surprise to anyone who knew Avery, he decided to break the silence. Alright, promise not to laugh, but I actually got a psychic reading while you were buying that book.

Ha! Oops, sorry. I mean, you’re the annoying guy who watches X-Files with me only to poke fun at all the plot holes and cheesy aliens. What brought this on?

Pure boredom. You were taking forever, and I said what the hell? She said some pretty strange stuff, and knew both our names, and then – poof! she was gone. Great showmanship though. I gave her a ten for effort but her fortune sucked. She said I didn’t have a future and that you, James, were going to have to make a tough decision. What a waste of money! Oooh, I have a murky future and you’ll have to make a tough decision. I could have made that up.

"Avery, are you telling me she just disappeared? You don’t find that the least bit strange? Maybe it was real. How the hell do you just write off a girl disappearing like that? And where did she go?"

Come on, there are a million and one ways she could have performed the disappearing trick. You don’t actually believe her? Great. Just great. That’s why I swore never to go to any of those people in the first place. They just end up getting you worried over nothing. It was just a show, Jimmy boy.

You said she knew both of our names, Avery! Explain that! I think I do believe her, and it means we both have to be careful.

Now how do I respond to that? Avery felt James’s intensity burrowing into him from the passenger seat. What did he expect me to say? Yes, that girl in the store freaked me out, but seriously, why would two college students be important anyway? No, I am not going to start believing in this crap. And neither should James! He’s supposed to be the upstanding and logical one! Avery turned to James with a winning smile and changed the subject as quickly as he could. How ‘bout them Cubs?

The tension in the car immediately lifted and both friends started laughing. Hahahaha. I’ll never forget the look on your face. I can’t believe how gullible you are. I mean you just soak up all this magic stuff and believe it instantly. It was just B.S., that’s it. I failed to mention my own obvious hypocrisy in believing that a billy goat had successfully cursed my favorite baseball team for a hundred years, but hey, I could use this win.

Maybe. I just can’t believe that a good south sider like yourself would root for the Cubs. Just promise me that you’ll work on having a more open mind, okay?

Fine, but….

Nope. Don’t want to hear it. Just drop me off at the apartment, and we’ll talk about it later. James’s super power was always getting in the last word.

On the way back to campus they passed the Field museum again. Hey, the new Celtic exhibit is finally in town! We have to go to this one, says James.

Yeah right. We’ll probably miss it due to schoolwork or something like always. I don’t think I’ve been to the museum in years. Besides, I’m hoping I’ll be too busy planning a wedding.

Yeah, we’ve spent all this time in Chicago and I feel like we’ve missed out on really living in this city.

The Blue Bomber finally reached its destination, old Hyde Park. Home to the University of Chicago and long believed to be the place where fun comes to die. Avery found a rare parking spot right in front of their building. I hope I didn’t insult him, he would love for all this magic crap to come true! He really believed in the occult and sorcery. I love the fact that this straight laced economics major who would like nothing better than to work on the Chicago Board of Trade believes in things that can’t be answered with math or science. In many ways, James was a forty year old with a twelve year old’s ability to still see magic in everyday things. I love that about him. For me, my liberal arts education has definitely taught me to be cynical of everything and to demand proof. Somehow, against all odds, James has stayed immune.

Take care, I’ll be back late. Watch out for the evil bogeyman now. Remember to check under all the beds and in each closet!!

Very funny. See you later.

Chapter 2: The Fallen

As always, the pain was intense. Gawain could feel his body painfully changing, his humanity slipping away on the wind. His entire body felt as if it was being consumed by fire. This was the cost he paid for these quick sojourns from his prison. Over the years this pain only served to galvanize him to focus his thoughts on escape and, of course, revenge on the ones who cursed him. Looking down, the one known to many as the Great Betrayer watched as his hands mutated painfully into sharp talons. He knew his eyes must be almost pure scarlet by now, and he carefully lowered his hood over his face. He barely noticed the conversation between Avery and James going on below.

I could have sworn my competitor was here, thought Gawain. All my spells point to this location. Yet all I find are inconsequential children. Damn this curse, I can’t afford to search for too much longer. My imps have failed me as well. This other seeker of the sword must be powerful indeed to avoid my detection. Or could the Tribunal be hiding him, I wonder. It won’t matter, I have never been closer to victory than I am tonight. I can sense the sword speaking to me on the wind coming in from the lake. It remembers me, it wants to be mine again. Tonight, the curse placed upon me long ago will be lifted and I will regain my humanity and my freedom! Gawain then placed his hands out to either side and flames enveloped him as he was carried away up into the dusk filled sky.

Gawain remerged from the flames back in his prison. As he removed his cloak, he absently ran his hands over his head, grateful to find his blonde locks had returned and the horns were gone. Three imps casually buzzed around Gawain, removing his cloak and hanging it upon a hook by a large stone hearth. Most people would consider this prison luxurious, a proper place for a knight to retire. Gawain could see it only as a cage. All the ornate woodwork, the colossal library with tomes from all over the multiverse, were really just pretty ornamental bars to him. By the fireplace lay a simple wooden desk that looked out of place in this regal room. The desk was the one item Gawain chose to take with him into imprisonment. It had been built by his father and brothers. Simple carpenters, the work of peasants. He liked having this reminder of his origins around. It made sure he never became too comfortable living a lord’s life.

Sitting at the desk, Gawain’s gaze fell upon the skeletal remains of some ancient beast. Looking at his former cellmate, he could only smile. Ah, old Marmax, you were supposed to have killed me. I can still remember the look on your face as you failed that last task Lancelot gave you. With Marmax’s defeat, Gawain had turned his would-be prison into the key to his escape. Marmax had been a friend once, and Gawain mourned the trusted friend of his memory and not the jailer. Had Lancelot really believed that I was such a fool not to see through his plan? Oh, Marmax had played the part well, sacrificing his own freedom in solidarity with his friend. But I would not be so easily silenced! Since that day I have devoted all my time to taking control of this pocket reality and have used it to accumulate knowledge and power. These will be my final moments here.

Ruffling his hands through his hair, Gawain lifted his wide frame from the chair and approached a spear topped by the shape of a ram’s head emanating out of the ground by the fireplace. Running his hand along the archaic inscription on the shaft, he circled the spear. Chanting in a language few had ever heard spoken aloud, he tapped the base of the spear twice. I almost lost myself today, he chided himself. How ironic if I lost the battle to the demon inside just as I was about to lift my curse. I had no choice, I must account for every contingency and that includes finding my adversary out there in that American city. Nothing can go wrong tonight. If I fail, who knows how many years I will have to wait for a second chance? Gawain lifted the spear from the ground. Though this ritual has damned my soul many times over, it is a degradation I was driven to by my jailers. My only means of acting in the outside world. Kolo, bring the prisoner forth!

Ever obedient Kolo, a small purple imp with a large fang protruding from his lower lip, brought before Gawain what appeared to be a young man’s corpse, until its eyes opened wide with fear. Now awakened to the horror before him, the young man struggled against the imps holding him but only managed to turn himself upside down. You should be honored. Instead of a meaningless death your demise will signify the end of a thousand year struggle between good and evil. Though it may not look it, I am the only one who can free us from the tyranny of the Tribunal, and sacrifices must be made. I promise you, I will remember what you have given this day and I will pray for your soul. Ignoring the man’s struggles and screams, Gawain plunged his spear into the man’s chest. A spectral shadow emerged out of the chest of the sacrificial victim, futilely using its phantom fingers to cling to its former body as it was sucked into the ram’s head of the spear. The shadow mouthed one final silent scream before it was gone. With that ghostly struggle complete, Gawain took the spear’s edge and cut a deep line of blood on his forearm. The cut healed as quickly as Gawain had made it. May God have mercy on your soul. I pray that you will eventually find your way into heaven’s embrace. Lord, I pray again that you forgive me, that you still believe in your servant and my mission to cleanse this Earth of the Tribunal. Amen.

Placing the spear back in its receptacle by the fireplace, Gawain could only smile at the thought that he would once again be able to breathe the air of his home world without the fear of losing his struggle with his curse. Though the Tribunal had placed the devil inside me, still will I remain His. Kolo! Where are you? The small purple imp shyly emerged from behind one of the bookcases. Focus, Kolo. Fetch me my cloak and the jewel at once! Gawain had found Kolo and the other imps shortly after slaying Marmax. They had clearly served whomever had been a prisoner in this place before Gawain arrived. Or perhaps they were simply the natural denizens of this realm. Either way they didn’t seem the least bit resistant to serving Gawain. Over the years, he had come to discover that the imps were merely a part of the prison itself, much like the furniture. They are magically tied to the very structure of the room and bound to serve its inhabitants. Extremely limited mentally, to say the least, they have nonetheless been his only companions for over a thousand years and had proved their utility on more than one occasion. If Gawain were being truthful, he would admit to being fond of the simple creatures.

Kolo was soon flying out of the depths of the vast library carrying a cloak covered in runes and a pendant containing a blue jewel. Gawain ceremoniously wrapped the cloak around his shoulders, whispering a quick plea to God for success as he did so. May the Creator grant me the strength to free His chosen world from bondage. Like the prophet Moses, may I guide my enslaved brethren to a new holy destiny. The Cloak was constructed to allow him to use his full powers out in the world by carrying a piece of his prison with him, like a manacle tied to his ankle. The other key to safely entering the outside world was his pendant. Thanks to the vast resources of his library, Gawain had discovered the spell to create the pendant. Luckily, Marmax actually proved useful, as a shard of his heart was a key ingredient in the spell’s success. It acted to absorb the effects of Gawain’s curse so that he might maintain his humanity and mind while completing his task. After cradling the pendant in the palm of his hand, Gawain fastened the pendant to the front of his cloak.

Oh, Gawain, do you really need all this….. stuff? I offered you a shorter, easier, and far more foolproof plan.

I knew you would arrive sooner or later, Mr. Maxwell. Gawain turned to see the Corporate lackey idly smoking a cigar by the fireplace and smiling through a well-trimmed goatee. As always, Mr. Maxwell was wearing a perfectly pressed white suit with a black tie. Many people had underestimated this seemingly pleasant gray haired man, and most of them were no longer around to tell their cautionary tale. Of course, Gawain was not one of those people. Please, Mr. Maxwell, do make yourself comfortable in my humble prison. If you had given me some advance notice I could have at least had Kolo prepare some coffee. I may be forced into these humble circumstances but I am still a gentleman. I’m sorry to say that you have come all this way across the dimensional divide for nothing. My answer remains the same, sir. Though I despise the Tribunal as much as you and your kind, I will not allow you to enter this plane. I swore an oath to Arthur…..

You expect me to believe that you of all people are seeking to keep an oath made to Camelot? No one forgets that it was you who doomed Arthur with your betrayal. And where has your honor been as you killed thousands of innocents just to feed your need for revenge? Let me be honest with you, Gawain, you are not the hero of this story. Not anymore, and you have no one to blame but yourself. Lucky for you, Empros, Inc. still believes in your potential. And we are always looking for qualified candidates to join our ranks.

You underestimate me as always, Mr. Maxwell. I do not need you or the Corporation’s aid. I will not betray my world to such as you. You would not want to see me wield the sword, Mr. Maxwell. It would not end well for you or your masters. It is God’s decree that this world be first among many, and it will be free to determine its own fate. I rather should be wishing you luck on escaping my holy wrath once my ascendancy is complete.

You still don’t get it, do you. Our analysts have calculated that you wielding the sword is our current best projection for escaping Avalon. Your blind vengeance will allow us to invade this world by the tens of thousands. You wouldn’t be our destruction, Gawain, you’d be our salvation. A door then appeared by Mr. Maxwell. Well, I’ll leave you my card if you change your mind. Though to be fair, we win either way. Good luck to you then, Gawain. I won’t waste more of your time. Mr. Maxwell removed a business card from inside a small silver case with a floral pattern. He placed the card gently on the mantle of the fireplace. It read Mr. Langdon Maxwell, Vice-President, Mergers and Acquisitions. As Mr. Maxwell disappeared through the doorway he had one last piece of advice. Work with us and live. You’ll even like our benefits package. Or stand against us and perish with the rest. Mr. Maxwell’s last words seemed to hang in the air. Gawain absently snuffed out the cigar left on the floor.

What a pompous ass, thought Gawain. Like the devil himself, Mr. Maxwell only spoke in lies. Gawain fed the business card to the flames. He was only trying to confuse me. The Empros Corporation and the Tribunal are both afraid of what will happen when I wield the sword. I will not be bound to the Corporation or the Tribunal. The power of the infinite plane will be in the hands of the righteous! It will be glorious, and I can finally be the hero I was always meant to be before I was betrayed. Kolo, to me, it’s time we earned our freedom.

Chapter 3: Trials and Tribunals

Blissfully unaware of the grand events about to descend upon Chicago, Avery was enjoying a night out. He would be enjoying it more if he could forget about the fact that his best friend hadn’t come. I know he said he probably wouldn’t show, but I thought it would occur to him that I really wanted him to be here. Actually, not having James around has allowed me to forget about all the weird things that happened today. I’m pretty sure James would still be insisting that I take that psychic girl seriously. Anyway, without him here I can just concentrate on my favorite pastimes, watching the Cubs and drinking beer.

I want to thank all of you guys for coming here as I take the next step in my life and give up my freedom forever.

You shouldn’t be complaining. She must be nuts!

Aren’t you getting a little ahead of yourself, Avery? What if she says no?

Aren’t friends great? Time to bring the ribbing to a halt, thought Avery. Ha, ha, very funny, guys. Drink up. Why am I celebrating so early though? I know Jill will say yes, right? I’m probably the only idiot who has a party just for buying a ring, but I just really want to memorialize this moment in a time where anything is possible, even marrying Jill. Is that so stupid? Besides it just felt right. Lost in his own thoughts, Avery went to the bar to buy another round and maybe order some buffalo wings. A quick glance at his wallet made him realize this would be the last round. Ah, the rich and exciting life of the college student. Who am I kidding, with this economy I’ll probably have even less money when I graduate, laughed Avery to himself. Maybe the guys won’t notice if I go with something cheap.

Get some better stuff this time. Cheap bastard! So much for that idea, mused Avery. Hey, I just realized, shouldn’t they be buying me beer to celebrate my upcoming engagement?

This was exactly what Avery needed after a stressful and heavy afternoon. I just wish James would learn to relax more, he’s going to burst one of these days, or worse, he’ll work so hard he’ll miss his twenties. As Avery approached the bar he expected to find Vincent. Hell, as far as anyone on campus knew, Vincent had been behind that bar since Ms. O’Leary’s cow started the Chicago fire. Though people should really say ‘allegedly’ when talking about that cow’s role in the fire. Personally, I think it’s been one long smear campaign against an innocent cow designed to hide the true culprit. A local campus legend even suggested that the bar was built around Vincent to contain his grouchiness. Instead of finding the stalwart bartender, Avery was confronted by a dwarf with a goatee and gray black hair. Wait a minute, thought Avery, I’m pretty sure I ordered the last few rounds tonight from Vincent, so where did this guy come from?

Hey, what happened to the old guy?

Old Vincent had to go home, family emergency. I told him I could step in for a little bit. Besides, I owe that guy, and I don’t like having a debt on my ledger. Noticing Avery’s inability to concentrate the dwarf continued. So, Avery, what can I get ya?

Well, I’d like three…Wait a minute, have we met before?

Once, a long time ago. I’ve tended bar here before, when Vincent’s been sick. Avery didn’t remember Vincent ever getting sick. Vincent being behind that bar was as much a sure thing as the sun rising. Could Vincent even get sick? Still Avery decided to play along. Oh, right. Anyway…How about those three beers?

The dwarf turned away from the counter and began filling the beers. Important time for you, huh? Big decisions, new challenges?

What? Oh yeah, well, next week I’m getting engaged. Well, I hope so anyway.

You seem a little sad, though.

Yeah, I guess I’m just afraid. I’m only twenty-years old, and after next week I’m just not a kid anymore. I don’t know, I must sound like an ass.

You’ll be fine. Besides, why mourn the past when the future is so much more exciting. I think you’ve already figured things out though, right? Deep down you’re ready, kid, you just don’t know it yet. Have some faith in yourself, and in her.

Alright man, how about just passing over the pitcher?

Sorry to keep you waiting, Avery, just thought I could help. After all, that’s what I’m here for. Of course as if this day couldn’t get any stranger, the replacement bartender disappeared before Avery’s eyes, leaving in his place a very surly Vincent. Avery! Hello! Earth to Avery!

Sorry, Vincent. I must have… Vincent, do you have a friend, maybe a little on the small side, goatee?

"Are you talking about old Nicholas? I guess you’ve been looking at the pictures I have hanging around here. Didn’t think any of the students still talked about the adventures Old Nick and I would get into back in the day. Nicholas used to be a bartender here, taught me everything I know, but mostly taught me things no one in their right mind