Chapter Five
On the Northern Borders
Breams and Hamish followed Merlin through the Gate but to their surprise found themselves by a forest lake. Mist rose from the water and drifted over the grasses edging the bank.
There was a great feeling of tranquillity and peace and both boys felt their worries and fears drain away. Breams walked to the edge of the water and sat down. The rain had disappeared and the sun glistened through the dappled shade of the trees. Dragonflies and butterflies flew amongst the reeds and small birds sang from the trees.
‘I like it here,’ he said quietly feeling he should not disturb anything. Merlin stood with Hamish looking out onto the lake. ‘All who come here feel like that Breams. Out in the middle of the lake is a beautiful
‘Why are we here?’ Hamish asked as he joined Breams.
‘I am going to ask the lake to give up a great sword that it protects but I can’t do so alone. We must wait for Ribastra. If you like, you may send a prayer out into the lake. It is said that if your heart is true it will be granted. I will be sending mine.’
They wandered through the forest edge gathering materials to make their prayer boats and then sat quietly making them each thinking of their prayer as they made it. Finally, they sent them out into the mist of the lake. Merlin smiled as he watched the boys stare out after their boats and he added to his prayer asking theirs to come true, he felt the gods would understand.
Ribastra joined them later that afternoon but to them it seemed no time at all. She stretched herself out in the afternoon sun her head flat on the ground as she looked over the lake.
‘Call her,’ she told Merlin.
Merlin opened his arms and took a deep breath. ‘Lady of the
Nothing happened and Merlin remained still for a few moments. ‘Lady of the
Still nothing happened and Merlin remained rigid. ‘Lady of the
This time the water rippled and almost silently and without a splash a lady rose from the water her silvery dress sparked in the sun ight and her golden hair lifted in the breeze.
She seemed to move closer but the boys could not see how. She looked down on them. ‘Why do you call me?’ she asked in their minds.
Merlin hesitated a little. ‘I would ask for your help.’
She turned slightly to look directly at Merlin but said nothing so he continued.
‘I ask for the great sword Excalibur. Great unrest now exists on Earth and now overspills into Minuet. Excalibur will unite the lands if wielded by a true leader and one has now been born.’
‘You meddle and twist the truth young wizard. Do you think I do not watch and listen?’
Merlin sagged a little and turned to Ribastra for help. She snorted but raised her head.
‘Lady of the
‘High Lord of the sky, I also witness your meddling and even though both your hearts are true you stretch the patience of the Gods. The sword may not be swung until the boy is of age. If in that time his soul is corrupted and unworthy, it will not be his to use. Will you honour these conditions?’
Ribastra raised herself to her full height and then lowered her head. ‘I will your grace.’
She nodded and lowered her hand towards the water. Slowly a great sword rose up and hovered under her palm. It then moved across the water towards them. Merlin held his hand out but to Breams’ shock it fell into his.
The lady lifted her head and spoke aloud, ‘May it unite and not divide, defend and not destroy, bring peace and not war. To you, Merlin of the wizards goes a great responsibility, may you be found worthy.’
Mist seemed to swirl around her and she was gone. The boys watched in stunned silence and did not move until nudged by Ribastra, ‘Time to go,’ she whispered. ‘It is not good to stay too long in this place.’
As they walked back through the Gate Breams took one look back. To his surprise he saw an old man standing at the waters edge, he smiled at Breams and then walked into the mist.
It was raining on the Northern Border and a shivered when through Hamish.
‘Quick my Hatchlings we still have much to do tonight and now it is your turn.’ She gathered them in her wings. ‘You must sit on my back and hold the sword up for the invaders to see. I want you to tell them they could win it if they come to the stone circle at nightfall tomorrow. Can you do that for me?’
‘We can sir,’ promised Breams and he held the sword with both hands and lifted it out in front of him. As he did so, it became light in his hands.
Merlin looked enviously at him and Ribastra turned her head, ‘Your soul is true my boy and it has recognised you. I believe one day it will let you wield it, I will need to think on that, but for the moment it is destined for another.’ Breams held it in wonder as Excalibur hummed in his hands.
‘Hold tight,’ called Ribastra, ‘we fly to their camp. Merlin get the hut warm and food in the pot, we won’t be long.’ Breams clung onto the sword for dear life as they skimmed the treetops and then sank down again landing with a bump.
‘Now my hatchling, I am going to use an illusion so the invaders think I am a horse, a white stallion I think. Breams you hold the sword and Hamish you talk to them. Don’t be afraid, they will not be able to hurt you. They will think you are magic and with luck will be afraid of you.’
Hamish mumbled his words nervously, ‘If I muddle them Breams, step in won’t you.’ Breams leaned over and grasped his arm. ‘You will be fine but I will if you need me.’
Ribastra grunted, ‘Here we go,’ as they saw the light of the camp ahead.
Hamish stood up and wrapped his belt around one of Ribastra’s spines to hold him steady. Breams held the sword out in front of him.
There were shouts from the camp and the horses fought wildly to get away as they passed by. ‘What in Gods name is this? cried a man dressed in white furs and leather, his sword held ready in his hand. Men ran from all directions to join him as he stared up at the strange vision.
Hamish’s voice shook but then called out true and strong, ‘You fight like women and kill as cowards. The land you try to conquer will not be so easily won. Now see the sword Excalibur. Only the man who holds Excalibur will truly rule this land. I give you one chance to test your strength and right to this sword. Be at the stone circle at dusk tomorrow night and we will see if you are the true rulers of this land.’ Breams raised the great sword and light flashed into the sky. Ribastra opened her wings and they rose into the sky but the invaders only saw the boys on a white stallion riding above the trees.
What none of them saw was two cloaked wizards who watched in astonishment.
‘Breams old fellow, it was just some sort of illusion, our boys could not be here, you know that.’
'I know McDuggan, but forgive a foolish man, I’m sending a bubble to Alistair Windmaster as soon as we get back to camp. I do not understand what’s happening here. But that Sword, If it was truly Excalibur then we cannot afford to let those men take it. We must be at that stone circle tomorrow.’
Chapter Six
The Trap is sprung
As the light began to fail, Henry went in search of Uther. He found him sparring on the practice ground. Uther stopped and walked over.
Henry bowed, ‘sir, soon we will lead the spriggins out of your castle but in their place will return the invaders. It may be wise to have your men ready and prepared for trouble. When the spriggins are gone from the castle close the gate and follow us at a safe distance but do not attack unless the invaders break through.’
Uther stiffened, ‘You are young to be telling me what to do in my castle Henry but I will do as you say. Arthur speaks highly of you. I wish you success and pray no blood will be shed this night.’
Finding Arthur and Barley they headed for the south gate. They didn’t need to look behind them to know they were being followed. As they approached the trap Henry and Barley lit two light globes and placed them on either side of the entrance then the three walked around the outside edge of the fence. Within minutes several hundred sprites flooded into the trap and once in, found they could not escape. Cries and howls filled the night air .
Breams and Hamish watched as Ribastra breathed on a broken standing stone that stood in the middle of the stone circle. ‘Breams bring the sword here will you?’ Breams carried it over.
‘Now my boy I need you to sink the blade deep into the stone. Breams stared in shock.’ but Merlin nodded, ‘It will easily sink into the stone. It will not break. Lift it high and plunge it in.’ So he did and the blade cut into the stone like butter until it was deep inside.
‘Well done my boy,’ praised Merlin. 'Come you must hide, I must finish this now.’
As the light failed, they saw lights coming through the forest. Hamish and Breams huddled close to Ribastra. Merlin stood high on top one of the standing stones his robes billowing out behind him.
The men dismounted from their horses and followed their leader into the stone circle. ‘Merlin waited until they were all within the stones then raised his arms. ‘See before you Excalibur, whoever can pull the sword from the stone is the true leader of the land.’
The men all pushed, pulled and fought to be the next to try to remove the sword and they failed to notice Merlin continuing to shout strange words. The air rippled but they did not see the changing scenery around them. All were too intent on the sword.
‘What happened,’ shouted McDuggan, ‘Where did they go.’ but at that moment several hundred sprites appeared from nowhere screeching and screaming as they realised they had been tricked.
'Lets get out of here,’ called Commander Breams as he directed the Guard to collect up the horses. ‘I don’t know what happened but someone needs to find and have words with Merlin. I am just not sure if he should be arrested or honoured as a hero. Mc Duggan, I think its time we made a visit to
Henry whooped as the sprites left but shrank back as the invaders appeared. To his amazement they didn’t seem to notice as they fought over a sword set in stone. Merlin suddenly appeared and where the light globes flickered, he opened a wizard’s window. Henry could see the waters edge beyond and rows of boats and he nodded to himself. Merlin really had had a plan.
Ribastra roared and the men became silent in fear, ‘Invaders of this land, none of you are worthy to pull the sword and so have no right to this land. The people here are not so easily destroyed. Go now or die, the choice is yours and tell those who would follow you, this is not an easy land to conquer.’
The men streamed through the wizards window and they watched as they climbed into their boats and fled.
Ribastra sighed, ‘They will be back but not for a while and by then maybe there will be one in this land worthy to pull the sword.’
Uther and his men watched in wonder and that evening they feasted until late into the night Henry, Breams, Barley and Hamish shared the high table with Merlin Uther and Arthur and at the end of the evening Uther presented each of the boys with a knife and five gold coins in recognition of bravery.
The next morning the young boy they had helped the day before brought them breakfast, ‘Thank you for helping me yesterday, old Gridley saw you and told me.’
‘You are very welcome,’ smiled Barley. Henry sorted the plates and trays and tucked his gold coins into the boys pocket.
Barley stared at him as the boy left. ‘You gave him your coins didn’t you?’
Henry shrugged,’ we can’t use them at Loggerwood and that amount of gold will keep his family well fed for years.’
After breakfast, they found Uther and Arthur waiting for them down in the castle courtyard. ‘Time to go young men,’ he said and he pointed to the great green Dragon that paced up and down impatiently outside the castle walls. Merlin has been called away so I wish you a good journey home.’
‘Henry I will remember what you taught me,’ called Arthur as they crossed the drawbridge.
‘Have a Good life Arthur,’ Henry called back.
Chapter Seven
Breams and Henry fell onto their beds relieved to be back. ‘I can’t believe we carried that off,’ admitted Henry as he pulled off his smelly socks.
‘Brilliant though wasn’t it,’ enthused Breams. ‘I guess so,’ smiled Henry.
‘I would like you four boys in my office right away.’ This minding definitely came from Alistair Windmaster.
‘What does he want?’ moaned Barley as Henry and Breams met them going out of the door.
‘Bet he just wants to know how our camping trip went,’ considered Hamish. ‘How did our camping trip go?’ he asked realising they did not have a story to give Windmaster.
‘Just say we camped by the flow and nothing special happened.’ suggested Henry who had also realised they should have thought of a cover story before getting back.
Alistair Windmaster was sitting behind his desk when they entered.
‘Welcome back,’ he said, his face unreadable, ‘Did you have a good camping trip?’
‘We did Sir,' offered Henry.
‘And I would guess nothing happened that would be of interest to me?’ Alistair Windmaster said dryly.
‘We had a good time,’ Barley said trying to help Henry out, ‘and we got to know each other better.’
Alistair Windmaster Grunted, ‘so if I were to ask Breams if he knew anything about Excalibur what would he say?’ Barley and Henry hesitated knowing they must not lie or he would know.
‘I know a lot sir,’ piped up Breams excitedly, ‘It is a great sword cared for by the Lady of the lake. Henry tells brilliant stories.’
Alistair Windmaster smiled at him, ‘I am sure he does. Well I have good news for you boys, you have some guests,’ and from his small library came three men.
‘Dad cried Breams and rushed over to greet him. His dad swung him round and then held him tight as if relieved to have him safe in his arms.
Hamish’s father had given Hamish a great bear hug.
Henrys father put his arm around his son’s shoulders. ‘Good to see you well my boy.’ Henry felt a little uncomfortable as he saw Barley standing on his own.
Windmaster saw his look of concern, ‘I’m sorry Barley your father was going to visit today but he got called away again to deal with a wayward wizard.’
Barley tried to look unconcerned. ‘I will go then sir,’ he said as he backed out of the room.
Henry looked pleadingly at his father.
‘Barley my boy why not come back with us. You would be very welcome and I expect Henrys mother is cooking for an army, far too much for us to eat.’
‘You would be able to read the books in the library,’ added Henry, ‘and papa tells brilliant stories, better than mine.’
‘I think I would like that very much sir,’ Barley said formally. Henry’s father draped his other arm around his shoulder, ‘come on then, I will come with you while you pack. I haven’t been in the longhouses for years.’
Alistair Windmaster took a gulp of wine and sat back in his chair relieved to see the back of them, ‘I know you are tangled up in this old Dragon.’ he grumbled and was not surprised when a familiar faint chuckle rumbled around the room.
That evening Barley relaxed with Henry as he listened to his papa tell of gods and great wizards. When he had finished he handed them both a jug of beer.
‘I have another story to tell you,’ he said. ‘This one is but the strangest of all stories and is about Excalibur. You will be amazed to hear that it has been taken from the Lady of the
‘I would have to admit to you both that if I were the father of either of those boys, I would be so, so proud.’ and his voice shook a little, ‘but I would also be a little worried.’ he added as he stared into the fire. I would hope that they would know when to seek help from their father.
Barley, who had now drunk the whole jug of beer spluttered, ‘It would depend upon the father sir.’
Henrys father considered the boy’s comment, ‘That’s true my boy but most fathers would protect their son with their life, if in trouble. Take yours for instance, I expect he may not tell you, but he tells the rest of us how proud he is of you. I know him well Barley; we shared a room together at Loggerwood many years ago. He is complicated, but deep down he does care, he just finds it difficult to show it.’
Henry saw Barley struggle to take in what his father had said but his father caught his eye and gave a slight shake of his head.
‘There is one other thing I would want those boys to know if I ever met them,’ he went on, ‘As the chosen, for I that is what they are, they should be keeping a wizards log for this library, so that one day their secrets maybe known. You will not know this but within this Library is a hidden room where such logs are stored. Would you like me to show you?’
They nodded and silently followed him. He moved his hand over a wooden panel and a secret door slid open. He pulled out a light globe from his pocket and lit it. To Henry’s horror, hovering in his fathers hand was his favourite orange globe, which he had used to set the trap for the sprites. He bit his lip knowing his father knew.
Inside they saw row upon row of red books. His father pointed to a pile on a table. ‘They are new logs,’ he said. ‘Those who use this part of the library collect them as needed and add their completed log to the shelves. One day I hope I will have permission to read some of the tales but only the High Lord of the Sky can agree to that.’
He turned and smiled at them his eyes sparkling. ‘Enough of my ramblings my boys, you must be tired after your camping trip so to bed with you both. Tomorrow I must report to the Elven Council on my findings so you will have the library to yourselves. It is a pity I have so little to report. Who can say why the sword has suddenly appeared in that spot? I certainly could find no evidence of wizard involvement apart from one wayward wizard who allows his heart to rule his head,’ and as he closed the door he handed the light globe to Henry and hugged them both tightly as he walked with them up the library corridor.
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