Chapter Ten: Reminders

   A split second later I materialised outside Camelot’s thick walls. I looked up the road that led up to the gates. I saw a near caravan of carts. This must be one of the competing knights and his many servants. Some of them take the tournaments too seriously. Delrand then appeared by my side. I didn’t take any notice of him, I didn’t move. I sat watching the dust trail thicken and near.

   The caravan was near enough now for me to make out the banner of the knight. It was Sir Bernard; he was from Gaul and was one of the best champions there (though I had beaten him many times before). He drew level with us and noticed who I was.

   ‘Princess Elara. Nice to see you again.’ He bowed his head.

   ‘Sir Bernard. My pleasure. Welcome back.’ I bowed my head in return. I motioned for him to walk with me inside.

   ‘After you.’

   Once we were past the village parts he began the conversation again only less formal.

   ‘I heard you weren’t to compete this year?’

   ‘Unfortunately that is true. I still don’t know why my father won’t allow me to enter. He’ll need a bit of persuading before the day is out.’

   ‘Actually, I think you shouldn’t enter this year. It’s about time you gave the rest of us a chance to win the title, for once.’

   ‘You’re not the first to take sides with my father.’ Delrand, I added at the end.

   Not going to change. We’ve got company, he quickly added, before guiding Volareus off to my right somewhere.

   I looked up at the palace doors. My father stood there in his cloak, boots and covered in chain-mail. He had the knights around him. Not just my so called ‘brothers’, but all the knights that had turned up for this year’s championship. Most of them I recognised, but there was a few I guessed to be the few that only came now and again. Bernard and I rode apart. He went to give his horse to one of the stable servants. His caravan had gone around to the stores. Delrand and I went to tie up my horses by the water trough.

   Walking back over to the small crowd, the knights (my closest friends) parted the company to come and greet me. I was happy to see them all again. I ran the last few yards and we clumped into a huge huddle in the middle of the front courtyard. After a long lasting moment we split off and I looked at them all individually. They hadn’t changed much since I last saw them all, may be a little more matured and slightly taller but still the same as ever. I remembered what it felt like to be home, after a long time away.

   At the same time, we remembered about the rest of the people watching us.

   ‘Elara. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten me that easily.’

   ‘Father.’

   He came through the gap between Tristan and Bors. I leapt into his open arms and embraced him quite tightly. He kissed me on the cheek and let me go. I was smiling again.

   ‘You’re here early. We weren’t expecting you until after tomorrow.’

   ‘You’re forgetting that I am a sorceress now.’

   ‘And a very good one at that. Your majesty.’ Delrand walked up behind me. I bit the corner of my bottom lip.

   ‘Delrand, I hope she behaved well?’

   ‘Father!’ I knew he was joking, but he didn’t know the real situation.

   ‘Her very best.’ Delrand joined in the joke, which meant I was in the middle. I looked over at Lancelot. He saw me and I smiled solemnly at him. He smiled back. Good, that meant he knew I was still up to talking to him.

   ‘Hey, Elara. I bet you need some practice in the sword after your time away,’ interrupted Gawain.

   I was confused at what he had just said and looked at my father for an explanation. He saw my confusion and spoke up. ‘Gawain, Elara’s not entering this year.’

   ‘Oh. That’ll give the rest of us a chance to steal the title.’ That was the second knight to have said that. Well, at least it will give them something else to aspire to, other than me.

   ‘I’ll talk to you all later. I need to get our guests sorted out inside.’ My father walked back to the other knights; who looked as if they had heard the first good news since setting out for Camelot. They will be in for a surprise when I show them it takes a lot of charm to undermine me. They also had Delrand to compete with, and there’s no way I would leave him for someone else.

   ‘Haven’t you all got to be somewhere?’ I asked the knights openly while still watching my father walk off inside.

   ‘Where?’

   ‘Practice. I mean some of them look a lot stronger than last year. You’re going to be stuck if you don’t practice tactics.’

   ‘If you were here recently, you would have seen us practice all day, every day for the past month or two… or three.’

   ‘Then good luck.’

   I gave them each one last hug before they went inside. Lancelot stayed behind to walk with me.

   ‘I read your letter. I’m not going to persuade you to change your mind, but I also need to talk to you later,’ he said without hesitation.

   ‘I’m glad you said that. I am sorry.’

   ‘So who is it?’

   I was just about to explain but Delrand beat me. ‘Me. And I love her with all my heart. But I do feel guilty from having her chose me over you, Lancelot,’ Delrand briefly filled in on my behalf.

   I watched them both very closely. Lancelot saw my eyes flicker between him and Delrand. ‘I’m not going to hate him for it, Elara. I’m not like that; you should know me by now.’

   ‘I just don’t want to have to pick one over the other. I want it all said now before it gets out of control.’

   He sighed almost disbelievingly. ‘And I’m not going to make you decide anything. I hope Delrand will do the same.’

   I turned to Delrand. ‘I wouldn’t consider it. Lancelot, we’ll be telling Arthur tonight, so please don’t say anything.’

   ‘I’ve kept it a secret from him for this long.’

   ‘Lancelot.’ We all turned to Tristan, who had just walked over.

   ‘What?’

   ‘Arthur wants us all in the Main Hall now, and you, Elara.’

   ‘We’re on our way,’ I replied. I gave Lancelot one last smile and hug and Delrand and I followed him into the hall.

   Inside, the knights were all in a semi-circle around the throne. I went to stand next to Tristan at the end of the left side. My father addressed us all and talked us through the boring parts of the tournament. Then, as I had expected, the subject focused onto me.

   ‘As you all know, my daughter will not be part of the tournament. I hope I’ve made that clear to you, Elara.’

   They all turned to face me.

   ‘Not quite as clear as it could be.’ I was going to object for as long as I could; though that was made difficult by the fact that my father had almost all the knights (including Merlin and Delrand) on his side. ‘I don’t see why I can’t compete. I’m not going to cheat or anything now I’ve learnt magic.’ I had forgotten that those present didn’t know, but I wasn’t bothered about what they thought.

   ‘It’s not based on that.’

   Elara, can’t you just accept the fact that he’s not allowing you to fight? Delrand kindly asked.

   No, I’m not going to let him give them the chance they need to win me just because I’m now of age to marry.

   Even though we’re telling him tonight, he reminded me.

   Even that won’t change my mind.

   I could feel the chuckles inside his mind. You are very persistent sometimes, when you set your mind to it.

   There’s a lot more to me than that. Do you want me to accept it?

   I do very much. I won’t let you be fought over by these undeserving...

   Don’t be mean, I interrupted him; as I slowly made my way over to stand nearer to him by one of the pillars.

   All the time while Delrand and I were talking secretly, the knights had been given their time to wonder around where they liked, as long as it was outside. They stood in small groups discussing problems and tactics with their fellow countrymen (most of them served under kings of other countries, but came to bring some honour by trying to defeat us in Albion).

   ‘Elara, what were you two and Lancelot discussing before?’ asked Tristan, who had now made his way over to me.

   ‘Nothing. It was nothing.’

   ‘You can tell me.’

   ‘It’s nothing for you to get involved with, Tristan, or I would have told you when you turned up.’

   I noticed that now and again some of the knights would look over their shoulders at me. I knew what they were all thinking; there were a few possible things but one stood out stronger than the rest.

   Can we go somewhere else please? I asked Delrand.

   Anywhere, as long as we are together.

   I wasn’t expecting that. I turned my head and stared at him surprised. He smiled and I smiled back. He secretly took my hand and half-pulled me through the nearest door.

   Wait a minute, I said as the door closed automatically behind us. He stopped. Before you take me off somewhere, I want to find Beth.

   Now? he said as he gently caressed me in his arms. What he intended didn’t happen. I pulled his arms from around me and placed them by his sides. I quickly kissed him on the cheek before sprinting off down the corridor, up about five flights of stairs towards my quarters.

   As soon as I saw the door that led into my corridor (I personally owned a few rooms in the fortress), I slowed down to a stop. Pushing the door open and peeking through the crack, I saw the corridor inside was clear. I pushed the door completely open and walked quietly through. A door creaked open on the right wall and Beth walked through carrying a pile of washing.

   ‘Beth,’ I simply said, though it was enough to make her jump. The pile of clothes fell to the floor in a heap as she gasped. She turned to face me and looked as if she had seen a ghost. I smiled widely at her and, after realising who I was, ran over to give me a friendly, breath-taking embrace.

   ‘Elara! When did you get here?’ She was overwhelmed with excitement and surprise.

   ‘I arrived earlier today. I’m so glad to be back. Did you miss me?’

   ‘Only every day. Huh.’ She immediately let go, she looked shocked and was staring at the door behind me.

   I looked round, only to see Delrand standing there. I had totally forgotten about him. I laughed, grabbed his hand and pulled him closer. ‘Beth, it’s okay. This is Delrand, he’s my mentor. No need to be frightened. Delrand, this is Beth, my servant and best friend.’

   Beth still didn’t seem convinced, but at least her expression had changed. She looked angry now rather than scared. I didn’t see any problem with Delrand being here with me.

   ‘What’s up with her?’ Delrand asked, he looked bewildered.

   ‘I don’t know. Beth?’

   ‘What’s he doing here?’ She sounded very accusing.

   ‘That will take a little while to explain. But I’ve got time. Let me brief it down. To start with, Delrand and I are in love and he won’t let me out of his sight during the day. There, that about sums it up.’

   ‘What about Lancelot? Surely you’re not going to...’

   ‘He knows,’ I interrupted her assuming. ‘Please don’t tell anyone.’

   ‘Not a soul. You shouldn’t have let me know in the first place.’ She giggled, but we both knew she was a great friend.

   ‘Sorry, that was my fault,’ admitted Delrand. ‘I shouldn’t have come up here.’

   ‘You would have anyway, even if I told you not to.’

   He shrugged his shoulders. Beth walked back over to the untidy heap of fresh laundry and continued on with what she was doing before I shocked her.

   Well, now what are we going to do? Delrand asked me.

   Whatever you wanted to do before I came running up here.

   Without even a sign he placed his hands under my jaw bone and kissed me. I was overwhelmed by his swiftness that I didn’t have time to return it before he removed his lips from mine. It wasn’t what you would call sweet or romantic but it meant something bad because his lips felt tense. Bad for whom (him or me) I couldn’t tell, all I knew was that it wasn’t good.

   I think we should go and tell your father now.

   No, I wanted to tell him at night. It seems more appropriate. And he’ll be busier now than later. Can’t you wait? What’s with the rush?

   He caressed me even more. I want to get it out of the way. I’m afraid you’ll chicken out if we wait. It gives you more time to think about it.

   He’ll be in his study, I said reluctantly and half-heartedly. I knew he wouldn’t let me put it off for any longer. The fact was that I was afraid that my father would disapprove or worse banish Delrand from ever seeing me again; being king gives him power over everyone’s decisions, even mine (if he decided to ever do that). I let Delrand lead me back the way we had just come. How he knew where to go was beyond me, but we successfully ended up outside my father’s study.

   Ready?

   No, but I suppose there’s no turning back now.

   He smiled lightly and knocked on the door.

   ‘Come in,’ I heard my father’s voice from inside.

   Delrand, in response, opened the door for me while still managing to stay out of sight.

   ‘Father, there’s something I need to tell you.’ I sounded so worried and slightly embarrassed as I walked into the warm room.

   ‘Yes? Go ahead, I’m listening.’

   Do you want me to come in or stay out of it? Delrand offered.

   I’d rather have you in here.

   ‘Elara, you know I’ll listen to anything you have problems with. Has it got something to do with you not being in the championships?’

   I realised I had remained silent while speaking to Delrand. ‘It’s related to it. But no, it’s something else.’

   Delrand walked in then, behind me and my father narrowed his eyes in suspicion, though I doubted he knew the real reason why Delrand had to be there.

   ‘Your majesty,’ he said in respect and bowed his head.

   ‘Delrand, what has this got to do with you?’ Clearly my father didn’t trust Delrand very much, probably because it was him who took me away.

   ‘Father, he needs to be here, it involves him.’ I turned around to Delrand with pleading in my eyes. ‘Tell him, I don’t think I can.’

   ‘What’s going on?’ My father sounded angry that I wasn’t telling him straight off.

   I realised I was biting my lip again; it was an automatic response to when I worry. Delrand and I looked at each other for comfort, but I thought I had best blurt it out for time’s sake. ‘I love Delrand and he loves me.’ I stopped there and waited for whatever was brewing inside my father’s mind. I had my eyes shut tight.

   ‘That’s not just it,’ Delrand added. ‘I’m not allowing her out of my sight no matter what may come in between.’ That seemed the totally wrong thing to say in these circumstances.

   ‘Delrand, would you please wait outside,’ my father spoke monotoned and stood up to lean on his desk. Delrand walked out quietly. Now I was seriously worried. ‘Elara, are you sure there’s nothing I can say or do to make you marry or love someone else?’

   ‘Positive. He’s really serious about it and so am I. I love him, father.’ I shook with the nervousness in my voice. I had never been this nervous before in my life. ‘I need him. Please don’t make me break it.’

   ‘I was never considering forcing you into a relationship. As long as you know he’s right for you and you’re happy being with him, I won’t interfere.’ He said the totally opposite to what I was expecting him to say. A tear fell from the corner of my eye. He walked over to me and hugged me as he used to when I was much younger. ‘No need to cry. You should know that I always want you to be happy. You’re my daughter and my only heir. Why do you think I’ve been easy going with you for all these years? I wasn’t going to ever make your choices for you.’

   ‘Thank you.’ I hugged him back and headed for the door.

   ‘Elara?’

   ‘Yes.’

   Smiling softly, he picked up his paperwork and spoke again. ‘He’s very lucky to have you. Don’t let it go to waste.’

   ‘I won’t.’ I smiled and walked outside.

   Delrand was waiting there, leant against the wall. He stood up straight when I shut the door behind me. The nervousness in his stance stood out quite more than he might have liked.

   What did he say?

   Come with me first, and then I’ll tell you.

   It’s not good is it?

   Come with me first, I repeated. I took him into one of the many small rooms that Camelot held. Once inside he held me as he had done many times before.

   ‘Elara, what did he say? Can you still be with me?’

   ‘He’s leaving it up to me to choose who I spend the rest of my life with. He won’t interfere.’

   He didn’t have anything to say to that. His mouth opened and closed a couple of times and then he was motionless.

   ‘Don’t be so shocked. I was expecting exactly the same thing as you.’ To stop him from saying something that’ll change the atmosphere, I moved my hands around his neck and kissed him with all I could manage to keep it going.

   He responded with moving his lips in motion to mine. I knew he was convinced that I had told him the truth. After all, I could and would never lie to him. It felt exactly like our first kiss, long-lasting only that I knew we could last longer than that time. I was more aware of things around me, such as time and what he was doing to me. He stroked my hair with one hand while the other stayed still on the small of my back. We parted at the same time, but still kept a hold on the other. I laid my head on his shoulder and listened closely to his breathing. It was so silent that I could just about hear it if I concentrated hard enough.

   Another minute or two passed, until he broke the silence. ‘Will you come with me somewhere tomorrow night?’

   ‘Is it far?’

   ‘No, very close by,’ he replied softly.

   ‘Then yes.’

   ‘Thank you. You’ve had me with you in your places, now it’s my turn.’

*****

   It was about midday, the sun’s rays fell through the high windows in the hall. It was warm and comforting on my skin. Delrand had asked if he could take the chance to see me against the knights. I thought it best to agree; I needed the practice anyway, to keep up my physical strength alongside my mental strength. I knew the knights would be in the miniature arenas, they never really stopped duelling.

   Rounding the corner and on hearing the clashing of metal, I remembered what it felt like to have an adrenaline rush. I remembered back to the last time I held my sword (or not held); back to when I fought Lancelot during my lesson, which also reminded me of something else I had suspended while I was away. Did I really have so much to do here? I couldn’t recall ever feeling too busy or having a tight schedule. Now it seemed like I had no time to spare. Then again, I’ll be bored when the tournament starts tomorrow, I’ll have nothing to do but watch.

   On seeing the knights clad in their armour and swords held in their hands, I remembered where my blade was; on Rose’s saddle. Was it a bright idea to use magic in front of them? What harm could it do? None. I concentrated on the blade and imagined it to change location to around my waist. They wouldn’t see it appear there. A sudden weight came to my side.

   ‘Gawain, want to duel?’ I called over to him.

   ‘Sure.’

   We walked into the centre of the space between us, stopped a few paces apart and waited. I waited for him to move. He seemed to wait for me to strike. We stared each other in the eyes, who would be the first to break? I was more patient than he was, so it was obvious he’d crack before me.

   And so he did; he lunged at me, I easily parried the blade away. I struck at his head but was shocked as he spun around and blocked my attack. He was so strong, stronger than he had been, ever before. We held our ground, pushing as hard as we could to try and unbalance the other. I could feel my arm grow weaker with time and thought to give in.

   I slid my sword off his while stepping back. I wondered how much he had trained over the months I was gone. All of them must now be twice as muscular as they were earlier last year. At least we’ll be in for a chance of winning the title. No matter how many times I had won in the previous years, I always allowed them to know that it wasn’t just for me; it was also for the reputation of Albion. We were just too close for being arrogant towards one another (except maybe Gawain and Bors, but I was used to them).

   I knew it was still possible for me to defeat Gawain; all it took was careful planning and judgement. I thought about any weaknesses I could remember him having before we started parrying again. I got tired quickly but stopped my body from letting me down; I gritted my teeth against the impulse to stop. I wasn’t going to start letting him beat me.

   Finally, he made a mistake of letting down his guard; I took advantage of it while I could. Pushing his sword aside while taking his sword-arm, I spun around and disarmed him. He stumbled back, but stayed on his feet. I smiled wryly and held his sword by the pommel for him to recollect.

   ‘You’ll never beat me, Gawain,’ I said as he sheathed his sword.

   ‘Maybe one day.’

   ‘That remains to be proven.’

   ‘Ha-ha.’ He walked back over to the others, who had stood under the shade of the open porch. I was hot, tired and sticky and wanted a much needed bath. Delrand had moved from where I had left him; he now stood at the sidelines. ‘Now do you believe me?’

   ‘After seeing that, yes. Do you always fight like that?’

   I swivelled my blade confidently around in the air. ‘That’s how I learnt.’

   ‘No, I meant you and them.’

   ‘Yes. Why?’

   ‘Just wondering,’ he said defensively. ‘What about the others?’

   ‘What about them?’ I looked over at the knights; they were just watching me in return.

   ‘Aren’t you going to fight the rest?’

   ‘It is very tiring when you duel. Didn’t you notice that I was shaking with exhaustion near the end?’

   ‘Yes, but I suspected it was to make him think he could win.’

   ‘Nope, it was real. He’s gotten stronger. I used to be able to beat Gawain without even reaching the point when I need to breathe hard.’

   ‘You can’t expect them not to get stronger with time. Or it’s because you’ve become weaker,’ he joked.

   I scowled at him darkly, but he knew I didn’t mean it. Let’s go, I said.

   Where?

   To find the other knights. It’s a duty for me to see that they’re alright, or to find out any news about their countries, and so on.

   Lead the way.

   I walked off and he followed close behind. It’ll be very boring for you.

   I think I can put up with it. He winked at me cheekily as we made our way back inside. Where you go, I go.

   Even though I wouldn’t, I began. But I can order you to leave me alone.

   Would you really do that to me?

   I widened my eyes, almost shocked. How could I. It’s impossible for me to imagine how I’d feel if I didn’t see you every day.

   I feel the same way about you. Where will these knights be?

   Either inside or on the arena grounds. Most of them would rather wait around until the actual day the championship starts.

   As I usually was right, they were there; most of them anyway. I spotted Sir Bernard conversing in one of the huddles near the door. In earshot range I heard them speaking in Gaul. I understood little Gaul, so I had to make my presence known. ‘Bonjour, monsieurs.’

   They turned around to see me with my arms folded. Knowing the Gauls as I did, I knew what to expect from them next. They bowed in unison and rather low. To be perfectly honest with myself, it was quite flattering. I could feel my cheeks flush pale pink and I rolled my eyes. However, this was nothing compared to what the Spanish did.

   ‘Bonjour, your highness. How may we help you?’

   ‘I’m just here to see if there’s anything I need to know to relay to my father. Any news from François?’

   ‘Non, everything is going fine back home. Our...’ Sir Bernard was interrupted by the slamming of one of the oak doors. I turned around with an outraged face on, only to be replaced quite suddenly by a face of fright and shock.

   Stood in the huge doorway was the one knight I despised in all this world. He wore chain-mail under a long vest of black cotton. His hair was sleek and combed back; he walked with a demanding presence. This knight was from Norway, the North Country, though he had no Norwegian accent to his voice, you could have guessed he was from Albion.

   The Black Knight, as he was well known as, had never lost a championship that he entered; until the day he came here. The match between him and me was the longest I had ever fought. Neither could get through the other’s defences. It lasted almost the whole morning since we began. Thankfully I beat him, but only just if it weren’t for my good looks he would have defeated me.

   Ever since I had always beaten him, until last year when he over-powered me. I vowed he would regret the day he first walked through those doors. That vow was only diminished thanks to my father’s interference with my right to enter this year. Now I only had my knights to defend my promise to him.

   ‘Sir Coban,’ I said harshly.

   ‘My lady.’ I raised my head high to show him I wasn’t going to back down. ‘So I see you wish to still keep the challenge you mentioned from last year.’

   ‘Unfortunately, I cannot fight you this year.’

   ‘That is unfortunate. I’ll want to see your face after I win again this year, if that is the case.’

   My hands dropped to become fists by my sides. ‘Don’t be too sure of yourself, Coban. I still have friends, who can take up the challenge for me,’ I reassured him.

   ‘And how are they doing?’

   ‘Fine.’ I clenched my teeth behind my lips, my jaw tightened up. Delrand, say something that will allow me to get away from him.

   As you wish. ‘Excuse me, Sir, but we need to go. Arthur wanted a word about the tournament standings.’

   ‘Certainly. See you tomorrow, your highness.’ Coban added a short hiss on the last word.

   ‘Thank you. Was that all you could come up with?’ I asked Delrand once we were walking through the same corridor we had walked through about three times already today.

   ‘Well, you didn’t give me much time to think of anything else.’

   ‘At least he fell for it. He isn’t very good at telling lies from the truth.’

   ‘And who is he? Hmm,’ Delrand probed.

   ‘Sir Coban. Or the Black Knight.’ And I told him the story between Coban and me. He listened intently and remained quiet in thought when I had finished.

   ‘Seems like a brute to me. He wishes he could marry you, by the way.’

   ‘What?’ I spluttered. ‘How...?’

   ‘I read his mind; it’s easy to do with someone who hasn’t learnt how to block their minds properly.’