A Story in 26 parts - N

“NOW STAND STILL”
The voice of Merlin rang round the Hall.  Everybody froze.
“RETURN TO YOUR SEATS. NOW”
Merlin stood, his body shaking with anger.

“You asked me to conduct this court – and that’s what I will do.  As soon as anyone starts anything, my justice from now on will be swift and sure – and most probably Fatal.  Ernisto – you learned from me, as did Albert and Arthur – however even at your strongest you will never beat me in magic. Just don’t try.  I have lived more years than the standing stones of Stonehenge, and have seen more seasons than the Great Woods of Sartogos.”

“What I cannot explain is how one hooded person has become two – a skeleton and a dragon – both one and at the same time”

Rashmir raised her hand.

“Approach, Rashmir” said Merlin.

“Merlin and council.  I don’t believe that the issue is that the one body has become two – I have seen this happen many times before.  When the Spartanites first approached us they had a single form – it makes them seem less dangerous – but they can quickly split and become two.  Rolisa said her day began in Chaos – and I think she meant it.  Ernisto used the power of Chaos to absorb himself into Rolisa’s body – but the power of his magic quickly drained the body and left the skeleton that you see here.”

Ernisto sneered. “But there’s nothing you can do now…. I have drained her of everything.  She is now nothing.”

Merlin raised his hand – and all fell silent.

“I will make my first judgement now.  Rolisa – you have been caught up in something that you could not understand or comprehend.  Whilst Ernisto has drained you of some power I can feel that there is still enough left that I can work with.  Please stand in the centre of the hall.”

Rolisa walked carefully to the centre.  Suddenly a blue swirling mist drew round the skeleton, slowly engulfing it.  Then like a raised curtain it dropped to the ground – and she was gone.  All the Spartanites sat on the benches around the hall murmured (and one or two quietly clapped).

“What’s happened to her?” asked Aragog.

“She’s back with her family Aragog. She played no part in your crimes.  Ernisto however…. Ernisto, you have explained your part in all this.  I have now heard from Aragog and Ernisto.  I now need to hear from Arthur.  Arthur – stand up and explain yourself.”

Arthur rose to his feet.  He looked across at Aragog, and then slowly at Ernisto.   The two dragons by the side of Ernisto hissed, then withdrew to the benches behind.  The Spartanites moved up to let them sit down.
With a very slow, deliberate movement, Arthur drew his broadsword – and laid it upon the bench in front of him.

“We will not have more fighting in this court” said Merlin
“Aye Merlin” agreed Arthur “however my fighting master told me that whilst we work for peace we must be prepared for war.  Having seen what has happened here – even knowing the powers I have and you have – I do not trust the two dragons beside me.  With your permission, I will leave my sword here to recognise that I do not mean harm, but that I do not trust the peace of the court to remain.”

“These are warriors words” said Merlin “and I will acknowledge them.  Within the peace of this court – please recount your tale.”

Arthur cleared his throat – and his voice rang out as he started to tell his story…….