The figure turned round , it was Merlin , with his pointed hat shining in the light ” Troy! ” exclaimed Merlin ” I have come for the Optavo! ”
” No! ” Bellowed Troy ” you can’t have it! ”
” you don’t know how dangerous it is! ” Exclaimed Merlin
” Well I’m keeping it and you can’t stop me! ” Answered Troy

Merlin vanished and then reapeared infront of troy , knocking over a nearby mirror and making it smash on the floor. ” you don’t know how powerful the optavo is you need to give it to me or destroy it! ” Merlin was now shaking with fear as though he was face to face with a dragon. ” I shall not give you the optavo , I shall keep it for my own good, and that is it ! ” Exclaimed Troy making every syllable rebound off the halls walls.
” It will possess you!? ”
” Possess me? ” said Troy ” what trick are you pulling on me? ”
” No trick! ” said Merlin ” just your selfish stupidity!! ”
” SELFISH STUPIDITY!!!!!!!!!! ” Boomed troy ” ARE YOU SAYING I DON’T KNOW WHAT THE OPTAVO HAS DONE TO PEOPLE!, PEOPLE LIKE MY FATHER!!!!!!!!! ”
” your father was as stupid as you when I told him to give me the optavo and guess what happened? it possessed him and
eventually killed him! , I would of thought that his son had more sense! ” Just then the ground started to shake , then the hall roof started to cave in and there before them was a mighty red dragon being ridden by a Spartinite…………….

PS: ( thanks for putting my picture on the blog David )

The two young combatants fought hard, watched as they expertly side stepped sword swings by their Tutor. Merlin had been surprised and impressed at how these two Titans under his charge had taken to sword skills – their strength already way up on any of the other pupils who were now laying around the hall, holding their own broken swords and damaged shields. Merlin was glad that these two at least had enough sense not give 100% in their battles with the others – but together… Merlin could see that they were defining who was the better man.

“Rest”. Troy and Arthur stopped, stood back and bowed to each other. They turned and bowed low to Merlin, who responded by nodding his head. Formalities concluded, the two young warriors faces broke into broad smiles
“I totally beat you that time”
“I wasn’t trying – next time, you will feel my wrath”
“Oh really – am I going to get a cold, or are you bringing friends?!”

“Stop you two! You could still be beaten. Troy – sword up”

Troy turned to face Merlin. His face lost all expression as he drew his sword. As soon as the sword had been raised, Merlin stepped forwards – and in a few lightening quick moves Troy found himself on the ground… his sword now sticking out of his own shield.
“Your attack plan is too standard. Your size means that you can’t move lightly – you are too easy. Arthur – your turn.”

Arthur raised his sword. For his size he was much quicker on his feet and was able to turn and twist for a few minutes longer than Troy… until he too found himself on his back.
“Like your brother, you learn well. Like your brother your attack plan is too standard – and like your brother you change when it’s pointed out. However, like your brother your size is your enemy. Because of your size I have greater leverage when I know how to apply it. You are both expert swordsmen and there are few who can beat you – but you need to learn to think light and small.
“Everyone on your feet. This weekend we will have a competition against Modred’s School. As well as spell craft and Ogham tree learning we will also have a demonstration of strength. Troy and Arthur – you will represent us”
- - -

The weekend of the competition arrived. Troy was standing in the circle against his opponent from Modred’s school. Troy noticed that Arthur had been reading a book for much of the week. As Troy raised his sword, he noticed Arthur wave his hand – and suddenly Troy felt very, very heavy, like stone. On quicksand. He felt himself slowly sinking into the earth – he saw all the pupils standing, pointing, shouting. He saw Arthur standing – but he wasn’t helping – he was smiling? As the last piece of sand covered Troy’s eyes he saw Arthur picking up Troy’s sword, Albion…
- - -

Troy then found himself in an underworld. He learned to fight, learned to survive. The lessons that he had received from Merlin had served him well and he quickly became the most feared and respected man in the underworld – until he saw a light radiating down stone steps – and a small man pointing at him, beckoning him to ascend the stairs.
“Are you the Warrior called Troy?” Asked the man.
Troy nodded.
“My name is Janitor – I’ve been sent by Merlin to get you. It is now time”
“Time for what?”
“Time for your return. Time for reconciliation”
“I will not reconcile my past. My past is dead to me now – my only bond is my name; Troy”
“That’s what Merlin said you’d say. He also told me to tell you that Albion is coming home, Troy”.