A Story in 26 Parts - U

Until that moment Janitor was sitting at the back, listening to the conversation between Troy and Merlin – remembering the same conversation that Merlin had already had with Troy’s father.  Janitor was just starting to think that last time a Spartanite appeared when suddenly there was that crash…

The Spartanite got off the back of the dragon.
“Thank you Ernisto – your village is once again yours as agreed”
“Much obliged” replied Ernisto “but try and cross me and the might of Merlin, the Aquanauts and any other friends you may call upon will not protect you”

And with that Ernisto unfurled his wings and flew away.

The Spartanite strode towards Troy.  “You – Elf king.  You have something that was taken from our lands many, many years ago.  You don’t now how to control it, or what it can really do.  I note that Merlin has once again visited to try and remove it – I suspect for his own ends. Now give me back my Optavo”

Troy laughed hard and loud “Who are you – what are you doing in MY kingdom and making demands.of MY time and MY devices?”

The Spartanite replied “My name is Sparta.  I spoke to the previous Elf king, and to your father before that, and to his father about the Optavo… yes Troy, I know who you are and your blood line, even if you don’t.  I see the confusion in your eyes…”

Troy stood.  “I’ve told Merlin and I’ve told you.  You cannot have the Optavo.  It is mine, and I will die before anyone takes it from me”

Sparta looked at Merlin.  “He’s looked at the Optavo.  It now controls him – like it controlled the last one.  This is why we had to kill the last one”

“… but I thought I’d killed the Elf King?!”  cried Albert as he walked through the doors of the Great Hall.
“Troy? Is that you?” Said Arthur.

“STAND BACK ARTHUR.  YOU STOLE ALBION FROM ME – YOU ARE JUST A THIEF. YOU HAVE COME FOR THE OPTAVO AS WELL – LIKE THIS THING HERE”

Troy drew his sword.  Sparta drew his sword – and on instinct Arthur drew his.  Albert just stood there.  He looked at Janitor (who looked back) and they drew their swords also.

Merlin stood in the centre between them all.

“Gentlemen – please put down your swords.  I don’t like sword fighting unless necessary – and right now it isn’t.  Troy – show willing, put yours down first.”  Slowly, the swords were lowered and sheathed again.  Merlin turned to Troy.

“There is a test I need to subject you to.  Answer me this riddle…. The sun should stand over the left, right or Third Stone for the Solar Equinox?”

Troy stood still.  Albert, Arthur, Janitor all looked at each other – what stone?

Troy’s eyes glassed over.  He spoke – but in a more whispy voice…. “the sun will not stand over the stone.  The sun will shine though the eye stone and cast it’s beam onto the Heel sto…”
Quick as a flash Merlin drew his golden sickle – and with a slice made a cut motion above Troy’s head.  Troy fell to the ground.  Janitor rushed to Troy’s side “Merlin – what have you done?”

Merlin replied  “I have cut the link between Troy and the Optavo.  He is now able to rationally give it up to whomever.  Sparta – why do you need it – what will you do with it?”
Sparta replied “My people have looked after the Optavo for centuries until a dragon stole it from our kingdom.  Adventurers stole it from him, and in turn it was passed from person to person – typically through the death of the owner.  We would want to secure it again to protect the kingdoms from this device.  It would be stored in the Pandora Box.”

Merlin stroked his beard.  “Janitor – whilst Troy rests, get the Optavo.  Put it in your helmet and bring it to Sparta.  Do not, whatever you do, look directly into the centre eye of the Optavo.  Whilst I could protect Troy I doubt I could protect you.” Janitor nodded. Merlin continued “Sparta, go with Janitor.  I trust that you will only take your Optavo – nothing else. Once you have that, take one of the horses and return to your lands.”

Sparta turned to ensure that all could hear.  “Merlin and everyone in this Great Hall.  When you first met us we had the Elf Kingdom in our control.  This was because of the Optavo – it had taken control of the kingdom and we needed to get it back.  Because of the control that it had taken we had needed to bring the Aquanauts with us.  That pact has now completed and the Aquanauts have returned to their kingdoms.  Once the Optavo is in my hands you have my word – as ruler of the Spartanites – that we will not attack again over this matter.  I recognise the sovreignity of the Elf Kingdom as not being under Spartanite control.  I wish you all gods speed.”

And with that Janitor and Sparta left the hall.

Arthur looked at his brother.  Troy looked so calm, so peaceful.  Would he remember the past – would he remember Albion?

Sparta.  Image by Joshua