A Story in 26 parts - W

 “What in this green earth was that about?”   Rashmir’s voice carried clearly across the room.
“Dunno” replied Albert “but I hope that it doesn’t do that next time I take a bath…”

Rashmir walked to Bernice and kneeled down, turned her head to listen to her breath.  She did the same with Merlin.
“Merlin’s still breathing, but Bernice seems to be dead”

As they stood, a ghostly white apparition stood up from Bernice’s body.  Silently they watched as the white figure turned to a dark grey, stooped over – and the dark, hooded robe covered her face.  She turned and walked away with the same speed that the other Guardians had left.
“She’s become a Guardian – we were too late! Arthur’s killed her!”

Troy walked forwards to his brother.  “That’s mine” he said quickly and quietly picked up Albion. In the corner of his eye he saw one of the two Spartanites slowly drawing his sword.  With the speed of a panther Troy turned to look at the Spartanite – who was now standing peculiarly still, the hilt of a dagger sticking from his chest.  The other Spartanite turned – and Rashmir threw her dagger also.

“What is it about adventures that always require great swathes of people to die?  Why can’t I just have a quiet life?” Albert thought.

Troy laughed  “You, Albert, you have no idea who you are – do you?  You are the Elf King!”

“But hang on” replied Albert “how is that so? When did we vote? Did I get a vote?”

Troy turned to his companion “You revealed yourself when you stood up to Arthur – and use the elfin magic in your breath to finally separate Arthur from the wicked Optavo curse that was contained within Albion.  When you used the words the beam of light came from you and broke the links that were contained within that sword.  In the same way that I would have protected the Optavo, so the Optavo protected Albion – making Arthur dangerous.  If Arthur – or anyone in fact – had Albion AND the Optavo, it would have proved disastrous for everyone.”

“But what about Merlin? Is he dead?”

Troy looked down, then back at Albert.  “That my friend is for you to decide. The words are within you, as indeed they are for…“ he turned to look at his brother “..him.”

Albert stroked his beard and considered.  Arthur had been a loyal friend to him, but within the Hall something had changed – could he trust him.  He started to look within himself – and he heard Merlin’s voice…

“Albert – listen.  I know you have the power to bring me back to life; that is not my purpose now.  You need to bring back Arthur.  Between him and Troy you will have two brave warriors that will fight for your kingdom – and for good, even though it would seem against it.  You also have Rashmir – a wise and respected Queen of her own lands and between you there is wisdom, knowledge and compassion to make all the land a peaceful and well-ruled nation.  I need to be taken to my home – the caves by Llyn Dinasa – and the stone tablet rolled to cover the entrance.  The caves – as you know – are also home to the Red and White Dragons; I will stay with them until they are needed once more.  Send Arthur and Troy to do this – they will find rewards that will allow them to settle all their differences once and for all.  Do this for our Elf Kingdom”

Albert blinked whilst he thought about what he had heard.

“What’s wrong?” said Rashmir, as Albert slowly walked towards the resting body of Arthur, laying next to Merlin.

“Troy” said Albert “Give me your sword.  Give me Albion”….