“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”….

Very slowly Albert looked towards the hooded creature
“Who ARE you?  Where did you come from? Why do I .. ow! That hurts!”
“Careful – those darts are dangerous” replied the hooded man

“But why are they hovering like that – why haven’t they embedded into us” said Albert

“CONTROLLUS DESCENDUM”  Merlin’s voice commanded the Hall – and then quickly added “everyone, cover yourselves!”  The arrows then fell slowly to the floor like wooden snowflakes.

Merlin stood up.  “Albert – meet the Optavo guardians.  When I released Troy from the control of the Optavo, the Optavo automatically called for the souls of the bodies that it has claimed in the past.  The guardian with whom you are talking to … is Arthur and Troy’s father!”

Troy snuffled on the ground, then rolled to a sitting position.  “Father? Where?”
Merlin responded slowly “Troy – this is your father, Uther. Like you he too fell under the spell of the Optavo – when you descended to that dark place the Optavo found you and made its soul connection to you. I broke that link so you are no longer in its powers.  I believe that Sparta still holds the Pandora Box, which will contain the evil within the Optavo.  But Sparta must move quickly – with the guardians here now I know that the Optavo will call to them.”

“But can’t we stop them?” asked Troy

“Yes” said Arthur – and he turned towards the guardian “Father – who is the leader of this group?”

The Guardian drew back his hood.  The black shapes swirled into a vague, whispy head – but this was no solid thing “My son – you have grown; you and Troy.  I remember when I had to leave you in foster care with Merlin – who has taught you well in so many things; Merlin – you have my thanks. You ask me who the leader is; I kneel before you as that soul”

Arthur stroked his blue face. “I thought that would be the case, Guardian…” quickly and without warning Arthur swung the sword – not downwards but up, raising Albion above his head, but slicing through the Guardian as he did so.  The Guardian’s mists swirled before dispersing to the air.  The whispered cries could be heard as the other guardians also misted and disappeared

“Arthur – that was father – what have you done?!” cried Troy He stood with his hand on his sword again.  Merlin stepped between them.

“Stop Troy – Arthur just did as he was asked.  When you were boys I knew of the Optavo and knew that you – Troy – would become enchanted by the Optavo.  I also knew that your sword, Albion, would be your soul protector.  But if you were to fall to the Optavo you would not be able to protect your soul – so you needed a guardian… and the best person would be Arthur.  So we arranged the competition – and arranged that you would lose your sword to Arthur.  If Arthur had not had the sword at that point and taken your fathers soul you would have become a Guardian yourself – and would have become the leader; your knowledge would be far greater than that of your father.  It was only by chance that I managed to stop the arrow heads from hitting anyone – or they too would have become soul guardians…”

“… in that case, we may have a problem Merlin”  Everyone turned to see Bernice, stood there. “I seem to have not ducked in time – and look… “ she looked down as everyone else did, to see a single arrow embedded in her leg. 

“Merlin, do I have much time left?”

First night back… but not a huge turnout.  Anyway, the subject was knotting - and with some interesting challenges (congratulations to Gerry managing 160 turns of the skipping rope!)

The knots we challenged the Scouts to tie were:

- reef knot

- Clove hitch

- sheet bend

- Figure of 8 knot

- round turn and two half hitches.

We also taught many how to tie them, how to recognise them and what they were used for.

We also conducted an investiture - so congratulations.

(click the picture to see full size)

Okay you lucky people! 

Another badge challenge started this week - the Quartermasters badge!  Unlike other badges that I’ve run from here - this one will require you to do some work and spend some time as a Quartermaster.

The lessons (there will be 10) can be found under the page marked “Quartermaster badge” (it’s to the right!).  Each week (with a couple of breaks) I will post the lesson for the week.  We’ve planned it to tie up with the terms programme as well, so you will find stuff covered here that’s further explained on the night.

Good luck!

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

The Warrior stood with his back to the door, staring out from the castle walls.  There was a polite knock and a much smaller man entered.
“Troy– I have been looking everywhere for you.  It is time.  Let us go now”

Troy turned from window and reached for the thick belt, holding the broadsword.
“You won’t need that”

“You said that last time – remember?”  He continued to reach for the belt.
“But that was last time; you really need to move on from that”
“Merlin said he would come again – two hundred and twenty moon cycles would pass – and he would come again.  See – the moon is past for that time.” The belt, now fastened, hung from his waist.  Troy’s size was such that the broadsword looked like a normal sword against his leg.  Troy then reached for his helmet – it glistened in the sunlight

”Oh now come on – you don’t need that!  I’m not wearing mine!”
“Well, dear friend, it’s a good job that I’m looking out for you then!  Okay, you carry it for me” and with that Troy threw the metal helmet at his butler.  The small man caught it, but stumbled back against the wall.  Troy laughed heartily, before once again regaining a stony face.
“Now lets see what they want “
- - -

The Great Hall was fairly busy, with people bustling around clearing away the remnants of a hearty feast

“TROY!! GOOD OF YOU TO COME!  JOIN ME FRIEND”  The voice shouted across the length of the hall from the wooden throne at the end.
Troy walked steadily along the side of the hall – his eyes darting from one servant to another.  He’d been in traps that looked like this before – and knew that he would need his wits about him when he got halfway as he’d have to fight his way out – for himself and Janitor.  Janitor had stood by him for many seasons and had provided the clever words when the only way out seemed to be a fight.

But no one looked at Troy for long before returning to their own duties and he quickly covered the length of the Hall.
“You have a job for me.”  Troy’s words were measured and straight to the point.
“Yes – you are to be the new Elf King.  I have returned the kingdom to how it should be – but without a King this kingdom will fail.  My Rune Stones tell me that you should be the King at this time – so congratulations, the job’s yours”
“But Merlin, I’m not a king!  I’m a warrior – I’m not patient and calm, like… like Janitor!  He is clever with words and numbers – he can deal with advisers and other clever people!”
“Troy – you are right; Janitor would be the ideal person when words are needed. But you are practical and down to earth; your decisions are swift and just.  Janitor can be your aide – and temper those times when your quick wits need to be dulled”

“Okay – I’ll do it.  Janitor will be my aide, not my second I’ll not have that, but I do have one question – what about Arthur?  It’s been two hundred and twenty cycles now….”
“Yes Troy, Arthur is approaching this castle.  I am fully aware of your history – both your side and Arthur’s.  However, I think as brothers you need to meet – you need to settle your feud.  My Rune Stones show that you will meet and that the matter will be ended finally….”

With that Merlin stood up – and passed the Elf crown to Troy.  Troy held it in his giant hands.
“This will not fit – Janitor, store this crown safely to respect the head that once wore this crown.  My head will only be covered with my Helmet, the one that has protected me for years.  Should we need to fight I will wear my helmet, not a crown – but I can lead from the front and the Elvin people will know me.  But I hope that we will not need to fight again.  Now, let me try this throne for size – janitor, we need to arrange a feast with all the senior Elvin people… we’re going to need many bottles of mead….”

Troy sat down in the chair.  It was hard, but comfortable.  As he looked down the Hall he couldn’t help but think back to when he was learning his craft from Merlin with his brother…  Merlin saw Troy’s eyes drift and quickly and quietly withdrew from the Kingdom…

(For Troy’s background, read the comments…Frog)

(With thanks to Joshua for the inspiration for Troy, below)

“Supper?” Asked Albert “No thanks!”

“You sure? We’re actually quite peckish!” came the deep voice. Then Albert heard… “Demitrius? What are you doing” and then the click of light switch… and Albert found himself hanging upside down in what looked like a bedroom.

“Demetrius! What are you doing… what have you got there?”
“Nuffin mum, I found it in the garden! Can I keep it?”
“No you cannot – it’s disgusting… and dirty… and I’m not keeping it in this house. Besides, I have no idea what something like that would eat”

Albert then found himself being roughly held by the ankle and bounced along side a very big leg… then a door opening… and then Albert found himself flying through the area towards the OOF! Suddenly it all went very dark again.

.

“Albert… Albert! Wake up! Look Merlin, Albert’s coming round”
Albert opened one eye, then the next. He opened them slowly, a little scared of what he would see next, but also to make sure that he wasn’t dreaming.

“Bernice! Bring the water! Rashmir! Bring the pillow! Arthur! Bring Albert! Michael…. Michael you just stand there!” Merlin’s commanding voice came across clear and strong.
“Wake up Albert; it’s okay, you’re safe now… and you’re a hero!”

Still feeling groggy, Arthur slowly realised that he was sitting in a wooded clearing, the sun streaming down on the bluebells and grass that blanketed the ground between the trees. He slowly looked side to side (his head really hurt badly) and saw all his friends… and then he realised – the column of water in the middle of the Elf Kingdom had disappeared!

He slowly stood up, but fell down again, still feeling dizzy. His friends helped him to sit by a tree

“It’s all back to how it was!” cried Bernice happily “Merlin made it all go away – the Spartanites, the Aquanauts, the water – everything! I can go home now!”

“All back? How all back?” enquired Albert to Merlin. In the back of his mind, Albert was sure that something wasn’t wholly right.

Merlin smiled “Don’t worry – I’ve fixed it all. I’ve put everything into it’s proper place and order. The Spartanites and Aquanauts have returned to their home worlds – Rashmir and Arthur decided to wait until they knew that you were better before they also returned to their kingdoms. But you, my young charge, have a job to do. We all have an appointment – with the new Elf King….”

Last night of the term - and we went Bowling.  Suprisingly not 100% turnout, but unsurprisingly the Scouts with the lowest attendance record were there.  But hey, we did well on the turnout.

Ash won the competition overall, with David coming in second (although it was argued that because the side barriers were raised, David and Ivor had a definite assist - even if they didn’t use them… okay perhaps we did once or twice….)

“Right then you - tell me what’s happened” Merlin asked the Mouse.

The mouse looked quizzically at Merlin, then continued to nibble away.  David stirred in the background. “Where is everyone?” he asked.

The mouse smiled as it nibbled.  Merlin walked across to the court bench where he had been standing when the court was in session and picked up his Ash Stave.  Standing very tall, he banged the end of the stave on the ground three times.  The stone court, that had seen so firm and real, suddenly crumbled to ashes all round, and within a few moments the ground was back to the grass clearing that it had been.  The mouse started to run away… but it too felt itself changing…

Albert felt groggy.  “Why is it that I can never see anything through to the end?  Why does something always happen to me that causes me to miss the plot?”  He raised his head - no wonder he felt groggy - all he could see was things whooshing past him… like he was caught in a column of water!  “Oh no” he cried “I’m in the column of water that Merlin created! If he disperses the water, with me in it, then I’m doomed!!”

Merlin looked at the mouse, who was now twitching quite uncontrollably - lumps and bumps appearing and disappearing and moving under its fir.  “Ernisto - did you really think you could hide as a mouse?” and with that Merlin gently tapped the mouse - and it exploded into a dragon.  “That’s better” said Merlin “Now we can talk.  Tell me, what’s happened to Albert”

“Albert is safe for now - but we have him as a bargaining tool.  I have dispersed my troops back to their village - I need them no more.  What I need is for you to return things back to as they were.”

“Do you mean that?” asked Merlin

“Yes” said Ernisto “I had a good thing going with the Aquanauts and Spartanites until you and your ‘merry gang’ turned up.  Now I want my kingdom back”

Merlin rubbed the back of his neck.  “Now I can do that - but that will mean destroying trusts and friendships and oaths that I have made.  I will be ruined as a Druid”

Ernisto sneered. “No matter to me.  I have Albert, you do not.  You want him back - I can give him back.  Could you really put your promises against the life …. OF YOUR SON?!  Oh yes, I knew Merlin - I knew the truth.  All the lies that Albert was fostered to you by Morganna ElfQueen to raise as your son - yes I know she tricked you, beguiled you so many years ago…. and you yourself only found out when Albert reached his 307th birthday.  So - how clever are you now? What you gonna do?”

Merlin stopped to consider.  He’d had his doubts about who knew - and was glad that Albert’s friends were now unconcious or frozen - and so could not hear the conversation.  But could he trust Ernisto, who had been taught by Merlin but so thoroughly corrupted by Morganna to become the evil personified here and now.  He reckoned that he knew where Ernisto had put Albert - and that by adding another person to the column of water in the Elf Kingdom he wouldn’t have any time left.

“You want it back? As it was?” Merlin asked Ernisto.  Ernisto nodded.

“Then with a heavy heart, it shall be done.  Return Albert to me first”

“You must think I was born in the last century!” exclaimed Ernisto “Nu-hu. You do the work, I give you back Albert.”

Merlin turned.  He raised his hands, holding his ash stave in his right hand. He made three commandments in ancient language, pointed the stave towards the sun, then with a might never seen before struck the ground.  The Ash stave splintered as it hit the earth, the sky suddenly turned jet black and all became very, very still.

Merlin looked up… the black sky started to swirl, colour starting to return like a rainbow as it swirled faster and faster, becoming a funnel of energy that slowly drew to a point… over the column of water.  And then… the clouds touched the top of the water.  The air screamed as if two plates of metal were grinding together, the steam of the connection started to create a horizontal ring of smoke… and then finally, with a huge roar like the biggest wave crashing on the shore line, the energy from the connection pulsed out, knocking everyone over.  Everything went black.

A great weekend’s cycling!  Ash, Malcolmsorryalan (Alan), Ivor and Tintin (David) headed off to Alfriston, near Eastbourne, with Nandesh, Lewis, Matthew, Aaron, Devash, Joel and Kieran.  We got to the Services outside Brighton and picked up Robin, before continuing to Alfriston, arriving around 9pm.  We quickly set up our rooms and spent a little while going over the route with the Scouts.  Whilst the Scouts we still excited - the leaders had a frustrating night due to a school party in the next room.

 Next morning we had breakfast then set off.  The route took us up onto the Downs before heading down to the sea, then along and back to the centre.  The route was about 15miles - but it was hard work, with many of the Scouts having to push their bikes up the hills (due to a combination of small wheels, not many gears, knowlegde on how to use the gears or just not being strong enough).  It should be noted that one or two of the leaders also had a few problems.  During the cycle we also had a few punctures!

When we got back we invested Devash.  Ash had brought the 8th Harrow flag with him, so stuck it into his pannier.  Unfortunately he forgot that he had put the flag in his bag, and tried to get off his bicycle, but his leg got caught and he fell over!

After investing Devash, we returned to the hostel to cook the tea, repair the punctures and recover from the day! The school party was a lot quieter this night….

Sunday we got up and had a shorter cycle - whilst the hills still caused a few problems, generally the energy levels were a little higher (but then yesterday was a very tiring day!).  On returning to the hostel, we loaded the bikes and started to head home… via the Long Man of Wilmington - a huge chalk figure.

The drive home was very pleasant, and the boys were quite quiet in the back of the bus!

Why the Big Sausage weekend? We had hot dogs for supper on Friday; sausages for breakfast Saturday; sausage and mash for dinner Sunday and sausages again on Sunday!!

My thanks to the Scouts for their company - and to Ivor, Alan and Ash for organising the weekend.