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 Rexcalibur, the Magic Returns (Book Excerpt)by Mitzi Kleidon Buy from Xlibris Page 14 of 14 In horror, everyone watched as wisps of fog gathered. Separating into threads of smoke, the scene unfolded before them. Bodiless arms gripped swords still dripping with blood. Severed heads lay tossed with open mouths. Eyes filled with torturous terror and pain stared, hollow and empty, as they had met death. Weak moans gathered, til it became a haunting song of horrific pain. Blood and gore lay in puddles around the battlefield of death. The fog once more assembled and covered the insufferable image. Then everything vanished. The stench of burning and decomposing flesh was all she left behind as an orange blaze swallowed them, returning serenity to the lake. Bewildered the Knights stared at each other. The scene set before them was too appalling for even the bravest of knights to witness. Rexcalibur wondered at the horrid scene thrust upon them. Slowly, the knights turned to their King. Rexcalibur gasped at what he saw. From the heavens, the light came as one brilliant ray to encircle Stefan. Every line of age was prominent on his face. His eyes glimmered with a light more golden than the swiftest of swords. For a moment, he illuminated a glow as a soul from time past. Quickly, like it was never there, it vanished. The knights rushed to their king's side unaware of who had seen the phenomenon. Rexcalibur stood apart from them bewildered by the sight. But he knew then, their nightmares had only begun. Bowing his head, he avoided eye contact with Stefan and the knights. "Stefan!" James shouted as he rushed to him. "Are you alright?" "Well, I must say I am just as shocked at the vision as everyone else, but I am fine. Why do you look so puzzled, James?" He asked at the strange look in the knight's eyes. The knights cast short looks at each other and knew their king had no knowledge of the light which circled him. "It's nothing," James murmured. Turning, he walked with his brothers back to their horses in quiet whispers. Queen Julia had clambered from her horse during the terror and hid her face in Stefan's chest. When James walked away, he gently moved her from him and faced his people. "I beg you, do not be frightened. The Knights are strong and fierce. They shall not let Camelot die." His gaze turned to the Knights and he felt a chill spread through his body. Shaking it aside, he said, "Now come, for a celebration we will have." He helped Julia unto her horse, then leapt upon his. Stefan wanted to return his people back to the protective walls of the Kingdom. The crowd made haste to the castle, not only because of the fear they felt, but also because never had they feasted or enjoyed merriment in their land. Even though there was still fear, along with it resided hope, living within the hearts of the Kingdom's subjects. Still, the vision they had seen lived in their minds and the stench of death clung to their nostrils. A part of them felt their Knights would conquer any evil brought before them. Yet, the other part feared their own demise. Mounting his horse, Rexcalibur joined the Knights for the return to the castle. Inside, he was still in wonder of all which had fallen before him. A Knight, he never dreamt he would be and the words of the King weighed heavily in his heart. Reining his horse in tightly until he trotted alongside of James, he wondered at all that had happened. "Rexcalibur? What is it which troubles our new Brother?" Sir James asked, darting glances at their new Brother. Rex looked at him with troubled eyes. "I am unsure of so much. I do not know what the future holds for me or Camelot. So many trust me to return the Orchid to bring the magic upon this land." Pausing a moment, he wondered if he would succeed in this mission. With a deep sigh, he asked, "How am I to do all which is asked of me? Sir James, I need so many answers." The sudden fluttering of wings caused Rexcalibur to glance up. A dove of pure white playfully flew above James, then settled on his shoulder. Amazed Rexcalibur asked, "Do you have a power with the birds?" James laughed. "All nature's creatures are my friends. For some unknown reason I may speak with them and they understand. I also understand what they say. I was never aware of this gift until I arrived in Camelot. Believe me, Rex, I was also amazed when I discovered this power." "That is a special magic to cherish. My powers are found in the sword and my love for all man and nature," Rexcalibur said. "That is also special magic Rexcalibur. In our lives so many wish for a single strength and we are blessed to have many." Curiously Rexcalibur watched the dove nudge James's cheek. Unable to control his amusement, he said, "I believe she loves you." James reached and stroked the bird's soft feathers, "You may be right my Brother, this dove is my favorite and my close companion." Rexcalibur's eyes clouded over with concern once more. James continued, "Back to our conversation, our King has waited long and showed much patience for this day. Faith filled his heart and he knew you would come. Only the truest of heart could free the sword and this you did. I know there is not a one of us who will forsake our King or our God. You must hold your own faith close. No longer are you the lad you once were. You are the chosen one and the long awaited savior of our Camelot." James lowered his voice to a mere whisper. "Now, we are one. Now the Table is complete." Rexcalibur answered sharply, "Sir James. So be it. My faith I will not let falter!" Buy from Xlibris Copyright© 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 Mitzi Kleidon, sffworld.com. All rights reserved. No part of this may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the author. |
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