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 Rexcalibur, the Magic Returns (Book Excerpt)by Mitzi Kleidon Buy from Xlibris Page 9 of 14 Above the kingdom, King Arthur, surrounded by his First Knights stared down upon Camelot. A glow lit up their faces, and smiles radiated from each one as they planned to finally show their promised sign. Raising his sword, Arthur brought to the deep, moonless night sky, a sparkling star. One by one, each Knight pointed their swords into the black night and star after star appeared. There, before the curious eyes of all below, a perfect circle of stars had been created by King Arthur and his First Knights. They took great pride in their work. It was a glorious sign. One which could not be doubted, questioned or ignored. Lancelot was the last to join in the unison of Knights and the stars they had left in the sky. As his sword reached the heavens, a star of blinding brilliance appeared within the circle. All were pleased as they anticipated the discovery of their creation. King Arthur glanced at his Knights in approval and whispered, "Soon, King Stefan shall gaze upon the circle and know the chosen one has arrived. With a swift motion of his hand, the First Knights melted once more into the heavens, the new Kingdom, they now called home. "King Stefan! Your Majesty, come quickly!" Startled from his thoughts, King Stefan rapidly rose from his throne. With a suspicious look, he asked sharply, "What is it boy? Has someone invaded my kingdom?" "No Your Majesty, a stranger approaches the gates. He comes upon a steed of white and rides quickly toward us! Please hurry!" Stefan rushed to his balcony with a hopeful heart. He ignored the dismal sight surrounding his kingdom, as he searched the gates for the approaching stranger. When his eyes caught sight of the stranger in his kingdom, he stared at the speeding horse. "Dear Stefan," a voice bellowed in his mind, "the time is near. You must make haste and greet this stranger." The urgency in the voice left no time for hesitation. Swinging around, he bolted out the door, and raced to the entrance of the castle. His robes billowed wildly behind him as his heart pounded like thunder, roaring within his ears. Inside he prayed silently for this to be the long awaited one. Throughout the great hall, the Knights heard the commotion and came running. "Sir James, what is happening? Sir Michael cried. Who approaches the castle and makes our King hurry so?" James shouted, "I do not know my Brother, but I feel he believes the chosen one has arrived. Now stay close! We must guard our King, as he is vulnerable, perhaps unable to protect himself from deceit and evil at this time!" As their heavy boots pounded upon the marble stairs, the castle echoed with their thunderous beat. Stefan strode aimlessly back and forth at the entrance to his castle. He clenched and unclenched his fists while darting impatient glances at the horse and rider. No fear entered his mind, only a sense of peace that the waiting had long last, come to an end. So preoccupied in his thoughts, he failed to hear the flurry of his Knights bounding across the marble floor and out to where he paced. Boldly, Rex rode over the wooden and stoned bridge to the massive gate. At the entrance he halted and listened as the chains were pulled and the gate rose with an offensive shriek. Slowly, he went through the decaying gates of the castle, to be met by a guard in rusted armor, but holding his ground proudly. Rex studied him intently. A round face, with alert gray eyes, peered suspiciously at Rex. His flattened nose flared at the nostrils while he studied Rex. When his eyes met Rex's he gave a short nod to proceed to the castle. Riding forward, he gazed at the crumbling walls and gray structure. More guards in rusted armor slumped wearily upon tired looking steeds. Other guards stood on foot, some so feeble, he thought never a battle could they pursue. Why do they let me pass? he wondered. How are they so certain I do not bring harm to this kingdom of theirs? The townspeople froze in their spots to stare in wonder at the lad entering their kingdom. Flickers of hope flashed in empty eyes, as they watched in silence. Despair dwells within this kingdom, he thought, slowing his horse and tentatively venturing forth. 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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