Legend of the Stone

by Jenee Robinson

  Gabrielle rushes over to where I stand, just inside the door, wrapping me in her arms. Her body is shaking as she cries.

  Orion steps a little closer. “Alexa, I am glad Merina and Grey found you safely. Gabrielle and I are extremely sorry for keeping secrets from you. We did it out of love and thought it was in your best interest. Knowing what we do now, we were wrong.”

  Gabrielle grips my face in her hands. “Can you forgive us? If it would have been Merina, we would have done the same. You are our daughter, we only wished to protect you.”

  Once I am free of her grip she produces my necklace. “I have replaced the chain, may I put it on you?”

  I smile and nod at her and she places it back around my neck.

  Lance

  The moment I left her with Grey and Beck, it took every ounce of my self-control not to turn my horse around.

  What magic is this? I talked to her for mere minutes. How is this enough time to get my heart to fasten to her?

  Her blonde hair and sapphire blue eyes haunt me as I guide my horse over the rough terrain on the road back to the castle.

  What am I to tell the king? That the leads were false, she wasn’t the one he is searching for? I will have to make him believe the words I tell him upon my return. If he does not then I risk him finding out about her. I must keep my position close to him, until the time is right and we are ready to fight.

  I’m lost in my own head, thinking of what I will tell the king.

  “Captain, can you hear me?” Gavin’s voice stirs me from my thoughts.

  “Yes, what is it Gavin?”

  “I’m sorry Lance, I was just wondering which direction we are going now?”

  “Home, we have a ride ahead of us. Let us not delay. King Phillip will want my report as soon as we arrive. We will ride until dark and make camp, then we will return to the castle soon after dawn,” I advise him.

  “Yes, that plan is to my liking. My rear end is killing me from riding almost all day. I will welcome the rest.”

  We continue on in silence, and I focus on our surroundings, hoping the distraction will keep my mind busy.

  When the sun starts to set, I motion to the guys and call them over.

  “Let us find a prime location for camp. We will be home first thing.” They cheer as I finish speaking.

  The king sent us on a wild goose chase, following leads that he has been holding onto for months. We have spent weeks on horseback, going from town to town, knocking on countless doors. I never thought that we would stumble upon her, the rightful heir.

  My father told me the tales of King Arthur and his men many times before I was sent to bed. He kept hope that in his prime, he would ride with the heir and help take back the throne.

  When that time came and went, he made the decision to train me in his stead. In none of my wildest dreams did I see the day I would fight with the true royal, let alone fall head over heels for her instantly.

  I inspect the perimeter, looking for traps or people camping nearby. Only spying trees and some farmland I head back as the others tend to their duties. I assigned them tasks before we left so there was no confusion about who did what. This way it was done to my standards and we didn’t waste time doling out the responsibilities.

  Once I arrive back, Gavin and Tyler take the first watch, as Henri and I lie down for a rest.

  I awaken to Gavin shaking me, telling me it is my turn to take watch. In the fire light I notice my friend's eyes and how droopy they are; he is in need of rest.

  Instead of ignoring him, I roll over and off my makeshift bed. As soon as my boots are on the ground he takes my place. Stretching with one more yawn, I look at his face, noting that he is already sleeping, and I head to my position for watch.

  As I lazily walk back and forth, pacing really, I think of the words I will use to answer the king.

  No, my lord, the wrongful heir hasn’t been found.

  Do not worry, if there is an heir out there I will find him.

  I come up with dozens of things I might say, picking my words carefully, hopeful that my tongue will not slip and betray me.

  When I finally see a few rays of sun beginning to rise, I trek back to camp and help get the men and supplies together. In no time we are riding for the castle to deceive the king, and with luck heading to our homes.

  I do my best to focus on the country surrounding me, noting that the leaves are starting to change colors. We are rapidly approaching autumn. Once back home I will make time to see my parents and assure they are well set for the imminent winter.

  The men and I are all quiet and weary; life on the road is not one we are normally accustomed to. Henri is the youngest of us and this was his first mission. He is fresh out of Declan's training and teachings.

  Not unlike us, he knows the importance of keeping her safe. Her, I can't even bring myself to say her name. I want to have a word with the men before the king questions us, as we all need to have the same story. It was something I would have gone over before turning in for the night, but the tug to her sent confusion to my brain.

  Shaking away all the thoughts of her, I pull the reins of my horse, signalling to him to slow.

  Henri comes up on my left. "Is everything okay, Captain?"

  I nod yes as I slow to a canter, and Gavin and Tyler join us on my right side.

  "Men, we need to go over what we are to tell the king. Not only about Alexa but why Grey and Beck didn't return with us. If we are to stay in the king’s good graces, we can not have any gaps in our tale. I will tell him that in the last town we didn't uncover the heir he is looking for. That we went to the edge of his kingdom as he instructed and nothing was to be found. As for Beck and Grey, they ran into family on our travels, and they didn't want to be rude and decline the invitation to stay a little longer. I agreed they were to remain behind, but to return tomorrow." I scan the terrain and then continue, "Is that clear?"

  They all nod their heads and I ask them to repeat what I told him. Once I'm satisfied with their tales we urge the horses to go faster as the castle looms in the distance.

  This ride home was the longest I ever remember, and I breathe a sigh of relief to be so near my home. Gavin whistles as we near the gates. They are a wooden construction and swing outward as we close in.

  The grey brick walls that surrounds and protects the castle grows in height with each step of my horse. My heart rate increases as well, as I run over my story in my head, praying I do not get tongue tied when I speak.

  The gates close behind Tyler as he brings up the rear, and to my surprise Princess Warlow is running toward us, the four-year-old's eyes lit up and a smile on her lips. Even though her mother insists she wear a dress, it doesn't stop her from racing to us.

  My horse halts just short of the princess. I hop down on the left side to greet her, and I hand my the reins to Gavin. He takes them without a word and leads both our horses back to their stalls for some much deserved rest.

  As the little princess reaches me, I do not get any words out as she flings her arms around my neck, mere seconds before I could bow to her.

  "Lance, thank goodness you're back. Why have you been gone so long? I thought you had left us for good this time," she says.

  Carefully I pick her up, making sure that her dress stays in its place. "Well, Princess Warlow, I have missed you as well, but your father sent me on a mission. You needn't worry your little head, we will always come back for you." I smile.

  "Can we go play? Please, it's been ages and Mommy and Daddy are too busy to play," she asks, tugging on my neck harder.

  "I will have to see what your father has in store for me. If time allows, we will play. You know with winter coming soon, I have to check on my parents. I am sure that Gavin or Tyler will have time to play," I assure her.

  Queen Maya approaches dressed up as if she is attending a ball. Her blood red dress outshines the simple earth tones the villagers wear. Her brunette hair is set on top of her head, her crown glimmering in
the morning rays. She would be a beautiful woman, except for the permanent scowl that her face wears. I place Warlow on her own two feet as gently as I can and bow to the queen.

  Her glare says it all, then she speaks. "He will be unhappy you have come back empty handed. No less, two men short."

  I nod to her. "Yes, my queen. I best not keep him waiting."

  Her reply is a small nod. "Come, Warlow. We have some shopping to do."

  The four-year-old grips her mother’s hand and waves to me with the other.

  Once they are out of my sight, I make my way into the castle and head directly for the king's study.

  The two guards outside the doors confirm to me the king is inside.

  I nod to them as I grasp the handle and knock. I take a deep breath while I wait for him to answer.

  A muffled "enter" floats through the split between the two doors. I pull the door open and the king's honey brown eyes are on me. He smiles and stands, just a head shorter than me, meeting me halfway to shake my hand. His chestnut hair has more gray than when I left. He is wearing a simple tunic and trousers, but also his crown and rings. It is an odd look for him, not one he dons often.

  "Lance, I am glad for your safe return. With you being back so soon, that is either good news or no news. Come and sit and tell me all about your adventure."

  I do not argue, I sit directly in front of him, careful not to lose eye contact. "Your Majesty, I am sad to report that all your leads were dead ends. We have found no clues to who the person you were looking for is. We made it to the western most edge of the kingdom and found nothing. We have failed you. I take full responsibility for this, please do not take it out on my men."

  "No need to worry, I sent you because you are the best and most thorough. If you can not find them no one can. I want you and your men to get some rest. Take off the next couple days, and for the love of all things, please take Percy. He has been going stir crazy since he has been on guard duty for my family."

  "As you wish, I will fetch Percy and tell the men of their time off."

  "One more thing, where are Beck and Grey?" he raises a graying eyebrow at me.

  I swallow hard. "They ran into some of their family on our travels. I gave them the go ahead to stay back for the day. They will return to the kingdom tomorrow. It is not often we get out so far from the castle, and I didn't think you would mind," I tell him.

  "Next time, do not take it upon yourself to assume what I mind or not. I am not upset that they are visiting family, but all of you are to return at the same time. We need to stay a united front; you know that we have enemies and I do not want their spies to talk of my knights. Spreading rumors that they are fighting among themselves. You can see how they will perceive this?"

  I nod my head. "I am sorry, Sire. There will be no next time, everyone that leaves with me will arrive back with me. No exceptions, unless we have your permission."

  "That is all, enjoy some rest. We have new recruits I want you to train in the coming days," he tells me.

  "Yes, sir. Thank you for your time," I say as I stand.

  My steps are the only noise heard as I walk to the doors and let myself out. I close them behind me and make my way to the stables. The men will be happy to have time to tend to their families before returning to work.

  Her secret is safe for now. I pray we can keep it that way for a while.

  Trip To DeGore Farm

  Alexa

  I take a deep breath before I answer. I don’t want to lie to my mother, nor hurt her feelings. As if she can feel my tension, she drops her hands but doesn’t step away.

  “I do understand why you kept it from me, it will take me some time to get over the hurt and mistrust I feel. You guys are my family, nothing will change that. I just need a little time to ponder all of this.” I sigh.

  A smile fills Gabrielle’s face. “Anything you need, daughter.”

  Merina and Beck enter back into my line of sight. My sister has a bag slung over her shoulder and Orion raises an eyebrow at her.

  “Taking a trip somewhere, Merina?” Orion asks.

  “Yes,” I answer for her, “before Merina brought us back she was asking Grey about what house he was from and saying we need to find Lancelot’s descendant.”

  This time Gabrielle is the one to sigh. “Merina, you know the stories I told you about Merlin and Lancelot were just that? Right? Stories. How do we know that his heir will know anything?”

  Placing her hand on her hip, Merina glares at our Mom. “We will never know unless we ask him, will we mother?”

  With that sass, I retreat to my room to gather a few items. Grey is on my heels as I enter, and a blush warms my cheeks as I look around this wreck of a room. My bed is unmade and clothes litter the floor. I walk past all that and gather a few sets of clothing. I rummage around, wishing that my room was in order so I didn’t look like a fool in front of Grey.

  Grey is leisurely leaning on the door frame, watching my every move. When he notices that I am looking, his lips form a smile. Heat fills my cheeks again as I set back to my task. I finally dig out a bag and lift it to my nose and sniff; no sour smell comes from it so I start shoveling in my clothes.

  The last item I collect is the sword, which is still where Orion left it, propped next to my bed. I navigate my way, dodging items that are strung along my floor. Nearing my bed, I hear a snicker from the doorway, but I ignore Grey, knowing I look ridiculous making my way around this mess.

  As I grip the hilt, there’s a spark between it and my hand. I jump back a foot and swing my gaze to Grey. He has an eyebrow raised.

  “What was that?”

  “You tell me, you know more about all this stuff than I do,” I retort.

  He motions for me to try it again.

  “Hell no, you see what happens when I try. You come grab it.”

  He laughs again. “M’lady, I wouldn’t be a gentleman if I didn’t let you try again.”

  I give him the stink eye and try again. This time I anticipate the spark, and it isn’t hot like the last time. The spark continues and cools as my hand nears the hilt, tingles in my fingers, then flows through my body.

  Once it stops, my eyes meet Grey’s. He has a look of wonder on his face, then his smile returns.

  “What?” I ask.

  He shrugs his shoulders and holds out a hand for me. I place my free hand in his and lead him back into the living room.

  “I am ready, let us take our leave before I change my mind,” I say and look at Merina.

  She nods and hugs our parents and bids them goodbye. Merina and Beck step outside and Grey follows.

  Sadness fills me at the loss of his hand and at the thought of saying goodbye to the parents that took me in when I was just a scared little girl on the run for her life. Gabrielle’s eyes are brimming with tears as she wraps me in her arms. Orion covers us both in his embrace, and we are all silent for a few moments.

  When we break apart, Orion kisses my forehead. “Be safe, my daughter, we will be reunited again.”

  Gabrielle lets her tears flow. “You were born for greatness. Remember to follow your heart, it will not lead you astray. You may have not have been born to us, but you will always be our daughter. Now go, make us proud and be the leader and queen you were born to be.”

  For the first time in my life words are failing me. I have so much I want to say but no sound comes out.

  Gabrielle and Orion lead me to the door. “Go, daughter, you have many adventures and obstacles to overcome on your road to the throne. Know we will fight on your side when the time is right, and we are always here for you.”

  With those parting words, Gabrielle pushes me gently outside and right into the arms of Merina. She wraps them around me, and two more sets follow. I glance back to see a smile on my parents face as the fading begins.

  We land in a wooded area, with trees as far as I can see in each direction.

  “Where are we?” I ask my sister.

  “In the forest of
Mordrid, named after Arthur’s son. Beck told me that most of the knights and their families reside here.”

  Beck turns and beckons us. “Follow me.”

  Merina walks beside him. She is once again lit in an orange glow, as Grey and I follow in silence.

  The farther we walk, the droopier my eyelids get. It has been an eventful day with no rest.

  I risk a few glances at Grey; he has blue shadows under this eyes that I’m sure match mine. “How much longer until we arrive?”

  “We should be about to the DeGore house. Declan and Tiffany will have room for us. We will find Lance after we have all gotten some rest,” Beck replies.

  “DeGore, that’s another house of the original twelve knights that fought with King Arthur. How many of the families are still around?” I ask.

  Grey’s eyes meet mine. “All of them.”

  Surprise must have been written on my face because Grey chuckles.

  “And how many are loyal to the king?” I ask.

  In a serious tone, his reply is simply, “None.”

  I nod, and looking forward I watch as Beck’s and Merina's steps carry them closer with each one they take.

  “From a young age, each of the families tell their oldest son of their family history. That includes that the duty of protecting the rightful heir to the throne is theirs alone. Each has taken on that duty without question. Each son earns a position within the king’s guard carrying out the king’s wishes and hoping that one day the true heir will appear and take the throne. Ruling as fairly and justly as Arthur himself did. For generations our families have lain in wait for you. I am grateful to be the one from mine that will serve and stand by your side.”

  I am speechless. Pride was in his voice as he spoke. Worry overwhelms me; I know nothing about being a leader. What are they expecting from me? I am a butcher with some training with a sword. I am not the miracle they seek.