Thread: In the Shadow of Camelot: A Femdom Arthurian Tale (Closed)

Arthur took the elaborately decorated square of cloth from her. The touch of her porcelain hand, so smooth and soft, so warm, sent energy crackling up his body. The young king braced himself holding back the urge to do the forbidden once more and claim those tantalizing lips. It is you, Your Highness, who has done me the greatest honor of any man alive. I shall return your favor to you, this I swear. If he did not, it would be because he had fallen. Thus it did him no harm to make the promise, and it might go a long way to earn herher what? She had given him her support, and her sisterly love. Yet he wanted more, though his mind shied away from what that more was. Good night, dear sister. Know that I will think of coming back to your smiling face as the greatest of victorys spoils. He stepped out into the hallway, pulling the door shut behind him. The young man let out a long breath. How the world had changed since he entered that door! It seemed to be changing a lot lately. He lifted her favor to inspect it, smiling slightly, and taking a deep breath. Lavender. Arthur turned and headed back towards his own royal chambers. A far more lonely thought that it had been before something that both troubled and enticed. Arthur stared at the map on the camp table. He and his war council stood under a pavilion in the deepening twilight. Marks of charcoal sticks indicated the deployment of the enemy around Leodegrances castle. Thus, my king, by attacking the assembled footmen here, we will prove our bravery and skill to the approbation of the enemy. The old knight who had finished speaking nodded firmly. Arthur looked at the mark that indicated the peasant levies. Pray tell, my lord, what armor do the footmen wear? The young king had been outfitted spectacularly. Merlin had provided a suit of knightly armor, plates of hard metal shaped and fitted exactly to Arthurs body, allowing him full movement despite being protective. Mail guarded him under that, and a thickly quilted gambeson beneath. The armor was simplely but elegantly designed with smooth, flowing lines, the burnished metal trimmed with polished brass, save for the rearing lions on each pauldron that were hammered gold. Much to Arthurs distaste. The man looked as though his king has just asked him it grass was green. Well, Your Majesty, it depends on the largess of their lord. Most will wear gambesons or hardened leather, though many will have nothing at all. Some few may have poorly made mail, but no more than that. Arthur looked down at his own armor, then up at the men around the table. So it would prove our bravery to fight men with little or no protection while wrapped in steel from head to toe and on horseback? He shook his head, My lords, to do such a thing is to turn a knight into a bully, and I will have it not. Besides, my quarrel is with the oathbreaker lords, not those who have no choice but to serve them. There was a light, haunting call and a great owl swooped under the pavilion. It circled the table as many of those assembled gasped, some warding themselves against the evil eye. The owl flew to the empty space at Arthurs right, then blurred and dissolved and a moment later, Merlin stood there. I have found them as you asked, Your Majesty. Some of the men drew back from the table as Merlin approached it and made a mark with one of the charcoal sticks. Here is where the knights and lords leading this force are encamped. Thank you, Merlin. The magician nodded, stepping back from the table, grinning a bit behind his beard at the reactions of those present. Arthur nodded, This is where our enemy is, and this is where we will do battle. He looked up, Begin preparations. We will ride among them at dawn. There was a stir among the older council members. One of them spoke up, Your Majesty, it is the custom of war to allow the enemy to gird himself. This smacks of dishonor. Arthur smiled ruefully, and others at the table now drew back, You speak your mind, my lord, and I thank you for it. But I say to you, these men are oathbreakers. They have brought our country to the brink of destruction for their pride and petty desires. I will not treat them as though they will not act with treachery, for that is all I have seen of them. He paused, then continued, Recall as well, that I am here to end this strife with as little bloodshed as possible. You all know, my lords, that these rulers would care not a whit if we paint the ground red with the blood of their infantry and archers. But once we start shedding noble bloodthey will come to heel. The High King stood up straight, setting his shoulders, This is the moment, gentlemen. This is the critical hour. Britain shall live or die by the actions of this dawn. We will show our valor and our wisdom in seeking out foes of our own measure. We will meet them, we will throw them down in the muck, and forgive them as they make themselves again our countrymen. He gestured, Go and let it begin. King Leodegrance was old but strong, with broad shoulders and a benign countenance, his head bald save for a monks tonsure of grey locks. He rose , having been kneeling before his king. Your Majesty, I confess that I am as confused to have your relief as I am glad of it. He shook his head. The old mans armor bore testimony to his participation in the siege of his home. I had thought you would take the course of wisdom and pursue lonely Orkeny to the north. ButI am well glad you chose the way of compassion, for I was afeared for my people and my daughter. Arthur clapped the man on the shoulder, Your Highness, the way of compassion is the way of wisdom, and only the brute believes otherwise. By saving you, I have added your force to mine, and that of surrendered Cornwall and Lyonesse, their lying rulers fallen and the new ones sworn fealty anew. He grinned, Thus King Lot will come upon Salisbury Plain to find an army five times his size awaiting him. More clever than brave, he will then submit, and no more blood need be shed. Leodegrances expression was as though hed just been hit on the head with a fish. Then his eyes lit up as he began to see how it fell together. By Godtruly, Your Majesty is meant to be High King. Arthur looked a big chagrined at that. Walk with me, my lord. The two men set out across the castles battlements, scarred by the recent siege. I know you are weary, Your Highness, but I must ask something of you. The old man nodded. Tonight we do not tarry here, but ride north. We now race to take Salisbury Plain before Orkney so he will find us waiting, defenses erected on the best ground. He paused. I would have you and yours among us. The old king nodded again, I shall select those who are able, Your Majesty, and we will go forth with you. Father, please do not! The voice made Arthur turn sweet, high, somehow perfectly feminine. Approaching them both was a girl, younger than he by several years, beginning to blossom into a glorious flower of womanhood. Her hair was like wheat in the late summer, and her eyes as blue as deep sea water, her face fair and achingly lovely. She wore a dress of shimmering golden cloth, her creamy skin seeming to be swathed in light. The girl came up to Leodegrance, The siege has just ended, and you have worn yourself badly in it. Should you go, I am afraid you will not return. My heart had just begun to conquer the fear of the attack, will you now place only fear of your falling on some distant plain in its place? The old king laid his hands on her slender shoulders, My Guinivere, I would only bring you joy. But the High King was asked, and I will go. The teenaged beauty, still only beginning to riped, looked over as if seeing Arthur for the first time. Oh! She blushed as red as the rising run, curtseying deeply. Your Majesty! Forgive me, my liege, I did not realize, I am distraught overmuch with all these events. I pray you, think not poorly of my fathers rearing of me, nor- Princess, peace, Arthut raised a hand and the girl quieted. He smiled. She was stunning, even now. Should she continue to develop as her dress hinted, she would be a rival for all the beauties of the land. Save one. His right hand fingered the blue handkerchief tied to his sword hilt. You do your father honor by showing concern, and you do all gathered here a great service by showing us such great beauty after the ugly business of this morning. The girls eyes were as wide as dinner plates, and her cheeks colored rosily. It was not often one was complimented so by the High King. Thank you, Your Majesty. Andthank you for saving us, I wish there were some small recompense I could offer for your gallantry. The king chuckled, You have done it, Your Highness, by lifting my heart with your compassion and your lovliness. She blushed brigher, curseying again. Now, I have need of your father, for his heart is true and his arm strong. But I say this to you, Princess Guinivere. I will return and bring your father back to you, this I swear. King Lot looked up, his hands wrapped around the naked blade of Arthurs sword. The king of far north Orkeny knelt before Arthur and his supporters and across the field his army did the same. My congratulations, Your Majesty. He rose, and behind him so did his men. You have won the greatest battle our island has known without a single blow. The best kind of victory, Your Highness. Arthur nodded, I have accepted your fealty and that of your men, but do not think that there is no weregild due for your actions, King Lot. The mans face darkened. Whatever you ask, I shall deliver. He was in no position to refuse and he knew it well. Your sons, Arthur answered. When they come of age to be squires proper, and begin the height of their training, you will send them to me. They will finish their training at my castle, and be knighted by me. Lot nodded slowly. You are wise, indeed, Your Majesty. Such a thing would steal away any resentment towards Arthur he managed to instill, making them firm supporters of the king. It shall be as you have commanded. There is one more service I ask of you. Arthur caught Merlins eye, the old magician nodding slightly. He cupped a hand beside her mouth and blew magic carrying the words Arthur would speak now to all the men in both armies. Take your weary and brave men home, King Lot, and carry with you tidings of love to my sister, your queen. He stepped past Lot, casting his gaze over all those assembled. Let all of us return to our homes, victors and countrymen united, to give love to those we have left behind and comfort them for the pangs of our absence. Morgana. How he longed to see her, to touch her, to hold her. It was a shame, yet it had driven him all this time. When he let his thoughts stray, they turned to her and that wonderful, forbidden kiss. His dreams were of her. His fingers sought her favor, running the silk through them. All here, Britons, let us go home and build our country together, never again to tear it apart. Let no man ever say that any man who came here was in the wrong, or was traitor. We leave here friends and allies, bound by kinship, by fellowship, and by this good, clean earth that is mother to us all. That night in camp, Arthur sat outside his tent, watching the dancing flames of the campfire. In the distance, men were singing, in many places, many songs, all melding together into a celebration of safety and relief more than victory. Well? Merlin stood by the fire, the ancient man who looked not old, turned his head to the young ruler. Good. But let me ask you, Arthur, having faced fire and steel, felt the roar of battle singing in your blood, what now do you desire? The young king touched Morganas favor, thinking of her. I desirehome, Merlin. And that I shall never go to war again. The spellweaver smiled, Then excellent I say, my lad. Well done, indeed. He turned back to the fire, And home we shall go. For now.