Arthur’s Quests

Prologue

It was during the gap between the first and second ages of Camelot, that shining beacon of Albion, based in Glastonbury Tor, in Cornwall, that Arthur came to make his quest into the mists and assault the city of Arcadia…

By this time, my liege was a bitter, cynical man, who had expended much of his youthful strength in banishing the Queen’s Champion’s name for all eternity.  Indeed his council of seven Knights who had followed him in those days when Albion was a boiling pot of strife and civil war, numbered now only five for Sir Gawain had gone to serve in the woods and forests of the wilds, and make the Perilous Chapel his home…

As such, Arthur ruled reluctantly only with five of his Knights at Court;  of house Canis – Gonsman the Strong, of House Hroc – Galahad the Pure, of House Ursus – Ector the Bold, of House Garralus – Tristan the Gallant and of House Salmo – Bedeviere the Faithful, yet still he sought replacements.

It was 557AF when rumours came of disturbances in the west where the Spine of Brittania met the Bristol Channel, that a warlord calling himself Pellam had grown in power. To deal with the problem, Arthur sent Sir Gonsman, but soon, Gonsman was lost – never to be heard from again. In response to this, Arthur rode out from Camelot, to meet the man who would be Pellam, and to bring about the end of his rebellion.

Upon arriving however, with his Knights and retainers, it became clear to Arthur that the rebellion was not all that it had seen. For miles around the site, the lands were barren of all life – no food grew, nor were animals cultivated in the land of the dead. While hundreds of people manned the camp that shone in the night like a great beacon in the wilds of Cornwall, these people showed no resistance and indeed, they welcomed Arthur and his cohort peacefully, for they were ill, and in need of help…

Arthur, Ector, Bedievere, Galahad and Tristan alone were invited to visit the man called Pellam, and what they saw was a pitiful sight – for the man they saw before them was clearly a mighty warrior, a strong and willing leader – stuck down by illness and injury. The room stank of decay, numerous banners of previous conquests abroad covered the walls which the man claimed were all in the name of feeding and protecting his people, who were now as hollow and empty as him. The man, seen as King to his followers, begged to be released from the captivity of his injury – which crippled him and prevented him from conceiving a future for his people and family. The man, feared by many, was pitiful before our King, who was quick to condemn him to death for his actions against the people of Albion…

…but the others were quick to stop him. This man, was a strong warrior, a leader of men – had they all not been that at one time, leaders in times of ruination and flood? Pellam clearly sought to surrender, should he be saved, and the Kingdom of Albion did not need the news of a massacre of its people to spread amongst its populace, with much of the council of seven missing. Thus Arthur chose to sleep, and in the morning, make his decision…

It was as he slept he heard the manic laughter of the Empty One who had struck the man known as Pellam down. The Empty One cackled at the King of Albion who knew the great corruption at the heart of Pellam embodied the troubles of his Kingdom, not only now, but always. The Empty One would be Albion’s reflection of its need for change, but at the cost of spirit and unity …

Upon awaking, Arthur gathered his retainers and sought to create a plan – he would save these people, and would do it by battle if he so needed too, for rage still brewed within his heart. It was during these discussions that amongst the Knights, a tale was considered, one of grails and mists – a land of the fey, where a Great Shining One resided, who held a cup by which it was said no wound would be left unhealed if one drank from it…indeed, it was Sir Galahad with Dreams in his eyes, who confirmed that he had heard such tales as a child, and that it was likely they were true. He had heard of a gate, close by, made of wood and stood beside a lake, which would take them there…and so Arthur drew up his plans to invade the mists and seize the one hope for the future of Albion and his Kingdom…

It was a misty moonlit night, when Arthur arrived with his Knights and two full scores of men to enter the gates of Arcadia and claim his prize. With but a touch, and a whisper, it was Sir Galahad who led the way, and as the forces marched into the mists undeterred, little did they know they were stepping into a world, where the Shining Ones ruled, and where they would be, most sorely tested by the fey that lived there…

The Quest of the Pure

Quickly upon entering the mists, it became apparent that the party was hopelessly lost, with many disappearing in the fog. With only rustling leaves and muttered whispers to keep the party company, many looked to Galahad to lead them through the mists…

Alone, Galahad found himself without weapons and his every move followed by the creatures of the mist. Occasionally he would come across the missing, aged beyond recognition, and sobbing for help. Wishing to protect them, Galahad would spend as much time as he could with them, to calm their nerves before moving on…

Within the mists he came across an old fey lord, a Huntsmaster, surrounded by injured, bleeding and dying of many of Arthur’s finest. Without weapons, Galahad chose to use his wits, and fight the Huntsmaster with magic, but soon found himself unable to defeat the fey, who rained blow after blow upon Galahad’s person…

…it was with the final blow that a great scream of pain pierced the mists, which Arthur and his Knights rallied too, yet all they found in the clearing were bodies and a note. Of Galahad, there was no sign. The note read clearly however, of one thing;

“To be Pure of Heart, is foolish…
When you’d rather act so bullish…
As such you have sealed your madness…
Do not fight, my Galahad, bring others gladness…”

And so Arthur, found himself with only three of his Knights remaining, still lost, but determined to succeed no matter the cost…

The Quest of the Gallant

Amongst the bodies, it was Sir Tristan who stumbled upon a Key and a map which pointed to the gates to a great city of white marble and exquisite stone.  With his finest healers, healing the Key, Arthur set Sir Tristan the job of escorting the Key to the shining city, and ensuring its gates were opened for him to advance with the rest of his now dwindling forces…

Sir Tristan, who was gallant and never backed away from a fight, escorted the Key through the mists, making use of the map to ensure the way was clear. The finest of his house followed him, never once backing down from their mission, for all Albion was at stake.

Upon arriving at the gates however, he was informed by the Key that he would need to guard them, as a great rite was performed to open its locks. During this time, he would surely be noticed by the creatures in the mist, and as such, the Knight braced himself to fight.

The rite took many hours, and with each hour, another knight became fatigued and debilitated, no longer able to fight. Hours ticked on, and it felt like they had been fighting for days, yet when the enemy faltered and failed to attack in sufficient numbers, the gate opened. By now only Sir Tristan stood, tall and powerful – ready to face whatsoever came for him.

The great Fey Lord, angered at his disturbance, stepped forward, weapon in hand to smite the knight for his ignorance and audacity to invade the realm of the Shining One. It was said the two embraced each other in a battle which lasted a number of hours – the two trading blows before the walls. Yet it was never discovered who won, for when Arthur had arrived, all trace of Sir Tristan and his gallant knights was gone…though the gate remained open and clear, for their quest to continue…

The Quest of the Bold

Distraught and enraged at the loss of another of his Knights, Arthur swore vengeance upon the creatures of the mist who dwelled there – and turned to Sir Ector for help. Sir Ector, was a bold man, unwavering in judgement and undeterred by any threat which was posed against him.

Venturing in the city of mists he encountered numerous fey who proceeded to capture and interrogate. Many were killed as they fled for Sir Ector was determined to find the culprit whom had slain his fellows – Galahad and Tristan. During this time, Sir Ector was beset by many tricks…

The first came in the form of a lie, one within their group – a traitor who sought them killed, and to be lost in the woods forever.

The second was a weapon, designed to twist the hand of its wielder so that they may bring death upon their comrades.

The third was a landmark, a great gate, which, by only stepping through together, could an individual dodge the threat of death…

But the final challenge was the one which undid Sir Ector, for he found himself having to make a choice. To determine the fate of an enemy is one thing, but their family and their future another. All of Arcadia held their breath, as great eyes watched Sir Ector from the mists…one man deciding the fate of another…

…and when the decision was made, Sir Ector too was lost, and his warriors destroyed by the wrath of the land and the anger of its Lords. Now only three would remain – Arthur himself, Sir Bedeviere and myself, all alone in the mists – for none now remained who could face this quest but them…

The Quest of the Faithful

Trapped in the ever-watchful city, the three travelled looking for any respite from the cold and the ever growing darkness. Only the moon lit their path and it was during this time that the three would often pray – to the Owl, Stag and Fish to grant them guidance and wisdom. One evening a path became clear to the Palace which dominated the city, and it was Bedeviere, who chose to step forward first, for his faith was strong…

In the mists, the entrance was barred by four supreme beings behind which Bedeviere could see his fellow Knights being attacked and beaten by all manner of creatures. The Lords explained that he could have his friends back, and step forward to the prize, if he was willing to show them the power of his faith. Bedeviere agreed.

The first of the Lords demanded his knowledge and so Bedeviere shared with them the wisdom of his House, and the Lord was satisfied and left.

The second demanded his hope, and so, as he fought him, Bedeviere tried his luck, using all manner of trickery to bring the fey to its knees.

The third demanded power and so took from Bedeviere all of his magic and wealth, until he was left with nothing but tabard and sword.

The fourth however demanded sacrifice. His life for his comrades. They would be safe, but his King’s quest and his life would be over. Bedeviere refused – his loyalty, faith and spirit in Albion and his King unflinching.

The Lords laughed, and left the way open for Arthur and his scribe, for when they arrived, Bedeviere was gone, and Arthur now, was more alone than ever as he stepped towards a grandiose palace – the throne room awaiting.

The Quest of Arthur

The final quest is the most enigmatic…for only Arthur and his scribe were able to enter the throne room at the heart of the mists and engage the Shining One within.

There the Shining One interrogated the Pendragon and asked him of his motives, of why he invaded his realm and where his loyalties laid. It is said that they engaged in a verbal match of wit for several hours until the Pendragon walked away with a Goblet in his hands.

The Pendragon spoke little of the events within the room, only stating that he had time to think and put away the rage he had felt towards the one who would not be named, and his love Gwenhyvar.  It was, for him, a time to move on, for a great darkness had been unleashed and had threatened to untie the land and destroy all he had created.

For while, Arthur had ventured into those mists and nearly lost so much, he returned to Albion to find his knights all safe, seemingly having stumbled or been left outside of the mists, their memories missing but very much alive.

Arthur informed them of the success of their quest, and thanked them for his assistance – though noted that in the future their enemies would face them together as a united force for the glory of Albion. No more would chaos infiltrate their court, nor shatter their bonds of camaraderie – now, together they would face whatever was to come…

It is to be noted that from this day, our motto has changed and is one which rings out now, truer than ever, across Albion’s pleasant lands;

“Strength through Unity
Albion Prevails”

Epilogue

With the Grail in hand, and won with the blood and loss of many, Arthur and his Knights warily returned to Pellam’s court. The people there, looked on with hope, as the battered and beleaguered retinue marched forward – the Grail guarded by them all.

Filling it with water, Arthur presented the Grail to Pellam who drank warily from it. A great scream of pain filled the hall as the Empty One was released, and the Dolorous Stroke which had struck the land removed and purified. The creature of purple and yellow swirled through the room and disappeared in an instant returning to the earth of Albion which was and still remains its home.

Soon after the young Pellam recovered, his lands flourishing with life as the hills filled with the sounds of the wild and became covered with a healthy golden crop of oats, barley and hops. The people rejoiced and many called Arthur – their King, for through his and his Knight’s determination, he had faced unwavering odds for the sake of his people. Pellam, was grateful and came forward, expecting to be brought to justice.

But the Pendragon was kind that day – for he had seen that Pellam had risked his life and safety for the protection of his people. Arthur offered Pellam a place by his side, to stand as one of his new Knights and the representative of his people whom he had risked much to protect. Gone of the influence which had affected him, Pellam changed his name to Percival to atone for his past mistakes and soon came to become head of House Canis in the place of the missing Sir Gonsman.

As for the Grail, it descended into legend and to this day, none are aware of its location, bar those few who tread the mists and speak the words of the Shining One who saw it fit to heal Albion and test the spirit of the Drake.

As for the missing, Sir Gonsman, his body was not found until sometimes later – a great dolorous stroke through his chest as if he had been torn apart. Upon his body was a simple message;

“I am everywhere – in the land and in the heart of its people. I am Albion’s spirit and you cannot bind that which freedom will make undone”

It would shortly be after this, that Arthur’s nephew and Morgana’s son, Mordred would return to Court, but that is a different story…perhaps for another time…

As such, in the darkness between the first and second ages of Camelot, a candle was lit and hope was found, as the Pendragon’s Kingdom neared its second age and the time of strife that would shortly follow…

As always, I serve you

Sir Taliesin Mallory – Court of the Dream
First Scribe to Arthur Pendragon