Path (Divides Crossed 18)

DJ Dubois

February 2019

Notes: Merlin and his cohorts (this version at least) belong to the BBC. All other characters belong to their respective copyright holders. Please send comments to dante0220 .

Preface [Somewhere Else]

The triple goddess observes…..

Britannia's ancient conflicts smolder. In Conflict's forge, they glow brighter orange. Smoke puffs forth from them. Meleagant's schemes to conquer Britannia provoke a global conflict. Allies flock to his banner. Opponents and refugees gravitate toward those who wish for restoration and peace. And then there are those who have been caught in their own hate for one reason or another. As the fighting seeks to start anew, some leaders have to decide which side they will take in this larger standoff. Inexperienced monarchs stumble down the political path. They must find their way quickly. Emrys and Morgana must affirm their roles as leaders for the sorcerous community. Ninane's sacrifice has proven costly. Nimue and Freya scramble to recruit fresh recruits to bolster my priesthood's numbers. There is also the mysterious contender for Cawdor's throne. And then there's Arthur Pendragon.

Arthur…to say a disappointment is a grotesque understatement. When I allowed him to live, it would be for the promise of something greater. Much as Emrys was a child of magic, so too was the Younger Pendragon. I had hoped the mother's love and self-sacrifice would inspire the son. Alas the father's hate, loathing and vengeance influenced the boy instead. Free will pushed him to follow Uther's example. While he tried to govern all fairly, Prejudice blinded him toward my followers be they human or otherwise. Despite half-hearted apologies when compelled to give them, he shows little interest in accepting my world or even co-existing with it. He seeks adventure and looks to battle rather than the community of his realm. His most loyal core of knights, the Round Table, has moved on. The landed lords show little of their mettle or mindset. Instead they follow as long as booty and glory await them. With the Troll running Camelot in his place, the citadel sinks into Despair. The kingdom follows. Is there hope for Camelot and Arthur Pendragon I wonder?

The answer to that question may determine the fate of all. Even if the High Kingship remains uncertain and Emrys wields Excalibur, the Pendragon would be a useful ally…..