Avalon

Avalon

I am startled; I awake forgetting where I am. It takes a moment but I relax; feeling the familiarity.

I look to see all my sister’s slumbering for the moment in the peace that only deep slumber can bring. The mist is beginning to lift, the rising sun burning it away to show a beautiful blue sky, a glorious day.

Suddenly, I hear the rippling of the water and I turn, out of the mist I see the lady of the lake beckoning me to her.

As I walk towards her I am once again struck by her beauty. She opens her arms to embrace me. I eagerly accept her embrace like a greedy child anticipating a forbidden treat. It has been too long she scolds me. Yes it has my lady and I have missed you I answer. Why have you left the safety of the castle she asks? There is more safety here in the open beside the lake than there is in the Castle right now my lady. Have you been threatened again she asks, agitated? The mere fact that I am still breathing is a threat to others my lady and no I have not been outwardly threatened. But then again it is yet early in the day my lady! Oh I see you are well for your acid tongue is intact, and I see your point she laughs. My lady I am only looking to regain what is rightfully mine and nothing more. Hundreds of years from now when those who come after me read of this, and they will, I will be portrayed as the villain, evil to my very core. No one will see the truth, they will only see Arthur and his knights, who were supposed to protect, not take over and become the king. You must not lose faith my child she scolds me once again. No my lady I will never do that. Arthur and the rest of Atlantis will never beat me, even in death they will not win. You must be very careful my child, Merlin is very powerful; he reads your every thought. Never underestimate my powers my lady. I have learned my craft well, studying at the very feet of the great master Merlin. Even so she said, always be on guard, Merlin will go very far to see Arthur stay on the throne. Yes, my lady I understand every word you say. Now, your sisters are beginning to stir have them all gather here at the shore. Yes my lady. I turned to see all of my sister’s wiping the sleep from their eyes. Princess’s, hand maiden’s, nobility all dressing in battle gear and ready to fight for their legacy, their place in the world. All stirring except for 2, Blanca the Benevolent and Julia the Just, my most trusted allies, my friends who have been always at my side, loyal to me and have lost much because of it.

Good morning my ladies, I yelled. Morning your highness, they both said beautiful smiles greeting me. Have everyone gather at the shoreline, the lady wishes to address them, I said. Right away Blanca said and left to deliver the message. What is it your highness, Julia asked? Before I could answer the sentry yelled "rider approaching". Immediately everyone grabbed for their weapons and took a warrior stance. Through the last shroud of mist a rider appeared – it was Guinevere. Once she knew we all recognized her she urged her horse into a run and was at my side in an instant. Gwen I said, what are you doing here and why are you dressed for battle? Where else would I be you dolt, just because it took me a little longer to get here than the rest of you, did not mean I would not come, she laughed. Now stop asking me inconsequential questions and tell me what is your plan? Oh I see the queen has come all fired up today, I laughed a hearty laugh and grabbed Gwen to me for a hug. You are a fool sister but I do love you and would not be anywhere else she laughed and returned the hug.

The lady of the lake has asked for all to gather at the shoreline, she wishes to speak to us, I told her. Then why are we standing here, let us get to the shoreline you dolt. Careful sister I may turn you into a toad, you know my temper. Guinevere just rolled her eyes and walked away with the sound of my laughter trailing her. As she passed the others, she yelled out a hello sister’s to all. Good morning your highness could be heard from all, the love they all felt for this magnificent and brave woman evident.

As we all gathered at the shoreline, Gwen walked into the water to where the lady of the lake stood. Good morning my lady she said and reached out her hands to the lady of the lake. Good morning my dear Guinevere, I am so very happy to see you here. Thank you my lady I am honored you and the others feel that way.

Guinevere, backed away giving the lady of the lake her chance to speak. My children she began, my eyes are pleased to look upon all of you here today. I am so very proud of your commitment to your legacy. Today you will embark on a great quest, a battle that will go down in history. Atlantis will see that Avalon will not bend to its will. We will not allow male dominance. Avalon is a female stronghold. It always has been. We all applaud and thank Arthur and his knights for their bravery and protection, but now it is no longer wanted or needed. He is not the rightful King, for there will never be a King in Avalon, only a Queen. A great cheer went up from all the sisters gathered. As I speak, we are being watched by Merlin from his crystal ball; he see’s and knows all. The lady of the lake turned to me and beckoned me to stand in front of her. Therefore my children I now will bestow on this deserving warrior Excalibur! A great gasp went up from the crowd. Yes my children Excalibur taken from Arthur and held for this very quest. She turned to me and said take this and go forth leading your sisters to their rightful place, their legacy my child.

I took the sword from her hands, felt its power and held it high for all to see. My sisters I spoke, this day we will be victorious for we are the rightful rulers of Avalon! Wild cheering erupted. There will be those of us that will fall this day, and we will honor them for all eternity for their sacrifice.

As I looked out at the sea of faces, the faces of my sisters, then to Gwen my beautiful Gwen our Queen and finally to the Lady in the Lake, I knew this was the moment, the moment we would reclaim our legacy. No matter what those who came after us would think, this was our moment. These are my sisters, my queen, and I am Morgana Le Fay - we are Avalon.