Lancelot and the Wolf (33 page)

News of Arthur’s appearance in the city spread more swiftly than fire, water, or air. People filled the streets in moments and the cheering started. With bare heads, we watched the people and they watched us. My name rushed from lip to lip as Arthur walked ahead, my coat of arms as familiar to the people as the king’s because we were so close and I won the tourneys making me instantly recognisable. Arthur smiled and waved to those he recognised of the traders and craftsmen. People adored him and he adored them back. A king is his people and the people are their king.

By the time we reached the keep’s outer walls, a surging living tide of humanity cried out our names. Except for Merlin. Mother’s invoked his name to scare their children but I felt their relief at his presence as much as my own. The old team were together, now all ills would be cured.

I only had to hope they were right. The welcoming committee at the gates made me think they might be proved wrong.

Also Available on Amazon

Find Sarah Luddington on Facebook and www.darkfiction.eu