The Indigo King - James A. Owen [106]
“But that mark had less to do with power than it did with belief, and intention. This was a lesson we ourselves learned, many thousands of years ago. But we also learned that once fallen, we could also rise again if we so chose. And many of us did.
“There are many who will aid you, both in this world and in the Archipelago. There are objects of both power and influence, born of magics old and new. But above all, you must believe in your cause and have the righteousness of intention to see it through, and you shall always prevail.
“This is your secret, young king. Yours, and those who are the Caretakers of the lands that lie beyond,” the Indigo Dragon continued, indicating the companions with his great claw. “Guard it well and call on us in time of need. We will aid you, as long as you are worthy.”
“You will come, if called by one of royal worth?” said John.
“A misunderstanding,” the dragon said. “The authority does not now and never has lain with those of royal blood. Rather, it lies within those of noble worth. And having one does not necessarily guarantee the other.”
“These are the duties of your office, young king,” Samaranth said. “Will you accept, knowing all that you face? Knowing that the world is united against you, save for these few, and those such as ourselves?”
Arthur nodded with no hesitation. “I will.”
The great old dragon looked skyward, as did all the others. Where there was dark smoke obscuring the sky and light of the sun, a thousand pinpricks of light had appeared, breaking apart the darkness.
“Then as you have Summoned us,” Samaranth concluded, “the dragons of the Archipelago shall serve.”
In minutes the sky was filled with a multitude of dragons, all flying toward Camelot. The dragons in the great stone circle indicated to the companions that they should climb onto them to travel more quickly, and in moments they too were airborne.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Exiled
With the aid of the dragons, it was not long before order, or at least a more manageable chaos, was established in Camelot. The fires were quenched and the armies routed. And backed by the might of the great winged beasts, Taliesin was able to reassert his authority as war leader over many of the tribes. Not all of them. But enough. And as the sun began to set, it was evident to all the companions that it would be setting on Arthur’s Britain, and not on Mordred’s Albion.
At the stone table, the dozen dragons who had appeared at Stonehenge converged again with the companions. The Caretakers, Hugo, and Rose had stayed well away from the battles. This was not their war. And Arthur had gone to the front of the conflict, to show to the soldiers that Taliesin was indeed now taking orders from, and obeying, the true king.
Merlin, for the most part, sat at the back of the hill, neither moving nor speaking.
“Have you any further need of us, Arthur?” asked Samaranth. It was the first time any of them had addressed him by the title, and for the first time in thirty years, it felt earned.
“I believe we have it well in hand,” said Arthur, “or at least, well enough for all practical purposes. But there is one question I do have.” He cast a glance back at Merlin.
“His betrayal of those he trusted in the Archipelago caused him to be exiled here,” said the dragon. “It is you who was betrayed here in the Summer Country, and it is you alone who shall decide his fate.”
Arthur bowed his head. “Very well.”
“Others have been summoned,” the Indigo Dragon said. “Your education in the ways of the Archipelago and its peoples is sorely lacking. This must be remedied as soon as can be managed.
“You will have three teachers. The first of them will be waiting for you at the water’s edge at sunset. The others will come in time,” said the dragon. “All else is now entirely in your hands. Choose wisely. Choose well.”
“I will do my best.”
The dragons all extended their wings and stroked the