The Wizard's Apprentice

THE WIZARD’S APPRENTICE

Jeremy walked towards Camelot. The city was bustling with activity; its citizens preparing for Queen Guinevere's birthday. Jeremy brushed off his dirty clothes as he walked towards the castle, carrying a string of pheasants over his shoulder. He was not surprised to find Merlyn standing outside the castle, waiting.

"How was the hunt?" Merlyn asked, looking at his apprentice in distaste.

"It went well," Jeremy replied. He looked down at his clothing. "I suppose I should change into something more appropriate."

Merlyn nodded. “You will soon be Court Magician. Your appearance should reflect your power and instill respect and awe."

Jeremy shrugged. “Will you be joining the festivities?"

"No, I must return to Avalon. You will not see me again, my young apprentice," the old man said.

"I understand," Jeremy said simply. “Farewell, Merlyn.”

Merlyn nodded and smiled slightly. As he turned to leave, he placed a fond hand on the boy’s shoulder. As Jeremy watched him disappear into the deep forest, he suppressed the desire to run after his teacher and beg him not to go. He stared for a few more minutes, then turned and entered the castle.

*****

The Round Table was full as the knights held their own celebration with their king. Arthur sat on his throne, between Sir Lancelot and Sir Bedivere. Jeremy brushed off an imaginary speck of dirt from his clean blue tunic and straightened his brown hose. He cleared his throat as he stepped into the room.

"Ah, Jeremy," Arthur said, noticing the wizard as he entered. "Join the feast!"

"Not this year, my Lord," Jeremy said. "I still remember the last celebration I attended with your knights."

"We weren't that drunk," Sir Bors called.

"Nay, you were completely sober," Jeremy answered sarcastically.

The Knights of the Round Table laughed.

"He is gone, my Lord," Jeremy whispered to Arthur.

The young King's eyes widened and he shed a single tear among the festivities.

“I will miss him,” Arthur whispered. “The old magician was as much a father to me as I have ever known.”

“I understand,” Jeremy said, remembering his own childhood with Merlyn.

Arthur seemed lost in thought for a moment, his chin resting on his hand.

"I shall retire, if your Majesty has no further need of me?" Jeremy said.

Arthur nodded absently and Jeremy left the loud chamber for the tower where Merlyn had lived.

*****

“Jeremy! Hold!” a familiar voice called.

Jeremy paused and turned around. He saw someone rushing out of the Council of the Round Table, waving his hand above his head to get Jeremy’s attention. Jeremy smiled as the figure drew closer; it was his friend, Gareth.

Sir Gareth was the youngest of the Knights of the Round Table, but was as fierce as any. He resembled Jeremy, but where the wizard had sandy blond hair and green eyes, Gareth had short, black hair and brown eyes. He was only three years Jeremy's senior and the two had been friends from the start.

"Gareth," Jeremy said as his friend slowed. "What is it?"

“Are we not going to duel this afternoon?” Gareth asked. “I thought we had agreed that both of us could use the practice.”

Jeremy smiled. “You’re right, Gareth. It has been a while since I’ve drilled with a sword, but I must return to my studies.”

Gareth made a face. “You study all the time, my friend. You are beginning to neglect your manly duties.”

“Such as defeating a Knight of the Round Table in sword play?”

Gareth grinned. “This time, I’ll defeat you, wizard.”

"Later," Jeremy promised, "Now, I need to study. Arthur is expecting me to provide entertainment later this evening for the Queen. I can't disappoint him."

*****

An enormous red dragon swooped down from the sky. It flew dangerously close to Camelot’s towers before pumping its wings and rising higher into the sky. Jeremy stood on the castle battlements, creating the dragon illusion, while the entire city of Camelot gasped in awe at the spectacle above them. Some fled in alarm as the dragon fell to the earth, only to launch itself back into the sky. King Arthur and Queen Guinevere watched from their balcony. In the courtyard of the castle, a magnificent banquet had been spread out. When the entertainment was over, the doors would open and all the citizens of Camelot would enjoy the feast.

The image finally faded and Jeremy motioned for Arthur to speak. Using his magic, the young magician made the king's voice echo so everyone could hear him.

"My people," he began, as the applause to the illusion diminished. "We are gathered together on this day to wish good tidings to our Queen on this, her day of birth."

The crowed cheered. "All hail the Queen! God bless the Queen!"

"Tonight, we invite you into our castle to share with us a feast fit for any king," Arthur added. "This is our gift to you on this day of days."

The crowd cheered louder as the gates opened and they were allowed inside the courtyard.

On the battlements, Jeremy sank to the ground. He had kept the dragon in the air for quite a few hours while keeping the feast warm and helping the king to be heard. It took a lot of energy to do so many things at once. As he sat, catching his breath, he heard footsteps coming toward him. He looked up at an old, but familiar face.

"My Lord," he gasped, trying to rise to his feet.

"Nay, rest yourself," Sir Lancelot said. "You deserve it."

Gratefully, Jeremy sank back down. He was surprised when the knight joined him on the cold stone.

"What brings you here, my Lord?" Jeremy asked. "Why are you not joining the Queen with her festivities?"

"There is no place at that celebration for me," Lancelot said.

Jeremy understood. Merlyn had told him of Lancelot's love for Queen Guinevere. There was no hiding it. Jeremy also knew that Arthur knew of his best friend’s betrayal, and the news tore the king apart.

"Come, Sir Knight," Jeremy said, rising to his feet. "We will join the celebration together."

"You are a good lad," Lancelot laughed, but he did not object.

Together, the young magician and the old knight headed to the party.

*****

They entered the main hall and pushed their way through the crowds of nobles and knights. Lancelot found some old comrades to talk with, leaving Jeremy to wander alone. Sir Cynon sat in the middle of the hall, playing a lute and singing of the heroic deeds of the Knights of the Round Table. Jeremy stood in place, listening to the music when Sir Gareth, Sir Gaheris and Sir Percival came over to talk.

"You look like Death himself, boy," Sir Percival said, slapping Jeremy on the back.

"Magic has that effect on people I'm told, my Lord," Jeremy replied.

"Enough with this 'my Lord' business. We are friends Jeremy, and should be addressed as such," Sir Gaheris told him.

"Forgive me, my . . uh, Gaheris," Jeremy said.

The three knights laughed at that and passed Jeremy a tankard of ale.

"Come, my boy," Percival said. "The night is young and we're not drunk yet."

With Percival's arm slung over his shoulder and Gareth and Gaheris close behind, Jeremy didn't have much of a choice but to follow them out of the hall.

*****

The next morning, Jeremy had a roaring headache. He opened his eyes and found himself in his room, still wearing the clothes he wore the night before. He sat up and the room spun and wavered out of focus. Deciding that was a bad idea, Jeremy lay back down. From the window, a robin chirped. Jeremy winced.

"Why did I drink?” Jeremy moaned. “At least it seemed like a good idea at the time.”

His whole body reeling in pain, Jeremy stood, stumbled over to a bucket of cold water, and plunged his head into it. Remarkably, he felt better.

"I remember Merlyn calling this the drinkers disease, and I’m sure he has a cure for it somewhere,” he muttered to himself.

Jeremy pulled a tome down and flipped through the pages. He soon found the spell, recited it quickly, and was pleased with the effects.

Finally feeling better, Jeremy headed down to the king. On the way, he met a page who told him Arthur wanted to see him as soon as possible. Thanking the boy, Jeremy sped to the throne room.

*****

"You summoned me, my Lord King?" Jeremy asked.

King Arthur sat on his throne. He looked worn and pale, and he sat with no crown, nor royal robes, but wore a simple tunic and hose. The only symbol that marked his royalty was his signet ring and mighty Excalibur at his side. Jeremy stood in front of him and waited for the king’s response.

“We have been victim of foul magic,” Arthur replied. “Shortly after the festivities, my Lady Guinevere became ill and is now bed ridden.”

“Surely it was not magic, my Lord, but a disease caused perhaps by something she ate?” Jeremy said.

“I ate everything she did, and had a servant taste it as well. As you see, both I and the servant are not affected. It was sorcery.”

“May I see her, my Lord?” Jeremy asked. “I know of some healing spells that may help.”

Arthur nodded and led the way to Guinevere’s chambers.

Lady Guinevere was sleeping soundly when they entered. Her face was white and her breathing shallow. Her red hair was spread around her face like a halo and Jeremy could see in her the loveliness that had stolen both Arthur’s and Lancelot’s hearts.

Quickly, Jeremy examined the sleeping queen. He smelled her breath and skin for traces of magic and was startled when he found the stench of the dark arts upon her. Arthur watched the young sorcerer’s every movement from the foot of the bed, his hand clenching and unclenching with impatience. Jeremy recited several spells to ease the queen’s pain and looked at Arthur.

“I fear your initial guess was correct, my Lord King. The Lady Guinevere has indeed been a victim of the dark arts,” Jeremy concluded.

“To arms!” Arthur cried. “We must find the villain who did this.”

“Patience, Majesty,” Jeremy said. “I believe I already know who did this to your Lady.”

“Morgana,” Arthur whispered.

Jeremy nodded. “We will ride against her, my Lord. This is but a test of your power. Merlyn told me of the Final Battle which shall occur between you and Morgana and I am to prepare you for the fight. I suspect Morgana seeks to weaken you through the Lady Guinevere. I will find the sorceress and stop the spell. If the Final Battle occurs too soon, it could ruin everything Merlyn has been working towards and whether you triumph or not, Morgana will win.”

Arthur nodded sadly. “Aye, Jeremy. Seek out Morgana, but take Gareth, Lancelot, and Gaheris with you.”

Jeremy bowed his head respectfully. “Fear not, King Arthur. We shall triumph and Guinevere will be returned to you.”

Arthur said nothing as Jeremy disappeared into a puff of smoke. Arthur sat next to his sleeping wife with nothing to do but wait and pray.

*****

They rode quickly, their horses putting Camelot far behind them in little time. Jeremy didn't know where he led them, only that he would know when they arrived. When the sun began to lower on the horizon, they had already traveled a large distance, and decided to stop for the night.

"Magician," Lancelot asked as they sat around to eat, "where pray tell, are we traveling so swiftly?"

"I do not know, my Lord," Jeremy replied. "I know only that Morgana waits and must be stopped."

“For Guinevere,” Gaheris said.

Jeremy nodded. “For Arthur as well. If he is overcome with grief, he will not be able to fight as he should, and Morgana would win.”

Gareth said nothing as he ate. Jeremy looked at his friend in concern.

“Why so silent, Sir Knight?” Jeremy asked, throwing a chicken bone playfully at his friend.

The bone hit Gareth in the arm and the young knight looked up. “I wonder where we are headed. We seem to have no direction of where to be.”

“We are headed to Morgana, but I very much doubt that we will find her,” Jeremy answered

“Then this quest is for naught?” Lancelot asked.

Jeremy shook his head. “Nay, my Lord. I suspect she will find us first.”

*****

An owl hooted somewhere nearby, causing Gareth to come awake with a start. The young knight had drawn the worst stretch for sentry duty, guarding the others in the dead of night. He yawned and tried to rouse himself into alertness.

The country side was dark and silent, save for the lone owl. Gareth turned to look at his sleeping companions. Suddenly, a dim light appeared on the horizon. Gareth squinted at it, curious as to its origin. It was too far away and too bright to be a torch, and day was still far from dawning.

The light quickly advanced, heading straight for the small camp. Gareth stumbled to his feet, drawing his sword in anticipation for a fight. As he rose, he knocked over the pots that had been used for supper.

“What is it?” Gaheris asked, coming awake.

“A light,” Gareth replied. “Wake the wizard!”

“No need,” Jeremy called from the other side of the cold fire.

Lancelot stood and walked over to where Gareth continued to watch the light. It kept coming, faster than before, and Jeremy left the safety of the knights to meet it.

“Nay, lad!” Lancelot cried as Jeremy walked towards the light.

The light slowed and the knights watched as Jeremy fearlessly approached the hovering spot. The light seemed to speak in a lilting, musical voice. Jeremy nodded once and returned to the knights. The light remained where it was, patiently waiting for Jeremy’s return.

“’Tis Morgana,” Jeremy said calmly. “She calls.”

“Surely we do not follow,” Gaheris gasped. “The witch seeks to lead us into a trap!”

“We must,” Lancelot replied, “for the life of our Queen.”

Jeremy and his companions quickly packed up their camp, mounted their horses, and trotted out to where their guiding light waited.

*****

The light led them through the country side until they reached a darkened forest. Without pausing, the light continued into the trees. Jeremy heard the knights mutter a prayer as they kept up with their glowing guide. The light wove itself around trees, all the while singing in its musical voice. Jeremy turned in his saddle to give his companions a smile of encouragement and was met with three faces, stone cold in determination, and emotionless. Jeremy knew the knights were using all of their bravery to keep from bolting in fear. For Jeremy himself, he had little to worry about in the forest; his real fear came from thinking about the inevitable meeting with Morgana le Fay.

The music and light disappeared at the entrance to a cave leading deep into the forest mountain. Jeremy, Lancelot, Gareth, and Gaheris dismounted and stood staring into the mouth of the cave. Rocky stalagmites jutted out of the ground, like teeth inside a dragon’s maw. Dawn had still not arrived and, in the shadows of the trees, the cave resembled a fearsome beast. Jeremy licked his lips nervously and stepped into the cave, followed by the others.

They walked for hours before entering a large cavern nestled deep inside the mountain. Gems glittered from the ceiling and a stream of pure water trickled down the stones. Gaheris gasped in awe at the majesty of the cavern and Gareth crossed himself in fear.

“Welcome,” a voice echoed throughout the cave.

“Morgana,” Lancelot muttered. Then, raising his voice, he added, “Show yourself!”

“In good time, Sir Knight,” Morgana’s voice replied. “First, I believe the boy and I have something to discuss.”

Jeremy felt his face redden at being called ‘the boy’, but he took several deep breaths to calm himself. All around him, Morgana laughed.

“The antidote you seek is here,” Morgana taunted. “Boy, if you are as powerful as Merlyn, you will know where to find me. One battle; if you win, you go home with the antidote.”

Jeremy nodded and sat down on the ground. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

“And if you should win?” Gareth asked.

“Then you all die.”

As if by command, thousands of eyes shone out of the darkest crevices in the cavern. The knights drew their swords and formed a circle around Jeremy.

“Wizard!” Gaheris cried, his eyes never leaving the shadows. “We need you!”

“He can’t hear you,” Lancelot called. “Jeremy’s off to fight Morgana. Our prayers go with him, but we must remain here and keep him safe.”

Gaheris nodded as the first of the creatures attacked. They were small, about three feet tall, with gray skin, sharp claws, and cruel fangs. Lancelot severed the attacking creatures head from the rest of its body and the remaining creatures howled in anger and sadness. The beasts began to attack in small groups, trying to force the knights away from Jeremy, but knights held their ground. Gareth risked a quick glance over his shoulder at Jeremy and wished the young sorcerer luck.

*****

The plain where Morgana and Jeremy met was a gray nothingness. Jeremy didn’t know how it was illuminated, for there were no shadows, nor where the floor began or ended. All he knew was the woman standing before him was Morgana le Fay, and the small bottle behind her would save Queen Guinevere’s life.

“Shall we?” Morgana asked.

She was a beautiful woman, with raven black hair that fell down to her waist and deep, green eyes. Her skin was fair and flawless and she wore a tight fitting royal purple dress, as if mocking her relationship King Arthur.

“This will change nothing, Morgana,” Jeremy told her.

“This will change everything,” Morgana hissed. “With both you and Merlyn gone, there will be no one to prepare Arthur and victory will be mine.”

Morgana laughed and opened her outstretched hand. Inside was a ball of green fire. Morgana drew her arm back and threw the flames at Jeremy. The young wizard was prepared, however, and the fireball bounced harmlessly off his magically erected shield. As both the shield and the fireball dissolved into nothingness, Morgana pointed to the ground where Jeremy stood. Quickly, Jeremy found that the ground was no longer solid and he sunk down to his ankles. Jeremy waved his hands on either side in an upward motion and he rose until he was hovering just above the soft ground. Morgana frowned in frustration and transformed herself into a raven. Jeremy smiled and became a hawk. The two birds fought in midair, using their talons and beaks to try and knock the other to the ground. Morgana managed to rip out a portion of Jeremy’s feathers and the hawk hit the ground hard. Morgana landed beside him and transformed into her own form. She picked up the bird by the neck and smiled. Suddenly, the hawk became a poisonous snake and Morgana quickly dropped it to keep it from striking. Jeremy slid away from the sorceress and resumed his normal form.

“We’re achieving nothing,” Jeremy reminded her. His face was wet from perspiration and he was beginning to feel weakened.

“Nothing has been decided yet,” Morgana yelled.

A dozen armed knights dressed in black appeared around Jeremy. Each knight wore a helmet concealing his identity and held a long sword in his hand. Jeremy made his own sword materialize, rather than fighting the knights with magic.

As the knights struck, Jeremy noticed that they all made the exact same motion at the exact same time. The knights struck again and Jeremy saw the one knight who had made the motion a split second before the others. Quickly, Jeremy attacked that knight. The dozen knights vanished as their leader was killed.

“Enough, Morgana,” Jeremy said.

“Never,” Morgana replied.

She tossed another fireball at the sorcerer, who had no time to raise a defense. The ball slammed into his hastily upraised arm and knocked him off balance. Jeremy fell hard, slamming the back of his head onto the ground. He groaned and shook his head to clear his swimming vision. Blinking, he tried to sit up, only to find Morgana standing over him with a sword pointed at his throat.

“Now we will decide,” she said.

*****

Lancelot cradled his injured arm and continued to chop away at the creatures. They had been fighting for hours with no end in sight as the strange beasts kept advancing. With each wave, their numbers increased while the three knights fought with unbelievable endurance.

“How’s Jeremy?” Lancelot called.

Gaheris had been seriously wounded and the group had been forced to back up until they were against the stone wall, with only two sides left to defend. Gareth impaled another creature and quickly glanced over his shoulder.

“He bleeds,” Gareth reported. “No creature has broken through. Perhaps the battle is falling out of our favour.”

“Gaheris?”

“Here, Lancelot,” Sir Gaheris said weakly. “I will see to Jeremy.”

Lancelot nodded and focused on the growing horde of creatures.

*****

The sword blade came down and hit the ground on the other side of Jeremy’s neck with a dull thud. Jeremy blinked and looked at the sword that had passed through his throat and breathed a sigh of relief. The spell of dematerialization had been one of Merlyn’s imperfect spells, often not working and Jeremy had risked everything on it. Morgana blinked in surprise as the translucent form of Jeremy stood and solidified before her.

“How . . .” Morgana gasped.

“A simple trick, really,” Jeremy lied, brushing himself off. “Now, shall we continue this foolish duel, or are you satisfied that I can fill Merlyn’s shoes?”

Morgana frowned at him and narrowed her eyes dangerously.

“We shall meet again, wizard,” she threatened.

“I’m counting on it, Morgana,” Jeremy answered.

Morgana vanished and the gray world where they fought disappeared into blackness.

*****

Jeremy blinked and opened his eyes. He found himself in the cavern with three familiar faces gathered around him. Clenched tightly in his right