Gates of Avalon: The Horn and the Sword

Prologue

Prologue

The High King and Queen of Avalon sat close together beneath a pavilion of bright blue silk. The pavilion was placed just off the edge of a dancing green, just in the edge of the trees where they could enjoy the warm breeze in the tree leaves and a gentle shade. The King and his Queen were newly reunited after he had returned from a quest that had taken him and twenty of his finest Guard away from Avalon for three thousand years. They were still unable to be apart for more than a moment or two. If one moved away the other was sure to move closer, often without realizing they had done so.
I watched them from across the gathering, my heartache still too raw to bear being near them too closely, yet I was unable to take my eyes away from them. They glowed, that is the only way I can explain it. Not like they were emitting light, exactly, but rather some indefinable power. It felt warm, and peaceful, and safe to be near them. Even though they only had eyes for each other most of the time, you felt included in their love rather than feeling like an intruder. The whole world seemed brighter and more perfect when they were close.
I am Katherine, one of only two mortals in this place and time. Avalon is the home of elves and magic, and has not seen mortals since it was removed from the world when the King began his quest. It seems that I am expected to observe and record the history of these events from the mortal perspective.
As I think this, it occurs to me that the Queen might be pushing me toward something useful to occupy my mind aside from grieving. I look at Meadhbh and find her looking back at me with raised eyebrows and a “would I do that to you?” expression on her perfect face. I smiled and the Queen smiled back at me. I suppose I have my confirmation of her intent for me.
Ciaran, Sergeant of the Royal Guard and companion to the King, leaned in close from behind my shoulder. “Kat, would you care for a glass of this wine? It would be a shame if I had to drink it by myself.” He was holding an empty glass in one hand and a bottle of pale golden wine in the other.
“Well, I suppose I could accept one glass... just to help a friend, you understand.” I took the empty glass and watched as he poured some of the wine for me. Like everything here in Avalon, the wine seemed to give off a faint light and rich color of its own. His movements were so graceful, I thought. His features perfect and more beautiful than any man should be. I saw him blush slightly and realized too late that he’d heard my thoughts. “Damnit, can’t you people stay out of my head?”
“We do try, my lady, but it’s more difficult to not hear the thoughts of someone we care for. Try the wine, it really is good, I think you’ll like it.”
I took a sip and felt the warmth of the wine flow into me immediately. It tasted like honey and felt like liquid sunshine.
“It should taste like that, because that’s what it’s made of.” I slapped his arm below the shoulder, mostly playfully but also partly in real annoyance. Ciaran just kept smiling.
“Stop that. I feel like everyone is listening to everything I think and say.”
“We are, but only because you haven’t learned to close your mind yet. I can help you if you like.”
“Is that something that a... that someone like me can learn?”
“Not all mortals, no, if that was your question. But you can.” I took another sip and thought about his offer as quietly as I could.
“Ok. When we’re done here let’s talk about that.” The Queen was smiling at me again. Damn.
I suddenly realized that the group surrounding the King had fallen silent. I turned my attention back to the King and Queen once more.
“My friends,” the King spoke softly, though there was palpable emotion in his voice. “It is difficult to find words to express how good it is to be home with you. And to express the sorrow over those who have not returned.” There was a soft murmur through the group as individuals remembered those who were absent.
“There are many things to be discussed here and now, decisions to be made. There are tidings of joy and sorrow to share, advice to be sought, and plans to be shaped. I humbly ask for each of you here now to assist me in these tasks.” Again there was a soft murmur through the group, but this time I had the feeling there was agreement yet also questions in the sound. It was hard to say, since no one in the group appeared to speak. But all the same, I knew that questions were being asked. Yet again, I was given the thought that these immortals seemed to communicate as much with mind and gesture as they did with words. Finally, one spoke the thought of the group.
“My lord. Perhaps the best place to begin is to share the details of your quest with us in full.” The speaker was a male elf with flowing blond hair so pale it was nearly white. He sat near the King, but I was sure he wasn’t one of the King’s companions on the quest. I hadn’t yet met him to know anything more.
“Well said, Cernunos,” the King answered him. “Yes, I agree that it would be difficult to understand my haste without knowing that tale in full.”
“Ciaran,” the Queen spoke softly, “please have more refreshments brought. This will take some time.”
“Aye, my lady.” Ciaran rose from where he sat by me and silently moved away. I watched him go thoughtfully. When I turned back, the Queen was watching me again. Damn that smile.