Dusts of Avalon - Beastwithin.org

e whole group meandered in the repair room, its gear neatly — if somewhatimperfectly, again unaracteristic of Planner meddling — arranged on shelves.Behind the shelves stood bulky metal assises, whi to Daleworth looked likeLancelot's assis.One of them clearly had power.President Malory had half-expected to walk in the repair room to see a Lancelotlikerobot in parts, and that mu of the idea had been true. He had just expected aassis-like unit with LEDs indicating the power was on, or mysteriously glowingedges, or robot head with glowing eyes or scanning visors or whatever.He certainly didn't expect to see a robot assis acting like a washing maineon a spin cycle. ere was a robot assis there, shaking and rumbling rapidly; inthe vacuum, nothing was heard.“I see”, President Malory said. “Something wrong with your motors?”“I am afraid so”, Merlin said. “is device is malfunctioning and I must studyit before I can act properly. Luily, this ethereal communication form of yoursis very mu more suited for me, as it allows me to talk to the Knights from allparts of the New Avalon, and control the meanical functions of this fortress.Frankly, I prefer not to see people during my moments of infirmity, if you can callthem that, but I am afraid every passing day takes us closer to your doom, and Icannot tarry mu longer. I recommend you now seek Arthur. He is within themain amber.”“Very well”, President Malory said. “Let's go.”e group departed for the central amber, whi now seemed to be fairlywell lit with distinctly blueish light, far whiter than the shine in the corridors.e central amber looked even more majestic in its already puzzling, enigmaticand stupefying glory.“at one there is Arthur”, Daleworth pointed at the large central cylinder.“King Arthur I am”, Arthur said as if on a cue. It was clear he was listeningin, just like Merlin.“Fascinating”, President Malory said. “Can I see you, oh King of legend? Ordo you prefer to be veiled in that cocoon of yours?”“It indeed would be prudent and honourable to show one's face. But truthto tell… I shall be frank with you: I am a lile bit apprehensive. I have not yetprepared to see myself with my own eyes — or see anything with my own eyes,for that maer. Merlin has put images within my head, but I remain within thismaine of his. But Merlin says the time for this meeting is now, and I have facedworse ordeals. So, Emperor and Warleader of the Whole World”, Arthur saidwith blunt sarcasm dripping from the every word of that title, mu to PresidentMalory's puzzlement, “are you prepared to see what no living man has ever seen— my new form, and my new armour?”“We are”, President Malory said, not easily moved by the old King's words.