Dusts of Avalon - Beastwithin.org

VI. A H M T“—yet, sire”, Merlin interjected. “I am still researing that—”“—but I shall tell you, President, that when I died, some believed I'd return atthe darkest hour. Is this your darkest hour, President?”President Malory sighed. He hadn't said this aloud to anyone outside his closecircle of generals and advisors. “e world — all of humanity — is in peril. isis the worst crisis in history, and we have to do all we can to prevent the worstfrom happening.”“And do you believe you are doing all you can?”“I do.”“Do your underlings believe that?” Arthur regarded the two generals.“We stand behind the President's plan, sir; not only as a maer of principle,but we also believe in it in our hearts”, Fyrehart said. “Under the command ofa lesser leader, we'd be doomed. With the President's plan, we at least have afighting ance.”“Do you wish my assistance, and the aid of the Knights of the Round Table?”“If all of your knights fight like Lancelot, the war will be considerably simpler”,President Malory said with a hint of reservation in his voice. “But I want to knowone thing before I ask your help. What do you want in return?”“is is a noble war against darkness, is it not? Knowing no one threatens thepeace of the lands is a reward enough.”“But are you not also a warlord?” President Malory said. “Is peace your onlymotive, or do you want power in return?”“And understandable reservation”, Arthur said. “I am, as some might believeme to be, a hero, a conqueror and liberator whose deeds are epic and numerous,aer all”, he said with a bit of sarcasm. “But rest assured; I do not come as aconqueror. I died a treaerous death defending my ideals and my subjects. I amthe King of Britons no longer. I am a man no longer.” Arthur seemed wearier, butseemed to continue his tale with no less vigour, keeping his emotions in ewith iron will. “If you want our help, we shall aid you. If you want no help fromus, we shall help you without. But do not believe for a second that if you turndown our help, we shall somehow… avenge that show of distrust. Our heartsare true, our minds are set for fulfilling our destiny once again. Merlin's magichas honed us for the purpose we have been alloed in the tales of old: Return todefend Britain in its darkest hour. We are only Knights now, with a single, purepurpose. Do you want us fulfill that destiny, President?”“King Arthur”, President Malory began aer taking a good breath, “don't bealarmed. My only concern here is the ain of command. Warfare these daysis a confusing business, and as we have seen countless times in the history, inall wars, the greatest threat to peace, liberty and human dignity is the quest forpersonal glory. You should understand my reservations; I cannot enlist someonewho desires to usurp not only my authority, but the principles — very different