The Beginning

6TH Century A.D. in Camelot...

The sun rises on a new day on Camelot. In the heart of the castle, King Arthur paces the room that holds the Round Table. For you see, the country is on the brink of war. Morgan Le Fay will stop at nothing to exact her revenge on Arthur and his kingdom. A great battle between good and evil will soon take place. But, before the final battle, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table search frantically for a way to help them turn the tide of the war. ...

"I do NOT care how long it takes to find it! There must be something that will stop Morgan from overrunning this kingdom with her evil," the king said in frustration. "Merlin, there must be something that you know of that you have not yet told me. I've had scholars look into every possibility in every library in the kingdom and in other kingdoms and places. Surely, there is something you know," implored the king apprehensively.

Merlin, a renowned wizard, sat staring at the king, thoughtfully stroking his beard. "Well, Your Majesty, I had hoped to not have you consider this choice, for it is fraught with danger," he replied, "but there is one thing that will defeat Morgan Le Fay completely."

"I knew you may know something! Have no care for my or my knights' safety, good Merlin, for we are surely all in mortal danger as we speak," the king answered. "What is this choice you are speaking of?"

"I am speaking of the Ignis Magnus, Your Majesty." Merlin somberly replied, "It is a great weapon guarded by the Pleiades themselves. It can bring the wielder impossible strength. It can cancel out any curse or bring upon the darkest magic known to man. It can make the land grow prosperous or can bring catastrophe to one's enemies. This is the only way to stop Morgan Le Fay."

"That shall be our solution, then! Please, great wizard and friend, tell us where we may seek out this great weapon," King Arthur eagerly asked.

"It is not easily obtained. The Pleiades, Daughters of Atlas, guard the Ignis Magnus. They reside in the heavens and will only give a chance to those they deem worthy enough to try for the weapon." The knights around the table started talking and wondering who would be seen as worthy enough to go on such a quest as this for the king. A prize brought back to Camelot would bring the knight who won it glory for all of history. "Silence!" demanded King Arthur in a booming voice. "How must we meet and prove ourselves to these Pleiades, Merlin?"

Merlin looked around to all the knights and at last looked at the king. "You must journey to Stonehenge, where there is more magic than anywhere else in Britain, on a full moon when the heavens are closest to the Earth and implore the Daughters of Atlas to find you worthy."

"The next full moon is three days from now. We shall set forth with all of our men and challenge these nymphs to see if any are worthy," he announced to his knights and court.

The next three days the castle was busy with preparations. The men had no clue what they would be facing or how powerful these star nymphs were. Because of this they gathered armor and weapons and made ready valiant war horses. On the day of the full moon, King Arthur set out with his band of gallant knights. When they reached Stonehenge, King Arthur went to the center of the ruins alone. As he entered them, he felt a presence, one that felt as if it had been there since the beginning of time. "Who dare enter and seek our presence?" whispered many female voices eerily. King Arthur shivered slightly, feeling as if the voices cut through his very bones.

"It is I, King Arthur of Camelot. I have come to seek the Ignis Magnus which you possess."

"And tell us, mortal king, why should we give it to you?" condescendingly the voices answered.

"Because I am pure of heart and fight for justice and all that is good. I seek to destroy one so heinous, she would tear the world apart as we know it if she is given the chance." The magic paused as if thinking its reply.

Slowly the stars formed the likeness of a young maiden with long flowing hair. "Mortal king, you and your band may not be as righteous and just as you speak. But you may prove yourselves to us. Should you and your knights withstand three tests, you may have the Ignis Magnus. Should you fail, you return to your kingdom and this great war will surely be your demise. Do you accept?"

"I accept. Thank you, oh Great One." King Arthur bowed.

"The champion you choose for the first trial must show himself here at the time when the moon is the highest in the sky. Then the challenge shall commence," she said softly as she dissipated into the night sky. King Arthur arose and made his way back to his men at the camp they had to set up to share all he had witnessed.

That night, while the men gathered around the fire to hold council, King Arthur relayed what the goddess had told him. All the men clamored for the chance to prove themselves to their liege lord. "Silence! I have already chosen what four shall go and complete these trials," the king stated, silencing the men. "I have made my decisions. The champions will be myself for the first test, Sir Gawain and Sir Gareth for the second, and Sir Lancelot for the third. Those of you not completing these tests will stay here and listen and watch for any news from Camelot. Those are my orders." The king then dismissed everyone as he retired to his makeshift quarters.

Stay tuned to see if King Arthur can prove himself worthy and face the first test....

Author's Note:

Hello readers! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my Introduction story into King Arthur's journey and trials with the stars! My idea for this story came from the fact that astronomy was used a lot in the medieval ages. I also really like King Arthur stories, so I knew I wanted to write about him. I did most of my research from Wikipedia and another website I found that was all about King Arthur and his knights. I also kept in mind some of the other books and stories other authors have wrote about King Arthur that I've read and liked. I am really looking forward to the drama that this story is going to have. As I'm writing you will probably see a lot of editing in the intro and other stories on this site. I appreciate any feedback and encouragement! See the cover page for my comment wall.

Image Information: Rock of Cashel, Tipperary Ireland. Source: Pixabay