Capítulo 3: Coming of the Storm
Priscilla sat in the banquet hall misty-eyed, unperturbed by the loud singing and shouting of her subjects. The knights and researchers were celebrating the successful creation of Lady in the Lake. Since it was nearing the end of harvest season, much of the excess supplies needed to be used before it perished as there was a limited amount of space in the warehouses. She had hardly eaten her meal when Merlin pulled her aside.
"Cilla, you are already so distracted, is it because the season is ending soon and that day is coming up?"
"It was always father's dream to be able to protect all of Camelot. Now that Lady in the Lake is working, his dream is almost fulfilled, but he's not here to witness it."
"Your father was a noble soul. Although it has already been so many years, his name is still known to everyone as the hero who brought together the scattered nations. Even though he's no longer with us, his legacy is flourishing."
Merlin tried consoling her but Priscilla was still distracted. He couldn't help but sigh and let it go. This happened every year, it was best to let time heal her wounds. He lamented after thinking of his old friend. It was ironic, he had yet to heal his wounds, but was trying to console others.
"I wish to collect flowers from Darkmoore woods. I will bring Gawain and Percival. Since it takes a fortnight to travel there, I will head immediately to Remembrance Hill after."
Merlin had no words to refute. Every year Priscilla would collect the same flowers to bring to her father's memorial. The Darkmoore woods was one of the most dangerous places in the empire, but to someone of Priscilla's skill it was mostly a stroll through the trees.
"Your Majesty, we're ready to depart."
The two knights mentioned, Gawain and Percival, arrived promptly after Priscilla had mentioned them. Merlin jumped at their ghost-like entrance and nearly cursed.
"Blast it, you two are truly quick. Very well, very well, I won't hold you any longer. I will head to the memorial tomorrow, take care."
Merlin's childish attitude caused Priscilla to start grinning, breaking her out of her daze. As he departed deeper into the castle, she stared at his receding back. After calming down, she turned to the pair of knights and nodded. They immediately left for the stables where their horses had been prepared for travel beforehand.
After checking the tack and gear, the trio began to ride south to the infamous Darkmoore woods. Priscilla was wearing simpler clothing and a cloak to conceal her obvious features. Although the few Kingdoms outside of the empire were too small or too far to attack, it was best not to let it be known that the empress was away from the castle. Since there were many inns and taverns along the way, it would be easy to get a place to rest these next two weeks, however, there was a tradition.
"Sir Percival, your barbequing skill has certainly improved since last time you escorted me on this trip."
The trio sat around a blazing fire with several skewers of meat being slowly glazed and cooked by Percival. The meat seemed to be from various cuts, but it did not detract from the delicious looking meal that dripped with juices.
"It is my honor to receive Her Majesty's praise."
"Sigh, you two weren't so stuck up when I was little. Sir Galahad treats me like normal in private."
"Sir Gawain, remind me to give Sir Galahad kitchen duty for the next month."
The three of them burst out in laughter at the joke. It was difficult on Priscilla since her father's passing. However, the knights who served her father had supported and protected her wholeheartedly and it allowed her to grow up in a good environment. Once she stabilized her rule, she began to improve the quality of life of all subjects. Due to her high prestige and esteem, the approval from the public was near maximum.
"Speaking of such, have you considered any of the marriage proposals from last year's banquet?"
"On second thought, return to formal speech. We do not wish to speak of such matters!"
This caused another cacophony of laughter. The trip continued on like this until nearly two weeks passed when they arrived at the small frontier town outside of Darkmoore forest. The town was designed in a way that was meant to be rebuilt easily. There are frequent attacks from the aggressive animals in the forest, so the towns main selling point is the completely underground market. This is where it acquired its name, Sleeping Giant City, due to the seemingly quiet city containing a giant network of activity underground.
"We've arrived. Sir Gawain, ask around for information concerning the remnants of Mordred's army. Sir Percival, find us an updated map including nesting grounds. I shall replenish our supplies and stable the horses."
The two knights went to do their respective tasks, while Priscilla brought the horses over to the underground stables to be taken care of. She brushed their bodies herself after removing the saddles to make sure there weren't any small rocks that would cause harm to their body while riding. This allowed her to clear her mind and think about this year's trip.
The reason Priscilla came here every year went beyond just gathering the unique flowers that grow in these woods. Ever since the war ended, Priscilla has come here annually to wipe out any remaining groups that dared hang Mordred's coat. Additionally, this forest was very dangerous as is known to the public. However, the number of qualified adventurers to frequently clear it is low in stark contrast. Therefore, Priscilla clears out the powerful beasts yearly to keep it manageable.
"Naturally I could wipe them all out, but they establish a natural border and protect the ecology here."
Since the invaders came, she had learned a great deal of 'other-worldly knowledge.' The personalities of the invaders were on a wide spectrum, and many were the scholarly type which traded knowledge and technology for the price of being sent home. This also showed how intelligent Priscilla was, these invaders did not have magic in their original world, yet she was able to understand and integrate their knowledge to aid the growth of her kingdom.
After finishing grooming the horses, she went around the stalls for traveling food and ingredients. While Priscilla was slightly distracted during her task of resupplying, she still noticed someone stalking her. Although her face was covered, and she wore simple traveling clothes, her body still exuded an aura of nobility. Many troubled groups wished to earn money quickly by kidnapping and robbing. Recognizing that she had been targeted, Priscilla purposefully walked into a less-traveled section of the underground market when she was suddenly surrounded by burly men.
"'Ello missus, the boss's lookin to con-ver-sate wit'cha. We ain't 'ere for a brawl."
The man spoke a heavily accented southern dialect, which caused Priscilla to instinctively show the blade at her side by moving her cloak slightly. Although it seemed suspicious, she still followed them to see what they were up to. They ushered her into a building and dared not enter themselves. As she walked through the threshold, a thin cloth covered the path to go further. But the smell of lilac was already thick. The scent was sweet to the point of being cloying. Covering her nose with the hem of her cloak, she continued forward.
Once Priscilla saw the figure of a woman wearing all black with a veil covering her face, she immediately drew her sword. She could never forget the silhouette and eyes of her most hated enemy. Priscilla held the sword over this strange woman while pushing down her rage to clear her mind for the fight.
"Enough, dear niece. There is no need for a fight, I am here in peace."
"You dare! After betraying my father and grandpa Merlin, you think you have the right to claim familial bonds?"
"I admit, my past speaks to my credibility. But there is a greater threat to our world, regardless of your incredulity. The self-proclaimed goddesses are taking action. Be prepared once you head back, for there will be a new faction. Do not try to reason with it, for it is no longer human, but only a tool. Also, give my regards to Master Merlin, I never wished to harm that stubborn old fool."
After finishing her ominous, rhythmic warning, the candles flickered and the dark figure faded from view like smoke from a smothered candle. Priscilla stood there without moving. Rather, she could not move. Her muscles were tensed and wound up, locked into a position to strike. She had been ready to cut down that vile enchantress, but mention of the threat to the world caused her to waver. She could only relax after slashing the rows of candles in half.
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder