Chapter 4: Avalon

We finally made it!

Yaaawnn... Might we take the time to rest then?

Wow... How did Merlin know about such a small ship dock?

That's Merlin for ya. She's got some strange tastes, but she knows how to get stuff done.

Ho... Is that how you speak of me when I'm not around?

Merlin!

Waaaah! How arduous it has been, Merlin!

It's the first time you're hearing it?!

Oh yes. I understood the Cave of Trials was closed off, but I never dreamt that Caliburn would be there.

Perhaps it is no surprise it revealed itself to you, the Swordbringer.

I knew Ethan was special!

So, after all that oinking, you finally did your part.

What do you mean finally?!

Hoho, let me show you the way to the ship that will take you to Avalon.

Ethan, we're setting sail at last!

That's right. It took a lot of twists and turns to get here, but now the real journey begins.

Onward!

Aye!

Mmph...!

Bleerrghhh!!!

Oh dear... Your Highness... Are you still not well?

Eugh... I simply cannot... take it... Bleergh!!!

Is there anything we can do, Ethan? We will all collapse at this rate.

There's... no use asking me aboough!

Bleeeerghhh!!!

Haaa... Both Ethan and Her Highness are in dire straits.

The only one to rely on in this situation...

.......

There is no one to rely on!

Huuh... This is the end for me...

How are you okay, Bedivere? All this rocking isn't making you sick?

Um... I suppose not.

Oh yeah?

Bleergh! Bluuurght!

There is no hope...

What is to come of us now?

Wander the open sea? Encounter pirates? Sea beasts of myth?

We will drift along until we find a deserted island, barely beach our ship...

But Ethan and Morgana have already parted with their souls...

I will be left with Her Highness, living out my days watching over her...

If the Princess recovers her strength, maybe we can live happily together...

Stoooop! Don't write our epitaphs just yet!

Eugh... Getting all riled up just made my stomach worse...

The ship is rocking rather violently.

Yeah, 'cause it's tiny.

What? Are all ships not of this proportion?

E-Ethan...?

Elizabeth! Are you feeling better?

I-I... am doomed... I beg of you... Defeat Vortigern and restore... peace to this land... Huh?!

Kyaaa!!!

Heehee... such strife is nothing to this great Fairy Queen!

You look like a drenched rat!

Haa, haa... I am positively sodden... Hic! Hic!

Oh no! Your Highness! How have you come to look so unbecoming?!

You mustn't look at her, Ethan!

Yeah, that's the look of a lifetime... Eugh!

Seeing the figures shake on the rocking boat upset my stomach anew.

I beg your pardon, Eth, Bleergh!!!

.......

Huuuuuah!

E-Ethan?

We can't just keep puking like pitiful fools! We are human! Show our strength!

Magnificent... You're propelling the boat rather swiftly!

Huuah!

Eugh!

Ethan?!

Bleeeergh!!!

Ethaaaaaan!

Elizabeth! Get up!

Nnngh... Ethan...

Let's face facts. We're both an absolute mess already.

We gotta try something. Otherwise we go down in history as the fools who couldn't handle a ship ride.

... What?

Elizabeth Pendragon! She who was to clash with Vortigern! After toiling with seasickness she was found a sickly mess!

Do you want that to be your legacy?!

W-What?!

I cannot be remembered as the Princess of Shame!

Then get up! Show the world the will of the Princess!

Row the oar with me for the peace of tomorrow!

Aye, Ethan!

Huuuuah!

You two are incredible!

You can help too, Bedivere!

... Eugh?

Bleeergh!!!

M-Morgana... Is there anything you can do to help?

.......

Come on, answer me. Don't try to avoid me with that tripe like the Fairy Queen is seasick!

.......

Hey! Morgana! Miss Morgana!

O Morgana, sweet Fairy Queen, the fairest and greatest in the world!

Haaa, I suppose I've no choice.

I have a bit of a headache, but I shall hear the desperate plea of this foolish pig nevertheless.

Huah!

What is this?! The boat is floating!

There! Now we can fly to our destination!

Huh?! Yeahhh! This is amazing, Morgana! You really pulled through!

Hmph, of course I did. This is child's play for me.

...?!

Hey, Morgana. A flying ship's amazing and all, but how are you gonna stop it?

Stop? What are you saying? I already made it fly. You figure out how to make it stop.

No! We can't meet a horrible end like this!

Listen up! Slow down the ship by rowing the opposite direction!

Go! One! Two!

Urrgh! This is hopeless, Ethan! The oar is too... heavyyyyy!

Huah! Hurgh! Agh?!

Waaah! My oar broke!

Gaaaah! We! Must! Stooooop!

Morgana! Help!

Haaa... Where o where would you be without me, little piggy?

Whatever! Hurry up!

We're going to craaaaash!

Uaaagh!

Ngh... Where are we...?

Eugh... Morgana, you little...!

Good, you're up, now get moving, lazy butt.

Is this really Avalon? It seems awfully vacant.

Ah, Ethan! There's a light coming from within the cave!

Huh?

Yeesh, almost died there! Let's run before it wakes up again.

Halt, human.

Eeek!

I have not even used my full power. I was merely testing yours.

You, princess clad in red, I am certain you have the blessing of our kin.

Me...?

Yes. The Dragon Lord Karishara bestowed his blessing upon you.

I, Kalishia, shall aid you in accordance with the ancient covenant.

Huh?

What's that?

This air... It's Avalon.

Then that dragon brought us here!

Oh no, my gold coin pouch!

Wait! You there! Stay where you are!

Huh?

This is the Fairy Forest... You cannot pass unless I, Elin, permit it! State your business!

Hey, Morgana, you know this girl?

A sentry fairy. She is likely here to protect the area.

It's all right, Ethan. Leave it to me.

Oh? Suddenly taking charge?

I am the Fairy Queen. My name and face are my credentials, heehee!

Ahem, you there! Do you not recognize Morgana, your Queen? Let us pass.

What? You are Morgana?

But you can't be. Morgana doesn't look like a sewer rat. She is wondrous and beautiful!

And you are a child, besides! Morgana is a majestic woman!

Ugh! I was reborn into this form, you foolish fairy!

This conversation's gone sideways, Morgana.

You leave me no choice but to teach you a lesson!

Nnngh... I have failed...

I must pay with my life... for failing to protect the forest...

No need for that. We're not here to destroy the place.

Th-Then what?

Elin, greetings. We came for a secret meeting at Avalon. We mean no harm to the Fairy Forest.

Merlin said she already spoke with the fairies. Did you not hear anything?

Princess Elizabeth? Merlin...?

Aaah! Then are you... Are you truly Morgana?!

I already told you! Fairies these days, so undisciplined. Who is your superior?

Are you an army sergeant now?!

Eeek! F-Forgive me, Morgana!!!

Scary...

The ground shook, Your Highness.

Yes, Bedi. It was a fearsome strike of the head.

She's on her knees apologizing. I didn't think she'd fall so unsophisticated like, but yeah.

All is well. I am a merciful queen. You are forgiven.

Th-thank you...!

Right, so I'll just take one last apology, and then we can be off!

Yes?

I forgave you for failing to recognize me. There is still the sin of comparing me to a rat!

Don't be so petty, FAIRY QUEEN. Are you trying to kill the girl? If she has to apologize like that again, she'll...

I shall! Haaaa!!!

Stop, Elin!

Mmm, such lively intruders!

Who is she?

Hello there, cutie boy. Want to play with me?

Absol, I mean, no. Morgana, what do we do?!

Mia... Avalon's high elf. I'll handle this.

Mia! Surely you recognize the Fairy Queen Morgana when you see her, yes?

What is a flat-chested child doing calling herself Morgana? Ahaha, you are one wild bunch.

Flat-chested...?

Compared to Morgana's glorious bazongas, yours are a bump in a field.

Ethan! Slaughter that nasty high elf! At once!

Right then...

Heh, I must apologize, Morgana. I was unaware you could be reborn.

Hmph, if not for my mercy, you'd be floating down the river...

So, how much farther to Avalon Castle?

Hmm, and here I thought you only had looks, but you have other charms as well!

Take this path and you will arrive before long.

We are nearly there, Ethan!

Hihi, see you at the Council Chamber, cutie boy.

Ahem! Right, shall we?

Yes! Avalon Castle!

You never would have found it without me.

Oh? Not because Mia and Elin told us the way?

Ah, Ethan, just a moment! Someone approaches!

Hiyaaa! Fight me, foul beasts!

Wait, Sarah, they're not monsters.

What is happening? Have they come to welcome us?

I don't think so. They give off a weird vibe.

Do not let down your guard, Your Majesty! This is the Fairy Forest. These things are undoubtedly phantoms!

Uh, we're people.

Gah, wicked fairies, laying such a shameless trap! I will treat you, I mean, tear you to shreds!

I see... This could have ended poorly. Surely it is a trap to take care of intruders as well.

Sarah! Eliminate them!

As you wish!

W-Would you please listen to us?!

Haaa, you are rather strong...

Please collect yourselves. We are not here to fight.

We have come for the secret meeting in Avalon.

Might you two also be participating?

I am Cristina de Castella of Mercia. And you?

Oh... You are... I see...

Hm? You there, boy! Her Majesty is not there for you to ogle at!

Huh? Oh, I didn't mean anything by it. It's just she looks so young for a queen.

Ah... She does look it, but she is not!

What does that mean?

E-Ethan, Queen Cristina is far greater in years than us, despite her youthful appearance.

Forgive me, Your Majesty. Ethan is not accustomed to our court etiquette...

Hmm... Then what they say is true.

The missing Princess Elizabeth is traveling with the Swordbringer...

Is that what they say in Mercia as well?

Certainly, Princess Elizabeth. The Imperial Army is scrambling at the emergence of the man from the prophecy.

I did not know such a man would be so unremarkable, however.

Well, I appreciate you returning the favor, Queen Cristina.

But I'd like you to call me remarkable next time. I am a man of many charms, you know.

Pfft! Very amusing for a peasant.

Then we shall see you again at the Council Chamber.

Welcome, everyone.

Merlin!

Finally, time to relax!

It may be too early for that, in fact.

Are you Princess Elizabeth's party?

And you are?

The proprietor of Avalon. Call me Vivien.

It is time to test whether your are truly destined to find the Holy Sword.

Aw, come on, I wanna take a break first!

Hoho, think of it like taking a class.

My my, you have grown much in such a short time.

See? I told you there was a reason I tempered them harshly.

Haaa... We done now? I'm going to rest!

This is... Avalon...

Let's go, Ethan.

I will, but I really should change my clothes.

Let me begin by thanking you for coming in these confounding, chaotic times.

That will do for the formalities, Vivien.

I am certain that news of an alliance meeting will have reached Vortigern's ears by now.

The pretext to strike my home of Mercia is now in his hands.

Same goes for us.

And you are, My Lady...?

Fufu, I am the Princess of Cameliard, Guinevere.

I am here in the stead of my father, King Leon.

I see.

Pfft, given all the flinching in this room, the royals of the land are equally guarded.

King Edward... If it were you facing down Vortigern's oppression and border, you would not speak so lightly.

Oh?

Ladies and gentlemen, I must ask you to please set your petty emotions aside.

Whatever.

Hmph...

Mmm... Is this everyone that was supposed to attend?

The Kingdom of Cornwall declined to join the alliance. King Mark wrote as much himself.

Gah! King Mark...!

Empress Catherine of the Kingdom of Isiel expressed her intention to join, but the meeting she could not attend.

I suspect Vortigern increasing his ships to command the seas may be the reason.

Hmm...

The only ally who could budge is the Kingdom of Elaia...

So, Merlin, what are our plans moving forward?

Should those of us gathered here join our strength, we still cannot guarantee a victory against Vortigern.

Much less so when considering the Church of Tiamat and King Mark, who is uncertain as an ally.

This alliance was better off not being formed.

Er...

As for a plan, may I speak to it?

That lady...

Hoho...

The star of this meeting has shown herself.

My name is Elizabeth...

I have come in accordance with the will of my father, King Uther Pendragon.

Princess Elizabeth?!

Hmm... But I heard you went missing...

And this here... is the "Swordbringer" Merlin vouched for, Ethan.

The Swordbringer?!

You summoned forth the legendary Swordbringer?

The very same the prophecy foretold? That man there?

It is true. I, Morgana, attest to it as Fairy Queen.

The Fairy Queen Morgana!

Wait, who is that?

Pfft!

Forgive me, Morgana. Your childish appearance puzzled me.

Never mind. I am all too familiar with the ungratefulness of the race we call humans.

Ha-ha, I, too, was surprised to see you appear, hehe. Please pay it no mind.

Now then, Princess Elizabeth?

Yes?

Have you found the whereabouts of the Holy Sword?

Uh...

The Swordbringer is in her party. Surely this means something.

...

I am sorry to say I do not yet know...

...

We are currently pressed for time, Princess Elizabeth.

Even walking in with Excalibur this very moment might not be enough. What meaning is there if you know not even where to find it?

But!

What did you cast aside your royal authority and run for, if not to find the Holy Sword?!

Uh, excuse me, Sir.

Sir?! I am no knight!

Uh huh, well just calm down Mr. No Knight.

Fine. I expect you have something as worthwhile to say as you are arrogant. Otherwise I'll have your head.

Sure.

Right, then the Holy Sword...

Oh, that, I dunno where it is.

You fiend! You seek to deceive me?!

But I did find another holy relic.

What...

The Holy Grail.

Ethan???

The Holy Grail? Is that what I heard? Is this another trick?

Morgana.

Yes?

(Hurry up!)

(Don't tell me you want to use the fake Holy Grail we took from the goblins!)

(Shut up and take it out!)

Yes, well... Here it is... The Holy Grail.

I don't think...

Oh! I can feel the magic emanating from it. The Fairy Queen Morgana herself presented it. It must be real.

The Holy Grail... truly did exist? I do not believe it...

How do you intend to prove the power of the Holy Grail?

We will drive back Vortigern's army confronting the Kingdom of Cornwall and make King Mark join the alliance.

Hmm...

The confidence in that answer makes me think it is no trick.

Is it truly the Holy Grail, Princess Elizabeth?

Hm? Oh, yes!

Heh, I cannot fully trust you, but if you can make King Mark join, then so shall we.

If you succeed, I will apologize for my discourtesy.

Other remarks, anyone?

Well then, I believe there is no purpose to stay further until we prove the verity of the Holy Grail.

Ha-ha, quite.

This meeting is adjourned.

Ethan... was it?

Yes?

That was quite the declaration.

You may very well be the real Swordbringer after all.

(Princess Guinevere...)

However, mere words do not change anything.

My father's mind is made up.

On the other hand, if you can verify the Holy Grail, find Excalibur and in turn justification for the royal family...

Perhaps then something will change.

Ethan can do anything!

I'm looking forward to it then, fufu...

I am sorry, Ethan.

Huh?

I am a worthless princess. I let you lie like that.

It wasn't a lie.

I-It wasn't?

If we just find the real Holy Grail and prove it as much, the tables will turn in our favor.

But Ethan, do you even know where the real Holy Grail is?

Not for certain, but I can find it... probably...

Why is there anxiety in your voice?

You must have a lead, at the very least. Go on. Where might the real Holy Grail be?

The Kingdom of Cornwall.

The Kingdom of Cornwall... That's the one who didn't come to this meeting.

Was it for that you mentioned the Kingdom of Cornwall earlier?

Yep.

We gotta get the Kingdom of Cornwall on our side first. Then it'll be easy to find the Holy Grail.

You speak as if you know just where it is.

Ethan can find it! I know it!

Haha...

I had to wait outside as I couldn't enter the Council Chamber, so I do not know what was said...

But Ethan always keeps his word.

Ethan really is...

Huh?

N-Nothing.

Let us be off!

Ha-ha, quite an interesting character, that Swordbringer.

Isn't he? Using the Holy Grail to fool everyone. I must say I did not expect that.

It must not have been a mere trick if you are so carefree about it, Merlin.

Ethan is not one to act without certainty.

I fully believe they will find the Holy Sword and prove themselves to everyone.

Ha-ha... I pray that Oberon may light their way forward.

(For the sake of the world... for us all.)