The Law of the Prince Charming

Chapter 11.1

"Welcome to Camelot," the Summoner says as they crest yet another set of rolling hills.

"How can they call it Camelot and not realize they're in a tale?" Thomas asks.

"You'd be surprised what people can miss when they really put their minds to it," the Archer replies.

The castle town is sprawled over the top of a hill and is visible from far afield. Gray stone walls stand strong, flanking a massive drawbridge, with blue topped roofs stretching into the sky.

The guardsmen nod to the Summoner as they enter the gates and move up through the town. People and their voices fill the streets, shopping and selling their wares, which include a good number of artifacts. Children run by, laughing as they go.

"They're just selling artifacts on the streets?" Thomas asks.

"Mythics are common in this kingdom, so there's a lot of remnants to be had," the Swift says as they pass through the gates to the castle.

"Rose Storyteller, go to main gate and show them the introduction letter to the Merlin as his servant. Someone will take you where you need to go," the Summoner says. The Wizard had changed into a dress in the back of the wagon during their trip. He crosses the courtyard toward the castle proper. "Black Storyteller, White Storyteller, you're going to be tested by the Lancelot to see if you're worthy of being knights. I've already told him you're coming. Crimson Storyteller, you go with them and go over the code of chivalry with them. Pine Storyteller, you're with me."

The Swift nods. "Yes, sir."

They pass Kidder and the Gelding over to a stablehand and walk through the courtyard in the direction the Summoner had pointed.

"So their code of chivalry just has a few points," the Swift says as they turn around the side of the castle. "One: Don't attack or murder anyone without provocation. Two: You must always be loyal to your king, so the Arthur. Three: Don't be a jerk and grant mercy to those who ask for it."

"Don't be a jerk?" Thomas asks with a chuckle.

"That's the basic idea," the Swift replies.

"If you treat everyone with respect, even enemies, then you'll be okay," the Huntsman adds.

"Four:" the Swift continues. "Always help a lady and never cause them harm."

Thomas raises an eyebrow at the Huntsman, who ignores the look. This code sounds somewhat familiar.

"And five: Never fight over anything less than Fae or kingdom."

"No petty squabbles, got it," Thomas says.

The sound of weapons clashing bounces off the stone walls in front of them. The sparring fields are tucked behind the castle, in the full sun of the afternoon.

"That's the Lancelot." The Swift points to a man in a bright blue tunic, holding a spear.

Numerous men are sparring with each other. Most of them are wearing similar uniforms of red and gold, matching the banners around Camelot, but there are some dotted among them in distinctive colors, like the Lancelot.

The Lancelot moves among the sparring pairs, calling out commands for improvement. Every once and a while he strikes one of the soldiers with his spear, either knocking away a blow or tripping them at an inopportune time. The men take the interference without complaint. Thomas stops by the side of the ring, watching. The Lancelot glances toward them as they approach, but he continues walking among the sparring soldiers.

The men work through a series of stances with the sword, using a style that is not dissimilar to what Thomas had learned. The Lancelot weaves among them in no discernible pattern. Eventually drifting past where the Storytellers are watching, but without any move to acknowledge them. The Lancelot turns smoothly and abruptly pushes his spear at Thomas.