Unknownfate
patreon
Chapter 21
🕑 Added 2025-03-29 00:19:58 +0000 UTC“Good evening, and welcome to BBC Nightly News. It has been a week since the mysterious reappearance of Camelot, King Arthur's legendary city, and the world is still grappling with its implications.” Emma’s calm professionalism hinted at a spark of awe in her eyes, as she carefully selected her words to conceal her own disbelief.
“That’s right, Emma. From historians to global leaders, scientists to mystics, everyone has been racing to comprehend how a mythical city—once believed to be confined to legend—has suddenly emerged in the English countryside.” James leaned slightly forward, his tone deliberate, yet his tightly clasped hands revealed an underlying tension.
The scene shifted to an on-site reporter, live from Camelot’s perimeter.
“Behind me stand the towering gates of Camelot, a sight no one believed they would ever witness just a week ago.” Clara gestured toward the imposing white gates, her voice steady yet tinged with wonder. The soft hum of the assembled crowd behind her underscored the significance of the moment.
The camera swept across rows of reporters, tourists, and scholars, their eager whispers and clicking cameras creating a symphony of anticipation. Uniformed officers patrolled the barricades, their rigid movements reflecting the pressure to maintain order.
“Government officials, in collaboration with international historians and scientists, have implemented a controlled entry system. So far, only a select few carefully vetted delegations—which include researchers, and diplomatic envoys—have been permitted inside. Their discoveries? Astonishing.”
A montage of footage began, showcasing Camelot and a series of photographs of those who have been allowed entry.
“Inside the gates, visitors describe a city that defies logic and expectation—a perfect blend of medieval architecture and seemingly advanced engineering.” Her voice softened, as if even uttering the words felt surreal.
The screen changed to reveal Sir Gareth leading a group, her golden hair glinting in the sunlight as her animated gestures filled the air with energy. Her laughter was warm, and her inviting demeanor seemed to enchant even the skeptics among the researchers.
“Notable figures spotted so far include Sir Gareth, known for his kindness and exuberance, and to much shock have been revealed to be a woman.” Once again, pictures of Gareth appeared on screen.
“Regrettably, we have been unable to capture footage within the city itself, so there are no recordings of other knights such as Sir Gawain. However, witnesses speak of the impressive skills he displayed on the training ground.”
The scene transitioned back to the studio.
“Thank you, Clara. It's not only scholars and historians who are paying attention. World leaders have expressed their views on the geopolitical and cultural impacts of Camelot’s unexpected resurgence."
Emma’s delivery remained professional, but a slight furrow on her brow indicated that even she had difficulty grasping the implications.
Clips show various leaders at press conferences. The Prime Minister’s serious demeanor during his address stood in stark contrast to the lively gestures of other global leaders.
“Prime Minister Brown assures the public that Camelot does not present an immediate danger, describing it as 'a historic and diplomatic marvel.’ Meanwhile, the U.N. is working to create a framework for international cooperation, as countries like the United States and China seek access to the city."
“Earlier today, we had some experts in the studio; let’s revisit some highlights," Emma said as the scene transitioned again.
“Joining us now to explore the broader implications of Camelot’s reappearance are Dr. Eleanor Fielding, a historian focused on Arthurian legend, and Dr. Marcus Patel, a specialist in quantum physics and anomalies.” James subtly gestured towards the panel, his demeanor steady, though the tapping of his fingers against the desk revealed his nervousness.
“Dr. Fielding, let’s begin with you. How do we interpret the existence of this city, long considered a myth, now manifest before us?” Emma’s tone carried a trace of disbelief, as if she was still reconciling legend with reality.
“Well, Emma, this fundamentally challenges our understanding of mythology and history. If Camelot exists, what else from legend could be real? Is this city a singular anomaly, or might other mythical places surface?" Dr. Fielding’s hands expressed her excitement as she spoke, her enthusiasm clear despite the gravity of her message.
“And Dr. Patel, from a scientific standpoint, how do we start to make sense of this?” James leaned slightly toward the physicist, his curiosity sincere.
“James, we are entirely in unexplored territory. Theories vary from dimensional rifts to sophisticated technologies beyond our comprehension. Some even theorize a supernatural or divine origin, although we, of course, lack the means to test that.” Dr. Patel remained calm, though his knitted brow revealed the unease lurking beneath his composed facade.
Returning to the live segment, the hosts quickly reclaimed the conversation. “And it’s not just experts who are intrigued; all of Britain is curious. Earlier today, we had a chance to ask the public for their thoughts. Here are a few responses."
The scene shifted to a middle-aged man on the streets.
“It’s incredible! This shows there’s some truth behind legends. I just wish ordinary people could enter.” His tone was hopeful, but his eyes reflected a deep curiosity that matched the crowd behind him.
Next, an older woman was asked for her thoughts.
“It’s frightening. If they’re real, what else could be out there? Dragons? Magic? I just hope the government knows what it’s doing.” Her voice trembled slightly as she clutched her bag like a lifeline against the uncertainty.
Finally, a young teenager outside the restricted area of Camelot chimed in.
“Honestly, I’m just here for the TikToks. Camelot looks amazing!” The teen beamed, taking selfies with the distant gates in view.
Back in the studio, Emma quickly responded. “Whether you see Camelot as a historical wonder or a looming enigma, one thing is clear: the world is watching, and the narrative is far from complete.”
Suddenly, the TV clicked off, and the owner scowled angrily. “Camelot this, Camelot that—they keep discussing it, but offer nothing. Damn Government, hiding the true secrets.”
“If anyone deserves access to Camelot, it's me! Not those so-called scientists.” He cursed angrily as he stood up.
Nathan Garrett felt like his world crumbled the moment he heard the news. As a descendant of Sir Percy of Scandia, he shouldn’t be barred from entering the legendary city!
With ancient knights like Lancelot and Gawain appearing again, who could say Sir Percy hadn’t shown up as well?
Garrett was at a loss. He had always been proud of his lineage while equally resenting it.
Ever since the Ebony sword had denied him, he had harbored this anger—yet as a child, he cherished those old tales of his family and King Arthur. Now… those stories had come to life.
Nathan Garrett strode around his dimly lit study, the air thick with anger and frustration. Books and artifacts cluttered the room—relics embodying his obsession with both science and his family heritage.
Among them, a grand portrait of Sir Percy of Scandia looked down at him, a silent reminder of the family legacy from which Garrett could never fully escape.
Garrett clenched his fists and turned away from the portrait, raising his voice to no one in particular. “It should be me there, standing among them! Not these clueless government lackeys!” His tone was a mix of anger and despair as it cracked. “They don’t understand what this means. They can’t.”
He walked over to a cabinet and flung it open, exposing rows of meticulously maintained weapons and tools he had crafted himself. His hands hovered over a polished lance, a technological marvel he designed to rival the power of the Ebony Blade. Curling his fingers into a fist, he slammed the cabinet shut again.
“They rejected me,” he muttered bitterly, eyes downcast. “The sword, the legacy, even my own damn bloodline.”
For a moment, he recalled his childhood—before the bitterness and rejection. He remembered sitting by the hearth, listening to an old caretaker spin tales of Camelot.
Back then, his eyes sparkled with wonder, imagining himself among the Round Table knights, wielding a sword of destiny. But those dreams had turned to ash when the sword chose another, leaving him with nothing but resentment.
Now, Camelot had returned. The legends were no longer mere stories; they were now a breathing reality. Lancelot, Gawain, and others he had only read about in vague texts were here. The thought that Sir Percy could be among them was both thrilling and maddening.
“Sir Percy,” he spat the name, laced with a hint of reverence beneath the venom. “The perfect knight, the family’s pride. And what am I? A footnote. A failure.”
His bitterness transformed into grim determination. Striding to his desk, he pulled out a weathered map of Britain and slammed it down. Fire burned in his eyes as he traced a path to the legendary city’s supposed location.
“I’ll find a way in,” he vowed, his voice steady and filled with cold resolve. “If Camelot has truly returned, then I too have the right to claim my place—one way or another.”
Turning back to the cabinet, he grabbed the lance and a modified suit of armor. Though not as ornate as what his ancestor wore, it was efficient, deadly, and a testament to his genius.
As he suited up, a twisted smile crept onto his lips. “The government can keep their secrets. They can keep their scientists and diplomats. I don’t need their permission.”
Garrett cast one last look at Sir Percy’s portrait before heading for the door. “If the knights of Camelot think they can ignore me, they’re in for a rude awakening. Blood calls to blood, and I will not be denied.”
With that, he stepped into the night, his mind racing with plans and possibilities. For better or worse, Nathan Garrett was determined to make Camelot recognize him—and if it wouldn’t, he would force it to.
Riding his flying horse under the shroud of night, he soared toward his fate, uncertain of his next move but knowing he had to keep going. The stars above were dim, their light engulfed by the night’s shadows.
Soon the outline of Camelot’s towering walls emerged ahead, illuminated by the moon’s silvery glow. A chill ran down his spine at the sight, though he would never confess it—not even to himself.
“Magnificent,” he whispered, his voice barely rising above the wind. The word held a mix of wonder and bitterness. This was the realization of his youthful dreams, unveiled in all its glory. Yet, it also served as a stark reminder of the legacy that had turned its back on him.
His helm granted him clear vision in the moonlight, revealing archers on the walls. Their armor and broad bows caught his eye, alongside the striking detail that they bore no arrows.
“Curious… magic? I guess that’s to be expected," he murmured as he charged over the wall, only to abruptly veer his mount aside, narrowly avoiding an arrow that flew by with astounding speed and force.
The arrow whizzed through the air with a sharp, piercing shriek, vanishing into the darkness behind him. Garrett’s heart raced while he steadied his mount, its wings straining to keep altitude after the sudden turn.
“Damn it,” he hissed, gripping the reins tighter. “They don’t miss a beat, do they?"
As if in response, another arrow zipped by, its path unnervingly accurate despite the distance. He shifted his gaze back to the wall, spotting the archers, their movements agile and purposeful. They carried no quivers, yet with a simple motion, gleaming golden arrows appeared in their hands, poised to launch.
“Definitely magic,” he muttered, frustration and fascination mingling in his voice. “And not the kind for amateurs."
With a firm pull on the reins, Garrett’s mount banked sharply, drawing him into a wide circle around the city’s outer edge. He needed a different tactic—one that wasn’t so straightforward. Charging at the walls would turn him into a target for these mystical marksmen.
His thoughts raced as he scanned the landscape, his enhanced helm charting the terrain below. However, the city stood in a broad, open field, devoid of any cover.
The realization made Garrett clench his jaw. He hadn’t anticipated the terrain being such a hindrance. “Wide open,” he muttered under his breath, frustration creeping into his voice. “Perfect for them, hell for me."
He maneuvered his mount lower, skimming the terrain as he aimed to stay beneath the archers’ sightlines. Their golden arrows were unnervingly precise; he couldn’t afford to be caught exposed again.
Another arrow zipped past, closer this time, slicing through the air so near that Garrett felt its wind. His horse whinnied, its wings faltering briefly before he regained control.
“Alright,” he gritted through clenched teeth. “Let's see how good you really are.”
Garrett veered sharply upward, urging his mount into a steep ascent. He angled toward the far side of the city, where the wall’s light seemed fainter and the patrols less dense. As he neared, he activated a cloaking mechanism embedded in his armor, causing the air around him to shimmer subtly as the technology engaged.
The archers faltered, their glowing arrows losing strength mid-draw as they appeared to lose sight of him. Garrett allowed himself a grim smile. “That’s right, see if you can find me now.”
He wasn’t sure if the Knights could see through invisibility, but they seemed unable to detect him. Part of him felt a surge of pride, believing he had outsmarted even the Knights of Camelot.
Though he didn’t want to take any chances, it was clear the city was aware of his presence, which likely meant the guard was on high alert now.
He paused for a moment; he could push forward, but there was a risk of being discovered quickly… “Damn it, fine, you win this time, Camelot,” he swore, turning back.
Now he knew their defenses. He had tested their reflexes. He had confirmed that his invisibility worked. Next time, he wouldn’t come unprepared.
Next time, he wouldn’t be turned away. As he soared into the night, the grand city behind him, Garrett’s mind was already crafting his next plan.
One way or another— He was going to get inside.
