Tales of the Lorekeepers 01 - Rise of the Red Dragon

generously.
    “Now that is quite incredible. Me, little Myrddin, meeting a person such as yourself! I can hardly believe it!”
    “I assure you, Myrddin, the honor is all mine.”
    “In any case, you are doing a splendid job so far, Samuel.”
    “How can you be so sure?”
    Myrddin signaled for the Lorekeeper to get closer and whispered in his ear.
    “Because my vision hasn’t changed yet, meaning you have not done anything to alter the course of history. However, even though it appears you have defended it successfully so far, since you are still here, I imagine your task is not done yet.”
    “Have you ever heard of the Yfel?” Samuel asked Myrddin.
    “I’m afraid I have not.”
    “And if you can’t see me in your vision, I assume you cannot see who my true enemy is either.”
    “Vortigern? I can see him clearly!”
    “No, not him; a man like me. Only his intentions are the opposite of mine. He wants to change the course of history, not protect it.”
    “I’m sorry, I can’t help you there. All I can see are the consequences of your actions, and probably those of your foe as well.”
    “And if your vision hasn’t changed, it means the Yfel’s agent has not done anything yet to alter history, which only means his plan is yet to be set in motion.”
    “That would make sense, yes. However, don’t think we know everything there is to know here, Samuel. Many variables and important details may still be hidden from you and even from me. This man you are referring to, he could already be working, without our knowledge. You have to tread carefully.”
    “But how could he? You would see it.”
    “I’m afraid I don’t know the answer to that question. After all, I’m only eight years old!”
    Samuel let himself fall back on his seat, going over all the new information he had recently learned and trying to solve the enigma of his enemy. He had to figure out this man’s plan before it was too late, but he was starting to think he would never be able to do it.
    “In any case,” said Myrddin, “I’m glad to have met you, Samuel, and I won’t tell anyone who you are, as long as you don’t interfere with my people’s history.”
    “Thank you,” was all that Samuel could answer.
    “Now, let’s get ready. We still have a long journey before this story is over, don’t we?”
    Myrddin turned around and ran out of the room and down the stairs, with Master Blaise trying to catch up behind him. Samuel was still standing and reflecting on how he would tell Angeline this young boy knew who he was.
    Strangely, he felt relieved to finally share his secret.

CHAPTER 12

    It had only been two days since he had dispatched the group to fetch the fatherless boy, but Vortigern felt as though two years had passed. Standing outside his tent, as the sun ascended the morning sky, he tried to occupy his mind with plans to defend his army against the Saxons or images of the fortress he intended to build on Dinas Ffaraon. Despite his best efforts, scenes of a young child pleading for his life kept coming back into his head, like vultures circling over a rotting carcass.
    Since agreeing to put Morghan’s plan in motion, he could not help but wonder about his mental state. Maybe he had gone mad after all. For the first time in his life, he was reluctant to act in the best interests of his own people. The crime he contemplated committing was horrendous, an act so vile and despicable, he did not dare rehearse it in his head as he normally did with deeds he had to perform. However, it appeared to be the only option before him. Saving his kingdom and protecting the Britons were the only true purposes of his existence, and he would stop at nothing to fulfill his destiny.
    Vortigern could only hope history would forgive his actions. As a wise man had once told him: “A strong leader will stand with his people and remain undaunted in the face of danger, but an exceptional leader will also possess the courage to take the right decisions when faced with harrowing choices.”
    The king turned and looked at the remains of his tent, shaken to the ground again for the third consecutive morning. As they had done the two previous nights, uncanny earthquakes had shaken the hill, creating chaos and striking fear in the hearts of men, until the crack of dawn. Vortigern grabbed his sword and walked across the plain that was the summit of Dinas Ffaraon, until he reached a small mound. Climbing onto it, he stood at the edge of the