Chapter 6: Avalon

The light from the crystal eventually faded, revealing to Alexander that he and the two women were in a completely new location. He blinked, trying to adjust to the sudden change. Around him were grassy fields and rolling hills. Dirt trails wound off into the distance, leading to small houses made of crude stone bricks. His eyes widened in disbelief.

"Where… where are we?" he muttered, his voice trembling.

The adrenaline that had been keeping him going finally faded, and the weight of the whole situation crashed down on him. He lurched forward to his hands and knees and vomited on the grass.

The woman in armor scoffed. "Pathetic," she grumbled.

"Elizabeth, have some empathy," the woman in robes chastised. "He's been through a lot."

The woman named Elizabeth scoffed again but said nothing more.

Alexander took a moment to collect himself, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Where are we? Who are you? You said you'd give me answers, and I want them now."

The woman in robes stepped forward. "Lord Bellmont, my name is Erika, and this is my older twin sister, Elizabeth. We are to be your attendants and servants moving forward. We are now in a place called Avalon."

"Avalon?" Alexander repeated, growing more confused and irritated. "What do you mean by attendants? Why do you keep calling me 'Lord Bellmont'? How did we get here? What were those creatures that attacked me? Why were they after me? How did you use fire and wind like that? And Elizabeth, how did you cover your sword with lightning?"

Erika looked overwhelmed by his barrage of questions and struggled to find the words to explain. Elizabeth interrupted, her tone firm. "You need to calm down. The Master will explain everything."

"But you promised me answers!" Alexander retorted, his frustration boiling over.

Elizabeth, now visibly annoyed, reiterated, "The Master will be better able to answer your questions." She started walking towards one of the dirt roads. "Come on."

Erika quickly apologized for her sister's rudeness. "Please, come with us. Everything will be explained soon."

Reluctantly, Alexander followed. They walked down one of the dirt roads, passing several stone houses. Outside, people dressed in outdated clothing worked in their yards, doing daily chores. They seemed to ignore Alexander completely. He realized he stood out with his modern attire and wondered if this was some sort of renaissance village.

Further down the road, they approached a small village square with more crudely constructed buildings and market stalls. The people here went out their business and ignored him just like the others. It was as if he wasn't even there.

Off in the distance, Alexander noticed a larger stone structure—a small castle. Elizabeth led him towards this castle, and he assumed this "Master" must be there. He told himself he would get the answers he was looking for and then have Elizabeth and Erika take him back home. But then he remembered the creatures, their shrieking of his name burned into his mind. He silently began to panic, questioning if home was even safe. He thought about Robert, Megan, and Lila. What would they think if he didn't show up for work? What about when they couldn't contact him? Would they be worried if they showed up at his apartment and he wasn't there? Would they think he had abandoned everything and run away?

They approached the castle, and the gates swung open on their own. Alexander looked on in awe as they passed through. He noted that there didn't seem to be anyone else in the courtyard. At least, not that he could see. He wondered what this place was as Elizabeth led him into the main structure.

They entered the main chamber, which extended back at least fifty yards. The ceiling rose high, and the hall was dimly lit, with only a few chandeliers providing light. Again, Alexander saw no people, except for a woman sitting on a small throne at the back of the chamber.

The woman stood as they approached. She was dressed in the same type of robes as Erika but wore a black cloak instead of a blue one. She had long dark hair, with the top part tied behind her head. Her chilling blue eyes met Alexander's, sending a shiver down his spine. She seemed to be in her mid to late 40s, she was pretty but with an older and experienced look.

Erika and Elizabeth bowed as they reached the base of the throne. "Master Merlin," they greeted her in unison.

Merlin acknowledged them with a nod. "How was the trip?"

Erika explained, "Things were worse than we expected. There were more monsters than anticipated, and we had to fight our way out."

Elizabeth boasted, "It was nothing. We could've handled more if needed."

Alexander, unable to wait any longer, exclaimed, "They told me you would answer all of my questions! I've waited too long, and I want to know what the hell is going on!"

Merlin's expression softened slightly as she addressed him. "I understand your frustration, Lord Bellmont," she said, though with less deference than the twins. "I will be happy to explain everything to you."