The New Camelot by Robyn Schneider

Author:Robyn Schneider [Schneider, Robyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: 2024-08-27T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 35

“I’ve been expecting you,” said the Lady of the Lake, her mist-filled eyes meeting Emry’s as she stepped from the boat and onto the shores of Avalon.

That was a relief. Not that Emry had worried Nimue would turn them away, but it did make things easier if they didn’t have to explain everything.

“I’m glad to hear it, my Lady,” Arthur said with a courteous bow, reminding Emry of the last time they had traveled here together. She’d still been disguised as her brother and had been trying to deny her feelings for the boy who would one day be king. She just hadn’t known he’d been wrestling with the same emotions as well.

So much had happened since then. And so much had changed.

“Then you know why we have come?” Emry asked curiously.

“I know why each of you has chosen to make this journey,” said the Lady, looking first at Lancelot, then Merlin with her steady, piercing gaze.

Emry was once again strongly reminded of her first impression of the Lady of the Lake: that she was like talking to living, breathing tea leaves.

The Lady gestured for them to follow her to the cloister. They did, Emry’s father trailing behind in obvious pain but attempting to conceal it.

Lance looked around, eyes wide, taking in the magical island. He kept a hand on the pommel of his sword, as though expecting to leap to Arthur’s defense at any moment.

Or perhaps, Emry thought, to his own. Lance had seemed anxious ever since they’d left London, startling at every snapped branch, or loudly scraped chair in the great rooms of their nightly inns.

She didn’t blame him for being on edge. The battle against Yurien’s army had not been kind—they had barely escaped with their lives—and it was only the beginning of what was sure to be a terrible fight for Camelot.

Which was why they were here. To give themselves the best chance at victory. Emry only hoped that the Lady would have answers for them, instead of even more questions. And that those answers would be ones she wanted to hear.

The Lady led them to the cloister, where young girls in white robes peered out at them from around corners, whispering and giggling.

“Your journey was long,” said the Lady. “Do you wish to ease your troubles and bathe in our sacred waters?”

“I do,” Merlin said gravely, stepping forward. “But I know there will be a price. What would you have in exchange?”

The Lady turned to him. “Your daughter is not yours to trade,” she said.

“The price is a person?” Lance muttered, horrified.

“The price depends on what you have left that you’re willing to lose,” the Lady replied. She turned to Merlin again, considering him. And then she nodded. “When the time comes, I would have you defend this island with your life.”

Emry bit her lip. It was unclear whether the price was steep, or nothing at all. And she knew the Lady had done that deliberately, as a test.

Merlin did not hesitate. He dropped to one knee, and reached for Nimue’s hand.

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