Tunnel Vision w cover by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 0000000000000
Published: 2024-04-15T00:00:00+00:00

The Mead Cup

(Originally published in Travel a Time Historic anthology 2005)

“What!” Rowan gaped at King Arthur and Merlin. “Londinium lost eleven to nothing?” Both men sat across from her at a round oak table.

The king nodded.

“But . . . Londinium has the Rookie-of-the-year in goal and it’s the best club in the land after Camelot. How did the Saxon dogs win?” The shocking news overcame her natural reticence in the presence of the king.

“The barbarians are fast and strong.” Merlin wore a gray robe and twigs, and bits of cheese lay entangled in his chest-length silver beard. “Their goalie is a wizard. And they have two more on the sidelines causing mischief.”

“They’re serious this time, aren’t they?” Rowan said.

“Make no mistake.” Arthur pounded a fist on the table. “They mean to capture the Mead Cup.”

All three looked to the sideboard where a large drinking horn sat on a three-legged gold stand. Light from candles reflected from the silver and jewel-encrusted bands that circled the horn. A gold-hooped barrel caught the liquid oozing from the small end of the horn.

“It’s very early in the spring to play football.” Rowan glanced out the unshuttered window where a cold drizzle fell. “Has the Camelot team even started practice yet?”

“No,” Arthur replied. “But I’ve ordered them to assemble straight away.”

“Rowan,” Merlin said, “I need your help.”

Rowan notched an eyebrow. She wiggled in the chair while awaiting the reason for her unexpected summons.

“Yes,” Arthur said. “Merlin will be hard pressed to fight off three wizards. Your healing spells could make the difference between winning and losing. I ask you to join forces with him and use your witchcraft in the defense of the Realm. For seven years, I’ve held the Cup. Ever since my knights returned from their quests with the Mead Cup and the rules for combat by football.” Arthur ground his teeth. “I’ll not let the Saxon swine take it from me.”

“As you wish, Sire.” Rowan bobbed her head up and down. She’d be involved in the game for the most prestigious football trophy in the known world! She’d help defend the honor of Camelot!

❇︎

The next day, Merlin and Rowan joined Arthur in a meadow outside the castle walls. Colorful pennants marked the corners of the practice field that glistened with new grass.

“We were discussing magical strategies,” Merlin told Arthur, “and Rowan wanted a look at the team.”

Merlin’s description of the brutal Saxon tactics had alarmed Rowan. She would be hard pressed to keep the home team in action unless they were in peak physical condition.

“Any news of the Saxons?” Arthur asked.

“They humiliated Aquae Sulis,” Merlin said, “and we just received word of Venta Belgarum’s 13-1 defeat. They now march on Camelot.”

“This is a practice, Sire?” Rowan pointed to the center of the field where the Knights of the Round Table Football Club drank dippers of mead. “Why don't they run plays or at least kick the ball around?”

“They’re working up to it.” In his late-thirties, the king had brown eyes and salt-and-pepper hair along with pleasant features and a spreading mid-section.

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