a saddlebag. “Sir Barlow, what do you make of this?”
Barlow got up and examined the bag. “It’s Merlin’s.” He pointed at a waxy emblem. “See. Here is his signet seal.”
The old man jumped up and down, chortling, “He was here! He was here! I knew it! Merlin performed his black magic right on this spot, just like I said!”
Edward threw the bag to the ground. “You’re starting to annoy me, old gypsy.”
The gypsy pointed at Edward with a long, bony finger. “Because I was right. Say it. I was right. Merlin loves dragons so much, he replaced the king with one. Say it. You know it’s true now.”
Barlow clamped his huge hand over the old man’s mouth. “As much as I hate to admit it, I think we have to believe Devin’s story. Merlin’s love for dragons has apparently driven him mad.”
Edward furrowed his brow and nodded. “So what do we do?”
“What choice do we have?” Barlow replied, shrugging his shoulders. “In order to be true to the king, we have to join Devin in opposing Merlin.”
Edward let a smile break through. “Exposing the fraud and rescuing the true king would be quite a feat, wouldn’t it?”
“Yes, but don’t forget,” Barlow said, wagging his finger. “This isn’t about obtaining honor. It’s about loyalty to His Majesty.”
Edward shook his head. “You’re right, as usual. Keep reminding me.”
Barlow released the gypsy. “If you breathe a word of this to anyone else, you will die a traitor’s death. Understood?”
“Oh, yes,” the old man cackled. “Not a word.”
Barlow tromped toward the summit’s edge. “Come then. We have to meet with Sir Devin.”
Edward followed, but the gypsy stayed put. “Aren’t you coming?” Edward asked.
The gypsy pointed toward the other side of the summit. “My family is that way. Mustn’t keep them waiting too long.”
Barlow stopped and raised a finger at him. “Don’t forget. Not a word.”
The old man lifted his lantern in front of his wrinkled, leathery face. “My lips are sealed!”
Barlow and Edward turned and headed down the slope. “So how does one expose a powerful wizard?” Edward asked.
“I have no experience in that area, so we’ll just leave it up to Sir Devin.”
“I’m sure I can get Newman to join us,” Edward said. “Do you have friends you can count on?”
“A few. My nephew Fiske is sure to do whatever I ask.”
A loud flapping sound breezed by them. Barlow whipped out his sword. “What was that?” he asked, raising the blade high.
Edward pointed into the air. “A bat! The biggest I’ve ever seen!”
Keeping his sword in front of him, Barlow marched ahead. “We shouldn’t dawdle in haunted places. Bald Top still holds dark secrets, and we’d best get off its slopes.”
The two men hurried down the hill, staying quiet for the rest of their journey.
Clefspeare, I dub you Jared, son of Arthur.” The king tapped the bowing man’s shoulder lightly with a gleaming sword. “By this decree, I name you my son, though you have already become closer than any of my natural offspring.” He turned and tapped the lady’s shoulder, touching the flowing blonde hair that draped her sparkling white gown. “And you, dear Hartanna, I dub Irene, for your very presence brings peace to my soul. You are now my daughter, a treasured princess, who, I hope, will always find peace within the walls of my palace.”
King Arthur lifted Excalibur from Irene’s shoulder and handed the blade to Merlin who stood with him on the platform. The sword maintained its faint white glow, strong enough to illuminate Merlin’s wrinkled hands, yet it seemed no more than the brightest candle among the dozens that lined the throne room. When Merlin slid the sword into its sheath, the ornate scabbard swallowed the glow.
Arthur picked up a scroll from the table at his side. “For your protection, I have entered your names as Reginald Bannister and Tabitha Silver in the official records as my adopted son and daughter. Hide your identities well, for if your enemies discover them, you will be chased by bloodthirsty hounds for centuries to come. I suggest choosing different surnames for yourselves for the time being, though you may return to Bannister and Silver to protect your inheritance when the time comes.”
Jared lifted his eyes toward the king and slowly stood. “Sire, I humbly accept the gracious bestowal of your good name. May I always bring the name of Arthur honor and a blessed heritage.”
Irene stood at Jared’s side. “I, too, am honored, Your Majesty.” She rubbed her hand across