Return to Camelot
My Dearest Friend,
I am so glad I had the idea to start writing these letters. Between that and finally having a completely loyal ally at court, I'm starting to relax a little. It may be false hope. James is a noble, but he's not from a very powerful household. And honestly, no one here but me is of higher "rank" than Constantine. But after today, I know James would jump into a fire for me, and I've been so lonely it's almost pathetic how happy and grateful I feel.
I can practically hear you telling me I'm not pathetic. I know, I know. You're right. But he reminded me so much of you today, and it just felt so encouraging. And I finally feel like some of the other courtiers and knights may see something in me, instead of feeling like everyone would rather have Arthur, or Guinevere, or Constantine, or anyone but me on the throne. Here's what happened.
"The tables have been moved out of the way as you commanded, Your Grace."
"Good, thank you, James," Ray said. He adjusted his crown while James circled him, brushing imaginary lint and dust from his tunic. "And you got the blindfolds?"
"Yes, Your Grace," he said, sounding hesitant. "Will you really make them wear these?"
"I absolutely will," he answered. "And you will watch everyone closely to be sure no one cheats." James nodded. "But that should be no problem, since this is Camelot, and every knight is one hundred percent honorable, right?"
James smiled, then put on a serious expression. "Surely, Sire."
"In battle," Ray said with a wink. "You keep an eye on them during the exercise, just in case."
"I will, Your Grace."
"Okay. Am I presentable?"
James smiled and nodded. "Yes, Majesty." He opened the door and bowed as Ray passed through. Ray's guards bowed as well and fell in line around him.
When they arrived at the great dining hall, all the knights he'd invited to this special meeting were already waiting for him. He'd chosen the most influential knights - those who sat at the Round Table, and the next most influential and valiant knights at Camelot. Ray scanned the room and was pleased to see that even Constantine and the two knights he'd come to think of as Constantine's lieutenants, Gareth and Percival, were there. He'd hoped they would show up, not least because he would have had to address the disrespectful attitude if Constantine had avoided the coronation dinner, then this summons only a couple of weeks later.
"Good afternoon, everyone," Ray said cheerfully, the CEO charm turned up to full. The two-dozen or so knights bowed deeply while bidding him good afternoon. "Thank you all for coming. I know there have been many major changes in recent weeks. The departure of King Arthur, and later, Queen Guinevere, Mordred's threats, and of course, my coronation as High King. This has all put a strain on you, and other members of the court, as I'm sure we can all agree."
There were a few nods, and a few guarded looks from some of them. "Now! As I'm sure you would also agree, the strength of Camelot lies in her people. It's our ability to work together that will allow us to defeat any threats. If we remain divided, with some wishing Arthur were back, some Guinevere, and some wishing another king had been chosen, we will never stand against Mordred, or anyone else. With that in mind, I've decided to gather all our knights in groups like this, for team building exercises.
Ray grinned, and the men looked back at him blankly. Finally, Sir Tristan said, "Team... building... exercises, Your Grace?"
"Exactly, Sir Tristan. This will be a great way for us to re-learn what it means to work together. I learned some of these techniques in... Japan. They're very effective for helping people work well together. And it can be fun if you give it a chance." They looked dubious, but Ray just smiled brighter. "Okay. Most of you have known one another for years, so we can skip the usual first step of introducing ourselves, and move straight into the second step - trust falls."
"What... does that mean, Your Grace?"
"I'm glad you asked, Sir Bedivere. Young James here will help me demonstrate." James stood up straighter and stepped forward. "Trust falls," Ray explained, "are an easy way to show both your trust in someone else, and that you can be trusted." He beckoned to James. "Come forward, lad."
James bowed and stepped forward until he was about three feet away from Ray. Ray gestured for him to turn, and he looked uncertain, as he had done every time Ray suggested he turn his back during their practice runs. Ray nodded his encouragement, and James turned around and took a breath.
"All right, James," he said. "Let yourself fall. I'll be right here to catch you."
"Yes, Your Grace." James fell backward, and Ray caught him easily. He was pleased to feel that James' body was relaxed. He didn't have nearly the amount of tension he'd had the first time they tried this, and he'd been so very nervous about turning his back on Ray, nor even the level of tension he was used to from businessmen who were used to these kinds of workshops.
"Great job, James," Ray said, helping him stand back up. "That's all there is to it." They still looked dubious about things, and Ray smiled. "Come on now. Which of us wouldn't give his life for his fellow knight? Yet you are afraid to trust each other to keep you from falling?" A few of the knights chuckled. "That's it! Now come on, pair up. Let's see you give it a try."
Most of the knights paired off with their closest friends and took turns falling and catching each other. Ray walked among them, praising the people who fell back easily, and giving encouragement to those who seemed to hesitate. He ignored the fact that Constantine stood stoically by, definitely not participating.
After a few minutes, Ray told them to switch partners, and try with a knight they weren't as close to. Most did, including Gareth. Percival tried to interest Constantine, but he shook his head. "Come on, Constantine," Ray said. "Show Percival he's right to trust in you." Constantine just glared, and Ray shrugged. "Since you don't have a partner, Percival, you can try with me," he said.
With a nervous glance at Constantine, Percival shook his head. "No thank you, Your Grace."
"Go ahead if you want," Constantine snapped.
Ray shrugged and beckoned to Percival. Still somewhat nervous, Percival turned and let himself fall into Ray's arms. "There, see? Nothing to it."
"Easy for you to say when you're not risking anything," Constantine snapped - this time loud enough for the other knights to hear. "Why haven't you been the one to fall?"
The other knights stopped what they were doing to watch. "I'd gladly do a fall with any of my trusted knights, Constantine," he said.
Constantine snorted and shook his head. "I don't believe that. With all due respect, Sire. You wouldn't do that with me."
"Of course I would. But you told me how wise a trust fall with you would be when we last spoke privately."
Constantine put a hand on his chest. "That's all over, Your Grace. As I said then, I would fight tooth and nail by your side to defend Camelot. What more assurance do you need of my trustworthiness?"
Ray gave him a tight smile. He had most certainly said that, right before declaring that he would never acknowledge Ray as his king, and that he wouldn't mourn Ray's death. Ray knew this was a game, but he wasn't exactly sure what Constantine hoped to accomplish. It would be suicide to kill Ray in front of a dozen witnesses, no matter how some of them felt about his newfound authority. He doubted Constantine would let him fall to the floor for the same reason. Too many witnesses to such a blatant show of disrespect could not go well.
"You make a fair point, Constantine," Ray said, deciding to play along, rather than be seen as unwilling to bury the hatchet. "That's why we're all here, and working together is what this exercise is all about. I'm glad you've chosen to participate."
"As am I, Sire." Constantine stepped forward, while the other knights looked on with keen interest.
When Constantine was close enough, Ray turned around. He saw James looking very nervous, and he made a subtle hand motion as if to tell him not to worry. "Are you ready for me?" he asked.
"Yes, Your Grace," Constantine said. "Just let yourself fall."
Ray hesitated a fraction of a second longer than he would have under normal circumstances, but not long enough for anyone else to take notice. Then, with a reassuring smile at James, he tipped backward and let himself fall.
It took less than a second for Ray to realize that he was wrong about Constantine. Ray slipped back, got just past the point of no return, and Constantine sneezed. A second later, Ray hit the floor, head snapping back against the hard stone.
For a full two seconds, no one moved. Then Ray heard James cry out. "Your Grace!" James knelt over him barely a second later, wearing Nate's most shocked expression. "Are you all right, Your Grace?"
Ray nodded, wincing as he did so. Falling from his own height directly onto stone was not the best for his head. And the crown was there, too, so his head had hit both stone and solid gold. "I'm okay," he said.
"Let me help you, Majesty." James started to help him, and in an instant, Tristan and a few other knights stooped to give him a hand. When he was back on his feet, James brushed him off, and the other knights who'd helped asked if he was hurt.
Ray shook his head and turned to face Constantine. He saw an amused smirk on the man's face. The next second, he was full of concern and remorse. "I am so sorry, Your Grace," he said expansively. "What awful timing."
Ray glared, but before he could speak, James strode forward. "You lie!"
Everyone gasped, including Ray, to hear a squire shout such an insult at a king. Constantine scowled. "How dare you?!"
"How dare you?" James shouted. "How dare you risk harm to our king with a foolish prank?"
"Be warned," Constantine snapped, taking a step forward. "I'll take no more of this from an overgrown squire too cowardly to become a real knight!"
"Better that than a dishonorable cur who would-"
Constantine backhanded James so hard he staggered. Before anyone else could react, James launched himself at Constantine. "James!" The boy managed to shove Constantine back, but he was no match for the seasoned fighter. Constantine had his hands on James' throat in a matter of seconds.
"Constantine, stop!" Ray shouted. Constantine paid no heed, both hands squeezing James' neck while the younger man struggled futilely against him. "Constantine!"
Percival tugged on Constantine's arm. "Stop, my lord!"
"Not until I've squeezed the breath out of this insolent whelp!"
Ray advanced on the pair, his fury bubbling over when he saw the panic rise on James' face. "CONSTANTINE!" he bellowed. "Take your hands off him now, or as God Himself is my witness, I'll have your head on a pike!"
Constantine took his eyes off James for a second to look at Ray. He must have seen something in Ray's face. His angry expression faltered and he let James go immediately.
James dropped to his knees, coughing and clutching his throat. Ray knelt beside him and put a hand on his back. "Are you all right?" James couldn't speak, but he nodded. Ray squeezed his shoulder and stood up, glaring back at Constantine. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"That brat owes me an apology!"
"You'll get an apology from him after you apologize for intentionally letting me fall!"
"I di-"
"Do not lie to my face again, Constantine! I saw you laughing!" Constantine glared, but didn't challenge him. "At least we've all learned how far you can be trusted. Now get out of my sight!"
Constantine jerked his head at Percival and Gareth, and stormed away without bowing. Gareth and Percival started to step away, but Ray gave them a dangerous look. "Don't you dare leave before you've been dismissed!" Both men bowed deeply and stood exactly where they were. Constantine hesitated for a moment, waiting for them, but when they didn't follow, he scowled and strode off by himself.
Ray watched Constantine until he left the room completely. When he was gone, Ray turned back to James. He was still on his knees, taking deep breaths. "Are you okay, James?"
"Ye-" His voice was still hoarse, and he cleared his throat. "Yes, Your Grace."
"Come, lad, sit here."
James shook his head and struggled to stand. Ray and Tristan helped him up. "Thank you, Your Grace. Sir Tristan. I'm okay now."
Ray frowned, seeing the dark red bruise on his cheek, and the distinct marks of Constantine's fingers on his throat. "You look pale, James. Have a seat." He gestured to one of the Round Table chairs.
James shook his head. "No, thank you, Your Majesty," he said. "I feel fine. I'll not disrespect you by sitting in your presence, Sire."
Ray almost insisted, but he decided against it. He had a feeling this was more about Constantine's blatant disrespect than worrying that Ray would be offended by James sitting down. "Very well, James." Ray turned back to the others. They were all showing varying degrees of shock, or nervous anticipation - especially Constantine's lieutenants.
"Well," Ray said. "That was eventful. But no amount of venom on Constantine's part will force me to change my plans. James? The blindfolds." James nodded and picked up the canvas bag containing the sashes.
"Erm..."
"Yes, Sir Gawain?"
"What may these be for, Your Grace?"
Ray smiled. "We've tried trust falls. Now it's time for the trust walk. Everyone's going to count off to four. Start with... you, Percival. One." He showed them how to count off, and matched the even group and the odd, so people wouldn't necessarily be matched with the knight they felt most comfortable with.
"Now, each person in group one, pair with one person in group three. Twos, pair with fours." Ray watched the group of men shuffle around and pair up. Because Constantine was gone, there was an odd number of knights, and Sir Gareth was left without a partner. "Not to worry," Ray told him. "You will be my partner."
Gareth seemed positively horrified by the idea, but Ray just smiled beatifically at him. He instructed James to pass blindfolds to everyone in groups one and two. He pretended not to notice the gleeful grin James had when he handed Gareth and Percival their blindfolds.
"Now then," Ray said, calling the attention of the knights, who'd started speculating about what this new "activity" could be. "Groups three and four. You are your partner's steward. You're their guide and protector. You will take them where James leads you, and you will not allow them to stumble, to fall, or so much as to brush their arm against a wall unintended. Groups one and two - your job is much easier. Just... trust your partner and listen to his instructions." Ray paused, and everyone seemed to start talking at once, protesting the new activity. Ray held up his hand, and they were silent. "Groups one and two - blindfold on. James will check to be sure you can't see."
With some slumped shoulders and muttering, the knights did as they were told. Gareth still looked nervous, but he tied the sash on securely. Ray watched while James waved his hands in front of half the knights, and made sudden moves in front of their faces to test them. A few people were told to adjust the blindfolds, and soon, James gave Ray the all-clear.
"All right, James. Lead the way, and we will follow."
"With pleasure, Your Grace."
James followed a path that they had already discussed, through the great hall, out to the courtyard, through part of the garden, and back into the castle past the kitchen to the audience chamber. Ray brought up the rear, taking care to keep Gareth safe, while also paying attention to how the other knights interacted. As usual with groups like this, the guides started out a bit over-confident, and had to re-evaluate their tactics and communicate much more than expected to get through the trip.
He was happy to see that the men were good-natured about it. There was a little frustration at first, and some embarrassment when they encountered any of the courtiers (who seemed both mystified and amused by the procession). But by the time they reached the audience chamber, they were laughing, and most sent up a cheer when James announced they had arrived at their destination.
Of course, Ray was a trust-walk expert, and had managed to get Gareth through everything with no issues at all. Gareth seemed amazed when they arrived and Ray said the first group could remove their blindfolds. "What's wrong, Sir Gareth? Did you think you couldn't trust me?"
Gareth stuttered for a few moments, but never actually managed to speak. Ray just smiled at him before turning to face the group. "Gentlemen," called. They stopped talking and faced him. "For those of you who may have some complaints about your guide-" and here, a few of the men looked pointedly at their partners. "Now, it's your turn to see how hard it is. Group one and two, pass your blindfolds to your partner." There was a smattering of complaint that Ray just laughed at. "Come on, come on, less chatter, more teamwork."
They reluctantly switched places, and Ray took the blindfold from Gareth. "I... you're going to let me lead you, Sire?"
"Yes, I am, Gareth. I trust you to behave more wisely than Constantine." He tried on the blindfold and checked to be sure he couldn't see. "Don't prove me wrong."
James led the group a different way, through various halls, even up and down stairs, until they reached the great dining hall again. Gareth was nervous at first, but proved to be a decent guide in the end. Ray stubbed his toe once, and had the odd moment of trying to walk down a step when he was already on the floor, but Gareth apologized so profusely that Ray believed it was unintentional.
"Excellent, Sir Gareth," Ray said when it was over, and Gareth smiled at the praise. Ray felt he may just have made another ally.
As he'd requested, a small feast had been set up in the banquet hall while the knights were walking the grounds. There was pleased murmuring from the group, and Ray called their attention once again.
"Gentlemen. You've done a marvelous job today. Thank you for your cooperation and your... mostly positive attitudes." There was a smattering of laughter here. "James?" James trotted to his side, and Ray had to force himself to stay calm at the sight of his already-darkening bruises. "I'd like to thank my faithful assistant, James, for a job well done, and for being an excellent troupe leader." The knights applauded and cheered, and a red-faced James bowed low. "He will collect your blindfolds, and... Sir Tristan, you will choose the next group of twenty-four, who'll do this with me next week." Tristan smiled and bowed acknowledgment.
"Now, without further ado - let's eat!" The men cheered again, and Ray put a hand on James' shoulder. "Now, James," he said. "Tell me truly, how do you feel?"
James gave him a smile that was eerily similar to Nate's when he was definitely in pain and trying not to admit it. "I feel fine, Majesty." Ray gave him a look, and he blushed and lowered his head. "My throat hurts quite a lot, Your Grace," he said.
"I thought as much. If you need to rest-" But he was already shaking his head.
"I do not wish to be sent away, Sire," he said. "You got everyone to cheer for me. I haven't had such fun in so long. Please, don't send me off to bed, Sire."
Ray smiled and put a hand on James' shoulder. "Very well, you shall stay."
"Thank you, Your Grace."
"Thank you." James looked confused. "You were my champion with Constantine today. You spoke up before any of the other knights. You knew he was skilled enough to kill you, and yet you challenged him anyway. That means a lot to me, James. Thank you."
James blushed. "You're welcome, Majesty. It was an honor to defend you, and my sworn duty. And Constantine's," he added with a frown.
"True. But never mind him for now. It's time to celebrate." He led the way to the banquet tables that had been put back where they belonged around the room. The other knights were already filling their plates and taking their seats. Ray did the same, telling James to make his own plate and not to worry about what Ray needed for now.
After adding a few "safe" foods to his plate, Ray chose a seat at the same table as Tristan and Gawain. He reached for the chair, but James set his own plate down and pulled the chair out for him.
"Thank you, James." Ray sat down and pulled back the chair to his right. "Here. Sit beside me."
James' jaw dropped, and if he'd been holding his plate, Ray was sure he would have dropped that, too. "M-me, Sire?"
"Yes, James. You didn't think I had you make a plate for yourself just to let your food get cold waiting on me, did you? Sit down."
James glanced at the other knights at the table, who were expressing varying degrees of amusement and surprise. "But... Your Grace. I am no knight. I-"
"As I said before - you were my champion today. You behaved as bravely - or as recklessly as anyone here might have done." A few of the knights chuckled at that. "We are celebrating teamwork, and you are part of this team. Now sit down and enjoy your food, James."
James hesitated for a moment more, before bowing his head and taking the seat beside Ray. "You honor me, Your Grace. Thank you."
"It's my pleasure, lad."
Ray enjoyed the meal and the company. At first, James stayed quiet, but after a while he joined in the conversation and began to talk freely. When the meal was done, and the conversations wound down again, Ray thanked the knights again for cooperating and being good natured about his activities for the day.
Ray went back to his chambers, and of course, James came with him to help him prepare for bed. While James pulled out Ray's night clothes, Ray spoke seriously to him. "I'll be ordering a guard for you for at least a few days."
"Your Majesty?"
"You attacked Constantine and he tried to kill you, James."
James looked a little nervous. "I understand. Thank you, Your Grace."
"I don't want you to fear him, but I don't want you around him until he's had a chance to cool down. So steer clear of him when I'm not with you. Understood?"
"Yes, Your Grace."
"Very good. Now, get some rest tonight. Tomorrow, we start your training."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. I've had the seamstresses working on a special suit for you, and we'll test it out then."
"Thank you, thank you very much, Your Grace! I'm so grateful you kept me as your squire, sir."
"I'm... I'm lucky to have you, James. Now, go on. We start testing first thing in the morning."