Arthur met Lancelot at the elevator door, with Gwen’s hand clasped in his. Merlin, Kara, and Madeline huddled anxiously behind him. The small reunion was one of somber jubilance, with embraces and handshakes all around. Mallor handed Lancelot the sword Excalibur, excited himself to see the end of the legend. Kneeling on one knee, Lancelot held Excalibur with pommel toward Arthur.
“Excalibur, my King,” Lancelot said simply.
Arthur solemnly withdrew Excalibur from its sheath, his strength a match for the heavy blade. Arthur pointed the tip downward to the floor, gripping it in both fists. He knelt behind it. All knelt with him.
“May God grant me the wisdom to hold Excalibur, and to reward my loyal friends, who risked all in placing it again in my hands.”
Excalibur glowed, and within its aura, Lancelot briefly saw Arthur’s adult form as when first the knight met his liege.
“Amen.” As Lancelot met Arthur’s gaze, the centuries fell away, and his unspoken debt and sin vanished forever. “My King.”
“My friend,” Arthur replied.
The End.
LANCELOT Page 33