Early next morning Arthur’s army began to prepare to go back to the camp by Autun. The battlefield was cleared. The wounded were placed on wagons and the dead laid to rest. All except Kai and Bedwyr, who were to be buried in their own home towns in Britain and northern Gaul. Solemnly, their followers left Arthur’s army with their sad burdens.
Arthur was not ashamed to weep at the sight.
“They were the truest of friends and the bravest of Generals. Farewell Kai, farewell Bedwyr,” he said as the corteges moved off.
“Thank goodness that’s over!” said Sarah. “I can’t stand unhappy endings.”
“But we haven’t got to the ending yet,” Peter replied, “we have at least another day here, then another night, then we’ll have to go.”
“I’m not sure I want even one more day.”
Sarah turned her back on Peter and sniffing rather, began to walk away from him.
“Hey! Come on Sis, don’t be like that…” and Peter caught up with her, put his arm round her and gave her a big hug.
At length Merlin found the dispirited pair. He had come to call them to join the long march back to Autun. Sarah rode with Merlin once more, but on this occasion Peter was given his own horse to ride. They took up station between King Flergant, Kaw, and Gyssevin, who smiled at them in a most friendly way, agreeing that Peter and Sarah had done well. Anir was with the wounded on one of the wagons.
Only one stop was made, this was in order to tend to the wounded and to break for the midday meal. Then the slow cavalcade went on to Autun and the Camp by the river. When they arrived, Peter and Sarah were surprised to find guards on the gates as usual.
“Not all the legionaries went to war,” Merlin said in reply to their questions, “surely you did not think that our brave Arthur would leave his Camp undefended. What would he do in case of retreat? No, he leaves nothing to chance, and in fact no General worth his salt would his home base unguarded.”
“Of course, I see that now,” said Peter, feeling slightly stupid.
Strangely their spirits seemed to rise as they rode through the fortified gates. During the evening, Camp life began to return to normal. Those who had survived were glad that there would be a winter and early spring to come before they moved on again. Crossing the Alps would be very difficult, even if the snows on the passes did melt.
Never mind, when they got to Rome it would all be worth it! They would win more battles, gain much in booty and spoils of war, especially if Arthur beat the Upstart Emperor. Whatever might happen then was anybody’s guess. Perhaps Arthur himself could become Emperor of Rome. The Romans themselves would have plenty time to ponder on this, as Arthur had sent the body of Lucius Iberius back to them, proclaiming that it was the only tribute that they could expect from the Britons.
Spirits lifted! By the time of the evening meal the atmosphere in the Emperor’s tent was positively buoyant. Osric served the meal and poured the wine, and made a good job of it. All the generals were at dinner and Anir managed to stagger to the tent also, in spite of his wounds. Merlin and Anir were very jolly. Arthur sat back among the cushions and listened, while the heroic deeds of his troops became grander and grander as the wine flowed.
Sarah and Peter left the party early with Merlin. They did not feel as ecstatic as the other guests of Arthur. They knew by the time on their watches that Gwyn-ap-Nudd was likely to call them back at any moment.
“Dawn at the latest,” Peter declared sadly, “only a few more hours to go, Sis.”
He did not know that Merlin was listening intently to their conversation.
“I wish we could have seen Arthur marching into Rome itself,” said Sarah, “THAT would have been a grand sight.”
“It would indeed,” the wizard replied.
Then he suddenly became most animated. Jumping from foot to foot, he said:
“Let me see, when do you think you departure is scheduled?” he asked as the children made themselves comfortable among the furs on the bed.
“About dawn tomorrow,” said Peter mournfully.
“Just a moment then. Yes, I have it!” cried their friend, “Go to sleep, go to sleep Peter and Sarah. I have just had the most amazing idea. I have surprised even myself! Yes, go to sleep. Do not worry about the dawn, I shall be back by then with some good news I hope. Goodnight,” Merlin said and was gone.
He fairly shot out of the tent and returned to the Praetorium. Unfortunately, Merlin’s tent was well out of earshot, so Peter and Sarah had no idea of what passed next. They were soon in the land of nod and missed Merlin’s discussion with Anir and Arthur and the drawing of the triangle in the air. Then there was the sudden disappearance of Merlin yet again, and his reappearance seconds later with a large grin from ear to ear.
Dawn came. The crimson light crept into the tent. Peter and Sarah awoke to find Merlin standing in the entrance of the tent and smiling at them. They were astonished to find that they were still in Arthur’s Camp and showed no signs of being pulled back home.
“We’re still here,” said Sarah , brushing the creases out of her Roman style tunic.
“So I see,” said Peter, “what’s afoot, Merlin?”
“It was Sarah who gave me the idea last night. Your visit with our young Emperor, though informative and at times dangerous, if not exciting; may not have been at all times entirely enjoyable. To make up any failure on our part, I have been on a little journey of my own. I have agreed with your Aunt an extension of the time limit and a little extra entertainment.”
“Aunt Myf!” cried Peter and Sarah.
“Yes, I took the opportunity last night for a brief visit. Now I know how to open the door, it is quite simple. I was going to take Arthur through it at least once anyway, before we return to Britain at last. I thought that after all the recent unpleasantness, we could all do with a holiday.”
“Oh Merlin, that sounds wonderful! But how long have we got, and where shall we go?” they asked him eagerly.
“I am afraid I have only won you half an hour more of your time, but that will last us until this evening. Then we will definitely have to say farewell to you. As for where we shall go, isn’t it obvious? I am taking you and Arthur to Rome. It will be most educational for the young victorious one also!”
“Oh Merlin, you’re a darling,” said Sarah.
“Wow, that’s really neat,” said Peter, but what about Anir?”
“Anir I have sent back to Arx Emain. His wounds are not too serious but could do with the attention that only Aneryn and Gwyn can give to them. However, I did bring someone else back with me to see you in his stead. If you come with me now to Arthur’s tent, you will find breakfast, a visitor and afterwards a day out in Rome.”
Merlin then led two very excited children out of his tent and into that of Arthur. In the Forum, Legionaries were forming up for drill as usual.
Merlin tapped on the tent pole. A voice said:
“Come, I know it’s you, Merlin.”
They went inside, and there was the greatest surprise of all. Standing next to Arthur, already changed into Roman clothes, was:
“Aunt Myf!” Peter and Sarah gasped.
“Hello Peter, Sarah. I see you have survived all right. I’m afraid I am a glutton for punishment. When Merlin asked me if I would like to come on a jaunt, I just couldn’t say no. It is wonderful to meet such a hero as King Arthur.”
Arthur actually made Aunt Myf a very small bow.
“And of course the prospect of a day trip to Ancient Rome, well, what could I say but yes?”
“I’m very glad you have come, Aunt Myf,” said Peter.
“And so am I,” Sarah agreed.
“Well then, you had better eat and then we’ll go, shall we Merlin?” Arthur asked smiling.
Osric brought breakfast, which was eaten very quickly. Peter and Sarah were eager to tell Aunt Myf all their adventures. Occasionally, Arthur or Merlin would prompt them and breakfast became most good humoured.
At length, Merlin said that they could delay no longer. Gormant was summoned and told that that he was in charge for the day. Arthur said that he was going on a special scouting mission with the children. Gormant left them, mystified but obedient to Arthur’s wishes. Merlin prepared to send them all through the doorway that the power of the Stone of Gardar had created.
Briefly they all saw the land of the Summer Stars, then the tunnel of light and in seconds they were safely set down in the Eternal City. The Stone had put them behind a pillar, somewhere on the Palatine hill.
“Now everyone,” said Merlin, as they wandered down towards the Forum, “ Listen to me! Just for today we are a Roman family. I am Pater, you Aunt Myf shall be Mater, and I am afraid, my Lord Emperor, that from this moment on, you now have a younger brother and sister. That is our cover, if any one should ask. They probably won’t. Everyone looks very busy here. It looks as though we have arrived on Market day. If we get into trouble we can go back through the Door, but you must all stick to each other like glue. Arthur, you especially must remember that if you get lost, it is along walk back to your Camp from here!”
“I will not stray too far, I promise, but what a wondrous place this is. Though it is not as glorious as it once was, I can see the greatness of it shining through. It looks as though all the armies in the world have been through it. It is very much broken down, poor Rome,” said Arthur.
“But,” Sarah said, “You can still see how wonderful these buildings must have been in their prime. Where do you think we are, Merlin?”
“My guess Sarah is that we are quite near to the Roman Forum, which is the oldest. Of course it got too small eventually, and several of the Caesars: Julius Caesar, of course, Augustus too, Trajan and Vespasian built themselves other ones. Look, there is the Citadel defending the north of the Palatine. That ought interest you Arthur, there are enough fortifications there to satisfy any number of generals.”
“Thank you, Merlin, I’ll remember that,” smiled Arthur.
The sun shone bright in the skies over Italy and the Romans went about their business, taking no heed of their strange visitors.
“Come along, come along everyone,” Merlin hurried them along as if he were a tour guide, “there is a great deal to see and to wonder at. Rome wasn’t built in a day and I don’t suppose that we can see it all in a day, but we may try and take in the most important points.”
They were now standing by a magnificent archway, which Merlin said had been put up by the Emperor Titus, the eldest son of the Emperor Vespasian. From this vantage point the time travellers could see right down over the Roman Forum. It was from there that Merlin took the trouble to advise them about what it was they were gazing at.
“Look, there are market stalls put up in what is left of the Basilicas. That one was built by Julius Caesar, the other used to be called the Basilica Aemilia and the big one over there was the Basilica of Constantine. There is a church in what used to be the temple of Antoninus and Faustina now and I’m afraid the temple of Castor and Pollux does not look as proud as it once did when it was used for important meetings of the Senate. Eventually, they used to meet in that building there, Sarah, the old Curia. Then, years ago, this whole area was filled with lovely monuments and great statues too. The temple of Vesta kept the Sacred Fire and the temple of Saturn kept all the wealth of ancient Rome.
Look above on that hill. That is the Capitoline Hill. What is left of the Temples of Jupiter and Juno stand there; together with the Tabularium, where they used to keep all the state documents.”
“Don’t you mean parchments?” asked Peter.
“Or stone tablets?” added Sarah.
“Maybe even wax ones,” replied Merlin impatiently.
“And from where did the great Orators speak?” Arthur asked his tutor.
“From over there, I think… I think that is where the Rostra used to be. You can just imagine it, Cicero himself perhaps, standing up there before a mighty crowd:
“Cedant arma togae, concedant laurea laudi,” or in English…” began Merlin, for they had been speaking English amongst themselves the while, in deference to Aunt Myf. Merlin had arranged the instantaneous translation personally!
“Let arms yield to the toga, laurels to eulogies,” completed Arthur, “or I suppose you could say triumphs or victories, instead of laurels.”
Merlin smiled broadly at Arthur; the satisfied smile of the teacher who sees that his lessons have not all gone to waste.
“I am gratified to find you have retained something of your boyhood lessons,” smiled the Wizard.
“Yes, and I take note of the lesson of your quote,” replied Arthur, “you can’t wait for us all to return to civilian life, can you!” he said with a slight growl.
“Well done!” exclaimed Aunt Myf, in admiration, “I only got half of it, but then it is a long time since I was at school. I don’t think they teach Latin to the boys and girls anymore…” she looked at Peter and Sarah, who shook their heads.
They had not understood any of the strange words, although some of the sounds seemed strangely familiar. This was not surprising, for their father, Dr. Jones, was often having to translate Latin during the course of his work and not only that… so many Latin words had made their way into the everyday language of Peter and Sarah that they were bound to recognise at least some of them.
“A very great pity,” Merlin said, “for I believe that the ancient languages ought always to be studied, in order that we can hold on to the lessons from the past and so press forward with proper knowledge into the future.”
“Agreed,” said both Arthur and Aunt Myf.
Sarah and Peter were not too sure on this point!
“What language do you speak at home?” Sarah asked Merlin.
“Why the ancient language of the Britons, of course,” replied the wizard.
“Or Latin,” added Arthur, “in fact, at Court, mostly Latin and some Greek. All Romans used to speak Greek as their second language in the old days, you know. We do use our own language sometimes, but most often when we are being private, or just within the family.”
Arthur sighed a heavy sigh, remembering past lessons.
“I had to spend many years learning Greek and Latin grammar before I could speak fluently,” he continued, “it would not do for the Supreme-Ruler of Britannia to be unable to communicate with the rest of the world, now would it?”
Sarah and Peter were impressed. The Emperor Arthur was certainly an extremely well educated young man.
Merlin walked swiftly onwards.
“I think if we turn this way, we shall come to the Imperial Palace, what is left of it, the Domus Augustus, and there too is the Domus Flavia, which used to be the centre of all imperial activity. Also, beside the Colosseum there are the remains of the Domus Aurea, the Golden House, which was Nero’s palace. We shouldn’t miss that if we can find it. The Stadium is quite near also.”
“How do you know all this ?” asked Sarah.
Merlin just winked, and whispered :
“Perhaps I have been here before! And perhaps I inform myself by reading. I am not THE Tutor to our young British Emperor here for nothing you know!”
“I think it all looks magnificent, fabulous, wonderful,” Peter remarked, “and so much of it is still standing. In Father’s guide book much more of it seems to have gone.”
“I am sure that will be the effect of one thousand, five hundred or so, years of young generals like Arthur here, coming along to knock even more of it down!” said Merlin, frowning.
“Very well, my old friend; I know you keep trying to make me agree with your point of view. I am beginning to change my mind about various things. I’ll shall certainly think hard about what you have said.”
And Arthur remained quiet for some time, walking at the back of the little group, while Merlin continued their tour.
They walked down the Via Sacra, The Sacred Way. Sarah never forgot that walk, for two reasons. One was the magnificence of the road that entered the Forum, it was all massive stone slabs. The other was the extreme heat as they toiled down into the Forum itself. She wished they could have had sun hats, as they usually did when visiting abroad.
“The Romans call this the oven!” said Merlin, casually.
“And I can see why,” said Aunt Myf, “it’s positively airless down here.”
“No wonder the Caesar Tiberius used to go and live on Capri in the summer,” Arthur remarked, “I would have done too, if I were he.”
They were thrilled by the Temple and House of the Vestal Virgins, especially to find so many statues still there of the priestesses, each bearing the name of its subject underneath. In fact there were so many temples to this god and that, Peter’s head began to reel. It was hot so they all had to have a drink from one of the magnificent fountains.
“Which temple did you say this was, Merlin?”
“The Temple of Castor and Pollux, Peter. It has been here in one form or another since the fifth century BC, you know. And there is the Arch of Augustus Caesar, and there is the one belonging to Severus. Come along Sarah, or you will get left behind. You must keep up, all of you. Oh do come along!”
And so they passed the many famous and fabled sights. Merlin pointed out various ancient churches that were built upon the ruined temples of the old Roman gods. Everywhere there were beautiful statues and columns. Particularly interesting to Arthur was Trajan’s Column, with its depictions of military campaigns around it.
They walked and walked. Peter and Sarah vowed to each other that if, or when they came to Rome in modern times, they would come in a coach or hire a scooter.
Lunch was bought in some shops near one of the Forums. In a bakery, Arthur made a most interesting discovery. As they chatted to the baker’s assistant, they discovered that the Emperor Odovacer was away campaigning in the north of Italy, known in these times as Cisalpine Gaul. Arthur had heard whispers to that effect, but had not heard all the details.
Odovacer, who had taken the Roman empire over by force in a most unpleasant way, was now having to defend his claim in real earnest! Theodoric, the favourite of the Eastern Roman Emperor had now been sent by Leo to get rid of Odovacer, permanently! It was the general opinion in Rome, so the baker’s assistant informed Arthur, that Odovacer was most likely to lose his throne to Theodoric.
“Although it is Goth against Goth,” he said, “we’re backing Theodoric, for he has the might of Emperor Leo with him.”
When Arthur reported this conversation to Merlin, he added: “And I think I shall definitely go and help Theodoric! It is obvious to me now that Odo-face-acher just wanted tribute from us Britons in order to fight off this threat from the Eastern Empire. Well, Merlin, I have made my mind up! I was going to cross the Alps anyway, and even if we don’t come as far as Rome itself; for the Emperor’s palace is at Ravenna I gather, it would be good to know that I had helped to beat Odovacer. I know it would please all my troops and our allies and give the people at home great satisfaction. Yes, this has helped me to make up my mind… we march in Spring!”
“Splendid, my dear Arthur. And now that you have seen Rome itself?”
“I have seen it! It is marvellous, the most strange, marvellous, fantastic and glorious place I was ever in. I certainly have no wish now to add to the sackings of it. However, if we could assist Theodoric in making the Roman Empire strong again, then we in Britannia and indeed all the citizens of the Empire, would feel safer. If only Rome were powerful once more with a firm leader, I am sure we should not be so troubled by all these Invaders.”
“Good, I hoped you might say that. I am very glad to hear that the remains of these beautiful buildings have nothing to fear from you! But I this I say to you, Arthur: a strong and powerful Roman Empire may be something for which we all might keep having to wish and pray about for a considerable time to come. However, our little visit has not been in vain, I think,” Merlin smiled, “and now, onward, dear friends. We have the Colosseum to visit next.”
Once there, the time tourists took quite a while to marvel at the Colosseum, the arena having the capacity to hold at least fifty thousand Romans at once, or maybe even more!
“It is so much bigger than I imagined,” exclaimed Aunt Myf.
“Wow! It’s humungous. Just think of the Gladiator fights they used to have in there,” said Peter, “they must have been fantastic!”
“And don’t forget all the poor Christians they used to throw to the lions either! All totally disgusting and gruesome,” said Sarah, “just like you, Peter.”
“It must have been exciting, though,” said Arthur, joining in, “all the beast hunts and the battles! Otherwise there would not have been copies of this place right throughout the whole Empire. Why, there is even one close to one of my homes; at Caerleon, in fact.”
“Well, I don’t like to think of it,” said soft hearted Aunt Myf, “it’s too horrible. Those poor people: the slaves, prisoners and Christians who died in there! We might have been in their shoes if we had been there in those days. We might have been thrown to the lions!”
“And in this time; my time, or our time, I should say,” remarked Merlin, including Arthur in his conversation, “those days are not all that far away. Much too short a time to be comfortable in fact. It was not until the time of the Emperor Honorius that Gladiators were finally banned in 404. That is only fifty years, more or less, before you were born, Arthur my lad!”
This was a very sobering thought and left the time travellers quiet for a long time.
“Where do we go next?” said Arthur at length, feeling that enough inspection had been made of that dreadful place.
“The afternoon wears on apace,” replied Merlin, “I think we shall finish with the Basilica Church of St. Peter. Then I am afraid we shall have to bid each other farewell.”
Sarah then looked so downcast at this remark that they had to try and cheer her up somehow.
“We have about four hours left, at least,” said Aunt Myf encouragingly, “Merlin, shall we not pass by that nice little market by the Forum over there, we might get something to eat and drink.”
“I have an idea,” said Peter, “why don’t we all find something to take back with us. After all, we can’t be proper tourists unless we have a souvenir.”
That gave everyone something to think about, and all kept their eyes peeled after that for some small trinket.
They found a shop selling fruit and vegetables, near the Forum and bought dates and grapes. All felt cheerful, if a little weary, as they approached a bridge over the river Tiber.
“This is Nero’s bridge,” announced Merlin, “we must cross here if we want to see the Church and I know that Arthur does.”
Arthur nodded in assent.
“I have always wished to come there as a pilgrim,” he said.
Then at last they came to St. Peter’s Basilica.
“A much humbler building than the one that we know in our time,” Aunt Myf said, “but then of course it was greatly built up and added to in the sixteenth century.”
The Basilica had been sacked by yet another Goth; Alaric, in 410 AD. One could see there were many signs of damage, though a brave attempt at repair had been made.
Arthur was resolved to go inside to pray at the tomb of the Apostle and Aunt Myf and the children said they would go also. It is not every day that one can get to walk by the bones of the greatest fisherman ever!
They were all struck as they entered, by the peace inside the Church and stayed there for a long time in silent contemplation.
Sarah thought of St. Peter. They had recently gone over his story at school. She thought of the rough but enthusiastic fisherman, who had been chosen by the Lord to leave his humble occupation by the lakeside and had thereafter become a fisher of men. In that capacity he had been drawn to Rome which was then the very centre of the whole world…
In some ways, it was still the centre of the world, though in quite a different manner than before. A new Roman Empire had taken the place of the old… one that was still global; even though it was now more spiritual than temporal. Peter was thinking of the name that Rome is often known by: The Eternal City!
“It’s true,” he thought, “it’s all still there for me in my time, or most of it is.”
Over a thousand years forwards in time, it was still there. You could see its mark on almost every city in the whole of the civilised world. Peter cast his mind back to the towns he knew at home. Banks and other grand and important buildings had Roman columns at their doors. The reinvented architecture of the Palladian style, with its colonnades and porticoes, meant that there were still many, many places around today that made his homeland look as if the Romans had been gone but a little while.
Then too, there were all the thoughts and ideas that had been carried forward to Peter’s time; important ideas that needed to be nurtured and built upon if, according to his father and Merlin too, mankind in the future was to become truly grown-up. Yes, the Glory of Rome might be diminished now, but hundreds and hundreds of years later; it was still there!
As the King-Emperor Arthur knelt on the well worn floor of the Basilica, Peter wondered what he was thinking. What would a recently victorious Emperor be thinking of? The next campaign perhaps, or was he hoping for peace?
Sarah got up from her place on the floor and walked back towards the doors, disturbing Peter’s train of thought. As silently as he could, he got up also and followed her out of the Church, leaving the Grown-ups a few more minutes of peace.
Time was running out however; even though, when they all emerged back into the golden Italian afternoon, the sun was still high in the heavens. As the evening breeze from Ostia ruffled Sarah’s hair, she knew that she had definitely fallen in love with Rome.
“I do hope we come back… I hope I will come back,” she whispered.
Peter’s watch showed twenty minutes to six o’clock. Merlin made his preparations and seconds later, the familiar sounds of the Camp of the Britons could be heard. The Emperor Arthur took them back inside his tent. Aunt Myf, Peter and Sarah went to the trunk which held their modern day belongings and clothes. With great reluctance they changed their dress and got ready to say goodbye.
“Very strange you look to me now, fair cousins,” Arthur said to Peter and Sarah, “we have gone a long journey together in more ways than one, these last few days. There is just one question that I should like to ask you before you leave…” he said, looking quite serious, “Shall I be famous in your time?”
What were they to say? For Arthur has been, and still is, and will always be famous. But not for what really happened or for what he really did. Though of course, Peter and Sarah assured him that he definitely was a very famous person in their time!
“You will be known as a really GREAT King,” Sarah told him.
“People will tell many, many stories about your adventures,” Peter added.
“And I haven’t seen off the Saxons yet,” smiled their royal friend, “that is something for us to do, Merlin, when we all get home.”
Peter and Sarah could see that what they had said pleased the young King-Emperor.
“But just remember Arthur,” Merlin said, “the Caesars were, or is it, are really famous rulers and look what happened to them. They are all gone and their glories with them. Let that be a warning to you, Arthur my boy!”
“Merlin, you are like the slave who stood behind Caesar at his triumphs, whispering: remember you are mortal. But I take your warning as good advice. I will do my very best not to become big-headed, I promise.”
“It is nearly time, Peter, Sarah and Aunt Myf. Are you ready?” Merlin asked.
“We are,” they said.
“Thank you, dear Merlin and Arthur, for having us in your great adventures,” said the two children.
“That is quite all right, it was our pleasure,” Merlin and Arthur replied.
“Will we see you again?” asked Sarah.
“I do not know,” Arthur said, “perhaps you may. We shall have to wait and see.”
Sarah thought she saw the air begin to swirl.
“Goodbye,” she called.
“Goodbye,” called Peter and Aunt Myf.
Then they all lost sight of Merlin and Arthur and the tent and the Camp. Both Peter and Sarah felt rather sad.
They were standing once more in the Room of the Stone, with Gwyn-ap-Nudd seated on his throne before them. The Elf King was smiling broadly at them.
“Welcome home,” he said, “I called you back. It is six o’clock precisely,” he said. “I see that you, Sarah, and you, Peter, have survived the journey. I hope you have enjoyed the experience.”
“Oh we have; we did!” exclaimed Sarah ecstatically, “thank you very much Lord Gwyn!”
“I also trust that Peter has passed The Test?” continued the Lord Gwyn, looking at Peter hard and long, “in fact, I know that you have! So don’t worry Peter, I have already spoken with Anir. I must say, you certainly look as if you have done well, which is what The Guardian has told me in his report. We look forward very much to greeting you here again very soon Peter… and Sarah too of course, whenever you wish to visit.”
Sarah curtsied to Gwyn-ap-Nudd and Peter bowed to the Elf Lord. Peter wondered silently about the Elf King’s remarks to him.
Deep down in his heart there was now the firm and definite stirring of a hope that one day he, Peter Jones, might possibly get to know the Elves of Arx Emain as well as Anir apparently did. Again, he remembered that it had been soon after the great battle with Arddu, when he had first began to wonder where the Guardians came from and why and how. It was, he realised, just after he had used the Stone of Gardar to call forth the Samildanach during the great battle, that he had begun to feel different; changed in some way.
Although his normal life had then carried on as usual, Peter now began to think that the future might be going to turn out very differently from the one he had imagined for himself only a couple of years ago. He no longer thought that he would be joining the Firemen for a career, or even that he might be an archaeologist like Dad!
This Test that the Elf King had just mentioned and which he had somehow managed to pass, almost without noticing, must obviously be something to do with all the nods and winks from Gwyn and Anir. All at once, he began to hope very much that it was. Then too, Peter knew that Gwyn had read his mind, seen into his very soul. Indeed, as the Elf King looked at him, he appeared to be doing it again right now, probing and searching all the boy’s innermost desires.
“To be The Guardian of Arx Emain… what a dream that would be,” Peter was thinking.
…And the Elf King must know it! However, Peter decided to keep the whole thing a deep and deadly-dark secret, until he had got onto firmer ground with it, so to speak. No-one, not even Sarah must know what he was contemplating.
Then he noticed that Aunt Myf smiled a knowing smile at Gwyn-ap-Nudd. What did she know about anything? She certainly was the most mysterious of Aunts! And although he tried hard later, Peter was unable to gain any further information from her… for the moment!
“Thank you my Lord Gwyn, thank you for everything. I would love to stay a little while longer, but we shall have to leave directly,” Aunt Myf said, leading the two children backwards towards the doors of the Hall, “Uncle Tomos will be waiting with Catrin. You know how it is, my Lord.”
“I do indeed,” replied Gwyn.
“But first, can we not see Anir?” asked Sarah, “I would like to know if he is all right.”
“Me too!” said Peter.
“A brief visit then,” said Lord Gwyn, and a few seconds later, Morvith appeared in the doorway.
“Come with me,” she said.
They followed her down the corridor to a room near where Peter had once been placed, when under the enchanted sleep. When they entered, Aneryn was sitting on a stool beside Anir, who was asleep.
“Ssh,” she put her finger to her lips.
“Is he all right?” asked Aunt Myf.
“He will be all right. He just needs some rest, that is all. I promise, next time you come he will be well.”
“Then we will go now,” said Aunt Myf, “come on children, home time. Goodbye for now, Aneryn, Give our regards to Anir when he is awake.”
“I will, Myfanwy, farewell!”
Aneryn waved them goodbye.
All ran back to the Room of the Stone, thoughts of upset or annoyed relations filling their minds. By the power of the Gardar Stone, the Lord Gwyn was kind enough to return them to the bus stop. Aunt Myf’s little car was safe and sound, to her great relief and she may be forgiven for driving a little quicker than usual on the way back to Newport.
The rest of the weekend was a real anticlimax, save for the moment they emptied their rucksacks and found the souvenirs they had collected while in Rome. Peter had picked up a coin with the head of one of the Caesars on it. Sarah had found a small pottery dish. They were most excited about their finds. When the coast was clear, they went to see what Aunt had brought. They found her in the kitchen, giving Catrin pulverised Sunday lunch. Uncle Tomos was resting in his study; which meant that he was asleep.
“What did you get, Aunt Myf?”
“Pardon?”
“From Rome, what did you bring back?”
“Oh, I found this tiny little statue. Someone must have dropped it near one of those temples that we looked at. Very nice, it can go in my display cabinet.”
“But,” Peter and Sarah looked at each other, “Dad will see it and he will know what it is. What will you say if he asks you where you got it?”
“The same as you, when he sees your finds. Tell him the truth, why not? Tell the truth and shame the Devil, as they say. Either he will believe you or he won’t. Now look at you Catrin; you are dribbling all over the place again.”
Peter and Sarah took their finds back upstairs. When Father collected them on Monday he remarked how quiet they were.
“I have some good news for you both,” he said, “Mother is coming back to us on Friday.”
Then the rest of the week became a whirl of activity, to make the house ready and tidy for Mother’s return. Friday came and they collected her from the station.
Grandmother had returned home much improved and her neighbour promised to keep an eye on her. The following day, Saturday, it snowed.
“How strange it is,” mused Sarah, as she and Peter looked out upon the strange, grey, white world.
“This time last week we met King Arthur and Merlin. We fought battles, went on missions and visited Ancient Rome, sweltering in the hot summer sun! Do you think we shall see them again, Peter?”
“Who, Merlin and Arthur?”
“Yes.”
“Who can say Sarah. Oh, I nearly forgot, I still have that Ring. We didn’t get the chance to give it back to Anir. Do you want to keep it? I asked you before, wouldn’t you like it now?”
“No thanks, you keep it for the moment brother mine, I’ve had quite enough magic for the present thank you very much! I do like this little dish, though. I think I shall keep it on my dressing table.”
“OK Sis, I’ll keep the Ring for now, but we will give it back to Anir as soon as we can. Look, I have this nice coin with the head of a Caesar on it. When I get time I shall look it up in one of Dad’s books downstairs.”
They told Father all about what had happened, after supper that evening. Then they had to tell Mother. What their fond parents said to them at first was fairly unprintable! Then they said that they were going to have very strong words with Aunt Myf. Then Father was so pleased with the coin and the dish that the children had brought back that they were almost forgiven everything.
Later that year they were in Rome again, for the dig. But it was not the same. Peter and Sarah enjoyed watching the students working with Father. In fact they were most helpful. Everyone was so surprised that two young children, not yet at secondary school, should know SO much about Ancient Rome.
“But after all,” the students said, “their father is an archaeologist, a Professor, no less!” and so they let it drop.
But some of the students remained suspicious, especially at certain times, when Peter would wink at Sarah, and Sarah would wink at Peter. Then they would chant a little ditty in Latin, which Father had taught them, before going off into peals of laughter:
HIC STABAT ARTVRVS REX IMPERATOR FVTVRVS IN VRBE AETERNO ROMANO
Here stands Arthur, the once and future King. Here in the Eternal City that is Rome!
The End
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