The Secret Sentinel

Chapter 2- Awakened

A F T E R

Callum opened his eyes.

His body felt rigid. His mind felt numb. He couldn't remember where he was, or how he got here.

He breathed in warm air, and smelled apples- like the kind that grew in orchards all over Camelot.

Feeling began to suffuse his body, although it felt like thousands of needles were prickling underneath his skin.

He tried his fingers, and although stiff, they began to twitch to life. He found he was grasping his father's shield, Pridwen, and his knuckles strangely ached from holding it. Callum opened his fist, letting the shield go.

Now that he had regained feeling throughout the majority of his body, he felt himself laying on cold, hard rock. Callum frowned, where was he?

Callum arose, his legs feeling disturbingly unsteady. How long had he been out? He looked around, abruptly realizing he wasn't alone.

He stood in a large underground chamber, and two unusually dressed people looked to him with amalgamated expressions of awe and shock.

Callum pulled off his helm, glancing around the room. He had no idea where he was, or why the man and woman in front of him were gaping at him so intently. He regarded the two individuals before him.

The man wore a peculiar cloak made of black leather, and boots with metallic ends. He seemed to be in his late thirties, with dark eyes and hair. He had to be of high social status, as he wore a golden brooch.

The young woman beside him looked to be about Callum's age. Her curly red hair was shorter than any maiden's he had ever seen, only coming down to her shoulders. Her green eyes shone brightly in contrast to the scarlet scarf wrapped around her neck. She curiously wasn't wearing a gown either- instead wearing a jacket and pants like a man.

"And you are...?" The man inquired.

Callum noticed Excalibur from the corner of his eye, plunged into its stone beside him. He grabbed it, not knowing who the man was or why he was here. He pulled the sword from the stone before answering.

"I am Callum Pendragon," Callum declared,"son of Arthur and King of Camelot."

The man lifted a brow, his eyes darting between the sword and the stone multiple times before giving a nod,"....Of course you are."

The woman smacked the man's arm before curtsying,"It's an honor to meet you, you're majesty. My name is Agatha Lockhart, call me Aggie. This brooding gentleman is James Maddox."

The man named Maddox reluctantly bowed before frowning,"King Callum, exactly how long have you been asleep?" 

Callum gave an equally confused expression,"I was asleep?" He followed James's gaze to the stone slab he had been laying on. Carved into the rock were the words: When he is needed, he shall awaken.

Callum shook his head, that was Merlin's handwriting. He sighed shakily, panic creeping up into his voice,"I-I don't know. What year is it?"

Aggie's face visibly saddened,"Your majesty, it's June 21, 1940."

Callum felt his heart drop into his stomach,"What? How? No, no, that can't be right." His memories suddenly caught back up with him. He gulped, suddenly feeling dizzy,"Dear god...Camelot."