It all began with “The Story of King Arthur and His Knights”, a sunny day in Carnac, France, and two children who had found particular enjoyment from reading stories about the famous King Arthur whenever they had a chance to. Today was the first day of summer vacation for Charlie and Violet and they had taken full advantage of it, leaving their house as quickly as possible, with a brief hug goodbye for their mother. They had practically flown out of the house, leaping and laughing as they carried a book that held the many stories of King Arthur.
They finally reached their favourite spot, the Carnac Stones. No matter how many times they came to visit these ancient boulders, they still felt a sense of awe every time the stones first came into view through the long grasses.
The two plopped down laughing, and immediately, Violet began to read, after the quick insistence on the part of Charlie that it was her turn. Today they read of Merlin. Quickly, they were transported to the realm of kings, quests, knights, and wizards. They were together enchanted with Merlin’s magic.
The day quickly passed with reading and play and finally Violet read the last few words of the chapter. Golden hour was approaching and the two leaned against one of the large stones that had been warmed by the sun all day, preparing to watch part of the sunset before they went home for dinner.
“We have to leave soon.” Charlie quietly said.
“Shush!” Violet said, “Mom told us to be home before dark, and it’s not dark yet.”
Charlie frowned, but settled back against the stone.
A moment passed before Charlie sat up straight, “Violet!”
“Would you be quite for two seconds -“
“No, look!” Charlie pointed urgently at a dark shape outlined in light from the sun that had begun to set.
Violet gasped, for what she had thought was one of the stones in the field was actually a figure standing amongst the stones.
“Greetings!” The figure called out to them.
The two looked at each other nervously. They did not move.
“It is alright, children. I see that you have been reading about me.” The figure stepped closer, and they saw that he was a very old man in a long robe and cloak that a swished through the long grass.
“It’s Merlin.” Gasped Charlie under his breath.
Violet simply stared.
“You two come here a lot, do you not?” He asked. “Would you like to meet these stones?”
“What do you mean meet them?” Violet asked, “They are just big rocks.”
Merlin simply smiled and retrieved a wand from his robe. He turned his back to them and once more became an outline of golden light. He slowly raised his arm and waved it in a sweeping motion across the field of stones. For a moment, everything was bathed in golden light, and then the stones were gone, replaced by thousands of figures.
The children stood completely still, feeling frightened.
“Do not be frightened, children, these rocks will not harm you.” He laughed.
The figures began to move. Some slowly testing their arms and legs as if they had not used them in a long while. Others looked around and began waving to other figures, then it was utter chaos as the figures ran to each other shouting and laughing. Hugs and handshakes happened in every direction, and the children got the feeling that this was a joyous reunion.
“And now,” called Merlin, “A feast!” And with a quick flick of his wand, great tables of food appeared, scattered throughout the field, some covered with pavilions. There were other large pavilions set out for eating under, and colourful banners connected them all, giving it the look of a great festival. The figures, whom the children could now see were soldiers, turned to Merlin and cheered. They looked lost for a moment as they stood still, looking around and at Merlin and the children.
“Go on, eat!” Said Merlin. He smiled looking down at the children, “You too. Enjoy yourselves. Today we celebrate!”
The children beamed, shouting their thanks as they ran off to join the soldiers in their feast.
The rest of the evening was spent feasting and playing games. The soldiers where overjoyed to see each other again and happily included Charlie and Violet in their celebration.
Finally, the time came for the festivities to end. The last light of the sun was quickly fading. Everyone seemed to sense it and looked to Merlin. Merlin smiled almost sympathetically as he said, “It is time for things to go back to the way they are meant to be.” The soldiers seemed to understand and bid farewell to each other and to Violet and Charlie.
“We won’t forget you!” Charlie and Violet assured them as they bid farewell.
“Nor we you.” The soldiers replied.
The soldiers returned to their positions and as Merlin lifted his wand, Charlie whispered to Violet, “Do you think they like being stones?” But before Violet could answer, a golden light once again blinded them, and the once lively soldiers were once again silent and still. A tear slid down Violet’s cheek, but she quickly wiped it away as and said, “I’m sure they will be alright, Charlie.”
The two felt a hand on each of their shoulders, “That they will, children. Now you best be home, so your mother is not angry with you.”
They nodded and thanked the wizard again, turning to run back home. Just as they reached the edge of the field, they turned back and saw the now tiny figure of the wizard. He waved at them and then vanished. They looked at each other for a moment, and then laughing, began to run home.
I really enjoyed your short fiction and thought it brought to life the legend. Well done!