©	Midnight in Camelot By Tralfy

"That maketh twice that thou hath destroyed the skylight, thou feathered misfit!" Arthur scolded the huge all-black gryphon who gave the appearance of abjection.

"Sorry, I--YIPE!" The gryphon began in his parrotish voice and then took note of the arrival of an even larger winged creature, which entered through the open roof. The gryphon leaped from the table and over Arthur, heading for the heavy double doors so as to seek escape from the terror beast. The assembled knights were instantly ready for battle as a huge green and gold dragon alighted upon the round table. The heavy wood of the table groaned as the dragon's weight became full upon it. The terror beast eyed the knights and scanned the room until it caught sight of the gryphon who was now up against the double doors looking back. Suddenly, the dragon let out a massive gout of fire which completely enveloped the gryphon. As the flame subsided it was clear that the gryphon was the target of the dragon's ire. The gryphon shook off the char from his plumage and the action caused the heavy doors to collapse into a pile of cinders and ash which smoldered some. Only the section which had stood directly behind the gryphon remained uncharred. That section, which formed a silhouette of the gryphon, fell back into the hallway raising a cloud of ash and embers. All this while the dragon continued to glare evilly at the gryphon and growled with its rage. During this interim Arthur had recovered Excalibur from its scabbard and was preparing to do battle with the dragon.

"It doesn't seem to like you very much. Why?" The oddly-clad newcomer to Camelot inquired of the gryphon.

"I was hungry, so I took a couple of eggs," the gryphon explained in a tone which suggested that he didn't think it was such a heinous crime. "Well, I am a raptor."

"You're an escapee from the Island of Doctor Moreau!" the newcomer countered even as the dragon, having realized the resolve of the knights to fight, screeched angrily and departed the chamber as she had entered, via the destroyed skylight. The knights expressed relief and then settled back to their seats as Arthur addressed the gryphon.

"Midnight," Arthur began in harsh tones of dismay. The gryphon looked abashed and ashamed as Arthur continued. "We cannot allow for thy foolish ways. Yee must strive to conquer thy bestial heart shouldst thou desireth in earnest to redeemeth thyself," Arthur admonished so condemningly that the newcomer was moved to interrupt on the gryphon's behalf. Arthur had accepted that Midnight, now free of his twisted former master, Malagon, had earnestly sought to change his ways and took oath to serve Camelot.

"Actually, it does make a certain degree of sense, when you stop to think about it. He is a gryphon, after all. Panther raven to be precise," the newcomer began while absently adjusting the fit of his bright blue metallic tunic. The bracelet on his wrist issued a series of chirping tones and he glanced at it. "Don't worry so much. He'll learn," the newcomer assured the assembly, then addressed the gryphon. "We are learning, aren't we?" He teased.

"I learn to be more careful when raiding dragon nests," the gryphon replied, but it was evident to all that Midnight wouldn't be stealing dragon eggs again. The newcomer examined Midnight's plumage. "You're fortunate that your feathers don't burn easily," the newcomer expressed, "But you did get a bit singed. A couple more blasts like that one and we'd be short one gryphon! Then where would Sir Jarrel be without his 'seeing eye bird' and flying steed?" He reminded Midnight of his new responsibilities to the kingdom of Camelot. Midnight was forced to concede that his actions this day were in direct conflict with his oath to Camelot, and he promised to behave better in the future.

"At least I got all the eggs I wanted before she caught me," Midnight commented as he left the round table chamber accompanied by the newcomer, whose silver skyship was parked in the inner courtyard. The evil Malagon had tried to conquer Camelot with an army of monsters and magical warriors. Midnight had been his pride and joy, as it were -- The mightiest and most loyal of his fearsome menagerie. Malagon had acquired Midnight some years back by sneaking into Avalon and stealing a gryphon kitten. He then raised the kitten to be his loyal attack bird. Now, Midnight struggled to serve Camelot with the same loyalty -- albeit awkward obedience -- he'd given Malagon.

As they neared the ship they caught sight of the two-headed dracowraith curled up snoozing on the ship's upper disc. The compassionate actions of Lady Tanara had spared Malagon's double dragon creation and it (or they) were now becoming a common sight around the castle.

"Dreezle? Drazle! Come down from there!" The newcomer called and had to repeat his summons before both heads responded. For a long moment the two heads seemed to be arguing about something. Then, with another impatient summons, they came down to greet the pair. First they sniffed Midnight and then the newcomer who stroked each snout at once. After a few minutes the dudrakel left to find some mischief or another to occupy itself.

"Sure you don't want to use Malagon's control spell on those two?" Midnight inquired of the traveler as they entered the ship via the metallic ramp. The traveler looked aghast and stopped midstride.

"Not before I use it on you, you mythological miscreant!" he retorted in aggrieved tones. "I wouldn't touch Malagon's evil potions with a ten-meter light saber!" he expressed further with a grimace of revulsion.

"I was only jesting...sheez!" Midnight countered, perturbed that the traveler hadn't seemed to have got the joke. "Besides, it never worked well on them anyway," he added as they entered the destroyed control center of the ship.

"Yes. As I recall it was only when the spell on them wore off that Malagon's vile plot fell to ruin," the traveler agreed.

"They turned on me," Midnight reminded with remembered rage at such treachery. "I wasn't under any spells beyond my instinctive loyalty to my master. I never really liked Malagon. But, he did raise me," he continued while the traveler tapped out a series of commands on the ruined, yet operating panel. The damage caused by some of Malagon's warriors was extensive but repairable. A screen lit up with data scrolling which detailed the components needed for repairs.

At that moment Malagon met his death in a duel with Arthur and, as his heart stopped, all of his evil spells were beginning to fade. Half of his army simply vanished. The human half surrendered, expressing their shame for their villainy, although they had been under a spell and not in control. Midnight had also felt a sudden shifting of loyalties. He had not been held by magic, but, with Malagon dead, he was freed from having to carry out the evil tasks that he truly didn't want to do at all. The dudrakel broke off its attack on Midnight, who'd sustained enough direct hits from its fire breath to have seriously damaged his fire-resistant plumage. Sir Jarrel's clever falcon had been killed in the battle. Jarrel was then lost in grief for his special companion who'd been much more than any normal bird. Jarrel had been blinded by the two-header's fire and felt useless to the realm. Midnight felt badly for the grief his talons had caused when they crushed the strange little falcon. He knew that he had no place in Camelot and so, he returned to Malagon's castle to recuperate. A few days later the traveler and the Lady Tanara came to the castle to entreaty Midnight to join Camelot. While it took some convincing of both Midnight and Arthur, this second chance for the gryphon was ultimately permitted. Jarrel was about to leave Camelot and resign his post as "Knight of the Realm" because his blindness was now permanent. How could he possibly defend Camelot now? How could he fight? How could he ride a horse? Oh, sure he'd learned to fight blindfolded, but ride a horse into battle against an enemy that was only vague patches of light and color with no form? Impossible! He felt that all of his previous courage and heroism would be lost to the label "blinded man," useless. As he was leaving the castle to join a caravan which would take him to his birth village he found himself suddenly clasped in the massive paw-like talons of the huge gryphon and he was lifted skyward. He started to fight, then resigned himself to his presumed fate.

"Tis better that I shouldst be devoured by thou great beast of prey lest I shalt liveth out mine days as a indigent wretched blind man," he lamented. The last thing his eyes had witnessed had been the death of his falcon in the paws of this monster of the sky, and the image was painfully etched into his memory.

"I have taken a new oath to serve Camelot. Good King Arthur has charged me with the post of noble steed for an honored knight of the realm. A knight whose courage cost him his eyes and closest friend. I shall be both for you from this day forth," Midnight declared as he descended through the destroyed skylight above the Round Table. Only a few days before he had smashed his way through this structure on a mission to kill Arthur and bring ruin to Camelot. This day he landed on the round table and set Sir Jarrel down. Arthur called for the knights to arise in honor of a great knight. Jarrel listened as Arthur explained the unexpected situation.

"Camelot art the people. All art valued herein," Arthur declared. "Thine eyes mayest be darkened, but thy soul shines a hero's light. Midnight hath sworn oath to serve Camelot. He hath accepted the post for which I hath charged him. Doth thou also accept?" Arthur entreated Sir Jarrel with deep emotion in his tone. Sir Jarrel thought about the offer for a long moment, then he addressed Arthur.

"Yeah. Tis that I shalt doeth mine king's will. For all of Camelot. I accept!" He replied and the knights all cheered for none had wished to see him leave Camelot.

Thus began Midnight's life as "gryphon steed" of Camelot. Special riding gear had to be invented for him so that Sir Jarrel could remain astride him in flight. After observing the pair, the traveler suggested that Sir Jarrel alter his name to J'rell, but the joke was lost for lack of familiarity with the Dragon Riders Of Pern novels so popular in the traveler's century and reality. Sir Jarrel wasn't the only one who would come to enjoy routine flights on midnight. Arthur had occasion to benefit from a flying mount, and the traveler had needed Midnight's wings on several short journeys to the mountains for rare crystals. Although it would take a few weeks for the people to become accustomed to the sight of the huge gryphon soaring about the kingdom, many people would express a desire to take a flight on Midnight -- if only to know what it was like. Midnight would oblige and soon everyone who'd desired to fly on the gryphon had done so.

For the most part, Midnight was Sir Jarrel's mount. The post seemed to fit him rather nicely and to such a degree that Arthur wondered why the notion of training the big gryphons as riding beasts for his knights hadn't occurred to him long before. Dragons might also make good battle mounts for Camelot's army. Midnight enjoyed being groomed daily by his new master and would return the favor by selecting Jarrell's daily attire. Midnight would describe to Jarrell the scenery as they walked together or soared high above the kingdom. For Midnight, having somebody to call truly a friend was greater than all the riches and power his former master had craved. Malagon had treated Midnight with little love or affection. In fact, Midnight so disliked Malagon that he was contemplating either suicide or the murder of his master. It would have been so very easy to crush Malagon in his powerful talons. So easy, physically, but not instinctively.

Even though he was furious at that alien falcon for its pretense of challenging a mighty gryphon, he held deep regrets for its demise. He puzzled over the way it just fell apart once his talons had crushed it. The bird -- if that's what it truly was -- had issued lightening bolts and disintegrated to dust upon death. Jarrell had never known the true nature of his pet and didn't care, he missed it just the same as had it been of normal flesh. Still, Jarrell was grateful for the opportunity that Midnight now afforded him to remain an active and useful knight. He and Midnight worked out a system whereby Midnight could guide him during battle and was having success at dealing with the outlaws and invaders which still plagued Camelot. Arthur's dream of a kingdom ruled as much by its people as by the king was gaining fame, but also enemies. Camelot's defenses had been tested thrice in the last two months since Malagon's death and each time the enemy was repulsed. The first test of their system had come in the July after Malagon's death when invaders came from the north. Sir Jarrell held his own well as Midnight circled the field and issued calls and directions to him. Midnight did become momentarily distracted by the traveler's fantastic weaponry. He marveled at the sword of fire that was matched only by Excalibur's powerful magic, the invisible armor which sprang from the box on his belt, and his amazing fighting techniques; the likes of which had never before been seen in the realm. Why, the traveler was an army unto himself.

Still, Midnight felt that the traveler was only defending Camelot because he was stranded therein. The invaders were routed and withdrew to the regions beyond Camelot's borders. Midnight had also had to pounce on a number of the invaders bringing instant death to them as he struggled to remain within sight of Sir Jarrell. The dudrakel had been of some help and was soon devouring some of the slain invaders. Midnight was encouraged to take his share of meat in hopes that such would inspire terror in any future invaders. The notion of a kingdom protected by powerful magic and fierce monsters was believed sufficient to deter future incursions. But alas, this was not to be. The rest of those slain were carried back to Camelot for proper burial. Sir Jarrel had sustained injury and had to be helped to Midnight's back. Still, he assured them that he would be well in a week or so.

Camelot suffered the loss of several valiant men from the village who had come to defend Camelot and the way of life it stood for. Among the heroes slain was a long time knight and close friend of Sir Jarrell. Midnight had tried to help when he saw the knight being overcome by several of the invaders, but he was too busy with helping Sir Jarrell while also dealing with ten invaders who'd converged on Camelot's only female knight, the Lady Tanara. Midnight was amazed at just how capable Tanara was in battle. Still, ten against one was just evilly unfair. Except, that is, when it came to the traveler, who was actually chasing twenty some soldiers who'd decided that they were up against a demon warrior. Midnight was forced to utilize his one draconic weapon that was sure to terrify; as with dragons, the big gryphons had the power of fiery breath. It was limited in duration and in range but nonetheless, effective, and the soldiers attacking Tanara were quickly dispersed. Unfortunately, that's when Sir Jarrell was injured; unable to see the soldier coming from behind in time to fully stop his thrust. He was lucky to be alive as the sword narrowly missed his torso and struck him in the hip. Midnight then rushed to Jarrell's aid ignoring the acrid taste and lingering reek of his own flaming chemicals. (Reason number one why he hated to use his fire breath). While he was busy helping his new master Sir Shandaran was slain. Midnight saw him fall, but was too preoccupied to have helped.

"You did well, Midnight," the traveler consoled later that evening while pulling another arrow from the huge gryphon's thick hide. "Can't be in two places at once. Even I can't do that and I've got a time machine," he continued as he rubbed his futuristic healing salve into the wound. Midnight craned his head and neck as far back as possible to watch his alien friend's progress. As he panted softly his warm breath wafted across the traveler's face carrying with it the remaining reek of his flaming chemicals.

"Ugh! I see what you mean. That does linger," the traveler observed with a cough. "And if it tastes even half as awful..." He let the thought fade as he pulled out the last of the arrows. This arrow was in deeper than the others and the action made Midnight shriek, involuntarily. "You're lucky that you have such a thick hide," the traveler criticized and with that taken care of it was time for a bath and a good night's rest. Arthur had ordered a meeting for the morning and he would have to be in attendance. Midnight returned to Sir Jarrell who was in the infirmary with a fever from his wounds. Midnight slept close to his bedside and a rug was brought to afford the gryphon comfort on the hard stone floor. The traveler couldn't sleep and ventured up onto the northern wall of the castle proper whereupon he was met by a guard who didn't recognize him.

"Halt, and get thee hither!" the guard ordered and although he was a bit stunned at this unexpected situation he obeyed. "Whom art thou what intrudeth upon Camelot's verges?" the guard inquired with crossbow aimed at him.

"You're kidding, right?" the traveler retorted as his headband lamplight illuminated the young guard's face with its alien glow. "I am the one known as the traveler. Doctor Valdar. You know? The guy with the light saber, uh, sword of fire?" he replied and the guard only then realized that this was the alien whom had defended Camelot.

"I beg thy forgiveness. It hath been a day of much what doth tax the mind and soul," the guard implored as he recognized the traveler.

"Think nothing of it. I understand, believe me. That's why I can't seem to sleep tonight," the traveler explained, and after a few moments he continued his walk around the wall. Finally, somewhere around 03:00 he found a cozy tower room and promptly fell asleep.

"Oh, there you are! I've been looking all over Camelot for you!" Midnight's irritating parrotish voice awakened him from a deep but restless sleep. "Arthur wants to get the meeting started and won't start without your attendance," he explained much to Valdar's surprise.

"The king of Camelot waits for me? Intriguing," Valdar commented feeling slightly mortified. He then mounted up on Midnight who leaped from the tower window into flight. As they prepared to land in the courtyard next to Dr. Valdar's ship they nearly collided with the dudrakel which was not watching where it was flying. Midnight would have pursued to discipline them but he knew that his current mission was more important.

"Tis a sad day for all of Camelot," Arthur began once Midnight and the traveler had taken their places near the southern edge of the Round Table. "Sir Shandaran hath been slain in battle. Thus we, being bereft of his courageous heart and noble presence must now face yet another vacant seat at the round table," he expressed in tones nearing tears. "Another knight hath fallen; Sir Malagon to the corruption of his soul which didst leadeth him to betray Camelot to be banished and then to perish in battle wrought of his own evil. Now, Sir Shandaran, whom shalt never be forgotten for his undying chivalry," he continued and paused with intent of meaning. A knight spoke up to express his concerns

"Doth this be portent of doom for Camelot?" Sir Elion lamented with his anxiety clearly evident in his tones and face. The traveler now offered his own observations. Arthur bid him to approach the table so that all could hear his commentary.

"I truly doubt that one traitorous scoundrel and the death of a valiant hero who died while protecting Camelot would constitute anything untoward about the future," Valdar began logically, and was interrupted by a young knight.

"Thou claimeth not to knoweth of our future. How then doth ye lay claim to securest the destiny of Camelot?" the young knight countered with astonishing intelligence, yet, he also felt that there was more to this odd person than was knowable; even to Merlin whom was said to know all things.

"I don't," Valdar replied and hastily continued before anyone could ask further. "I simply maintain that I believe that your fears in this matter are unfounded. Bad things happen to good people. That's just an inescapable fact of life. It doesn't mean that the end of the world -- or of Camelot -- is anywhere near at hand. You have the finest system that I have yet seen in cultures of your type. I believe in the continuance of Camelot, even if a few seats at the Round Table should remain vacant." he elaborated in tones intended to lend encouragement.

"Sir Jarrel? Lady Tanara?" Arthur began changing the dreary subject, then he paused with a thoughtful look towards the huge all-black gryphon who was busily preening his left secondaries. "Midnight?" Arthur summoned and the gryphon's head jerked up and his ears rotated to focus on Arthur. Midnight cocked his head in silent statement of puzzlement. Arthur addressed the trio, "Thou each hath outdone and bested the invaders. Thou art to be honored for thy deeds in service to Camelot. For it must be known throughout all the realm that those whom doth sit at the Round Table art the best of Camelot. As knights of the realm thou standeth alone in history," he was explaining when Midnight cautiously interrupted.

"I'm not a knight," Midnight expressed almost ludicrously, and Arthur thought for so long a moment that Midnight became concerned that he had offended his mentor and king. Arthur then bid the gryphon to come closer and signaled that he could sit on the table rather than maneuvering around it from his position opposite Arthur. Midnight did so and bent low to signify respect for Arthur. "I obey and serve my king. Or, at least I try," the gryphon related. Then Arthur addressed him.

"Camelot hath been renowned as a kingdom of many firsts. This day shalt see another," Arthur stated meaningfully as he reverently drew Excalibur from its scabbard. "For thy valiant and selfless service since that day whenst thou didst taketh oath to Camelo,t I hereby dub thee Sir Midnight. Thou art now, and shalt forever be, a knight of the Round Table," Arthur profoundly declared and touched the gryphon on each of his massive shoulders with Excalibur. Although there were hushed statements of shock from the assembly, no one questioned the king in this matter. They had all born witness to the gryphon's valiant efforts in protecting Camelot. And a former enemy now redeemed was a good omen of the future. The traveler recognized Arthur's intellect and quick thinking in this decision. Midnight would continue to serve as gryphonsteed for Sir Jarrel, but he would from that day forth be recognized as Sir Midnight, the Gryphon Knight of Camelot. Arthur then considered the time traveler and all that had been reported of the alien's courage and power in battle.

"Doctor Valdar?" Arthur summoned indicating for the traveler to approach. "Wouldst thou honor Camelot by accepting a seat at the Round Table?" he inquired which elicited another round of hushed murmurs. The traveler was stunned by this unexpected entreaty and he stuttered as he attempted to reply in a manner that would not be seen as disrespectful.

"I... I'm not a native of this realm... And I won't be here forever..." Valdar began, "When my ship is repaired..."

"Wouldst ye denyeth the post of honor?" Sir Elion exclaimed aghast.

"I'm not a soldier... I'm loyal to Camelot to be sure... I believe in the ideas upon which it is based. But... I wouldn't be much of a knight..." Valdar evaded awkwardly.

"Thou shalt do," Arthur expressed with his eyes begging for the odd alien to accept. For Arthur would never force any post upon any person. His dream of Camelot was such that all persons we held in equal value and their dreams were to be respected. "Wilt thou accepteth the post of knight of the realm?" The plea from the good king of Camelot was such that the scientist in Valdar was melted away. He looked at the knights, including the newest and most unusual whose ears and penetrating eyes now focused directly on him, begging him to say yes. The consensus was clearly unanimous.

"I see...Well...We can't allow for an empty seat at the Round Table, can we?" Valdar agreed and faced Arthur who stood up to bestow the rank of knight upon the traveler.

"I doth hereby dub thee, Sir Valdar. Mayest Camelot prosper under thy watch," said Arthur as he touched Valdar on each shoulder with Excalibur to cement the declaration in ritual fashion.

Thus, the Round Table was whole once more. With each seat filled with the bravest, strongest, and most uniquely gifted knights ever to guard the realm; a woman, a blinded man, a gryphon, and an alien from another dimension being only the most recent additions to the Round Table complement. Thus, did the finest age of Camelot begin. Arthur's wisdom in this matter proved infallible and tales of the greatness of Camelot spread throughout the realm, even unto distant lands. Camelot -- the greatest kingdom ever known. Unlike most kingdoms, Camelot's wealth was not hoarded up in some treasure trove, but used to enrich the whole of the kingdom and any other kingdom which would ally itself to Camelot. Sir Jarrel, Sir Midnight, and Sir Valdar found themselves appointed the daunting task of aiding allies and small villages in their struggles against the new invaders. Occasionally, when visiting the remote villages they would encounter people who were so frightened of Sir Midnight's awesome presence that he would be asked to leave until the people had been reassured that the powerful gryphon was a good guy. Dreezle/Drazle also caused their share of concerns from those who had yet to encounter the creature. The legends of Camelot grew even as a new and more worrisome enemy, Modred, arose to power. Modred was once a knight, as was Malagon, and like Malagon he craved power. He tricked Merlin into teaching him the magical arts which he used for his own personal gains. Arthur banished him from Camelot upon the advice of Sir Valdar who knew little of the Arthurian legends of his reality. As Modred stormed out of the chamber leaving a threat of revenge Valdar turned to address Arthur,

"You once inquired as to just what a [freakaziod] was. Well, that's a [freakazoid]!" Valdar expressed, "And I'd keep an eye on him if I were you. I plan to even though I'm not you."

Modred's hatred of Arthur grew with each passing day. He planned and plotted his ultimate conquest of Camelot. Daily, he imagined his sword plunging through Arthur's heart. Modred united the savages with his magic and with promises of power and fortune. Only one thing stood in his way to victory -- the knights of the Round Table. The two he was most concerned about was the alien, who had his own strange magic, and Midnight. No knight had ever successfully defeated one of these big gryphons within living memory and it was believed that the beasts were invulnerable to earthly weapons. Magic spells and potions were Modred's choice of weaponry, and he knew that these could have an effect on the gryphon. He searched for and found a sleeping potion that would put all the knights into a deep sleep for hours, during which time he, Modred, would seize the throne of Camelot. The dark day came when Modred bribed a guard and was able to poor the sleep potion into the knight's food and drink. Even Midnight succumbed to drugged water and was unaware of the infiltration of Camelot by Modred's small army. Arthur had been brought food earlier that had not yet been drugged, and thus he was awake to defend himself when Modred burst into his private chambers to slay him. While the knights slept Arthur and Modred dueled. Arthur was wounded, as was Modred, their blood staining the stonework of the castle. Midnight was the first to regain consciousness, but he was too late to stop the evil of Modred from taking Arthur from them. Midnight's rage was spent on the vile Modred whom he rent into several pieces. Lady Tanara and Sir Valdar had arrived upon that gruesome scene just as Modred breathed his last. Midnight rushed to Arthur's side as did Tanara and Valdar. Arthur was still breathing. However, it was clear that his wounds were mortal. Arthur opened his eyes and saw first the mighty gryphon whose perpetually fierce gaze seemed almost to have lost its malevolence in statement of deepest sorrow. Valdar waved his wand-like scanner device over Arthur and said in dismay at its report that Arthur was dying and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Arthur looked at each of them while more groggy knights arrived.

"Thou hath been mine truest of knights," Arthur strained to say and now looked directly into Midnight's glassy gaze. "Thou art mine most noble knight, and the strongest," Arthur gasped for air as his lungs filled with his own blood "Excalibur must never fall into evil hands. Its magic must never be used for evil gains. I charge thee to maketh certain that Excalibur shalt always be wielded by a good and just king. Modred wouldst have made thee his slaves. Thou hath the freedom of Camelot." Arthur's last words were more a command to protect and nurture his great dream of a kingdom that was strengthened more by its people than by any one king or magic spells. A tear fell from Midnight's right eye and soaked into Arthur's tunic. Valdar would likely have noted with some astonishment the weeping of the gryphon had he been any less teary eyed. Lady Tanara struggled to preserve her own dignity. She could not be seen weeping, yet she was anyway. No one present took notice for they were blinded by their own tears. Midnight's sense of loss was perhaps the most intense. The man who had given him the second chance. The king who made a gryphon a knight of the realm. A man he had come to call friend was dead at the hands of an evil which all of his fantastic strength was powerless to stop. And now Camelot was without a righteous king. Midnight took a new oath that moment to make sure that the next man to sit on the throne of Camelot would be a Good man.

{The northern courtyard amidst the ruins of an ancient stone circle where druids once held their mystic rituals of worship of their nature spirits. A place of ancient magic where the stone from which Arthur had drawn Excalibur resided. Valdar lasers the viney growth from the stone as the people gather upon Midnight's summons. Midnight stands up high on his hind legs and addresses the assemblage.}

"Here is the stone from which Arthur drew Excalibur and became King. Here also was where Camelot was born," Midnight stated and settled back to all fours and continued now that he had the attention of the people. "The magic is still in effect," and he looked to Merlin who nodded confirmation of this factum. "That ages old spell will again be called upon to select for us a righteous king," he continued and addressed the stone as if it had the ability to hear his words. "Oh, Stone of Ages! Receive the great sword Excalibur! Hold onto it with the grip of iron until one comes who is of pure heart and honorable mind," and with that said he drew upon his fantastic gryphon strength and thrust Excalibur into the ancient stone. The stone glowed an eerie silvery blue as Excalibur plunged deeply into it. Midnight then addressed the crowd, "Only a pure and decent man will be able to draw out Excalibur from the stone." He was interrupted by a concerned young man wearing a green tunic and brown trousers.

"And shouldst Excalibur find no one worthy of Camelot?" the man asked in tones of concern that were echoed by others in the crowd. "Shalt Camelot be without a ruler?" he added. Midnight would call upon him to be the first to attempt to remove the sword from the stone. While the young man gave his every effort to no avail, Midnight went on to explain that until the true king was found that he and the knights of the Round Table, and the people of Camelot would strive to protect Arthur's dream. Though many would attempt to pull free the sword from the stone, all would fail. Only Lady Tanara, Sir Valdar, and of course Midnight refused to try. Each for quite sensible reasons. For Midnight it was no question he could not possibly be king over men. Too weird. A king who is also the steed of a knight? For Tanara, well, a woman king? A trifle confusing to say the least, even if she was the best swordsman in all of Camelot. For Valdar it was the simple matter of the time when his ship was repaired, at which point he would leave this world before his presence mucked up things even more than he felt they already were. Thus, Excalibur would go unclaimed for over three months. Midnight had been calling for a monthly challenge, inviting everyone to give it try. Arthur had related that it came as total surprise when he drew Excalibur from the stone. In fact, he considered it an accident "I didst grasp it in jest and it was as thought it sought to leap into my hand," Arthur had explained to Midnight upon the gryphon's query. Still, another month would find no takers and Midnight was growing desperately concerned. The people were already growing restless and expressed concerns that it was "unnatural" for a kingdom to have no king. Midnight looked intently at the sword as if lost in the glimmering of its gilded hilt with its arcane inscriptions in some long lost language from the days of Atlantis.

"Maybe you jammed it in there so hard it can't come out," Valdar teased as he decided to give it a try to no avail "We could always try phazering," he chuckled while Midnight gave the hilt a soft flick with a talon and they both listened to the lingering tone which resulted from the action.

"I just used show strength. It will come free for the right king. Someone who is genuine in his honesty and resolve to serve the forces of goodness and truth. Even I cannot," the gryphon expressed and wrapped his huge talons around the gilded hilt for illustration. "The right one just has to grab hold and pull, thus --" There were gasps of total incredulity and it took a long moment for Midnight to realize that the sword was drawn fully out of the stone as he hadn't even been trying. He had, In fact, intended to release the sword and make the motions for effect. "Oh. No!" he expressed in disbelief and collapsed from the mental shock. He. Midnight. A gryphon was king of Camelot! When he regained consciousness and his wits, he called for an emergency gathering of the people to discuss this unexpected predicament.

"I cannot see myself as your king. Not that such an honor is undesirable. I just feel that I cannot truly be king over men. It's awkward to be king and knight and steed for another knight all at the same time. Yet we all know that Excalibur is never wrong," he expressed after a test had shown that no matter who placed the sword in the stone, only Midnight, with just the slightest touch to the hilt, could remove it. "I, therefore, shall call the challenge once a month in quest for the true king. I feel that maybe the spell sensed the need for a just ruler to hold the throne temporarily until the right man comes along. As your temporary king, I will endeavor to serve in the post with honor and in keeping with Arthur's dream. I appoint as my advisors, Sir Valdar, the Lady Tanara, and Sir Jarrel. Arthur trusted them and thus, so shall I. They shall rule when I must be absent," Midnight declared to the still-stunned audience. "I shall do my very best. Why Excalibur would choose me to be your king is beyond any comprehension. When I first met Arthur I had been sent by Malagon to kill him and take Excalibur. This is why I feel that the spell must intend for me to be only a 'stand-in' to preserve the integrity of Camelot. I am still Sir Jarrel's steed and eyes, for he could not do without me at his side. It is a post which I find gives me lasting purpose. This is why I wear my gilded harness and reins instead of the crown. Well, that, and it won't fit anyway," Midnight explained, his soft parrotish voice carrying quite a distance. He then bid the people a good day and prosperity.

Now Camelot was, truly, a kingdom of firsts. Excalibur, that enchanted chunk of Atlantean steel had defied all logic and made a gryphon king of Camelot. Despite initial misgivings by more than Midnight -- whom was the first to question the sanity of the spell -- he would rule as compassionately as had Arthur. In some ways he was an even better king. He had no greed, and seemed immune to the temptations that plague men. Several years and three wars later Valdar's time ship floated above the courtyard for the first time since his arrival. Now the moment which Midnight had most dreaded was at hand and he felt the growing sense of loss that would accompany the traveler's departure.

"The ship has been sufficiently repaired for temporal transference. I can now return to my dimension," Valdar related trying not to pay attention to the drooping of the gryphon's ears. "I must request of my king, and friend, permission to depart this realm," he added in accordance with formality. He was not so enthusiastic about leaving as he'd once believed he'd be on this day. These people and creatures were the closest friends he'd ever known and he was truly loathed to leave them forever.

"I would ask that you would not go. No! I would beg for you to stay. Yet I know that you must return to your world and so I do grant you that permission. You will be sorely missed in Camelot," Midnight accepted with deep sorrow in his tones. This brilliant, clever, and resourceful alien -- the finest of his knights -- would leave a hole in his heart as great as that left by Sir Jarrel's death, which was still a vividly clear torture in Midnight's mind. Despite his great power and spectacular aerial agility, he was unable to stop the arrow which zinged through his primaries and into Jarrel's heart during the last war. Now, how in this universe could that have happened? Midnight's grief and rage was spent on the attackers and none were spared his ferocious wrath. So horrific had his rage been that he now feared that Excalibur would find him also unworthy and no longer come from the stone at the time of the challenge, yet still not finding a worthy man to rule. Such would be disastrous for Camelot. "I do ask that you stay until after this month's challenge," he pleaded and Valdar agreed that such couldn't hurt.

"We again offer the challenge!" Midnight declared as he opened the event. The crowd that had gathered were mostly from the local area and had already tried before to draw Excalibur from the stone it once more rested within. Midnight scanned the assemblage for a fresh new face and finding one called to a young man in green clothing and wide bronze belt buckle. The youth tried to no avail. The sword refused to budge. The youth stepped aside and bowed respectfully to Midnight and made way for others. Midnight had by now opened the challenge to women and anyone over ten years of age. Several more people tried with no more luck, or whatever it was one needed in order to be found as worthy by the spell.

"It just occurred to me," Valdar began as yet another person approached the stone, "Excalibur chose you because you know what it was to be evil and to serve evil. Maybe it saw in you your earnest resolve to abandon the wicked ways of your past. It saw that you hold a genuine desire for all things good and pure, for truth and righteousness," he was saying and at that moment the soft chinking of steel and the song of the sword were heard followed by the awed whisperings of the people. They looked and beheld the spectacular sight. Excalibur was held up by a handsome young man who was clearly trying to control his own sense of shock. Both shocked and relieved, Midnight inquired of the young man's name

"Hendrick, sire," the youth replied awkwardly.

"Place Excalibur back into the stone while the opening is still there. This is important!" Midnight commanded and the youth did as Midnight asked. Midnight tried to remove the sword from the stone but found that he no longer could. "Now you try again," he ordered and Hendrick did so removing the sword with effortless ease. Midnight addressed the people.

"All hail King Hendrick!" Midnight commanded as his last official action as King of Camelot. The true king had been found. Hendrick had come this day from a far off village because he had nowhere else to go. He had heard of Camelot and longed to live in that magical kingdom where everyone mattered and no one was worthless who pulled his weight. He had never thought to try to pull Excalibur from the stone and had prayed that if what he'd heard about the Gryphon King was true that Midnight would reign forever and maybe bring peace to the whole world in time. Now much to his surprise, he, Hendrick, a no account dreamer was now King of Camelot and it was up to him to carry on Arthur's dream. Midnight bowed to Hendrick and launched into flight, circling the castle seven times. He was free now to be what he truly was, a gryphon. He was still a knight, that would never change. He was still the swiftest steed in all the world, unless another gryphon somewhere served in that capacity, which he doubted. He considered flying to Avalon where most of the gryphons resided and where Arthur's ashes had been taken for permanent interment. He wasn't sure if the other gryphons would welcome him or not because of his past. Still, to return to the place of his birth held a certain attraction. His keen eyes caught sight of the traveler who was just entering his silvery sky ship. Midnight landed in the courtyard next to the time ship and after a moment of reflection stepped up the ramp and into the craft which was much larger inside than it was outside.

"Oh, good. I was hoping to see you before I left," the traveler said pleasantly and then seemed to be thinking in that way which signified his clever side was operating. Midnight, too, had been thinking and now expressed his idea.

"If I wanted to go with you, and King Hendrick agreed to allow me to go, may I come with you?" Midnight asked in plaintive tones and tried to give the appearance of a begging puppy (without much success) while Valdar tapped out a series of commands on the control pad.

"Camelot needs you," Valdar replied.

"It needs you too," Midnight countered.

"Yes, I know," Valdar agreed and tapped the engage key on the control panel. "Come on! We haven't got much time!" He led the gryphon out of the ship and to about three meters from it. There they watched as the ramp retracted into the lower disc and the craft ascended skyward. Within a moment the silvery craft began to glow brightly and flashed out of that reality. Midnight blinked from the astonishing turn of events and looked at the traveler with a deeply puzzled statement. Valdar looked up into Midnight's raptorine eyes "I know what I've done, friend gryphon. There's no place like Camelot," Valdar expressed and mounted up on Midnight who lifted him skyward. The gryphon-knight who was once the reluctant King of Camelot had his new rider, best friend, and preferred post. He was contented and purred loudly as they soared over Camelot. King Hendrick would rule with honor and compassion. With Midnight and Valdar as his trusted advisors Camelot prospered. Valdar, a high-tech being from an alien future had finally found his true place in the universe and Camelot prospered. Arthur's dream was given new life and Camelot prospered. The greatest kingdom the world had ever known flourished under the rule of the most unusual leaders the world had ever known. Camelot would become more than just a legendary magic realm. It would guide other nations on a path to a better way and the world prospered because of a strange little kingdom now lost in the mists of time.

THE END