Unknownfate
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Chapter 15
🕑 Added 2025-03-29 00:14:09 +0000 UTCThe following morning, on the third day since the mysterious city materialized, the UK Government finally broke its silence.
With the entire world brimming with anticipation, the official statement was released—triggering an explosive reaction.
"The government acknowledges the sudden and unexplained appearance of a structure, along with individuals claiming to represent the legendary Camelot. This occurrence raises numerous questions, and we are actively investigating its origins and implications, with public safety as our top priority.
We recognize the public’s curiosity and are implementing controlled access for researchers and journalists to responsibly explore this extraordinary event. We ask for patience and understanding as we navigate this unprecedented situation."
The words spread like wildfire. The world had been waiting, and now—there was official confirmation.
But the questions were far from over.
They had just begun.
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“Good morning, UK,” Sophie Whitfield greeted with a bright smile, her voice steady despite the studio’s buzzing energy.
“On this thrilling day, I won’t bore you with the usual introductions. I know you’re all eager to hear today’s main story.”
She leaned forward slightly, her enthusiasm infectious. “This morning marks the third day since the sudden and still-mysterious arrival of a city shrouded in legend. And we finally have an official statement.”
Mark Harris, her co-host, added with mock impatience, “About time, I’d say. Everyone’s been waiting for some answers.”
Sophie nodded, picking up a printed statement from the desk. “While I’m sure some of you at home have already seen it, let’s go over it together.”
With dramatic flair, she unfolded the paper and began reading aloud. “The government is aware of the sudden and unexplained emergence of a structure, along with individuals identifying themselves with the legendary Camelot.”
She looked up, her tone playful. “Well, there it is, folks—official confirmation. Apparently, Camelot has returned.”
Emma Clarke, seated to Sophie’s left, raised an eyebrow. “Just like that? Camelot? No big deal, then.”
Sophie laughed, then continued reading.
“While this phenomenon raises many questions, we are diligently investigating its origins and implications, with public safety as our priority.”
She set the paper down with a smirk. “Many questions, they say? At least they’re acknowledging what’s obvious—people are out on the streets demanding answers.”
Mark leaned back in his chair. “What else does it say?”
Sophie skimmed the document again, reading the final lines.
“We acknowledge the public’s curiosity and are planning controlled access for researchers and journalists to responsibly explore this extraordinary event. We request patience and understanding as we manage this unprecedented situation.”
She leaned back, eyebrows raised in skepticism.
“And that’s it. A short, carefully worded statement that doesn’t say much. Are they being cautious, or just buying time? Surely, they have more details by now.”
Emma shook her head, exhaling sharply. “That feels like the bare minimum.”
Sophie tapped the desk lightly, her expression thoughtful. “Fortunately, we do have a few additional details. While not yet officially confirmed, we at BBC Breakfast consider them credible.”
Mark perked up. “And what do we know?”
Sophie’s grin broadened. “We have learned that among those associated with Camelot, there is a king—none other than King Arthur himself.”
Emma’s eyes widened dramatically. “Arthur? As in the Arthur? The sword, the knights, the Round Table?”
Sophie nodded, leaning forward with a flair for drama. “Exactly. Speculation has been running wild for days, but this seems all but confirmed. The legendary King of Knights is back.”
Mark chuckled, shaking his head. “Now that’s the most exciting news of the year. Camelot is real, Arthur is real. What’s next? Santa?”
Emma snorted. “Well, apparently what’s next is that King Arthur isn’t just here for show. He’s declared himself the rightful King of England.”
Mark’s playful tone shifted, his curiosity growing sharper. “And what about the palace? Has there been any response yet?”
Sophie shook her head, her expression thoughtful.
“Not yet, no. However, since that claim hasn’t been formally announced, we might have to wait.”
Emma leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. “People are starting to grow impatient. But you know what you won’t have to wait for? Our next guest—one of the most sought-after voices right now.”
Sophie gestured toward the guest chair as the camera shifted focus, revealing Professor Martin Ellsworth—a distinguished man in his sixties with neatly combed gray hair and an air of quiet authority.
“Allow me to introduce Professor Martin Ellsworth, an expert in Arthurian history and legends,” Sophie said warmly.
Martin offered a polite smile, his voice measured. “Thank you, Sophie. It’s an honor to be here.”
“And we’re delighted to have you,” Sophie responded. “I imagine this entire situation has kept you quite busy?”
Martin let out a small chuckle, adjusting his glasses. “Oh yes. After the government issued their statement two hours ago, I had to turn off my phone. Everyone wanted to ask me questions.”
Sophie grinned. “Well, we’re thrilled you could join us. So, Professor—let’s get right into it.”
Her tone warmed, inviting him to share his thoughts. “What’s your perspective on all of this, from a professional standpoint?”
Martin folded his hands on the desk, looking thoughtful. “Like everyone else, I’m shocked and filled with questions. Because, well… how did this happen?”
Mark leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. “Honestly, we were hoping you’d have some answers for us—and for our viewers at home. So, Professor, what do history and legend say?”
Martin chuckled softly, his voice calm and steady. “There are countless legends about Arthur and his knights. But the idea of his return? That’s also been linked to a prophecy. And it seems… we’re witnessing that prophecy unfold right now.”
Emma tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “What exactly does that prophecy entail?”
Martin leaned back slightly, recalling the words from memory. “Well, it’s not a singular prophecy—there are multiple versions. But they all share the same core message.”
He raised a finger, speaking steadily. “The most well-known is simple and concise: ‘The Once and Future King shall rise again in Britain’s hour of greatest need.’”
Holding up another finger, he continued, “The next is slightly longer but conveys a similar idea: ‘When the land is divided, and the people call for justice, the King will return to heal the realm.’”
Emma and Sophie exchanged glances, intrigued.
Martin went on. “Then we have this: ‘Arthur shall rise again, sword in hand, to bring peace and restore Britain’s glory.’”
Mark nodded slowly, absorbing the information. “And the last one?”
Martin’s expression grew more serious, as if invoking something sacred. “This one is attributed to Merlin himself.”
His voice lowered slightly. “‘Though the King may fall, he shall not fade; the Once and Future King shall awaken, and Albion shall rise anew.’”
For a moment, the studio fell silent.
Then, Emma broke it with a playful grin. “I knew the economy was struggling, but I didn’t realize this was Britain’s ‘greatest hour of need.’”
Mark chuckled, shaking his head.
“Good one.”
Sophie laughed softly, before turning her attention back to Martin.
“Thank you, Professor. Those insights are fascinating. But I think we all have the same question.
How?
Is there anything in the texts about how this could happen?”
Martin adjusted his glasses, his brow furrowing slightly. “Well… as you all likely know, there’s no confirmed archaeological evidence of Camelot. No physical ruins, no historical site.”
Mark smirked, shaking his head. “Yeah, well— Now we’ve got the real, living city instead.”
Martin nodded. “Exactly. But before now? Nothing. Why? Because, according to legend, after Arthur’s death, Merlin transported the entire city to Avalon—a realm of the fae.”
Emma’s eyes widened. “He moved the entire city? That’s… quite remarkable.”
Martin gestured slightly, considering the possibility. “So, if it was taken there, it stands to reason it could be returned… at the right time.”
Mark leaned back, his tone skeptical yet intrigued. “Wow, wow. Are you suggesting that magic exists, then?”
Martin hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “Well, it’s difficult to refute that this situation seems magical. But I wouldn’t worry too much about magic.”
Emma tilted her head. “And why’s that?”
Martin’s lips quirked into a small smile. “Because even in Arthurian lore, only two significant figures are noted for using magic—Merlin and Morgan.”
“So even if magic does exist, those who can wield it are rare. And neither Merlin nor Morgan were ordinary humans—they were half-fae.”
Sophie grinned, playing along. “So what you’re saying is— I shouldn’t expect Hogwarts to be real?”
Martin chuckled softly, shaking his head. “No. I think enough children have touched the walls at King’s Cross Station to confirm that Harry Potter isn’t real. A fantastic book, surely. But not reality.”
Emma smiled, leaning back. “Well… who knows these days? A few days ago, most people didn’t believe Arthur and Camelot were real. But now? It seems just as real as you and me.”
“What’s real,” Sophie added with a sparkle in her eye, “is the excitement surrounding this topic. Professor, we’re receiving a ton of questions, which we’ll address shortly. But first, let’s go over a few more points.”
“Absolutely,” Martin replied, nodding. “I’m happy to answer any questions to the best of my ability.”
Sophie leaned forward, her enthusiasm undimmed. “Fantastic. But first—what are your thoughts on the government’s statement?”
Martin’s expression turned pensive. “It’s quite basic and honestly doesn’t reveal anything new. At best, it confirms what we already suspected—we’re dealing with Camelot.”
“Nonetheless,” Mark chimed in, “the news about allowing more people in is quite exciting.”
Emma nodded in agreement. “Speaking of those who entered yesterday—what do we know about them?”
Sophie quickly glanced at her notes. “Great question! We had a small group of four, and we’re familiar with three of them.”
She looked up at the camera. “One is Sir Andrew Farrow—a diplomat. Makes sense for a mission like this.”
“Next,” Martin inserted, “is Sir Richard Cole, a historian. You might know him, Professor?”
Martin smiled nostalgically. “Yes, a fine man—knowledgeable and intelligent. Though I must admit, I’m quite envious of his opportunity.”
Sophie laughed. “I can’t blame you there; we’d all love to be involved.”
Mark tapped his pen lightly on the desk. “And then there’s Professor Alan Marlowe, a linguist skilled in Old English and Latin.”
Emma raised an eyebrow. “Does his presence mean we won’t be able to converse with King Arthur?”
Martin tilted his head thoughtfully. “That’s difficult to say. It’s likely they speak Old English, but how archaic it is could determine whether we can understand them.”
Sophie jumped in, her curiosity evident. “And then there’s the mysterious London knight. If not for Camelot appearing, they would’ve dominated the headlines days ago.”
Mark nodded. “Exactly. What’s your take on that, Professor?”
Martin adjusted his glasses, his brow furrowing in concentration.
“I know little more than you. The knight appeared, stood there, left, and uttered a single word—‘Agravain.’ A knight of the Round Table. However, given that it was just a name, we can’t conclude whether the fact it sounded normal means they speak modern English.”
Sophie leaned in closer. “That’s a fair assessment. But, Professor, what can you tell us about Agravain?”
The camera zoomed in slightly as Martin clasped his hands together.
“Well,” he began, his voice steady, “Sir Agravain is a fascinating figure in Arthurian legend. He is fiercely loyal to King Arthur, but his methods and temperament make him controversial. Some portray him as a noble knight devoted to duty; others see him as rigid and blunt to a fault.”
Emma raised an eyebrow. “Conflict? Wasn’t that the whole purpose of the Round Table—to avoid that?”
“Exactly,” Martin confirmed. “Agravain’s role often highlights the fragility of that unity. He’s most famously linked to the downfall of Camelot—he was the one who exposed the affair between Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere. Some view him as a whistleblower. Others see him as a troublemaker.”
Mark leaned back, musing aloud. “Interesting. I can’t help but wonder—are there more knights in the city? The well-known ones, at least.”
Emma turned to Martin with a curious look. “Is there anyone you’d personally want to meet?”
Martin laughed lightly, shaking his head. “Any knight would be fascinating. But if I had to choose, the King himself would be my top pick. Perhaps Sir Lancelot and Sir Mordred as well—they played pivotal roles in Arthur’s downfall.”
Emma tilted her head, skeptical. “You think they might be there? Even after what they did? If I were Arthur, I wouldn’t let them near me.”
Martin leaned in slightly, his voice thoughtful.
“Arthur is known for his kindness and forgiveness. But I agree—it’s doubtful those two would be welcomed back. Particularly Mordred, given that he murdered his King and father. That’s not something easily forgiven.”
Sophie nodded. “A very valid point, Professor. We’ll be taking a break soon, but before that, we have something else to discuss.”
Mark chuckled. “‘Some’ questions? Come on. We’ve never had this many before.”
Emma smiled. “That’s certainly true—people have a lot to say. Professor, we’ll be relying on you.”
Martin responded with a smile. “I’ll do my best.”
Sophie raised a hand slightly, signaling a final segment before the break. “Before we go—one last thing. We conducted a poll this morning about King Arthur’s claim to the throne.”
Emma raised an eyebrow. “Ah, yes. And we all know the Queen is quite beloved by the public.”
Mark grinned. “Prince Charles, however… not quite as much.”
He turned to the camera. “We asked you at home: would you prefer Charles or Arthur to succeed the Queen?” “And overwhelmingly—”
Emma laughed. “Overwhelmingly.”
“Everyone chose Arthur,” Mark finished with a smirk.
Sophie turned to Martin, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. “Professor, thoughts?”
Martin adjusted his glasses, his lips quirking slightly. “Honestly, it’s difficult to determine if this poll reflects Arthur’s popularity… or Charles’s unpopularity.”
Emma chuckled softly. “Probably both.”
She turned to the camera with a bright smile. “And now, time for a short break! Everyone at home, grab a fresh cup of tea, because when we return—we’ll be answering your questions.”
The camera zoomed out, capturing the hosts’ easy smiles, as the set’s lights dimmed slightly, signaling the transition to a commercial break.
