Genesis resisted the urge to sigh when he noticed the road leading down to the dock already cleared and blocked off by at least two dozen knights. He knew Belladonna would have a say in this. His eyes roamed over the far end of the street where a golden knight stood, barking orders around to his follow knights.

  “Great,” Reno said loud enough for the Generals and their seconds to hear, “Goldie is here.”

  Genesis’ lips twitched into an amused smirk before he managed to wipe it off his face. Goldie was Reno’s nickname for the Lieutenant Captain of the Knights, but he was better as Sir Ronald Walburn. He was one of the few knights that managed to win his knighthood through some sort of great deed he completed during a quest and it was not long before he rose through the ranks.

  “Behave, Reno,” the Fiery General warned. His eyes meet Reno’s. They both knew what kind of punishment Genesis would hand out - a day in the stock, being pelted by rotten fruits and vegetables. That was the least painful punishment for any member of the Fire Brigade, but on an emotional level, it was downright humiliating to tied up like that, against your will, and couldn’t fight back against the thrown rotten food. It was more of a pride thing then anything else. Reno was the first one to look away.

  Genesis knew Reno hadn’t been personally in the stocks since he had joined the Fire Brigade and was taught the value of Pride, Honor, and Valor. However, it didn’t mean he had to help Genesis put a soldier in the stock for a couple hours. Most of the men fought against it since it was not the villagers who threw the rotten food - it was their fellow brothers in arms. Needless to say, when one of the men did get put in the stocks for a bit, the men had a heyday, throwing the food as hard as they could, and their words were sometimes harsh as the food thrown.

  Genesis, personally, dread the day when he was ‘voted’ into the stocks by his men. He wanted to be held accountable and that meant if he did something that out of line with the codes and morals of the Fire Brigade, his men could vote him into the stocks. He wouldn’t go quietly or easily, of course. He chuckled under his breath before he changed the subject, “So, I thought we were supposed to clear the streets and be the security instead of Goldie and his annoying flock.”

  “The last thing I knew, “ Honor spoke up, “I was under the same impression.”

  “Likewise,” Bartholomew agreed, “The Pope’s ship is supposed to dock closer to 8 and we had to be here by 7, giving us an hour to set up and secure the area with the Queens and their escort arriving around 7:30. The Knights were supposed to be acting a security detail for the Ruling Family.”

  The clock tower, back at the castle, rang out its bells seven times as it announced the time. The three generals shared a look. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what Sir Ronald had planned to do. He purposely arrived a lot earlier then scheduled to secure the area.

  The Generals, as one, let out a long sigh. Genesis knew there was a fraction of the Knights who looked down upon the Military. It was down right annoying when the Ruling Family allowed these Knights to get away with it. It also didn’t help matters when King Uther, while he was alive and well, wouldn’t assign the Military a few more generals and rose the few men the three currents Generals had recommended to higher positions. The Red Head General just hoped that whoever takes over as the Ruling King, he would be favorable to the Military.

  “If we had known this, I’m sure I could have pursued someone into looking for his sister,” Reno voiced out loud. Genesis felt his second’s eyes on him. “I’m pretty sure your sister, Genesis, hadn’t left the castle since the sun rose. According to Henry, he did see a very pretty red haired woman that could pass as your sister with the same hair color as you, walk back into the castle, heading to the kitchen during the later half of his shift, this morning.”

  Genesis shot Reno a questioning glance, frowning. He replied, “I wouldn’t had the time to search for her this morning even if we didn’t had to be down here.” He paused, looking forward, “I would have other things to do - both military and family related items.”

  “Wait, Natalie is in Camelot,” Honor questioned. Surprise colored his voice. He went on, “And you didn’t warn me.”

  “Or me!” Honor’s Second in Commander, Zack, squeaked out in horror, “I really don’t want to get roped into marrying her.”

  Genesis did let out a chuckle this time. Natalie hadn’t been shy to the fact she was approaching marrying age and wanted to find her own husband instead having their dear, darling Grandmother do it for them. As a result, Natalie had her eyes on either Honor or Zack to be her husband. Whenever he had received a letter from his youngest sister, she demanded any news about Honor or Zack and how would be the best approach to get a marriage deal from them. He shook his head, clearing his head of thoughts about Natalie and turned his attention to the situation with Tina.

  “Relax, you two, Natalie isn’t here in Camelot,” Genesis confessed, “I’m pretty sure she is at the Estate, pouting over something or other, but I guess that she would be pouting over the fact she couldn’t come to Court to find her own husband like Rosemary is doing.” He took a breath, watching as Sir Ronald spotted something and he marched toward the Military group. “Reno was referring to my other sister, Valentina. Apparently, she was spotted with Sir Tristan, coming into the castle, and Reno, here, helped her out with finding Sir Tristan’s quarters in the Knights’ Tower.”

  “Wait,” Honor started, but he fell silent when Sir Ronald approached them then marched right past them without a word.

  “Generals,” one of the men bringing up the rear hurried up to them, “The Ruling Family is approaching.”

  “They are early,” Bartholomew commented with a slight growl in his voice.

  “It appears that they had moved up the schedule on us and didn’t bother to inform us of it,” Honor drawled in annoyance.

  “Lovely,” Genesis commented, “Just fucking lovely.” He stopped walking and spun. The duster he was being forced to wear for the next few days, flared out. He snapped out, “Micheal, Andrew, Benjamen, Cedric, Connor, Triton, Anakin, Samuel, James, Justin - take the Northern roof tops. Christopher, Kyle, Alex, Kris, Rick, Darryl, Floki, Rex, Natsu, Basil - take the Southern roof tops.” The unit that Genesis had brought with him split in half and found a way to get the nearby roof tops.

  Genesis heard Honor splitting his unit into group of four and take up position along the street while Bartholomew separated his men into groups of 5 and sent two groups to guard the docks while assigned the other two groups to stand watch this end of the street. The three Generals and their seconds turned to watch the Ruling Family rolled by with their carriages. Genesis noticed the led carriage, holding the High Queen and her escort, Lord Jack, also had Sir Ronald who was reporting on what was going on.

  “…The Military just arrived a few minutes before you did, your highness,” Sir Ronald’s voice rang out as the carriage rolled past.

  Hearing that, Genesis’ temper rose. Honor clasped a hand on Genesis’ shoulder. Bartholomew crossed his arms over his chest. Auron, Bartholomew’s second, shifted on his feet, his eyes narrowing into a glare. Reno growled out a curse. Zack shook his head, muttering loud enough for the group to hear, “Not cool.”

  “I hate that they always trying to prove they are better then us,” Reno growled, “When they are not. Some of us actually worked hard for our positions and don’t use our family connections. No offense, General Genesis.”

  “None taken,” Genesis replied, “I do have to argue the point some of the Knights have to work hard to achieve their rank while others take advantage of their family connections. The Newer Families that managed to achieve a place the Round Table through different means then working your way up to the place doesn’t know the value of Hard Work through blood, tears, and death unlike some of the Ancient and Noble Houses. Majority of the Ancient and Nobles Houses still follow the old ways of training to be a Knight instead of asking for the position and argue for it or achieving it through a political maneuver.” He watched the carriages roll to a stop and the escorts climbed out of the carriages before helping the Queens out.

  “Either way,” Honor cut in, seeing Sir Ronald and Lord Jack approach the Warrior Queen, “I’m sure we will hear of it, soon.”

  “I have no doubt of that,” Bartholomew commented as the trio turned, walking toward the Generals and their seconds.

  “Get ready for an ass chewing,” Auron commented in a low tone.

  The Queen Belladonna immediately launched into a lecture, seething, “I was just informed that you were late, arriving nearly at the same time as the Queens did.” Her eyes scanned over the generals. “It’s obviously that you don’t take your job seriously. Once this situation is dealt with, I will be discussing with the new King about a change in the Military Leadership.” She paused, “I don’t think I have to stress about the importance of being on time, especially when it comes to the fact that the Pope is arriving, in a few minutes, to stay in Camelot for the first in a several decades.” The Generals didn’t bother defending themselves. Their seconds kept silence. They knew if they tried to speak, the punishment they would receive would be a lot worst.

  “The Pope and his entourage will be the first group that will see how Camelot will deal with change leadership. I have no doubt there will be a few loose tongues among the priests and bishops that have no problem with informing our enemies about how we are dealing with the change. We already have the Kingdom Mercy and Franks meeting to plot against us. Remember,” The warrior Queen pointed at each General, her painted pointed nail poking their noses, “You are replaceable.”

  Genesis blinked at that. He wasn’t aware of that. He frowned. When he got back to the barracks, he will need to increase the security hours. He resisted the urge to sigh. He really wished that the recruitment levels weren’t down. Over the last few months, there has been a pattern of recruitment levels for the military on the decline. Movement caught his attention of the corner of his eye. He waited until the Warrior Queen turned around and marched away with Sir Ronald in toe.

  “I’m sorry, Generals,” Lord Jack said, “I had given the order to inform you of the changes, but somehow through the chain, those orders became lost.”

  Genesis nudged Honor’s arm. Bartholomew did the same. The Fiery General heard Honor let out a sigh before he spoke on their behalf, “This is not the first time, this has happened. I have no doubt it will happen again.”

  “Still,” Lord Jack said, “It shouldn’t. Especially during this time of uncertainty.” He looked around with an uncertain look. “I will be looking into this when we get back to the Castle and assigning a punishment.” Lord Jack nodded at them in goodbye before he turned on his heel and walked away, heading back to join the Queens and the escorts.

  Genesis waited until Lord Jack was out earshot before he turned and vented in a low tone, “I can’t fucking believe them! I can’t wait until we get a new King. This shit needs to stop!”

  Honor shook his head before he spoke, “Gen, we all know this. You need to calm down.”

  “Yeah,” Reno reached up and pulled at his collar, “it’s getting a bit too toasty near you.”

  Genesis closed his eyes and took a deep shaky breath, trying to control his temper. Bartholomew, however, started to speak, “I have to agree with both of you. This lack of co-operation between the Knights and us needs to stop, but losing your temper - more then one way - isn’t going to help us.”

  “I know,” Genesis nodded in agreement. He struggled against his roaring temper.

  “Hey,” Reno changed the subject, “What would you do if you do managed to find Tina before she disappears with the wind, again?”

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  “Tying her ass to the nearest chair until our father got back,” Genesis stated without a second thought, “She should have at least visited us when she turned 18, but she didn’t.”

  “Tina? That sounds familiar,” Honor said in a far off voice, thinking, “Tina. Tina. Valentina.”

  “Yes, that is her name,” Genesis turned to Honor, “Now, please, answer the question: Why do you keep saying her name like that?”

  Honor looked sheepish, his eyes peered down the dock, trying not to look at Genesis, “I overheard a couple of the servants talking about a mysterious woman showing late last night, this morning, and her hair color reminded the servants of yours, but from the encounters they had witness, they are saying she is a lot kinder then you are.”

  Genesis’ jaw dropped as he tried to be offend at that, but he failed. He knew his reputation and he wasn’t afraid to use it. It usually resulted in amusing reactions. Reno snorted with Zack and Auron. Bartholomew smirked at that before he asked, “Do you know why she didn’t visit when she became 18?”

  “Fell in love,” Genesis answered, shortly as he shrugged, “Until recently, she was in a relationship. That relationship ended for unknown reasons and she came back with a broken heart. According to the letters that Dad has been getting from mom, Tina isn’t been doing well.”

  “Is that the reason why Lord Bardock left with Vincent and Victor,” Auron asked.

  “No,” Genesis replied, “My lovely grandma sent news that Tina was coming to the Estate. Nothing else. That’s why Dad left.” He glanced at the others before he went on, “He’s trying to figure out what is going on before Tina does come to the Estate and how to handle the situation there. I had thought about going home for a bit, but the current situation at hand, both Dad and I thought it was best there was a representative of the Household. Grandma did send a few representatives of the minor houses and vessel houses, but no one from the Estate.”

  “Except for you,” Zack commented, throwing an arm over Genesis’ shoulders. “So, we are looking for a female version of this guy here -” He pointed at Genesis, “Who is nice.”

  “Female version of Genesis AND nice,” Reno said, throwing his hands up in the air, like he was praising God, “Says like a fairy tale!” he stepped back when Genesis shrugged Zack’s arm off and turned a glare onto his second. “However, I have seen her and spoke with her for a few minutes.”

  “Huh!?” Zack cried out, “What was she like?” Honor, Bartholomew, and Auron turned to Reno.

  “Lot easier on the eyes then this fella,” Reno admitted, jerking his thumb at his General. “When she wondered into the castle grounds, she was looking lost.” He paused, “I’m pretty sure she is still in the Castle, somewhere if Sir Tristan doesn’t know, if the servants are talking about her.”

  “I will figure out what I will be doing about her when this is all over with,” Genesis grumbled, “The Pope is arriving.”

  “Ahead of schedule, I see,” Bartholomew mused with a thoughtful look in his eyes.

  “Let’s get going then,” Honor commented. The group hurried down to the docks, taking their place near the welcoming Ruling Party.

  As he walked down, Genesis played with the idea of pulling the Holy Sword out. He was sure that would be the only way to re-build the military to its former glory and re-gain the co-operation between the Knights and the Military. He let out a sigh. If he did managed to pull the Holy Sword, he would be the 3rd White Hall would do so. He shook his head.

  Now wasn’t the time to play with such ideas. Those would have to wait until later when he could really think about them. He had a job to do. Despite the fact, there were some days he hated his job.

  Father Innocent II stepped out of his cabin, taking a deep breath, tasting the salty ocean air. He grabbed the door frame of the cabin as the ship rocked. He had forgot how much he dislike traveling anywhere by ship. However, in this situation, he knew it couldn’t be help since time was utmost importance. It didn’t stop his gratefulness that the trip was almost over. He was getting really to old to travel anymore. This could be his last journey out of the Papal Church for the rest of his life. He allowed a grim smile to cross his face. A gut feeling told him that the time would be soon. It was best to get his affairs in order and hoped the best suited Cardinal or Paladin would be chosen to take over the Papacy.

  He lowered his eyes to the deck below. The sailor worked the sails, pulling them in. There were men up in the rigging, tying the sails to the cross beams. Men rushed around the deck, going through the process of docking. He noticed High Lord Paladin Peter walking toward him with High Lord Bishop John following behind.

  “Father,” Both men greeted him. Father Innocent nodded at them. They took up position on either side of him.

  High Lord Bishop John shifted uneasily on his feet as the ship swayed and commented dryly, “I wonder why is there no representatives of the Local Church with the Welcoming Party.”

  Innocent’s eyes darted over the party waiting for them at the dock. He saw the same thing. He frowned in concern. In the past, when he did visit Camelot and when the Kingdom welcomed other important visitors, there was always several different religious people with the Ruling Party - Each branch of the people who worship God, a Hindu Priest standing next to a Buddha Priest, both Priests and Priestess of the various Pagan religions - and there had been harmony between the various religions fractions, even though there had been some tension between them when it came to a religious holiday, but that was expected.

  Usually, the Priests would visit the King and discussed their problem before the King would advise them on what to do. However, sometime within the last 60 years, that had changed. According to the various reports from the other Head Priests and Priestesses Father Innocent kept in touch with, Laws were created to prevent religious freedoms, slowly changing Camelot from a Kingdom of various religious and racial freedom to a Kingdom of Christians and humanity. Some of the religious leaders complained that they had lost an alley in the King of Camelot as a result and vowed not to trust the Ruling Family of Drake as long as they lived.

  “And why is Queen Belladonna, the Warrior Queen, talking with - what looks like - the Generals of Camelot,” High Lord Paladin Peter questioned with concern coloring his voice. “I thought this Kingdom had superior military might.”

  Innocent’s eyes darted over to watch the interaction between Belladonna and a group of 6 men. Half of the group stood straight, facing the Warrior Queen with stone like faces, but the one in the middle - a red head - his face started to turn red. When the Queen stormed away, one of the men with the Queen stayed long enough to make a comment or two before he also walked away. It was then the red head spun on his heel and made angry motions toward the others in the group. The Pope continued to watch the interaction. His worry grew. There was much more going on in this Kingdom then he was aware of.

  “I knew there was a reason why I don’t trust the Knights or the Military to protect you, Father,” the High Lord Paladin voiced with contempt in his voice.

  “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act ,” The Pope voiced.

  “Psalm 37:5,” The High Lord Bishop finished, recognizing the verse. Peter sighed from his place at the right of Innocent.

  “While there are many faces we may not recognized,” the Pope started, “We need to extend trust to the Kingdom and be faith in God. I know they will protect us, my sons. Now, we have to get ready to disembark.”

  Father Innocent’s eyes roam over the various faces waiting for them. There was a Queen standing several feet apart from the rest of the Welcoming Party. The crown of the High Queen sitting upon her head informed anyone who had been wondering her identify.

  The High Queen Kalliope of House Drake, formerly of House Rose, Daughter of Anastasia, the Rose of Camelot and Rock Estate, looked beautiful, dressed in a spring green dress with her pale red hair shinning the morning light. Father Innocent frowned as he noticed the Prince, Arthur?, stood with the rest of the Ruling Royal Party. That was interesting.

  From what Father Innocent had heard from the Newest High Queen of Camelot. She tried to be a voice for the people, but King Uther tried to keep her silent through the entire marriage. From the various rumors that managed to reach his ears, she had spoken out against some of the laws in place, but she was often criticized by both King Uther and Queen Belladonna for doing so.

  The Father briefly wondered, now, she was without a King to Rule by her side until the Holy Sword chooses another, what she would do. It would be interesting to see what would be happening while he stayed in Camelot for the week. However, he knew it would be short. Camelot had to have a King, chosen by the Holy Sword.

  Father Innocent thought the Prince would be the Chosen King, but looking at the High Queen standing by herself, that wasn’t the case. He hummed. He had heard rumors of the enemies of Camelot already marching on the borders of the Kingdom. He wondered how long it would be before the villagers from the borders would be arriving in the heart of the Kingdom to seek protection from the invading armies. This time, he would be in Camelot to offer his advice to the War Council and tend to the flock of God who will need his words over the next few weeks. Or the worst case situation happened, witness the Fall of Camelot.

  Kalliope took a deep breath. She held it for a long as she could before she let it out slowly. Her stomach rolled with nerves. She couldn’t believe she was meeting an important person without King Uther at her side. It was scary and a relief. Now, she could tell what her thoughts on issue without King Uther cutting in and saying it was best to left it to the men who actually understood the issue or proceed to talk above her. For nearly 15 years, she was forced to hold her tongue, but now, she could speak freely. She had noticed in the past, whenever she spoke ‘out of line’, only Belladonna would criticized her for doing so. When she had approached the other Queens about it, rather they lived in the Castle or not, they often praise her for stepping forward and stating what she thought. It was a Queen’s right to do so, especially if it was a topic she had heard from the people.

  She took another deep breath. She heard some commotion behind her and turned in time to see Belladonna storming away from the Generals. She watched as the Fiery General turned to the other two, not doubt venting about whatever the Warrior Queen had brought to their attention. She frowned, thinking. She was under the impression that they were the ones who supposed to make the area was secured. However, they appeared to be arriving shortly before the Ruling Welcoming Party did and the Knights from the King’s Guard already did the work.

  “My Lady,” Sir Jack bowed his head at her as he approached. Her eyes flickered toward him.

  “What happened,” she asked, softly, in an accusing tone.

  “There was a miscommunication between the Knights and the Generals during the night,” Sir Jack explained, “As the result, the Knights were forced to secure the area instead of the Military.”

  “Why did Belladonna speak with the Generals?” Kalliope cocked her head to the side.

  “Like you, your highness, she wanted to know what happened,” he went on, “She even hinted as a possible leadership change in the future due to this miscommunication.”

  Kalliope hummed. Belladonna was back at her old trick, trying to weasel her way into things that she had no say in. Only The High Queen and the Chosen King had a say in who held any leadership role in the Military. She knew it was only matter of time before the Warrior Queen tried. Kalliope would have to work quickly to make sure the Warrior Queen couldn’t do anything without the prior approval of the Current High Queen and the Chosen King. It could buy her some time to deal with the things that required her approval, not just any Queen’s approval. The only sad thing was she would have to apply it to every living Queen instead of just to Belladonna. Most of the other queens didn’t act out like they were still Ruling as High Queen and wanted to handle the smallest tasks that Kalliope would assign for them.

  Most of the time, Kalliope thought Belladonna wanted her out of the picture that way the Warrior Queen could volunteer to take over the position again as High Queen. Maybe Kalliope could talk to Morgana or Merlin about her options when it came to law-making.

  “I can’t believe she’s at again,” Elsa commented.

  “You know how mom doesn’t like the those three generals,” Holly reminded Elsa, “All because General Genesis is a White Hall and the other two are commoners.”

  Kalliope frowned, slightly turning her head to listen in more as Marie spoke up, “Belladonna can’t accept the times Camelot was most prosperous was during the time a White Hall has sat on the Throne of Camelot, not anyone from the Houses of Black or Drake, since King Arthur’s time.”

  “I’m going laugh if Genesis manages to be Chosen by the Holy Sword,” Elsa said with a gleeful note, “I think I will just stick around and watch that drama.” Marie and Holly made noises of agreement.

  Now, that was someone Kalliope was not expecting anyone to be discussing. General Genesis pulling out the Holy Sword? Belladonna would try the biggest fit to date over that. Kalliope’s lips twitched into an amused smile. No doubt the Warrior Queen would be claiming some evil magic was at work and Genesis couldn’t rule over Camelot. However, once the Holy Sword made its choice, there was no way to get out of it unless the Chosen One ends up dying somehow. Knowing Belladonna as well as she did, Belladonna would be the type to hire an assassin to do the job and try to put Arthur on the Throne or a member of the Black House, or at least someone Belladonna could easily control.

  Kalliope let out a sigh. Things would have been a lot easier if she stayed back at Castle Rock and ruled over her people and not married Uther Drake. She often spent more then a few minutes per day since she had married Uther wondering how her life would have been different. She knew she would be free to marry of someone she actually chose to spend the rest of her life with. When Uther approached her about marriage, she couldn’t say no. Her family was going to through a rough time and she knew a marriage with a King would not only raise her family out of the rough time they were experiencing, but raise her to a position of power. It didn’t help she felt like she couldn’t say no, even though he did give her permission to say it.

  A hand curled around her left arm. Kalliope turned to see the Eldest Living Queen standing there. The High Queen lowered her head to the older queen in greeting and asked gently, “What is it, Queen Vivien?”

  “It is tradition for the King to greet the Pope,” Vivien stated, “Since we don’t have a Chosen King at the moment and Arthur is the Acting King, he should be the one greeting the Pope.”

  “Thank you for informing me of the tradition,” Kalliope started, turning her attention forward, looking at the docking ship, “However, Arthur has decline any right to the Throne since he is not the Chosen One. I am still the High Queen of the Camelot Kingdom and I will serve both the Roles of High Queen and the Acting King until the Holy Sword choses the next King.” She paused. Her shoulders slid back as her back straightened. “I will not step aside for any reason.”

  “Good,” Vivien muttered her approval, “And you are right. You don’t have to step aside for anyone unless the Chosen King already has a wife. Don’t forget that, Kalliope. You don’t have to make concessions for any of the Former High Queens, not even for Belladonna or me.”

  Kalliope nodded. Vivien was right. She needed to stop worrying about Belladonna trying to take the crown from her and focus on keeping Camelot going until the Holy Sword made its choice.

  “The Pope has arrived, my dear,” Vivien commented. High Queen Kalliope took a step forward with a deep, calming breath.

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