Tana hands me another cup of tea. “Almost there, love.”
“To Camelot?”
She nods. “It was once part of Cornwall, you know, until the king of
Wessex invaded. The rulers of Camelot used magic to hide it. Some say it
was Merlin himself, protecting Camelot from his oak tree. Some say he
doesn’t die.”
Goosebumps rise on my skin.
Around us, the river narrows. On either side, stone and timber frame
buildings crowd the riverbanks. A thin fog hangs over them, tinged by rosy
morning light. Gas lamps lend an ochre glow to the mist. This place really
feels like stepping back in time.
“How come no one knows about Camelot?” For some reason, I’m
whispering.
“It’s secret, of course.” She smiles at me. “That’s what makes it a
perfect place for spies. Only permitted ships can enter.” She sighs. “This
river is haunted, you know. I can feel it. A long time ago, the Fey used to
cut off people’s heads and throw them in the river, and now, I can hear their
spirits whispering.”
A shiver runs through me. “Oh.” I can almost hear their whispers
myself. “I didn’t know the Fey once lived close to humans.”
Tana smiles faintly. “Oh, yes, in peace for a while.” She cocks her ear at
the water, as if listening to something, then shrugs. “They named the tower
after the old Fey kingdom, Avalon.” Tana smiles wistfully. “In some parts of
Camelot, you can still find the roads and temples built by the Pendragon
kings long ago. The Pendragon walls encircle the city, hundreds of feet
high. A few hundred years ago, we stopped putting severed heads on the
city gates, you’ll be pleased to know. At least, I’m pretty sure we stopped.”
I clear my throat. “I’m glad to hear it.” That’s twice now she’s
mentioned severed heads.
“Our academy dates back to the Roman occupation of Britain. You’ll
learn all about it soon