#bellroc

Jim doesn't know the gravity of what he managed to do in drawing Excalibur from the stone and awakening Douxie's amulet. But those powerful enough to remember across timelines understand.

Because for all their bickering and wars and differing methods for changing the world, they can all agree that King Arthur tipped the balance in a way none of them expected. He turned his back on magic and the world has suffered 1000 years for it.

To prevent the same mistake from happening again, new spells are stacked upon the legendary sword as each ancient power comes into contact with it.

Nimue concedes that "fighting for good" is too subjective. The next wielder will fight for balance of power. Good and Evil, Magic and Mortal. So long as they are fighting to achieve and maintain balance, they may wield Excalibur.

Bellroc refuses to allow someone who despises magic wield the sword. Therefore, the next to draw it must love and be loved by magic to ensure it can never be used against those who gifted it in the first place.

Nari's spell calls for strength of heart. The trials that will befall Excalibur's next chosen will require more than brute strength to overcome. Empathy will guide them true.

Merlin's spell criticizes those who fight by Excalibur's side and searches for a round table to stand by the next king. They must have a council of friends and advisors to keep the wielder in check. And should the wielder ever stray from the path of balance and good, should they ever become UN-worthy, Morgana's spell takes Excalibur's power away.

When James Lake Jr. decided to stand up against the Arcane Order to protect a world shared by Magic and Mortals, when he put his trust in the family he found in that world and followed his heart into battle, he proved himself worthy of every spell placed upon Excalibur right down to the amulet that tied itself to the sword.

For Hisirdoux Casperan's Champion fights for all.

*****

An uncropped version of this is under the cut since I think it's worth looking at the full picture but smaller pieces work better for blogging. Click for better quality.