Arthur a Legend for our Time: Arthur a Legend for our Time, #1

By Nik Olsen

Arthur: his life & quest. A story about a boy who grew up in the new world after the devastation wreaked upon the planet by similar circumstances that have destroyed civilisations over millennia, and his continuing quest to discover the solution - the illusive Holy Grail. From the time Arthur first meets his lifelong companions, Milo & Mais in the nursery, through their trials into adulthood, we follow their adventures as they uncover the bizarre antics of a former civilisation, where life and humour mix in an entertaining way for the young and adults who want to teach their offspring, the essence of growing up with an enquiring mind

A separate collection of illustrated mini books for young children that recall his bizarre dreams based upon tales by Merlin, are headed 'Arthur's Adventures in a World of Woke' where Reality is just a form of Perception & Truth a Vile Creation of Previously Educated People. Chapter 3, P11 is the first of many dreams which will be published separately, and convey the crazy antics of past ultra processed societies intent on self-destruction, all nicely illustrated for children to study & absorb while growing up and learning.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nik Olsen
• Release date: May 22, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224243914

Nik Olsen

Set in Stone is now available outside of Amazon, and i have finished a set of short story prequels, including a novella, that provides various circumstances leading to the fall of society as depicted in the novel Set in Stone, where the lives of two ordinary people are shaped as they battle on many fronts against the malignant forces of statism, corruption & oppression. The prequel is simply called Prequels to Set in Stone, and for a limited period, in order to gain some interest, i have let the reader choose the price. Some objective reviews would of course be very welcome. 2021 has been hectic, so i am hoping to have a little more time in 2022 to continue writing, and possibly improve on my non-existent marketing skills. Any feedback will be gratefully received. Nik Olsen

Book preview

Arthur: his life & quest. A story about a boy who grew up in the new world after the devastation wreaked upon the planet by similar circumstances that have destroyed civilisations over millennia, and his continuing quest to discover the solution - the illusive Holy Grail.

A separate collection of illustrated mini books for young children that recall his bizarre dreams based upon tales by Merlin, are headed 'Arthur’s Adventures in a World of Woke' where Reality is just a form of Perception & Truth a Vile Creation of Previously Educated People. Chapter 3, P11 is the first of many dreams which will be published separately, and convey the crazy antics of past ultra-processed societies intent on self-destruction, all nicely illustrated for children to study & absorb while growing up and learning.

Chapter 1

We must slide away from the sanctuary of our current residence and delve into the mystery of a past or future many times removed from our own, where the weather is colder and the landscape more unforgiving; where life is often short and harsh and dominant tribes patrol their fiefdoms, in a constant search for weakness amongst neighbours that will be exploited. There is as much good as bad in people, and it is under a strong but fair leader that prosperity and happiness are nurtured, though temptation to take an easy path is always present, and pressures abound from those around the venerable but tormented mortal destined to rule. Such is the kingdom Arthur was born into where he is lucky to have loving parents & a safe home where he doesn’t need to constantly fear for his life - in a world that can be unfair and unjust, where violence is rife and villains roam the land looking for easy targets, where discipline is lax. Arthur attended pre-school nursery where children are encouraged to explore, but under supervision that included discipline and respect for authority, keeping them safe and secure, and content. On many occasions he would be taken out to investigate the world at his doorstep; sometimes in a cart drawn by horse, and sometimes on horseback, but mostly walking; their city not being very big, but sprawling with easy access to the countryside. His only deep regret was that his father was away so often, and rarely accompanied them on any trips.

One rare warm day, some months after the nursery term had started, Arthur noticed a boy who had recently arrived and looked very uncomfortable, standing on his own, so Arthur asked in his child-like way, why he hadn’t joined the nursery at the beginning of term with everyone else. The boy looked at Arthur in a strange way, as if he didn’t trust him, wondering what he was after. The boy replied eventually, but struggled with his words and had an accent Arthur had difficulty with.

Arthur took the boy across to the other children and began to introduce him, but stalled when he tried to pronounce the name Milossinissa; giving up after the third attempt and announcing to all that he will henceforth be known as Milo. The others laughed and welcomed Milo, who didn’t know quite what was happening, but felt happy that he seemed to be accepted.

As weeks went by it became apparent that Milo wasn’t keeping up with the rest of the class, partly because he still hadn’t grasped the language, but it was more his demeanour that marked him out from others, as he was morose and looked tired a lot of the time, which was possibly due to his size, being heavier and taller than Arthur, who had been the tallest in class until Milo's arrival. After the first year most of the children were moved into the second year, as the new term welcomed the next batch of younger children, and the year above Arthur were made ready for the start of their school days, though a few who failed to achieve the basic requirements were moved elsewhere, where a more practical curriculum was used. Arthur knew what might happen so spent some time with Milo, encouraging him and showing him how to accomplish basic tasks by rote. Milo came to rely on Arthur, who had become his best friend; though he was really his only friend, and Arthur was the only one to fully understand his difficult accent.

Halfway through the second year Arthur became frustrated as he attempted to convey the basic words and letters of colours on the book to Milo, picking up a red crayon and marking a line under the word red. Day after day he would take a few minutes to instruct Milo, who could write the names of the colours in his almost illegible scrawl, but couldn’t apply them correctly to any colours, and when using colouring books, he would pick up any colour crayon to fill in the body of a horse or sheep. In frustration he consulted the physician to his father, who had been given the task of tutoring Arthur when he was away on his many trips across their lands.

Merlin, the venerable physician who was as much inventor, scribe and philosopher as physician, was only too pleased to help and asked Arthur to bring Milo with him the next day so he could talk to him and assess the problem. The following day when Arthur explained his suggestion he was surprised to see Milo become visibly upset, shaking his head and mumbling things even he couldn’t interpret; but try as he may, Arthur couldn’t persuade Milo to accompany him back to see Merlin. The next few weeks Milo was even more subdued, worrying Arthur, who was determined to find out what ailed his friend.

Milo was happiest when they left the classroom and engaged in outdoor activities, proving to be very capable on the farm where many animals were kept and lots of plants and vegetables grown; his size making him the first to be called to do any hard digging, which made him proud. Arthur could tell Milo was stronger than any of his peers, so was always surprised when in playtime some of the other children in the nursery would taunt him, and he would just ignore them, walking away as if afraid.

The months rolled by and Arthur was kept busy, spending time at the nursery, but was also obliged to attend the junior academy where future soldiers were taught the basics of self-preservation, and more discipline; then he would have his tea before joining Merlin for his personal tuition which he always looked forward to as Merlin included amusing anecdotes in many of the subjects, never expressing his own views, but telling Arthur he must consider for himself whether some of the things he was being told were actually true; saying evidence is only as good as the source from which it came, which can be difficult to verify.

The only thing that gave Arthur cause for concern at this time was his friend Milo, who was always grateful to Arthur for any help given to him, but seemed to have an inner shell that kept Arthur and everyone else on the outside, hiding any inner feelings: but as Arthur was so busy he didn’t have time to dwell on the subject, continuing to play at break time as all children do, and observing Milo in the background, who would call encouragement but not join in.

Arthur had not mentioned the matter about colours to Merlin again as the class subjects had moved on and Milo appeared to be coping with the work; so he was surprised when Merlin mentioned it one evening, during his lesson, saying the lad might be colour blind, which could cause other difficulties, but nothing serious. Arthur was shocked and upset as he had been quite harsh with Milo at the time, for not understanding something so basic. He asked Merlin how he could prove whether he was colour blind or not, so Merlin produced a basic chart with different objects and colours and told Arthur to ask Milo what he saw and how he would describe the colours of the objects. Arthur nodded, understanding what he had to do, but not sure how to approach it, as he didn’t want to upset his friend again.

When the last lesson finished the following day, Arthur went over to Milo saying he wanted to ask him something before he went home; knowing he didn’t linger as most of the others did, some awaiting a sibling or parent to collect them, but his mother never came to collect him, so he would just leave straight after the last lesson. Milo looked uncertain but curious, so joined Arthur who persuaded him to look at the drawings he had with him. Arthur had practised how he would put the questions without giving Milo time to interrupt before he had finished; Milo listened and looked at the drawings nodding, and when Arthur finished he shrugged his shoulders saying there was little difference between any of the colours, and to him, colours just meant different shades of darkness. Arthur put his arm around Milo as far as it would go, giving him a squeeze, telling him what Merlin had described, thinking it would shock and amaze Milo; but he just nodded, accepting the verdict, saying he was already aware that he didn’t see things the same as most people. Arthur was deflated and flabbergasted; his revelation had become a damp squib; he was curious to know why Milo hadn’t told anybody, but didn’t press his friend, who might well become distressed.

In class the teacher explained to everyone that Milo was colour blind, saying it was very unfortunate as he couldn’t appreciate nature’s changing seasonal colours, or the beauty of coloured decorations, but that there are many ways nature and the human body can compensate for minor deficiencies. Milo was delighted to know he wasn’t considered stupid and began making more of an effort, joining in games with the other children, but being careful not to hurt anyone as he was nearly twice the size of the smallest.

Arthur continued to help Milo when he struggled with any subject, but was careful not to upset him as when he was offended he would slink back into his shell for psychological protection. Though there was no real animosity towards him, children will always make fun of things that appear different or strange, and Milo with his awkward ways was an obvious target. The one thing that stood out to Arthur was that although Milo was bigger than the rest of them, he wouldn’t use his size to threaten anyone or defend himself against any of the taunts he was subjected to; he would just bow his head and walk away, remaining subdued for a while, until the incident was forgotten. Arthur had also become intrigued about Milo's lack of interest in remaining after school to join in any games, so promised himself he would follow Milo one afternoon, but he had to await an opportune moment.

One day when Arthur had managed to find some free time, he followed Milo home, keeping out of sight as he knew Milo wouldn’t be happy being followed; but Arthur was determined to see what Milo did after school as he never stopped and played with anyone before going home.

Milo walked purposefully towards the market place, not bothering to look behind, which made it easy for Arthur to stay near without being seen, though he continually darted between stalls, keeping people between them, seeing it as an adventure. Milo bought some vegetables from a stall, seeming to turn them over to check them before haggling with the vendor over the cost and finally paying, counting the money carefully. He then walked towards the nearby woods which made it more difficult for Arthur as there was no-one to hide behind, and no buildings or stalls to provide cover. He let the gap between them increase and would drop to his knees in the long grass and shrubs if Milo slowed, or looked around, which he did occasionally, but slowly, allowing Arthur time to find cover.

On the edge of the woods the trees were less profuse allowing shrubs and bushes, some with wild berries, to grow, making it difficult to walk through if you strayed off the worn pathway, but Milo seemed to find a route, and after several minutes of waiting, made Arthur wonder if he had left from a different exit; when he eventually returned it was with something that looked like a rabbit in his hand, and a bag of something he couldn’t see. Arthur lay low in the shrubs as Milo walked back towards the city and his home, which lay in a small hamlet outside the main centre. Arthur watched as Milo entered the small thatched building with well-tended garden, noticing the other run-down houses, and how their home was neater than the others, with a swept path and storage container for wood, peat and coal.

Merlin listened to Arthur as he recounted his story of following his friend home after school; nodding his head slowly as Arthur completed his deliberations.

‘That’s the way most country folk live Arthur,’ he said in response. ‘Living off the land is how we survive, and you could learn a lot from that. You are fortunate to have a father who is a great chief, so you don’t have to help support your family, but others are not so fortunate and every day they need to buy provisions or store something they have grown to tide them over the bad weather. We have communes as you know and storage facilities, so our needs are seen to and we offer benefits in return for the work done, but everyone has their place in society where we all pull together.’ Arthur’s eyes were wide as he digested the information, some of which he was vaguely aware of.

‘But can’t we help everybody if they need it?’ asked Arthur, looking hurt at the thought of people going hungry.

‘Unfortunately not Arthur; you see there are too many people who will take advantage of your generosity, but that is a complicated issue involving natural selection, and one in which we will no doubt revisit many times over the coming years. Your friend seems to have been taught from a very early age, suggesting his family has a tradition of working the land, which is of great use in hard times, so he can teach you as much as you teach him which will benefit you both.’ Merlin looked down at Arthur who was obviously trying to comprehend what was being said.

‘Do you think he can become a soldier when he grows up, or will he stay a farmer?’ he replied innocently, weighing up the possibilities of their friendship.

‘Do not attempt to forecast the future Arthur; be prepared for whatever presents itself, and by all means make plans to prevent bad things happening, but nature is both a wonderful and a terrifying phenomenon that obeys its own rules, which you have to