The Gaelic generals and main officials as well as the major characters, were all assembled in their meeting room, within the high walls of Avalon. Strangely enough, Arthur was not present, while his absence was later explained by Riannon who told Arawn that her brother is out to see Talieshin.
In this strategy room, they discuss their next action. Accordingly, Arawn told them that they will have to split their forces into two. With the first one going to Palladium and the other group is to retrieve a valuable weapon that could benefit them in the war.
Rathty commented that it could be Dyrnwyn, Lord Pwyll's sword, the counterpart of Etlym. And indeed, Arawn confirmed that it was.
As the meeting draws to a close, the massive doors were slammed open and revealed Arthur, who told them that he wants to go, since he wants to know the truth.
Arawn replied that the truth may hurt, however Arthur once again amazes him as he replied that it is better to bear the pain than suffer defeat due to ignorance.
Satisfied with his reply, Arawn smiled and changed their plans. He told them that he and Ogam will proceed to Palladium, while Riannon and Arthur shall go to Gorsedd Arawn, or Arawn's throne and retrieve Dyrnwyn. It was revealed by Ogam in the past episodes that it is here that everyone shall find the truth.
Thus with great enthusiasm, they all embarked on their journey, with Arawn reminding them to meet together in Palladium.
Episode 22: Dyrnwyn
The gates of Avalon opened to let a band of horseriders pass. In a small group, Arthur, Riannon, Morgan, Octavia and Rathty traveled to Gorsedd Arawn, and indeed, they reached the place at such a short time. With the place marked with Monuments and ruins, it is not that hard to find it. As they so the landmark, they dismounted their horses and came upon the center, where a sword embedded on a stone is surrounded by white pillars.
They formed a small formation, while Arthur proceeded to the sword's location. Staring at it briefly, he stared at the beautiful blue sword. It radiated faint power, yet its magnificence lays tainted with dusts, moss and other impurities.
Taking a deep breath, he proceeded to grab the hilt, making his first attempt at the sword's retrieval. However, just as his hands touched it, a huge force emanated from the sword, causing it to glow a golden hue. But that's not all. Just as the warm light coursed through his body, he saw a glimpse of a vision. Yet the suddenness of it caused him to release the sword vanishing the vision.
Gaining more confidence, he once again made the second attempt. And this time, he hold on to it as a golden light filled the place once more.
Just as he closed his eyes, a vision appeared- a vision where everything began.
Following Lucifer's defection from the 12 phantoms, the age of the elves took over, just as I predicted. These elves resided in a majestic fortress called- Avalon. However, it appears that their glory did not last as a series of misfortune threatens their very existence.
A contamination of gravitas is threatening them and their attempts to stop it has been ineffective. Gathered in their forests, the elves begged Pwyll, their king, to do something or else they'll perish if Gravitas enter their atmosphere.
Their king, ever loyal to the 12 phantoms merely told them to rest easy and trust. Instead, he offered them to pray to Vatos for safety. This is exactly what his people did. They prayed continuously to Vatos- their one and absolute god, reaffirming their servitude to the god over and over in vain hopes of safety.
However, Pwyll know it in his heart that it is useless, for the contract with the heavens have long been broken. Deciding to take a walk, he come upon a clearing, and there, he was about to contemplate on their situation when a soft rustling from a nearby bush was heard.
Before even managing to react, a young girl popped out, revealing Primula. The elf took pity on the human child- humans who could do nothing but praise, pray and worship the phantoms- so he decided to approach her.
However, his advances were stopped, as a new character appeared. "Arawn of Annuwyn", he introduced himself. Their conversations continued, until Pwyll told him that if he had to, he would take away the child by force. Arawn agreed and gave "Dyrnwyn" to him, saying that it has the power to kill a god. Thus Pwyll struck an agreement and agreed to take the sword, should he allow him to take the child.
As it was settled and Pwyll was dragging the child away, Arawn asked him what he's planning to do with the child, he replied that he'll take her to Avalon. Arawn merely told him that Avalon is not an organized government but a "trap" considering its powerful weapons and defenses.
The elf king continued to walk away, but then Arawn decided to mock him telling him that "now the Elf king has become a warden of prisons?" This struck a chord and in an angered yell, he took up Dyrnwyn and attacked Arawn. But then he stopped. Just then, a loud laughing was heard. And to Pwyll's surprise, it came from the child. The child apologized to Arawn but the fallen phantom told her it's okay as long as it is in front of Pwyll.
Astonished at this, Pwyll asked who Arawn really is. When it was revealed that he is "Lucifer, the incompetent son of Myrddin", the king knelt and bowed his head, and in tears, he begged for guidance.
Yet Arawn told him he shouldn't kneel, lest they risk committing the same mistake twice. Rather, he told Pwyll to walk with him, in the path of kings. Pwyll agreed and smiled at Arawn, asking Arawn to be his friend. Arawn informed him that such term is not familiar in heaven. When Pwyll explained to him what it was, they exchanged their true names. Arawn is Lucifer and Pwyll is Regius.
After Arawn mocked Pwyll for his "Little King" name, they all shared a good laugh, ensuring that a new dawn awaits as friendship stands and hope, rekindled.
The first part of the vision ended there. Meanwhile, Octavia noticed the Dark Army headed at their location. But they are not at the very least worried at all, because the soft glow emanating from Dyrnwyn lifted their spirits, doubling their courage and multiplying their strength.
As they fought, the vision continued and Arthur has finally witnessed the Aftermath of the war. It is shown where Pwyll held Arawn's body, as he begged Ogam to heal his friend.
However, he noticed that the old man himself is crying. Ogam explained that it was a canon of Merkadis that has hit Arawn. It uses Electrum, an element Arawn's body is weak to. This made it impossible to cure him.
But as they spoke, the fallen phantom awakens, asking of the battle situations. With joy, Pwyll told him that they have won. They continued their conversations and Arawn revealed that since he is immortal, he would just sleep until his wounds heal.
With a final request, he and Pwyll sung the song of sealing and as they both chanted, they held tightly the Dyrnwyn sword.
In front of this golden light
For our friends
we promise to create a safe and gentle world
in this land
ACROSS THE WORLD!
As they did it, they stabbed the sword into the center of the stone and immediately the world was restored. However, Arawn could not see it, as his energy has ran out, demanding for a much needed sleep.
Arthur returned back to his senses and finally realizing it, he held Dyrnwyn and asked for its strength. As he pulled it out, a bright light appeared and from the sword, pure energy was released eliminating the Dark Army that threatens to attack them.
They congratulated Arthur for his deed and that their trust has completely stayed with him.
On the outskirts of Palladium, now revealed as a place where the White Phantom made his primary base, the jewel embedded on Arawn's Etlym glowed red, and with an affirming smile, Arawn knew at that moment that Arthur is on his way.
Comments: Drama, more info and battles for this episode has gone a bit more exciting. As more information is revealed, the action and plot deepens. Adding a bit of Arawn X Pwyll yaoi moments, I can't help but fall in love with the episode.
Next episode: A battle continues, old foes appears and shocking information is revealed. Meet Mayor Creon, the Dark Army and the penetration of Palladium in EPISODE 23: PALLADIUM