Pendragon Comics - The Pendragons

The Pendragons

Issue # 87

Brought together in defense of Avalon and the British Isles, the Pendragons are the officially-sanctioned heroes of Great Britain. Originally led by the Black Knight, the group is composed of surviving members of the old Knights of Pendragon group, as well as several other heroes. Willing to die for their beliefs, the Pendragons stand united as Britain's best defense against threats of a superhuman nature.

Special "Silver Anniversary" Pendragons logo created by Kell Carpenter, inspired by the logo created by Des Davies!

Written by Barry Reese

Questions and Answers

Everything I touched was golden
Everything I loved got broken
On the road to Mandalay
Every mistake I've ever made
Has been rehashed and then replayed
As I got lost along the way
"Road to Mandalay" by Robbie Williams

Maguire Beck sat up with a start, her heart hammering in her chest. She had difficulty catching her breath but when she did a feeling of elation began to overtake her and she laughed aloud. It was like a fog that had clouded her mind for ages had finally parted and in its wake was a sensation of true liberation.

Maguire froze in place, realizing for the first time that she was not alone… and that she was not in a prison cell, either. Glancing around, she noticed that she was dressed in a silk dressing gown and was sitting in a large canopied bed. The room had stone walls and a large open window. The draft in the room was typical of castles and the salty air that she was inhaling let her know that she was, indeed, on the Pendragons’ home lair of Lyonesse. The person who had spoken to her was seated in the corner of the room, an infant pressed to her chest. Her expensive frock was pulled off one shoulder, revealing much of her left breast. Her child’s lips were fastened hungrily to the nipple. She looked to be in her twenties, with platinum blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes. It was Jacqueline Chapman, though publicly she was still most well known as Lady Crichton… and to a select few as Spitfire.

“Why am I here?” Maguire asked, running a hand through her page-boy haircut. Her black hair felt decidedly unkempt and she was aware of how common she must appear next to the modern day royalty that was Jackie. “Where are the other Emissaries?”

“In lock-up,” she answered, soothing her son. “Which is where you almost ended up. It was Dark Angel who sensed the magic about you was different. Which one did you see? The Lord of the Lake ? Or the Green Knight?”

“The Knight.” Maguire looked down at her hands, as if seeing them for the first time. The skin looked so smooth… it was like she was sixteen all over again. “Did he make me a Pendragon?”

“He did, though some of us are wondering why. But we’ve had members who’ve undergone spiritual rebirths before. Grace was once the commander of the Bane’s forces on Earth… and she later went on to be one of the greatest Pendragons ever."

Maguire rose from the bed, a look of disbelief on her face. “You’re saying I’m on your team? After all the times I’ve tried to kill you?”

“You’re a member of the group if you want to be. But if you’d rather go off on your own, that’s fine, too. And we have spinoff groups now – there’s a Pendragons team in Paris and we’re about to go live in Rome . But that’s not the place I’d want to be these days, not with the Pope calling for a new crusade against paganism… and you’d better believe that’s going to include us.”

Maguire felt like she’d awoken into yet another dream. Much of her recent life had been spent battling the Pendragons. And now they were welcoming her into their home, just because the Green Knight had embraced her? “What if he’s wrong about me?” she asked aloud. “What if I’m still a criminal at heart?”

Spitfire stood, covering her breast and placing her son over one shoulder. She patted his back and stared deep into Maguire’s eyes. “He doesn’t make mistakes. Sometimes we do, because we’re human… but he sees into your soul, past all the little lies we surround ourselves with.” She held out one hand. “Call me Jackie.”

Maguire hesitated, fear beginning to overwhelm the sense of calm she’d been feeling. “I’m not a hero.”

“Then live with us here and try to find out what you really are.” Spitfire continued to offer her hand. “Call me Jackie,” she repeated.

Maguire relented. She saw nothing but acceptance in this woman’s eyes and it nearly overwhelmed her. Could she ever have such faith in the Green Knight that she’d stand before an old enemy with babe in arms and not feel afraid? She accepted the hand and shook it firmly. “Very well, Jackie. But only if you call me Maguire.”

“Interesting equipment,” Suzi Endo whispered. She was tinkering with the navigation controls of Jack O’Lantern’s flying platform. “You have controls for it in your pumpkin mask?”

Suzi screwed the panel back into place. “If you like, I can modify it somewhat. I think you should be able to attain a much greater speed than the engine’s currently designed for.”

Maguire started to tell the woman to mind her own damned business, that the work she and Danny Berkart had done was fine enough, but something stopped her. Since talking with Jackie, she’d been given fresh clothing and a warm breakfast, as well as a tour of the immediate grounds. The island was gorgeous, with pseudo-dragons flying overhead and a number of brightly-colored serpents patrolling the waters. And the Parliament of the Owls…! It had almost made her cry, for the sense of belonging she’d always craved was so strong there.

Keeping all this in mind, she decided to remain civil. Despite her paranoia, these Pendragons had been nothing but nice to her. “I’d appreciate that.”

The sound of Dark Angel’s gleeful laughter made both women look towards the laboratory’s doorway. Shevaun Haldane was standing there, wearing a pair of black jeans and a Stereophonics t-shirt. “We just heard the official word! Parliament’s decided to back us on the removal of the Barrier!”

Suzi crossed her arms and shrugged. “After we saved their lives last evening, I wouldn’t have thought it would’ve been in question. It doesn’t change anything. Betsy was planning to push ahead regardless.”

“It’ll be nice not having to disobey their wishes, though.” Shevaun nodded at Maguire. “Welcome aboard! If you need any assistance in getting our magic under control, just let me know.” She disappeared around the corner before Maguire could respond.

“You have no idea,” the scientist replied. A brief mental alert made everyone in the castle pause and Maguire let out a small cry of alarm. “It’s nothing,” Suzi assured her. “Just Betsy using the p.a. system.” She tapped the side of her head, indicating Captain Britain ’s telepathic abilities.

If you haven’t already heard the news, here it is: Parliament has narrowly approved an action supporting the removal of the Barrier. Furthermore, we’ve received confirmation from the European Union and from the Latverian government that full military support will be given to the repelling of the Martian forces. Killraven’s currently assisting us with his knowledge of the inner workings of the Martian military and culture. This means that we’re a go on our plan, which will be put into place tomorrow. It won’t be something that’ll happen overnight, though. There’s going to be a lot of work involved… and I think it’s past time that I come clean about everything I’ve been working through. This evening at 8 p.m. , I’ll be conducting a meeting in the main dining hall. All Pendragons, past and present, will be in attendance, either in person or via holographic transmission. Thanks go to Gully for facilitating that last bit. Looking forward to seeing all of you.

“We should stay under the Barrier,” Maguire muttered at once. “Going to war isn’t something I’m interested in.”

Suzi eyed her critically. “You’re welcome to sit on the sidelines if you want. I’m not certain about this plan of action, either, but I won’t allow others to die on my behalf. Winning our freedom is paramount, wouldn’t you say?”

Maguire didn’t answer but she couldn’t help but admire the confidence all these Pendragons possessed. She was jealous of it, in fact. Thinking back to the majesty of the Green Knight, she hoped that she’d someday prove worthy of the awesome faith he’d placed in her.

Adam barely stifled an angry retort, but he allowed himself to be pushed from the delivery room by the palace midwife. The woman was in her late sixties and had helped deliver a score of babies. Adam cared little for that fact, however. He was only concerned with one particular delivery.

Tangerine was waiting for him when he returned to his chambers, concern written all over his face. Not so long ago he'd been a student with little money but a penchant for breaking out into awful song. Now he was King of Darkmoor and soon to be a father... it was quite a transition and he wasn't sure he was up to it all.

"I think that's pretty normal." Tangerine tossed her hair and sat down on a small couch. She patted the seat beside her. "Come here. You look like you're about to explode."

Adam sat beside her and groaned as she began to rub his shoulders. "I'm not used to being so helpless. I can't stand it!"

Adam turned to face her. "You know what I mean. You can read my mind, can't you? Every night it's the same thing... the dreams, the flirting. Is it you? Are you making me feel this way?"

Sighing, Adam said "I guess I knew that. I almost wished it were the case though. My wife's in labor right now and all I can think about is kissing you. I'm the worst kind of cad."

Tangerine took his hand in hers. "You're a wonderful man, Adam. The best I've known. And I'm so sorry I've put you in this bind."

"We'll just have to be careful, I suppose. I have so many responsibilities now, as a king and a father..." He hesitated. "You feel it, too? The attraction? It's not just me being a fool?"

Tangerine watched him go, her own smile slowly dying on her face. I can't push him any harder. He already suspects.

An unseen voice echoed in her mind. Then perhaps another avenue is needed. We need his will broken and his mind distracted. The King of Darkmoor must not come to the aid of the other Pendragons. Do you understand?

Tangerine nodded, but didn't answer. She understood what her master wanted, very clearly in fact. And she was prepared to do it if he kept his word and ensured that her horrific future never came to pass.

"He's dead... and I have no idea what to do next." Killraven watched Gray Poldark slam his fists repeatedly into the punching bag. In his own time he'd had to train constantly but in environments much more severe than this. This, in the air conditioned gym of Lyonesse, was almost like play.

The man known as Nocturne paused to wipe sweat from his brow. "Understandable. The High Overlord's been after you for so long that you haven't had time to think of anything else. You planning to go home?"

Killraven shrugged, his handsome face taking on a thoughtful cast. "She's beautiful. And brave."

"She's been burned a few times. Her last affair didn't end too well. They came from different worlds." He glanced at Killraven. "Different time periods, too."

"I have been a warrior my whole life. I will be again, of that I have no doubt. But for now... I will rest. I have told Shevaun I plan to leave for London tomorrow. Then Paris. I will see all the cities of Europe, whole and intact. But she will visit me often and we will proceed from there."

Gray resumed his workout. "Well, we're here for you, too. You're an honorary Pendragon in my eyes, at least."

Killraven nodded. "Thank you... That means a lot to me." He glanced at the clock on the wall. "And now I must get ready for this... party. I've never been to one before."

"You'll enjoy it," Gray panted. "And Betsy says she's got a whale of a story to tell, so eat quick. You might lose your appetite once she spills the beans."

The dining room was packed, with faces both new and old. Betsy had encouraged everyone to dress formally and treat the get-together as a party. As such, she was wearing a floor-length black dress that was cut dramatically downwards in both the front and the back. She knew that Gray enjoyed the view as he found it increasingly difficult to keep his eyes on hers when they talked. The poor dear sometimes forgets I can read minds, she mused.

Casting a glance around her, Betsy felt pleased at the turnout. Virtually everyone who had ever been part of the group was present, though the Paris group was here only as holograms and Adam Crown was off with his new child. Kate McClellan, along with her son Cam and her current lover, Wynter, were huddled together with Rathoon. The great dragon was wearing his human guise this evening, though there was no doubting the fact that he wasn’t quite human. He’d never gotten the illusion down just right. Betsy could hear him telling a ribald story about a young dragonling and a pregnant cow.

The Miracles – Miracleman, Miraclewoman and Big Ben – were chatting with Shevaun. Dark Angel was holding Killraven’s hand, her face constantly turning from him to her former lover, Miracleman. The godlike beauty of Miracleman hadn’t faded since the last time Betsy had seen him, though there was a hint of sadness whenever he glanced towards Shevaun.

“I wish Breeze and Andy could be here,” she said to Gray, who stood protectively at her side.

“It was a good idea to do this,” he answered. “Have us all come together to celebrate the coming fall of the Barrier. Remind us all who we are and what we stand for.” He noticed her staring at him with a smile on her face. “What’s so funny?”

“You dressed me,” he laughed. “But thanks.” He looked towards the window and saw a stunning woman in a form-fitting green dress. She was talking animatedly with Spitfire about some subject or other. “Who’s that?”

“Sersi. She was expelled from the team awhile back* but I wanted her here. I even invited Dane, though I don't see him around.”

Gray couldn’t hide his surprise. He knew how much Betsy disliked the Black Knight and everything associated with him. For her to have invited him to this party... "What exactly are you going to tell us?" he asked.

"Patience." Betsy squeezed his hand before stepping forward. "Everyone, can I have your attention please?"

Slowly, the room came to be quiet, though it took a nudge in Joey Chapman's ribs to silence him. Maguire Beck, seated slightly away from the majority of the guests, was watching intently.

Betsy raised her glass of wine. "I'd like to welcome all of you. For most of us, this island has been a refuge, a safe place, where we could escape the problems of the world. We've forged friendships and become a family. But we're about to embark on a perilous path and this could be the last time we're all able to assemble like this. We've assembled the mystic wards used by Blackheart to raise the Barrier and I've consulted with Wynter on the proper counterspell that will allow Europe to rejoin the rest of the world." She paused a bit, collecting herself before continuing. "We all know what awaits us on the other side. War. Earth has been invaded by a Martian armada that's lain waste to most of the globe. Despite all the problems we've faced, we've been spared most of the horror. The Barrier's protected us in that sense. Some people, including some in this room, have asked me why I'm so adamant that the Barrier needs to fall. I can understand where they're coming from, because no one wants to face the devastation that's going to come... I've tried to argue that we can't stand aside and not help, not give aid to those who need it. But that's not the whole story."

"Months ago, we were caught between two forces of great power: the cosmic entity that embodies the Phoenix Force and a deranged future version of our own Dark Angel*. The conflict nearly destroyed the world and it left me in a coma, near death. But in the brief second during which I was connected to those powers, I saw something. I saw how to bring down the Barrier... and I saw why it was so essential."

The Hulk, who had been greatly altered by that same event, narrowed his eyes. He was here tonight with Molly Fitzgerald, the woman who'd lost control of the Phoenix Force that day. She, too, seemed to sense that some great secret was about to be unveiled.

"Our universe is somewhat special. My brother, acting in concert with the then-disembodied consciousness of Jim Jaspers, used the Forever Crystal to encase our universe in an Iron Curtain of Time. This Curtain was like the Barrier in some ways, it locked us off from other universes but also protected as well. Jaspers wanted to destroy rivals who could challenge his dominion of our universe so he removed all versions of Kang from the timeline, slaying them*."

(*This was revealed during "A Secret War" that ran in Pendragons # 15-18 and "Tempus Fugit" that ran in Pendragons # 36-40)

"When Jaspers died, our reality was restored to the way it was before the Jaspers Warp. But the Warp went back further than we'd ever imagined. When the Warp's effects were erased, it removed the Iron Curtain of Time. We were left bare to the rest of the multiverse. That's how and why we were vulnerable to the Collision and all the other weirdness of recent times."

"I don't understand where this is going," Lorna Dane said. "What does all this have to do with the Barrier?"

"I'm laying the groundwork for that," Betsy replied. She'd known this trip through the past would annoy some of her listeners but it was necessary for what was to come. "The fact that the Curtain was in place attracted the attention of Immortus. An Immortus from another timeline, one existing in another reality, outside the Curtain. He managed to arrange for an emissary to come into our universe to investigate whether or not this reality was the Prime Reality, the universe from which all others diverge. That emissary was Dane Whitman, the Black Knight*."

(*As originally revealed in the final issue of my Black Knight series at Marvel Volume One)

Before anyone could speak, Betsy projected something directly into their minds. It was part of what she'd seen when she'd touched the divine....

Note: The following is reprinted from Black Knight # 15, written by me during my days at Marvel Volume One

"Worlds within worlds, each a slightly a different path that destiny chose to take..."

Immortus stood in the center of a large chamber whose walls slowly faded from view. In their place, both Immortus and the Black Knight could gaze off into infinity. A thousand different timelines burst into sight before fading away. Dane watched with awe as he saw a young group of heroes known as A-Next battling the Revengers. In another reality, he saw Sersi joining with a group of Eternals as some sort of superteam known as the New Eternals. Still other realities, some where he and Sersi were married and living in England, passed before his vision.

"You... have access to all this?" Dane's voice was tinged with wonder. It was almost more breathtaking than Avalon itself.

Immortus glanced at him. "All this and more. It is my sacred charge to protect it, in hopes of undoing all the evil I committed as Kang and Rama-Tut, among others."

The Black Knight set his jaw, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "You've done more than enough evil on your own. The Avengers have never known whether you'll be a friend or foe when you show up. Even when you do help us, it's only to suit your own twisted ends."

Immortus nodded. "My ends have never been as twisted as you think. I seek to control the time stream, to find that one pure reality that is the core of everything. From it, everything spins out into different paths or tracks. For instance, there are many Dane Whitmans throughout the multiverse -- in some realities, you and your beloved Sersi are married, in others you become a madman known as Proctor. Each of these different paths for an individual is called a Destiny Walk."

Dane continued to watch the realities form around him. "What's the point of this, Immortus? What does this have to do with the assault on Chronopolis? Or the pocket watch you gave me months ago? Or what Halcyon said about us being related?"

Immortus raised a hand and silenced the maelstrom around them. The images became more distinct and sure. Dane found himself once more on the deck of Halcyon's ship, watching as he once again confronted Killraven. "Look, Dane Whitman. Do you not see yourself engaged in battle even now? The universe continues to turn, you continue to live and breath in this universe as you did before. What you see is an aspect of you from this reality, carrying through with your desires at the time you were pulled here. As for your questions -- What does this have to do with the assault on Chronopolis? Absolutely nothing. Halcyon, Kang and myself are but players on the stage. Halcyon knows how things will turn out, for he is another future incarnation of myself -- yet he is compelled to take part in order to assure his own eventual survival. The assault, like the revelation that you are part of our lineage, is in fact merely meant to delay and confuse. The heroes of this timeline, designated MV1 by the Time Keepers, are wily and resourceful. It is best to keep them busy, be it by keeping the Black Knights chasing their own tails or by manipulating the events that led to the Kree-Shi'ar War or the so-called 'Crossing', I have kept the heroes occupied."

The Black Knight turned away from the scene, ignoring the other Dane Whitman who had defeated Killraven and was now leading his fellow Black Knights onto the shores of Chronopolis. "But why?!"

"Because, in numerous timelines, humanity eventually heads into the stars, where they establish a dominion that threatens even the Time Keepers. Thus, the Time Keepers have decreed that such 'dangerous' realities are to be destroyed. I have managed to keep a number of them safe by taking precautions that will preclude those futures from coming to be. I have also begun my own search for the original, Prime Universe. It is the timeline from which all others spring. If I could command that one, I would gain power enough to break free from the bonds of the Time Keepers!"

The Black Knight frowned. "So you're saying that, somehow, this attack on Chronopolis will, in some way, keep humanity from the stars? I find that hard to believe."

"Have you never heard the story of a butterfly's wings in China causing an earthquake in San Francisco? Destiny is filled with small events that lead to bigger ones. The picture is obscured from your perspective, but it is clear enough from mine."

Dane nodded, letting the concepts sink in. It was somewhat disconcerting to be chatting with Immortus like this and it had an eerie feeling of unreality to it all. How could he know if this were real at all or just another trick of Immortus's? "If you're telling the truth, then why share this with me? Why let me in on your little secret?"

"Because, Dane Whitman, you are somewhat special to me. As you learned during my battle with Kang in the Ultraverse*, you are a carrier of a large amount of chronal energy. Your various trips through time and through realities have made you a conduit through which my plans may come to fruition..."

(* See MV1's Black Knight # 6.)

The Black Knight backed away, his eyes narrowed. "I won't be a pawn for you, Immortus."

"Nor would I ask you to be. While my agents were exploring the time stream, searching for the true Prime timeline*, I became aware of a universe that is closed to me. It is hidden behind an Iron Curtain of Time... I have need of knowing what is waiting in that universe. Perhaps it is the Prime universe that I have been searching for. I want to send you forth, into that reality. This simulacra, this aspect of the true you, will remain behind in this reality while you explore."

(*As seen in MV1's Black Knight # 13-14.)

The Black Knight shook his head. "And you expect me to go off and find the original timeline for you, so you can pervert it for your own sick desires? You're insane!"

Immortus shook with rage. "I offer you a rare opportunity -- a chance to live not one, but two Destiny Walks!"

"And I guess you'll be waiting to jump in the middle of things once I've determined whether or not that other timeline is the true one?"

"Dane... if you accept, you shall become the Dane Whitman of that reality. In your mind, you shall have always been there, but in the depths of your subconscious, you'll remember all that transpired in this reality. When the time is right, and you shall know when that time has come, you shall use the pocket watch I have given you, though you may have to find it anew once you arrive. It allows you to summon me from Limbo and, if used from within the Iron Curtain, I shall be able to pierce the barrier!"

"Then why not strap the pocket watch onto one of your Space Phantoms and send them through?"

"Because they could not pierce the barrier, Dane! Only you can, with your unique mixture of chronal energy. I have tested this many times and I have come to this conclusion again and again! If the Time Keepers find the Prime Reality before I do, the consequences will be horrible. They will wipe out humanity from the timestream entirely!"

Dane stared into the eyes of Immortus and what he saw there brought a halt to his doubts. He saw... fear... pure, naked fear.

"Do this, Dane Whitman. Allow me to send you forth into this other reality. Take your Destiny Walk anew. Not for me, but for humanity."

And, even surprising himself, Dane Whitman felt himself nod.

Captain UK stumbled as the vision began to fade. She felt the Hulk catch her arm and stabilize her. "Thanks, mate." She looked up at Betsy. "Those images... they belonged to the Black Knight, didn't they? They were his memories."

Betsy nodded. "Yes. And now that the Iron Curtain is gone, everyone can peer directly into our universe. Kang's gone but his lover Ravonna has been coming and going lately." She locked eyes with Killraven, who had been Ravonna's pawn as of late. "She was worried that our timeline had grown unstable and that it might fall apart before she could seize power, so she aided Killraven after her first attempt to gain control of this universe failed*."

"Did Dane ever bring Immortus to this universe, like he promised?" Union Jack asked.

"He did, but the spell which slew all the variants of Kang in this timeline forced him to flee. But this is the prime universe. That's part of what I saw. And with the Iron Curtain gone, the Time Keepers will be looking to control our reality and ensure that humanity doesn't grow too powerful. In fact, I suspect they've already been helping the Martians on the sly."

The young hero who had adopted the Albion name raised a hand. Betsy smiled at him, pleased that he would seek her permission before speaking. "If those memories belonged to the Black Knight, who sent them to you?"

All heads turned to see who had entered the room during Betsy's speech. The reactions varied from person to person, but the predominant emotion seemed to be shock and confusion. Sersi was a noticeable exception, laughing aloud at his arrival.

Dane Whitman, the Black Knight, strode through the crowd and took a spot next to Captain Britain. Betsy's expression remained neutral but it was clear that her personal feelings for Dane hadn't changed. He was here out of necessity, nothing more.

Union Jack couldn't restrain himself any longer. "You've got to be kidding me! The bloody Lord of the Lake himself...."

"Not anymore." Dane placed a hand on the hilt of his sword. "I'm here as a Pendragon only. If you'll accept me back into the ranks, I'd like to help you bring down this Barrier."

"And how long have you known all this?" Union Jack pressed. There was an accusatory tone in his voice that was impossible to miss.

"Some of it I've known since I first woke up. Other parts have been pieced together over time. The final plan wasn't agreed upon by myself and Dane until this morning. At that point, I knew everything I've just said."

Lorna's voice rang out over the sudden din. "Betsy! You still haven't told us why the Barrier has to fall!"

It was the Black Knight who answered, drawing a look of consternation from Captain Britain. "Lady Kang wishes to claim this universe, this timeline, as a final gift for her dead lover. She wants to pass it on to his true heir. Kang left behind two sons that we know of: an Egyptian-themed madman named Ramades and a despot named Marcus, who has claimed the title of the Scarlet Centurion. What I saw in my capacity as the Lord of the Lake and what I transmitted to Betsy is that they're coming en masse... very soon. Marcus and Ramades will ride at the head of an army that will dwarf any that's ever existed. They'll appear beneath the Barrier and annihilate all who stand in their way. By the time the Martians get through the Barrier, they'll be entrenched in Europe. The Martians will be repelled and then the true war -- to decide who is the proper heir to Kang -- will begin, with the sons on opposite sides. Bringing the Barrier down now, before they arrive, will allow us to deal with the Martians and warn the rest of the Earth's heroes. Together, we might have a chance to save our planet... and our universe."

"What about the Time Keepers?" the Hulk wondered. "Don't we have to worry about them?"

"I've expended almost every drop of power I had as the Lord of the Lake to restore a partial Iron Curtain. Only those Time Keepers already in our universe are still present... as are Ravonna and her sons."

Captain Britain stepped forward. "So I'm asking you... all of you... to help us in the days to come. Tomorrow I will lead the current roster of Pendragons in removing the Barrier. It will take some time, as I said, and there are tasks to be accomplished first, but it all begins at sunrise." She raised a clenched fist into the air. "For Avalon."