As everyone slowly ate, Abigail started to explain.
�Since the beginning of time, there have always been two forces battling each other; good and evil. Much as with everything in life, one cannot exist without the other. These equal, yet opposite forces are constantly battling with each other.
�As you all have no doubt learned through your time here these past few years, the plateau is unlike any other place on earth. This is because the plateau is the source of everything.�
�So Mordren was right.� Veronica said.
Abigail nodded. �Yes. The plateau goes through a cycle every several hundred of years and the power involved is enormous. There is an overwhelming creation or destruction of life. As a Protector, we are here to ensure that life is once again created. If Mordren�s line had its way, the world would be plunged into chaos.�
�I�m assuming our timely arrival here has something to do with that lovely storm from a few weeks ago?� Marguerite asked. Abigail turned and looked at Marguerite and nodded. Abigail locked eyes with her for a moment, but before Marguerite could wonder what it was about, she had already turned away and resumed talking.
�As I was saying, these cycles occur every several hundred years. The storm you all experienced a few weeks ago was the end of the previous cycle, which means a new cycle will begin shortly. As Arthur was teasing Challenger earlier, we were not expecting this to occur now. There should have been at least another generation or two before we had to face what lies ahead.�
�What brought it about so early?� Challenger asked.
There was a moment of silence before Abigail answered. �You.�
�Me?�
�All of you.� She looked around the room at all of the people seated at her table. �In the limited time you have been here, you have caused many changes to the plateau in a short amount of time. There have been several instances of time travel, among other things, and even though bringing Finn here is ultimately a good thing, it has still upset the balance. There is a fine line of order and chaos that keeps the plateau in check. I am not saying that any one of your actions was negative because in the end, it is better that the new cycle will happen now when all of the players have finally been assembled in one place.�
�What do you mean all the players?� Malone asked.
Abigail smiled at him as she pushed back her chair and rose from her seat. �We can continue this discussion later. Right now, it is late and you should rest. There have been several rooms prepared for you.�
Summerlee also rose from his seat. �I can show them to their quarters, Abigail.�
�Thank you, Arthur.� Abigail extended her right hand to Veronica who grasped it. �If you have a need for anything during the night please feel free to ask. There are usually many sentries on duty throughout the palace and they should be able to help you. I will see you all in the morning, good night.�
Arthur led the others back down the way they entered the dining room with leaving Veronica and Abigail behind.
�Come dear heart, there is much I have to tell you and our time is limited.�
Abigail led them to her chambers and dismissed the guards and closed the doors behind them. She sat on the edge of the bed and patted the spot beside her. Veronica moved and sat next to her. �I know you have many questions Veronica, but for right now I need for you to listen to me carefully.�
At Veronica�s nod, she continued. �By now you have truly remembered what happened all those years ago and you are probably wondering why I left you at the treehouse instead of keeping you here with me.
�When Mordren killed your father, I managed to get us both back to Avalon and back to safety. It was not long before he gathered a large army and came after us at Avalon. The Avatar warriors managed to drive him off the plateau but we could not be sure he wouldn�t try anything again.�
Abigail shook her head and sighed. �As a young child, I always resented my mother for keeping me locked behind these walls. I wanted to go out and explore; be a normal young girl. When I left Avalon and met your father and came back to the plateau with him, it was the happiest I�d ever been.
�I didn�t want you to live the kind of life I lived; hidden behind walls, constantly watched and being worried if the next day would be the day your life would be in danger. I did what I thought was best for you. I changed your memories and put you back in the treehouse. I knew that as long as Mordren thought you were here, you would be safe on the plateau. I knew when you thought we did not come back, you would go and stay with the Zanga because that is what your father and I taught you. And while my heart broke at leaving you, I knew you would be safer away from me.�
Veronica shook her head and wiped her tears away in frustration. �So you left me in the treehouse just like that? You didn�t even give me a choice?! You let me believe that my father was alive all those years; you gave me false hope! How could you? How could you do that to me? All these years I�ve been living a lie!�
Abigail took a deep breath and released it. �It is easy for you to sit there and judge me, but it was not an easy decision for me to make. Every minute of my life I have doubted my own decision, but I did what I thought was best for you. I�m sorry you feel deceived, but I did what I did to protect you. If you had known about Avalon and all that had happened, you never would have stayed in the treehouse. I needed you to be safe, and if something were to have happened to you, I never would have forgiven myself.�
�But why��
Abigail held up her hand. �Veronica, I wish I had more time to make you understand, but now is not the time to dwell in the past. You have to be prepared for what is to come. Mordren�s line will do whatever they can to make sure this upcoming cycle leaves the world in chaos. You cannot let this destruction happen. When the time comes, you must be ready. The balance must be preserved, Veronica.�
�You mean us don�t you? You�ll be there to help.� When Abigail wouldn�t look her in the eyes, Veronica knew there was something she wasn�t telling her. �Mother?�
�Why now of all times?� Abigail whispered softly. She picked up her head and looked Veronica in the eyes. �I was hoping matters would not come to this, I thought there would be more time, but there seems to be no other choice now.�
�What are you trying to tell me, mother?�
�I�m dying.�