Childhood's end
Chapter 4:
Mordred jumped to his left. He swung his blunted sword to block the oncoming attack to his right side. As his opponent's sword swiped at his feet he jumped high. As he came down he span, aiming for his opponent's right shoulder. Blocked.
He was back on the defensive, dancing and weaving. Not once did he hit his opponent. Nor did his opponent hit him.
"Enough!"
Finally, he stopped his deadly dance.
Covered in sweat, he looked up to see his father, who was actually breathing heavily.
"You did well." His father told him. "But I still think you need to learn the difference between fighting and dancing. Now go, clean yourself up. You smell worse than the stables."
Mordred chuckled as he put away his blunted sword. His father was a harsh teacher. It had been 7 years since the two youngest children of Morgana and Lot had first began their training in the art of combat. They had spent long days honing their skills in swordplay, archery and hand to hand fighting. Their father would put them through long hours of strength, speed and agility training. Any mistakes would result in them getting bruisers, much to their mother's dismay. Mordred thought it was only the fear of his mother's wrath which kept his father restricted enough to avoid any greater injuries.
When Mordred wasn't being put through combat training with his father, he was learning magic from his mother. She had taught him many different spells. They varied from spells as simple as a basic light spell, to spells which could cause great damage in a combat situation. While she was very open in what she taught him, her motherly instincts thankfully kept her from educating him in the most destructive side of magic.
Mordred had tried to teach Gaheris some of what their mother taught him. But unfortunately, it seemed as if Gaheris had not inherited any magical talent. Thankfully, this did not cause any resentment towards his youngest brother.
As Mordred was walking on the ramparts of the castle, he saw Gaheris sitting on the edge, looking out at the world beyond.
"You better not be thinking of jumping!" He called out to his brother.
Gaheris looked up to meet his youngest brother's gaze.
"Of course not." He replied. "Just watching for their approach."
Mordred went to sit next to his brother.
"Anything yet?" He asked.
"Nay." Gaheris replied.
They both looked out at the land beyond the gate.
Ever since Gawain had first left their home for Camelot, he and Arthur had returned every year for around two weeks. This had of course, not gone well with their mother. While she was glad to see her eldest son again, she was not so glad to see her half-brother. It did not help that Gawain came home with stories of the glories of Arthur Pendragon and his greatest night, sir Lancelot. Or of the beautiful Queen Guinevere and the extraordinary sight of Camelot.
What made matters worse was that, once one of the brothers turned 13, Arthur would insist that they accompany him to Camelot.
First Gawain, then Agravaine, then Gareth. All had been ordered by the High King to Camelot. It did not matter how hesitant they were, such as in the case of timid Gareth, or how skilled they were, such as the more scholarly Agravaine. Arthur seemed to want to keep an eye on his sisters sons. The High King claimed it was to assist them in their training, teaching them ways of fighting which their father and other men of Orkney may not know.
Their father believed it was to ensure their loyalty. Arthur had been married to his wife, Queen Guinevere, for 14 years. However, the High King still remained without an heir. This meant that the people of Britain looked to Gawain and the rest of Morgana's children as potential heirs to Arthur's throne. Therefore, it was only logical that Arthur would wish to ensure the loyalty of his nephews, as they may one day inherit his crown.
Their mother, however, believed that Arthur had a more nefarious reason for wanting to have his sister's children so close.
She believed that Arthur was attempting to turn her sons against her. She would often ramble about how Arthur was taking her children far away from her influence and feeding them lies about her, causing them to think that she was some sort of evil sorceress. When Mordred asked her why he would do this, she would reply by saying:
"To punish me."
And when Mordred asked what Arthur could possibly want to punish her for, she would just simply smile, stroke his hair, and sing the song which she had often put him to sleep with.
No matter what the reasons were, it did not change the fact that this year, it would be Gaheris's turn to be taken to Camelot. They all knew that it was going to happen. It was very heavily anticipated by everyone. This was evident in the behaviour of the family.
Their mother was in a constant bad mood that even had their stern father on edge. Not even Mordred could calm her down. Many said her mood was due to her soon losing a fourth son to her half-brother, whom she publicly disliked. Still many more saw it as her realising that it was only a year until her fifth and final son, whom many believed she favoured, would be ordered to Camelot.
Their father seemed more easily tempered then usual, taking it out in the form of harsher training sessions. This could be due to his wife's current mood, or it could be because of him losing another son and heir to the orders of the High King.
Mordred, on the other hand, was merely depressed. Once Gaheris was gone, Mordred would be all alone. He had no one else to play with. All of the boys his age were servants, who had their own duties. He did not like the thought of all of his brothers, off on adventures with Arthur and his nights, while he was stuck here.
While he had felt saddened by the departure of each of his brothers, it felt worse to have to say goodbye to Gaheris. Though all of the brothers were close, none were more so than Mordred and Gaheris. Perhaps it had something to do with them only being a year apart, causing them to be practically twins. Whatever the reason, they always did everything together. They played together, fought together, laughed together. Gaheris had insisted upon delaying the start of his training for an entire year so that he and Mordred were able to start it at the same time, as their mother outright refused for them to even lift a practice sword until they were at least five.
Both boys highly doubted they could persuade the High King to wait another year before calling Gaheris to Camelot, so that both he and Mordred could go together.
Mordred glanced at his brother.
"You know," He said. "It's going to be strange, not having you here."
"And it's going to be strange, not seeing you." Gaheris replied.
"I know it's only going to be a year." Said Mordred. "But..."
"It's going to be the longest year of our lives." Gaheris finished.
They both sighed and turned to look out again.
"I don't suppose we could try to persuade Arthur to wait another year." Gaheris muttered.
Mordred scoffed.
"We'd probably have an easier time persuading mother to let me go one year early."
Gaheris hit the side of the battlements.
"That's it!"
"What's it?"
Gaheris turned to face him, a large grin on his face.
"Why don't we ask Arthur if you could come too?"
Mordred looked at him in shock.
"Ris, that is an insane idea. You know that mother would never approve."
"Who says we need her approval?" Gaheris retorted. "It's not as if the High King takes orders from her. All we need to do is convince him to let you come along."
Mordred frowned in hesitation. He did not feel comfortable, discussing things which could potentially hurt his mother. No matter what people may whisper about her behind closed doors, she was still his mother and he loved her. And he knew that this would most certainly upset her.
However, he also loved his brothers, and he had missed having the five of them together.
"Come on Mordred." His brother urged. "We can get Gawain, Agravaine and Gareth in on it too. Arthur can't ignore all five of us."
"Alright." Mordred agreed with some hesitation. "Just remember, if this blows up in our faces, it was your idea."
Gaheris laughed. Then, he went quiet, peering off into the distance.
"Hey look, I believe they're here."
Mordred turned to look in the same direction as Gaheris. Indeed, he could see several figures in the distance approaching at a rapid speed.
They both hurriedly got up and ran down from the battlements. It would not do to be late in greeting the High King, as well as welcoming home their brothers.
Once Gaheris and Mordred managed to gather their three brothers in a private location, where they could minimise the chance of being overheard, they explained what they had been planning. The reactions from the three was varied, to say the least.
Gawain's face had broken into a large grin, and he was now laughing in delight.
"Oh, yes. I have missed having all five of us together. This is a marvelous idea."
"No it's not!" Gareth exclaimed anxiously.
This caused his four brothers to look at him strangely. Though the past two years he had spent in Camelot had done much to improve his confidence, he was still the most shy and cautious of the five brothers.
"You know how much mother hates Arthur. Do you not recall how angered she was every time we were called to Camelot? I can guaranty you that she will be absolutely livid if she knew that Mordred wish to go a year early. You know how she feels about..."
He cut himself off and glanced apologetically at Mordred. Said brother just shrugged.
"It is alright brother. After all these years I have learnt to accept it. I may not like her blatant favouritism, however, I am intelligent enough to know that I cannot change how she feels. It is I who should be apologising, for I am the one whom she dotes upon."
"You have nothing to apologise for." Retorted Gaheris. "As you said, you cannot control how our mother feels. No matter how either of our parents feel, I still love you just as much as our other brothers."
The other three nodded in agreement. Mordred blushed a deep shade of crimson. He cleared his throat to clear away his embarrassment.
"In any case, Gareth, I am aware that this may.. Um, upset mother..."
There were several scoffs throughout the room.
"However, we are all aware, including mother, that Arthur would call me to Camelot in a year's time anyway, regardless of anyone's feelings. It is my belief that throughout this year, if I were to remain here, mother's mood would only worsen. She is already aggravated enough. I feel that the anticipation of loosing her fifth and final son would cause her more harm than good. Therefore, I believe that it would be best for me to accompany Gaheris this year, as to not prolong our mother's suffering."
There was a long silence as Mordred's brothers soaked up his words. After a few minutes of complete silence, the youngest brother turned to Agravaine.
"Agravaine, you have been quite silent during this discussion. What do you think of this plan?"
Agravaine appeared to think over his words for a few seconds before answering.
"It may work. While I am concerned for mother's reaction, perhaps you are correct in saying that it would be best for both of you to come to Camelot. However, in all of this discussion, not once have you shown concern for how father may feel."
Mordred looked down in shame. He had been so concerned for how his mother may react that he had completely forgotten that his father may not be pleased with him wanting to go to Camelot a year earlier than expected. Finally, he looked up at his brothers. He took a deep breath and sighed.
"Well, I shall just have to explain to him that I wish to be reunited with my brothers once again. Hopefully he will understand that my decisions were being made with the love I hold for my brothers in mind. I do truly miss you all, and I do not know how I will be able to cope without any of you by my side."
It was true. Mordred loved his brothers. He missed the days when they would all play in the fields and pretend they were daring adventurers. As he looked around at his siblings, he realised how much they had changed over the years. All of them, even the bookish Agravaine, were tall and muscular. Gawain even appeared to have a beard.
Mordred looked down at himself and realised just how different he looked. He had always been skinnier than his brothers. But now that he was older, the shape of his body was extremely different to how his brothers looked. While they were large and bulky, Mordred was small and lean. It didn't help matters that Gaheris, who was only one year older than him, was about a head taller.
Mordred shook his head. Perhaps he took more after his mother. In any case, it did not matter.
"So, will you all agree to go along with this plan?" He asked his brothers.
"If this is what you want." Gareth replied.
"In the end Mordred, it is your choice to convince Arthur to allow you to come along. I will not tell you how to live your life brother." Said Agravaine. "Though, I do hope you realise what you are getting yourself into."
Mordred nodded.
"I am aware that it will be difficult, and that it will be dangerous."
He grinned.
"But as long as I have my brothers with me, I know that I can get through anything."
Gawain laughed.
"Yes, this is an excellent idea."
"Then it is settled." Gaheris said smiling. "We have two weeks to convince Arthur to allow Mordred to come with us this year."
For the next few days, the five brothers would meet regularly to discuss how they should execute their plan. Eventually, it was decided that both Mordred and Gaheris should approach the High King and ask if he would allow the youngest of his nephews to come to Camelot a year earlier than they predicted. So, on a bright and early morning a week into the King's visit, the two youngest brothers approach Arthur where he was sitting with their father, just finishing breakfast.
"Sire, Father." They both greeted respectfully.
"Gaheris, Mordred, how are you this morning?" Their father asked.
"We are well father." Gaheris replied.
"We were actually going to ask something of his Majesty, but perhaps it is best if you heard us out as well." Continued Mordred.
Both men raised their eye-brows. Arthur gestured for the brothers to continue.
"Well," Gaheris began. "I am correct in assuming that you intended to invite me to accompany you to Camelot this year, as I am the same age as my brothers were when you asked each of them?"
Arthur nodded.
"And are we also correct in assuming that you had planned to invite me next year, as I will be thirteen next year?" Mordred continued.
Arthur nodded again, but this time his eyes narrowed in suspicion.
Mordred cleared his throat nervously.
"Well, we were wondering, if perhaps, you could allow me to come with you this year."
He turned to his father.
"If of course, you also approve of such a thing father."
Arthur studied him.
"What would cause you to make such a request?" He asked carefully.
"Well, you see sire, Gaheris and I are very close. All of us are close. However, due to our closeness in age, the bond that we share is almost akin to that of twins. We cannot stand to be without the other for to long. I do not feel as if I could stand it if I was forced to be separated from all four of my brothers, even if only for a year. I am also concerned for my mother. You see Sire, she dearly loves us all, and has become increasingly anxious due to her sons being so far away. I feel that she anticipates that in only a years time she shall have to say fare well to her final son. I fear what this may do to her mental state."
He looked at the High King pleadingly.
"So therefore, I ask that you allow me to come with you to Camelot this year, not for my own sake, but for the sake of my mother, your sister. Please sire, do not prolong her suffering."
He said the last part in almost a whisper.
Arthur gazed at him thoughtfully. Then he turned to his father.
"What do you think Lot? Do you believe that your youngest son is ready for Camelot?"
"Well," His father began. "His fighting technique resembles more of a dance's routine than actual combat. However, he is farely skilled in his speed and agility."
Arthur considered this.
"Very well." He finally said. "Let us see how well you do against me, Mordred."
"I beg your pardon Sire?" Mordred spluttered in shock. He couldn't be suggesting what he thought he was suggesting?
"Let us test your skills against my own." Arthur replied, getting up from his seat. "Once I have seen how well you fight, I will consider weather or not I believe you are ready."
Mordred glanced at his brother, wide eyed. Gaheris shrugged. All Mordred could do was follow his father and the High King to the training yard.
Once they reached the training yard, Arthur headed straight for the weapon rack where he picked up a blunted sword. He then moved to a clear spot and waited for Mordred patiently.
Mordred attempted to grasp the hilt of a blunted sword. However, his hand was shaking violently. He was about to face Arthur Pendragon in combat. Oh, what had he gotten himself into?
Finally, he was able to calm himself enough to stop his hands from shaking to badly. Once he had grabbed the sword, he walked over to face Arthur, a mere few feet of empty space being the only thing that was separating them.
Mordred eyed his opponent. The King was tall and leanly built. Though he was not bulky like Mordred's brothers, he could tell that Arthur's arms rippled with muscles.
Suddenly, as quick as a flash, Arthur aimed the blunted sword for his head. It was only thanks to Mordred's quick reflexes that he was able to duck out of the way.
"Good reflexes." Arthur complimented. "Though you need to remember to pay attention at all times."
This continued for some time. Both would duck and weave and dance out of the way of each other's weapons. Their swords clashed loudly whenever they struck one another.
Mordred noted that they fought in much the same way, though Arthur's technique was much more refined. This was only to be expected, as Arthur had been honing his skills with a blade since before Mordred was even conceived.
Mordred lost track of time as the fighting went on. He also lost focus of the world around him. All that mattered was Arthur, the two swords, and the terrain.
Suddenly, he noticed Arthur falter. It would appear that he had slipped on a patch of grass which was still wet and muddy, due to the rain from the night before. Mordred seized the opportunity to disarm his opponent.
It came as a great surprise to everyone, especially Mordred, when Arthur's sword actually flew out of his hand to land far away from him.
It did not last long though, as Arthur was instantly on the move. Mordred believed that he was going to attempt to take back his sword. But instead, Arthur surprised him by making a sudden turn in the direction of the weapon rack. By the time Mordred had caught up to him, Arthur had already pick up a spear.
Arthur used his new found range to nock Mordred to the side. Mordred was not expecting the weapon change. So he was nocked down to the ground by the spear. He rolled from his side onto his back, only to be met with the head of Arthur's spear aimed straight at his stomach.
Mordred had somehow managed to keep hold of his sword. Hence, he attempted to swing at Arthur with it. However, he was unable to reach his opponent.
"The only way you will be able to strike me down now was if you further skewered yourself upon my spear." The High King said teasingly.
He removed the spear from Mordred's stomach and offered the boy a hand up, which he took gladly.
"You did well." Arthur complimented. "Though you still have much to learn, I believe you may be ready for Camelot."
The High King looked over at Mordred's father.
"That is, if you agree Lot."
Mordred's father stared at his youngest son.
"Mordred," He said finally. "Is this truly what you want?"
"Yes father." Mordred replied.
"Then, I suppose I will agree to it." His father replied.
Mordred grinned. All four of his brothers came over to congratulate him. As Mordred looked around, he noticed that he and Arthur had attracted quite the crowd. However, there was one face missing. His mother's.
For the next week, as Gaheris and Mordred both prepared for their departure, the youngest of the brothers attempted to catch a moment alone with his mother. However, whenever he managed to find her, she would always quickly walk away. She spent most of her time in her study. She allowed no visitors, not even Mordred. This greatly upset him. This was exactly what he had feared.
Finally, on the morning before they were to depart, Mordred was suddenly woken up by singing.
It was his mother. She was sitting on the side of his bed, stroking his hair and singing the lullaby she would sing to him when he was a small child.
"Mother?" He asked blearily.
"Shhh." She hushed him. "Do not worry Guileless son. Everything will be alright."
"Mother." He repeated. "I... I am sorry if me wishing to go to Camelot a year early upset you..."
"Hush child." She whispered. "You have nothing to fear. This is perfect. Soon the Pendragon will pay for all that he and his wretched ilk has done to me. Just remember Mordred." She said, cupping his face with one hand. "To never trust Arthur Pendragon or his beloved wizard."
"You mean Merlin?" Mordred blurted out. He had heard tales of the old wizard who served Arthur and had served his father, uther, before him.
"Do not say that name." His mother hissed. Then she turned gentle again. "Oh, Guileless son. Soon, everything will unfold as planned."
Then she gracefully got up and left his chambers.
Mordred shuddered. His mother had honestly frightened him. What had she meant by all that she had said? What plans?
Mordred shook his head and decided he should get dressed.
That evening, he was summoned to his father's study. He nocked on the door hesitantly and entered.
"Father." He greeted.
"Mordred, come sit." His father gestured to an armchair near the fireplace. He took the one opposite his youngest son.
"I am aware," He began. "That your mother paid you a visit this morning."
Mordred started. "Father, I..."
His father held up a hand. "You need not tell me of what you discussed, for I believe I can guess that it was concerning her plots against King Arthur."
Mordred stared at him.
"How did you...?"
His father raised an eyebrow.
"She isn't exactly subtle when it comes to her hatred of her brother."
"That is what I do not understand." Mordred blurted. "Why does Mother hate her brother so much? What did he do to warrant such hate?"
His father sighed.
"It is quite a long story."
Mordred sat back expectantly.
"It all started when your mother was but a young girl. As you know, at the time, Uther Pendragon, Arthur's father, had been raging a war to unite all of the British kingdoms under one ruler.
Uther was greatly assisted by his most trusted general, the Duke of Cornwall, your Grandfather, Gorlois. Together the two were invincible. They actually managed to unite the people of Britain.
However, just as they were celebrating their victory, Uther saw Igraine, Gorlois's wife. He demanded that his friend allow him to sleep with his wife. This of course, did not settle well with Gorlois. Hence, the conflict began again."
Mordred gaped.
"Uther began a conflict over his lust for a woman? And just after he had achieved a mighty victory?"
Lot shook his head.
"You will be surprised what men will do in the name of their own selfish desires. In any case, Uther went to war so that he may win Igraine, and Gorlois thought for the honour of his beloved wife and himself.
Eventually, Uther approach his trusted adviser and sorcerer, Merlin. The wizard disguised Uther so that he resembled Gorlois. In his disguise, Uther easily walked straight past the guards in Gorlois's fortress, for how were they to know that their lord was still fighting tirelessly against Uther's forces?
When it came to Igraine, the poor girl had no way of knowing the man she was willingly allowing to come into her bed was not her husband."
His father cleared his throat.
"Anyway, once Uther was done finally fulfilling his urges, the couple heard yelling, coming from the front courtyard. They both hurriedly got dressed. Igraine rushed down into the courtyard while Uther snuck away to return to his men. However, he did not leave alone.
Once Igraine arrived in the courtyard, she saw the last thing she expected. The dead body of her husband. This caused much confusion concerning who they had welcomed into the fortress, and who Igraine had welcomed into her bed.
Eventually, a messenger from Uther arrived saying that now that Gorlois was dead, Uther was demanding that Igraine marry him. And if she refused, then she would never see her daughter again. For you see, in the confusion Uther had kidnapped your mother, a mere six years old at the time.
Igraine, who loved her daughter dearly, had no choice but to agree. Nine months later, Igraine would die birthing Uther's son."
"Arthur." Mordred whispered.
His father nodded.
"But why... Why does she hate Arthur? I can understand Merlin and Uther, but why Arthur?"
His father sighed.
"Because, she blames Arthur for the death of her mother."
"But that's..."
Mordred felt conflicted. On one hand, it was a little unfair that his mother blamed Arthur for their mother's death when he had had no choice in the matter. On the other hand, she was still his mother, and he loved her.
His father sighed.
"Mordred, just please. Be careful. I do not know what your mother is planning, but I know it involves you and I am afraid."
Mordred was shocked. His father very rarely showed fear. To hear this open confession was shocking, to say the least.
"Just please, do not fall into any traps your mother has laid out for you. Do not give into her manipulations."
"I won't father." Mordred replied.
His father reached out and grasped his shoulder.
"Come, you must be off to bed. You have a big day tomorrow."
Just as Mordred reached the door, his father called out.
"Mordred."
The young boy turned.
"I know you will make me proud."
Mordred turned and blinked away his tears. It was extremely rare for his father to show any emotion. He was always hiding behind a stern mask.
The next morning, as he rode away from the home he had known his entire life, he thought of the conversations he had had with his parents. They both confused him.
What was he to now think of his mother, of Arthur, of anything.
He shook his head.
It did not matter. All that mattered was that he was going to Camelot with his brothers. And so ended his years of childhood and began the journey of his life.