Darkness Rising
Chapter 9:
The day after their mother's death, they had her body cremated. It was what she wanted, as she was paranoid about sorcerers using her body parts for rituals.
The five brothers had planned to go with their father to Cornwall, to spread her ashes in the place she had called home in her early years, before her father was killed by Uther. However, Mordred regrettably could not leave Camelot. Arthur was still in Francia, and it did not seem as if he would be returning soon. Tintagel, the fortress which used to belong to his Grandfather Gorloise and where his father and brothers had planned to stay during their time in Cornwall, was too far a journey. Mordred had no one he could put in his place. And in any case, he had plans to make, and many, many things to do.
So with a heavy heart he watched his father and brothers leave with the party from Orkney and his mother's ashes. He had to hold back his tears. He did not wish for his people to see him cry. He could not let them see him weak.
Finally, he turned from where the party was just disappearing beyond the horizon, and entered the doors of Camelot.
He quickly walked through the halls of Camelot and headed for his chambers.
After he had become Arthur's official he heir, he had been awarded new bed-chambers befitting his new rank. Technically, they were Arthur's old chambers. The King had had to move to new sleeping quarters, as he could not stand to sleep in the same bed where the two people he had trusted the most had betrayed him again and again. So they were given to Mordred.
Mordred had at first been hesitant, but eventually he had gotten used to them.
The room was much larger than his old chambers had been. On the wall opposite to the door was a large glass door which led to a balcony. Mordred admired the view from the edge of the balcony. Every morning he could now walk out to see a large field which the people of Camelot called Camlann. It was truly a beautiful site. Mordred could see why Arthur had chosen this as his bedchamber upon his first arrival in Camelot.
Arthur had gifted him with a new bed, as the High King had ordered the old one burnt. Whenever Mordred lay in his bed, he felt as if he were lying upon a cloud.
Now, Mordred went straight past the bed and onto the balcony.
He could feel the sun shining upon his face. He could smell the breeze. It was nearing Autumn now. Soon it would be time for the harvest to commence. Everything seemed peaceful. Everything seemed normal.
Only it wasn't.
Mordred still could not believe that his mother was truly dead. She had once been so strong, so beautiful. And now she was gone. Just like Nimue, she was gone.
Mordred clenched the top of the short wall surrounding the perimeter of the balcony which came up to his waist.
He had loved two women in his life. And now they were both gone.
Mordred could not hold back his tears. As he wept, he thought about the last words that his Mother had said to him.
"Set our people free... Set magic free..."
He knew what he had to do, but he didn't think he had the strength to do it. He did not know who to trust.
In the past, he knew he could always trust his brothers. However, he did not know if they would stand by him in this.
Mordred knew that, if he were to take the throne for himself, then many would see him as a usurper. What he was contemplating would be viewed as treason. But he had to do it. The magic of Britain had to be set three.
But Mordred needed help. And for the first time in his life, he felt completely alone.
Suddenly, Mordred was broken out of his thoughts by a nocking at the door.
"Who is it?" He asked, turning to face the door.
"It is I, Sir Mordred."
It was Galahad. He and Mordred had become quite good friends over the past few weeks, ever since Mordred had revealed the affair between Sir Lancelot and the former Queen Guinevere. Mordred thought it was ironic, considering that Galahad's father, Sir Lancelot, had been good friends with Arthur, Mordred's biological father.
"Galahad, please, come in."
The young man stepped into the bedchamber and walked to where Mordred still stood on the balcony.
"I have come to see how you are." He said gently.
"I am fine, though my heart still bleeds for my mother." Mordred replied.
Galahad laid a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"I am truly sorry for your lose. Truly, it is sad when the woman whom birthed you leaves this world. I can still remember when my own mother died."
Mordred sucked in a breath.
"I am sorry."
"Don't be." Galahad replied. "This was a long time ago, when I was but ten years of age."
Mordred looked down. He could not imagine loosing his mother at that age.
"I am surprised you did not accompany your father and brothers to Cornwall." Galahad continued.
Mordred looked up.
"I wished to go. But alas, I am bound by chains of duty to Camelot."
Galahad smiled bitterly.
"They appear to be stronger on you than they are on King Arthur."
Mordred sighed.
"And unlike our great King, I do not have the luxury of someone whom I trust to take my place for a long period of time.
The two stood in silence for a long time. Finally, Mordred spoke.
"If you do not mind me asking, how did your mother die?"
He was concerned that he had asked too much of Galahad. But then, his friend sighed and answered.
"She was executed by Merlin for the practice of dark sorcery."
Mordred blinked.
"Really?" He asked, intrigued.
Galahad sighed.
"It is a long tail."
"Would you mind me hearing it?" Mordred asked.
Galahad shook his head.
"No, no. It is fine."
Galahad walked back into the room and sat on the bed. Mordred followed and sat next to him.
"My story begins long ago. For you see, my mother was deeply in love with Lancelot. Many women were. Unfortunately, he only had eyes for one."
"Guinevere." Mordred said bitterly.
Galahad nodded and continued.
"This was at a time when Guinevere was loyal to Arthur, when her duty to her King and husband overruled her desire for Lancelot."
"My Mother always told me that Lancelot grew so envious, that he began to fulfil his..."
Galahad cleared his throat.
"... Sexual desires, with other women. Mostly with my Mother."
"And did your Mother... Consent, to Lancelot's attention?" Mordred asked hesitantly.
"Of course." Galahad replied. "She adored Lancelot. But he did not return her affections. My Mother grew envious of Lancelot's love for Guinevere, and so she ended the affair. However, she was already with child when she ended the relationship."
"You." Mordred breathed, looking at Galahad.
His friend nodded.
"Growing up, my Mother would always tell me that my Father was Sir Lancelot, the Queen's champion and greatest of Arthur's knights. I grew arrogant, believing that, just because my Father was Lancelot, that this made me better than anyone else."
"When I was ten, my Mother brought me to the court of Camelot. In front of Arthur, Guinevere, and all of his knights and courtiers, my Mother declared that she wished for me to learn to be as mighty and as strong of a warrior as my Father, Sir Lancelot Du Lac."
"I remember the shocked silence. Then I remember the mutters. I remember the stares. I remember the shocked expression of Guinevere, morphing quickly to anger as she looked at Lancelot. I believe that at this time, the two had begun their affair. Lancelot had tried to deny my Mother's claims at first. However, he could not deny it when Arthur had ordered Merlin cast a spell to determine my heritage."
Galahad sucked in a breath.
"It did not take me long to learn of Lancelot's affair with Guinevere. Indeed, it was my Mother whom revealed it to me. She had told me that what Lancelot was doing was treason. Disgraceful. Sinful. She had planned to reveal the affair to Arthur. However, before she could complete her plans, she was executed by Merlin."
"Apparently, Lancelot had told him that my Mother had used magic to trick him into bedding her."
"Oh, and did Lancelot say how she tricked him into her bed?" Mordred asked.
Galahad's expression turned dark.
"According to him, my Mother turned herself into a beautiful temptress. A woman whom Lancelot only dared think of in his dreams."
"He was speaking of Guinevere." Mordred said dryly.
Galahad nodded.
"And Merlin believed him?"
Galahad nodded again.
Mordred scowled.
"Do you believe that your Mother did this?"
Galahad shook his head.
"Of course not. I know that my Mother was a sorceress, though no where near your Mother's own strength. However, I find it hard to believe that she would do such a thing."
Mordred scoffed.
"If Lancelot's tail is false, then Merlin would have killed an innocent woman. However, if it was true, which I'm not saying it is, then Merlin would be a hypocrite. Though, if he did believe the tail, he would be a hypocrite regardless of weather it was true or not."
Galahad raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean? Did Merlin ever use magic to trick a woman into his bed."
Mordred shook his head.
"No. But he did do this for someone else."
Quickly, he described the tail of how Uther snuck his way into Igraine's bed, and of how Arthur was conceived. At the end, Galahad was silent for a long time, then he spoke.
"Merlin has committed many crimes."
Mordred nodded.
"He has killed countless, all because they went against what he believed sorcerers should and shouldn't practice."
Galahad nodded.
"I believe you too, have lost someone to Merlin's laws."
"Yes," Mordred said, his head bent down.
"Her name was Nimue. I... I loved her. More than anything."
Mordred clenched his fist.
"She was so good, and Merlin killed her."
Galahad put a comforting hand on Mordred's shoulder.
"Many have fallen to Merlin. Truly, he is corrupt."
"And Arthur is a fool to believe that whatever he says is right." Mordred muttered.
Galahad sighed.
"Yes, lately I have begun to lose faith in our King."
Mordred's head shot up, his eyes wide.
"What are you saying?" He asked.
Galahad shook his head.
"I shouldn't say. It would be treason..."
"Say it anyway." Mordred insisted. "I promise, I will not put you on trial for treason."
Galahad sighed.
"When Arthur had declared Lancelot and Guinevere wanted for treason, I found this understandable. They had committed a truly horrible crime, and I could understand Arthur's rage. However, when Arthur declared that he was going to Francia to hunt them down, I believe he was taking things to far."
"How do you mean?"
"I mean, he has put his own selfish desires for vengeance before his duty to Camelot and Britain."
Galahad looked at him seriously.
"A true king, would put his duty to his land and his people before his own selfish wants and desires."
Galahad took a deep breath.
"Believe me. Once, I did think of Arthur as a great King. However, recent events have led me to believe that Camelot and Britain are in need of a new King."
Mordred sighed.
"My Mother believed that I should take the throne."
Galahad took on a pensive look. Finally, he said something that shocked Mordred.
"That... That actually sounds reasonable. I believe... I believe that it could work."
Mordred blinked.
"What?"
Galahad continued.
"I have seen you Mordred. You are wise, with a kind heart and a strong sense of justice."
Mordred blinked.
"So you believe that I could make a good King?"
Galahad looked at him seriously.
"Yes, I do. You are a great man, Mordred. You had the courage to do what many were too afraid to. You exposed Lancelot and Guinevere's affair to Arthur."
"Yes, and look how well that went." Mordred muttered. "Many now hate me. My own brother would not speak to me for weeks."
"And yet," Galahad retorted. "There are many more who admire you."
Mordred shook his head.
"It would never work."
"Never say never." Galahad replied. "I know of many who believe as I do, that Arthur has gone too far in leaving Britain to pursue Lancelot and Guinevere in Francia. Give me some time, We shall band together to make you King."
"I do not wish for bloodshed." Mordred said quickly.
Galahad nodded.
"I was not thinking of anything like that. Though, if things do not go exactly according to plan, then there may be some bloodshed."
"Let us hope we minimise the casualties." Mordred replied.
Galahad nodded.
"Very well then."
For the next few hours, Mordred and Galahad discussed plans for making the former King, without there being too many casualties.
For the next week, Galahad secretly gathered supporters. Mordred spent his time planning on what he would say to convince the people of Camelot to accept him as King. Finally, the day came when Galahad informed him that his supporters will be ready.
"They will be in position. All you need do is call the court to order." Galahad told him.
"And anyone who objects?" Mordred asks.
Galahad grinned.
"Will have to get passed those who support us."
Galahad squeezed his shoulder reassuringly.
"Do not worry Mordred. Everything will be fine and before the night is out, you will be King."
Mordred sucked in a nervous breath.
"I hope you are right, my friend. I hope you are right."
And so, Mordred called all of the people of Camelot.
Mordred had never seen the throne-room so full of people. Courtiers, soldiers and knights alike were gathered to hear what Mordred had to say. Even some of the peasants from the nearby village had arrived to hear him.
Mordred stood on the dais, just in front of the throne. Caliburn hung at his hip. He wore his finest shirt of chainmail, gifted to him by Arthur just after he had been declared heir of Camelot and Britain.
He looked out at the gathered audience. This was it. It was now or never.
He took a deep breath.
"People of Camelot!"
Immediately, the Throne-room went silent. Everyone was looked at him. Mordred continued.
"For almost two decades, Britain has celebrated a golden age under the rule of Arthur Pendragon. Under his rule, the Kingdoms of Britain have stood united and have flourished. Arthur has truly brought greatness to this land. However, no one is perfect. Not even men such as Arthur Pendragon."
He now had the crowd's attention.
"Just over five weeks ago, Arthur suffered from the discovery of a truly horrific betrayal. His most loyal knight and truest friend, Sir Lancelot, and his beloved wife Queen Guinevere, had been having an affair behind his back. Though this had been occurring for a while, many were scared to reveal it, for they were afraid of how it would effect our King. However, I could not stand for it. I could not just stand there and watch my King be betrayed by the ones whom he trusted the most, again and again. So I revealed the truth to him. And now, I do not know how to feel concerning my actions. My mind tells me that I did what was right. However, my heart grieves for the pain that this revelation has caused my King. For I am afraid that the knowledge of his friend's and his wife's betrayal has led King Arthur into madness. And while his grief is excusable, what cannot be excused is his recent actions concerning the situation."
The crowd was muttering again.
"Almost a month ago, Arthur charged me with ruling Camelot while he traveled to Francia in pursuit of the lovers who had betrayed him. While many would say his actions are justified, I do not believe so. It saddens me to admit this, but Arthur Pendragon has put his own selfish desires for vengeance before the needs of his people."
The muttering became louder.
"Your King, has abandoned you. Your King, has betrayed you. But I will not. I, Mordred, was charged by Arthur to rule in his stead. However, I believe that Arthur is no longer fit to rule. If you would have me, I swear that I will put you, the people of Camelot, the people of Britain, before my own desires. I will not abandon you for distant lands in pursuit of vengeance."
He looked around at the crowd.
"Make me your King, and I will right the wrongs committed by Arthur Pendragon and his father, Uther, before him."
There were more mutters. Some disbelieving, some outraged. But still, there were many who seemed to be persuaded by Mordred's words.
He looked around at them.
"While Arthur was a great King, there was one aspect of his rule which cannot be denied was unjust. His faith in the sorcerer, Merlin Emrys."
The muttering became louder.
"Tell me, people of Camelot. How many of you have lost friends, husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, to Merlin, all because they wished to practice what the old sorcerer had declared dark magic?"
The volume of the muttering had increased. Mordred knew that many had lost a loved one to Merlin's strict laws.
"I too, have lost someone to his ruling. She was young, barely in her early years of womanhood. She believed that magic should be free, that magic was neither dark nor light, but that it all mattered upon the user's intent."
Mordred had to take a moment to blink away the tears.
"Merlin has had a choke hold upon the magic of Britain for too long. I shall not make the same mistakes that Arthur has. Make me your King, and I swear, that you will be allowed to practice whatever magic you wish, provided you do not use your power to harm others. Make me your King, and I swear that I will not abandon you for my own selfish wants and desires. Make me King, and I swear, people of Camelot, you will be free!"
Mordred was silent, waiting for the crowd's reactions. There were many mutters. Many angered. Many disgusted. Many distrustful. Mordred could have sworn he heard the word "Usurper", a few times.
But then, there were also mutters of disbelief, of excitement, of hope. Mordred could see the supporters that had been gathered by Galahad spread words of encouragement to those who were beginning to agree with him, and those who still were not sure.
Finally, after many muttered conversations, the crowd began to unite in one, single chant.
"Hail Mordred! Hail Mordred! Hail Mordred!"
Mordred let the chanting continue for a minute or two. Then he held up a hand for silence.
"Thank you, people of Camelot."
Suddenly, there was the clearing of a throat. The crowd parted to reveal Lady Vivien.
"My Lady." Mordred acknowledged respectfully.
"If you are to be King," Vivien began. "Then I believe you should have a coronation. If you would allow me, it would be an honour to crown our knew King."
Mordred nodded.
"On the contrary, it would be an honour for you, Lady Vivien, to be the one to crown me King."
Vivien smiled and walked up to him. Galahad, who had been standing beside Mordred throughout his entire speech, held out an ornate box to the Lady of the Lake. She opened it to reveal a crown that Galahad had commissioned in secret. Mordred thought it looked beautiful. The gold shone in the early autumn light, a brilliant red ruby the same colour as the one which shone on Caliburn in the very centre of it.
Mordred knelt at Lady Vivien's feet, a fist placed over his chest.
"Do you swear, to uphold the laws of this land?" Vivien began.
"I swear." Mordred replied.
"And do you swear, to protect the people of Britain in their time of need?"
"I swear."
"And do you swear, to put aside your own selfish wants and desires, and put the needs of the people of Britain before all else?"
"I swear!" Mordred replied, his voice echoing throughout the throne-room.
"Then I hereby crown you Mordred, King of Camelot, High King of Britain, and protector of the realm."
Mordred rose to thunderous applause.
"Hail Mordred! Hail Mordred! Hail Mordred!"
Once the crowd had been disbanded, Mordred set about sending messengers to all of the Kingdoms of Britain, declaring that he was now the High King. In this declaration, he also proclaimed that all magic was to be permitted, regardless of weather or not Merlin had approved of it. The only restriction that Mordred had put upon magic was that it was not to be used to harm another living thing, or the land itself.
Mordred's next action was to declare Merlin Emrys an enemy of the people, and to send out warrants for his arrest. Any that were able to capture him were to bring him to Camelot. Mordred went so far as to put a bounty on the old sorcerer's head.
While Mordred wished to hunt the sorcerer down himself, he was also aware that he had sworn to put the needs of the people before his own.
For the next month, everything seemed to be going smoothly. Merlin had gone into hiding, and Mordred's rule was not faced with as much opposition as he had feared. He listened to everyone's needs, be they the highest noble or the lowest beggar.
Then, a month into his rule, his father and brothers returned from Cornwall.
Mordred had been holding court at the time, and so had to send Galahad to escort them into Camelot.
Over the past month, Galahad had become his closest confidant, advising him during important decisions and defending him when he was insulted by the few nay-sayers. Mordred was quick to reward him with a knighthood.
Now, Mordred watched from his throne as his father and his four elder brothers entered the throne-room.
"My Father, my brothers." He greeted. "I am sorry that I was unable to greet you at the gates myself. However, my new duties have bound me to this throne for several more hours."
"I have heard." His father replied.
His father scrutinised him.
"High King." He muttered. "I never thought I should have to call you Sire, but here we are."
"There is no need for you to give me such a title Father. At least, not in private."
His Father smiled.
"Does this extend to us, Sire?" Gawain asked, a grin on his face.
Mordred rolled his eyes.
"Of course. You are my brothers."
"Then why don't you come down from your throne, all mighty High King, and greet us as your brothers?"
Smiling, Mordred got off of his throne and walked to where his Father and brothers stood. He joined his four elder brothers in a tight embrace.
"This is truly great." Gaheris said, smiling.
"I am so proud of you." Agravaine said.
"This is truly a great accomplishment." Said Gareth.
Their Father cleared his throat and the five of them turned to face him.
"Yes, I am happy for you as well, Mordred."
Mordred could hear the tone in his voice.
"Father? Is there a problem?"
His Father cleared his throat again.
"I believe this is best said in private."
Mordred pursed his lips.
"Well, any private conversations will have to wait. As I have said, I am in the middle of holding court. I must fulfill my duties as King before anything else."
His Father nodded.
"Of course."
"I am sure you are tired." Mordred continued. "I will let you rest. But first, there is something I must do."
He walked back to his throne. However, he did not sit, opting to stand in front of it, facing his Father and brothers.
"Gawain, Agravaine, the two of you have already been made knights by Arthur. However, I need to know, will you support me?"
"Yes, will shall." His two eldest brothers said together.
Mordred turned to his Father.
"Father, I need to know that I will have the support of Orkney."
His Father stared at him for a long time. Finally, he spoke.
"Always." He replied.
Finally, he turned to his two youngest brothers.
"Gareth, Gaheris? Will you stand by me?"
"Will shall." The two replied together.
"Then step forward." Mordred said, gesturing to the spot just in front of him.
His brothers understood the gesture. They walked and knelt before him on the steps leading up to the dais.
"Do you swear, to uphold my laws?" He began.
"I swear." His brothers said together.
"And do you swear, to serve me faithfully?"
"I swear."
"And do you swear, to fight along side me, to bleed for me, and to die for me, for the sake of our people?"
"I swear."
Mordred drew Caliburn and touched the tip of it's blade to Gareth's shoulders.
?Then I hereby declare you, sir Gareth, knight of Camelot."
Gareth rose, a smile on his face. Mordred then did the same to Gaheris.
"I hereby declare you, Sir Gaheris, knight of Camelot."
Gaheris rose, a smile also gracing his face. But then, he clenched his first and put it over his heart.
"I will stand by you, my brother, my captain, my king."
Mordred had to blink back his tears.
"Thank you brother. Thank you."
Once court was done for the day, Mordred headed for the gust room which his Father usually occupied. He knocked upon the door, suddenly feeling less like the High King of Britain and more like a small boy about to be scolded by his Father.
"Enter."
Mordred opened the door and entered the room nervously. He could see his Father, looking out of the window with his back to the door.
"Father?"
His Father turned to face him. Mordred could not read his expression.
"Mordred." He greeted. "We must talk."
Mordred walked to his Father.
"What is it that you wish to discus?" Mordred asked.
His Father sighed and rubbed his temples. Mordred could see that his hair was now streaked with grey.
"Mordred, you know that I care deeply for you?"
"Yes, of course Father."
"And so, I cannot help but be concerned for you."
Mordred blinked.
"You need not be concerned for me. I am perfectly fine. I have friends, and I have my brothers. I am sure that they will help me."
"That is not what I am concerned about." His Father retorted.
"Then what are you concerned about?" Mordred asked.
His Father sighed again.
"Mordred, do you remember the warning I gave you before you first came to Camelot?"
Mordred furrowed his eyebrows.
"You warned me that my Mother may be manipulating me into her plans of vengeance against Arthur."
His Father nodded.
"Now, I am afraid that all this, you becoming High King, is all a part of your mother's plans."
Mordred shook his head.
"This is not about vengeance."
His Father shook his head again.
"There are things you do not understand."
Mordred raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, and what is it that I do not understand."
His Father sighed.
"Just after Gaheris's birth, I overheard your Mother muttering to herself, about a vision she had had."
"And what was in this vision?" Mordred asked skeptically.
His Father sucked in a breath.
"A vision of Arthur dying at the hands of one who was both the blood of Uther and of Gorloise. Of the Pendragon line being ended with a Guileless Son."
Mordred's eyes widened. Guileless Son. The name that his mother had always called him. He had always wondered what this meant.
"Then, she travels to Camelot. And eight months after she returns, she leaves again, claiming that she must give birth to her "Guileless Son" in secret."
Mordred sucked in a deep breath.
"Father, I..."
"There is a secret, that you must know Mordred. Believe me when I say, I have always loved you, just as much as your brothers. However..."
"I know of what my Mother did to Arthur." Mordred interrupted.
His Father blinked.
"You do?"
"Yes." Mordred replied. "Arthur told me months ago. Mother confirmed it. I know that I am the son of Arthur, born of incest."
He looked at his Father seriously.
"However, I still think of you as my Father. For it was you who raised me, who trained me and who loved me since I was but a small child."
His father sucked in a breath.
"And I too, think of you as my son. And that is why I am so concerned for you. I do not wish for your Mother's vision to be fulfilled."
Mordred frowned.
"You are concerned that I will slay Arthur."
His Father shook his head.
"Nay, there is more. In the vision, she saw Arthur dying at the hands of the Guileless Son. However, she also saw the Guileless Son, you, dying at the hands of Arthur."
Mordred shook his head.
"No. This cannot be. You are mistaken."
His Father shook his head again.
"Your Mother intended the end of the Pendragon line. Mordred, you are part of the Pendragon line. Do you not see, Mordred. She has planed this from the start."
Mordred shook his head, denying that his Mother could have ever planned such a horrible fate for her own child.
"Just think about that song she used to sing to you. "Guileless Son, I'll shape your belief..."."
"And you'll always know that your Father's a thief." Mordred muttered. He shook his head. "It does not matter. I am High King now, and there is much for me to do. I must find Merlin and make him pay for his countless crimes. And I must also ensure that my rule is secure before Arthur returns from Francia."
His Father looked at him sadly.
"What happened to the little boy who used to sneak into the training yard and play fight with his brothers using wooden sticks as swords?"
Mordred returned the stare.
"He grew up."
The next day, his Father departed for Orkney. Mordred was saddened to see him leave. However, his mind was also still Wheeling from their conversation.
How dare he accuse his Mother of concocting a plan so horrible, so terrible. His Mother may hate Arthur, but she was not that cruel. She would have never done such a thing to her own son.
But at the same time, he thought about the song that his Mother had used to sing to him. He had never been able to decipher the meaning. So what if...?
Regardless of Mordred's internal struggle, things slowly went back to normal. Now, Mordred had five great advisers in the forms of Galahad and his brothers. They remained forever fateful to him. Mordred felt stronger now that he had his brothers with him. He could truly see a peaceful feature for Britain, free of fear that a friend or family member could suddenly be condemned for supposed dark sorcery.
However, the vision of peace shattered once Arthur returned.
Mordred sat upon his throne, with Gawain and Gareth to his left and Agravaine and Gaheris to his right. Arthur stormed into the throne-room, accompanied by some of his men and escorted by soldiers led by Galahad.
"Mordred, what is this madness!" Arthur demanded.
Mordred remained calm.
"Welcome back to Camelot. Did you end up capturing Lancelot and Guinevere?"
Arthur's frown depended.
"They sort sanctuary with the Francish King. I cannot touch them."
"That is unfortunate." Mordred replied.
"Yes, almost as unfortunate as learning that, in my absence, the person I trusted to watch my Kingdom has usurped my throne."
Mordred shrugged.
"Tis not my fault that the people decided you were... No longer fit to rule."
"Oh, and I doubt you had any part in persuading them." Arthur muttered sarcastically.
Mordred shrugged.
"Perhaps. But I only have what is best for Britain at heart."
"What is best for Britain?" Arthur demanded. "Do you even know what rumours I have heard. You, lifting all restrictions on magic."
Mordred scowled.
"Magic was not meant to be restricted. It was meant to be free."
Arthur scoffed.
"Yes, and what do you think will happen to such power in the wrong hands?"
"I have created new laws, ensuring that magic is not used to harm the land or the people." Mordred replied.
"Oh, and how do you know that they will follow your laws?" Arthur scoffed. "You are a child. What right do you have, to decide what is best for Britain?"
Mordred took a deep, calming breath.
"I am King of Britain. You made me your heir. I am not the only one who believed you proved yourself no longer fit to rule when you left for Francia in pursuit of revenge. And so, with much support, I became High King of Britain, as is my birthright."
"Your birthright, was to die!" Arthur yelled.
Mordred could feel his heart clench.
"As a child, cast out to sea in a fishing boat." He continued, calmer than before. "If I had not changed my mind at the last moment, you would not be hear now to hate me."
Mordred scowled.
"Really? Because my Mother seemed to tell a different story."
"Your Mother," Arthur growled. "Was a treacherous, incestuous hoar. It was only my sense of duty towards my family which kept me from having her executed after what she did to me."
Mordred could sense his brother stiffen at Arthur's words.
"You dare..." Gawain began, but Mordred quickly silenced him with a look.
"Who do you expect me to believe? My Mother, or you? You are nothing more than a King of arrogance, of lies and betrayal."
Arthur's face flickered with sadness, but it was quickly replied with anger.
"Why are you doing this Mordred?"
Mordred sat forward.
"You put too much trust in Merlin Emrys. You have put the magic of Britain in shackles, when it was made to be free. Too many have died because of this."
"If you are speaking of Nimue," Arthur began. "I have already said that..."
"Stop!" Mordred said sharply. "Do not speak her name. It is because of you that she and countless others are dead."
He looked at the man he had once admired.
"Believe me, I do not wish to do this. But you have given me no choice."
Arthur sighed.
"And you have given me, no choice."
Arthur and his party began to leave. Agravaine made to follow them, but Mordred stopped him.
"No brother, don't."
"But Sire," Agravaine began. "You cannot possibly..."
Mordred shook his head.
"I do not wish for bloodshed in the halls of Camelot. We had already welcomed them in, and we would be violating the laws of hospitality by attack them."
Agravaine grumbled, but stayed his hand.
Mordred sucked in a deep breath. Somehow, he knew that this was not over. He knew, that the worst was yet to come.
Harry sat bolt upright. He quickly grabbed his glasses and writing equipment.
Using the light from the street lamps outside the window, he quickly wrote down what he could remember from his latest dream.
As of late, his dreams had been becoming exponentially darker. While he could not remember many details of his dreams, he felt as if things were changing. And they were changing rapidly.
Though his dreams had become dark, Harry could not help the feeling of foreboding. Somehow, he could sense that the worst was yet to come.