"Mordred, you have inflicted conflict on Camelot and therefor must pay for your crimes," my mother said to Mordred who was still on his knees in front of her.

"I have already told you that my existence is my punishment. My Lady, I cannot die. I have tried to take my own life, but nothing seems to work. I am immortal."

"Well you will be punished," my mother stated simply.

"What?" I said a bit too loudly.

"Arabelle, don't," I heard Merlin whisper in my ear.

I couldn't help it. This was absurd! No matter what Mordred has done in the past it doesn't make sence to punish him now! What he has done in the past is the past.

"Mother," I said. "He is punished everyday just by living. He admitted that. He's tried to take his own life. Have you ever heard of such a thing. Life being so terrible that you wanted to stop living it. He has repented his crimes and wishes to make amends. He has, indirectly, saved Camelot. Is that worth punishments?"

Everyone was silent after my monologue. Sir Percival broke the moment of quiet that hung in the air. "Princess Guinevere Arabelle of Camelot, what he has done was a terrible deed, and nothing can mend his damage."

"And why ever not?" I retorted. "Even the deepest of gashes fade into scars. It's time we forget the old battle and focus on the new one." Merlin was looking at me, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"Arabelle, this gash is deeper than most. You are only but a child. I don't expect you to understand the seriousness of the situation," my mother said.

"Your right," I replied. "I don't. But what I do understand is redemption. Every man, no matter how awful the deed he had done is, deserves a second chance."

Nobody said anything for a long while. Finally my mother said, "Prepare the army, we will meet them. We shall be sitting ducks here in the citadel. Mordred, you will lead us, and you will fight agaist your own army."

"I do that every day," he said shooting me a smile. I don't know for certain, but I think I just saved him months of being tortured.