Apologies for the long break. It's getting busier here. I hope all those who read my story in Japan are doing okay. You are in my prayers.
*Knock Knock*
Footsteps sounded to the door and with the click of the handle, a face peeked out to the man in front.
"Arthur?" Gwen called out pulling the door open further with a quizzical look on her face. "I – I mean, Prince Arthur."
"Guinevere..." Arthur smiled as he stood in front of the passersby taking quick looks at Arthur and Gwen. The sun shone on Camelot brightly, giving everyone a reason to be outside.
"What are you doing here?" Gwen asked with a concerned smile as her eyes followed a neighbor shooting a suspicious look.
"I NEED TO INSPECT YOUR HOME GWEN." Arthur said loudly so everyone could hear him, and walked right in. Gwen closed the door and waited for Arthur to speak.
"What is it Arthur?"
After turning around, Arthur smiled at Gwen.
"I just thought I'd come in for a visit..." Arthur smiled, then scanning the area. "How are you doing?"
"I'm alright. I was just on a break. I need to go back to the castle soon, however, to clean the western side of the castle in preparation for the guests attending your birthday banquet."
"Ahh. Right..." Arthur said chuckling a bit. "I'm turning twenty three. You know, in some kingdoms, I would have to have already found my queen."
Gwen looked away quickly from Arthurs eyes.
"Well then, I suppose you need to start searching. Perhaps you'll find the lucky lady at tonight's banquet." Gwen said trying to keep a smile to herself.
"Ahh... I think I've already found her."
Gwen's turned a shade of red.
"Anyways... "Gwen said looked away with an embarrassed smile. "Is there something I can do for you?"
Arthur began walking to the side.
"Actually, there is… Father suggested I get myself a new robe for the dinner. Usually I'd have Merlin arrange for it but I would like to pick one myself." Arthur said, resting his hand on Gwen's table. He began picking at the splinters. "I ... well; I thought I'd get a womans opionin while searching. I'd like for you to come and assist me in my search."
Gwen shook her head and chuckled; her face flushing again.
"Arthur, won't everyone think it's strange if I come with you?"
Arthur looked up and stared at Gwen seriously.
"Well, they better get used to it. "Nodded Arthur, looking a little pink himself. "Now come, there's nothing to worry about. We will play our roles well."
"Did you find your land to your satisfaction?" King Cenred asked Morgana. King Cenred was sitting on his throne and waiting patiently with his elbow resting on the arm of his chair, twirling his thin grey moustache.
"I did." Morgana smiled. Morgana had just toured her new land, a huge section of clear land with trees bordering it with it's lush heights and shade. A cave sat at the north end and with the land, the area was isolated from the rest of the community - Perfect to gather Morgana's followers to prepare them for her plans on defeating Uther.
The grey waterry eyes of the king moved over to Morgana instantly and then the Mordred. "Then it is time. I need to boy to tell me what King Lot has planned."
Mordred pulled closer to Morgana, allowing Morgana to feel himself trembling in fear.
"Mordred..." Morgana said looking down. "Do not worry- I will be next to you the whole time."
"But it hurts..." Mordred said with a tear falling down his cheek. "Please... I don't want to... please..."
"I thought you ensured the boy would be willing." King Cenred said impatiently, observing Mordreds hesitance. "Richard, get the potions ready!" King Cenred called out to a servant.
Morgana ignored King Cenred and kneeled down to Mordred and looked into his blue eyes.
"Listen to me Mordred. We've talked about this- I don't want to do this to you, but we need King Cenred's help. Please… just this once."
Mordred stared miserably at Morgana's scarred side of the face and looked down nervously and nodded.
The sounds of Richards's footsteps entered the hall carrying two potions in his hands; one blood red, and one clear. He scurried to the King while focusing intently on the vials to ensure it would not spill over.
The King grabbed the red vial and walked over to Mordred.
"Go ahead… you know what to do."
Mordred looked at the red potion and then at Morgana. With her nod, he reached out and gripped the vial. His hands were shaking.
"Go on boy…"
"Don't rush him..." snapped Morgana. "Do it when you are ready, Mordred. We have all the time..."
Tears began streaming down his face as he began to cry.
"Morgana... I don't want to, please…"
"Mordred, please..." Morgana soothed, rubbing his back.
"Oh come on…!" King Cenred called out. "You've done this many times before!"
"STOP IT. He will do it when he is ready." Snapped Morgana even louder at King Cenred.
Mordred closed his eyes and pulled the vial to his lips. Eyes wide and mouth open, King Cenred and Morgana watched Mordred gulp down the contents of the vial.
Immediately, Mordred dropped to the floor.
"AaHHHHGGGGGGGGGGHHH!" he screamed, grabbing his head in fury. "AHHHHHHhHH! MORGANANANA!" He squealed, kicking in the air
Immediately, Morgana grabbed Mordred and backed off when Mordred pushed her with such powerful force.
"TELL ME WHAT KING LOT IS UPTO!" King Cenred called out, then turning to Richard. "GET YOUR QUILL READY RICHARD!"
"MONSTER AND BLOOD HAS SEDUCED HIM AGAINST US. LOT IS WITH CAMELOT! THE THREE BLOODS WILL FACE EACH OTHER IN WAR! 3 MONTHS TILL YOUR DESTRUCTION! AHHHHGHGGGGGGG!"
Mordred began convulsing on the floor.
"OKAY HE'S DONE! MAKE IT STOP NOW!" Morgana yelled.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN DESTRUCTED?" King Cenred yelled at Mordred, ignoring Morgana.
"AHGHHH!" Mordred yelled, his face getting redder, veins popping out of his forehead.
"STOP IT! GIVE HIM THE ANTEDOTE! HE'S IN TERRIBLE PAIN! HE CAN'T MANAGE LONGER. HE DID WHAT YOU ASKED!" Morgana yelled, watching Mordred convulse in agony.
"NOT TILL HE TELLS ME ABOUT THIS DESCTRUCTION! WHAT DO I DO TO STOP IT!"
"GIVE ME THE ANTEDOTE OR RICHARD DIES" Morgana yelled furiously, standing in between Cenred and Mordred.
"GET OUT OF MY WAY!" King Cenred said pushing Morgana away. "TELL ME MORE!"
"UTHER MUST DIE!" cried Mordred finally in intense agony.
Morgana turned to a frightened Richard and yanked the bottle away and ran to Mordred and carefully poured the contents in his mouth as King Cenred watched in panic.
Mordred coughed violently and turned to a paler shade, his face and hair sweaty and cool. His eyes were closed and body was faint.
"That is enough! May I remind you that he has done MUCH more right now than we have agreed. Now, show me the druids."
King Cenred, angered yet worried, signaled a trembling Richard to show Morgana the way.
Richard nodded and walked Morgana out whilst carrying Mordred.
The cool night sky blew on the their faces as they walked out the castle and into a secluded area. Morgana set Mordred down on the ground and looked behind. She turned to Richard and smiled.
"Nicely played Richard."Morgana called out smiling. She turned to Mordred. "Mordred get up."
Richard smiled and nodded. "Anything for the cause of magic. It's about time we came together with a competent leader. I'm just glad I could find that berry juice to use for the potion ha-ha."
Mordred opened his eyes and looked at Morgana with a smile.
"Did it work..? Did King Cenred believe me?" Mordred asked.
"You were brilliant." Morgana smiled, patting Mordred's back.
"Ruddy brilliant!" Richard insisted. "Never thought you had it in ya!" Richard pointed out to Mordred.
"You did everything we asked for- we've instilled fear in Cenred." Morgana said beginning to walk."Now he has no choice but to help us in our efforts against Uther; if he does not, he will think he will die."
Mordred smiled to himself as he walked on with the other two.
"Where dya come up with those fancy premonitions anyway… blood and monsters.. What were those?" Richard asked, chuckling about the whole performance.
"Those are all still very true.." Mordred said quietly.
