Chapter 51 [Half a League From Camelot—A Quarter of the Hourglass Later]
Cenred rode through the woods toward his target. Only Nature's sounds greeted his ears within the Sylvan reaches. He'd instructed his army to split into three forces. Each wave would assault Camelot from a different side. They would join up outside of the weakened walls to lay siege to the soon to be beleaguered city. Greed and Conquest prodded him forward.
Behind him, a dozen of his best knights trod. For them, Opportunity beckoned. Anticipation wished for the unlocked gate to Glory's delights. Their eyes scanned surrounding foliage for defenders and Ambush's signs. They spooked a few animals away from their trail.
"Fools!" Cenred hissed. He gnashed his teeth. "We cannot let them know we are here! Be careful with those feet or I will cut them off!" Curses spewed low from his mouth. He led his horse right up to the forest's edge. "Morgause said the entrance was down there." He emerged from Forest's edge.
Metal striking Metal reached their ears. The battle had begun….
Cenred grinned. Mania glowered in his eyes. "It comes together!" He pointed toward the western wall. "The gate!" He spurred his steed onward. Faster and faster he bore down the hill's slope.
Yards away on either side, knights crossed swords with each other. Mercian warriors pressed Camelot's knights back toward the citadel. Surprise rode into view on Gallic tunics' flaps. Invasion's Tide broke against Powder Blue Reinforcements.
Cenred tried to turn his horse. He pulled on the reins. "STOP, YOU STUPID BEAST! I SAID STOP!" Frustration and Anger frothed within his heart over his plans' failure. "STOP!"
The horse skidded in Mud's slick footing. Hooves came out from under the animal. It and the royal rider fell into the sludge. For its part, the horse sprang to its feet and galloped back into the woods.
"COME BACK, FILTHY BEAST!" Cenred spat on the ground. Disgust narrowed his eyes. He rose from the ground. A backhanded swipe cleared his face. Defeat grated on him. Yards ahead, he saw the gate in question. As Morgause had assured him, it was there. However, she had not unlocked it. On the other hand, it had three chains securing it in place. "ARGH!"
"Disappointed, Cenred?" Arthur stopped his horse just shy of Cenred. "You are finished! Surrender. I will spare your life. That is more than you did for my father."
"You won't fight me, Boy?" Cenred drew his sword. He took a single step toward Arthur.
"I do not have to." Arthur motioned to their left and right. "Look around us. I believe you will see what I mean."
Cenred curled his lip. His eyes spied Camelot's and Gaul's knights closing in on their position. "Coward!" He rushed Arthur's horse. Once again, he lost traction and fell on his arse.
"Surrender, Cenred." Bors rode in from the opposite direction. "Your knights have already conceded the field and battle. You are alone." He signaled to his knights.
A dozen swords pressed in on Cenred akin to Porcupine's Quills They allowed the invader little room to breathe much less move. Sharp tips pinched his skin but no more than that.
"This is not the end, Boy!" Cenred tossed his sword to the ground.
"Bind his hands. We will talk inside." Arthur pointed toward Camelot. His eyes narrowed. Restraint kept his own hand away from the sword's hilt. He watched Camelot's knights wrestle ropes around Cenred's wrists. He accepted the rope's end from his knight. "Thank you, Sir Olaf." He spurred his horse onward toward the citadel.
Instead of the Victor, Cenred endured Defeat's bitter dregs.
King Bors nodded. Rather than sink to Cenred's level and slay another king, Arthur showed Promise in his eyes. He saw his knights and Camelot's leading their vanquished enemies toward Camelot. Miracle had seen only a few knights overall wounded much less killed.
Sometimes Justice did prevail….
[Edge of the Forest]
Morgause watched Arthur lead Cenred back toward Camelot. Bile burned at her stomach. She hated the betrayal. She had wanted Camelot razed to the ground. Duty, however, pulled her down a different path. She curled her lip.
"How the vain fall." Nimue slipped into view from behind a nearby tree. Satisfaction sparkled in her eyes. "I am so glad you did not betray us, Sister. I would not have wanted to see the goddess'wrath."
Morgause rolled her eyes. "I know where my allegiance lies, Nimue." Hiss pushed through clenched teeth. "I'd best avoid Mercia for a while."
"Aye. I would say so." Nimue waved her hands. Mist enveloped them.
Thus the Tides did turn….