King Arthur's Knights 4: The Dolorous Tower - 1st Edition

by Deliverer

The Game of Houses was meant to be an exam, a way to test your skills against your peers, a battle royale among dorm houses. It was meant to be fun. It wasn't meant to escalate like this. Suddenly the game takes a horrible, terrifying turn when a mysterious escaped slave shows up in the woods fleeing from two wicked, evil men hunting him and those who'd help him. Namely them.

2. Gathering of the Houses

King Arthur's Knights

Book 4: The Dolorous Tower

(A/N: So this was originally going to be the first story in this series. At least the first couple parts, more or less. Been changed a lot to fit in with being the fourth instead, but still. Not very happy with this chapter, personally, but I wanted it out of the way so I could get into the body of the story.

Also there's a slight correction from my previous story. Between Palamedes, Safir, and Segwarides, Safir is the youngest brother and Segwarides is the middle. Events of the previous story still worked like they did though. Will change it around a bit when I go back over this series and revamp and refine it. Also there will be an attendance taken later in the story, when the dorm houses all meet up. There'll be a whole bunch of names spewed out. None of them you need to worry about remembering like at all. Maybe later in the book, but if it's important enough to bother remembering at all I'll outline it again. Odds are they won't be of any significance. I did it more for realism than pertinence.)

Act 1: Game of Houses

Gathering of the Houses

Once upon a time the hardest battle we had to worry about fighting was the Game of Houses competition in Worcestershire. A battle royale between each of the dorm houses with only one rule. No killing. If only real war abided by that one rule… I'm smirking like an idiot now, because looking back I honestly marvel at how we managed to survive that competition, high school, and each other for so long. There was so much bad blood and rivalry going on that you'd think we would have murdered one another first chance we got. The teachers weren't even much better off, really. They had their own little issues to work out as well!

…How did we survive high school for so long as enemies, only to end up killing one another off as friends…?

It was the Game of Houses that sparked the fire that would become our friendship. It started out like any other with a few changes, but nothing drastic… Then everything went to you-know-what. Just like that it went from a simple friendly school challenge, to a whole new level of dark crap we never even saw coming that totally blindsided us… How the flip did we survive it when our every word and action towards each other was so pathetically counterproductive that it was just sad? Guess you'll have to wait and see my next memories, coming to a theatre near you. Dryly I smirk. I hate my life. Rather, I hate what it became.

… I'm starting to feel cold… I hate dying…

Past

"And thenceforth the Game of Houses shalt commence within the month, wherefore all Houses in Worcestershire that shall assay the challenge will then compete and determine forthwith what braved youths recline within our halls, and determine also forthwith whichsoever of the houses is greatest," Petipice read out to the assembly as the students listened curiously.

Arthur, sitting with a small group of his friends and or acquaintances, whatever, listened in vague annoyance, unimpressed with the announcement. "What a load of bull," Balin said, rolling his eyes. "Just another way to get the boarding houses to go to war. Like we don't have enough drama and rivalry in this dump."

"I'd hoped this would disappear under Pellinore," Balan agreed.

"In its defense, it's a really important test of skill for knights in training," Kay said. "I mean, we get to use real weapons, fight in mock battles with those weapons, work on strategy and survival… It's big."

"We'll give you that, but they could have at least reworded the speech to make it seem less like, you know, full on war between houses," Alymere, aka Astomar, said, shrugging.

"Look at the bright side. It's something to do and something to train for. It's been over a month since anything particularly exciting happened here," Bedivere said. The last incident had been the goblins. Now all the children who'd come back were enduring some serious therapy with King Bors and other teachers—mainly Bors given he was the school councillor at the end of the day—and were slowly getting readjusted to things. Some of them were coming along well, some of them not so much. Generally, the children who'd had a support network to come back to were doing good. Which meant Geraint's two brothers, Sagremore's sister and brother, and Guinevere's sister were all doing the best. Next best were the children who'd had a support group to come back to, but whose support group wasn't constantly around. After them were the ones who'd come back to no one. Needless to say, they were having it really, really tough right now. Really tough…

"Maybe," Dagonet agreed. He looked at Petipace once again, who was reading through the next part of the announcement before declaring it. "It was really nice King Pellinore offered Petipace asylum here. And a job." Goodness knew the guy couldn't go back to Rience's kingdom. Ever. Not unless he wanted to be real gutsy. Or real stupid.

"Kind of resentful myself. The ladies are going nuts over him and taking all the attention away from us guys," Dinadan joked. "You'd think the battle scars and burns would be a turnoff given how badly they've marred him up, but they're wild for them."

"Don't remind us," Dagonet teased back, smirking.

"This year's challenge will have the following changes instilled: Only a select number from each house will be chosen, by us, to participate. Three teachers for each house will be chosen as supervisors. Regarding the Accomodations for Young Pages, they will not stand alone this year, as they have in passed ones, to be used as fodder. This year they will be divided up among the other houses as we see it fit." There was some measure of applause, mostly from the little pages of said Accomodations for Young Pages, who were ecstatic to hear this news. "Now go forth, ye young Squires and Pages, and pepare thineselves for the grand event. Dismissed," Petipace finished. He rolled up the scroll and retreated to the other staff present. The students began to file out.

"So… Guess we're going to be split up then," Arthur said. Half his friend group was in a different house, after all.

"Yep. And at that point, friendship doesn't count," Balin teased. "No mercy."

"Fine then. You're on," Arthur replied, smiling. "May the best house win."

"IAK House is going to destroy Worcestershire, I hope you know that," Dinadan said to Kay with a sly smile.

"Yeah right. We have some of the best fighters in this whole school," Kay answered. "Lancelot, Tristan, Lamorak, and Palomides anyone?"

"You also have some of the most useless. Lucan, Safir, and Arthur anyone?" Dinadan replied.

"Arthur can hold his own. I should know. I fought golems with him, remember?" Daniel said.

"Oh, Dan, forgot you were there," Dinadan said, looking over at his brother who had, in fact, been there the whole time.

Daniel frowned. "Thanks," he flatly replied.

"He's just teasing you," Brunor said, catching up with his siblings and giving Arthur a wary glare.

"No, I really did forget," Dinadan sheepishly said.

"Really? Our own brother?" Brunor asked, unimpressed.

"In my defense…" Dinadan began.

"You have no defense," Daniel deadpanned. Dinadan winced and grinned innocently.

Brunor rolleded his eyes hopelessly. "Din, Dan, come on. We have training and planning to do before we all end up separated."

"Right behind you," Dinadan agreed, smirking mischievously.

KAK

In Worcestershire Academy, there were ten boarding houses in all. Five for boys and five for girls. Each house held a fair number of students each, as well as the dorm fathers, or mothers. These dorm parents were supervisors and authority figures, meant to protect and keep an eye on the students residing in their houses. The first and oldest dorm house on campus was Worcestershire Accomodations, or WA, which had been sponsored by the academy at its founding. The next most prominent house was the Irish Accommodations of Knighthood, or IAK, which had been sponsored by King Anguish of Ireland. The Accommodations for Young Pages, or AYP, was the third major player and one of only two boarding houses not named for a sponsor. Then there was Green Knight Accommodations, or GKA, sponsored by Sir Pertilope, aka Bertilak. The final boarding house for boys was Red Knight Accommodations, or RKA, sponsored by Sir Permones.

The sororities were Leodegrance Accommodations, sponsored by King Leodegrance; Corbenic House, sponsored by the king of Corbenic; Accommodations for Young Damsels, which was the other boarding house not named for a sponsor; Titangel House, founded by Queen Igraine; and Astalot House, sponsored by the Isle of Astalot. They would not be participating in the Game of Houses. They had their own special challenge catered to them, which was kept a closely guarded secret. No male in the whole school, say for maybe Pellinore, Bagdemagus, and Galehaut—which was tentative at best—knew what it entailed.

Rivalries were encouraged between the boarding houses, and so when it came to competition during the Game of Houses, and other events like it, each one was treated like it was a totally separate school. WA believed themselves greater than the rest and thought themselves favored by the school since the school itself had founded them. The 'Capital' of Worcestershire Academy, they called themselves. Unfortunately, under Pynchley most of the faculty had tended to agree, and it was in WA that many of the best jocks and most popular students resided. To be fair, among them were also some of the greatest losers and most prominent loners—there were no class distinctions, and the popular and rich were often grouped with the losers and the poor—but ultimately jocks and popular students tended to outnumber underdogs. Under Pellinore, however, no favoritism was shown. Needless to said, WA's entitlement was starting to wane. Unfortunately, the changing scene of things had made the students bolder in forming rivalries amongst themselves, warping the whole setup into some sort of twisted civil war that was more convoluted than it had already been. Needless to say, the faculty was bracing for one hell of a ride come the Game of Houses…

KAK

Arthur sat in study hall alone at lunch, munching on an apple as he read various tomes he needed to examine for a couple of quizzes. Once upon a time he could have studied in the dining hall. These days, though, alone time in the cafeteria wasn't so common. Which he was usually grateful for, just not today. So he'd come here to study. He was… semi-regretting it, actually. It was quieter than he'd been used to as of late. Uncomfortably so.

"Arthur?" a voice asked.

Arthur glanced curiously up and blinked in slight surprise. "Uh, Geraint. Hi," he replied. "Um, what's up?"

Geraint hesitated a moment. "Can I… sit?" he asked.

"Okay?" Arthur replied.

"Thanks," Geraint said, sitting. He pulled a tome out from a bag and set it down, opening it. He just stared at it, though. Didn't read. Arthur raised an eyebrow curiously before going back to his own tome. "Hey Arthur? I just… I wanted to say thanks. For… for what you did for me and my brothers. I mean, I know it wasn't all you but… but you played a bigger part in it than I think you're even aware of. If you hadn't spoken up I don't… I don't think they would have hesitated to wipe all the goblins out, and then…" He trailed off. He didn't want to finish that thought. "Even I wasn't sure it should be done… If not for you, my brothers… Well, you know."

"Yeah. I know. You're welcome," Arthur said, expression softening. "How are they anyway?"

"Erec! Erec!" a frantic little voice called. Geraint looked over. Darting towards him was a frightened looking little boy followed by another calmer, but still visibly scared, little boy.

"Hi Ermind," Geraint said, smiling over at the one who'd called his name. "Dywel," he said to the other.

"Where'd you go?" Ermind asked, voice sounding a bit weepy.

"I didn't go far. I'm right here, see?" Geraint said as Ermind climbed onto his lap and cuddled into him. The other, Dywel, looked torn between wanting to join his sibling on Geraint's lap or just play it cool. Soon, though, he also climbed onto Geraint's lap, trying to seem nonchalant about it.

"Who's this?" Dywel asked, pointing at Arthur.

Geraint looked over. "This? Don't you remember? It's Arthur," Erec replied.

"The loser Lancelot picks on all the time?" Dywel asked.

"Dywel, watch it," Geraint warned, frowning. "You wouldn't be here right now if not for him."

"He has pretty hair," Dywel said, fixating on Arthur's semi-lengthy hair. Arthur blinked blankly at the kid and grimaced slightly, self-consciously brushing his hair back over his shoulders. "I'd style that."

"If Raoul tries to pack me into one more tight-fitting, frilly-collared suit, I might be taking you up on that," Arthur replied.

"Uncle Raoul?" Dywel asked, perking up a bit.

"Yeah. He's my palace stylist," Arthur replied.

"Palace?" Ermind asked, curious.

"He's the high-king, as it turns out," Geraint said, smirking at his brothers.

"The high-king chose to save us?!" Ermind exclaimed excitedly, eyes bugging wide as he stared at Arthur in fascination. "How did you? Why did you?" Geraint looked to Arthur curiously, silently asking permission to tell the tale.

"Knock yourself out," Arthur said, shrugging. Erec smiled at him and turned back to his brothers, telling them the tale as they listened in rapt attention, fascinated. A story about a young king who, when faced with a dark threat, called upon rulers from all walks of life, both enemy and friend, and gathered them together and spoke to them of the threat they all faced. A king who, when they bayed for genocide, played for mercy for the sake of two little boys, and many other children, who might yet be saved from the curse put upon them. A king who enlisted the help of a wizard, a bandit king, and a fairy maiden who, guised as a mortal, had fallen in love with a young squire. A young squire who also offered his aid, as well as the aid of many of his companions. A king who won the support of a rival ruler not once, but twice, and the support of many other rivals. A king who bargained with a bandit chief and a elfin king in his attempts to protect a fortress and return the lost children of the goblins to mortality…

The way Erec told the tale, Arthur could barely believe it was him Geraint was talking about. In fact, it took him a minute to realize it wasn't just some made up story. And everything was accurate. Arthur just… hadn't known how it had come across until hearing it like this. Suffice it to say, Geraint made it sound epic. Arthur felt like he'd just gone with the flow. He'd done what he needed to, to spare as many lives as possible, and that was it. A few gambles had paid off, nothing big. Now that it was put into context? It suddenly felt like he'd done a lot more. Kind of made him feel way better about himself. Ermind was totally lost in the story from the first sentence, staring at Arthur in total awe. It kind of made Arthur feel self-conscious again, and he shifted a bit uneasily. Ermind looked like he was bubbling over with questions, but timidity won out and he didn't ask them. Soon enough, Geraint's story ended.

"Wow. You made that event sound awesome," Arthur said to Erec.

"For us it was," Geraint replied, smiling gratefully at him. "You wanna take a break from studying and help me watch over these two? Or would you rather I helped you prepare for whatever tests you have coming up?"

"Uh, either's fine," Arthur replied. "Um… thanks Geraint." It wasn't so silent anymore, now that Geraint and his brothers were there, and he found he kind of liked that a little better…

KAK

Bleoberis held the broken blade in his hands, looking dubious. "Can you fix it?" Kay asked him flat out.

Bleoberis looked up at him dubiously. "What's so special about dis piece'a crap?" he asked.

"Look, it's Arthur's. I owe him a favor for saving me from failing a pretty big exam from a few years back. When he pulled the sword from the stone. Never repaid him for that and this blade is pretty special to him and you owe me a favor anyway, so just answer the flipping question, you dumb brute," Kay replied. He gasped as Bleoberis seized him and growled, lifting him a bit off the ground. "Please?" Kay lamely covered, trying for an innocent grin.

Bleoberis harrumphed and put him down, looking at the sword again. "I can fix it," he finally said. "Got teached a few things by de lady who raised my cuz."

"Great. It's, uh, kind of enchanted?" Kay said. Bleoberis gave him an incredulous glare, eyes narrowing and frown deepening a bit. "What, you can't take the challenge."

"I can take it. Just gonna be a while," Bleoberis replied.

"How long is 'a while'?" Kay asked.

Bleoberis let out a drawn out half grunt half sigh. "Few weeks, prob'ly."

"Okay then. It's settled. Don't screw it up," Kay said. Bleoberis menaced him with a fist and he winced, putting up his hands in a pacifying gesture and backing off. He cleared his throat a bit awkwardly, turned, and walked away quickly. Bleoberis glared after him before tossing the blade pieces in a bag and throwing said bag over his shoulder.

Arthur lingered nearby, in hiding. When Kay came around, he asked, "Did he agree? Can he do it?"

"Yeah, he can manage. Might take a few weeks though," Kay replied.

Arthur groaned. "I need that blade for the Game of Houses, though!" he protested.

"Well tough luck, bro. You're gonna have to go off your own natural talent and a plain old sword now," Kay replied.

"Tough luck? This is your fault! You said you'd do this months ago!" Arthur protested.

"It slipped my mind, okay?! A lot of stuff started happening," Kay replied. "Look, I've got to get to practice. Go hang out with your friends or whatever they are or something. This is probably the last chance you'll have to be able to for a while. They separate the houses totally in the week or two leading up to the big competition. Even siblings are isolated from each other, let alone friends. And taught in that time that everyone except those who share their dorm house is an enemy." It was a tough time all around, when that happened. He hated it. They all did. Pellinore had yet to figure out how to reverse that.

"Yeah, I guess," Arthur said with a sigh.

"I'll see you later," Kay said, waving and walking away.

"Bye," Arthur said after him in almost a grumble. Well, this was the start of what promised to be a very, very long month. He was not looking forward to it.

Two Weeks Later

"Alright, after IAK house has finished their meeting and discussion, the assembly hall is ours," Ector said to the boys of WA house. "Pellinore is gathering the children from AYP house that will be accompanying us. He'll meet us inside."

"Which of the brats are with us?" Lancelot questioned.

"You'll see soon enough," Ector replied. "Nobody that'll be too much of a surprise."

"Who's the third teacher coming along?" Tristan asked.

"The Keeper of the Courtyard—formerly the sword Caliburn—Meliot, aka Mariet, de Logres," Ector answered. Arthur winced at the thought of Caliburn, and the memoy of Excalibur. Well, at least Kay had finally gotten around to asking Bleoberis to fix the former. Excalibur was still locked away in a trunk somewhere. Arthur shifted a bit. He guessed he could get Excalibur, since Caliburn was out of commission, but he was still a bit… apprehensive, about it. Not that he didn't want it, it just… he wasn't sure he was ready for that much sword. Still, it couldn't hurt to take it out for a test spin, right? Maybe not. He'd see how this all panned out.

Just then Sir Meliot slipped out of the assembly hall. "Ector, they're out. It's time," he said.

"Alright, hop to it boys. I'll take attendance in there. Go on," Ector said. Quickly the boys entered the assembly hall on Ector's order and automatically got in line for attendance.

"Alymere," Ector said.

"S'up," Alymere replied.

"Arthur Pendragon," Ector said.

"Here," Arthur replied.

"Bedivere," Ector said.

"Here," Bedivere replied.

"Bleoberis de Ganis," Ector said.

"Cancha just look ta see if everyone's here?" Bleoberis asked, getting bored with this list.

Ector frowned at him then looked over the students, who all seemed to be wondering the same and seemed more than a little relieved Bleoberis had said it. "Fine, so be it," he relented. He looked at his list, scanning. "Bors de Ganis, check. Brunor le Noir, check. Dagonet, check. Degore, check. Gareth, check. Gawain, check. Hector de Maris, check. Kay le Senechal, check. Lamorak le Savage, check. Lancelot du Lac, check. Lionel de Ganis, check. Lucan, check. Palamedes, check. Pelleas, check. Safir, check. Tristan de Lyons, check. Alright. Everyone's here. At least, everyone who'll be here is. Now, as established there will be three faculty members that will help keep a handle on you boys."

"We don't need babysitters!" Brunor protested immediately. Ector looked incredulously at him, then at the others. Brunor turned and winced. Bleoberis was lifting Dagonet off the ground and menacing him with a fist, Lancelot was heckling Arthur by constantly poking him and riling the king up. Various other mischief was happening amongst the group as well. "Guys!" Brunor shot. They turned to him and quickly returned to normal, putting on innocent expressions. Brunor turned back to Ector. "See?" he said. Ector looked less than impressed. Brunor grimaced and backed down sheepishly.

Just then the doors opened. The students looked over as the principal entered. "Hello boys, ready for the big competition?" Pellinore asked, smiling.

"Is this all the babysitters now?" Brunor flatly asked.

Pellinore frowned at him. "Check that attitude, Brunor. As to your question, yes. Yes, it is. At least for your unruly group. As established, each house will have three 'babysitters' to keep a handle on you rowdy little bra… brilliant young men." None of the boys looked impressed with his lame attempt at a cover-up. Pellinore cleared his throat, turning away and pretending to be interested in something else.

"Which of the little ones are coming with us?" Lionel asked.

"You mean besides you, Hector, and Bohort?" Kay nipped.

"We're not little!" Hector protested.

"BS. The oldest of you is what? Thirteen?" Kay shot.

"Stay down," Lancelot warned Kay, frowning at him. Kay sneered at Lancelot but backed down nonetheless.

"Control yourselves, boys," Ector said, starting to sound a bit testy. "Things are in danger of escalating now."

"Not a surprise," Meliot flatly said, rolling his eyes hopelessly.

Pellinore turned to the doors. "Little ones come in," he called out to whatever children were behind that door. The door opened, after a couple seconds, and a small group shuffled inside. "Line up," Pellinore directed the children. They did so, standing a little nervously but also excitedly. "There's your answer as to the boys coming with us," the principal said, smiling at the older ones while gesturing to the younger. He turned to the children again. "Answer when I call your names. Loholt."

"Here," Loholt said.

"Mordred," Pellinore said.

"Use your eyes or give them to someone who will," Mordred replied quietly.

Pellinore frowned at him curiously. Where had that come from, he wondered? Ugh, just watch this be one of 'those days' for the boy. He shook his head hopelessly. "Yvain," he continued.

"Here! I'm here!" Yvain said eagerly, waving his hand frantically like he was trying to attract attention.

Arthur pushed it down. "We see you, Yvain," he said, smirking.

"At least someone does," Yvain replied.

"Don't get down on yourself, kid," Gawain concernedly said. Ugh, Morgan had probably been cold-shouldering him again.

"And finally Ywain," Pellinore finished.

"I'm here too," Ywain replied.

"Uh, excuse me! I have a question about safety," Safir said, raising a hand.

"Well save it for the camping trip, my boy," Ector cheerily replied, smiling.

"Wait, what?!" Arthur exclaimed, instantly alarmed. Most of the others groaned.

"Really dad? That's why there are so many teachers coming along this year?" Kay excitedly asked.

Hector leapt up eagerly. "It's going to be overnight?! Yes! I can practice being a knight for real!"

"Yeah! I love camping. Hiking and camp fire stories are awesome!" Bors agreed. "We're so in!" He high-fived his cousin.

"I'm worried the young ones will be hurt," Safir protested. "And by young ones I don't mean just the four children. I also mean Lionel, Bors, and Hector." The three let out dismayed protests immediately, which Safir ignored. So maybe they weren't as much of a risk as the little ones—toddlers and camping didn't sound safe at all—but it was still taking a big chance.

"We can handle ourselves, Safir, we can! Don't worry," Yvain insisted.

Lucan backed them, saying, "I wouldn't suggest doubting them. They've given me quite a challenge at times. Talent so refined at that young an age is indeed an unquestionable rarity."

"Their giving you a challenge is a surprise?" Arthur incredulously asked.

Lucan looked icily over at Arthur. "Do you desire to find out, 'Artie'?" he retorted in defense. For goodness sakes he wasn't incompetent at fighting! He just preferred more cerebral pursuits.

"Silence in the barracks!" Degore put in sharply. He looked at Arthur. "Sir, permission to speak sir?"

"Seriously?" Arthur asked incredulously. "We talked about this man."

"Sir, Lucan may be scrawny, but he can handle a spear and blade," Degore continued, ignoring him. The young king rolled his eyes doubtfully.

Quickly interrupting, Sir Ector declared, "They'll be alright. There are enough of us watching, and it's likely one or two more will join us at the site, but if you want confirmation, I'm sure Lancelot and Gawain can vouch for the boys."

"Mordred and Loholt can come," Gawain confirmed. "And Ywain and Yvain."

"Lancelot, please!" Lionel begged.

"Yous ain't gonna caves inta dat, is ya?" Bleoberis asked, pointedly putting Lancelot on the spot.

"Forget them. Why are we bringing tardy Artie?" Gareth insulted.

"Shove it, Gareth! I am not helpless!" Arthur shot.

"Oh no? Prove it! Come at me, I dare you! I'll just grab Agravaine and we'll hang you from the basketball net like those loser nerds Xavier Ironside and Gures did. Or Gary. Whatever the hell he's calling himself these days," Gareth challenged. The others snickered at the memory except for a choice few, among them Kay, Tristan, Gawain, Palamedes, Safir, and Lancelot. Lancelot was still seething towards Bleoberis for putting him on the spot, thinking of ways to tell him off. Finally, though, he gave up.

"I'll show you, you piece of…" Arthur began.

"Enough!" Sir Meliot bellowed. They all instantly shut up. Dropping once more to a calmer tone, the keeper of the courtyard went up to Lancelot, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Do your cousins and half-brother go or not?" he asked gently.

Lancelot looked to the three boys, uncertain. If he said yes, the guys would get it into their idiot heads that he was soft. He'd probably end up like Arthur, though to be fair the guys had proven themselves unexpectedly loyal during that whole bandit and goblin fiasco. If he said no, his relatives wouldn't talk to him for a week. Well, maybe Bohort, he was all about forgiveness lately, but not Hector or Lionel. Suddenly Astomar, Alymere, said in his carefree way, "Come on, let the kids go, Lance. They're good enough. Besides, if we're dragging toddlers along we might as well bring preteens."

"Hey, ya doesn't gets ta put down ma relations!" Bleoberis protested immediately.

"Then next time rethink when you decide to pipe up, you moron," Brunor said, rolling his eyes at his friend. "You had to see that coming when you started bugging Lancelot and putting them down yourself." It was all but a brightly painted sign screaming 'open season', after all.

"He doesn't see much coming," Gareth bit.

"You wanna get beat, Gar?" Bleoberis growled, Quickly Gawain moved between his sibling and Bleoberis, glaring warningly.

Lancelot was secretly grateful to Alymere for stepping in, though he wouldn't likely admit it. He got the feeling, though, that he didn't need to. Alymere knew exactly what he was doing. It was rare he lent a hand these days, but Lancelot would take what he got. Alymere liked Hector, Bohort, and Lionel anyway. The jouster rolled his eyes with an exasperated sigh. "Alright already. When do we leave?" he said, putting on a show for the others.

"Now," Ector declared.

"What?!" the students exclaimed. They'd just learned about the camping bit though!

"Surprise," Pellinore said with a smirk. "Challenge one, going in poorly prepared. Emergencies happen, after all. Don't worry, we're equipped should things go wrong." The boys all exchanged grimaces. That wasn't reassuring.

KAK

The next thing the students knew, they were standing in front of the stables clad in armour. Lionel pushed back up his helmet, annoyed when it slid down. Bleoberis took it, plopping it on his cousin's head properly. Lionel smiled up at him. Arthur was in shock still, but the others were quickly becoming excited.

"Alright, let's get going!" Bedivere insisted.

"Wait, does everyone have their shields?" Safir asked.

"Mine dear brother, all is well. Hasten not to become safety conscious upon we mortal wretches now," Palamides assured his sibling with an affectionate smirk. He was too late.

"Helmets in place, armour tight but not too tight, horses and saddles checked?" Safir rattled.

"Oh for Pete's sake, it's fine!" Kay barked, annoyed. Safir jumped.

"Thank you!" Gareth said to Kay.

"Don't worry, Safir, I checked everything. Is there anything else you want me to do?" the eager to please Pelleas asked.

"Well…" Safir began.

"Dude, chill, it's no big," Astomar assured Safir with a grin.

"I suppose… In that case, let's go," Safir said, loosening up a little. He turned to his friend with a smile. "It's fine, Pelleas."

"Whatever you guys say. Or want!" Pelleas remarked.

"Oh, go jump off a bridge," Arthur muttered, annoyed by the eager attitude.

"Which one?" Pelleas obliviously asked.

Arthur looked at him in disbelief. Well, it was the most unquestioning obedience he'd gotten since becoming King. He guessed he could let it slide. "Never mind," he replied. He looked over the other members chosen from out of Worcestershire house. "Well, aren't we a strange bunch?" he wryly remarked.

"Arthur, if no one asked you, it's best to keep quiet," Tristan remarked in a serious tone, no hint of threat or insult in his voice; only warning, which Arthur found weird, but then Tristan was, well, Tristan.

"Hey, leave the guy alone," Hector half-heartedly defended.

"Shut it, Hector," Brunor ordered.

"Don't insult my cousin, Brunor!" Lionel shot.

"Technically, it was not in fact an insult," Lucan stated.

"Enough already!" Lancelot ordered.

"The babysitters are coming," Brunor said suddenly, catching sight of the teachers before anyone else.

"Attention!" Degore barked. They lined up, standing straight.

KAK

The adults approached, riding their horses and towing others behind them for the students. "Ah, what noble beasts these be," Palamedes said.

"I've been ridin' around on a horse with no name," Lamorak sang.

"I'm pretty sure they have names, Lamorak," Arthur bit. Lamorak frowned, about to reply, when the teachers reached them.

"Here you are, boys," Pellinore said as he, Sir Ector, and Sir Meliot reached them, handing over the reins of the steeds. "When we reach the site, we'll go into more detail about what's happening."

"These horses are beautiful," Dagonet softly said.

"Hey, is ya gettin' gushy? I'm gonna have ta beat yous down wit' Artie, Safir, Pelleas, Lamorak, and Palamedes if yous is," Bleoberis remarked, punching his hand. Dagonet frowned but said nothing.

"You'll have to get by me first," Tristan warned Bleoberis as he took a horse.

"By us both, dude. Jester or not, I won't stand idly by and let others fight my battles for me," Dagonet said.

"I can offer my services to fend him off as well," Gawain intervened.

Okay, Arthur was finding a whole new level of respect for Gawain, Tristan, and Dagonet again. He'd never really noticed Dagonet before this whole school thing had started back up, honestly. Now he sort of wished he had. Well, at least he wasn't the only underdog in Worcestershire; cough, cough, Lamorak, Palamedes, Dagonet, Safir, Lucan, Lionel, and probably a few more that he could have named but didn't care to. So why, then, had he always been the only one who got pushed around? Or had that all just been his imagination? Pushing any thoughts of newfound respect away, he tried to focus on prepping his horse.

"I've got your back, Bleoberis, don't worry," Brunor assured.

"Yo, Dagonet, let's ditch these dudes," Astomar said, nimbly leaping onto his horse.

"With you all the way," Dagonet said, getting onto his own steed.

"Not so fast!" Pellinore sharply said. The two froze. "You will stay behind me. Sir Meliot and will linger in the middle of you and Sir Ector will take up the rear. I warn you now, we won't stand for any misdemeanours."

"Oh come on!" the boys all chimed.

"You heard him, now get on your horses and let's go," Ector ordered.

"And remember, we're watching you," Meliot warned.

KAK

The event would take place in Far Far Away. During the boat ride they mostly were able to avoid each other. Once they landed, though? Not so much. The group trode together down the road, heading towards the forest. "Quit crowding me Alymere," Hector sharply said to Astomar, whose horse was brushing his own.

"Oh suck it up," Alymere retorted. "I'm not even close to you."

"This is crowding," Mordred said, purposely making his horse run into Astomar's, who in turn bumped Hector's. Hector's horse whinnied in fear as it lost its footing. Hector cried out, but luckily the horse got its balance back.

"Mordred, back off!" Lancelot angrily threatened.

"Methinks Lancelot du Lac is getting soft," Mordred sneered.

"Would you fight him?" Loholt challenged his adoptive brother.

Mordred looked back at Lancelot but said nothing. "Don't talk big if you're not going to go through with it, kiddo," Gareth said with a smirk.

"You haven't?" Mordred challenged.

"I'm not a small child trying to pick a fight with a guy four times his age and size," Gareth replied. Mordred blinked up at his brother wide-eyed, and looked uneasily at Lancelot, who smirked wickedly at him. Mordred cringed and moved closer to Gawain's horse. Gawain went insta protective and shot Lancelot a 'back off' look.

"Enough out of ya dweebs, or I'm gonna come over dere with Brunor and bash ya!" Bleoberis called to them from behind.

"Like hell you will," Alymere retorted.

"You tempting us, Astomar?" Brunor questioned.

"Stop fighting," Bedivere pled.

"I'm sorry, do you want a piece of it too, Bedivere?" Breunor snidely asked.

"Oh, he's so scared. What are you gonna do, Breunor? The teachers are right here," Arthur said, frowning at him.

"Hey, no one…" Breunor began.

"Silence in the barracks!" Degore ordered.

"Guard your tongue, Degore, or you might lose it," Mordred said, frowning.

"Mordred, you have an inexplicable tendency to get on everyone's nerves!" Lucan shot.

"Hey, I've told yous, no big words. I can't get dem," Bleoberis complained.

"You don't get much," Gareth bit. Gawain smirked and the two brothers high-fived.

"Enough! Mordred, that was a stupid stunt you pulled, making Alymere bump into Hector. His horse could have stepped in a hole and hurt its leg, toppling Hector onto the ground and potentially paralyzing him," Safir chastised.

"Your point?" Mordred asked.

"The attitude will be the death of you, Mordred," Tristan warned.

"Hey, I know, let's play the silent game! That way everyone will be happy," Pelleas desperately stated, hoping to break up the fight.

"There is a time to keep silent and a time to speak," Palamedes poetically agreed.

"Yeah. Let's get down to business," Lamorak sang, trying to calm down the impending fight.

"Are you morons always like this?" Kay asked the others in a heated tone, finally speaking and looking at them in annoyance as his temper flared.

"Is that going to be a problem?" Gareth asked.

"Why you little…!" Kay began to retort furiously, turning his horse so sharply that Gareth quickly made his own retreat a few steps.

"Don't grace it with an answer, Kay, you'll make it worse," Bedivere interrupted.

"Enough!" Pellinore called angrily back at the students. "We're entering the forest now, so you all have to be quiet from here on in."

"We must listen for any potential danger," Meliot warned seriously, nodding in agreement with Pellinore.

"There might be trolls out here, so the next one to talk gets detention," Ector stated leaving no question about it. The boys fell reluctantly silent, listening to the sounds of the woods…

KAK

Some time later the group reached the site from which they'd branch out. It was a large clearing where five large tents were set up, bustling with activity. They gaped in shock. "Whoa… This is gonna be intense," Dagonet said.

"That it is," Pellinore replied, smiling. "This year it's a game of survival, strategy, and luck, and the first boarding house to complete it—and get a high score in each of the hidden elements involved, events you won't know until the end—is the winner and will receive a large donation for much needed assets to their Dormotory."

"Each participant this year was chosen based on factors such as skill, mental and physical health, strength, ability, perceived talent, etc. This is a big privilege for all of you," Meliot said.

"This year's competition is much more intense than it's been in the past. We're dealing with an all-star lineup this time," Pellinore added. "AYP, GKA, RKA…"

"And most importantly, IAK," Ector cut off. Most of them started grumbling and muttering bitterly, eyes narrowing.

"Um, why single out IAK?" Dagonet asked, totally confused. They'd seemed okay with one another.

"Because when it comes to competitions like this, IAK House is our biggest rival," Alymere replied.

"They're a remarkably prestigious boarding house with an astonishing track record. They're WA's biggest rivals and the tensions between us are high. We will do everything and anything to beat each other, no limits," Lucan explained. "Throw sibling and family rivalry into the mix and it becomes quite the spat." Most families had been split between the houses for just that purpose, when Pynchley was in office, and by the time he was out it was too deeply ingrained to bother rearranging.

"Vice-Principal Bagdemagus is overseeing IAK this year, along with the captain of Worcestershire's guards, Morholt. Morholt is a despicable and dark man, loyal dog of King Anguish of Ireland," Tristan darkly growled.

"Uh, what's Tristan's issue with Morholt?" Arthur asked Gawain.

"Tristan is a huge advocate of antislavery. Annually, the Irish King Anguish—and by extension his champion Morholt, who enforces it—receives a tribute of three hundred youths and maidens into slavery for some long ago won battle. Tristan is appalled by it," Gawain stated.

"No wonder," Arthur said, grimacing.

"The man deserves no less than death for the slaves he takes from us," Tristan stated, having overheard this.

"Dude, harsh enough?" Astomar incredulously asked.

"Harsh? I'm being lenient," Tristan replied.

"Your determination is admirable, young Tristan de Lyones," a voice said from behind.

Tristan scowled, turning sharply. "Sir Morholt," he icily greeted. "And King Bagdemagus too. Who else is with you? A man equally despicable as Morholt?"

"Actually, no," Bagdemagus said, frowning at Tristan. "I have King Bors with me. Then there are the three other teachers who'll be split between our two dorm houses. Extra supervisors to help keep the little children safe. Those are Petipace, Galehaut…" he began.

"Who is in fact equally as despicable as Morholt," Arthur butted in.

"Back off, shrimp," Lancelot growled at Arthur.

"And…" Bagdemagus started again. He trailed off, though, hesitating with a grimace.

"Bagdemagus?" King Pellinore asked, a hint of coldness and suspicion in his tone. That kind of silence was never a good sign from the man.

Bagdemagus shifted uncomfortably. "Um… King C-Caradoc Briefbas of Scotland? Th-the school physician?" he answered.

KAK

There was total silence on all sides. Bagdemagus shifted uncomfortably. "Carados… You mean one of the rebel kings trying to go to war with my son?" Ector icily repeated after a moment. "The one with no excuse?"

"I wrote to him informing him of the event and begging him to return, so he came back under a flag of truce for this event only. This isn't exactly a hazard free test, you know! We need him if something goes wrong. He's the best physician we have! So I sent for him and begged him to come back at least for a while. He did so on the condition he didn't end up supervising the children in Arthur's group," Bagdemagus said. "He'll be fine, I promise. I'll keep him on a tight leash!"

"Be sure you do, because if something happens to Arthur, there'll be blood," Ector warned darkly.

"So, tell me Bagdemagus, who are the youths you chose to bring along?" Pellinore butted in, trying to break up the mounting tension.

"I thought you would never ask," King Bagdemagus replied gratefully.

Morholt snapped his fingers and immediately a group of boys reacted and came forward. They started on seeing the Worcestershire crew. "Well, well, look what the trolls dragged in," one of the boys said. Dinadan. "Was pretty sure you guys had chickened out when you didn't shot up within the first couple boarding houses."

"Dinadan. Missed you too, bro," Brunor replied, smirking coldly at his brother. He looked over to the one standing beside Dinadan. "You too, Daniel," he greeted in a warmer tone.

"It's been a while, bro," Daniel replied, nodding. None of the houses had interacted with one at other at all since the day after the assembly, and then the trip to Far Far Away itself was overnight, currents and conditions depending, then the trip to this site had been a lengthy hike, so yeah, it had been a while. It was a psychological sort of game that was played during the 'Game of Houses' event. Sometimes it worked too well.

"Half-bro," Dinadan corrected Daniel. "Let's not dress it down."

"Half-brother or not, I know full well it has no bearing on how much you guys love me," Brunor replied, smirking. Dinadan chuckled.

"Save the banter for after attendance is taken, children," Bors the Elder said, approaching them from IAK tent.

"Dad!" Bors exclaimed, grinning.

"Uncle," Bleoberis greeted, smiling at the man affectionately.

"Uncle," Lancelot and Hector both echoed in succession. Bors smiled gently at them. He'd never been a fan of the whole 'isolate yourself from your rivals' policy that Worcestershire imposed before the Game of Houses began. It was hard on a lot of people. A week or two wasn't very long, really, but bear in mind that during that time you were being goaded to see the rival houses as enemies. Not friends or brothers or fathers or sons, but enemies.

"As pleasant as this reunion has been, Tristan, now we must return to our tents and let Worcestershire set theirs up. The participants are about to be called out and divided up," Morholt said, glaring coldly at Tristan who was fixing him with a death glare.

"Yes, of course. We will banter later," Meliot said, nodding at Morholt. Morholt nodded back and the two houses separated.

KAK

(Large Attendance. Again, don't bother trying to remember the names. If they're important they'll be brought up or rehashed again.)

"Welcome to the Game of Academies!" Petipace cried out loud, taking the 'stage'. "This year our participants have been hand selected from among the best Worcestershire has to offer."

"Arthur's among the best?!" Lancelot heckled. Most of the others laughed, and Arthur winced, shrinking down and looking embarrassed.

"Anyone who can last as long as he did against me in a challenge is, in fact, among the best," Pellinore sharply put in. Lancelot and others started, and a sea of eyes went to Arthur, who blushed and tried to shrink himself down even further, wincing.

"Our teams are as follows," Petipace continued, and all eyes went to him again. "The Accomodations for Young Pages, special guests and extremely gifted boys each one! Worcestershire Accomodations, Irish Accomodations of Knighthood, Green Knight Accomodations, and Red Knight Accomodations! We have, this day, a great many participants." Over sixty which, Petipace wryly noted to himself, was going to kill his throat. He half wondered if he should bring up the torture card and ply for sympathy. "Accompanying each house are their dorm fathers. For Worcestershire, Sir Meliot; for IAK, Sir Morholt; for the Pages, myself; for GKA, Sir Pertilope; and for RKA, Sir Permones! Two other faculty will accompany the dorm fathers as insurance. For Worcestershire, King Pellinore and Sir Ector; for IAK, King Bagdemagus and King Bors. For the Pages, King Carados and King Galehaut; for GKA, Bishop Baudwin and Sir Amide Banier, or Plaine de Force; for RKA, Sir Brastias and Sir Ulfius."

Petipace paused, looking at the list of names coming up, and grimaced. King Caradoc approached him and handed him a waterskin. Petipace nodded gratefully, muttered a question which Caradoc sharply laughed at before tuning and walking away. Petipace took a drink with a put-out frown. "Probably tried to con him into reciting the list for him," Astomar said, smirking. Dagonet smirked back.

Petipace lay the waterskin aside and turned to the list again. "The participants from Worcestershire Accomodations are as follows: Alymere aka Astomar, Arthur Pendragon, Bedivere, Bleoberis de Ganis, Bors de Ganis, Brunor le Noir, Dagonet, Degore, Gareth, Gawain, Hector de Maris, Kay le Senechal, Lamorak le Savage, Lancelot du Lac, Lionel de Ganis, Lucan the Butler, Palamedes, Pelleas, Safir, and Tristan de Lyones.

The participants from IAK are as follows: Accolon of Gaul, Aglovale, Agravaine, Alisander, Balan, Balin the… Ill-fated, Bran de Lis, Daniel von dem Bluhenden Tal, Dinadan, Dornar, Gaheris, Galihoden of Honolan, Geraint fab Erbin, Griflet, Hoel, Percival, Sagremore le Impetuous, Segwarides, and Tor.

"Hoel is here?" Arthur said hopefully.

"What's got you excited?" Lancelot asked.

"Uh, he's my cousin?" Arthur replied, frowning. "I haven't seen him since your moron friends tried to string him up in the assembly hall and beat him half to death!" He'd left school for a bit, to recover. It was about time they had a chance to reconnect. He could ask him how he'd been. He hoped he caught up to him before they all split up. Lancelot scowled but didn't defend his friends.

"The Pages who will be participating in the Game of Houses are as follows: Constantine of Cornwall, Dywel fab Erbin, Ermind fab Erbin, Galeschin of Garlot, Loholt of Orkney, Mordred of Orkney, Ywain son of Uriens, and Yvain the…" Petipace began. He trailed off, reading the name like he couldn't believe what was written there. Yvain seemed to close in on himself, hanging his head low and looking like he wanted to disappear. He knew what the list said. 'The Bastard of Cavaliot'. That's what it always was… "Yvain the Adventurous," Petipace finally said.

Yvain looked up in shock, eyes wide. "Huh?" he said quietly to himself. Petipace caught his shocked gaze and smiled gently, winking. Yvain perked up, grinning. Ywain beamed at his brother in excitement.

"Dywel and Ermind? Aren't they two of the children who were goblins? Why are they even here? It's too soon for them to be out of therapy and sent off on a thing like this!" Safir said.

"They're here because they are totally and completely dependent on Geraint, right now. They will not be separated from him, and heaven help whoever tries to do so before they've been able to cope with everything that's happened," Meliot answered.

"This isn't a good idea," Safir protested.

"It's a worse one to bring along Geraint and leave them behind," Meliot said.

"Why wasn't Geraint left behind as well, then?" Safir challenged.

"Because everyone wants to win and Erec is talented, a valuable asset to IAK," Meliot answered.

"Geraint felt like a change of scenery and a little adventure might be good for Dywel and Ermind," Pellinore corrected, frowning at Meliot's analysis. "This wasn't our call. It was his." Safir looked ready to protest, but he caught Bleoberis making a threatening gesture towards him and decided, at that point, that it was probably better to keep his mouth shut. With a sigh and a shake of his head, he let it go. For now. But he might have to find a way to meet and subsequently lecture Geraint later, if possible. Such recklessness was careless and potentially costly, after all.

Petipace continued. "The participants from GKA are as follows: Earl Aristause, Calogrevance aka Calogrenant, Darras, Dodinel aka Pinel le Savage, Gahalantine, Galleron of Galway, Gautere, Giomar, Hebes les Renownes, Lavain, Meleagant, Menaduke of Mentoche, and Ozanna le Cure Hardy. The participants from RKA are as follows: Edvard of Carnarvon, Edward of Orkney, Espinogres, Guyart aka Gures aka Gary the Younger, Harry, Xavier Ironside, and Earl Lambaile.

The pages will be divided between WA and IAK. Accompanying Worcestershire Accomodations will be Loholt, Mordred, Yvain, and Ywain. Accompanying IAK will be Constantine, Dywel, Ermind, and Galeschin. King Galehaut of the Distant Isles and Sorelais will join WA as a fourth faculty member, to compensate for the additions. King Carados Briefbas of Scotland and King Bors de Ganis will join IAK as extra staff to compensate for the extra additions. Now, ready yourselves noble houses, for afore the sun is low in the sky, the Game of Houses shall commence!" Everyone cheered.

KAK

The names recited, and arrangements made, the houses were now in prep mode. And apparently trash talk mode as well. "Trying to play with the big boys, Worcestershire?" Agravaine taunted, not even missing a beat.

"Bite your tongue, Agravaine," Gareth bit. "Besides, not like you can talk. You're barely older than me."

"You know full well that wasn't what he meant by 'big boys', little brother," Gaheris said.

"The family's all together again," Mordred dryly remarked.

"Mordred, secret spy handshake now," Agravaine said, grinning slyly at his little sibling. Mordred perked up and immediately responded to his brother's handshake.

"Secret spy handshake, Agravaine? Really?" Arthur dryly asked. As established many times, he'd never been a fan of Agravaine. Least liked one of Lot's sons next to Mordred. The guy was a sleaze and a snitch, a rat and snake.

"Back off, Arthur," Agravaine bit, frowning.

Hoel approached, focused on Arthur. "H-hey c-cuz," he greeted, smiling.

"Hoel, you made it to this," Arthur said, grinning.

"G-Gary, I-Ironside, and I m-may be g-geeks, but we're n-not helpless, when it c-comes down to it," Hoel said, pulling Arthur into a brief hug.

"Safir, Palamedes!" Segwarides exclaimed, pushing through his comrades and running right to them.

"Segwarides!" Safir exclaimed.

"Fondest greetings unto thee, brother," Palamedes said, grinning. He hadn't been happy upon learning they weren't to interact with any members of rival dorm houses, so he was more than pleased that they had time to interact now before being split up again. He and his two brothers wandered a little way away, laughing and talking animatedly.

"Aglovale, Dornar, Tor, Percival!" Lamorak exclaimed, grinning widely and moving towards his own siblings.

"Lamorak!" Percival exclaimed happily.

"Hey there, little brother," Aglovale said, grinning and noogying Lamorak. Lamorak grinned affectionately, pushing his hands off.

"Have I ever mentioned how royally ticked I was when you ditched IAK for WA?" Dornar teased. "Took all the fun out of wiping the floor with them. We were an impenetrable team before you switched sides."

"It was dad's idea that at least one of us defect. None of you were volunteering," Lamorak pointed out.

"Touché," Dornar admitted, smirking.

"Guys, let's get a move on here!" Sagremore said, approaching the sons of Pellinore along with Accolon.

"Oh look, it's the guy who couldn't keep it in his pants with my sister. No wonder Uriens didn't show up," Arthur bit at Accolon before he could stop himself.

"He didn't show because you were here!" Accolon immediately defended, blushing brightly and immediately looking like he wanted to disappear, visibly uncomfortable.

"Guess we'd better head back to IAK before we go at one another," Dornar dryly said.

"We're going to own all of you," Sagremore said, pointing at them.

"This coming from the Narcissus of the modern world?" Gareth sarcastically bit. "You'll probably be the one to screw them over." Sagremore went at him without question, but Accolon quickly seized him, holding him back with a grimace.

"Good luck out there," Aglovale said to them as the rest of IAK headed over too.

"You don't wish the enemy good luck, bro," Dornar said, rolling his eyes. Aglovale frowned at him but let it go as the others reached them.

Bagdemagus headed towards the group, going to Pellinore. "Everything's set up and ready?" he asked.

"Yes. You're heading out with you and yours now?" Pellinore asked.

"I'm about to. I had to check on my son Meleagant," Bagdemagus said. "Make sure he was prepared."

"The kid that makes Dinadan look like a tolerant guy?" Gareth dryly asked.

"Hey, I'm plenty tolerant!" Dinadan protested. "The little people and the poor wretches of the peasant class simply get in my way and dirty up my air. You can hardly blame me for avoiding the swine like the plague."

"You're a creep, plain and simple," Daniel said to his brother from beside Tor.

"Whoa, I almost forgot you were there, Dan," Tor remarked to Daniel. Daniel frowned, unimpressed.

KAK

"Lucan, feeling threatened by little cousin yet?" Griflet teased, poking his cousin.

"Sacrilege!" Lucan protested, scowling at Griflet.

"We're going to run you all into the ground, uncle," Agravaine said to Arthur, smirking wickedly at him.

Arthur, pointedly ignoring him, looked over at Hoel who stood at his side. "You know, you'd think my nephews would try and show some respect to their uncle who's, you know, sitting on the throne of the high king, but oh no, not them. Instead they're among my principal tormentors," he said. Hoel snickered. Arthur grinned. "Seriously man. Gareth and Agravaine get off on bullying me mercilessly along with Lancelot, Gaheris is a tossup I can't even predict anymore, and Mordred? Don't even get me started. That brat is creepy as all getup, as much a snake as Agravaine, and has a tongue so acidy it would make a snake bite seem like luxury. Kind of like Kay."

"Hey!" Kay protested at the same time as an outraged Mordred.

"You're seriously classifying Mordred as one of your principal tormentors? He's just being a kid," Gareth said.

"That is no normal kid," Arthur bit, glaring at Mordred who was seething, eyes burning with hatred. Which of course wasn't anything new. Mordred had hated him even before he'd left Worcestershire with Shrek. He still hated him now.

"Give it a rest, Arthur," Gawain said, frowning at his uncle.

"I'm pleased with how the houses were set up this year," Pellinore remarked, quick to change the subject before things could spiral further.

"At least this year our opponents are worthy," Morholt agreed.

"It's flattering to know you consider us worthy opponents," Meliot said.

"It's made all the more interesting by the fact that this round there are weaknesses all around," Ector said.

"True. It echoes battle, I think," Caradoc spoke up, eyes boring into Arthur coldly. Arthur shifted uneasily. "Opposing styles and skills, conflicting attitudes towards class and wealth even within the ranks… the desire for families to have members on all sides just to ensure at least one or two live…" Pellinore winced at the pointed remark and glanced away a bit awkwardly.

Bors the Elder looked at his sons. "Bors, Lionel, you two behave out there," he warned.

"Yes sir," Bohort answered, grinning at his father.

Pellinore looked over his children with a frown. He didn't like the idea of not having them all with him. The forest was dangerous. Lamorak he could protect, but Tor, Aglovale, Percival, and Dornar would be out of his reach. That didn't sit well with him. "If any harm befalls my children, this peaceful little interlude you and I are having will come to a jarring halt," he warned Bagdemagus.

"I don't intend to let any harm befall your boys. Or any of my students for that matter," Bagdemagus assured. "Why do you think I chose to bring along Morholt?"

"Good," Pellinore replied.

"I expect you, Pellinore, to do the same for my boys as Bagdemagus will do for yours," Bors the Elder said, frowning at Pellinore.

"Bohort and Lionel will not come to harm. Or Lancelot, Hector, or Bleoberis. I can promise you that," Pellinore stated, nodding at Bors the Elder in understanding.

"Yes, well, now that all that's out of the way, we can get back to business. IAK house will run WA into the ground," Bagdemagus teased, smirking at Pellinore.

"Worcestershire will see about that," Pellinore answered, chuckling.