When Arthur was finally brought into Alvar's stronghold, it was again in darkness. The many bruises he'd sustained that day were aching – the initial ones caused by his attempt to avoid being taken had been added to by Alvar's men along the way – and the ropes that tied his hands tightly behind his back were cutting into his wrists. Although it was now many hours since he'd eaten, he remained oblivious to his hunger, only wondering what fate awaited him. He knew that they obviously wanted him alive, but beyond that he had no idea of where he was being taken or why.
Arthur was dragged into the room were Alvar was waiting and was thrown, still bound, to the floor in front of him. Arthur grunted slightly as he fell heavily, unable to break his fall, and tried to raise himself, but found himself forced down again by Alvar's boot. He remembered the sorcerer all too well. He had been the one who had tried to steal the Crystal of Neahtid from Camelot but who, after being captured, had been helped by Morgana to escape execution and had fled from the city and not been seen again.
Alvar spoke, and the mocking tone of his voice couldn't be missed. "Prince Arthur. So we meet again. How the tables are turned this time!"
Arthur stayed silent and just looked at him, anger flashing in his eyes.
Alvar continued, goading Arthur: "I still find it hard to believe that it was so easy to take the great Prince."
Arthur couldn't remain silent any longer, and replied angrily, "You didn't have to kill all those with me!"
"Ah, ever the concern for others… which I fear is going to make life very difficult – and very painful – for you shortly."
Arthur didn't respond this time, but remained silent, breathing heavily and fearing the meaning of Alvar's words
"You see, with the magic that we possess and with the information about Camelot that you are going to give me, we will take the city and bring the hateful reign of Uther Pendragon and his persecution of all who practice magic to an end, once and for all."
Arthur snapped back at him defiantly, "I will never tell you anything. I will not betray Camelot and its people."
"Well that is where you are wrong. They say that you are strong and courageous, and I do not doubt them, but make no mistake Arthur Pendragon, you have a breaking point like any other man, and we will find it…"
He paused to crouch down to look Arthur in the eyes, adding softly and chillingly, "… however long it takes."
He allowed his words to sink in for a moment before continuing. "We will not let you die until we've found that point and you have told us every single thing that we wish to know. And then and only then will your suffering finally end."
He stood up again, walking around Arthur and looking at him. The Prince continued to breathe heavily, trying to control the fear that was rising from the pit of his stomach. Alvar finally saw what he was looking for. "But we will not have to wait, however, to bring the pain on your father that he has inflicted on so many others."
He spoke his order to one of the others standing there: "Take his ring."
Arthur couldn't help himself, and cried out "No!"
Alvar smiled, and said with relish, "Ah….. a ring that has a particular significance for you? Even better."
Arthur grunted in pain once again, as the man wrenched the ring roughly from his finger.
Alvar continued, "Your father will be sure to recognise it, then, when we return it to him with the news of your demise. And think on this, Arthur Pendragon: no one knows you are here and your people are all going to think you are dead. Get used to the idea that no one is going to be coming for you." And with that, Alvar turned to the men who had brought Arthur in. "Take him away and get him ready" and although Arthur struggled with all his might against being dragged to the fate that now awaited him, it was again, in vain.
Alvar added to the others who were still with him in the room, "And with the seal of Mercia on it, Uther will be sure to read our letter….."