Uther was pleased as the young Lord Erral knelt before him and swore fealty. Richest of Vortigern's Lords, he had been skimming taxes for the past few years and now offered them into Uther's own growing coffers. It had been eight months since they had taken the fortress that Uther had renamed Camelot. After the imprisonment of Vortigern Uther had announced his heritage to all of Dumnonia after it was verified by his new assessor and records keeper Geoffrey of Monmouth. They had fought four pitched battles with the armies of the Usurper since then, but with the strength of the Cornwall knights on their side, as well as the magic of Vivienne, Gaius and their High Priestess Nimueh they had accomplished quick victories. Uther was beginning to build up his strength; however the kingdom would need reforming after Vortigern's rule.
He glanced at Gorlois as more minor lords moved to swear allegiance. The Duke had actually gone down on one knee to swear his oath, as if he needed any proof of allegiance. Uther had stopped such nonsense. He never doubted Gorlois's loyalty and would not have the man he considered a brother kneeling before him. Gorlois, Kay and now Sirs Ector and Caradoc had become his closest confidantes and most trusted warriors. Sir Ector especially came from a powerful family and had many lands. Uther was considering making him a Lord. The man was too intelligence and connected to remain a simple knight.
On Vivienne's suggestion Uther had also made the High Priestess his court sorceress. Not only did he have a growing army on his side, he also had the most powerful woman in all of Albion on his side. A woman who could command the allegiance of Dragon Lords and Sidhe warriors would be useful without measure. He had given the Old Faith a place in Camelot and though he was drawing the ire of both Kings Idres and Mark, Uther felt secure in his budding power. Tonight, the last of the Lords in Dumnonia and Cornwall would swear fealty to him. The third most powerful, and one who held a great deal of land now approached the throne.
The Lord was tall and ugly with a thick mane of blonde hair, a massive two handed sword strapped to his back. The other accompanying him, Uther believed to be his brother, had none of his kin's warrior looks. The young man had his hair slicked back with what looked to be grease and his eyes and expression shifted across the room. If the tall man was a dangerous warrior, his brother would definitely be a dangerous politician, a master manipulator.
Yet they all have come to swear allegiance to me. The dragon was right. I will unite this land.
The men knelt before Uther's simple throne. He had thrown away his father's, and Vortigern's elaborate armchair. Uther wanted to be seen in a martial light, not a king who sat down and let his Lords do the fighting for him.
The blonde man spoke. "I, Tristan de Bois swear fealty to King Uther Pendragon. My wealth, armies and lands are yours Sire."
"I except your oath willingly and with pleasure. Please rise Lord Tristan."
The man stood. "Thank you Sire, this is my brother, Agravaine."
Uther nodded. "I have heard, Lord Tristan, that there is a matter you wish to bring to my court? A matter of importance? A matter that will cement you fealty?"
"Yes my Lord." Tristan began, "Yet first I would be remiss if I did not introduce our sister, the Lady Igraine de Bois."
Uther felt his heart still as the blonde beauty approached dressed in a simple but complementing white dress. Her hair was much lighter than Tristan's. How such a beauty could even be related to the two brothers Uther couldn't fathom. She clearly had taken all of the looks. To say later that he had been smitten was understatement. Gorlois gave a faint grunt and Uther swore he heard Nimueh's voice in his head for a split instant as he continued to stare.
Uther stepped forward, bowed and kissed her hand. "My Lady. It is an honor to meet you."
"My Lord." She replied boldly, looking straight into his eyes. Neither of them seemed embarrassed by his intense stare in front of all his court.
Years later, thinking on how he met his wife, Uther had begun to see details that he had not registered at the time, being so caught up with the young woman. The details all surrounding Agravaine, and the subtle smile he gave when he realized his new liege was smitten with his sister. That man probably started manipulating people before he could walk.
"The problem, Sire." Igraine began before her brother. "Is indeed urgent."
Uther already liked her. Here was a woman who wasn't afraid to speak her mind in front of the whole court, even in front of her brother who was the Lord of House de Bois.
She continued to speak, and it seemed to Uther that Tristan acquiesced. "Recently some bandits set themselves upon a dragon lord near our lands. They butchered the man and his dragon has gone wild. We come to you Sire not only to pledge fealty but also to seek assistance."
Tristan moved forward to speak. "We have heard rumors, a tale that I hope to be true, that you Sire have slain a dragon."
"Indeed I have." Uther began, with a slight hint of pride. "But dragons are creatures of magic, and as such I cannot be so reckless as I was several years ago. I still will help you." The new King raised his voice. "Camelot is dedicated to helping all those in need, regardless of rank, and regardless of where they are in Albion." He turned to his court sorceress. "How should we proceed my Lady Nimueh?"
The court fixated on the beautiful sorceress as she began to explain her plan.
Merlin had found no time to talk to Morgana since his last conversation with the dragon. In fact his new duties because of Arthur's new court responsibilities, kept him busy to the point where Arthur enlisted the help of the annoyingly perfect servant George to do the more menial tasks. The man never messes up! Arthur's political education was going worse than Merlin could have imagined. Arthur could mete out justice in court but was horrible at economic and domestic matters on a large scale and ever worse when dealing with the bureaucratic Lords. The only area he was truly shining in was the preparations for war which had ceased being clandestine. All that was needed was a formal declaration between both kingdoms, and apparently Essetir was sending men to parley. Merlin knew Uther would decline any diplomatic solution. The King was set on war and nothing was going to stop him from spilling blood between the kingdoms.
Preparations went on and Merlin's days were filled with tallying up numbers, filling up battalions and obtaining commissions. A rift had begun to form between Arthur and Uther since the executions of the sorcerers, but the king did not comment if he noticed. It most certainly not a secret between Kay and Leon, though Arthur assured him everything was fine. The preparations for war luckily kept the father and son on good terms with each other. With tactics they did not disagree.
Camelot had a small professional army made up of the guard force and its knights. The common people from the fiefdoms filled out the battalions each commanded by a knight. The regiments were commanded by the lords or high level knights. A small, elite force of knights existed as well commanded by Lord Ector. It consisted of some of the youngest knights, these yet untried with command but whose fighting prowess was unhindered by age. Camelot's major Lords had armies of their own, all under different organizational schemes. Come battle the troops would be arranged according to type and Lord. There was already a lack of centralized command in a structure were decentralized command would be a complete disaster. Arthur demanded the help of Merlin, who in turn had enlisted the help of Morgana, to pull through the pre-Purge archives; those that were not sealed on pain of death, to develop a professional army based off of his grandfather's forces before Vortigern disbanded them and gave way to the warlord system his rule favored.
Those were the only moments that he had a chance to talk to the King's ward and while he enjoyed her company, he wanted to talk about her magic, not inter-battalion communication, scouting parties, and front line tactics, although she was clearly mesmerized by military operations. These changes were coming in fast. Caradoc, Kay and Leon had their hands full training the knights and common soldiers. Uther welcomed all the changes, citing that Arthur was moving in the same direction that he would have. Arthur's current military success was the only thing keeping the father's wrath away. If it wasn't for the wisdom of the council Lords, Geoffrey and Morgana, Arthur would have failed completely at ruling the kingdom. Merlin knew he would make a good king, but he was not as ruthless as Uther would have liked. Arthur was the type of man who needed people of worth around him. He could not be the king his father was. A man who ruled alone secure in his own surety.
Throughout this all Uther moved interjecting himself when he felt it warranted. Merlin felt that the King was a constant, nagging presence. Merlin was also getting tired with Lord Ector. The former knight double checked and challenged everything the Prince did to gauge his reaction, and probably to report back to his father. Merlin felt smothered.
He sat in Arthur's chambers mulling over the recent army figures. Math was not Arthur's strong suit. Merlin observed the knights training the regulars below the window. Three common men stood out. The first was Gwaine, whom Merlin had become fast friends with since meeting him in a tavern brawl when the drunken warlock had insulted some Camelot soldiers when a few made comments on Gwen's retreating backside. He was actually a noble but hid his heritage, preferring to fight alone side the commoners. His father had fought in Caerleon's army, but after his death his mother had been turned away when she sought help from the king. Gwaine never looked at nobles the same way since. His skill with weapons showed him to be anything but a commoner, yet the knights didn't press and within a mere week Gwaine had been made second in command of Kay's battalion.
Percival was next. While not close to the man, who was rather shy, Merlin couldn't help but like the giant. Percival did not have much swordsmanship style, but his two handed stance and massive blade made him a powerful crowd clearer. His parents had been sorcerers, a fact he had confided in to Merlin and Lancelot while at the tavern. Killed by Mercians during the purge, he had lived as an orphan taking work were he could find it. He had shown no latent talent with sorcery, but Merlin could tell that this man could be accomplished if he took the time to practice spells. His friendship with Lancelot was a matter of question among the older knights, a commoner consorting with a Lord. None knew that Lancelot was not a noble. Percival would be placed in the front ranks, not likely to survive many battles, but Arthur's improvements would help increase survivability. Unfortunately it was a Roman shield wall with short swords, and Percival did not fight in that manner. Lancelot had pulled him from that duty, placing him in a specialized unit of skirmishers and ambushers, made up of knights and commoners. There he was forming a friendship with the brazen but loyal Sir Bors.
Elyan was the estranged brother of Gwen and hardly spoke to her. Merlin had no clue what was going on between the two, but refused to ask Gwen and Elyan had dismissed all his questions. If Percival was quiet, Elyan was completely silent. Yet the dark skinned man was an impressive force on the battlefield. He showed none of the poise or aggressiveness that many warriors had, but had a lethality that would be the downfall of any enemy who underestimated him. He had an air about him that made others want to follow. With little words he could inspire confidence. Most of all he led by example. The man would be an impressive Lord if noble. He might even be an impressive king. Merlin had noticed, even in a few training sessions, how men gravitated to him. He was a silent but impressive leader. It was evident even to the kind, but blundering Sir Bedivere that this man was very useful. Elyan was made a company commander in Bedivere's battalion.
"Kay is vanguard with Bedivere and Lancelot." Merlin began to mutter to himself, sketching out on paper. "Caradoc flank left, Dagonet flank right..."
"Merlin...' Arthur began taking the papers out of his hands. "The Prince plans the battle line. You do the mathematics." He glanced at the paper and turned a confused eye towards Merlin.
"Sir Bedivere, vanguard? More like Ector with Kay and Gareth. Really Merlin you are hopeless when it comes to tactics. A commander must know the personalities of his men, and place them in the position that best caters to their and the army's success." Arthur's expression was smug.
"Poetic sire." Merlin said with a smirk.
"I try to impress Merlin." Arthur said with a satisfied grin.
"You were quoting Morgana you know."
Arthur's smirk vanished. "Shut up Merlin. She was quoting some Gaul politician herself."
"Definitely not Gaul, and probably the word you were looking for was philosopher or general."
"Merlin."
"Arthur?"
"Shut up." Arthur smirked.
"Indeed so shall we talk about the feast?"
"George has it all planned out. It's perfect." Arthur said with no expression. They both then grimaced at the mention of George.
"Ah wonderful. I suppose we will have to wait for your father's surprise if we are to have any entertainment."
"He mentioned an old enemy to King Lot." Arthur said.
Merlin quickly perked up, but tried to hide it. The dragon's words. "Old enemy? That could be anyone. It could be Morgana."
"Don't joke Merlin. There are only two old enemies to my father. Either magic, which is everything and anyone, or the man who had my uncles killed. Vortigern."
Merlin's blood ran cold. "He surely would be dead by now. It's been over thirty years."
Arthur looked at Merlin, unnerved as well. "I've been well sheltered, but when I was young I heard rumors, and I think I was there as I discussed with Leon before."
"Yes." Merlin said. "The chained man in the cave." Merlin coughed. He began to sweat, feeling he had run out of time. The preparations for war had prevented him from talking to Morgana. Security had tightened around the castle, and he couldn't be seen at Morgana's chambers at any unseemly hour. Guards watched as he delivered the draft, only a minute or less of talking. The dragon said everything would change with the presentation of this old enemy. He felt helpless. He couldn't stop the King, and with his duties tonight and especially the extra security, it would be near impossible to see the dragon again. Maybe that's what he wants. Merlin thought. He would do nothing; allow it all to play out. He was tired of being a dragon's pawn.
"I still do not agree with this Uther." Kay said as the two were alone in his chambers. "Let us kill who we can now. You need no spectacle. You are still feared."
Uther poured them both wine. "It must be done. I have kept the wretch alive to long, and while no amount of punishment will be worthy of his crimes, his death can serve the purpose of cementing an alliance temporarily. I only need him as a friend long enough to uncover any treachery. You are right. People did fear me Kay. They must so again."
"Lot did turn us in once. Fuck the law. Let's slaughter him now."
Uther smirked slightly. "I appreciate the sentiment Kay but we must let him play into our plot. He was an enemy however, before Vortigern killed his father and raped his mother."
Kay sobered. Lot may be a bastard but no man should have that happen to his parents. Clearly Uther did not feel the same.
"Uther my concern is not only Lot. I am suggesting that Vortigern may speak. Who knows what lies, or what truth may be revealed?"
"Kay he has been in the dungeons for over thirty years." He had been eighteen when he finally took Camelot, when Vivienne had cast the spell upon Vortigern, preventing the Usurper from dying by anything but the enchanted sword Uther now had. "The man is mad. He can no longer speak. Not including recently, the last human contact he had was when my son was a child. He sat and laughed at Arthur and Morgana. They were there in the dark for at least three hours and he said nothing."
"That may be true, but from Caradoc's description, now cleaned up he still looks like the ancient version of himself. The older Lords will remember his likeness. People will suspect sorcery. The way we used to do..."
"They will suspect what they wish." Uther said harshly, interrupting the knight. "But they will accept my explanations, if it comes to that. No one knows that this blade is enchanted. Look at it Kay, the witch chose a plain sword. Straight from the armory; no one can suspect anything."
Kay flinched when Uther said witch, but said nothing. "True my friend, but to use such a blade, an item of magic?"
Uther turned on Kay with a laugh. "Don't try Kay. You, like Gaius were not friends of the Purge. Always you have tried to placate me by fabricating your own hatred. Do you think me so naive? Gaius may have renounced sorcery in public but I have no doubt he still practices occasionally. You can never be rid of that sin, that curse. I will use magic to destroy magic. When everything is gone, all artifacts will be destroyed. And then the dragon will perish. If not in my lifetime, then in my son's. My friends however, no matter your sin, will survive. You have done it all for me."
"Arthur may not feel the same."
"Then you will instruct him Kay. He has not seen the evils magic is truly capable of."
"Of course my Lord." Kay replied as he began to leave.
"Kay?"
"Uther?"
The king placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "We have been through a lot my brother. The first chapter of our legacy ends tonight."
As his friend nodded and left the room Uther smiled. Soon the Red Dragon would rise. It would begin with the death of the Usurper. He trusted Kay to fully continue to shape Arthur, even after he was gone. Like Gauis, Kay had been a heretic, in every way, but he came back to him in the end. They all would.
The negotiations for the treaty had taken them to the end of October and Uther planned the feast to go alone with the celebration of Samhain. Morgana's mood was already morose. She hated the festival, always thinking of her father and the mother she never knew. Second, Lord Agravaine had made two passes on her earlier that day. God, was she nothing but an object to these men? At least the knights showed respect with their admiration. The only saving grace had been Kay's constant support and Arthur's recent request for her assistance in historical and military matters. They had a rocky friendship, skirting around the issues that had made their relationship awkward in the first place. Gwen filled her goblet and smirked back at her as the nobles and knights took their seats. Lords Agravaine, Llewellyn and Ciaran were all minor, despite Agravaine's position as the late Queen's only remaining brother. The three now ruled Cornwall together. My duchy. My fiefs.
Lord Ector was Duke of Dumnonia accompanied by his fellow Lords Mark and Idres, from Somerset and Dorset respectively. Both former Kings, they had knelt to Vortigern, and as punishment had been stripped of their crowns by Uther. Mark had done so willingly, ready to become a Lord if it meant he could submit on his own terms. Idres had fought Uther every step until the crown was knocked from his head. While fiercely loyal to his former conquer, Morgana felt cold at the thought of what he would do if Uther died suddenly and Arthur was to become king. He was of an old warrior breed. Defeat him and he would be loyal to the man who bested him only.
With Arthur as her escort she remained away from King Lot, who had been glaring at her since she walked in. The man did not get over his insulted pride since she had declined his offer during his welcoming feast. She wore a simple green dress, not fully fit for the festival, but she was not here to impress everyone. Tonight she could care less who looked at her. Her somber mood was putting off Arthur, and she gave him a weak smile. He probably wanted to impress his men by having such a Lady at his side, and here she was with a simple dress and a dull attitude
"Try Morgana, for my father's sake, please." He implored. "I know you hate this feast. I'll do anything, just make him happy."
Arthur was always eager to please his father. She would submit for now. She needed the Pendragon Prince on her side. She could easily shape the future king.
Morgana licked her lips, a bit too sensuously. "Of course Arthur. Don't drink too much now." She smirked as she downed her whole glass of wine. Gwen walked over to refill, disapprovingly. Her maid walked off without speaking.
"Now that's a woman." Lot began. She grimaced. He wouldn't keep his eyes off of her despite the distance. "A Lady, who can finish a glass as fast as she did. My compliments Lady Morgana."
"Thank you My Lord." She replied, batting her eyes, all innocent and sweet. She caught Uther's scowl at his fellow king and chuckled to herself. It seemed her guardian disapproved of his new ally's obsession with his ward.
The rest of the feast went as usual. Her and Morgause could share no words, and hardly looked at each other. She wanted to talk to the woman, but understand her desire to keep things silent. If she was ever going to know more about her mother she would need to play Morgause's game. Morgana soon found herself caught between Arthur's playful jests and Lot's leers. Luckily Agravaine was too far away to make talking to her proper above the din of the feast. Morgana had to admit she was enjoying herself. She and Uther were taking turns, praising King Lot, praising the alliance. Uther was caught up in their little game of subservience that he even ignored Arthur and his sullen expression. Morgana rolled her eyes. The boy hated being left alone. Eventually he stopped and took up conversation with Sir Kay. Morgana was left alone at Uther's side.
This feels good. To be at the right hand of power. God, if only being Queen didn't mean I had to marry Arthur.
Momentarily distracted as Merlin refilled her glass, she glanced to witness the odd display her father had arranged. Lord Ector was not taking place in the feast, instead content to wander amongst the standing Knights eating from serving plates. He was dressed in full armor. Here were some of Camelot's finest, Caradoc, Leon, Lancelot and Gareth, along with some commoners she didn't know. She recognized the one called Gwaine, the handsome commoner attempting to steal alcohol while be rebuffed by Sir Bors. Merlin was right; he did seem to be a charmer. A shame he wasn't a knight. Morgana didn't think that would stop him from making a pass at her should they cross. She became apprehensive. The amount of on duty knights was absurd.
"An interesting amount of security my Lord." She spoke into Uther's ear.
Uther showed no pretense for her secrecy. "The security is necessary my Lady."
"Indeed." Lot had recently shaven, and Morgana had to admit the pig was rather handsome for his age. He leaned towards her and placed a tomato into his mouth. "Today we get rid of an old enemy that has caused both our houses hurt."
Morgana's stomach dropped. She didn't want to see another person executed because of sorcery. Not tonight on Samhain. She had enough to think about. Uther wouldn't kill a sorcerer at a feast would he?
"He killed my brothers." Uther began. "Vortigern."
"Vortigern? He's dead my Lord."
"He should be, after he raped my parents." Lot said, with little trace of emotion. "Alas it shall have to be tonight. Thank you Uther."
Morgana started to breathe heavily. Uther noticed and placed an arm around her. "The man...dungeons...oh God."
"Morgana, dear Morgana." Uther tightened his grip, and turned her chin towards his face. It was too intimate, but Morgana was having trouble thinking at the moment. "I'm sorry child, but I told you I would never let him hurt you, and I never will."
Lot offered her a drink and Morgana grasped it gulping the wine down. "Here, I'll do the servants job." He said loudly looking back at Gwen and Merlin. "Are you worth fucking anything?"
Later she would look back on how inappropriate it all looked, even though Uther's intentions were pure. Two old men, pushing drinks on a young woman.
"Vortigern. But it can't be him Uther." Confidence returned to her voice. "He must be dead."
"A sorcerer cursed him." Uther remarked. "A fate worse than death, though he did deserve it. Gaius has only recently found a way and we broke the curse. I have wanted this justice for years."
Something wasn't right, Uther seemed too happy, and not all angry at the actions of the supposed sorcerer. He hated all magic. His words said one thing, but his tone something else entirely.
"This is brutal but necessary Morgana. I would have told you earlier, but I haven't seen you today until this evening." Uther truly looked remorseful.
"And Arthur my Lord." She fought her own trembling hands, her childhood nightmares coming to life.
"I told him during maneuvers this morning."
The feast continued, with Morgana taking small bites and large gulps of wine. She began to breath easier. Let Uther kill this monster. Of all he had executed, at least this man was guilty. Her and Morgause locked eyes, and the blonde woman returned a sad smile. She wanted someone by her side, Kay, Merlin, God even Arthur. She felt alone though surrounded. An hour passed and Uther rose. Everybody followed until he motioned for them to sit.
"Over thirty years ago." The King began. "I took this fortress and renamed it Camelot. I reclaimed my father's seat of power and disposed of the Usurper Vortigern. Tonight however, we come to celebrate an alliance that will take us into a new era."
King Lot now stood and spoke, fury lacing his words. "The Usurper Vortigern was an enemy of my house as much as King Uther's. He killed my father. Raped my mother. For thirty years he has attempted to pay for his crimes. But the animal still lives."
The hall broke out into murmurs and whispers, conversations going everywhere but Lot raised his hands and spoke louder. "Tonight, at the feast of Samhain, the Old Faith claimed that the doors of the underworld are open and people must take protection from spirits. We no longer hold to pagan tenants, but it is a fitting night, to send Vortigern back to the hell that he belongs."
Uther spoke. "As Kings we have decided together, that nothing less than the death of our old enemy, will cement this alliance. With the death of a tyrant, we finally move into a new era. Lord Ector, do your duty."
Both Kings sat down as Ector moved a gloved hand. Caradoc and Gareth grasped a figure by the shoulders, dragging him in to the hall, chains scraping on the ground. He was dressed in black and red robes, similar to those worn by Uther's advisors. He had a ceremonial sword at his belt. His hair was black speckled with gray and his gaunt face freshly shaved. He looked unable to walk and his head lolled side to side. His mouth was open and his eyes unfocused.
As he was dragged closer, Morgana took a deep breath. It was unmistakable. This was the man from her childhood, when recently come to Camelot that had haunted her dreams for a year. Arthur had a similar reaction and they clasped hands under the table. Prince and Ward, reduced for a moment to children in a chained man's presence. They had sat for hours, holding their ears, holding each other close while they listened to his laughs, screams and nonsense.
Morgana tightened her grip then released it. "He can't hurt us Arthur. We we're children. We were scared. No longer. We can watch him die." Morgana's voice was harsh. She needed her Prince to understand.
Arthur shook his head. "This man killed my father's family. I won't show him fear or pity Morgana."
Vortigern fell to his knees in front of the two kings, looking up at them, no hint of recognition in his eyes. He moved his head from side to side, taking in the entire main table, before sighing and dropping his eyes to the ground.
Morgana caught Uther's vicious smile. The man loved having others in his control. Lot had no expression, but she noticed him gripping his chair tightly. Who was worse at this moment? A warlord playing King, or a King who masqueraded as a human being?
"The mighty Vortigern." Uther said with a mock bow, drawing some tenuous laughs from the lords and ladies old enough to remember the Usurper's reign. "How you have fallen. Unable to stand, unable to focus, unable to speak your lies!" Uther stood up and began to yell. "For your crimes, for the death of my father, for the deaths of Constans and Aurelius, for the Murder of King Cynrid and the rape of Queen Erens, I King Uther of Camelot, along with Lot, King of Essetir sentence you to death for your crimes. Have you any last words? Say them now you dog I am not without mercy all men shall have their final say in their fate!"
For a minute or two, the Kings stared at the broken man who moaned before them. Morgana shivered violently when a loud chuckle suddenly erupted in the hall. Vortigern turned his head towards the two royals, his eyes were crazy but no longer glazed over. His shrill voice took over his moaning mumbles. The voice echoed across the halls. The years had done nothing to his will it seemed.
"Uther, Lot. How long has it been, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty years?" Vortigern laughed when a cough overtook him. "I must say darkness has its charms. I cannot count the years. My how you all have aged. I am glad I cannot see myself. My joints are proof enough of my decay. You wish me to plead, you want me to beg? I tell you this Uther, decades in darkness is not enough to break a man such as I. I will not beg, I will submit. I. Confess. My crimes!"
He tried to stand but could not, instead raising his voice higher. "I watched as your father died, I could have done something but I did not. I poisoned Constans, and my men killed Ambrosius. I killed Cynrid and raped Erens. Many more have died in my quest for power. I am a wicked man, but in all this I have not committed the ultimate sin."
Uther laughed, while Lot seethed. "Go on Vortigern, tell me. You have confessed to many of the most heinous crimes. Tell me, you who have indulged in such depravity, what this ultimate sin is."
"How long? How long have I been in darkness?"
"Over thirty years. And not long enough."
"Oh but thirty years is a long time King Uther. Is not a day a year in God's eyes, and cannot a year be an eon? God has forgiven me, my liege, though I would never ask your forgiveness. Why would I need that from a mortal king? Your hatred I understand, your actions against me were just. But tell me, why do you now wear a cross? Did you not forsake the religion of your fathers', did you not use sorcery against me?"
Uther's emotions suddenly changed and he grew red in anger. "Silence I will here none of your lies! I gave you the chance to repent against before death and you choose to lie as you always have!"
Vortigern smiled, his teeth perfect, not at all decayed as they should have been. "Then tell me Uther, why the sorceress that cursed me is here today." He turned his gaze on Morgana and her heart froze and then began beating quickly. Her breath hitched. Sweat began to pour down her back.
Magic. He knows I have magic! But I didn't curse him I couldn't! Did I do it that day in the dungeons?
Uther and Lot tried to shout but Vortigern's shrill voice overruled them. "If what you say is true then tell me Vivienne, why you are still at his court! Tell me why sorceress!"
Vivienne. My Mother, sorceress? Father never said...Uther?
She looked at Uther, panicked, but his face was fixed on Vortigern. She declined to look at the crazy man and made to rise, but her shoulders were pushed down. She whimpered in alarm, gnarled in anger as Kay confined her to her chair. His breath was hot against her ears and neck.
"Morgana, trust me, be quiet say nothing."
"Tell me sorceress!"
Uther made one motion, and Caradoc slid a long blade into Vortigern's left shoulder, moving down to pierce his heart. The knight ripped the blade out and held the former advisor turned king as he sputtered and bled out onto the wooden floor. Uther and Lot began to rise, continuing their planned speech on peace regardless of the slaughter before them, but Morgana could hear nothing but the blood in her ears. She could hardly hear her own voice when she asked Arthur to be excused and felt numb as Kay led her back to her chambers.
Vivienne. Vivienne was the name of her mother and she had never known her. Her father hardly talked about her. Had she been a sorceress, is that why she had magic? Did Uther kill her? Did her own father kill her? She shuddered and stopped, fighting with Kay.
"Morgana, My Lady stop you need to relax."
Morgana's words came out quickly. "He called me Vivienne. My mother. He thinks I'm her! Everything except her eyes. Its true isn't it, my mother was a sorcerer, Uther killed her!"
Kay pressed his arm into hers and led her back quickly, cutting off all her attempted replies as he led her back into the room. She resisted at first and then waited until they were inside before she exploded again, hitting Kay and flinging questions at him.
Eventually she calmed down, collapsing on her bed, Kay wrapping his strong hands around her. She cried into his chest. "She was a sorceress."
"Yes." Kay's reply was simple. The truth.
"Uther killed her." Morgana began.
"No. I do not know what happened to your mother."
She looked at him, eyes red with tears but quickly darkening in anger. "Do not lie to me!"
"My Lady I..."
She heard noises outside her door. Gwen and Arthur, then the King and Arthur.
The door opened. Uther stood with a pained expression and entered alone. Morgana released herself from Kay's grasp and stood up moving back from the king.
"Morgana..."
"No Uther, he called my Vivienne, she was a sorceress and you killed her! You killed my mother!"
"Morgana, no it wasn't like that."
She began to cry in anger. "Then tell me what it was like! You left my father to die, what happened to my mother?"
Uther moved towards her, but stopped when he came next to Kay, sensing her despair. "Your mother was a sorceress, but this was before the Purge. When Gorlois was dying, he made me swear two things. First was to take you in as my ward, second was to tell you nothing about your mother." Tears began to form in Uther's eyes. "She had left, several weeks after your birth. She, maybe Vivienne sensed the Purge coming. I lied to you Morgana."
"So you hunted her down and killed her like an animal."
Tears did fall from Uther as he moved towards her. She flinched and he withdrew his arm. "Vivienne was as a sister to me. Then, now. I would never kill her."
"Even though she is, was, a sorceress?" She didn't believe him. This man killed children. God, did he think she had magic because of her mother?
Uther shook his head. "I promised your father as much." He reached out, and Morgana didn't shrink back. Maybe he wasn't lying. Someone Uther won't kill. She melted into his embrace. "I'm so sorry Morgana. I am so sorry."
They held each other, both crying for a few minutes. Morgana did not notice Kay leave. The knight hadn't verified the King's story, but she was sure he would have. They were all loyal to him. She meant nothing in the grand scheme. Uther pulled away, holding her face in his hands. His palms were calloused against her soft flesh. "I love you Morgana, you are like a daughter to me. I am glad you are your father's child."
The unspoken words filled Morgana with dread. I am glad you are like your father, and not at all like her mother. If only Uther knew, his beloved ward was every bit the aberration her mother was. She assumed her mother could control her own curse. Morgana knew she wasn't as lucky.
Uther walked away turning back one more time. "I am so sorry Morgana. I must attend again to Lot. I need to calm all this down. You can talk to me. Any day, any hour."
"Of course Uther."
"Goodnight Morgana."
"Goodnight my Lord."
Morgan flung herself on her bed, still dressed in her gown, the events of the feast too much for her to bother changing. She didn't notice Gwen enter and didn't care. Uther and Kay had lied. She felt it in her bones. They had slaughtered her mother. If Uther killed children he wouldn't bat an eye at killing his friend's wife. He had abandoned her father after all, despite his profession of love for the man. She needed to act before she found herself upon a cross. Yet she was confused, Uther had seemed anxious and distraught over her well being. Morgana cried herself to sleep; worried that in the morning gone would be the loving man who had comforted her, who had promised her father. In the place would once again be the king who hated magic with a passion. The man who hated monsters like her. She had her mother's curse. She was alone.