by Svalbard

Created on: November 08, 2008

Dun Pelidyr could have being a fortress of the gods such was it's majesty. It's ramparts encircled a massive oval shaped hill, towering above the lands below. A heavy mist swirled across the battlements making the men below to squint as they attempted to make out any movement on the walls.
"It'll be windy up there," commented Cai.
"Trust the witch to find the most impregnable place to hide," Bedwyr replied looking at Arthur for a reaction.

The Pendragon remained silent, his face closed in deep concentration.
"Well we can't storm it," Cador of Kernow said.
"Why not? We have enough men," Cai said. "She can't have more than a score or more warriors with her up there."
"Look at the slopes, Cai. We'll be exhausted just climbing them. Morgause would only need a few warriors to beat us back," Lancelot explained as if speaking to a child.
Cai opened his mouth, but was forestalled when Arthur moved his mount forward.
"There is someone coming down," he said.

Out of the mist a lone rider appeared, it was a boy mounted on a small white pony. The youth held himself straight in the saddle and bore a shield and spear.
"She sends out her champion!" Cai laughed. A few sniggers greeted his words.
"Be silent," Arthur rasped. His nerves were on edge. How long was it since he had last seen Morgause? His memory failed him. It must be at least ten years.
The boy stopped a stones throw from the massed ranks of the Cymry. He looked at them fearlessly. Well done! thought Arthur. Clearing his throat the boy began to speak in a loud, high pitched voice.
"The Queen bids you welcome and grants you an audience. If you will follow me please."
Arthur looked over his shoulder a smile slipping across his face.
"All of us?" he asked, indicating the Cymry behind him.
"Just the Lord Arthur," the boy replied.
The words produced loud shouts from the army. Arthur raised his hand for silence, his eyes boring into those of the boy's.
"And on whose word is my life guaranteed?" he asked.
"Mine."
"You are but a boy. I will need more than"
"I am Gawain, the king of these lands now. I will stay here with your army if you doubt my word," Gawain interrupted Arthur.
Lot's son, thought Arthur. I am speaking to son a man I have just killed.
For long moments Arthur said nothing. He weighed up the chances of treachery from Morgause and wondered if she was willing to lose all just to kill him. No, his sister was more cleverer than that. He made his decision.

"That is good enough for me. Lead on lad, I will follow." Arthur's words were

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>