Arthur's Sons (Book 1)

The Labyrinth of Gedref (Part 3)

That night after they returned from the forest Merlyn told Gaius of all that happened while the boys sat with them laying their torsos across the table as their stomachs grumbled with hunger and they looked exhausted. Gaius placed a plate with giant bugs in front of them as the conversation continued.

"I know Arthur's stubborn and pig-headed and annoying, but he cares about his people. More than he cares about himself. He will not forgive himself for making his people suffer." Merlyn said as she watched Gaius place the bugs down in front of them. The twins poked at said bugs making sure they were dead while Gaius continued.

"You must make sure he doesn't do anything rash." Gaius warned her.

"The mood he's in, I don't know what he's gonna do." Merlyn replied grimly.

"Ready?" Gaius asks looking down at the black beetle in front of him.

"Sure they're not poisonous?" Rowan questions as he picks up the bug studying it.

"Quite certain." Merlyn and the twins looked at each other and grimaced before each lifting the bugs ready to eat.

"They say they taste like chicken. Unless we're to starve, we must hope they're right." The three look at Gaius sceptically before swallowing and taking a bite. The crunchiness was about the only good thing about the bug which most definitely did not taste like chicken. The twins choaked as they tried to swallow and both dived for the water in their cups; guzzling it down in seconds.

Merlyn coughed after she managed to swallow and looked up at an unimpressed Gaius. "This tastes nothing like chicken." Both the adults chuckled while the twins just looked at the rest of the bugs in trepidation.

"The rat tasted better than this." Arty muttered which earned a raised brow from Gaius and a snorting laugh from Merlyn.

---

Arthur stands brooding in the Council Chamber of Doom when his father comes in.

"There are some supplies left in the palace stores. We are distributing them to the people, but there is not enough to live on. They will not survive for long." Arthur informs his father who sighs heavily before fixing him with a sharp stare.

"Then you must stop distributing food to the people."

Arthur's jaw drops at his father statement and he manages to quickly recover. "They will starve."

"We must conserve the food we have for our army." Uther tells him indifferently as he strides past.

"We cannot let our people go without food." Arthur snaps following his father.

"We must defend the kingdom at all cost."

"What's the point of defending a kingdom when the people..." Arthur begins but Uther turns on him eyes blazing.

"Well, what would you have me do?!" He roars and Arthur bares his teeth in rage at his father's cold-heartedness.

"Ask the neighbouring kingdoms for help!" Uther snorts with desertion. "They may be able to spare some food." Arthur finishes placing his hands on the table glaring up at his father.

"Out of the question. As soon as they realise how we weak we are, our enemies will strike against us." Uther says practically laughing in Arthur's face.

"You don't know that for certain!" Arthur growls.

Uther turns back to scowl at Arthur. "Besides, I would rather starve than beg my enemies for help! What of our kingdom's reputation? Have you no pride?"

Arthur bows his head in shame as he remembers why they are in this situation. "I cannot think of my pride when our people go hungry. They're all I can think of." He says quietly.