𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘗𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘺 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘦

Chapter 24 - Arthur's History Pt. 3

Chapter 24

3rd POV

Arthur's History Pt. 3

Harry stood at the edge of a forest, as Arthur stood beside him in his mindscape. Together, they stood watching the walls of Camelot, the squat fortress stood as if ready to weather any storm.

"Young Harry, we have another memory to go through that I feel will benefit you. Then we will return to developing your swordsmanship and strategy." Arthur remarked and Harry nodded.

"Are we ever going to find a way to make these memories less uncomfortable?" Harry asked and Arthur chuckled.

"Probably not, but there aren't too many more to go through. At least this will be the last from me. You'll understand why this is the end of the memory." Arthur wore a grim smile before he forced a bright grin on his face.

"This memory takes place at the end of the war between Mordred and Camelot, everything rested on the outcome of this battle. This battle was the culmination of years of strategy, on paper he should have won the war years before. But I was able to goad him into unfavorable battles, forcing him to expend massive numbers of his armies for relatively small gains." Arthur explained, his eyes not on their surroundings.

"The best I could show was what happened, Camelot was outnumbered and overpowered. Thanks to Guinevere betraying me, Mordred held the loyalty of many of my vassal kingdoms. In short, it was an unwinnable war. This battle was my last chance to finished the war." Arthur trailed off, lost in his thoughts.

"Which battle was it?" Harry asked, cocking his head.

"The battle of Camlann." Arthur whispered before Harry felt lightheaded and let out a groan as darkness filled his vision and he knew no more.

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Arthur stood before his throne, a retainer putting on his armor. Beside him stood Merlin,with a somber expression.

"My king, Mordred, is on his way. Our agents inform us that his army will stop at Camlann in two days to rest before beginning their siege on Camelot." Merlin bowed his head, his jaw clenched beneath his beard.

"Merlin, my old friend. Do not despair. Me and my knights will ride out to meet Mordred. I am sure that we will ride to our doom. But we cannot allow Mordred to rule this kingdom, he will destroy all that we have created." Arthur coughed as his retainer tightened his armor a little too tight.

"We will meet them in Camlann, my old friend. There, Lancelot can redeem his honor and I can stop Mordred. I only ask that you look after my sister when you can." Arthur murmured while Merlin nodded.

"As you wish my king. I will remain and direct your sister to you. I am sorry that I can not do more to aid you."

Arthur laughed, rich and deep from his chest.

"My old friend, there is no more I could ask of you. You have done more than any other. Now, if this battle goes ill, seal this castle and its lands from view. I will not have Camelot used against the people of this land. That is my last wish." Arthur said as his retainer finished with his armor then handed Arthur his sword, excalibur.

"Of course, my king, I will see it done." Merlin murmured before Arthur embraced him.

"Farewell old friend." Arthur whispered before turning and leaving the throne room, each stride echoing through the room and hallways.

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Two day later Arthur stood upon his steed on a hill looking over the town of camlann. He had set up his forces in ambush, waiting for Mordred's army to arrive. Arthur almost groaned as he saw a column of soldiers marching down the east road, the line of soldiers stretched into the horizon and Arthur knew at that moment that he would never see Camelot again.