Guinevere: Pendragon's Queen (Book 2)

Chapter 8

The sound of clinking chains can be heard before the prisoner is seen entering the room. I feel my heart pounding with anxiety the louder the sound becomes. I sit up straight on my throne, hands in my lap - I will not show the accused any sign of weakness. He will see a Queen stronger than ever, after what he put me through, put us all through.

The door swings open and there he is, Rion, shackled hands and feet, surrounding by our guards. He is grubby, skinny and wretched to look upon, but the same arrogant smile on his face as when we first had the misfortune of encountering him. I feel a twinge of anger for his lack of humility but I keep my face neutral, despite my inner emotions. He stands before the King and me, two guards with hands at their swords as a precaution.

Arthur rises to his feet and takes a step forward; "You have been brought to answer for your numerous crimes against the people of Camelot, including the royal family of Cameliard and this kingdom. These include disturbing the peace, threats with the intent on kidnap, violence and murder, rape, stealing, acts of violence and murder. Do you have anything to say in your defence?"

Rion smirked; "Only that I enjoyed each and e'vry one of 'em."

"You realise, sir, that these crimes are punishable death? Does that not instil a sense or any regret or remorse?"

"My only regret is gettin' caught by your golden boys. Look at 'em, looks like they've never had a day of fun in their lives. I knew the price, it made everything that much more thrilin'," the brigand laughed dirtily.

Arthur clenches his jaw before responding, "The men who apprehended you are examples of how men should conduct themselves in a civilised society. You would have done well to have lived more as they do to avoid the fate that awaits you."

"Ha! The world outside of these shinin' walls is far from civilised, your Grace. The ruthless and feared survive and the weak don't. That's the way it is and I took advantage of that knowledge."

"So you don't deny any of the charges made against you?"

"None of 'em, and I would do 'em all again. Shame my crew were such brainless wits or the highlight of it all would 'ave been seeing that pretty Queen of yours naked and on her back."

No sooner had these words been uttered the knights in the room drew their swords. Lancelot, face neutral but eyes on fire, stepped forward and kicked Rion in the back of the knees hard, so the fiend dropped to the floor with a sickening crack.

"You will not speak of the Queen in such a manner, or I will hasten your execution and prolong your suffering," he growls.

My disgust at the wretch before me is momentarily lifted with the loyalty of dear Sir Lancelot.

Arthur raises a hand, the one by his side clenched tightly into a ball; "Thank you, Sir Lancelot, that won't be necessary. Rion, you will die today. You have admitted your guilt along with a complete lack of remorse and your disregard for others is truly despicable. As your King, I pass the sentence of death. Take him to the tree."

Lancelot nods and Sirs Percival and Kay roughly take him by the shoulders and shove him out of the room. After a moment, Arthur stands; as King, it is his duty to foresee the passing of the sentence.

Turning to me he says, "My love, you are welcome to accompany me but I very much understand, due to the nature of the offences, if you wish to stay at the castle."

I stand and muster my courage; I do not wish to witness the execution, but I want to make sure the world never sees Rion's evil again.

"I am your Queen, and I will stand with you, Arthur. He has wronged me it is true, but I wish to see justice done."