Magic in Camelot

The Sins of the Father

Note: Please do NOT try the stunts  in this chapter at home or without a professional present

Arthur had been training some new knights for months now, through the harsh winter months and into the beginning of spring. Several of them had just passed the final test, and earned the right to become knights and Arthur was extremely proud. There was a knighting ceremony tonight and Merlynn was helping prepare for it. She was polishing armor while Morris finished hanging up the fabrics to air out. As Merlynn took on more and more duties outside of being Arthur's servant, the less time she spent hanging out with Morris and it was beginning to strain their friendship. Between training both individually with Arthur and with the Knights, being Morgana's lay-in-waiting, and taking way more time to study as a physician under Gaius, Merlynn was doing all she could to balance what felt like three different lives (four if you counted the secret training she and Morgana did after dark in the woods behind the castle). It was a miracle if Merlynn got five hours of sleep before she woke up and everything started again. She wanted to thank Morris for being so understanding about everything but she really didn't have any idea how.

Soon enough, Arthur came in to get ready for the ceremony and Merlynn left so Morris could help him get dressed. She ate a quick diner with Gaius before heading down to the throne room for the knighting ceremony. She took her place next to Morris and watched as the soon to be knights walked into the room, standing shoulder to shoulder. They stood before the King and Prince Arthur with pride.

"Kneel." the King said and the soon to be knights obeyed. The King walked from one end of the line to the other, tapping his sword on the young mens' shoulders. "Arise, Sir Ector, Knight of Camelot. Arise, Sir Gareth, Knight of Camelot. Aries, Sir Lot, Knight of Camelot. Arise, Sir Vidor, Knight of Camelot. Arise Sir Caradoc, Knight of Camelot."

The knights stood together and faced their King.

"You've been accorded a great honor. With that honor comes a great responsibility. From this day forth, you are sworn to live by the Knights' code. You, who pledge to conduct yourselves with nobility, honor, and respect, your word is your sacred bond. You will find no one who better embodies these values than my son, Arthur." The King moved back towards his son and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder before addressing the Knights again. "Follow his example and you will prove yourselves worthy of your title."

The King approached his throne when the sounds of grunting and swords clashing came from the hall outside. A soldier dressed head to toe in armor turned the corner and approached the knights, the nobles and other courtiers backing away. The five new knights drew their swords and stood in front of their King, forming a barrier between him and the soldier. Arthur pushed through the knights and approached the soldier, sword drawn but hanging at his side.

The soldier stopped in front of Arthur and carefully took off their gauntlet and threw it at his feet, challenging him to combat. Arthur picked it up without hesitation.

"I accept your challenge. If I'm to face you in combat, do me the courtesy of revealing your identity."

The soldier paused for a moment before reaching up to their helmet and carefully pulling it off. Merlynn paled as the soldier revealed herself. Her long blonde hair came tumbling out of her helmet and cascaded down her back and her stern face stared back at Arthur. The rest of the court glanced around confused by the woman, but Merlynn only felt her stomach turn.

"My name is Morgause." She finally said, introducing herself.

Uther motioned for a servant to take Morgause to a room. Morgause turned to follow the servant out and spotted Merlynn. They locked eyes and Merlynn tried to figure out what Morgause was thinking, but she was stone faced. After a few seconds, Morgause turned away from Merlynn and left the room. The King dismissed the court and sent for Geoffrey, the record keeper. Merlynn followed Gaius out and walked silently with him back home.