Pendragon Castle, Great Hall, 1509
Merlin hesitated for a moment before answering, "Your father, King Utred." The betrayal's weight swept over Arthur with a tidal surge. He felt a mix of anger and sorrow, questioning how his father could harbor such dark intentions. Arthur's heart raced as he processed Merlin's words.
Arthur's thoughts raced as he wondered, "Why would my father do that to his granddaughter?" A sense of disbelief was etched on Arthur's face as he lingered on the unbearable thought of betrayal from King Utred.
A whirlwind of emotions churned within him as he struggled to comprehend the depths of his father's ambitions. "Utred believes that eliminating her will secure his power," Merlin revealed, his gaze fixed on Arthur's troubled expression.
Igraine looked at Arthur, her eyes filled with concern. "I agree with Merlin; your father could harbor such dark intentions," she said softly.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm glad Father is dead," Arthur confessed, his voice shaky.
The removal of at least one threat to his daughter gave Arthur a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
"Tell the knights to prepare the horses," Arthur instructed, his voice steady.
Merlin nodded, understanding the urgency in his king's words. "Right away," he said with concern. "What's our destination?"
"We are going to the Shanea Forbidden Forest," Arthur replied, determination in his eyes. The weight of the journey ahead loomed over them, but Arthur felt resolute in his mission.
"Why are we going there, your majesty?" Merlin asked, his brow furrowing with curiosity. Arthur turned to him, a serious expression on his face.
His voice steady, Arthur declared, "We are going there to get my daughter."
The knights and Merlin exchanged glances and nodded their heads in agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation.
With their minds focused and hearts united, they left the room to prepare the horses, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Igraine then noticed a look in Mahfiruze's eyes that suggested a mix of worry and determination.
"I'll leave to give you two time to talk," she added, sensing the urgency of the moment. The air was thick with anticipation as the two prepared to discuss their next steps.
Arthur expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Mother."
Igraine says, You're welcome, son, and then leaves the room.
Arthur then asks Mahfiruze, "Can we talk?" The atmosphere shifted as they both understood the importance of the conversation ahead.
Mahfiruze nodded, her expression serious yet open. "Of course, Arthur," she replied, taking a seat across from him, ready to discuss the challenges that loomed before them.
Arthur looked at Mahfiruze, his brow slightly furrowed. "How do you feel about my daughter coming to the palace?" he inquired earnestly.
Mahfiruze smiled softly, "I am totally fine with it, Arthur," and she felt like a daughter to him. "As I previously stated, she is inseparable from me. "Even if we aren't related by blood."
Arthur listened intently, absorbing Mahfiruze's words. He felt a wave of relief wash over him as her expression conveyed warmth and acceptance. "That means a lot to me," he replied, his voice steady.
Mahfiruze nodded, her eyes sparkling with kindness. "You go and bring her home safe and sound," she added, emphasizing the importance of the promise.
Arthur said, "I promise." He felt a deep connection to Mahfiruze's words, understanding the sentiment behind them.
Leontes and an unknown knight entered the room, their presence commanding attention. Arthur's gaze shifted to them, momentarily interrupting his conversation with Mahfiruze.
The atmosphere in the room shifted as the two figures approached, their armor gleaming under the flickering torchlight.
Leontes, tall and imposing, nodded respectfully at Arthur before addressing the both of them. "The horses are ready, your majesty."
Arthur straightened, a sense of urgency coursing through him. "Thank you," he replied, glancing back at Mahfiruze, whose expression mirrored his mix of anticipation and concern.
The unknown knight stood silently beside Leontes, his presence both intriguing and intimidating. Arthur wondered about the stranger's identity and purpose as the tension in the room thickened.
Arthur turned to the unknown knight, his apprehension increasing. "Who are you?" he inquired, his voice steady despite the uncertainty in the air.
The knight's gaze remained unwavering, a flicker of amusement playing at the corners of his lips. "Sir Tyler, your grace," he finally revealed, his tone low and measured.
Arthur's heart raced at the formality of the introduction, sensing that this Sir Tyler held secrets that could alter the course of their fates. "What brings you to our court?" he pressed, eager to uncover the truth behind the enigmatic figure standing before him.
Leontes then informs Arthur that Sir Tyler has recently completed his training to become a knight.
Arthur's eyes widened in surprise. "I see," he said, acknowledging the significance of the moment. "Congratulations, Sir Tyler," he added, a smile breaking across his face. Arthur felt the weight of the knight's accomplishments and the potential that lay ahead.
"Thank you, your majesty," Sir Tyler replied, bowing slightly in respect. Leontes watched the exchange with pride, knowing how hard Sir Tyler had worked to earn his knighthood. "It is a great honor," Sir Tyler continued, his voice steady.
Arthur nodded, feeling the atmosphere shift with the knight's gratitude and humility. Arthur was aware that the young knight would cherish this moment as the start of a new chapter.
Leontes then asked Arthur if it was alright for Sir Tyler to join them on their journey.
Arthur smiled and nodded, recognizing the value of having such a dedicated companion by their side. "Absolutely," he replied, "his skills will be invaluable as we face the challenges ahead."
Sir Tyler says, "Thank you, your majesty. I will not fail you. You have my word."
Arthur then says, "I have no doubt."
He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the journey ahead. "We must leave at once," Arthur commanded, his voice steady despite the uncertainty that loomed over them.
Then they exit the room and head to the horses waiting in the courtyard.
A while later everyone prepared to leave for the Shanea Forbidden Forest.
Arthur tells the knights to prepare to mount their horses.
With a sense of determination, the group began to gather their supplies, readying themselves for the adventures that awaited them.
Mahfiruze looked at Arthur, her eyes filled with concern and encouragement. "Good luck, Arthur, and stay safe out there," she said softly, hoping her words would bolster his spirits.
As they prepared for the journey, Arthur felt a surge of gratitude for her support. He nodded in acknowledgment, determined to face the challenges of the Shanea Forbidden Forest ahead.
The knights mounted their horses, tension mingling with excitement as they set forth into the unknown. Each rider felt the weight of their mission, fueled by the camaraderie and bravery that surrounded them.
As they set off, the sun broke through the clouds, casting a golden glow on the path ahead, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.