Altria, Draw the Sword for Me
Morgan's thoughts were dark and stormy. "This is unforgivable. Merlin's manipulations could ruin Altria's future completely. To transform her into a king through deceit, and force her to live a lie... how could he do this?"
Though Morgan often displayed her disdain for Altria, she held a deep, sisterly affection for her. The idea of Altria being trapped in a life of pretence, acting as a man and fighting for Camelot, was a grim fate she couldn't accept.
"Merlin's plan will leave Altria isolated, surrounded only by deceit and struggle. If she becomes king, she will be lonely, unlike me who can at least have Lott's company. And Merlin's plans will only lead her to more suffering."
Morgan looked at Altria, who was still processing the situation. "Lott's sword? Why is it here? I saw Lott carrying it when I was outside the city. It hasn't been lost, has it?"
Altria was momentarily bewildered. "The sword?" She gestured towards the sword in the stone. "That sword?"
Morgan smiled knowingly. "Haven't you heard the rumours circulating in Chalk City? People say that whoever draws the sword from the stone will be the rightful king of Britain. Many have tried but failed so far."
Altria murmured to herself, "So, I've been deceived by Merlin?"
Morgan nodded slightly. "Yes, that's right. No one has succeeded in drawing the sword so far. Merlin knew you were a serious knight. If you can't pull it out, it will only reinforce the challenge."
Altria, acknowledging the truth in Morgan's words, sighed. "If others haven't been able to pull it out, then it's probably beyond me as well. And if His Majesty Lot didn't lose his sword, I must have been misled by my teacher."
Despite her frustration, Altria held no deep resentment. "It's just a prank from my teacher. I won't be too upset. But I do wish he'd let me have my meal before playing these games."
Morgan, seeing that Altria had accepted the story, decided to press forward with her plan. She needed to ensure that Merlin's scheme would backfire. "If Merlin wants to use my sister, then I'll turn this against him. This is his own doing."
With a serious expression, Morgan addressed Altria, "Altria, do you want to try drawing the sword?"
Altria shook her head. "Not really. I'm more concerned about my hunger right now. Besides, I can't pull the sword out myself."
Morgan's face flushed slightly but remained composed. "Well, as a member of the Knights of the Round Table, I order you to attempt to draw this sword."
Altria looked puzzled. "But, Your Highness, why would I need to draw the king's sword?"
Morgan continued with a solemn tone. "This sword is a treasured relic of our Pendragon family. It is said that only someone from the Pendragon lineage can successfully draw it. However, it seems the sword was taken out and placed here under the guise of choosing a king. It's a hidden agenda meant to undermine our family's reputation."
Altria was shocked. "That's truly despicable."
Morgan's expression darkened further. "Yes, it is. But I have a way to give you the strength to draw the sword. I will temporarily enhance your abilities so you can attempt it."
Altria agreed resolutely, "Yes, Your Highness."
Morgan quietly used her magic to strengthen Altria. Being a skilled magician, Morgan's enchantments went unnoticed by the inexperienced knight. Once the enhancement was complete, Morgan lightly patted Altria on the shoulder, signalling her to proceed.
Altria, now feeling a newfound strength, approached the sword with determination. Her thoughts were filled with a sense of duty. "I must protect His Royal Highness Morgan and uphold the Pendragon legacy."
As Altria took her position by the sword, the crowd watched with growing anticipation. Many had tried and failed before her.
Some murmured, "Who is this boy?"
"I don't know, but he seems to be a young knight."
"He looks promising, but several renowned knights have tried and failed."
"Let's see if he can succeed where others haven't."
Altria grasped the hilt of the sword. With the enhanced strength Morgan provided, she felt a smooth ease as she pulled.
"For Your Highness," Altria thought, focusing on her task.
With a firm grip and determined effort, the sword came free from the stone.