Meanwhile, Lancelot, deeply troubled by the new insights, was grappling with the notion of deception. He turned his attention to two approaching knights—Kay and Altria—who appeared to be formidable. Their presence and the state of their weapons suggested they had been involved in a significant skirmish. Could these be Morgan's agents? How is it that her forces are so capable? Lancelot wondered.
Kay, noticing Lancelot, drew his sword. "Who are you?" he demanded, prepared for a confrontation.
Lott intervened, "Let him go." He instructed Kay and Altria to allow Lancelot to leave.
After Lancelot departed, Kay and Altria reported back to Lott, "Your Majesty Lott, we encountered ten assassins, all of whom have been dealt with."
Lott smiled in approval. "Good work."
Altria, relieved by the positive feedback, thought to herself, I'm glad to be spared from punishment. Her Royal Highness Morgan had threatened that if I failed in my duty, my rations would be reduced to brown bread mixed with sawdust. That would have been unbearable!
Her thoughts were interrupted when she noticed Galahad, a white-haired youth, looking unusually surprised. Why is he so taken aback?
Galahad, with his mouth agape, was astonished to see Altria—now revealed as King Arthur—amidst the unfolding drama. He was baffled by the scene.
Kay noticed Galahad's reaction and patted his shoulder. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"Ah, nothing," Galahad stammered, his face flushed.
Morgan introduced Galahad to Altria. "This is Galahad, a member of the Knights of the Round Table."
Altria, now understanding Galahad's reaction, reflected on his curiosity. He must be surprised to see me, given my role in the Knights.
Galahad, still stunned, asked Altria, "Did you draw the sword from the stone?"
"Yes, I did," Altria replied with a proud smile. "It was an honour to be chosen by His Royal Highness Morgan for this task."
Galahad scratched his head, confused. This doesn't fit the story I know. How could someone like Altria be chosen to draw the sword?
Altria noticed Galahad's puzzled expression and asked, "Is something troubling you?"
Galahad responded hesitantly, "I'm just trying to understand. If you drew the sword and became King Arthur, shouldn't you be the one ruling Britain?"
Altria frowned, "These matters are the result of His Royal Highness Morgan's decisions. My role was based on trust and loyalty. If not me, it could have been anyone else deemed worthy at the time."
Galahad, disconcerted, thought to himself, Morgan's ability to deceive was unparalleled. Even if this world's Morgan is not as formidable as others, her actions still carry weight.
He then inquired about Morgan's governance. "What is your opinion of His Royal Highness Morgan's rule?"
Altria gave Galahad a curious look. Why the sudden interest? Is this part of a larger plan or just personal curiosity?