The Unexpected Call to Arms
Morgan observed Altria's nervous demeanour and thought about how some things seemed guided by fate. When King Leodegrance sent for help, it naturally involved Altria.
King Leodegrance might be a less familiar name to many, but his daughter, Guinevere, was well-known as the wife of King Arthur and the figure linked to his demise and the disappearance of the Knights of the Round Table. With the arrival of the messenger, Lott wondered what the king needed.
"Show me the letter," Lott instructed.
Altria handed over the letter. Lott took it and Morgan, curious, leaned on Lott's arm as she read the letter alongside him.
The letter was brief, mainly requesting aid. King Leodegrance's territory was under siege by King Ryann, and he sought help from Camelot. He expressed his respect for Camelot and promised repayment for their assistance.
Lott mused, "What kind of repayment could he offer? Historically, he married his daughter to Altria and provided a large round table for the Knights. What more could there be? If we help, we might just end up with a table that can't be used."
Morgan nodded in agreement but was puzzled by some references in the letter. "What's this about cannons and Hunjong?" she wondered.
Lott decided, "I need to negotiate better terms. This is a chance to expand our influence, but we must ensure it's beneficial."
Morgan internally complained about the directness of Lott's approach. "Isn't this a bit unknightly?" she thought.
She addressed Altria, "Bring the messenger to me."
Altria nodded and summoned the messenger. Upon his arrival, Morgan inquired, "King Leodegrance sent a letter asking for help. Is that all? What additional details were provided?"
The messenger looked perplexed, unsure of what more could be expected. Morgan clarified, "We need to know what rewards King Leodegrance is willing to offer—land, money, or something else."
"But, according to knightly spirit…" the messenger began hesitantly.
Morgan cut him off, "The spirit of knighthood is fine, but I'm not a knight. I'm not bound by those rules."
She exchanged a knowing glance with Lott. "You might want to be careful about expressing those thoughts openly."
Lott smiled, acknowledging Morgan's role in this negotiation.
The messenger, sensing the change in tone, went to confer with his king. Lott and Morgan shared a smile, then turned to Altria. "Inform the army; we're preparing for war."
Altria was bewildered. "But you just said you weren't going to help."
She was caught between the conflicting instructions from Lott and Morgan, leaving her feeling frustrated.
...
Lancelot, like Merlin, had been forcibly conscripted into the army. Initially confused by Lott's comment about being used as a "sacrifice the flag," Lancelot soon realized he was in a precarious position.
Galahad, responsible for his care, provided him with a meal. Lancelot, noting the early hour, remarked, "It's quite early for lunch."
Despite his predicament, Lancelot found the food delicious, much better than what he had in France. He reflected on the British food's quality compared to what he had been told.
"I said, if you're going to kill me, just give me a knife. I'd rather die in battle than be sacrificed," Lancelot told Galahad.
Galahad replied earnestly, "I have no intention of harming you."
Lancelot, still unsure of his fate, asked, "So, what's the plan? Why am I tied up so tightly?"
Just then, Altria arrived with news of the war preparations. She informed Galahad that they were gearing up to assist King Leodegrance.
Galahad turned to Lancelot, puzzled by his continued struggle. "What's wrong? Why are you tied so tightly?"