A Surprise Encounter in Camelot
It wasn't long before Bedivere found himself in an unexpected predicament. He had visited several inns in the chalk city, only to discover that all of them were fully booked—a rarity in this era, where travel was less frequent. He had finally located a modest hotel that seemed to have availability but was taken aback when the proprietor quoted him a rate of two Roman silver coins per day for a room.
Stunned, Bedivere protested, "What!? You want to charge me two Roman silver coins or the equivalent currency per day for a room?"
The hotel owner, clearly unfazed, replied with a shrug, "Hey, you think that's too high? In this city, rooms are scarce. This is all I've got. It's a premium for the demand."
Bedivere's frustration was palpable. "Fine, I'll take a room then," he said, though his mood was far from pleased.
As he was about to finalize his stay, a voice from a nearby table in the hotel's dining area interrupted. "I said, Boss, making such demands can lead to trouble. I knew someone who acted just like you, and now they're a cautionary tale."
The shop owner's face darkened. "What are you talking about?" he snapped as a few thugs emerged, clearly ready to cause trouble.
Bedivere, noting the hostile situation, drew his sword. Despite having only one arm, he was confident in his ability to handle the thugs. But before he could act, the man who had spoken dropped his cup and collapsed.
Suddenly, a team of knights burst into the hotel. Their leader, a petite yet formidable knight, quickly took control of the situation and began arresting the thugs. Bedivere, still taken aback, watched as the commotion unfolded.
The shop owner, now under arrest, shouted at Altria, "Why are you arresting me? I'm just trying to make a living!"
Altria, standing resolute, responded, "You've been exploiting people during the exam. That disrupts market order." She glanced at the shop owner with a steely gaze. "And it seems you're trying to attack His Majesty King Lott."
The shop owner's eyes widened in shock. "What?! I haven't done anything like that!"
"Are you sure?" Lott's voice came from behind, calm yet menacing. He had arrived and addressed the shop owner with a smile. "Hello, my name is Lott."
Bedivere, witnessing the scene, was initially stunned. He recognized the king and was impressed by his handling of the situation.
Morgan, observing the unfolding drama, glanced at Lott and then at Bedivere. She noticed his calm demeanour and realized he was no ordinary man.
The shop owner, now cornered, stammered, "I didn't know you were the king. I'm just a small-time extortionist!"
Bedivere, regaining his composure, introduced himself, "Your Majesty, I am Knight Bedivere."
"Yes, and what brings you here?" Morgan asked with a polite nod.
"I came to participate in the selection exam," Bedivere replied respectfully.
Morgan wished him well. "I hope you do well in the exam."
"Thank you, Your Majesty Morgan," Bedivere responded with a gentle smile.
After a few encouraging words, Morgan and Lott had Altria arrange for the cleanup and left the hotel. Outside, Morgan commented to Lott, "It looks like we might have found a good knight."
"Bedivere?" Lott asked, surprised by Morgan's observation.
"Absolutely," Morgan affirmed. "I can tell he's an extraordinary knight from just a glance."
Lott was impressed by Morgan's keen insight. "My wife's judgment is impeccable. It's a big difference from the historical account where our son faced betrayal. Now, she's able to identify talent effortlessly."
Morgan, overhearing Lott's thoughts, was momentarily puzzled. "What's this about history and betrayal?" She pondered, confused about the implications of her husband's musings.
Bedivere, having heard the conversation, thought to himself, "So, I'm recognized as a talented knight by the king and queen themselves. This could be a significant opportunity."
As Bedivere contemplated his new prospects, Lott and Morgan continued their exploration of Camelot, now with the prospect of recruiting a promising new knight into their ranks.