The Gathering Storm
Morgan's resolve was unshakable as she discussed their strategy with Lott. "Now that we have strengthened our position and built up our forces, it's time to deal with Vortigern. We couldn't confront him before due to his overwhelming power in Wales and our insufficient strength. But now, with the Knights of the Round Table established, expanded territories, and abundant food, we are in a much better position."
Morgan's face hardened with determination. The death of her father at the hands of Vortigern was a wound that had never healed. She was ready to avenge her father and bring justice to Vortigern, the so-called humble king.
"Even if we were hesitant to strike first, I doubt Vortigern will simply stand by," Morgan continued. "His resources are scarce, and seeing our ample supplies will only drive him to act. We must be proactive."
Lott nodded in agreement but added a note of caution. "However, we should consider the situation carefully before acting. The terrain of Wales is rugged, and rushing in could lead to an ambush. While we have more troops than Vortigern, we need to be meticulous in our approach. Victory requires not only strength but also strategy."
Lott's mind raced with concerns. Vortigern's power, rooted deeply in the land and bolstered by magical forces, was a significant threat. Lott recalled the formidable battles involving Vortigern and understood the gravity of facing him. Even if they had the strength of Altria and Little Gawain with the Holy Sword, defeating Vortigern would be no simple feat.
Morgan listened attentively but was initially sceptical. The challenge of fighting her uncle seemed daunting. "Is he truly that formidable?" she wondered. "If so, we need a well-thought-out strategy."
Lott's thoughts mirrored Morgan's concerns. He knew that Vortigern was not merely a king but a representation of Britain's very essence. Defeating him would require more than just brute force—it would need a comprehensive plan.
Lott hoped that if only he could persuade a certain sister to join them, it might tip the balance. Morgan, catching his unspoken thought, felt a surge of excitement. She knew exactly who Lott was referring to and believed that the addition of this powerful ally could change the tide of battle.
Chapter 114: Vortigern's Ambitions and New Alliances
In Wales, Vortigern was actively mobilizing his forces, preparing for an imminent confrontation. His army, now larger and more formidable than when he controlled half of Britain, had grown through extensive conscription, including a significant number of Saxon warriors.
Vortigern observed the increasing size of his army with a mix of satisfaction and suspicion. Among his ranks were numerous fairies, a sign of the mystical forces now bolstering his forces. Vortigern understood that these fairies might have their agendas, but he was confident that a decisive victory would overshadow any ulterior motives.
"Are you all accustomed to the rugged terrain of Wales?" Vortigern addressed his troops, gauging their readiness.
Before they could respond, he shook his head and reminisced about the plains of England. The soldiers, many of whom had been with him during his rule in England, shared his nostalgia.
Vortigern's rousing speech invigorated the troops. "Let us reclaim Britain and prove that I, Vortigern, am the rightful ruler of this era!" His words ignited a fervour among the soldiers, who eagerly prepared to launch their offensive against Camelot.
An Unexpected Alliance
Upon returning to his palace, Vortigern was informed of an envoy's arrival. Expecting a fairy messenger, he was surprised to find a human envoy instead.
"Which messenger are you?" Vortigern inquired.
"I am the envoy from His Majesty King Marko," the messenger replied.
Vortigern was taken aback. Despite the small size of Cornwall, it held strategic importance. He was curious about the purpose of this visit.
"What brings you here?" Vortigern asked.
The envoy explained, "King Marko seeks to ally with you. His fiancée was abducted by Lott, and King Marko is eager for revenge. He proposes cooperation against Lott and Morgan."
The mention of abduction piqued Vortigern's curiosity. "Abducted? Is this true?"
The envoy clarified, "Princess Isod was taken by Tristan, one of Lott's knights."
Vortigern's initial disinterest was replaced by intrigue. He saw potential in this alliance. "If it benefits us both, I am open to cooperating. It would be more efficient to strike Camelot from Marko's territory rather than starting from Wales."
The envoy agreed, "Combining our forces would significantly enhance our chances of success."
Vortigern, eager to finalize the alliance, instructed the envoy to communicate his acceptance to King Marko. He anticipated that this joint effort would bring a decisive victory against Camelot.
Preparations for War
As Vortigern and King Marko prepared their armies for the upcoming war, they planned their attack meticulously. Vortigern intended to use a strategy similar to the one Lott had used against him previously. By launching an assault from King Marko's territory, they aimed to exploit Camelot's vulnerabilities.
Both leaders were confident that their combined forces would be more than a match for Lott and his allies. The preparation for the assault was underway, with troops and resources being mobilized for the decisive confrontation.
As the two armies readied themselves for war, the stage was set for a monumental clash that would determine the fate of Britain.