The Strategy Unfolds
Lott listened with a curious expression as Morgan spoke. "After all, there's an old white-haired liar who would never let her get into a dangerous situation. If things go awry, it won't be a big problem to bring you out with her." Morgan's words were meant to reassure Lott. She knew that as long as Merlin was involved, he would ensure her sister's safety, no matter the risk. Morgan had no qualms about using her sister in such situations, as her priorities were clear.
In Morgan's mind, there was no hesitation. Her sister and husband were her main concerns. As for herself, she felt that even her safety paled in comparison. "Okay, I understand. I must take her with me," Lott agreed with a smile. He was confident that the logistical issues, including potential food shortages, wouldn't be too significant of a problem. After all, Altria was a knight and could handle a few days of hunger.
Lott immediately addressed the matter. "It shouldn't be too late. I'll mobilize the knights in the city now and then set off," he said.
Morgan began to speak, "Well, you must…" but Lott quickly interrupted. "Don't set up any flags for me. Just go," he insisted. He was determined not to put up any grand gestures or banners for his departure. His focus was on returning safely, and he had no intention of any ceremonial fuss.
"Good," Morgan responded and watched Lott leave. Once he was gone, she took a moment to consider her next steps. Despite her confidence, she still felt a bit anxious. Besides Merlin, she needed to find a capable bodyguard. "After using my sister, it's time to call on Scáthach. She needs to look after her brother-in-law," Morgan thought to herself.
She resolved to send a messenger to Scotland to inform Scáthach and provide a convincing reason for her to join the efforts. "If it helps, you can say Vortigern is talking about her as an old woman behind her back," she decided, thinking this would be a compelling reason.
Lott quickly mobilized all the Knights of the Round Table in the city. This included Galahad, Altria, and Tristan. Altria, who had been in the middle of a meal, immediately set it aside upon hearing the news. Her resolve was firm, though her expression showed reluctance at the interruption.
Bedivere stayed with Morgan, assisting her in organizing the troops. Over two hundred knights formed a team and set out swiftly, each knight having three horses. It took them less than two days to reach the castle.
Upon arrival, Lott heard the sounds of an attack. He turned to the defence knight stationed there and asked, "Did the enemy come to attack?"
The knight's expression was grim. "Your Majesty Lott, we're unsure if it's a full offensive. They always send people to make it look like an attack, and when we come out to defend, they retreat. We don't know how many there are this evening."
Lott couldn't help but grin. The enemy's strategy was a clear imitation of his tactics, though he found their execution ruthless. "So, they've taken my strategy and used it against us," Lott mused to himself.
Turning to the knight, Lott suggested, "Let's use the cover of darkness to our advantage. Prepare some clothes for our soldiers to mimic the enemy's attire. When they stage another feint attack, we'll follow them back and hit their camp."
Lott knew the enemy, Vortigern's forces, were less well-fed and suffered more from night blindness. By avoiding lights, they couldn't see their opponents. "If they want to disturb us under the cover of darkness, we'll turn it against them," Lott thought confidently.
In the camp, King Marko observed Vortigern with a look of fear. "What's wrong?" Vortigern asked, feigning concern.
Marko responded, "It's nothing. Your strategy is truly impressive. I'm not sure how you devised it."
Vortigern, feeling pleased, kept his thoughts to himself. The strategy, though effective, had been learned from harsh experiences. He sipped his wine with an inscrutable expression, deepening Marko's awe and boosting his confidence in their success.
As the time approached, Vortigern instructed, "Send the soldiers who carried out the feint attack to rest. Prepare another group for the next assault."
"Yes," replied the subordinate, heading out to carry out the orders.
The soldiers, exhausted and dishevelled, began their return. A soldier, weary and thirsty, asked a comrade, "Brother, is there any water? My mouth is almost dry."
"Yes, I have some left," came the reply, and the soldier handed over a bag of water.
"Thanks. I'll hurry back now. I'm eager to get some rest. I wonder when we'll finally be able to defeat these Camelots," the soldier said before trotting away.
Unbeknownst to him, as he left, the others retrieved their concealed weapons. "Okay, we're safe now," Lott whispered as he checked the area.
Tristan, standing beside Lott, voiced his concern, "Your Majesty, isn't it too risky for you to be here personally?"
Lott shrugged and replied, "It's necessary. I thought of this plan, so I should see it through myself."
Tristan nodded but looked apologetic. "If it weren't for me, my uncle wouldn't have allied with Vortigern."
"It's fine," Lott reassured him. "It was my decision from the start, and King Marko's choices are his responsibility."
Lott regretted not anticipating King Marko's temperament sooner. In past experiences, Tristan's involvement had led to severe consequences. Reflecting on these thoughts, Lott decided there was no use dwelling on the past now.
With that, he prepared to put his plan into action.