Revelations and Reconciliation
"Well, there's nowhere for you to run," Galahad declared, his sword poised as he faced the Wind Clan's patriarch.
The patriarch, despite looking youthful, was desperate. She had hoped to cast another spell to escape, but her efforts were thwarted as Camelot's reinforcements arrived in force, surrounding them completely.
The fairies had lost. Their defeat was undeniable.
Galahad grabbed the patriarch and marched her toward Morgan, throwing her to the ground at Morgan's feet. "Your Majesty, I've brought back the leader of the Wind Clan," he announced, glancing curiously at the imposing figure standing beside Morgan.
He scrutinized Altria, sensing something familiar but unable to place it. She exuded an aura of strength that he had rarely encountered. "Who is this? A new recruit under King Lott and Queen Morgan?" he wondered, recalling the spectacle of her fighting Melusine earlier. Her skill was extraordinary, surpassing that of most knights, even rivaling legends like Scáthach and Vortigern. He was both awed and puzzled.
When Altria noticed Galahad's gaze lingering on her, she felt slightly self-conscious. "Sir Galahad, why are you looking at me like that?" she asked.
Galahad blinked, taken aback by her directness. "I... I beg your pardon, but who are you?" he asked, his confusion evident.
Morgan stepped in, her voice calm and authoritative. "Her name is Altria."
Galahad's eyes widened in shock. "Altria? You mean King Arthur?" His voice rose in disbelief. "That's impossible! How can King Arthur be a woman?"
Morgan raised her hand to silence the murmur that had spread among the gathered knights. "I understand your confusion, Galahad. But Altria is indeed a woman. It may be difficult to comprehend, but I assure you, there's no deceit here. Altria has led the Knights of the Round Table as its chief, and she will continue to do so. Is there a problem with that?"
The gathered knights fell silent, processing Morgan's words. They glanced at Altria, who stood resolutely, her eyes steady and unwavering. Slowly, the realization sank in their revered leader, King Arthur, was a woman.
Galahad's face reflected his inner turmoil. The concept of King Arthur, a figure who had shaped Camelot, now being revealed as a woman, was shattering his understanding of reality. But Morgan's firm gaze left no room for debate.
"You all know Altria's strength and leadership. She has earned her place among you not because of her gender but because of her abilities. That has not changed," Morgan continued her voice firm.
The knights exchanged glances. One by one, they nodded, accepting the revelation. What mattered to them was not Chief Arthur's gender but the integrity and courage she had shown time and again.
Galahad, still struggling with the revelation, glanced around and found no support for his hesitation. He took a deep breath and nodded reluctantly, his thoughts still in turmoil. Everything I believed has been turned upside down, he mused. But Altria has always been a worthy leader. That fact remains unchanged.
Morgan sensed his lingering doubts and spoke again, this time more softly. "Galahad, Altria has always been your comrade, your leader. She is also my sister, Altria Pendragon, daughter of King Uther. That does not change who she is to you."
The knights looked at Altria with newfound respect, awe, and some lingering confusion. To be a Pendragon, the daughter of King Uther, and the sister of Queen Morgan—such a revelation only heightened their admiration for her.
Galahad's gaze shifted from Altria to Melusine, who had been captured and stood restrained nearby. His feelings were complicated. This Melusine has the essence of someone from another world, he thought, recalling what Morgan had explained. In some way, she's connected to me… perhaps even as a parent.
But how could he address someone who had been an enemy mere moments ago, now bound and defeated? He looked at her youthful face, so much smaller and less intimidating than he had imagined. Despite her fierce resistance, she was now at their mercy.
What will become of her? he wondered, his mind conflicted.
Lott and Morgan had already decided Melusine's fate. The Wind Clan patriarch was beyond redemption; her betrayal and cruelty had sealed her fate. But Melusine was different. Her power was formidable, yet her heart was not cruel. She had fought honorably, and now, Lott and Morgan saw potential in her.
Lott approached Melusine, his eyes kind but firm. "Melusine, do you recognize me?" he asked, his tone steady.
Melusine frowned, searching her memory. Something about him seemed familiar, but she couldn't place it. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice uncertain.
Lott smiled and took out a metal mask, placing it over his face. The transformation was subtle but significant. As the mask clicked into place, Melusine's eyes widened in recognition.
"You're the Nameless Knight who accompanied Aesc the Savior!" she exclaimed, astonishment clear in her voice.
Lott nodded. "Yes, it's me."
"Was all of this your doing?" Melusine asked, her voice tinged with betrayal and resignation.
Lott nodded again, unflinching. "Yes, you could say that. The fairies tried to deceive and manipulate us, so we countered. We had to defend ourselves. You can understand that, can't you?"
Melusine hesitated, then sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I suppose I can't fault you for defending yourself."
Lott extended a hand to her, his voice gentle. "We don't want to destroy you, Melusine. You have strength and honor. Join us. Help us build a better future."
Melusine looked at his outstretched hand, conflicted. Could she trust this man, this person who had been both ally and enemy? Could she trust herself to make the right choice?
But then, she glanced at the defeated Wind Clan patriarch, the one who had abandoned her, and realized that the path she had been on was a dead end.
Slowly, hesitantly, she reached out and took Lott's hand.