Unknownfate
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Chapter 7
🕑 Added 2025-03-29 00:09:02 +0000 UTCBy the time the knights made their way toward the throne room, I had taken my seat upon my throne once more. Agravain stood at my side, ever watchful, discussing plans for the future.
“It seems the others have arrived. Allow Mordred to enter,” I instructed, interrupting his detailed explanation of guard rotations.
Agravain bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
He stepped outside and returned shortly, leading Mordred into the chamber.
“Hey, Father! Shouldn’t we celebrate your return with a proper feast?” Mordred called out, louder than necessary. “There’s nothing to eat! Surely the great Camelot cannot be without food?”
I was mildly amused at how quickly his energy had returned. He had been terrified when first summoned, but now, it was as if he had forgotten the past altogether.
“Sir Mordred! That’s no way to address the king; kneel and pay your respects at once.” Sir Agravain swiftly commanded, his irritation evident at his perceived disrespect.
“He’s not wrong, Sir Agravain; we got sidetracked and forgot the supplies we agreed upon.” I said with a small smile.
“But still… after what he did.” Agravain couldn’t keep from adding.
“Hey! Don’t you dare bring that up!” Mordred quickly fired back.
“Enough, both of you; calm down and remember you are in my presence.” I intervened, pleased to see Sir Agravain still had some spirit. But not about to let them start a fight.
“Mordred, come closer; I will let you see the Grail in action.” I invited as I summoned the golden chalice once more.
Mordred stepped forward eagerly, his typical bravado subdued by the sight of the glowing chalice emanating near-infinite energy. He paused a few steps from the throne, his green eyes wide with awe and excitement.
“So, this is the Holy Grail.” He murmured, awe creeping into his voice. “It’s… incredible.”
“It is indeed… though it pales in comparison to Excalibur or Avalon.” No matter how beautiful, it couldn't compare to those two.
Mordred nodded solemnly. “And you’re going to use it now?”
“Yes.” I said. “For Camelot and its people. Watch closely, Mordred. This is not a spectacle—it is a responsibility.”
I raised the Grail, its glow intensifying.
“By the will of the Holy Grail, let Camelot’s needs be met.
Let there be food and drink to sustain my knights, tools for their craft, and gold to trade with the world beyond these walls.
O holy Grail, grant me my wish, a city made a home!”
The room filled with a radiant golden light, and Mordred shielded his eyes as the Grail’s power manifested. Then as soon as the light appeared it disappeared again, leaving the room just as it was.
Mordred blinked, his confusion evident as he glanced around the room. “Wait... that’s it? Nothing’s changed.”
I couldn’t help but smile at his impatience. “Did you think I would fill the throne room with goods? The warehouses are filled, as are the tables of the castle, which means if you linger too long, all the food might be gone.”
Mordred's confusion quickly gave way to realization as his eyes lit up. “The tables? Food? Already?!” He turned on his heel, practically bolting toward the door before pausing and glancing back at me with a wide grin. “You’re serious, right?”
I chuckled softly, waving him off. “Go see for yourself. But don’t forget to share—it’s for everyone, Mordred.”
I then turned to Sir Agravain. “I’ll summon the enforcement knight with the lance tomorrow. If you wish, go eat now; I may need your counsel before the night ends.”
Sir Agravain bowed his head, his expression calm as always. “As you command, My King. I’ll join the others briefly to assess the situation and ensure order is kept.”
His formality made me smile. “Agravain, they’re knights, not unruly children. Trust them to enjoy themselves for one night.”
He hesitated, his stern gaze softening momentarily before he nodded. “Very well. But I will return soon. There’s much to prepare for tomorrow.”
“No, my loyal knight, go—join the others in the feast; you deserve to partake too,” I insisted, shaking my head.
He could only bow his head. “As you command,” he replied promptly before heading out, likely more to supervise the others than anything else.
Once he was gone, I lightly shook the Grail again, making a large table filled with food appear before my throne. “I also deserve a little snack,” I murmured as I started to eat.
I didn’t avoid joining the others because I didn’t want to; I simply knew that if I did, they wouldn’t relax, given their mixed feelings about me. I thought it best to give them some time apart.
It was impossible for me to go unnoticed. For my sensitive knights, being in the same room as me would be like standing beside the sun.
That warmth might feel pleasant, but it was not something one could easily ignore.
Sadly, as a goddess, I felt more distant from them than ever. Yet, if that’s what was required, I would bear that burden willingly.
I spent the night enjoying my feast, consuming enough food to feed dozens of men while the joyous sounds of my knights filled the air. Just one meal was enough to help them set aside their differences for a night.
I fear they will be forced to face one another again tomorrow. Resolving their grievances will likely take years.
------
The great hall of Camelot’s castle roared with life, a stark contrast to the silence that had once claimed it. Long tables stretched across the chamber, laden with platters of roasted meats, fresh bread, and golden wheels of cheese. Stews thick with spices filled the air with a rich aroma, while goblets overflowed with mead and wine.
Mordred skidded to a stop just inside the entrance of the great hall, his green eyes sweeping over the scene before him.
The noise was deafening—knights talking, drinking, eating with the same ferocity they had once brought to battle. He exhaled sharply, taking in the sheer abundance of food before making his way to the nearest table.
"Well, well," Gaheris muttered, glancing up as Mordred sat down. "Finally decided to join us?"
Mordred grabbed a goblet of wine, downing half of it in one long pull before slamming it onto the table. "I had more important matters to attend to."
Gawain scoffed. "More important than eating? That's a first."
Mordred shot him a grin, grabbing a slab of venison from a platter. "You should know by now that I always make an entrance."
Despite the jest, there was an underlying tension in the air. The war had ended, yet its wounds had not healed. The knights sat together, but there was no true brotherhood yet—not like there had been before everything had fallen apart. Every glance held weight, every pause in conversation was a reminder of past betrayals.
Mordred felt the eyes of many on him as he tore into his food. Some, like Gareth, seemed indifferent. Others, like Tristan, watched with thinly veiled wariness. Across the table, Lancelot remained quiet, his plate largely untouched.
The heavy doors creaked open once more, and this time, it was Agravain who entered. Unlike Mordred, he did not rush. His steps were slow, deliberate, his expression unreadable as he scanned the room. The knights who noticed him fell quiet, shifting slightly as if expecting a reprimand.
Agravain surveyed the feasting knights for a moment longer before he stepped toward an empty seat near the edge of the gathering, sitting stiffly. He did not reach for food or drink.
"You know," Mordred mused aloud, swallowing another mouthful of food. "For someone who always lectures me about duty, you sure took your time getting here."
Agravain didn’t look at him. "I was ensuring that all was in order. Someone has to do it."
Mordred snorted. "Right. Because making sure the tables are stocked with food is such an urgent duty."
Agravain finally turned his gaze on him, sharp and unwavering. "Because ensuring that our king’s gift is not wasted or misused is my duty." He glanced around the hall. "Not everyone is as... carefree as you."
Mordred’s smirk twitched. "Carefree? That’s one way to put it. I prefer to call it 'enjoying the moment.' You should try it sometime."
Agravain did not rise to the bait. Instead, he merely exhaled and turned his attention to the rest of the hall. The noise had returned, but it lacked warmth. The knights spoke, drank, and ate, but camaraderie had yet to fully return to them.
-----
It was late into the night when Sir Agravain returned to me, finding me seated upon my throne just as he had left me.
The remnants of my private feast had long since vanished, leaving no evidence of indulgence.
“I apologize for my delay, my King,”
Agravain said, bowing slightly. “The others insisted I remain until their revelry ended. Truth be told, they could have continued far longer had I not finally sent them off for the night.”
“You need not apologize.” I replied, waving off his concerns. “I told you to enjoy yourself, but now we must return to our duties.”
“As your Majesty wills it.” He acknowledged, stepping forward with his usual composure.
We then began discussing our plans, which included the use of the supplies now filling the warehouses and our future actions.
“I believe we will receive visitors soon.” I stated. “You have seen the crowds gathering. If those in authority do not act swiftly, the citizenry will grow restless, and their curiosity will drive them toward the city.”
“Indeed, as you say, your majesty. If not tomorrow, then in the coming days. But depending on how long they wait, the nature of their greeting may change.”
“Oh? In what way?”
“If they take too long to arrange it, it likely means their intentions aren’t good.” He quickly shared his thoughts.
“Very well,” I conceded. “If no one comes within three days, we shall take the first step. But for now, I want Sir Bedivere prepared to receive our guests—and perhaps Mordred as well. Bedivere embodies kindness, while Mordred will serve as a show of force.”
Agravain stiffened slightly. “Sir Bedivere is a wise choice, my King.” He acknowledged. “But Mordred? I do not understand why you grant him such favor.”
I could not help but laugh at his exasperation.
“My King, have I spoken out of turn?” He asked, his brow furrowing.
“No.” I assured him, still amused. “It is simply ironic. Once, I was told I did not understand the hearts of men. Yet now, it is you who does not understand the heart of a parent.”
His expression turned to one of barely concealed horror.
Those few words had been part of the cause of Camelot’s collapse, so they were considered a taboo of the highest order.
“I see... my apologies, your majesty.”
“There is no need for that.” I assured him.
“Simply ensure Bedivere and Mordred are prepared.”
“If they do arrive, I expect you to manage affairs. They can guide them here, but for the meeting itself, I need you. As king, there are things I shouldn’t say myself.”
Agravain’s eyes widened slightly, clearly taken aback. The truth of my words struck him deeply. Once, the Arthuria he had known would never have admitted to such a need. This, more than anything, showed him how much I had changed.
I had truly embraced the role of a king, or rather a goddess.
“As you command, My King.” He said finally, bowing deeply. “I will ensure Sir Bedivere and Sir Mordred are prepared to receive any visitors. Their roles will be made clear.”
“Good.”
“Bedivere’s warmth and Mordred’s... enthusiasm will strike the necessary balance. We must display strength, but also grace. Camelot’s return should inspire hope, not fear.”
Agravain hesitated for a moment before nodding. “It is a calculated risk, but I trust your wisdom. Mordred’s temperament is unpredictable, but perhaps this responsibility will temper it.”
I smirked, sensing his attempt to rationalize his doubts. “Mordred is still young. Mistakes will happen, but he is one of my finest knights. As my heir, he must learn more than just how to wield a sword.”
As our discussion continued, the flickering torchlight cast shifting shadows across the throne room.
Agravain’s unwavering focus was both reassuring and bittersweet.
He had inherited other aspects of his mother, my sister, unlike his siblings. He was steadfast, pragmatic, and an unwavering pillar of support.
I couldn’t help but think about how different things would have been had my sister worked with me like her children.
“You have done well, Agravain.” I said at last, my voice softer. “Your dedication is invaluable. Without your counsel, Camelot would falter.”
He inclined his head, his stoicism briefly giving way to humility. “It is my duty, my King. To serve you and this kingdom is all I have ever desired.”
I smiled faintly and rose from my throne. “Then rest well tonight. Tomorrow, we begin anew. The world beyond our walls may be unfamiliar, but Camelot’s light will endure.”
Agravain bowed once more before turning to leave. His footsteps echoed down the corridor, fading into the night.
Left alone, I gazed out of the grand stained-glass windows. Moonlight streamed through, casting ethereal patterns upon the stone floor.
Far beyond the city, I could still see the distant glow of patrol lights. The authorities remained vigilant, keeping curious onlookers at bay. But they would not be able to hold them back forever.
Everyone could see it.
Camelot had returned, and soon, the world would come knocking.
-----
Dawn came and illuminated Camelot, bathing its pristine walls and shining spires in a warm golden glow.
From the tallest tower, I gazed as the morning mist dissipated, unveiling the crowd gathered outside the gates.
This group consisted of curious onlookers alongside more official figures—soldiers sent to maintain order and a small fraction of individuals who carried an air of purpose.
The welcome committee.
Even from this distance, I could see them clearly. Their attire and vehicles stood in stark contrast to the medieval grandeur of my reborn kingdom, a reminder that the world beyond these walls had long since moved past the age of chivalry.
Lost in thought, it was a light and polite cough from Agravain that brought me back to the present.
“My King, they have arrived.”
“I see them,” I replied, my gaze still fixed on the scene below. “And the knights I selected?”
“They await your command at the gates,” he reported. “Sir Bedivere is, as ever, eager to fulfill his duty. Sir Mordred… less so, but he has complied."
A faint smile touched my lips. “Mordred’s fire will serve us well today. Let us not keep our guests waiting. Agravain, you will oversee the introductions.”
He bowed deeply. “As you command, My King.”
