Mordred #7

 It is such a sorrow to be perfectly right when the cost comes so very dear. But, alas, it couldn’t be helped. I was there, and I assure you that the sight I saw there, the treacherous words I heard exchanged, the blood I saw spilled, will linger with me until my final day, as I wonder what force could have preserved me that I lived wounded as I was while twelve worthy knights, all friends and kinsmen of mine, died. 

My brother Agravaine, who was no less than the the nephew of the king, died for the sake of this love affair, because brave, fearless Sir Lancelot decided that he would rather murder his sworn brothers in arms rather than face justice for his deeds. Are these the actions of an innocent man? Are they even the actions of a good man? A man worthy of his seat at the Round Table? Are these the actions of a true knight? 

My nephews, Sir Florence and Sir Lovell! Who were scarcely men in their own right, who many in Camelot watched grow up sitting on the knee of their father Sir Gawain, who even still, I hear tell, holds some regard for the adulterous pair. 

And all of it for the sake of a woman, our own Helen of Britain. 

 Is this how you want Camelot to be remembered? As a cesspit of corruption, hypocrisy, and decay? 

I…cannot help but take personal offense, I confess, because such a black stain as these two have cast falls unfortunately upon that great, virtuous monarch, my uncle, for I understand that some malcontents would say that the behavior of the queen reflects in some way upon the rule of the king. I would not be surprised if even now they were planning a revolt, or indeed if Lancelot himself was doing so and that was his primary purpose in seducing Queen Guinevere. Perhaps, he thought that if he could displace the king in the queen’s bed, he might displace him on the throne as well. After all, he has his base at Joyous Guard, his kindred, and the favor of near the entire court until today. It’s a very…convenient arrangement, would you not agree? 

I assure you, my grief is as great and as true as any man’s here. Sir Lancelot was an idol for many a young man taking up a sword for the first time, and who but the most unnatural of men could look at Queen Guinevere and not feel a sense of admiration? All of that only serves to make the poison they have served us only bitterer. Let today not be the day where treason prospers in the heart of Camelot. I call upon all who hear this, not the least my esteemed uncle, to whom the onerous duty of judgement falls, to treat this matter with the severity it most surely merits and to punish both offenders accordingly. Throw the woman to the flames, for she is not fit food for dogs, and for Sir Lancelot, nothing less than hanging, drawing, and quartering. Let God have mercy on their souls, for I’ve no intention of it.