Modern Arthur 01 Knight Life by Peter David

Author:Peter David
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2011-01-25T02:56:59.419000+00:00

104 Peter David

"So," said Arthur, "this is our first opportunity to reall) talk. So tell me-how are you doing, you little bastard?"

"Mister, um, Mr. Penn, I don't see-"

Arthur raised a preemptory hand. "Don't. Don't even try to lie to me. It's foolishness. I know who you really are. Honestly, with the perversity with which fate names the players in our little drama, it would be a minor miracle if I didn't know you." He sighed and shook his head. "I thought we'd seen the last of each other on the field of battle, Modred, those many centuries ago. And before you try to protest again, I must re-emphasize that I know who you are, and I know that you know who you are. I have every confidence that my half sister, your mother, discovered you reincarnated in this"-he glanced down,-"less than impressive form."

"Well, I like that," huffed Moe Dredd.

"Just as I," continued Arthur, as if Moe had not said anything, "rediscovered Jenny, and Merlin found Percival."

"Ah, yes," said Moe Dredd disdainfully. "Gwen DeVere, the president of your reelection committee-an appointment that came as no surprise to anyone, I assume."

"Not to anyone who knows Gwen and knows what she's capable of."

Moe wiped the sweat from his eyebrows as they began to drip into his eyes. "That's not half as funny as putting an alcoholic in as your treasurer."

"Percy is not an alcoholic anymore," said Arthur evenly.

"Once a drunk, always a drunk," said Moe. "Even a drunk will tell you that."

"Perhaps. But I'm willing to give people a chance, despite their character flaws. Just as I'm willing to give you a chance."

"What?"

"You may not recall, Modred, but on that last day, when I received the wound that nearly killed me-and indeed, the day you were killed-you claimed you were willing to make a peaceful settlement with me. Suddenly, at the last moment, a poison adder appeared from nowhere and laid me low. My men, not seeing the snake, thought you had betrayed me, so they attacked. And that was the finish of us all."

He leaned toward Moe. "The thing I've always puzzled over, and the thing to which I doubt I'll ever get an answer, is my question of whether you arranged for that poisoned snake KNIGHT LIFE

J OS

yourself, or whether you were actually willing to negotiate for peace. On that basis, Modred, my reincarnated bastard son, I offer you a place within my organization. Because I want to be able to trust you.'*

Modred stared at him. Then he stood, said, "I'm sorry, I can't. I just can't," and left quickly.

Arthur could have gone after him. If he had, things might have turned out differently. If he had, he might have actually become allies with Modred, instead of ending up facing his son in battle several months later. But he didn't. He let Modred go, electing to stare into the steam, and so the future was allowed to run its course, which was remarkably similar to the past.

Gwen stood in front of the door to her former apartment, listening carefully for some sound of movement.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.