The White Knight: an Arthurian retelling (Songs of Another Time Book 2) by Caitriona Drexler

Author:Caitriona Drexler [Drexler, Caitriona]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-01-05T00:00:00+00:00

With our newly formed pact, Arthur suggests we tour the entire country, visiting all the kingdoms in the realm. Those who are loyal to Arthur, those who are still uncertain of his ambitions, and even those opposed to his dream of one unified country. I am hesitant about the tour, mainly visiting the kings who do not believe in Arthur.

Flashbacks of Melwas still haunt me. The smell of his sweaty body pressed against mine, his lips seeking entry into my unwilling mouth, the deep slash of a knife on my thigh. He meant to take me by force and make me his wife and queen. But Elnaril saved me, and barbecued Melwas for taking what was not his. Those memories are faint now, though I still remember the pain and fear. Melwas hated Arthur. There would have been nothing Arthur could do to convince Melwas to join him. I’m certain others feel the same. They don’t want to give away their power, their kingdoms. They fear what Arthur could do if he had control of the entire realm.

I don’t blame them. The Romans terrorized these lands. Their search for power to expand their empire and take over the world ultimately destroyed them. World domination caused them to neglect the protection of their homelands.

Arthur doesn’t want that kind of power. He only wants the kingdoms to be of one mind. To sign a treaty of peace. Assist each other when they have need of an army. To fight off the Vikings, the Saxons, and anyone who attempts to invade this beautiful, fragile land. Arthur hopes to convince the opposing kings of the realm during this tour, but I fear if we travel to those kingdoms, we will never see Camelot again.

“I think the tour is a marvelous idea, Arthur. Truly. It will be a wonderful experience for Galahad and introduce him to all the kings of the realm. But Arthur,” I plead, “we shouldn’t visit those who see you as an enemy.”

“If I do not include everyone in this tour, what will that say of me? Won’t people taunt me for being afraid?”

“No matter what you do, Arthur, someone will have something negative to say about you.”

Arthur looks at Lance, hoping to get his approval. But Lance is on my side. “Guin is right. Your enemies would likely refuse to invite you to their castles or kill you within. Would it not be best to tour the castles of those you consider friends and allies? Those you know will not attempt to assassinate you and your entire family?”

“Perhaps you are both right. I only wish for the entire realm to see the four of us together. To show them we have united our houses. Show them we can all live as one.”

Arthur looks tired. For nearly thirty years, Arthur has fought to keep his throne. Fought to bring the realm together. And he is still fighting.

“What about a gathering?” Arthur looks hopeful at Lance’s suggestion. He twirls his finger to let Lance know he would like to hear more of this idea.

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