Thread: In the Shadow of Camelot: A Femdom Arthurian Tale (Closed)

The knights and lords who composed the war council, for the most part, aghast at the inclusion of Morgana in their midst. Which worked perfectly, since Arthur's plan would go contrary to much of what was established and their suggestions. However, they'd be too busy being insulted by the raven haired queen's presence to be insulted by his ignoring their advice. Morgana's allegiance changed the world. Orkney would have to advance south alone, with no back up, and it was a long trip from the far north islands and highlands. It gave them time to deal with the southern force. Which had conveniently moved towards the castle of one of the lords who had sworn fealty to Arthur. Arthur sat in his chair, the last of the lords finishing his oratory. The young king's eyes were on the map, but his ears heard all. Merlin was in the back, behind all of them, ever changing eyes watching with quiet certainty. Arthur raised a hand as the man feel silent, before anyone else could speak. My lords and my lady, your counsel is well intended and wise. In truth, much of it was not. The choice is made. We will ride to the relief of King Leodegrance. Your Majesty, a red-faced Baron sputtered, Surely that is madness! With...with, he flushed at having to acknowledge her, With Queen Morgana fulfilling her oaths, Orkney's forces will be alone and vulnerable. We should ride north and crush them, then deal with the forces of Cornwall and Lyoness. Leodegrance can hold. And suffer, Arthur added. The man drew in a breath as if to speak again, but Arthur held up his hands. Did you not listen, my lords, to the words of Queen Morgana or myself in the great hall? We fight to protect our countrymen, not to slay them. We could destroy King Lot's force and stain Salisbury Plain scarlet. Then, victory would be all but assured. But we would sow the seeds of our own destruction in the needless deaths of worthy men, whose only sin is fulfilling their oaths to their liege, though he is dishonest in his own. He shook his head, standing up. Around the room, chairs creaked as those seated did likewise. It is a greater risk to attack the twin forces besieging our friend. But should we carry the day, and force their kings' renewed pledge, we will ride forth from that place with a force twice the size of ours now. He traced movements on the map, Then when King Lot comes upon us here, he will see our army and know there is no victory to be had. He is not a fool. We will put up the white flag and speak and he will listen. Behind the table, Merlin smiled. I will hear no further debate, it is decided. Arthur took a deep breath, Those of you whose lands lie distant, I would beseech to leave tonight. Speed is our ally now, let us pay heed to it. He looked around the table, seeing resolve despite uncertainty in the faces around him. On this contest, all will depend. Do not despair, my friends, or fear. This time is our dawn, and it will shine brightly for all time hence, if we act with virtue and valor, and forget not what we fight for. For Britain, and for peace. For Arthur, came Sir Ector's rumbling voice. For King Arthur, Sir Kay said, echoing his father, his brutish face determined. Others took up the cry, For King Arthur! The young king felt weary. After the council, there had been many preparations to make. They would be leaving in two days time. He wanted to go sooner but it would be recklessness to do so. In truth, that was part of the appeal. He wanted this to be over. His father's ambition, now achieved by him, seemed ludicrous. What madman would seek to rule all? His steps were a bit lighter though, as he traveled alone to the chambers of Queen Morgana. His sister. His gorgeous, remarkable, amazing sister who had delivered him from disaster. He thought back to that smile she'd favored him with, the glance over her shoulder, the way her dress hugged her form, the way it displayed her glory, how she had looked when she'd inhaled so suddenly...God, help him. Again, he felt that wry regret that such a woman was his kin. Alas. Arthur took a deep breath as he neared her door. He felt more nervous now than when addressing the court earlier, by a wide margin. What could he say to such a lady? Until four weeks ago, he had been nothing more than a page, an orphan ignored and overlooked by his foster family, despite all of his strange and deep learnings from Merlin. To such a noble Queen, what would Arthur the Wart have to say? Her door swung open as he neared it, and Morgana stood before him again. My God, what beauty and majesty. And so effortless. My Lady Morgana, he bowed. I am not suprised you heard me. My footsteps have grown heavier of late. Perhaps I've put on some weight. An entire kingdom. Thank you for your kindness, your gracious invitation has made the heavy business of the day lighter. It was no lie, that. Arthur stepped inside, the dramatic shift in temperature hitting him. The rooms were so much warmer than the hallways. Good, her chamber was richly appointed, as it should be. I hope everything here is to your liking, Your Highness. I asked Sir Kay to see that you were treated well according to your high station and service. It seems to me that he has done well, but I am...inexperienced yet at matters of finery and etiquette. There were no servants here. My Lady, your servants, they are...we are alone, are you certain... He sighed and chuckled ruefully, I illustrate my own point. I thank you, My Lady Morgana. I am yet ill at ease, and in truth, wished to see you in private this way. I hope not to harm your reputation by it.