"This mission needs to be handled with the utmost secrecy and delicacy," Sir Leon said as he paced the length of the small armory. He was surrounded by a group of eleven knights, including the prince himself. "We mustn't wear anything bearing the crest of Camelot as we will be journeying very close to Camelot's border with Essitir. It would be best to remain unnoticed." He looked to the prince who kept his eyes fixed on the floor, ashamed to be taking orders. "Also, please be aware that Prince Arthur will be joining us. It is his first mission. Look out for him. I suspect none of you will want to bear the king's wrath if he gets hurt." There were a few nods and chuckles from the men surrounding Arthur. The prince glanced up for a moment, enough time to glare in the direction of the laughing knights.
Arthur cleared his throat. "What are the goals of this mission?"
Leon nodded kindly in his direction. "I'm glad you asked." He looked around at the group of knights. "As you all know, King Cenred has been building up his army for some time now. He wants Camelot's lands. However as his army grows, so does ours. Even Cenred knows that attempting to take Camelot with his existing men would be suicide. But, our spies have revealed some disturbing news." Leon pursed his lips. "They say that Cenred has been developing some sort of secret weapon. Very few of even his most trusted advisors know about it. The last information we received from our spies was that he had been working on this weapon for years... and he is almost ready to strike."
Arthur furrowed his brow. "Do we know if this weapon is a magical one?"
Leon shook his head. "Unfortunately we lost contact with those men placed in Essitir. I think it's safe to assume the worst. But, our king suspects as much. What other weapon could hope to be powerful enough to defeat Camelot's army?"
The knights shifted uncomfortably for all had been taught the dangers of sorcery.
"We are to lead a subtle patrol along the border. Check for weaknesses in our defense. It is unlikely we will uncover any further information about this supposed secret weapon, but while we're there, we might as well look. We have to be discrete. Cenred cannot know that we may know of his plans. Do you all understand?"
The knights and the Prince nodded.
"Good. Be prepared to leave tomorrow morning. We'll want to reach the border in five days time."
As the knights filed out of the armory, Arthur caught Leon's eye. The knight smiled at him. Arthur forced a smile back before following the rest from the room. His manservant, Toby, was waiting outside of the room and quickly stepped in behind the Prince.
"What will you be needing tonight, Sire. I understand you are about to embark on a trip. Will you be in need of my services?"
"Yes, I will. And tonight I want you to-"
"A trip? Where could you be going on such short notice?"
Arthur groaned and turned to face the young woman clad in an emerald green dress. "Well thank you for asking, but frankly it's none of your business." Arthur gestured for Toby to follow him to his chambers. He rolled his eyes, agitated, as he heard the click of Morgana's heels following behind.
"None of my business? Please..." she scoffed. "You've never been one to keep your father's secrets, especially from me."
Arthur continued to make his way down the hall. "Well... this one's important." He puffed out his chest slightly as he walked. "It pertains to the very fate of this kingdom." Even though Morgana was still trailing behind him, he was sure he could hear her roll her eyes.
"Don't insult me, Arthur. I have no interest in what you and your men are planning to do." She put a hand to her forehead. "Oh wait, my mistake! Leon's men. I forgot you weren't leading the mission."
Arthur turned suddenly. "If you don't care then why are you still following me?!"
She shrugged. "I just wanted to let you know that I will be accompanying you for a portion of your journey."
"WHAT?!"
She narrowed her eyes at him. "Don't look too happy about it," said sarcastically. "You happen to be making your way past my father's grave. It's been a while since I've visited and your father thought it would be the perfect opportunity."
"I doubt that."
She smiled wickedly. "You're right. It was my idea and it took a lot of convincing." She stopped. "Ummm.... Arthur?"
"What?"
She gestured to a door to her left. "Aren't you going to your chambers?"
Arthur looked at the door. "Oh... yes." He retraced his steps.
"Anyway..." Morgana continued. "All I've seen for months are these citadel walls. I'm going to go mad if I don't get out and do something."
Arthur watched Toby hurry around the room, tidying things and preparing a bath.
"How about you just go for a walk around the lower town... pick some flowers... I don't know... whatever girls do."
She folded her arms. "Well... this girl is going to visit her father's grave. Which means I'm coming with you."
"Fine."
"Fine." She made her way back to the open door. "See you tomorrow then."
Arthur let out a breath as the door closed behind her. "Good god!" he flopped down on his bed. "Can you believe her?!"
"Sire?"
"The simple audacity! It's like she doesn't even respect the fact that I'm a prince!"
"I'm sorry, my Lord, I hold all nobles in a very high regard."
"She may be beautiful but she's incessant!"
The servant poured a few pitchers of water into the large tub. "If you'll excuse me, Sire, I must refill these."
"Be quick, I'm exhausted," Arthur said as he stretched his arms and legs.
"Of course, my Lord!"
"I want you ready to go tomorrow. Early. Make sure my armor is polished and my provisions are packed."
"Right away, Sire!" Toby said as he slipped through the servants entrance.
---+---
Arthur's cape rustled as he sat atop his horse. He could tell the gentle morning wind would evolve into something more. He looked up nervously at the overcast sky.
"Sir Leon!" he called across the courtyard. "Are you worried about the rain?"
"No, my Lord!" he shouted back. "We ride no matter the weather!"
Arthur shifted to get comfortable in his saddle as he glanced back at Morgana. She stood near her maidservant, Gwen. "You hear that, Morgana!" She looked up at him. "It's going to rain! Maybe you'd best remain here!" She whispered something into Gwen's ear, a comment that made them both laugh. Arthur rolled his eyes and signalled his horse to trott towards the gate. It wasn't only that he would be subjected to Morgana's temperament for a good portion of the journey, he knew it was going to be his job to make sure she didn't get hurt. If something happened to her Arthur knew his father would blame him. Arthur would blame himself as well.
Their journey was slow going as some of them did not ride on horseback. 'Too many men riding might be suspicious,' Leon had said. Arthur agreed. As much as he would have liked to speed up their pace, it would have been too obvious.
By dusk they had reached the sight of Gorlois' grave. Arthur watched from afar as Morgana knelt in grief and Gwen put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Leon approached him from behind. "I think it would be a good idea to make camp for the night. In the morning we can continue on our way."
Arthur nodded.
"There is one thing I would like to discuss with you. Something I hadn't thought of before."
This peeked Arthur's interest. "Alright."
The knight pulled out a map and spread it out over a rather large stone. He pointed to a place on the border. "There's a place here, a ridged forest. The exact border between Camelot and Essitir along this place is still debated. This means there are technically two borders through these woods. One that favors Camelot and one that favors Essitir. I want to cover both. I'm thinking of splitting the group in two and I would like you to lead the other half."
Arthur's face lit up. "Of course!"
Leon smiled. "Good. You mustn't inform your father though. I'm not sure he would approve of this choice."
"My lips are sealed."
"Good. Good." He looked back to the map. "You'll take your men along this path, the inner border. It is the safer border as according to all maps in Camelot, it still resides within our lands. I'll take my men along this path, the outer border. Because you are technically taking the safer path the Lady Morgana will be accompanying you."
Arthur raised his eyebrows. He knew it was too good to be true. "I thought we were sending her back to Camelot in the morning."
Leon bit his lip. "That was the plan, but since I've decided to split the group up, I can't afford to lose any men as her escorts."
Arthur nodded as he let out a disgruntled sigh. He could deal with Morgana. After all, he was going to lead his first patrol! He saw Morgana and her servant making their way back to the group of knights.
"I can't imagine that you'll run into any trouble, but if you do please remember your training. The men can sense if your confidence wavers. You must maintain control. If they sense your fear, they will be more inclined to disobey an order."
Arthur nodded. "Thank you, Sir Leon." The knight nodded in return and headed off in the direction of his tent. The prince looked behind him where he saw Toby setting up his own tent. "Hurry up, will you!"
"My apologies, Sire! I'll be as quick as I can!"
Arthur sighed as he walked towards Morgana to explain the plan. He couldn't wait to see the look on her face when he told her she would have to obey his orders.