Chapter 47: Altria, Draw the Sword for Me (rewrite)

Altria, Draw the Sword for Me 

Merlin's internal thoughts were filled with anticipation as he mused, "I hope King Arthur can run swiftly enough for what comes next." His outward demeanour, however, remained the same calm and knowing smile as he provided Altria with directions to the sword in the stone.

He added, "His Majesty Lott is quite eager to retrieve this sword, so make sure to fetch it as quickly as possible."

Altria focused on her mission and mindful of her hunger, nodded. "I understand." She committed the location to memory and set off immediately, driven by the pressing need to satisfy her empty stomach.

As she sprinted away, Merlin, enjoying a sweet apple, felt a sense of satisfaction. The situation was under control, and he was confident that everything was proceeding according to his plan.

Altria ran with all her might, determined to reach the sword and return swiftly. Her speed and the sudden stops she made as pedestrians looked on with shock caused some to panic. The sight of a knight charging at such a pace was enough to scare several people.

Despite the fear she inadvertently instilled, Altria pressed on, eventually reaching the location where the sword was embedded in the stone. The crowd was dense, and Altria had to navigate her way through it.

"What's going on here? Is His Majesty Lot's sword so popular?" she wondered, recognizing the crowd's fascination with the sword. "No wonder, it's His Majesty's sword; it must be very valuable."

Altria pushed her way through the crowd, calling out, "Please make way, I need to retrieve the sword."

Some of the onlookers, while reluctant, were quickly pushed aside by Altria's determination and strength. It wasn't long before she reached the front of the crowd and saw the sword embedded in the stone. "His Majesty Lot must have had considerable strength to thrust the sword into the stone with such force."

She assessed the situation and prepared to draw the sword when a light tap on her shoulder made her pause. Turning around, she saw Morgan standing nearby, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity.

"Your Highness..." Altria greeted, momentarily taken aback.

Morgan's eyes narrowed as she processed the situation. "So, Merlin's trickery involves Altria, who is entirely unaware of the true significance of this sword. Merlin, you've outdone yourself in manipulation!"

Morgan observed Altria with a critical eye. The resemblance between them was striking, though Altria's form was smaller and unassuming. Morgan thought to herself, "You eat so much, yet you've hardly developed. Is this how you've grown?"

Morgan's attention was diverted to the scene unfolding before her. "Merlin's deception is aimed at transforming Altria into a figure that will be mistaken for a man. And with her drawing the sword, the bloodline of King Uther will be implicated."

"Altria," Morgan began, her tone both questioning and assertive, "why are you here?"

Altria, still puzzled, looked up at her. "I'm here to help His Majesty Lott retrieve the sword. But... why doesn't Your Highness know about this?"

Morgan's face darkened with understanding. "Merlin's scheme is clear now. He's set Altria up to draw the sword under pretences. With her appearance and heritage, it's a cunning move to fulfil his own objectives."

Morgan's mind raced as she considered the implications of this plan. The sword, Altria's role, and Merlin's manipulative tactics all converged in a complex web of deceit and ambition.