Chapter 74: The Northern Expedition and the Rise of Camelot's Knights (rewrite)

As Morgan surveyed the room, knights stood ready for battle, their resolve clear. She reflected on the preparations for the Northern Expedition, meticulously planned. Supplies of food and grain seemed adequate, though if push came to shove, rationing might be necessary. Perhaps Altria, her ever-hungry sister, could afford to miss a meal or two. The thought made Morgan chuckle inwardly. After all, less food for Altria meant more for the rest.

Morgan's gaze swept across the room to her sister, Altria, who stood attentive yet visibly nervous. Altria couldn't help but shudder under her sister's calculating stare, thinking, "It truly is fitting that Morgan sits on the throne. Even a glance from her instils fear."

With the battle preparations nearly complete, Morgan called upon her most trusted knights: Kay, Altria, and Galahad. These three were the backbone of her forces, the knights she could depend on as they moved forward with their plans.

Morgan addressed them, her voice steady and commanding. "I have tasks to assign."

Immediately, Altria perked up, though her thoughts were not entirely focused on duty. "If there's a task to complete, maybe there's a good meal afterwards," she mused, her mind trailing to thoughts of food.

Morgan continued, "Kay, you will stay behind to handle the affairs of Camelot while we are away." She remembered Lott's words about Kay being well-suited for internal management. It only made sense to entrust him with this responsibility.

"Understood," Kay responded with a firm nod.

Morgan's gaze then shifted to Altria and Galahad. "As for you two, you will accompany me and Lott, leading the Knights of the Round Table as our vanguard."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Galahad replied with a respectful bow, though he couldn't help but feel a tinge of concern. Where is Lancelot? he thought. I need to find him.

Morgan, reading his hesitation, pretended not to notice. She had no intention of involving Lancelot just yet.

Turning her attention to Altria, Morgan couldn't help but notice the glint of hunger in her sister's eyes. "Honestly, Altria, wipe the drool off your face. My silly sister, always thinking about food. Fine, I'll have a feast prepared for you later," she thought with exasperation, though a hint of fondness lingered.

Morgan dismissed the trio, but Galahad lingered, eager to ask more about Lancelot. However, before he could inquire further, a loud noise echoed through the hall, drawing everyone's attention. Galahad quickly turned to face Morgan, a look of contrition crossing his face. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I shouldn't have doubted you," he said hastily as if reassured by some unseen development.

Lott, watching the exchange, looked at Morgan with confusion. What's going on? he wondered. But Morgan, with her head held high, appeared smug, as if her intricate plan had just fallen into place.

Meanwhile, Lancelot had sought out Merlin, curious about the legendary sorcerer who had served King Uther and was now Camelot's national advisor. "Are you Merlin, the one who made so many predictions for King Uther?" Lancelot asked, scepticism evident in his voice.

Merlin's reputation preceded him, but Lancelot wasn't the type to believe in rumours without verifying them firsthand. After gathering information, it seemed that despite Merlin's odd proclivities—frequenting certain questionable establishments—his predictions were rarely wrong. Perhaps Merlin could indeed help him.

Merlin gave his trademark mischievous smile. "I suppose I am," he said with a wink.

Lancelot frowned. "Then how do you plan to make me famous?"

"Oh, that's simple enough," Merlin responded with a grin, preparing to introduce Lancelot to his disciple, unaware of the history between the two.

As Merlin began to speak, Altria suddenly approached from the distance, her face lit with excitement. "Teacher! I was worried that you weren't going to support Queen Morgan's rule, but then I saw you capture this runaway traitor. Wait right there, I'll deal with him!" she exclaimed, her eyes locked on Lancelot.

"Wait, what?!" Merlin was left speechless, his face a mix of shock and confusion.

Back at Camelot's palace, Galahad stood before Morgan, still seeking answers. "Your Majesty, where is that person?" he asked, referring to Lancelot.

Lott looked at him, puzzled, while Morgan hesitated, scrambling for a response. "Ah, don't worry, Galahad. When the time is right, all will be revealed," she replied evasively, trying to avoid further questioning.

"Are you just trying to placate me?" Galahad asked, suspicion creeping into his voice. He may have been innocent, but he wasn't a fool.

"Of course not," Morgan said, her tone a little too quick in its denial.

Before Galahad could press further, another loud crash interrupted them. Galahad turned to the source of the noise, eyes wide in surprise. Quickly, he turned back to Morgan, his face flushed with shame. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I shouldn't have doubted you."

Lott, standing nearby, exchanged a confused glance with Morgan. What just happened? he wondered, though Morgan simply stood tall, a satisfied smirk playing at her lips. Heh, sometimes everything just falls into place, she thought smugly.

Outside, the clash of steel rang in the air as Altria and Lancelot faced off, their swords colliding with furious intensity. Neither held back, each testing the strength of the other. Altria felt her arms numb slightly from the force of Lancelot's strikes.

He's strong, Altria thought, her grip tightening around her sword.

If anyone had been weakened under Morgan's reign, it was undoubtedly Altria. In another time and place, Altria would have been the ruler burdened by the weight of Britain's expectations. But under Morgan's leadership, her role was different. Yet, that didn't mean she had lost her edge as a warrior.

Lancelot, for his part, glared at Merlin. "You set me up!" he shouted mid-battle, as he parried another of Altria's strikes. His mind raced with frustration. You call me here only to have this little knight attack me?! You scheming old fool!

Merlin, watching from the sidelines, sighed deeply. "I didn't plan this," he muttered, genuinely perplexed. He hadn't realized his disciple had such a fierce grudge against Lancelot.

As the two knights continued their battle, neither backed down. The strength and skill of both combatants were undeniable.

For now, their blades would decide their fate.