Chapter 38 Reflections and Strategies (rewrite)

Lott and Morgan sat together in front of the treasure house in Chalk City, their expressions reflecting a mix of frustration and disbelief. While other cities celebrated their recent victories, these two were grappling with their discontent.

"Morgan, do you think my father-in-law did the right thing?" Lott asked, a hint of irritation in his voice.

"From the perspective of Camelot, he did what was necessary. But..." Lott's tone grew more agitated, "As a son-in-law, he's quite bothersome."

Morgan nodded in agreement, her frustration evident. "Yes, what my father did was excessive."

The issue stemmed from their recent visit to the city. After a significant battle, Lott and Morgan returned to Morgan's natal home with high expectations. They had hoped to be rewarded for their efforts, perhaps with some of the riches from King Uther's treasury. Instead, they were met with disappointment.

Upon arrival, they found that all the money had been used by King Uther to pay the soldiers and maintain combat effectiveness before the battle. Not only did he not have any money left for them, but he even sought to borrow some from Lott to host a feast for the city's people.

Lott and Morgan had arrived with several empty carriages, anticipating a warm welcome and some compensation for their efforts. Instead, they were faced with an empty treasury and a request for more funds.

"So, you're throwing a banquet and borrowing money from me?!" Lott and Morgan wanted to refuse but were overruled by King Uther's insistence. The king's authority and their status as his son-in-law and daughter left them in a difficult position.

Sitting on the steps of the treasure house, both felt a deep sense of grievance.

"Morgan, do you know? I've never felt so wrong," Lott said, his voice laden with frustration.

"Yeah, I haven't suffered like this either," Morgan agreed, her tone mirroring his.

Lott, unable to contain his annoyance, proposed, "How about we get some revenge?"

Morgan raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "Revenge? How do you propose to do that? Beat him up?"

Lott's suggestion seemed implausible. Beating her father was not only unreasonable but also impossible. King Uther was not only her father but also a powerful figure with the blood of a red dragon, making him a formidable opponent. Even with their combined strength, Lott and Morgan had barely escaped from Vortigern's clutches.

Morgan continued, "Besides, it's unlikely that I'd ever agree to such a thing. Beating my father is not an option. It's not in line with my family's values."

As Lott pondered Morgan's words, he couldn't help but feel that targeting her father was a losing battle. Instead, he considered another approach. It's easier to seek revenge through my father-in-law's daughter.

"Of course, I wouldn't retaliate in that way," Lott reassured Morgan.

Morgan, though, sensed a shift in his thoughts. He's thinking about a different form of revenge, she mused. She knew that their situation was difficult but also realized that Lott's frustration might lead him to consider less conventional forms of retaliation.

As they continued to sit and discuss their options, both were determined to find a way to address their grievances and regain some semblance of satisfaction from their efforts and sacrifices.

Reflections and Strategies

Elsewhere, Vortigern, having received reports of the devastation caused by Lott and Morgan, was in a sombre mood. The loss of supplies and the disruption to his plans were significant setbacks.

"Is the food gone?" Vortigern asked his subordinates, his tone reflecting his frustration.

With the granary in flames and supplies destroyed, Vortigern was forced to reconsider his strategy. The next engagement with Camelot would require a new approach.

One of his subordinates inquired, "What should we do next, Your Majesty?"

Vortigern pondered the situation before pointing to a location on the map. "We still have Wales under our control. For now, we'll consolidate our position there and wait for an opportunity."

The retreat to Wales was a strategic move to regroup and prepare for future engagements. Despite the setback, Vortigern remained determined to find a way to counter Camelot's advances.

As Vortigern and his forces prepared for their next move, the entire landscape of England was shifting. King Uther's victory and the consolidation of his territories marked a new phase in the ongoing struggle, with both sides adjusting their strategies for the battles to come.

In the meantime, Lott and Morgan remained focused on their challenges, each dealing with the aftermath of their recent conflicts and the complex dynamics of their relationships with those in power.