The Dragon and the Dove: fourth excerpt.
Title: The Dragon and the Dove: a novel in three parts
Author: pax_morgana
Chapter: One
Words: 599 (section); 9,610 (total)
Notes/Warnings: Another random excerpt from part one, "Eidolon".
Summary: Mordred, much to his surprise, is knighted after Arthur makes a terrifying discovery that could change them both.
The morning came altogether too quickly, and was heralded by a knocking at my door. I half fell from my bed, only to realize that I'd neglected to change my clothing, and so I looked rumpled and unkempt. Quickly, I braided back my hair and attempted to smooth out my tunic and trousers before finally answering the persistent knocking. To my surprise, Sir Bedwyr stood there, looking nearly as sleep-deprived as I felt. "Sir? Is there something the matter?" I asked, trying not to yawn as I did so, "What hour is it?"
Sir Bedwyr didn't make as much of an effort to hide his weariness, yawning greatly before replying, "It's just after sunrise, and I'm playing messenger for His Majesty. He wants you to dress well and come down to the Great Hall before breaking your fast if it's agreeable to you." Bedwyr must have seen the fear flood my face, for he grinned at me, his grey-brown mustache lifting at the corners, "I wouldn't worry. You haven't done anything to get on his bad side, have you? Likely, it's good news. Come, if you can dress quickly, I'll accompany you if you like."
With a nod, I shut my door and cleaned myself up. Looking into the polished bronze, I saw that my chin was shadowed with the beginnings of my first beard. Better late, I thought, than never. When I was presentable, I was relieved to find Bedwyr still waiting. Together in silence, we made our way to the Great Hall, dodging servants and avoiding Sir Kay as much as possible - the King's seneschal was not at all fond of me, and he had a habit of making this quite clear whenever we crossed paths. Thus successful, we found the King not alone, but with all of the Companions and their squires in attendance. My heart dropped to my chest. Gawaine stood behind Sir Lionel, silent and distant as a statue. Sir Bedwyr nudged me gently forward, toward the King, who was dressed in full regalia - the knights, also, wore their devices as they did for ceremony and for trials. I could barely keep to my feet, but it was just as well, for Arthur bade me kneel then, which I did. I kept my head bowed and my eyes to the floor, unable to look up at him to see the anger I knew his face would hold.
"We are all of us gathered here to bear witness to the raising of Mordred of Orkney to the order of knighthood, on this fourth day of December under the eyes of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Mother Goddess." It took a good moment to comprehend what was being said. My father - was knighting me? Lancelot had been speaking the truth, and I could not fathom how this could be happening. My thoughts were interrupted as the King continued, "Do you, Mordred of Orkney, swear upon your life and honor to uphold the Knights' Code and the ideals and laws of Camelot until the day that you die?"
Only barely was I able to choke out the requisite, "Upon my life and my honor, I do so swear."
I wasn't sure if I imagined the pride in his voice when my father said in response, "Then by my power as High King of Britain and by the grace of our Lord and Lady, before these gathered witnesses, I dub thee Sir Mordred of Orkney, and confer upon thee a seat at the Round Table. Rise now, Sir Mordred, and stand among your brothers."
Author: pax_morgana
Chapter: One
Words: 599 (section); 9,610 (total)
Notes/Warnings: Another random excerpt from part one, "Eidolon".
Summary: Mordred, much to his surprise, is knighted after Arthur makes a terrifying discovery that could change them both.
The morning came altogether too quickly, and was heralded by a knocking at my door. I half fell from my bed, only to realize that I'd neglected to change my clothing, and so I looked rumpled and unkempt. Quickly, I braided back my hair and attempted to smooth out my tunic and trousers before finally answering the persistent knocking. To my surprise, Sir Bedwyr stood there, looking nearly as sleep-deprived as I felt. "Sir? Is there something the matter?" I asked, trying not to yawn as I did so, "What hour is it?"
Sir Bedwyr didn't make as much of an effort to hide his weariness, yawning greatly before replying, "It's just after sunrise, and I'm playing messenger for His Majesty. He wants you to dress well and come down to the Great Hall before breaking your fast if it's agreeable to you." Bedwyr must have seen the fear flood my face, for he grinned at me, his grey-brown mustache lifting at the corners, "I wouldn't worry. You haven't done anything to get on his bad side, have you? Likely, it's good news. Come, if you can dress quickly, I'll accompany you if you like."
With a nod, I shut my door and cleaned myself up. Looking into the polished bronze, I saw that my chin was shadowed with the beginnings of my first beard. Better late, I thought, than never. When I was presentable, I was relieved to find Bedwyr still waiting. Together in silence, we made our way to the Great Hall, dodging servants and avoiding Sir Kay as much as possible - the King's seneschal was not at all fond of me, and he had a habit of making this quite clear whenever we crossed paths. Thus successful, we found the King not alone, but with all of the Companions and their squires in attendance. My heart dropped to my chest. Gawaine stood behind Sir Lionel, silent and distant as a statue. Sir Bedwyr nudged me gently forward, toward the King, who was dressed in full regalia - the knights, also, wore their devices as they did for ceremony and for trials. I could barely keep to my feet, but it was just as well, for Arthur bade me kneel then, which I did. I kept my head bowed and my eyes to the floor, unable to look up at him to see the anger I knew his face would hold.
"We are all of us gathered here to bear witness to the raising of Mordred of Orkney to the order of knighthood, on this fourth day of December under the eyes of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Mother Goddess." It took a good moment to comprehend what was being said. My father - was knighting me? Lancelot had been speaking the truth, and I could not fathom how this could be happening. My thoughts were interrupted as the King continued, "Do you, Mordred of Orkney, swear upon your life and honor to uphold the Knights' Code and the ideals and laws of Camelot until the day that you die?"
Only barely was I able to choke out the requisite, "Upon my life and my honor, I do so swear."
I wasn't sure if I imagined the pride in his voice when my father said in response, "Then by my power as High King of Britain and by the grace of our Lord and Lady, before these gathered witnesses, I dub thee Sir Mordred of Orkney, and confer upon thee a seat at the Round Table. Rise now, Sir Mordred, and stand among your brothers."