“Us as well,” Kay added.
“Oh,” Britt said.
“It is a good thing, then, that My Lord and I were paired together so we could see the table,” Lancelot said.
“What did you think of it?” Merlin asked.
“It’s not what I pictured. It’s much bigger than I thought it would be. The squire told us it can seat 150 knights,” Britt said.
Merlin nodded. “That would be about right. Although more than 150 knights served Uther, not all of them were at his castle at once. You are surprised?”
“Yes. Based on the stories I thought it would be much smaller, and that it would be one table. It is essentially many tables pieced together,” Britt said.
“Well you’ve seen it. We can depart for Camelot and you can judge for yourself what price you’re willing to pay to get it. If you still want it,” Merlin said.
“I apologize for the intrusion, but the light is dimming. We should return to King Pellinore and meet up with the main company before sunset,” Sir Kay said.
“Kay is right. Let us set out, men,” Merlin said, leading the way away from Camelgrance.
“Did you get to see King Leodegrance, My Lord?” Ywain asked, moving to walk at Britt’s side.
“No. I mostly saw furniture and a multitude of tables. You?” Britt asked.
Ywain nodded. “Sir Kay and I saw him return from a hunt early in the morning. He’s a regular player. An actor I mean.”
“I agree with you, cousin, for Merlin and I saw him as well,” Gawain said, falling in line at Britt’s other side.
“Oh?” Britt said. “What is it about him that reminds you of an actor?”
“He’s not how he appears to be,” Ywain said. “He looks noble, like a king should, but he’s not.”
“Agreed,” Gawain said. “It seems like he tries to imitate a man of high caliber, like King Pellinore, to cover his shortcomings.”
“And what are his shortcomings?”
“He was harsh to his mount, which isn’t often a sign of an even temper,” Gawain carefully said. “And he wore lavish clothes. Of course a king should dress well, but he wore an embroidered, red tunic to go hunting.”
“His wife was… quiet,” Ywain added. “Mother always has an earful for my father whenever she sees him. Not so with King Leodegrance’s wife.”
“I see,” Britt said. “Thank you for your insight.”
“My pleasure, My Lord,” Ywain said.
“Please do not take our words seriously. We know little of ruling, our only wish is to serve you, My Lord,” Gawain said.
“Aye,” Ywain echoed.
Britt smiled and slung her arms around their shoulders. “I am blessed and grateful to have you,” she said, getting grins from the cousins.
“So are we, My Lord,” they said.
“My Lord,” Sir Kay said.
“Yes?” Britt asked, removing her arms from her young friends. She stopped and fell in line with Sir Kay, who was behind her.
Sir Kay was silent for a few moments. “Well done today,” he finally said.
Britt grinned. “Thanks. It has certainly given me a lot to think about.”
The horizon was barely pink with dawn when Britt arose the following day. Few of the knights were up, and those that were spared Britt no second glance as she walked to the edge of their camp, gazing in the direction of Camelgrance.
“What is on your mind, King Arthur?” King Pellinore asked, clamping a giant hand on Britt’s shoulder.
“Please, just Arthur,” Britt said with a weak smile. “My knights will not budge on calling me ‘my lord,’ but you are a fellow king.”
King Pellinore nodded. “Very well, but only if you extend the same rule to me. What is it that weighs you down, Arthur? You have been thoughtful since your return yesterday.”
“I have never interacted much with King Leodegrance. Ywain and Gawain both gave me…unfavorable reports of him yesterday.”
“That worries you?”
“It does. I feel foolish saying it, but I always thought of my allies and me as being honorable.”
“Righteous?”
“I suppose so, yes. I find it discomforting that one of my allies might not be a very good person,” Britt said, turning to look at the older king. “You are not allies with King Leodegrance. Why?”
King Pellinore hooked his thumbs on the belt of his tunic. “Anglesey is far north of Leodegrance's lands. There’s never been a reason to be allies. But even if he had asked, I would be reluctant to accept an offer of friendship from him.”
“Why?”
“As far as kings go, Leodegrance isn’t such a bad fellow. He’s no fool. He sees that his people are fed and that his army is provided for. But he lacks the courage to push back enemy forces. He bends easily and would rather have an ally help him than stand on his own.”
“Like when King Ryence attacked him. King Ban and Bors and a company of my own men saved him,” Britt said.
“That sounds like Leodegrance, yes.”
Britt sighed, and King Pellinore once again rested a hand on Britt’s shoulder. “He’s not evil, Arthur. He’s just greedy.”