Uther's Council

Facing the Knight King of Britain, who had frankly declared that he was prepared to die for his cause, Anno nodded firmly.

"Your Majesty's will be done!"

Young people, no matter how composed they were, were still easily swept up in emotion.

The stern expression on King Uther's face softened with relief. This peerless knight could give him a slightly better chance of victory.

He patted Anno on the shoulder. "It will be difficult for you to harm Vortigern. That rat stole the very concept of Britain, and possesses a concept called 'Only a King of Britain Can Judge Him' (fan-made setting). Your main role will be to keep his attention on you. Of course, that will be dangerous."

And dangerous it would be. From the information Merlin had given him, Vortigern could take the form of a dragon, but strictly speaking, he was not of the Dragon Kind. Even so, compared with the relatively frail humans, he was a formidable foe who could not be taken lightly.

Still, Anno was quite confident in his own defensive abilities.

"Leave it to me, Your Majesty. I'll complete the mission!" Anno bowed his head and spoke solemnly.

"Good. I'm counting on you, Anno." King Uther smiled.

"Please let me take part in this operation too, Your Majesty," Sir Ector said urgently.

"Calm down, Ector." King Uther gave him a rueful smile. "You have a more important task: raising my son. You're the most honorable knight I know, and I believe that under your guidance, my son can grow into the noblest Knight King!"

Ector was disappointed, but he still agreed.

After King Uther had given the two men a few more instructions, the knights left his tent.

As they parted ways, Ector stopped Anno.

Anno knew what he was about to say.

"Make sure you protect the king!" Ector's face was stricken with grief, tears shining in his eyes as he gripped Anno's shoulder tightly.

Anno took the older knight's hand and nodded, expressionless. "It's my duty!"

Inside the tent, King Uther and Merlin remained, discussing how to give Britain a chance to catch its breath.

Merlin began, "According to my calculations, Lady Igraine, wife of the current Duke of Cornwall, is the most suitable vessel to bear the born king."

"A married woman?" King Uther hesitated.

"Your Majesty, I'm only providing you with information." Merlin's meaning was clear: he left the decision in Uther's hands.

After weighing his options, King Uther ultimately chose to compromise.

Even the noblest character could be trampled underfoot when the interests of the kingdom were at stake. King Uther had decided to do just that, if only to leave Britain a chance to survive.

Of course, that did nothing to change the fact that King Uther had already been lusting after Igraine.

Besides, the current Duke of Cornwall wasn't exactly faithful himself.

King Uther's hesitation did not last long.

"Let's act tomorrow night." Merlin smiled without offering an opinion.

"Good. Afterward, we'll rest for a day. I'll have Ector lead the infantry back to Camelot." A bloodthirsty light flickered in King Uther's eyes. "Then I'll lead the knights in an assault on the castle and draw Vortigern out."

"Retreat with the infantry when the time comes," King Uther added. "I can entrust my son's character and martial training to Ector, but I'll have to rely on you, Merlin, to teach him the manners and knowledge befitting a king."

Merlin did not refuse. "As you command, Your Majesty."