For King Uther, For Britain

Ten days have passed.

During this time, Britain has been teetering on the brink of collapse. With most of the capable knights having fallen on the battlefield against Vortigern, the court of Camelot has completely devolved into a stage for clowns.

The Royalist faction, led by Sir Ector, the court mage Merlin, and the active guard knight Anno, is locked in a bitter struggle against the faction supporting a new king, led by the uncle of Morgan le Fay. Externally, according to Merlin's intelligence, Orcs have crossed over from the inhuman realm and are threatening the borders of Britain.

"How much longer until the King wakes up?" Anno asked Merlin, his face grim as he crossed his arms.

Merlin, looking equally disinterested, replied, "He will wake up in three days at the latest."

Anno sighed.

Having fought side by side, he could feel that regardless of his private life, the King of Britain was truly a monarch who cared for his country. Furthermore, having experienced life and death on the battlefield together, he was now the object of Anno's loyalty; a bond had formed between Anno and King Uther.

Whether as comrades-in-arms or as lord and subject.

Anno looked up at the azure sky and let out a long breath.

"Merlin, I have lost my weapon. Can you help me find a sturdy one?" Anno turned his head to ask Merlin.

"Are you intending to?" Merlin remained expressionless.

"Yes." Anno nodded.

Merlin sighed softly, "When you were in the inhuman realm, you faced scattered Orcs. But this time, you will be facing an army of Orcs. Neither their numbers nor their quality can be compared to those you fought before. You are still injured, really."

Anno interrupted, "I have already made my choice, for King Uther and for Britain."

This was the choice of a knight.

Merlin said nothing more, simply nodding.

The Orc threat to the border was one of the most important excuses used by the supporters of Morgan le Fay. If Anno could truly hold back some of the Orcs' offensive, even if only for a day, it would buy King Uther a glimmer of hope.

Those disloyal knights were currently doing everything in their power to see King Uther, intending to use underhanded means to ensure the severely wounded King Uther would never wake up again.

At noon that day, while Anno was still eating in his quarters, Merlin came to visit.

Merlin pulled a sheathed sword from his robes.

"This is a sword forged with magic and sorcery. It was originally my private collection, but since you have a need for it now, I shall gift it to you." Merlin patted Anno on the shoulder and smiled, "Stay safe."

Anno nodded, took the sword from Merlin's hand, and drew it from its scabbard.

The blade was pure silver, and the ink-black hilt was inlaid with a blue gemstone (original), shimmering brilliantly under the sunlight.

The scabbard was nothing special, merely a standard steel sheath painted with color.

"This sword has no special properties, but I still hope you will treat it well," Merlin added.

"Understood," Anno replied.

Without sitting back down to finish his meal, Anno called out, "Ruslan, bring my horse to the outskirts of the city."

"Understood, my lord," the boy's voice came from outside.

Merlin said, "I won't see you off, and I won't say anything more."

Anno smiled, turned back into the house, and donned his precious armor.

At the city gate, Anno, clad in silver armor, rode his horse with the sword gifted by Merlin hanging at his waist.

Taking one last look at the royal city of Camelot, Anno spurred his horse and galloped away.