Hector’s humanity began to blind him from Merlin’s perspective. “And that justifies murder!”

“Those people were each an intergal part of the enemy’s plans against you. Some had smaller but equally vital roles to play, and if left unchecked, much would’ve done on our part in honorable vain.” Merlin’s demeanor was unaltered from Hector’s growing opposition.

“Merlin’s right,” said Cecilia. Hector and the other turned in amazement at her. “Somehow I could see what he saw and…he’s right.” There was pain in her face at the acknowledgement.

“It was not with a light heart that I made that decision, but you would’ve never made it yourself. You have your father’s moral compass, which was both his greatest asset, and weakness. And I tried to change their paths, I really did, but these were decisions they made on their own. Even choosing to travel here was something that they decided.”

“Allowing people to exercise free will I see.” There was disgust in Hector’s voice.

“The one lesson I learned from the latter years of Camelot was never manipulate all the fates. An odd thing to say in a place like this, and given the circumstances, but they themselves chose the lives they led, and their fates. I simply gave them the option of how to end it.” Merlin stood up and went to the pathway leading out of the tomb. “I did hope to have had a more suitable setting for telling you all of this, but fate seems to a have a rather sick sense of humor sometimes.”

“You think there’s anymore bastards out there?” asked Kay.

“No my good knight, I think there all dead or gone. I think it’s safe to move out.” Merlin grabbed a flashlight and led the group out of the ancient tomb. The scene around them was filled with dead bodies, all torn apart from the attack. Several wovern bodies were scattered among the students and others within the camp. It was a sickening sight for Hector.

He felt a hand on his shoulder, he turned to see Kay. “Welcome to your first taste of war and death, little one. Get used to sights like this, because it never gets easier.”

Kay walked past Hector as the boy noticed a golden flicker on the ground. Hector bent over to pick it up, it was a golden piece in the shape of a dragon’s head, the scales in a dark green, and the beast’s eyes were a piercing red glow. The piece was a heraldic token, the golden chain was wavering back and forth in the breeze. A flash of illumination from the subconcious, Hector growled the owner of the heraldic sign.

Mordred.