The Sword Thief - Part 3

Arthur was disorientated and drowsy from the poison as he stumbled his way up the long twisting stairs to his bedchamber. Magically disguised as a pageboy, Morgana le Fay trailed behind him, carrying a jug of wine. Once inside, Arthur struggled to remove his armor. Morgana set the wine jug down.

“Will that be all my Lord?”

“Where is my squire?”

“Perhaps still at the feast? Would you like assistance?”

Arthur nodded; Morgana helped him. He laid Excalibur down on the bed as he climbed in. Within moments, he was asleep.

Remembering what Merlin had told her of its healing power, Morgana searched for the scabbard. She found it and then reached for Excalibur. The moment her fingers touched the hilt, she felt a strange sensation throughout her body, like magic awakening in every fiber of her being. Pulling it from the bed sheets, she held it up to the moonlight. Arthur stirred a little.

She could have slain him there, but Merlin’s words echoed in her ear.

“You will meet him in battle in honor.”

She sheathed the sword and made for the window. With one last look over her shoulder, she disappeared into the night, Excalibur in hand.