Chapter 19: Vanquish them all!
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I propose that we raise our army against Gwynedd to secure our western border. What do you all think?" King Uther asked, his voice echoing through the grand hall.
"No, my King, it would be inappropriate for us to attack an ally. It would be an unjust cause," Sir Ector objected without hesitation. Many of the nobles in the court nodded in agreement; the King of Gwynedd was their ally, and it would be dishonorable to strike against their own ally in such an overt manner.
Of course, no one would object if King Uther employed some underhanded tactic, but launching a direct attack on an ally was a different matter entirely. The nobles highly valued their reputation and did not wish to stain their honor with such actions.
"What unjust cause? The ones who are truly unjust are them!" Duke Barthomeloi interjected angrily, slamming his fist on the table. "They have enjoyed peace under our protection, yet they have given us nothing in return! We shielded them from the Saxons and never demanded anything from them—not food, not troops, not aid. And yet, when we are in crisis, they fail to offer us even a shred of support. They are nothing but parasites, feeding off our blood!"
"What they have done is worse than the Saxons—worse than betrayal!"
"We should crush them, my King. Take no prisoners, vanquish them all!" Barthomeloi's voice rang with fervor.
His words indeed carried the weight of truth. The King of Gwynedd had refused his duty to assist them during times of crisis, yet when it came to seeking protection and aid, he would raise his hand quicker than anyone.
However, when it was time to fulfill his obligations as an ally, he would feign ignorance of the suffering that Camelot endured.
Most of the nobles, reminded of the treachery of the King of Gwynedd, felt their faces flush red with anger.
This was especially true given the fact that they had been the ones defending the King of Gwynedd's territory at the forefront of the Saxon invasion, losing many of their own men and people in the process.
Meanwhile, Gwynedd lost nothing, yet reaped the benefits without lifting a finger, leaving their hearts filled with a deep sense of unfairness.
King Uther, seeing an opportunity to rally his people for an attack against the King of Gwynedd, would not let this chance slip away.
Clearing his throat, he drew their attention toward himself.
All eyes then shifted to King Uther.
"An excellent suggestion, Lord Barthomeloi. There is no need to restrain me any longer, my lords. I will personally lead my men and show those parasites their rightful place," King Uther declared, his voice filled with finality.
Turning on his heel, King Uther strode from the council room, accompanied by Merlin and his loyal knights, who followed closely behind.
All the nobles present bowed deeply, acknowledging the king's command.
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