The Once and Future King

Nursing both ancient and personal grievances, Agravaine and Mordred plot against Arthur. Agravaine argues that Arthur is beloved and that any movement against him will never gain traction. He suggests denouncing Lancelot before the entire court.

Mordred and Agravaine tell their brothers about their plan to confront Lancelot. When Gawaine forbids it, Agravaine draws his sword. Gawaine, his own dagger drawn, advances on his brother. Before either brother can strike a fatal blow, Gareth intervenes. Just then, a page announces Arthur’s arrival.

Lancelot and Guenever, now in their twilight years, gaze out upon “Merry England,” a land remade by Arthur. It is, an age of learning, of science, and of upward mobility and progress—a direct refutation of the label, “Dark Ages.”