Tales From Camelot Series 1: PENDRAGON Read online

  Table of Contents

  Copyright Notice

  Tales From Camelot Series

  Reader Recommendation

  Acknowledgements

  From the author ...

  ~ History of Kings ~

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  ~ Fate ~

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  ~ Inception ~

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  ~ The Call ~

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  ~ King ~

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  ~ Descent ~

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  ~ Prince ~

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  ~ Sister ~

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  ~ Destiny ~

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Chapter 52

  Chapter 53

  Chapter 54

  ~ Epilogue ~

  Notes to the reader ...

  Tales From Camelot Series

  About the Author . . .

  Tales From Camelot Series • Book One

  PENDRAGON

  paul green

  Copyright Notice

  ISBN-13: 978-1468042344

  ISBN-10: 1468042343

  www.TalesFromCamelot.com

  www.SecondChanceNovels.com

  Copyright 2012 Paul Green All Rights Reserved.

  First Printing: February 2012

  Printed in the United States of America. No part of this work may be used or reproduced, transmitted, stored or used in any form or by any means graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, scanning, digitizing, tapping, Web distribution, information networks or information storage and retrieval systems, or in any manner whatsoever without the express written approval of the author, except by reviewers who may quote brief excerpts in connection with a review.

  For further information, contact [email protected]

  United States laws and regulations are public domain and not subject to copyright. Any unauthorized copying, reproduction, translation, or distribution of any part of this material without permission by the author is prohibited and against the law.

  Tales From Camelot Series

  Introduction to Camelot

  CAMELOT: The Beginning

  Part One (2012)

  Book 1: PENDRAGON

  Book 2: CHAMPION

  Book 3: SORCERESS

  Part Two (2013)

  Book 4: CURSED

  Book 5: LADY

  Book 6: WARLORD

  Part Three (2014)

  Book 7: LEGEND

  Book 8: MIRROR

  Book 9: QUEST

  www.TalesFromCamelot.com

  www.SecondChanceNovels.com

  Reader Recommendation

  Due to the unique subject matter, this series will appeal to a very broad audience: teen to elderly, male and female alike.

  Although some parts may be considered to be too intense for pre-teen or younger readers. Ages 13 and up recommended.

  Acknowledgements

  Special thanks to all my reviewers. Your input has been invaluable.

  Thank you to my son Christopher for his help in designing the covers.

  And extra special thanks to the One who gave me the desire to write.

  From the author ...

  Dark times before Camelot.

  This is the story of a father ... and a son. When I first began delving into the story of Uther Pendragon, I very quickly discovered that this was going to be a deeper and more gripping tale that I had first imagined. Honestly, I didn't know that much about Uther when I first started out. Thus, this book was originally intended to be more or less a simple origins story. But it ended being a whole lot more.

  Granted, the story of Uther and Igraine is considered to be a tragedy; that is no secret. But as the story unfolded, I found there was more depth to their characters than I had first understood or realized. Now as an author, I am not one to leave things on a sad or tragic note. The other portion of our story will, of course, be bringing Arthur into the picture, thereby leaving us in a much happier place, and PENDRAGON will end up right at where CAMELOT begins.

  My original intent was for you to first read CAMELOT: The Beginning (or Book 6: AVALON from the Second Chance series). It's okay if you haven't; I tried not to give too much away, here. But I think you might appreciate PENDRAGON more if you have read the previous story first; otherwise you might miss out on some of the subtle nuances I have written into this one. It's not all that big of a deal and it's not a spoiler issue; so much as this particular story might make for a more powerful impact if you already have some connection and familiarity with some of the characters. But, if you have not, or you are simply determined to read these two books in chronological order, that is not a huge problem.

  Of course, there is certainly the origins aspect. The origins of British kings and House Pendragon. The origins of Camelot and the Knighthood and even such fun things as the Marketplace and Arthur's servants. And of course, Frederick. You will also meet a younger Bors, and how he gradually changes over time; and why.

  In the persons of Uther and Igraine, you will see where Arthur has picked up some of his traits. Then there is the origin story of Morgan le Fay. If that one doesn't pull at your heartstrings, I don't know what will. We will also learn a little about her two sisters, but that story is more for later.

  Now to be frank, the emergence of King Arthur onto the world scene will eventually bring about all sorts of wonderful changes as this series progresses. But a good portion of PENDRAGON will be dealing with a world prior to the coming of Arthur and the changes he brings about. Thus, there will be a few unpleasantries you will come across. But I try not to get too overly graphic and you will never come across wording or situations that you wouldn't also find in, say ... the Bible. I figure as long as I stay within those kind of boundaries I can safely keep these stories rated at ages 13 and up. But just a forewarning ... there is a little bit of 'stuff' here in this one; but mostly only at the beginning. Unfortunately, this is how life was in the 5th century; especially among those who held power. To fully understand and appreciate the changes that Arthur brings about, we must first paint a dark picture of how things were. Fortunately, things change. Times change. And rules change.

  Of course, this is also before Elias and Shira, Kemuel and Eddi enter into Arthur's story, so we also won't be seeing much of them. These are difficult times, to be sure.

  As for Uther and Igraine themselves, it is important that you know there are actually several different variations of their story. In modern book and movie versions, the general st
ory is that while Igraine is married to the Duke Gorlois of Cornwall, Uther greatly desires to be with her. Through some trickery of Merlin, Uther enters the castle Tintagel and satiates his desire for Igraine, magically conceiving Arthur.

  However ... this is only the current modern variation. And the one which, for some reason, Hollywood always seems to prefer. Personally? I have never particular cared for that version; I like the earlier versions better.

  In truth, descriptions of Uther Pendragon have varied throughout the centuries. The chronicle of Geoffrey of Monmouth, for example, is one of the earlier accounts of King Arthur and his father Uther Pendragon. Uther is described as a great warrior. He fights valiantly and even when poisoned and near death he marches into battle against the Saxons. He is, however, characterized as having a short temper. Depictions of Uther usually make him a strong warrior with a tendency towards anger and an impatient nature.

  Uther's childhood and training are presented in Jack Whyte's version of Uther. In this account, Uther is determined and very intelligent. But again, his one downfall is his quick temper and his tendency towards savageness.

  Warwick Deeping differs from this characterization in the early Celtic novel "Uther and Igraine". Disguised as Pelleas, a wandering knight, Uther shows his compassion for others when he saves Igraine. He is also depicted as warm natured and pious. Even when he knows that Igraine loves him, he will not let her make the decision to leave the convent he believes she entered. Gentle and kind, Uther's longing for Igraine drives him into being a great leader in battle.

  Other accounts mention how Uther and his older brother were forced into exile when they were young while an evil man named Vortigern usurped the throne; until they eventually managed to reclaim it back from Vortigern.

  In my account, I have drawn a little from each of these variations. But I lean somewhat towards Warwick Deeping's version of Uther and Igraine; for I think it makes for a more richer and compelling tale. Pelleas the disguised wandering knight and Igraine who had also disguised herself for her own reasons. My own version, of course; but this foundation sure makes for one heck of a story! As you will soon see.

  Well, enough from me. Let's get to it, shall we? We shall begin our tale of House Pendragon, at the very beginning...

  ~ History of Kings ~

  Chapter 1

  According to the writings of Berossus, a Hellenistic-era (3rd century BC) Babylonian writer, a priest of Bel Marduk and Greek astronomer, the earliest settlement of "Celtica" was founded after the Great Flood by Samothes, a son of Japheth, son of Noah. As the first king of Celtica, Samothes' realm was described as the part of Europe between the Pyrrenees and the Rhine.

  The first seven kings of Celtica were also named as the first kings of Britain by Raphael Holinshed in his Holinshed's Chronicles (1577):

  1) Samothes, son of Japheth, son of Noah.

  2) Magus, son of Samothes.

  3) Saron, son of Magus.

  4) Druis, son of Saron (founder of the Druids).

  5) Bardus, son of Druis (founder of the bards).

  6) Albion, who overthrows Bardus. Writer/historian John Bale dated Albion's overthrow of Bardus to 1736 BC.

  7) Brutus of Troy arrives in Britain.

  Brutus of Troy (1112-1081 BC) was said to be descended from the Trojan hero Aeneas, and is known in medieval British legend as the eponymous founder and first actual king of Britain. This legend first appears in the Historia Britonum, a 9th century historical compilation attributed to Nennius, but is best known from the account given by the 12th century chronicler Geoffrey of Monmouth in his Historia Regum Britanniae ("The History of the Kings of Britain"). The Historia Britonum states that "The island of Britain derives its name from Brutus, a Roman consul" who conquered Spain."

  Following the reign of Brutus in Britain were a thousand years of kings; too numerous to mention. Some of the more notable kings were Ebraucus (who ruled at the time of King David from 1010-9seventy BC), Bladud (who ruled at the time of the prophet Elijah during the 9th century BC), Brennius during the time of the 'Sack of Rome' in 387 BC, Cassibelanus during Julius Caesar's invasions of Britain (55-54 BC) and Kimbelinus during the time of Jesus (3 BC - 33 AD).

  At the beginning of the 5th century, Constantine III was a Roman general who declared himself the Western Roman Emperor in Britannia in 407, and established himself in Gaul. Though he was officially recognized by Roman Emperor Honorius in 409, Constantine III fell victim to treachery from within his own ranks and found his support collapsing. Further military setbacks caused him to abdicate in 411, and he was captured and executed shortly afterwards. However, just before Constantine III died, he appointed his eldest son Constans as co-emperor.

  Constans was the father of two sons by the names of Ambrosius Aurelianus and Uther Pendragon.

  But Constans himself was killed during the revolts and the fighting that ended the reign of his father, Constantine III. For the revolts were designed as a military coup, led by an evil usurper named Vortigern. Indeed, it was by Vortigern's own hand that King Constans was murdered. And as a result of Vortigern's violent takeover, young Uther and his older brother Ambrosius were forced to flee for their lives and disappear into exile.

  Now, Vortigern was a weak man of little character and possessed few redeeming personal qualities. And it was only by treachery and deceit and murder that Vortigern managed to gain ascendancy to the throne of Britain.

  He had climbed his way high to the top by securing an inspired marriage to Severa, the daughter of Constantine III's predecessor and national hero, Magnus Maximus. As Constans was still quite young, Vortigern was able to have himself installed as the king's advisor, and before long, he conspired to have the young king killed. With the king out of the way, Vortigern seized the crown for himself, realizing that Ambrosius Aurelianus and Uther Pendragon were too young and in no position to interfere with his designs.

  And so it was that two boys, ages 15 and 13, and the true heirs to the throne, went into hiding. But Ambrosius and his younger brother Uther had no intention of permanently giving up their rightful place upon the throne. They would wait until they were older, and they would formulate a plan to retake the throne from Vortigern. And they vowed to enact full vengeance and retribution upon the man who had taken the lives of their father and grandfather and had stolen the kingdom out from under them.

  In order to increase their chances, Ambrosius and Uther thought it best to split up, rather than run the risk of being caught together. They agreed to meet again in five years; during which time their only communication would be through written messages.

  Ambrosius chose to go to the distant Royal Court of his cousin, King Budic I of Brittany and hide there as one of Budic's sons.

  Uther chose to take on a new identity by changing his name to Pelleas, and disguising himself as a wandering knight.

  Chapter 2

  Four years later

  455 A.D.

  At 17 years old, Uther Pendragon had been traveling the region extensively for four years as both a vagabond and a sword for hire. Having grown up the royal son of High King Constans, Uther had spent the better part of his childhood being trained in the art of war. By the age of 13, Uther had already become quite skilled as a swordsman, and by the age of 15, he had no problem passing himself off as a mercenary knight, operating under the assumed name of Pelleas.

  Uther was determined, very intelligent and for the most part had a good heart; though he sometimes had a tendency towards savageness when a wrong had been committed. Uther knew little of such things as grace or forgiveness, for such things had never been shown to him as a child.

  He was very fond of his older bother Ambrosius and always looked up to him. And Uther was content to remain in his elder brother's shadow, who was heir to the throne.

  Ambrosius was far more aggressive and had a quick temper. And like his younger brother Uther, he also had a tendency towards savageness; for it was a common trait shared by their father, Constans and the
ir grandfather, Constantine III.

  Uther, however, had internalized battles with his civilized and barbaric upbringings. He was driven to impress his father and his grandfather. And his mother, who sometimes feared the savage and violent temper of her husband.

  Uther knew of his mother's fear, and wasn't particularly keen that his mother should have to live in fear; for she was the Queen, after all. He especially didn't like it when his father would sometimes hit his mother. He couldn't understand why the Queen Mother, of all people, should have to live in fear and sometimes even bear bruises upon her face. And thus, Uther determined, even as a child, to control the savage instincts which seemed to be inherit among the men in the royal family tree.

  Of course, his mother was not the only wife of King Constans; for the king had taken 11 wives. And a harem of 27 Concubines and 12 Companions; who also served as Concubines, more often than not.

  Such was the world Uther had grown up in; where women were nothing more than objects of possession and used by men however men saw fit to use them.

  Upon Uther's 13th birthday, his father had sent his young son into his Concubines, where Uther had been ordered to spend a night and a day; learning what it was to be a man. The experience had certainly been ... educational; and sometimes pleasurable; and enlightening, to be sure. But for Uther, it had not been an entirely enjoyable experience. Rather it had been a somewhat awkward and uncomfortable experience; even ... disturbing. To Uther, it had somehow seemed ... wrong. And unnatural. Especially as many of the Concubines seemed to enjoy being with each other as much as with Uther.

  It was only to be a one-time experience, as the king's Concubines were generally considered to be off-limits to anyone but the High King himself; upon penalty of death. Which was fine with Uther, for he had no desire to ever again repeat that experience. Although his brother Ambrosius would sometimes sneak into his father's harem without his father's knowledge or permission. But as for Uther himself, it didn't seem right or desirable and he was never tempted to visit that part of the castle, again.