M. K. Hume [King Arthur Trilogy 04] The Last Dragon by M. K. Hume Read Free Book Online Page A

Mother, and most will come of their own accord. The Brigante tribe has been ordered to attend with the gold they have gathered in reparation. Fortunately, their new king is little more than a boy and took no part in the civil war. In fact, Modred put a price on the boy’s head, fearing that any living kinsman would threaten his grip on the kingdom. I’ve never met Scoular ap Seosamh but I hear the name is apt. He’s overly educated, I’m told, and values old scrolls and knowledge from the past more than people. Obviously, he will lean on trustworthy Brigante lords, if there are any such persons, but he seems to mean well. Ironically, those butchers will now have a king who can write, which will be an interesting challenge for them.’
    Anna laughed sardonically and her son was reminded that she was Artor’s daughter, her thoughts very much like a man’s, particularly in practical matters. ‘But Luka was a Brigante. You never knew him, Bran, but he was full of laughter, fun and loyalty. Artor loved him very much and killed his murderers in a bloody display of personal grief. Don’t allow yourself to damn the whole tribe because of Modred. He was his mother’s son, only twisted, and Morgause herself was a creature of vanity, ruthlessness and cold ambition. Your kinfolk were terrible people.
    ‘A little education won’t hurt the Brigante sensibilities,’ she continued reflectively. ‘And it won’t hurt them as much as being ruled by a madman like Modred. No, I wrong him. Modred was so full of his own importance that he willingly sacrificed the honour of his tribe for his own advantage. That’s not madness: that’s hubris in its worst form. Father always said to beware of hubris. Artor’s own father was consumed by it, and many had good reason to know how brutal Uther Pendragon became. You should remember his legacy, my son, and stay free of the seductiveness of power.’
    ‘Of course, Mother,’ Bran answered, too easily for Anna’s liking. Her son was quiet and self-contained, but he was proud too, and Anna knew that this flaw was one of the deadly sins that could allow hubris to enter his heart, where it would flourish, grow and destroy his finer feelings. Regretfully, she set the topic aside. First things first, as Artor often said.
    ‘When will the kings come? Deva can provide very little comfort or hospitality if we should receive too many visitors. The citizens will worry that they will fail as hosts, and I would like to allay their fears.’
    Bran grinned appreciatively. ‘You’re always thinking about other people, Mother. You may tell the city fathers that the kings will provide their own victuals, wines and tents, for themselves and for their retinues. You can also assure the councillors that Deva will not be judged by its hospitality, given its suffering during the wars.’
    Anna smiled in turn, and her son could see her agile mind prioritising a list of questions inside her head.
    ‘The kings will begin to arrive within the week. For the sake of their continued safety, I hope the Brigante and the Deceangli kings come early, and that the last of the blood price arrives with them. There, Mother, is that what you needed to know?’
    Anna nodded and her face cleared. ‘I’ll discuss your plans with the new magistrate when I speak to him later today. The previous incumbent was murdered at the city gates, so his replacement will be relieved to oversee the end of this matter. The sooner the Deceangli traitor is gone, the sooner we can all start to deal with the essentials of living. You’ll have much to do before the start of the next Saxon summer. The barbarians will realise how weak the Celtic tribes have become by then, my son, so they’ll attack in force this time.’
    ‘I know. That is the next matter the kings must discuss after we have determined Mark’s fate.’
    So mother and son strolled in perfect amity between the ruined columns and the burned trees of Deva. The day was bright, with