Tales From Camelot Series 1: Pendragon

By Paul Green

Dark times before Camelot.

The origins of British kings and House Pendragon. Uther and Igraine who bore a son named Arthur. The origins of the Knighthood and Camelot and those who lived within. It was a time of power and greed, murder and betrayal, abusive exploitation of women and children and the lower castes.

Fortunately, things change. Times change. And rules change.

Behold the dawn of Camelot.

About the Series

The style of this series is light and fun, adventure/fantasy, filled with wonder and just a dash of romance. It is first and foremost character driven and as such, there will oftentimes be considerable dialogue as opposed to descriptive imagery. Requirements for reading will be a sense of adventure and a sense of humor, a willingness to laugh and cry, and you must be one who enjoys getting to know memorable characters. This is not hardcore Arthurian, so be forewarned: if you are a more serious student of King Arthur legend and lore, then this probably isn't for you, as there are better books and series out there in that regard. Chances are, you will hate it. However, if you are the type who likes to kick back and enjoy a warm, feel-good read, then this series will be right up your alley.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paul Green
• Release date: Jan 22, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301565788

Paul Green

The author’s three children had grown up and his eldest had two of her own, Isobelle and Oscar. Their imagination knew no boundaries. Every cupboard was a ‘den’, a sheet draped over objects, a tent, not to mention the fun they had with their toys! The author worked on this and wrote several books around them. What a joy.

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Tales From Camelot Series • Book One

PENDRAGON

paul green

Table of Contents

Cover Page

Title Page

Copyright Notice

Tales From Camelot Series

Reader Recommendation

Acknowledgements

Cover Page

From the author ...

Map of Pretania

~ History of Kings ~

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

~ Fate ~

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

~ Inception ~

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

~ The Call ~

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

~ King ~

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

~ Descent ~

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

~ Prince ~

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

~ Sister ~

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

~ Destiny ~

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Notes to the reader ...

Previews

Tales From Camelot Series

Second Chance Series

About the Author . . .

Copyright Notice

www.TalesFromCamelot.com

www.SecondChanceNovels.com

Copyright 2012 Paul Green All Rights Reserved.

First Printing: February 2012

Second Printing: April 2013

Third Printing: June 2014

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 info@paulgreenauthor

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

Part One (2012)

Book 1: PENDRAGON

Book 2: CAMELOT

Book 3: CHAMPION

Book 4: SORCERESS

Part Two (2013)

Book 5: ROYALS

Book 6: EXCALIBUR

Book 7: CURSED

Book 8: LADY

Part Three (2014)

Book 9: WARLORD

Book 10: MIRROR

Book 11: WYVERN

Book 12: QUEST

Grand Finale (2014)

Book 13: LEGEND

www.TalesFromCamelot.com

www.SecondChanceNovels.com

For further information contact [e-mail]

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 ...

First a little about the Series. The style of this series is light and fun, adventure/fantasy, filled with wonder and just a dash of romance. It is first and foremost character driven and as such, there will oftentimes be considerable dialogue as opposed to descriptive imagery. Requirements for reading will be a sense of adventure and a sense of humor, a willingness to laugh and cry, and you must be one who enjoys getting to know memorable characters.

One little side comment in regards to that. In some of the opening dialogue between Uther and Igraine, it might at first appear to be a little ... juvenile. Or 'sing-songy' as one reviewer put it. The whole book isn't like that, I promise. It's just my fun little way to help set the mood. And at this juncture I have no intention of changing it. The story 'grows up' pretty quickly, I assure you. This is not a children's book.

Also, this is not hardcore Arthurian, so be forewarned: if you are a more serious student of King Arthur legend and lore, then this probably isn't for you, as there are better books and series out there in that regard. Chances are, you will hate it. However, if you are fascinated by the era of King Arthur and Camelot, and you are the type who likes to kick back and enjoy a warm, feel-good read and you enjoy getting to know memorable characters, then this series will be right up your alley. Now let's get to the book itself.

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 be bringing Arthur into the picture, thereby leaving us on a much more positive note, and PENDRAGON will end up right at where CAMELOT begins.

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. Second Chance readers take note, you will be introduced to a younger Sir Bors and see how he gradually changes over time; and why. In the persons of Uther and Igraine, you will see where Arthur picks 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. After much research, I have decided to do something a little unusual by choosing to draw from the earlier Arthurian legends, rather than the latter (latter meaning Lancelot & adulterous Guinevere, evil Morgan, etc.). For in the earlier Welsh writings, poems and ballads, Guinevere was virtuous and good; and Morgan le Fay (Arthur's little half-sister) was actually an innocent victim of abuse who was rescued and brought in under her big brother's protective wing. Original legends state that Morgan was the youngest of three sisters - Elaine being the eldest and Morgause being the middle sister. Recent Arthurian variations in movies and television tend to merge Morgause and Morgan into a single character - generally an evil sorceress. I've chosen to go with the earlier variations: Morgan is good, Morgause is the evil sorceress, and Elaine is more or less a neutral peacemaker between the two. I will not be delving into Morgan's two sisters at this particular juncture, as this book will only be introducing young Morgan's story. You will meet Elaine and Morgause later on in CHAMPION and SORCERESS. I wasn't expecting it, but as Morgan's story continued to play out, she very much became an endearing character to me; maybe because growing up I myself was a protective big brother to a little sister; who knows.

Another interesting thing I have done is actually keep the story in the 5th century. Most modern Arthurian tales tend to 'cheat' and use Middle Ages/15th century concepts and customs. Gotta tell ya - 5th century life was radically different; an amalgamation of ancient Persian, Greek and Celtic cultures as Rome's western influence had not yet spread worldwide. Suits of armor and jousting with horses wouldn't be invented for another 1,000 years. Individual iron plates fastened to primitive chain mail was only just beginning to be developed, and women were only a notch above the value of horses. This is when royals and nobles typically had many wives and concubines - all of who were purchased property.

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 (aka. Merlin) enters into Arthur's story, so we also won't be seeing much of him; although there is a brief cameo early on in the story. If you don't know anything about Elias/Merlin, you'll be meeting him in the next book: CAMELOT. And a mysterious raven who keeps protective watch over the Pendragon family. Merlin knows him personally, but other than that, we know very little else about him. You will also be introduced to Fallow; an evil demon creature who has plagued Arthur's ancestors and family tree for centuries.

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 story 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, depictions 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...

Map of Pretania

~ History of Kings ~

Chapter 1

A brief introduction by Adrien, Camelot Royal Historian, 505 AD

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 1010-970 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 of age, 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 brother Ambrosius and had 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 their 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 inherent 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.

Uther loved his mother and his mother loved him. And to Uther's way of thinking, women ought to be more than just objects of lust or possession. He had experienced that side of the coin and found he didn't particularly care for it. Rather, to Uther's mind, like his beloved mother, women were real people with real thoughts and real feelings and real value. And they did not deserve to be treated as anything less; they certainly didn't deserve to be treated as animals.

In a way, it had been a good thing that Uther had found himself exiled and cast away from his royal home and away from all of those things. For during his four maturing years in exile, from age 13 to 17, Uther experienced a very different perspective and a very different reality.

He spent most of his time in hiding and in seclusion, primarily among small peasant villages and farming communities. And it was in those small villages where Uther saw and experienced men and women, working together in shops and in fields, raising their families and developing friendships with neighbors and growing in their relationships with one another. It was among those peasant villages where Uther experienced for the first time, men and women loving one another and caring for each other. And Uther knew in his heart of hearts, that this was how it was meant to be.

And it was in one of those peasant villages, where Uther first met Igraine.

Chapter 3

Situated on the most southwestern tip of Britain, bordered to the north and west by the Celtic Sea and to the south by the English Channel, was the region known as Cornwall.

The castle fortress at Cornwall sat overlooking the River Tamar, where Gorlois, the Duke of Cornwall, loved to walk upon the castle ramparts and look out over the river and the countryside beyond, marveling at his own greatness.

A proud man and an evil man, Gorlois had first become the Master of the House by murdering his own father and assuming his 'rightful' place as Duke. Upon the very day Gorlois rose to power, his first act was to go in to his father's Concubines - while the rest of the castle staff and his family and even his own mother were forced to look on and watch - while Gorlois demonstrated his manly prowess and to prove to all that he was indeed the Master of the House.

Then, he ordered for all of his father's wives to be killed - including his mother - and all of his brothers and sisters, as well. Leaving no one alive who might dare try to supplant him.

That was his first day.

On the second day, Duke Gorlois took his first wife. It was a pretty but very young 12-year-old girl in a nearby village in Cornwall, who had spurned his advances the previous week. He took her by force and married her by decree and then killed all of her family. Leaving the young girl all alone in the world and married to a monster.

That young girl's name was Igraine.

Yet in spite of the terrible and tragic events, the young girl's spirit was not broken by her cruel husband. She had a gentle spirit, and at the same time was very self-reliant and was more than a little independent. She had long brown hair which she more often than not preferred to wear in a ponytail; though she was always forced to let it down whenever in the presence of her husband. But after he would brutally have his way with her - which was commonplace and everyplace and sometimes even in public places - she would always pull her hair back in a ponytail immediately after Gorlois would leave; as a small act of token defiance.

The following year Igraine gave birth to her first child - a daughter. Gorlois was furious with Igraine for having borne him a daughter instead of a son. And only moments after giving birth, Gorlois beat her severely and threw her body out beyond the castle walls, leaving her bleeding and unconscious, out in the rain.

A few days later, Gorlois finally calmed down enough to bring her back into the castle, where he once more began his repeated assaults on her, in the hopes of producing a son.

As for her baby daughter, Gorlois had been told by Igraine's nursemaiden that the child had not survived. Unbeknownst to Gorlois however, the child had indeed survived and had been secreted away to another family in a nearby village, where Igraine could sometimes visit the child while Gorlois was away. Igraine named her first daughter, Elaine.

While Gorlois doubled his efforts in producing a son from his wife Igraine, he also took in a Mistress Companion named Gytha; a woman who was equally as cruel as Gorlois in every way. She would regularly taunt Igraine and forced her to serve her in every way imaginable; both menial and degrading. Gytha would report to Gorlois every time she would discover Igraine wearing her ponytail, which would always result in another beating.

It was a status symbol of the day, for a noble ruler to produce a son. It wasn't so much that the ruler need an heir, as much as it was merely a status symbol and evidence of the ruler's virility. Thus, the second round of Gorlois' efforts to produce a son were done more often than not in public; in order to publicly prove his manhood and to demonstrate that the fault didn't lie with him.

After several months of public and degrading humiliation, Igraine did finally manage to conceive. And the following year, she gave birth to another child.

Unfortunately, her second child was also ... a girl.

Once more, Gorlois became livid with rage, and once again, moments after delivery, he beat his wife severely and left her for dead upon the birthing room floor. After he stormed away, his Mistress Gytha told the nursemaiden that if Igraine was still alive, she was to be cast away and thrown into the refuse, and forever banished from Cornwall.

As Igraine's body was being dragged away to the refuse heap, Gytha saw that the baby in the nursemaiden's hands was still alive.