“What are you? You can’t be a changeling if you can even copy weapons!” the younger Mordred exclaimed as she deflected the older Mordred’s sword. The older Mordred took a step back and swung again. This time she swung with such speed that it shocked her younger self. Despite that though she still blocked her blade and swung at her in a form of counter.

The older Mordred jumped backwards to avoid the blade, then used a form of magic enhancement to make herself faster. Flying at her younger self she swung Clarent repeatedly with such speed and procision it was hard to trace. That said, her younger self knew the samer trick and deflected each of the oncoming attacks with equal speed and precision.

“You’re good. However, you still have much to learn.” the older Mordred said to her younger self as she twisted her blade around her younger selves blade and forced her to swing it upward. Unable to counter the younger Mordred tried to jump back but it was too late. Her older self launched herself forward and stabbed Clarent at her. With full control the older Mordred cut along her younger selves left cheek. As she did, a scar formed on her own left cheek that looked worn and faded. Turning away from the blade the younger Mordred dove to her right to avoid another attack.

“Who taught you how to fight?” the younger Mordred asked as she rubbed the blood from her cheek

“I’m pretty sure you already know.” the older Mordred said in response as she stood at the ready.

“Don’t talk to me like I’m stupid!” the younger Mordred exclaimed as Clarent began glowing a deep purple. The blade breathed out a bright purple flame in reaction to the younger Mordred’s emotions. The older Mordred, knowing that this wasn’t good, lit up her own sword in the same fashion. Both of the blades hummed with a hot purple fire that began to set the rug below them ablaze just from exposure to the heat. Though neither of them cared.

“Clarent!” they both yelled as they each raised their blades and swung them down. The roar of the purple flame was sent through the throne room and caused the entire castle to shake as if they were experiencing a small earthquake. The flames shot at each other like a serpent before colliding together. However, due to them being the same attack they merged together and formed a marble sized ball of purple and black light. Both of the Mordred’s stood in wonder as the orb absorbed the attack then dispersed it in a large explosion of light and flame.

Both Mordred’s were sent flying backwards into the walls of the throne room and each of them fell to the floor with a thud. The rug and banners of the throne room were set ablaze as a result but neither of the two Mordred’s cared. Both of them got back up while shaking their heads in discomfort.

“What did you do?” the younger Mordred yelled.

“What did I do? What did you do?” the older Mordred yelled back. This caused the younger Mordred to begin charging forward in a rage only for her to fall to the floor unconscious. Standing behind her was Arthur who had hit her from behind with the pommel of Excalibur. He looked furious but his face showed signs of relief as well.

“Father?” the older Mordred said.

“We can discuss this later. For now, you need to hide. Lily will help you. I’ll deal with the others.” Arthur said as he tried not to show his anger.

“Thank you, and I’m sorry.” Mordred said as Clarent disappeared from her hand. Lily then appeared from behind Arthur in her fairy form looking frantic as could be.

“Come on you idiot.” Lily said hurriedly before rushing down one of the halls of the main room.

“Yes, and don’t call me an idiot.” Mordred said as she followed her down the hall in a sprint.

Just as they disappeared down the hall some of the knights appeared from the hall Mordred was being chased down earlier. Some were fully armed while others were holding whatever they deemed appropriate as a weapon. They looked shocked to see the throne room in flames and even more shocked to see the King standing above a now unconscious Mordred.

“Where did the changeling go? Did you stop it?” one of the knights asked.

“I don’t know. I came running when I heard the commotion. I found Mordred and the throne room like this when I arrived.” Arthur said.

“I see, do you know why a changeling would try to infiltrate Camelot?” the knight asked as some of the knights began checking to see if Mordred was alright and others started putting out the fires.

“We are at war. I would not be surprised if our enemies had Changelings within their ranks or perhaps some of them wished to sell information about our home. Either way, we have been compromised. Send word to the front lines and see where we are the weakest. I will ride out with a band of knights tomorrow after the knighthood ceremony.” Arthur said before walking over to Mordred’s unconscious body.

“Wake up.” Arthur said as he knelt down and tapped her on her right cheek a few times. She didn’t even flinch, so as one does he got down close and started calling out. “Hey. hey. Hey! Hey! Heey! Heeey! Heeeey!” he continually yelled louder and louder the more he had to say it. This went on for two minutes before she finally woke up.

“What?” she asked.

“You were beaten. I say you go and get your cheek patched up and take the rest of the day off. I think your mother wanted us to have dinner together. As for your attacker? Well, they got away so we can worry about it later.” he said as he helped her up.

“Thank you.” she said, unsure of what was happening now and felt a little light headed so she just nodded and walked off to her room.