Backstory: There are so many versions of King Arthur that I felt the need to explain which version my poem is coming from. Surprisingly, in most versions, King Arthur actually receives the Excalibur from The Lady of the Lake. And (plot twist) Merlin is in love with the Lady of The Lake. In many versions, Merlin constantly frets over Arthur losing power, so he has the Lady of the Lake give him the Excalibur to make him indomitable. Most re-tellings portray Merlin and Guinevere as archenemies. Guinevere is Arthur's one true love (and in some versions his spouse of convenience). In the version my poem is based off of, Merlin knows that Guinevere will do anything to keep Arthur King as well. Chrétien de Troyes is the author who created Lancelot’s character and the love affair between he and Guinevere. Their affair demonizes Guinevere, which is unfair because in many versions she genuinely loves Arthur. So I am going to retell the version of King Arthur that has Guinevere and Merlin as arch-nemeses and make the affair between Guinevere and Lancelot a set up by Merlin. Guinevere knows that she is somehow being set up by Merlin, but she is willing to do anything because she loves Arthur.
The sword, the sword! he hollered.
By hopelessness, he could no longer be bothered.
As he scrunched his face and braced his shoulders,
he pulled the sword out from beneath the small boulders.
It’s broken, he muttered.
For a long moment he fell silent.
Then he dragged himself away, tired and spent.
Headed for the castle, he didn’t look back.
The sword lay on the ground with the most incredible crack.
There must be something I can do.
I looked out into the never ending forest and hadn’t a clue.
Come on Guinevere, use your wit.
I stood there alone and prayed an idea would hit.
Squinting, I saw a silhouette in the shadows.
Paralyzed, I don’t know how I could speak.
Who goes there? I managed to eek.
The figure emerged and his voice was eerily low.
There’s nothing to fear,
It’s just me Guinevere.
It was Merlin.
What are you doing here?
I know of a way we can make his sadness disappear.
Trying to mask my desperation and curiosity,
How would you and I do that? I said with animosity.
It depends on how much you are willing to lose.
If he is to stay in power, he must be undefeatable to men.
I know of a gift that can make our King formidable again.
What is the gift? I inquired.
It’s called Excalibur.
A magical woman, she is called The Lady of the Lake.
It comes at a price,
but you’ll do anything for your love’s sake.
Isn’t that right?
What to do?
With Merlin it was most likely a trap.
He would never give, if there was not something he would get.
What that was, I couldn’t be sure.
All I know is that I’m married to a man I’d do anything for.
Even if this Excalibur is the means of my undoing,
for Arthur, it’s worth pursuing.
