“Are you afraid?” Sir Tor asked.

Lila clutched the pennant tightly in one hand; she wished she was clutching her sword.

“Just because you’re playing my squire doesn’t mean I’ll actually make you fight,” Arthur had said.

“All of us should be afraid,” Sir Tristan said, on Lila’s other side. “Fear breeds caution.”

“His Majesty is brave.” Sir Tor sounded puzzled.

“Arthur is a man,” Emrys said quietly, “and he is afraid of death, same as us all. He has simply learned to act despite his fear, to do what’s right even if he may die.”

“Oh.” Sir Tor looked almost chastened.

“Mordred thinks he’s immortal,” Emrys continued. “It’s what feeds his arrogance. It’s why he fights for might instead of right.”

“Mordred will die,” Sir Tristan said firmly.

Lila swallowed hard and looked at Emrys. He met her gaze, blue eyes sad, and then he turned away.

“Indeed he will,” he said to Sir Tristan.

Neither Sir Tor nor Sir Tristan heard what hung unspoken between Lila and Emrys.

Arthur will die too.