The Mists of Avalon

The rising of the supposed Roman Emperor gives Arthur’s Pentecost feast a new weight as an opportunity to fortify his alliances. He also welcomes the chance to see Morgaine, whom he has not seen since her wedding. He proudly talks about Morgaine and Morgause’s duties as queens and near equality with their husbands—a thought that causes Gwenhwyfar to shudder. She still resents what Morgaine did to her and Lancelet.

Morgaine and Uriens present Uwaine to Arthur as a candidate for Companion. Arthur accepts, and Gwenhwyfar is jealous that Morgaine has two sons. Gareth approaches asking for Gwydion, but Morgaine brusquely responds that he is training in Avalon. Gareth asks if he is Lancelet’s son, and Morgaine excuses herself. She then has a hostile confrontation with Kevin, whom she has not seen since Viviane’s death. She calls him a traitor, but he tells her she cannot say that “when Viviane’s high seat is empty in Avalon” (617). Morgaine silently agrees, now understanding that she was given to Arthur in the Great Marriage so that she could influence his mind and policy. Kevin tells her that she must return to Avalon, and she says that she and Accolon are doing the work of the Isle from Uriens’s court.