With the Companions on their respective Grail quests, Arthur stalks the castle. He worries that none of them will return but takes comfort in the presence of Mordred and Cai, who was too old to seek the Grail. Arthur asks Mordred to be the captain of his horses in Lancelet’s absence. Mordred tells Arthur that Camelot’s wartime achievements will cement its legacy. He asks for permission to seek horses from Spain and Africa, and Arthur briefly wonders if he is giving him too much power. Gwenhwyfar accuses Arthur of setting up Mordred for the throne, but he reminds her that the priests would not accept him due to his parentage. However, he asks if “it be better that no good of any kind should come from the sin [he] did with Morgaine'' or if he should “be grateful that, since the sin was done and there’s no going back to innocence, God has given [him] a good son in return for that evil?” (833). He believes that Mordred will make a good king one day.

Slowly but surely, the knights begin returning. Many had visions dissuading them from seeking out the Grail. To welcome them back, Mordred plays the

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