Sir Bedivere Bedrydant

You accuse Bedivere of harboring secrets. I say that every man has secrets, Lord Edric...I judge Bedivere not by the whispers of courtiers or the superstitions of the nobility, but by his actions. And his actions have proven him a man of honor, of strength, and of unwavering loyalty to Camelot. - King Arthur Pendragon

A Letter from King Arthur Pendragon

Addressed to Lord Edric of Eryldon

Dated June 12th, 1147

To Lord Edric of Eryldon, I have read your letter, and though I find its tone less than fitting for one addressing a king, I will answer your concerns plainly. I would not have you or anyone else in my court mistake my silence for doubt or indecision. You question my appointment of Sir Bedivere as Lord High Constable, citing not his competence but the whispers that have long clung to his name. It is a poor foundation for the accusations you level against him, and I will not allow such insinuations to go unanswered.
First, let us set the record straight. Sir Bedivere’s loyalty has been tested, not once, but many times over the decades. When the great chieftain Uther Pendragon turned from strength to tyranny, it was Bedivere who first had the courage to see him for what he was. It was Bedivere who risked his life and his name to stand against injustice, and it was Bedivere who joined me—not out of ambition, but out of a belief in what was right. His sword was among the first to defend me when I was little more than a boy with a dream of a better kingdom.
You claim that his rebellion against my father casts doubt on his loyalty to me. I reject this claim outright. What greater loyalty can a man have than to justice itself? Bedivere’s choice was not made lightly, nor was it made out of self-interest. He did not seize power or demand glory for himself. He fought to unseat a tyrant so that a just ruler might rise. That ruler, Lord Edric, was me.
If it were only his history that spoke for him, perhaps your concerns might hold more weight. But Bedivere has proven his worth not merely through past deeds, but through his years of service to this kingdom. For decades, he has stood by my side as a trusted advisor and companion. He has safeguarded Camelot’s armory, ensuring that every sword and spear in our arsenal is ready to defend the realm. He has maintained the quest board, ensuring that knights and commoners alike may bring their petitions to the crown. He has traveled tirelessly to his childhood home—not for indulgence, but to care for the family that raised him, an act of devotion that should shame any man who neglects his kin.
You speak of “whispers” surrounding his birth and upbringing. Yes, it is true that Bedivere was not born to a noble house. He was raised on the edges of society, far from the courts and castles where men like you learned to swing a sword only after ensuring the mud was cleared from your boots. I will not deny that there are rumors of his upbringing, of witches and dark magic. But have you, Lord Edric, or any other noble who doubts him, ever seen him use magic against this court? Have you seen him do anything but uphold the laws, the justice, and the vision upon which this kingdom was built?
You have not.
You claim that a man who once turned against Uther might one day turn against me. I say to you: I fear no rebellion from Bedivere, nor should you. His rebellion against my father was not treachery—it was righteousness. If, one day, I fall to the same tyranny that consumed Uther, if I become unjust, cruel, or unworthy of the crown I wear, then perhaps I should fear Bedivere’s sword. But I will not rule by fear, nor by silencing those who would hold me accountable. I will rule with men like Bedivere at my side—men who are not afraid to see the truth and act upon it.
You accuse Bedivere of harboring secrets. I say that every man has secrets, Lord Edric. You would do well to remember that your own house has its share of skeletons, though I have not deemed it necessary to unearth them for the court’s scrutiny. I judge Bedivere not by the whispers of courtiers or the superstitions of the nobility, but by his actions. And his actions have proven him a man of honor, of strength, and of unwavering loyalty to Camelot.
The appointment of Lord High Constable is mine to make, and I stand by it without hesitation. I suggest you reflect on why this decision troubles you so deeply. Is it truly Sir Bedivere’s supposed “witchcraft” that concerns you, or is it the fact that a man born outside noble privilege has risen to such a station? If it is the latter, let me remind you that Camelot is a kingdom of merit, not inheritance. It is not your bloodline that will earn my favor, Lord Edric, but your deeds.
I will hear no more of this. Sir Bedivere has my trust, and if you value your place at this court, I suggest you remember that.
Arthur Pendragon
King of Camelot

Date of Birth

20th of April

Year of Birth

1114 EM 45 Years old