The knights hear that Sir Brastias has accused them of treason. Treason is a capital crime, and they could be executed for this. If they are lucky, they will merely be
degraded and exiled. But regardless, their honor has been impugned. They’re in a dangerous position of being judged harshly by a legitimate authority, and they must continue to do everything honorably, or be even more disgraced.
All normal court decisions are made by the presiding judge, in this case King Uther himself. It is entirely normal (though not necessarily just) for the presiding judge to be swayed by personal friendship or obligation, political factors, or personal grudges. Beside Merlin himself, who is now thought a traitor, Brastias is Uther’s most important advisor, and Uther is likely to do whatever Brastias wants.
The knights are summoned to the king. When they arrive at Tintagel Castle, everyone studiously avoids them. They are met at the castle gate and escorted by the porter and several guards to the castellan — Sir Brastias — who greets them with icy formality and orders a squire to show them to quarters. “And, Sir Knights,” he adds, “Please remain in that room until summoned.”
In their room, they are met by Sir Elad the Marshall and Bishop Roger, who were sent to help them out with legal advice. These two worthies question the knights closely. With these two important people here, the knights do not have to do a thing.
From the servants they hear that another dozen or so knights are also nearby, all of whom were also set up by Merlin. Sir Elad and Bishop Roger will talk to those knights as well.
One time, when Sir Elad and the bishop are not present, a black-robed monk with a Roman tonsure is let into the room. A single church servant attends him and carries writing implements. “Good day, gentlemen,” he says, “I am Father Dewi, and I wish to speak with you.” Dewi is widely known to be smart, forceful, and fanatical. At the several monasteries he has established, there is no alcohol at all allowed, so he is called “the Waterman.”
Dewi simply asks the knights straightforward questions about how they were recruited for Merlin’s task. He doesn’t comment on the religion of any Christians, but looks at Sir Wynn with a bit of sadness, and says “Your gods’ time is over now. But thank you for your opinion.” He is obviously controlling himself here, refraining from trying to convert the pagan.
The Trial
Everything is done formally and legally. Court opens. Uther is flanked by Duke Ulfius, sitting; Bishop Dubricus, standing to the right; and, on the left, Queen Ygraine dressed in mourning black.
Brastias states his charge. Uther asks on what basis: Brastias cites his experience. Uther asks the knights if Brastias’s charges are true. When Roger says, speaking for the knights, “It is true,” then Uther says, “Let the knights speak for themselves. Did you do that?” Brastias has not lied in the least, but described exactly what happened to him from his own perspective. The Salisbury knights do the same, being honest.
When everyone has spoken, Queen Ygraine leans over to the king and hisses, “They stole my baby. Kill them.”
“Soon enough, my queen. We must follow procedures.”
To the knights he says, “What do you say in your defense?” Bishop Roger takes over. With flowery rhetoric and legal jargon he states that the knights are innocent because they were enchanted by Merlin, who moves in mysterious ways.
Bishop Dubricus, speaking as the king’s religious advisor, says that surely Merlin the Enchanter has always been a friend to the king and would never do such a thing to harm the king.
“Sir Knights,” says the king finally, “Since Merlin is innocent of this, you can aid yourselves by telling who was really behind this abduction.” Marshall Elad starts to speak, but the king interrupts him: “Again, I say, let the knights speak for themselves!”
When the knights are finished, Sir Elad speaks of the good reputation and deeds done by these knights. He closes with the statement, “In these dangerous times, my lord, veteran knights are needed,” and says the Count of Salisbury gives his word on the honor and trustworthiness of these men.
The accused knights realize this is actually a very dangerous thing for Count Roderick to have done, for he has committed to the cause of the knights, even if Uther is against them.
Father Dewi, the Waterman, now asks to speak. Of course he is allowed, being a famous holy man. Dewi says hat he has investigated the victims himself, and has determined that they were without question all ensorcelled by the magic of Merlin. He goes on to say that he thinks the king has been wrong to depend upon the son of a devil for advice at all, and that if the king does not purge his court of this magic, it will surely bring only ruin to the king, his family, and to all of Britain. “Cast out the son of the devil from your court,” says Dewi, “Cast him out of Britain!”.
Everyone looks ominously at Uther. All is silent. “Kill him,” says Ygraine, just loud enough to be heard in the silence.
Finally, Uther speaks. “I know these men,” he says. “They have helped me and Britain greatly, and are an honor to their liege lord Count Salisbury. And I know this wise bishop, Dewi, who has traveled all over the wide world. Bishop Dubricus? What say you?”
“No Christian, not British or Roman or Arian, honors the son of the devil,” replies Dubricus.
Uther stands. “Then let Justice reign. Here is the word of the King of Logres."
“These men are innocent of treason. They, and all with like charges, are dismissed and ordered to see Bishop Dubricus for blessing and purification from pagan taint.
“Furthermore, this court determines that Merlin the Enchanter was behind this, and he is hereby condemned to death by this court as an exile and traitor to the crown, who has willingly and knowingly harmed the throne. Let this news be sent forth to all the lords and guilds for reading in public places.
“God bless us all. This court is adjourned.”
The knights are ever afterward known as “the knights who condemned Merlin”.