Queen Igraine’s belly began to grow larger and larger.  Finally, on the sixth month of her pregnancy, King Uther asked, “Igraine, who is the father of this growing child?”  At first she blushed and appeared ashamed, so Uther reassured her.  “Don’t worry, my dear.  The answer won’t affect my love for you.”  This appeared to have the desired effect of comforting Igraine, and after a slight pause, she spoke. 

            “On the night and the exact time of my former husband’s death, a man just like him in every aspect, along with his two right-hand men, came to Tintagil- my husband’s castle.  I slept with that man, as was my wifely duty, and a child was conceived.  Unfortunately, I now have no idea whom the real father was,” she ended with her eyes downcast. 

            “Worry no longer, my queen.  I am this mystery man.  Through Merlin’s magic, I was able to disguise myself as Cornwall so I could come to you.”  Uther said, smiling down on Igraine.

            “Oh, that is a great weight off my chest, to know you are the father!”  Igraine exclaimed with glee.

            But little did Igraine know that the child had already been promised to Merlin- who had begun making his own plans for the babe.  He spoke to Uther of these decisions. 

            “I know the perfect man for the child’s upbringing. This man is true, loyal, and owns property in both England and Wales.  Sir Ector is his name.  He has assured me that his wife will raise the babe as her own.”

            Soon after, Sir Ector made a visit to the king to reassure him of these claims.  “Don’t worry about your son at all, my king.  My wife and I will treat him as our own.” 

            “I have complete faith in you, Sir Ector.  You will definitely be a fine man for the job,” Uther said.  He then bestowed upon Ector many fine gifts. 

            So when the boy was born, he was carried in gold cloth by two knights and ladies to Merlin and then delivered to Sir Ector.  A man of the cloth christened him Arthur and he became part of Sir Ector’s family, not knowing the adventure soon to begin.

Chapter Three Transcript

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