In the West Country of Britain, atop the high hill known as the Barren Down, British knights prepare to make a last stand against the huge and terrifying armies of the Saxon invaders. King Lot of Lothian and King Uriens of Gore are among the British defenders, as is the mysterious woman known as Morgan le Fay.
Hurrying to join them is King Arthur, the High King of Britain, and riding with him are many of his finest knights, including his foster brother Kei and his close friends, Sir Lucan, Sir Bedivere, and Sir Griflet. But one essential person remains absent. Merlin. For Merlin the Wizard hasn't come. And no one knows why not.