The Second Fall of Camelot was a surprise invasion of Camelot led by Morgana Pendragon and her ally Helios. The battle ended in victory for Morgana, who seized control of the throne from Arthur Pendragon.
History
Preparation
In preparation for her second conquest of Camelot, Morgana sought an alliance with the Southron warlord Helios. She instructed her spy, Lord Agravaine, to steal a map of Camelot's siege tunnels. Morgana copied it with her magic and took it to Helios, which convinced him to accept her proposal (The Hunter's Heart).
The Invasion
Morgana and Helios chose to attack on the night of Beltane. While Arthur and the rest of the court attended the annual feast, Lord Agravaine secured the siege tunnels and led an advance guard of Southrons in infiltrating the citadel and setting fire to the Lower Town, which was the signal for the rest of the army to approach.
With many of Camelot's Knights at the feast and the rest preoccupied with the fire, the Southrons quickly took control of the Lower Town and marched on the castle. Arthur and his men mounted a valiant defense, but were soon overpowered and forced to barricade themselves in the council chambers.
With the battle lost and Arthur injured, his allies conspired to sneak him out of the citadel to safety. Knowing he would never abandon his people willingly, Merlin placed an enchantment on Arthur that took away his free will. He and Percival then escaped with him through a side entrance while Gwaine and Gaius stayed behind to hold off Morgana.
When Morgana discovered their escape, she chased them into the woods on horseback and attacked them with her magic. Percival became separated from the group and Elyan, who had stumbled across them in the woods, was later captured when he stayed behind to distract the Southrons chasing them. However, Merlin and Arthur successfully escaped (The Sword in the Stone).
Aftermath
In the aftermath of the invasion, Merlin and Arthur sought sanctuary beyond Camelot's borders. They traveled to Ealdor with smugglers Tristan and Isolde and were later reunited with Guinevere.
Morgana took control of the throne and declared herself Queen. When her subjects refused to swear allegiance to anyone but Arthur, she retaliated by burning their crops.
Many of Camelot's knights escaped to the safety of the woods. Some, such as Percival and Leon, later found their way to the Forest of Ascetir, where they met up with Arthur and his allies and plotted to retake Camelot.
The knights and court members who failed to escape were captured and imprisoned. Morgana tortured Elyan for information on Arthur's whereabouts. When she discovered that he was seeking refuge in Ealdor, she sent Agravaine and a contingent of Southrons to capture or kill him (The Sword in the Stone).
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