Camelot: The Last King of Camelot

"It is my moment of glory."

Writer: Kate Thorman

Format: Audio

Released: February 2022

Series: The Lone Centurion 2.03

Featuring: Rory

Synopsis

Camelot is under attack. Arthur and Guinevere have fled and Merlin's direst prophecies have come true. Can Rory prevail before the kingdom falls?

Verdict

The Last King of Camelot was an excellent story and a terrific way to conclude Rory's adventures as the Lone Centurion in Camelot! This really concluded what had been built up in The Once and Future Nurse and The Glowing Warrior with a final battle ensuing between Rory and Merlin after the latter's desire to obtain the former's Pandorica. I wasn't expecting Merlin to have essentially usurped Arthur as the King of Camelot and it was good for the legendary monarch to make an appearance in the series as I was fearful that it may not happen! I really liked that the entire quest that Rory and Lancelot embarked upon was all a ploy by Merlin to get them out of Camelot so he could take over. His bewitching of all of the knights was great and I loved how Rory cottoned on to what had happened rather quickly. Lancelot was slower to realise the truth and he initially refused to believe that Merlin would go against Arthur which was brilliant. I thought Lancelot was absolutely magnificent once again and his comments about Rory's swords and the offer of bathing together in the lake was comedic brilliance. Their relationship has been a real highlight of this boxset and I thought the moment they shared at the end was a fitting way to finish. Guinevere was really strong in this one and she was a woman that really stood up when Camelot needed her most! Her strategy was sound and I thought her first take of a sword was really impressive! Rory was no fighter and he couldn't believe how quickly she took to the weapon! It was really amusing to hear how the dynamic changed for Rory and Lancelot when it came to fighting with the latter usually having the superior intellect, but this was one are our centurion did not shine. His struggles of climbing a horse were so much fun as well and trying to have Rory lead an army into battle without being able to do something as simple as that really provided some struggles. I thought the action in the audio was very good and even though this one was only an hour, it absolutely flew by and that's obviously a big positive. Merlin's arrival onto the scene to try and take out Rory and gain the Pandorica was very good and I liked how Rory's words nearly slipped into admission that this was what he was guarding. Arthur being mortally wounded was unexpected and I also found Lancelot still wanting to fight as his champion despite having a broken leg brilliant, especially with his point of fact response regarding his legacy and having songs written about him after a noble death. Guinevere didn't understand that about men so it was really nice for her to actually be appointed king by Rory and the people after Merlin was defeated. The way that occurred with Rory was nicely done and it was clever to have him slip away and potentially return in what I hope will be a third series! Rory's departure from Camelot was heartfelt as he emotionally embraced Lancelot for a goodbye and this time the squire finally got the hint that Rory didn't want to be accompanied. Overall, a really strong finale to what has been a terrific series! 

Rating: 9/10