With this answer the messengers departed and told to King Arthur this answer.

Wherefore, by the advice of his barons, he took him to a strong tower with five hundred good men with him.

And all the kings aforesaid in a manner laid a siege to-fore him, but King Arthur was well victualed.

And within fifteen days there came Merlin among them into the city of Carlion.

Then all the kings were passing glad of Merlin, and asked him, For what cause is that boy Arthur made your king?
Sirs, said Merlin, I shall tell you the cause, for he is King Uther Pendragon's son, born in wedlock, gotten on Igraine, the duke's wife of Tintagil.