The Strength to Wield
It's the results for the knights-in-training, with Mordred being ranked the highest individual. Despite being in the top of the class, Mordred still has his own issues to work out like his tardiness and his inability to answer his meaning of strength.
The results for training being announced also means a new set of students, with Team Chickadee gaining one additional member in the name of Rowley. Despite the friendly vibe the team gives off, Mordred is weary regarding to the new blood.
Tropes
- Afraid of Their Own Strength: Arthur attributes his Performance Anxiety to this trope, as he also doesn't have an answer to the meaning of strength like Mordred does.
- Gone Horribly Right: The joint training exercise is a cover up for Rowley's search for the Excalibur. The exercise went too smoothly that it prevented Rowley from producing results, causing Lamorak to give him a hand.
- The Mole: Rowley sneaks in Feendrache under the guise of Team Chickadee's newest member.
- Performance Anxiety: During the joint training expedition, Arthur overshoots and almost hurts Mordred. As a result, he becomes more sluggish and less responsive to attacks until their break.
- Saying Too Much: Rowley blows his cover after the expedition found the Excalibur and immediately goes on a tantrum about the lack of its sheath.
- Spanner in the Works: After Lamorak traps the expedition in a barrier, Vane orders them to split up with Mordred leading the defense at the lookout point, preventing Rowley from doing his task as he needs Mordred.
- Well-Trained, but Inexperienced: Downplayed. Arthur mentions that the joint training expedition was the first time in a while that he had to experience actual combat. His near miss against Mordred causes him to have Performance Anxiety.
- With Great Power Comes Great Insanity: Arthur drawing Excalibur causes him to be consumed by the sword's power, forcing the crew to fight him.
