|Sir Mordred by H. J. Ford (1902) ~ Wikipedia|
Although this cannot be counted as a primary source, it does, however, draw on older stories — probably verbal — of the telling of this great battle. If you have not already noticed, the quote above says nothing about Arthur fighting Mordred at Camlann. It states that both men fell (died) at Camlann. Mordred was one of Arthur's most loyal knights; therefore it would make sense that they died together because they fought together. Which begs the question, how did Mordred become the villain of the tale?
Thomas Malory who penned Le Morte d'Arthur sticks with tradition and casts Mordred as the villain, but this time there is a slight twist to the tale. In Malory's version, Mordred believes that Arthur is dead, slain by Lancelot. Mordred, with parliaments consent, is crowned King and when he hears that Arthur is alive, he does take his army to meet him. But this begs the question, why would the Knights follow Mordred instead of Arthur. Malory gives us a clue.
Yarde grew up in the southwest of England, surrounded and influenced by centuries of history and mythology. Glastonbury — the fabled Isle of Avalon — was a mere fifteen-minute drive from her home, and tales of King Arthur and his knights were a part of her childhood.