“You will have assistance as well, young Pendragon. Your father has been busy making many enemies while you have been busy making friends. Your efforts to save those persecuted by Uther’s madness have not gone unnoticed nor will they be forgotten. You will find the allies you seek among both his enemies and your friends.”

I think that is the quote which I really love in this chapter, that Arthur out of necessity is seeking allies amongst the Druids and other users of magic. Uther has the ultimate weapon, and he chooses cruelty and annihalation, rather than using Merlin's powers to protect. You were right about dictators, they may start out with intentions to create a greater good, but their methods treat people as expendable, which Uther is doing repeatedly. In so doing, he is creating hatred from those he rules over. I hope Arthur can find a way to rescue Merlin, Cynhafar, his kingdom, and the people left in it.