CHAPTER 4 : THE INFLUX IS IMMINENT

More and more guests were arriving each day. The royal guests dismounted in the courtyard and were welcomed by either Arthur or Uther. Then the Lord Chamberlain or his assistant Humphrey, depending upon the rank of the guests, escorted them to their chambers. The visiting kings and queens were often accompanied by their own royal physician, an assortment of followers and their own staff. The knights of the kingdom were settled in the wing assigned to knights to be joined by their own squires once their horses had been settled.

Staff and travelling chests arrived at the servants' entries. Under the direction of Humphrey's staff, baggage was carried to the assigned chambers where maids or menservants unpacked all the clothes. For the first evening following their tiring journey, the royal guests ate in their private chambers. Each royal couple's party was assigned one of the castle's knights to help the transition to residing in Camelot.

The following evening, they saw the pomp and ceremony as they were officially welcomed to Camelot.

Arthur extended the welcome on behalf of his father, who sat beaming, at the head table between King Trevor of Bodmin and his sons. The hall was decorated with emphasis on the colours of the visiting king. However, gold dragons were visible on many pennants and the standards of the knights of Camelot adorned the walls.

Arthur had found the welcoming process easy. He enjoyed showing off Camelot and knew that it rivalled even the richest of kingdoms. The meal would also impress as would the quantity of food and drink. The king's musicians entertained and after the meal Uther and King Trevor with his sons, Princes Aubrey and Ewan, rose and returned to their respective chambers.

Once all the guests and retainers had left. Arthur motioned to the staff that they could clear the main table and left to sit with his friends. They wouldn't stay long, just long enough to have one drink together and compare notes on the visiting knights.

Thierry mentioned that he'd have to keep on his toes if he was facing them in the mêlèe à pied, "Some of those chaps are mighty big, let's hope it slows them down."

Gavin chimed in with "But just think, we're not fighting every single one of them. Maybe, they'll be knocked off by other knights."

"That's Gavin, always the optimist!" Merlin added.

Arthur said, "Well, I haven't seen anyone that I feel threatened by!"

"Been sitting there, with your eyes closed all night, have you?" For that remark Merlin who was sitting beside him, was punched, not so gently in the arm by Arthur. "No seriously, Arthur, you were not as demanding at mealtime as you usually are."

"I had other things on my mind!"

"Oh, kind Sir, pray tell…" added Gielbert, "Unless it is something too personal to reveal…"

Arthur was unwilling or unable to share his thoughts and the knights started hooting. Merlin caught Arthur's eye and winked at him running his knuckle down Arthur's leg, causing Arthur to say, "Well actually, I was wondering which Camelot knight was going to walk away with the Individual Champion pennant. Prince Aubrey insinuated that his brother Ewan is well renowned in their kingdom and quite determined."

Romney said, "And what about yourself?"

"I am not competing in all the events, just jousting and the pas d'armes sword event."

Leon said, "Sire, I can assure you that your knights will do their damnedest to retain the pennant. Right, Brothers?"

There was a roar of agreement and Rawn rose and said, "For the Love of Camelot!" and they all stood and their voices rose to the rafters.

-0-0-

Arthur lay in bed, thinking of the upcoming tournament. His heart was racing as he envisioned himself in the lists with Mulgan fast approaching an unknown knight. He was looking forward to that day…

The Black Knight was barrelling down the list; the crowd was hushed.

His dark chestnut with flowing mane and tail, reminded Arthur of fire. The horse screamed as it saw Mulgan its nostrils flared, black against its face.

Arthur felt Mulgan falter but then pick up speed. He raised his lance and two strides out aimed for his opponent's shoulder.

He waited for the impact but there was none. He shook his head and turned expecting to see the chestnut reach the end of the list.

It wasn't there! He turned back and before him on his side of the list was the Black Knight on foot with a sword. The man never tried to reach the prince, instead he speared Mulgan through the chest. Arthur pitched forward and everything when black...

Disturbed, Merlin opened his eyes as Arthur said, "He wanted Mulgan!"

"Hush, Arthur! No one is ever going to take Mulgan away from you!"

Merlin held him until he settled…

-0-0-

Things were under control and progressing smoothly, two private welcoming dinners had been held for the princes who were representing their kingdoms, Prince Michael of Wales and his brother Prince Rhys representing their brother King Ludd and Princes Edwin and Eldred presenting King Egburt. Those evenings were less lacking in protocol and the visiting princes, their host and his knights, all had an enjoyable time.

Merlin recalled that it was now probably twenty years ago, that Prince Michael had intervened in a rather nasty incident between him and the visiting prince's manservant during a summer tournament and Merlin would be forever grateful.

Prince Michael said smiling, "It feels good to be back in Camelot especially with Rhys who is such an accomplished competitor."

"We'll see about that, once he has been up against our champion swordsmen," Arthur added. The young man in question smiled assuring Arthur that he would give it, all he had.

"Can't ask any better than that," said Leon. "As you will have heard, we have opened it up to all able-bodied men and the response has been interesting to say the least. Twenty-five commoners will be competing in most of the concours à pied. The top three will finally compete against the top three knights in the same discipline. None will compete in the mêlée à cheval or the jousting."

There were affirmative glances from the assembled princes, this was a novel approach but it had to be realised that many mercenaries were experienced fighters.

Leon continued, "We have also accepted as contestants five knights without allegiance. They will compete in the à cheval well as à pied events."

"Are they known to us? asked Prince Edwin.

Merlin thought that Gawaine was known to them, he was a regular knight-errant, a roving ambassador. He smiled to himself, 'Good old Gawaine, he'd make them sit up and listen.'

Arthur interrupted his thoughts, saying that they were often invited to attend various tournaments and he was sure that they would be familiar to them. They'd be seeing them around as they would be staying in the castle.

Merlin again thought of Gawaine and his knack in sword handling. It seemed a little disloyal but he would love to see him win his division. That would make Uther sit up as he considered the knight a rogue and was only too happy to see his backside as he left Camelot. Merlin was distracted from his daydream by the sound of chairs being pushed back and he immediately stepped forward behind Arthur's to ease it back for him.

Arthur stood talking to Prince Michael for a little while longer and then the princes took their leave. As there were now only Camelot knights left, they sat down again at the table and continued talking. Merlin brought over more ale and mead and Arthur motioned for him to sit next to him.

Thierry said, "They didn't seem overjoyed with the additional knights. Might be interesting!"

"Not to worry," said Arthur, "The cream will rise to the top and the red cloaks of Camelot will win."

"What about Gawaine? He's a threat at the end of a sword. I hope I don't draw him?" Spenser said.

Merlin laughed and said, "He's the only one truthful enough to say that. Right, Arthur?"

"Don't worry if anyone goes down to him, at least he's a worthy opponent." Gielbert added.

"I have every confidence that on the day, we will have a handful of knights who could take Gawaine…" said Arthur giving Merlin the eye.

With much bravado, the voices of the knights echoed the sentiments of their crown prince but Merlin knew that a few of them were hoping not to face the knight too early in the competition.

Conversation petered out and Arthur rose to leave. Soon the room had emptied and the staff came in to set things right.

-0-0-

Wandering down the deserted corridors, Arthur said, "Merlin, I wish you'd stop giving the others negative ideas about their competence. I know I am only too happy to have Gawaine at my back in trouble but really…"

"It wasn't me who started it, it was Spenser…it was his fault."

"Do you know how old you sound, when you argue like that?"

"Old enough to do this, Arthur?" Merlin spun him around holding him against the wall.

Suitably distracted, Arthur's mind was far away from Gawaine as they returned to their chambers. Merlin helped Arthur disrobe and then folded all their clothes. Tomorrow would be soon enough to check for stains and damage. He blew out the extra candles, opened the window a crack and slipped into bed, Arthur turned to him and said, "Did you lock the door?"

"Why, if we're so safe in our beds protected by the highly experienced knights of Camelot, should I think of barring a door?" He said smugly.

"Well, then," said Arthur with his eyebrows arched suggestively, "I will get up to do it…"

"You don't have to, but it was kind of you to offer, as I have already locked it. Did you have something in mind that might necessitate priva…" But Merlin didn't have time to finish his sentence as he felt Arthur's teeth teasing and worrying his earlobe. It sent shivers down his spine and he smiled, turning to redirect his lips to his as he said, "Quite the little terrier, we are tonight, aren't we?"

"Well, someone has to put you in your place," Arthur growled.

"Go ahead, give it your best but remember I will reciprocate in kind."

"Ooh, Merlin, we are being formal tonight…I'll take that under consideration before I do anything which might result in my being inconvenienced."

"Arthur, you have such a way with words. Shut up and show me!"

By the time the sentry announced the second hour, two tousled headed friends were fast asleep. Arthur with his arms wrapped around someone who had not only reciprocated but also initiated.

Arthur was in the lists and to his horror, he realised that his opponent was riding Gidun. The awful realisation hit him that he was charging toward Merlin; Merlin who had no idea about jousting. The crowd was cheering and his father was on his feet with an evil grin of retribution. If his son wouldn't dismiss his servant, he would make sure that he was unable to continue his duties.

Gidun barrelled towards Mulgan. Arthur had no time to take evasive action and allowed Merlin to make a shield hit. There was a gasp from the spectators. Arthur had not even aimed his lance.

Arthur was panicking, he had choices; to fall off his horse on the next pass thereby forfeiting the bout or to hit Merlin fair and square in the chest and be done with it. If he allowed Merlin to continue as the winner of the bout, he would have to face the challenge of another knight who could seriously hurt him. As he lowered his lance to Merlin's chest, he made his decision. "Please, God, don't let me hurt him!"

There was a sickening impact and Merlin was thrown over his horse's rump. He heard the cheers of the crowd but as the back of Merlin's neck and head hit the ground there was an awed silence. As Merlin was knocked off him, Gidun turned reins flapping, to trot back to his prone rider. Arthur dismounted and made his way to where Merlin lay. Mulgan also managed to evade his groom and swung around charging back on the other side of the list to stand with Merlin's horse.

Gaius was on his knees beside Merlin, unwilling to remove the helmet as it might be giving support to his neck. He had called for a litter and when Arthur looked up instead of squires, it was Gawaine and Spenser who were the litter bearers. The concerned looks on their faces for the man on the ground and the looks of repulsion for Arthur shocked him.

"Please, I didn't know what else to do! I didn't want to hurt him..."

"…but you did!" Gaius sighed looking at Arthur in disbelief.

The litter was carried away and Arthur returned to the lists to await his next opponent. He cringed as he saw Leon's horse being held by his groom waiting for the knight to put in an appearance.

Arthur mounted but Mulgan became Iago who was being difficult. The stupid horse kept shying and was unwilling to advance to the line. Mulgan had been trained to ride in a straight line without swerving as the competitor advanced; Iago had not! He would never make a good jousting horse, he was too high spirited with a will of his own. He seemed to have forgotten any training which he had ever had. His mind was obviously elsewhere.

Arthur rode towards Leon knowing that this pass was doomed; Iago was all over the place. As Arthur felt the impact of the lance in his chest and losing his seat, he tried to kick both stirrups free. He could not get his right boot clear and he slid off, hitting the ground with his rear, then his shoulders, before being dragged unceremoniously to the end of the list. Damned Iago who had finally figured it out, was racing along in a straight line. A groom grabbed the horse's bridle and a squire released his boot from the restraining stirrup and left him lying on his back. No one approached him.

Everything got foggy after that. He found himself where Merlin had fallen and Gaius was still there. "How is he?"

Not a word! It was as if he hadn't even spoken. He wasn't exactly ignored as that would have been a conscious action on their parts. No one seemed to see him, it was as if he weren't there.

He crept forward, no one stopped him and he raised the visor on Merlin's helmet. It was empty and overhead a merlin was calling and Arthur looked up at it and cried, "Merlin, please no!" He remembered Merlin saying that before the flames of the pyre would reach his feet, his spirit would be gone and now he was…"

Arthur tried desperately to reach him, sliding along in panic, he reached out and…

"What in heaven's name are you doing down there? Shit! You gave me a scare. Arthur, you just fell out of bed and I promise I didn't do anything. You did it all by yourself. Are you alright? I hope there are no visible bruises as we have important guests."

A grinning Merlin came around the end of the bed intending to help Arthur extricate himself from the blankets. "What were you doing? The bed is certainly big enough for the two of us. I haven't fallen out of bed since I was a little boy!"

Arthur looked up at Merlin, he hadn't flown away; he was still with him and smiled. He wasn't even going to try to explain what he'd dreamt, it didn't make any sense anyway and he still wasn't too comfortable with the choices he had made.

Merlin leant over to give him a hand but Arthur had other ideas and pulled him down into the tangle of blankets and quilts. After all, dawn was just beginning to paint the turrets across the courtyard, turning them an orangey cream.

-0-0-

The sound of the breakfast platters being placed in the antechamber woke Merlin, he went to move but Arthur's arms tightened around him so he decided to stay a few more minutes in the cocoon of bedding on the floor.

It was the incessant tapping at their chamber door which finally roused them a second time. Peering over the edge of the bed, Merlin was greeted by bright sunshine and a well lit room. He stood up making sure that his feet were disentangled and picking up his dressing robe off the floor, he walked to the door.

"Who is it?"

"Merlin, it's me!"

Merlin glanced back to see Arthur grabbing for his dressing robe before walking into the water closet. Merlin opened the door and let Leon who had the breakfast platter in his hands, into the room.

"Is Arthur around?"

Merlin smiled and nodded at the water closet door knowing full well that Leon had twigged that they had only just got up, from bed if not actually the floor. "He'll be out soon. Is there something important going on?"

"I don't really know but Uther looks as if he has swallowed the proverbial 'Cheshire cat' and wants to see his son."

Merlin's heart dropped. Usually, grins from the king meant problems for Arthur and sometimes all the court. 'Not now,' he thought, 'We have enough on our plates with the tournament.'

Arthur joined them mentioning that there was no hot water and giving a broad wink at Merlin said, "Really, Merlin, you should be prepared for all contingences."

"Well, if someone I knew had been willing to stay in the bed, the coppers would have been filled and hot water would now be available. I'll send out for some right now."

Leon spoke up, "No I'll do it. Arthur, the king wishes to see you post haste…"

"…and prepare yourself," added Merlin as he scrambled to pull on some clothes, "He's grinning again!"

"Help me get ready. Then fill the coppers and I'll bathe before lunch."

"I'll walk you down, Sire," offered Leon which offer was immediately accepted by Arthur.

Merlin turned to the table and pointed at their uneaten breakfast. Arthur nodded and grabbed a handful of berries and a little bun and left with Leon. Calling over his shoulders, "Oh...and Merlin, do something about the bedding!"

Leon laughed.

Merlin looked at the untouched food and decided to eat breakfast before dealing with a fire and filling the coppers with water. He'd change and remake the bed after he was properly dressed. Surely Arthur would be safe with his father…

-0-0-

"Ah, there you are Leon, thank you," said Uther as Leon and Arthur walked in. "I'd like a few words alone with my son."

He glanced at Arthur, who looked as if he had only recently been upright. This time of the morning, he should have been up and even out with the knights. He'd not yet got around to questioning that annoying servant about Arthur's dalliances. However, there was probably a women somewhere looking similarly not with it. Well, he was going to put an end to all future shenanigans.

He smiled to himself, as a young unmarried man, he had had a few notable conquests. But, the less said about that the better… More importantly, he wanted to know if Arthur had noticed any of the guests especially a comely widow celebrating her brother's investiture.

Uther had decided to do this alone. Gaius and Geoffrey would be called in at a later date. He knew that Arthur preformed better when dealt with a strong hand and a father's direct approach was needed. Nothing else had worked!

"Arthur, I have been noticing that there are a few very attractive ladies around. Will you be championing any of them during the tournament?"

Arthur swallowed thinking, 'So this was what the conversation was going to be about.' Arthur had never competed in any event with a lady's handkerchief or favour attached to his arm. There was only one object of clothing which he would consider wearing as such a sign and that would not have pleased his father.

"No, Father, I will not be championing any particular young damsel. Let us say, that I will champion all court ladies in general."

"What is it with you! I have on innumerable times explained, my Boy, the need for an heir and how I would be thrilled to see you settled. There is a young widow visiting in the castle right now, who would make you a lovely wife and provide you with an heir in no time. Geoffrey has examined her family tree and she is suitable, young and proven. She would fit well in the court."

Arthur opened his mouth to argue but Uther continued, "No words from you. You have not yet met her and making a decision now, even for you, would be foolhardy."

"…and I presume Father that you have already made the opening negotiations with her family?"

"Actually, I haven't, I did not find that that was the best approach dealing with you and your strange ideas. Once you have met Lady Rosetta, I am sure we will be able to come to some agreement, acceptable to the lady herself and her family. I expect you to treat her charmingly when I introduce you to her at tomorrow night's supper. Clean yourself up and try to look pleased to see a beautiful woman. You may now go!"

To say that Arthur left the king's presence in a foul mood was undeniable. Merlin had joined Leon waiting for him and upon seeing his face, Leon excused himself leaving Merlin to deal with the brooding prince.