Chapter 5

[Morgana's Bedchamber, Tintagel]

Morgana felt about herself. After the shared dinner and some conversation, Drowsiness unexpectedly weighed down on Accolon and her. While they remained abstained from the oldest of dances and remained fully clothed, they snuggled together under his furs. She enjoyed the most sound sleep in Memoria's recounting. She felt as if she could float. She felt at peace.

Still she met with strange yet familiar sensations. Her palm met with a softness more akin to goose down rather than hard ground. A soft pillow cradled her head rather than a rolled up cloak. Sheets and quilt had replaced the furs. Still her brave knight…her Prince and fiancé…was no longer at her side.

Her eyes snapped open. As they blurred into focus, they beheld her chamber back in Tintagel. They saw her furnishings as they'd been. They noted her curtains flapping about in the breeze. They realized that she was back in her night shift.

I'm back. I'm alive. Praise be to the goddess for this chance, she realized.

Thank you, Daughter. You have done well. As such, you have earned certain privileges, the goddess noted telepathically. Do you not feel it?

At that point, she felt the sensation again. She returned to sync with the world. She felt the energy crackling in the air about herself. She jumped. "IT'S BACK! I CAN FEEL IT AGAIN! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!"

You have brought yourself to this point. Remember, Morgana Pendragon, how you proceed will determine your way. I am content with your new purpose. Therefore I wish for you to resume the Queenship of Tintagel, your role as Priestess and your other obligation. You do still wish for your knight. Do you not? It is for you to assist Accolon in becoming my priest as well. Can you do that? the goddess assessed.

"Aye. I would be delighted, Lady!" Morgana bowed to her deity's voice. Might I ask for Merlin's and the priestesses' aid in that?

Of course. I would expect no less. Remember your choices will determine your destiny. If you wish to retain control over your magic, you must serve the light and me. Be measured in your plans be they secular or spiritual. Be responsible in all things. You will have further gains to make. Still I believe you can do so more effectively as part of a communal whole. Now I believe someone awaits you.

Accolon! Her heart sang at the mention of his name. She bit her lip like a crushing maid. Indeed. Thank you, Lady. She bowed once again.

You're welcome. Go forth and resume your way, Child. With that the goddess went silent.

Morgana exhaled. Ecstasy threatened to make her float against the ceiling. Still she knew she had places to be, fears to reassure and a knight to reassure. She knew she should call her maid to help her dress. Still she couldn't bear to wait. She didn't want to let even another heartbeat pass. She took several calming breaths clearing her mind. Her hands waved about in the air. Her eyes glinted canary yellow. "Aodach rìoghail!"

Her appearance shimmered. Her favorite emerald gown replaced her shift. Her best necklace caught Sol's warm light. Her crown sat straight on her head.

She nodded to the mirror's reflection. Approval lifted her spirits. She turned and hustled from the chamber. She needed to be in the throne chamber more than there at that point.

Purpose, it seemed, had other plans for her at that point…..

[Throne Chamber]

Chaos reigned supreme in Tintagel's grandest hall. Counselors argued. Castellans worried for the future. Allies sat and watched; their advice remaining at the ready as needed. The kingdom, having just endured such tempests, thought it was beyond such things.

Alas Fate could have other plans….

Accolon stood off to the side. He watched as Morgana's advisors bickered and quarreled. He bowed his head. Without you, my Queen, the world falls apart. I'd do more if I was allowed. Alas here I am but a knight. He reflected on the previous night. He'd felt ill for most of that day. Right before sunset, he fell into Slumber's deepest depths. Perhaps it was purely a flight of fancy. He swore that he'd seen Morgana in a dream clearing of some kind. He'd made a meal for them. He'd expressed his love. More over the top, he'd proposed to her overcoming his own fears in that regard.

Even more insane than that, she'd accepted.

It felt so real last night. Even if they think she'd dead, somehow she's alive. She's on her quest whatever that is. Whatever that be, I hope it is resolved soon. We need you, my Lady. I need you, he mused. He felt a hand on his shoulder.

Merlin smiled. "Maintain hope, Sir Accolon."

"Prince Merlin, forgive me." Accolon bowed to him.

Merlin shrugged. "It's all right. I know what it means to care for someone at the cost of one's surroundings. We all have to believe. Don't we?"

"Aye, Sire. Queen Morgana certainly thought as much for Princess Mithian and you to sacrifice herself. That was the woman she was becoming," Accolon replied.

"The woman she was turning back toward, Sir Accolon," Merlin corrected. He glanced over toward where Mithian and Rodor talked with a couple of Morgana's advisors. "I know King Rodor will do what he can. We owe Queen Morgana no less."

Accolon regarded the newly-minted Prince with warmth. Once more he remembered the tales of Merlin's service to Camelot. He could see Nobility and Charity in the Warlock's eyes. If I can learn from him.

You will, my Son. There is one other you can learn from daily, the goddess interjected. Reach out with your feelings, Accolon. Can you feel something?

I… Accolon trembled. Familiar warmth flooded through his mind and limbs. A rush shot up his spine. His heart beat faster. My Lady Morgana?

Don't ruin my surprise! Just be ready to admit me, Morgana advised. You too, Merlin.

Merlin raised an eyebrow. He stared at Accolon. "Did I just….?" He glanced toward the door. Morgana? He looked at his own wife. Did you?

It sounded like Morgana but she's dead. We couldn't have….! Mithian's eyes followed his toward the door.

Aye, Merlin, Morgana replied. You did hear me, Mithian.

"Aye, Sire. We all did." Accolon grinned. Relief flooded through his mind. He wound his way through the startled delegates and his fellow castellans. He ignored his fellow knights' reactions. He didn't care. He reached the door and pushed it open.

Standing there, Morgana summoned up Regality's most serene countenance. She stood tall and determined. She wouldn't fall to the bickering grating on her ears. Still she would greet her First Knight and Heart's desire. "Sir Accolon."

Accolon fell to his knees. He seized her hand. His lips couldn't stop imparting Amor's more precious message. Nor would they cease in their fealty. His heart beat faster with each grain falling through the hourglass. "I can't tell you how grateful I am." He looked up into her eyes..

"I know, my Knight." Morgana smiled into his eyes. And our promise remains set, my King. Announce me please.

He rose to his feet. "ATTENTION! ATTENTION, EVERYONE! OUR QUEEN! QUEEN MORGANA!"

The stewards, counselors and knights ceased their quarrels and introspection. All eyes turned toward Accolon. They wondered if Insanity had warped his mind. The sight of their Queen bulged eyes and slackened jaws. Fealty, Wonder and Awe dropped them to their knees. The royal guests barely managed to nod in acknowledgment.

Somehow Humility kept Morgana on the straight and narrow. She maintained a disciplined countenance. As the throng parted, she walked toward her throne. Comfort in the form of Accolon followed her two steps behind. She played the part of the Queen at least on the outside.

Still she did grant Satisfaction a tiny bit of grace mind you….All things in their place after all….

She ascended the dais. Her throne felt as if an old friend was greeting her anew. She savored the feeling once again. She was back in all regards. "Thank you! It's good to be back and to be welcomed."

"Good Queen, how did this happen? We were told you were murdered most heinously," a counselor with grey hair wondered.

"It seemed there were other plans for me than death, Jenkins. We have more to accomplish here in Tintagel alongside our fellow realms," Morgana explained albeit cryptically. "We will have to speak of diplomatic niceties at length. Now shall we?"

Jenkins glanced at the other advisors. He nodded and bowed.

"Queen Morgana, Princess Mithian and I would thank you for your aid. We were caught and…."Merlin started.

Morgana smiled. "That is what friends do for each other. You have done so for me. We are both in the service to others and to the goddess as well. You're welcome."

"We shall affirm our treaty of course," Rodor chimed in.

"I look forward to it. I have one matter that needs to be addressed first, King Rodor." Morgana turned toward King Bors. "King Bors, I have a request. Tintagel needs a King. I assume Gaul can always use an ally?"

King Bors glanced toward his son. Then he looked at Accolon who stood five feet from the dais. "I assume you refer to Sir Accolon?"

"I do. If you can do him the grace of manumission, I would marry him. He would be a most excellent King, co-ruler and husband for this realm," Morgana requested.

"I see no reason why we cannot. Shall we adjourn then to your council chamber and speak of this? I would see this matter resolved presently. I am prepared to grant full freedom so as to assure all notions of sovereignty," Bors agreed.

"I give you my thanks then, King Bors." Morgana nodded. Her eyes met the others around the chamber. While Skepticism and Disbelief popped through in some eyes, Warmth and Congratulations held the majority of the field.

And in that way, Happiness stole the show…..