Chapter 6 [Some Other Place—A Quarter Turn of the Hourglass Later]
Deeper within the mists than even Avalon itself, the triple goddess stood over a pool of water. Occasional glimmers, colors and signs sparkled and glittered on the liquid's shimmering surface. Events might shoot by. A battle either coming or already fought glimmered for a heartbeat's view before rippling away. Nothing seemed too small to appear…even a single bird's flight for that matter.
All for the triple goddess' consideration.
The luminescent woman in her robes observed the currents and ripples in her pool. Occasionally she'd pass her hand over it and whisper serenely. For the most part, she contented herself to simply watch the goings-on. A frown spread across her face. Even now the mortals cannot control themselves. She waved her hand over the fountain.
The pool glowed brightly before displaying the scene at Camelot's citadel. It showed Morgana and Helios only starting to regain consciousness after Emrys' assault. It revealed Arthur's slipping from shadowy corner to shadowy corner while cradling Gwen in his arms. It offered a view of the knights being held in the dungeons under guard.
Another pass of her hand revealed Mithian's recent lecture to Merlin about that rash and ill-planned maneuver. It showed the Princess trying to rally her own numbers and arguing with Gaius about how limited his own guidance had been. The ripples presented the Mercians' brooding over their new state of affairs. Splits in loyalty would exist until Percival proved himself before them in battle. That was despite the fact he had already done so by besting Cedric in the duel.
A final ripple revealed a lone rider galloping down on Camelot from the west bearing Tintagel's standard and colors.
Really now? She probed deeper into the events. Her eyes discerned Death's visit to an old man in his sleep. She saw Tintagel's eyes looking to his prone body even as they awaited the rider's return from his mission.
He rode to find the last heir of Gorlois. He rode to find one to unify that land.
An ironic choice indeed. She stilled the waters with a final sweep of her hand. To think Morgana Pendragon would be the one to restore Stability's grace to that realm. It boggles even the divine will. And yet Opportunity would be served well by it indeed. She rubbed her chin. Her head nodded ever so slightly. My priestesses, attend me!
Fate, it seemed, held the fortunes of Tintagel, Camelot, Nemeth, Mercia and perhaps Cawdor in the balance. Those who held power for their own gain are being swept away. A solution to the festering sore is coming to pass. It has only to be accepted by those who would be the rightful heirs.
Mists formed in the corner. From them Ninane, Freya and another hooded woman approached their goddess. Respect moved them to bow before her.
"We are here as per your request, Mother," Freya indicated.
"As per your request," Ninane echoed.
"Even the Great Passage yields to you," the hooded one added.
As well it should. I wish you to reveal yourself to your sisters. I require there to be no secrets between you, the goddess bade.
The woman pulled back her hood. As the head covering fell away, raven dark hairs spilled from the hood's containment and down her back. Focus showed in her emerald eyes. Her pale skin seemed ever more so because of the recent time on the Other Side. "As you wish."
Freya stared at the other priestess. "Nimue? But…"
Nimue sniffed. A knowing smirk spread across her face. "But I was dead? So, Freya, were you. It seems we each have our purpose still to serve." Confidence bordering on Cockiness shone in her eyes. "And Emrys, as always, doesn't heed his brain when acting." She rolled her eyes on that note.
"He protected his King," Freya defended.
"Oh yes. He did that. Bravo!" Nimue mock-cheered. "The boy can barely keep from blowing something up with his rashness. Gaius and Kilgarrah have done such wonders with their guidance. He could have prevented this crisis."
"And how might that have been?" Ninane asked finally breaking her silence.
Nimue arched an eyebrow at the youngest member of the order present. "By actually mentoring Morgana instead of trying to kill her? Perhaps by keeping her from Morgause's manipulations? By being her ally and friend?"
"Perhaps she might have been an ally to Merlin where I was concerned. He did do as much for Mordred," Freya countered. "While we're engaging in such thoughts, Nimue, perhaps I could have had such guidance? The Pendragons are opposed to magic and the Old Ways. Merlin has to take care. As I was killed, so could Uther have done to Merlin or Morgana." She bowed her head. "I try to bear my feelings and move on, Sister. You should as well. We are here to serve."
"Indeed we are." Nimue bowed. Admiration offered a smile across her features for Freya's point. She made a note to herself to watch her fellow priestess.
And well you should remember that, the goddess broke in. Your discussions set the tone properly for your purpose, my Priestesses. It is for you to ease the way toward Destiny's resolution. Go forth and remind your fellow mortals of their obligations. Remind them of how precarious the way can be especially if they continue on their current paths. Ninane, you are to assist Arthur Pendragon in freeing the knights. Freya, speak to Morgana Pendragon. Her road lies not in Camelot despite her wishes to the contrary. Nimue, you are to speak with Emrys and his companions. Maintain your resolve. Remind them that you are on my business. That is all.
The trio bowed again. Then they disappeared into the mists.
Such is the matter of mortals. I pray they remember their true way. The goddess went back to viewing her pool. Her eyes alighted on Arthur carrying Gwen down a set of stairs toward the dungeon area. There is one matter I can deal with. She waved her hand over the waters. "A 'dùisg!" That should help.
With that, she went back to watching. Hope she watched for even if remained obscured from her sight.