Chapter Seven

"Have you been on this island before, Merlin?" Lancelot and Merlin were walking through the trees talking.

"No."

"Then you haven't seen the statue of the princess."

The warlock looked at the knight, not sure whether or not his leg was being pulled. "There's a statue on this tiny island?"

"Follow me, kid." The two walked a bit further and came suddenly upon a life-size statue of a woman. She appeared to be in her mid-thirties. A slender tiara rested in her curls.

Merlin gazed at her in awe. "I've heard nothing of this. Tell me about her."

"She lived centuries ago and died tragically. Or so I've heard. She was a seer."

Merlin circled her, intrigued. "Did people - consult with her?"

"Well, I would think so. That's the whole point of having the Sight."

The statue was holding out one of her lovely hands with the long tapered fingers of someone of high birth. Merlin touched it lightly with his own. "Princess," he murmured. He felt oddly moved. "Do you remember anything else?"

"There's a legend that the statue becomes flesh and blood on the night of the winter solstice. Pilgrims can ask her one question. But only one."

"But it's a long time until the winter solstice."

"Did you have a question you wished to ask her, Merlin?"

"Yes, I would like to know who's trying to kill Arthur." The warlock stood for a moment, thinking.

"Lancelot, I need you to do something for me. Go back to camp, and if either Gwaine or Arthur wakes up, stall them."

"What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to ask the princess a question."

Elsewhere

The search party had halted to give their horses a breather. Sir Leon and the king were standing, their heads together, conferring.

"Forgive me if I speak out of turn, Sire, but I suggest you return to Camelot. Take several of the knights with you."

Uther was tired, frustrated, and very worried, but he recognized the truth of Sir Leon's words. They had left hurriedly, leaving no one person really in charge. The king in him must take precedent over the father.

"You're right, Leon. Assign two of your men to accompany me."

"Yes, Sire. And - we'll find them."

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If this thing works, Merlin thought, he could ask only one question. He needed to think how to word it. If he asked, "Who is trying to kill Arthur?" what if she replied that it was Pelham? He would be no better off than he was now. He could ask who left the carved box in the prince's chambers, but, again, same problem. Hmmm. How about - "How do I keep Arthur safe from the assassin?" Better. He needed to hurry. If either Arthur or Gwaine woke up, he wasn't sure how long Lancelot could stall them.

"Berbay odothay arisan quicken." Merlin nervously shifted from foot to foot. Would this work? Slowly the cold marble of the statue changed to soft warm flesh. The diamonds in the tiara sparkled in the moonlight, and the night breeze tousled her curls. Her cheeks were rosy, and her complexion was peaches-and-cream.

The woman turned and chided him gently with a smile. "Although time no longer has meaning for me, Emrys, I know it's not the winter solstice."

"My apologies, Princess, but this couldn't wait."

"Very well. Ask your question. What would you like to know?"

Merlin spoke slowly and deliberately, making sure he phrased the question correctly. "How do I keep Prince Arthur safe from the would-be assassin?"

"Do you have something of Arthur's that I might touch?"

The warlock thought rapidly. No, he had nothing of Arthur's with him. "He sleeps not far from here," he said, desperately. "Can you walk with me just a little ways?"

"It's not necessary, Emrys. Let me hold the opal." The opal. He rocked back on his heels and took an awkward step back. Was that Arthur's? According to Lancelot, the stranger gave it to him. So, yes. Merlin reached in his pocket and gave the princess the black opal. She held it in her hand and looked at it.

"Give me a moment." She closed her eyes. Seconds later her eyes flew open. "You are correct, Emrys. This couldn't wait until the winter solstice. There is a spy in King Uther's court. Unless you find and stop him, the third attempt will be successful."

She tried to give the stone back to him. "Keep it," he said, not caring. "Who is it?"

"That's two questions, Emrys, and - you'll need the opal to get back home." She took his hand, put the stone in it, and closed his fingers over it.

"No!" he cried, distraught, tears beginning to spill down his cheeks.

The princess had turned back into a marble statue.

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Arthur jerked awake and sat up suddenly. He thought he had heard Merlin cry out. Was he dreaming? He looked around the camp. The first rays of dawn were breaking, and he could see Gwaine sleeping nearby. Lancelot was sitting up, his brown eyes warily watching him. Odd. Something was out of kilter. He saw the blanket, the supplies, and - was that food?

"Where's Merlin?" Arthur asked, bounding to his feet.

"He'll be right back," Lancelot said, hastily. "Let me make you something to eat."

"Your arm is busted," Arthur replied, not breaking stride as he hurried out of camp.

Oh, great stall, Lancelot, the knight thought to himself.

The prince hurried through the trees, barely sparing a glance for the statue as he passed. His servant was sitting with his back against a tree, tears running down his face. The prince cast a hasty look around. There was no immediate threat. "What's wrong?"

Merlin dashed the back of his hand across his cheeks. "Nothing. I'm just tired."

Arthur tucked his chin and gave him an up-from-under look, not believing him. "Come make me breakfast. And - we're going to discuss this later." The prince reached down and pulled his servant to his feet, giving him a quick hug. "You can always find me, can't you, Merlin?" he said, under his breath.