By chance King Alined's party and King Odin's party arrived in Camelot at the same time. Or was it by design, wondered Arthur. He was well aware that Alined was in favour of war – any war as long as it did not directly involve his own kingdom – and the peace treaty in effect between Camelot and Odin could be jeopardized with a few well-chosen insinuations. If Alined could incite some conflict then he was poised to profit from the making and sale of the weapons produced in his kingdom. And he needed every penny to keep his wife, Queen Elyenora, in clothes and jewels by the look of her.
"Are you ready for this?" Gwen took Arthur's hand and surreptitiously gave it a squeeze. "You do not yet have the full support of your own Council in repealing the decrees banning magic."
"I'm the king, I don't need their approval."
"But you do need their support and their loyalty," Gwen pointed out.
Arthur returned the squeeze, wishing they were in private so he could kiss her. "Yes, I do. And I hope that by uniting all of our allies in this I can show the Council that our peace is not threatened by this new policy." And it was likely Camelot would need those allies now that Mordred had taken command of Morgana's army and forged an alliance with the Saxon leader. Those with magic who had allied with him wanted Morgana on Camelot's throne, not Uther's son, and were willing to split the kingdoms apart to accomplish their aims. The Saxons, hungry for more land, intended to pick up the pieces. Already their settlement on the southeast coast was being referred to as the "Saxon Shore".
"Ready or not I do not doubt that you will accomplish all you have set out to do here," Gwen said softly.
He decided to kiss her whether they were in private or not.
As the King and Queen of Camelot greeted their guests on the palace steps, Elyenora disdainfully compared Guinevere's beautiful but simple gown and lack of sufficiently ostentatious jewellery to her own costume. With a wide, insincere smile and in a tone of voice only bordering on polite she demanded to be taken immediately to her rooms to remove what she called the filth of the road from her clothes. With a brief nod to his hosts Alined followed.
King Odin and Queen Athelis were cordial but past bloodshed prevented any real warmth being shared with Arthur. He wondered if Athelis blamed him for her son's death the way Odin did.
Before the courtyard could be cleared of horses, baggage, and their retinue of attendants King Rodor arrived with Princess Mithian. Arthur warmly welcomed his ally as Mithian embraced Gwen and offered a friendly greeting.
"I am glad to see you in more pleasant circumstances," Gwen smiled back.
"Are we the last to arrive?" questioned Rodor.
"Queen Annis is not expected until tomorrow," Arthur replied. "King Olaf and Queen Ysmay came yesterday with their daughter. Gwyl and Guiote have been here for a week already and Lord Bayard has been boring us all with long toasts before every meal. Lord Godwyn is ready to put a sleeping draught in his ale so we can enjoy one supper in peace."
Rodor lowered his voice. "Are you certain you know what you are doing, boy? Your father must be rolling over in his grave."
"My father was a good ruler but his campaign against magic threatens all our kingdoms."
"Come," Gwen invited. "We have rooms ready for you." Mithian took the elderly king's arm and allowed him to escort her inside the palace.
With the arrival of Caerleon's queen the next day the rulers of the five kingdoms and all those with whom Camelot had other treaties or alliances were assembled despite the uneasy peace between Odin and Rodor. The feast put to shame all those banquets that had gone before. In addition to a selection of every type of meat, fish, and poultry that could be assembled there were vegetables that had been kept as fresh as possible done with eastern spices and fruit that had been carefully preserved through long journeys from exotic places.
When Trickler entertained them all with his illusions Merlin bent down to fill Arthur's goblet and whispered, "He's using magic."
Arthur and Gwen both shot a look toward King Alined and then back at Trickler. Alined had declared on many occasions his opposition to allowing any kind of sorcery to return to the five kingdoms. Employing it for his own benefit was just the sort of dishonest ploy he would use.
Watching the show Queen Annis shot a droll look at Arthur and Merlin as though asking whether they would be providing any entertainment that evening. A light went on in Arthur's memory. "I knew it! I knew you couldn't really juggle!"
Merlin smirked and faded back into the crowds of attendants lining the room leaving Gwen looking perplexedly at her husband.
As he turned back to his plate Arthur's eyes fell on Princess Vivian seated between her parents. She simpered and gave him a little wave. He tried to ignore her as politely as possible, as he had when she arrived with King Olaf and Queen Ysmay, but Gwen had taken note of the byplay. She raised her eyebrows. Clearly she remembered the duel Arthur had fought with Olaf for Vivian's hand in marriage and how the enchantment he had been under was broken.
At the table to their left Alined was seated next to Olaf.
"Your jester is quite talented," Olaf acknowledged enthusiastically.
"Thank you." Alined lowered his voice conspiratorially. "I must say I am quite concerned about this dangerous change the young king is proposing." He noted with satisfaction the worried look on Olaf's face. "I fear we are heading down a path that will lead us again to the chaos of magic which mired us all many years ago."
"I share your concerns," Olaf responded quietly. "But perhaps Arthur has some strategy to protect our peoples from the evils of sorcery."
"Let us hope so," Alined replied. "Or I fear the consequences." Pleased with how the conversation had gone Alined turned his attention to Rodor seated on his other hand. "I trust you are well entertained?"
Rodor nodded curtly without speaking.
"Odin seems to be enjoying Trickler's talents," Alined continued, noting the scowl on Rodor's face at the mention of the king who had allied with Morgana to annex his kingdom. "I am quite shocked to see him here. I did not know he and Arthur were on such friendly terms."
"Friendly would not be the word," Rodor said stonily. "But a truce is in effect and the treaty has held for some time now."
"So you are not concerned that changing the decrees with regard to magic will cement the relationship between Camlet and Odin who does not share your aversion to sorcery?"
The suggestion that the two stronger armies might be set in opposition to Nemeth struck Rodor with the sharpness of a knife. Without the bond of marriage tying his kingdom to Arthur's old resentments could be stirred up. As much as Rodor disliked Alined he could not ignore the possibility of stronger ties between his ally and his aggressive neighbour.
Mithian felt the tension in her father and noticed him speaking with Alined. When she made a comment about the food her father turned gratefully to speak with her, politely ending his conversation with the other king.
The next morning Alined contrived to have a private word with Odin. Despite the proximity of their kingdoms, relations between the two tended to be more mercantile than friendly and Alined's motivation for allying with the five kingdoms was precisely due to the ongoing threat of his territory being in Odin's vicinity.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of this chance encounter?" Odin asked sardonically.
"I want to assure you that despite sharing Rodor's contempt for the evils of sorcery I would not bear any grudge against you if you support the preposterous changes being proposed at this meeting." Alined looked carefully to see what impact this speech may have had on the other king but Odin's face was a mask. "Although I would never allow magic to corrupt my own kingdom, if you and Arthur choose to ally with such people I have no intention of interfering."
"If you speak of Morgana I have not seen or heard word of her in several months," Odin said carefully. "Indeed, all my information suggests no one knows where she is. But why do you imply that Arthur has any sorcerers at his command?"
"Why else would he propose these changes?" Alined questioned.
Lord Bayard was the easiest to find simply by following the sound of his booming voice but he was the hardest to speak with privately due to his constant stream of speech-making to anyone who came close enough to waylay. Finally Alined allowed himself to be the only one cornered by Bayard's long-winded history of the wars between Mercia and Camelot that ended with the peace treaty negotiated by Uther.
"And I am certain you will continue to honour that agreement," Alined finally got in. "Despite Camelot allying itself with a powerful sorcerer."
"How's that then?" Bayard scowled at Alined. "What sorcerer?"
"But you must have heard tales of the battle in the White Mountains." Alined took advantage of the momentary silence from his companion. "It seems Arthur has good reason to lift the ban on magic."
Bayard narrowed his eyes. "Well, we'll see what the young man has to say about that at our council."
Alined smiled as Bayard marched away. Even if no armed conflicts broke out with this many powerful kings in such close proximity to each other at least they could still be spending their kingdom's coin on weapons to deter any potential threats. Alined owed Arthur a debt for providing such fertile ground to sow seeds of doubt and suspicion.
"Arthur, there are some things you should know." Merlin was assisting the king in dressing for the council of kings. "Alined's jester, the one who was using magic last evening, never removed the love spell from Lady Vivian so she may be a problem."
"Ah," Gwen said knowingly.
"Hang on," Arthur protested. "Just because I was under an enchantment doesn't mean she was."
Merlin gave him a condescending look. "Yes, she was so infatuated with you at the start there. At least Elena is no longer a changeling because I defeated the Sidhe so we won't have any problems in that quarter."
Arthur's face took on a pained expression. "Is there anything else that has gone on under my nose?"
"Yes but there's no time to go into all that, the council is today." Merlin gave his goofy smile and went on to the next task.
Arthur stood looking soberly at his manservant. "Why do you do it?"
Merlin faced the king who was about to confront the royalty of eight other kingdoms in the chambers below and try to convince them that he, one of the youngest and least experienced, knew what was best for all of them. "I do this because of who you are. Without you Camelot is nothing."
Arthur shook his head. "There was a time when that was true. Not now. There are many who can fill the crown."
"There will never be another like you Arthur. You are a great warrior but you do not send your men into battle, you lead them, and the knights would gladly give their lives for you. But you choose peace whenever you can. Their lives are important to you. You judge people by their actions and not by their birth. You hold people to behaving with honour because you uphold that code of honour. And you have courage. Courage in battle and courage to do what you know to be right." Merlin paused before he went on. "Some men are given the talent and strength to plough fields. Some live to be great physicians." He looked directly at Arthur. "Some to be great kings. Me, I was born to serve you, Arthur. I'm proud of that. And I wouldn't change a thing."
Once again Merlin said exactly what Arthur needed to hear to give him the confidence to march into a room full of kings, most of whom were ruling kingdoms when Arthur was a babe, and command their attention and their loyalty. But oddly the words that empowered him were also the most humbling anyone had said to him.
Arthur turned to his wife who was looking at him with the same adoration in her eyes. The two people he most trusted and loved in the world believed he was deserving of their loyalty. And both of them had been servants in this household, working together while he was still acting like a spoiled prince, working together … He looked closer at Guinevere. "Is there anything that you know about that I am completely unaware of?"
Gwen looked abashed. "Well, just that time that Morgana used a creature to turn Merlin into an assassin and sent him to kill you."
"But there's no time to go into that," Merlin said hurriedly, not really wanting Arthur to know more about that incident. Arthur decided he probably did not want to know right now, either, and dropped the subject.
"Ready?" Gwen asked her husband.
Arthur took her hands and kissed her. "It seems odd to go into a council without you. I will miss your good advice."
"It seems strange not to be by your side, but," she held up her hand when he was about to protest again that they should simply defy convention, "I think that given the gravity of the changes we are proposing here that we should defer to custom on this little matter."
"Well I don't envy you having to entertain that collection of female royalty."
"I'll be fine," Gwen assured him.
The council table had been moved to the throne room in order to have room for the kings with all their entourage of advisors and guards. Not surprisingly, Lord Bayard was the first to speak and he made the most of his opportunity. It was fully 40 minutes before he got to the point he considered most urgent, which for him indicated a great deal of haste.
"We must all congratulate Camelot for its decisive victory recently against the Saxon enemy. But we are all curious," Bayard fixed Arthur with a steady gaze, "as to how it came to be that a powerful sorcerer aided you in your triumph."
Arthur had been prepared for such a question. "My lords, if you received word that there was a sorcerer at the battle in the White Mountains who chose to stand against Morgana and her dragon then that is correct." Arthur was conscious of the multitude of eyes watching him. "And it is also true that it is his actions which caused me to reconsider our current decrees which ban magic. I cannot say who the old man was, other than to tell you that he has previously been seen in Camelot. The only name I have heard him give is Dragoon the Great. But his actions have made me see that not everyone who practices magic is evil – evil is in our hearts and sometimes our acts, not the tools we use." Arthur paused. There was more he intended to say but he felt it best to let the others voice their objections and fears before he continued.
When Bayard stood and drew breath to speak again everyone in the room groaned, inwardly or outwardly depending on their station.
But before he could start Odin interrupted. "So, boy, now that you see the value of a tool available for your use you want us to bless that use."
"Quite rightly, too," Queen Annis announced. She pinned Odin with a look. "You had no problem allying yourself with Morgana and taking advantage of her sorcery, nor, truth be told, did I."
Olaf felt the discussion had veered away from the real question. "You are all concerned with petty power struggles, when the important consideration here is the evil wrought by these people. Magic corrupts souls and creates danger for all our peoples."
"I fear that may be true," Rodor spoke up. "I have had personal experience with the witch, Morgana, and there is nothing but evil in her now, yet I knew her when she was young and a more beautiful and caring girl I have not encountered before or since."
The white-haired Gwyl was not known to waste words, even in his younger years. Now in his age and wisdom he rarely chose to speak but when he did even the most powerful kings in the room quieted to hear his elderly voice. "But is the evil in her a result of magic or the persecution that these decrees against magic inflicted on her kind?"
Guinevere was costumed in her best silk gown stitched with gold thread and embroidered with jewels, knowing that she needed to make a royal impression on the Queens and Princesses she would be entertaining, all of whom had grown up with innumerable clothes such as this. Inwardly she flinched when she saw Elyenora's elaborate gown which far outshone her own in beauty and expense.
"Such a lovely dress, my dear," Elyenora gushed. "I perfectly agree that one should not wear one's best in the middle of the day."
Chagrined at the veiled insult, Gwen exchanged a look with Mithian who had been schooling her in what to expect from each of the women she would be meeting with today. Mithian rolled her eyes in sympathy.
Princess Elena arrived with Queen Guiote, allowing the elderly woman to lean on her and happily chatting with her about horses. Gwen had gotten to know and like Guiote over the past week although the elderly woman spent much of her days in her room. It seemed she and Elena had quickly bonded. Gwen wondered if what Merlin had said to Arthur earlier explained the marked difference in manner and dress from the unconventional Elena she remembered from her previous visit to Camelot. The young woman seemed more graceful even though it was clear she still preferred outdoor sports to the more traditional womanly pursuits.
Lady Annet slipped in as unobtrusively as she could. She had been with them for several days and Gwen had found the woman to be as quiet and taciturn as her husband was loud and verbose.
Queen Ysmay was the last to arrive with her daughter, Vivian. Gwen had expected that Ysmay would be much like her beautiful, vivacious daughter but although her grey hair may once have been blonde the woman who swept into the room had a forbidding look on her strong but in no way beautiful face. Gwen immediately had the impression that the woman had sized her up and found her wanting.
"My lady," Ysmay said curtly. The girl is certainly beautiful, she thought. It was obvious what had caught King Arthur's eye and caused him to break convention – and his own decrees – to marry her.
Vivian offhandedly muttered a salutation and went to moon in the corner. Probably dreaming about Arthur, Gwen thought sympathetically.
"So what entertainments have you planned for us?" Elyenora trilled looking around the room. "I do not see any musical instruments so perhaps you intend to sing for us?"
Guinevere knew that the other ladies in the room would all have had music and singing lessons from the time they were young along with stitchery and other courtly graces. "No," she replied. "I think we have more important matters to discuss."
Ysmay looked sharply at Gwen. Perhaps there was more to this girl than was apparent at first glance.
"I fully support my husband in the changes to the law he is proposing. If there are concerns with his policy I would like the opportunity to allay them."
Elyenora was taken aback. "Surely the business of the kingdoms is none of our concern."
Guiote harrumphed. "Kindly do not take us for fools. We are all well aware of how Alined dances to your tune. That is why he takes out his frustration on his hapless servants."
"Please," Ysmay invited Gwen. "Share with us the reasons that we should overturn years of peace and quiet and support this new tolerance of magic."
Gwen was conscious of the woman's sharp eyes on her but had the impression that somehow she had moved up a notch in the other queen's harsh estimation.
"Begging your pardon, my lady," Gwen began with a nod at Ysmay, "but what we are proposing does not disrupt the peace of this kingdom and in fact will bring the tranquility you are alluding to."
"If Morgana has chosen to wage war on Camelot surely that does not involve the rest of our kingdoms," Ysmay pointed out.
"Does it not?" Mithian intoned bitterly.
"Odin has honoured the peace treaty since it was made," Athelis said resolutely. "And he will continue to do so."
"But the terms of our alliances require us to send our own troops if any one of our allies is threatened with war," Mithian argued. "What affects one also affects us all and the Saxon appetite for land is well established."
"We must ensure that we do not allow our kingdoms to slip back into the cycle of warfare," Lady Annet's quiet voice was firm with conviction. "Mercia endured too many years of battles. Our streets are full of widows and grieving mothers. We have lost almost a generation of young men to fighting and it cannot be allowed to happen again."
"And will these new decrees pacify Morgana?" demanded Ysmay.
Gwen had to acknowledge that if Morgana were free she doubted that any change of the law would stop her and Mordred would be satisfied with nothing short of Arthur's death. "I am not certain it would, however the loss of support from those with magic would greatly reduce her strength." Mithian nodded in agreement and Gwen continued. "But I am speaking not just of freedom from war but also peace within our kingdoms. The decrees against magic encourage violence among our own citizens, against some of our loyal subjects. The fear and hate we inspire do more to threaten our peace than our enemies do."
"Oh, I know what you mean," Elena joined the conversation, happy that finally something they were saying made sense. "Like how the people that live in the forests, what did you call them, Guiote? Druids, yes, like how the Druids just want to live in peace but they don't feel safe even coming to the city to pick up supplies and sometimes they have to move around and I don't see them for ever such a long time."
"You are a strange child," Elyenora put in, staring at the girl whose gowns looked as though they had been altered for horse riding and who was more likely to be wearing boots than proper slippers when she was not barefoot.
Ysmay was regarding Gwen with a look bordering on respect. "Yes, you may well have a good point there."
"Of course she does," Guiote declared, standing up. "And now I am tired and intend to return to my room. Elena, dear, would you give me a hand."
Elena rushed to support the elderly queen. "Do you have another story about the Druids who meet on the hills in your kingdom?" she was saying as they departed the room.
"If this painful debate is at an end then I will retire to my chamber," Elyenora announced. "My maid will need the next few hours to dress me and properly arrange my hair before supper."
Never comfortable at those times when she was forced by virtue of her position to be part of a large group, Annet seized the opportunity to escape back to the solitude of her own room.
Ysmay cast her eyes around for her daughter and spied her sitting next to the window in the same position she had taken up on their arrival. Her chin rested on her hands and she was gazing out with a wistful expression. Ysmay pursed her lips. "Vivian," she snapped. The beautiful blonde head looked up at her mother impatiently, annoyed at the interruption to her daydreams. "Mithian will escort you on a tour of the palace while I thank our hostess for her hospitality."
Mithian raised her eyebrows and looked at Gwen.
"I would be pleased if you could escort Vivian," Gwen assured her. "You really must show her the new tapestries in the hall we were talking about earlier."
"Mother, I have better things to do than look at dull old tapestries," Vivian protested.
"I really don't think you do," Ysmay declared.
"Please, I would enjoy your company on a little walk," Mithian offered graciously.
Vivian tossed her lovely blonde hair and stalked out without another word, followed by Mithian.
Ysmay ground her teeth in frustration. "Daughters are a trial. Sons, on the other hand, respect their mothers."
"Yes," Athelis said softly from where she was still seated. Despite the years that had passed it was obvious the memory of her son still caused her pain. Slowly she came to Guinevere and took her hand. "You are lucky you are without children. The agony of losing them is too hard."
Guinevere felt a familiar pang at the words. "I never had the joy of holding a baby or watching him grow. You are lucky to have had him for the time you were given."
A new sympathy touched the sadness in Athelis' eyes. "Perhaps."
Watching her leave Ysmay shook her head. "She can't mourn forever. There is more than enough to keep us occupied in the present," she said unfeelingly. She looked sharply at Gwen. "I must say that perhaps Arthur showed some small amount of good judgement in marrying you."
Gwen thought that was probably high praise from this woman. "Thank you."
"I wish my daughter showed a little judgement," Ysmay sighed. "She was always headstrong but her latest infatuation has lasted so long I fear it may be sapping what little sense she ever had."
Gwen remembered what Merlin had said about the enchantment. It seemed unfair that Arthur had been released from the spell and yet Vivian was still under its control.
Ysmay narrowed her eyes at the look on Gwen's face. "I assume you are aware that my daughter fancies herself in love with Arthur?"
"Yes, and I wish we could fix that," Gwen replied.
"What is it we would do?" Ysmay asked softly, watching Gwen carefully.
Gwen hoped her face was not flushed. "Oh, well, I really don't know."
"If there is something I should be aware of I assure you, young woman, that it is in your best interests and those of your husband to tell me."
Gwen wondered briefly if Olaf and Ysmay would be more inclined to flatly oppose the change in laws if they knew their daughter was the victim of a spell, or if Alined's treachery would focus their anger on his duplicity. In either case she decided it was only right to be honest with Ysmay now. "I don't know exactly what went on, but when the five kingdoms came together a few years ago to finalize the alliance Alined tried to scupper the treaty by using love spells to incite a fight between Odin and Arthur."
"My husband has been in many such situations. He is far too over-protective of that willful girl. What makes you think there was any magic involved?"
"I helped break the spell that was controlling Arthur," Gwen admitted. "But no one helped Lady Vivian."
"And how did you free Arthur from this magic?" Ysmay questioned.
"A kiss."
Ysmay was unimpressed. "Fanciful notion that. The kiss of true love, I suppose?"
"It worked."
"Well that won't help my daughter." Ysmay chose to believe what Guinevere was telling her. She narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. "Trickler."
Gwen was surprised Ysmay had guessed so quickly.
"This situation can't be allowed to continue. As headstrong as she is I want my daughter to make her mistakes in her right mind, not under the influence of some spell." She considered her options. It would be best if this could be cleared up without involving Olaf who would most certainly fly into a rage and want to kill someone.
"If you will allow me to consult with a friend of mine, perhaps I can help," Gwen offered.
Ysmay concluded that this was final evidence of a sorcerer close to Camelot's throne, and that it could be used in this case to her advantage. She graciously accepted Gwen's offer of assistance.
Merlin was berating himself for having agreed to Gwen's request. He had no idea how he could convince Trickler to remove the spell on Vivian and he already knew he was unable to do it himself. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door of Alined and Elyenora's chambers. "King Alined sent me to fetch Trickler," he lied to the maid who opened the door.
Trickler appeared within moments, as though he was used to jumping the instant he was summoned. He looked down his nose at the younger servant. "Where is his Highness?" he demanded.
"Come with me." Merlin lead the way along the corridor, down the back stairs that eventually lead to the kitchen but he turned off through a short hallway into a small room with books lining the walls.
Trickler took one look around and realized it had been a ruse. "What do you want?" he asked suspiciously.
"I want you to remove the love spell on Lady Vivian," Merlin stated.
"Are you accusing me of sorcery?" Trickler asked, feigning outrage.
Merlin waited resolutely.
"Well, I am afraid I cannot help you." Trickler turned to go but the door to the room slammed shut in front of him. "Oh," he said contemplatively, turning back to appraise the sorcerer who had sealed them in. He studied the man in front of him who was obviously more than just King Arthur's manservant. "It's you. You're the reason for lifting the ban on magic."
"Arthur is doing what he thinks is best for the kingdoms," Merlin replied.
"No," Trickler said thoughtfully. "It's for you. For a servant." He seemed unable to comprehend the idea even though he was convinced he was right. "I consider myself lucky if Alined goes a day without reminding me how grateful I should be that he hasn't chopped off my pretty head yet."
"Why do you put up with the way he treats you?" Merlin wondered.
"Why do you?" Trickler shot back.
Merlin shook his head. "Arthur was never so cruel as to make me run all the way home tied to his horse while he rode. Or repeatedly threaten my life if I didn't do exactly as he said."
Trickler acknowledged how maliciously Alined acted toward him. "It is better than living as a fugitive," he defended himself. "I have a place to sleep, usually indoors except when he's really mad, and food to eat. It would be worse if I were forced to live on the road like so many others where a bandit might catch me unawares or a cutthroat could come upon me as I sleep; never knowing if the next village is planning a witch-burning."
"Things will be different soon," Merlin promised.
"Will they? Are you so sure people will suddenly accept magic just because the law says we are not all evil?"
Merlin wondered if he was naïve in holding to his belief that it would all change and they would be free. "Yes I do. I do think it will be different."
Trickler shook his head at such innocent hopefulness.
"And I will do whatever I can to help you."
"If I remove the spell from Lady Vivian, you mean," Trickler sneered.
"No," Merlin replied. "I mean we're kin and I will do whatever I can to help you as long as it does not harm anyone else."
Trickler stared at him for several long moments. "Well," he finally concluded, "Alined has no further use for the enchantment so I might as well try to rid Lady Vivian of it."
Gwen made the arrangements with Queen Ysmay to bring Vivian to Trickler and Merlin.
"What will Alined do if he finds you missing?" Merlin asked quietly while they waited.
"Make me sleep in the stables," Trickler responded matter-of-factly. "But he has been busy since we arrived and he does not need my assistance."
Merlin wondered if Alined was occupied with attempts to stir up strife and conflict generally or if he was targeting someone in particular today. "Are you certain you can remove the love spell?"
"No."
Merlin frowned at the simple declaration. Then he heard Vivian's voice approaching.
"Really, Mother, I cannot spare the time for this! I have to look my best tonight for supper." She sighed dreamily. "My love will see me and be enchanted!"
"Not enchanted, I hope," Ysmay muttered.
"What on earth are we stopping here for?" Vivian looked around the empty hall, bare of furnishings that had been relocated to the banquet room.
Trickler spoke the words to remove the spell and cast it at Vivian.
"Seriously, Mother, I must get ready." She smiled to herself. "Arthur appeared so handsome at the banquet."
Merlin and Trickler looked at each other.
"Well, get on with it!" Ysmay demanded of them. She had half expected to meet the old man who was reputedly defending Camelot during the battle but she could see he was not present.
Trickler tried again to no effect.
"Do you mean to tell me you cannot get rid of the spell?" Ysmay asked in horror.
"Try again," Merlin advised.
Vivian looked around, wondering who her mother was addressing. She noted two servants in the room. "Mother, if you have some business to take care of please do not force me to sit through it." She turned to leave.
"Try again," Merlin insisted.
Trickler shrugged and repeated the words of the counter-spell but this time he felt another source of power join with his. The force of the magic flowing through him into his spell was a shock. Vivian froze as though she had been hit by lightning and then crumpled to the floor in a dead faint before anyone could move to catch her.
"Oh," Vivian moaned. She sat up and put her hands to her head. Everyone else held their breath. "What am I doing here?" she asked, disoriented.
"I believe you were going to get dressed for supper," her mother supplied. "Something about looking your best for your love?" she added hopefully.
Vivian sniffed. "There is no one here worth wasting my time on. But I do wish to dress. Are you coming?"
"I'll be there shortly." As soon as her daughter had gone Ysmay turned to Trickler who for some reason was staring at Merlin in amazement. "Well, I won't thank you since you are the reason my daughter was under this spell in the first place. However if by chance Alined has no more use for your services and you are looking for a position in another household, perhaps I can speak with Olaf."
Trickler considered her offer. He knew what to expect of Alined, and he could not be sure his life would be any better in Olaf's palace. On the other hand it was unlikely to be worse. "As it turns out, my lady," he said with a wide, insincere smile, "my master has recently indicated that he no longer requires my valuable assistance."
Ysmay accepted the lie with a conspiratorial smile. This could work to her advantage in more ways than one.
By the end of the long day of talks Odin was still unsure what the outcome would be the next day. Alined's only interest was to weaken Camelot's ties to its allies but he would not openly oppose Arthur. Olaf remained convinced that magic was evil, but he could be easily swayed by Queen Ysmay, Odin knew. What her views were he had not been able to ascertain but she had seemed much friendlier with Camelot's queen at supper than she had been the day before. It was no secret that despite the official decrees Gwyl's kingdom was a sanctuary for those of the Old Religion. Bayard it seemed had no issue with magic but the peace that had been brokered with Uther was fragile and he was as suspicious of Arthur's motives as was Odin himself. Lord Godwyn and Queen Annis would side with Arthur.
"That boy might get his way yet again," Odin muttered to himself.
Hearing his words, Athelis looked up at him. "And you cannot bear for Arthur to get something that he may want, can you?"
"When he is responsible for the death of your son?"
Tears welled up in Athelis' eyes. "He is not responsible, you are!" she accused.
Odin was taken aback by the outburst.
"Our boy was trying to live up to your expectations! He was always trying to impress you and it was never good enough," she continued, her voice rising in pitch. "He died trying to show you that his skill deserved your admiration and he failed even then."
Odin narrowed his eyes at his wife. "How dare you," he said with barely controlled fury.
Athelis caught her breath, only just realizing what she had allowed herself to finally say aloud. "I dare because it's the truth," she said woodenly.
She ran from the room leaving Odin staring after her. All the carefully-nurtured hatred he had harboured against Arthur came crashing back on him in a wave of guilt that drowned his self-righteous anger. His head dropped into his hands to hide the tears.
"How were your discussions, today," Ysmay asked as she and Olaf prepared to retire.
"I fear that most, if not all, of our allies are willing to go along with what Arthur is proposing," Olaf growled. "Rodor and Alined are the only ones who truly see the dangers inherent in magic."
Ysmay said carefully, "Are you certain Alined would not allow sorcery in his kingdom?"
"He has declared himself in public and private," Olaf confirmed.
"Is it possible that he is against magic because he wants to keep tight control on his own sorcerer while at the same time ensuring no other rulers have access to the same power?"
Olaf frowned. "What do you know?"
"A matter came to my attention regarding Vivian." She noted that Olaf immediately reached for the hilt of his dagger. "It seems that Alined wanted to stir up animosity between you and Arthur by having a love spell put on Vivian. It was only when his servant confessed to me what his master had commanded that I discovered the plot." That was as close to the truth as she judged Olaf needed to know.
"Are you certain of Alined's complicity in this villainous plan to injure my daughter?" Olaf reiterated, fingering the hilt of his dagger.
Ysmay put her hand on her husband's arm. "Yes, and now this servant of Alined's is in peril because he refused to harm Vivian."
"A sorcerer?" Olaf asked distrustfully.
"I am convinced of the truth of this plot, and of Alined's responsibility for it." Ysmay considered it was time to take the next step. "We must ensure this servant has a safe place to shelter where he can protect Vivian and is not at the command of anyone who wishes her harm." She nodded at Trickler to come forward.
"My dear lord," Trickler bowed low to Olaf.
Olaf doubtfully acknowledged the obeisance. "You are a sorcerer?"
Trickler gave his most ingratiating grin and bowed again. "Please do not regard your humble servant with any distaste," he begged. "For my talents are only as evil as the one who commands my actions. If I were free to choose my master, I would most certainly pledge my meagre talents to one of higher purpose than the king who rules me now."
Olaf thought about all those with wicked intentions having access to sorcery while he himself did not. "Perhaps there may be a place in our household for someone with your talents."
"I think that Rodor might be interested to know that Alined has stooped to using magic for his own purposes while denying it to any other ruler," Ysmay suggested.
Olaf and Rodor were talking quietly in the latter's quarters. "You know this for a fact?" Rodor asked.
"Trickler verified that indeed he is a sorcerer and has been working under Alined's instructions to hoodwink us all for years," Olaf confirmed.
Rodor gazed at Olaf and considered what he had just heard. If Alined had no honest distaste for magic and Olaf now employed his own sorcerer, that meant he alone stood without the support of those who had magic. He had to ensure that another alliance like the one Odin had made with Morgana was not pitted against his own kingdom. "And you believe now that ending the oppression of sorcery will persuade others that they do not have to ally with Morgana for their own safety?"
"I believe he is right, father."
"Mithian!" Rodor exclaimed. "I did not realize you were here."
Mithian came further into the room. "I just returned and came to check on you." She regarded Olaf appraisingly. "I agree that this prohibition on magic does not mean sorcery ceases to exist, only that those who are dishonest are in a position to take the most advantage of it."
"Perhaps, my dear." Rodor patted his daughter's hand. "Perhaps Arthur is right."
Arthur gazed at the room full of monarchs gathered for what would be the last day of talks. If they could reach a consensus today before the royal families began their exodus then Camelot's new tolerance of magic would not be a threat to any of its existing alliances and sorcery would soon be accepted throughout the united kingdoms. "What I am proposing is to end the campaign of hate against those who have done no harm," Arthur began. "To allow our loyal subjects to live their lives in peace as long as they obey the same decrees that govern all of us, even to encourage and appreciate the use of magical skills as we do other talents when employed for the common good. And to reward those who employ their talents in service to us and to their fellow citizens with praise instead of fear and suspicion so they can live their lives proudly instead of in secrecy."
Typically, Bayard was the first to speak in reply. He droned on for an interminable length of time about the importance of keeping the peace and finally ended with a veiled accusation that with the assistance of powerful magic Camelot might find itself eying up the territory of its peaceable neighbours.
Arthur kept a straight face at Bayard referring to himself as a "peaceable" neighbour. "Let me assure you," he began, dividing this attention between Bayard and Odin, "that Camelot will honour all of its treaties. We desire peaceful relations with all the kingdoms united with us. If any of our loyal subjects have such power as you allude to, I will ensure that power is used only to act with honour towards our trusted allies."
Odin's normally sharp features were haggard as he stood to reply but his voice remained strong. "Arthur, I respect both your skill and your honour in combat."
Arthur sat up a little straighter. He wondered if this was, at last, forgiveness for the death of Odin's son at his hands so many years ago.
"I do not oppose the policy you are proposing and I can assure you that it will not jeopardize the peace between our kingdoms." Odin sat.
A little surprise at Odin's statement slipped into his face as Arthur thanked his former adversary.
Bayard, too, was startled at Odin's acceptance of Arthur's assertion that his purposes had no hint of a threat. If Odin was satisfied that Camelot had no intention of widening its borders at the expense of its allies, then perhaps Lady Annet was right. Maintaining peace between their kingdoms was the best course for all their people. "Then you can be assured that our treaty stands and we will not break the terms of that accord."
Alined frowned. His two best customers appeared to be backing away from their military stance of armed peace. He stood to address the company. "I for one am sorely grieved at the thought that the evil plague of magic might return to our land." He looked to Olaf and Rodor for support but they seemed oddly hostile to him. "I would never allow sorcery to find a home in my kingdom."
Olaf fixed him with a cold stare. "Really? And yet your jester, Trickler, is a sorcerer."
Shocked that Olaf sounded so certain, Alined tried to recall the last time he had seen Trickler. Had it been yesterday? "You are mistaken."
"He is not," Rodor said hotly. "We have had a long conversation with your magical errand-boy."
"He lies," Alined countered. "I am shocked to find out he has guarded such a secret." He looked around the room but saw only hostile stares and Annis' deeply amused grin. "I will dismiss him from my service immediately," he pledged.
"Good," Olaf announced. "I need a new jester."
Alined opened his mouth but nothing more came out. He decided it would be best to cut his losses and sat down. The tension in the room dissipated as everyone relaxed. Godwyn sighed with relief.
"Are you certain that this action will reduce support for Morgana? This alliance of her forces with the Saxons threatens all of us." Rodor questioned.
"I hope that this will convince those with magic that they can live freely wherever they make their homes and that they do not need to support Morgana's reign of terror to find safety themselves," Arthur reassured him. He held Rodor's gaze until the elder king nodded to indicate his support.
"Then we are all agreed," Annis pronounced.
"Or if not agreed at least able to part amicably and allow things to finally return to the way they should be," Gwyl declared. "These old bones of mine will appreciate getting back to my own castle."
"You did it," Merlin exclaimed once they were alone, his eyes shining. "You fulfilled your destiny."
"What destiny?" Arthur asked, perplexed.
"The Once and Future King who unites the land of Albion, where everyone – even those with magic – can live freely in peace," the sorcerer explained, still smiling.
Arthur shook his head at the boy's gibberish about prophecies. "Our actions and decisions shape the future. It is not pre-destined."
"That is how destiny works – you play your part, you do everything in your power to make it happen when you believe in that future." Merlin paused. "Thank you."
Thoughtfully Arthur regarded the boy who looked as though his dreams had just come true. "There is still Lot's kingdom which is not allied with us," the king pointed out.
"You will find a way to make peace with Lothian and Essetir," Merlin replied confidently.
"Well, I didn't do this alone." Arthur watched his friend speculatively. "Guinevere played her part in making this happen. I do not know what I would have done without her guidance and love."
Merlin could not deny the role that Gwen had played the last few days and throughout the time he had known her, but could the condescending prat be grateful just once for everything Merlin had done? "You would not have succeeded without me," he retorted. "I lost count of the number of times I saved your life before I had been here six months! And saved you from some of the stupid, stubborn things you do!"
"I know." Arthur replied calmly and sincerely as he held out his hand. "You got us here – all of us. You made it happen, this kingdom you helped me build. Thank you, old friend."
Touched, Merlin grasped his friend's arm in the manner of comrades-at-arms.
Arthur and Guinevere stood again on the palace steps to bid the last of their guests goodbye.
"I hope Vivian doesn't cause a scene fawning over me," Arthur groaned in an undertone.
Merlin and Gwen exchanged a droll look.
As Arthur braced himself for her unwanted attentions the beautiful blonde marched past them with a haughty toss of her head and began berating her porter for having stowed the bags in the wrong place. Merlin smirked at the snubbed look on Arthur's face.
Olaf and Ysmay were more courteous than their daughter. "I admire your good sense and sound judgement, Your Highness," Ysmay said with a nod of respect. As Arthur opened his mouth to acknowledge her compliment she brushed him aside and took Gwen's hand. "Thank you, my dear."
"It has been a pleasure." Gwen smiled and nodded respectfully in return.
"Yes, thank you both for your hospitality," Godwyn added coming up behind them.
"Sorry I never had a chance to beat you in another horse race," Elena said to Arthur.
"Next time, perhaps," Gwen offered to cover the embarrassed look on her husband's face.
Godwyn hurried to catch up with his daughter before she could spur on her horse and leave them all behind again.
"And I never had an opportunity to outdo you in hunting this time," Mithian put in with a wink at Gwen.
"Then we will look forward to that on your next visit," Gwen said graciously.
Rodor tried to hide his amusement.
Arthur gave them a wave and a half-hearted grimace as they left. Merlin chuckled behind him.
"Shut up, Merlin."