Chapter 11 [A/N: Happy New Year!]

Leon and Elyan looked about the castle. They noted the garlands streaming about the passages. The castellans seemed in a great mood. They exchanged brief pleasantries with Hunith upon passing each other in the near hall. They didn't remember Whitgate being so opulent on their past visits with Arthur.

The signs of the unusual things stood out. Wonder hit them as they beheld the glittering dome behind the citadel. They'd beheld the exotic and strange flora under it. Even the humid and hot conditions surrounding the plants left them befuddled.

Leon sighed. He knew the cause. Frankly, after everything they'd seen and heard in Camelot's service, he couldn't believe Rodor would trust in the triple goddess and old religion. He still couldn't believe Merlin was a sorcerer. How many times did he cast spells around us? Despite being on guard, he got away with it. I know he is our ally. Still is he a Prince or that goddess' slave? \

"Merlin's really playing it up with his magic. Isn't he?" Elyan cut in.

"Hmmm?" Leon jerked back to attention. "The dome and garden is a bit much. Still Merlin was always organizing and running things for Arthur. You see how Princess Mithian is always there with him. I imagine she's holding Merlin's strings."

Elyan shrugged. "That is if Merlin's not influencing them with a spell. Look at that cloaked witch or Morgana. They're evil! Magic is evil."

Leon stifled the answer he wanted to give. He well understood how voices could carry in the granite halls. "You might be advised not to say that too loudly or much around here. I might agree but here magic is legal."

At that moment, a voice cleared. Both men noticed a page in an emerald tunic bowing to them.

"My lords, Counts Leon and Elyan, King Rodor would like to visit with you before the banquet. Can you please follow me?" The Page somehow managed to keep a straight face. As Leon had supposed, the younger man had heard their doubts about Merlin. Still he knew it would do him little good to disagree with the higher status visitors.

Instead he led them toward the far door and the royal chamber just beyond….

[Throne Chamber]

Rodor reviewed several documents. Court cases had filled his morning. Bickering over boundaries echoed in his ears. Honor and Wergeld claims occupied his attention. Small landholders and larger manors needed balance in grazing and agricultural rights.

A few sips from his goblet settled his nerves.

I wish Mithian had been here. She would have had some unique insights. He mused over how much time she'd missed. I should speak to Merlin and her. He smiled at the thought of the new Prince. Merlin does far better than I'd anticipated. He guided our guests earlier. Already he proves the able diplomat. He is very observant here and in the council chamber. Pity Arthur had not accepted matters. He looked at the latest document, a land dispute in the northeast hinterlands. How I wish Merlin and Mithian had completed their expedition. We need to know our subjects and those territories. Merlin's idea about the taverns would go a long way toward establishing a presence there.

"Pardon me, Sire. Are those satisfactory?" Peter asked.

"Hmmm?" Rodor peered over at the scribe. "Aye, Master Peter. Everything is quite in order." He scratched a signature with his quill. Then he sealed the document and handed it to Peter. "See this to the archive."

"I shall indeed," Peter agreed.

"One more thing," Rodor added. "Are you reciting at the feast tonight?"

Peter cleared his throat. With the new position's demands, he hadn't had time to ponder and compose. "If it is your wish, Sire, I can. I didn't want to impose."

"Nonsense! Your poetry is a gift, Master Peter!" Rodor assured him. "Did Lord Brumenwald need you for anything this afternoon?"

"I believe this is my last task prior to the banquet, my lord," Peter noted.

"Then you have the afternoon to compose a worthy piece for our guests and the court. I look forward to what you come up with." Rodor noticed the page approaching with Leon and Elyan. "What is this? Master Peter, perhaps you might stay for a moment?" He stood up and walked over toward the newcomers. "Salsgar, you brought them. Splendid! Perhaps you might fetch some wine for our guests?"

"At once, my King." Salsgar bowed to the others. Then he rushed into the passage.

"We appreciate the hospitality, King Rodor. The road was long. We're looking forward to seeing our friends again," Leon expressed. He tried to keep a neutral expression.

"Your ruler has told me of your ordeal in Saxony, Count Leon." Rodor noted the heaviness in their faces. "Still you seem troubled. Perhaps I might do something to remedy that?"

"You're very kind." Elyan cleared his throat. "I hope to see my sister, Queen Guinevere, at some point. We didn't stop for long in Camelot."

"She will be at the banquet tonight representing Camelot. A great many of your friends and former companions in arms wait to speak with you both as well," Rodor assured them. "We will hear your case in the morning. For now you should relax. Perhaps take in the royal garden? It is quite the sight."

"It is, King Rodor." Elyan couldn't quite stifle the cough. "Prester John went with Mer…Prince Merlin….into it."

"And you did not? You seem troubled, Count Elyan. I assure you the gardens are quite secure. Perhaps you might ask Master Peter about them? He composes his poetry out there quite often," Rodor wondered.

"Aye, Sire. The flora and blooms astound the eye and soothe the soul. Princess Josiane and Prince Merlin did their parts. We thank the goddess for her effort in that regard." Knowing the visitors' previous service in Camelot, Peter discerned Prejudice's stench about them. Still he stifled his observation out of appreciation for their rank.

Leon and Elyan exchanged glances. Then the former sighed. "It is impressive. Still…."

"Still what?" Rodor frowned. Suspicion now creased his brow. "Count Leon, I will ask again, what troubles you? Be honest now."

Leon nodded. He did not wish to get into a debate. "We do not wish to insult you or your court, King Rodor. We were trying to be discreet."

Rodor pondered the response. He knew well Camelot's opposition to magic and free worship for all. "I appreciate discretion, Good Lords. Still this is not Camelot. Magic is legal in Nemeth. My subjects worship as they will. I will not allow anyone here to be persecuted for their beliefs." He tapped the arm rest on the throne. "I hope you will make peace with Prince Merlin. You certainly both owe him your lives enough times over."

"Sire, how can you trust magic? We've seen enough examples…." Elyan started.

"Examples of both good and bad use, I believe. Perhaps you might wish to speak with King Accolon and Queen Morgana tonight? She laments her past. Prince Merlin would appreciate your support and friendship. I would ask that you take greater care around Princess Mithian. She would not appreciate your tone." Rodor exhaled sharply. "Nor I suspect would Sir Gawain or Sir Lancelot for that matter."

Elyan wanted to say something. Still Leon shook his head as if to say 'not now'.

Salsgar returned to the chamber bearing a wine vessel and three more goblets. "As you asked, my lord." He set the goblets on the table. Then he poured them. "And some for you, Master Poet?"

"Please join us, Master Peter. I would ask for all to join in good fellowship. Through others, I heard of our friends' departure from Camelot. Perhaps we might move on from that here?" Rodor raised his goblet. "To friends."

The others raised their goblets as well…even if they may or may not have agreed.

Politics did make uneasy bedfellows….