Arthur arrived in the Council room with Leon and Merlin at his heels to find that Gwaine, Percival, Elyan, Gaheris, Bedwyr, Caradoc, Ranulf, and Ector had already assembled despite it being not yet dawn. The king seated himself at the head of the table, then the others each claimed a place, Merlin at Arthur's right. Gaheris scowled at the sorcerer's presence but said nothing as he took his seat. Leon alone remained standing.
"What do we know?" Arthur asked. Adrenaline drowned any thought of his soft bed and his wife's warm body.
"Word came from King Olaf that a Saxon army had crossed the border into Dyfed. Within the hour, similar news came from King Alined that Gwynedd is threatened as well. Both have requested aid under the terms of the treaty the Five Kingdoms struck to defend our sovereign lands."
The knights exchanged solemn looks.
"Any word from the east?" Ector asked.
"Nothing from our spies at Lot's court. Perhaps the East Saxons are not as impatient for more land as their brothers in the south."
Arthur nodded. They would have to be wary of an assault through Essetir, but the immediate threat appeared to be the southern lands of the Five Kingdoms. "Have we received word yet from Rodor or Gwyl regarding their preparations to send aid?"
"No, Sire, but it's likely the news has only just reached them as it has us."
Maps were spread across the Council table in front of the king, and Leon and the others leaned forward as Arthur ran a finger down the most detailed drawing.
"Gwyl's troops will take a day to reach Camelot from Daobeth before they continue south to meet the Saxons. Send a message to King Gwyl and tell him to send mounted troops only so they arrive at Calleva the same time we do. Ensure Lord Godwyn is aware of the situation and request that he allow Rodor to bring Nemeth's troops through Gawant, that will shorten their journey." Arthur did not consider the strangeness of a newly crowned king sending battle instructions to monarchs older and more experienced that he was. "Assemble and provision our own troops to march south in the morning. At a quick pace, we can reach Calleva in a day. Olaf and Alined can hold until then and keep us informed of the Saxons' movements. Once we know where the bulk of their forces are amassing against us, they will face the united armies of the Five Kingdoms."
"Yes, Sire," Leon said.
"And arrange for the Council to assemble in two hours. That should be enough time for Aguisel to be awakened and dressed."
Arthur had not left the Council chamber since early morning. Communications had come and gone, and he had alternately pored over maps with Leon and sent him to check on the state of preparations. When the Council began assembling, the king took a long drink from the filled goblet in front of him.
Aguisel arrived, minus his usual cloak, his hair damp and a heavy-lidded frown on his face, Tudwal at his side. Gaius hurried in, stopped on the threshold to exchange a look with Merlin who stood quietly near Arthur's chair, then took his seat at the Council table. Geoffrey's loud complaints could be heard before he entered, grumbling that it was barely first light and what could be so important.
Guinevere followed them, dressed in a blue silk gown stitched with silver, a royal circlet atop her brown curls. For an instant, all thought of the coming battle was wiped from Arthur's mind as he stared at his queen, the cup in his right hand forgotten halfway to his mouth.
She came forward to seat herself on Arthur's left, laying one hand on his where it gripped the arm of his chair. He could see the worry buried in her brown eyes despite her outward calm. He set down the goblet.
Arthur spoke as soon as the Council was seated. "We received word that the Saxons crossed into lands belonging to the Five Kingdoms, both in Gwynedd and Dyfed. We march south to meet them."
No one was surprised by the news, but Gaius glanced worriedly at Merlin before returning his gaze to Arthur.
"Does the sorcerer ride with you?" Aguisel watched Merlin narrowly.
For a moment Arthur was taken aback. "Of course," he answered without thought. A hard knot of doubt landed in his gut; Merlin was not his servant any longer to accompany him to this battle.
Merlin glared at the noble.
Arthur brought attention back to the reason he had assembled the Council. "In my absence, Guinevere will act as Regent."
Aguisel's disapproving stare fixed on the queen.
Gwen started.
Arthur felt her fingers tighten on his. "The Queen has my absolute confidence and trust."
Although his jaw was clenched, Aguisel made no protest and Tudwal said nothing when the other noble remained silent.
"I thank you gentlemen for your time, but I must return to my preparations for our journey."
Aguisel and Tudwal were the first to leave. Gaius hesitated, looking at Merlin, but the young man gave him a reassuring smile. Geoffrey laid a hand on the physician's arm and accompanied his old friend from the chamber.
After most of the other Council members had left, Gwen turned wide eyes on Arthur. "How can I … I can't …"
Before the king could answer, Leon said, "My lady, we have every faith in you."
Gwen's gaze jumped to the knight.
Arthur laid his other hand on top of hers where she still squeezed his fingers. "Guinevere, you are perfectly capable of acting as Regent."
"You'll be fine, Gwen." Merlin smiled at her.
Gwen looked from one to another of them, then straightened where she sat and Arthur felt her ease the pressure of her grip.
The king turned to Merlin. "I spoke without thought."
The sorcerer gave him a puzzled look.
"I never asked if you intended to accompany me to this battle."
Surprise replaced the puzzlement.
"You have no reason to come, I'll find another attendant to assist me."
"You don't want me to journey with you?"
Merlin sounded hurt but Arthur was not certain. "I would not stop you, of course, if you had any reason to come with us."
"Oh, for heaven's sake," Gwen said. "Arthur, Merlin wants to go with you; Merlin, Arthur wants you to go with him."
Merlin smiled. "Then I'll go."
Gwaine nudged his horse up beside Merlin's as they passed through a stretch of open, grassy plain. Tall yellow stalks brushed their horses' bellies while their tails flicked frantically to ward off flies and mosquitoes.
"I'm glad you're here, Merlin."
"As am I." Elyan had come up on the sorcerer's other side.
"Leon told us how you didn't want to come but Arthur begged you to accompany us."
Merlin met Gwaine's grin with a raised eyebrow. Leon glanced back at them but merely shook his head at Gwaine.
"What can you –" Elyan made a gesture with his hands as if he was conjuring a spell, "– do to help in a battle?"
"You barely know which is the pointy end of a sword," Gwaine said.
Merlin frowned at him. "I can hold up my end of a fight."
"How?" Elyan asked curiously.
"Yes, what do you do exactly?"
Merlin thought back. "I can make a weapon red hot so the enemy is forced to let go of the hilt, or I can hurl a blade with a look so it never misses." The knights gazed at him raptly and Percival rode up beside them to listen. "Once I enchanted an enemy's sword so that it attracted every loose piece of metal around and he overbalanced trying to hold onto a weapon so heavy." Elyan and Percival exchanged a wide-eyed stare. "Or I could just throw a man through the air with a blink."
Leon turned and stared.
Merlin shrugged. "If I need to hold back a group I could conjure a wall of fire."
"How did we not notice any of that?" Gwaine wondered aloud.
"You never noticed," Percival said.
Merlin grinned at the big knight. "You never said anything."
"I thought you'd tell us when you were ready."
"Or, you know," Gwaine said, "call a dragon to help you steal an egg."
The sorcerer flushed. "You weren't supposed to get there so quickly. If I had had time to conceal the egg you'd be none the wiser now."
"None of that helped you when that mercenary cut you down with a mace," Elyan said.
"Only because I wasn't watching my back."
Leon turned again to look at them. "No, you were watching Arthur's back instead."
"That's my job," Merlin replied.
Leon raised a brow. "I thought that was our job."
"How close do you have to be to do what you do?" Gwaine asked.
"I have to be within sight to work most of those spells, even if I'm not looking directly at the target when I cast them," Merlin said. "Why?"
"Then we'll do our job beside Arthur in the battle, you do your job from a good vantage point," Elyan said.
Gwaine nodded. "That way we don't have to watch your back, too."
Merlin gave him a disgusted look. "I told you I can take care of myself."
"We'll be facing an army of Saxons this time," Elyan said, "a larger force than Morgana ever assembled, and they're not mercenaries simply fighting for a reward. The Saxons believe they have a right to this land."
"It won't matter," Merlin said. "They'll be facing Arthur."
Merlin stood with his back to an apple tree, halfway up the slope from the field where the Saxon troops had amassed. Above and behind him was the abandoned ruin of what had once been a fortress on a hill; what was left of the tower sheltered the tent where the monarchs of the Five Kingdoms had held their Council. The armies were now assembled on the field below. From the hillside, Merlin would not lose sight of Arthur even in the fiercest fighting.
Arthur stood at the edge of the field, his knights ranged behind him, the golden dragon standard lifted above his head by a strong morning breeze. Furthest to Arthur's right, King Olaf had moved into position at the head of his men, his son at his side. Between the Camelot knights and Olaf's men, Nemeth's soldiers were assembled. King Rodor's son was only a boy, so despite the grey-haired king's advanced age he led his forces into position himself. To Arthur's left, King Alined waited, and Merlin noticed that Trickler was behind his king. Furthest left were the Daobeth soldiers. King Gwyl, despite his size, was neither fast enough nor strong enough any longer to lead his warriors but three of his sons, all nearly as large as Percival, rode at the head of their troops.
The Saxons had begun to advance. There were so many that no grass could be seen under their feet through the vast moving expanse of axes, spears, and horse-hair that marched steadily north covering more and more of the field.
Arthur's sword rested lightly on his right shoulder. When the Saxons abandoned their slow march and began to close the gap between the armies at a run, increasing the noise of their shouts, Arthur lifted his sword into the air and shouted his own battle cry before bringing his sword down and rushing to meet the enemy. Merlin could not hear his words, but he felt the rush of adrenaline and nearly raced forward himself.
At Arthur's signal, the combined forces of the Five Kingdoms moved forward as one. The hammering of booted feet on hard ground added to the yells before metallic clashes and screams of pain swelled over the other sounds. Merlin was thankful the breeze took the smell of blood and gore away from where he stood as he marked the progress of Camelot's king through the densely packed throng. Merlin could see the golden dragon standard surrounded by red-garbed knights, Arthur's sword occasionally sending a flash of sunlight to mark its passing as it swung and spun. The red triangle cut further into the Saxon ranks like the point of a spear driving forward.
A swell of noise came from the right of the field and Nemeth's standard wavered. Rodor had been injured and was being hurriedly escorted back from the most intense fighting. Nemeth's soldiers held their position briefly, then began falling back as the Saxons pressed ahead, threatening to break through the line between Olaf and Arthur thereby cutting off Dyfed from the bulk of the Five Kingdoms' forces.
Without hesitation, Arthur turned from his forward advance and pressed to the right, encircling the Saxons who had penetrated most deeply into Nemeth's ranks. The Nemeth soldiers rallied at seeing their adversaries surrounded. Facing a resurgence from the Nemeth fighters, with Dyfed's warriors to one side and Camelot's knights to the other and behind them, the Saxons were quickly cut down, but Arthur temporarily had his back to the Saxon army.
Recognizing their advantage, a group of the fiercest Saxon fighters converged on the spot where Arthur now fought. Spurred by the loss of their fellow soldiers and the opportunity presented by Arthur's back, several of the blond giants rushed forward.
Merlin's hands whipped up, his eyes flashing gold. Six of the huge Saxons were thrown backward to land heavily on their fellows behind them.
At the sound of bodies crashing into bodies, Arthur spun to see six fallen enemy soldiers and the stunned faces of those who had staggered back under the weight of their fellows. The largest Saxon shrugged aside the body of a fellow soldier and raised his axe, but before he could draw breath to shout a battle cry, he and four of his nearest warriors were tossed aside to fall without moving again.
Arthur glanced up at the apple tree on the sloping hillside, then raised his sword high, twirled it once, and with a rallying cry drove straight into the line of Saxons. Those who had been close enough to see their fellows cut down by an invisible hand tried to press backward but were blocked by their own troops as Arthur charged forward followed by a shouting crowd of warriors from Nemeth, Dyfed, and Camelot.
The onslaught, with Arthur as its leading point, drove into the Saxon forces. One of their leaders attempted to cut Arthur off as he had done to their soldiers, but the Saxon leader found himself facing an impenetrable wall of flame.
The combined forces of the Five Kingdoms surged forward in Arthur's wake.
Merlin assisted the healers working with the wounded, ignoring the awed stares sent his way and the whispers as he passed. Arthur had visited the dressing station earlier to hearten the recovering soldiers and comfort the dying before he joined the other kings in the command tent. Gwaine bore his usual selection of gashes but they had been treated and none appeared serious, Leon had taken an axe blow to the leg which Merlin had bandaged, and Percival had insisted he suffered no wounds that needed treatment. Once Gwaine's injuries were tended, he and Percival left to assist in stripping the dead of identification to be returned to their families as well as ensuring that those left alive were brought to the healers.
At length, Merlin made his way in the dark from the dressing station toward the tent set up in the shelter of a few erect walls of the ruined fortress, stepping around blackberry and nettle which had taken up residence among the fallen stones. A few apples on one of the trees had turned mostly red and Merlin's stomach reminded him he had not eaten in many hours. He paused long enough to pick the ripest fruit, looking out across the field which had been cleared of the fallen. Far to the south, the flames of the Saxon pyres could be seen.
The flap of the tent which housed the royalty of the Five Kingdoms was open to let out the torch smoke and let in a cooling breeze, allowing Merlin to slip in unremarked by the gathered royalty. The sentries made no attempt to bar his way.
Olaf and his son had suffered minor wounds; Alined was unhurt but Merlin had seen Trickler in the field dressing station with a heavily bandaged arm; Gwyl was flanked by two of his sons, the third was sorely wounded and not expected to recover; and Rodor's injuries had been tended but the elderly king would be a long time healing. Arthur himself was virtually unmarked despite having been in the heart of the fiercest fighting.
"Will they regroup and attack again?" Alined asked.
Olaf shook his head. "They will not be back before winter sets in, those few that made it from the field, thanks to Arthur. Uther Pendragon at the height of his strength could hardly have routed them so thoroughly."
"Yes, we are secure now until spring. We can return to our homes." Rodor hunched where he sat, his face ashen, thick bandages bulging under his tunic and cape. "I said we would need a strong leader, and here we have one." His eyes held Arthur's. "One who can hold the kingdoms together and drive back the Saxons. I was wrong to doubt you, Arthur; your youth does not hamper, it lends strength."
"He has more than strength and skill near to hand; that was powerful magic keeping him safe on the field," Gwyl said.
Merlin froze where he stood near the open flap but several pairs of eyes fixed on him.
"Yes, well." Rodor winced as he shifted to face away from tent flap. "In any case it seems there is no need to for us to remain here. We will make our way to Calleva tomorrow, and thence to Nemeth."
"Arthur," Gwyl said, "we would be pleased to accompany you as far as Camelot before we continue north."
"I would be glad of your company," he replied.
"That was an impressive victory you gave us, Arthur," Gwyl said. His beefy arms held the reins of his mount with a firm grip despite the brown spots marking his skin beneath grey hairs.
His two sons flanked him, their thick red hair and beards a younger copy of their father's bushy white face. The third son's body was being transported by the soldiers following them.
"Thank you," Arthur said.
Gwyl gave him a searching look. "Do you believe we have routed the Saxons completely?"
"No," Arthur said. "Come spring they will band with their eastern brothers or even use the dark days of winter to recruit additional warriors from their homeland."
"I agree. The Saxon leader will make another move once winter has passed, but it will not be from the south. They will come from the east where they are more numerous."
"Where there are also several harbours should longboats come from Saxony to swell their ranks."
The elderly king turned in his saddle to face Arthur. "When that time comes, we need to be united; we cannot continue as a collection of separate but equal kingdoms with no leader, no strong central power to look to."
Arthur's eyes fastened on the white-haired king. "Are you asking for my support in a bid to lead us as High King?"
The corners of Gwyl's mouth turned up under his thick beard. "No, I am too old and my sons, however strong," he glanced backward, "do not have the experience."
"Lot would be pleased to assume such a role," Arthur said.
"Yes, he is a strong and experienced ruler," Gwyl said. "He would be my second choice even though Essetir is not one of the Five Kingdoms."
"Who is your first choice?" Arthur could not resist asking.
"You."
"Sefa was looking for you again," Gwen said with a wink as she entered the nearly empty Council chamber.
Merlin looked up from the pile of paperwork on the table in front of him. "The pretty maidservant whose hair always comes loose from her braid? Brown hair but it looks red in the sunlight?"
Gwen was wearing her purple gown with wide sleeves edged in purple lace. He wondered if she felt as uncomfortable as he did in fancy clothing, or if it was her speculative stare that made his shoulders twitch.
"Pretty?"
Merlin felt warmth crawl up his neck. "She seems quite a capable servant."
"Enough that I am thinking of making her my personal maid."
Arthur looked over from where he sat with one knee propped against the table, his chair balanced on two legs. Merlin noticed that his quill had not even been dipped in ink yet.
"She would be pleased, I'm sure. It is an honour to serve royalty." Arthur grinned at Merlin. "As George reminds me daily."
Merlin ignored him. "Do you know what Sefa wanted with me?"
"Maybe you should talk to her and find out for yourself," Gwen said.
"Give it up, Guinevere, Merlin has no time for girls."
Merlin ground his teeth at Arthur's smirk. "Mostly because I'm too busy running around after you. If I'm not polishing your armour and washing your clothes then I'm doing your paperwork and writing your speeches, and that's in between saving your arrogant, pompous backside."
"Not to mention sneaking around hatching dragons and whatever else it is you do."
"Like destroy an army of soldiers who can't be killed because they're already dead?"
"You destroyed the immortal army?" Arthur's chair dropped to the ground and he leaned forward. "What about that army of skeletons, was it really Morgana who defeated them?"
"No. She conjured them."
"Why didn't you say something?"
Merlin gave him an arch look. "Who would have believed me?"
Arthur opened his mouth but no words came.
Gwen watched Merlin keenly. "What else was Morgana responsible for that you haven't told us?" Gwen asked. "Why did Morgause kidnap her? Were they already working together?"
Arthur looked at Merlin in dawning comprehension.
Merlin bit his lip as he looked from one to the other. Finally he sighed and stared at the floor of the chamber. "Yes, Morgana had already agreed to help Morgause before she attacked with the Knights of Medhir."
"She betrayed us even then?" There was a catch in Gwen's voice. "She would have let Morgause and the Knights slaughter us while we slept? Helped them do it?"
"Why would Morgana do that?" Arthur asked hoarsely.
"She had magic. She was alone and afraid," Merlin said. "I didn't help her so she turned to Alvarr, then Morgause, anyone who promised to overthrow Uther."
"She was really that afraid of him?" Arthur's lips thinned. "So when Morgause's attack failed Morgana went with her willingly?"
"Not exactly. Morgana was nearly dead; she had no choice."
He could feel their eyes on him even though he did not lift his gaze from the floor.
"Why did the sleeping spell fail? What stopped the Knights?" Gwen asked softly.
"The spell was broken when Morgana stopped breathing." When she went limp in his arms. "Morgause released her hold on the Knights in exchange for what she needed to save Morgana's life."
"Save her from what?" Arthur demanded. "What did Morgause need?"
"The name of the poison I used." Merlin lifted his eyes then and met Arthur's shocked gaze. He did not dare look at Gwen.
"You tried to kill her, even though you …" Arthur did not finish the sentence. "Yet it is me she hates," he said grimly.
"It's not you, Arthur," Merlin said. "She has never forgiven Uther."
"And because of that she's out there plotting her next assault on my kingdom when we have the Saxons nipping at our heels."
"We don't know where she is or what she intends, if she's even alive," Merlin said.
"She has been destitute since Morgause's death," Gwen said. "And she will not find allies among any of the kingdoms of Albion, not now."
"Nor will she have followers left among those with magic," Merlin said.
Arthur looked from one to the other. "I hope you're right. I hope she is done with her endless plots to kill me and take the throne she thinks Uther denied her because he would not acknowledge her."
Merlin hoped the same, and more, that one day she might make peace with her brother, with Gwen, maybe even with him despite all they had done to each other.
Merlin had been surprised when Sefa asked to meet him at dark by the south gate, and even more surprised when she led him out of the city into the surrounding woods. She wore a warm cloak against the evening chill, with a hood covering her face. He tugged his jacket tighter, glad he had worn his own comfortable coat rather than one of the fancy cloaks now stuffed in his cupboard.
Sefa needed no light besides the moon, so Merlin knew she had followed this path many times. He glanced down at the man-made pile of stones as she swept by without looking at the marker.
They approached an old temple with no roof and only a few walls left standing, with two lighted torches placed in sconces attached to the centre wall of the abandoned ruin. A crow barked a warning at them from its perch on one of the broken pillars as they passed. A man knelt before what must have once been the altar, his arms spread wide, chanting. Sefa removed her hood and waited respectfully for him to finish his worship.
The man paused as though he sensed he was no longer alone. Then he finished his prayer and stood to approach them. When he saw Merlin, he went down on one knee. "Emrys, it is an honour to meet you."
Merlin's eyes widened. "Please, there's no need." He gestured for the man to get up. "How do you know my name?"
"My lady Morgana told me I would find you at Arthur's side."
Wary, Merlin looked from the man to Sefa and back. "You know where Morgana is?"
"I spoke with her three days ago," the man said.
"Sefa is your spy?"
She started. "I only –"
"Yes," her father answered. "I am Ruadan and my daughter was meant to aid me in our victory over the enemies of the Old Religion, my loyal assistant in my sacred duty to fight."
"The Druids are a peaceful people," Merlin said, eyeing the sword and knives the man carried despite the Druid tattoo on the right side of his neck.
"Even we can be pushed beyond endurance." Ruadan grimaced. "Uther Pendragon declared himself an enemy of my people and his son would surely have followed in his footsteps. I believed the Pendragons would hunt and kill until not one of us was left, then I heard the new king had changed the laws, and that when he fought it was with sorcery at his side. The prophecies told of Emrys and the Once and Future King, and the prophecies do not lie, but I did not believe a Pendragon could be the king that was foretold."
The man paused and Merlin saw uncertainty in a face he knew was unused to such an emotion.
"Patience is the stepping stone to wisdom, but I was impatient, I was tired of the fear and the death. I wanted to bring a return to the Old Ways and I wanted it in my time."
"Arthur is not the same as his father," Merlin said.
Ruadan regarded him solemnly for several heartbeats. "Then there is nothing further for me to undertake. I will leave and not return here."
"Should I go with you, Father?" Sefa asked. "What should I do?"
He looked down at her as he took her hands in his. "You have been a dutiful daughter, but there is no place for you where I am going. You must do whatever is best for you."
When he dropped her hands and turned to go, she grasped his arm. He gently eased away from her grip. She turned to Merlin, her brown eyes frightened.
"Gwen thinks highly of you, you'll have a place here if you want it."
"Will you," her eyes darted to her father as he turned to leave, "will you tell them about this?" she asked Merlin.
He took one of her hands and squeezed. "As long as you don't betray Camelot or do anything to endanger my friends, I won't say a word."
"Thank you, Merlin." She smiled tremulously.
He squeezed her hand again. "Wait," he called to her departing father.
Ruadan looked back.
"Where is Morgana?"
"She is with a group of Druids in the Forest of Ascetir."
Iseldir assured Merlin that Morgana had lived peacefully among them since they found her after the battle nearly a year ago. Despite his trust in the Druid elder, Merlin insisted on talking to her himself. She did not deserve another chance. He had already decided he was not going to give her any more chances. But after their meeting he could not bring himself to tell Arthur the camp's location. Merlin could not rid himself of the memory of her begging to be left in Aglain's camp and her heartfelt "I'll never forget this" for his attempt to help her flee from Arthur's rescue. It would have been better for all of them if she had stayed there, and it would be better if they left her with Iseldir now.
At least, Merlin told himself that was why he refused to take anyone with him when he met with her. Though he did believe the kingdom was better off as long as Morgana stayed with the Druids, his reasons for going alone to meet her were less than honourable and Gaius was right to warn him against it.
Despite their sincere expressions of faith in him, in the weeks following Merlin's contact with Morgana he received worried frowns and lectures on her untrustworthiness from Gaius, Gwen, Leon, and even Elyan. Kilgharrah made his displeasure clear every time they spoke. Gwaine had eschewed lectures, but their friendship had been strained when Merlin tricked his friend and slipped out of Camelot to meet Morgana alone. While Arthur had not voiced his concerns again since their initial discussion, Merlin caught appraising looks from the king which were followed by sudden changes in topic.
Aithusa was the only one who offered no censure when Merlin spoke of Morgana, though how much the little dragon comprehended was unclear. He had not yet spoken, only chirped and squeaked, and gave a grating croak before he spouted flame.
Merlin walked into the royal chambers with an armful of documents to find Arthur at his window, one foot propped on the sill, staring out at the brightly-lit courtyard. The sounds of booted feet crossing the paved stones and an occasional shout drifted in with the smell of horses, nothing out of the ordinary to account for the king's contemplative stance. When Arthur turned to look at him, Merlin saw another appraising look.
Arthur glanced at the scroll on top of his work table. "You know what's in that."
"Yes," Merlin said. Although the report was unconfirmed, their spy had reason to believe the East Saxons had successfully brokered an alliance with Saxony.
"This threat will reach beyond Essetir, beyond even the Five Kingdoms to all of Albion. I need to know what Morgana is planning, if she is planning anything. I cannot leave Guinevere and the city vulnerable to an attack from within my own kingdom when I lead my army to meet the Saxons," Arthur said. "Morgana fooled us for a long time, betrayed us repeatedly, tried to kill me, and I was oblivious. I was blind to her because I loved her." The king did not drop his gaze. "If I could make peace with her, I would. But I have to put the safety of my kingdom, of all the kingdoms of Albion, ahead of that wish. If she has any plans to threaten that safety, I need to know."
"I understand," Merlin said softly. "I'll ask her."
Merlin found Morgana sitting on the soft grass with the trees at her back and the ground stretching away in front of her, chin resting on her knees. She wore the red robe the Druids had gifted her and her dark hair was tied back with a simple cord. He sat on the grass beside her.
"Arthur wants to know what you are planning," Merlin finally said. He watched her reaction carefully but she did not look at him. "Whatever his personal feelings, you must understand he's responsible for the safety of his people."
"If I were planning something," she muttered, "I would hardly be likely to tell you."
He could not hide his hurt but she only grew angrier.
"If you had not gotten in the way we would have restored magic to Camelot years sooner."
"You still don't understand!" He took a breath to calm himself. "You cannot force people at swordpoint to accept us. If you had taken Camelot by force and executed the rightful king it would have become impossible to convince anyone that magic is not entirely evil." He raked his hands through his hair as he stared at her.
"I was the one who stood up to Uther, not you. I'm the one that those with magic put their hopes in," she said.
"What makes you think so? Did you ever ask? You never bothered to find out who had magic when you marched an army across the kingdom cutting down anyone who stood in its path. Or asked whose crops you ordered burned. You never asked what any of us wanted, whether we wanted revenge or just to live our lives without fear and without being feared." He wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake her but he merely clenched his hands tightly.
Her mouth opened and closed but she did not refute his statements. "What do you want?" she finally asked.
"Peace."
"You think we'll achieve peace by waiting for people to accept us?"
"Arthur will unite the lands of Albion and I will help him do it. But there won't be lasting peace until you've ended your war with him."
For a moment he thought he had gotten through to her, then her stubborn look clamped down on her face.
"Morgause was the only one in the world who ever put me first and you killed her."
He winced.
"My sister and I only wanted to end the reign of a hypocritical dictator."
"And replace him with another intolerant dictator," Merlin said. "I had to stop her."
"Would you stop me even now if you thought I was a threat to Arthur?"
His breath caught in his throat.
She closed her eyes and shook her head. "Never mind, I know the answer to that."
"Morgana, please," he began but she cut him off.
"Just go and leave me alone."
Gwen thought Merlin seemed despondent in the days since his last meeting with Morgana. For two solid days it had rained, but to Gwen's knowledge in the three days following he had not once left the citadel.
She found him in the chamber he used for a workroom, a pile of parchment in front of him and a quill in his hand but its tip was dry. He stared blankly at a wall.
"Hello, Merlin."
He came to himself and gave her a lopsided grin. "Hi, Gwen. I'm not finished yet."
"That's all right, I wanted to talk with you."
A wary look replaced the grin.
"Has something been bothering you?" she asked.
He sighed, realized the quill was in his hand, and set it down on the table. "Maybe."
"Does it concern Morgana?"
"She didn't take kindly to my questioning her about her plans," he said. "We had a fight."
"Was it bad?"
He gave her a smile. "It was not nearly so spectacular as a few of our previous fights."
Gwen had heard those stories and she smiled in return. "Come with me, I want to give you something."
Merlin's forehead creased but he got up and followed her without question. She went to the chambers in which she had served Morgana for many years as maid to the king's ward. The room had not been used by anyone since Morgana had been deposed the first time and fled Camelot with her dying sister. A thick layer of dust covered furniture, bedding, candle holders, even the mirror and hairbrush which sat on the table next to the looking glass. A long cobweb ran from the mirror to the wall.
Merlin gave Gwen another puzzled look when she went directly to the dressing table and opened a drawer. She retrieved a brush and mirror which had been tucked away and a matching necklace and earrings which had not been kept in the overflowing box on the dresser.
Merlin watched curiously as she selected a piece of cloth and wrapped the items before bringing the bundle to him.
"These were gifted to Morgana by her father, Gorlois. When Morgana first arrived here, she wore the necklace every day and I watched her hold the brush and simply stare at it. Then she received jewellery of her own, from the king and others, more and more until the box on the dresser overflowed and she put these away. But I know how much they mean to her, and I think she would want to have them."
Merlin looked down at the bundle she had given him. "You of all people, Gwen, should be the last to do anything nice for Morgana."
"I know she wished me ill," Gwen said. "But if I hate her back then I become bitter and unhappy like she is."
"You have a good heart, Gwen."
"I would also fight her to my last breath if she tried to hurt Arthur or take his throne from him."
Merlin smiled. "I know."
"Lot is no friend to Camelot, I say we leave him to the mercy of the Saxons."
Two of those seated around the Council table nodded in agreement with Tudwal, several others looked uncertain.
Arthur was relieved that Morgana had no plans to renew her assault on Camelot. He had seen Gwen exchange a look with Merlin when he delivered the news, but neither of them had enlightened the king as to what had swayed Morgana to relinquish her vendetta. He hoped she had found peace in letting go of her hatred of their father.
The situation in the east was dire and he was glad he could dedicate the full strength of his knights to the new threat. Shortly after the Saxon leader had returned from Saxony, longships landed at the eastern harbours bringing warriors to assist their Anglo cousins in stretching their borders west and north. Their first target had been Essetir. Lot had sent word that his citadel was under siege and he was sorely in need of aid.
"Our duty is to our own people, and if we respond to Lot's plea then Camelot blood will be spilled," Aguisel said.
"If we do not send help our people are at risk of the Saxons continuing to push west," Arthur said.
"Then let us garrison our own border and leave them Essetir if Lot is unable to hold his own lands," Tudwal said. "It is no less than he would do were the attack from the south and no immediate threat to him."
"If the Saxons are allowed to take Essetir, they will continue across Albion to the western sea and there will be no stopping them. Lot's citadel will give them a foothold and a strong base. We must drive them back to the shore and across the sea." Arthur's tone brooked no argument.
Despite the worry for her husband that shadowed Gwen's eyes, she resolutely addressed the Council. "Arthur is right, we must end this threat now."
"You will face a stronger assault than you did near Calleva," Ector said. "Even the Five Kingdoms together may not have sufficient force to beat the Saxons back."
"I agree," Arthur said. "I have sent to all the rulers of Albion. Bayard I know will stand with us because if the Saxons take Essetir they will be on his doorstep as well as ours, and I have no doubt that Olaf and Gwyl will lend their support."
"Do you doubt Rodor?" Leon asked.
A line furrowed Arthur's brow. "I do not doubt his loyalty, but he's growing old and it's unlikely his injuries are entirely healed. He is also the furthest west of the Five Kingdoms and in the least immediate danger."
"And Alined?" Ector questioned. "He is loyal only to himself."
"But Gwynedd lies north of the Saxon Shore, west of the East Saxons, and south of Essetir. He cannot allow his kingdom to be surrounded on three sides by hostile territory," Arthur said. "I am more concerned with convincing Godwyn to join us; Gawant is as far east as Nemeth and nearly as far north."
"What of Queen Annis?" Gaius asked.
Of all of the rulers Arthur was least sure of Annis's reaction to his request. "It is asking much of her to see the danger to her own kingdom when Caerleon is the land furthest from the current Saxon holdings. I hope her far-sightedness and the truce we reached will sway her to join us."
"She will," Merlin said.
Arthur raised his brows.
"They all will."
"Why?" the king asked.
"Because of you."
