Chapter 11 [Next Day—Rafton]

A brisk breeze whistled through the trees. Overcast spread across the skies in patchwork fashion. Sol peeked out from perch to perch.

In the village, the citizens went about their business. A miller ground some grain between two stones. A hammer rang out against metal on a forge. Two hunters bartered with a third man with furs for other goods. On the outskirts, a few peasants tilled the soil.

All seemed normal at least on the surface.

Despite the air's crispness, a heaviness weighed down on animal, plant and person alike. Sharp static burned on psyches. Eyes rolled. Feet dragged. Truculence slowed even Enthusiasm's ardent supporters. Attitude soured lowering faster than the hand could set tools or cease a task before heading for the common.

Time to see what Whitgate had up its sleeve….

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Mithian put her hand up stopping the procession. Her hunter's eye surveyed the village. She could see people coming in from the woods. A few craftsmen wrapped up tasks before joining their neighbors. Despite nothing seeming out of the ordinary, Intuition advised a cautious approach.

"Is something amiss, Princess?" Ywain queried. "What concerns you?"

"Just a feeling I can't shake, Sir Ywain. We'll proceed. Be careful though," Mithian advised. She glanced toward Merlin. Are you getting anything?

Other than the overwhelming magical residue? Not really. Something's off though about this place. Merlin pointed out.

Oh? We feel that. Do we? Perhaps we are learning some caution? Mithian coughed.

I have survived a scrape here and there you know, Merlin reminded her. Ask the boar.

Touche. Mithian sighed at that concession. Until then she felt like she had the better of their verbal judo. Just keep your eyes open.

I will. Let me try something. Merlin took a deep breath. His eyes glowed. "A 'nochdadh faireachdainnean!"

The spell turned the crackling energies opaque. He and the others now saw the crimson and ebony energies saturating the air.

See? I'm not about to let you charge in without knowing. Not bad for having caution. Is it? Merlin smirked at his wife.

Mithian had to nod at that thought. Just keep your wits about you, my Prince.

But who would do this? Merlin wondered to himself. This is an isolated village.

Need you ask, Merlin? Kilgarrah jumped in.

And I suppose you do? Merlin scoffed.

It isn't hard to guess. The triple goddess and the priestesses want you to pursue this course. That leaves the sorceress. Whoever she is, she has shown great skill and power. If she can evade the goddess' gaze, who's to say she can't influence an entire village? the Great Dragon supposed.

Merlin grimaced. That's what we don't need. Is there a counter spell?

For a heartbeat, Kilgarrah hesitated. Déjà vu elicited an eye roll. It seems old habits die hard, Young Prince.

Merlin didn't miss the point or tone. I do have my reasons for asking, Kilgarrah.

And perhaps I would offer that knowledge to another. As your brother, I may owe you fealty. I also owe you protection. If you cast the spell in question, it would have ramifications. The sorceress manipulates. She cares little about the damage she causes. You should. You have a wife, kingdom and allies to consider, Kilgarrah argued.

As Prince, I took an oath to serve. Have I done any less for Camelot or Nemeth? Merlin shot back.

Aye, Emrys. You have served. Still Kilgarrah's point is merited. As Morgana has, you must achieve balance. Your promise lies with magic and service to me. Remember that, the goddess declared.

I understand that, Merlin agreed.

I hope you do, Emrys.

Merlin spasmed. Needles and burning stabbed at him. He ground his teeth.

Your control over magic increases. Cast your spell, the goddess advised.

Merlin nodded. He sucked in a deep breath. Doubt held him in check for a heartbeat. He pushed through that. Power flushed through him. He pointed. His eyes glowed.

Much as Wind dispels Odor away, his enhanced spell pushed the crimson and ebon energy away. A deafening boom shook the clearing. A few leaves floated to the ground. The animals skittered into the woods. Still the air had been cleansed.

Merlin leaned against a tree. He gasped from Exertion's effort. "I…I…did it."

Aye, Emrys. Have faith in yourself and me. We shall speak again, the goddess concluded before going silent.

Merlin shook his head. What did she do? I've never been able to cast a spell like that.

She magnified your capabilities, Merlin. What you said is nothing lightly dismissed. Think on that, Kilgarrah declared before going silent.

Think on that? I have a headache. Merlin stalked back toward the camp. What will she want? Then he saw Mithian looking at him expectantly. Now I really have a headache. Deliberation slowed his steps across the clearing.

"You're really so smart. Aren't you?" Gawain sassed.

Merlin rolled his eyes. He wasn't about to dignify that comment with a response. It's not like I just did it on my own. He crossed the last few steps to where Mithian and a couple of the villagers were talking.

Mithian turned to Merlin. She motioned with her head beckoning him to her side. "You are just in time. These are Saegel and Merthyn, the village elders."

A heavy man bowed slowly. His knees creaked toward the reverent position. "Prince Merlin, it is an honor, Sire."

"As it is for us, Saegel." Merlin studied the duo. He clearly discerned Disorientation in their eyes. "Something wrong?"

Merthyn bowed her head. Forgive us, Sire. We were preparing for your arrival. As we told Princess Mithian, we began picking flowers for laurels and wreaths in your honor. Then a strange odor stung our nostrils. A strange fog and chill hung over the land. Our heads burned. We were so tired. We fell asleep. That was two days ago." She curtseyed again.

"There's nothing to forgive," Mithian assured them. Even if she'd talk to Merlin later about the details, she deduced that their mysterious adversary had caused it. Urgency pushed at her to present a plan for a sorcery council anew to her father. "We can make sure you're all right."

"That would be most generous, Milady." Saegel bowed again. Gratitude and Surprise overwhelmed him. "The children seem sluggish. I fear."

"I'll see to them myself," Merlin agreed. "Then we can see to the village's security."

"Very well, Sire." Merthyn guided him across the clearing toward the sick kids.

Service and Good Will would be the driving force in this case it seemed…..