Chapter 11

Arthur was riding alone, in front of the group. The knights had noticed the familiar signs that he wished to be left alone, so they did just that.

But Merlin wasn't a knight.

Galloping towards Arthur, he then settled his horse into a steady rhythm so that he could ride alongside him.

"I'm sorry about what I said. It wasn't fair and it wasn't tactful."

Arthur kept his eyes on the path ahead and replied without even glancing in Merlin's direction:

"And I'm sorry for pushing you in the river. It wasn't deserved. You have been a true friend lately, and I want you to know that I appreciate it."

"Apology accepted." Merlin said simply. He knew that Arthur had more to say, but that he was always reluctant about expressing his feelings.

"Merlin?" Arthur said quietly, eyes still focoused ahead. "About what you said earlier. About Niryal. I still think it's ridiculous but I know you wouldn't lie to me, so what do we do now?"

"We continue on to Bernia and when we get there we interrogate him. Get him drunk or put something in his drink or..."

"Hold a sword to his neck!" Arthur interrupted.

"... erm, yeah. And we ask him the obvious questions and find out whether or not he is guilty. Just make sure you don't do anything stupid or we could be facing a war." Merlin said with a grimace.

"I never thought a treaty for 'Peace' would lead to this. It seems like something out of a nightmare. I just miss her so much Merlin. It feels like there's this enormous hole in my heart, and that she's the only thing that can fill. And if she's been hurt Merlin: arrrgh I can't bear thinking about it!"

"We WILL find her Arthur. Trust me, we will. Whatever it takes we'll find her!"

"Whatever it takes!" Arthur repeated solemnly.

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Eventually, the knights of Camelot and their King reached the gates of King Niryal's land.

They rode into the large coutyard and swiftly dismounted from their horses, and it was there that they noticed a group of delicately crafted carriages, intricately engraved and parked in a neat row. They seemed very feminine and out of place amongst the countless horses that littered the courtyard.

Then, as a familiar figure stepped out of one of the carriages, everything made sense.

"Princess Elena, I didn't realise you and your father were attending the announcement aswell." Uther said with a smile as he went to greet them. "I'm delighted at the prospect of signing a treaty between our three kingdoms."

Lord Godwyn returned the smile but looked slightly confused. "What do you mean treaty? I received a letter inviting me here but it never specified the reason."

"No, neither did my letter but I presumed that the intention was to form a new treaty. Afterall, why else would we be invited to a unknown kingdom?"

"Perhaps your right," Lord Godwyn agreed, "But let's not stand here in the cold all day."

He signalled to a nearby gaurd from Bernia who bowed and promptly led them into the palace.

The first thing that Arthur noticed was how heavily guarded everywhere was- especially all the doorways. He guessed that the excessive amount of guards was simply to show off how much of a powerful army Niryal had. Either way, it still seemed a bit strange.

When they reached the end of a long corridor, they were led through a large oak door and into the banquet hall.

It was exquisite!

Long, wooden tables formed a square around the edge of the room and in the centre was a band of musicians performing a cheerful tune. The tables were laid with a feast of roast pork, meat pie, goose, vegetables and various exotic fruits. Brightly coloured streamers hung from the ceiling and draped down the walls, giving the room a festive atmosphere.

Seated at the long tables were an assortment of finely dressed people chattering and waiting eagerly for the feast to begin. Amongst them sat Kings from foreign lands, knights and Lords (who were considered to be of high standing or influential to their sovereign).

Uther sat with Lord Godwyn and the other kings at the head table, which left Arthur and the Camelot knights sat at one of the half empty tables.

Soon after, King Niryal stood up from the head table and declared in a powerful voice:

"Let the feast BEGIN!"

Sorry its quite a short chapter but I needed it to build up to the next one. Chapter 12 should be loaded wednesday/ thursday. Thanks for reading and please review if you can x