Chapter 11 [Tyreborough]

Mithian set a bone dry bucket on the ground. Satisfaction coaxed a smile across her face. While everyone worked to raise the battered village back from the ashes, she readily pitched in. She'd helped Gwen make nails. She'd braced wooden supports as others tied them off. Then she'd brought water to the villagers who needed it.

The people deserved her service not her snobiness….such are the role of monarchs…..

They should know Father and I care! She allowed herself a moment to relax and enjoy the moment. Yes Tension stiffened her arms, back and joints. Sweat dampened her brow. Dirt streaked her tunic. Still she wouldn't have had it any other way.

All part of Toil's honest day one might say….

She rubbed her forehead. She leaned up against a tree. Anxiety spun through her mind. It had been a dozen heartbeats since she'd felt Merlin strike something. Pain's outburst stilled the connection. Panic shook her up. If she'd had her way, she'd jump on a horse and gallop across the leagues between herself and her Warlock. She'd sweep in and rescue the Camelot refugees from whatever Morgana had just unleashed on them. She bit her lip. Merlin? Merlin, what's going on? Merlin, are you all right?

It will be all right, Mithian. I am very close to him, Kilgarrah advised.

She stiffened. Much as Merlin had at her own telepathic call, she hadn't adjusted to the Great Dragon's voice. Kilgarrah?

Indeed, Lady. Merlin has found quite a mess. I will do what I can.

I appreciate it. We're still helping these poor people here. She surveyed the village. Her eyes took in the newly-rebuilt huts and buildings. She noticed Ywain and Galahad working with villagers to mark off a field for plowing. Gwen and Britomart set thatch on a roof top. Blancheflor administered first aid to a boy not ten yards to her right.

As much as she wanted to treasure the moment, she couldn't. Granted Pride should have swelled on her friends' accomplishments. Still Concern deflated that particular balloon. Please protect him.

The Great Dragon seems to care about Merlin as much as we all do, Princess, Malodius interjected. He strode over to her side. I understand your frustration. I would do more as well.

If only the distance weren't so great. If only these people's need wasn't so great, she reminded him. She wondered how many other villages had suffered from the Southrons' charred earth tactics.

They will survive. You have done what you can. In the meantime, we…. Malodius snarled. He felt a sorcerous static burning through the air. The Witch here? He turned toward the White Dragon silently watching by the woods' edge. Aithusa?

Yes? Aithusa snapped to attention. You felt it as well? What is it?

Potential danger, I fear. Kilgarrah, we seem to have a threat here as well. Malodius stalked toward another part of the clearing. His tail twitched. The hair on his back rose. I feel you, Morgana Pendragon. Come out! You cannot hide from me. His eyes moved back and forth across the clearing. His mind buzzed with the psychic biofeedback.

Even if his eyes couldn't make out the new presence, his mind felt it.

Mithian drew her dagger. She cursed herself for leaving her crossbow across the square. Still she'd be ready to face Adversity. She heard Malodius ' challenge. She could feel the magical energy as clearly as he did. "Where?"

Stay behind me, Milady. Malodius stalked ever closer toward the woods. Watch the woods, Aithusa.

I am watching. I…. Aithusa glanced down to see something emerging from the fog. There! To your right!

I see. Thank you. Malodius moved deeper into the mists. He roared once again.

I mean you no harm, a feminine voice reassured them all. Barely a heartbeat later, a slender cloaked figure emerged from the trees. A brown hood concealed her features. She leaned heavily on a staff. Her steps seemed slow and halting. "As you bade me, I have shown myself." She pulled her hood down to reveal her face. Her dark hair cascaded down her back. "Greetings."

"You are not Morgana," Mithian realized.

"Most assuredly not, Princess Mithian." The newcomer curtseyed. "I have come on the bidding of my high priestess. I am Ninane, a humble priestess of Avalon and to my goddess."

Mithian arched an eyebrow. Suspicion shone in her gaze. She studied the other woman carefully. While nothing seemed threatening about her, the Princess knew better than to just blindly trust anyone. She glanced toward Malodius. What do you think?

"I hide nothing, Good Lady." Ninane extended her hand palm up toward Malodius. "You can sense my intent, Great Lion. Can you not? What do you discern?"

Malodius took great care. He sniffed the palm. He glanced into Ninane's eyes. He could see no trace of Deceit's pitch in her. He turned to Mithian. She speaks the truth. At least it is as much as she believes she does.

And it is my duty to assist Emrys and his allies. Is it not? I have been instructed by my order to return Morgana Pendragon to the hidden realm to stand trial. I intend to do so. Ninane looked about the area. Her eyes went wide. "Speaking of Emrys, time is short. He is in danger."

Mithian shook her head. She still felt mothing through her connection to Merlin. What could it be? Kilgarrah?

I am almost to his side, Mithian. I will let nothing happen to him. That is my vow, Kilgarrah asserted.

Mithian exhaled sharply. "What danger? Sister Ninane, I must know. What is going on?"

Ninane shook her head. "I do not know. Soldiers comb the woods looking for Emrys, Arthur and their companions. A demon swoops down on them from above. Unless help arrives soon, they will not survive." She pointed to the air between them. Her eyes glowed.

In that spot, the mists congealed. They formed a pillar and then a doorway.

"What is that?" Mithian asked.

"It is a doorway to Emrys' location. Step through and be at his side," Ninane noted. She motioned to the portal. "As I said, time is short."

Can we trust her? Aithusa pondered. She wanted no part of the elder dragon or the Dragon Lord for that matter.

I have seen such things. I can feel your good intent, Priestess. Malodius charged into the portal disappearing into the cloying mists.

"Of all the rash!" Mithian complained. She turned to Aithusa. "Go after him! Make sure he's all right please!"

Of course! Aithusa looked to Ninane. Then she edged through the gateway as well.

Ninane nodded. "They will assist your allies. Still your time here is over. While noble your intent is, you are needed more with him."

Mithian sheathed her dagger. "Merlin would want me to help these people before himself."

"The high priestess so informed me, Princess. Please gather your companions. My only desire is to speed you all toward a meeting with Camelot's remaining hope. I can assure you of that. Time is indeed short," Ninane reiterated.

Distrust and Question knotted in Mithian's gut. She didn't know whether Ninane spoke the truth or was Morgana's pawn. And who is this High Priestess? What will she want? Could she want Merlin too? She bit her lip. She forced Jealousy's presence to the back recesses of her mind. She turned and ran toward the camp.

If Merlin and the others were in danger, you'd bet that she and the others wouldn't stand for that…..