CHAPTER TWELVE THE MESSAGE
Sir Leon dismissed the guards, and took his turn on the look out tower. It had been a job considering his new duties he could easily off given up. But Sir Leon was a man of habit, and some things where just too hard, to stop. Besides which he always felt more secure, it was a job he'd spent a life time doing. So much had changed at Camelot in the last two years, that he welcomed still having the opportunity to do something so familiar. It also allowed him time to reminisce, about the old days, the days of Arthur. He still missed Arthur more than he thought possible. He could never quite tell Gwen, understanding that her new role as Camelot's leader, was enough of a challenge, without loading her with his emotional baggage. But sometimes when they talked together, a look passed between them, and in that moment he liked to think she understood.
He was full of admiration for the way she had taken to her new role. He'd known her for years ever since her family had become members of his mother's household. Back then young Gwen was an inquisitive child, always trying to find things out. She had quite amused him in the early days, she took any job she was given very seriously always wanting to do it as well as she could, even at seven! Sometimes he would tease her, he always noticed it would make her blush, which would then embarrass her, and she'd either run away or if she felt more in control, she would attempt to laugh it off. Either way, Sir Leon would get endless fun and mischief from her reaction.
Leon shuddered as he stood on the tower, suddenly the cold was biting into his bones. Maybe he should light a fire, he thought. As he made to find some wood, he suddenly noticed a shadow pass him. He jumped into action, turning round his sword out of its scabbard.
"Who goes there?" He shouted out into the night air.
"It's alright, I do not mean you any harm." The voice answered.
Leon carefully approached the stranger. The man was in a long cloak, that touched the floor. He took the hood down, meeting Leon face to face. He smiled in greeting, holding his hands up in peace.
"I'm sorry, I should of shouted a warning. I am a friend, I am a Druid, my name is Cerdreu. I am the leader of a group of Druids that live in the Darkling Woods, I have a message for the Queen, that I really need to deliver her, as soon as possible." He explained in his soft voice.
"It's the middle of the night." Leon said, "Couldn't it wait till morning?"
"I fear this cannot wait until morning."
Leon shouted to a couple of guards, to take his place on the look out tower.
"I will take you to her immediately. Follow me."
Within a few moments Cerdreu was delivering his message to Gwen,who also had Gaius standing by her. They both listened intently to what the Druid had to say.
"I thank you My Lady for allowing me this meeting, as such short notice, and I apologise that I have given you no warning.
Gwen smiled, "I am always happy to hear from the Druids, whenever they feel the need to speak to me. Please proceed."
"A couple of nights ago two Druids arrived that I had not seen before. They claimed they had come from Delgmore."
Gaius cut in, "That's Lot's Kingdom."
Cerdreu nodded. "Yes indeed. They were both young and quite idealistic, they spoke about some Druids, building up a group that would one day, challenge authority in the land."
Gaius and Gwen turned to each other in surprise.
"But why would they do that?" Gwen asked. "The Druids know they need not fear me. That they are free to live their lives in freedom, free of persecution." She stressed.
"Most Druids, are indeed aware of your good intentions, my Lady. But alas there are still some who wish only for confrontation, who speak of Druids, still not being respected, still being abused. These people do not speak for most of the Druids I know, but it would be foolish to ignore, these people. I fear they will not go away, and I fear they are looking for any type of weakness, in Camelot's defences, to attack."
Gwen looked at Cerdreu, before turning to Gaius.
"When you say they are looking for weakness in Camelot's defences, are you saying that an attack is immient?" Gaius asked.
"Sadly I could not get that type of information, from them. They knew pretty quickly, they would not gain any support from my group. I get the impression, that they are well backed, they have money and also weapons they can use. You really must be on your guard."
"I see. Well thank you Cerdreu, for coming here and telling me this. I insist you stay here for the night."
Cerdreu nodded respectfully.
Gwen asked the nearest guard. "Please take Cerdreu to the east room."
The guard nodded and pointed for Cerdreu to follow him. Gwen, Gaius and Leon watched them go.
Gwen regarded Gaius and Leon. "What do you think?"
"He took great risk, to come here, this time of night." Leon said
"Gaius," Gwen said, noticing a concerned look on Gaius's face.
"When I was on my visits to the old town, I had heard rumours about a group of Druids moving into the Darkling Woods. Let's say the person who informed me, what not what I would call normally reliable, and hearing nothing from anywhere else, I pretty much dismissed it, as idle gossip."
"Do you think they could be the people Cerdreu was talking about? Leon asked.
"Well it is a pretty big coincidence, if not." Gaius shrugged.
"Either way we cannot afford to take chances with Camelot' security. Please tighten up our defences Sir Leon, double the guard at all times. We need to be observant, in the mean time, maybe you could re-visit this man Gaius, and see if anyone else has heard anything more about this group?
"Of course my Lady. I will see to it, first thing tomorrow." Gaius bowed.
Leon noticing Gwen's concern.
"I assure you my Lady, they will not get through Camelot's defences, I will personally see to that."
Gwen smiled, "I know Leon, thank you. In the meantime we must keep going, and reassure our people, that Camelot will not come under threat. I will not tolerate threat from anyone."
"Of course My Lady," Sir Leon bowed and left the room.
It was at moments like these that Gwen most missed not having Arthur and Merlin around. But as she took a deep breathe she knew it was no good showing any weakness now, just when Camelot needed her to lead from the front. From this moment on she had to behave as a Queen, and with this thought, she turned over and fell asleep for the night.