Chapter 14 [Two Turns of the Hourglass Later—Council Chamber]
Despite Mithian's presumption to the contrary, Rodor didn't wait for the following morning. Outrage burned in his craw. Disbelief left him scratching his head over Leon's and Elyan's actions. He believed that Morgana had at least earned the benefit of the doubt with her recent actions. In any event, he'd not allow a guest of his court especially a fellow monarch to be assaulted in such a manner. He wanted to believe differently in people. Still he recalled Josiane's treatment not to mention Merlin's and his daughter's at the hands of Camelot.
Celebration be damned…He'd deal with all of that now.
After a hasty summons, others had joined him in that chamber. The royal council sat in their places around the grand table. Merlin and Mithian flanked him in their seats. Morgana, Accolon, King Bors and Prince Bors talked amongst themselves in the far corner.
Lancelot shook his head. "I can't believe they'd simply attack Queen Morgana. I know before she was a threat. They know she's changed."
"Uther filled everyone's head with that load of bollocks, Lance." Gawain took a sip from a water goblet. Frankly he wanted some beer (or another suitable alcoholic beverage). Still he decided to forego the lecture from the usual red-haired source and wait until the feast. "Ol' Arthur isn't much better in his attitudes."
"Don't get me started on that, Uncle," Josiane stewed. A deep frown carved its furrows around her mouth. She tapped her fingers on the polished wood surface. "Can they be trusted to act kindly toward others?"
"They can, Josiane," Merlin chimed in. "The Knights' Code mandates that. They still recall Morgana as she was."
"Things change, Prince Merlin," Elaine pointed out. "Why should anyone have to suffer as my mother did? It's unreal."
"She has a point, my Prince," Mithian concurred. She anticipated a response from the priestesses, the triple goddess or both shortly. "We are to live together in peace."
"Indeed." Rodor cleared his throat. "King Bors? Queen Morgana? It is time."
Morgana nodded. She really had hoped not to put up with such nonsense in Whitgate. Still, when it came to Camelot's knight—be they of the current assemblage or formerly so, she wasn't surprised by Leon's or Elyan's respective actions. "Aye, King Rodor. I appreciate you dealing with the situation. Certainly a visiting monarch or delegation shouldn't have to face such attitudes much less an attack."
"Nay you or anyone else should not." Rodor rubbed his chin. He had certain penalties in mind. "Magic should not be banned simply as a matter of personal prejudice. Prince Merlin, Lady Elaine and the priestesses have illustrated that fact clearly enough. So have you through your recent friendship and support since your redemption experience. Any monarch deserves the utmost respect. I would accord Meleagant that courtesy if he stood in this place. Despite his policies and outlook, he is a King. You are a friend, Queen Morgana. Therefore I value your presence. King Bors, what say you?"
King Bors looked his host in the eye. "King Rodor, I can only apologize for Count Leon. I will deal with him accordingly.
"I would hope so." Accolon shook his head. "Such attitudes hold us all back. Magic, as we've seen, can be used for good or ill much as any other weapon. It is time for everyone to see that."
"Uther had a burr in his saddle because of Igraine's death. He did not want to face his own mistake in that regard. In his rage, he exacted a terrible toll across the Five Kingdoms." Morgana narrowed her eyes. "Many paid the price."
"Nemeth still aches from the last time, Queen Morgana." Rodor turned his glance toward Elaine. "I witnessed one daughter's pain from the loss of her mother. I would not repeat such tragedy here."
Elaine shuddered. She bowed her head. "Th…thank you, Sire. I appreciate that." She clenched Lancelot's hand in hers.
Lancelot returned the gesture equally. "You have the support now. I would not see you harmed like that."
"I know. Thank you." Elaine smiled at her knight's words. "Begging your pardon, Sire. Please continue on."
"No pardon necessary, Lady Elaine. We have all paid enough for the prevailing attitudes. I realize that Counts Leon and Elyan have done us great service in the past. For my part, I would wish them both to apologize before our Court for their actions. They will consider the consequences of their actions," Rodor pronounced.
"I want more than an apology," Morgana disagreed. "Doun would relish such actions. He won't lift a finger against Elyan. I want Leon punished for his actions. Especially given the fact that he is still alive because of the Cup of Life, he should be more grateful. You do recall that, Merlin?"
Merlin nodded. "Aye. The Druids saved him."
"Father, might I speak?" Prince Bors requested.
"I would hear you if King Rodor also agrees," King Bors replied.
"Go on, Prince Bors. I would hear your counsel," Rodor concurred.
Prince Bors gulped heavily from his own goblet. Reluctance weighed on his mind. He did not want to turn on a friend and vassal. Still he understood full well the situation. "Count Leon is a valued knight and comrade at arms. Certainly he has done good for the people in many regards. Still he has grown up with the hate and attitudes prevalent in Camelot. As such, he is inclined to act out against sorcerers. Before his departure, Father made it clear that he was to restrain such impulses. He violated the peace here and Father's instructions through his actions. We would punish a sorcerer for attacking someone in cold blood. Certainly we should deal with someone accordingly?"
"I would not have a war, my Son. I do not agree with Count Leon's actions. I will think of suitable punishment," King Bors declared.
"We do not want a war either," Accolon interjected. "Still the outrage against Tintagel, Nemeth and your royal prerogative must be addressed. I will not be satisfied with mere words and breath, King Rodor. I want a precedent set." He pulled his gauntlet off and waved it in the air. "I am prepared to challenge him."
"Nay, Accolon," Morgana disagreed. "I don't want you dead at Leon's hand. You have greater value to me than that." She leaned back in her seat. A smirk spread across her face. "Perhaps there is a way we can make this work out to everyone's advantage?" Satisfaction gleamed in her eye.
Merlin shuddered. From their shared time in Camelot and facing her as an adversary, he knew what that meant. He imagined grotesque displays involving ritual humiliation, drawing, quartering and long lingering deaths.
An example must be made, Merlin. Uther's precedent stops now. Morgana cleared her throat. She took a long drawn out draught from her goblet.
"I am prepared to listen," King Bors conceded.
"I do not want a display either. Uther would have them beheaded or worse for what they did. I could demand you exile Leon at the very least. Perhaps though we could offer him a choice?" Morgana let that hang in the air for a moment. "They could apologize as King Rodor suggests. I would add an oath to abandon such hatred and serve however necessary. Then he would serve Tintagel as our knight."
Accolon arched an eyebrow. "Is that a wise idea? I do not want a sword potentially at our backs."
"Morgana, with due respect, we wouldn't want a potential situation at your court," Mithian interjected.
Rodor shook his head. "I would not either. Still does not Count Leon have a wife in your lands, King Bors? Perhaps she could accompany him to Tintagel?"
"Oui. Elise de Blois. Still her father would object to her being in effect a hostage," King Bors pointed out.
"Count Leon brought this on himself. Perhaps he should not have attacked us?" Accolon reminded his former liege. "I would suggest if Duke Roland requires explanation, we can deliver it? If this is not suitable for him, he'd compensate Tintagel accordingly? I promise if he accepts this, Count Leon would have arrangements suitable to his rank. Despite being in our watch, Elise would be treated with kindness and consideration befitting her noble status. Count Leon could even earn privileges depending upon his behavior and service to our cause. Think what King Rodor allowed Prince Merlin to do. He granted opportunity. Prince Merlin earned his way to his rank and title. Perhaps if Count Leon is willing to do the same, there would be a similar outcome?"
Prince Bors nodded. "He has a point, Sire."
"Indeed. I would prefer that Duke Roland not mortgage his estate over some difficulty. I would also prefer not to sanction a duel or allow Count Leon's execution. Our nobles will be uneasy at best. I know you would give him the choice. I will instruct him to take your offer, King Accolon and Queen Morgana. Perhaps a lesson might be learned about this matter. Perhaps a new precedent will be set."
"And without blood having to be shed or messy ransoms. Who knows? Perhaps Count Leon can make something of himself at Tintagel?" Morgana supposed. Does that make you feel better, Merlin?
Merlin somehow kept a straight face. He had anticipated a public trial and execution for Leon. He still worried about Elyan. And what about Elyan?
Morgana sighed. "And as for Count Elyan, he's already in disfavor with the Emperor Doun for being here, I believe. Perhaps he might be inclined to take such an offer as well? It would allow him to bring his household here if it hasn't been confiscated already."
"I'll talk to them. Maybe Lance and Percy…King Percival…can go with me? Gwen would help," Gawain volunteered.
Rodor looked to Mithian who nodded. Then he accepted, "Aye. If it helps to keep peace then we should do so. Perhaps Lady Elaine, Princess Josiane and Prince Merlin might also accompany you?"
"Me, Sire?" Elaine wondered.
"Queen Morgana demonstrates mercy and forward thinking. She offers a positive road ahead. Perhaps you might remind them both what Hate and Prejudice do?" Rodor clarified.
"It would be a valuable lesson. It is a reminder to myself, King Rodor," Josiane accepted. "Besides it'll keep watch on Sir Gawain."
"Don't start, Josie," Gawain complained.
Josiane coughed and shrugged. "Did I suggest something, Uncle? I just said to keep watch."
"If it helps them I'll definitely go," Lancelot agreed. "I will be with Lady Elaine to support her."
"Anything to help our cause, Sire," Merlin chimed in.
"Very well then. If we obtain an apology from both men, I will consider the matter closed where Nemeth is concerned. After that, it will be upon you, King Bors, King Accolon and Queen Morgana to work matters out. As seen by our counselors, we are happy to assist that mission as well. Go and settle the matter. I will wait for their apology," Rodor assessed. "That will be all."
Merlin got up slowly from his chair. He definitely wasn't looking forward to the upcoming discussion. Still he knew it could've been a lot worse. In fact he was impressed by Morgana's restraint to say the least. That was well done, Morgana. Nicely done.
Why thank you, Merlin! You see? I am trying to move forward. Maybe you should have more faith? Morgana sassed.
He is working with you, Morgana. So are we. You have my thanks, Mithian chimed in on her Prince's behalf.
You're welcome, Mithian. Accolon and I await word from both of them. Arthur's cadre can't just rummage the goddess' rules any more. If they work with us, maybe we can show them a better way? It's what I wanted all along. Morgana smiled. Then she offered Rodor the royal nod. Finally she accompanied Accolon from the chamber.
Diplomacy, it seemed, wasn't in short supply after all….