Chapter 14 [Whitgate—Mid-Afternoon on the Next Day]

Rodor rubbed his chin. His mind weighed the case's facets. He listened to the two nobles' disputed border between their estates. With Lord Brumenwald and Peter's research, he set the boundary and summoned the respective manors' officials to settle details. His eye kept drifting to his left.

Mithian's throne sat empty.

I hope that Merlin and she are enjoying their progress. They will carry on our diplomatic priorities. I just hope they can enjoy themselves. He exhaled. The kingdom needed an heir. Still he valued his daughter's undivided attention and advice.

Experience vs. Necessity. Which one should win out?

There will always be crises. We need our future. I pray Merlin can get over his feelings of inferiority. He will need to be strong as well. Rodor took a draught from his goblet.

At that moment, Galahad strode briskly into the chamber. He bowed before the throne. "Sire? The Prince and Princess have returned."

"So soon?" Rodor puzzled over this turn of events. "Please show them in, Sir Galahad." What happened? Such a tour—even an abbreviated one—takes a moon or more. Something went wrong.

The touring entourage entered the chamber. Mithian and Merlin offered Rodor the royal nod. The others bowed to the throne.

"Father, I apologize for not sending word ahead. We had a difficult encounter at Ralston," Mithian explained.

"Difficult encounter?" Rodor looked over the group. "The villagers didn't attack you. Did they?"

"Nay." Merlin felt glad that he had thought to leave Britomart in the physician's chamber to rest. "The prejudice toward magic forced a man and his family into the woods. They were living in horrible conditions, Sire." He motioned toward their guests. "This is Master Randolph and his wife, Roslyn. Perhaps we might find them some work and a place to rest?"

"Aye. I know of several places in the royal household. Master Randolph, perhaps we might speak on such things?" Rodor presumed.

Randolph quaked. He bit his lip. "Sire, I do not wish to trouble you. I was a blacksmith and a tanner. I can learn."

Rodor nodded. "Galahad, please show our friends to their quarters. Fetch them some food and water. When they are fed, we shall determine Master Randolph and Mistress Roslyn's roles."

"At once." Galahad bowed along with the two guests. He led them from the chamber.

"Their situation could occur in other parts of the kingdom, Sire," Merlin noted.

"Indeed it could. You did the right thing in returning as soon as you did." Rodor cleared his throat. "How much of Gedref did you observe?"

"We rode along the border. Queen Morgana and King Accolon visited with us at our mutual border. Strangely I expected Camelot to maintain a presence across the Severn. Fortunately they did not do so," Mithian pointed out.

"Fortunate for us all," Rodor agreed. "I know we wanted to build our taverns and strengthen our hold across the kingdom. Still perhaps we should focus on each area. I would like to strengthen our position in Gedref. Then we can look toward Cawdor and Queen Annis' realm."

"A sensible idea, Father," Mithian indicated.

"Not everything comes in a single day or trip. We will reassure our allies and accomplish our goals. Still Gedref is our priority. After that area is strengthened, we can look elsewhere," Rodor insisted. "Meantime I believe Princess Josiane wanted to speak with you."

"She returned?" Mithian glanced to Merlin. Then she faced Rodor again. "I assumed she'd be with Count Boeve longer."

"She reported a good visit. It seems however we all have concerns. She said something about going to the garden. We shall speak again at dinner. Welcome back to the palace. I look forward to hearing more about the progress," Rodor explained.

"We'll tell you everything, Father. In the meantime we should be heading for the garden." Mithian nodded to him one more time.

"Thank you, Sire," Merlin concluded. He wondered what other things could happen. He knew the Sorceress watched them from under Shadow's cloak. Instability threatened them from within and without. Josiane could tell them of Hampton and what was going on there. He nodded. Then he walked with Mithian from the chamber.

Things were getting more complicated…..