Chapter 20 [Rodor's Bedchamber]

Britomart fretted anxiously by the chamber's door. How she wished she'd gone after Gawain and Mithian. Still she had her duty to protect her sovereign. She also would provide a third opinion for Gaius and Freya if needed.

Sir Ywain stood in the corner observing everything. As with Britomart, he wished he could have protected Mithian and helped Gawain in the process.

By the King's bedside, his chancellor, Lord Brumenwald, held a blank parchment, a wax candle, the royal seal, a gall jar and a feather quill at the ready. Given Rodor's declining health, he had to be ready to record the transition for posterity's sake. "If you have need of me as well, I am ready."

"That is very kind, Lord Brumenwald. I hope it will not be today but best to be prepared. As for the others, they will be all right. It's not like anything else is going to go wrong," Gaius presumed tersely. He arched an eyebrow at her.

"Gaius, Britomart's right to be concerned," Freya disagreed. "One moment." She concentrated and chanted briefly.

Around the group, a glowing sorcerous bubble formed.

"There," the resident Priestess indicated while returning to Rodor's side. "Are you feeling better, Sire?"

"Still tired but yes," Rodor affirmed. He rasped from his throat's dryness. "Water please?"

"Of course, King Rodor." Gaius eased a cup of water to the King's lips. After letting his patient have a few healthy sips, he placed the cup back on the nightstand.

"Where are Mithian and Merlin? We…need to speak. What is this light for?" Rodor questioned further.

"I erected a magical barrier to protect us, Great King," Freya explained. "I feel another threat lurking and…."

At that moment, the field rippled but stayed intact.

"What was that?" Lord Brumenwald inquired fearfully.

"I knew we should be out there!" Ywain groused.

"Gawain! Milady!" Britomart tried to push up against the energy field. For her efforts, she was repelled about fifteen feet across the room skidding to a halt by the far wall. "What the bloody Hell is this?"

"Morgana." Freya's eyes narrowed. How could I have been so foolish? Of course Morgana can still attack us from the spirit world! And I let Sir Gawain and Princess Mithian go off by themselves!

"Morgana?" Gaius' eyebrow arched an entire half of a foot. "My word! Let's hope she didn't ambush Merlin. Gawain and the Princess could be in trouble."

"That…witch? Back in my castle again?" Rodor whispered.

Before Freya could explain, the goddess advised her telepathically, The threat has been dealt with, my Priestess. You may lower your barrier. All is well.

Thank you, Milady. Freya whispered another chant allowing the protective shield to dissipate. "The threat has passed."

"And you know this how?" Gaius wondered.

Before the Priestess could answer, Mithian pushed the door open. She entered the chamber gingerly while assisting Merlin over the threshold.

Gaius froze stock still nearly dropping the remedy bottle in his right hand. His heart threatened to stop at the sight of Merlin's broken appearance. Immediately Fear and Despair seized hold of him. "Merlin, what happened? Where have you been?"

"Give us time, Master Gaius, please," Mithian requested protectively. While she understood that the physician had served as Merlin's guardian in Camelot, she also knew that her Warlock needed a moment.

"Milady, are you all right?" Britomart demanded. Her eyes went wide at Merlin's condition. "Master Gaius!"

"I'm fine. So is Sir Gawain. We were fortunate," Mithian assessed.

"Not…not so much. Couldn't find a cure. Just couldn't," Merlin stammered with uncertainty. His head bowed. His eyes riveted to the floor. "Thank you, Mithian."

"My pleasure, Merlin." The Princess brushed her lips across his forehead. "Let's get you to a chair. All right? Then there's someone who wants to see you."

"Someone to…see me? I know your father wants to talk with me again. I…." Merlin sighed in despair. He frowned and bent over. "Can I? Need a basin. I…." He put his hand over his mouth.

"Here!" Freya grabbed a basin from the corner of the room. She rushed it over to him. "Just in case." She turned to Gaius. "Do you have any ginger root or Valerian?"

"Indeed I have both." Gaius agreed. He reached into his bag. In one hand, he grabbed a piece of the light brown root. In another, he held a bottle with a Valerian tincture. "We should be careful with this, Freya. The Valerian, while it is calming, could worsen the nausea." He turned to Rodor. "Pardon me, Your Highness. I need to tend to Merlin. I will be back presently."

"I agree. Thank you for your assistance," Rodor whispered.

"Thank you, King Rodor," Gaius expressed with a bow. Then he hustled over to his former apprentice. A wide spectrum of emotions swamped his brain. Whatever happened to him to make him like this? Good grief! He sucked in a composing breath. Not now. What questions and explanations can wait. He's a wreck. He smiled and nodded to Mithian. Then he kneeled in front of Merlin. "Hello, Merlin."

Merlin crinkled his brow. Much as Sol burned into the autumnal fog early in the day, Gaius' calming tone cut through his desperation. His red eyes and tear stained face rose with herculean effort to meet his mentor's. "G…Gaius? You came?"

"I'd go to the ends of the Earth and time itself for you, my Boy. You know that." Gaius seized onto the younger man. "It's going to be all right. Whatever's happened can and will be fixed. You're safe. That's what matters."

"But, Gaius. I…Arthur's dead. Mithian's hurt. Prince Kay's gone. I couldn't save Freya. I pushed Mordred away. We turned Morgana evil. I…." Merlin stammered on.

Gaius sighed. He understood how these issues weren't new. On the other hand, they'd been building up over the previous decade. He frowned knowing that some of his own counsel had led them to that point for both good and ill. "Merlin, do you remember what I told you when Uther died?" He handed him the ginger root. "Take this. It will help your stomach."

Merlin nodded and did so. Within a minute or so, the ginger started easing the nausea and burning there.

"You said…that…that it wasn't my fault. I tried to cure him, Gaius. Maybe if we had used conventional medicine, he would have lived," he insisted.

Gaius shrugged. "Perhaps. Remember though, Agravaine put Morgana's necklace around Uther's neck. You had no idea that she had the spell in place over him that she did. As far as everyone at Camlann was concerned, Morgana used a creature to strip you of your abilities. While I wish you'd been with us at the battle from the beginning, you needed to regain your magic, Merlin. That took time. You showed up when you could. Morgana was the one who provoked that battle not you, Merlin. She is the one with the blood on her hands. While we could have trusted Mordred further, he chose to betray Arthur. He made that choice. You didn't make it for him. And I don't understand how you failed our King. I don't know what exactly happened but…."

Freya interjected, "Merlin, as always, did his duty." She cleared her throat before pressing ahead with her account. "He arranged for them to get to the Lake of Avalon. Morgana held him up at the end preventing any chance of speaking with the Sidhe or the Lady herself. Arthur made peace with Merlin before he passed. Then Merlin honored your King with a bonfire funeral. I found him a few miles from there. I brought him here per my goddess' wishes."

"Your goddess? The triple goddess? Freya, with due respect, we could care for him in Camelot. It would've been all right," Gaius disagreed.

"And yet everything works out as it should, Master Gaius," Freya countered as gently as she could manage. "His main support has united here in Whitgate. Sir Gawain and you have journeyed here from Camelot. He has a fiancée who cares for him. He has a place in a royal household not just as a servant but as a Crown Prince. You were brought here to care for King Rodor. Fortunately, with the treason afoot here, that is a wonderful thing. My sisters and I support Merlin as well."

"At least Mith's ready to more than hold her own," Gawain chimed in. He'd sat and observed. Uncharacteristically he'd remained quiet allowing the others to drill through Merlin's mourning demeanor. "Excuse me, Princess Mithian." He bowed before the duo to maintain royal prerogative.

"Honestly! What happened? Even with protective measures in here, something big happened! What did you all do?" Britomart demanded.

Gawain ground his teeth not being sure of how much to say. He really hated to lie to Britomart. He glanced over at Mithian who shook her head ever so slightly. Crap! Now I have to keep secrets too? And from her? Bloody Hell! Somehow he kept a straight face even though he hated doing so. "Morgana blew up that chamber. Merlin's lucky to be alive. I used an axe to break the door down. Then we got in there. She used some spell to put me to sleep. After that, I woke up to find Morgana gone, the Princess checking on Merlin to make sure he was okay and this glowing lady."

"Glowing lady?" Britomart queried.

"The triple goddess banished Morgana. Morgana would have killed Sir Gawain and me in there. Fortunately it didn't happen," Mithian clarified. "And, Merlin, what Odin and Morgana did to us here is hardly your fault. She used us to get at Camelot. If anything you risked your life repeatedly on our behalf. You saved Arthur's life at that point. You were nothing short of heroic for me, my Prince. Remember that." She embraced him. "I know your heart. It may be hurting but it is good," she whispered in his ear.

"Priestess Freya, Britomart, help me," Rodor implored. He struggled to prop himself up on the pillows. Despite Gaius' and the former's respective treatments, he weakened. "Merlin, step…step forward. I wish it could be in a more opportune time and place. However…however we don't know how much longer I have."

"Sire, please!" Britomart implored. "Surely between Avalon and our healing knowledge combined, we can determine the cause and cure of your condition! Don't give up!"

Rodor smiled. "Thank you for your loyalty and devotion, Britomart. If Master Wyngate had treated me with the full tincture, it would have been different." He heaved. "Lord Brumenwald, are you ready?"

"I am, Sire. The transition will be recorded. In addition, Merlin's achievements have been duly noted. His manumission will be recorded in our archives," the Chancellor assured his liege.

"Then, Merlin?" Rodor asked between coughs.

"Yes, King Rodor?" Merlin relented bowing before the King's bedside.

"Do you remember the condition on which you vowed yourself to this court?" Rodor queried expectantly.

"I do, my Lord. Princess Mithian told me that Queen Guinevere freed me. Since I failed to bring Arthur back, I can't see why she'd…." Merlin doubted.

"Merlin, will you stop that load of crap already!" Gawain blurted out. "Look. You've done more than stinking enough! Okay? Gwen asked Percy, Leon and me three days ago about you and your accomplishments. We all went on for a half hour apiece. You did all you could there. You're human. Granted you could loosen up and spend some drinking time but…."

Britomart cleared her throat and raised an eyebrow.

"Okay! Fine! Whatever!" Gawain complained with a roll of his eyes. "But look!" He picked up the scroll and brought it over to Merlin. "See, Your Princeness? This is it! That's why the King's talking to you. That's why the Princess wants to be with you. They know the real deal when they see it! And it's about time someone does!" He motioned with his eyes toward Rodor and then to Mithian. "Just swear in already."

Merlin grimaced. Despite the knight's irreverence, he knew Gawain cared. He understood the other man's sense of duty. Besides the desire to drink himself into oblivion (which Merlin knew was a factor as well), he had to turn a page. His heart desired Mithian having felt empty since she and Rodor had departed Camelot following Odin's aborted usurpation. "You're right, Gawain," he conceded before stepping toward his new liege. "Pardon me, King Rodor. I do remember the condition. Now that Queen Guinevere has freed me, I hereby affirm my commitment to Nemeth, to you, the people of this land and Princess Mithian." He kneeled before the bed. "I thank you for your patience, Sire."

Rodor coughed. His arms burned. He couldn't feel his legs. Still, for the sake of his royal house, he had to get through this part. "And I thank you." He slowly raised his arm. "Help me please, my Daughter."

"Of course," Mithian agreed while placing the sword in his hand. "Take your time, Father."

Rodor nodded and gazed down on the warlock. "Merlin of Ealdor, do you swear to protect the innocent? Do you swear to serve others before yourself? Do you swear loyalty to your king and the court? Will you stand tall in the face of adversity even if it means your death?"

Merlin without hesitation looked into his eyes and nodded. "I so swear, Your Highness."

Rodor slowly raised the sword with Mithian's help. He gently touched Merlin's right shoulder and then his left with the sword. "Then rise a knight, a healer and a noble of Nemeth, Sir Merlin." He slowly offered his hand.

"Thank you, Great King," Merlin expressed earnestly. While he still felt this was more than he deserved, Duty kept him on track. "Shall we rest before the next step?"

"No." Rodor coughed. "I…won't give the traitors…time to undo…this. Gaius, can I please?"

"Of course, King Rodor," Gaius conceded. Despite the fact that he wanted to space out the elixir's dosages and prolong its effectiveness, he also understood Rodor's priorities in this case. He gently poured the elixir down the ruler's throat. Then he replaced the bottle and its remaining contents in his cloak's pocket. "Give it a minute."

Rodor coughed. Then he spasmed as his limbs regained a measure of strength. He flexed his fingers again with effort. "Thank you, Master Gaius. Sir Merlin, can you bow once again?"

"Of course, my Liege." Merlin kneeled once more. "Whatever duty you have need of. I am ready."

Rodor beamed warmly. "I appreciate your love for her and this royal house, Sir Merlin. Do not be troubled by such displays. You realize what the burden is you are about to take on?"

"I do, Sire," Merlin asserted.

"Do you swear to serve Nemeth before your own needs? Will you serve your King and people with justice and fairness?" Rodor queried.

"I will, Sire."

"Do you swear to uphold the laws of Nemeth before all others? Even if it means your death, will you protect our land?" Rodor proposed.

"I will continue to do so, Sire. I can do no less," Merlin promised earnestly.

"I thank you for your troth and pledge, Sir Merlin." Rodor walked with dignity and measured steps toward the smaller throne to his right. There he picked up a round golden crown with a few rubies and garnets encrusted around its circumference. "As you have sworn, so I remind you to keep to your oaths. While we lead, we also serve our subjects. They are entrusted to our care." He turned to Mithian. "I have need of the Prince's crown."

"Of course," the Princess rushed across the chamber. Opening the royal wardrobe's mahogany doors, she retrieved Kay's former crown and brought it to her father. "Here it is."

"Thank you." Rodor pulled himself slowly over to the side of his bed. "Brace me please so I don't fall?"

"I got you," Gawain agreed.

"And so do I," Freya concurred.

Rodor nodded in appreciation. He extended the crown over the bedside in his shaking hands. For a heartbeat, the ornament lay suspended in air. Then he pressed on, "As I know you shall serve…." He lowered the crown onto the Warlock's waiting head allowing it to rest gently on the dark strands underneath. "Prince Merlin. Please rise a true member of my house."

Merlin remained kneeling for a few heartbeats. His mind remained overwhelmed by the new duties and responsibilities being laid on him. He struggled to breathe. Slowly he stood in his new capacity. "I'll do my best to justify your faith in me, Sire."

Rodor coughed. "That's all I can ask, my Boy. Mithian and you are my heirs now. While I would have preferred a more august…assembly, we will make due." He gasped before finding his breath again. "Lord Brumenwald, you…have this written down?"

"I have recorded Prince Merlin's accession. If you, Princess Mithian and Sir Ywain can witness it, I can place your seal," Brumenwald concurred. He dusted the parchment with talc. Then he placed the parchment on the table beside the bed. "Sign please, Sire."

Mithian's eyes sparkled as she dipped the quill in the gall. Then she handed it to her father. "Here you are, Sire."

"With this, Merlin, I secure your place," Rodor affirmed. He weakly scribbled his signature. "Mithian, it is for you."

"Thank you, Sire." Mithian's eyes beamed warmly upon the newly-installed Prince. "Remember I sign this not just because I love you, Merlin. I sign because you are worthy." She dipped the quill and scratched her signature as well. "You will be my King just I will be your Queen." She dipped the quill again. "Sir Ywain? If you're ready?"

"Aye, Milady." The knight strode toward Rodor's bedside. "I believe in Prince Merlin's character and ability to lead. I believe in his service. I hereby verify the process on behalf of my fellow knights, courtiers and nobles of Nemeth."

"Then sign if you would?" Mithian handed him the quill.

"As I shall gladly." Ywain signed right below her name. Then he put the quill back in the jar. "Hail to you, Prince Merlin!" He kneeled before the Warlock. "May you have many years of success, health and prosperity. May we all be so blessed."

"I am. I'll do my best to bring that to all of you." Merlin squeezed the Princess' hand.

Lord Brumenwald melted some wax. Then he dipped the royal seal in it and affixed it to the document. "There. It is done, Sire! With due respect, I shall endeavor to have an extra copy made."

"If you don't mind, my good scribe, I can do just that," Freya noted. She took both Gwen's scroll and Merlin's coronation charter in hand. "Leth-bhreac!" Her eyes glowed.

On the table, an identical scroll and charter appeared.

"Are you kidding?" Gawain whistled. "Wow!"

Brumenwald examined all of the documents. "Impressive. They are identical."

"They are." Freya took the copied documents. "I have left you with the originals. I will bring these to Avalon for safe keeping. May you all be safe and well in these times." She bowed to the royal trio. "My congratulations, Prince Merlin. I will return to perform your hand fasting." She disappeared in a white flash of light.

Merlin sucked in a deep breath. Now that the process was finished, he realized that he was in for a much bigger burden. "A prince? I'm really a Prince."

"Indeed you are," Mithian assured him with a smile. "With some spit and polish, you'll be fine." She rubbed his arm.

"Just as you worked with your magic and at healing, now you have another apprenticeship in front of you. You must master political nuances. Not easy, I assure you," Gaius declared. "Still, if anyone can do it, Merlin, it's you."

"And your first lesson, Prince Merlin, comes now," Rodor insisted. "Sir Ywain, instruct the seneschal to have my council convened. The guards should bring Master Wyngate to the chambers in irons. I will wish to proceed against this rebellion."

"Sire, I shall do so." Ywain bowed to the King and his heirs. "Perhaps you might wish to assist, Sir Gawain? With your leave, my Liege?"

"Of course. Sir Gawain and Britomart shall accompany you, Sir Ywain. Thank you all. You may go," Rodor dismissed. He slowly moved his legs over toward the side of the bed.

"Father, what?" Mithian worried.

"I will…get to that meeting room," Rodor vowed.

"Then do so sitting down, Sire." Merlin's eyes glowed. "Dh'èireas!"

Rodor rose into the air. He slowly floated across the room before settling like a feather in the cushioned chair. "This is splendid! Thank you!"

"My duty and honor." He repeated the command allowing the chair and ruler to float this time. "Can I?" He held his hand out to Mithian.

"You most definitely may, my Prince." She squeezed it before they headed into the wall. Behind them, they led Rodor's floating transport along with the King in question.

A most unique one our new Prince is! Brumenwald collected the seal and supplies. He locked the doors behind himself and scurried off behind the trio in question.

And with that, another Rubicon was crossed…..