Chapter 25
Gwen was back in the council chambers, Leon and Percival sat on one side of the table and Gaius and Robyn on the other. The doors opened and a guard entered the room.
"The druid chief is here your majesty," he said bowing to Gwen.
"Let him enter," said Gwen.
The guard stood to one side and a man walked into the room wearing a grey cloak. He had the druid mark on his right hand, his face was lined and full of care. They stood as he walked slowly towards the table.
"I am Guinevere, Queen of Camelot and as long as you come in peace you have nothing to fear," she said.
"My name is Iseldir, I am the chief of the druids, I mean you no harm I only wish to speak with you," he said standing at the end of the table and bowing his head.
"Then you are welcome and you have my word that no harm will come to you, please sit," she said pointing to a seat next to Robyn. Robyn pulled the chair out for him.
"That will be all," she said to the guard at the door and they all sat as the guard left the room closing the door.
"It was you who saved me?" asked Leon looking closely at the druid, Iseldir nodded and smiled at him.
"Sir Percival tells me that you also saved Sir Gwaine, we are grateful and you will be rewarded for your kindness," she said.
"I seek no reward, only to speak with you" he replied.
"What is it you wish to tell me?" she asked.
"Percival told you of the vision, the darkness spreading through the lands?" he asked.
"He did, is there more?" she pressed gently.
"This war has been foretold in legend for many years. It is known amongst our people that our help would be needed now and in the days to come, if you would accept it?" He said solemnly.
Gwen looked at Gaius then back at Iseldir.
"We do need your help, Gaius is the court physician he will explain," said Gwen looking at Gaius.
"It is an honour to meet with you Gaius, your reputation as a physician is well known," said Iseldir, he also knew that Gaius was the guardian of Emrys but he does not say anything as he's not sure if the Queen and her council know the truth about Merlin.
"The honour is mine," said Gaius, "Your own healing powers are also well known."
Iseldir bowed his head in thanks, "Tell me the symptoms of those that are injured," he said.
"We have many wounded with these arrows that we believe to be poisoned. The poison is not fatal on its own but we believe it was created using sorcery. The wounds will not heal and unconsciousness and then death follows." He passed one of the arrows to Iseldir who took it and looked at it closely.
"Only sorcery can be used to fight sorcery, but you know this Gaius," said Iseldir firmly, passing the arrow back.
"I do," he said.
"I asked Gaius to save the injured using any means necessary. He had enough knowledge to make a potion that can heal the injured," Gwen said.
"Using magic?" asked Iseldir, though he does not seem surprised.
"Yes," Gaius said, "But I am an old man and cannot hope to heal them all on my own."
"Will you help him?" asked Gwen looking closely at Iseldir.
"We will do all we can to help, my lady," Iseldir said, "But I do not wish to put my people lives in danger. Will you give me your word that if we break your laws and use magic to heal the sick we will not be harmed?"
"You will not be breaking the law," said Leon.
"Magic is outlawed in Camelot, is it not?" Iseldir asked, now looking surprised.
"Not anymore," said Robyn. "The Queen has drawn up a new law that decrees magic used for the good of the people and of Camelot is to be allowed. Those that wish to help may do so with permission of the Queen or her council."
"Then with your permission we will be pleased to help," said Iseldir smiling and standing. "We still have matters to discuss but there are two of my kin waiting outside the door, may I be excused so I can speak with them. If Gaius will tell us of this potion they can start work immediately and send for the others I left outside the gates."
"Please let them join us here," Gwen said calling for the guards to open the door.