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Chapter 25 – Iseldir in Camelot
Gwen was back in the council chambers discussing grain supplies and storage. Leon and Percival sat on one side of the table and Gaius and Robyn on the other. There was a knock on the door, at Gwen's command the doors opened and a guard entered the room.
"The druid chief is here your majesty," he said bowing to Gwen.
"Let him enter," Gwen said.
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, you have my word that no harm will come to you. For the duration of your stay in Camelot you are under the protection of the crown, 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?" Leon asked looking 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.
"To be granted safe passage to speak with you is the only reward we seek," 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, have you seen more?" she asked.
"In that same vision we were advised to speak with the Queen of Camelot. We were told that our help would be needed now and that we may require your aid in the days to come. There was a sense of urgency in the message which is why I came as soon as I could." Gwen looked at Gaius then back at Iseldir.
"We do need your help. As for the rest of the message, if it is within our means and our laws, we will certainly lend aid where it's needed. Gaius is the court physician, he will explain," Gwen said looking at Gaius.
"It is an honour to meet with you Gaius, your reputation as a physician is well known," Iseldir said, he also knew that Gaius was the guardian of Emrys but he does not say anything, he's not sure if the Queen and her council know about Merlin.
"The honour is mine," Gaius said, "Your own healing powers are also well known."
"Tell me the symptoms of those that are injured," he said.
Gaius retrieved one of the arrows from the quiver near his chair before replying. "We have many wounded with these arrows that nave been dipped in a poison. The poison is not fatal on its own, but we believe it was created using sorcery. The wounds will not heal and unconsciousness, 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," Iseldir said passing the arrow back to Gaius.
"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 them," Gwen said.
"Using magic?" Iseldir asked, 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?" Gwen asked looking 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," Leon said.
"Magic is outlawed in Camelot, is it not?" Iseldir asked, now looking surprised.
"Not anymore," Robyn said. "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," Iseldir said 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.
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