"I'll do that!" Cenred snapped causing Cyranus to back away from Hunith. Instead he concentrated on holding Stripy's head as Cenred took Hunith gently around the waist and lifted her up into the saddle. Stripy snorted and stamped one foot, but Cyranus knew his place holding the horses' bridle was pointless. Stripy wouldn't move, he understood every person who sat on his back. With Hunith up there he was as gentle as a lamb. The horse had appeared to understand his role regarding different people. Plus he was so old now that Merlin could no longer use him on patrols and in battles. But he had no intention of getting rid of the old horse. Passing him on to others to use seemed a good option.
He had offered the old warhorse to Evelyn to learn to ride on, but she refused something so tame. Her own little pony had strength and speed, Merlin having carefully selected it for her. But much to Evelyn's chagrin the little thing never really strayed when she rode out. If the other horses ran, her pony kept up, but she knew this would be a sedate ride. Already mounted she fidgeted impatiently while Cenred settled her mother on Stripy and then swung himself up into the saddle.
As the king urged his horse on the rest of them fell into step. Hunith and Evelyn rode with him. The guards settled in around them forming something of a cordon as they went out of the courtyard and out into the open.
"What do you think Richmond wants?" Cenred asked Hunith. She turned to look at him in mild surprise. If he asked her anything he often kept it confined to her chambers, not that any of the men around them would pay attention, or care. Hunith kept their lives in order, feeding and clothing them and assisting their families where needed. None of them commented on her to anyone but that didn't mean they didn't have an opinion. Cyranus, close to her, also didn't react. The only person to display any open interest was Evelyn.
"I could not say My Lord."
"We get many invites to attend the noble houses, this is an unusual one," Cenred mused.
Hunith looked around at the scenery as the horses gathered speed. She could manage on Stripy who kept his pace smooth as they moved to a gentle canter.
"I do not see how, we often get invites, more so now that Evelyn is growing."
"Richmond has no sons, only daughters. He might wish to tighten his relations, but he can only do that one way."
Hunith huffed and concentrated on holding Stripy's reins. He could try offering one of his daughters in marriage to Merlin. However, Merlin was not easily turned by such things. The first noble that tried received flack but others followed his example.
With her status as it was Hunith had no say in what Cenred might engineer, but she knew it would be stupid to try and force Merlin into anything. Merlin had surpassed Cenred's wishes in strengthening his kingdom but Cenred had learnt that he was a victim of his own success. He couldn't order Merlin to do anything that Merlin didn't want. Now and again he had no choice but to fall into line with what his adopted son decided. Such as the situation now, when he had gone to help Arthur. Securing relations with Camelot was no bad thing but how it was done had been taken out of Cenred's hands. To argue now would reflect badly on him.
Over the years Hunith had started to feel sorry for the man she had shared her life with, and now found that her role was reversed. She had stopped trying to prevent Cenred imposing things on Merlin and instead now stopped Merlin from forcing his father into things. She noticed she left the castle more, she went on social outings such as this more often. Cenred seemed to be feeling his fading power and clearly hoped to hang onto something by taking her away from Merlin. Merlin loved her unconditionally, he loved Cenred in the same way, and Evelyn. All three of them were his family and Merlin genuinely felt affection for all of them. He understood that others did not have that security and support, Hunith had seen to that. Merlin empathized with many people, the only problem was with Cenred that Merlin sometimes only saw the damage once he had inflicted it.
Cenred was not old, he would be secure on the throne for years, more than likely decades; because Merlin would never casually depose him. He would ensure Cenred reigned until he died and Merlin would morn him, Hunith knew she would feel his loss keenly, if she lost Cenred first. Looking at him now she didn't doubt he would feel her loss far more. Again she felt that shiver of power, the one she had first felt trapped in the castle in those first few tentative months when she realised Cenred had no idea about relationships. She was the first woman he had been forced to court; to keep her on side, to keep Merlin.
"Richmond is not stupid," Hunith said. "He knows he cannot try such a thing. Most of them know you are keeping Morgana in mind for that."
"Merlin is not so receptive."
"He has taken care of her, and do not be put off by his decision to pass her on to the Druids. They taught him well, and he trusts that. She is naturally powerful, Merlin wants her to use it. He is not ignoring her."
"She is vulnerable there."
Their horses started to slow as the terrain became uneven, the path slick with mud. Cenred moved closer to Hunith to make sure Stripy didn't slip. The old horse didn't, he was far too sure-footed for such a thing.
"I think the Druids in this kingdom are not vulnerable. Yes, they are peaceful, but they are not passive. They will protect her and Merlin left Lancelot with her. I was thinking, perhaps, when we return we could make a detour to the forest to see her. I'm sure Morgana would appreciate such a thing."
"Perhaps," Cenred said curtly. Hunith glanced at him, but said nothing more. His mind appeared to be firmly fixed on what Richmond might want. Even Hunith had to admit the invitation had come as something of a surprise, considering what happened during the banquet.
Hunith said nothing more, turning her head to glance at Evelyn, who had drifted behind them to chatter to April. What she didn't doubt about his trip was that Richmond, whatever he wanted, would not be glad to see Hunith in tow. At first the nobles had been quite dismissive of her, and even Merlin. He was to have been a tool, nothing more than an asset. Hunith certainly wished she could have thanked Uther Pendragon for what he had done, in boasting about Arthur.
It had taken a few years for the nobles of the kingdom to realise that not only was Merlin gaining ground, but so was she. Cenred listened to her. He did, she thought, trust her advice at least on some matters and in others, she had her ways to make Cenred listen to her.
The sky slowly started to tint red as they rode towards Richmond's home. It would not turn dark just yet, but the sky hinted that it was not far away. Cenred had picked up the pace of the convoy so they could be there before it got too dark. Normally such a thing would not concern him, but with Hunith and Evelyn accompanying him, he had no desire to leave anything to chance.
Having said that, the kingdom was almost blessedly free of bandits and thieves. Merlin listened to any reports that came in and could deal with anything. One thing about him, he could easily manage any threat, especially with Percival in tow. Between the pair of them they seemed to have cleared the entire countryside of threats.
Still even Hunith was glad when they reached their destination. As nice an animal as Stripy was, she did much prefer to have her feet on the ground. On entering the small courtyard of Richmond's home she paused and looked around, waiting for Cenred to dismount and help her. Because of that she caught a flicker of movement at one small window, which swiftly disappeared and then as Lord Richmond rushed through the main door to greet them she saw an odd flicker of emotions run over his face. For a moment he looked almost dismayed at seeing her, at having to entertain her, and then he seemed to pull himself together, summoning up a congenial smile.
Cenred distracted Hunith for a moment as he paused close to her, reaching up to take her firmly around the waist. She put her hands on his shoulders and allowed him to lift her off the back of the horse, moving her gently as he lowered her to the ground. Hunith looked up at him and smiled, Cenred frowned at her quizzically but didn't get a chance to question her as Richmond greeted them.
"Sire, thank you for accepting my invitation. Princess Evelyn."
Cyranus had helped the princess down from her horse and she had moved closer to her parents. Because of that Richmond could not really ignore her. He glanced at Hunith briefly but had looked away as he said.
"My Lady."
He almost choked on the word, and then focused back on Cenred, bowing.
"We have made arrangements to accommodate you in the east wing. There are refreshments available, and hot water. Supper is being prepared, it should be ready before full dark."
"We've had a long journey," Cenred snarled. "We will rest and be ready for supper."
"Of course My Lord," Richmond said leading them into the castle. Evelyn stayed on her mother's heels and April walked behind them. In the courtyard the soldiers and servants that Cenred had brought scurried about and the two serving boys carried in the luggage.
"This way My Lord," Richmond said. Cenred nodded and followed him, but he glanced at Hunith, frowning a little. She had never been here before, but with that one glance he conveyed confusion and a hint that something in the household was not right.
As they were taken to their rooms Richmond stumbled again.
"I will have another room organised. I anticipated that it would be you and the Prince, I did not expect the ladies. Our maids will open up some more chambers to accommodate the Princess and her mother."
"The princess will be easily settled in the chambers you prepared for Merlin. Lady Hunith can easily be accommodated in mine."
Richmond looked thoroughly shocked at the casual suggestion. Cenred felt Hunith shudder and rushed her into the room, staying long enough to dismiss Richmond and leave April to organise their party and supervise Evelyn, which she could do with utter competence. Cenred went into his chamber to find Hunith sat on the end of the bed her shoulders shaking with laughter. He went to the table near the fireplace and located the fruit and wine that had been left out for them. Pouring them both a drink he walked over to hand Hunith's hers. She had recovered from her fit of the giggles and looked up at him with a thoughtful expression.
"That was interesting. He did hint at me bringing Merlin."
"He looked terrified to see me, but almost pleased at the same time," Hunith mused. "Something is going on here."
"Do you think we should be wary?"
Hunith shook her head. "As rude as he is, he wouldn't do anything stupid. He knows he had a good stronghold in this portion of the kingdom, there is much farmland in his area and it's productive. To annoy you, or Merlin, would mean a retaliation and you could take it from him."
"I may do so anyway," Cenred said. "If he has dragged me out here on a triviality."
"It's not something trivial, at least not to him," Hunith mused. Cenred frowned, expecting her to expand on her comment but instead she stood up briskly. "He is certainly right that we have had a long journey. I'll call Kieran to help you wash and dress. April can deal with me and Evelyn in her rooms until they sort the others. I'm sure Richmond will be accommodating of us."
Cenred raised his eyebrows. "I'm sure he will."
XxxxxxxxxxxxxX
It was not until the end of the meal that they had learnt the reason for Richmond's invitation.
Hunith sat in the bedchamber that Cenred had been accommodated in. He didn't seem to want to allow her to move to the other room, so she sat at the dressing table in his room, carefully unfastening the coronet and pins in her hair. Cenred paced up and down the room, pausing to turn and also watch her as sections of her hair slowly tumbled down onto her shoulders.
"What do you think?"
"I think he's frightened," Hunith said. "Yet, I fail to see why." She turned to look over her shoulder to meet Cenred's gaze directly. "He's not in Camelot. Yes, from what he said, Eira's display was dramatic but hardly anything out of the ordinary."
As she turned back to the mirror to continue to remove the pins from her hair he caught sight of the scar on her neck. It had long ago faded to a light silvery line making it of almost no consequence, but Cenred knew where it had come from. From Merlin; from a young Merlin in the throes of a nightmare. He understood why Richmond feared his youngest child, but Hunith had never feared Merlin, never blamed him, he had been sleeping at the time, frightened by his dreams like any child was. Only with Merlin, that had sometimes been a dangerous thing.
"That's why he wanted Merlin here," Cenred mused.
"I need to speak to her," Hunith said.
"You had your chance to."
Hunith shifted on the stool to look at him without straining her neck. "What I have to ask is not something that I can say in front of you, or Richmond. The Druids may be very open on matters such as this but they also understand who should speak and when."
With that Hunith stood up shaking her head to release her hair so it tumbled down in ringlets around her face. She watched Cenred's intense concentration as he watched her. Before he could be completely distracted, and distracting, by the sight she reached to wrap herself up in the fur shawl that April had brought for her.
"I'll do it now, we can probably sort the situation and make use of us visiting the Druids on our way back."
Cenred raised his eyebrows, watching as Hunith decisively headed for the door. She flitted out of it and walked lightly down the corridor.
"Keiran," she called in a low tone. The young man lingered around, but could do nothing while Hunith also occupied the king's chamber, Cenred would never allow it. "See to the king while I am gone."
Hunith walked out of the wing into the main area of the house and she looked around calmly, halting one of the serving girls that happened to be wandering past.
"Take me to the mistress of the house."
"They'll be in the bed chambers," the girl said looking stunned that Hunith appeared to have approached her.
"Well then, take me there," Hunith ordered. She watched the girl frown in confusion. "Now."
Her tone seemed to motivate the girl and she did as she was told, leading Hunith through an archway and into a short corridor. The girl paused by a door but looked reluctant to enter. Hunith gave a curt nod.
"Thank you."
As the serving girl scurried away Hunith gave two curt knocks on the door and then opened it. She walked in on Lady Richmond and Eira as the young girl undressed for the night. Both of them turned to regard her with shock, the maids in attendance froze, Hunith walked in feeling no fear. These people were rude to her, but they could do nothing else. She was Cenred's mistress, she was Merlin's mother, they hated her simply because of the power she had obtained, a peasant woman who happened to have a boy with magic. Merlin was much more than that, and so was she.
"I am sorry, but this area is out of bounds to guests."
"However," Hunith said, addressing Lady Richmond. "What I need to ask must be discussed in private. Eira, did the surge of magic coincide with your first bleed?"
Eira looked stunned. Hunith looked back to Lady Richmond to say.
"The question is pertinent to the issue."
"No, not directly. She bled first... the signs came on her third time."
Hunith nodded. "They are linked but it doesn't always happen directly, at least not in any obvious form. Have you just moved objects, or have you suffered dreams?"
"Just the objects, and I tipped the cart."
"It takes at least four men to pull it. Eira tipped it onto it's side."
Hunith shrugged at Lady Richmond's words.
"Panic can make the surge of magic stronger, it is something that can be controlled. Ensure you have a bag packed for the morning and your horse ready, you'll travel with us."
Lady Richmond moved closer to Eira, putting her hands on her daughter's shoulders and pulling her close.
"She'll be taken to the prince."
"No, the prince has other concerns, however I can speak for my son. As it happens we intended to stop by the druid camp on our return. Iseldir, my son's former tutor can help you in this matter. And then, when he is satisfied you understand your gift you can either return home, or you will be accepted at court."
Hunith threw the latter part in. They wanted rid of their child. Throwing the court invitation was a small sop to make Richmond feel better. Hunith would not dismiss the girl as easily as her family intended to although she did wonder if they hoped to achieve anything by using Eira's magic. Richmond could have thought to use it to gain ground at court, he had to know he had lost favour after the behaviour of his men and Freya's death. She looked at Lady Richmond's face, it registered both shock and relief, but she still held onto her daughter's shoulders.
"Will that help? The Druids," Eira asked nervously, wincing as her mother's hands tightened on her shoulders.
"My son trusts them, as does Cenred." That was probably not entirely true, but Cenred understood enough to know they could be useful. Lady Richmond's eyes widened at the easy, familiar use of their King's name. It always inwardly amused Hunith that people looked surprised at her casual use of it. Lady Richmond used her final last shard of defence.
"And the king allows you to make that decision for him."
Hunith shrugged. "Yes, I am Merlin's mother, and I am well aware of what is best for my son. I made the same decision regarding Lady Morgana, she is currently with the Druids."
Looking at the expression on the other woman's face, Hunith wondered which fact had surprised her more. In the end she added a warning.
"Naturally, such things are kept private. Lady Morgana's location is something the king does not wish to be discussed."
And if it got out, Hunith would know exactly where it came from. That would also put Eira in danger and as much as Lord Richmond wanted his daughter out of the way Hunith doubted that he would want anything to happen to her. There wasn't much else Hunith could do now except leave them to think about what she had said. She gave a curt nod.
"I'll bid you good night."
XxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Kieran exited as Hunith returned. Cenred had stripped down to his underwear, and had been staring out of the window while Kieran tided up and set out Cenred's clothes for the morning. Hunith took over where the boy had left off, Cenred didn't turn round but Hunith thought that more than likely he was looking at her reflection in the glass.
"Well?!" he eventually turned to demand. Hunith stopped tidying and slid the fur off her shoulders. Cenred immediately looked less irritated. Hunith moved over to the bed, Kieran had already turned down the covers.
"I've told Eira to be ready to leave in the morning. Her mother was with her when I did so."
"And do you think they will do that?"
"I do not see why not," Hunith said. "It was their entire reason for bringing you here."
"It seems like nothing more than a waste of time," Cenred growled. "So the girl has a few powers, she's hardly up to Morgana's level."
Hunith raised her eyebrows. "If you want me to be perfectly honest."
She paused long enough for Cenred to voice an objection to such a thing. He didn't, instead he waited patiently for her to continue, so she did.
"I think Morgana will eventually only have one equal, and that will be Merlin."
Cenred raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"Knowing what I have heard the Druids say about Merlin I find that hard to believe."
"Some of that is open to interpretation," Hunith mused.
"That would explain why Morgause is so interested in her sister."
Hunith frowned at him. "That still concerns you."
"Yes," Cenred spoke flatly. Hunith slowly lowered herself down to sit on the edge of the bed staring at him in shock.
"You've never been this worried before."
"No I haven't. And you are right, despite what people think of me, and my boorishness, I am not stupid."
"Should we just take Eira to the court and send word to Merlin."
Cenred mulled that one over. "No, you've already spoken to them."
"And you have every right to overrule me."
Cenred clenched his jaw and shook his head. "They won't believe it, this is an area they will think that I will turn to you. Bringing you speaks volumes anyway. Lancelot is with Morgana and Iseldir is there. I need to speak to him."
"You think this is something of a threat?"
"Not directly. I don't think Morgause would hurt Morgana, but she wants her. I just don't like the fact that Merlin is off being friends with Arthur while this is going on. That leaves it down to you and me."
"Both of us know how to deal with this," Hunith said. "We can speak to both Lancelot, and Iseldir, and even Morgana."
Cenred paused, his jaw clenched and unclenched. "You are right," he said with some effort. "There is no reason to assume that something underhand is happening."
Hunith settled back into the bed and wasn't surprised when Cenred swiftly moved to join her.
"But planning for such a thing might not be a bad idea?"
"Exactly," Cenred said before he kissed her. Every night he was with her Hunith knew his mood. This was showed worry, but also contemplation.
With that in mind, Hunith intended to be vigilant.
