Chapter 49

[A/N: Sorry this one's so short.]

Preparations stepped up around the castle. The echoes of blacksmiths' hammers and tongs against shaping metal intensified. Tanners worked on saddles and fighting wear for the knights. Sharpening stones scraped against blades and spearheads.

And in the courtyard, the warriors prepared to face their next challenge…..

[Courtyard/Sparring Area]

As the knights sparred in front of him, Will observed them. His eyes followed every almost choreographed step of the duels. He digested every pirouette as blade met blade. He almost admired how perfect the remaining knights' armor seemed….

….almost….

He clearly felt the weight of his father's chain mail. Loss burdened his soul. Doubt weighed heavily on him. Will I stand as well as Father did? Even if those bastards betrayed him, he still fought honorably! They have skill. Merlin has magic. What do I have? He considered the banged up sword he'd brought back with him from the Other Side. I have your armor and sword, Father. I wish I had more time and skill. If I had Merlin's abilities or those nobles' bloody resources, I'd make better use of it! He gazed toward the window in the lower wall to his right.

From it, he could hear the imprisoned aristocrats' cursing and grousing.

For once, you buggers are getting your just desserts! Will frowned. Anger twisted his mouth into a heavy frown. He gulped down several mouthfuls of water from his skin. Then his hand swiped angrily across his mouth.

"Care to join us, William? Perhaps you wish to discuss what ails you?"

The sudden queries jarred the young man from his introspection. He glanced up at Ywain and Lancelot. "Am I bothering you with my sitting here?"

The two knights frowned in surprise at his impertinence. Then Ywain rebutted, "Nay. Why would you ask such a thing of us?"

Will shrugged with forced indifference. "The only time a noble wants something is when it benefits them. I have little military training. I figured you needed a battle dummy or something to hold a shield."

"The goddess thought differently, William," Lancelot countered. "Besides nobility isn't something that comes from birth, it is something to be earned." He rubbed the younger man's shoulder. "Merlin taught me that. I wouldn't have any of this if he hadn't helped me to do so."

"Merlin? How did he arrange for that? He was Arthur of Camelot's servant!" Will doubted. He put his hand up stopping the counter argument. "I admit that he had some influence as we all learned at Ealdor years ago. But to influence a knight's rise?"

"Admittedly he forged my documentation the first time I tried to make myself a knight," Lancelot conceded. "Later I proved my valor and Arthur knighted me. Merlin insured we both survived to tell of it."

"Our new King has aided Nemeth's fortunes," Ywain added. "We have all benefitted from his actions in .that direction. So has Camelot."

Will rolled his eyes. Granted he was glad for his friend's fortunate upturn especially after Arthur's death. He did agree with Hunith's presence in Whitgate rather than rotting back in the old village. Still he wished Merlin had stayed and worked more in Ealdor rather than leave for Camelot. "But Ealdor sure didn't."

"Ealdor couldn't deal with him. We in Camelot could turn a blind eye to it. So did King Rodor and Queen Mithian," Lancelot postulated. "Besides Merlin kept his magic under wraps. When he used it, it was with subtlety and care."

"We can all learn from his humility," Ywain stated. "He has saved many lives this week alone, Young William. Perhaps you might consider that?"

"I understand. If only he had used his magic to help us." Will stood slowly. "Merlin has another opportunity. Let's hope he can deal with it." He bowed half-seriously to the two knights. Then he abruptly departed to deal with his own issues prior to the battle.

"Sad young man. He seems to have little experience with the real world's affairs," Ywain surmised. He turned to Lancelot. "Why did the goddess send him back with the rest of you?"

"Her reasons are her own, Sir Ywain. Perhaps William can be polished a bit more? We have need of good men," Lancelot supposed.

"That boy needs to prove himself first, I fear." Ywain sheathed his sword. "If you will excuse me, I must seek out Malodius. The departure grows near."

"I expected your companion to be here. Where is it?" Lancelot queried.

Ywain arched an eyebrow. "He ventured toward the nobles' guest quarters when last I heard. I shall try there first." He bowed his head in respect. "Until the battle, Good Lancelot. Thank you."

"Thank you for being Merlin's friend and mine, Sir Ywain." Lancelot clasped hands with the other knight. Then he headed into the citadel proper.

Why are we so divided still? Ywain shook his head before leaving the sparring spot and walking toward the staircase inside.