Chapter 23 [Nemeth Camp—A Quarter Turn of the Hourglass Later]
Lord Brumenwald yawned over the documents. Wonder and Worry played tricks in his mind. He did not care for Mithian being in the Valley of the Fallen Kings especially at night. Granted he knew of Josiane's, Kilgarrah's and Malodius' respective capabilities. Still he didn't know what Merlin could do. He thought of Master Wyngate, Rodor and Taene back in Whitgate. Does he truly have Sir Balinor's gift? How will he act toward Princess Mithian? Without Master Gaius' guidance, will Merlin know how to treat the Queen? On the other hand, if he can do so, we will not need to go to Camelot after all.
No clear choices to favor in all of that….
He gulped from a wine goblet. Uncertainty did not sit well especially given the situation's gravity. He heard noises coming from outside of the tent. Now what? He stood. Once more, he wondered about Princess Mithian. It was her decision to go off with them. It'll be my head if anything happens to her. He sighed.
Galahad rushed into the tent. "Lord Brumenwald! Princess Mithian and the others have returned from Whitgate! The King is here!"
King Rodor here? The prime minister narrowed his eyes. "They could not have traveled to that valley and back to Whitgate much less returned here."
Galahad bowed. "They are here. Princess Josiane, Malodius, Merlin, the dragon, a servant girl, a Celtic priestess and Britomart accompany our King and Princess. Please follow me." He led the official from the tent and toward the campfire.
Rodor discussed strategy and issues where Camelot was concerned. He pointed to a location on an old parchment drawing. Then he'd motion to Ywain, Hector or another knight. His finger would select another location and a corresponding knight. He saw Blumenwald coming toward them. "Ah! Good Evening, my Prime Minister! Please join us!"
"Sire! Princess Mithian!" Blumenwald bowed to them both. "I cannot believe you are here! What about Queen Taene?"
"She and Master Wyngate recover. Merlin broke the spell holding them in that state. Furthermore, he has proven himself worthy by both Camelot's and Nemeth's Capability Laws. He is truly Sir Balinor's son and a Dragon Lord in his own right. Now we have to have Guinevere and Merlin manumitted." Rodor motioned Merlin and Gwen over to them. "We shall present their cases."
"The girl? With due respect to her and you, Sire, what does she have to do with our efforts? I am glad that we do not have to negotiate for the Queen's sake. Certainly King Uther and Lord Geoffrey can recognize her?" Brumenwald looked Gwen over. He did not readily believe her capable of such standing.
"We have heard her. Father has agreed to talk with King Uther on her behalf and Prince Arthur's." Mithian arched an eyebrow. "We will even offer a suitable lady for the Prince's hand." Her eyes twinkled. She smirked.
"Suitable?" Brumenwald grimaced. "Sire! Uther will never accept Guinevere for the Prince! He would have her arrested for treason for dealing with us like this! And Merlin as well!"
"Nay. If he does, he will have a war. Besides he cannot ignore his own laws forever." Rodor frowned. "He will understand that he is not the only one that can take advantage of a crisis for a kingdom's gains. He should be grateful that I think of Camelot's and Nemeth's respective futures. I would have the Gedref resolved if possible." He turned to Gwen. "You will ride in with our men. Princess Mithian and Britomart will help you to get ready."
"Thank you, King Rodor." Gwen curtseyed.
"As for you, Merlin." Rodor sighed. "You will have to return to Master Gaius' chambers. We cannot let them think you have been outside of there much less in Whitgate tonight. We will be in Camelot today."
I will know if anything happens to you, Merlin, Malodius assured him.
Mithian walked up to him. "Merlin, I know you do rash things. Do not do anything foolish now." Her eyes met his. Purpose lifted her eyebrows.
Merlin stiffened. He gulped. "I guess that is an order?"
"Aye. It is." Mithian leaned close to his ear and whispered, "My Prince."
Merlin relaxed. On the one hand, he could not believe how fast his feelings had taken hold. On the other hand, it felt right. He kissed her forehead. "I hope we can settle everything. If your father will accept us."
"I believe that will not be a problem." Glee sparkled in her eyes. "You have a way of earning respect for yourself and others, Merlin." She squeezed his hands.
Freya opened a portal. "Step through, Merlin. You will find yourself in the chambers. Make sure you rest before your big day."
"If I can." Merlin bowed to Rodor. "Thank you, King Rodor."
"Thank you, Merlin. We can talk if you like when this is over. I believe that you already know the Queen's and my answer in that regard." Rodor motioned toward the portal. "I believe Priestess Freya waits for you."
"She does. Thank you." Merlin vanished into the mists.
"Now we should rest. I wish to be underway at First Light." Rodor motioned for the others to do guard duty or to rest.
The next day would be long enough….