Chapter 24 [Camelot—First Light]
Reds, yellows and oranges burned at Nocturne's darkness in the east. A few early birds warbled the day's first notes. The breezeblew soft yet sharp notes across the ice and snow encrusted city. Wagons rumbled through the main gate toward the market area. Forges fired up. People stepped out ready for the day's events.
Solstice and its magic drew ever closer…For those in the citadel, Hope drew together even the most unlikely of allies….
[Morgana's Chamber]
Morgana lingered at the window. Her eyes swept over the entire square. She watched the populace march through Routine's regiment. The sight resembled those of preceding days or even years before. Still, while the people kept their motions, she had changed herself.
From dutiful ward…to warrior lady-friend…to vengeful spy-Priestess…and now engaged to be Tintagel's Priestess-Queen….
Just a half day's turn had turned that arrangement. Nimue and the goddess' offer. Morgause's anger at her apparent betrayal. Accolon's sudden reappearance and his proposition. Gorlois' throne opening to her once more at least in concert with Accolon.
Rather than playing the ward or schemer, Responsibility beckoned her to stewardship and protector of her people. Her mind focused on her kind's continued suffering under Uther and his cronies throughout Britannia.
There would be an end to the Purge…Her people would sing and dance one day. They could practice freely without knights, witchfinders or their ilk looming over their heads. Or as she'd heard, a boy could be able to create smoke dragons in the woods….
She walked back across the chamber. She eyed the document sitting on her night table. The ink still laying drying under the powder. The parchment bore her quill's scratches. Her eyes perused it once more. She nodded to herself. Much like with everything else, she couldn't have conceived of this message. It was only a paragraph…three sentences…
…and yet it would strike Uther's diplomacy akin to Thunderbolt's fury…
…it would be the key to Arthur's dreams….
She stretched out her arms easing the kinks and stiffness therein. She knew her brother would head for breakfast soon. Before they ate with their father, she needed to talk with him first.
A deal of sorts was set to be proposed. For their mutual benefit. For Camelot and Tintagel.
She twisted her ring and seal on her finger. A candle sat ready to be lit. The parchment stood ready for the last step. She lingered for just a heartbeat. Then she shook it off.
She took the parchment and walked out into the passage.
[Arthur's Chamber]
Arthur watched the sky brighten. Bloodshot dried his eyes. Tears left salty streaks on his cheeks. He considered the Solstice streamers and decorations. He knew the next day's feast would be a sight to behold. And he'd play his part as Prince and First Knight.
If only his heart would be in it….
His eyes glazed over. Numbness had claimed every inch of skin. His heart and mind wailed over his father's impending coup. He hissed back a curse. He bowed his head.
Sol, as welcome as it usually was, now he'd push back…push back to find a way to stop impending doom….
…to save Gwen and Merlin from their enslavement….to secure her for himself…
He slammed the window sill. "She's worthy! Why can't Father see that!" He considered the sealed roll. "Merlin can leave at least. Father will not use him as such. I can help him find work. At least he will not trip over his fat feet or hit a chamber pot." He had to smile for a heartbeat.
Merlin would be missed…even if he would never admit as much to anyone…
I cannot believe he did that under my nose! I mean really? He knew about Balinor? He stopped the Dragon and let me take the credit? Is he a sorcerer too? He shook his head. "Nay. He would not trip over his fat feet if he were that." He made a rude noise.
A knock came from the door.
"Aye? Come in!" he called.
Morgana peered into the chamber. "Arthur? I am sorry to disturb you." Her eyes clearly saw Lament written all over his face.
"Nay. I had…some reports for Father." He cleared his throat and composed himself. "Come in please. Are you all right?"
"Aye and nay." She shrugged and closed the door. "Arthur, can you promise me something?"
"Of course! You look like you have the concerns of all Camelot on your shoulders this morning. What is it? It isn't this wedding, is it?" He made a face to embellish his own acting job.
"In part." She paced about the chamber. Her hand allowing the tell-tale parchment to show in her hand. "I want to offer something but I want something in return." She turned to him. Purpose stabbed from her eyes into his.
He narrowed his own eyes. "Morgana, this is not treason. Is it?"
"Uther would think so." She shook her head. A small cough escaped her lips. "Your word of support first."
He frowned. "This would not compromise Camelot's throne? I will not support you in a coup against Father."
"Nay. It is not for Camelot's throne. I can assure you of that. In fact, I wish to support you in return. But your word first, Arthur." Her voice raised three octaves or so.
"All right, Morgana." Arthur relented. "What are you planning? Does it have to do with this wedding?"
"Aye. You inspired me actually." She held up the parchment. "Before I seal it, I wanted you to see it."
"What?" He took the parchment and read it over. Shock dropped his jaw. "You're sacking Gwen?"
"What? NAY! I'm freeing her! She has the required tasks just as Merlin does." She rolled her eyes.
"I am not arguing that. Why do you think I feel the way I do? Father will not admit to that! He will not care as much about Merlin. Gwen is not suitable for royal children or something!" He winced akin to eating a sour apple.
"She is a servant. I give him this. She's a free woman. We tell him about her tasks. He has to elevate her status. That is the law." She slapped the table.
"Well if he did not see Merlin and Gwen together or Gwen and me together, we would not be talking about the wedding!" He shook his head.
"Arthur, I am giving you an opportunity. You can whimper like a whipped dog. You and I can present their cases to Uther." She set her jaw. "Do you want her or not?"
"OF COURSE I DO!" His red turned beet red. He handed her back the parchment. "If you wish to seal it, my candle's here." He pointed toward the burning candle in his table's corner. "Morgana, I am sorry. I realize what a sacrifice this is. Gwen is a wonderful servant for you. Thank you."
"Of course, Arthur!" Morgana dripped the wax by her signature. She pressed her seal into it. "There." She set it on the table to let it dry. "Now, Arthur. My favor."
"As we agreed, Morgana." He knew this favor would be monumental considering that she freed Gwen for it.
She looked around. For some reason, Shyness threatened to close her throat. "Arthur, do you remember Prince Accolon of Tintagel?"
"Aye. Accolon is a great warrior. He always did well in the melees and tournaments. He has been away at war for a long time. Why? Is he dead?" He scratched his head. Realization hit him. "This does not have to do with Gorlois' throne, does it?"
"Well…not yet. It does not involve a coup. Accolon and I met up agan recently. He is as handsome and capable as ever! He came back from the continent. Apparently his father wants him to marry a suitable woman. He thought of me first. You remember how I feel about him?" She grinned. Crimson streaked her cheeks.
"Aye. He asked you. Did he not?" Arthur smiled. "Of course I will support you with Father!"
"I accepted pending the usual permission from Uther." She could not believe she really was carrying on in that way for real and not as an act. Her heart actually was racing. Euphoria built up inside of herself. "He will be here today or tomorrow to negotiate."
"Father will be pleased. Again you have my support. Congratulations!" Arthur embraced her. "I just hope he will be as understanding about that." He pointed to the document.
"I hope so as well." She rolled the parchment up. She tied it with a red ribbon from her pocket. "Shall we?" She opened the door.
"Guess it is as good of a time as any." He sucked in a deep breath. He walked out after her.
The time drew near….