Chapter 31 [A Few Grains of the Hourglass Earlier—Edge of the Forest and Whitgate]
Freya stepped out of the mists onto the dirt road. Despite being only a league from Whitgate, she remained very much on edge. Her eyes studied the trees about herself. Her ears listened for sounds. Her senses swept for other potential dangers…magical or otherwise. When she was satisfied, she called, "You may come through!"
"Thank you." Galahad edged his horse back onto the solid dirt path. Disorientation and Ill at Ease unnerved him within the cold and foggy tunnel. He had no idea of where he or the others were while they passed through the mists. He did not care for that where the King and Princess Mithian were concerned.
"I recognize these trees. Thank you."
"You are most welcome, Sir Galahad." Freya nodded with a bit of Sauciness' barb for him.
One by one, the other travelers emerged back onto the forest trail. Sir Ywain led Rodor and Mithian out. The other knights emerged one by one. Britomart and Gwen came in the latter's midst. Josiane came last on Whisper before the portal closed.
"Thank you, Priestess, for sparing us the long ride home. I feel much better being in my own land again." Rodor nodded to her.
"You are most welcome. I am delighted to be of service. I will see you at the citadel. The triple goddess wishes to speak to me." Freya disappeared from view once more.
"Very strange that is." One of the other knights muttered.
"Unusual perhaps but a most welcome assistance. We will be vigilant but we are not Camelot in their disdain for magic. Come. I wish to see the Queen and Merlin. Lady Guinevere is due her proper welcome in our household." Rodor turned to Gwen. "Until Uther's mood changes, this is your home."
"You are a Princess whether or not Uther crowns you. Prince Arthur and you have exchanged your vows. The documents are signed and sealed. That is all." Josiane advised Gwen.
"Well spoken, Princess Josiane. Well spoken indeed." Rodor spurred his horse toward the city walls.
"Follow us!" Mithian grinned. She followed on her father's pace. Despite her own issues with Gwen's situation, they did have good news to report for Merlin, Gawain and Lancelot. She glanced back at her own maid and then at Josiane. Mischief sparkled in her own eyes.
Perhaps she was getting married soon…but she would be giving out her share of presents too….
"I wish I could feel like that." Lament sagged on Gwen's shoulders. She could not believe that Uther remained recalcitrant in spite of her service, Arthur's love and the two rulers' support. Arthur, we will be together! I will wait no matter how long it takes!
The delegation rode through the Lower City and then up the cobblestoned path. They wound around several turns before entering the Upper City's square. The people stopped around them. They bowed before their King, Princess and his companions. Then they returned to decorating and their other tasks.
"Ah! It is good to be home!" Rodor took in his city's ambiance. He saw Lancelot and Gawain accompany Taene and Merlin onto the citadel's top step. Malodius and Owain lingered just inside the massive door. "This is a most welcome sight!" He dismounted and waited for Mithian to do the same. "My Queen!" He took her hand and kissed its back.
"My husband. It is good to see you well." Taene maintained Serenity's mask on her face. "Merlin and I were talking. Everything is well here." She smiled for her daughter's sake. "I believe we have our Prince."
Mithian struggled to keep her composure. She wanted to dance, sing out and exult. She wanted anything but to remember the struggle with Uther back in Camelot. She cleared her throat. "Aye. Thank you." She nodded to her mother. "It is a relief to see you walking around. Are you feeling better?"
"I am." Taene embraced Mithian. "And I am happy to see you and your father back from Camelot. I was worried. Did the business go as expected?"
Rodor shrugged. Disappointment sagged on his features. "We had mixed results in Camelot. I would rather discuss them inside. We do have a royal guest. You remember Guinevere?"
"Aye. One of the refugees from last night. Of course!" Taene saw Gwen struggle to keep her composure. "My Dear! I thought you were to have stated your case this morning?"
"She did. Prince Accolon, Princess Josiane and I supported her of course. I would rather speak further when we are inside." Rodor took her hand. "Gawain and Lancelot, King Uther lifted your banishments as you will now be knights. Congratulations. Merlin, do you have your manumission document?"
"I do, Sire." Merlin bowed. His eyes flashed canary. He made the scroll appear in his hand. "There you are."
"Thank you." Rodor hefted the document in his hand. Then he handed it to Brumenwald. "See that is carefully archived."
"I shall, Sire." Brumenwald took the scroll. He bowed to Merlin. "Everything else is in order."
"Indeed. I believe we shall be attending to certain duties later. After today's expedition, I have to add another new knight to our numbers." Rodor glanced toward Mithian. "Make sure Constance understands her household duties, Daughter."
"Aye, Father." Mithian nodded to him. "Perhaps Merlin can assist her in that regard? As a former exemplary servant himself, he knows quality for our household."
"I believe that would be a wonderful idea." Taene chimed in.
"Very well. Merlin, would that suit you? I can spare you for a day or two in that regard. I will want you available tomorrow and the next day for the Solstice celebration. Since our nobles will be here, you and Princess Mithian should prepare. Priestess Freya will conduct your handfasting tomorrow. Now follow me." Rodor led them all back into the citadel. "Lady Guinevere, you will join us tomorrow at the high table."
"Your Highness, I am not…" Gwen curtseyed.
"Despite what King Uther thinks, Princess Josiane is right. He signed and sealed your ennobling order, Lady Guinevere. He approved of the deeds and of your place. He had Lord Geoffrey ready. He stated that you were an excellent choice. Lord Geoffrey performed the ceremony. Prince Arthur and you left no doubt of your love and fidelity for one another, to Camelot and to your people. I have seen what I needed to. There are no grounds for annulment."
"King Uther did what?" Taene gaped. "Just when I think that man cannot sink any lower, he does this! He cannot even respect his own laws?" She rubbed her forehead. "Pardon me." She sucked in a deep breath. "I should keep my own temper on a short rein. While you are speaking of guests at the high table, Merlin had a request."
"Oh? And who might that be?" Rodor turned to Merlin. "Who would we have the pleasure of welcoming?"
"My mother, Sire. I feel it is my duty to bring her here. It is for you to say however." Merlin bowed to Taene and Rodor.
"Of course! You shall depart when you are ready, Merlin. I would have her here with us," Rodor agreed. "She should see your special days ahead. There will be a great deal of work and learning involved you understand. I look forward to seeing the Prince you can become."
Mithian squeezed Merlin's hand. "Have faith in yourself, my Prince. We shall smooth…those rough edges." She raised an eyebrow at him. "Shall we see to the preparations? We will pick out a room for Lady Hunith. Gwen, we have to move you to the royal apartments."
"Royal apartments?" Gwen shook her head.
"You are a Princess now. You will be treated accordingly." Mithian motioned for Gwen to follow.
"No argument, Gwen." Merlin grinned. "I guess this is my first royal order even if I am not crowned yet. Come on. We will get you taken care of…with the King and Queen's permission."
"You said it quite well, Merlin. Please see to our guest." Taene nodded to him. "We shall look forward to meeting Lady Hunith."
"Thank you, Merlin. That will be all. Daughter." Rodor nodded to them.
"Thank you, Father." Mithian nodded.
Merlin bowed. Then he followed his fiancée and Gwen from the chamber. Much as with Mithian, he would make sure their friends were taken care of….