Chapter 29 [Council Chamber—A Half of a Turn of the Hourglass Later]
Despite Assumption's earlier confidence, Uther's mood soured. He had envisioned influence over Tintagel's affairs especially given his longstanding relationship with King Cuthbert. He also counted on Cuthbert's mindset on critical issues including on magic. With Morgana connected back into Tintagel's line, Cuthbert would reunite the political split within the kingdom that had existed since Gorlois' death.
Accolon, it seemed, was a mixed bag at best. While it seemed that he agreed with his father on most things, he would only say the magic stance "would be taken under advisement". He would not accept Camelot's obvert influence. Furthermore, he refused to stand against Nemeth without speaking with Rodor first.
Uther fumed. He tapped his finger on the table. He raised an eyebrow at the blonde-haired Prince. "You are fortunate, Accolon. I respect you as a warrior. Bors of Gaul speaks highly of your victories against the Moors. I have faith that you will come to understand my point of view. I owe Cuthbert and Gorlois a united kingdom."
"I appreciate that, Sire." Accolon offered his best smile. "I can only wish that Father could be here to speak further. He is tied up unfortunately. He sends his best regards."
"Of course. If there is anything the Lady Morgana and you need, you have only to ask Camelot for aid, Accolon." Uther's mouth relaxed. The frown turned upside down. "Are the dowry terms acceptable?"
"With this grant, Tintagel can expand our lands to the south and east of the Severn. It is quite generous, King Uther. Thank you." Accolon nodded to his host.
"Then we should affirm this. I know the Lady Morgana will be happy to serve Tintagel once more." Uther scribbled his signature across both copies of the marital treaty. He added his wax seal to them as well.
"Our people are delighted. King Gorlois was a much beloved figure. We are quite fortunate indeed to have his daughter back as Princess." Accolon signed both documents and sealed them as well. "And if I may say, Sire, I am the most fortunate Prince to be able to marry such a worthy woman. Thank you."
Uther smiled. "The marriage will benefit us both for decades to come, Accolon. We will celebrate tonight of course. In the meantime, can you stay and speak with the Nemeth delegation with me? They and Camelot are not on as good terms as we are I fear."
"Whatever I can do to insure peace, Sire." Accolon nodded to Uther. He mulled over the failed marriage negotiation between Rodor and his father for a match between Mithian and himself two years earlier. Bors had hosted the negotiations. She and Accolon had hit it off very well. They had a great deal in common and shared similar political views. Unfortunately, their fathers could not see eye to eye in the negotiations. Everything splintered all too quickly leaving both potential partners upset to say the least. Still, she and Accolon had left the negotiations on good terms. Let us hope that will be enough to keep Uther and Rodor from starting a war.
The doors opened.
Uther and Accolon both stood.
Arthur led Rodor, Mithian, Lord Brumenwald and Josiane into the chamber. He nodded to his father and new brother-in-law. "Father, Prince Accolon, I believe you know King Rodor, Princess Mithian, Lord Brumenwald and Princess Josiane?"
"Thank you, Prince Arthur. We do indeed." Uther regarded the quartet. "King Rodor and Princess Mithian, welcome to Camelot. To call your companion a Princess however is questionable to say the least." Denial glared at Josiane.
"I am the rightful Sultana of Egypt. In addition, I am tied to noble blood through Mercia. My grandfather, Robert d' Arbourne, was a Mercian knight as well." Josiane met Uther's eyes with a steely expression of her own.
"d' Arbourne?" Uther scoffed. "Cenred's father disinherited the family decades ago. Pity. They were of royal blood. Not that it matters now." He raised an eyebrow. "I know of you as well, Freak. You are a magic user. I should have you arrested right now."
Mithian stiffened. She set her jaw but Rodor shook his head at her.
"We rode in under a flag of truce, Uther." Josiane retorted. The frown deepened across her mouth. "Touch me and be in violation of yet another courtesy between kingdoms. Of course, that does not matter to someone like you. You are no better than the Usurper Mustafa or the Roman Emperor Alexander."
"Now listen you!" Uther seethed. "You will talk to me…."
"Nay, Uther. You owe her courtesy." Rodor stepped between them. "Princess Josiane has a valid point. I would prefer not to raise those points especially since you have settled most of the matters for our visit so amicably. Thank you."
Uther raised an eyebrow. "I am afraid I do not understand. Rodor, you are speaking in riddles." He motioned toward the remaining chairs at the council table. "Perhaps if you sit down, we can be clear?"
"Aye. Thank you." Rodor motioned for his companions to sit down along with himself. "The first matter concerns your point to Princess Josiane about the d' Arbourne line. I have a question. Let us say you hosted three guests here in Camelot. Two are clearly nobles here for a melee. Another says he is a peasant. The peasant attacks the nobles to help one of your servants. Later he saves the Prince from those same men."
Uther coughed. "I believe you are speaking of a certain churl. Aye he saved Prince Arthur's life twice. He also assaulted two knights in violation of the Knight's Code. I exiled him and that was a kindness."
Rodor leaned back in his chair. "I spoke to that so-called "churl" last night. Lord Brumenwald verified his family crest. Gawain is Robert d' Arbourne's son, Uther and Princess Josiane's uncle."
Arthur coughed. "Gawain is noble?"
"Most assuredly, Prince Arthur." Rodor looked to Brumenwald. "Lord Brumenwald?"
"The seal Princess Josiane produced is the d'Arbourne crest. She and Gawain are members of the Mercian royal family," Brumenwald clarified.
"Except they were disgraced." Uther frowned.
"They came to Nemeth's aid and protected their lands along our shared border. Tancred acted without justification. Perhaps we should ask Princess Josiane about her mother being sold into slavery? There is that point, Uther. Nemeth is fortunate in that Gawain and two other warriors will be knighted within the fortnight." Rodor rubbed his hands together.
"Father, with respect, perhaps it would be suitable move for you to lift his exile? He did save my life twice. The duo in question were not really nobles," Arthur suggested. He of course remembered Gawain's companionship in the quest across the Perilous Lands. Father, please! Do not be stubborn!
"It would antagonize Cendred if he found out." Uther grimaced. He held onto the exile for Gawain bearing arms in the melee. "Still I am willing to do so. Sorcery was responsible for the imposters getting close to Arthur. Because he helped to deal with it, I am willing to lift the banishment order for Gawain."
"Thank you, Uther. There is another one standing for Lancelot as well?" Rodor proposed.
"Aye. He forged a noble crest to fight." Uther shook his head. "Are you taking care of that issue?"
"Aye. He is one of the other two warriors I spoke of earlier." Rodor glanced at Mithian and then returned his glance to Uther.
"King Uther, may I say something?" Accolon interjected.
"Of course, Prince Accolon. Do you know this Lancelot?" Uther turned to his son-in-law/
"Lancelot has fought bravely on the continent in several pitched battles. King Rodor is fortunate to have his sword. I would want him in Tintagel. King Bors and Prince Bors would say the same, Sire." Accolon nodded to the Nemeth royals.
"I would agree." Arthur chimed in.
"I am sure you do." Uther rolled his eyes. "As I recall, you were not supposed to go after the servant."
Arthur bristled but clammed up at that comment. Somehow he kept his eyes from drifting out into the passage and the remaining part of the Nemeth delegation there.
"Lady Morgana speaks highly of that servant, Sire. Please. I know where you stand. Let us not start an argument." Accolon interceded. His eyes met Arthur's.
"Your father should have taught you better about social divides, Prince Accolon." Uther groused. He gulped from his goblet.
Arthur coughed. His eyes burned pyres into his father's face.
Rodor kept his tone even with just a bit of an edge. "Prince Accolon is a fine military commander. I have seen him treat his father's nobles, knights and peasants with esteem. Despite the failed marital arrangements between King Cuthbert and myself, I was impressed by Prince Accolon. Lady Morgana is fortunate to have such a worthy match." He nodded to Accolon. "My congratulations. I heard on the way in here."
"Thank you, King Rodor. I hope Princess Mithian can find a worthy Prince for her hand as well. She deserves that much." Accolon raised his goblet to her.
"Prince Arthur is available. A match between them would benefit Camelot and Nemeth both," Uther jumped in. Of course, he wanted to absorb the disputed Gedref lands. He wanted to affirm his own laws over Nemeth as well.
"Thank you for the proposal, Uther. In fact, I just finished the negotiations a turn of the hourglass ago." Rodor rubbed his chin.
"You…did?" Uther raised an eyebrow. "My scouts saw you riding here during that time."
"Aye we were. But the bulk of the negotiations happened last night. Queen Taene and Master Wyngate fell ill. A special healer emerged. He broke the spells over them. Imagine our surprise when he was actually the long lost son of our own kingdom. Princess Mithian and he care about each other. Actually Prince Arthur and you, I understand, cleared the last hurdles this morning." Rodor could not help but let the smile spread across his face.
"We did…what? We…" Uther saw Arthur bow his head. "Merlin. I cannot believe it!"
"You did confirm his manumission, Father. We are both guilty of overlooking that." Arthur argued.
"In addition to his illegitimate sorcery." Uther seethed. "I should have listened to the Witch Finder and had him burned at the stake."
"Have a care, Uther. Perhaps you have your view of sorcery. You also owe your city, throne and life to Merlin many times over from what I understand. Even if Merlin was not Sir Balinor's son, his deeds on your behalf as well as for Nemeth satisfy our Capability Laws," Rodor pointed out.
"Aye. I suppose it is for the best that Merlin is no longer in my household." Uther shook his head. "It is a pity he was able to hide his magic."
"It is a pity indeed, Father. You know that medicine Gaius gave you?" Arthur crossed his arms over his chest. "Merlin mixed that up after I told him that you had banished him. He did not have to do it. Still that is Merlin for you." He rolled his eyes. "Just nobody tell him I said that."
"It is the truth, Prince Arthur. Not that Father and I would be surprised." Pride lightened Mithian's mood. Her heart skipped a beat at her Prince's service even to the man who had wronged him.
"He did? Arthur." Doubt raised a scoff from Uther.
"I watched him do it, Father." Arthur insisted. "Gaius brought you the cure. I rode out with Merlin. We met up with them."
"Very well. He has my thanks." Uther frowned. His eyes narrowed and mouth curled on that sour sentiment. "Perhaps you might pass that along to him?"
"We would be delighted to do so." Rodor nodded. "Thank you, Uther. I also wish to do a favor for you."
"A favor?" Uther raised an eyebrow. Suspicion darkened his thinking. He did not trust Rodor. Still Intrigue got the better of him.
"Aye. We have watched your attempts to find a match for Prince Arthur. You will understand why I wanted to pursue other candidates first." Rodor nodded to Accolon.
"I do." Uther frowned. "Prince Arthur has shown a lack of enthusiasm in past negotiations. Then there is his recent indiscretion with a servant."
Josiane ground her teeth.
Having heard this story from Morgana on the previous evening, Accolon shook his head at Arthur. Do not get yourself thrown in the dungeon, Arthur.
Arthur bit his lip. Anger boiled up in his heart.
"That is too bad. A young lady of suitable standing accompanied us." Rodor turned to Mithian. "You know her well, Mithian."
"Aye, Father. I do. She has served her house and kingdom extraordinarily well for the past decade. She has preserved royal interests. She helped stave off barbarian assaults on royal lands. She helped to break harmful spells on Queen Taene and a Prince. She is skilled in running a household. I am very sure she would be an excellent match for Prince Arthur." Mithian somehow kept a straight face. Still, she savored the opportunity to stick it to Uther and drive Gwen's suitability right down his throat.
"Truly so?" Accolon nodded. Approval warmed his face.
"And you say she is here? Truly?" Uther nodded. Normally he would want to vet the prospective bride further. Still, he did not trust Arthur. He desired to tie his son's hands with a rapid marriage. Then, he would deal with Gwen.
"Aye. She is waiting outside." Rodor put two copies of a document in front of Uther. "That lists her qualifications. Her father would not want to risk a rejection. With apologies to Prince Arthur, I do not want her having to deal with it. Given your situation. I feel it is warranted."
"Aye. This is a delicate diplomatic matter. I must find someone for Arthur." Uther sighed. "This is an extremely generous gesture, Rodor. Thank you."
"You are welcome, Uther." Rodor turned to Arthur. "Will you accept her, Prince Arthur?"
Arthur forced a frown onto his face. Even if Celebration wanted to show itself in full glory, Dejection and Defeat put on their best act. "Aye. I know what is best for Camelot."
"Well now." Uther smiled. "I am glad to hear you say that."
"Hearing about this woman inspires me to do my best for Camelot, Father. I have to do my duty." Arthur offered a shrug to really sell the point. "I appreciate what you have arranged, King Rodor."
"Given that, I believe we will agree to this marriage." Enthusiasm got the better of Uther. He read over one of the copies. "I cannot believe this woman never came up before to our scouts." He signed both of them. "Now if Prince Arthur will sign?"
"Aye, Father." Defeat dragged Arthur across the chamber.
"Prince Arthur, I will make sure Guinevere is taken care of." Mithian put her hand on Arthur's arm.
"Thank you, Princess. I appreciate that." Arthur scribbled his signature. He dribbled the wax from a candle on the documents and pressed his seal into them. "Father?"
"Indeed. We will make sure that you are married shortly." Uther placed his seal on the documents. He held onto one of the copies and handed the other back to Rodor. "I assure you that this woman." He looked at the document, "Lady Guinevere of Rodelf…she will be well accepted here."
"I assure you, Uther. She is of suitable standing for your house. Lord Brumenwald, Princess Mithian and I made sure before we brought her here. We would not want an incident. Now would we? You will honor her claim." Rodor put his hand out.
"Aye. Aye. I shall. Anything to force Prince Arthur to keep his priorities in order." Uther cleared his throat. "Bring her in."
"Sir Galahad! Bring in Lady Guinevere!" Rodor called toward the doorway.
"At once, Sire!" Galahad bowed to them. He disappeared back into the passage.
Gwen stood with the other emerald clad knights. She kept her resolve. Anxiety and Fear ripped through her. She saw Galahad walk toward them.
"It is time, Milady." Galahad nodded to her. "Come. It is time to meet your King and Prince."
She curtseyed without a word. She followed Galahad into the council chamber. She kept her steps slow and methodical. She almost tripped on her own feet. The veil obscured her vision.
Uther already had the arrangements made. He had Arthur and Geoffrey of Monmouth in position. Accolon, Rodor and Mithian agreed to be witnesses. "Thank you, Sir Galahad. Please bring her here." He considered the veiled bride. The exquisite silk gown and gloves suggested a wealthy woman. Her veil was of fine material as well.
"Aye, King Uther." Galahad took Gwen's hand. "Step slowly, Milady. Allow me to help you." He guided her toward the waiting Prince.
Arthur took Gwen's hand. He gazed at the veiled face. "Greetings, Milady. You honor Camelot and me with your presence." He kissed the back of her hand with Reluctance's over action.
Arthur, do not overdo it! Gwen frowned. She managed a curtsey.
Uther nodded to Geoffrey.
Geoffrey started, "We are here to marry Prince Arthur to Lady Guinevere. Once the handfasting is done, it cannot be undone save for extraordinary circumstances. Do you both understand?"
The bride and groom both nodded.
"Very well. Do you, Prince Arthur, take Lady Guinevere for your lawful wife and Princess? Will you forsake all others for as long as you both shall live?" Geoffrey put forward.
Arthur considered the woman in front of himself. His heart soared and danced. His breath caught in his throat. "Aye. I shall."
Geoffrey turned to Gwen. "And you, Lady Guinevere, will you take Prince Arthur for your lawful husband and Prince? Will you forsake all others as long as you both shall live?"
"Aye. I shall." Gwen somehow kept herself from skipping happy steps. She could feel Uther's presence looming over everything. She took her Prince's hands in hers. "For Camelot."
"For Camelot." Arthur agreed. Despite the veil muffling Gwen's voice, he kept his eyes focused on her face. Despite the heavy veil, her eyes pierced through it and met his.
"As the Lady and Prince have said, they have joined for mutual love and duty to Camelot. Let none tear asunder what diplomacy and our King have allowed. You may kiss your bride, Prince Arthur," Geoffrey declared.
Uther smiled. He nodded to Rodor. "Thank you for solving a heavy issue for my realm, Rodor."
"It is my pleasure. One should do favors for their neighbors." Rodor cleared his throat. "Prince Arthur?"
Arthur grinned. "I would not keep my Lady waiting a heartbeat longer." His fingers reached across the expanse between Gwen and him. His fingers slowly raised the veil to reveal her shining eyes and gentle smile. Dreaminess softened his gaze.
"Nor would I wait." Gwen pressed her lips onto Arthur's. She grabbed onto his waist. Amor flowed between them. After Strife and Prejudice had barred their marriage just hours earlier, they were now joined forever.
Uther froze. Shock, Indignation and Outrage vapor locked his mind. He slammed his hand on the table. "NAY! I WILL NOT ALLOW THIS MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE! RODOR, HOW DARE YOU? ARTHUR, STEP AWAY FROM THE SERVANT RIGHT NOW!"
Arthur shook his head. "You recognized her accomplishments. You signed and sealed the documents. King Rodor attests to her status. Morgana attests to her status. Merlin will attest to her status."
"I never signed Morgana's document, Arthur. The servant is still a member of the court!" Uther barked.
"Nay, Sire. By signing the documents, you freed Guinevere and ennobled her. These accomplishments fall within the Capability Laws. If you attempt to pressure the Lady Morgana now, that could be considered an act of aggression." Geoffrey pointed out.
"Favor for favor, Uther." Rodor glared daggers into Uther's eyes. "Lord Brumenwald, the letter please?"
"Aye, Sire." Brumenwald handed his liege the decades-old document.
"And what is that?" Uther sneered.
"This? It was addressed to Sir Balinor. Prince Arthur?" Rodor handed it to Arthur.
"Arthur, do not even look at that!" Uther ordered.
Arthur read over the document. His eyes went wide. "Father! You threatened a knight in another kingdom? All because he was a Dragon Lord? He left Hunith back in Ealdor to keep her safe from us. Merlin lived as he did because of this?" He shook his head. "Father, he should have been raised as a noble not as a servant! You denied him! And you are ranting about Gwen? REALLY?" He shook his head.
"Arthur, I am still your King! I will annul the marriage! You will not do this!" Uther pressed.
"Let me see that, Arthur." Accolon took the letter. His eyes could not believe what he read. "I am surprised that you did not have a war over this."
"It was only because Balinor asked us not to do so. He put Nemeth and Hunith first." Rodor rubbed his forehead. "Favor for favor, Uther. That and forcing that execution on me years ago. I allowed that and have hated my cowardice every since. Not this time. Merlin and his mother will have now what should have been theirs for years. Lady Guinevere will have her status. She has proven herself a worthy companion for Prince Arthur. One day, I hope to arrange a suitable marriage for Elaine of Astolat. She suffers because of her mother's fate. She and Merlin both suffer from your aggression."
"Your father and I will have words about this, Accolon." Uther seethed.
"Sir Hathbert arrived from Tintagel this morning. Father died yesterday afternoon." Accolon sucked in a heavy breath. "Lady Morgana and I speak for Tintagel now. You now have two kingdoms supporting Guinevere. Your own laws and chancellor support her. You know Cenred waits for such an opportunity. Do not be foolish, Sire. Accept the marriage and your house's future." He stood. "King Rodor, Princess Mithian, once again it has been a pleasure. After the coronation, I would speak about a treaty. Father did not want that. I do."
"Aye. We should talk about such matters. My condolences and congratulations, Prince Accolon." Rodor offered a royal nod.
"No matter. Guinevere will never be crowned Princess of Camelot. I will see to that." Uther smirked. "She has impersonated a noblewoman. That is a violation of the social code!"
"Arthur, I will not leave you!" Gwen insisted. She grabbed onto him.
"Father, you agreed to it!" Arthur reminded him.
"I was deceived and coerced!" Uther complained.
"You were not." Rodor narrowed his eyes. "You ignore your own laws. Guinevere's case is easily proved. I do not trust you, Uther Pendragon. I have no doubt that Guinevere would be in danger if she stays here. She will return to Nemeth with us until you come to your senses. She is the Crown Princess of Camelot. Any attempt to annul the marriage and arrange another will be considered an act of war."
"Is that a threat?" Uther glared at Rodor.
"Nay. It is a certainty. I do not want it. Someone has to stand up to your wrongdoing." Rodor shook his head.
Arthur frowned at Gwen. "I cannot believe this! We are married. I still cannot be with you?"
"It will happen, Arthur. Be strong. Do not let him do anything." Gwen shook her head at Uther. "I love you."
Arthur smashed his lips down onto Gwen's. For several heartbeats, he kept the gesture up. "This is your home."
"We are done here." Rodor stood up. "Prince Accolon, when you are ready to talk peace and the treaty, please let us know. Once again, our condolences and congratulations."
"And my congratulations as well." Accolon offered the royal nod. "I will see if Morgana's packed. I have had my fill of this mess." He stalked out the door without a bow or nod to anyone.
"Rodor, you will not get away with this!" Uther vowed.
"With what? I am the one within the law not you." Rodor led Mithian, Brumenwald and Josiane out. "Lady Guinevere?"
"Aye, King Rodor. Thank you." Gwen squeezed Arthur's hand. "I love you."
"I love you." Arthur insisted. He watched them depart. He ground his teeth.
"Arthur, you will listen to me!" Uther insisted.
Arthur shook his head. He stalked away from his father. Disgust and Rage filled his heart and soul.
Uther's double dealings had hit their peak it seemed. Now Lessons Taught came back to roost….