Chapter 52 [Hours Later]

Thanks to Magic's aid, Camelot's clean up efforts proceeded at astounding speed. The deceased knights' bodies moved to the proper resting places. The drawbridge's chain was as good as new. Building stood without damage or blemish. Activity came back to life. With their rescuers' help and at Arthur's assistance, Solstice decorations remained up even if the celebration would be delayed by a couple of days.

Funerals dropped their pall on what remained of that Solstice day. Meleagant and Cenred were interred with little fanfare for those of their position. Cuthbert and Uther had more well-attended gatherings. Words exposed feelings. Sentiments were expressed and left at that.

And with that, it was time to flip the page in that tome….

[Whitgate—Council Chamber]

Rodor observed his councilors with care. He presented the details surrounding Merlin and Mithian's new state of affairs to them. Concern wore at his mind over the strain on Nemeth's own governance. Still, he had faith in his daughter and soon to be son-in-law. "That is our task."

Wyngate nodded. "Our Prince is not here for three days. He saved the Queen's life and mine. He dealt with two tyrants and rescued Camelot. Impressive."

"None of us question that assessment, Wyngate." A wizened grey beard in the corner retorted. He drank from his goblet. "We can barely manage our own governance. Now we have two other kingdoms?"

"We can be in all of those places." Mithian sucked in a calming breath. "Merlin and our friends can help."

"Ah aye. Princess, you mean the dragon? How do we know that we can trust it?" Aethrelred coughed.

"Kilgarrah helped us." Galahad interjected. "I would trust him."

Merlin nodded. "I agree. We treat him fairly. He will do the same. Look at Malodius. Has he not been like that? Of course."

"Good point, my Prince. In the meantime, we can have viceroys to assist our efforts." Mithian chimed in. "Blancheflor was Meleagant's cousin. She has agreed to serve in that regard if you agree, Father. Sir Gawain is related to Mercia's ruling house. We have to find him a marriage first. We do that and he could serve as a regent when we are not there."

"I for one would understand if you were absent for such duties, my Prince and Princess." A portly man with snow white hair agreed.

"I am sure you would, Lord Realdorf." Rodor raised an eyebrow. He knew this particular advisor never cared for either Queen Taene or Princess Mithian being in on the council's decisions. "No matter what, Princess Mithian and Prince Merlin will be part of this council. As it turns out, Countess Blancheflor and I spoke recently. I agree with Princess Mithian's point. In addition, Sir Percival and she will be married. Sir Gawain and Lady Britomart will be married within the week. I am sure Prince Merlin would agree with him being back in Mercia."

"I am." Merlin nodded. "What way to learn about governance than to rebuild a government? Having trustworthy people inside and outside will help us. I have legitimacy with these people. We have people of the native royal blood there. We have allies to assist us. We just need them to believe."

"It will benefit Nemeth as well. We are not conquering them." Rodor considered the charters in front of himself. "Everything there will be local. They will serve us however."

"We have not forgotten, Father." Mithian nodded to him.

"I am sure you will remember, my Daughter." Rodor held up a dusty manuscript. "Lord Brumenwald found the old Sorcerers' Code from my father's reign. With Uther's passing, King Arthur has agreed to support a renewal of this legal code. Tintagel, Amazonia and Caerveron will support it."

"And Mercia and Cawdor?" Aethelred stifled a sneeze.

"We are ready to sign of course. We have reviewed the document," Mithian insisted.

"The Code is fair. The question is enforcement. Can we trust that?" Realdorf looked right at Merlin.

"Just like anything, it comes down to intention. Not everyone will misuse power. That is where responsibility comes in," Rodor countered. "Look at what happened with Cenred, Meleagant and the Sorceress Morgause. Look at Prince Merlin. Look at King Uther. I think that should be enough examples."

Everyone nodded. Nobody had objections. They supported the old documents as they were.

"Then we shall draw up the new copy. We will have our understanding." Rodor saw no objections. "This meeting is adjourned."

Events moved to a resolution….