Chapter 2 [A Sixth of a Turn of the Hourglass Earlier—Same Chamber]

[A/N: Malodius is from Chretien de Troyes. Britomart is from the Faerie Queene. Both are only referred to here. They will appear later. Oh and just a word of warning, this could get a bit gross. Seems that Gaius' healing spell at the camp has its limits.]

Mithian sipped on a cup of tea. Trauma hammered at her mind. Sleep evaded her on the previous evening. Her hand trembled the cup down onto its saucer. She rasped out several breaths.

Nightmare played out its litany in an endless loop. Odin's army surged across Nemeth. With Galahad and the most capable knights on another mission, the remaining forces could not stand before the invaders and Morgana Pendragon's magic. The witch slashed her loyal lion, Malodius, across the face. With his wounds, the lion bounded into the woods. The invaders captured her and her father with ease after that. Morgana forced her to betray her friends in Camelot….

…and then there was Merlin….

He strode a careful tightrope. As always, he looked out for his master's interests. Yet Concern shone in his eyes. While trapped in the chamber with Morgana, he brought her supplies and Reassurance's support. He offered her another such look at the stream side camp.

She saw him carried back into camp. Morgana's ambush should have killed him. She heard Morgana rasp, "I told you there would be consequences."

But that paled with what happened in the tomb….

A massive shock shook the entire area. Odin and Arthur hurled in different directions. Rocks fell. Morgana started to turn. Merlin strode into the area. He pointed. His lips moved. Canary flashed through his eyes. Morgana flew backward. The rockslide cut her off from the others.

Merlin has magic! She shook her head. Disbelief and Incredulity numbed her further. How can such a person serve a King and court that would burn him at the stake? He is so powerful. Despite that, he serves his King and people. She marveled at his skill from the shadows. Secrecy obscured their rescue, the stand against Odin, the treaty and his two stands against Morgana…

…and he asked nothing except to stand by his King…

Her heart skipped a beat. Desire buoyed her spirit. Why do they not see how special Merlin is? Why will Arthur not make him a knight? He accomplished the three tasks in a single day! She glanced at the bracelet still encircling her wrist. Could he get this off as well? He frowned. As he is still a servant, I cannot have him! Frustration's tears welled up in her eyes.

"Daughter?"

She wiped her face. "Aye, Father?" She put on the Mask of State.

Rodor regarded her with a careful eye. He could see Pain inscribed across her face. "The tea is not helping?"

She cleared her throat. "It soothes. I still see Morgana Pendragon. I am relieved that you are all right." She looked up at him. "I am selfish. Our friends are safe. We have a treaty with Odin. We can help our people."

He rubbed her shoulders. "Your heart considers the Greater Good. We look to our subjects and friends. I am grateful that King Arthur is all right. I cannot say enough good things about Merlin."

"I know, Father. He is such a wonderful friend. Morgana nearly killed him. Then he stood with King Arthur against Odin." Her mouth broke into a small smile. "He does so much."

"Aye. At least he is all right. I praised him to Arthur and Guinevere. I cannot believe he is not a knight. No mere servant can do what he does." He shook his head.

She kept her own counsel about her suspicions about Merlin's magic. She would not betray him. "I wish we could take him with us. If King Arthur won't make him a knight, then we could. But Merlin would never leave." She sighed.

He raised an eyebrow. Her tone and body language perked up and then sank down again. He'd heard from Britomart among others about Merlin's change in attitude toward Mithian. Reserve but Standoffishness built a wall between them at first. Then he reversed his attitude. Even after Arthur's rejection, Merlin snuck provisions for the return trip at great personal risk. And that was before the previous week's exploits.

Mithian had sized Merlin up accurately. Still, she acted out of character. Interest actually perked in her.

Why will Arthur not make Merlin a knight? His bravery, service and capability should have earned him that long ago! If he was noble, I could ask Arthur to release him. He scratched his head.

A knock came from the door.

"That must be Matilda." She glanced toward the door. "We should be eating with King Arthur and Queen Guinevere."

"They understand, Mithian. It will be all right." He walked over to the door. "Aye?"

"King Rodor, Merlin has brought dinner for the Princess and you. I am letting him in." Reginald announced through the door.

Her eyes went wide. "Merlin?" She stood…well practically sprang out of her seat.

"Merlin? Curious." Rodor opened the door. He beheld the servant standing before him with the platters and cover over them. "Good evening, Merlin. Where is Matilda?"

"Your Majesty." Merlin bowed. Even so, his knees buckled ever so slightly. He managed to straighten his legs in time. "Matilda has the ague. As Acting Court Physician, I had to order her to bed. I could not leave the Princess or you without your dinner."

Rodor nodded. "A servant, a warrior and now a physician. Is there no end to your talents?"

"I serve King Arthur and Queen Guinevere as best I can, King Rodor. Besides, I wish to make sure your needs and Princess Mithian's are met as well." Merlin sucked in a deep breath.

"Please come in." Rodor exchanged looks with Reginald. "Thank you, Sir Reginald."

"As Merlin said, Your Majesty, it is our pleasure to serve." Reginald bowed to the royal visitor. He closed the door behind them.

Merlin trudged into the chamber. Effort increased with each footfall. Stamina decreased. "I brought roasted capon, potatoes and some vegetables, King Rodor. I can…bring some wine." He blinked his eyes.

"Merlin?" She raised an eyebrow. His careful movements and slouched posture set off her mind's warning bell. "This is very kind of you."

"Sorry, Princess. I…had to put Matilda to bed. She's…ill." Merlin breathed heavily. "I…need to get this…." He attempted to bow.

"There's no reason to be sorry. Merlin, you are human. I am not King Arthur. I will not ask you to move a picnic site in here." She rushed across the aisle. "Allow me. You've given us due respect." She reached for the platter and plates underneath it.

"Have…to serve you, Princess. I won't…let you down." Merlin set his burden on the table. His vision blurred. Gaius' and his own healing efforts burnt themselves completely out. Nausea from the herbs and his situation exploded in his stomach. He clamped his mouth shut lest he threw up all over her.

The bracelet around her wrist glowed in concert with his magic. It squeezed her wrist. The metal turned crimson. Once more, it scorched her skin.

"AHHH!" She recoiled. Tears streaked her cheeks.

"DAUGHTER! MERLIN!" Rodor rushed toward their side.

Merlin pointed toward the bracelet. His head pounded. "A-mach ás a duirn!" Canary flashed through his eyes.

The bracelet shook and fell to the floor.

Unfortunately he vomited all over said bracelet…and Mithian's skirt. "So…sorry, Pr…incess." He lapsed into unconsciousness.

"Merlin? MERLIN?" She wiped his face with her handkerchief. Realization sank in. She knew Merlin had magic. Now she had her proof.

Rodor opened the door. "Sir Reginald, fetch your King immediately! We need Master Gaius or another healer!"

Reginald bowed. The stink clogged his nose. He rushed off before his own stomach followed suit.

Rodor saw the stain on her skirt. "That skirt's ruined!"

She raised an eyebrow. "With respect, Sire, Merlin didn't mean to do that." She shook her head. "No Master Gaius or Britomart. Who will we get for help now?"

"The bracelet!" He pointed to it on the floor. "How did it get off of your wrist?"

"Morgana's magic must have run out." She shrugged to help sell the lie.

Dread washed over her. Secret, however, would stay safe….