Chapter 15

Merlin, Morgana and Viviana followed behind Duranbolt as he led the way through a number of long and winding corridors to what was presumably the west wing of the castle where he had told the stable boy to take their bags. The wall sconces had been lit all along the way and the flames flickered hypnotically as they passed.

Duranbolt stopped by a female servant in front of a set of rooms for Viviana who he opened the door for so she could step inside. She thanked Duranbolt and bid her magical children a fond goodnight with a wish for excellent sleep.

He turned to walk further down the hall to a set of doors on the other side. He stopped eventually before ushering Merlin and Morgana to a set of rooms. He stopped Merlin before he could enter, though, pulling him back and taking pains to look him directly in the eye.

"You did well, Merlin," he said. "You held your own against great odds and you handled yourself like a true statesman. Your father would be proud."

"Thank you, Duranbolt," Merlin whispered.

As he had lain dying in Merlin's arms, Balinor had said that he knew Merlin would make him proud. It was something that Merlin strove to do every day of his life, and something that he feared all too often that he had failed to do. Hearing that he had succeeded from someone who had known his father well was almost enough to make him believe he had made his father proud.

As they continued walking, Durnabolt brought up another subject. "When Beltane is over, we will head to the mountains where the dragons live and I will introduce you and get permission from the dragons to hatch one of their eggs. I think the city will be glad to see a true Dragonlord hatch a dragon egg."

At this subject, Merlin immediately perked up, "I was surprised to hear there are more dragons and am quite excited to meet them."

In the meantime, Duranbolt smiled, "I hope you will enjoy celebrating Beltane with us. It should be a nice honeymoon for you and your bride.

A blonde man and woman approached them as the arrived at another set of rooms. Duranbolt introduced them. "This is Bruce and his sister Angela, they have magic and have been assigned to be your servants and can explain the particulars and help you with anything you need."

Merlin and Morgana smiled at their new servants before turning to Duranbolt again. "We thank you for your kindness and generosity, Sir Duranbolt. It seems we have much to anticipate. We look forward to seeing you soon."

Sir Duranbolt smiled largely. "That will indeed be something to look forward to." he said before he turned and left them with their new servants who opened the doors to their new quarters and gave them a grand tour.

The sleeping area contained a large, beautiful, four poster, feather bed with a blue velvet and silk coverlet sporting flowers vines and the dragon sigil of Caledonia, embroidered in gold silver, blue, green, and purple threads.

There were matching blue velvet and white silk curtains hanging around the bed with gold tie backs.

On the bed were pillows in many shapes and sizes covered in silks and velvets, complimenting the coverlet.

There were two nightstands, one on each side of the bed, matching the four poster bed. Both had stone inlays of flowers, leaves, vines, and the Caledonia sigil on the top.

There was a large skylight over the bed, that could be opened with a lever by the bed to see the stars at night. There was an en suite privy, washing and bathing area off the bedroom covered in beautiful tile work with the Caledonia sigil.

There was a mirror and dressing table with a drawer for hair brushes and other toiletries.

The dressing area was divided from the sleeping area by a dressing screen and heavy wooden doors, that when opened, revealed a large walk in closet with shelves and rods. The drawers and shelves in the closets were all lined in cedar. There was a mirror where they could check their appearance. Inside were clothes matching their size. Needing more clothes. Bruce and Angela took some of the royals clothes and magically altered them to fit Merlin and Morgana. The make of all the clothes was very fine. There were some nice underclothes, robes and such. There were also several different pairs of shoes and boots. There was a jewelry room with blue velvet lined drawers that housed all the crown jewels in sets.

There was an eating area with a beautiful table and 6 chairs inlaid with marble and the sigil of Caledonia matching the design on the end tables and dressers.

There was a library with a large desk and massive bookshelves with a large windows for light.

All the furniture was made of oak and had the same scroll work of flowers and the Caledonia sigil stained in a rich cherry color.

There was a weapons room with the finest of swords, crossbows, shields, lances, fighting staves, bow and arrow, maces, etc. There were metal bars for climbing and stretching and pads on the floor for practice wrestling.

Morgana had challenged Merlin to an impromptu sword fight.

It was not long before Morgana had disarmed Merlin, tripped him so he was lying on his back on the floor while she was sitting on his chest with the sword tip to his throat.

The two servants kept their cool and did not laugh at the couple who were now their master and mistress. It was a moment that showed courtesy, great discretion, restraint and kindness the brother and sister servant team possessed.

Bruce helped Merlin up saying, "I am pretty handy with a sword if you ever need a practice partner."

"That would be greatly appreciated if you promise not to kill me in the process." Merlin laughed

Bruce smirked at Merlin, "I would never harm you My Lord."

Merlin was not used to the title and stepped back in shock. After finally pulling himself together, he requested, "Please, call me Merlin."

Bruce smiled, "Of course."

Angela had a sweet smile on her face that told Morgana she was impressed with her sword skills.

Morgana caught the look and asked. "So you like sword fighting as well?"

"I have practiced with my brother on numerous occasions." Angela said unafraid.

"As royal servants, training with magic and weapons is required as we often find ourselves needing to protect those we serve. I have passed the requirements for this particular post." Angela said modestly. "I can offer my services as a sparing partner should you desire it."

Morgana was intrigued and handed Angela the sword Merlin had been using indicating that they spar. " I do love a challenge. Don't hold back."

Angela stepped forward and both women took their stances sizing each other up as they gracefully circled each other on the mat. Angela tapped Morgana's sword testing her strength. Morgana tapped back and the trade of strike and parry followed. Both women were quick and light on their feet.

Bruce and Merlin looked proudly on the women so important in their lives and so competent in the use of weapons.

Merlin watched his wife with a bit of awe as she gracefully danced around the mat avoiding any direct contact of her oponent's sword to her body while delivering an impressive offense.

"It seems both these women have equal experience in sword fighting."

"It would seem so My Lord." Bruce said.

"Merlin." Merlin grimaced.

Merlin and Bruce traded observations and comments as their women continued their sword play. Both men realized a kindred spirit in each other. As Merlin's lack of sword skills came up. Merlin informed Bruce he had very little training and often depended more on his magic. Bruce informed Merlin of the mage training program for the Knights of Caledonia and invited him to join in the training anytime he so chose. Or if Merlin desired, they could practice in the weapons room as Bruce had been through a similar training to Angela's and had to pass a certain amount of proficiency to be a royal servant.

This was an interesting concept to Merlin as he continued to probe Bruce's mind for other practices in Caledonia. Merlin acknowledged his lack of skill in sword fighting and liked the idea of the inside practice as he was not keen on embarrassing himself in front of the knights.

Bruce told him that many of the knights had magic and used it in their weapons training. Bruce could feel Merlin's power rolling off him and said, "If you used your magic during the mage practice, I am sure you could level the playing field. I'm sure the other mage's would be eager to learn from, and work with you."

Merlin was curious as to how Bruce had come to the conclusions he had just discussed. Bruce told Merlin of his magic and training which was substantial. However, he could tell Merlin's power was much greater than his own.

Bruce answered many of Merlin's questions about Caledonia comparing what they had both seen and heard.

It was almost an hour later, when Morgana and Angela called a draw as both women were sweating.

"I would definitely appreciate your presence in a battle." Morgana said breathing heavily. "Your skills are very good."

"As are yours milady." Angela said as she pulled a handkerchief from her pocket to wipe her brow.

"Have you defeated you brother using a sword?" Morgana asked curiously.

"It has been many years," Angela smiled with a twinkle in her eye. "We have traded victories in the past."

Bruce and Angela directed them to the table where there were pitchers of water and bowls of fruit, pastries, meat and cheeses for their refreshment. Merlin and Morgana were delighted to find everything so fresh though it had been sitting since they arrived.

Bruce and Angela explained they used their magic to accomplish perfectly chilled water and preserved food. Merlin and Morgana smiled in delight at the way magic was used. They invited the servants to sit with them and share the bounty as they continued to discuss the details of the spells they used.

Morgana smiled. "Maybe we should challenge these servants to a duel." Morgana teased.

Merlin started to protest but Bruce stepped forward with a twinkle in his eye then said, "It would all be in good fun of course."

"Of course!" Morgana said. The brother and sister team were challenged by the magical couple. Merlin did cheat and use his magic so he and Morgana were able to win.

Then there was a challenge of boys against the girls. Morgana would often trip and sit on Merlin.

Bruce was able to hold his own against his sister.

Still it was all quite hilarious. They were all laughing hysterically and were quite hot and sweaty when they finally called it a draw.

"We will have to spend some time in this room. Practicing your sword skills my love." Morgana said with a smile.

"I am sure there is much you can teach me my darling wife." Merlin said with a mischievious smile.

"Bruce and Angela continued the tour of the rooms Merlin and Morgana would share. The repoire between the four became as if they were old friends who had known each other their entire lives.

The pizza de la resistance was glass doors leading out from the sleeping area to the large balcony that looked out over its own private garden surrounded by tall trees and bushes providing seclusion and privacy.

In the middle of the garden was a fountain and pond with several different kinds of colorful fish. Off to the side was a beautiful table and chairs in scrolled white metal graced by a large umbrella in an iridescent fabric that reflected the colors of the rainbow.

On one side of the balcony was a large oval tub, built into the floor that could easily fit four people. It had steps going down one end and a waterfall on the other side. A design of flowers, dragons,and vines, worked expertly in tile, covered the tub and surrounding areas. The workmanship was so fine and detailed in all the rooms, they could only imagine it was done with magic. Surrounding the tub were all kinds of flowering bushes and palms.

The two magical servants confirmed the rooms and their contents were indeed built and decorated with magic.

It was well after dinner time when the couple and their servants had finished exploring the rooms and their contents and had several outfits altered for them.

Merlin and Morgana were sweaty and tired from the dust of the road and sword fighting. The bath looked divine.

The servants, sensitive to their masters desires, suggested they use the bath.

Merlin and Morgana smiled accepting their invitation, impressed with the way their servants anticipated their needs. The tub was filled by the two magical servants who explained that there were runes on the sides of the tub to control the temperature, empty, fill, and clean the tub as needed. Merlin and Morgana smiled, loving how magic was so freely and beautifully used here in Caledonia.

Merlin and Morgana could feel their magic calling to each other in a magnified way.

The magical servants detected their energy and discomfort and asked if they had partaken of the pink drink that was being given out freely as of yesterday because of the festival.

When Merlin and Morgana replied in the affirmative, the servants explained that the drink would enhance their energy and libido and assured them no harm would come to them as a result of the drink. The effects would last for three days. This was the largest reason there would be no meetings held till the festival was over.

Merlin and Morgana were definitely feeling the effects of the drink they had received the day before.

Sensing their Lord and Mistress were wanting to be alone. Angela and Bruce told them to contact them telepathically for anything they needed. Merlin and Morgana practiced this with them quickly as all four of them were already proficient in this skill before their servants left them alone.

"Good night," Bruce and Angela said.

"Good night."

The servants gave them another of those respectful nods that Merlin was really going to need to stop being embarrassed by if he expected to stay here for any length of time, and then left them alone in their new chambers.

Merlin slumped back against the heavy door as soon as it had shut behind him, going near to boneless as exhaustion crashed down on him all at once. He had to lock his knees to keep himself from sliding all the way down to the floor. He let his head fall back, wincing at the force with which it collided with the unforgiving wood. He stayed in that position for a while, safe in the fact that only Morgana was there to see his moment of weakness, just relishing the chance to finally drop his guard after holding so tightly to his control for so long.

Eventually, he pushed himself upright, but he swayed alarmingly on his feet.

Morgana rushed to his side to steady him with an arm around his waist and a hand at his elbow, helped him to the sumptuous four poster bed.

Merlin looked around the chambers they had been given and wondered if these would be their chambers officially or if they would be moved into even more opulent quarters when crowned. If they were not crowned; there was a chance, and he wasn't entirely sure how good a chance it was, that the council would rule in Lord Ellison's favor.

By the succession laws with which Merlin was familiar, he would never have been allowed to take the throne, his status as a bastard precluding him from holding any sort of power, but there were other factors in play here. It seemed that his being born out of wedlock was less of a problem here than it would have been anywhere else, as his Dragonlord abilities confirmed his parentage in a way nothing else could. But would that be enough to convince the council that he could be trusted with such authority?

What would happen to them, he wondered, if they chose to give the throne to Ellison? Duranbolt had said that he would always be welcome in Caledonia, but if he was not needed, if there was someone else who could preserve peace, then there would be no reason for him to stay here once he and Morgana finished their assignment from the Goddess.

Going back to Camelot was an option because of Viviana. She had started Arthur on the path of learning magic, stopping war, creating peace, creating Albion. The thought made him smile.

He reached for Morgana who had stood by him stoically during the meeting lending him her strength and love just by her presence alone. Tonight, he had his love, his rock. His beautiful, intelligent, wife, a warm bed and a reprieve before the challenges that would come, and that was where he was going to put his focus.

Just as the guest chambers in Camelot were done up all in Pendragon red, so those in Caledonia were decorated in what Merlin assumed was Ambrosius blue. The curtains which had been pulled shut over the windows matched the quilt folded up on the end of magnificent four poster bed, which looked so thick and warm that Merlin wanted to sink into it and never come out again.

They eyed the sunken tub in the floor filled with water and the faint scent of lavender, bayberry, and rose oil. The water was still steaming.

As much as the young couple yearned for sleep, the siren call of a hot bath was too strong for them to resist after so many days spent on horseback and sleeping on the ground. Besides, if Merlin was going to be contending for the crown and Morgana would have to help, then they would rather be clean and presentable.

He and Morgana looked at each other smiling happily at such fortune. Merlin helped Morgana undo her dress and Morgana helped a weary Merlin strip out of his dirty clothes. They folded them neatly before putting them in the laundry basket.

Merlin walked down into the bath with a groan, the heat sinking all the way down into his bones and leeching the soreness from his tired muscles. Before this adventure, Merlin had not had the luxury of a real bath very many times in his life. Gaius had not been able to afford a bathtub, even with Merlin's salary added to his own, and in Ealdor Merlin hadn't even had a bed to sleep in, much less a tub large enough to bathe in.

He watched his wife as she stripped and joined him in the tub sitting between his legs. He wrapped himself around her and sighed in in contentment as she leaned against him and he just held her and drank in her love for him.

They stayed in the bath long enough that the water should have gone cold, just soaking and savoring the extravagance of it, almost falling asleep there. However, knowing they could wake up in the morning all wrinkly and waterlogged and with a horrible crick in the neck, they scrubbed each other's hair with soap and dunked under the water to wash it out again.

There was a pile of thick, soft cloths left on the floor beside the tub, which they used to dry and to wrap around them. There was a razor and a mirror on the vanity, but Merlin deemed that unimportant enough that it could wait until morning.

Merlin almost opened the door to call for a servant to empty the tub, as Arthur would have done, but he stopped. He turned back and stared at the tub for a moment, a sort of panicky excitement rising up in his chest.

Before he could let years and years of ingrained caution get the better of him, Merlin waved his hand and said, "Àþwìne meresteall." The water vanished and left the tub as dry as if it had never been there at all.

Merlin and Morgana laughed delightedly, the knowledge that, even if someone had seen him, it wouldn't have mattered because it was okay, making him dizzy with the kind of euphoria he had only ever experienced in flight when he was high above the ground on Kilgharrah's back, watching the earth disappear beneath him, or the euphoria he had felt after freeing Morgana from the curse.

Freedom, this is what freedom feels like. He and Morgana did not have to put up wards to block anyone from seeing them. The heady rush made him want to run and shout, but he was far too tired for that at the moment.

The bed and pleasures of his wife's body called out to him, tempting him away from performing more magic just for the sheer pleasure of knowing that he was allowed to. Unable to resist the temptation any longer, he climbed naked into the bed next to his equally bare, beautiful, loving, intelligent wife. The bed was by far more luxurious than anything he had ever slept in before; he had never given into the lure of taking a nap in Arthur's bed for fear of being caught out and subsequently thrown in the stocks for it. The mattress was ridiculously soft, the blankets warm and thick, and there were more pillows than he knew what to do with.

Morgana was so glad to once again be in a comfortable bed. She had slept better since she and Merlin had married and she had cleared up some of her past with Gwen's help. Her dreams and nightmares rarely caused her to wake screaming. She knew Merlin needed his rest and was glad she had the control over herself to give it to him.

Merlin pulled her to him inhaling her sweet scent that made his heart sing. His last thought before he succumbed to sleep was that sleeping with Morgana in this bed alone might be enough to make this whole nightmare worth it.

As Duranbolt had promised, the next three days for Merlin and Morgana were a glorious honeymoon. They took advantage of the large rooms, practicing their sword fighting, taking many baths together in the large garden tub, dancing on the ground and in the air, using their magic freely, chasing each other around the garden and making love. Their activities lit up the skies with fireworks for the entire time of Beltane

Bruce and Angela were the most amazing servants as Merlin and Morgana. Their discretion and service was also amazing. They only came in the room when asked, worked quickly supplying every need and want efficiently. When the fireworks started, Bruce and Angela assured the towns people the fireworks were part of the Beltane festival.