Chapter 8 [A Turn of the Hourglass Later—Dining Chamber]
Merlin shuffled down the passage. His other shirt, breeches, spare neckerchief and wooden cup sat in a sack on his bed. Gaius' spare cane supported his efforts. He grunted. Exhaustion buckled his knees. He slumped into a chair. Once again, the spots danced in front of his eyes. "I know she meant well. I…I…"
"Merlin? MERLIN!" Mithian rushed toward him with Gwen right on her heels. "Do you not know what it means to take it easy?" She bit back the lecture.
"Oswald and Ricard were just looking for you." Gwen shook her head. "They have your sack. Was there anything else?"
"Nay. I can walk here." Merlin sucked in a composing breath. He noticed Odin, Arthur and Rodor watching them. "Everyone is watching." He grunted while getting back to his feet. "I can make it." He limped a few more steps. Then his hand pressed against the wall.
"Why does Gaius have to be gone now?" Gwen shook her head.
"Come on, Merlin." Mithian put his arm over her shoulders. "Let me. It is all right."
"Princess, they are watching." He could see the other courtiers and household members stare at the guest and him."
"Let them." Mithian frowned. "They wish to stick on their principles. Fine. Come on. One step at a time."
"Merlin, really?" Arthur shook his head. He rushed toward the duo.
"You said breakfast. I sure can not turn that down. Can I?" Merlin sassed. Sauciness forced his most lopsided grin across his face.
Arthur raised an eyebrow. He knew the signs. "You're being an idiot. I sent two knights to help you down here. Why am I not surprised? Princess, I have him."
"Thank you, Sire." Mithian transferred Merlin to Arthur. She nodded. Then she stepped back to watch them.
Odin nodded. Interest and Intrigue grabbed his attention. Masters and mistresses typically did not fall over themselves for expendable servants. Yet this was the third time he'd seen Camelot and now Nemeth come apart at the seams for Merlin. Of course, he knew Bravery if not Foolheartiness held Merlin in their collective thrall. He'd heard Meleagant spit at Kay's close call. He did not believe a servant could act in such ways….
…then Merlin proved himself again….
"Boy does not know his limits, Pendragon." Odin scoffed.
"I fail to find the humor in the situation, Odin." Rodor frowned at him. He held the door as Merlin efforted himself through it. "Take it slowly, Both of You."
"Slow. That's about it." Arthur rolled his eyes. He deposited Merlin into a chair. "The things I do for you, Merlin."
"Arthur, that's enough." Rodor shook his host off. "Merlin did not want to put anyone to any trouble. I can see he will bear watching."
"That is putting it mildly." Odin coughed. "Merlin, I heard something very interesting about you. How's that left shoulder?"
"Left shoulder?" Rodor glanced at Merlin and then at Arthur.
Arthur shrugged. "The battle along your border. Merlin played hero. He saved one of your knights."
"Prince Kay." Merlin bowed his head to Rodor. "King Meleagant tried to stab him from behind. What was I supposed to do?"
"You…" Arthur stared at his servant. Incredulity widened his eyes. "You faced Meleagant of Cawdor without armor, a weapon and no wits?" He narrowed his eyes. "You almost lost your arm!"
"I knew you would not let that happen. You like me tripping over chamber pots too much." Merlin coughed.
"Sir Gawain told me last night. I saw his scar as well." Mithian frowned. "Merlin's too brave for his own good."
"That is another debt we owe you, Merlin." Rodor cleared his throat. "Master Wyngate will be more than happy to help you."
"King Rodor, you are being too kind. I appreciate it but I do not want…." Merlin started.
"So, Pendragon, I have to ask. Why isn't the boy here a knight?" Odin considered Merlin again. Despite the latter struggling to stay upright in the chair, he was more than holding his own in that regard.
"Merlin? A knight?" Arthur scoffed at the notion. Double Standard raised its blinders.
"Aye. Why is he not?" Mithian pressed. "Surely, Sire, Merlin is effective fighter even if he does not watch around himself."
Gwen rubbed her forehead. She knew Questions and Speculation whispered around the court why Merlin was not a knight. She knew Co-Dependency's influence kept Arthur from letting Merlin go. Once again, she noted Mithian's interest in Merlin. Relief washed over her as her last potential rival moved on. On the other hand, even though Merlin deserved such an opportunity, she knew Arthur would never allow it.
"It's not important. I'm learning to be a great healer and I am at court." Merlin grumbled.
"Father!" Mithian protested.
"Daughter, King Arthur must have his reasons." Rodor raised an eyebrow of his own. With that last nugget of information, he had enough to knight Merlin under Nemeth's law. He looked firmly at their host. "Let us eat. Then we shall be underway. I wish for Merlin to be under Master Wyngate's care as soon as possible."
"Aye, Sire." Mithian relented. She looked toward Merlin. Then she ate a forkful of ham on her plate.
Perhaps she'd been turned away in that request. Still she'd press it again at some point….