An Afternoon in the Country

It had been a stressing few weeks for Arthur. After a period of brief calm, initial reports about bandit attacks on Camelot's borders had been concerning him. In the end, he had sent some of his Knights to investigate, after a couple of tense days the problems had once again disappeared. It had forced the King to concede how fragile the peace still was. Despite wanting to arrange a meeting between the various factions in Albion, invariably something always appeared to get in the way. Some petty squabble inside someone's Kingdom, a matter of sudden crisis somewhere else.

It had started to frustrate Arthur, as he was anxious to not delay the momentum which had been building up to then. But in the end, he'd been forced to take a step back. He was awaiting a report from Leon that morning, as he waited he tapped the desk and his mind turned to his son Lachlan.

The boy had certainly transformed his life, making him even keener to change things for the better. He hadn't appreciated just how much having a child would change even the most of unimportant events, never mind the bigger ones. Every little challenge would seize hold of his mind, reminding him of the consequences that would occur, if they were not put right or dealt with properly. He knew eventually he would hand over his Kingdom to Lachlan and he was determined to give his son the best possible chance, to make it a success.

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door he jumped to attention, knowing this could be an important meeting.

"Come in," he shouted, looking up as the door opened, "I'm glad you made it back safely Leon,"

"Thank you, sire," Leon replied, sitting down opposite Arthur.

"So, what happened?"

"When we arrived at Culenthaim there was a lot of unrest initially. We met the village's elder a man called Gadnor. He had reported several nights of raids on the village."

"Do we know who was responsible?" Arthur asked, frowning.

"To begin with there were a couple of possibilites. But in the end when we mounted a patrol, we found a hideout in the adjoining forest. We kept a watch on the movements of the outlaws and eventually they attempted to attack the village once again,"

"Did you manage to make some arrests?"

"Yes, they have been taken to Daleton and have been dealt with," Leon said, "They won't be attacking the village again for a while,"

"That is good work Leon. You said there were two explanations. What was the other one?"

Arthur noticed straight away, that Leon shifted uncomfortably in his seat and knew already what was coming.

"Speak freely, Leon,"

"In the little villages out on the edges of the Kingdom, there is still a suspicion about those with magic," Leon began, "I don't know what we can do to reassure those people. The first blame was being put on the Druids though luckily we apprehended the real culprits."

"Thank you for your honesty Leon," Arthur smiled, "We knew when we went down this path, it wouldn't all be straight-forward. Maybe this is something that Merlin can help us with in some way. He too came from a small village like Culenthaim, I'll speak with him,"

"That's a good idea sire," Leon replied, getting up and making his way to the door.

"Leon, I am taking Guinevere out this afternoon in the country. Maybe you could accompany us?" Arthur suggested,

"Of course sire, it would be an honour," Leon replied,

"I'll see you this afternoon,"

Arthur watched the door closed and frowned at what Leon had told him. It was true that he knew there would be problems with the course they had taken. But it bothered him that some of the more isolated places, were still quite fearful of magic. The location of the villages concerned highlighted the problems they faced. Arthur knew, they needed to find a way to bring the villages into line with Camelot itself.

He knew through experience that some of the more distant places had their superstitions and old views on magic. The further away they were, the harder they were to control. Merlin had suggested putting the Druids into contact with some of the villages. But at times, there was a reluctance, even now, to accept their help. Arthur considered visiting Mervyn, he was adamant he couldn't put every magical problem in the lap of Merlin. He had enough to think about. All in all, there was much to ponder and for a moment Arthur considered calling the afternoon off. But then, he changed his mind. He knew a day out would do Guinevere some good, she had a lot on her plate at the moment, Arthur realised they were all under intense pressure.

He thought about her for a moment, he had an awful job persuading her to leave their son behind, for an afternoon. She was completely devoted to him and went much further, than most noble women did in looking after their children. But in the end, he had worn her down and reassured her that Alice and Hunith, were only too happy to have Lachlan for an afternoon. He grinned at the thought of Merlin walking into the prospect of hearing Lachlan bursting his ear-drums with his crying. Why should Arthur be the only one to suffer?

He decided to finish his report and then make an early start before his wife, changed her mind again. Having got to the end and checked with Lancelot how the Knights were getting on, he wandered over to the kitchens. As he opened the door, he could hear Audrey screaming her orders at her staff. As he made a grab for the basket, her shrill voice stopped him in her tracks.

"What do you think you're doing with that basket!" she began yelling, then realised who it was and her manner changed entirely.

"I am sorry your highness, I thought it was-"

"Merlin?" Arthur finished the question, with a grin. It was well known how the cook berated his friend on his visits into the kitchen. Some of them were stories of legend around the place.

"Yes, I thought it might be," she laughed, "I hope it meets your standards,"

"I am sure it will Audrey and once again thanks for preparing at such short notice,"

"It's my pleasure, your highness," Audrey did an awkward curtsy, before stiffly walking away. Arthur watched her leave with relief.

He was about to make for his quarters when he saw Leon who began walking over.

"Your wife is waiting outside for you," the Knight informed him.

"Could you take this out, I will be with you in a second," Arthur handed over the basket and ran for his boots. As he sped around the corner, he almost knocked Merlin off his feet. Somehow his sorcerer just about managed to avoid him.

"Why in such a hurry?" Merlin asked, steadying the King with his hand.

"Sorry, I'm holding up Guinevere for our afternoon out,"

"Aww, the picnic of course, I was amazed you managed to get her away from Lachlan," Merlin said, with a grin.

"It was the work of a moment, I have to admit," Arthur replied, "Luckily I have heard your mother and Alice is looking after him," He pulled his boots on quickly.

"But I'm seeing my mother," Merlin grumbled,

"It looks like Uncle Merlin, can entertain him as well. Unless you would prefer to accompany my wife and I on a picnic,"

"What? And spend another three hours on a horse, no thanks I will risk it with your noisy son instead,"

"I was hoping you'd say that. Have a good time," Arthur grinned, as he dashed out of the door.

Guinevere was already sitting on the horse and waiting patiently, along with Leon behind her.

"You are holding us up, Arthur," she said, "Didn't I tell you Leon, how his time keeping is getting worse than Merlin's now?"

Leon laughed, easing his horse forward.

"Huh, I can still beat him on most days," Arthur said, trotting alongside his wife.

"It was a nice idea and you've picked a good day for it anyway," Guinevere smiled,

Arthur suddenly felt relaxed and happy he knew this would be a great chance to actually get some time together. The day to day business at Camelot hardly allowed them quality time. They had each learnt to get on with it for now. But Arthur knew moments like, needed to be grasped. He knew there would be little time later on, once all the meetings began, between all the different Kingdoms.

After an hour's riding, they came to a beautiful piece of forest. It had a waterfall running down one side, with wild flowers showing off their finery elsewhere. Arthur spotted a Bluebell and picked it quickly handing it too his wife.

"Oh Arthur, you are so sweet," she laughed, "You remember how much I love these,"

"I know I'm not one of the last romantics," he admitted, "but I do remember some things,"

"Though still not my Birthday!" she smiled,

"I don't have a talent for remembering Birthdays. I can barely remember my own,"

"But luckily I can remember it," Gwen said,

"It must be a lot to remember sire, especially now Merlin is not always around," Leon pointed out,

"I am beginning to regret I asked you to come with us now Leon," Arthur grumbled, winking at his wife.

"Well, I am glad as we will never eat all this food, sit down Leon and give us a hand," Guinevere urged,

Before long all three were tucking into the picnic. The sun by now was hot and high in the sky, making them all feel sleepy.

"So, tell me about Merlin," Guinevere said, "I never had the chance to ask him how he got on,"

"He reached Prydwen in good time, they saw the old sorcerer, Merlin said something about him being centuries old," Arthur said, a making a face, "Imagine that!"

"I find it hard too. What did he tell Merlin?"

"That he has to work out this spell from a book he was given. I think he said some of the Dragon Lords didn't finish the spells off, but the answers lay around him," Arthur explained, still not quite understanding the explanation Merlin had given him.

"What do you mean around him?" Guinevere asked, as puzzled as Arthur,

"I wonder if he means around the area maybe," Leon suggested, "I remember Lancelot saying something about how it was senses magic which lay around a certain place,"

"Oh, so it's not something he's going to do right away?" Guinevere said, "Mithian will be relieved. She's looking forward to seeing him soon,"

"Oh yes, the jaunt into Nemeth," Arthur sniggered,

"It's hardly a jaunt Arthur. There's a serious reason for them going there, the magic school," Guinevere pointed out,

"I don't imagine it's only business though!" Leon grinned, "He seems rather smitten with Mithian,"

"She with him too, she never stops asking me questions about him. We need to get them together Arthur," Guinevere suggested,

"Steady on Guinevere. We don't know if King Rodor hasn't got plans for her already," Arthur warned,

"It's even more reason to get them together. Camelot needs its friends around it at this time. Merlin and Mithian together would establish that union," Guinevere suggested,

"I suppose it would, but I'm not sure Merlin is in a rush to marry anyone," Arthur cautioned, "He's always saying he has too much to do,"

"Surely, we could take some of the work from him," Guinevere replied, shading her eyes from the sun. "He too, needs a break from time to time,"

"I've already tried that and it's not an easy thing to do,"

"I will go and look around the place just in case," Leon said, "I'm sure you want some time alone,"

"Thank you, Leon," Arthur smiled, putting his hand around Guinevere's shoulder.

"I am happy you persuaded me to do this. It's been a long time," Guinevere admitted.

"It's not easy finding too much time together is it?" Arthur admitted, "Though I did warn you before you became my wife and the Queen,"

"I remember. But I wouldn't miss it for the world, now that everything is moving forward. You and Merlin have done a wonderful job so far, let's hope before long Albion becomes a reality."

"You know, there was something I really wanted to talk to you about. But with the way everything has been, I never found the right moment."

"I hope nothing is wrong?" Guinevere asked, looking concerned.

"You don't have to worry." Arthur smiled, "I am conscious though that there is a lot of pressure on all of us, at the moment. Merlin has work piling up. I know you have more than you should, considering you have Lachlan to look after as well,"

"I manage," Guinevere assured him.

"I know you do, you do a very good job all round. But now that Hunith has arrived, she has mentioned that she would like to be more involved," Arthur explained,

"Yes, she was hinting that the other day. I wasn't sure if she was being serious or not. I think when she was in Ealdor, people went to her with any problems. It must seem pretty quiet for her now," Guinevere reasoned. "Especially with Merlin rushing all over the place,"

"I did wonder if you could hand some of your duties over to her, to help her feel more involved." Arthur suggested,

"I will see what I can find, I am sure there is something more we can give her to do. Once the school is up and running, I'm sure she could help-out with the children, she is so good with them. Lachlan already has a bond with her,"

"Excellent idea, I'll suggest that to Merlin,"

"He looks a lot happier having Hunith around. He was worrying about her more than he let on," Guinevere considered.

"That's Merlin, he is becoming more open, but every now and then I remember about him being too good, at keeping secrets,"

"It's a hard habit to break Arthur. Look at you, you are better at opening up than what you used to be," Guinevere smiled, "I think having Gilli around has helped Merlin too,"

"Is there any other improvements I have made?" Arthur grinned,

"I dare say there is, but I have to adjudge whether it goes to your head or not though," Guinevere laughed.

"Thank you Guinevere," Arthur replied, "I can only assume you've been speaking to Merlin then!"

"Not at all," Guinevere assured him with a sideways glance. She grabbed hold of his hand. "I'm so glad you persuaded me to come today. It's nice to get away from Camelot, once in a while,"

"So, maybe that's an improvement for you to make?" Arthur asked,

"That is probably a fair suggestion. We can all improve after all. It's amazing to think how far we've come in a short space of time,"

"It certainly is, sometimes you get so hung up on running the Kingdom you forget about the simpler things. Speaking of which, I have something for you," Arthur announced.

"What is it?" Guinevere asked, curious.

"This belonged to my mother she had it in her family's possession for generations. But I think it's time that you had it," Arthur said, handing her a golden ring. "You have proved to be a true partner in this venture, as well as a loving wife. I can't think of anyone who I'd rather give this too,"

"Oh Arthur, it's beautiful," Guinevere replied, emotion on her face. "Are you sure?"

"I have never been surer of anything. In giving this to you, I hope you realise how much you mean to me. I simply could not be the man I am without you being there with me,"

"We are a team, the way it should be Arthur. I will treasure this, thank you," They kissed.

Arthur smiled, as she fitted it onto her finger, feeling completely satisfied and happy. As the sun continued to beat down, he reflected that they had indeed come far. The Kingdom was truly starting to turn into one he was proud to front. It was true there was still much to do, but with Guinevere and Merlin by his side he felt there was nothing he could not achieve. Right now, Camelot was in a good place and though challenges remained he was determined to continue to be bold and brave.

"All is well, sire," Leon remarked,

"Thank you Leon," Arthur replied, "I suppose we should make our way back to Camelot now," He couldn't help but notice how happy Guinevere was now looking.

"Yes, I think we better had," Guinevere agreed, "Before we know it, the evening will be here,"

"At least we've had today," Arthur smiled,

"You chose this day well, sire," Leon agreed,

"Yes, not often I have the chance to spend my afternoon with two such handsome men," Guinevere grinned,

Arthur laughed, "I think I can speak for Leon when I agree with that sentence!"

They all laughed. The conversation riding back to Camelot was light-hearted and proof that only people who had known each other for as long as they all had, could be so comfortable and have utter trust in one another.

As Arthur reflected once more, he was lucky to have surrounded himself with such people. His father would have never hesitated to make the point that trusting people was a fault of his son's. But Arthur now knew this to be wrong, for while Uther may have been able to rule in isolation this was not Arthur's way. His Kingdom's strength would come from the good people who surrounded him and put their own trust in him and one another. Arthur remembered what Guinevere had said that very afternoon about being a team, he knew this was true right through Camelot now. For it was only by people coming and working together that problems and understandings could be achieved.

Arthur was aware challenges lay ahead for all of them, but he knew the foundations had now been set. If any of them failed, it would not be for the lack of trying. He would continue to lead by example and bringing out the best of those around him. Maybe then Camelot would finally become the Kingdom he truly wanted it to be.

The End.