A Visit to Nemeth

Part Two

The next morning arrived and with it, some icy drizzle as wind came from the east. Merlin, who had popped out early for some fresh air, could feel the first snows were not too far away. He pulled his jacket around him tightly as the cold bit into his bones. He remained outside for a few minutes, taking some deep breaths, before reluctantly heading back inside again.

As he prepared to make his way to his room, King Rodor called to him. Merlin stopped and waited as the King made his way over to him. He noticed he was moving rather slowly.

"Good morning, how are you today?" Merlin asked,

"I feel very stiff at the moment, feeling my old age I'm afraid," Rodor replied, with a smile.

"I've just been outside, it's turned really cold. I can feel the first snowfall not too far away,"

"It wouldn't surprise me one bit. I know Mithian is taking you to the school today. But I wondered if I could meet you for a talk later on," the King asked.

"Yes, of course. I can find some time this evening if you like," Merlin said, intrigued.

"That would be really useful, maybe after dinner. I just have something to discuss with you," the King smiled, "It's nothing bad I promise,"

"I will look forward to it then," Merlin nodded,

"I have held you up enough," Rodor replied, "Enjoy your day,"

"I will and you," Merlin smiled, watching him move cautiously down the corridor. As Merlin ran up the stairs, he wondered what Rodor wanted to speak about. It didn't sound like it was official business, or else he would have said. There was something about his face, which intrigued Merlin. He couldn't work out whether the King was nervous or unsure which made him wonder again what it was all about.

He realised he was late so made a dash for his room, determined not to hold up the party. He threw some items into his bag. He felt somewhat excited about the day. He had long been looking forward to finding out more about the Magic School. But he also knew the idea of seeing Mithian too was causing his heart to pound more as well.

Their conversation last night had been awkward, especially when she'd asked him the question of how he had felt. It had caused him to regret that he hadn't explained it better for her. At times his feelings tied themselves up in knots inside his head. He knew part of it was his reluctance on giving up on her entirely. He realised deep in his heart, he was still hoping that something may yet happen. But from the moment his hopes rose, he found something to distinguish them. The whole situation seemed fraught with difficulties. He sighed, making a last check on his bag and rushed from the room.

He ran along the corridor almost knocking down an unfortunate servant, he shouted an apology but the man was long gone. He overhead voices outside and realised they were already packing to leave . He ran downstairs to be greeted by Lancelot waiting at the bottom of the stairs, a smile of greeting.

"We were beginning to think you had overslept!" the Knight smiled,

"Sorry, I ran into King Rodor before and we had a little chat," Merlin explained,

"Everything is okay I hope?" Lancelot enquired,

"He is fine in himself. He wants to chat to me tonight after dinner,"

"He probably wants to catch up," Lancelot suggested,

"I'm not sure, it looked a bit more than that," Merlin suggested,

"Oh?"

"I could be making too much of it, he just seemed a bit awkward. Any way let's get going," Merlin said, patting Lancelot's shoulder.

They joined the others outside the Knights were already on their horses along with Mithian. Merlin smiled over at her, as ever she looked lovely.

"Sorry, for the delay I met your father and we began talking," Merlin explained,

"Yes, I seem to recall he said he'd see you this morning. I gather you slept well then?" she smiled back, a glint in her eye.

"As you can tell, very well," Merlin laughed, "Let's get going,"

Merlin clambered onto his horse and before long they were making out of the castle and onto the long narrow road. As they cantered along particles of dust began getting into Merlin's eyes making him squint as he rode on. Before long and to his relief, they were heading for the woods. Here, the landscape was quite different to Camelot's. There were less Oak trees, more Beech and Alder. The trees were exceptionally tall making Merlin dizzy as he looked over the top of them. Above the trees the sky was beginning to clear, with whiter clouds taking the place of the earlier dark ones. All of a sudden, the cold was just a brief memory. As they slowed the pace Merlin enjoyed looking around him. Even here, he felt at home the moment they arrived in the forest. The nature around him began to connect to his feelings of serenity.

"It's only about five more miles away," Mithian said, "We will be there in no time,"

"I wanted to ask you about what involvement you have there?" Merlin asked,

"I helped with the original selection of the teachers. We wanted to attract certain kinds of teachers. I have to admit I would sometimes get things wrong. But you always learn from your mistakes don't you?" Mithian said, looking over at him.

"I would say so," Merlin agreed, "Do you have any dealing with the children?"

"It was true when the School first started I did. I would meet some of the children as they would come and see my father and ask for help. I felt so sorry for them, so many were completely lost. They didn't understand what was happening to them. I just wanted to help them to find their way again,"

"I can imagine," Merlin said, thinking of Morgana and Mordred suddenly.

"I tend to sit back more now we have the right people in place and let them get on with things. I just ask them to come to me if there are any problems. But mostly the School runs itself now. I am sure you will get on with Berlathrim. He is a very tall Druid who knew my former nanny. He heads the School now and they have recently taken on a Sorceress called Sophia. She seems very keen to meet you," Mithian explained, looking up at him.

"Oh?" Merlin said, surprised.

"I will let her tell you all about it," Mithian replied mysteriously. She pointed away in the distance, "your first sight of the School."

Merlin looked ahead he could see an ancient building, resplendent amid a stunning landscape. There was a plateau of trees behind it, but over the top he could see the mountains beyond. In front was an enclosed garden which gave the appearance of being a place in isolation. It was as if the School was inside a Kingdom of its own. As they moved towards the path, he could see golden gates just in front, with two guards on duty.

They opened the gates as the party rode through and guided their horses into the court yard. Merlin now saw the School in all its intimate detail it was very impressive. Two huge pillows on either side of the main body of the building, but it was the detail which left Merlin stunned to the core. There was a design on the buildings which Merlin recognised from other's he had seen. He guessed it had an eastern influence, as it was extravagant in it boldness and uniqueness. Merlin recognised just how important the School was. It brought it home to Merlin just how important Nemeth could be to Camelot's own future plans.

By now they were well within the court yard, Merlin could hear running water. As he looked through the tree's he could see a beautiful waterfall, as well as other unusual plants, that he recognised from the Palace. It seemed that in Nemeth every garden had its own particular character it was something he decided to add to Summer Hall. He of all people knew of the advantage of connecting with nature, he already reckoned it made a direct contribution to the success of the School here.

Mithian had jumped down from her horse, the rest of them followed suit. As Merlin followed her, a tall man came walking over towards them. Merlin could guess who he was before any introduction was made.

"Hello Berlathrim, let me introduce you to Merlin," Mithian smiled,

"Emrys, it is an honour. I have long wanted to meet your acquaintance." He bowed.

"Please, that isn't necessary," Merlin assured him, "I too have been looking forward to being here and seeing your work. Princess Mithian speaks highly of all of you,"

"I can assure you, that the Princess's work here has been vital, for us to get this far," the Druid remarked, nodding at Mithian.

"Thank you Berlathrim, I would say you are most important part of it though," she smiled, "Now let me introduce you to everyone else,"

Berlathrim followed Mithian to where the others stood. He held his hands out as he saw Gilli waiting for him.

"It's good to see you my friend," the big Druid smiled, hugging him.

"You too, you are looking well," Gilli replied,

"This is Lancelot and Percival who are both part of Arthur's Knights," Mithian

"It is an honour to meet you," Berlathrim bowed, "If there is anything you need you only have to ask,"

"Thank you for your kindness, we have a job to do for King Rodor. He had mentioned that we might have the assistance of Sadim?" Lancelot asked,

"Of course, I will get Genie to take you to him. Would you like to have some refreshments first?" the Druid asked,

"It's very tempting, but we also have some jobs to do for Arthur as well, so time I'm afraid is pressing today," Percival replied, looking genuinely disappointed.

"I understand," Berlathrim assured him, "Genie,"

A small boy came running from the School, he looked amazed as he saw the two Knights.

"Master," he panted, looking up at the Druid.

"This is Lancelot and Percival they are Knights from Camelot my boy. Will you take them to Sadim please?"

"Yes of course, Master. Please follow me," the boy said, looking over his shoulder.

"Oh Genie has come on," Mithian smiled, "When he first arrived we could hardly get a word out of him,"

"He has indeed opened up to us now. That is the thing, when they arrive they are feeling so isolated, not sure about who they can trust. That to me is always the first thing, to connect to them and win over their trust," the big Druid explained, watching him leading off the Knights. "Come, let's go inside and then you can meet some of the staff and children,"

Berlathrim led Mithian, Gilli and Merlin over towards the stunning entrance. Merlin stopped at the door and had a quick look, admiring the quality of finish and design. They were led along a long corridor, excited chatter all around them. The Druid showed them into a room, which had three people waiting. The room was spacious and very light, with cabinets and a big desk and chairs scattered around. It gave an air of a work room, but the view outside was stunning across into the beautiful gardens.

"Let me introduce to my full-time members of staff. This is John, Myrtle and Sophia," the Druid encouraged all three to shake hands with their visitors.

As Merlin shook each hand he took a step back from Sophia, feeling he had seen her before.

"Yes, you are right Emrys you two have met before," the Druid smiled. "We were both members of Iseldir's camp. Though I never saw you there, Sophia certainly did,"

"I thought I recognised you," Merlin smiled to her.

"I was only young when you visited us Emrys, but I remember being so excited. It is lovely to meet you once again," Sophia smiled, pushing her blonde hair back.

"It is. I am looking forward to hearing about all your wonderful work here," Merlin said, suddenly impatient to start the tour.

"If you follow me, I will show you all around, not that you need the reminder Gilli," Berlathrim grinned.

"I am sure there have been a few changes since then," Gilli laughed, "Lead the way,"

Berlathrim led them back into the corridor, now a lot quieter. On each wall, there sat a picture. Merlin recognised some of them. Most of the pictures had something to do with the old religion. There were some which had Druid connections, others told of scenes from the older days when sorcery was an accepted practice. One picture especially caught Merlin's eye. He guessed it was based on the Purge, with fire everywhere and people sitting around watching. In the far distance, there was a little child surveying the disturbing scene. It made him uncomfortable to look at, as if it was someone's private grief.

"Yes, that one affects me too," Mithian said quietly,

He had only just realised she was behind him. "Is this something to do with the Purge?" he asked her.

"It was painted by a sorcerer who had escaped from Camelot. His grand-son gave us the picture when we first opened the school. He said he wanted it be there as a reminder of what happens, when fear is allowed to cloud judgement," Mithian explained.

"There is something very personal about this somehow. As for the clouded judgement that is a very generous phrase considering the damage the purge caused to so many people," Merlin said quietly.

"Yes, a reminder perhaps that people should always work together in order to avoid misunderstandings, which can develop into something uncontrollable." Mithian reflected, "We had an early rule here which said, no one must fear speaking their mind, even if within the words there was some uncomfortable sentiments,"

"Did it help?" Merlin asked, admiring the idea.

"I think it did. It meant that people were never afraid to speak out, if they felt a decision had been made, which would make others resentful. It had to be everyone moving together in the same direction, for it to have any chance to work."

"It was a very brave thing to stick too," Merlin replied, "An honest one too. How many times have people sat back and not said something, even though they knew it was wrong? How many terrible events and injustices could then have been prevented?"

"I agree. We felt as long as everyone was open with one another there would be less chance of misunderstandings happening. They still did from time to time, but nothing that was preventable. Sometimes things happen which you can't avoid," Mithian admitted.

Merlin smiled at her. "As ever, you have a refreshing outlook on everything,"

"I just feel everyone deserves a chance, regardless of where they are from or what background they come from," Mithian shrugged, "I'm one of the lucky ones, but I will never stop trying to make things better for the less fortunate,"

"The world would be a better place with more people like you in it," Merlin said.

Mithian shrugged, as if not sure what to say. "Come on, we are getting left behind," she said, putting her arm through his.

They caught up with the others who were watching a couple of children performing magical acts. Merlin stopped short and smiled as he saw how determined the little boy was too make his leaf hover in the air. It reminded him of being a little one back in Ealdor, when he first discovered what he could do.

All of a sudden life had no limitations or so it had seemed at the time. It had been day after day of challenging himself, to see what he could achieve next. In the early days at least it had been a time of innocence, before his life changed and his magic became a guilty secret. It had turned him from a happy, confident boy to an isolated and scared one. He vowed from this moment forward, no child should have to suffer in the same way again.

Merlin led the applause, as the boy finally accomplished his demonstration, the leaf swinging around in the air.

"That is very clever Sten. I am sure Emrys here was most impressed," Berlathrim cried out.

"It certainly was spectacular, if you like I will show you another trick," Merlin said, warming to his task. He smiled as the two boys stood wide eyed waiting for the great Emrys to perform a magical miracle.

Merlin took hold of the leaf, straightening it out in his hands. He then concentrated and whispered a few words. The leaf flew out of his hand and began to do a number of twists and turns, as if in a hypnotic dance. One minute it was slow, the next it increased in intensity, until finally they could barely keep their eyes on the leaf. It went one way, then another all the while leaving magical traces in the air. Eventually Merlin brought it down onto the palm of his hand. The audience was entranced, with Princess Mithian leading the applause.

"Wow, that was incredible," she laughed, as her eyes connected with Merlin's.

Merlin was suddenly taken back in time, to another day. For a moment he saw Freya another young woman charmed by a simple magical act. In all that time Merlin had never forgotten her, as his eyes met Mithian's he suddenly had an urge to tell her all about his lost love. Once again he was reminded at how magic could bring simplistic beauty into the world. He bowed as his enthusiastic audience continued to applaud him enjoying the moment.

After a brief conversation with the two boys Merlin followed the others down the corridor and lost himself in the School. The more he spent time with the children and teachers, the more he realised just how much of a life saver this could prove to be for so many young magic users. He felt suddenly impatient to begin the work in Camelot where there needed to be bridges built for both sides of the community. By ending the isolation felt by so many, there could yet be a new beginning which would benefit the Kingdom and beyond.

He thought back to the time when he watched Morgana struggling with her powers, it hurt him to remember, how alone she had felt. If something like this had been in place, then maybe she would never have been lost to the dark side.

"What's the matter?" Mithian asked, looking concerned. "Don't deny it. I can see something is bothering you,"

"I was just thinking about Morgana and how she would have benefited from something like this," Merlin replied, his eyes sad and emotional.

"I get the impression you blame yourself for what happened to her?" Mithian said softly.

"In a way yes I do. I just wish I could have been more open with her,"

"But maybe it was always going to be like this. Sometimes you can't help everyone," Mithian pointed out. "We've find that out here, some people will not allow themselves to be helped,"

"I suppose we'll never know with Morgana," Merlin shrugged.

"The best thing you can do is just to make sure you are there for the next Morgana that comes along. I have learnt through this process you can only be of assistance to those who want to participate," Mithian said, "Otherwise you forget the good you are doing and the whole enterprise becomes a burden rather than a positive environment,"

"How come you are so full of wisdom for one so young?" Merlin asked, once more in awe of her words and kindness. It often felt to him as if she sensed his pain, long before even he did.

"I'm not," she laughs, "I have just learnt from experience that's all,"

"I suppose meeting everyone brings back those dark days, Camelot was such a different place then," Merlin mused,

"But you and Arthur are starting to change that now. I know it's hard, but maybe it's time to forget those days and just think about the future. We cannot change the past, but we can influence what follows it," Mithian smiled.

"Yes and this place is the perfect example of it. I am so glad I came here it's given me a new sense of perspective. Sometimes you need that," Merlin admitted,

"I am glad this has helped you. I was thinking once we're finished here why not go out for a ride? I can show you some of those monuments you were talking about before," she said,

"That would be lovely maybe we can grab something to eat first?"

"I've already arranged that," Mithian winked, "I just have to remember to ask the guard for the basket!"

"You have thought of everything," Merlin laughed.

"I wasn't going to let you go back to Camelot before spending some time together, now was I?" she replied, putting her hand on his arm.

They walked into a room which was full of laughter and joining their friends watched spellbound as the children performed a little dance for everyone. Merlin was once more struck by how carefree so many of the young ones where. In between dancing, they showed off their magical prowess. There were trails of sparkles in the air, one child sent a bubble over to Merlin, who caught it in his palm and then sent it back to her. She jumped up and down in excitement, so Merlin sent some more and everyone ended up trying to catch them. Eventually Berlathrim appealed for calm and everyone settled down.

"I want to thank the children and the teachers for their lovely show, I'm sure I speak for all of my guests when I say it was enjoyed. We wanted to show this school to our guests from Camelot, as they begin their own magical journey of bringing their own peoples together. I like to think that in Nemeth we have shown what is possible, when people cross over from each community and work for the common good of all. I am sure our guests would like the opportunity to thank everyone for today. Emrys?"

"Thank you Berlathrim. We have indeed learnt a lot from everyone and for that I can only thank you all. Our journey in Camelot has been a long and fraught one, but as we work to ease things forward, I will certainly look upon this School as a shining example of what can happen, when people choose to break down barriers. I can only applaud the efforts of everyone here for the great achievement of what this School has so far accomplished. I wish you luck in furthering your aspirations and we extend a welcome to you all in Camelot in the future. Thank you to everyone for their hospitality, we return home safe in the knowledge that anything is possible, when you put the effort into it."

The room broke out in a fresh round of applause and Merlin nodded feeling a little self-conscious. In the end Mithian rescued him and before he knew it people were moving out of the room, leaving him, Gilli and Berlathrim alone. He could see the Druid wanted to tell him something else, so waited patiently.

"I would like to thank you once again Emrys for honouring us with your visit. It has meant a lot to both the teachers and the children."

"It has been a real highlight for me as well, a chance to see this incredible place for myself. For that, I thank both you and Princess Mithian for the invitation." He smiled.

The Druid nodded, "Thank you. Now if you excuse me duty calls. You are welcome to remain here today Gilli,"

"I will join you in a second," Gilli assured him. "I thought I would spend more time and see if I can learn anything new for Summer Hall,"

"That sounds like a great idea Gilli. We will speak later on, enjoy yourself," Merlin nodded.

"I will see you later, my lady," Gilli bowed, his eyes twinkling as Mithian laughed.

"You will indeed, Gilli," she replied.

Eventually Merlin and Mithian were alone and at once he felt the intimacy between them. There was silence all around them and for a moment the world seemed to have come to a standstill.

Mithian took Merlin's hand smiling at him. "I think you made a big impression on everyone today,"

"As did this place on me, all of a sudden I am full of new ideas," he laughed.

"I look forward to one day visiting your own magic School, once Summer Hall is open then," she replied.

"You will be one of the first to see it I assure you," Merlin promised her.

"I am glad to hear that. Now, let's go and find that basket, should we?" Mithian asked, "

"Great idea, all of a sudden I need some fresh air," Merlin agreed, following her out of the room.

Within minutes they were cantering across the court yard and into the forest beyond.

To be Continued.