Chapter 2 [A Turn of the Hourglass Later—Morgana's Forest Hut]

Agravaine galloped down Forest's trail. Trees passed by on either side. Dirt kicked up on Horse's Hooves. Caution turned his head back down the trail at certain intervals for Pursuit's signs. Plans and Schemes spun in his mind. Opportunities beckoned. Regency would allow him to assign tasks and do as he wished. He held a manuscript tube across the saddle. Furthermore, he'd sent Gawain off on patrol to the north. On the previous day, hired Bandits left Camelot to lie in wait near the Rothsborough Road.

All to suit Morgana's objectives….

This time, I won't fail! She will see that I have matters well in hand! He pulled up on the reins by a sizeable oak tree. A last look back cleared his mind. He wound his way down the steep drop toward the nondescript dwelling. Anticipation and Excitement lent speed to his steps. His heart skipped a few beats.

Morgana opened the door before he could knock. "Why, Lord Agravaine! You are certainly out early this morning." Surprise, Intrigue and Queries raised her eyebrow. "Please tell me you have something for me." Impatience soured her tone.

"Why yes, Milady! I most certainly do! I have several things to report!" His tone picked up akin to Child bearing Initial Success to Parents at home. "Might I come in?" Eyes pleaded to her. His hands twitched slightly. He raised the tube for Consideration's further purpose.

She curled her lip. Disappointment had accompanied Earlier Collaborations. Still Tube held Promise. "And you have something for me? You have been busy!" Slight Nod eased the overall Mood. "Then come in. I would see what you have brought for me." She pushed the door open. "Do come in." She sauntered inside.

Hopes raised with Invitation's Opening. He strode in after her and closed the door behind them. "Aye! I have opportunities indeed! Arthur and his closest knights left for Bors' meeting in Paris. He will be gone for six weeks. I am in charge. Your sickness spell keeps Gaius in Rothsborough. I have sent that fool Gawain north for the next two days. He will be out of the way."

She nodded. "They are but good beginnings, Agravaine. Have you sent the bandits?" Expectation raised her eyes to meet his. Disdain burned in her heart over Interference's agent par excellence, Merlin. She loathed the boy whose knack lay in disrupting her best laid schemes. While the Royal Brat attended to business on the Continent, Plans formed for Merlin's disposal.

"I have indeed, Milady. By Midday, they will be in place along that road. Merlin will ride right into them. Alas! He is alone! It should be settled fairly quickly." Confidence glowed about him. A smile spread across his face.

Her eyes rolled at him. "Nothing is done yet, Agravaine. I want to see the boy back here alive. I have a special treat in store for him." She grinned. Malice glinted in her eyes. "Do not ruin this for me." She motioned toward the tube. "And what is that?"

"This?" Rolled Parchment eased from Protective Tube. "I managed to slip the plans for Camelot's defenses and siege towers away from the map room. I would guess that you might a use for these, Milady?" He spread the parchment across the table. Surprise made her do a double take. "You have done well." She walked over to the shelf. There she retrieved a blank parchment. She laid the plans on top of the blank skin. "Leth-bhraec!" Canary glinted in her eyes.

Magic's energy glowed orange over Camelot's blueprint. Details branded onto Morgana's parchment below. Glow eventually faded. Spell ran its course.

She rolled his parchment back up. She dropped it back into its carrying tube. "Thank you for this. Do make sure it gets right back to its place. We would not want to be missed. Now would we?" She almost poked him with the tube. "I do indeed have a use for these plans. Perhaps without its King, Camelot would be ill prepared for an invasion?"

He grinned. "I could leave the passage's gate unlocked." He glanced at her. "I wish I had known about that, Morgana."

She curled her lip. "You know what I need for you to know. While you work in Camelot, I have my plans here. I simply await the right time to bring them to fruition. Within the fortnight, I can have a surprise waiting for my dear brother's city!" Scheming crafted Exquisite Plan in her head. "Eliminate Guinevere. I do not want her acting on her beloved Prince's behalf."

Frustration burned in his craw. Failure had dogged their earlier attempts to kill Gwen. Gaius saved her from Dorocha's threat. She watched him with Eagle's eye. Her attitude irritated him. She'd embarrassed him in front of the Royal Council. Efforts to convince Arthur to look elsewhere for Marriage met with resounding refusals. "I shall endeavor to keep her occupied."

"Do not endeavor. You overthink these things." She scowled at him. "Just get rid of her! I will not have her sitting on my throne!" Her fist banged down on the table. "I believe you should get to that." She motioned toward the door.

Dismissal stung at him. Despite his efforts to keep a straight face, Rejection stiffened his posture. He bowed to her. "As you wish, Milady." Then he turned and marched out toward the waiting horse. He galloped away the way he'd come.

She shook her head. What is with him? She rolled up the new plans and slid them into another tube. She went out and to the left. There a dark horse awaited her. She slipped into the saddle and urged it toward the south.

Plans progressed…