Chapter 3 [Whitgate—Citadel]

[A/N: We'll get back to Merlin and Company soon. Just a side trip to bring in the rest of the cast. Britomart is from the Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser.]

Much as in Camelot, Activity pressed on in Whitgate's citadel. Servants and Castellans carried on in Duty's cause. Michael guided his crew in the kitchen. Knights trained in the courtyard. Ministers conducted Government affairs.

And in a certain case, Frustration set the standard….

[Throne Chamber]

A tall elderly man watched three guests depart from the area. His fingers tapped on Oak's arm rest. Prospect vanished for Daughter's hand. Much as with Previous Dozen Prospects, Mercia's Prince Daegel chose elsewhere. Discourtesy did not reach the man's ears. On the contrary, he'd only heard Political speak from the Prince.

He'd tried to court the man's daughter. Picnic proved somewhat successful. Rides through Countryside and Forest exhilarated them both. Hopes raised that perhaps Daegel would be the one. Sour Notes however seeped into the negotiations. Daegel couldn't deal with being outhunted by her. He frowned on her being involved Governance's affairs. Frankness and Willful Attitude unsettled him. He wanted Compliance, Embroidery and a Babies for Dynasty's sake. In the end, Polite Decline constituted his answer.

"Sire? What will we do?" A slender salt and peppered haired man in an emerald cloak rubbed his forehead. His hand set documents on the table. "The Princess has no other options."

"It seems so, Lord Blumenwald." The elderly man leaned back on his throne. "The goddess will bring the appropriate man forward in her time. Meantime, we can encourage matters." He eased himself to his feet. Age creaked in his knees. "Princess Mithian will not change who she is. We simply need to find the right match." He smiled. "Patience. She tried with Prince Daegel. I could see her effort. Can you send someone to find Sir Sebastian? The Princess will wish to have some time to herself."

"But with respect, King Rodor, the Council is meeting tomorrow. Certainly the Princess will be there?" Blumenwald bowed to his King again. Critics would point to Mithian's failure yet again. He knew Opportunity would prove her better for the experience.

Rodor nodded. "She told me as much. It will be all right. I know where she is. Walk with me?" He held his hand out toward the door.

"Always, my King." Blumenwald walked one step behind Rodor's pace. Admiration warmed his heart and settled his mind. Service over decades had revealed Rodor's patience and skill in such matters. Memoria recalled his liege as a Prince and Warrior. Swords carved out Victory's pathway under the Obsidian Eagle's gaze. Respect grew with Prowess Earned. Kingship only revealed further growth in Rodor's mindset. He held his own with Uther Pendragon, Oswald, Meleagant among others. Prince Kay had not shared his father's acumen. Lament over Kay's extended absences left Blumenwald and others scratching their heads. Sorrow over Kay's death still weighed heavily on those same people. Now, Sentiment remained split on Mithian.

Rodor ignored Court's whispers. He had faith in her. Now, he wanted to reassure her….

[Hall of Heroes—A Sixth Turn of the Hourglass Earlier]

Nemeth's hallowed exhibit sat in Citadel's basement just off the main passage. Torches flickered on either side of Granite Framed Door. Helmets, Hauberks and Chain Mail aligned each wall. Swords bore Chips, Scratches and Wear with Pride under Glass' cover. Tapestry adorned the far wall. Battle's scenes showed Knights, Dragons and their Riders during the Battle of Etranburg.

A brunette young woman studied Tapestry's nuances. She remained mindful of the present. Still, Reverence guided her back there frequently. Gratitude moved her toward Ancestors' achievements. Memoria reminded her of other accounts and stories related to such warriors. Oftentimes, Monarchs and Dignitaries shared their versions with the royal court. Women knitted such scenes onto Tapestry without much thought to Meaning or Purpose. Still she did. Then she turned to her right.

A particular chain mail shirt and blue sur coat tugged at her. Rust's spot marred its surface. Frayed Edges and Threads left Cloth uneven. The Dragon Patch on its upper left side, as always, caught her eye. Where did you go, Sir Balinor? What did you do? Did you ever find your love again? What was her name? She scratched her head.

"The armor still attracts you, Daughter?"

Her eyebrow arched. She turned to see Rodor standing not ten feet behind her. "Sire." She curtseyed to him. "I am sorry I wasn't there for Prince Daegel's departure. I believe that we said everything to each other that was necessary. I needed to do some thinking. Are you all right?"

Rodor smiled. Despite Situation's Ill End, her concern lightened his mood. "I'm disappointed for you of course, Mithian. You've been so patient with these suitors." He embraced her. "I wish I could find someone who respects you for who you are."

"I know. Thank you." She returned the embrace with one of her own. "I wish Sir Balinor had more faith in Grandfather and you, Father. Nemeth would have protected him and that mysterious woman. I always wonder what became of him."

"Alas. We will never know." Lament weighed heavily on Rodor's mind. "You were but a baby then in your mother's arms. He left to protect us and you. Intolerance causes so much dissension between people. With King Uther's death, he could return."

She shrugged. "I know it is silly. It has been so long…."

"Nay, Mithian. It is not." Rodor looked to the tapestry. Balinor's chain mail and then the other to its left caught his eye. "Sir Balinor and Sir Robert were truly noble in our time of need. They helped to protect Nemeth in its most desperate hour. We open their doors to their heirs of course. Still, many years have passed. We need to focus on today."

She ground her teeth. "I will not be a silent compliant consort to bear children and nothing else. Father, please! I cannot!" She grabbed onto Rodor's sleeves. Desperation burned in her eyes. "I am loyal. I want a voice. With due respect, I want to serve our people."

"I know. These suitors wish to take advantage of our desperate need. Perhaps you would like some time to think? After the Council's meeting tomorrow, we will have a few days. I have knights preparing as we speak. I think a hunt would be good for you. Just be careful out in the woods. Bandits and Danger are out there as well." Rodor looked into her eyes. "I know you want a partner rather than a husband. I am doing the best I can."

"I know, Father." She bowed her head. "I'm sorry. Thank you for offering the hunt, Father. I think that will be good for me. I'll tell Britomart to start packing at once." She nodded to him. Then she departed from the chamber. Her thoughts turned to Deer and Fowl. Why can't there be someone to be my partner rather than my master? Prince Daegel is as bad as the others! She headed for the stairs and the royal apartments.

Rodor shook his head. He understood her feelings. Service and Duty however required Sacrifice. For a royal, that burden lay on their shoulders most of all….