Chapter 6 [Camelot—A Few Hours Later]

Agravaine set a parchment down atop of his stack. Details came together for his plan. He'd meet with the Royal Council for Regency's procedures in the morning. He ordered Sir Wagbert to take the knights on a two day training detail later that afternoon. As Regent, he held the keys to the gates and crucial doors. His hand raised Goblet to Thirsty Mouth. Wine soothed Thirst's Arid Grasp. His eyes scanned Dusk's landscape toward the South.

Somewhere in the woods beyond, Helios and the Southron army marched toward Camelot. If Morgana's accounts were to be believed, that army could encircle and lay siege without aid. With Agravaine's aid, they'd penetrate and take the city without resistance. Morgana's magic and schemes would hasten that eventuality.

Either late tomorrow or early the following day, they should be here. I hope they are everything Morgana promised! Nerves ate at him. The plan had so many moving parts. Arthur, his best knights, Gaius and Merlin were out of the picture. Now only Gwen remained. He paced about the area. Already two assassins rode north along the road to Ealdor. They would lie in wait for a potential ambush in the woods a few hours away. Just that last detail. He walked out of his room and down the passage toward the stairs.

Plans were afoot….

[Gwen's House—A Quarter of the Hourglass Turn Later]

Gwen stretched to ease kinks from her arms and back. Tasks stacked up akin to Cordwood on Winter Night around the citadel. She missed Arthur already. She hoped Merlin and Gaius treated those afflicted souls successfully. The new chambermaid, Edwina, learned Castellans' routine. She noted a new servant around the royal apartments. Questions filled her head. Another new servant? Perhaps he is filling in while Merlin helps Gaius and visits Hunith in Ealdor? We can hope! Suspicion, however, doubted good intentions. Certainly a new servant should be training when Merlin and Arthur can work with him? This is strange! She stirred Soup in a small pot over Fire's warmth. I wish Arthur could send word when he arrives in Gaul. Can Merlin not be more careful? Worry ate at her heart. Agravaine is up to something! This is working out so conveniently for him. She rubbed her chin. I better watch everything!

A knocking at the door butted into her thinking.

Now who? She set the spoon on the gnarled table. Slow Steps edged her toward the door. "Aye? Who's there?" She cracked the door ever so slightly.

Agravaine smiled. "Forgive the hour, Guinevere. I needed to speak with you." He knew Randolph and Edwina already had Routine well under control. Both servants knew their roles well. Loyalties were well placed unlike Gwen's and Merlin's. "I promise it will not take long. Might I come in?"

She curtseyed to him despite Bile's burning in her gut. She opened the door further. "I was making dinner for myself. What can I do for you?" Caution kept a firm eye on him.

He nodded. "Ah! Lentil soup! I have made that a time or two myself. It is very practical on cold nights such as this!" Smile broadened across his face. "I wish I could have given this to Merlin before he left this morning." He pulled a folded parchment from under his cloak. "I had hoped he would bear this there with due urgency. Perhaps you might do me a favor?"

Consideration assessed the envelope and its seal. "Might I ask what it is about? I like to know what I am carrying. Pardon me, Lord Agravaine."

He maintained Poker Face's façade. It is none of your business! Think! The plan! "But of course! King Arthur wanted to invite Merlin's mother to visit. He drafted this invitation. Alas! He and Merlin were so busy with preparations. Randolph found it on the King's desk after their departure! The King and I so wanted to surprise his mother…Hunith, correct?"

She weighed his words and the parchment in question. Road to Ealdor wound toward and into the Essetir. Mercia bore no love for Camelot or her inhabitants. On the other hand, she recognized Arthur's writing and seal on the parchment. Mistrust lingered in her mind toward the Regent.

Still Arthur was counting on Parchment's delivery.

Her heart urged her onward. "Arthur's counting on this!"

"It's Agravaine! He's up to no good!" Her head disagreed. Common Sense knew this business was a trap.

She rubbed her forehead. "Pardon me. It was a tense day. When would you need me to leave?" She glanced at the parchment. She knew it would be a short night. Sleep would be in short supply especially with the ride ahead.

"Splendid! Dawn will be fine. There will be a horse waiting in the royal stables for you. The stable boys will have it saddled and ready to go." Satisfaction gloated that she rushed toward his convenient snare. Still, he put on Gratitude's humble expression. "There you are! Make sure Hunith receives that. I do appreciate it."

"Of course." She tucked the parchment into her skirt's pocket. "I will pack and be ready for tomorrow."

"I truly appreciate that, Guinevere. I know King Arthur does as well." One more smile attempted to sell the point further. Hopefully it will be the last time I see you alive! "Have a good evening! Do enjoy your soup." With that, he departed back into the night.

She shook her head. Despite his assumption, she knew Trouble awaited her on the trail. I'll have to go through the woods. I cannot take a chance with an ambush! She spooned some of Broth's warm goodness into a bowl.

At least Hunger would be satisfied….