Chapter 8 [Next Morning—Camelot]
[A/N: Okay. This is the last chapter before we get back to Merlin. Promise!]
First Light stirred activity about the Upper Town. Castellans started their preparations. Meat sizzled and Eggs fried in the kitchen for the coming breakfast. Smiths hammered out last kinks in Chain Mail. Knights sharpened Swords. They led their horses toward the square. Packing commenced.
Apparent Plans and Underhanded Schemes moved like clockwork….
Agravaine stepped out onto the Citadel's top stair. Nerves ate at him over Morgana's plan. He gazed over the rooftops and wall toward the field and forest beyond Camelot. While everything seemed calm, Imagination visualized Helios' army bleeding out of the trees. Hooves, Boots and Wagons' Wheels rode up the main road. It should be all right! Arthur's out crossing the sea by now.
In front of him, Camelot's second tier of knights assembled in perfect lines on the cobbles below. Chain Mail glinted in Sol's light. Earnestness held Resolve firmly in place amongst their numbers. Wagbert sat in his horse's saddle ready to lead them out. Patrol would insure Stability for their regional affairs.
"I appreciate what you are doing!" Agravaine smiled at the assembled knights. "Camelot must seem strong if it wishes to be respected! You are part of the best group of knights in Britannia! Go forth! Come back safely!" He motioned to Wagbert.
Wagbert nodded. He drew his sword. "FORWARD! GO!" His horse galloped across the square. Hooves clip clopped across Cobbles underneath. He headed toward the outer road. He glanced back to see the other knights following closely behind. Within a quarter of an hourglass, his forces had left the Courtyard and Upper Town completely.
Agravaine nodded. He relaxed ever so slightly. He needed to open the dungeon gate at the appropriate time. Otherwise, he would proceed as if it was any other day. Two meetings and documents awaiting review were all that he concerned himself with. He stepped back into the citadel. Hunger reminded him of the needed meal to come….
Gwen walked up the cobbled road toward the Upper Town. She'd just watched Wagbert and the knights ride over the drawbridge and toward the woods. Curiosity buzzed through her brain. Arthur told them to stay here. Why are they leaving now? She narrowed her eyes. Suspicion once again pointed to one source in that regard.
Agravaine…
Now what is he up to? She hauled a rolled-up blanket over her left shoulder. Paranoia chilled her in that heartbeat. Everyone's gone. He's sending me to Ealdor. Why would Agravaine care about Merlin's mother? He cannot stand either of us. She glanced toward the South Road as well. If the meeting was in Hampton, I'd ride after Arthur. I have no means or money for a fare across the sea to Gaul. Even so, I have no idea where this 'Paris' is. She frowned. She glanced at her belt pouch with Arthur's invitation inside. I cannot fail Arthur. He wanted this delivered. I'll just have to be careful. She walked into the royal stable. "Horace?"
A lanky young man in a red tunic and black breeches stuck his head out of a stall. "Who be…? Oh, Gwen!" He straightened himself. "Lord Agravaine said you would be by. I got you a horse. You have a long ride ahead of you."
She frowned. Who else did Agravaine tell? Maybe he has a bandit waiting too? Her earlier decision about cutting through the woods seemed better and better with each of Hourglass' sand grains. "Aye. Lord Agravaine needed me to perform an errand. I'd best get going." She glanced around to make sure there wasn't anyone waiting in a stall or in the hay loft to ambush her.
"Follow me." Horace considered her anew. "Gwen, are you all right?"
"Aye. I'm fine. Sorry. I have a great deal to think about." She followed him to the second stall. There she beheld a quality gray saddled mare. Surprise led her to take a closer look. "Thank you, Horace. I was not expecting such a nice horse."
He shrugged. "Lord Agravaine said you were on a royal mission. I figured you'd like the best horse I have here. Besides, you are always so nice to everyone, Gwen. If I can help you, I feel better. Her name is Fiona. Can I help you get that bundle tied on?"
"I got it. Thank you." She eased the blanket onto Fiona's back. Then she climbed into the saddle. "She seems really nice." She smiled for Horace's benefit. "I appreciate it. Sorry but the sooner I leave, the sooner I can come back." She urged Fiona out of the stable and for the outer road. Her mind already pondered her exact route.
He shook his head. I hope whatever Lord Agravaine's errand is, it is not too much! What's with her? He scratched his head and went back to mucking out a stall.
Questions sometimes remained without Answers….