Chapter 16 [Rothsborough—A Quarter Turn of the Hourglass Earlier]
Disease wracked Rothsborough. Villagers staggered through Routine's cycle. Some tended to their ill neighbors in a converted storehouse or the latter's homes. Still others had gone toward Camelot or other places for supplies or help.
Pleas needed for the settlement's survival….
Gaius shuffled down Woods' path. He glanced back toward the village. Since his arrival a week prior, Plague refused to abate. People writhed in their beds. Rashes and Dreaded Black Swellings occurred in arm pits and groins. The deceased lay covered under sheets. Still he knew that only Fire could dispose of Sickness. They want to bury the bodies. King Arthur will insist if they will not listen to me. We cannot risk whatever this pestilence is spreading throughout the Five Kingdoms! He bowed his head. Merlin was supposed to have been here yesterday. Whatever could be keeping that boy?
Arthur had promised Merlin would be on that road after noon. He said that he wouldn't try to make Merlin come with him to Paris. He vowed to put up with George for the entire trip. He'd even look after Merlin until the turnoff.
Even if he remembers that promise, Arthur is still King. It would do me little good to protest. I am sure something came up. Still, I do need another pair of hands here. Merlin would be of immense assistance. His medical skills improve considerably. I could have brought healers from the lower town to assist me. He staggered to the riverbank.
Rushing Waters flowed from Distant Mountains to the north down toward the sea. Frothing white pools swirled about exposed rocks and branches in the river itself. Spray brought Chill with it.
Let us hope we can disinfect the sheets and quench thirst in the patients. He dipped the pail into the river. Current rushed water into it. The cool liquid filled it quickly. He struggled to pull it free. This is heavier than…. He strained with the wooden pail. Weight and Mire stuck it fast in the Mud. It would have to be stuck!
"Oh my! My! Is this not a situation?" Nimue sauntered out from behind a tree. Satisfaction sparkled in her eyes. "Now it would help to have your magic or a bit more strength." Smirk spread across her face. She relished seeing his struggles. "And it would so help to have Merlin here. Now wouldn't it?"
Surprise and Shock stiffened him. "Nimue? You are dead!" He stared at her across the rushing waters. He recalled Merlin's presumption about her death. "Merlin said he killed you."
"Oh he did. The boy does have his surprises. Our mistress brought me back." She shrugged. "You should work hard. You will probably need a new place to live soon."
"New place? What have you done? Do you know where Merlin is?" Demands snapped from his mouth. Eyebrow raised his hairline. He stood up to his full height.
"What I…?" Mocking Laugh escaped Nimue's lips. "You have trouble in Camelot it seems! Morgana has new allies! He waited for Arthur Pendragon to turn his back!" She leaned closer to the river. "Camelot fell in one day! Morgana sits on Camelot's throne! The goddess has her dominion once more! Merlin? He struggles. Poor boy! He knows not where he is. Then again, does he even know who he is?" Her eyes rolled.
He gnashed his teeth. He remembered a specific spell where the High Priestess linked memories to water. When a pitcher or other vessel was emptied, the memories went with them. "Morgana did not! She wouldn't know….!"
Morgause taught her, Gaius. The goddess' astral form appeared next to Nimue. Do you remember me? I am your mistress! THE ONE YOU BETRAYED! Your machinations drove her into Morgause's arms! You turned Emrys from my service! How many did you watch burn or drown? Glare pierced his eyes. Be grateful I require your service. She flicked her finger. Canary flashed through her eyes.
Pail wrenched itself free from River's hold. It floated to his side. Water sloshed against its tops upon landing.
"I saved those I could." He frowned. Bow came at the waist. "I could not do anything else."
The goddess' eyes narrowed. You should have SERVED ME! Fear not about Emrys. He is quite safe. Others will help him to regain his lost sense of self. A transition has begun, Gaius. Since you are content to simply watch, you may do so now! Those who are with him now know of his true destiny and identity. You would waste his power on servitude to our enemies? She shook her head.
"That is his role! He is to protect Arthur!" Protest rebutted her words.
And what if Arthur does not deserve that role, Gaius? Who are YOU to tell me that? The goddess looked toward the village. The suffering need you. In addition, allies will find you shortly. Come, Nimue. Let us leave him. She swept them away in a flash of light.
He sagged against a tree. His mind struggled to deal with her news. Camelot fell in a day? This ally…Agravaine! It had to be! He shook his head. Merlin and Gwen were right! He struggled with the pail back up the hill. And who are these allies? What?
Fog seeped through the Woods.
Now what? He looked around warily. What did Morgana do with Merlin? And where is he? What does she mean by Merlin finding his heritage? He was a peasant in Ealdor. Balinor was a Dragon Lord but he did not have any more than that! If he does not have memories, he will be vulnerable! He will be unable to control his magic! He pressed on with the water bucket. The sooner the people are treated, the sooner I can look for Merlin! He saw two horses emerge from the Fog. Now who?
"What the blimey devil are we doin' here? Where is this?" Gawain squinted and looked about. "This ain't the Camelot road? Gotta be magic." He frowned and shook his head. "Either of you know where this is?"
Gawain? He was in the north, I thought. Gaius scratched his head. Who else?
"I'm completely lost, Gawain. I am sorry." Hunith shrugged. Confusion and Fear chilled her more than the fog had done. "Maybe we can ask in that village?" She pointed toward the settlement down road from them.
"At least we can find out where we are. I say we go." Gwen pointed that way as well.
Gawain didn't like riding into a village with no idea of what was going on. The fact that magic put them in that position made him like it even less. "We need supplies and to know where we are. Fine! Keep your eyes open." He started his horse toward the village. "We don't need any more surprises." He noticed rows of items covered with sheets. "Now what?" As they entered the village, they could discern that those were bodies under the sheets. People bustled about the square. They came and went from the biggest building in that place.
"Gawain? Gwen? Hunith? Good grief! This is a surprise!" Gaius limped out of the woods. He dragged a water bucket with him. He glanced up the path. "Where did you come from?" He set the bucket down on the ground.
"Gaius?" Gwen leapt down from her horse. "Where are we? Last we knew, we were just emerging from the woods north of Camelot. That fog swallowed us up. Next thing we know, we are here. Merlin's supposed to be with you. Right?"
"Merlin's here?" Enthusiasm picked up Hunith's spirits. "I have missed him! It will be good to see him! I can help with the sickness."
"Aye! Seeing Merlin will sure be a relief and…." Gawain picked up the bucket. Assessment told of Gaius' questions. "He's here. Right?"
"Nay, Gawain and Hunith. Merlin should be here. He was supposed to be here last night." Gaius leaned against a tree. His head bowed. "He's missing. Worse, he may be under a spell to block his memories. I do not know."
"What do you mean his memories are blocked? Gaius! Where is my boy?" Hunith demanded.
"Magic again? Ugh!" Gawain carried the pail. "Let's help 'em. Then we can start looking for Merlin. Which way?"
"Follow me." Gaius motioned them down the path. "I am glad you three are here. I definitely could use your help. This way." He led them toward the village.
The others looked at each other. Questions and Concerns popped across their brains. Still they followed and prepared to help as they could.
Immediate Efforts first….