Chapter 36 [A Third of an Hourglass Earlier]
Josiane steered Carpet though a cloud bank. She kept her attention straight ahead. She saw the Severn winding its way through the countryside far below. Wind billowed in her face. She looked for Whitgate in Forest's midst. Restraint kept her from going faster despite her wish to do so. Lament wanted to be back in Hampton. Boeve needed reinforcements against developing Siege. Rodor needed to hear the message. Her passengers needed to see Merlin.
Agendas competed for attention at that point…
"We are almost there." She turned toward Gaius and Hunith who stood fixed in Carpet's center. She noted Gaius' curiosity and Hunith's anxiety. She recalled her own initial journeys on Carpet across the Great African desert. It didn't take much to imagine how some might react to their current position. "How are you faring? I apologize. I know it can be unnerving."
Hunith gulped. "Do you ride on this carpet often?" She'd seen wonders around Merlin. She knew Magic could hold a person or object suspended in mid-air. Her mind spun at the countryside streaking by underneath them.
"Aye. We are quite safe. It is like you steering a cart or wagon down a road." She saw Question brew in Gaius' eyes. "Master Gaius?"
He shook his head. "I am simply admiring your carpet, Princess. It looks like a normal wool carpet. It feels like a secure stone floor. I cannot believe we have come so far and…." He saw Whitgate's towers in front of them. "My word! We are here! You have cut a two day ride down to a mere half hour?"
"Magic, Master Gaius. You both should know this as well as anyone. As for our speed, we have urgent business. I would not leave Count Boeve any longer than I have to. Besides, we have a long-standing promise to grant. It is time someone arrived at her home." Josiane dipped beneath Clouds' obscuring cover to reveal Whitgate's walls and towers underneath. She skimmed over the Lower Town and the adjacent wall.
"Promise?" Hunith raised an eyebrow at that notion. "Pardon me. This is the first time I have heard of this place much less been here. Who would have brought me here?"
"Sir Balinor. I will let King Rodor explain." Josiane slowed their pace. Much like Feather's downward drift on Gentle Breeze, she allowed them to settle on the stone underfoot. "We are now in Whitgate, my Friends."
"My word! It is Whitgate!" Gaius looked about the plaza and citadel. Despite the passage of years, Recognition immediately affirmed Josiane's words. "I say! She has done it!" He stepped off of Carpet. "Hunith, it seems we have been safely delivered."
"Aye it does." Hunith raised an eyebrow at the granite surroundings. She could see the few passersby's reactions vary as Gaius' and hers had. "Balinor was here? I know he travelled."
"He was indeed." Josiane watched Carpet streak back up into the sky and toward the citadel's tower. "I simply sent Carpet to my chamber until it is needed once more. Please follow me." She ascended the stairs toward the citadel's main door. "Ah! Sir Ywain! You are here?"
"I allow the younger knights to spar with Sir Galahad, Princess." Ywain bowed to her. "How was the journey to Hampton Castle? I trust Count Boeve is in good spirits?" He noticed Gaius and Hunith. "And who are our friends?"
"It has been a long time, Sir Ywain. I am Gaius, Camelot's Healer. She is Hunith of Ealdor, Merlin's mother," Gaius introduced. "I fear we bear grim tidings from Hampton."
Ywain nodded. "If it is related to Merlin's former malady, I can see why." He stepped forward and considered Hunith. "So, we meet at last, Lady. How I wish for Merlin's and your sakes it could have been much sooner. Welcome to Nemeth, Milady. Sir Balinor would be delighted to know that you have found your way here at last." He bowed.
Hunith frowned. Questions sparked in her mind. "And why would that be, Sir Ywain? I have always been a peasant. I have never known life in a town much less a castle. Cenred and his knights come through to collect taxes or recruit our men to fight in their wars. Balinor drifted through Ealdor. He did not stay long although I wish he had. He blessed me with our son. Then he disappeared and we never saw him again."
"Good Lady, I knew him when you did. Begging your pardon, he was about to bring you here. He was my fellow knight. Sir Galahad would remember him as well." Ywain cleared his throat. "If you can follow me, I will bring you to the King." He opened the door and allowed them inside.
"That would be a good thing, Sir Ywain. As Master Gaius has said, we have grim tidings." Josiane allowed their guests to step inside. "Please take us to King Rodor please."
"Of course." Ywain led them toward the stairs and the royal chambers above.
[Rodor's Throne Chamber]
Rodor reviewed his predecessor's surveys and land grants. Details revealed long outdated annotations, place names and statuses. Renegotiated Borders needed an update. Towns had popped up in Maps' blank areas. Manors changed hands over the years. How could this get so out of date? I cannot believe I allowed it! He took a troubled draught from his goblet.
"Something troubles you, Sire?" Blumenwald bowed. He'd rarely seen the knitted brow across Rodor's face. He understood the trouble provoking such a response.
"We are out of touch with the people. These records and maps need a fresh hand." Rodor set the goblet down by his arm rest. Expectation tapped his right forefinger on that arm rest. "Princess Mithian has begged me to look into these matters." He glanced over the records once again.
"I do recall that. Unfortunately, we did not listen." Blumenwald cleared his throat. "I did attempt to follow through. The others blocked my efforts as you might remember. We can move this matter to the forefront. Should we let Princess Mithian know? She can bring it up in the next Royal Council Meeting."
"Aye please do. Alas! Prince Kay spent far too much time overseas for my liking. Princess Mithian wanted him to work with her on these matters." Rodor leaned back in his throne. His mind reflected on her current state of mind. He marveled over her interest in Merlin and his situation. She had friendships and alliances with other Princes. Still, Courtiers tolerated her and only because he sat on the throne. She performed her service. Due to the lack of interest, she'd taken to hunting and long horseback rides.
Merlin had changed everything….
He rubbed his chin. Under normal conditions, Merlin's servile condition would've accorded him a place in the royal household alongside Britomart but little else. Merlin's situation, however, proved anything but normal. A knight, hero status, loyal courtier and dragon lord all spoke to Merlin's true worth. He'd thought to dub Merlin and take care of his debt in that fashion.
Mithian's feelings and what had happened at the cave changed things as well. Intrigue and Interest had morphed into Pursuit. While she'd shown little interest Courtship's Potential Matches, she considered this one. Even now, she'd left for the garden. That flowering tree, her obsession, failed to bloom. She'd brought in experts with no results.
Britomart carried the wine pitcher to him. "Sire, might I refill your goblet?"
"Please do. Thank you, Britomart." Rodor glanced over toward her. "I have a question for you, Britomart. I would appreciate an honest answer." He watched her fill the goblet. His eyes met hers.
"If I can help you, Sire, I shall." She set the pitcher down on the table. "What is your question?"
Rodor nodded. "You have seen Princess Mithian with our friend, Merlin. How do you think she feels for him?"
Britomart tensed. She glanced around the chamber toward Blumenwald. "I would not start rumor, Sire. The Princess has shown extraordinary interest beyond other suitors toward Merlin. Since their return from the cave, there is something else. It almost seems like they know each other thoughts."
Rodor eyed Blumenwald. His future conversations with Arthur and Merlin grew in importance. He would send a delegation to that village. He would offer a place to Merlin's mother at court. Given the few turns of the hourglass since the trip to the cave, dinner would offer observation and conversational opportunities. "Quite curious. Thank you, Britomart. We shall have to see how Merlin is today for ourselves. I appreciate your insights. Perhaps you might let Michael know that we shall eat soon?"
"I shall. Thank you, Sire." She curtseyed to them both. Then, as she hustled toward the door, she saw Ywain. "Good afternoon, Sir Ywain." She curtseyed to him and then departed.
"Good afternoon to you as well, Britomart. I appreciated your skill yesterday at the camp with chores and sparring. You did well at both. My compliments." Ywain offered Respect's nod and watched her depart. "Pardon me, Sire. Princess Josiane has returned with Master Gaius and Hunith. They await you in the passage."
"Thank you, Sir Ywain. I shall receive them at once." Rodor watched Ywain open the door and motion into the passage. "Lord Blumenwald, please stay." He watched Josiane, Gaius and Hunith enter the throne chamber. "Good afternoon, Friends. Welcome to Nemeth! Princess Josiane, am I to understand we have friends with you?"
"Aye, King Rodor." Josiane nodded to him. "I have Master Gaius, Camelot's Court Physician, and Hunith of Ealdor, Merlin's mother, to see you. I brought them here so as they would not be trapped in Hampton."
"Trapped?" Rodor stiffened. "Whatever do you mean? Is Count Boeve all right?"
"An invading army came from Camelot, Your Highness. They had their own flags and Camelot's with them. They have laid siege to Hampton on three sides. Only the harbor is clear. Count Boeve and Sir Gawain lead the defense. They are outnumbered. The invaders have siege machines. They need your assistance." Gaius bowed to the throne.
"Camelot should not fall in such a short period of time. Most curious!" Rodor considered Gaius. "I know you were one of King Uther's long-standing courtiers, Master Gaius. Tell me how this could happen. King Arthur is a new king but I know he is not careless."
"We had an issue. I was away tending to plague victims, Your Highness. I have my suspicions. Still, I would speak to King Arthur about them first." Gaius bowed. "With all due respect, King Rodor."
"Of course." Rodor nodded. "Such matters are delicate and needing to be handled internally." He saw Britomart curtsey to him once again. "Ah! I see our guest and Princess have arrived!" He waved Merlin and Mithian inside. "What news from the garden, Daughter?"
Mithian smiled. "I have great news! The tree flowers anew! The blossoms are bigger and better than before! It seems Merlin knows his way around a garden."
"Indeed he does, King Rodor. He and the maid, Guinevere, tend our royal gardens in Camelot as well." Gaius hustled to Merlin's side. "You do not know how worried your mother and I have been about you. What happened to you?" He threw his arms around Merlin.
"I was on my way to Rothsborough. These men kidnapped me. Morgana did something to my memories. I do not remember much more than being in her hut. The next thing I remember, I was in the Crystal Cave with Princess Mithian and my father's ghost. I'm sorry, Gaius, I meant to get there to help you."
"I know you did. I am just glad you are all right." Gaius stepped back and regarded Merlin. For some reason, he felt as if something had changed. "What did Morgana do to you?"
"She had water in a vessel. I could see my memories in it. Then she emptied it and I could not remember anything. I began to feel something when Princess Mithian touched my arm. Father helped me here and at the cave. He made me drink from some pool of water." Merlin looked to Mithian. He wanted to talk about her help. He didn't want trouble over Impropriety's embraces or the energy attack at the camp for that matter.
"We both drank from his goblet, Merlin." Mithian raised an eyebrow. "I had faith in Sir Balinor just as I do in you."
"You what? Daughter, we did not know…." Crimson darkened Rodor's face. His eyes narrowed at her. His tone rose for a lecturing moment in time.
"Father, pardon me. I helped our friend. Do we not owe Balinor and him life debts? Did he not bid us from downstairs to go hence? I did for Merlin what I would do for anyone else." Mithian offered Respect's nod to Rodor and the throne. "As Merlin has done for us, I did for him." She turned to Merlin once again. "And I would do more if he would accept our offer." Smirk and Amor's sparks showed in her eyes. Ambiguitymay have ruled her words. Intention however remained crystal clear.
"I know." Rodor relaxed. "Thankfully it was Sir Balinor's spirit that bade you to do such. I know better than to ask you to be more careful." He took a deep breath. "And I offer you welcome, Lady Hunith. At long last, we meet."
Hunith curtseyed to Rodor once again. "Thank you, Your Highness. I wish I understood. It has been a long few days. Men took me from my village. Sir Gawain and Guinevere rescued me. We rode south until we found Gaius in Rothsborough. After that, we rode to Hampton. Then the siege happened. Princess Josiane flew Gaius and me here on her magic carpet. I wish I understood how that works. Thank you for helping Merlin. I have so many questions about Balinor."
"I imagine you do." Rodor leaned back in his throne. "I will be happy to answer them after this current crisis. I wish that Prince Accolon had remained to plan our reinforcing Hampton Castle and…" Seeing Accolon standing in the entrance to his chamber startled him. "Prince Accolon? You have returned?"
"I have, King Rodor." Accolon bowed his head. "Camelot has been liberated. A detachment of Tintagel's knights freed the remaining Knights of Camelot from the dungeon. We have secured the citadel and keep. Lord Geoffrey will serve as regent until King Arthur's return. Furthermore, the Lady Morgana has accepted my offer. She will come to Tintagel and serve as our Princess. We will turn our forces toward Hampton Castle."
Kilgarrah? Merlin called out over their link.
Merlin, let the Dragon Slayer's lair fall. He has killed enough of my brethren, Kilgarrah argued.
Dragon, it is Merlin's duty to fight for Camelot. I will fight alongside him with my King's permission of course. I am certain our knights would do the same, Malodius countered. As his brother, is it not your duty to fight beside him? Look to the friendships we would make on this day.
I do not like it, Great One. Despite that, I will not allow Merlin to proceed alone. I know better, Kilgarrah curled his lip.
You would not try to…? Of course, you would! Mithian ground her teeth. She understood Duty's call as well as anyone. Still Worry stabbed at her heart. "Father, I have a suggestion. Perhaps we might send a patrol to assist Tintagel's forces?"
"You and I are of the same mind, Daughter. Thank you." Rodor nodded. "Lord Blumenwald, have the chimes rung. I expect the knights assembled in the square within two turns of the hourglass. Merlin, I cannot hold you from your duty to Camelot. Perhaps though, we might lend you a suit of chain mail and a surcoat? I would like you to have some protection in your service to King Arthur."
Mithian cleared her throat. You will take the chain mail, Merlin. I insist. Purpose's stare emphasized the matter with alacrity.
Merlin bowed to the throne. "That would be most generous, King Rodor. Thank you." I was going to take the armor.
I had to be sure. Mithian raised her eyebrow at him. She stifled a loud cough with her hand.
"Shall we eat then? I would not have Merlin leaving on an empty stomach. Upon his return, I would discuss a few matters with Lady Hunith and Merlin." Rodor stepped down from the throne. "Princess Mithian can accompany Lady Hunith around the castle in the meantime."
Gaius raised The Eyebrow. Suspicion insisted on knowing more about this "offer". He wanted to know more about Rodor's and Mithian's intentions. While he understood that there was little he could say from dissuading Merlin from taking part in breaking Helios' siege, Relief warmed him that Merlin would have allies in that matter.
Details, details….