First Official Visit
By Montez
Disclaimer: see chapter one
Chapter 22
Sir Cador looked around the council chambers, the last week had been horrific, the last twenty-four hours had been a rollercoaster of emotions with his party finally reaching the Citadel with the Prince. Then the small hiccup of miscommunication and gossip this morning causing another episode for everyone, but that was resolved and now as he looked around, the servants were working to outdo themselves with the preparations for the celebration that was to start mid-afternoon.
He had gotten little sleep himself the night before, Cador had slept in the chair next to his son's bed. Though Leon had been given a clean bill of health from Gaius, the older Knight found he could not leave his son after the fear of the last week. Again, that was all behind them, a new day, a new hour and the excitement of knowing everyone was now safely back where they were supposed to be allowed the older man to just take a deep breath, take in the activity, and relax.
Ten minutes later found Uther entering the chamber, all present bowed toward their smiling King, though still visibly pale, it was remarkable what just the return of their Prince had done for his father. "If everyone will take a seat, please." Uther said, taking his place in the high-backed chair at the head of the council table.
"As you all know, with my Son's and Sir Leon's safe return we are preparing celebrations for the afternoon and evening. All are welcome to attend, there will be food prepared and sent into the lower town as well. Our faithful subjects never gave up hope on Arthur's return with their nightly vigils. I'm sorry to say my own despair pushed me to a darker place than I ever wish to go again, but they never wavered, and I want them all to know that I am grateful." Uther paused as many council members nodded in agreement that all the citizens within the walls of the town should be included. "I will be making a speech in a short while to verbally express my gratitude and to allow everyone to see that Arthur…and Sir Leon," the King looked at Cador who responded with a slight nod, "are safely home."
A few members leaned over to show appreciation to Sir Cador for what he had endured this week, and for also being the party that had finally found their Prince.
"As I said, today is for celebrating, tomorrow we will be having a meeting to discuss what happened, how it happened, and if we believe this was just a very reckless group of bandits or a more organized, informed, coordinated attack." Murmurs arose as what they all feared could be a possibility. "I know I have been indisposed this last week and Sir Cador left on the extended search, but I also know he had men looking into trying to identify the attackers, which with the excellence of our Knight's were all killed. During my speech I will also give tribute to the seven honorable men lost on that fateful day so their bravery will not be forgotten."
Uther stood, as did everyone else, "now if you all will excuse me, my son and his Knight will be arriving soon and I wish to spend some time with them and Sir Cador before the speech. We will meet again in about two hours in the hall outside the balcony. Until then, gentlemen." The King motioned for everyone to leave except for Sir Cador.
Once the room was empty, except for the two men, Uther sat again, his legs still a bit shaky. "Are you okay Sire?" Cador asked, retaking his seat next to the King.
"Still a little weak, but better now that Arthur's is home. How are you holding up?" Uther watched his oldest friend.
"As with you, glad both Arthur and Leon are finally home and safe." Cador rubbed his face, he was fighting the exhaustion he felt, nothing would stop him from being near his son today.
"A week from Hell." Uther mumbled, Cador nodding soundlessly, both men just taking in the moment.
When the guard opened the chamber door, Uther expected to see his Son walking through, but it was an exhausted, dirty man, with tattered clothing, clutching a scroll being supported by another guard.
Both Cador and Uther rose quickly, the First Knight stepping forward staying between his King and a potential threat, "What is the meaning of this?"
The Guard helping the man spoke, "He said he has information on the men who attacked the King's party."
Cador looked back at Uther who stepped forward quickly, "What do you mean you have information on who attacked my party?"
"Sire…" the man pulled from the guard, his exhausted body stumbling slightly but he held his ground, "When word reached my Lord, he…he couldn't believe what had happened. He never imagined…"
"What are you trying to say? Was someone in my own Kingdom responsible for the attack?" Uther's temper was gaining ground, Cador put a hand on his friend's shoulder as the King stepped around him.
The filthy man raised a trembling hand containing the scroll toward the King. When the King took it the man collapsed, it was then they saw the wound the man's arm had been hiding, "Hurry, get him to Gaius and I want a guard with him at all times." Sir Cador ordered as more guards entered to help get the injured man to the physician.
Once the men left Sir Cador looked toward Uther who had moved back to the table. In his hand he still held the unopened scroll, the First Knight became concerned when he noticed the slight tremor in his Sovereign's hands, "Sire?" the older Knight stepped forward when his King didn't respond, "Uther?"
"The seal…" Uther whispered, not wanting to believe what his gut was telling him. He did not want to open the scroll to find out that someone he viewed as a dear friend could have somehow been responsible for everything that had happened the last week, beginning with the brutal attack that had left the King injured and the Prince injured and missing for a week.
Still not understanding his friend's change in deminer Cador placed a hand on the man next to him forearm, "Uther…" he said more forcefully to which the King handed the unopened scroll to him to see the seal that could upend a long-term friendship if what was inside said what was feared.
The seal bore the mark of Lord Andrew
Just then the chamber room doors were opened again, Uther took a deep breath, putting away the fear of what he had just been given, needing to focus on the most important thing in his life at the moment…
"FATHER!" Arthur's clear, relieved, joyful voice rang out through the empty chamber, Sir Leon a step behind.