Chapter 49 [Next Day—Camelot]

Arthur sat on his throne. His eyes studied Courtiers and Castellans assembled before himself. Loyal Followers stood tall in spite of days in the dungeon. Knights reduced in number by Ambush and Murder. Others remained missing from the court. Boeve and Josiane still remained at large. Morgana remained in Tintagel under Accolon's protection. Gwen and Gaius were still missing. Leon would manage Hampton well at least. These remained matters to be dealt with afterwards.

For now, Trouble needed to be stomped out at its source. While Morgana remained beyond his grasp, Arthur could deal with the others. "Percival, Elyan, bring in the prisoners."

Assembled Eyes followed the two knights toward the chamber's rear door. They watched Percival, Elyan and several other knights pull Helios and Agravaine into view. Manacles' chains rattled in their ears. Resistance dragged condemned boots across the floor and toward the throne.

"On your knees!" Percival pushed Agravaine to a kneeling position. He kept careful watch on Helios as well. Given the latter's crafty mind, he would not take any chances.

Dirtiest Glare stabbed from Helios' eyes toward the knights and then toward Arthur. "You can shove me here. I will not care." Dismissive Sniff carried Indignation's Dismissal for the other prisoner as well. "I see you have regained your throne once more, Boy. Does it not bother you that the very magic you despise put you back there?"

Arthur did not react…at least not outwardly. Mask of State kept a deliberate countenance across his face. "My knights along with Nemeth's and Tintagel's armies put me here."

"And what of the boy, Merlin, and his beast? I suppose you knew of them as well?" Helios chuckled. "You are such a fool. Sorcery is a force to be controlled and directed. Even I know that. So, it seems your former servant does as well. It was he who used magic to make me sleep. His beast tore me from my saddle. How many times did you use him to win a battle, Pendragon? There are tales of strange events and fortunate coincidences."

"Aye. I exiled him for his actions at Hampton and in the past. Merlin, in spite of his service, cannot be allowed to use magic or that dragon here in Camelot. Now it is your turn. Helios, I could sentence you to death for your part in the recent invasion. I prefer to offer you and your warriors your lives and a home. In return, you would fight under my command and swear loyalty to me." Arthur took a draught from his goblet. "You have your usefulness, Helios. Let us leave it at that."

Helios frowned. Even a heartbeat's consideration revealed Arthur's point to him. Before Morgana's offer, Survival dictated that the Southrons roved about the land leaving damaged and burning villages in their wake. Arthur would allow them to have a permanent base and revenue without looting. "I will negotiate, Pendragon. My warriors and I are at your disposal."

"It is good to know that I can trust you, Helios." Arthur stood and walked to the other leader's side. His metal key removed Manacles from Helios' wrists. "We will speak. Meantime, I cannot trust my uncle."

"This one? If you do not mind me saying, he would stab you or anyone in the back if it suited him," Helios noted. Cold Expression glared at Agravaine.

Agravaine rolled his eyes. "Sire! I am ever your servant! I had everything in control with Morgana until he showed up with his rabble! I planned it!"

Arthur bowed his head. Pained Sigh escaped his lips. "Lord Agravaine, by your own words, you have indicted yourself. I find you guilty of high treason against me. I sentence you to death. That sentence will be carried out immediately. I wish you had thought more on your actions. I trusted you above all others. Elyan, take him to the courtyard. We are done here. Helios, we should speak." He saw Hector rush to the rear door. "Sir Hector?"

"Sire!" Hector bowed. "Riders to see you. You will wish to see them." He glanced back into the passage and then back to Arthur once more.

Curiosity grabbed onto Arthur's attention. "Very well, Hector. Lead me to them. Helios, you are with me." He and the other walked out the rear door and into the passage.

"And you are with us, Agravaine. Come on!" Elyan dragged the condemned man toward the passage and Death's harvest. Percival helped in that task.

Onlookers awaited further word….

[Just inside the Drawbridge—a sixth of an hourglass turn earlier]

Gwen guided her horse over the drawbridge and into the Lower Town. Exhaustion sagged across her shoulders and back after the long ride. Enthusiasm picked up upon seeing familiar surroundings and faces. Her eyes fixed upon the cobbled road toward the Upper Town and Citadel above. Her heart pulled her in that direction. "It's good to be back!"

Gaius nodded. Everything seemed much as it had before his departure. Amidst the usual tradesmen and inhabitants, a few Purple-Clad Warriors wandered about. He rubbed his chin. "I wonder who they are however. Most curious. I have never seen them in Camelot before."

Galahad looked over the Southrons. "Those are the warriors that we faced in Hampton. Their leader, Helios, is in the citadel speaking with King Arthur, Master Gaius. I trust that is where we shall take you now? I would have you both safe."

"We appreciate that, Sir Galahad. Thank you," Gwen expressed. She started down the road leading toward the Upper Town. "Follow me."

"She heads for the citadel, Sir Galahad. We will make our way there." Gaius led their companions down the aforementioned road. Once past the houses, the way climbed up the hill and through the gate. "I believe we are about to enter our courtyard, my Friends."

"Aye. I do remember this." Galahad nodded. He watched Gwen with care. "I pray your King has returned from Hampton. I do not want to leave you both without seeing him first." He noted Scaffold in the plaza's corner. "Who is that for?"

"I do not rightly know." Intrigue raised Gaius' Eyebrow. "That is most curious. King Arthur is not one to rush to judgment." Theories ran through his head. At least Merlin is back in Whitgate. Block's presence suggested a noble or royal figure. Perhaps Lord Agravaine? Most curious indeed! "Perhaps Sir Hector might know? He is the knight on watch."

"Excellent suggestion, Master Gaius. Thank you." Galahad rode on ahead. He motioned to Ywain to stay back. "Ho! Good afternoon, Sir Hector! I am Sir Galahad, First Knight of Nemeth. I am here to see King Arthur on urgent business."

"King Arthur is in chambers with…." Hector's refusal started but withered in his throat. He recognized Gwen immediately. "Aye. I shall see what I can do, Sirrah. Wait here." He hustled into the citadel.

"Ywain, keep a sharp watch. I am not comfortable with this." Galahad dismounted. He walked his horse over toward a hitching post. He noted a few more Southrons milling about the area."Guinevere! Be alert! We do not know what the situation might be."

"Sir Hector said he was in his chamber. King Arthur will emerge when he can, Sir Galahad." Gwen climbed down from her saddle. She familiarized herself with the plaza for a few heartbeats. "Can I help you down, Gaius?"

"Thank you, Gwen. I believe I will be fine." Gaius stepped down from his own horse. "It does feel good to be back in Camelot I must say." Instinct however looked for Merlin. Expectation lay in his former charge to set back to work for Arthur and put everything back to normal.

Alas, Merlin wouldn't do so ever again….

Arthur stood in Citadel's door. He looked over the entire plaza. "Hector, see if those Southrons will help you see to the scaffold. Meantime…." He hesitated at the sight of Gwen standing there. "GWEN?" His heart skipped a beat. Relief and Amor eased his mind. He rushed down the stairs toward her. His arms encircled her waist. He raised her into the air. His lips pressed down on hers.

"I am glad to see you as well. King Rodor wanted me to be safe back in Whitgate. Sirs Galahad and Ywain escorted us here." She hugged him tightly against herself. Security eased her nerves. She relaxed there in the harbor of his arms.

"For that at least I am grateful to him. The other matter with Merlin not so much. Still, if he can serve Princess Mithian and him without tripping over too many chamber pots then good for him," Arthur assumed. "Gaius, it is good that you are safe as well."

"Thank you, Sire. It was a lengthy trip but a good one. Our neighbors in Rothsborough are cured. Everything proceeds as it should. How was your conference?" Gaius bowed to Arthur. Still, he felt as if something remained off in Arthur's mood.

"We failed to reach an agreement." Arthur frowned. His bile over Merlin's situation burned at his stomach yet again. "I know about Merlin. The question is did you know the whole time?"

Gaius bowed his head. Purpose and Guilt fought their own battle within him. He wanted to say more or perhaps tell another half-truth. Still, in the end, Truth prevailed. "Aye, Sire. I knew of Merlin's magic from the very point he stepped into my chamber for the first time. Hunith requested that I keep him safe. And so I did. I guided him and taught him how to conduct himself in your service. I cautioned him to limit such things for his own sake."

Arthur shook his head. Regret ate at him over Gaius' answer. "I see. Perhaps it is a good thing Sirs Galahad and Ywain are here. Gaius, there are those who would want your head for helping Merlin to conceal his magic from my father and me. I could bring you before the court. Lord Agravaine is about to meet the headsman for his treason. Given your service to my father and me, Gaius, I believe it is best that I exile you quietly. There is a new physician now, Braegel, at court. He acquaints himself very well with everyone. He is very efficient and learns quickly. I had your possessions placed in storage."

"I see." Disappointment sagged its heavy load down upon Gaius. He loved his place at Camelot. For the past quarter century, he'd tended Royal Court's every need. "I am sorry. I did my best for Merlin and Camelot on all matters. I know you do not believe that." He reached into his cloak and produced Rodor's letter. "King Rodor said I could serve in Nemeth. I returned because of my duty." He handed Arthur the letter in question. "I will retrieve my possessions and take my leave."

"Gaius, I do believe you did your best. I just wish you did not break the law to do it." Arthur cleared his throat. "I will have a knight help you with your things." He rubbed the back of his neck. "And Merlin? How is he?"

Gaius shrugged. "Merlin is well, Sire. King Rodor and Princess Mithian have taken him in. I believe he was knighted yesterday. He is a noble now. So is his mother. King Rodor made him the Crown Prince."

"Aye, Arthur! Merlin's marrying her as well! Can you believe it?" Gwen rubbed Arthur's arm.

"Merlin…a Prince? He is marrying Princess Mithian?" Arthur felt his mind seize up over those insights. "That cannot be! I…." He saw Galahad stewing not far away. "Sir Galahad? A word if you would?"

Galahad motioned for Ywain to accompany him. Resentment frothed inside of them both over Arthur's reference to the chamber pots. Rodor had reminded them to wait and see about Gaius in any event. "Aye, King Arthur?" Galahad bowed before Arthur.

Arthur read over Rodor's letter. "I had to exile Gaius for his collaboration with Merlin. Sir Galahad, Sir Ywain, perhaps you might escort him back to Whitgate? I trust King Rodor can help him to make a life for himself back there?"

Protest died on Gwen's lips. She knew Arthur had to do something. Still, she wanted Gaius to live in comfortable retirement within Camelot's walls. Even if he couldn't have been at court, she would have liked Gaius to be close by. She collected herself. "I am sure King Rodor will find a worthwhile use for Gaius' skills at his court." She saw courtiers streaming through the door and into the area. "What is going on?"

"Lord Agravaine is a traitor. He is about to be dealt with." Arthur shook his head. "I am going to rebuild Camelot so that I can know what is happening here. You can watch if you'd like?"

Gaius watched Percival and Elyan leading Agravaine down the stairs. Defeat had snuffed Spirit out in the condemned man's eyes. Despite previous tensions, harassment and cat and mouse games, Pity blossomed in Gaius' heart for Agravaine. "I believe I should pack and depart? We have a long road back to Whitgate, Sire. Thank you. At least if I have to be exiled, I can go to a place where my skills can be put to use."

"If you can show us where Master Gaius' possession are, King Arthur, we can load them onto our horses and be on our way?" Galahad proposed. Impatience wanted to be back on the road as soon as possible.

"Gwen knows the way. She can help you. I should be out here." Arthur cleared his throat. "If you will pardon me?" He stalked away toward the scaffold.

"Quite the pity. Gaius, I believe we can offer some food for your journey back? It might help in your transition. At least you will be able to look after Merlin and the others?" Gwen smiled. Still Discomfort over current situation lingered. Consequently, she wanted to help smooth things over in any way possible.

"That is what I am looking forward to, Gwen. Thank you. Well, shall we?" Gaius ambled toward the citadel's stairs and their items therein. He would prefer not to watch the spectacle. The future awaited.

Transitions seemed to be ongoing for everyone….