And Caesar's spirit, ranging for revenge,
With Ate by his side come hot from hell,
Shall in these confines with a monarch's voice
Cry 'Havoc,' and let slip the dogs of war
Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare
Elis Cartigern watched his daughter sit near the fire bent over her sewing, gnawing on her bottom lip as she slowly but diligently passed her needle through the fabric. Nella was a sweet child, but while he had much love for her, Elis could not deny that she lacked promise even with all the good fortune of her birth.
His wife had been most apologetic to present him with a girl as their first born, but he hadn't been concerned. Daughters could forge alliances through marriage - his Pendragon blood had come from his mother after all, and he'd thought there'd be plenty of time to father sons. But in the thirteen years that had passed, his wife had lost two children in the cradle and just as many to miscarriage. Her childbearing years were nearing their end, and whilst Elis remained hopeful of a son, he was realistic that the chances were slim.
But it did not matter - he would take Arthur's son as his own, mould the young prince to trust Elia alone. As regent, he would rule Camelot as surely as if he wore the crown himself - as Uther would have wanted. Nella could be married to a young lord loyal to him, and any daughter she bore raised to be a perfect consort and queen, Pendragon and Cartigern blood melding once more in a dynasty that would last a thousand generations.
And if the young prince proved too willful, if that streak of plebian defiance made him cleave too close to his mother's blood? Well, there were always contingencies.
"What are you making, my dear?" Elis approached his daughter, resting his hands on the back of the empty chair by the fire that was usually his place. Nella looked up from her embroidery hoop and showed him the half-finished image of a red dragon sewn into the fabric.
"It's a muslin wrap," she smiled, "for the prince."
"It is lovely," Elis told her, and Nella blushed under the praise that was usually harder won. But his good mood made the compliment easy to pay - his daughter had been a valuable source of information for him these past weeks, happy to tell him every detail of her time spent with Guinevere. Nella near worshipped the Queen, so no detail was too trivial to impart, and while no great secrets had been divulged (Guinevere was too careful for that), Elis had been able to ferret out small details which had helped contribute to his plans, and most particularly, identify this very night as when they must strike.
"Are you sure the Queen did not want you to dine with her tonight?" he asked, wanting to make sure.
"No, she has taken to her bed." Nella lay the hoop down in her lap and sighed. "She misses Merlin already, I think."
The sorcerer had left Camelot earlier that day, accompanied by one of the palace servants. Elis had watched from his window to make sure, their horses disappearing up the North Road. Ector had confirmed that Merlin had chosen to join the army encamped on the Mercian border, waiting to meet Odin and Bayard's men. It was as Elis had expected - Odin was the greater threat, although he had wondered if the sorcerer would choose to fight with the army on the borders of Essetir, since rumor was Merlin himself had been born in that land.
But it made no difference - Elis had men in both camps, ready to take him by force and trade him to Odin. And Merlin would do nothing - not when Elis held Guinevere captive - the threat of her life would be an effective muzzle on his powers as any magic-binding charm dozens of charletons had tried to sell him.
No, he did not trust magic; it could not be used against itself. He trusted human nature, and it had become clear that Merlin valued Guinevere's life above all else, and would do anything to protect her, even sacrifice his own. But when he had not left with the armies, Elis had been worried that he would stay in Camelot to guard her, and was relieved when Merlin had finally made his choice. Perhaps it was because he'd left one of his brethren in his place - a wrinkle Elis had not anticipated.
"Is the druid witch with her?" he asked, trying to keep his voice idle. "Perhaps she has a remedy for sadness."
"I don't know," Nella shrugged, picking up her embroidery again. "She doesn't talk to me much. And her name's Valeda."
It was a reproachful as his daughter could ever get - eyes downcast, and only the slightest hint of rebuke in her tone. To his great chagrin, Nella was fascinated by magic, and even seemed to harbour a slight crush on Merlin, always so earnestly seeking his attention and approval. Elis was sour about it, but pretended he had not noticed so she would continue to enjoy the Queen's confidence. In any case she would soon grow up, and see that he was right.
There was a knock at the door, and Elis bid them enter. It was Bryn, his valet, practically quivering with excitement as he crossed the room.
"My Lord," he bowed. "Lady Nella." He gave Elis a significant look - it was time.
"I have some business to attend to, my dear." Elis moved to her chair and rested his hand on her shoulder. "Bryn is going to stay with you - where is your mother?"
"She is abed with one of her megrims," Nella told him, but furrowed her brow. "Where are you going so late?"
"Just war council," he assured her. "But you must promise to stay here, and not leave under any circumstances."
"But why?" Nella pressed, "surely the castle is safe?"
Elis gave her a hard look and squeezed her shoulder. "Just do as I say."
Nella looked back down, suitable chastised. "Yes, father."
"You will understand soon," he said more softly, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. "This is all for the best."
If his words caused further disquiet, Nella did not voice it, her attention back on her embroidery. Elis felt a brief flash of guilt - would his daughter hate him for what he was about to do? - but it passed just as quickly. In time, she would see the wisdom of his actions that would be to her own advantage, to make her so much more than just the Queen's pet, amusement enough now, but easily discarded..
Bryn walked him to the door. "There are guards outside the Queen's chamber," he said softly, so Nella could not hear. "Gaius and the witch have both retired to their rooms."
"And the patrols?"
"Afan has command of the castle contingent," Bryn confirmed, "and the others are out in the city."
"Good." Elis nodded - Afan was one of theirs, and would make sure the other men would fall into line once they had seized the Queen. The castle would be theirs before the patrols returned to find the gates closed to them unless they swore allegiance to him - they would have no choice, with Guinevere in his custody.
It was a perfect plan, and Elis gave Bryn a smile as he departed - in return, his valet gave a deep bow. Come morning all of Camelot would be showing him the same respect, and that thoughts kept him warm as he traversed the cold, dark corridors.
Sir Ector was waiting, leaning against the stone wall and scarlet cape drawn tightly around himself to ward off the chill. He nodded as Elis approached, straightening up to attention.
"My Lord," he said softly. "Are you ready?"
Elis nodded, and did not miss the disquiet in Ector's face. "I know this is difficult for you," he clapped him on the shoulder. "But you made the right choice."
"I know," Ector gave him a tight smile. "I will do what I must."
They walked briskly down the hallway that led to the Queen's chambers, and as expected two guards were posted outside. As they approached, they crossed their polearms over the closed door to bar any attempt to enter.
"My Lords, please withdraw," one said, giving Cartigern a suspicious look. "The Queen is abed."
"Alwyn," Ector addressed him, and then turned to the other. "Rhys. We have urgent news for the Queen, you must let us pass."
"Sir Ector," Rhys looked nervous, "Merlin told us not to let anyone in."
"I am a Knight of the Round Table," Ector gave them both a hard look. "Sir Leon charged me with the security of the city, and the Queen's person. So do you take orders from me, or from Merlin?"
The guards looked at each other, uneasy. Elis smiled to himself - this was precisely why Ector's support was so crucial - they needed a high-ranking knight on their side, for otherwise he would never be permitted close enough to Guinevere to take her.
"If it truly is urgent," Alwyn nodded to Rhys, and they both removed their polearms from across the door.
"The fate of the kingdom rests on it," Elis assured them as Alwyn unlocked the door, promising himself they would be rewarded for their assistance.
The Queen's rooms were dark, the curtains drawn separating the bedchamber from the main room. Ector closed the door behind them, eliminating the narrow beam of light from the hallway and plunging them into complete darkness. It took a few moments, but his eyes soon acclimated enough to make out the bearing of the room and Ector beside him.
"They won't follow?" he whispered to Ector, who shook his head.
"It's against protocol," he said in a low voice. "But we must be careful, they will come if she screams."
By then it would be too late, Elis thought, but agreed that it would be easier not to raise alarm until Guinevere was properly detained, so she could tell them herself to stand down. Being mindful to avoid the dining table, they crept through the room, carefully pulling aside the heavy curtains to reveal the four-poster bed. The drapes had been left open, moonlight spilling in to cast a dim light over a mound of blankets concealing a figure that slept beneath, rising and falling slightly to indicate deep, calm breaths. He stifled a chuckle - the Queen slept like a child, the blankets drawn up over her head like that!
He held up his hand and Ector obeyed, drawing his sword silently and placing himself between Elis and the door in case the guards entered. He then drew his own sword, moved closer and pointed it at the bed.
"Wake up, Madam," he hissed, tapping the tip of his sword against the edge of the mattress. "Do not make a sound, or you will be run through."
The figure underneath the red blankets did not move, although he noted a change in breathing. She was awake, but afraid - he almost felt sorry for her, but it only proved further she was unfit to rule, cowering like a coward beneath her bedclothes, unable even to face her enemy. A sudden anger gripped him, and Elis leaned forward with his free hand to grasp the blankets and cast them forcefully aside.
But the figure he revealed was not Guinevere, trembling with fear, but Merlin, pale face burning like a brand in the darkness.
He was too stunned to react quickly, and Merlin rose, eyes flashing yellow and lifting his hand, Elis's sword forced from his hand by a magic so powerful it felt like his wrist snapped. He cried out in pain, stumbling back and cradling his forearm, looking for help, but when he turned around, rather than rushing to his aid, Ector held his sword to Elis's throat, blocking his escape.
"Things not going to plan?" Merlin said, and Elis whipped back around to face the sorcerer, who still held his hand aloft, ready to strike. A cold fear ran through him; he'd never seen Merlin look murderous before, and there was nothing - no one - to stop him. Elis looked to Ector again, and he realised that he had been betrayed, and his fear turned to fury.
"You pledged yourself to me," he hissed, "you traitor."
"No, that's what you are," Merlin said, his voice like shards of ice. "You knelt before your Queen and gave her your vow, yet you come to her bedchamber to put your sword to her throat."
"Kill me then," Elis spat back, and Merlin advanced with a cold fury, his hand still held aloft and an electrified ball of light appearing in his palm.
"No," Ector called out, but kept his sword pointed at Elis. "He must be tried."
"He is guilty," Merlin argued, his eyes narrowed to slits. "He deserves no public forum to spout his treason and lies."
"Guinevere ordered us to capture him," Ector argued, and at the Queen's name Merlin blinked, as if coming out of a spell. "Would you disobey her?"
Merlin looked from Elis to Ector, the amber glow fading from his eyes as the ball of light vanished from his palm and his hand dropped back down to his side.
"Call the guards then," Merlin said softly, and Elis realised they must have known exactly why he'd sought entrance - how well he'd been played, ensuring that he was caught in the act so there could be no question as to his intent. But he would not give the wizard the satisfaction of explanation, would not even deign to answer the charge. He'd been outwitted, but not all was lost, not until the noose went round his neck, and it was with that cold assurance he went willingly with Alwyn and Rhys down to the dungeon and ignored their jibes and the roughness with which they shoved him into the cell.
He was a Cartigern, and a Pendragon, and as Elis cradled his broken wrist, he promised himself that this would not be the end of him.
Guinevere paced the room, unable to be still. The guest quarters given to Valeda were the smallest in the castle - she'd insisted on that, saying that she preferred the cosiness of four walls close around her, but it meant that Gwen could barely take a dozen steps before turning back in the other direction.
"My Lady, please sit down." Valeda was hunched over a stool by the hearth, using a poker to prod at the fire. "You're making me dizzy."
"Sorry." Gwen stopped, but could not keep still, wringing her hands and glancing at the door. "They should have come back by now."
"They will take as long as they need to, don't fret yourself." Valeda lay the poker on the brick and held up her hands to the flames. "Now come over here and get warm."
No one, except perhaps Merlin, would dare speak to her like that, but Gwen didn't mind - Valeda's scolding tone was almost maternal, something she was crying out for as her pregnancy advanced. She walked over to the fire to warm her hands, longing for her mother to take her into her arms as she had done when Gwen was small, to stroke her hair and sing a lullaby and tell her everything was going to be alright.
"Do you have any children Valeda?" she asked.
"Three," the woman gave her a warm smile. "And seven grandchildren. So if you have any questions, my Lady, I would be happy to answer them."
"I'm not sure I want to know too much," Gwen said ruefully, rubbing her belly. "And I've told you, please call me Gwen."
Valeda inclined her head, "as you wish."
There was a smart rapping at the door, and Gwen immediately recognised Merlin's knock and went to answer it, but Valeda had already lept to her feet with a speed that beguiled her age, blocking her path to the door.
"Let me, Gwen," she said, and moved to the door, calling out something in the druid language. An answer came in the same tongue, and Gwen gave a sigh of relief to hear Merlin's voice.
Valeda opened the door and allowed Merlin in, followed by Sir Ector, to whom she gave a scowl that he took with good grace, closing the door behind him and remaining standing at attention. Merlin however took the few strides across the room and embraced Gwen tightly.
"It's done," he told her, drawing back to arm's length. "Cartigern is in the dungeons along with his co-conspirators. Afan and Cadwell of the castle guard, Lord Morfran, Lady Ina, along with Sir Caron and Sir Alun-"
"Caron and Alun?" Gwen was shocked - they were lesser knights, not of the Round Table, but it still cut at her to know the conspiracy had gone so deep.
Merlin nodded. "And a dozen others that we know of here within the castle, mostly in the households of Cartigern, Morfran, and Ina. The rest have been put under house arrest until we can investigate further."
"And Nella?" Gwen asked, fearing for her young friend.
"Lord Cartigern left his valet Bryn in charge of her and Lady Cartigern," Ector spoke up. "He's been arrested, but they knew nothing, as far as I am aware."
"Is she alright?" Gwen pressed, desperately wanting to go see her, to explain, but understood it was not the time.
"She's fine," Merlin assured her, "confused, but if she truly knew nothing-"
"She didn't." Gwen was firm - if nothing else, she knew that to be true, but Merlin still seemed wary. "But we'll sort it all out once the war is over," she told him, "and you've returned with the other knights."
"You must leave now," Ector said, "if you have any hope of making it before the battle."
Merlin pursed his lips, his gaze sliding askance to Ector. "Maybe I should stay," he said, taking her hands and squeezing lightly. "Cartigern could break free, he could have other allies in town we aren't aware of, or-"
"Or this could have been my plan all along," Ector spoke up, his face grim. "That's what you're thinking, isn't it? That this was all a ploy to make sure the Queen was unprotected, and then strike."
Merlin shrugged listlessly, and made no denial.
"I do not blame you." Ector stepped forward. "I confess my wrong - I gave thoughts to treason of the foulest kind, and did not come forward sooner. I know when all this is all over, I must pay for my part in it, but I swear to you my Lady, Merlin, on the life of my son, that I am with you."
He held Guinevere's gaze firmly, and then Merlin's. "But it is a matter of trust," he added softly, "either I have yours, or I don't."
Gwen squeezed Merlin's hands - she at least was certain of Ector, had always been sure of him. She'd been deeply hurt when he'd told her of Cartigern's plot and his involvement, but she believed his regret genuine, and his fidelity true. Merlin, on the other hand, whipped into an anxious frenzy that all his suspicions and fears had been proved correct, may not be so quick to forgive.
He stared at Ector, who stared back at him, and for a long moment everyone in the room seemed to collectively hold their breath. Finally Merlin gave a long sigh, and nodded to Ector.
"I leave the defence of the Queen to you then," he said, and Ector, visibly relieved, gave a bow of assent. Merlin then turned back and embraced her tightly.
"We will win this war," he whispered in her ear. "I promise."
"Stay safe," she murmured back, holding him as close as she could. "Please, come back."
Ector kept vigil outside of Guinevere's door until morning - or rather Valeda's door, since the witch had suggested the Queen take her bed for the night, just in case there were any further attempts to access her own quarters. Surprising no one more than himself, Ector had agreed, since he could not be completely certain Cartigern had not shared the entire plan or the identities of all the conspirators with him.
Valeda had elected to remain as well, even though Guinevere had pressed that she should take one of the other guest rooms and get some sleep. The druid woman had waved away the Queen's concern, saying that she could never sleep after so much excitement. All three of them knew the real reason of course - that she herself did not trust Ector and wanted to keep an eye on him just in case. Not wishing to keep the Queen from resting any longer, he had not caused a fuss but said nothing and allowed Valeda to stand with him in guard outside the door.
"I understand you hate magic," she spoke up after an initial silence. "Or rather, those who use it."
Ector cleared his throat, and kept his attention on the empty hallway. "No, I do not."
"But you believe the Queen should have maintained the ban." It was not a question, and Ector had no intention of denying it.
"My sister was killed by sorcerers," he said shortly. "One of the many attempts on Uther's life. She and a dozen others died instead, because they did not care who paid the price for the laws a King had implemented in his own kingdom."
"Should we compare tragedy?" Valeda's voice was light, with a hint of steel. "There is not a family among the druids who have not lost someone, my own included. Shall we add up all the dead on your side and all of those on mine, and see who comes out the victor?"
"Your Queen said much the same," she continued when he did not answer. "That this cycle of revenge serves no one, and we must forgive one another if we want to leave our children a better legacy than we were given."
"Yet allowing the return of magic has brought war to Camelot," Ector argued, "many men may die tomorrow fighting to keep your people safe - my son included."
He clamped his mouth shut, regretting that the information had slipped out, that he'd shown her his weakness. But when Ector chanced a glance over, he saw Valeda give him a look of pure sympathy, her caustic gaze softened.
"He is a knight as well?"
Ector swallowed heavily. "A squire - he is fourteen."
"And does he feel the same way you do about magic?"
"No," he admitted. "But he has never suffered because of it."
They lapsed into silence again, but Ector felt Valeda's keen gaze upon him. His thoughts strayed to Kay, among the army in Mercia, perhaps at this very moment mustering for the upcoming battle. Had he sacrificed his own son's life to save Guinevere's, to safeguard the druids who hated them?
Or perhaps they did not - Valeda, while up until this moment had been cold to him, clearly had affection for the Queen, and while before he would have suspected it to be mercenary, perhaps she was nothing more than an old women tired of endless struggle and grateful that someone was seeking to put an end to it. And Merlin - perhaps he had misjudged the wizard, attributed dark motive where there was none, and if he had proved anything that night, it was his devotion and obedience to the Queen..
Ector thought back to the night when he had been summoned to meet Cartigern and the rest of the conspirators, and he'd made his final choice - to go to Merlin instead and confess everything.
The hallway was deserted, everyone had retired for the night. Ector walked so carefully his boots made nary a sound on the stones, and he examined every corner, every crevice, every shadow, to make sure he was not being watched or followed. When he reached his destination, the wide, wooden door seemed to be mocking him, the only barrier between himself and irrevocable betrayal. Steeling himself, Ector raised one fist, and forced himself to rap smartly on the door.
"Who is it?" Merlin's voice came through, laced with irritation.
"It is Sir Ector."
The door wrenched open, revealing Merlin looking frazzled, his face flushed and dark hair sticking up as if he'd been tugging on it in frustration. In his hand and held protectively against his chest was a large amber gemstone.
"Is it Gwen?" he asked, "is she alright?"
"Yes, but all is not well," Ector said, determined to press on. "May I come in?"
Merlin nodded and ushered him inside - Gaius was seated at a desk covered in books and scrolls, and Ector wondered what they had been up to. The old man rose and nodded in greeting, and for a moment Ector felt a flash of regret; he had not wanted an audience to his confession.
"Alright then," Merlin prodded, running a hand through his hair and making even more stick up. "What's the matter?"
Ector swallowed heavily, steeling himself. "I regret to inform you that Lord Cartigern and others are tonight holding a treasonous assembly, with intent to take the Queen hostage, make peace with Odin, and reinstate the ban on magic."
Gaius' mouth dropped open, but Merlin did not seem surprised - of course he'd somehow sensed a danger to Guinevere and had been attempting to ferret out the culprits, but they'd provided him with no proof of collaboration. Still, he took a step closer to Ector, peering at him through narrowed eyes.
"And how do you know this?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.
Ector held his gaze. "I was to meet with them."
Then the whole story spilled out - from the hints Cartigern had made on Samhain he had dismissed as drunken boasting, to his overtures at the Queen's Alliance banquet, to the details of the plan Bryn had related to him earlier than day. He could see Merlin growing angrier with every passing word, and he was now grateful Gaius was present - hopefully as a calming influence.
When he'd finished, Ector clasped his hands together and looked to Merlin - not attempting to explain or excuse himself, knowing that all that mattered were the facts. The wizard glowered back at him for a few moments, but then his face broke into a satisfied smile.
"I knew it was Cartigern," he declared, and turned to Gaius. "Didn't I tell you? I knew he was planning something like this."
Gaius gave him an exasperated look. "You needn't look so pleased about it."
"Oh, I'm not pleased," Merlin said, and he held the stone even tighter to his chest. "I'm very, very angry." He turned to Ector again. "I'm not going to thank you, if that's what you're waiting for."
"No," Ector shook his head. "I know I am guilty too, for not coming forward sooner."
"But you did come forward." Gaius stood, and looked at him with sympathy. He'd known the old man for a long time, had gone to him for treatment of various ailments and war wounds, and perhaps he understood better than anyone the torn loyalties that had plagued Ector's mind.
"Still," Merlin gave him a hard look. "We're speaking of treason."
"And I accept whatever punishment the Queen decrees." Ector removed his sword from his scabbard, and resting it on his palms, offered it to Merlin. He took it, testing the weight in it in one hand as he kept his probing gaze fixed on Ector, who stared back at him, not in challenge, but not willing to be completely cowed either. The choice had been made, and whatever happened, Ector had to believe it had been the right one.
After a long moment Merlin sighed, and offered the hilt of Ector's sword back to him. "You're going to go to that meeting," he said. "And tomorrow you're going to tell the Queen everyone who was there, and everyone else who is involved, and help us bring every single one of them to justice."
Ector took his sword and sheathed it. "Yes," he agreed - nothing less should be expected from him. "Yes I promise."
The next day Guinevere's sadness and disappointment had been worse than Merlin's anger. She had asked for his reasons, and Ector had given them, knowing how feeble they sounded in the cold, empty audience chamber. Everyone in Camelot worried for their loved ones, he was not the exception, his son's life no more precious than theirs. But if the Queen had found some sympathy in that, it evaporated as he'd laid bare his concerns about Merlin, fixing him with a cool glare from her throne.
"Do you think I don't know my own mind?" she asked. "That because I am a woman, I am easily manipulated? That I do not act in a way I believe is best for my kingdom, but instead am led by others?"
"No my Lady," Ector said quickly, horrified she would think so. "Not me, that is not why...magic can sway the strongest mind."
A muscle twitched in the Queen's cheek, but her gaze held firm. "But you must have decided that it had not swayed mine."
Ector looked to Merlin, glowering by Guinevere's side, and in truth he still had his reservations about magic, about Merlin, about the druids, but in the end it was a question of loyalty, of who deserved his allegiance.
"That day on the parapet," he said, turning his gaze back to the Queen, "you said my son was a credit to me - you cared for his welfare, for my own, and there I stood with knowledge of a plot against you, and said nothing. It shames me to think of it, to imagine how my son would have hated me for it."
Guinevere's expression softened slightly, and her hands moved to her rounded belly.
"I admit I fear magic," Ector pressed on, needing her to understand. "I am wary of those who wield it, because I am a solider, and it cannot be fought with sword and shield."
He took a deep breath, his eyes meeting hers. "But I trust you, my Lady, I believe in you, I am loyal to you. Therefore I must trust who you do."
The Queen sat silently for a few moments, but it was obvious she was moved, and Ector breathed a sigh of relief.
"When this is over," he added, "do what you will with me, I deserve it. But let me protect you now, as I have sworn to do."
"Very well," she said with a small, kind smile, and bid him to tell them everything he knew.
The darkness of the hallway and their tiny enclave of light from the torches had turned to the cold grey of early morning. Ector looked again at the druid woman, impressed that she had been able to keep guard with him so long without showing any signs of discomfort.
"When Camelot is safe," he said, "what will your people do - will they return to live among us?"
Valeda gave him a sly smile. "We have always lived among you, the only difference is now we may do so freely."
"Yes, but many fled years ago," Ector argued - he recalled several families of his own acquaintance who had cleared out of Camelot when the purges began. For years he'd told himself that it had only proved their guilt, that they had chosen their magical brethren over loyalty to their king. But looking back, he understood now it was fear, that renouncing magic as others such as Gaius had done, would only ensure they would forever be held in suspicion by their neighbours, and the risk that any odd occurrence in the area would bring them before Uther, where even the hint of sorcery was punished by death.
"I do not know the minds of others," Valeda said lightly. "But I do not think reconciliation will be as easy as the Queen hopes. Magic may be permitted once more, but it will take a long time for it to be accepted. You yourself abide by the decree, but how would you treat a druid who moved in next door?"
"I would be concerned," Ector admitted. "Fearful that their magic would be used against me."
"And they in turn would fear you, and how can people live together, if they cannot trust one another?"
"How then," he asked, "to build the world the Queen hopes to?"
"I don't know." Valeda was pensive. "But I admire her for trying."
They stood in silence again until Alwyn and Rhys approached to give their report - the day had dawned, and the danger passed.
"All is well, sir," Rhys informed him. "The town is quiet, there is no suspicious activity."
"Good." Ector had been sure the conspiracy had not extended to those in the town, but couldn't afford to be wrong.
"The castle is secured," Alwyn added, "and the hallways remain patrolled just in case."
Ector nodded to them. "The Queen will be rising soon, please escort her back to her chambers and remain on guard. I will send men to relieve you, so you can rest."
"I am sure she is already awake," Valeda smiled, "I will tell her that all is well."
"I will send her maid to prepare her rooms," Ector said, thinking that the sheets should be stripped and all evidence of their presence the previous night removed for the Queen's comfort. Valeda nodded, and entered the guest chamber quietly.
Alwyn and Rhys took up positions beside the door, and satisfied Guinevere was well protected, Ector made his way down to the kitchens to see the servants - they'd been confined to the kitchens on arrival by the castle guard but told nothing, and as he entered he was immediately bombarded by questions and fearful wails.
"Everyone calm down!" Ector cried, holding up his hands against the barrage. "Nothing is amiss, we are simply taking extra security precautions."
"But what of the battle?" one of the scullery maids called out, hands clasped together tightly. "Is there news?"
"Nothing yet," Ector told her, "it likely hasn't even started."
The girl did not look any less concerned, but there was nothing he could do about that. But if they thought the caution was because of the external threat all the better, as it was imperative the attempted coup was not public knowledge until Guinevere allowed it to be so.
"The Queen will be ready for her breakfast shortly," he informed the cook, who immediately set about whipping her staff into order. He caught the eye of the Queen's maidservant Constance and beckoned her closer.
"Is the Queen really alright?" she asked, toying with the blonde braid that fell over her shoulder. "She was out of sorts last night. I've been worried."
"She's fine," he assured her, keeping his voice low. "There have been developments, and I'm sure she'll explain it to you, but first I need you to clean the Queen's chambers, replace the linens, and make sure the fire is nice and high."
"The baby?" Constance asked, leaping to the wrong assumption.
"No no," Ector said quickly. "Nothing like that - quickly now."
Still looking rather stricken, she bobbed a curtsey and scurried off. Satisfied there was nothing else to do in the kitchens, Ector briefly considered returning to his own rooms for some much needed sleep, but his mind was still too active. He walked the hallways of the castle, checking on the remaining knights and guards who remained on patrol or otherwise stood outside the rooms of those under house arrest.
He tarried, making sure to speak to every one of them, telling himself that he was simply being thorough. Eventually though, Ector knew he had one final task, and he could not avoid it any longer. He made his way down to the dungeons - the conspirators had been kept separately as much as possible, and Ector paused briefly to converse with the guards before making his way down to the most secure cell in Camelot.
Arthur had once been locked up there as punishment for disobeying Uther and seeking a rare plant to cure Merlin, who had been poisoned. Ector recalled being confounded at the time, how Arthur's new servant boy, commonly believed to be simple-minded, had known there was poison in the prince's cup. It was all so obvious in hindsight - and it was a wonder none of them had discovered his secret sooner.
The cell was accessible through one door only, and past that a flight of stairs leading down to a small stone-walled cell - designed for the worst sort of prisoners, so that their cries for mercy could not even reach the guard's ears. Ector was somewhat relieved - he didn't want to be overheard.
Cartigern sat in irons against the stone wall, and when he looked up there was a murderous glint in his eye.
"Get out," he said roughly, and turned away.
Ector ignored him. "I've come to explain."
Cartigern snorted and shook his head. "What is there to explain? You've doomed us all - Odin's army will overwhelm ours, he will conquer Camelot and subjugate her people. The deal I've made with him is void without Guinevere under my control."
He looked back up, simmering with rage. "He will kill her child as soon as it is born, then he will wed her to consolidate his claim to the throne, bed her by force, and hurt her should she not obey his every command. That is the fate you've chosen for the Queen you love so much."
"No," Ector couldn't credit it. "Merlin knows who the traitors are in our army, he will tell Leon as soon as he arrives and they will be dealt with."
"Do you think Odin doesn't have contingencies?" Cartigern pressed. "That there isn't some backup plan in place should our men fail? And don't even bother asking what it is, I don't know."
He turned away again, shackles clinking together as he moved. "It makes no difference anyway, one sorcerer cannot overcome an enemy of such size."
Ector held his tongue - Merlin had assured him that he had a way to fight on both fronts, but it was true the armies they were facing overwhelmed them in number, and even at Camlann the odds had not been stacked so highly against them.
"We shall see," was all he said - he'd put his trust in the Queen and therefore Merlin, and could only keep faith in them.
"I suppose the own consolation is that I will surely be executed before Camelot falls," Cartigern mused, his face ashen and hands shaking slightly in the damp cell.
"That's for the Queen to decide."
Cartigern turned back with an accusatory glare. "I saved your life once."
"Yes, you did." Ector felt a stab of guilt recalling how he'd pulled him out from under his dead father's body, shared his ration and talked him through the grief and pain.
"How you've repaid me."
"I'm sorry," Ector said, his voice breaking with emotion. "It's a debt that will remain unfulfilled, but I made my choice, and I will live with it."
"Or die with it."
Ector felt pained under Cartigern's judgement, but knew there was nothing he could say, nothing that would make the betrayal right. He could not even offer to speak to the Queen on his behalf, for they both knew the only option for such grave treason was death. He turned to go, but a feeble voice called him back.
"My wife and daughter." For the first time, Cartigern's fear broke through. "They knew nothing of this - tell her that, please."
"They're both under house arrest," Ector confirmed, "but I'm sure the Queen will see their innocence."
"She will only strip my family's title and appropriate my holdings," Cartigern said, and fixed his gaze on Ector once more. "If you wish to repay your debt to me, swear you will look after them. Nella - she is not much - but she is the blood of a king, and does not deserve to be cast aside."
Ector noted that he had not spoken of the girl's sweet disposition, of his fatherly love for her, but perhaps that was not unexpected. In any case, he agreed that Nella should not suffer for her father's treason.
"I swear," he said, and turned to leave once more.
Elena looked over the encampment from a ridge above, a patchwork of campfires and tents - in the distance she could also see that of the enemy, both sides in a state of anticipation, making their final preparations for the battle that would no doubt commence at dawn. It was still early in the afternoon, but already the darkness began to close in around them, as was to be expected in the dead of winter. It would be foolish for either side to advance in such conditions, but they'd placed sentries to make sure, and Elena took it upon herself to survey from above.
There would be no peace - she and Annis had ridden out with Percival earlier to meet Lot and Alined under a flag of truce.
"Your Majesties," Percival had told them formally. "You breach the borders of Camelot, in the name of Queen Guinevere, withdraw and no harm will come to you."
Alined - a sour-faced, oily man, smirked at them from atop his stallion. "It is not like you to take up a lost cause Annis," he addressed the Queen and ignored Percival.
"Indeed," Annis said with a thin smile. "As it is unlike you to meet an enemy in the field."
Rather than be offended, Alined gave a chuckle and turned to Elena. "And you, my dear, why sacrifice the lives of your men for a cause not your own?"
Elena tilted her chin at him, holding her mount steady to show she was not afraid. "To stand against tyranny is cause enough for us all."
Alined gawuffed so hard he almost bent over the pommel of his saddle. "How precious you are," he said as he righted, wiping tears from his eyes. "I think I will take you home to Deorham, so you may amuse me further."
"I'll cut your balls off if you try," Elena declared, forgetting to act regally, but her words only made Alined laugh harder. Pervical moved to draw his weapon, but she shot him a look to quell the urge which could be disastrous on a field of truce.
Lot - tall and dark-haired, mounted on a black warhorse - did not share his companion's amusement, and glowered at them.
"Stand down," he said in a deep voice. "Let us pass, or we will give no quarter. We outnumber you, you have no hope of victory."
"Your brother Cenred tried to conquer Camelot many times," Annis said, piercing Lot with her steel gaze. "He had the same confidence, and now he is cold in his grave - take care, or you will join him." She turned to Elena and gave a nod. "We're done here."
It was no more than they had expected, although Elena hadn't been able to stop thinking of Alined's words. Reality set in, and she realised that of course she would be held for ransom if captured, the news would no doubt kill her poor father, and who knew what horrors awaited her if at Alined or Lot's mercy.
But she forced those thoughts aside, telling herself that she would never have to find out. Any further musing was thankfully interrupted by the low melodic sound of a horn signalling an arrival from Camelot, and Elena rode swiftly down to the camp, dismounting by Annis' tent where she was conversing with Alun, one of the palace servants she knew Merlin trusted.
"Alun," Elena greeted him and looked around. "Is Merlin not with you?"
"No," Alun shook his head. "He remained in Camelot."
"In Camelot?" a voice came from nearby, and Elena turned to see Hunith approach, hand held to her heart. "Is he alright?"
"Erm." Alun looked around, and lowered his voice. "Queen Annis, Princess Elena, there is much to tell you - in private."
"This is Merlin's mother," Elena explained.
"Oh!" Alun peered at her. "Merlin has been so worried - he said he sent a letter for you to come to Camelot, but he had not heard back."
"I know," Hunith nodded. "He wanted me to be safe, but I thought I could be of more use here. As did many from Ealdor, we would gladly see Lot overthrown. But I thought...he might come."
"He intends to make for the Mercian front," Alun told her, and Hunith was visibly disappointed. As was Elena, but she was not surprised.
"He wants to face Odin," she said with a nod. "Although his magic would have been an asset."
"Oh, he will be with us!" Alun assured them, looking furtively around, then retrieving a large amber crystal from his bag - it looked broken, like it had been part of a larger stone split in two, leaving a smooth edge on one side.
"It's a dragoneye." Hunith's face was filled with wonder. "Merlin's father told me of them once, I didn't know there were any left in all of Albion."
"What does it do?" Elena didn't see how a mere crystal, while pretty, could bring Merlin to them.
Hunith took the stone carefully from Alun, and held it close to her chest. She looked up at Elena, her eyes shining.
"It will help us win."