Chapter 2 [Half of Hourglass' Turn—Royal Dining Hall]
Sol sparkled off varnished floors and oak table. Jocelyn and Conrad brought Michael's carefully crafted meals in from the passage. Precision aligned plates, goblets and utensils in accustomed positions. Solemnity set mood amongst those seated around said table. Anticipation wondered about the occasion for invitations.
Merlin relaxed ever so slightly. Gaius' elixir cleared his sinuses. Without Dust's irritation, eyes' inflammation cleared. Hunger growled within his stomach. He wondered about Afternoon's cases. Intrigue tended to clash with Irritation depending on each case and nobles' attitudes. Still, his studies connected Facts, Tradition and Law. Understanding became clearer with each session. "I hope I did not make us late."
"King Rodor said quarter turn past Midday, Merlin. I believe we are early." Hunith looked him over. "I wish a servant could bring those books and documents upstairs. You know how you get around dust." She shook her head.
"Mother, they have to remain secure. It is no trouble to use them there." Merlin released a deep breath. "I am making progress." He glanced toward Mithian. "At least, I understand a little more about the cases."
"You are also inflaming your sinuses and eyes, Merlin." In spite of Rank's current differences, Lecture sharpened Gaius' reply. "I agree with Lady Hunith. Still, since you go down there, it is little trouble for Master Wyngate and me to make that elixir for you. With due respect, I know how you are. I do not wish you to be ill."
You know how I feel, Merlin, Mithian interjected over their Link.
I took it. Merlin tried to keep a straight face. He knew that everyone cared about him and his health. He wanted them to know he was all right. "I want to learn about everything. I want to serve our subjects."
"Our subjects need you in good health, Merlin. I am sure you did not learn everything about being Arthur's manservant in a few months. Did you? Master Gaius, how long did it take you to teach Merlin about healing?" Mithian squeezed Merlin's hand.
"It took a few years actually." The Eyebrow pressed against Gaius' hairline. "I would remind you, Merlin, that an apprenticeship is quite normal. I cannot know King Rodor's mind on the matter. Perhaps you might respectfully ask him in private. Princess Mithian, you would know better than I do. The study and learning are good things. We should make sure that you have adequate rest and attend to all of your duties."
"That is good advice, Master Gaius." Rodor strode into the chamber. He watched the group stand in greeting. "Thank you. Please take your seats again. I am sure we are all hungry. I have a few matters to discuss first." He signaled to Blumenwald to close the door and sat down. "Our first matter concerns Master Gaius' point about my mind on Merlin's studies. I thank you, Master Gaius, for bringing up the matter in a respectful manner. Let me set everyone's mind at ease. I am impressed with Prince Merlin's preparations for his role." He drank from his goblet. "Prince Merlin, I know you want to take a more active role on the Royal Council. I thank you for that. I remember your service for Camelot. I know that sense of detail will serve us well. Sir Galahad speaks well of your time in the practice yard. I see your attentiveness in Council and our cases. Knowledge is key. Perspective applies that knowledge to our situation. Time and Patience will see it so. Experience, as Princess Mithian can tell you, takes years to build. We know your value, Merlin. Meantime, keep up your studies but do so in balance with your other duties."
"Aye, Sire." Merlin nodded. He glanced toward Mithian. I wasn't trying to do anything wrong. I wanted to understand.
Father didn't say that, Merlin. He and I know you care. We just want you to pace yourself. She motioned toward Rodor. "Sire, what is the other matter on your mind?"
"Ah. That." Rodor furrowed his brow. "Thank you, Daughter. I was thinking of Solstice. It has been years since we hosted a celebration. Priorities and Finances kept us from doing so. Camelot has had their festival. King Arthur and Queen Guinevere have their issues this year. We can take the torch for this year at least. Besides, we have matters to discuss with the other rulers. Do we not, Prince Merlin?"
Merlin nodded. "We do, Sire. We have the border situation and there is the Sorcerers' Code as well."
"Indeed so." Rodor got up and walked toward the window. He gazed out over the walls and toward forest beyond. "At least we can formalize a measure of protection for the old religion and sorcery in Nemeth. King Accolon and Queen Morgana have already expressed a desire for such a meeting. Odin would be willing to meet with us. Queen Vivian and King Harold wish to drop Uther's measures in their own realm."
"Sire? There are also the Amazons," Mithian reminded her father.
Rodor turned back toward Mithian. "Aye. We held a treaty with Queen Radegund years ago. I fear we have neglected our contact with them. Prince Merlin? Master Gaius? Did you hear anything while in Camelot?"
"We did, Sire." Gaius looked right at Rodor. "Kings Uther and Arthur maintained a tenuous peace with them. They did not agree on sorcery and the old religion. I would agree with Princess Mithian. Our views align with theirs. I would respectfully remind you that they are an inward-looking people. With Cawdor, Mercia and Camelot on their doorstep, they do not trust easily."
"I agree. Thank you, Master Gaius." Rodor nodded. Contemplation readily brought up several political advantages to a renewed friendship with the Amazons. "They knew of Sir Balinor, Kilgarrah and Malodius. Perhaps, Prince Merlin, you might approach them?"
Merlin nodded. "I would be delighted, Sire. Their new Queen and I know each other. We have served together. Queen Elena is a forward-looking woman. With your permission, maybe Princess Josiane and Dame Britomart might come with me? Amazons really seem to like that equality." Grimace twisted his mouth.
"Excellent!" Rodor praised. "There! You see? Already you apply what you've learned to our situation!" His face brightened. "And do we know of this woman?"
"She was with Queen Radegund and the other Amazons at Shalott, Sire. Britomart knows her as well. Queen Elena was her predecessor's maid. Beyond that, I cannot say. We three served together at that point." Merlin bowed his head.
"So, this woman knows you, Merlin?" Hunith looked toward him. Apprehension squeezed at her heart. "There won't be any chance of you walking into a trap?"
"Mother, it's been a few years. I do not know if she will remember us." Merlin looked to Rodor and Mithian again.
"Sire, perhaps we can send a letter with them?" Mithian maintained the Mask of State. On the inside, however, Impatience stewed. Father will send Merlin and make me stay back here. Why can't we both go? Surely, this Queen Elena is a reasonable woman? She would not attack a diplomatic group, would she?
"I intend to. Prince Merlin, Princess Mithian, prepare yourselves. I am sending you both to speak with the Amazons. You will be accompanied by Dame Britomart, Sirs Gawain and Boeve, Princess Josiane, Malodius and Kilgarrah. You will leave at first light. That will be all. When you return, we will speak of our preparations here. Now, I believe we have our meal? Please eat."
Royals and Guests dug into hearty meals. With preparations underway, their celebrations and negotiations seemed to go in the right direction….
