Chapter 4 [Royal Office]
Rodor sat behind polished oak desk. Gall on Quill's Edge scratched out message across the parchment's surface. Pleasant Greetings, Entreaties and offers in Support came through his words. He leaned back in his seat. He rubbed his chin. Regret weighed on his mind. If only the alliance had not broken down. He shook his head.
"I am sure Queen Elena will understand, Father. You will see. All will be well," Mithian reassured him. "We had Camelot and our other troubles to contend with. With your approval, Merlin and I will apologize on our behalf for that absence."
"That would be the proper thing to do, Mithian." Rodor glanced toward Blumenwald. He set Quill on the desk. "I believe this is ready for the seal, Lord Blumenwald." He read the message once more. Then he folded Parchment and slid it into an envelope. He allowed Candle to drip Wax onto its flap.
"Aye, Sire." Blumenwald pressed Ring's seal into drying wax. "Preparations are underway for the departure, Princess. Perhaps we should include some supplies?"
"I will speak with Princess Josiane as to her carpet's capabilities, Lord Blumenwald. We can ask Kilgarrah in the morning about what we can bring. Thank you for the reminder." She nodded to the High Chancellor. Kilgarrah?
Aye, Mithian? I believe we have a journey in the morning? Merlin has already told me about it. Malodius and I will accompany you to the Amazon lands, Kilgarrah verified.
Thank you. Indeed, we look forward to seeing you at First Light. Is there anything you need from here? She continued as if nothing was out of the ordinary. (Well, after her practice and conversations with the Great Dragon, it was normal in that regard all things considered…)
Nay. Thank you for the consideration. Please tell your father Malodius and I will ensure your safety. Until tomorrow then, Sister. I believe that Merlin has some news as well. You should see to that, Kilgarrah concluded and broke off the conversation.
"You should take care, Princess. Camelot and we share that section of the Amazons' boundary. They could take the dragon's presence and Princess Josiane's carpet as an aggressive act." Blumenwald bowed to her.
Concern prompted Rodor to rub his forehead. "I agree. You should remain well within our boundaries. Still, right at the border, our territory narrows to only fifteen leagues across. You cannot stray within Camelot's borders. That could be considered an act of war. Please, Daughter, we do not need to give King Arthur any pretext for war."
"Pretext?" She raised an eyebrow at him. "Sire, we will stay well within our borders. I am sure Queen Elena will assist with security concerns."
"Even if I agree with you, I request that you keep careful watch for any movements on Camelot's part. Am I clear?" Rodor reinforced his earlier point. Heavier Tone placed greater emphasis on his command.
"Aye, Sire. We shall take care." She nodded to him. "There is something else I believe Prince Merlin wanted to discuss with us." She felt his approach in the passageway. "Apparently, we have training issues in the courtyard?"
"Sir Galahad has reported that certain knights do not want to train with Princess Josiane and Dame Britomart. We shall speak to them after your return. I will not tolerate those attitudes between fellow knights." Rodor looked to Blumenwald. "We should prepare. I wish for that to be brought up before the Royal Council."
"Aye, Sire." Blumenwald heard a sharp knock at the door. He walked over and opened it. "Prince Merlin, please come in." He bowed to Merlin before admitting him and the others. "Sire? Princess?"
"Ah, Prince Merlin! Do come in! We were finishing up the planning for your expedition tomorrow morning. It seems you have brought your companions." He waved for them to step further into the chamber. "Lord Blumenwald, please close the door." He waited for the other to do so. Then, he continued, "Princess Mithian and I agree that you should remain as far within our borders as possible. I do not provoke Camelot."
"Aye, Sire." Disappointment still weighed heavily on Merlin. He wanted Arthur to change his mind. With Progress not met, Choices remained limited. "We will remain as deep within our borders as possible. Kilgarrah suffered enough from Uther. I would not see him deal with more." Heart-Heavy Sigh escaped his lips. "I am sorry. I still wish King Arthur would understand. I cannot let that stop me. My obligations as Prince and Dragon Lord come before that friendship."
Rodor exhaled a deep breath. "I know how difficult that is for you, Prince Merlin. I wish that King Arthur would look forward rather than to his father's example. Until he does, we have to proceed as you have just expressed. Thank you. Peace and diplomacy are better first choices before war." He turned to Josiane. "Princess, how much can your carpet carry? Perhaps two days' provisions?"
"It depends upon how many passengers ride with me, King Rodor. I believe if Sir Gawain, Dame Britomart, Princess Mithian, Malodius and I ride on my carpet, I can bring the provisions." Josiane looked to her uncle. "Perhaps you should tell them?"
Gawain rolled his eyes. He kept his mouth shut. I never agreed to anything. Yeah, it was a great kiss. That's all it was! He bowed to Rodor and Mithian.
"Tell us what, Princess?" Rodor noticed how everyone kept looking toward Gawain and Britomart. "If this is about your troubles in the training courtyard, there will be a stop to it. Assuredly, there is nothing else?"
"Is there something else?" Mithian considered Britomart and Gawain. "Britomart, is there something we should know?"
"Aye, Milady. I am sorry to trouble you given the preparations." Britomart glanced again at Gawain. "It seems you know my mind again before I do. I am ready to do my duty." Conflicting Emotions crashed within herself. Amor buoyed her heart and resolve. Frustration burned at Gawain's recalcitrance."
"Oh? You are ready to commit?" Mithian restrained Enthusiasm's response. "Somehow I am not surprised."
"I believe it will be good for both of you." Rodor noted Gawain's hesitation. "Sir Gawain, I wish for you to have a successful marriage. It is time. Your skill and experience merit an estate and responsibility. We shall affirm these matters upon your return. Think on what Prince Merlin just said. I do not have to tell you about the friendship between King Arthur and him. Still, priorities come first. Nemeth and his role as Dragon Lord. Think on that. I would have you all prepare for the expedition. That will be all." He stood. "We will watch everything with great interest."
Decisions were made. Events seemed to be set to happen. Celebrations were to happen…
