Chapter 6
[Merlin and Mithian's Bedchamber—Two Hours Prior to First Light]
Merlin stared at the ceiling. Sleep had proven elusive that evening. Concern nagged at him. The expedition seemed straight forward. As with previous missions with Arthur and Camelot's knights, he'd accompany Mithian and the others to meet with Elena. There, they'd extend the renewed treaty and Celebration's invitation for the Amazons' consideration. Still, Nerves stabbed at him. What if Queen Elena does not remember us? What if she is not like Queen Radegund in how she looks at magic? We are going to be flying close to Camelot's border. Are there going to be problems for Josiane and Gawain? He looked at his still-sleeping Princess. Best not disturb her. He rose with as little fuss as possible. Footfalls whispered across hard floors toward the window. Pained Sigh escaped his lips.
Heavy is the head that wears the crown, Young Warlock, Kilgarrah's voice advised him.
Merlin glanced back at Mithian. Fortunately, Morpheus still held her in his sway. I am concerned for the kingdom and my friends. I do not want to give Arthur or anyone else a chance to hurt you, Kilgarrah.
And I appreciate that. Thank you, Merlin. You are growing. Experience molds you into more than what you were in Camelot. You will need to grow further, however. You are at the very beginning of your transition yet. As King Rodor advised you yesterday, be patient. It will all come to you at the proper time, Kilgarrah assured him.
And he will, Dragon. King Rodor advised balance in all matters. Prince Merlin has the enthusiasm, potential and work ethic for his role. We, of course, will be right there at his and Princess Mithian's side, Malodius added.
Listen to you all banter about. The future is yet unseen. I, however, have news from the triple goddess. Merlin, I have need of Mithian and you, Nimue interjected into the link.
We should hear her, Merlin. Mithian stirred. Frown contorted her face. She reached for her robe. It was time to get up anyway. We should get dressed. Father will expect us soon.
Malodius and I will see you outside at First Light. Take care, Merlin and Mithian, Kilgarrah concluded and went silent.
Merlin went for his wardrobe. Business with Nimue and then Rodor awaited. Breakfast and Journey would follow.
Priorities set the course it seemed….
[Royal Throne Chamber—A Half Turn of the Hourglass Later]
Nimue stepped out of Mists' portal into the throne chamber. She sensed no aura or even a tingle of energy nearby. "We are safe." She glanced back into the portal.
"Of course, we are, Sister." Morgana came next. "Rodor has guards posted." Canary glowed in her eyes. "The lion watches from the roof."
"And yet, we appear right under its nose." Sarcastic snigger almost raspberried from Nimue's lips.
Prince Merlin and Princess Mithian have already told me of your coming, Priestess. I am very well aware of your presence. Queen Morgana, good morrow. Welcome, Malodius interjected. Irritation leaked through Courtesy's veneer ever so slightly.
Thank you, Malodius. I apologize about the early hour. Priestess Nimue just alerted King Accolon and me only a short while ago. Morgana turned to Nimue. "Accolon will have those knights ready."
"Aye, the goddess is aware of that. We want a peaceful gathering not a full war. Tintagel does not want to risk its alliance with the Amazons I would assume?" Nimue raised an eyebrow. "Your brother would have to march north at the same time. I wonder…how will you deal with Helios?" Wry Smirk spread across her face.
"Accolon told Helios at Hampton. Helios can hold his tongue. If he does not, let Arthur deal with him." Morgana narrowed her eyes. "Queen Elena will not tolerate Arthur's bigotry within her borders. She remembers Lady Reyna's fate as well as the rest of us. Besides, she has expressed a willingness to deal with Nemeth on a common treaty. Accolon and I agree of course."
"Of course." Nimue restrained a slight eye roll. The goddess had already told her as much. Still, as the beings of another age would say one day, 'seeing was believing'.
Doors opened. Surprise stopped Rodor on the threshold. "This is most certainly a surprise! I'd expected to greet you at the front door, Priestess! Queen Morgana, we were not expecting you." He beckoned Merlin and Mithian into the chamber. "You are most welcome! Have you both eaten? We were about to do so before their departure."
"I would appreciate that, King Rodor. Thank you." Gratitude prompted Morgana to offer Royal Nod. She followed Rodor out the door and down the passage.
I could have put us in there instead! Nimue rolled her eyes that time. She marched in pursuit of the others.
[Royal Dining Chamber—A Sixth Turn of the Hourglass After That]
Upon Rodor's instruction, Jocelyn and Conrad served sausages and fruit to royals and guests. Water and Wine filled selected goblets. Meals satisfied Appetites. Curiosity piqued on both sides.
Rodor wiped his face clean. From what Merlin and Mithian had told him, Nimue's news affected the morning's journey. Deduction and Concern noted said information's importance. The visit's timing lent that notion additional weight. "So, Priestess, what is this dire news? Are the Amazons in danger? I would send my knights to aid them of course."
Nimue shook her head. "Nay, King Rodor. There could be difficulties with your expedition. Arthur Pendragon leads his knights north toward Amazon lands. They are but ten leagues from their border. The triple goddess thought you should all know."
"In addition, Accolon and I agree that I should accompany you. Queen Elena remembers Nemeth's friendship. She is aware of Merlin's change in status. Still, I wish to be there as an observer. Arthur might try to arrest Princess Josiane and Sir Gawain if he sees them. We do not want there to be an incident." Morgana took a long draught from her goblet.
"Nay we do not." Rodor rubbed his chin. Frown twisted at his mouth. Mood sank into Emotion's depths. Long Sigh escaped his lips. "We will proceed as planned. Perhaps, you can help, Priestess? Can you transport Prince Merlin, Princess Mithian and the others to the Amazon lands? That way, we do not risk an incident with either Camelot or Cawdor."
"It is a worthy suggestion, Nimue," Morgana concurred.
"We would still be there when Arthur arrives however." Merlin bit into a remaining sausage piece. Michael's cooking soothed his palate. Ill at Ease, however, still ate at him. "Maybe we could send someone besides Gawain? Britomart should be there with us."
"Aye." Rodor saw Merlin's point. "Queen Elena will appreciate Dame Britomart and Princess Josiane standing alongside you both. I will instruct Sir Gawain to stay behind. I would send Sirs Galahad and Ywain in his place. I trust we maintain calm?"
"We can, Sire." Mithian nodded to Rodor. "We are there for diplomacy. I hope that King Arthur does not start anything." She turned to Nimue. "How many knights accompany him?"
"There is a standard patrol. Fifteen knights accompany him. They're former Southrons. Helios rides with Pendragon as his First Knight." Nimue snorted. "He stews over your apparent betrayal, Merlin. But he trusts Helios?"
"Camelot lost most of its knights in the invasion. Arthur is desperate. He will not ask either of our kingdoms for aid." Morgana shook her head. "That is why he marches north."
"Surely, we can offer him aid?" Mithian turned to her father. "He knows we would give it."
Rodor shook his head. "King Arthur knows I would demand an end to the Purge. He would at least have to tolerate magic. He would have to pardon Sir Gawain, Princess Josiane and lift Prince Merlin's exile. And then, there's the Gedref as well."
Merlin grimaced. He knew Arthur valued good people around himself. Still, Sorcery remained the one nonnegotiable point with his former sovereign. Imagination stirred up several disastrous scenarios. And then there was this Gedref. Question lifted his eyebrow.
Mithian felt Merlin's questions through their Link. "Sire, perhaps we might explain the significance of the Gedref for Prince Merlin?" She nodded to her Prince for Reassurance's sake.
Rodor nodded. "Aye, Daughter. I should tell him." He turned to Merlin. "Gedref is a disputed region between Camelot and us. It has been that way for decades. King Uther marched in and occupied it. We have never been able to take it back entirely. I'd like to take it for Nemeth. I will not start a war over it. Meleagant and Odin would like nothing better. King Arthur, on the other hand, could do so through his father's policies."
"Surely he would not?" Shock widened Mithian's eyes. "Prince Merlin? Queen Morgana?"
"Oh, he would all right." Morgana narrowed her eyes. "Merlin knows that as well as I do. So would Gaius. Arthur needs a victory…any kind of victory…right now. I am sure that his surviving nobles want him to ally with Odin at the very least. The nobles would like Merlin's or my heads right now." Undignified Sniff escaped her nostrils on that note. "Arthur wants Uther's Camelot. He will never have it. If only he'd realize how easy it is to have peace. It is so sad really."
"Camelot's time is past, Sister. Already forces move toward your kingdom and this one." Nimue's fingers tapped across Table's oak surface. "King Rodor?"
Rodor raised an eyebrow. How does she…? He noticed Morgana raise Questioning Eyebrow toward him. "I cannot speak of what Fate holds or the triple goddess' intentions. I can say that I wish to have a Solstice Celebration here. I wish it to be festive. I also want there to be a summit between the Five Kingdoms on certain matters. Tolerance for sorcery and a sorcerer's code would be among the issues discussed. I wish to invite Queen Elena. Perhaps, King Accolon and you would join us as well?"
Morgana nodded. Accolon?
Aye, my Love? Is everything all right? I can feel your discontent from here, Accolon replied.
Arthur may be difficult. We will see what we can do. Meantime, King Rodor has invited us to a Solstice celebration and summit in Whitgate. Is that all right with you? Morgana proposed.
Of course! Please let him know we will attend. The knights are ready. We will remain in reserve. If there is any trouble, we will be right there. Assure Queen Elena that we stand ready if we are needed. We will respect her wishes as well. Be safe. Accolon went silent on his end.
"I am certain he will agree, King Rodor." Morgana took a draught of wine. "We would like to suggest a few other guests for your consideration? I do not wish to drain your treasury but perhaps you might invite your allies across the eastern sea?"
"If you speak of King Bors, aye. I agree. The others we will speak of later." Rodor turned to Mithian. "Prince Merlin and you should get ready for your journey. Go and be safe. Have a good conversation with our friends. We will await your results upon your return. Remember. If King Arthur is there, we are not to start a diplomatic incident. Defend yourselves as necessary. I believe you know what to do, Prince Merlin."
"Aye, Sire." Merlin nodded to Rodor. "I hope we will not have any problems."
"We should trust in our instincts, my Prince." Mithian stood up from her chair. "The others await us." She hefted Crossbow and Quiver. "Until our return, Father. We will do Nemeth proud."
"I know you will. Take care." Rodor watched them walk out the chamber's door. He looked to Nimue. "Please watch out for them."
"The goddess wishes for their safety as well. We should have faith in her, King Rodor." Nimue nodded to him. She and Morgana disappeared in another poof of mist.
Rodor watched Merlin and Mithian disappear down the stairs and toward Plaza outside. Future awaited its Opportunity. Now, Situation hung an important part of an alliance in front of Nemeth….
…if it would work….
