Chapter 7 [Amazon Lands—A Quarter of the Hourglass Later]

Dawn pushed Nocturne's darkness back for another day. Colors' hue stirred the land. Creatures great and small stirred toward Routine's cycle. Boots marched over yellowing grasses. Chill Wind billowed through branches and hair alike.

Seemed like another day but it would be anything but….

Merlin watched the countryside come into view through the thinning mists. Emotions conflicted within himself. Experience had taught him about the Amazons. Prejudice's brush tarred them as man-haters or worse. Strength, Courage and Blunt Outlook had those female warriors well-prepared to stand alongside men. Uther, to his credit, had given them a fair hearing at court despite his own attitudes. Mask of State obscured Arthur's own disregard about the Amazons. Merlin, however, knew better….

…Morgana, Gwen, Morgause, Josiane, Britomart and his Princess had taught him better. So had Queen Radegund and the Amazons themselves at Shalott years earlier….

I just hope she remembers me. Merlin glanced over at Mithian and the others on Josiane's carpet. Insecurity ate at him. Learning Curve still overwhelmed him as to Prince's role. Diplomacy and Council's matters still overwhelmed him. Still, Respect had bought him some space. Hope held that would be the case with Queen Elena.

That hardly matters, Merlin. Malodius watched the countryside speeding past them. You were a servant then. You are Nemeth's Prince now. Carry yourself as you always do. Princess Mithian and you work together well.

I believe you will be fine, my Prince. Mithian cleared her throat. Eyebrow quirked at him. You seem to make good first impressions. Let that be the case now as well. Father and I know you can handle it. Have confidence. You are not King Arthur's servant any longer. Remember that.

Have an open mind and heart, Merlin. That is your greatest strength. Remember, if Arthur tries to intimidate or bully you, sometimes the greatest strength is to say nothing. Take the higher road. That will avail you best, I think, Kilgarrah chimed in.

Aye. Thank you, Kilgarrah. Remember, Merlin, I am here as well. Besides, Queen Elena remembers what it means to be a servant. She will understand, I'm sure. Mithian noted a large yurt village beneath themselves. "Is that the Queen's village?"

"Aye. That is where we need to go. We should descend, Princess Josiane." Morgana steeled herself. Unlike Merlin, she worked to overcome her previous extremism. Redemption, especially in the political theater, progressed slowly. Memoria required lengthy period to purge itself.

"Then, descend we shall." Josiane directed her carpet downward toward the plain below. "Follow me, Kilgarrah."

"I am right behind you, Princess." Kilgarrah alighted on the grass beside them. He noted the Amazon warriors rushing toward them. "It seems we are not expected."

"Milady?" Britomart stepped to Mithian's side. She knew Rodor's mindset to keep the peace. Still, she had to protect the Prince and Princess.

Twenty Amazons approached the traveling party. They were tall and fit. Buckskin, Chest Plates and Helmets protected them. They encircled the newcomers. Swords glinted in Sol's filtered light.

"Everyone, please!" Mithian set her crossbow and quiver down. "I am Princess Mithian of Nemeth! The dark-haired man beside me is my husband, Prince Merlin of Nemeth. The others are Queen Morgana of Tintagel, Priestess Nimue, Kilgarrah the Dragon, Malodius the Lion, Princess Josiane of Egypt and Dame Britomart. We come on a mission of peace and outreach!"

"Sisters, let me through!" A particularly tall and striking Amazon strode through the others' ranks. Purpose glinted in her emerald eyes. Age's frost wisped through flowing fiery mane. Her hand remained close to Sword's hilt. She assessed the travelers. Recognition eased her mind's tension. "Sisters, stand down!"

The Amazons sheathed their blades. They backed away several steps. Still, Caution urged a careful eye.

The leader surveyed her troops. Then, she bowed to the group. "Good morning, my Friends! We are not accustomed to sudden entrances or unexpected guests. Still, I recognize some of your number. Queen Morgana, welcome. The rest of you seem familiar. I know your faces. As for myself, I am Matilda, Queen Elena's First Warrior. This is a sight indeed! You are free, Master Dragon, at long last. Uther Pendragon was a brute to do what he did to you. Tell me. Who freed you?"

"My brother and the Last Dragon Lord, Prince Merlin." Kilgarrah bowed his head. "I remember the Amazons' kindness during Uther's tour. I thank you and your Queen, Matilda. I assure you. I am here to accompany my brother and sister not to do you harm."

"Thank you then. Gratitude is something that is needed in greater quantities these days. Queen Radegund of blessed memory pitied your state. She would be glad that you are free." Matilda nodded to Malodius. "And now, I remember you from Shalott. Your aid saved many of my sisters, Sir Lion, that day. Britomart the Maid now a knight!" Smile spread across her face. "Nemeth's own Amazon. Truly, King Rodor values women. That is a credit to him and you." She turned to Merlin. "Arthur's hidden treasure and protector is now a Prince." She bowed to him. "Anyone who can survive Cawdor's sword without armor is worthy of respect."

"Thank you, Matilda. I did my duty. I could not allow Prince Kay's death. I may be a Prince now but I still live to serve Britannia and Nemeth. I hope Queen Elena is well?" Merlin made himself stand straight and tall. Sincerity accented his voice.

"She is indeed. Thank you." Matilda turned to Mithian. "Princess, it has been a few years. How is your father, King Rodor?" She bowed to Mithian.

"King Rodor is well. Thank you. He still runs the kingdom well. We remember your aid at Shalott as well. I come with an invitation for your Queen if she will hear us? We also wish to renew our treaty." Mithian maintained a relaxed yet alert posture.

"That is for Queen Elena to discuss with you. Please follow me. I will take you to her yurt, Queen Morgana, Priestess, Prince Merlin and Princess Mithian. Dame Britomart and Princess Josiane may come as well. I ask you to leave your weapons by the entrance. I apologize, Master Dragon and Master Lion. I must ask you to stay outside."

"We understand." Mithian guided Merlin and the others in Matilda's wake. They passed through the village's common area. She watched the Amazons passing by around them. Life's various activities unfolded around them. Some patched their yurts. Hammers struck against forges. Warriors returned to training activities. You see, Merlin? All is well. You do have a good reputation in spite of those rough edges.

Merlin bit his response back. Banter could shake the whole visit in undesirable ways. He sucked in a deep breath and pressed on. Reassurance, however, boosted Resolve's inner strength. Confidence gained a foothold. He placed his sword at the yurt's entrance alongside Mithian's crossbow and the others' swords.

Within, their hostess awaited….