Chapter 8

"Malodius, please watch my carpet." Josiane bowed to her friend. Then, she took in the two Amazons flanking said doorway. With a quick look toward the two remaining magical beings, she walked inside. She beheld a small table to her left. More animal hides lined the floor underfoot. Skins piled in the corner formed a sort of bedding. Oaken Chair stood against the north wall.

A slender brunette woman rose from that chair. Although not as tall as Matilda, Presence still emanated from her. Metallic Tiara rested atop golden locks. Otherwise, she appeared like the other warriors. Her blue eyes drank in her surroundings and visitors. Nods came from her chin. As with Matilda, Recognition linked faces to names. "Good morning, my Friends. It is good to see Nemeth in our lands once again. These are desperate times. Matilda tells me you wish to renew our alliance?"

"Aye, Queen Elena." Mithian nodded to her. "King Rodor sends his greetings to you and your Amazon sisters. On his behalf, thank you for welcoming us into your presence. Nemeth does indeed wish to renew, reaffirm and strengthen our alliance. King Rodor has proposed a gathering at Solstice. It will be festive. It would also bring our neighbors to Whitgate. There, we could discuss the matters concerning each of our kingdoms and Britannia as a whole." She held out Rodor's scroll. "He wished us to give this to you."

Elena accepted the scroll. She broke the seal and unrolled the parchment. She read over Rodor's message. Consideration pondered his proposal. Every so often, her eyebrow raised. An idea induced a nod. "This is a truly welcome message. It seems that the goddess brings us back together, Princess Mithian. Queen Morgana and King Accolon have regaled me of such plans and ideas between your kingdoms. With Cawdor, Mercia and Camelot at our borders, we could use the assistance be it swords, weapons or magic." She walked up to Merlin. "How fortunate for you, Prince Merlin, to be in a place that allows you to be yourself openly."

"Queen Elena?" Surprise stiffened Merlin. Questions peppered his mind. How does she know? She looked to Morgana.

Elena shook her head. "I heard about the siege at Hampton from King Accolon and Queen Morgana, Prince Merlin. I knew already." Sly Smile creased her face. "I saw you at Shalott. Your spell shook the battlefield. Even gored by Meleagant's sword, you still turned defeat into victory. Queen Radegund ordered Matilda and me to keep your secret lest Uther Pendragon reward your service with the pyre. Once more, the Amazon Nation mourns Lady Reyna's death. We mourn your sire's exile. We congratulate you on your current position. It is well deserved. I am glad that Princess Mithian liberated you from Camelot."

"Thank you." Merlin kept Mask of State firmly in place. "I did enjoy my service there. I learned a great many things. King Arthur did give me opportunities to advance and to fight at his side." Even if he was a Prat and a Cabbage Head from time to time.

Mithian and Morgana each fought to keep their own faces straight at his thoughts. Coughs spat out from each of their mouths.

Appreciation prompted another nod from Elena. "That is the answer I expected from you. Well put. I always knew there was a diplomat in you. Queen Radegund argued for your spurs, Prince Merlin, with Uther and Arthur. You are the only man she ever did that for. I knew of your worth as well." Lament's sigh escaped from her. "I am glad you have a worthy match at last."

Merlin moved closer to Mithian's side. "I am very fortunate. Thank you, Queen Elena. King Rodor and Princess Mithian have given me so much. I am happy to serve in return." He offered another royal nod to her. Hostess' Previous Feelings made him squirm. Recollection prompted conversations between Elena and himself during mutual service to their respective monarchs. Friendship, much like the one between Britomart and himself, established itself between them….

…it seemed Elena had harbored other thoughts at that point…

Well, Merlin, it seems she DOES remember you, Morgana snarked albeit in playful fashion. Mischief glinted in her eyes. "Aye, Queen Elena, it is fortunate indeed. Prince Merlin has inspired a great deal since his arrival in Nemeth. In some ways, he and I helped each other. We can make King Accolon and Princess Mithian happy as well."

"As it should be." Elena nodded to Mithian. "Congratulations at last! Let those men who turned their noses up at you deal with their mess! You have a good man for a husband. He has a good woman for a wife." She held her hand out. "Friends once more?"

"Aye, Queen Elena. Friends always." Mithian caught Elena's meaning. Even though she trusted Merlin, Elena's old feelings had put her on edge. Reassurance, however, eased matters. He'd reaffirmed his feelings for her. Jealousy abated. She shook the offered hand. "Then, I take it we can expect you?"

"Certainly! Might I ask a request?" Elena put a parchment skin on her table. She dipped Goose Feather Quill into small jar.

"If we can grant it. Prince Merlin and I will have to ask King Rodor first." Mithian mused over Elena's question. They could not commit Nemeth to a war at that point. Perhaps, Merlin could leave supplies to assist Village's stores.

"I suppose. It is a request for Priestess Nimue actually. I wanted transportation between Whitgate and here for that affair. Would that be acceptable?" Elena turned to Nimue. Expectation glinted in her eyes and facial expression.

Nimue nodded. She'd received the goddess' approval for such favors. Hence, it would be a small matter. "Aye. The goddess wishes for you to be there. Given the situation, I can do it or another of my sisters will assist you." She bowed to Elena.

"Thanks to the goddess for her kindness." Elena's quill scratched out a message across new parchment. "That should let King Rodor know of our intentions. It has been too long since we were in Nemeth. I am glad all is well." She rolled the parchment up. She allowed Wax to drip from a candle onto it. Her ring impressed its seal. "Let this cool for a few heartbeats, my Friends. I would hope you all could share a meal and some Amazon hospitality? We…" She saw Matilda step back into the tent and bow. "Matilda?"

Matilda composed herself. "My Queen, another party approaches bearing Camelot's standard. Shall I prepare our warriors?"

Elena looked to Mithian and Morgana. "And now Camelot? Interesting. Would you know their business?"

"We have had our disagreements during and following the Siege of Hampton, Queen Elena. King Arthur exiled Prince Merlin and Master Gaius." Mithian frowned. "He wishes to arrest Princess Josiane for sorcery." Distaste ate at her.

Indignant Snort escaped Elena's lips. "Well now! If that is his purpose, Arthur Pendragon will be most disappointed!" She shook her head. "I regret that our tea will have to be postponed. Prince Merlin, Princess Josiane, Queen Morgana and Priestess Nimue are our friends. Perhaps, Priestess, you should see them back to Whitgate? I do not wish for Kilgarrah or Malodius to deal with such nonsense. We would appreciate it if you would stay and assist."

Conflict ate at Merlin. Duty tore at him several ways. Rodor's orders remained paramount. Still, he didn't want to leave the Amazons. Elena's point about Josiane, Kilgarrah and Malodius remained a good one as well. Arthur, however, tore at him. Peace between Two Kingdoms remained a fervent wish. "With respect, Queen Elena, may I make a suggestion?"

What are you up to, Merlin? Father said no trouble. Worry numbed Mithian. She could almost hear Rodor telling them to retreat. Still, she couldn't knock Merlin's legs out from under him either. She knew her Prince's sense of strategy well enough by that point. Go ahead, Merlin. Remember, we cannot pick a fight here.

I am not looking for a fight. Merlin waited for Elena. "Queen Elena?"

"I am listening, Prince Merlin." Elena motioned to Matilda to hold her position. She understood that Arthur's party drew closer with each passing heartbeat. Necessity meant finding the best place for her guests. Still, Allies were to be listened to as well.

Merlin sucked in a deep breath. "I do not want a fight. Maybe Princess Josiane can bring Malodius back to Whitgate? Then, we can talk with him as a united group?"

"Prince Merlin, with respect…." Josiane started her protest. Indignity billowed up inside of herself. "I am not running."

Smile formed on Mithian's face. Pride swelled for her Prince's suggestion. "Nay, Princess Josiane. You are our guest as well. I agree with Prince Merlin. Your safety as well as that of our friends is our first concern. Kilgarrah, Malodius and you should return to Whitgate. Alert the King of our situation."

Morgana raised an eyebrow. "Prince Merlin, that is a very noble idea. While I am glad you are taking your responsibilities seriously, do you think my brother will listen to you at this point? He's still angry about Hampton."

Mithian shook her head. She gazed down at Elena's reply on the table. "We cannot start a war, Queen Morgana. Still, we do have to stand together." She looked to Elena. "Friendship means we stand together."

Elena nodded. "How many riders approach, Matilda?"

Matilda cleared her throat. "Twenty. With due respect to our guests, our warriors can handle them, if necessary, my Queen." She bowed to the others. "Our sisters and I are prepared."

"Let us see if we can find a diplomatic solution." Elena rolled her eyes. "Princess Mithian, I appreciate what Prince Merlin and you have expressed. Still, you are here as guests and envoys. As your hostess, I insist that you withdraw. Please. It would make me feel better. Thank you though for your offer to stand with us. There will be a time when we will need to do so. I would not endanger you." She handed Mithian the sealed note. "Bad enough that Camelot abused your father and his hospitality. I will not risk anyone in this village."

Mithian took the note. "Very well, Queen Elena. My father will appreciate your concern and protection. We will not endanger anyone. He will look forward to your presence in Whitgate. You take care. It is good to see you again."

"As it is you, Princess Mithian. Perhaps, Sister, we shall share a hunt in your father's kingdom? Prince Merlin, stay safe and well. The Amazons value your magic. As you preserved our sisterhood at Shalott, so I see to your safety now. Thank you. Now, if you will excuse me, I must prepare to meet King Arthur. Matilda, return their weapons and see to their safe departure." Elena maintained an even and warm tone.

"Aye, my Queen." Matilda held the flap open. She motioned to the group. "Until our next meeting, Friends."

"Thank you, Matilda," Mithian expressed. She rubbed Merlin's arm. I know you want to make peace with Arthur. You heard Morgana. He will not listen to you. If you use your magic against them, you will start the very trouble Father forbade us from getting into. Queen Elena knows this. She is giving us a way out. We can report back to Father about what happened here.

Disappointment sagged across Merlin's face. I know. I do not want trouble. I meant what I said.

I know you do, Merlin. You want to make a trans-Britannia peace. One day, you and I will do so. Today, however, is not that day. We should go. Mithian led him toward Kilgarrah and Josiane. Everyone else waited on the carpet.

"Come, Merlin. Arthur Pendragon is not worth your trouble on this day." Kilgarrah laid down on the ground. He watched Merlin climb up on his back. Then, he stood. His wings flapped and propelled them into the morning sky.

Josiane ground her teeth. What a bigoted prat! He would ruin a negotiation with his foolishness! Resentment fumed within her once again. She directed her carpet skyward in Kilgarrah's wake. Within heartbeats, they'd disappeared into the clouds and into the portal once more.

Sparks, however, still flew below…