Chapter 6 [Mid-Afternoon—Twenty Miles From Whitgate]
Sol rested in the lower western sky. Shadows lengthened across the land. A few clouds skittered across the blue backdrop. A bit of breeze rustled branches and leafy canopies. A few deer and small animals kept to the brush and ground cover.
Best to be careful….
[A/N: From here on, we're going to be seeing Mithian usual cohorts showing up. First off, there's her maid/bodyguard, Britomart, who's from Spenser's Faerie Queene.]
A royal retinue stopped its progress by a convenient stream. A last minute meeting between King and Princess had delayed their start on that morning. A cloud hung over the procession. Neither knight, servant or the main traveler in question talked to each other.
A tall knight looked about the area. He noted the small clearing's ample grass, the stream's water and defensive position. "This will do." He frowned. "I wish we could've taken the direct road to Camelot."
"Aye, Tristan. Who could know the storm washed it out?" Another knight dismounted and tied his horse's reins to a nearby tree. "Shall we water the horses?"
"Aye, Rodrigo." Tristan sighed. Rodrigo's observation didn't help his mood. While a two day journey, the central road between Nemeth and Camelot remained the safest way. Their current route skirted just south of Nemeth's shared borders with Cawdor, Mercia and Essetir before the Severn's northern crossing and the southern turn toward Camelot. Experience told of bandits lurking in those woods ahead. He didn't trust Meleagant's or Cedric's treaties with Whitgate…
…especially with Princess Mithian's presence in their company….
If only King Kay hadn't banished Ywain and Malodius! Tristan tapped his fingers on his saddle. He glanced toward the northeast. He wished that Galahad or even Matthias rode with them. Nerves unsettled him.
"Is there something the matter, Sir Tristan?"
Tristan stiffened. He turned to find Mithian regarding him in turn. "Nay, Your Highness. I consider our stop for the evening. I also look to the road ahead and its challenges."
She nodded. "Those challenges will be considerable indeed. Thank you for being alert, Sir Tristan. Your instincts will serve us well."
"Thank you, Princess." Tristan managed a smile. "I know that might seem cowardly but…."
She shook her head. "There is a difference between exercising caution and being rash." She dismounted and tied her mare's reins to another tree. "I believe you have made a good choice. Take pride in that. Keep your eyes open." She smiled and walked back toward the rest of the retinue. She took time to greet each of the knights and thank them for their service. She endeavored to act as the good Princess and lady should….
…even if she'd rather go hunting or doing anything besides being the pampered woman at that point….
Kay's words still echoed and burned in her ears. Indignation twisted her mind and heart into knots. He instructed…no commanded actually…her to work with Uther and him. He ended Rodor's previous protection of sorcerers and magical creatures in Nemeth. Already he organized patrols to hunt down sorcerers and bring them to the capital. Anyone allying themselves with said people were to be expelled from the kingdom. He would not allow a woman to sit on the counsel.
He's been away for far too long! All he does is stir up unrest. She shook her head. She knew few Princes would deal with her. They'd rather a weak little girl who'd sit in the corner and do what they're told. Well I am sorry. That is not me! I'd rather be one of them than ignore them. Kay, we are here to serve not lord it over them! She saw a tall red headed woman setting up her tent in the clearing's center. She glanced around at the new knights setting up their protective detail.
The redhead could outfight any of them. She had better instincts. Still she was a woman….
"Milady?" The redhead curtseyed. "Your sleep roll's ready. I will have your fowl and potatoes ready soon."
"That's all right, Britomart. I trust you to create a feast." Mithian rubbed her maid's arm. "The knights doubt Sir Tristan."
"Why?" Britomart shook her head. Skepticism curled the sides of her mouth into a sharp frown. "He is a cautious man. He values your safety, Milady. I wish they would listen to me."
"Britomart, you know if I could make you a knight, I would." Regret sucked in a deep breath. Argument to that end had fallen on her brother's deaf ears. "Perhaps Prince Arthur or the Lady Morgana will see your worth in Camelot? They could convince King Uther?"
Britomart nodded. "Not everyone is as open minded as you, Princess." She bowed to her mistress.
"You have earned that privilege with me." Mithian held one of the ropes. She waited for Britomart to hammer the stake into place with her dagger's hilt. "Thank you. We shall sleep well tonight." She yanked on the rope to test it. "That will hold." She heard a throat clear.
Rodrigo bowed to her. "Pardon me, Princess. Why did you not ask one of us to set the tent up? We would be delighted to do that." He shook his head at Britomart.
Mithian rolled her eyes. "Sir Rodrigo, despite what the King thinks, I am very capable of pitching a tent and surviving out here. Perhaps you might set up the security detail or gathering firewood? There are plenty of tasks to be done." Irritation sparked in her eyes.
He chafed with her words. Still he bowed and set out to find firewood for the camp. Why can't she let us do our normal tasks? I have to put up with this for the next four days? He disappeared into the woods.
"The old attitudes remain." Mithian shook her head.
"Patience, Milady. There is a man who will respect your authority. Perhaps Prince Arthur?" Britomart tore several fowl pieces. She impaled them along with potato pieces onto skewers.
"I can hope so." Mithian sighed. "I have had enough of losing allies and friends because of foolish delusions."
Britomart looked around their area. "Milady! I agree but you should be careful." She grimaced. "I am sorry but well…you don't want them hearing you. If King Kay or King Uther or Prince Arthur should hear you…."
"I know. Thank you, Britomart." Mithian bowed her head. One day it will be different. I will find someone to help me favor magic once again. Father was right to offer them sanctuary. If only Kay wasn't such a backwards lout in that regard!
Discomfort unsettled the camp it seemed….