Chapter 28 [Two Turns of the Hourglass Later]

[Meadow Below Camelot]

Morgana emerged into the meadow. Despite previous study and magical study, Accolon's mastery stunned her. She knew Morgause could teleport herself across distances when needed. She witnessed the mysterious Lunette sweep Ywain to some mysterious fountain…

…but a whole travelling party at once?...

I definitely need to learn about that! She turned on her horse. Her eyes noted Disorientation on her companions' faces. "Are we all here?"

Wonder and Awe widened Mithian's eyes. She'd seen many strange things in Court and Forest. Never had Sorcery transported her or her supporters across Distance's expanse in that fashion. "Aye." She saw Galahad, Malodius and three Tintagel knights looking around as well. Accolon can do that? Can every priestess? She rode toward Morgana. "Shall we make our way to Camelot? Lord Aethelwald, I am sure, is waiting."

"Princess…." Galahad frowned. "We have not heard anything from Whitgate on the matter."

"I trust the source." Mithian set her jaw. "You know I do not cast away King Kay's will on a whim, Sir Galahad. I am prepared to do my duty for Nemeth. That will be attended to as we speak. FOLLOW!" She set off on her horse up the path toward Camelot.

"Stay here, Lion." Morgana shook her head. "You would not be welcome in there. For your safety." She led the others up the path and toward the looming granite walls.

Be safe, Princess. Malodius watched them disappear into the next group of trees. The Princess and Lady Morgana are on their way to Camelot, my Prince.

Princess Josiane and I are somewhere over the Great Sea. Please remain alert. She and I will be back as soon as we can, Merlin informed him.

We will all be back, Merlin, Kilgarrah corrected him.

I know what Prince Merlin meant, Dragon, Malodius rebutted. After Silence ended their connection, he settled by a particularly large oak and waited for the others.

[A Third of an Hourglass Turn Later]

Gaius ambled down the granite stairs. Concern sagged on his mind. Worry dogged his steps. I hope Merlin and Gwen made it to Ealdor! Perhaps I should head that way as well. His eyes glanced back up the stairwell.

Trouble burned in the royal apartments. Arthur stewed in his chambers. Lord Aethelwald slept off Ailment's influence. Despite Zeal moving Uther to agree to the royal marriage, Reticence kept the royal council at odds with one another. Uther's return with Mithian would not be until later that afternoon most likely. And George provoked Arthur at every turn.

I say! How much worse can this get? He efforted himself to the bottom of the stairs. Arthritis jabbed at his knees and right hip. He leaned on his staff while opening the door. Surprise stopped him in his tracks.

A rather unique traveling party pulled up by the stables. Morgana surveyed the square. Another rather-regal looking young woman waited for her observations. Judging from the emerald-clad knight in the Nemeth surcoat, Theory suggested to him that was Princess Mithian. Then three other knights clad in Tintagel's orange and blue brought up the rear.

The Eyebrow lifted Gaius' hairline. Suspicion raised all manner of potential plots on Morgana's part. Frown curled his mouth in a most unappreciative way. "Lady Morgana." Appearance prompted him to bow to her. "We have guests?"

Patience kept Morgana's expression to the Mask of State. "Aye, Gaius, we most certainly do. We have Princess Mithian and Sir Galahad from Nemeth. Two of Tintagel's finest, Sir Randolph and Sir Walter, are with us as well." She dismounted.

"Princess Mithian, welcome to Camelot! I apologize for the lack of a proper reception." Gaius bowed once again. "I am confused. King Uther took a patrol toward the northern road into Gedref and Nemeth. He was to escort you back here."

"Thank you, Master Gaius. I have heard a great deal from Master Wyngate about you." Mithian accepted Galahad's help in dismounting. She peeled off her gloves. "This is quite a bit grander than I remembered." Approval prompted a nod. "Are Lord Aethelwald or the Prince here?"

"Lord Aethelwald seemed to have too much cider I'm afraid. Besides he came down with some sickness. He is sleeping right now. Prince Arthur is under house arrest. Uther locked him in his chambers after he exiled a pair of servants." Gaius sighed. "Lady Morgana knows the way to his chamber."

"Indeed, Gaius." Morgana noticed the grain sack. "Going somewhere so soon?"

"I have business up north. There is a friend I must see to across the border." Gaius hefted the sack.

Mithian made a face. "Up north? That is most dangerous, Master Gaius! Cawdorians raided our traveling party. The Mercians also attempted to kidnap me. If not for our friends, they would have succeeded. I owe Merlin a great deal." Pride and Amor sparkled in her eye. Her smile spread across her face.

"Merlin?" Panic unsettled Gaius for a couple of heartbeats.

"Aye. He defeated Dynwald of Cawdor singlehandedly. Imagine that?" Sass jabbed at him from Morgana's mouth.

"Merlin? That is quite the story, Milady." Gaius deflected the account. Strategy demanded he discredit any link between Merlin and magic. "Dynwald is a formidable warrior."

"Aye, Master Gaius. He is." Galahad interjected. "Merlin defeated him. He also saved our King's life at Shalott many years ago. Perhaps you remember the shoulder wound?"

"We have witnesses, Master Gaius." Mithian looked about to make sure nobody else was in earshot. "Rest assured I have Merlin's best interests at heart. I require an immediate audience with Prince Arthur. Can you take us to him?"

"Of course. Forgive me but I need to know. Is Merlin safe?" Hesitation locked Gaius stock still at that moment.

Mithian smiled. "He was at Count Boeve's castle when we departed. He and Guinevere are safe. Now I wish to speak to Prince Arthur."

"Aye. Princess. Follow me." Gaius shuffled back toward the granite steps once more.

I could lead them well enough. Morgana shook her head. She followed the others toward the royal apartments.

Emotions hung heavy…and would get heavier still….