Chapter 35 [Boeve's Former Office]
Arthur walked about his former Count's office. He ran his hand across the oak desk's worn surface. Lament and Betrayal stabbed at his heart. Loyalty should have ruled that roost.
Boeve and his father, Walter, had served Camelot for decades. They had held the southeastern coast against raiders and rebels alike. They responded to military summons readily. Uther had counted on them.
Treason however allowed Magic to fester there….
I thought Boeve to be loyal! He knows why Father feels the way he does! It must be that Princess! She has seduced his mind! Wine failed to soothe his nerves. He slammed the goblet onto the desk. They kidnap me. This so-called goddess tries to intimidate me. She sends Cenred and Meleagant against Kay and me. She misleads Mithian and everyone into believing Father and Kay are dead. Merlin actually thinks he's a Prince? And he is a Dragon Lord and Sorcerer! He slapped the desk.
"Arthur, please!" Desperation pressed its plea through Gwen's lips. She could imagine his anger over the sorcerous gag. She could well imagine how many previous times Merlin had wanted to do that. Still Restraint had stopped such things back then.
Arthur had finally pushed too far….
Morgana rode off with her escort into the rather thick fog.
Arthur narrowed his eyes. He screamed albeit without sound.
"Perhaps if you would understand that Merlin has used his magic to save Camelot and us, he might not have had to do this?" She frowned. She shook her head. "Not everything magical is evil!"
Arthur turned his back on her.
"Oh no you don't, Arthur Pendragon!" She stomped across the room. Her hand rested on his arm. "Look at me!"
"You know how he is, Gwen. He just cannot help himself." Merlin rolled his eyes.
Arthur wheeled around. Anger and Vehemence blazed in his eyes. He curled his lip.
"Merlin, please." Mithian motioned toward Arthur.
"For Diplomacy and you. Fine." Canary flashed once more in Merlin's eyes. He motioned ever so slightly with his head.
Tingling itched at Arthur's throat once more. He rubbed his Adam's apple. Sound grunted from his throat once again.
"Thank you, Merlin." Concern flitted in her eyes between Arthur and him.
"Do not thank him for assaulting me, Gwen." Arthur raised an eyebrow. "No matter what, I am still his Prince."
"I am exiled, Sire." Merlin cleared his throat. "I did not want to do that. I could not listen to you any longer."
"You…could not…HA!" Arthur slapped the desk. "Merlin, whatever you have done to Princess Mithian, remember, you are not a Prince yet! I can still have you executed."
"You could." Disappointment's pall hung heavily over Merlin's heart. "You are your own man now. I would hope you could see past Uther's hatred…."
"He is still your King! I will not believe that until I SEE A BODY!" Arthur shook his head. He ground his teeth. "Just take your creatures and get out of my sight! As soon as you are packed, you can leave." He ground his teeth.
Merlin rolled his eyes. "I have kept quiet all of this time, Arthur. I…."
"MERLIN, I TOLD YOU TO LEAVE! NOT ANOTHER WORD!" Arthur bellowed.
"You told him to leave. You did not say so to me. Nor will you, Prince Arthur!" Mithian curled her lip at Arthur. "I know better than to lecture you. You may be Prince and soon to be King of this realm. You still need allies. Keep this up. Camelot will be alone." Indignation burned into her eyes. "We will both need our friends in the coming days." She placed her hand on Merlin's. "There is nothing more to be said."
"There is." Merlin looked at his former Prince. "Arthur, thank you for the time serving you. You might not believe it but it was an honor." He offered a bow. Then he turned and walked out.
Mithian shook her head. "We will see to Boeve and Princess Josiane. They will not be alone at least." She offered a royal nod. Then she hustled after Merlin.
Gwen shook her head. She walked out of the chamber.
Arthur hissed through clenched teeth. Sometimes being a King was hard work….
[Courtyard]
Gaius hustled into the courtyard. Merlin had already brought his things out. Britomart had just finished packing Mithian's remaining possessions. Gawain carted personal effects from Josiane's chamber. Urgency and Regret dragged on him. He sucked in deep breaths.
He had to find Merlin….
Where is he? I cannot believe he is doing this? He looked about the area. He saw Josiane and Boeve setting her carpet on the back of a horse's saddle. Britomart placed the just-packed sack on another horse's back.
"Are you looking for someone, Gaius?" Kilgarrah leaned down toward the elderly physician. Indignation spat twin smoke plumes from his nostrils. He motioned toward the open door to their right. "I believe Princess Mithian and Merlin are in there."
"What is Merlin doing?" Gaius grimaced. "I cannot believe he exposed himself! You did this?"
Kilgarrah chortled. "I did….? Gaius, just when I think you cannot be any more shortsighted, you still surprise me! I did NOTHING! Uther and the Lady Morgana set these events in motion. The triple goddess has ordained matters to be happen. I serve. So should you. Merlin's life in Camelot is over. Perhaps it is time for you to face that." He narrowed his eyes.
"Merlin's place is in Camelot at Arthur's side! We have free will. Merlin has to understand…!" Gaius stiffened. "You have led him astray more than once."
"As have you." Kilgarrah coughed. "You counsel Merlin to defy the goddess in favor of those who would destroy him and me."
Gaius shook his head. "It is for Merlin to bring about something greater! He has to survive to get to that point! He is the one to make Arthur see that!"
Kilgarrah guffawed.
Dragon, he has a point! Malodius chided.
Gaius has turned on our mistress enough times, Malodius. Kilgarrah glared at Gaius. He cannot be trusted! "Merlin endures his prejudice as we speak, Gaius! Such lofty sentiments! I believe what the Princess offers will provide a better chance."
"She uses him! They barely know each other! Merlin has no ties…" Gaius pointed his staff at the dragon. "You seek to use him!"
"Sir Balinor was a knight of Nemeth, Gaius, but you could care less! MERLIN IS A NOBLE! Thanks to Uther, he was forced to endure that peasant's hovel! Neither Hunith or he should have been made to do so! I should not have had to endure my prison for TWENTY YEARS EITHER!" Kilgarrah scowled.
"Gaius? Kilgarrah? Stop!" Merlin strode out the door. "We do not need this argument right now!"
"Indeed not." Gaius sighed. "Merlin, what are you doing? We do not even know if Uther is really dead. If he is, Arthur could have pardoned you! You could have come back to Camelot! He needs you."
"Gaius…." Merlin bit his lip. Temptation coaxed him to cave in. "Please don't. What happens when he finds out that you knew about my magic? Arthur will not tolerate that. He will banish you too. You should come with us."
"Merlin, as much as I want to be at your side, I cannot do that. My loyalty is to Camelot. Yours is as well," Gaius reminded him. "You cannot go off on this fool's errand!"
"Fool's errand?" Mithian raised her own eyebrow. "Merlin has every right to be with me! He can do so much more! My grandfather and father promised his parents their place in Whitgate! Why should Merlin not have that? It is better than dumping chamber pots and listening to Arthur's bigoted spewing! And what of you? You stand back and let things happen? I know about Morgana's poisoning. Did you make Merlin do that?"
"You know? How did you…?" Gaius ground his teeth. "I suppose Morgana told you as well that she was the vessel of Morgause's spell against Camelot? We had to stop her heart to stop the spell. We were going to bring her back."
"You could have told her!" Mithian rubbed her forehead. "Merlin has too much sneaking around for my taste! I want him to be open with who and what he is! Aye he needs to learn about discretion. I know he will have enemies in Whitgate. He has enemies in Camelot too! We have not one…but TWO ARMIES marching this way! We do not have time!" She placed her hand on Merlin's shoulder. "I do not want to come between you two. You know what you have to do."
"Aye." Merlin shook his head. "Gaius, I am sorry. I cannot be around Arthur any longer. I wish I could. I want to. At least I will be able to help Arthur if he will accept magic. I tried."
Dejection hung Gaius' head. "I wish you the best, Merlin. You do understand I cannot support this decision. I hope you are safe." He held his arms out.
"I hope you are safe too, Gaius." Defeat dampened Merlin's heart. He embraced Gaius. "I wish you were coming with us." Plea and Longing lingered in his eyes.
"I…cannot. Be safe. I have my duty." Gaius broke the embrace. He stepped back and watched in silence.
Gawain motioned toward Merlin. "I got his back, Gaius."
"Thank you." Appreciation warmed Gaius' heart ever so slightly. At least there will be one person looking out for him!
Merlin secured his sack onto a horse. He climbed up into the saddle. His eyes met Gaius' and then Gwen's. He did not see Arthur in the doorway either. Disappointment lingered inside of him. He saw that his friends and new allies waited for him. He nodded at Mithian.
Mithian looked at her riding party. She pointed toward the road. "MOVE OUT!" She started her horse toward the gate.
The group followed her lead toward the west. Horseshoes beat against dirt. Malodius loped on ahead. Kilgarrah flew overhead.
They'd had their fill of that place….
Gaius watched the group's departure. Dejection and Sorrow's Tears welled in his eyes. He leaned on his staff. "Why, Merlin? Arthur needs you! Camelot needs you!"
Gwen rushed out into the courtyard. "Gaius! Wh…?" She did not see the traveling party anywhere. She put a hand on his arm. "What happened?"
"He left, Gwen. Merlin really went with them." He sighed. "At least Gawain's with him. He said he would keep an eye on Merlin."
She knew how hard that parting was on Gaius and Merlin both. She bit her lip. She wanted to upbraid Arthur soundly. Still she knew that would do little good. "Let us get something to eat. Then we have to ride back."
"Aye. That would be a good idea." Gaius glanced once more toward the gate. Be careful, Merlin! Please!