Chapter 37 [Campsite—South Road—Halfway Between Hampton and Whitgate in Gedref]
A well-known clearing provided well for the exiles. Coverage's trees were close at hand. Severn's major tributary filled canteens. The horses chomped on grass. Galahad and Boeve took their turns on patrol. Malodius watched the road. Kilgarrah kept an eye in the other direction.
Merlin sat by Campfire's dying embers. Brooding weighed on his mind. Lament plagued him over Arthur's lack of understanding. He prodded the embers with a stick.
"Kind of like those light up bugs." Gawain glanced down at him. "They just dance in the air. Then it gets cold or some prat knocks them out." He coughed. "Some things just need to be left alone."
"I wish people would understand. I did not ask to be a dragon lord. I was born with it. Remember what you said about your father when we first met? Well that's really the way my father was. He helped people. He did not ask for anything in return. I want to be that way too." Merlin shrugged.
"Merlin, you are definitely like that, Mate. You just cannot help yourself." Gawain held up a glass bottle. "You can have a swig. Just don't tell Brit." He rolled his eyes.
Merlin chuckled. "Never knew you to care about a woman's opinion." Ale's Draught eased his mood. "Thanks."
"I don't. Especially not hers." Testiness sharpened Gawain's retort. His face contorted. "Blah, blah, blah…." He backhanded that notion away. "Maybe there might be something for me in Nemeth too, Your Princiness?"
"I am sure Princess Mithian will make you a knight. Who knows? She might even find you a wife too." Merlin snorted.
"You are so funny. For that, you owe me a round." Gawain smirked. "And what do you mean Mith will find me something? The way she's talking, you are the Prince and will be King with her."
Merlin raised an eyebrow. "I want to believe it, Gawain. I really do. Mother and I will have a chance at something better. You could have a permanent place and knighthood. It is like a dream. I cannot believe a woman like Princess Mithian wants me."
"Merlin, Arthur's sure messed with your head. Hate to break it to you. Women look at you when we go into taverns. Happened the first time we met. Remember?" Gawain's smirk spread further across his face. "Arthur gets annoyed. Good for his ego." A snort escaped his lips.
"Now Arthur's alone against Mercia's army. I…" Merlin started to worry.
"You tried to help. He brought it on himself. He refused and spat on your dragon stuff." Gawain shrugged. "He did it to himself. Hey you see Mith?"
"I do not know." Merlin stood. He looked around the site. He saw no trace of Mithian or Britomart. "Where are they?" Concern ate at him. Malodius, do you know where Princess Mithian is?
She went into the woods. I believe she is hunting. Malodius stood. His eyes scanned the tree line.
I assure you, Merlin. Your Princess is quite safe. Kilgarrah coughed. Is that *concern* I feel for her in you?
You know I care about her. Merlin shook his head.
Well now! It seems she has made an impression! Kilgarrah nodded. And here I thought it was to be a political alliance.
Dragon, enough! Respect Prince Merlin's feelings! Malodius growled low.
"Whoa! What's got Blood Lion all mad?" Gawain jumped. His hand slid the sword from his scabbard. He looked all around for Trouble's signs.
"It is nothing. Dragon stuff." Merlin flicked an eye toward Kilgarrah. He shook his head ever so slightly. Mithian's visage in his mind warmed his heart. Generosity and Kindness eased his mind.
"Yeah…Dragon stuff…" Ill At Ease stiffened Gawain. He coughed. "I think it's just that you're whipped."
"Whipped?" Merlin made a face. Then he rolled his eyes. "I can think for myself, Gawain."
"Oh yeah. You follow her around. You worry constantly. Oh yeah…whipped!" Snark stabbed forth from Gawain's mouth.
"I. Am. Not!" Insistence forced Merlin to his feet. He narrowed his eyes.
"Well you sure look like it! Whipped! Whipped!" Gawain pressed on.
Something crashed beside them on the ground.
"Prince Merlin does think for himself, Gawain." Mithian peeled off her gloves. Her white top had Blood's spots speckling it. "I appreciate his concern." She pointed to a boar. "Perhaps you might wish to help Britomart slice some meat from our friend? I would not have any of us hungry."
"I can…." Merlin went for his own dagger. Her raised eyebrow and pointed glare dissuaded him from that strategy.
Gawain shook his head. He's whipped. They can say what they want! He grabbed the boar. "Let's go, Brit. See if you can carve as well as you talk."
Britomart coughed. "I was about to say the same of you, my Lord Windbag. Seems to me you do very little other than talk."
"I do plenty. Of course you cannot see since you are too busy with your pretty things." Gawain hefted the boar. "Bloody heavy!"
Britomart raised an eyebrow. "Are you not the next coming of Hercules? Why, Gawain! The way you talk, one would believe you capable of miracles!" She snorted. "Come along."
"Says the Wannabe Amazon!" Gawain grunted. "Can you believe this manure, Merlin? Must be coming from between her ears." He efforted the boar off to the side.
Mithian shook her head. "I do not understand Britomart. What is going on with her?"
Merlin sighed. "I can relate." He glanced at her. "Everything is changing. Princess, I am glad you chose me. I just wish I felt worthy."
"And why do you feel that way? Merlin, I keep telling you that you're worthy of the throne. You are a legitimate nobleman by birth and by right through the Capability Laws. Besides, there is something else." She leaned in close. Her lips pressed Amor's imprint across his mouth. "I say you are. You are my choice."
"You make it seem so easy." Merlin allowed her a smile. "What if your nobles do not accept me? I do not want to be in the way." He moped.
She pushed up under his chin. Her eyes met his. "You are not in the way. You are my way, Merlin." She kissed him again. "We are the way."
He touched foreheads with her. "Thanks. I know you need someone who can be your partner, Princess. I…."
She raised an eyebrow. "I have no doubt you will be fine, Merlin. How many times did you keep Arthur and Camelot safe? How many times did you have to make difficult decisions behind the scenes? Today Princess Josiane and you went to Gaul. You were essential to that effort. King Bors would not agree to come with his knights for just anyone. He and King Uther know each other. Prince Bors and Prince Arthur are friends. But they owe Kilgarrah and Sir Balinor life debts. We owe you as well. I assure you. You are worthy."
Awe washed over Merlin. Belief beamed through her eyes. He could feel her strength. Strength bolstered his resolve. Resolve inspired Confidence. "I am not watching that."
"Just be confident, my Prince." Aroma filled the camp. "I believe our dinner will be ready soon."
"That is if Gawain and Britomart can keep from killing each other." Merlin shook his head.
"We shall find out." She led him toward the fire and the meal in question.
Hearts and Emotions came together….