Chapter 38 [Just Before First Light]
Merlin stirred first. Morpheus had served him well. Sleep refreshed him. He sat up ever so slowly. That was some night. His eyes blurred into focus.
"Good morning, Merlin. We were wondering when you'd awaken." Mischief glinted in Mithian's eyes. The smirk spread across her face.
"Princess!" Merlin jumped to his feet. He noted everyone packing up their sleep rolls and gear. "I am sorry. I…"
She quirked an eyebrow. "You are sorry for what again? Merlin, it's quite all right. I have been up for an hourglass turn. Britomart warms some pork for us. You had a long day yesterday. I will not have you getting sick."
"You will not?" Merlin scratched his chin.
"Nay, Merlin. I will not. We should eat. We will need to leave at Dawn." She pointed to the brightening sky overhead. "We are just at First Light."
Embarrassment reddened his cheeks. "Princess…."
She sighed. "Merlin, can you grant me a favor?" She tapped on a nearby log. "When we are not in front of everyone, can you drop the title please? You can call me Mithian since I believe that's my name."
"I just did not want to presume." Protest formed on his lips.
"You did not. I just gave you permission, Sirrah." She giggled. "By the way, Queen Morgana, King Accolon and Ywain have joined us. Come on!" She took his hand and guided him toward the others.
"So you finally decided to join us, Merlin?" Amusement quirked Morgana's mouth into a smile.
"Sorry. I overslept slightly." Merlin fought the urge to roll his eyes. He bowed to the royal couple. "Congratulations, you two."
"Thank you, Merlin. You're a Prince. A simple nod will suffice." Accolon took a gulp from a wooden cup. "Have your breakfast. Then we shall depart."
"Congratulations, my Prince." Ywain bowed to Merlin. "Lady Laudine and I wish you good health."
"We are glad that you came back." Merlin accepted a plate of meat and fruit from Britomart. "Thank you, Britomart." He sampled an apple slice. "Did everything work out in Tintagel?"
"Aye. Father blessed our wedding and succession before his passing." Accolon bowed his head. "Given our emergency, our coronation and hand fasting occurred yesterday afternoon. Our knights are just across the Severn from here."
"In case Uther or Kay wished to cause difficulty, we are ready to support you both. In addition, Meleagant will not allow Kay's death to pass without invading. Besides it's time, Merlin, you put your priorities in order." Morgana cleared her throat. She raised an eyebrow. "Your fellow sorcerous beings, the old religion and helping the balance. Now it seems you have a kingdom and a suitable partner to rule it with." She raised a goblet to that notion and drank it down.
Merlin sighed. Loyalties yanked both ways in their insane tug of war. Instinct still tugged toward Camelot. He knew Arthur still needed help in Camelot. Gaius still missed him. Still Lie and Deceit would enslave him throughout a life there. He could never fulfill Destiny's complete calling….
…but…
…but in that group, Purpose brightened Merlin's way…
Elements of every part of his life jumped out at him. Galahad, Ywain and Gawain lent him their swords. Kilgarrah and Malodius represented magical beings. Promise beckoned to bring Hunith into this fellowship. Britomart served him as friend and servant on Royal Household's behalf. Morgana turned from Enemy back toward Ally and Friend. Accolon and Bors jumped onto Alliance's bandwagon as well. And Mithian? She embodied Friend, Mentor, Companion and Partner. Amor blazed in her heart. Snark snapped from her tongue, smirk and the raised eyebrow.
"What is it?" Mithian frowned. "Is there something wrong?"
"Nay." Merlin bit into the pork. "Britomart, this is really good. Thank you."
"Thank you, my Prince." Britomart eyed Gawain off to the side. "The Oaf contributed a little as well."
Gawain coughed. "More than you'd admit, Lady. Glad it worked out, Merlin. I went through as much roasting as the pork did." He raised his goblet for Respect's toast as well.
Merlin nodded. "I'll eat this. Then we should get going. How far to Whitgate along this road?"
"Another day's ride, Sire. If we leave within the hour, we will be there by late afternoon." Galahad offered.
"That is what I thought, Sir Galahad. Thank you," Mithian accepted a cup of water from Britomart. "And you, Britomart." She drank from it.
"Our knights can cross the Severn just below Whitgate. We will make sure you both do not encounter trouble," Accolon stood up. "Thank you. We will get our forces moving in that direction. We should ride with all speed. Meleagant, I am sure, comes down from the north."
"He will not wait." Dread washed over Merlin in that regard. "We should look to Whitgate's defenses."
"That is why we ride, my Prince." Mithian rubbed his arm. "Do you hear yourself? No more doubt."
"I will make sure I have everything packed. Thank you, Everyone." Merlin raised Mithian's hand. His lips whispered Gratitude's notes across it. Then he walked toward his sleep roll.
Mithian frowned. "I wish he would believe in himself. I want him to understand he can more than hold his own."
"Aye. You have to remember, Mithian. Arthur's abused Merlin and treated him like his pet." Morgana coughed. "He can rise to the occasion. Let us see what he does with the opportunity." She got up. "We will see you at Whitgate." She followed Accolon toward their horses.
Mithian sighed once more. Too many questions, not enough answers….