Chapter 39 [Camelot—Physician's Quarters]

Gaius limped around his chamber. The coarse straw broom's bristles cleared the floor. Careful sight ascertained Shine's gleam from tables and chairs. Order aligned everything on shelves and work benches. He'd watched Arthur depart with a patrol of knights in search of his father. The King would bring Princess Mithian back here if she is to be found, Arthur! You will see. Thinking those thoughts, his eyes gravitated toward the empty upstairs bedroom again….

…Merlin…

What happened? He shook his head. Morgana's basic plot came to him easily enough. Manipulation would have brought about Merlin's and Gwen's respective banishments. Morgause had her fingers all over some concocted plot or other. With the Nemethian procession heading along the north road, Cenred and Meleagant targeted Mithian for their respective ambitions. Somehow, Merlin—more than likely with Kilgarrah's help or Princess Josiane's carpet—crossed several leagues. There, Magic spelled Meleagant's lieutenant to sleep. They saw Merlin spell him! Have I not told that boy to be more careful? They saw him working with Kilgarrah. The Princess has fallen for him. Merlin must think there is some promise. What could that be? She's desperate to hang onto the throne. And what do they know of Uther and King Kay?

Insistence pounded on the door.

Now what? He hustled over to the door.

"Gaius? Gaius, are you in there? Please let me in!" Gwen called through the door.

Gwen? The Eyebrow arched well into his hairline. He pulled the door open to find her waiting. He read Anxiety's Paleness on her face. "Gwen? Please come in." He guided her into the chamber. Then he shut the door again. "Are you all right?"

"You mean other than worrying about Arthur going out there with Morgause, Cenred and Meleagant? Maybe trying to figure out who and what Merlin really is? Or that Uther and Nemeth's King are supposed to be dead? Then Morgana just married her way onto Tintagel's throne with the new King, Accolon." She bit her lip. "Do you know Merlin's the son of a Nemethian knight and Dragon Lord? Really?"

"He's what?" Incredulity narrowed his eyes. "Gwen, I assure you. Merlin is the son of a peasant woman."

"Gaius! I know Hunith is Merlin's mother!" Impatience flared in her eyes. "But there is that Sir Balinor of Nemeth! Is that the dragon lord Arthur and he met in Mercia? Please do not lie to me!" She ran her fingers through her hair.

His breath caught in his throat. Truth stuck there as well. He curled his lip. "You must guard this knowledge. Am I clear?"

"Fine! Please, Gaius!" She shook her head. "After yesterday and today, I need to know what is going on."

He nodded. "Aye. He and Arthur did meet Balinor. Cenred's men ambushed them. Balinor died protecting Merlin and Arthur. Upon his death, he passed that ability onto Merlin. Merlin stopped Kilgarrah the Great Dragon outside of the walls upon their return."

"So he did that? You knew?" Gwen rolled her eyes. "Of course you did! You helped Merlin to keep his magic a secret! Morgana told me you told Merlin to poison her! Do you know what Uther or Arthur would do if they knew those things?"

"Of course I do! Why do you think I taught Merlin to be careful? I tried to drill caution into his head! Merlin is going to be the death of me one of these days! And now Princess Mithian cares for him. Is this some love spell?" He rubbed his temples.

She shook her head. She could almost hear Merlin's ramblings about being more than he seemed while in the stocks. "So when he said he was more than he seemed, he was telling me the truth?"

"I am afraid so." He walked about his work space. Conjecture and Possible Explanation pursued each other through his mind. "Balinor never mentioned his knighthood to me. I wish I'd had known."

"You would have sent Merlin to Nemeth? I doubt Arthur would have allowed it." She bit her lip. "Uther might have made him a knight."

"Merlin could not be a knight. He is able to use his magic from the shadows. He would be exposed on the battlefield." Imagination did not need much prompting to fill his mind with Danger's scenarios. Too many times, Dread chilled his heart. If Merlin did not end up burning at the stake, he'd gallop toward the Severn and Safety's bliss within the Gedref and Nemeth. "If I had known, I would have sent Merlin onto Whitgate instead of keeping him here in Camelot." Regret washed through him at that eventuality. He'd relied on Merlin far too much. His heart felt empty.

"Gaius, I cannot believe that. He and you love each other!" Disbelief raised her voice several octaves. Her jaw dropped.

"Hunith sent him to me to keep him safe, Gwen. That came first." He rubbed his chin. "After today, Arthur will never trust Merlin in his former position or at court again. For his sake, I hope he and Princess Mithian can hold onto her father's and brother's throne. Nemeth has laws that the woman cannot inherit in her own right. Fortunately Merlin and she will be married. Galahad and Ywain respect his claim. King Rodor defied Uther about magic."

Listen to you, Gaius. Putting responsibility first. Truly this is a day for miracles….

Mists cloyed in the chamber's far corner. The hooded figure appeared in their midst. Obscured eyes regarded the area. "It still looks the same. How you will keep it clean now is a mystery." Gibes bit off of a female tongue.

"I know that voice from somewhere." Gwen tried to place the stranger. Familiarity pinned the voice from an encounter years earlier.

"Indeed you should. Do you remember the maid who arranged for Merlin to be poisoned?" Irritation tightened his frown. "I thought you were dead, Nimue."

Nimue lowered her hood. Amusement flitted in her eyes much as Cat's might to Challenging Mouse. "Merlin did kill me. A deal was struck. I came back."

"That is no mean feat even for the triple goddess. Another life had to be sacrificed. Who was it?" he demanded.

Nimue shrugged. "That is between the goddess and Death Crone, Gaius. I have my purpose. I remain true unlike you. How many times did you turn your back? HOW MANY?" Snideness sharpened her smirk. "And this one? She struggles to understand what she has seen. It is of little matter."

"Little matter? Of course it matters! My friend has magic! He lied to our King and Prince. You poisoned him." Gwen set her jaw.

Nimue coughed. "Gaius and Merlin poisoned Morgana. What is the difference, Girl? You doubt the news about Uther and Kay? You should not."

"So they are dead?" Gwen felt her heart sinking. What is Arthur riding into? Worry ate at her.

"You are not the most reliable source, Milady. You will pardon my skepticism." He leaned against a table.

"I am under the goddess' orders, Gaius. I am not about to lie." Sarcasm spiced that reply from Nimue. "Do what you will. I have my other errand with Nemeth's ambassador. I am to see to his safe return. Think hard on your actions. This is your last chance." Mists concealed her once again.

"We cannot let her just kidnap Lord Aethelwald!" Gwen started toward the door.

"I believe you are right, Milady. We should check on his chamber. I suspect however it will be too later by the time we get there. Nimue is a powerful sorceress. If she wishes, she can be here, there and then back in Nemeth in no time." He grabbed his staff. "I am ready."

She guided him into the passage and toward the royal apartments.

Apprehension built….