Chapter 46 [Dining Hall—A Quarter Turn of the Hourglass Later]

[A/N: Blancheflor is from Chretien de Troyes' Perceval]

Guests and Officials sat around a rectangular oak table. Fowl and Vegetables bulged on plates and bowed their platform. Wine quenched Thirst's burning and Mood's edge. Conversation clumped them into cliques. Suspicion and Probationary Trust kept serious matters away from that scene.

Meleagant's encroachment put them all on edge. Scouts' Report put the Cawdorian horde two days' ride from Whitgate. Terror's Agents, War Machine, Torch and Sword, scattered refugees throughout Forest's safe havens. The Cawdorians slew the unlucky remaining few in the villages.

A couple sat apart from the other diners. Scars marred the muscular man's arms. Tear and Scuff marred his breeches. His attention focused on her. Despite Refinement's show, the woman's hair remained mussed. Bruise marred her left cheek. Neither counsel or observation came from them. Disappointment at Kay's untimely demise sank their spirits.

Gawain exchanged glances with Josiane and Boeve. Then he cleared his throat. "We can help. Just tell us."

The man nodded. Appreciation offered a wan smile. "Thanks. I have no doubt you would. Still we are but two men against a horde. If you stay here, you will see." He extended his hand. "Percival of Riversmore, Friend. And you are?"

"Gawain." Gawain shook Percival's hand. "Glad to know you, Mate. By the way, who says it would be just us?" He chuckled. "The lady is my niece, Princess Josiane. He's Boeve of Hampton." He pointed toward the other end of the table. "That is Galahad. With him is Ywain."

"You have our deepest sympathies." Galahad bowed his head. "Our Prince and Princess will do what they can for you. We only returned a few hours ago."

"You mean the servant?" Bernard curled his lip.

"Hey, Bernie! How about some respect?" Gawain hissed through clenched teeth. "That servant took down Dynswald and survived Meleagant's sword! Can you say that?"

"You Toad! You do not speak to me like that! You should be in irons for that!" Bernard turned to Galahad. "Arrest this churl!"

"You can try!" Josiane stood. "My uncle has done nothing."

Galahad put his hand up. "Princess Josiane, calm down. I have no plans for that." He sucked in a composing breath. "For what, Count Bernard? The only thing I see is Gawain defending the Prince and Princess' honor. You will be silent. Since you wish for arrests, I shall let them know."

"I am a witness," Blumenwald chimed in.

"You would be!" Aethelwald spat. "Princess Mithian should have married Prince Arthur! The servants entranced them somehow! Filthy Dragon Lord and his accomplice!"

Indignity paled Blumenwald's face. "Lord Aethelwald! Count Bernard! How can you say that?"

"He is your Prince by birth and law, Sirrahs. Your words stink of treason." Boeve narrowed his eyes. "Even when he was a servant, Merlin waited on everyone with honor and dignity. He sacrificed."

"As did I! I saved King Rodor's life!" Bernard snapped. His face reddened. "You do not lecture me about that peasant!"

"Merlin saved Arthur's, Kay's and Mith's lives several times over!" Annoyance flicked across Gawain's lip. "Bloody bollocks! I saved Arthur at least twice myself." He coughed. "If you want to throw a punch, I am waiting."

"Waiting for what?"

Not a person moved a muscle. Not a vocal cord uttered a sound.

Blumenwald managed to bow. "Prince and Princess. I am most sorry you heard that." He glanced toward his fellow Nemethian nobles.

Anger billowed inside of Mithian. "Thank you, Lord Blumenwald. Gawain, Princess Josiane and Count Boeve, our thanks as well. We heard enough. Count Bernard, Lord Aethelwald, since you do not care for our arrangements here, you can stay in the dungeon. I know you both wanted King Kay to marry me to Prince Arthur. I am sorry that Kings Uther and Kay died and ruined that plan. We are content with our plans. Sir Galahad? Sir Ywain?"

"Aye, Milady?" Ywain stood in the doorway. His hand rested on Malodius' left front shoulder.

"Sir Galahad and you should take Lord Aethelwald and Count Bernard to the dungeon. They rail against our situation. They insulted Prince Merlin." Mithian sniffed. "Perhaps they might think over matters down there?"

"Neither my father or I are filthy." Merlin clenched his fists. "Besides nobody keeps a tally on saving the King or how many times it happened! I help anyone. It's all part of my service to Camelot then and Nemeth now! So I am a Dragon Lord? I have a talent and a responsibility. I cannot change you. I just ask you to think about that." He bowed his head. "That is all."

Galahad stepped behind Aethelwald and Bernard. "It is time. Come. Ywain." He yanked Aethelwald to his feet first. Then he did the same to Bernard.

"Unhand me! You'll see!" Aethelwald demanded. He spat at Merlin. "False Peasant! You have magic and spelled our Princess!"

"I assure you, my Good Lord Aethelwald, Prince Merlin did not use magic. Did you know I proposed to him? Prince Arthur backed out of the arrangement with us first. Did you speak with anyone about this? You spent enough time eating and drinking! You slept it off. Do you know that I was threatened by both Mercia and Cawdor? King Uther died while trying to ensure my safety and that of my entourage! Ask Sir Galahad! Ask Princess Jasmine! He was there! Merlin saved me! And you slept it off?" Restraint kept Mithian on an even keel. "Prince Arthur was there the whole time. Did you ask him what he thought about the marriage?"

Aethelwald shook his head. "Princess, you and he had a duty to King Uther and King Kay! There was an agreement between our kingdoms. Now we have two servants who do not….!"

"Lord Aethelwald, Guinevere and I had both earned our promotions to the nobility through the Capability Laws. My father's service and title granted me noble standing. I am a servant because my mother wanted me to have a better life when we did not know about Father. I saved Arthur's life so the King made me his servant," Merlin disagreed.

"Prince Merlin is qualified. So is Lady Guinevere. Both are very service oriented. Both have aided Prince Arthur in the service of Camelot. With our late Kings passed on, it is now up to King Arthur and me to pick our co-rulers and turn the page. With Prince Merlin's qualifications, he can take his throne. We can serve together." Mithian offered her hand. "Together?"

"Together." Merlin squeezed her hand. Then he raised it. Once more, his lips whispered Amor's sweet notes across her knuckles.

"Thank you." Mithian smiled to her fiancé. Then she pointed to the door. "I believe they will be better served in the dungeon for now. We have enough issues with Cawdor's invasion and siege. We will speak again after the siege."

Ywain and Galahad led the two insolent officials out. They bowed to the royal couple. Then they disappeared down the passage.

"I wish people did not have to think like that." Merlin looked around at everyone. "I am glad we have a good meal. I hope everyone enjoys it." He pulled the chair out for Mithian.

"Thank you, my Prince." Mithian stifled her usual response to such gestures. Other than Rodor, she hadn't cared for others doing so for her. She settled into her chair. "Duchess Blancheflor, I am glad Duke Percival and you are safe. This is Prince Merlin. He and I are to be married."

"Oh?" Blancheflor stood. She curtseyed. "Pardon me. It is good to meet you, my Prince."

"Thank you. It is a good thing you are here. I am glad you both are all right. It's good to meet you." Pity washed over Merlin in that heartbeat for the two refugees. "Whatever we can do for you."

Thank you, Prince Merlin. As to Princess Mithian's point, it was a very near thing, Milady." Blancheflor coughed. She took a draught from her goblet. "Pardon me. I must still be rasping from the smoke. The horde swept over us like a plague! They burned and pillaged Riversmore." She bowed her head. Shame's tears streaked her cheeks. "You know me, Princess Mithian. I did not want to leave my people like that."

"It was a near thing. I fought off several of their knights. I managed to get us out of the village." Percival turned to Blancheflor. "Are you all right?"

"Other than being upset over our village's situation? Aye." Blancheflor nodded. "Thank you. I wish our companion had been invited to this meal. He remained downstairs."

"Companion?" Merlin scratched his head. "Is that normal?"

"Nay, Prince Merlin." Blumenwald headed for the door. "I shall be right back. With your indulgence, I shall correct that oversight."

"Please do, Lord Blumenwald. Thank you." Mithian nodded. She watched her High Chancellor depart. "Most curious! Father would never have been so rude to a guest!"

"Indeed not, Princess." Galahad concurred. "King Rodor was one of the most gracious hosts in Britannia!"

"Thank you, Sir Galahad. My father took such things seriously. We should seek to continue such traditions. I would value a guest and forge permanent friendships." Mithian bit into a piece of meat.

"Such as those around this table. Some of us have been friends before. Others we meet on the way. Duke Percival and Duchess Blancheflor, the people around the table are my friends because of that. That is Gawain. Then we have Princess Josiane and Count Boeve. We are recent acquaintances." Merlin raised his goblet to the group.

"Prince Merlin, Princess Mithian." Blumenwald stepped back into the chamber. "Our companion is here."

"To have good friends, one must be a good friend. There are few better than you in that regard, Merlin." Lancelot strode into the chamber. Relief and Happiness shone from his eyes and smile. "And a Prince now?" He bowed.

"LANCELOT?" Merlin grinned. He rushed over to his friend. "It's great to see you!"

"I agree." Boeve nodded. "Welcome, Lancelot. It is good to see you once again." He extended his hand.

"And the same for you, Count Boeve. Princess Josiane?" Lancelot shook Boeve's hand. Then he lifted her hand. "As beautiful as ever."

"You still flatter, my Friend." Josiane allowed Lancelot to kiss her hand. "Princess Mithian, Lancelot is a great warrior. It is a pity that King Uther would not allow him to be knighted."

"That figures." Gawain's face soured. "Probably another 'he's a peasant. He's not worthy' excuse."

Surprise raised an eyebrow. "Actually that is exactly what happened. Someone helped to get me around that issue at first." Lancelot glanced at Merlin.

"Oh really?" Intrigue riveted Mithian's attention. "And why does that not surprise me?" She raised an eyebrow.

"This ought to be good." Gawain coughed. He took another draught. "Go on, Merlin. Let's hear about this."

Merlin shrugged. "It was no big deal. A griffin ambushed me in the forest. Lancelot drove it away." He glanced to his friend. "You wanted to be a knight. So I…helped."

Lancelot grinned and shook his head. "Merlin, you never take credit for what you do. You did more to get rid of the griffin than me. We forged a seal. I competed in a tournament. Meantime, the archivist found out. Uther had me banished from Camelot. And you did your share against that griffin. Let us not talk about the wilddeoren in Hengst's castle. If not for you, Arthur, Gwen and I never would have escaped."

"A wilddeoren, my Prince?" Galahad bit into the vegetables. His eyes studied Merlin's face. He'd heard of the giant mole-like beasts.

"Lancelot and Guinevere were in a caged over arena. Hengst, a Mercian warlord, let it into the cage. Arthur and I got you both out. I dropped the cage door behind us. The wilddeoren…umm…killed Hengst instead." Merlin frowned. "So I never actually faced it."

"You helped your Prince against that thing. It's enough," Admiration coaxed a nod from Percival. "I remember you during our visits. I have to admit I wondered why Arthur never knighted you."

"Because he wanted me as his servant. There are not many people who can polish boots." Merlin smirked.

"Sure, Your Princiness. Kick a guy when he is down." Gawain curled his lip. "I helped a few mates out. Knew you would bail me out."

"Arthur bailed you out. He was not amused. He made us polish the whole army's boots." Annoyance rasped a sharp breath out.

Britomart put her hand over her mouth. Raspberry could still be heard.

"Everyone has an opinion." Gawain rolled his eyes.

"I think you tend to jump before your look, Uncle." Josiane shook her head.

"I would have liked to have seen that tab," Boeve jabbed.

"He helped a lot of people." Merlin glanced at Gawain.

"I helped them in the Prince's name. You think someone would appreciate that service. Right?" Gawain supposed.

Merlin shook his head. "Prince Arthur was willing to cover your expenses. If you had asked him, he would have fed those people in a more economical way. You caught all of us by surprise. You got everyone mad over that. Aye. We have to help people. We have to talk with each other. We have to work together."

"Merlin, it just happened! Folks want an ale or something to eat." Gawain's frown cut deeper into his face.

"Or an excuse to drink with everyone?" Boeve looked to Merlin. "I agree with Prince Merlin on this. We should help. We should also talk to each other."

Mithian nodded. "Well said, both of you. Speaking of talking and planning, we have Meleagant's army to deal with. Sir Galahad, we should prepare for a siege. I imagine the people will be coming here very soon. We will need bread and water for them."

"I will requisition what I can, Princess. Perhaps Prince Merlin might help me?" Galahad suggested.

"I will do what I can for our people." Merlin finished the last of his meal. "We should also inform the sentries on the walls. The knights will have to be ready for an assault. We should not be caught by surprise."

"Indeed not." Mithian turned to Ywain. "Sir Ywain, can you advise your fellow knights of our situation? I will be out there with you as soon as possible. As Prince Merlin has said, we cannot be caught by surprise."

"And we should tell King Accolon and Queen Morgana." Merlin stood. "Princess Josiane, will you join us? Your talents would help."

"I would be honored, Prince Merlin. Thank you." Josiane got up from the table. "Let us feed your people. Princess Mithian?"

"I would never keep you from that task." Mithian squeezed Merlin's hand. "Thank you, my Prince."

"You are welcome." Merlin bowed to her. Inspiration gave him an idea. "I know just the thing. We will be back." He followed Galahad and Josiane out the door.

"The people will appreciate the support, Princess." Blancheflor perked up. Relief lightened her mood. "The Cawdorians' army will strain any kingdom's army."

"I believe we can hold our own here. Lancelot, Gawain and Boeve, you should go to the Armory. We could need your swords." Mithian frowned. "I cannot order you to go. You are our guests."

"I have to repay your hospitality and their abuse at Riversmore, Princess Mithian." Percival looked to Blancheflor. Duty demanded his participation but her permission.

"Aye, my Love. Take care." Blancheflor sucked in a heavy breath. Resolve demanded a strong front.

"We will watch his back." Gawain slapped Percival's arm. "Right, Lance?"

"For Merlin and our friends, I will fight as well." Lancelot bowed to Mithian. "Perhaps someone might show me the way to the Armory?"

"I shall do that." Boeve frowned. "Josiane and I need our armor."

"Milady?" Britomart set the serving pitcher down. "Might I go as well?"

Mithian sighed. Denial echoed through her heart at her friend/servant's request. They would need every sword on the other hand. She rubbed her forehead. "Aye, Britomart, you as well."

"Thank you, Milady. You shall not regret this." Britomart curtseyed.

"We might," Gawain muttered to himself. "We have enough to worry about." Resentment and Anger brewed in his eyes. "About time I ran into the Big Red Can. Merlin isn't the only one. I owe him."

"You…what?" Boeve stared at Gawain over that last remark.

Gawain ground his teeth. "We do not have time."

Merlin grabbed his arm. "Gawain, this is bothering you! What is it?" He knew well that Snappy Patter and Irreverence masked what truly lay underneath.

"Uncle, what is it?" Josiane pressed.

Gawain curled his lip. "I feel like an idiot. What the Hell?" Frustration shrugged at the point. "Josie, your Grandpa was a Cawdorian knight. He had an estate. He even had a link to the bloody throne! Our family served. He did everything he was supposed to do! Well he heard about some scrap or other. He took off for a month or so. We had no idea where he went. He came back with the thanks of some guy named Sansaeg…."

"Sansaeg? Are you sure?" Mithian raised an eyebrow.

"Aye. That is it." Gawain narrowed his eyes. "Why? You don't think….?" A heavy sigh escaped his lips. He glanced around the chamber.

"Gawain, who was your father? Perhaps we have heard of him." Galahad looked at Mithian. "Forgive me, Milady. I know the people need us but…."

"d' Arbourne…Robert d'Arbourne…." Gawain gulped the name back down with the rest of his goblet. "He came back with a real bad gash in his leg. He got sick and died. Right after that, Big Red's uncle kicked my mother, sister and me off of the estate. My sister…Josie's mother…sold herself to protect Mama and me. I worked where I could. Then she got sick and died. Big Red has a bounty on my head!" He slammed his fist on the table. "WELL I'M READY! BRING HIM ON!"

"By the goddess." Mithian exhaled a deep breath. "Gawain, your father is well known to us. Sir Robert fought for us in the Battle of Rogerness. King Sansaeg was my grandfather. He lamented that your father stayed away much as Sir Balinor did. Now I understand. I wish he had let your mother know." Lament sagged on her mood. "You would have had a home here. You still can."

"You would treat me like Uther did." Assumption soured Gawain's tone.

"I believe someone told you to tell Arthur about your father," Merlin reminded him. Tone soured. "Look at how Princess Mithian is treating me. She is honoring my family. Why should she not honor Princess Josiane and you?"

"Indeed so, my Prince. My father believed in nobility coming from a knight's heart not from a title. Count Bernard will soon learn that." Mithian raised an eyebrow. "A grave injustice happened to you, Gawain. I am prepared to address it. Nemeth has need of Lancelot and you in the battle to come. I have faith in you. In fact, Sir Galahad, as regent, I believe I can dub knights?"

"Aye, Milady." Galahad agreed.

"Very well." Mithian stood. "May I borrow your sword?" She accepted Galahad's blade hilt first. "My thanks." She turned to the group. "Galahad, Lancelot, Merlin and Britomart, kneel before me."

Shock stiffened Britomart. "Me, Milady?"

"Why not? You are as skilled with a sword as many of our knights. I believe you will more than best a few Cawdorians. Nobody questions your love of Nemeth." Mithian held her hand out. "It has been your greatest wish. You have earned it."

"Princess Mithian and I will be honored by your sword and service, Britomart." Merlin kneeled before his Princess. "I am ready."

"So you are." Desire skipped a beat within Mithian's heart. She wanted to pull Blumenwald back into the chamber to officiate their marriage right then and there.

"Thank you." Britomart curtseyed before her. "Thank you, Prince Merlin." Disbelief numbed her. Gratitude streaked tears across her cheeks. She trembled like a new kitten.

"I will kneel beside you, Lady. It will be an honor." Lancelot smiled to her.

"Yeah well…someone's got to keep you out of trouble." Snark peppered Gawain's retort.

Britomart rolled her eyes. "Can you ever have respect? Look forward to the Princess!" She ground her teeth. "I apologize for this cabbage head, Milady."

"Apo…? What?" Gawain hissed. Despite his heart warming, Bile built in his gut.

Mithian let the remark go. "Thank you all for your commitment to Nemeth and our defense. When you rise, your oaths will bind you to this kingdom and its service. It is the deepest commitment. Do you solemnly swear to put Nemeth and her needs before your own? Will you fight for her even if it means your own death? Will you put loyalty to Nemeth and the throne ahead of all others? What say you?"

"I so swear, Princess Mithian." Lancelot glanced at Merlin for a brief heartbeat and then returned his eyes to Mithian.

"I am loyal to you and Prince Merlin, Milady, unto death itself." Britomart managed to push past Nerves' block on her throat.

"I am loyal to our subjects and you, Princess Mithian." Merlin ambled ahead on his knees. He kissed the back of her hand. Then he ambled back to the others.

Gawain shrugged. "Best deal going. Yeah I swear. Someone has to watch out for Merlin and…well…someone else." He cleared his throat.

Britomart shook her head. Embarrassment streaked Crimson across her cheeks.

Mithian fought back the smirk. She filed the notion for a later time. "Very well. I hold your oaths. Sir Galahad? Sir Ywain?"

"I have heard their pledges," Galahad indicated.

"I have heard their pledges as well, Milady," Ywain added.

Mithian nodded. "So your pledges have been made, received and verified." She held the sword up. Then she tapped Lancelot's shoulders with the sword's point. "Arise, Sir Lancelot, as a knight of Nemeth." She tapped Merlin's shoulders. "Arise, Prince Merlin, as a knight of Nemeth." She tapped Gawain's shoulders. "Arise, Sir Gawain, as a knight of Nemeth." She lingered in front of Britomart. "And I make history today." She tapped Britomart's shoulders with the sword. "Arise, Lady Britomart, as a free woman and knight of Nemeth." She stepped back. Pride sparkled in her eyes for her Prince and best friend.

Britomart gaped. Shock widened her eyes. "You have freed me as well? Milady! I…."

"Your expression is worth it. I know you appreciate it, Lady Britomart. You have earned it many times over with your service. Stand with the others." Mithian held her hand out. "My Prince?"

"Thank you, Princess." Merlin bowed to her.

"Thank you but a nod will be sufficient. This will be the last time you will kneel before me or I kneel before you. We are equals, my Prince. Never, ever doubt your value. Not ever!" Mithian embraced Merlin. "Our people will see that. Take care and come back to me."

"I will do my best." Merlin kissed Mithian's forehead. "I wish we could stay here but we have people to feed and a siege to prepare for?"

Mithian sighed. "Aye we do." She nodded. Then she returned the sword to Galahad. "We have work to do." With that, she followed Merlin out the chamber door.

Plans and Oaths were concluded. Preparations began….