Chapter 47 [Camelot]

Panic crackled in the air. Citizens rushed over the drawbridge. Sentries watched the tree line for hostile movement. Hammers straightened chest plates. Tools straightened Chain Mail's links. Swords swiped across Stone.

Preparations for the inevitable were underway….

[Council Chamber]

Arthur tapped his fingers on the worn oaken surface. His eyes studied the parchment map stretched out in front of himself. Duty and Diligence guided his moves. Respect guided Gaius and him in laying Uther out in state. He ordered the knights to prepare for a siege within hours.

Now Strategy demanded Preparation. Rationing would commence with the attack. Camelot's walls stood as Britannia's sturdiest structures. The citadel had never fallen into enemy hands. Leadership lacked amongst the knights. Scouts watched the main roads for Cenred's forces.

"Cenred will not wait." Arthur pointed at each of Camelot's major roads in turn on the map. "If he is already as close as the messenger said, his army is only a few hours away. They will try to block the main routes first. Those are the ways in and out."

"Indeed, Sire. But, with due respect, we need the knights within the walls," Geoffrey of Monmouth assessed the map himself. "The people need to be brought in."

"That will be completed within the hour, Sir Geoffrey." Gwen declared from the door. She curtseyed to the gathering. "Pardon me. I came to update all of you."

"Guinevere?" Surprise took Geoffrey and the two other grey beards around the table aback. Impression had left them to think Uther's order where she was concerned would still be standing. Geoffrey cleared his throat. "Prince Arthur, your father…"

Patience struggled to keep its hold on Arthur. It could not restrain the terse look on the Prince-Regent's face. "My father is gone as you know, Lord Geoffrey. Unfortunately, King Kay died last night as well. Crown Princess Mithian and I talked earlier. We reached our own agreement. As such, I have rescinded the King's banishment decree where Gwen's concerned. We will be discussing my other plans later."

"And Merlin? What of him?" Geoffrey looked to Gaius.

"Merlin has his own road to take." Disappointment weighed on Gaius. Restraint kept him from (yet another) look toward Merlin's usual post behind Arthur. Understanding yet Disagreement burned over Merlin's decision to give into the goddess' prompting. He thinks he can rule effectively? He has no experience. Princess Mithian is using him.

Arthur frowned. "Merlin is quite fortunate. He chose his own path. My father would not have allowed him to do so." He shook his head. "We cannot focus on him right now." Lament over Merlin's magic and departure threatened to swamp him yet again. "Gwen, how goes the influx of people?"

"They are coming in by the droves. We are doing the best we can to find places for them." As with the others, she felt Merlin's absence. Concern and Wonder ate at her. How is he doing? They should be preparing for Cawdor's army. Still being in Arthur's presence lightened her spirits. Amor warmed her heart even as it skipped a beat. Determination pressed her not to let him down.

Arthur smiled. Even if Merlin had resorted to magic and betrayed him, Gwen would never disappoint. "Aye. Thank you, Gwen." Gratitude lit his eyes and smile. He nodded to her.

"Then I shall return to those duties." She nodded back to him. "Sirrahs." She hustled from the chamber.

Arthur took a draught from his goblet. Then his eyes returned to the map. "Gaius, how are the medical supplies?"

"I have adequate herbs and remedies. I do not know how I shall replenish them. I believe we shall have to do the best we can with what we have." Gaius sighed. Merlin could find ways to get those remedies if he was here. Stop it. He is not here. His eyes went to the window. What is he doing now?

The warning bell pealed grabbing their attention.

"Now what?" Arthur narrowed his eyes. Urgency pushed him toward the window. Dread expected Crimson sweeping over the pastures surrounding the citadel. His eyes widened at the sight of something else instead.

Light Blue Wave swept over the land from East and Southeast. It advanced parallel to Camelot's front and stopped there. Three armored riders peeled away and galloped toward the still open drawbridge. A white flag flapped over the lead rider's head. Their horses' legs sped across the wooden causeway and into the Lower Town.

"Sire! There is only one kingdom who wears that color!" Realization dawned across Geoffrey's mind.

"Aye." Arthur grinned. "We are not alone it seems. Gaius, come with me." He led the physician out of the chamber. "Would you know how word crossed the sea so quickly? You do not think…?"

Gaius shrugged. "Unless it was one of the High Priestesses, Merlin did fly into Hampton Castle from the coast. Kilgarrah could fly to Gaul and back." He smiled to himself. Well done, Merlin! Well done! He took each step one at a time. "Go on ahead, Prince Arthur. I will catch up."

"I need you, Gaius. After this is over, we will talk about Merlin and…everything else." Purpose flared in Arthur's eyes. He forced himself to focus on the situation at hand first." He hustled down the granite stairs and toward the massive oak doors.

Gaius nodded. Acceptance recognized that Reckoning's bill had come due. Arthur and Uther knew about his former history prior to the Purge. They did not realize Gaius' role in harboring Merlin and his magic. "If that is your wish, Prince Arthur." He followed right on Arthur's heels down the last few stairs and out the door.

Arthur brought his full regal presence to bear. He strode out onto the outer top stair. His eyes spied the three riders cantering up to the citadel's door. "Gaul is here." Relief lightened his heart.

The visiting trio pulled up mere feet from the bottom step. The front rider dismounted. "Prince Arthur!" He raised his visor.

"King Bors! Welcome to Camelot! I am afraid we are under threat of invasion." Arthur nodded to his father's counterpart. "I pray you might help us."

"So I understand." Bors looked around at Preparations' activity all around them. "Did Prince Merlin and Princess Josiane not tell you? They were in Paris yesterday. They informed us of Cawdor's and Mercia's dual threat."

Incredulity bubbled up on Arthur's face. "Did you say Prince Merlin?" He coughed.

"Aye." Confusion scrunched Bors' features. "Prince Merlin is Princess Mithian's intended. You never told me he was the son of Sir Balinor, Prince Arthur. I owe life debts to Balinor, Merlin and his dragon."

"Indeed so?" Gaius asked more to himself than the kings.

"As you owe several life debts of your own, Prince Arthur," Bors reminded him. He narrowed his eyes. "You scorn one who has protected you like a shadow all of these years? I know Uther's hatred blinded him in certain regards. It was magic that enabled us to be here. Please keep that in mind."

Exasperation huffed a sharp breath through Arthur's mouth. "Please keep in mind that magic is illegal here in Camelot, King Bors. I…am prepared to overlook that last statement in gratitude for your assistance."

Bors rubbed his chin. "I co-exist, Prince Arthur. Perhaps you might think of doing the same? Gratitude not Threats is the proper response to a favor performed." He put his helmet back on. "Bring your knights out. We will meet Mercia head on. I pray your sword remains as good on the field as in the tournament. I shall await you outside of the walls." He mounted his horse. He flicked his finger to his companions. Then they rode back toward the passage and the Lower Town below.

Arthur bristled. "Unbelievable! I have to accept such things to get help. Gaius, prepare to help the wounded. There will be injuries." He stalked off toward the armory.

I hope he can accept King Bors' advice. Will he? Gaius could see Opinion's realignment in such matters.

Change was coming…if they survived Assault's wave first….