Chapter 57 [Camelot—A Week Later]
Activity buzzed about Camelot. Knights drilled in the citadel's courtyard. Traders redoubled their exchanges. Wagons creaked back toward manors with full loads of grain and materials. Renewals and New Beginnings seemed to be afoot.
Yet in sone cases, Endings set tones as well….
[Arthur's Office]
Arthur paced about his work area. Work piled on his desk. Consideration had not come to Report or Pending Judicial Disputes yet. Leon would be waiting at the border in short order. Drills with new knights beckoned. Inspections demanded his attention. Negotiations with the neighboring kingdoms had started.
In addition, Gaius' situation dominated his attention. He knew of Gaius' service to Camelot and his father. Medical Issues had come and gone. Gaius had found cures and solutions to Maladies. Advice and Wisdom had steered Uther away from Pitfalls and Political Shoals. His knowledge of magic and the old religion proved instrumental on many occasions. He'd turned his back on his former role within his former faith.
Or had he?
Arthur frowned. Betrayal stabbed at his heart. Comradery stood bereft of Honor's and Dignity's graces. His brother/servant had lied to his face. Worse, he'd taken Meleagant's throne and combined it with Nemeth's. Now his physician/uncle figure, it turns out, could not be trusted to be honest. While Praise showered down on both of their backs for their support in the war against magic, Purpose had put them at different ends.
"Arthur?" Gwen peered inside.
Arthur touched the agreement with King Bors. Recollection grated with Co-Existence's promise rammed down his throat in exchange for Gaul's help against Mercia. Desperation had forced him to relent. He'd agreed to allow sorcerers to live in peace. Well that was until he heard of Morgause's and Morgana's complicity in the scheme.
That revelation undid everything….
"Arthur?" Gwen touched Arthur on the arm. "There is someone here. A Master Aristotle?"
"Aye. He is to be our new Court Physician. We should welcome him." Arthur cleared his throat. "Master Aristotle? Please come in!"
A slender young man strode into the chamber. His rouge hair touched his shoulders and base of his neck. His dark blue robes touched his boots' tops. He stopped two feet shy of the royal couple. "Aye, Your Majesty. Thank you for the position. I will do my best for Camelot and you." He bowed to them. "It is an honor to meet you, Queen Guinevere."
"Welcome, Master Aristotle." Courtesy allowed the newcomer a smile. Still she didn't know what to expect. Questions littered her mind. What about Gaius? What does this mean about him? Does this have anything to do with his sheltering Merlin? Does his previous service not mean anything? Arthur! She forced her feelings into the background. After all, Aristotle had not done anything to deserve them."And where are you from?"
"Northumberland, Milady. Of late, I was in Durham." Aristotle pulled at his collar. He looked around the chamber. Tradition oozed from the walls. Opportunity beckoned. His mentor, Walter of Rynesboro, raved about Gaius' career. He wanted to continue that trend. "What can I do for you both first?"
"You will be in the guest quarters for a day or two, Master Aristotle. Follow us. You should see where you will be working." Arthur led Gwen and Aristotle from the chamber.
Transition was underway….
[Physician's Chambers]
Gaius shuffled about the chamber. Relief lightened his mood. He'd dressed the last of the battle's wounds. He witnessed Arthur securing the border through the treaties with Cenred and Accolon. Uther's funeral, Arthur's coronation and the subsequent wedding came and went in splendid fashion. Leon seemed none the worse for wear despite Imprisonment's abuse. He slid several tomes back onto their assigned shelves. Dust provoked a sneeze from his aged nostrils.
Still Questions prodded about Merlin. Greetings and Best Wishes had come with Accolon and Morgana. Through them, Gaius had learned of Nemeth's and Tintagel's victory over Cawdor. Much as in Camelot, Merlin and Mithian's coronation and marriage solidified matters. Disbelief stunned him over Nemeth's absorbing Cawdor as it had. Did I not tell Merlin to be careful? Good grief! The Eyebrow arched.
Consternation and Rumor had circulated through Camelot's court. Worry buzzed about Nemeth's land grab. Accusations fired at Merlin for his covert magical use. Uther's remaining favorites had pressed for war until Accolon, Morgana and Bors put them firmly in their place.
Not even Camelot could fight a two front war especially not in that state….
Arthur has not talked to anyone the last two days. I hope he is all right. Gaius shook his head. During the recent treaty discussions and the following council meeting, Arthur had sent him to deal with a minor outbreak in the provinces. While glad to help, Gaius noted that the local healers had matters well in hand.
The war hawks had him on edge. War is not the answer. When will they understand? He rubbed his forehead. Merlin, what are you doing? A long pained sigh escaped his lips. Consideration alighted on Dust's residue on the chemistry set.
A knock came from the door.
Gaius perked up. He walked over to the door and opened it. "Sire! My Lady!" He bowed to them. "Please! Come in!" Recollection placed their younger companion from a previous meeting although he could not remember the precise time and place. "Is everything all right?"
"We are feeling fine. Thank you, Gaius." Sympathy sagged across Gwen's face. She looked about the chamber. Without Merlin's maintenance, Dirt and Dust crept back over everything. "Did you cure those people?"
"It was a minor outbreak, Gwen. The healers had it well under control." Gaius shrugged off the point. "I was delighted to help of course." Gaius looked to Arthur and Aristotle. "And what can I do for you, Sire?" He discerned Hesitation in Arthur's face. "Are you unwell?"
"Nay, Gaius. I am fine. Thank you." Arthur cleared his throat. "Have you met Master Aristotle? He just came to us from Durham."
"Master Gaius! My master, Walter of Rynesboro sends his regards! It is a true honor to meet you, Sirrah!" Aristotle bowed to Gaius. Excitement and Reverence regarded the chamber, books and the man in front of himself. He could already see himself in Gaius' place.
"Walter is your master? Well now! You had an excellent teacher I dare say! He has been my friend for many years. Still Durham is a week's travel from here. Surely he would not send you here when there are other places closer for a consultation?" Suspicion darkened Gaius' outlook. Deduction worked through a potential theory.
Aristotle frowned. "I believe King Arthur will tell you." He grimaced and stepped back. "I am sorry, Master Gaius."
"Sorry about what? I fear that I miss your point, Aristotle." Gaius turned to Arthur. "What is it? Surely if something is amiss, we can talk about it?"
Arthur cleared his throat. He glanced about the chamber. "In the past, I would have. Master Aristotle, wait outside."
"Aye, King Arthur." Aristotle bowed. "Please let me know when I am needed." He hustled out the door and shut it behind himself.
"Arthur, please." Gwen shook her head. "There were reasons." She frowned. Her eyes pleaded with him.
"Gwen, Camelot has laws. We cannot tolerate treason or magic!" Arthur tapped his fingers on the worn examination table's surface. "Gaius knows that. And yet, he and Merlin lied to our faces!"
"The circumstances demanded it. I did not want to lie to your father or you. Merlin wanted to tell you. He did not trust you would accept him." Gaius coughed into his hand. "Excuse me."
"And a Dragon Lord as well?" Arthur shook his head. "Gaius, I have given the matter a great deal of thought. You have given Camelot valued service for many years. I am not my father. He would have executed you. I am banishing you from Camelot. Master Aristotle is your replacement. I am sorry."
"I see. Well I am sorry as well. I pray that Merlin can find a place for me." Gaius shook his head. Dignity would not allow him to break down in front of the royal couple. "I will be packed within the hour." He surveyed the tomes on the shelves. "It is a pity about those books."
"Arthur, perhaps we can help him get to Nemeth? We…" Pity prompted a reply to start in her throat. Words were forming on her tongue. Then she stopped in mid-sentence. "Is it cold in here?"
Mist crept from the chamber's corner. It obscured the bookshelves. It flowed along the walls.
"What is this? Gaius!" Arthur stepped into the haze. "What are you doing?"
"It is not my doing, Sire. I am as mystified as you are. I…." Gaius' reply cut off in mid-sentence as well.
Then, as quickly as it had formed, the air cleared. Everything returned to normal at first glance….
…but only first glance….
"Arthur, look!" Shock widened her eyes. She pointed toward the shelves. "The books are gone! And where is Gaius?" She rushed up the stairs toward Merlin's old room. She looked inside.
The bed remained made as it had been. Nothing seemed out of place in there at least.
"Where did he go?" She made her way back down the stairs again. She shook her head. "Arthur! Gaius' things are all gone as well!"
Arthur spat on the floor. "Sorcery! Gwen, stay close to me!" He drew his sword. Anticipation alerted him to Danger's threat from any angle.
"SIRE! QUEEN GUINEVERE!" Aristotle beat on the door. "THE DOOR IS STUCK! I CANNOT OPEN IT! ARE YOU ALL RIGHT?" He pushed against the door. He rattled the lock. "WHAT IS GOING ON?"
"ARE YOU ALL RIGHT, MASTER ARISTOTLE?" Arthur tried to open the door to no avail. Futility aggravated him all the more. "We are trapped!"
Until you hear me, Pendragon! Nimue stepped out of the bedroom. "How Merlin used that room…?" Disgust rolled her eyes. Her mouth twisted into a frown.
"YOU!" Arthur pointed at Nimue. "I'll have you burned at the stake! I…" He took a step toward her. Anger burned in him. "What have you done with Gaius?"
"Me?" Amusement turned her frown upside down. Scorn laughed in the King's face. "What have I…? I have done nothing! My mistress merely resolved matters." She sauntered down the stairs. "Gaius and his possessions are gone. You can make a fresh start with that boy in the passage."
"That is for me to say! Not some cast down and forgotten goddess! It did not hurt us in the last attack! Gaul's assistance not you or anyone else did that!" Arthur pointed at her. "Where is Gaius? Those books belong to Camelot not Gaius!"
Nimue shook her head. "Gaius brought those tomes with him. He can leave with them as well. You exiled the boy and Gaius alike. You have left their fates to the goddess. And, as for who helped who, she spared you. Be grateful she does not share your bloodlust. One day, however, she will run out of patience. As it is, Gaul knows of your intentions." She raised her hands. A dark flash enveloped her sweeping her away.
Arthur slapped at the table. "Does she think she can threaten us?" His eyes narrowed.
Gwen frowned. "You drew a sword on her first, Arthur. We do not hurt messengers. Do we?"
"Nay we do not." Arthur fumed.
Aristotle pushed the door open. "Sire! Queen Guinevere!" He rushed to their side. "Are you all right?"
"Aye, Master Aristotle. Thank you. You might as well get set in here." Arthur took Gwen by the hand. "We have messages to send." He led her from the chamber.
Aristotle batted Ozone away from his nose. Is it always like this? And where did Master Gaius go?
Mysteries puzzled the newcomer….