Conclusion [Midsummer]
Transition unfolded over the next few months. Audits double checked and logged Manorial Expenses and Holdings across Nemeth and Cawdor. Villages and towns welcomed royal officials. Proposals and Measures came from the councils' chambers. Subjects' Interests came to the fore. Even Sorcerers from across Britannia and Gaul discussed the Sorcerers' Council.
Activity encompassed Merlin's and Mithian's time. Previous Experience around Governance's Table helped them both. Still Learning Curve remained steep. For his part, Observation developed Insight. He watched her hear the people's concerns in Whitgate. Study brought him up to speed on Cawdor's laws. Gaius, Blancheflor, Boeve and Josiane aided him in that regard. He rendered verdicts for his new subjects. In all cases, both strove to be fair. With an escort, they traveled throughout the countryside.
Negotiations continued with Camelot. Correspondence went back and forth between the two capitals. The Gedref and Magic remained at the talk's forefront. The Exile Status and Merlin's proposed tavern across the Severn from Camelot gathered interest. Tintagel, Caerveron and Gaul all watched these discussions.
Finally Meeting's Place and Date was set. Now Agreements needed to be reached….
[Camelot—A Few Miles from the Severn]
Arthur rode in Contingent's midst. His eyes looked about the surrounding landscape. The Crown deepened his insight of all matters. As Prince, he'd understood Camelot's obligations. He watched Uther deal with Diplomacy, Justice and Governance. Questions littered his mind. Often he'd disagree with his father's handling of matters. War and Military Matters occupied most of his attention.
A few feet now moved him to the center. The Crown slid him into Authority's Chair. Being the one in charge made all of the difference. Everything seemed so much more serious. Frankly Tedium occupied most days between Budget, Council and Minutia. George irritated him to no end. The Council cared little for his ideas.
I wonder if Merlin deals with these issues too? He rolled his eyes. Despite Protest to the Contrary, he missed his former servant. George cleaned in the corner or busied himself around the castle. He did not go out on patrols. He hid during Fighting. He rarely said more than a few words to Arthur any more. Merlin, for all of his prattling and the act of tripping over the chamber pots, would make (largely unsolicited) suggestions.
Still, George did not have hidden agendas or lie….
"Arthur?" Gwen rode up to her husband's side. "Are you all right?"
"I was thinking. Father did not make it so complicated." Arthur glanced to her. "Even if I was standing right there, it did not seem so much." He rolled his eyes. "Just do not say anything to Merlin about that. He would never let me hear the end of it."
"I am sure." A smirk and a raised eyebrow creased her features. "Your father handled a great many things on his own. He and the Council understood each other." She'd watched as Arthur worked around his father's former advisors. New Ideas did not find support in the council chamber. Attitudes smoldered over Deceit on Merlin's, Gaius' and Morgana's respective parts. And then, Approval for Marriage and her place on the throne met with Displeasure's souring as well.
Nothing came easy….
"I wish I could pick my own advisors. They'd have us start a war." Arthur frowned. "And that goddess is not much better!"
"Would co-existence be so bad, Arthur?" She bit her lip. Magic had proven problematic for Camelot. She had seen enough bad examples. Still, she also knew good people who tried to help others with it. She'd heard from Mithian, Merlin and even Morgana about the discussions concerning a Sorcerers' Code.
"The Council would never hear of it, Gwen." He shook his head. Unpopular Policy could lead to Revolt's Issues. Count Walter reported on unrest in the southern provinces. He'd heard several cases pertaining to magic use. The dungeon held two dozen sorcerers. Others remained in the countryside. A solution would have to be found.
"Remember why we are here." She shrugged. "We can talk to Merlin, Mithian, Accolon and Morgana. Perhaps they have places for those people? Just keep an open mind."
He saw Severn's rushing waters in the distance. An open mind. I wish everyone else would. Confounded magic!
[Gedref—Just Across the Severn from Camelot and Tintagel]
Merlin paced about the campsite. Ywain started a fire within a stoned circle on the clearing's western edge. Lancelot and Galahad watched the camp's northern and eastern extents. Malodius sat nearby Mithian, Hunith and Gaius.
Merlin took this all in. Uncertainty ate at him. As Servant and Companion, Merlin had learned Arthur's mindset and expectations. Routine came easily. He also knew Magic's role and when it could be used. As Fellow Ruler (and Exile), Experience meant little at that point. Servile Caving In would not come into play. Friendship took a back seat to Obligations. Will Arthur compromise? Can we just live together in peace? The tavern here is not meant for invasion.
"You do worry enough for an entire kingdom, Merlin." Mithian rubbed his shoulder.
"So much is riding on this." Exasperation released a big sigh. His mind struggled to balance Priority's tasks. "I know how stubborn Arthur can be."
"Oh? Is that like a certain former servant turned King?" She raised an eyebrow at him. "We all have our moments, Merlin. I believe though that we can talk with them."
"He will never accept magic." He threw his hands up in the air. Reports had filtered to Whitgate concerning imprisoned and abused sorcerers. "Uther's hold is still too strong over his Council. I do not know. I…"
"Then we shall have to stand firm, my Prince. I believe you can do that." A cough escaped her lips. "We are here to talk. There are no conditions or strings attached. He has no further hold on you. Remember that."
Aye, Merlin. Do remember that! Morgana interjected.
He rolled his eyes. Not helping!
"ARTHUR APPROACHES!" Galahad called from the eastern post. He waved to Camelot's contingent. "GREETINGS, KING ARTHUR!"
Gwen turned to Arthur. "There now. You see? They are inviting us across to talk with them." She urged her horse onward over the bridge.
You see? Arthur sighed. "Be watchful, Leon. I know Merlin would not do anything. We cannot know about anyone else."
Leon nodded. "Aye." Doubt remained over any aggression on Merlin's part. Treachery remained a nonexistent possibility. Still, he followed his orders. He rode back toward the rest of the contingent.
Gwen stopped in front of Galahad. "Sir Galahad! Good Morning! I trust you are well?"
Galahad bowed to her. "I am indeed, Queen Guinevere! Thank you for asking. You seem well." He watched Arthur and the other knights. "My King and Queen are waiting for you. We will wait for King Arthur and the knights."
She motioned for the others to approach. "Thank you."
"My pleasure, Milady." Galahad bowed to Arthur. "Welcome, King Arthur. Can you all follow me please?" He mounted his horse and led them down the trail. He proceeded through a stand of small oaks and into the camp. "KNIGHTS, TO ATTENTION! WE HAVE GUESTS!"
Merlin watched the group come to a stop. He squeezed Mithian's hand. "Ready?"
"Aye, my Prince." Mithian followed Merlin's lead. "Good Day, my Friends! Welcome!"
"Mithian, Merlin." Arthur dismounted from his horse. "It has been too long." He offered a royal nod to the other couple.
"Arthur, please!" Gwen embraced Mithian and then Merlin. "We have missed you, Merlin. You are keeping him well, Mithian. Thank you."
"We keep each other well, Gwen." Mithian squeezed Merlin's hand. "I never thought I could be so happy…" Mischief prompted a cough. "…dealing with rough edges."
"Tell me about it." Gwen chuckled. A special gleam sparked in her eyes. She could tell Merlin seemed different. "Kingship seems to agree with you."
"I have a great Queen. She keeps me from being a Prat." Merlin returned the embrace. "We would have had this meeting in Camelot but well…"
"Merlin, I believe we can dispense with Father's exile decree." Arthur extended his hand. "If we maintain good diplomatic relations, we should be able to pass between each other's kingdoms."
"That is our hope as well." Merlin clasped Arthur's hand. "Perhaps we might speak about taverns along these major roads. Travelers can benefit from a hot meal and a place to rest." He pointed toward the river. "Perhaps there would be a good place?"
Arthur rubbed his chin. Merit definitely resonated with Merlin's idea. "Well you do have some good ideas, Merlin." He smirked to let the ladies know he was joking. "In all seriousness, it would guarantee safety for travelers. Brigands and bandits are a problem."
"That is true enough." Mithian nodded. "We are going to build taverns along our roads in Nemeth and Cawdor. Security and Comfort are concerns. Gaius and Lady Hunith are waiting for us." She motioned toward the campfire.
"They are here?" Gwen nodded to the host couple. Then she hustled toward Gaius.
"Gaius looks good. So does your mother, Merlin. I am glad you could give him a place." Arthur cleared his throat. "Merlin, Mithian, I do have a favor to ask." He took a breath.
Merlin looked toward Mithian. Then he answered, "If we can."
"What is it, Arthur?" Mithian noted the Discomfort across Arthur's face.
Arthur shook his head. "I cannot offer any new ground on magic or a treaty. I have two dozen sorcerers and other followers of the old religion confined. Accolon and Morgana have accepted three dozen others into Tintagel a fortnight ago. Perhaps you can do the same for the others?"
Mithian raised an eyebrow. Frustration and Exasperation screamed, "Really?" in her eyes. "They would have to follow our laws and be our subjects. Aye. We have land for them. It might be in Cawdor. We do have opportunities."
Gratitude elicited a nod from Arthur. "I appreciate that. Thank you." He did not really want to press that point any further. "Shall we greet the others?"
"Aye. Follow me." Merlin led Mithian and Arthur toward his mother, Gaius and Gwen. "Mother! Gaius! Look!"
"Sire!" Gaius bowed to his former liege. "I trust that everything is still going well at Camelot?"
"The Council makes matters difficult but we do get work done. I see you are still watching over Merlin, Gaius. And now you have Hunith and Mithian to help you." Arthur nodded to the Court Physician.
"You know I would never let Merlin be without me." Gaius raised The Eyebrow toward Merlin. "He is growing into his role with Queen Mithian's assistance of course." Affection and Purpose shone in his eyes toward Merlin and Mithian.
"Without any of us, Gaius," Hunith interjected. "I am glad we could all get together. Maybe after all of this business, we can enjoy a meal together?"
Pork's scent made Arthur's and Gwen's mouths water. "It has been a long ride. At least we can all be friends. Everything else works from that?"
"As long as we can all co-exist." Merlin extended his hand once again.
"We can try, Merlin." Arthur took Merlin's hand in his own. He shook it firmly. "It may take time but we can try."
"I think that is all anyone wants. Come on. We have a meal waiting. I am not serving you though." Merlin grinned at his guest.
"I believe you have servants for that. Just tell them not to trip over the pot like clot poles," Arthur sassed half-seriously.
"I am not even the Grandest Prat in the Camp." Merlin smirked at the other King.
"Can you believe them?" Hunith threw her hands up in the air. She trudged back toward the fire.
Mithian shrugged to Gwen. They knew their Kings would never get over Banter's rejoinders. But such things held the door open to Peace's continued advances. Perhaps one day, Camelot and Nemeth would have true peace and understanding.
That is what Merlin and Mithian hoped for. Perhaps one day, they'd have it. For now, they'd take what they could get….
THE END