Chapter 11 [Physician's Chambers]
Wyngate inspected Arthur's side. Sweat dampened his scalp. Disbelief shook his head. "King Arthur is very fortunate. Britomart, can you help me get that cloth underneath him please?" He'd seen flesh wounds not go so well. Wine-Soaked Rag disinfected wound before stitches closed it. Arthur's bruised ribs would heal. Helios' blow remained tore Armor, Skin and Muscle.
"Of course." Britomart eased Arthur up. She watched Wyngate slip the cloth strip underneath. Then, she lowered the patient back onto it. Anxious eyes glanced toward the door. What is keeping that oaf? We need Master Gaius and Prince Merlin. She tied the wrap off. "That should keep it covered, Master Wyngate."
"So, he will live then?" Rodor looked on from a few steps away. With Operation and Treatment over, he approached his unconscious counterpart. "No broken bones or internal injuries?"
"None, Sire." Basin's water washed Wyngate's hands clean. "Someone stabbed King Arthur badly enough. It seems, however, that his chain mail took the worst of the blow. It's still a bad gash. I cleaned the wound and stitched it closed. By some miracle, the sword did not break his ribs or penetrate to his internal organs. Perhaps, it was the same force that dropped him on our threshold?"
"So, magic saved his life again." Mithian clearly recognized Irony's imprint upon the situation. She folded her arms across her chest. She bit back the rest of her response. How many times did Merlin save his life? How many times did he preserve Camelot? How many times did he save the rest of us? Yet, Arthur refused to raise Merlin up to his deserved status! He made Merlin hide who and what he is. Still, Arthur could just run right back to magic when it suited him. What a hypocrite!
Rodor shook his head. Once more, Prejudice and Tolerance squeezed him between themselves. "Aye. It did. We should pray that the goddess will allow King Arthur insight. We can speak of this further later."
Mithian, it's not that simple… Merlin broke in over their link. Sorry. We are almost there. How is Arthur?
Mithian fought an eye roll. Fortunately, everyone watched Arthur rather than her. He will live. Master Wyngate says he was fortunate. And actually, my Prince, it is that simple. Arthur uses magic when it suits him to do so. When the situation passes, he lapses right back into his prejudice again. Nay. It is wrong. I felt your frustration earlier in Queen Elena's yurt and in our bedchamber. You were trying to be a diplomat and a greater man. He has no right to make you feel so frustrated! He was wrong to keep you as a servant after Shalott. If not then, he should have made you a knight during the affair with the Cup of Life. Morgana has said as much to Father.
Gaius reminded me of the balance and the Greater Good. Mithian, I am sorry about Queen Elena expressing those past feelings. I am loyal to you…. Merlin started.
What? You mean that? Merlin, I remember how you were as a servant. Britomart has told me how she looked up to you. I am not surprised that Queen Elena would have desired you as well. I even admire you in spite of your rough edges. Accolon and I were involved in our fathers' negotiations a few years ago for marriage. You trust me. Today, you affirmed your loyalty and love for me. Thank you, my Prince. Mithian felt Merlin drawing closer to the chamber. Remember to knock. I will let you in.
Thanks. I think Gawain has that under control. We are almost there. With that, Merlin went silent.
Despite her feelings toward Arthur at that juncture, Pride swelled within Mithian's chest anew. Despite everything, Merlin still cares. He always puts everyone else first! She glanced toward Arthur. Mother and you inspire that, Arthur. How I wish you could see what you've thrown away! Forgive me but your loss is our gain. May you see what your hatred costs Camelot and you one day. How I wish you realize it is so unnecessary! Is this what you want? We have to think of our people!
Gawain opened the door. "There he is! Hey, Brit! Any news?" He barreled into the room. Circumstances aside, Concern did overwhelm Irritation over Arthur's actions at Hampton. He stepped aside to allow Merlin and Gaius to enter the room. He even remembered to bow to Rodor and Mithian.
"King Arthur? What happened?" Merlin eased his way to Mithian's side. He watched Gaius join Wyngate and Britomart around Arthur.
Mithian shrugged. "We do not know. He…appeared…" Her frown deepened.
"Appeared?" Merlin scratched his head. His mind worked through that notion. "You mean a priestess brought him here?"
Mithian shook her head. "Nay. It was someone else. He just appeared in a flash of light. Master Wyngate summoned us here. He and Britomart took care of Arthur's wounds. I wonder if King Arthur tried to invade the Amazon lands?"
Incredulity narrowed his eyes. Scoff escaped his mouth. "Nah! King Arthur's capable of a lot of things. I cannot see him invading Amazon lands. Despite their problems, he and King Uther kept peace with Queen Radegund. Who did that to him? There had to be a fight of some kind…."
"Whatever happened there, Prince Merlin, it left King Arthur wounded. He will not be able to ride for some time." Wyngate stepped away from his patient. "King Rodor, I will let you know when King Arthur awakens." He bowed.
"Very well, Master Wyngate. Thank you." Rodor noted Merlin standing with Mithian. "Prince Merlin, I am sorry about King Arthur. I know how close you two were to each other in Camelot."
"Thank you, Sire. Princess Mithian told me he just appeared here. Do we know anything else?" Merlin offered Royal Nod to Rodor. "If only we could have talked together…."
Rodor put his hand on Merlin's right shoulder. "That is a very noble thought. I am proud that peace and diplomacy are your first priorities over the sword and magic. Still, would King Arthur have listened to you? He probably would have tried to arrest Princess Josiane. Queen Elena and the Amazons would have ended up in a battle. Did he honor your rank at Hampton?"
"Nay." Merlin bowed his head.
"Unfortunately. Nay." Rodor embraced him. "Oh, Merlin. I could not be more proud of you if you were my own son. You have so much potential. Your heart serves you well. Thank you for listening to Princess Mithian and Queens Morgana and Elena. Thank you for putting Britannia and Nemeth first."
"I just wish he'd understand. Magic's not a bad thing. It's like a sword or a spear," Merlin lamented.
"Merlin…magic is evil and dangerous. When will you get that through…your head?" Groan escaped Arthur's lips. Wince contorted his face. Pain greeted his attempt to sit up. His eyes blurred back into focus.
"And yet, magic has saved your life on this day, King Arthur." Rodor stood firm. "That's quite a blow you took. Certainly, you did not attack the Amazons. Did you?" He set his jaw.
"Nay." Arthur eased himself back onto the bed. "I rode with my knights to speak to the Amazons and their queen. Can I have some water please?" Discomfort favored his left side.
"Of course!" Gaius filled a wooden cup with water. "Here you are, Your Majesty. Slow sips now. We do not want you to choke on it."
Arthur rolled his eyes. He took several mouthfuls before raising his hand. "Thank you, Gaius." He took a deep breath. Wound caught mid-inhale. "My First Knight, Helios, saw that so-called Princess and Merlin's pet dragon flying out of the Amazons' village. I demanded she give up that Princess…whatever. She demanded I give up Helios."
"Wait! Helios?" Merlin cut in. "The same Helios that led the Southrons? That Helios?" Sniff escaped his nose. "Sire, he was at Hampton!"
"I know that, Merlin." Impatience ground at Arthur's tone. "I needed knights. I figured Morgana spelled Helios with some love incantation for his men. After what happened at Camelot…" He looked away from Merlin toward the window. "I was left with forty knights total. I had no choice." He shook his head. "Besides, from what Helios told me, you used magic and that dragon! So, do not judge me! You do not start either, Gawain! I mean it!" Betrayal once again stabbed at his heart.
Silence struck everyone in the chamber. Tongues could not speak. Ingratitude bit into hosts' resolve hard. Gaius and Britomart stared at Arthur and then at Merlin.
Merlin could barely breathe. Pain stabbed through his heart. Disbelief widened his eyes. He bowed his head. Dignity struggled to hang on within himself.
"Sire, can I take Merlin for a walk? Perhaps there are some documents we can read over?" Mithian squeezed Merlin's hand in hers. Outrage billowed in her eyes. She searched for pretext…any pretext…to get her Prince out of that situation.
"Aye." Rodor sucked in a deep breath. Sheer Ingratitude burned at him. "Dame Britomart and Sir Gawain, please accompany Prince Merlin and Princess Mithian. Prince Merlin, Princess Mithian, I believe your horses could use exercise. Have Princess Josiane accompany you as well. I believe Master Wyngate and Master Gaius can see to King Arthur. I have some things to say to him in private. Have a good ride."
"Aye, Sire." Britomart bowed to him. She grabbed Gawain's arm. "Come along! We are excused."
"Wait! He can't just say to Prince Merlin! What a load of….!" Protest blurted out before stoppage in mid-stream. Realization dawned on him. "Ah yeah." He saw Anger burning akin to forest fire in Rodor's eyes. He bowed. "That ride. Got it, Your Worship. Thanks." He shook his head at Arthur. Then, he followed the others into the passage.
Rodor waited for them to pull the door closed. He pondered over his next words. Decade's resentment over Uther's strong-arm tactics fumed within himself. Guilt and Lament hung over him from Reyna's execution. Suffering and Ill Governance nagged at him over Gedref's disputed status. Threats and Arrest Warrants for Gawain and Josiane stewed in his craw. "Master Wyngate, Master Gaius, what I am about to say does not leave this chamber. Am I clear?"
"Aye, Sire." Wyngate bowed. In a quarter century, he'd never seen Rodor that upset. He squirmed but said nothing else.
"Of course, Sire. I understand." Respect prompted a bow from Gaius. Admittedly, he would've liked to say a few words of his own to Arthur concerning Exile and Ingratitude. Still, he sensed Rodor would do exactly that.
"Thank you." Rodor cleared his throat. "King Arthur, open your eyes. I understand you require rest to deal with your injury. I will keep this brief."
"I am listening, King Rodor." Arthur opened his eyes. He knew he owed Rodor for tending his wounds. Still, he remained uncomfortable with the magical transport there. "I am thankful for your help."
"Are you?" Rodor shook his head. "Then perhaps you might show some courtesy? One does not show gratitude by harming those who help him or her. How many times has Prince Merlin saved your crown, Camelot and your life? Princess Josiane did not have to help you at Hampton. She chose to do so. Sir Boeve did the same. Sir Gawain tries my patience I must admit. Still, he told me what happened there. He stood up for his niece. He broke no laws."
"He broke…Camelot's laws!" Arthur insisted. Pain stabbed at his side yet again.
"I was not finished. I am frankly tired of Camelot's prejudice and bias against magic and the old religion. You drive people such as Queen Morgana to desperation. Pity. You isolate yourself and your kingdom from the rest of Britannia." Rodor's lip twisted akin to eating a sour apple. "Next month, there will be a gathering of rulers here. We will be discussing matters including sorcery and a sorcerer's code. You could attend and be part of the process. The other option is isolation." He exhaled a sharp breath. "You have few knights. You need allies. You are in no position to continue your father's bullying. You should remember that without Prince Merlin, we would not be having this discussion."
Arthur ground his teeth. "I cannot sign anything…."
Sarcastic Cough escaped Rodor's mouth. "You should count yourself fortunate that whoever took you from the Amazons brought you here. Meleagant and Odin would take advantage of your weakness. More than likely, they would let you die and take Camelot for themselves. I would not do that. There are other things that I am considering given your attitude. Just think on that. For now, you should rest. We will alert Queen Guinevere to your presence here. You are a guest not a prisoner. I wish you to be heal and rule in Camelot for a great many years. I just wish for you to do so for all of your subjects. For now, Masters Wyngate and Gaius will tend to your needs, King Arthur. Remember who your friends are." He looked to the two elderly physicians. "Let me know if he requires anything. I leave him in your capable hands."
"Of course." Wyngate and Gaius bowed to their king.
Rodor met Arthur's eyes once more. Then, he departed the area for the throne chamber.
Arthur brooded. Distaste soured his mouth over Rodor's words. Speculation swirled as to Rodor's implied threat in Lecture's midst. He slumped against the pillows. He'd have to rely on Merlin, Gaius and those he'd exiled not long earlier.
How the tables seemed to turn….
