Chapter 14 [Royal Dining Chamber—A Quarter Turn of the Hourglass Later]
Merlin led Mithian into the area. Afternoon's discussion had fleshed out his idea. She filled him in on the Gedref's strife-filled history. Previous Generation had witnessed Uther's encroachment. In return, Rodor and King Talsore held their own against Camelot's forces. Truce and Treaty maintained Peace despite Division and Dispute. At present, the refugees from Camelot needed Sanctuary's grace. Nemeth needed official subjects. Their labors' fruits could enrich the kingdom…
…but it could drive Arthur to War's brink as well…
It will be all right, Merlin. Father will tell us what he thinks. She patted his arm. Again, you are doing just fine…rough edges and all. Smirk teased him. Her eyes found Rodor speaking with Blumenwald. She met their gazes with her own.
Rodor cleared his throat. "Ah! Princess Mithian! Prince Merlin! Come in!" He turned to Lord Blumenwald. "That will be all."
"Pardon me, Sire." Mithian offered Royal Nod to Rodor. "Might Lord Blumenwald stay? Prince Merlin and I wanted to say something. He would be helpful."
Rodor lifted an eyebrow. He noted Merlin standing with his head slightly bowed. "Something to say? Did something happen on your ride? I was about to ask if you were both feeling better. You did not find any trouble. Did you?"
Merlin shook his head. "Nay, Sire. I led the others on a chase. Princess Mithian and the others caught up eventually. I had an inspiration while we were talking afterwards." He sucked in a deep breath.
"Inspiration?" Rodor motioned toward the table. "We should sit down. Then, Prince Merlin, you can regale us with your inspiration. I would very much like to hear it."
"If I may say, Sire, Prince Merlin's idea has merit. If King Arthur were to agree, it would solve issues for both Camelot and Nemeth. Of course, that is for you to decide." Blumenwald stepped back and bowed before Rodor.
"Of course." Intrigue perked Rodor's interest. "Please take your seat, Lord Blumenwald." He looked to Merlin. "Now, Prince Merlin, please share this idea with me. I do wish to hear it especially if it brings the peace that has evaded Camelot and us for two generations. I would tell you that Princess Mithian and Lord Blumenwald do not idly lavish praise on such matters. Impress me."
Merlin sucked in a deep breath. "Thank you, Sire. As you just mentioned, there's been tension between Camelot and Nemeth for a long time. I heard King Uther bring it up a few times while I waited on King Arthur and him. There's the dispute over Gedref. Both sides claim it. Neither side can go in to govern without upsetting the other one. The people there are stuck in a no-man's land. Then, there are our different outlooks on magic, sorcery and the old religion. Perhaps, we could propose to allow some of the refugees to resettle in Nemeth if King Arthur and Camelot do not want them there? Maybe King Accolon and Queen Morgana would take some of them as well? Perhaps, if we could find a way to clear up the Gedref matter? I know how much effort and negotiation it would take. King Arthur is not King Uther. In most matters, he is a fair King. He does not understand magic. So, maybe we work together over the Gedref? Maybe we give those people a place to settle? We give them a role here in Nemeth where they can live free from fear and persecution? Besides, we can use the revenue. We can survey the land. Perhaps, we can try the tavern idea in an isolated place? That way, we could maintain a presence there. We could offer jobs to the villagers? Maybe a brigand or two would get an honest life if they weren't fearful? Maybe it's a way to look to peace between our kingdoms?" He took another breath. Nerves' Butterflies flew around in his stomach. Somehow, however, he stood straight and tall. He kept Mask of State tight across his features.
Pride sparkled in her eyes. Smile spread across her features. Well said, my Prince! Well said!
Rodor rubbed his chin. Consideration weighed his Son-in-Law's words. He took a draught from his goblet. Merlin's proposal held layers. It made sense. Indeed, several issues had their solution therein. Merlin had proposed a solution to the magic issue in Camelot. Tax revenues would be increased. He'd addressed the governance issue in the Gedref. Service Opportunities lurked therein for the refugees, Gedref's population and Tintagel's subjects as well. Paramount however, the proposal could start Camelot and Nemeth on a shared journey toward Peace's Bliss. "I can see the merit in your words, Prince Merlin. You have figured out a solution to the Gedref Question that could work for everyone. Well done. You have done so in only two seasons. You have answered the financial question. You propose a plan for settlement and our presence there. You have ideas for those subjects to serve our kingdom and the Greater Good. Well done, Prince Merlin." Long Sigh escaped his lips. "Princess Mithian, what say you?"
"As you said, Sire, Prince Merlin's proposal covers a great deal. Grandfather and you had some of those ideas as well. If King Arthur would agree, I would support the proposal," she concurred. "I know we need to present it to the Royal Council."
"Not necessarily. Lord Blumenwald and you both represent the majority. I will speak with Lord Aethelwald and Master Wyngate myself. As you have both said, King Arthur is the obstacle. He will not give up Camelot's claim without a fight. His prejudice against magic is appalling. He and I spoke about that after your departure from the Physician's Chambers. Perhaps, we could speak to a division of those lands? Prince Merlin, you spoke about the people there needing a clear ruler. I agree. The question, however, is how will King Arthur and Camelot view our proposal. I do not want a pretext for a war."
"Nor does Camelot either." Arthur stepped into the chamber. He offered Royal Nod to Rodor, Mithian and Merlin. He'd held Gaius back in the passage to hear Merlin's proposal. "King Rodor, might I speak?"
Rodor looked to Mithian and Merlin. Defensive feelings rose within him. He stiffened. "Speak carefully, King Arthur. I have heard enough of your stance toward magic and Prince Merlin today."
"Indeed, King Rodor." Arthur mulled over his next words. "I owe Mer…Prince Merlin…an apology. If I may?"
Rodor nodded. "Aye. Please…" He held his hand out for Arthur to continue. "Prince Merlin?"
"Aye, Sire." He turned toward Arthur. Instinct and Habit nagged at him to bow. Rodor's use of his title, however, adjusted his thinking. He recalled his current position. As such, Royal Nod greeted his former liege. "Sire."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. He cast a wary glance back at Gaius. Then, he looked at Rodor, Mithian and Blumenwald. As in the Physicians' Chambers, he noted the changes in Merlin's demeanor. The servant who tripped over chamber pots and blathered on like a girl had disappeared. Instead, he picked up on Merlin's straighter posture. Wisdom had accented Proposal's words. Service and Caring for Nemeth's subjects had resonated through Merlin's tone. "Thank you, Prince Merlin. I wanted to apologize for my actions and…attitude…toward you at Hampton and here. I need to reconsider certain matters."
Merlin somehow kept the smirk off of his face. He could feel the others' eyes on him. Rather, he kept his tone even. Diplomacy required a good attitude after all. "Thank you." Again, he nodded to Arthur. "I appreciate that."
"There was a great deal of wisdom in your words earlier." Arthur glanced toward Mithian and Rodor. "It seems they are guiding you well. Just watch out for those chamber pots." Slightest Smirk creased his face.
"I am." Merlin allowed Mirth to show in his eyes and smile. He relaxed. "Let's just end the conflict and find a way to serve our kingdoms."
Well spoken, Merlin. Well spoken indeed! Gaius smiled. His finger wiped something from his eye. He smiled toward Rodor and Mithian.
"I could not agree more, Prince Merlin." Rodor rose from his seat. "Would you care to join us, King Arthur? We were about to have dinner."
"Michael's cooking is really good." Merlin noted Arthur's torn surcoat and armor. "Hold still." He walked over to the guest. Hesitation slowed Enthusiasm for helping with his magic. He turned to Rodor.
"We must show our good will, Prince Merlin. Proceed," Rodor assented. He wanted to watch the spell for himself.
"It is all right, Merlin. Go ahead." Arthur struggled with those words. Thoughts churned within his head. He repressed Instinct's hate. Besides, goddess' message, he did respect Merlin. He noticed Mithian observing them with a keen eye. Recalling his earlier actions, he kept his eyes firmly on Merlin.
Merlin's fingers touched Torn Garments. "Cho math ri ùr!" Canary flashed through his eyes. Spell flowed into Chain Mail and Surcoat. Energy repaired chain links. Fabric's fibers reattached to each other. Within a few of Hourglass' Sands, Arthur's attire looked immaculate. "That should do it." He rose slowly. His eyes remained on Arthur. "Good as new."
"So, I see." Approval prompted a nod and a smile. "So, tell me, Prince Merlin, were you doing this all along at Camelot really?" His tongue tried out the unfamiliar title in respect to present and future affairs. His fingers ran through repaired cloth and over the surcoat. Disbelief muddled his senses and spun his mind in all sorts of directions. He'd seen Merlin on Kilgarrah. He'd heard about Merlin's magic. Still, now he saw it for himself. Moreover, Merlin's admission confounded him. He'd searched Gaius' chambers and Merlin's room several times. Still, Gaius and Merlin concealed Grimoires and Equipment from the knights and him. He could imagine the times Merlin might've spelled his way through chores and duties.
Gaius coughed.
"When I had to. You are a busy King. I had to make you look good and keep your chambers in order." Merlin shrugged off the point. "I did save your life several times with it."
"So, I am told. And aye, I know that. Seriously, Mer…Prince Merlin…thank you." Utility and Usefulness outweighed Fears where magic was concerned. "I actually have a response to your proposal." He looked toward Rodor. "King Rodor, if you can fetch a scribe after dinner, I would agree to what Prince Merlin said. The Gedref is yours. I will put that in writing. Perhaps, we might work together on a border crossing of some sort?"
Rodor blinked. Surprise almost caused Wine to go down the wrong way. Years of Fighting and Bitter Feuds burned away akin to Autumnal Fog before Sol's rays. "I…thank you, King Arthur. Indeed, we shall put that to writing. We shall indeed speak further on such matters after dinner and at our gathering next month. I will expect Queen Guinevere and you of course."
"We will be here. I want to hear what you come up with for this Sorcerers' Code. I can see Magic's usefulness. I've also seen its misuse and harm in the wrong hands. You will understand I will have to read it over before I sign it and place my seal?" Arthur watched Rodor for the latter's response. Conditional Offer hung over the chamber like Summer's humidity.
"I would expect nothing less. Thank you, King Arthur." Rodor strode forward with his hand outstretched.
"You're welcome, King Rodor." Arthur shook the hand. Just like that, he started the two kingdoms' mutual journey toward Peace's bliss.
Fresh Eyes and New Perspective changed many things….
