Chapter 4

Over the next few days, Merlin didn't see much of Arthur. He was always sequestered with Gaius and Geoffrey and some of the older nobles left over from Uther's reign. When Gaius had some free time, he filled Merlin in on most of the arguments. Typical ones that Merlin had heard over the years at Camelot, that magic was dangerous, that those who used it were only there to take power, that if they allowed magic back in, it would make Arthur seem a weak king.

When he did see Arthur, the prat was being prattish, grumbling about Merlin's skills, giving him lots of chores. Even his insults were flat. Merlin put it down to worry.

At least Mordred was filling him in on Druidic life when he could.

Nothing else changed, though. There were no magical attacks, no accusations of sorcery where Arthur had to act. No announcements about magic of any kind. It all seemed like the world was holding its breath, waiting for the storm to break.

And then Iseldir, one of the Druid leaders, walked into the Great Hall.

Arthur had been hearing petitions, nobles and peasants crowding the lower half, each waiting their turn. There were a few guards standing around, mostly looking bored, and Merlin off to one side, papers shoved into his pockets with requests and odd bits of information that he thought Arthur might need. A normal day, a boring day, a day without note.

But when Iseldir strode in, half a dozen guards and Mordred behind him, the court seemed to sink into hurried whispers. Some moved back toward the door as if expecting trouble, others craned their necks to better see what Arthur would do.

Iseldir was like a calm in a storm of unease.

Arthur seemed taken aback, staring at Iseldir's green cloak and the triskelion tattoo clear on his throat, then walked down to greet him, nodding as he said, "You honour us, Iseldir. I thought you would not arrive until next week."

"Arthur Pendragon, the wind was kind. I bring greetings from my people and from the Triple Goddess on whose behest I have come." Iseldir bowed a little, then glanced at Merlin. In mind-speech, he said, 'Emrys, it is good to see you.'

"I have many questions, sir," Arthur said, then raising his voice, nodded toward the rest of the crowd. "Iseldir, one of the chieftains of the Druid people, has come at my request to teach us the ways of the Old Religion. I expect each and every one of you to treat him with respect. He will be free to practice his beliefs while he is here, including the use of magic."

There was a moment of absolute silence, then the court exploded into chaos. Some of the nobles rushed up to Arthur, yelling at him for being such a fool or demanding to know if he was enchanted. Others backed away, slinking off to do who knows what. And a few just stood there, looking at each other, but then started to whisper happily among themselves.

Mordred's face was incandescent, looking like he'd been given a gift so perfect he didn't know what to say. But Merlin was more wary. After all, he'd seen the opportunities for a change to the laws on magic evaporate the moment Arthur began to doubt. He also was worried that Iseldir would give him away, even inadvertently.

Arthur yelled over the crowd, "I have not changed the laws on magic. Sorcery is still forbidden, but I am making an exception for Iseldir in the interim." He glanced at Merlin, perhaps waiting for a nod of approval but when none came, Arthur turned back to the crowd. "The Druids are a peaceful people and I vowed not to interfere with their beliefs, although magic is a sticking point between us. Iseldir will instruct me and some of my council on the Old Religion to see how we might update the laws to be more… flexible."

When a couple of nobles started in again on the evils of sorcery, Arthur scowled them down. "I will make my decision based on the merits of each and for the benefit of all my people. Until then, Iseldir is not to be hindered in any way. Do I make myself clear?"

There was much grumbling but as the guards cleared the room, Arthur muttered under his breath, "That went better than I expected." Turning to Merlin, he nodded toward Iseldir. "See that he has the guest room next to mine. I expect that we will be in conference for some time. And Merlin, wipe that scowl off your face. You look like the back end of a cat and it's annoying. We will reconvene after lunch."

Merlin didn't wipe the scowl off his face. Just because.

It was hard to get Iseldir alone but finally, showing him where he would be staying, then closing the door, Merlin said, "Arthur doesn't know about me. I—"

Iseldir nodded. "We do not share your reluctance, but I will not reveal your gifts to your king. That is for you to decide." He moved a little closer, touching Merlin on the sleeve, then said, "But the longer you wait, the more difficult it will become. I sense your unease, but I think you trust yourself even less than you do him."

"He'll hate me." Merlin scowled down at the floor, unwilling to look into Iseldir's sympathetic eyes.

Letting out a sad sigh, Iseldir said, "The half cannot truly hate that which makes it whole. You and he are linked, always and forever. I hope that someday you will see that."

"He won't trust me ever again if he finds out. I can't, I won't lose that. And if I have to hide forever, I will." Merlin shook his head, then changed the subject. It had been weighing heavily on his mind ever since meeting the Disir. "Every time I have a vision, Arthur is dying in my arms. Every time I talk with a seer or someone with power, even Kilgharrah, they tell me that I can't change his fate unless I kill Mordred." Merlin swallowed hard. "Mordred doesn't deserve that, but still, I'm torn."

"Haven't you felt the winds of change?" When Merlin shook his head, Iseldir said, "Pendragon's choice to learn about the Old Religion is a small step toward a better future for us all. But he needs to accept it and change the laws. Only then will his fate be altered."

Clapping his hand onto Merlin's shoulder, Iseldir said, "As for young Mordred, I think it might be best if he returned with us for a time. To find a way for him to reconnect with his Druidic roots. When he stayed with us after his father was executed, he had trouble with our philosophy of balance, his anger and thirst for revenge difficult to overcome. He has grown since then, but it might do him good to be reminded that peace is greater than war and love greater than hate. I will speak with the king and request Mordred's return. Will that suffice?"

Merlin nodded. It sounded right. He could only hope it would.