Chapter 1 [Whitgate—Merlin and Mithian's Chamber]
Mood shifted within the citadel. Much like the air before Storm's advance, Optimism faded before Concern. Castellans rushed about. Rulers listened to the priestesses. Nimue and Freya transported them back to their respective kingdoms to prepare for the onslaught.
War was upon them….
Merlin sat behind Rodor's antique desk. His fingers traced routes on the parchment map between Cawdor and its neighbors. He sipped water from the old wooden cup. He noticed several potential avenues for the crimson horde and its allies to spill out from its borders. Granted, he and Mithian had sent summons for the Council to meet shortly thereafter. They and Morgana had talked.
And then the glass vial in his pocket sloshed with aging formula.
Still, Situation taxed his brain to say the least….
How does Arthur do this?
How does the Young Pendragon do what, Merlin? Kilgarrah announced.
Merlin rubbed his forehead. Even if he had wanted a response, the Great Dragon wasn't exactly the being he would've had in mind. Lead armies. Get support.
Look around yourself. You are doing just that. Arthur, as you know has proven himself. Men harken to his banner. While Mithian and you haven't ruled for long, you *have* proven yourself on the battlefield. Your fellow rulers know that. Your adversaries know that. There is a great deal you still need to learn, Merlin. You are ready for this point however. Remember you don't need to do this alone, Kilgarrah pointed out.
We are here, Merlin, Malodius chimed in. Trust in the Queen and the others.
Doubt shook Merlin. Will the knights listen? Can they trust in magic?
You won the day at Shallot with your magic. There are other such tales of your achievements, Merlin. Be confident but not arrogant. That will speak tomes in its own right, Kilgarrah reminded him.
Merlin nodded. We really need to finish that survey of the kingdom.
Time and Priorities demand other things from us, my Prince. Mithian interjected from the passage. She entered the chamber. "We're doing all we can. Be patient."
"Aye." Merlin nodded.
"Really?" She walked to the desk. "You're using Father's map to consider the field."
Merlin glanced down at the map. .He put his finger right next to Elaine's estate. "We can't let them get so far south this time."
"We're ready this time. Even now, the knights prepare. We have our allies with us. We're working with everyone. Merlin, we'll meet this threat with the best of our ability," she assured him.
Doubt wavered before Support's advance.
He squeezed her hand. "Thanks for the reminder."
"My pleasure." She peered over his shoulder toward the map. "While Meleagant has more forces, we can manage the battlefield. There are places to fight."
He nodded. His eye discerned several possibilities for the coming confrontation. Then, the tell-tale discomfort jabbed at his mind. He shook his head at her. His eyes snapped up from the map. He looked about the chamber.
They were being watched….
Experience advised her to be aware. Much as in Hunt's midst, Pursuit could overtake both hunter and prey. In all cases, Fortune could raise or lower any player in that particular game.
As if they both needed another boar to remind them of that danger….
"Let's get to the others," he urged. He rolled up the map. Then, he took her hand and led her toward the passage.
Fate shouldn't be tested at that point….