Conclusion [Two Turns of the Hourglass Later]
[Council Chamber, Camelot]
Consideration eased the discussions between the involved parties around the Round Table. Ideas parried about. Arguments flared and then abated. Still, Frustration kept itself to a minimum. Cligés, Mithian and Boeve offered Insight's perspective on the good and bad of magic use. Merlin, Morgana and Accolon talked about Responsibility and Burden involved in their magic.
Arthur, for a change, didn't rant. He listened. Feeling assured by the others' promise not to allow free reign on all sorcerers, he allowed them their time. He watched the group intently. Deception did not surface in any of their faces. He'd glance toward his former knights. Occasionally he'd ask Leon, Elyan, Lancelot, Gawain and Percival for their views. "It will not be easy. Father impressed his views." He frowned. "If there's anything that this has shown me, it proves what you said in Whitgate, Merlin."
"And that is?" Merlin scratched his head.
"Intent can drive one's use of magic just like a sword, a lance or any other weapon," Arthur recalled. His blue eyes met Morgana's. "Desperation can warp intent. I do not want anyone cornered as happened at my father's court."
"If we can be open, there's no need for that, Arthur." Morgana looked to Merlin and Mithian. "Since Nemeth and Tintagel has made peace and worked together, Merlin and I have rediscovered our friendship. Accolon and Mithian keep us both on the path."
"And this goddess? What of her?" Arthur bit his lip. "I'm not converting. I will not force my subjects to convert. If they wish, I am prepared to allow that. I will allow co-existence." He considered the runemark. "I've had enough of this strife."
"We all have, Dear Brother. I hope we can all co-exist." Morgana sighed. "It will ease so many things."
"That is all the goddess seems to want. If the repression stops, so will everything related to that." Merlin pointed to the runemark. "For what it's worth, Arthur, I don't want trouble on our border. We should be friends."
"I'd like that too, Merlin." Arthur sighed. "It rots fighting with you. Granted, George is a clot pole but….he's what I have. Just bring Gwen back. I feel like there's a crossbow at my side."
"No threats or anything. She's safe." Merlin leaned back in his seat. Freya, Arthur's ready to see Gwen. Can you bring her?
Aye. She's ready to see him too. She went silent.
"You know where she is?" Arthur pressed.
"Arthur, this is me." Merlin tapped his fingers on the table. Irritation flared in his eyes. "You have no idea how many times I've used my magic to keep you safe."
"Merlin, you…" Arthur started.
Morgana rolled her eyes. "You are so blind, Arthur! Merlin protected you so many times! You might learn to trust him! Open your eyes."
"Mithian…." Arthur pleaded.
"Arthur, don't start. Merlin kept us from war. He earned every bit of my respect." Mithian frowned. "You've lost everyone because you take us for granted! Camelot is in its current state because you're acting like this! OPEN YOUR EYES!"
Before any other response could be made, the mists coalesced into a portal. From it, Gwen hustled into the chamber. Relief eased her breathing and heartbeat. "ARTHUR!"
"GWEN!" Arthur jumped out of his seat. He rushed to his Queen. He swung her around in his arms. His mouth smashed down on hers. Desperation pushed him into a deeper kiss with her than normal. "You're safe! Where did they take you?"
"I was in Whitgate. Gawain, your sister, Soredamors, and Hunith took care of me," Gwen indicated. "Freya and Boeve made sure I got there safely. We should be thankful for their help. Please, Arthur! We're all friends. Suspicion has brought us to this point!"
"I know." Arthur averted his eyes. "We've been talking. The sorcerers and followers of the old religion can co-exist. We are all going to work together."
Gwen wiped Joy's tears from her cheeks. "We can do this! We have to do this! There's no way we can keep going like this!" She smiled at Merlin. "We've seen too much bile and venom. Let's just work on being friends."
"Aye. We'll do just that. It's time." Arthur reached out to Merlin with his hand. "Together?"
"Aye. Together." Merlin clasped hands with Arthur.
"All of us together," Mithian urged.
"Aye. All of us," Freya chimed in. "For the good of us all."
[Somewhere Else]
The goddess watching the proceedings through the portal. Surprise jarred her over Arthur's sudden turn of thought. Satisfaction blossomed within her over the result. Even the most hardened of minds will turn eventually. She felt Freya's presence. You did well, Daughter.
"Milady?" Freya curtseyed. "I conveyed our allies between Camelot and their kingdoms. I helped Gwen to safety. It's all for you and the Greater Good."
Aye. In so doing, you create and sustain light in my behalf. It was as the Great Dragon told Emrys, one good deed can open paths to so much more. Emrys' finding and returning the necklace to Mithian led to all of this. Who knows what rewards will come from your acts?
She shrugged. "The deed is reward enough, Lady. I am content with serving."
An admirable outlook. Emrys is an example, is he not?
Pride warmed Freya's heart. "Aye. He does. He understands his role. He's finally working openly with others. He's balancing the mundane, spiritual and magical. He has more to learn though."
Every mortal does. You will all need to progress if the task is to be completed. Cawdor and the last tyrant remain at large. Their armies will be a threat to Albion. Only Victory's grace will usher in peace.
"The conflict will come soon. Merlin and the others will be ready. Nimue and I would serve further if we can," Freya noted.
Of course! Your roles will be vital. Now that the Northerners are contained, you can position our allies accordingly. Emrys learns strategy. Most impressive! She turned back to the portal. You may go.
"As you wish." Freya curtseyed once again. She disappeared in a pillar of mist.
The goddess nodded. Peace will happen. Co-existence will be the way. Let that be so.
Cawdor and the Empire remained. The battle between them and Britannia would be telling….
THE END (for now)