Time was passing and Merlin was finding his pregnancy more and more of a trial. His rather large bump was throwing him off balance as he walked, and as a consequence he was getting more and more accident prone. Arthur was with him as often as he could be and if he wasn't there Hunith was. Even Uther sent time with Merlin, which freaked out the pregnant man. He went as far one night to tell Arthur he preferred it when Uther had been hostile to him. All the time Merlin was frightened he would slip up and let Uther know he wasn't what he seemed. Mordred visited and Merlin found it cute that he was so interested in the babe, he knew he wouldn't have been at that age. But Mordred seemed to believe he had a connection with the unborn child and even let slip one day that Kilgarrah had conformed it.
Merlin had had no idea that the Great Dragon had even visited, so asked his brother in one of his letters. Gwaine had written back saying Kilgarrah was talking in riddles as usual but it appeared he had indeed visited Camelot and spoken to Mordred. The baby was due in the spring and Merlin and Arthur couldn't wait, although both were more apprehensive than they let the other realise. Arthur was frightened he would lose Merlin and Merlin was unsure and anxious about the birth.
In Tintagel plans were being made to return to Camelot. Agravaine would have preferred to stay and even suggested it to his wife, but Morgana was having none of it. She hand Morgause had plans they wanted to commence also Morgana wanted to get back to her son, he had been left for too long without her supervision. She was well aware of how much he liked his Uncle and wanted to make sure her brother didn't have too much influence on him. She had been less than please to hear that Sir Leon, one of Arthur's knights had been given Mordred as a squire, even if she had been assured that had been her father's choice.
Tristian and Mab had spent most of the winter at Tintagel collecting information for Balinor and Gwaine, but set of for Gangani with Isolde as soon as the weather was good enough to sail. The forest spirit wanted to get back to her home, she hated the presence of Morgause even if she had found out far more than she expected. The priestess was able to guard her innermost secrets but with perseverance Mab had broken through her barriers and found what she wanted. Agravaine had been easy as had Morgana. At the same time Tristian had managed to ingratiate himself into Agravaine's confidence far more than he expected, the man was so full of his own self-importance he had often parted with information without even being asked. It seemed his wife's lack of faith in him was growing and with it the smarmy man's tongue loosened as a result. Things were fast moving to a point where the fates would decide on the future of Camelot.
The weather favoured the sailors and they made good time on their journey. Once docked the three travellers went to the castle to see the King and Crown Prince. They were ensconced in the council chamber for several hours before they finally split. As they left Gwaine grinned at his friend "We get you married before we leave for Camelot."
"Of course, you don't think I'm waiting a day longer than I have to do you" Tristian relied the added seriously "This could be dangerous and I want Isolde to be entitled to all I own"
Gwaine grinned "Don't worry I'll get you both back!" After the wedding three days later plans were made to head to Camelot.
As Morgana and Agravaine arrived in the courtyard of Camelot Mordred waited on the steps. He was pleased to see his parents, even if his pleasure was dampened by his anxiety concerning theory future plans. As he was now a squire he didn't run to great them but waited patiently. He hoped the break had allowed his parents to see the error of their ways and put a stop to their plans for him. It was for that reason he hadn't spoken to anyone about his concerns, they were his parents and deserved that at least. Morgana looked at her son and smiled she could see he had grown in more than one way while they had been apart.
"Mordred, come I want you to tell me all that has occurred" Morgana told him.
"I have an hour mother then I must attend my duties" he sounded so grown up that Morgana smiled.
"I'm sure Sir Leon will grant you time with your parents" Agravaine said bluntly "After all you are no ordinary squire."
The three of them went up to their rooms, as soon as the door was shut Morgana rounded on her son "I was displeased to hear that Sir Valliant wasn't to have you as his squire. I suppose that was your uncle's fault"
"No mother Sir Valliant has been on a long term patrol all winter it was the King who instructed Sir Leon." Mordred had a good idea that it was at his uncle's request but kept quiet. "I have also taken construction from Prince Arthur in some lessons. He is taking all the squires for some sword practice. It is hard work."
"Umm, well I hope you have kept up with your studies on the laws and treaties" his mother said
Keeping his face as straight as he could Mordred looked at his parents "Of course, they are important" he didn't add that he would need then if he was to be advisor to the young prince later.
"Indeed they are no future King can be ignorant of the law" as his mother spoke Mordred's heart sank, it was clear the ambition had not gone he would still be expected to be King in his parents eyes.
At that Sophia arrived and curtsied "Princess it is good to see you back, may I resume my duties with you now?"
Morgana gave a small smirk "Oh no my lady I want you to stay where you are, I need to have an ear in that camp" she glanced at Mordred. "Can you instruct the servants that your father and I want food before we rest from our travels."
It was a clear dismissal, as soon as the youngster had gone Morgana turned to her lady in waiting "Well how are things? Have you discovered anything?"
"I'm sorry Princess it hasn't been easy, the Queen is more demanding than you might expect. Not only that but I have been unable to keep a close eye on your son, with my husband gone and King Uther giving me other duties…." Sophia faltered at her mistresse's stare.
"But surely you have managed to get closer to my sister in law her mother must spend time n her company." Morgana protested "You must have some idea what is happening"
"Well I know that Emrys is worried about the birth as is your brother. Your father the King appears to have become besotted with the woman, I have never seen him so ….concerned. He actually spends time with Emrys!" realising Morgana was not amused Sophia added "But your son has been spending time with Geoffrey studying as well as his squire duties."
"At least my son knows his duty!" Morgana snapped "You say Uther has been friendly with that girl! It will be the heir no doubt. I see no other reason for it. She can't have far to go"
"No my lady, I heard the physician say he thinks the birth will be soon, he goes as far to say as he believes it may be earlier than thought, Emrys is very large." Sophia snorted "She is very clumsy forever stumbling."
Morgana looked interested at that. Until Sophia added "She had two people with her always when walking holding her so she doesn't fall. It's pitiful really"
"Report to me every evening, and when you hear the girl has gone into labour I want to know immediately." Morgana dismissed her lady just as her son returned.
Over the next few days Mordred tried to listen in during the evenings when his parents talked. He knew they were involved with someone called Morgause but couldn't work out who she was. He was beginning to get frustrated, especially as now his parents were back he could no longer sneak off and see either Merlin or Aithusa. After a few days of this the baby dragon decided to contact Mordred through their mind link. Mordred was in bed one night when he was woken
'mordred…Mordred…..MORDRED" came the insistent call 'Why aren't you visiting me?' the shout said in his mind.
Mordred concentrated and tried to send a message back, he daren't talk out loud. 'Can't Mother and Father are back' It seemed it worked when he got a reply.
'Meet me in the morning by the woods. Say the physician want you to get herbs" He tried to send back to say he would try but nothing came back.
So early the next morning Mordred went down the stairs he dumped into Gaius who looked at him his head cocked to one side "Are you mind speaking with Aithusa?" he demanded
"Sometimes but I'm not good at it" Mordred admitted "You won't say anything will you" he pleaded
"No my boy, I only know because she asked me to make sure I sent you to the woods. So here" he handed Mordred a basket. "Find me some sorrel and fennel even you should know what they look like" Gaius said gruffly. "I'll tell Sir Leon I've borrowed you"
With that Mordred ran off to the woods as quickly as he could. Once there he found Aithusa waiting "About time" she scolded "Have you thought about what Kilgarrah said?"
"I have, it is hard but I cannot hurt an unborn child, even if my parents wish it" Mordred sounded lost and more than a little bit frightened. "I know I have to protect the unborn prince, I felt it when I touched the Emrys." Mordred looked at Aithusa "But I worry I am doing the wrong thing"
"You are not, the unborn are untainted, and they are pure. It is your destiny" the dragon got closer to the young boy and comforted him "It is hard to follow destiny but you were chosen for a reason, one day your powers will be great and you need to use them for good." The dragon paused "Can you tell the Princeling to go to the Rising Sun at dusk?"
Mordred nodded "I can but why can't you?" he asked puzzled
"Because the Princeling doesn't have the ability to talk like this and the Emrys must not know" Aithusa said. "Tell the Princeling to take care he is not seen. Now go and get your herbs and return"
Mordred did as he was asked. But wondered how he would get to speak to his uncle in private. At least he understood who the Princeling was. The mind speak was as much pictures in his head as sounds. In the end it was easier to speak to Arthur than he expected. Arthur called him over after practice "Mordred I know your parents are back and you will want to catch up with them you may have training off tomorrow."
"Thank you Sire" Mordred said then got closer to Arthur "I was told to ask you to go to the Rising Sun at Dusk Sire, and to take care not to be seen."
Arthur slapped Mordred on the back and winked at him "Off you go boy Sir Leon is waiting." It was clear to Mordred that Arthur had been expecting a message. He felt honoured to be asked to help with whatever they were doing, and trusted enough as well. It eased his uneasiness at what he knew was a betrayal of his parents. At the same time he knew what Aithusa said about the unborn Prince being innocent was true.
Later that evening as the sun was going down Arthur headed to the Rising Sun, he was wearing a long cape that hide his features, luckily the night was cold enough for it not to attract attention. Once inside he ordered a mead and sat in a corner seat and waited. It wasn't long before Tristian sat at his side. "Mind if I join you, you look lonely sat here" as the man spoke he slipped Arthur a coin from Gangani to him. A friend told me this was a good place to get a drink and a something warm to eat."
Arthur kept his voice down and asked "Your friends name? I might know him"
"Gwaine I think he said, he told me that knew a Princess in your kingdom" Tristian grinned, and very quietly added "A princess with balls"
Arthur snorted "He won't keep his if he keeps that up. Why the cloak and dagger?"
"The returning people have a powerful ally, I have plans to hand over, and when I leave they will be by your side, under that fetching cape….Sire." Tristian grinned "Also sleep with your window open. I small but useful spirit will visit you, don't upset her she can be the very devil if you do. Emrys knows her well"
Tristian finished his broth and mead before standing up "Thank you for the company but I must rest, busy day in the morrow. You see I am a trader"
"Luck to you with your trade. I to must go my nagging wife waits" Arthur replied
He saw Tristian's eyes widen in surprise and amusement. "Take care my friend, wives have a habit of hearing of such remarks, and some can take a great unbridged at such things"
As Arthur went to stand he picked up the parchment under the edge of his cloak and walked off back to the castle.