Author's Notes: I have to thank some guests for leaving such lovely reviews, as I can't reply to you personally. I hope I did reply to all the other reviewers, but if I did miss anyone out, please accept my apologies and know that I do appreciate all your reviews.
I am so glad readers are still enjoying my story. As you have probably realized, this could be quite a long one. I hope you will continue to read and review when you can.
As I mentioned when I last posted, this part is a couple of days late, but my Internet connection where I was staying was a bit temperamental.
Again, I don't own Merlin.
Chapter Ten
Taking Sides
The horns sounded, rising in triumphant notes to the vaulted ceiling of Camelot's great hall, and silence fell in fits and starts over the assembled throng; too many people had too much to talk about for any of them to pay immediate attention to the horn's warning call, but slowly quiet descended. When, eventually, the silence was complete, the heavy wooden doors at the end of the large chamber opened and King Arthur and Queen Guinevere walked into the room, The Queen's hand resting on her husband's arm. Behind them walked Merlin, clad somewhat awkwardly in his new, hastily produced blue robe, trimmed with silver thread, while the Knights Leon and Percival brought up the rear.
The walk was long, but Arthur kept the group to a steady pace, stepping into the panels of light and shade that patterned the floor, cast by the afternoon sun shining through the tall windows which lined one side of the hall. How often had he made this walk in his life, first behind his father, then, after his crowning, alone, and finally with Guinevere at his side? A few days ago, he had accepted he would never see this hall, or Camelot again, but thanks to Merlin and a friend he'd believed an enemy, he was home and still at the helm. Because of their selfless actions, he had promises to keep, and this was the beginning.
When they reached the dais, where two richly carved and cushioned thrones stood, Arthur turned to face the crowded room, with Guinevere and the others taking their appointed places alongside him.
Only Merlin's position had changed, and he now stood at his king's right hand, slightly back and between the thrones. At first, Merlin had wanted to stay buried in the assembly, with the rest of the knights and Gaius, but on this Arthur remained adamant. Merlin, or the way Arthur viewed his friend had changed; in fact, Merlin had changed, full stop, and the people of Albion might as well get used to his new status from now onward.
Arthur took a moment to let the ambiance of the beautifully appointed hall seep into his soul. This place and the people before him were the heart and soul of his kingdom, and he loved them with a passion that only someone who had almost lost everything could appreciate. He closed his eyes to thank whatever gods were watching over him and blessed him with this sacred responsibility... the care of Albion.
Yet he could sense those gathering in the hall growing restless, feel Guinevere's hand tighten in his own, as she glanced worriedly in his direction, clearly wondering if he was well? He returned her gaze with a bright smile, then turned to face the crowds, still smiling.
Rumours of his death had spread like wildfire across his kingdom, and though most of his people had now learned of his remarkable recovery, it was best that they should witness for themselves that their king was alive, well and very happy to be back. Though it were better that they didn't realise that the 'well' part was subjective. He tried not to dwell on that part himself, and he had to admit that he was feeling better.
However, this Grand Council was the first and, quite probably, the most important of his reign, and it was time to begin. Understanding the value of holding with tradition, he nodded to Geoffrey of Monmouth, who was on the far side of the dais, awaiting The King's signal. The High Steward now stepped forward and addressed the assembly in solemn voice.
"People of Camelot and Albion, The puissant King Arthur Pendragon has called a meeting of The Grand Council of this land, the first of his reign, and with the power invested in me, I now declare this council open."
As Geoffrey of Monmouth returned to his place, there was another call from the horns and Arthur took a step forward, but before he could begin to talk, the hall erupted in impulsive shouts of 'Long Live The King', while people clapped at the sight of their handsome young ruler, his gold crown gleaming on his golden hair, and once more decked out in his customary armour and red cloak. Surely the rumours of his demise must have been exaggerated, since he looked as confident and athletic as he ever had; and if gossip were true, he'd been seen dancing in the town the previous day.
On the platform, Arthur surveyed the scene, judging the state of his people. They were certainly pleased to see him, but he sensed an undertone of relief beneath the cheers. Suddenly, he felt drained. Arthur had thought long and hard about wearing his chain-mail, since he doubted he would ever wear it again for its proper purpose. How long would he be able to maintain the facade that he was the strong leader of yesteryear? And how many in this hall would stay true to him if they suspected his weaknesses?
He had no fear of The Knights of The Round table; they would keep faith unto death, and the commoners, at least in the town of Camelot, seemed to love and trust him, but the nobles might be a different case entirely. Not all would desert him, he knew that for certain, but he also realised there were some self-seeking, prideful men amongst the nobility.
It was strange that the nobles, who should hold to the highest principals, by dint of their birth, were the ones he had least faith in. Over the next few days, he would definitely discover who would support him and who would choose to oppose him. This Grand Council might prove more than a useful tool to measure people's reaction to the return of magic; it might very well show up potential traitors.
Truly, Arthur had learned his lessons, and in a very hard school. Never again would he blindly follow his instincts to trust members of his family, nor ignore the fact that, on occasion, those whom he considered trustworthy could become deadly enemies. Though he had been arrogant and foolish to believe Mordred would choose himself over the girl he loved. If only he'd heeded Merlin sooner!
From now on, he would think hard before making judgments, and listen to others' advice; those few in whom he had absolute faith. The small band of brothers, who had pledged their allegiance around the original version of the round table, had suffered sad losses, yet their group remained strong in spirit and they would take care of each other.
Slowly, he raised his hand for quiet, and like a well orchestrated company, the audience fell silent.
"Nobles of Albion, Knights of The Round Table and Citizens of Camelot, I welcome you to this my first Grand Council." Arthur paused, his keen eyes gazing around the hall, capturing the attention of all. "The subject we will address, over the next few days, is of great importance to me, and to the future peace of my realm. It is a weighty and life-changing matter, which is why I have called you all, to learn your thoughts, opinions and feelings on the issue of magic and whether it should be returned to our kingdom."
The moment The King finished talking, a chaos of words invaded the room, some loud, some whispered; some angry, a lot puzzled, but the most predominant... fearful. Clearly, those assembled had known something of the reasons why a Grand Council had been summoned, but hearing it from The King's own mouth had brought the reality of the proposed future crashing into their consciousness.
The mood of the gathering threatened to escape Arthur's control, but he had learned the art of kingship well. Now he straightened his back, flexed his shoulders and raised both his arms.
"People of Albion!"
The chattering went on, oblivious of The King's words. The trumpeters, standing by the back wall, in clear line of sight of Arthur, awaited his instructions. He nodded once, and, immediately, warning notes echoed over the heads of the crowd. Men and women looked around them, falling silent, searching for danger. The horns had sounded a battle call.
Arthur speedily spoke into the silence. "My people! My compatriots... my friends! I pray you listen to what I have to say." Once more he waited, till he was satisfied he had their complete regard. "I look around me, and I see many familiar faces in this hall. There are, also, those I do not yet know, but I believe that all of you know me, or my reputation. There are many here, noblemen, knights and soldiers, with whom I have stood in the battle-line; men I have been honoured and proud to call my sword-brother. Each one of you knows I would never ask any of you to do something that I did not believe in with all my heart.
Together we have fought rival kingdoms, Saxons, magical beasts and sorcerers. Yet, at Camlann Pass, we had magic on our side, and that turned the course of the battle in our favour. For that fact alone, I think the fate of magic deserves to be reconsidered. Its return is not a fait accompli. You are here to discuss and argue your points of view, for or against.
So, for the love of Camelot, I ask not for your swords, this day, but for your open-minds and pure hearts to judge what is best for all who live within the Kingdom of Albion."
Again a deadly silence fell on the assembled crowd, till, in the middle of the throng a red-caped knight raised his hand and shouted clear and loud.
"For the love of Camelot!"
At once the hall rang with answering calls, while on the dais Leon and Percival joined in. The cries came not only from Arthur's fighting men, but from the town's folk who had crowded into the back of the hall. Indeed, even some nobles called out their support for The King, but Arthur and the friends who stood beside him were not fooled. They might have won the opening foray, but they would have a hard fight to win the war.
The hall emptied, slowly, noisily, as people filed into the corridors and stairs, all the time discussing what they had heard. Nobles clumped into groups with those they assumed would agree with their sentiments, eager to seek support for their own point of view, deliberating how the return of magic would affect their futures and what they ought to do about it.
The few town's people inside the hall had waited dutifully for their betters to leave, while they, too, gossiped about the return of magic, little expecting their ideas would be taken into consideration.
Life for the common people had been better under Arthur; his taxes were not extortionate, and men and women were encouraged to make a decent living for themselves. Arthur and his knights had cleared the kingdom of bandits and raiders, so farmers didn't live in fear of having their harvests or livestock stolen, while merchants, from far and wide, traveled the roads safely, ensuring that trade flourished and gold filled Camelot's coffers.
Nowadays, there was little chance that anyone would be charged with sorcery by a spiteful, greedy neighbour. Sorcerers were still outlawed, but they received a fair trial before they were banished, or condemned to death for the very worst crimes. Even if that law did change, most ordinary men and women didn't see that as a huge problem. Though there was still a fear of evil sorcery, the older citizens of Camelot remembered the magic healers and the good they had done.
The royal party, knowing they had let loose a whirlwind, retired to the state dining room, to allow the gale of argument to blow itself out. Yet all knew that was a forlorn hope. Since Camelot had been the target of Morgana and her allies for years, and, considering how many had died in the war against the Old Religion, the plan to legalize magic would meet with many objections.
As Arthur and Guinevere reached the doors, which the guards had opened, a voice called to them from down the passageway.
"Pendragon! You hound! So, you actually lived long enough to be crowned king?"
Immediately, Arthur whirled around, as did they all, Merlin and the knights placing themselves, defensively, in front of The King and Queen.
Yet, Arthur pushed them aside and strode toward the stranger. "Kay? By the heavens, where did you spring from? Last I heard, you were still in Armorica."
The two men reached each other and Arthur grabbed the newcomer in a bear hug. "What are you doing here?" he asked, standing back to survey his friend's broad, smiling face. "I thought I recognised the voice back in the hall."
The red-caped knight, who had shouted the first salute, replied as he knelt before Arthur. "I was in Londinium when I heard of the battle at Camlann, and I came to offer my support, though, for a short time, I believed I'd come too late. Word is out that you were killed."
"As you can see, rumours of my death are untrue," Arthur laughed. "Get up of your knees, Kay, and come meet my wife and my friends."
Once inside the room, Arthur introduced the stocky, merry-faced man to the rest of the group. "Lord Kay was fostered in Camelot when we were both boys, and his father was killed in my father's service. We were like brothers, but his mother married a lord from across The Narrow Sea and Kay and I were separated." It was obvious from Arthur's wistful demeanour that he'd regretted the loss of his friend. "I'd always hoped to see you again, Kay."
"I would have come sooner, Arthur, but my mother fell ill, and as my stepfather had died a few years ago, I didn't want to leave her bereft. Our relations with my stepbrothers wasn't all that it should have been, and my mother was scorned by them. She needed me, and I'd heard that Camelot was strong and flourishing under her young lion. I came as soon as I could to join the famed Knights of The Round Table."
A smile, as bright as the sun's rays, lit Arthur's face. "You are most welcome, Kay. We might have been parted by sea and land, but I have heard of your exploits. Camelot is in need of strong warriors."
"And yet, isn't this a time of peace?" Kay asked, thoughtfully.
Guinevere stepped forward and stretched her hand out to her husband's erstwhile foster-brother. "Welcome, Lord Kay. It is a sad admission of human kind that, even in peace time, a kingdom needs strong supporters to ensure the peace holds."
Kay accepted The Queen's hand and bowing over it, he gallantly placed a light kiss on Gwen's camel coloured skin. "Queen Guinevere, it seems the talk I heard of you is true, for you are as wise as you are beautiful." He stood upright, grinning at the royal couple. "Arthur, you always were a lucky dog!"
"And you always had a silver tongue. You have no idea how many times I was punished for this rogue's tricks, but everyone thought Kay was such a sweet boy. He could do no wrong!" Arthur's laughter proved he held no bad feelings against the young mischief maker.
"I remember it well," Gaius announced, his old eyes gleaming at the thought of Arthur's bright boyhood. "I'm glad someone got the better of you, Sire. It was character building!"
Arthur groaned. "If being sent to bed without any supper was character building, or being forced to study borders and maps, or court protocol and treaties when the sun was high and all I wanted to do was hunt, then I should be a paragon of virtue..."
"Don't forget all the times you were made to muck out the stables!" Kay reminisced with a mischievous grin.
"You mucked out stables?" Merlin's eyes opened wide in shock.
"Close your mouth, Merlin, you look like a fish out of water!" Arthur ordered, squirming a little. "I know very well how to muck out stables. My father's Master of Horse believed when he taught a boy to ride, he taught him how to care for his mount, including mucking out its stall. I'll admit it wasn't my favourite task, and he caught me sleeping on the job once. For some time after that, cleaning the stables became my father's preferred method of punishing me, and this... this betrayer!" He pointed at Sir Kay, who was now grinning from ear to ear. "He made sure I became acquainted with the composition of hay and dung on a frequent basis."
"Don't complain, Arthur. You became the finest young horseman in the court through my... encouragement, and besides, I was carried away soon after." At the latter admission, Kay's laughing face stilled and there was no denying the sorrow in his voice. "I missed you, my friend."
A bleakness descended over Arthur's person. Clearly, the young Arthur had been devastated too. "And I you. We promised ourselves we'd always stand side-by-side, yet our families never considered our feelings when you were taken away, no matter how much we pleaded."
Merlin and Gwen exchanged glances, their thoughts mirroring each other's. Had Arthur been parted from his closest friends often? Everyone assumed that the Prince of Camelot had led a privileged existence, but perhaps he had known a more unique kind of privation. If so, then it was no wonder he had held himself apart, shielding his innermost feelings, until Merlin, then Gwen had broken down the barriers.
"But I am here now, and I promise I will leave you only in death, My Lord!" Kay stated solemnly, kneeling again.
Yet Arthur stretched out his hand and gripped Kay's forearm, preventing him from prostrating himself. "Speak not of death! There has been enough of that in this kingdom in these last days. Welcome to The Knights of The Round Table, but live for me, Sir Kay, and I pray no other man nor woman has to die for me in the years to come."
Kay's bright smile broke out once more. "I'm all for that, Arthur. Though I'm not sure how much freedom a king, or an old-married man, like yourself, can enjoy." The laughter in Kay's manner extinguished any hurt which might be derived from his words.
Guinevere, certainly, took no offense. "Do not worry, Sir Kay. My husband finds his way to the hunting grounds and the tavern, in the company of his knights, on a fairly regular basis."
The royal couple shared an understanding glance, and Kay, at once, realised that his friend had found his true love. "That's good to hear! I'm sure I'm going to fit right in as I enjoy a visit to the tavern myself, now and then." His grin swept over the group around The King, before he grew serious again. "But, from what I hear, you have some difficult days ahead of you with this grand council thing. Tell me what I can do to help, and you have my pledge I will do whatever I can."
"Do what you did in the hall," Merlin injected coming forward. "Going by the lack of enthusiasm by many of the nobles, we could benefit from some cheer leading."
"And some of the knights," Leon added with some humility, he being one of those knights who weren't totally supportive of Arthur's plans. Yet he was loyal to The King and he hated being ranged against Arthur.
"You seemed to have the backing of the commoners," Kay observed. There was a shrewd brain behind his merry countenance. "Couldn't you exploit that?"
"Arthur has always looked after the people, and they have rewarded him with their love," Guinevere agreed, smiling on her husband.
"Unfortunately, the common people don't sit on the council," Arthur shook his head, troubled. He had known the debate on magic would stir up a hornet's nest, he just hadn't imagined the size of the opposition.
"That might not be exactly the case," a voice spoke from the doorway, and the group turned to see Lord Cedric and his wife at the entrance to the room. "Might we come in, Sire?"
"Please do Cedric. It seems this small group alone supports my proposals." Arthur swept his arm around the room. "Any addition is more than welcome."
"Thank you, Sire..."
"I thought we had established first name terms in private, at least. Please, let us all make ourselves comfortable to discuss our strategy for the council tomorrow."
Arthur headed for the top of the long table, since there was no room for the round one in all but the great hall and, for the moment, that was otherwise occupied, so the round table had been dismantled. He seated Gwen by his right hand, and motioned for Merlin to sit on his left. The others ranged themselves around the table, but Sir Leon remained by the door.
"Leon?" Arthur asked, noticing his foremost knight's hesitation. "Aren't you joining us?"
"Sire, knowing my thoughts on the reintroduction of magic, I thought perhaps you would not want me here."
The King's fair eyebrows rose as he shook his head, wondering. "Why ever not? Leon, I might expect complete obedience from my knights and soldiers on the battle field or patrol, but this is a debate," he emphasised the last word. "All opinions are valid here."
"Besides, Leon," Merlin's gamin grin lit up his face. "We might need your scepticism to curb our enthusiasm."
"True, Merlin!" Arthur echoed his friend. "As long as you don't plan on running to the opposition to report on our meetings, you're place is here."
Leon blanched. "Your Highness, I would rather fall on my sword than ever betray you, whether I disagree with you or not!"
"Do you think I don't know that?" Arthur asked, quietly, with humility. "Come, Leon, sit down. I was teasing, but the joke wasn't in the best of taste. Forgive me?"
"Sire, you don't need my forgiveness. You are The King" Nevertheless he came and sat at the table.
"Since a king is head of state, I think he needs more forgiveness than most mortals," Arthur remarked, and though he smiled, it was clear he meant every word. This was, indeed, The Once and Future King, whose name would echo down the centuries.
Now that the problem of Leon was sorted, Merlin reverted to Cedric's declaration when he had entered the room. "Cedric, what did you mean when you suggested commoners could sit on a council?"
"Not a privy council. They have always been appointed from members of the nobility, but The Grand Council is different, if my memory serves me correctly." When Cedric finished talking, he turned his glance across the table, to Geoffrey and Gaius, who were sitting next to each other.
Gaius frowned, while Geoffrey stroked his beard, searching his vast knowledge of ancient protocols. Finally, he spoke, a faint smile on his face. "You know, you are right, Cedric. I would have to check the annals to be sure, because it was so long ago. But after Bruta and his contemporary chiefs divided the land between them, he called the first Grand Council of Camelot, to inform his people what had been agreed. The nobles and knights were summoned, but he also called a representative of every town and village, to make sure that all his people, from the highest to the lowest, knew in which kingdom they were located, to whom they owed allegiance and revenue, and who they could look to for succour."
"And that law still stands?" Arthur leaned his elbows on the table, ready to grasp at every straw.
Again Geoffrey pondered before he answered, while The King noticeably fretted. Guinevere placed her hand over Arthur's clenched one.
"It is not exactly a law," Geoffrey replied, only to see King Arthur's eagerness fade at his words. "However, since there is a precedence, particularly one laid down by Bruta, and no king since has sought to contradict his actions in law, then I see no reason why you should not emulate the great founder of our nation."
Arthur hit the table with the flat of his hand. "Then the word has to go out immediately," he commanded. "Leon, Percival, see to it that messengers... no make that patrols go to every village and homestead in the country to escort the headman to Camelot. If others wish to attend, then so be it. We will cross the bridge of whether they are legal or not when they arrive. You have my orders to let no one stand in your way. I will not have them delayed. The business part of the council starts tomorrow at noon."
"But, Arthur, there are the citizens of Camelot," Merlin added, sharing his friend's fervour. "The city is divided into districts. In ratio to the number of people who dwell in the city, surely they should have more representatives."
Again, Geoffrey nodded. "I think that would be acceptable. Sire, if you do not need me for anything more, perhaps I should search the archives for written confirmation of the make up of a grand council."
"Of course. Good luck with your research." And as his Grand Seneschal rose to go, he waved him away. "Written corroboration will surely silence our opponents."
"In that case, two pairs of eyes are better than one," Gaius said, also moving toward the door. "Never fear, Arthur. We won't let you down. You shall have your proof."
Kay stood, bowing to The King. "I know I have only arrived, and we have much to catch up on, but I understand this subject is dear to your heart, Arthur, so let me lead one of your patrols. I think I can still find my way around Albion, at least in the areas closer to the city."
"Thank you, Kay," Arthur bobbed his head in return. "We are short on commanders, and we have patrols already occupied in another important undertaking. Camelot's army is much depleted, so your help is appreciated."
"Arthur, might I also make a suggestion?" Iseldir requested in his quiet way.
Arthur sat back, inviting the Druid to speak. "I'm open to any ideas which might help us."
"I have ways of contacting my people throughout your land, though you would consider it a magical connection..."
"Mind speech?" Merlin asked.
"Yes."
"Iseldir, we are talking of legalising magic, and though that might not have happened as yet, I think we cannot charge you with crimes we do not see," Arthur said, again smiling.
"And the leaders of Druid clans would be accepted at this Grand Council?"
Arthur considered the question, then answered. "As long as they dwell within Albion's borders, and they are not practising magic, I don't see why not."
"And in Bruta's time, magic was not illegal, so who is to say that Druids didn't attend that first Grand Council," Merlin announced, rubbing his hands together. They were assembling a greater number of supporters than they'd thought possible. Of course, there was always the possibility that not every head villager would side with them, but Arthur's star was riding high with the commoners of Albion, and he had a feeling they would agree with almost anything Arthur proposed.
"Then I will take my leave of you, Sire," Iseldir said, bowing slightly. "Fear not. You will have the backing of my people, and they can travel with great haste when the need arises."
Within minutes the dining room had emptied, leaving the royal couple with Merlin and their new friends Cedric and Amena.
"Perhaps some wine would be in order?" Guinevere looked toward her husband, anxious that he not overtax himself. "And a light repast. It is sometime before dinner, and maybe we can speak of less weighty matters for a spell."
"Guinevere..."
But already Merlin was interrupting. "I think that is an excellent idea. A little light relief will do us all the world of good. And you have to take your remedy, Arthur, and have a rest before tonight. We'll all have to keep our wits about us during dinner."
"There speaks a sensible man," said Amena, ignoring the wilful set of Arthur's jaw as he glared at his physician. "I often find the answer to a problem presents itself to me if I turn my mind to other preoccupations. I think it's a case of not seeing the forest for the trees."
The harsh scrape of a chair was the first warning of Arthur rising. "I'm sure you're right, if we were dealing with a normal problem, Lady Amena." He swept his cloak behind him. "But this... this dispute could divide the kingdom. And frankly, I'm a little tired of everyone telling me to take things easy!" And with that he marched swiftly from the room.
Guinevere's hand flew to her mouth, as her skin paled. If she were honest, she'd been expecting her husband to react badly long before this, yet he had erupted so suddenly she was taken unawares, and the bitter edge in his voice shocked her to the core.
"Lady Amena, please accept my apologies. Arthur always takes the responsibility of Camelot to heart. He's extremely worried... but he should not have been so rude."
"Don't apologise, my dear," the older woman reassured The Queen. "No offence was taken. Duty weighs heavily on a king who cares for his people, and besides, I do not think he is completely recovered from his injuries."
"No, he isn't," Gwen admitted slowly, glancing at Merlin, wondering how much of the truth could be divulged to this, admittedly, kind couple, yet people they had just met.
"It is only days since Arthur was gravely wounded," Merlin stepped in to help his queen. "Such wounds take a long time to mend..."
Guinevere quickly followed Merlin's lead. "And you know what these warrior types are like! They make the worst of patients."
"Not just warriors," Cedric agreed, lightening the conversation. "Amena isn't always patient with her own failing health. Why don't you and Merlin go after Arthur. We will retire to our chambers to rest. And Guinevere, will you tell Arthur that both Amena and I knew his mother and were very fond of her. If there is anything he would like to learn about her, we are at his service at any time."
Sobs threatened to choke Gwen at Cedric's kind words. It had clearly been the couple's intention to speak to Arthur of his mother. He'd thrown a childish tantrum and missed out on the very thing he would have wanted to hear.
She was almost convinced to punish him a little, but then she remembered the bleak look which had shadowed his eyes, sporadically, over the last couple of days, though he'd kept it carefully hidden, and her heart broke again for him.
Watching, Merlin read Gwen's thoughts, so clearly written on her face. "Come, Gwen. Let us go beard the lion in his den. He is such a clotpole!"
He too had guessed it would only be a matter of time before Arthur reacted thus, but he also knew the strength of The King's resolve to see his kingdom triumph. For Albion's sake, Arthur would rise above his frustrations.
I decided to introduce a new knight to Camelot, though I did borrow from the legends. However, I am not an expert on Arthurian Legend, so forgive me if I moulded the character to suit my story. Again I look forward to reading your thoughts.