Author's notes: Hi everyone! I seem to keep repeating myself, but I want to thank you all again for leaving reviews, and such complimentary reviews too. Also it's quite amazing that I seem to have picked up one or two new readers too.

I'm sorry this chapter is shorter than normal, but I felt this was a good place to leave off for the week, as the next few parts address a major plot line, but one I hope you will all enjoy.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Rumours and Innuendos

The King and his advisor found their way to the small council chamber where, breakfast over and the tables now removed, many of the great and good of Camelot still gathered in groups, probably discussing the progress of the debate on magic. Lord Avebury was in the centre of the largest band and holding forth on the evils of sorcery, relating how his 'dear' brother had died at the hands of a witch who'd been treating his injured leg, a wound sustained in the defence of Uther's territory.

Having heard the story from Leon and from Gaius, Arthur was sure there was some doubt about the cause of the youngest brother's death, and he knew for certain that Brennan Avebury wasn't present at the time. From where this overconfident lord was getting his detailed information was certainly a mystery. The other point which Arthur knew without a shadow of doubt was that Avebury had never held his brother dear.

Yet the contentious lord shocked The King further when he continued his harangue about sorcerers, suggesting Merlin had only cured his sovereign temporarily in order that a grateful king would legalise magic. Once the powerful sorcerer had what he wanted, he would allow Arthur to die, and Camelot would be at the mercy of magic users again, since no one could expect Queen Guinevere, a much loved... but not a true royal, to be able to stand against their power.

"Then it's fortunate that your assumptions are completely without foundation, Lord Avebury," Arthur said, his jaw taught, as he walked through his courtiers towards Avebury.

The nobleman turned, his curling hair oiled as sleek as an otter's pelt, and bowed condescendingly to his monarch. "Sire, I only speak of the fear which is in my heart, and there are many in Camelot who share my apprehension," Avebury replied, trying to sound genuine, yet failing miserably.

Arthur grew more certain each time he spoke to the arrogant noble that the man had a hidden agenda and, judging by the frown which fleetingly crossed Merlin's face, the warlock agreed.

"You have no need to fear, my lord," Merlin spoke up, bowing his head slightly and carefully schooling his expression. He really disliked Avebury, yet it was probably best if the lord was unaware of his and Arthur's suspicions. "I have no intention of hurting The King."

"Indeed, Lord Avebury, you can trust Merlin..."

"Trust a sorcerer?" The noble interrupted scathingly. "Only a fool would do so!"

The pulse in Arthur's neck beat rapidly and his eyes turned to ice. "Yet I trust Merlin implicitly. Are you suggesting I am a fool?"

Avebury almost groaned. Clearly he also had no intention of showing his true intentions, but the man was too proud to be contrite. "No, not entirely, Sire, though perhaps you are a little inexperienced in kingship, or beguiled by Merlin's enchantments. Your father would never have allowed himself to be taken in thus."

Arthur's hand dropped to his belt, his fingers twitching over the empty space where his sword would normally hang. Just as he'd foretold, Avebury was insinuating he was under Merlin's spell. How he would love to wipe that smug smirk off the man's face, yet judging by his earlier escapade, he doubted he was fit enough to take on even this elderly noble who was choosing to goad him. Besides, it was too soon to confront Brennan Avebury; they needed to give him enough rope to hang himself. Yet he could not forbear to issue a warning.

"Merlin saved my life using magic, but I am not enchanted. My body might be weakened by my injury, though it will not always be so, and you would do well to remember that, Avebury," Arthur said deliberately, his voice edged with steel and cutting as sharp as Excalibur. His threat of dealing out marshal retribution might only be wishful thinking, but he was fairly certain that was not common knowledge. "However, my mind is sound, so I suggest you keep your opinions for the debating hall and desist from insulting your king lest you be charged with treason."

Aware his rage was bubbling close to the surface, Arthur marched out, his face stony, yet he couldn't resist one last rebuke. He turned in the doorway till he pinned Avebury with a frost blue glare. "And had you been better acquainted with my father, you'd know that he would have had your head for your insolence. I am my own man, but even my patience can run out!"

In the corridor, Merlin hurried to catch up with Arthur's stride. "Ye gods, Arthur. I was sure you were about to throw down the gauntlet, yet you kept your temper in check..."

"I'm not a complete idiot," Arthur replied, throwing a haughty glance at Merlin, but spoiling the effect by admitting honestly, "but for a brief second, I did wish for my strength to return so I could have wiped that insincere look off his supercilious face. I did come close to having him thrown in the cells for a night, though.

"What stopped you?"

"Knowing that was exactly what he was hoping for." Arthur shot his warlock a sideways glance. "Merlin, you're well aware the members of the Grand Council can state their opinions on magic with impunity, and Brennan Avebury is taking every advantage of that fact." The King continued his walk to the great hall, though his hand rested on Merlin's arm. "I believe he's hoping I'll break my amnesty in a fit of temper... but I refuse to take the bait."

"That's good to know. I was afraid I might have to step in..."

Arthur stopped, swinging to face Merlin, his hand tightening on the thinner man's arm. "Merlin, you must not! You can't let him provoke you into using your magic against him. Remember that sorcery is still outlawed, and I will not have you at Avebury's mercy. He would demand full reparation, and I will not see you executed."

"I understand. I've always understood." Merlin offered a gentle smile. "It was why I kept my magic a secret for so long..."

"You didn't want to put me in that position. I know," Arthur said nodding, returning the smile, though his went slightly awry. "Merlin for saving my army, for saving my life, but most of all for saving Camelot, your safety is sacrosanct... and if Avebury tests my resolve then he will find himself exiled or dead..."

Fighting back the lump in his throat, Merlin said with as much brightness as he could muster, "Then let's not give him the opportunity to force your hand, and we can do that best by discovering what he's really up to."

"I completely agree, Merlin, but I still haven't found my wife..." Arthur appeared thoroughly crestfallen, though within seconds a twinkle lit up his eye. He placed his arm around his friend's shoulder, suggesting with a smirk. "Merlin, you know that thing that you do: the path finding thing... I don't know why we didn't think of it before!"

Although a little sceptical, Merlin decided to try to 'sense' Gwen's presence, but the pictures which came into his mind and the words which accompanied them stunned him into silence. He stood still, unable not to listen, though he was sure he shouldn't.

"Think, my dear. When was your last time of the month?"

"Gwen, is it possible you are with child?"

Merlin felt like the worse kind of eavesdropper!

"Merlin!" An alarmed Arthur had grabbed both his shoulders, and a disconnected part of Merlin's brain registered that his king's grip was still strong. "What's wrong? Can you see her?"

The young warlock shook himself back to his own reality. "Yes," he forced out, staring at his friend, trying not to grin idiotically and not to pass on the news he had just overheard... though to be honest, he hadn't heard Gwen's answer. Besides, information such as this should come to Arthur from Guinevere herself. But, clearly, just one yes was hardly going to satisfy Arthur who appeared to be on the verge of having a fit. "Yes, she's fine. Mary and Amena have found her. They're in your chambers..."

"Come on then. Let's go." Arthur's grip on Merlin loosened, but he pulled his friend in the direction of the stairs and the royal apartments. "We still have a little time to talk to her before the council starts."

Merlin dragged on Arthur's arm.

"What?" The King demanded. "Are you telling me the truth? Guinevere is well, isn't she?"

"Yes! It's just that she's with Amena and Mary... and they're talking."

"What about?" Arthur asked, his curiosity piqued.

Merlin's brain flapped about ineffectually. "Things! You know..."

"No. I don't know! Is Amena talking to her about what she did when she was enchanted?"

"Probably..."

"Probably! What's that supposed to mean?" Arthur's voice rose. "Some sort of warlock you are!"

"I did only listen for a minute," Merlin offered, in hope rather than expectation that he could placate The King. Once the stupid prat got the bit between his teeth, there was no stopping him... and he really didn't want to tell Arthur the news, if there was any news to tell.

"So? What did you hear?"

"Nothing!"

"Nothing?" Arthur backed off and took a turn about the corridor to calm his racing thoughts, before returning to his interrogation of Merlin. "You heard something." His finger wagged under Merlin's nose. "I know because you looked like you'd just walked into a wall."

"They're discussing Gwen's health."

"Gwen is ill?" Arthur's body froze.

"I didn't hear anyone say that, but she is very stressed and we already know her memories are coming back and that has to make her nervous," Merlin suggested, trying to keep calm. "Arthur, you've already agreed that Amena and Mary should talk to Gwen, so I think you have to give them time to discover how they can help her. I'm sure they will succeed."

In fact, if what he'd overheard was true then Guinevere would be overjoyed... and probably Arthur too; once he had got over the shock of going to be a father. Though Arthur would feel fear as well, since his own mother had died in childbirth. At least, this baby's conception was natural. He'd no doubt have to remind Arthur of that a few times.

Arthur was nodding, seeming to agree with Merlin's estimation. "Guinevere will probably be more comfortable talking to two women."

Merlin's eyebrows rose. Why did Arthur jump to that conclusion? Surely nothing he'd said had given away what might be the cause of Gwen's indisposition.

"After all," Arthur continued, "Lady Amena knows quite a lot about magic and enchantments, and, though they don't see each other often, I think Gwen regards Mary as a mother figure."

"I understood they had known each other for a long time, but I never knew how they came to be friends," Merlin said, very interested, happy to steer the conversation away from the cause of Gwen's ailment.

"Mary worked with Guinevere's mother in Avebury's household... well the old Lord Avebury's that is. After Gwen's mother died, Mary took care of her children for a time but, when her husband John Howden was called back to Longstead, she went with him. They might not visit much... well hardly ever now, which must be hard on Guinevere, but I know Gwen will always be grateful for the support Mary gave her back then."

"I didn't know that, but it must have been nice for Gwen having a woman look after her when she lost her mother. No wonder they are close."

"And they should still be close. Guinevere shouldn't have lost contact with all her old friends because she is royalty," Arthur announced, his jaw set. "I'm determined Guinevere should have a circle of her own friends around her, and not just courtiers. Once we sort out this Grand Council, I mean to talk to Guinevere."

"That sounds like an excellent idea," Merlin agreed, believing Gwen would indeed need people she trusted around her, and somehow the knights didn't quite fit the bill.

But now The King had another flash of inspiration. "You know, Merlin. I've just thought of something else. Since Mary worked for old Avebury, perhaps she has heard of this Daman. We should ask her..." Arthur turned to head for his chamber again, but once more he was stopped by Merlin.

"She might... but don't you think Guinevere should be Mary's top priority now? It won't hurt us to wait till after the meeting to ask Mary. I mean, it's not like we can confront Avebury in the council, or that it would help us even if we did."

"You're right, of course. Amena and Mary should take care of Guinevere... and you know, I don't think there is any reason that Guinevere should have to sit through another meeting of irate noblemen repeating their views, because, be sure of it, Merlin, that's what Avebury intends."

"Then we'll just have to hope that we have enough supporters to contradict their prejudices."

"And pigs will fly, Merlin," Arthur said, sounding depressed, yet he suddenly laughed. "Though no doubt if you had anything to do with it, pigs would fly!"

That's this week's offering. I hope you liked it even though it was fairly brief. I have been concentrating on writing the next chapters. As I've said before, you are all great to cheer me on as you do. :)