Author's notes: My total of reviews keep mounting and I am still picking up new followers, so I can't thank you all enough.
I hope you find this chapter a little special, though it isn't the conversation some of you are waiting for. Don't worry, that is coming up.
Also, the next few chapters should see a little more of the plot line developing and I am probably beginning to see 'the end'. However, it is a little way down the path yet.
I don't own Merlin, but, hopefully, I'm borrowing the characters for good use.
Chapter Twenty Four
Of Light and Dark
Finally, Arthur found his Guinevere in their chambers deep in conversation with her new confidants. She was seated at the table with Amena and Mary close by on either side, holding hard to both their hands, while traces of tears sparkled wetly on her cheeks.
These women were supposed to help her, not make her cry!
"Guinevere," he exclaimed, his own eyes full of concern while he crossed the floor to stand over her. "What's wrong?"
The Queen twisted in her chair, looking up at Arthur with her soft brown eyes awash. "Nothing, Arthur." She dropped Amena's hand and took hold of her husband's, clinging nervously. "Not wrong. Truly!"
Amena pushed herself up, gesturing for The King to take her place. "Sire, Queen Guinevere has something very important to tell you, but I believe it were better said in private. Come Mary, let us leave the young people alone... and don't forget, Guinevere, we are here for you whenever you need us." She gave The Queen's shoulder a final yet gentle squeeze.
Arthur slipped into the vacant seat, watching the two older women depart with some speed. Both had been wearing beaming smiles, so he deduced Guinevere must have taken comfort from their presence.
Immediately the door closed, he turned back to Guinevere, still unable to rid himself of his unease. "My love, have they spoken to you of your nightmares?"
Gwen nodded. "A little... but you and I will talk of that later. For now, I have some other news for you... something amazing."
Arthur frowned, yet he was beginning to notice that despite her tears, Guinevere's eyes were gently glowing. She took hold of both his hands, her thumbs rubbing lightly over his palms. There was a moment of stillness as Gwen tried to compose herself.
"Arthur, I am with child," she whispered, almost fearfully, as if saying the words aloud would wake her from a lovely dream.
Guinevere might have thought she was dreaming, but, at that moment, Arthur felt as if he had passed beyond the veil, and the time he'd spent since the battle had only been an illusion. Yet high above the tiles of the citadel the afternoon sun had triumphed over the grey-clouded sky and its life-giving rays shone through the chamber's windows, bathing the couple in its light, and warming Arthur's soul.
Guinevere was gazing at him with a tremulous smile, while her hands clung tightly to his own; her firm grip his lifeline in the maze of his emotions. He was alive, very much alive... and his wife was carrying his child, yet the unexpected revelation rendered him speechless.
"Arthur?" Guinevere asked, starting to feel anxious.
"Is it true?" Arthur finally forced the words out, resisting the urge to pinch himself. "This is real?"
"Amena and Mary are sure. I was confused." She shook her head as she spoke. "With so many other things on my mind, I never dreamt..." Guinevere confessed apprehensively, still unable to accept the truth. "But they say all the signs are there, and now they have brought it to my mind, I think they are right."
The pale look of shock was fading from Arthur's face to be replaced by one of awe. "A child," he said, his eyes sliding from her face to her middle. "A baby!" A tiny smile touched his lips, then faded away. "I'd almost given up hope."
His hand reached out, hovering... till Gwen took hold and pressed it to her stomach. "It's hard to believe, but isn't it wonderful? We have created a life..."
At those words, his gaze snapped back up to her face. "Guinevere, we did do this between us. Merlin didn't... didn't use... you know?"
"No, no!" she quickly reassured him. "This baby must have been conceived before we learned about Merlin, and you know Merlin wouldn't do that. Not when he knows the consequences. This pregnancy is completely natural."
At last, Arthur's worries were receding, allowing happiness to flow through his whole being. He gave a joyous laugh, pulling Gwen in for a hug, though his movements were tender. "A child," he repeated again. "Oh, my love, my love, you have made me happier than I could ever express. In all the darkness, this is clearly the light!"
Guinevere pulled back, joining him in his mirth. "Then you are pleased?"
"Yes. Yes! How could I not be? It's the best thing that could happen to us... to Camelot. The whole kingdom will rejoice." Arthur rose and pulled his wife into his arms, swinging her around, both of them crying and laughing through their tears... tears of celebration, tears of perfect joy. "Thank you, Guinevere," he whispered into her dark curls.
She drew an inch or two away while staying within the circle of his arms. "You had something to do with it too!" she said smiling.
"I did!" He threw back his head and whooped with delight, but, finally, he stood Gwen back on her feet, and brought one hand up to her face to dry her eyes with his fingers. "This will be wonderful news for Camelot. An heir, at last!"
The Queen's countenance became a little doubtful. "Arthur, you do know this baby could be a daughter?"
There was another moment of silence as a starry-eyed Arthur contemplated this notion. "A baby girl? That would be amazing! A little girl who looks just like her mother, with her mother's generous heart and high courage. She would grow into a wonderful queen."
"You wouldn't be upset if I gave birth to a girl?" Gwen said, sounding somewhat sceptical.
Arthur dropped to his knees and rested his head against Guinevere's stomach. "I will love this baby with all my heart, no matter if it is a girl or boy."
With all her misgivings gone, she stroked her husband's blond hair. "Oh, Arthur, we are so blessed..."
Thinking that his wife had never looked more beautiful, Arthur stood again and kissed her passionately, until another thought struck his mind. "Guinevere, you are well, aren't you? Amena and Mary, they don't think we need to worry? What of your memories returning?" As he spoke, he delicately pushed Guinevere back into her chair.
Shaking her head, she calmed his fears. "I am fine. A little tired and nauseous... and I admit my memories of what I did when I was enchanted fill me with dread, but I know I was under a powerful spell."
Arthur took Guinevere's face gently within his hands and his honest blue gaze caught her eyes. "Whatever you did, it wasn't you. Never you, my Guinevere, and you must not blame yourself." He pressed his lips to her forehead, anxious to change the subject. Some time soon they needed to talk about that terrible time, but he didn't want to mar this special moment. "You have a baby to look after now, so you mustn't worry or tire yourself. No more rushing around visiting the cook, or George, or personally taking care of our guests."
"But I have to, Arthur," Gwen objected. "I am the chatelaine of Camelot. It is my duty..."
Smiling broadly, Arthur countered, "You've already done your greatest duty, Gwen. Lady Amena can take over your responsibilities for a bit. She's a very capable lady, and I'm sure Mary will enjoy pampering you while she's here."
"I know she will. She was once like a mother to me," Guinevere said mistily. "But how I wish my parents were here to share our happiness."
"Well, I hope you will pardon me, but I do not wish my father back. He might he pleased there is going to be a Pendragon heir, but he wouldn't approve of anything else. When I released his spirit, he did say I was a terrible king."
"Then he was wrong, and when the vote is cast, you'll see yourself how much you and your decisions are valued."
Arthur stared into his wife's dear face as a truth dawned within him. Uther had thought her worthless because she had brought no land, nor riches, nor allies to the marriage. In his father's eyes, Guinevere might not be the perfect queen, but she was perfect for him.
She had come to him with nothing but her belief and trust in him... and she was not afraid to counter him if she thought him wrong. She had always given him her strength.
He touched her face with a sense of reverence. "If I am a good king, then it is because you have made me so. Never leave me, Guinevere, for I fear I am nothing without you."
"I don't intend to leave you, husband. You cannot get rid of me so easily." She tangled her fingers with his, drawing his hand to her mouth to be kissed.
"Have you been to see Gaius?" Arthur asked, struck by another thought. "We must visit him, tell him our news. I want him to take care of you and the baby... and we must tell Merlin... and the knights... and then there is the council. In fact, all the kingdom." His excitement grew apace as he thought of the rejoicing which would spread throughout the land.
"That might be so, and I have no objection to telling Gaius and Merlin, but perhaps we could say nothing to the others yet. I'd like to savour our news by ourselves for just a little time."
"Whatever you say, Guinevere. I am yours to command!"
And for no other reason than the fact they were both completely happy, they fell into each other's arms in a state of unbridled mirth.
Close by, Merlin was introducing two of his friends to each other, hoping that they would deal well together, at least enough to share a chamber. After all, it seemed there was hardly a chamber, cell, storeroom or closet which wasn't being used as a lodging for Camelot's guests.
Merlin had succeeded in extricating both Gilli and William from the great hall while the debate was still raging. Quite a number of councillors had given up on listening to Avebury and his supporters delivering lectures on the evils of sorcery, until the anti-magic lobby were practically preaching to an empty auditorium.
Escorting his friends to his own quarters, he hoped to find out what Gilli had been doing in the intervening years and, allow the two men to get to know each other while sharing a jug of ale.
"I've been keeping on the move, Merlin. Sometimes staying in Mercia and even travelling to the Saxon shore, but coming back every now and then to discover if the future you'd prophesied for Camelot had come about." Gilli took a swig from his beaker and wiped the foam from his lips. "I'll tell you the truth, I seriously began to doubt it would ever happen, but you proved me wrong. Congratulations on the return of magic and your new position, my friend." The young sorcerer from long ago had matured and spoke with more confidence.
"Your felicitations might be premature, Gilli. The vote is not for another forty-eight hours. Avebury is determined the ballot will go against us."
Gilli grinned. "I've only just arrived, but from what I've witnessed that man is digging his own grave. Even he must notice his pompous slanders are getting him nowhere."
"Exactly! Which makes me wonder what game he is playing." Merlin clasped his fingers and rested his chin on them. "He's an intelligent man. His actions don't make much sense."
"You think he doesn't care whether magic is returned to Camelot?" Gilli asked, studying his boots, but in reality considering where Merlin's reasoning was going.
"I don't think he is a supporter of magic, and definitely not a supporter of mine," Merlin explained. " But no! Arthur and I suspect he is here for another reason and only using magic as a way to stir up trouble for The King and myself."
"What can I do to help?" The visiting sorcerer put down his jug and sat straighter in his chair. "I don't have your powers, but I'll do whatever I can."
"Good! I was hoping that you could help William here," Merlin said, introducing the village headman into the conversation. "Will is lodging in the room above Avebury and he's been trying to keep an eye on him for us, but both Arthur and I would prefer it if he had some backup. Would either of you mind sharing a room and sharing the watch on Avebury?"
"It's fine by me," William of Deira offered with a friendly grin. "I'm used to sharing a house."
"And I have no objections. Judging by the crowds in the citadel and the town, I was fearful I'd have to share lodgings in the tavern again," Gilli said, grimacing slightly. "Camelot is busier now than it was at the time of the tourney. I'm sure William will make a better room mate than the ones I shared with back then. Most of them were thugs."
"I remember it well," Merlin said, nodding his head and smiling wryly. "Your magic saved you from suffering a good hiding back then."
"It also taught me a lesson... or should I say you taught me a lesson. It's one I've never forgotten, Merlin, even though I almost gave up on the idea of magic ever being accepted. So, what is it you want us to do? Listen in on this Lord Avebury? I could use my magic to follow him and if William is agreeable, we should be able to keep a tight watch on him."
"I've been trying to do that already, but the man never goes anywhere without his followers, and they are very careful." William was happy to be able to add something to the conversation. "Too careful. It's almost as if they have something to hide. I could do with another pair of eyes, and magic eyes would be best of all."
"Good! Then it's settled." Merlin stood and shook both their hands. "William, would you take Gilli to your room and help settle him in. I'm sorry I haven't any spare time right now to chat, but once this council is over, we'll have all the time in the world."
"You're certain the vote will go your way, Merlin?" Gilli asked.
Merlin considered his reply for a few seconds. ""I don't know the future for sure, Gilli, but I do have a feeling..." He smiled as he realised how often his feelings had been right. "So, yes! We might have a few problems to overcome, but I do think Camelot's Golden Age is finally upon us, and I'm glad you're here to experience it with us. Now please excuse me. I have somewhere to be."
The warlock's senses were tingling with a brightness which he hadn't felt since the day of Arthur and Gwen's marriage and he couldn't wait to see how his friends were taking their unexpected news.
He watched Gilli and William walk off down the corridor deep in discussion about the task they had been given. Hopefully, Gilli would be as good as his word and between them they would uncover some of Avebury's clandestine plots. Then within minutes he was strolling to the royal chambers, his worries put behind him and his heart full of happiness.
Standing outside the royal chambers, Merlin listened. From within he heard quiet voices and muffled laughter and, judging it to be safe, he tapped softly on the door.
"Can I come in?" he asked as he stuck his head round the door, struck silent by the tableau before him.
On the bed sat Guinevere and Arthur, hair all messy but fully clothed and wreathed in smiles. Arthur sheltered his wife within his embrace, as he waved Merlin into the room.
"Come, Merlin. Come and hear our news." Arthur looked in question to Gwen, who nodded smiling, giving her husband permission to leap from the bed and approach Merlin. "It wasn't Guinevere's nightmares which were the problem... well, it is that too, but we can attend to that later. It was something else which was wrong... well, it isn't wrong either. In fact, it's something right... very right." Arthur's words tumbled over each other in excitement. "We're having a baby, Merlin! Can you believe it? Gwen is with child. It's the most awesome thing in the world." Grinning from ear to ear, Arthur crossed to a side table where a jug of watered wine sat. "A toast!" he declared. "A toast to my wonderful wife and our child!" He handed the goblets around, making sure that Guinevere's was only half full. He wasn't sure if wine was good for pregnant women. He'd have to ask Gaius how Guinevere should be treated, but he was sure she would dislike to be cosseted. He hated it himself. Meanwhile, Merlin was talking...
"To Guinevere and the baby!" Merlin raised his goblet and drank. "And to a very happy father, of course. I cannot tell you how pleased I am for you both, though I'm surprised that Arthur finally got it right!"
"Merlin!" Gwen gasped, but her laughter filled the room.
Both men shared a look of unadulterated relief. Guinevere had something... someone else to care for now; someone of the greatest importance. Perhaps the love for her child and the fact that she had done her duty by Arthur and Camelot would ameliorate the pain she had caused. Not that either man blamed her for what she'd done, but there could be no doubt that Arthur put a lot of store in what he saw as his duty to Camelot, so it was not surprising that his wife should feel just as strongly about her own responsibilities. There could be no doubt that Guinevere was blooming. Happiness sparkled in her eyes and shone in her smile as she toasted her precious child.
Yet their light-heartedness could not dispel their problems forever and very quickly, but with some reluctance, the three returned to the business of the day.
"Did you find somewhere for your friend Gilli to stay?" Arthur asked, setting his cup down and taking his seat at the top of the table.
"I've put him in with William of Deira... which reminds me, I'll have to instruct the servants to put a truckle bed in the room. It will be a fairly tight squeeze, but we did want to give Will some backup."
Gwen got up off the bed and took her place at the table by Arthur's side. "Who is Gilli?"
"Of course, Guinevere. I forgot. You weren't at today's meeting. Gilli is a sorcerer friend of Merlin's, though you might remember him from Camelot's last all-comers tournament. He fought my father in the final. No one realised he had magic, but I suppose I should have done. He was a lightweight who beat some pretty skilled killers. I'm assuming he did use magic. Merlin?" Arthur twisted his head towards his warlock, his eyebrows raised in a query.
"Well, yes. But he's not a killer, Arthur, and I just had to remind him that his father was correct about not using magic for his own gain. He fought your father fairly, which was why Uther won."
Arthur gave a bark of scornful laughter. "I can't cavil. My father didn't reach the final fairly either..."
"You let him win," Merlin stated. "I always thought that was one of your finer moments."
"And now I'll never have a chance to win that tourney. I'm never going to be fit enough to enter," Arthur said sadly, but his good mood quickly returned. Nothing could destroy his happiness today. "Still, it's only a tournament and I don't have to prove myself anymore."
Guinevere covered Arthur's hand in condolence, as she exchanged glances with Merlin. They both knew how much it had taken Arthur, the most revered warrior in the five kingdoms, to admit to his failings and put it behind him. Perhaps Arthur would learn to cope with his disability more quickly than they thought. Most assuredly, having a child to nurture and protect would take up a great deal of his spare time.
And it was true that Arthur wasn't dwelling on his difficulties. "Are you sure William and Gilli will get along, since you have them lodging in the same room? They don't actually know each other."
"Ah, but they have a common purpose," Merlin answered. "When I left them they were busily plotting how they were going to keep watch on Avebury. I think we can safely say we have got Avebury under surveillance."
"Then let's hope it does us some good." Arthur's expression had settled into more serious lines. "Since I've given us a time limit, we have to find a way to discredit Avebury."
"A time limit?" Though nothing could daunt Gwen's spirits today, she very much wanted to be made aware of Camelot's politics.
"Arthur set the date for the vote for the day after tomorrow," Merlin said bluntly.
"Merlin, I know you don't approve, but I think it was the right thing to do."
"Actually, I do approve. Not at first, I admit, but on reflection, I agree that the constant arguments are getting us nowhere. Besides, you might well have forced Avebury's hand and if he's desperate enough, he's more likely to make a mistake."
Arthur nodded. "True! But that means we have to keep on top of the situation. That message we intercepted mentioned instructing someone to be on the move and we don't yet know who."
"What message?" Gwen asked intently.
"Oh, I forgot. You don't know about that either. Avebury sent one of his ravens off with a message, but thanks to Merlin, it landed in Gaius' chamber. It was to a man called Daman..."
Merlin interrupted eagerly, "Confirming that he had found allies in his stance against magic..."
"But more importantly, I believe," Arthur said, pointing at Merlin. "It told this Daman to ready their master to march on Camelot."
Gwen's gaze swung dizzily between her husband and her friend. "Do you know who Daman is?"
"Probably a servant of Avebury. Someone who means no good to Camelot," Merlin said, sounding a little downhearted.
"Guinevere," Arthur sounded similarly subdued, though perhaps more pensive. "Mary Howden worked with your mother in Avebury's household. Do you think it's possible she might know this man?"
"It's possible." Gwen rose quickly, heading towards the door.
Immediately Arthur caught up with her. "Where do you think you're going?"
"To ask her, of course," she replied with great determination. "You did say we had little time, so shouldn't we go now?"
"Yes! Well, I mean, Merlin and I can go. You should rest."
Looking somewhat fierce, Gwen set her hands on her hips. "I should rest because of the baby?"
"Exactly!" Arthur smiled benignly, happy that his wife should be so quick to understand.
"No! Not exactly, Arthur!" Moving her hands from her hips to her husband's waist, she said persuasively, "I'm having a baby Arthur, I'm not unwell. But I promise I will take care of myself," she added at his stubborn look.
There came a laugh from behind them. "Gwen doesn't do what she's told either!"
"True, Merlin," Gwen said, a tiny smile dancing on her face. "That makes three of us. We make a fine team. Come on. We need to talk to Mary as soon as possible."
That's this week's offering. I hope I did answer all the people who reviewed last week's chapter, but I would like to say a big thank you to my guest reviewer.
Please let me know if you think I have succeeded in capturing the joy and wonder of Guinevere and Arthur in their revelation scene. I am a little worried that I can't write the really emotional stuff.
Next week's part will probably be posted earlier than normal as I'm getting the chance to have another respite break, which I need, believe me. It will probably mean I will miss a week's posting, but I will give you definite information when I next post. Look for the next chapter mid week instead of Friday.