Irony of Secrets
Galaya
Previous chapter: Darkmoore Castle
Sorry for the slightly late post. I know the last chapter was short, but I'll try to make up for it. Wow, I'm almost done with this story. I have decided that I amgoing to do a sequel! By the way… The chapter previews aren't always going to be for the seceding chapter… Also, this isn't called The Two Kings because of Arthur and Niarchon. One question, was anyone else surprised to hear Gwaine say he had a sister? Kind of random, I know.
Chapter 14: The Two Kings
Merlin had snuck into the castle grounds as soon as the guards' backs were turned. It was easy; he had had plenty of practice in Camelot due to all the times he had followed those with ill intent towards the kingdom.
He had managed to figure out how to sneak into the council room of Darkmoore Castle. He was currently listing to the two kings' talk about the prosperity of their respectful kingdoms. That is, until Arthur brought up the reason for the visit.
"Am I correct in believing that it as you who sent the assassins?" Arthur inquired.
"Assassins? I have not heard of any assassins," Niarchon replied.
The king of Ebycul seemed very sincere. Merlin wondered if, perhaps, someone had tried to set them up. It would make sense if that someone wanted to take over Camelot or Ebycul.
"The reason I was eager to have this treaty was because assassins from Ebycul were found in Camelot, and a war between us would destroy both our kingdoms," Arthur explained.
"I never ordered… Ah!" Niarchon started.
"What?"
"There is a certain sorcerer, Aedin Raejed by name, who would want both of our kingdoms destroyed. Yours for the ban on magic, and mine to rule for himself. He already calls himself a king apparently!"
That certainly didn't quite sound like something someone would say to avoid scrutiny. It was indeed possible. Very possible…
The councils eventually decided to hunt down Aedin. Arthur was insistent that he go to make absolutely sure Niarchon was telling the truth (also, Merlin knew, for the excitement of the adventure.)
So, that was why he found himself, hours later, following Arthur, a few Knights (Leon, Gwaine, Percival, Elyan, Korwan, Vérmol, Castrwy, and Jécelyn,) and the sorceress Keiyva to find a sorcerer that apparently wanted them dead. Just a normal day in Merlin's world(!)
Merlin vaguely wondered if the Ebyculian knights knew of the prophecy. Did they know about "Emrys"?
Deciding to get closer, he overheard a whispered conversation between Vérmol and Keiyva.
"You warned the sorcerer Emrys?" Vérmol was asking.
"Yes. And I'm certain he came along. I'm surprised we haven't yet seen him," Keiyva responded.
'I'm right here, listening to you,' Merlin thought, amused.
"You're planning on removing the problem," Vérmol stated.
'Removing the problem? What problem?' the young warlock wondered.
"Yes, no one shall find out. I'm discrete," Keiyva assured.
"He will be pleased."
"Yes, amlwg-siaradwr, of course he will. Why do you think I agreed to this?"
The conversation was getting more and more suspicious by the second. Merlin began to doubt that either of them were trustworthy. Vérmol was not the best company, it looked. Keiyva seemed kind enough, but…
'Hope for the best, watch for the worst,' Merlin thought. 'And this seems to be the worst.'
"Let us hope we complete the task, or it will be Diwedd y byd i Ni," the sorceress warned. "And don't let your feelings for Lady Jécelyn get in the way!"
I did say that Keiyva isn't all she seems. I have no idea where or why I thought of Vérmol liking Jécelyn came from. It may be in the story more later. Anyways, reviews?
Chapter preview: Many characters will have hard choices, and there will be a few reveals.
Next chapter: The Dark Sorcerer