Chapter 2 [Nemeth]
Throughout the land, the people prepared for Winter's impending arrival. The wheat, oats and barley sat in the village's storehouse for later baking bread or making ale. Straw and mud reinforced peasant hovels for the coming chill. Free ranging pigs and stationary livestock hung between living through the winter and being butchered.
In addition, as Samhain approached, their mind turned to the festival. They knew well the stories surrounding the thinning of the veil between worlds. Consequently they laid out what protective measures that could be managed. Despite Apprehension's wary eye toward evil, Reverence prompted a celebration of those loved ones who'd passed on.
On all levels, the year transitioned from old to new. The past jousted with present and future. Tidal forces pushed at Britannia over all.
That is if the isle could survive…..
[Whitgate—Heroes' Hall]
Mithian strode through the rounded granite door with a heavy heart and mind. The latest council meeting weighed down upon her. Her shoulders sagged. Her head throbbed.
The royal council remained divided over whether to pursue treaties. Trust on all fronts remained a contentious issue at best. With the changes in monarchs, the agreements with Mercia and the Amazons passed through almost in pro forma fashion. Still those gray beards from Uther's era continued to distrust Avalon and the Old Religion despite Rodor's and her respective efforts to convince them otherwise. Arthur's missteps in certain public arenas prompted overtures for further discussion and demands for more concessions from Camelot.
Arthur surrendered any claim to Gedref. How can they still demand more? She snorted. Well beyond the one paramount demand. I can imagine how that will shake Arthur up. She sighed. Her eye surveyed the mini-museum of sorts. She could see suits of armor, weapons and other artifacts laid out with care. Carefully woven tapestries stretched across the western and southern walls.
Past feats from battlefields and artistic grace…..
She'd memorized every detail of course. After her mother's and older brother's respective deaths, she'd retreated into her studies if she wasn't hunting. Pride warmed her heart over the kingdom's growth and development. She considered her grandfather's chain mail. Then Prince Kay's plate and chain mail beckoned. The western tapestry sang of Harmony's calm and sylvan beauty. Queen Taene's gifted hands had blended colors and stories into the fabric. She smiled as she did every year just prior to Samhain. She praised her family in her mind. While she also paid attention to the other heroic dead whose sacrifice insured Nemeth's survival, family held a special place.
Unlike other years though, a special set of armor beckoned to her from its obscure corner. It resembled its counterparts in design. The chain mail betrayed dents and gaps from heavy use in battle. A sword with several nicks in the blade gleamed in the torchlight. An aged bow accompanied it; the faded wood and slack string betraying its age. The emerald sur coat's cloth edges seemed a little frayed. On its upper left side, a patch held a dark dragon rampant perched on some imaginary roost. It seemed ready to fly into battle as needed.
She rubbed her chin. She recalled how many of her father's guests seemed to avoid this display. Suspicion and Scorn shoved further unwarranted abuse onto the honorable outfit. Whispers hung like a stagnant mist over the chamber. Prejudice ushered any potential fans and admirers aside. She coughed and shook her head.
"I see you found it."
She turned to find Rodor watching her. Immediately she offered the royal nod for his benefit. "Father, forgive me. I didn't hear you approach."
"Given how taken you are with the armor, I can see why." He considered the display. "Sir Balinor did command attention in his time. He earned every bit of that respect. It is a pity."
"You mean how neglected it is? Father, certainly we can take it out of here." Her eyes gleamed. "At last Sir Balinor's place can be taken up anew." Pride and Amor sparkled like Sol on a gently running brook on a summer's day.
"Why? So that it would be forgotten? That, my Daughter, is what Lord Aethelwald and the others want. Despite his service to our realm, Sir Balinor was not a popular figure here at court. It wasn't that he didn't try to be. He seemed to sense the courtiers' contempt for who and what he was even as they benefited from what he did." Lament pushed a mournful breath from his lungs.
Recalling the other counselors' attitudes toward her opinions in their meetings, she ground her teeth. "It's no wonder then that he fled. He knew they'd betray him to Uther. Instead of their thanks, they'd allow Camelot to burn him as they did the Lady of Shallott." She wiped a stray tear from her eye.
Knowing her as he did, the King embraced her sheltering her in the strong harbor of his arms. "Uther did his damage. Arthur continues it because that's what he knows. Many of our own people know only that as well."
"Merlin hides his true identity because of it, Sire. He's afraid. So was Lady Hunith. That's why she scolds him to keep his secret." She trembled. "Please tell me that there can be another way."
"Of course there is. Merlin himself has presented it to us. Valor and Achievements open doors to which no other key will budge. From what you and the others have said, he has earned the right to wear a suit of armor like this one. If I have my way, he will have the opportunity to do so. Still, Mithian, I remind you of our need to tread lightly. The weight of the past generation press heavily upon us not to be so easily moved aside. Patience is a virtue," he both assured and advised.
She frowned. "I know." In her mind's eye, Memoria reminded her of Merlin's leading Aithusa and Kilgarrah at Ealdor. He already assumes his father's mantle and does so with his usual aplomb. Just don't let him know it. One cabbage head in Camelot is quite enough for everyone. She rolled her eyes hoping Merlin didn't hear that last remark.
Strangely no emotional quirk came through the Link. In fact, Depression sullied the feeling therein.
Don't tell me Arthur's STILL punishing him? I mean *really*? She fought down the urge to roll her eyes and frown. Yes she had to admit that Merlin had a bit too much fun at Arthur's expense with the nun's outfit. Still it was for tactical reasons. It did keep the group alive until Ninane could get them to Ealdor. It would've kept Arthur safe if he hadn't chased Gwen into Morgana's clutches.
And how did Arthur pay Merlin back? He cajoled, humiliated and demoted his most loyal servant after the latter saved his life.
This has to stop. I have to speak to Gwen about this, she told herself.
"Mithian?" Rodor tapped her on the arm.
"Hmm? Oh, Father! Pardon me. My mind wandered briefly," she apologized.
He smiled knowing she was inclined to such moments. "Mithian, I was just going to say that these things take time. It can happen. Faith and Love can topple even the mightiest of mountains. You yourself have shown so, I believe," he reiterated adding an almost playful barb for her benefit.
She shook her head. "I wish I could just go in there and sweep Merlin off of his feet."
He chuckled. "I believe it's the man that usually does the sweeping."
She arched an eyebrow. "Practicalityknows no gender bounds. In this case, I'm the royal. He's stuck as the servant. As you said, this is a new age." She kissed his cheek. "Britomart should be almost packed. The progress leaves at first light."
He nodded. "As it should. You however will dine with me and get plenty of rest, Mithian. I know you'd skip both to be on the road that much sooner. Did you visit the crypt?"
"I did. I gave my regards to our family. I let Mother and Kay know we miss them. I told Grandfather that I go to restore his friend's noble line to our court. I promised him I would not fail in that regard. Honor will guide my resolve, Father," she informed him.
"I would expect no less. Honor is an important guide. Still she must be balanced by Diplomacy as well," he reminded her.
"Of course. We have to live with the others as we do our own subjects. Shall we dine then?" she supposed.
"We shall indeed." With that he led her from the chamber and toward the Great Hall.
Basics needs should be met after all before one's quest…..