Chapter 5 [Somewhere Else]
Deep within the mists, the triple goddess observed all things in the Five Kingdoms. Her brow furrowed. Her hand passed before the image in front of her causing it to shimmer and glow. Then a series of events came into view. She beheld Percival and Blancheflor's coronation in Mercia's Tamworth Castle. The conversations between Gwen and Merlin not to mention Mithian and Rodor came to her attention. She observed Cawdor's, Tintagel's, the Amazons' and Caerleon's respective progresses toward Camelot for the upcoming Samhain festival. Another change revealed Gaius' grim mood as he tended the sick in some province. A final pass revealed the tension between Arthur and Gawain while on patrol.
Already the cracks in the old foundation show themselves. Freya? She turned from her observation point. Her feet seemed to glide over the smooth stones underfoot.
Freya appeared in a puff of mist. She curtseyed before the deity. "Aye, Mother?"
How go the preparations for Samhain? Will the fallen receive proper due? the goddess queried.
"Despite the Pendragons' ban, we prepare as best we can. Those who follow your path do the same," Freya noted.
Despite the ban. Yes there is *that*. Sarcasm flavored a particularly loud cough. The Young Pendragon hates his father's legacy. Yet he only seeks to change that which suits his agenda. He has no idea what looms next.
"Milady, we dealt with the Southron threat. Camelot has been restored," Freya noted.
Yes. Camelot has been restored. But for how long? Arthur Pendragon learned little from his ordeal. Even if he fulfilled his obligation to Guinevere, other languish in the shadows. Other threats rise from beyond his borders. Some he makes. Some have watched and waited. Some both, the goddess declared.
"Queen Morgana of Tintagel? But, Milady, she has promised not to scheme against Camelot. She wants another chance with our sisterhood. Arthur hurt her. So did Uther and Morgause," Freya countered.
Morgana Pendragon abides by my sentence. Still I do believe she will aid whatever will cause her brother pain. In the end, it will matter little. What she favors is in line with my objectives, my Priestess. I would remind her though to have good intentions in mind to go with her actions. I can see her motives. She would aid Mithian of Nemeth's quest to be with Emrys. Still she should look to your example. Actions without sacrifice mean little in the end.
Freya nodded stiffly. "I appreciate that. I do my duty to you, Mother. As for what must be, Arthur's marriage opens the door for them. Those who know their feelings for each other support them. Arthur and Gaius however do not. Pity. They are important to Merlin."
They are indeed. The boy clings too tightly to them. Let us hope Gaius can look beyond what is convenient and safe for the Greater Good. Indignation blazed in the deity's eyes. I have a mind for old accounts.
"Old accounts?" Freya trembled.
Aye. Gaius was one of ours. He was sworn to uphold my will and to defend my province. When Uther Pendragon massacred my followers and destroyed the temples, he turned a blind eye. He stood by and watched for the sake of his own skin. Now he counsels Emrys to do the same. The goddess shook her head. I understand he teaches Emrys about Discretion's benefit. Still there will be an accounting for what happened before. Turning to the High Priestess, she added, Perhaps you should speak with Kilgarrah or Nimue? They received the fruits of the elder Pendragon's bitter harvest first hand. No. I would not have Gaius holding Emrys back for much longer. He will go to Nemeth and come into his own. There Emrys will build on what he's started in Camelot.
"But Arthur is the High King. Milady, if Merlin does that, he risks war with Camelot. Can we tear the land apart? Freya pointed out.
The land bleeds now, Freya. While some resist me, others are prevented from following as they will. Is that truly spiritual freedom? What of you and the others not being allowed to practice your craft as you will? Those few deluded mortals who seek to control all for their own precious egos inflict pain on all others. And they call that religious freedom? Their insubordination will reap its proper harvest in due time, the goddess explained. Patience is key. Britannia tires of Uther's poison. Soon it will be confronted.
"I pray there can be healing without bloodshed, Milady," Freya begged. She folded her hands and bowed at the waist.
That is up to Arthur Pendragon and his ilk. Soon the Young King will receive his advisory. He has already put events in motion. He relishes public humiliation, does he? What he will inflict on himself goes beyond wearing a woman's garment. Be prepared. That is all for now. The goddess placed her hand on Freya's shoulder. I appreciate your sacrifice, Daughter, and your service.
"I love this land. I know my place even as I care for Merlin, Milady." Freya curtseyed. Then she turned and disappeared into the mists anew.
Such loyalty should be heeded by all. The goddess turned back toward her observation point. She passed her hand before it. Her eye beheld other images…some of which elicited a smile. Well now. We are about to make a discovery. Are we?
As she'd noted, one's reaping came from what they sowed. What came next would be telling…..