Chapter 6
[After Sunset]
With the last of Sol's rays fading into the darkness, the realm slipped into more peaceable activities. Revelers, fresh off of their toils, raised their pints in taverns across Britannia. The ladies of the night waited on certain needs. Farmers and merchants slept and recharged for the next day. Travelers rested even as some of their number kept watch for those who'd use Shadow's cloak for their own ends. And there were those who pressed on with their tasks despite the hour.
For some, other things would take precedence…..
[Camelot—Physicians' Chambers]
Merlin set the old straw broom back in its corner. He leaned back against the wall; his eye scanning the chamber's floor. Not seeing a speck of dirt anywhere, he relaxed. At least Gaius will see I haven't been loafing about. He sat down at the old worn table. There he tore off a piece of bread from the day old wheat loaf sitting there. The mouthful quelled Hunger's complaints ever so slightly. He drank a draught from the faded wooden cup; the water quenching Thirst's arid grip upon his mouth and throat. He relaxed slightly.
The Nemeth guest chambers stood ready to receive their guests. The beds were freshly made. The wooden surfaces shone in the daylight. The glass had not a streak on its smooth surface. Even the floors underfoot had been freshly cleaned. A fresh bouquet of Mithian's favorite flowers sat in her chamber specifically.
I hope they like their chambers. Anxiety and Doubt bit at his insides.
If you oversaw the preparations, my Warlock, I know we will find them to be exemplary, Mithian assured him.
I appreciate that, Princess. You know I'll do whatever I can to make you happy. I just hope I can do the same for King Rodor, he replied.
Father knows of your heart, Merlin. Just be yourself. He's looking forward to meeting you, she replied. I command you to take care of yourself. Get a good night's sleep for once.
You command me to take care of myself? Whatever will Arthur think of that? he wondered albeit half-seriously.
He can deal with it. I love you. While I'm in Camelot, I can make sure you're not worked to death, she pointed out/
I appreciate that. I love you too, he declared. Make sure you're taking care of yourself too, Princess. Thank you.
Thank you as well, she concluded. Merlin, I love you.
He reclined in his chair. His heart skipped a beat. A dreamy smile spread across his face. His eyes closed. With her blessing, he drifted off into a deep sleep.
[Campsite—On the Border Between Camelot and Gedref]
The Nemeth contingent rode hard for the day's entirety. With only two brief breaks to eat and water the horses, the party had cleared the distance between Whitgate and Camelot's western border. An hour following Luna's ascension into her stellar backdrop, the group finally camped for the night. The knights divided up the scouting responsibilities. The attending household servants gathered wood and prepared meals for the King and Princess.
All hoped for some rest before the morning and the rest of the trip…
Mithian rubbed her chin. She sat on the ground; her back resting against a birch tree. She grimaced. Her eyes scanned the darkened woods around the encampment. Still she saw or heard no threat. Bandits do rove through the woods.
You may rest, Mithian. I watch over your group, Kilgarrah assured her. As I suppose you do as well, Great One?
I am ever watchful, Dragon, Malodius rebutted sharply. I do appreciate your eyes as well. I trust that the Young One is with you?
Of course. The Princess is nice to me. So are you. Why shouldn't I be the same? Aithusa chimed in.
That is what friends do for each other, Mithian agreed. Her heart warmed at her friends' support and protection. She saw her father approaching. We should speak again later, Friends. With that, she turned her eyes toward Rodor. "Father, what might I do for you?"
"You seem to have a great deal on your mind, Mithian. Are you unwell?" he asked. Concern showed through in his eyes.
She smiled for his benefit. "I'm fine, Father. I think on our part for the Samhain service. We should honor Mother and Grandfather. I also wonder how much to say though about Merlin's father."
"We should honor and respect the dead in all roles. Concerning Sir Balinor, I can put his name forward if you'd like. I can anticipate how Camelot would be uncomfortable at the mention of his name. Uther mistreated him both there and in our realm. Samhain gives us a chance to address past misdeeds. Prejudice may seek to impede our progress in certain regards. Still, if Arthur wishes his perfect world, he should allow for others to do the same. Those of us who would embrace the old ways and the triple goddess should be allowed to do likewise," he told her. "Still I appreciate your caution in how you would raise this matter."
"I do not mean to be a coward. Merlin, Kilgarrah, Malodius and our allies in Avalon deserve as much. So do the victims of the Great Purge. Diplomacy should have its turn first before War takes his turn," she conceded.
"How you grow, Daughter. And you doubt yourself?" Pride beamed across his face coalescing into the smile for her. "You balance our subjects' needs with those of Britannia. You place them on equal ground if not ahead of your desires. I thank you for that."
"You've taught me well, Father. So…has Merlin in that regard." Shyness reddened her cheeks. Her eyes averted
"Oh?" Even as he suspected as much, he wanted to hear her say so.
"He is so gifted and talented. He could force the issue. Still he is content to serve and make others' lives better in the process. He sacrifices for the Greater Good. He endures Arthur's prattishness and still does the job. I'd say more but I do not wish to bore you," she reminded him.
"Why would I be bored to hear of such virtues? I look forward to meeting him on the morrow." He kissed her on the brow. "Now you should get some sleep. Dawn will come soon enough."
For some reason, her eyes felt heavy all of a sudden. She nodded. "Aye, Father. Good night. I appreciate you looking in on me."
"Always, Mithian. It is my pleasure. Perhaps though you might join me?" He offered one last smile. Then he turned and left for his tent.
"I'll be there shortly," she noted. Still her eyes sagged more. She drifted off before another heartbeat passed.