Chapter 8 [Several Hours Later]
[Camelot's Square]
Merlin sucked in a deep breath. He looked around at the other members of the household. Then his eye swept across the assembled knights standing just in front of himself. Finally he noted how the newly-arrived Prince Bors, Arthur and Gwen stood primly at the front of the group. The courtyard had been cleared. It seemed strange to him. After a morning of hurried last minute preparations, all seemed ready for the gathering.
Dread though reminded him of the last time they stood in formation like that. I don't want to deal with another scene like that. Shame weighed down his heart. He discerned the knights dealing with their own feelings and emotions in that regard. Seems they feel the same. Where is everyone?
I can feel your worrying from here, Merlin, Mithian teased. We're just outside the gate. Procession and all of that. It is quite the gathering.
I'll take your word for it. His mouth broke into the slightest of smiles.
On cue, the event started. Two heralds' horns trumpeted from beyond the city's walls. Everyone stood almost stiffly at attention. They waited for a further sign.
The clops of horses' hooves upon the stones reached their ears. A few heartbeats later, four of Camelot's own rode front escort. Just in front of the stairs, they stopped in perfect rhythm. Just behind them, a dozen light blue clad knights surrounded a burly man whose dark beard and hair bore bits of Age's frost within their strands. That leader looked to the stairs.
Prince Bors nodded to that one.
Next came a troop of crimson clad warriors led by a hulking man mountain in matching plate armor; the latter's glare swept the entire area. For a split heartbeat, it spied Gawain eliciting Disdain from that ruler.
Gawain bowed his head. Ragebillowed up inside of him. He clenched his teeth. Still he followed Duty's charge and stood there.
Okay. What was *that* about? Merlin wondered.
After the crimson group passed through, a purple clad entourage took its turn. Within its numbers, Morgana held her head high. They aren't worth my spite. Let them hate me. I only sought my role as a Pendragon. Now I follow Gorlois' lead. Let them deal with that. She nodded to Arthur curtly before guiding her knights to their place.
Next Percival and Blancheflor led their best knights past the welcoming contingent. Mercia's flag flapped in the wind where Reynald held it.
Queen Annis came next with her troops. Fatigue seemed to weigh ever so slightly even across their composed ranks. The road, for them, seemed to be long.
Seven buckskin-clad women approached next. All had quivers strapped to their backs and bows resting in front of them on their respective mounts' necks. Their leader glanced about at the entourage. A crown of antlers and laurel rested upon her blonde locks. She glanced back toward someone and offered a nod. Then she did the same toward Arthur and Gwen.
Finally Rodor and Mithian led their emerald entourage up the stone cobbles. Their gait remained steady and secure. Just behind them, Galahad and Ywain beckoned their companions forward. Malodius kept his eyes forward except for a brief exchange with Merlin's. At the rear, Britomart maintained Humility's guise. With a brief nod and wave from the rulers, the group completed the combined march.
Arthur cleared his throat. He clasped Gwen's hand. Then he announced, "Welcome to Camelot, Everyone! We have arranged quarters for you all. I am sure you all would like to settle in before the Samhain celebration tonight. If there is anything else, we would be most happy to meet those needs. For now, be welcome!" He clapped his hands allowing the household to get to their assignments.
Merlin made his way through the group. He offered Percival, Blancheflor and Morgana bows in turn. He tried to shut out the crimson-clad man's stench. He noted that Reginald, the newest household servant, attended to the blonde Amazon and her troop. He composed himself with a single breath. Anxiety caused him to shake a bit. His feet scuffled. His breath came out ragged. Still he pressed on for his Princess' sake. He came to a stop by Rodor and Mithian. He bowed to them. "King Rodor, welcome, Your Majesty. Princess, welcome back to Camelot."
"Thank you, Merlin. It is a pleasure to be back," Mithian replied. While she would have wished for him to guide her to the stones, she knew they needed to maintain appearances. Thus she allowed Ywain to do so. Breathe, Merlin. It will be all right.
Says you. Your father's here. I…. Merlin observed.
He respects you, Balinor's Son, as do we all. You have earned our regard already, Malodius assured him.
Indeed, Malodius. As for your observation, Merlin, yes he is. Do your duty and trust in that, Mithian advised adding a wry raise of her eyebrow and a smirk of equal quality. "This is my father, Merlin, King Rodor."
Rodor dismounted. He strode the four steps toward the Warlock. As he did so, he weighed in his mind on how to greet his daughter's intended suitor. In most cases, he would have an extended greeting. Perhaps he'd offer some wine and refreshment for the courtier in question. Still he had to remember appearances much as Mithian was laboring to do. "Merlin, it is my pleasure to meet you. I am sure you have outdone yourself in preparing our quarters. Would you please assist Britomart in bringing our possessions upstairs?"
"Indeed I shall, King Rodor." Merlin bowed one more time. He exchanged brief glances with Mithian once more. "Shall I see your horses to the stable?"
"Thank you for thinking of that. Aye. Please do that," Rodor told him.
Merlin took the two horses' reins. He exchanged glances with Britomart. Then he led the two horses toward their waiting stalls in the stables.
Arthur stepped over from where he'd greeted the other monarchs. "King Rodor, I can get someone to help bring your possessions up to the chamber."
"Thank you, King Arthur. I appreciate your greeting." Rodor nodded to his host. "Merlin, I'm sure, will attend to everything in good fashion. I have been well assured of his eye for detail and merit in his duty."
Arthur nodded. While he would've thrown a barb in his servant's direction perhaps playful or half-serious, he wouldn't do so in front of Mithian. Feeling her gaze, he restrained himself. "He does that in a fashion. The quarters are ready." He smiled for his former fiancée. "Princess, it is a pleasure once again."
"Indeed, Sire.This is a grand gathering. Perhaps it might signal a wider peace?" Mithian supposed.
"That would be my hope as well," Arthur agreed. "I'm sure Merlin will meet your needs. If you will excuse me?" With that, he pressed on toward his other guests.
"How odd." Rodor knew Arthur to be more of a man of action rather than words. Still he had expected a bit more pleasantry especially toward Mithian given recent events.
"He can be like that," Morgana told them. "King Rodor, Princess Mithian, it is good to see you again."
"I had heard that Gorlois' crown had passed to you, Queen Morgana. My congratulations," Rodor bade with a royal nod. "I hope to speak of a treaty while we're here?"
"If Opportunity allows, indeed we shall. If not, we can meet at Tintagel or Whitgate to make it happen," Morgana agreed. "Princess Mithian, you seem well."
"I am refreshed despite the length of our ride. The woods seem more peaceable now than in recent times. Peace will help everyone," Mithian assured her. She shook hands with the neighboring Queen. Especially if it keeps you on the right path. I hope you keep your word to the goddess, Morgana.
"I'm sure." Morgana motioned toward the crimson King. "Meleagant has that look about him. I would like nothing better than to have allies. If we abide by the peace then so should he."
"Indeed." Rodor regarded Meleagant. "Perhaps we might speak again? I would have refreshment and ponder my sentiments before the feast."
"We shall." Morgana smiled allowing Appreciation's warmth to show through for those counterparts. Given how the iciness around the courtyard toward her, she welcomed any allies she could get.
"Come, Mithian. We should clean the trail's dust from our faces. Britomart and Merlin can see to our needs." He offered a warm smile at the mention of his name. Then he guided her up the stairs and into the castle.
Britomart glanced toward the stairs. Relief and Consternation chewed inside of her simultaneously. While she hadn't seen the other kingdoms' passage toward the stairs, she'd seen Gawain's irritation over something. I hope that oaf didn't cause a scene. I wonder if he can keep his resolve if there isn't a cask involved. She camped out by her lieges' items and waited for Merlin's return.
A short time later, the Warlock in question hustled back toward her. By luck and design, he had two spots waiting for Nemeth's royal steeds. He quickly saw to the horses making sure their hay, oats and comfort was in order. Still he'd taken longer than either he or Britomart had initially anticipated. After a bit longer, he returned to the fire hair's side. "Thanks for waiting, Britomart. Sorry about that. Had to get the horses under cover. Queen Elena of the Amazons needed some extra assistance. I wanted to be sure she and her companions were taken care of. I can't believe Reginald left them unattended."
"He what?" Britomart's eyes went wide. "You will tell Queen Guinevere. Correct?"
"Absolutely. I hope the Princess understands. I hope King Rodor understands too." He gulped and trembled. With a deep breath, he sized up one side of the waiting trunk.
"King Rodor is a sensible man, Merlin. He'll appreciate that you saw to another in need. And you know how Princess Mithian feels about such things. He's heard all of us at the court who know you tell of your worth…unlike a certain other cabbage head in chain mail. I would have hoped that he'd have helped us," she assured him. She hefted one end of the waiting trunk. "Get the other end and we'll have everything in order soon enough."
"Thanks." He put his hands under his end in order to lift it. His eye met the remaining bags on the stones. "Maybe I should get some other help? I don't want their things left unattended." As he said that, he saw three of the buckskinned contingent marching toward them. "They should have been all set. Sorry." He set his end down and walked toward the three Amazons. "I'm sorry about Reginald, Sisters. I can get some more help for you."
"Thank you, Merlin. Your earlier help was most welcome. Queen Elena sent us to help you with these bags. She is already on her way to explain your delay." The leader, a tall and fit woman with a long braid hanging halfway down her back, regarded Britomart. "A woman who bears her share. You do us all honor, Sister. I am Matilda, Queen Elena's Chief Advisor."
Britomart bit her lip. She exchanged glances with him; Nervousness flitting briefly through her eyes. As with everyone at court, she'd heard legends of the fierce Amazons. She'd marveled and even pretended to be one as a child. She still admired them. "Britomart, Princess Mithian's maid."
"You should see her with a sword in her hand," he noted.
"Truly so?" Matilda regarded the maid once again. Her eyebrow raised with Respect's upward push. "It seems Nemeth merits our friendship."
"Merlin, please. I'm sure they won't want to hear about that. I'm not a warrior. I fight when I need to," Britomart deflected. Sweat beaded across her forehead. "Besides we shouldn't bother them."
"It is no bother to serve others, Britomart. One should not seek to provoke war. Rather we fight in service to ourselves and the Greater Good. That is the only time weapons should see battle. Friendship and Diplomacy move mountains. Do not be ashamed of service. It is the highest of callings. I would say Merlin and you have done more to set peace in motion than all of King Arthur's words can do through your kindness." Matilda nodded. Then she glanced toward her companions. "Mechtild and Elnred, lend a hand. Friends will help friends."
Britomart smiled at him. Even in deviating from the plan, she admired how Merlin had dealt with a difficult situation and rendered yet another opening for Opportunity's grace. Even as he is so uncertain, he has the makings of a Prince.
With that, the combined mission attended to the task at hand…and set a better mood….