Chapter 19 [Throne Room—A Half Turn of the Hourglass Later]
Arthur tapped his fingers on the throne's arm rest. His eyes scanned the chamber taking in all of the gallery's members. He noted Disappointment's and Bewilderment's presence in their eyes. He perceived Impatience prodding his fellow royals. He could almost hear the unspoken questions in the air demanding answers. He felt Resentment's barbs tearing at him. He stiffened at Meleagant's impudence at the back of the room.
Especially after the unfortunate incident at the wedding feast, something needed to be done.
"Just be firm but fair, Arthur," Gwen advised low and in his ear. "We have to manage the situation."
"Manage? Yes. That's one way of putting it," Arthur nodded. As much as he could blame certain individuals for their roles in the previous day's mess, he also took ownership of his own mistakes. He'd forgone sleep preferring to sit at his desk. His mind still buzzed and sleeves still bore the rouge rings from the overflowing goblets of wine.
George tried but he wasn't Merlin. It wasn't his fault really. He was so prim and proper. Pride showed in his eyes over how everything could be in its place and gleaming. He practically disappeared into the woodwork awaiting the next summons. Still such actions left a void….
…a void Merlin would fill….
…a void his father would welcome and he couldn't stand….
…a void between Service and Friendship….
Father's legacy. He rubbed his chin. The forces at work in that chamber remained from Uther's reign. In many ways, he reforged Britannia in his own image. While many people benefitted, others suffered and seethed. Others still lurked in the background awaiting Opportunity's opening. Well he's gone. It's now for us to forge our destiny as we see fit. For good or bad, that's the way it is. His eyes looked to Gwen. He squeezed her hand and nodded. That's the way it is. He took her hand and guided them both to their feet. He cleared his throat. "Good morning! I appreciate you all being here. Unfortunately events occurred which must be dealt with. I apologize about the situation. Now we shall deal with things. First of all, Gaius?"
"Yes, Sire?" The elderly healer stood. His eyes sagged from lack of his own sleep. He'd spent time bouncing back and forth between Gawain's and Merlin's respective bedsides.
"How are your patients this morning?" Arthur wondered.
"Recovering. Sir Gawain rests in my chambers. Physically he is fine. I believe he will be back to service shortly. As for Merlin, he sustained two cracked ribs from where he struck the wall. In both cases, it could have been worse. Thankfully I had help with these cases. Britomart is with Sir Gawain watching him." Gaius clenched and unclenched his hands.
"And Merlin?" Gwen asked.
"One of the priestesses was with him. She treated and healed him before I got there. Princess Mithian and Queen Morgana were there with her," Gaius reported; Discomfort paling his features as he muttered the words.
Coughs and chuckles poked at everyone's ears. Authority seemed to take another hit. Distaste percolated throughout the room.
"Priestess?" Arthur rolled his eyes. "So there was magic involved?" He sucked in a deep composing breath. "Truly? And you let this happen, Gaius?"
"It was already done, Sire. It was a healing spell and then the wound was dressed with a poultice and wrapped," Gaius pointed out.
Morgana glared at Mithian and then at Gaius. She understood that the Princess awaited her turn in this discussion. Still a harsh frown curled her lip. Discrimination and Ingratitude grated on her. She folded her arms not caring if everyone could see her.
Arthur, however, ignored his sister. He brooded over that revelation. He knew his father would've sought out the priestess involved and had her sent to the stake. "So she did use magic?"
"It would seem so, Sire. I didn't see the spell being cast," Gaius backpedaled.
Bravo, Gaius. Once again, you turn on your own to save your own skin! Morgana brooded.
"Can't even keep control of your father's house, can you?" Meleagant taunted from the back. Satisfaction and Glee burned at the resident King. "You're soft, Pendragon. Last night showed that. Servants and underlings can be replaced. "
"I didn't ask you," Arthur retorted. His eyes narrowed. He clenched the throne's arm rests. "This is Camelot not Cawdor. You are a guest here. No more. No less."
Meleagant coughed. "For now. One day, this will be mine. Then we'll see who the guest is." He scoffed. "The beggar boy should be dead. Aye! I sent my men to exterminate that vermin. My uncle sent him and his bitch mother off to die! The only reason he's alive…the only reason…is that vigilantes overstep their authority. Mithian sent her maid, a knight and the creature behind your back."
"I issued the order, Meleagant. Unlike you, Nemeth values her obligations. Sir Gawain has done as much for Britomart on an earlier visit to this city. Sir Ywain and Malodius have earned respect in the field and at court. They had a large role in the order being preserved. There wouldn't be sour grapes perhaps? Perhaps you remember the affair at Riversmore from years before? Malodius carved his way through your uncle's troops well enough. You and I are not the only children of those who fought on that day here. Nor is Sir Gawain. We deal with the skirmishes between Uther and your uncle. We endure the pain searing from the Purge." Rodor met Meleagant's look with a fiercer one of his own. "In fact, one might wonder about your own indiscretion. "
"Indescretion? The pretty boy is an irritant. No more," Meleagant.
"Is he that? I'll grant you that Sir Gawain's irreverence grates on me. I've heard what Princess Mithian and my knights have said about him. Still he is a most noble warrior. And, after your actions last night, I think we understand why." Rodor walked over until he stood about five paces away from Cawdor's hulking tyrant. "And I wonder if there's a question of legitimacy? Why is someone a bully? Why do you care about him, Meleagant? I see Doubt making you hesitate now. Why? Could there be a question as to who should be on your throne? Is that why you go on about strength and holding the throne by force?"
"Are you going to let this go on, Pendragon?" Meleagant looked to Arthur in order to turn the tables back to his advantage.
"King Rodor seeks your motivations, Meleagant. Perhaps you might not interrupt the next time and open yourself up to this? I am content to allow him to continue. I've heard similar stories from my father about that battle. I want to know more," Arthur disallowed. He nodded to Rodor.
Meleagant seethed. He ground his teeth. He glared daggers at the dais.
"Thank you." Rodor acknowledged Arthur's response with a nod. Then he continued, "There was no point to dredging up old wounds last night. Samhain is about celebrating our ancestors' achievements. If you do bring the ill events up, it is in the spirit of resolving such grievances. Such things should only be done to heal not to provoke. You are the one who provoked the incident. And it was Mercia as well as Nemeth out there last night." He turned and nodded to Percival in acknowledgment. "It was in the spirit of unity that we stood with Camelot last night."
"You're still an anarchist, Rodor. You're an old fossil and has been. I only have to wait. Mithian can't bear to be with any man. Your dynasty is finished." Meleagant coughed. "Who is he? Who's the imaginary consort for her hand? Why haven't you identified him?"
"All in good time. I do not proceed according to your timetable, Meleagant," Rodor rebuffed eliciting a few more coughs around the chamber. "We have an understanding. I have yet to undertake negotiations. Diplomacy is a delicate matter akin to handling an egg. You do understand what happens when you crush one? It makes a mess. Princess Mithian understands that. So do I."
"The Princess has said as much to us," Arthur reinforced. "I have pledged to do whatever can be done to help Princess Mithian be with him. Unlike you, Meleagant, I have a conscience. As was said earlier, I too remember my obligations. And I will see them together."
Gwen nodded. Her eyes met Mithian's. I wonder how Arthur'll react when he finds out about Merlin? Still that particular point had been made. Now she'd heard his promise in front of not just Camelot's court but Britannia's ruling caste. She anticipated the haranguing and brewing storm.
Still Merlin had earned his nobility in several ways. He'd achieved through extraordinary service. Through Balinor, such was his birthright if Hunith had been correct. Through Mithian, he had the bond to royalty.
Now if only Arthur would not pull the double standard for once….
"Still, Meleagant, your actions need to be dealt with at the moment. You assaulted a member of the royal household….' Arthur started.
"A stinking servant! Little more!" Meleagant spat.
"He is MY SERVANT! AS SUCH, HE IS PART OF THIS HOUSE!" Arthur exhaled sharply. Then he pressed on. "Merlin does act like an idiot. Still last night was not one of those times. He was performing his duty. You interfered in that. Therefore you interfered with me." He sighed. "I don't want to fight with you. Still you did assault Merlin. You threatened Queen Elena and Princess Mithian. You harmed Sir Gawain. You sent your men to cause him harm. My father would challenge you right now. Be grateful I don't share in his views." He stiffened. "Apologize."
"Apologize?" Meleagant snorted. "A weakling like you lacks the strength to make me." He shook his head. "Thank you. I needed the humor to stomach this farce." His eyes narrowed. "One day, you all will rue this. As you all remember, I too have a memory for old accounts." He sniffed. "And I will settle them in blood. That I vow." He coughed. "I have little more need of your so-called 'hospitality', Pendragon. You can't even enforce your own laws. You can't keep your subjects in line. You let your so-called allies run over you. And you expect me to cower at your weak demand?" He coughed. "Tell the Beggar Boy, I will await him. I hope he recovers. I so want to watch him bleed at the end of my blade. The same goes for you, Percival and Rodor. I know. That's all." He spat on the floor. Then he wheeled about and stormed from the chamber.
"Leon, follow him. Take the knights and make sure he and his men depart from here. I want no reprisals,' Arthur ordered.
Leon nodded. He led the other knights from the chamber. Perhaps they might've asked for assistance. Still he understood Arthur's orders. He knew they had to show strength in their own regard. They were still the Knights of Camelot after all.
Once his knights' boot clops had faded into the distance, Arthur offered a wan smile. "Thank you for being here. I appreciate the support. If you are leaving, I wish you safe travels. If you wish to speak further or negotiate with us, Gwen and I will be more than happy to do so. As today shows, we should all stand together. Thank you, my Friends. That is all. If you forgive us, Gwen and I do have someone to check on. Gaius, if you can lead us to Gawain?"
"It would be my pleasure," Gaius agreed. He glanced toward Rodor and Mithian. Then he ushered the two monarchs out of the chamber and toward his own place.
After they'd departed, Mithian frowned. She'd hoped that Arthur would have checked on Merlin.
"Princess Mithian, I'd like to speak with Merlin if that's possible?" Elena requested.
"As would we," Percival insisted with a nod toward Blancheflor.
"It is for King Rodor to say." Mithian turned to her father.
"I believe it would be good for Merlin to see he indeed has friends. Service in itself should beget kindness in both directions. Such is the mortar which would hold our good will together," Rodor agreed. "Follow me then." With that, he led the other rulers from the area.
Mithian stewed that Arthur still ignored Merlin. Still Pride swelled in her breast. Even now, Merlin sets a good example for everyone. She smiled; her steps lightened a bit in the process.
The heart, it seemed, could lead too after all…..