Chapter 42 [Down the Hall]
Even as matters progressed in the throne room, the two conflicting sides stood separated by the glowing energy barrier. Tensions and tempers simmered accordingly.
On one side, the resident Amazons rubbed their bruises and glared angrily at the blockade. Several sisters lay unconscious or burned as a result of trying to storm through it and engage the invaders. They were duty bound to defend their Queen and kingdom against invaders such as this one. While some of the senior warriors may not have agreed with the invasion of Nemeth or Arthur's treatment during his captivity, they would stand by her.
And on the other side, the knights and magical beings stood just as prepared to defend themselves from that advance. While some chafed at Merlin's barrier, most understood the need to prevent bloodshed….
"This is COWARDLY!" the Black Knight complained bitterly wanting to duel with his share of opponents.
"More like smart on Merlin's part," Isolde disagreed while eyeing the hundred or so Amazons just across the glowing energy field from them. "From what I've heard, I don't want to take them on especially since Mithian's sidekick just killed their queen."
"They were eager enough to do me irreparable harm only a few minutes ago," Arthur insisted; a borrowed sword held at the ready to defend himself with.
"A monarch such as yourself should realize the example you set, Milord," Talesin pointed out from where he poured energy into the barrier.
Arthur shook his head. "As if I need a sorcerer to tell me….?"
"Arthur, enough!" Lancelot chided. "While we've seen enough damage from sorcery, Merlin has only done good things with his magic. Give him some credit at least!"
Arthur stared at his former rival. "You knew as well?"
"Since the beginning. Please. For the sake of your kingdom, accept that your father was wrong about magic. It comes down to intent not the power itself. Without Merlin, you wouldn't be alive much less be trying to get your throne back!" Lancelot admitted.
"Well said, Sir Knight," Queen Elena agreed while leading Merlin, Mithian, Britomart and Gawain back from the throne room. "It is time to consider all things and work together." She walked up to the barrier and put her hands up. "Can they hear me?"
"They can, Milady," Talesin noted while stepping away to allow Merlin to resume his place. Who is this, Emrys? Where is Radegund?
Britomart killed Radegund in an honor duel, Talesin. Radegund gave her the crown to either rule with or choose a successor. Britomart chose Elena. Let's hope this can be peaceful, Merlin informed the wizard telepathically. He turned to the new queen and instructed, "You may speak, Milady. Let us pray that your fellow Amazons take heed.
Elena nodded anxiously; her anxieties flaring up inside of herself. She felt the butterflies clanging against the sides of her stomach. She put her hands up to get their attention. "My Sisters! Fellow Amazons! Heed me! Please listen! It is time to put down arms and shake hands! The time for fighting is over!"
The assembled Amazon group on the other side stared incredulously at the field thinking this was some trick. Finally a tall blonde warrior from the north strode forward. "We hear a voice but see nothing but this energy field! How do we know this isn't some trick by the men for their benefit?"
"It is not. I promise you, Meredith." Queen Elena looked to Merlin. "Is there any way to turn the field clear or let them see me? They have to know I'm here of my own will and not forced by any of you."
Merlin nodded and let his eyes glow again. With his motion, the field turned opaque allowing both sides to see each other much as if they glanced through a window.
"ELENA?" Meredith stared in shock. "Where is the Queen? Why are you wearing the crown?"
Behind the speaker, the other Amazons stamped their lances on the stones underfoot and beat their swords against the walls in protest as well.
"By right of succession, I have been chosen to wear it by she who bested our beloved Queen Radegund in the honor duel, Meredith. Did you not hear what I said before the court as I was banished? I care for our kingdom as much as any of you! I have watched and learned as much from our late Queen as you. We have to listen to one another now." Queen Elena motioned for Britomart to step forward.
With a nod from Mithian, Britomart anxiously did so; each step weighing heavier than the last from her own guilt and issues over what had happened. Yes—honor had been appeased but it didn't make what happened any easier. She glanced to Gawain briefly.
Gawain gave her a thumbs up in support. He admittedly kept his hand close to his sword hilt in case of trouble.
"This is Lady Britomart of Nemeth, my Sisters. I will let her speak," Queen Elena affirmed.
Britomart bit her lip but stood firm. "Amazons, I will say that none of us wanted the standoff that has developed here. Hatreds and prejudice play us like dice in a game. In particular, Morgana Pendragon and her sister, Morgause, manipulated this situation so as to further their own ambitions. Kingdoms lie at the brink of ruin as we speak. We are all in peril. My leader, Princess Mithian, is an exile herself because of this evil. King Arthur has been denied his throne and queen because of said evil. I did not want to fight Queen Radegund. Merlin, Sir Gawain and Princess Mithian will attest to how I begged her to stop both before and during the battle. We both fought with honor and discipline. If I didn't slay her, she would have slain me. You know that is how the duel runs its course. Know that I could have taken the crown for myself. However I did not out of respect for your traditions and customs. You all deserve to be led by one of your own not an outsider. I'll admit I took counsel from King Arthur himself along these lines. Hence Queen Elena was my choice. I made her promise to rule fairly and with the counsel of your finest minds. I do not wish to impose patriarchy or to conquer. Rather I seek continuity and friendship. We all have much to give each other while respecting each other's borders and traditions. It is my hope you will take that offer from us." She stepped back and bowed her head to the Amazon Queen. "Milady."
"That is all well and good, Lady Britomart. How do we know what you say is the truth? Arthur Pendragon could have some secret agenda of revenge after how he was treated. Consider his half-sister! The Pendragon hate of magic turned her into a monster devouring our queen and driving our sisters forward in this drive of conquest," Meredith continued. "Where is Diera? She should be the ruler."
"She died apparently during the melee," Queen Elena noted. "I have no doubt she went down fighting as an Amazon should."
"With the Queen's pardon, I can answer those questions," Arthur offered.
"And why should we listen to you, Pendragon? You who would turn on even your most loyal servant?" one of the other Amazons retorted darkly.
"Because he suggested a way to keep our continuity?" Queen Elena posed while trying to keep her patience. "I agree with you, Hathwyn, about his attitude. However, as long as he talks sense, I am prepared to listen. So should you." She turned to her counterpart and advised, "You may speak. Make it count."
Arthur bristled at the Amazons' attitude but took it in stride. After all, decades of distrust between people could build walls. He needed to tear those down for the sake of co-existence. At least though it wasn't in the name of some unnatural force he couldn't understand and that killed people. "Amazons, we have our issues today. Yes I feel most aggrieved by how you've treated my knights and me. However, much as you, Meredith, have said, I realize that Lady Morgana influenced Queen Radegund to act as she did. I know how noble the Amazons are. On several occasions, I talked my father out of invading this realm because I respect your right to live as you see fit. During our conversations in my cell, Elena showed me a great deal. I understand she is not a warrior. However not all great leaders are such at least not right away. She has the heart and spirit of a leader. Meantime who's to say you, Meredith, can't counsel her on war? Who's to say you, Hathwyn, can't be a political adviser? Britomart of Nemeth could have imposed herself on you all. None of us would have or could have questioned it. Since she won the duel, it was her right. But she chose the noble course and passed the crown onto one of your own. This is an act of unquestionable generosity and friendship. When I am back on the throne in Camelot, I shall support this. If you all will have it, I will put forward a treaty of peace between our peoples. I ask no terms or lands to be ceded or anything else. Just to live in peace and to help each other from time to time when the need arises." He nodded to Queen Elena. "Thank you."
"That definitely counted, Arthur. Thank you," Queen Elena complimented. "As he has said, my Sisters, I am ready to follow Queen Radegund's example. I also wish to appoint the council which Arthur of Camelot spoke of. I respect you all and simply wish to oversee our community. That is all."
"There is wisdom in your words, Elena," Meredith conceded. "Surprisingly there is also the same in Arthur's." She glanced toward Merlin. "Merlin of Ealdor, do you agree? Would you use your magic to support what has been said?"
"I am maintaining this barrier to prevent bloodshed, am I not? Milady, I only want to live in peace, help those like me to do the same and be with Mithian. Yes I wish to help Arthur fulfill his destiny. However there is the matter of returning magic to the land." Merlin stepped forward; the effort of maintaining the energy barrier wearing on his steps.
"You would be a great ally indeed. And what of your land, Mithian of Nemeth?" Hathwyn insisted. "In the past, King Rodor held a peace treaty with our people. Would you continue this?"
"Sadly I am an exile because of magic and my choice of companion. If I was on the throne, I would affirm any peace treaty. You need to speak to my brother, Prince Kay, who is the regent. King Rodor still is under Morgana's enchantment as far as I know. While my exile is unjust, I will not harm my people through a civil war to regain a title or position. As Merlin said, I too want to live in peace, help my own and be with him now." Mithian rubbed Merlin's shoulder in affirmation. "Would you hunt us all because some abuse their gifts?"
"No. We are not so unjust a people." Meredith looked to the assembled sisters. While some still distrusted the motives and ability of a former servant to rule, they seemed to understand it was their own opportunity to preserve their own kingdom. "Lower the barrier, Merlin. It is time to do as has been suggested."
Queen Elena nodded. "As she has requested, Merlin, if you please?"
The assembled allies stood uncertain of this turn of events.
"If we are to have trust, we cannot have walls of any kind between us," the new queen insisted while glaring at Arthur. "Any kind."
For his part, Arthur simply ignored that last comment not wanting to derail the peace process.
Merlin glanced at his friends who seemed to be gravitating toward different points of view about letting the protection go.
Merlin, Elena's right. We have to do this, Mithian declared. We have to have faith.
You're right. The warlock let his eyes shine into hers for a moment. Then he allowed his eyes to glow again allowing the energy barrier to dissipate into the air from which it had come.
"Thank you," Queen Elena expressed to him before stepping forward albeit anxiously. "It is my hope that you can accept me as I am. I accept you for who you are. May we all be in peace especially given the threats looming on our shores."
"Aye. Lot of Lothian and King Bors press toward us," Meredith concurred.
"Perhaps I can speak to King Bors? I can tell him of what has happened and assure him that all is well. There is no need for conflict much as Princess Mithian has suggested for Nemeth," Bors suggested.
"And you are, Sir Knight?" Queen Elena queried not understanding how he'd have that influence.
"I am Prince Bors of Gaul. He is my father. If Arthur and I go to him, I believe he will listen to reason. Please let us try, Queen Elena," Bors revealed with a respectful bow.
"Really? This is quite fortunate indeed! I am willing to take your offer. What say you, Sisters? Shall we let Prince Bors try reason before we put on our armor again?" Queen Elena proposed.
As one, the Amazons shouted their "ayes" rattling the stones around them in the process.
"So be it." Queen Elena smiled to Gaul's Prince. "You have your opportunity, Prince Bors. May you preserve the peace." She extended her hand.
He clasped it enthusiastically. "May we all do so, Milady. Thank you for your trust." He faced the assembled Amazons. "Thank you all."
Meredith nodded feeling impressed and satisfied with the newly appointed leader's impromptu diplomacy. She got down on one knee and declared, "Long live Queen Elena. My sword is yours."
While the others had mixed reactions to this move, they knew Meredith would not bow to anyone she did not feel was undeserving. Slowly they all followed her example kneeling before the new queen. "Long live Queen Elena! May you rule well! Our swords are yours!"
Queen Elena smiled warmly. "And I thank you all for your support. Please rise, my Sisters. We have much to discuss." She turned to Arthur. "I will need to speak with my counsellors concerning your situation, King Arthur. In the meantime, please heed my advice from the dungeon. Remember those who are loyal to you. Now I believe your Queen awaits?"
"Guinevere waits? What are you speaking of, Queen Elena?" Arthur queried in confusion.
"It is for you to bring her back, Arthur, if you can," Lancelot noted somberly, not hiding his frown and, by proxy, his heart's agony over not being the one himself to do so.
"More magic is it? Well I will do that to save Guinevere. Be well, Queen Elena, in all things. May we see you soon and work together in a successful alliance for both realms," Arthur concluded.
"And so we shall," Queen Elena clasped hands with him and nodded courteously. "With our thanks."
Merlin bit his lip not feeling sure if bringing Arthur to the cave was the wisest idea. He definitely did not want another purge attempt there or a standoff for that matter. Still, in the end, saving Gwen weighed the decision to doing so. He sighed.
Trust, Merlin. Remember that, Mithian reminded him. It will be all right.
I hope so. Merlin nodded to Talesin as their eyes and Mithian's glowed in concert. A flash of white light enveloped the rescue party sweeping them away from the Amazons' citadel.
Queen Elena inhaled deeply. Good luck, my friends. If I have any say, we will be there to assist in this dark hour. She motioned toward the other Amazons. "Come. We have our sisters and Queen Radegund to send off with full honors. Only after that shall we consider what comes next."
And with that, she led her realm on its steps toward its future….