Chapter 45 [Amazon Castle]

Merlin's spell dropped him and the two ladies back into the castle's entry chamber. He exhaled sharply while feeling the draining aftereffects from the effort. I would still like to know how I'm doing this! He marveled to himself at the quantum increase in his sorcerous capabilities….

…the teleportation….

…the aging spell….

…the link….

And all without the usual debilitating effects he'd feel at other points….

Still he turned toward Mithian who seemed to be dealing with her own issues. Hey! Are you all right?

Hmm? Yes. I'm fine. Weird though…I could have sworn I just felt my father. He's back in Whitgate though! The former Princess inhaled sharply. You're not worrying about me, are you?

Me? Nah. Why *ever* would I do that? He wanted to roll his eyes but didn't dare.

Prat! You'd better do that! She arched a half-serious eyebrow at him not to mention a knowing smirk. Leave it to you to lose focus though.

Leave it to…WHAT? He rolled his eyes but let it drop as Britomart frowned at them both.

"We do have a mission, you know. Come on," the warrior urged while leading them to the door.

On cue, two Amazon warriors stepped forward seemingly from the shadows. They saluted the trio reverently.

"Greetings, Lady Britomart! Greetings to you both, Merlin and Princess Mithian," the one on the left announced.

"And to you both, Noble Amazons," Britomart replied just as earnestly. "We wish an audience with Queen Elena and the Amazon Council if that suits them."

"For you, of course. Follow us." The second Amazon guard opened the doors. "Mind the door, Rathegund. I shall return presently."

"I shall keep the watch, Sybil. The Queen will wish to see them presently," Rathegund affirmed resolutely.

"This way," Sybil directed while guiding the trio through the maze of passages and up three flights of stairs back toward the royal throne room they'd been in only hours earlier. "One moment." She knocked loudly on the closed doors.

The heavy oaken doors creaked open and a rouge haired Amazon stuck her head out impatiently. "Yes, Sister? The Queen and we deliberate and…." She stopped cold upon seeing the trio waiting beside the guard. "Forgive me." She opened the door allowing them inside.

In the room's center, Queen Elena stood at the head of a long oaken table. She earnestly listened as the other Amazons proposed and advised her on certain ideas and strategies. Occasionally she'd offer her own perspective for consideration. Mostly however, she deferred to her more experienced sisters on these military affairs. Besides she recalled how Radegund had valued such perspective in her councils. She saw Sybil standing with their visitors. "Pardon me, Sisters. Our allies return. If I could have but a moment?" She walked toward them slowly. "Greetings, Friends! You have prepared?"

"Queen Guinevere is revived. King Arthur prepares to march on Camelot," Britomart reported respectfully with a bow to their hostess. "How goes your deliberation, Queen Elena?"

Queen Elena smiled warmly. "The council discussion has been enlightening on all sides, Lady Britomart. We are about to vote. If you will allow us that please?"

"Absolutely," Britomart concurred with another bow of her head before heading back to Merlin and Mithian's side.

It seems we're early, Merlin presumed telepathically.

I should have remembered that protocol. I'm so involved with trying to understand all of these matters! Mithian lamented.

Anyone would be! It's a lot to take in…and we haven't even had a week to deal with it. It'll be all right, Merlin assured her.

I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Merlin. Mithian offered him a grateful smile and squeezed his hand warmly in her own. As Queen Elena strode toward them, she cleared her throat. "Queen Elena, my apologies about interrupting your vote. It was very rude of us."

"Thank you for your consideration, Mithian, however we'd finished our deliberations. My thanks to my sister Amazons for many insights," Queen Elena noted supportively. "While we do not agree with some of Arthur of Camelot's stances, we shall fight alongside him to undo the remainder of the damage to our respective kingdoms. In addition, we have an offer for you and Merlin if you should wish…."

"And that would be?" Mithian queried.

"After this is over, we wish to offer you a place to live in peace. We have faith that you would do no harm to us. It is our promise that we would not ask you to do no harm to others. You both do not deserve the prejudice and hatred which your respective kingdoms have shown you. If Arthur and Kay will not respect you then come here. We would welcome you judging you only on your merits and quality not your abilities in themselves," Queen Elena proposed. "You both have shown us a great deal. We wish to do the same. If you wish to think on this, I understand. Just know that the door is open."

"Thank you," Merlin expressed respectfully. His eyes watered with happiness at the thought. He could have a safe place to practice his magic and to be with his love. He could pursue the acceptance of magic from that base. He and his Princess Fair could raise a family and cherish each other….

…if only not for the mission….a mission to bring about Albion and Arthur as High King….

…if not for duty….

"While I am still learning what is to be a sorcerer and to balance this gift with the rest of my life, I appreciate that, Queen Elena. It is most generous. I do wish to see if my father, King Rodor, awakens and sees reason in this regard. I know Merlin still hopes the same with King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. Let us consider that. Thank you," Mithian declared politely.

"Of course. One should not rush into such decisions." Queen Elena turned to her council. "Prepare now for the mission. We should be ready as soon as possible."

"Certainly, my Queen," Matilda concurred with a bow as she and the others left.

Queen Elena mulled over the situation. "You all apologize yet you handle the situation with as much skill as you can. Your situation is not an easy one."

"As is yours. You have only ruled for a few hours and now are in a war. You handle your situation with similar grace, Milady," Merlin complimented.

"No wonder Queen Radegund respected you, Merlin, even if she only knew of your reputation. You have tremendous power yet only think of bettering the Greater Good rather than yourself. Truly I am blessed to have such a friend as you. Now come. We should eat before we leave for Camelot. Are you hungry?" Queen Elena replied favorably.

"We do not wish to be any trouble," Mithian dismissed.

"I insist. We need our sorcerers to be at full strength for the affair ahead. Follow me if you would," Queen Elena assured them before opening the doors and leading them toward the dining room downstairs…..