Chapter 46 [Camelot—Mid-Afternoon]
The clouds had broken into a patchwork of royal blue and white over the citadel on that afternoon. A gentle breeze wafted through the trees and across the town inside. The sun gently beamed down on the inhabitants….
…as if they'd have time to notice….
Dark clad knights manned strategically chosen spots along the walls. They looked down at the sight growing outside. Still undertrained, they grasped their crossbows anxiously hoping for a miracle and that the walls would hold up. They sweated beads streaking their faces.
On the balcony overlooking the courtyard, Meleagant ground his teeth. While he couldn't see beyond the walls from there, he well knew the signs of a developing siege. He beheld the townspeople either rushing toward the citadel from the Lower Town or already huddled against the granite structure.
The small number of knights manning the walls didn't help his mood much more for that matter.
Look at them. They fear another invasion. As if they had anything to say about it? Meleagant snorted haughtily. "Arthur thinks you all are so invincible. Just like sheep without their shepherd!" He stalked back into the empty royal chamber. "Even the squires, it seems, have deserted me. Fitting." He set about putting his armor on for the siege ahead.
Perhaps the day would be lost but he'd go down fighting. You could count on that…..
[Outside the Walls]
Arthur brooded from the woods' edge. As with Meleagant, he only had his loyal core of knights at his disposal. Consequently he utilized his tactical experience with his city's fortifications to bottle up the three main exit points.
Leon had a dozen knights blocking the west gate.
Perceval led eighteen more by the drainage grate waiting for anyone to try and slip away there.
Elyan guarded the water cistern at the city's southeastern edge. He and six other knights had shut off the flow of water into Camelot starting the siege officially.
And he'd practically sat down with the remaining knights in the midst of the front gate's road to insure nobody would be able to get in or out of Camelot that way either.
Still he wasn't happy about besieging his own citizens. His heartstrings tugged at their plight being conquered without much of a fight due to Morgana's spell and his captivity. Makes me wonder if we should use magic to take the city without a fight? Rubbish. Father and you built this land in an honorable fashion. You don't need to resort to such measures!
"You're spread out, Arthur. What if he calls our bluff?" Gwen queried.
He sighed heavily. "I don't have a choice. We block the roads in and out. I wish I had more knights. I'd charge in through the drain and deal with it that way. I'm not sending men crashing up against those gates like water against a dam. Guinevere, I don't want to hurt my own people."
"They know that, Arthur. They're terrified by the upheavals much as Nemeth's populace is, I'm sure," she presumed. "They understand that we will take care of them. And as for those who use magic…."
"Guinevere, not now…."
"If not now, Arthur, then when? We need to stop persecuting those people! Maybe if we work with them, they'll want to work with us," she pointed out fiercely. "I love you. I want you to succeed. I also want a kingdom for all of us."
"What Queen Guinevere says is true, Arthur Pendragon. I would heed her counsel if you're wise," Kilgarrah concurred.
"Says the being who attacked the city previously." He rolled his eyes and turned to the walls once again.
"And yet I stand here with you now. All sides understand the gravity of our situation. The question is do you? One does not go charging into a battle with one hand tied behind one's back. At best, your knights can match the usurper's numbers. Perhaps your warriors are better trained. They, however, hold position inside of the walls. They know to guard the dungeons. They also anticipate that we can use magic. Question is will we?" Kilgarrah pointed out. "Will you spill blood out of pride and prejudice, Arthur? We can end this quickly much as happened at Whitgate."
"I've seen your handiwork, Master Dragon. I don't want people roasted to a crisp," Arthur dismissed derisively.
"Will you listen please?" she interceded. "He's offering a way to end this without bloodshed! We can appeal to the people through mercy. Other than Meleagant and a small band of knights, nobody wants him in there. Our people will listen, Arthur. Can you?"
At that moment, a large mist cloud appeared to the left of them. The sounds of marching boots echoed toward their ears.
"What?" Arthur drew his sword and turned to face this new situation.
From the mists, Bors stepped back onto the grass cautiously. "King Arthur! We made it to Camelot!"
"As I said we would, Prince Bors," Talesin reminded the Gaul as he advanced into view. "Step through. Time is of the essence!"
On command, line after line of armored infantry strode forth from view into the British countryside. Line after line of knights marched stopping in front of Camelot's rightful rulers in regimented lines.
"Compliments of King Bors the Elder, Ruler of Gaul, for you, King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. We stand ready to assist you on this day," Prince Bors declared.
"And we thank you all for it!" Arthur expressed with gratitude. He clasped hands with Bors. "Your father is most gracious."
"So is our ally, Talesin, for assisting us, Great King," Bors pointed out.
Before Arthur could respond, Gawain pressed a brown steed quickly up the road toward them. "Arthur! We have incoming knights from the west!" He pulled up on the reins stopping his horse short of the others. "They bear the colors of Nemeth."
"They what? Nemeth has no knights, I thought!" Arthur presumed. Then he beheld a sight which made his eyes go wide with surprise yet break a smile across his previous despair-laden features.
"Tell them that. Typical. Presuming without looking!" Gawain sassed half-seriously. "Any word on the Amazons?"
"They're our enemies, Gawain. I don't expect them to be much help now," Arthur deduced. Despite debating with his loyal knight, he peered past the latter toward the small cadre—perhaps a dozen or so knights on horseback—bearing the green and white standard of Nemeth. Despite the nicks and kinks in their chain mail and plate armor, the newcomers rode with their heads high and projected confidence.
Rodor put his hand up to stop his companions. Then he dismounted and walked over to the two exiled royals and Bors. "My friends. It is good to see you awake and free of the witches' enchantment."
"As it is to see you up and around, King Rodor. Thank you for coming in Camelot's hour of need. We are just organizing our allied forces to best contain the crisis and force a quick surrender for the people's sake. This is Prince Bors of Gaul. His father sent several of the knights you see before you," Arthur introduced.
"He was one of the group who helped us at Whitgate, Father," Prince Kay clarified.
"Did he now?" Rodor clasped hands with the younger man. "Then I am doubly honored to meet you. Thank you for your aid today. I wish your father was here to thank in person."
"He would say it is his pleasure to help our friends, Your Highness. It seems that the snake needs to be rousted from our homes once again however. While I do not condone blood sport, I say we put an end to him," Bors expressed.
"And yet Merlin would say to keep the peace and spare him," Gawain interjected. "King Rodor, great to see you, Sire." He offered a bow of his head to the elderly man but a glare toward Prince Kay. "We do have other allies coming."
"Really? This is truly marvelous and…" Rodor at that point finally noticed the looming Kilgarrah watching them all off to the side. "Truly stunning! I'd heard there was a dragon! I did not believe…."
"Yes, King Rodor, I am indeed a dragon. My name is Kilgarrah. I too am here as a friend and ally even if some do not see it that way," Kilgarrah introduced himself before adding a terse barb at the end for Arthur and Kay.
"He assisted us at Whitgate as well," Bors noted. "The Cawdorians outnumbered our forces. Kilgarrah turned the tide along with the sorcerers."
"Your daughter shows the true worth of the kingdom, King Rodor, as do Ywain, Britomart and Malodius," Kilgarrah complimented. "I too know of you. I appreciate how you have allowed my kind to live in Nemeth peaceably. Thank you." He bowed his head slightly.
"Your assistance shows why, Master Dragon. I rule for all people and beings…not just a chosen few." Rodor surveyed the gathering and quirked an eyebrow. "Speaking of Princess Mithian, where is she?"
"She, Merlin and Britomart are recruiting more allies for the effort, King Rodor," Kilgarrah indicated.
"SIRE!" Ywain stared in surprise allowing the sight to register in his head. Immediately he bowed in respect.
Malodius released a loud roar and bowed his head as well.
"My loyal warriors, you both show great worth despite adverse circumstances," Rodor assessed warmly. "Please rise and let me see you." He strode over and combed the lion's mane eliciting a few friendly purrs from the latter. "You are unique as always."
"Yes, Sire," Ywain accepted although he wanted to say more about Prince Kay's behavior. "We are honored to serve you on the battlefield. I fear however we cannot return to our home. The Prince's edict, I fear…."
"Ah. That edict." Rodor shook his head before shooting his son a disagreeable glance. "After this affair is done, we all need to speak on such matters, Sir Ywain."
As they spoke, a brisk breeze blew out of the south rustling their hair and banners. A few parchments scattered about.
"What in…?" Rodor queried. He saw the mists forming once again.
"More magic," Prince Kay sighed while shaking his head.
"Yes, my Prince. It is more magic. From our noble allies, it is," Ywain pointed out.
From the mists, the Amazon warriors marched onto the grass before assembling into their lines.
"AMAZONS? Father, they helped to conquer us! They're…." Prince Kay protested.
"Prince Kay, enough! I appreciate why you say that. Truly I do. Let us hear them out however," Rodor insisted as the sisters completed their lines.
"And that is all we can ask for," Queen Elena accepted graciously as she and Matilda strode forward. "Greetings, Noble Allies, I am Elena, newly crowned Queen of the Amazons. This is Matilda, my military commander and First Councilor. We are here to redress a wrong that we committed upon Nemeth. It seems that Morgana Pendragon and her half-sister, Morgause, wove spells reaching far and wide. Fortunately good magic has enabled us to set things right once more."
"Good magic?" Prince Kay snorted before getting another glare from his father.
"Yes. And you, I presume, are Prince Kay?" Queen Elena strode up to the former regent. She looked him up and down. "Yes. You have that same bearing as him." She offered Arthur a sideways sarcastic look. "As I have advised Arthur Pendragon, I will tell you, Prince Kay. Not everyone is like you. We Amazons are different. Camelot and your kingdom have your differences. And yet because of your prejudice, we are here today. You could have dealt with this matter back in Nemeth from what I have heard from your sister and Merlin. We shall deal with Meleagant today. Rest assured of that." She turned to Rodor. "My apologies, King Rodor, for stepping on your prerogative. Much harm is done through attitudes."
"Granted and my thanks for your thoughtfulness, Queen Elena. Forgive me but as a father, I am concerned…." King Rodor started.
Queen Elena smiled warmly. "Of course. You can speak to her yourself." She raised her hand and pointed toward the back of the line where Britomart, Merlin and the former Princess guided the last Amazons onto the field. Once the situation was dealt with, the sorcerous couple closed the portal. "Princess Mithian!"
"Yes? I…." Mithian's eyes went wide. Her heart skipped a pleasurable beat at the sight of her father standing there. Still she composed herself remembering that she was no longer a Princess but rather a common subject—daughter or not.
It'll be all right. Just go to him, Merlin advised supportively.
She nodded anxiously sucking in a deep breath and holding her chin up. She walked forward with the practiced air she'd learned at court. While each step came with great effort, her demeanor betrayed no sign of such. Will he accept me? Will he try to have me burnt at the stake or support the exile? How will he feel toward Merlin? Upon reaching her father, she curtseyed. "Sire, it is good to see you up and around again."
Rodor quirked his eyebrow in surprise. "Mithian, it warms my heart to see that you are all right. You know you don't have to bow to me. Please rise."
"Thank you, Sire. Since I am no longer a Princess, it is only right, however, that I bow out of respect," Mithian pointed out.
Rodor sighed deeply. How could so much damage be done in such a short time? "That would be true if you were not a Princess, Mithian. I am restoring your title and privileges. We do have much to discuss."
"You're…restoring me? I…What about Kay's order? We can't…." She protested.
"He was my regent. I am the King, am I not? You've been dealing with this…magic…growing inside of you. It got beyond your control in the council chamber. You tried to warn us and then leave. I admit I wouldn't let you go. So what happened, at least in part, is my fault too. I want you to understand there is nothing you can't talk to me about. Nothing. Am I understood?" Rodor continued.
"Perfectly, Father. Thank you." She embraced him tightly. "I'm so glad you're all right."
"As I am you, my Daughter. Now I believe there's someone else I need to speak with? Walk with me." Rodor led her back toward Merlin.
Mithian fretted to herself admittedly. Great. He's going to have Merlin imprisoned or worse! I can't do a thing! She bit her lip nervously as they pressed on—the twenty steps feeling like a thousand…..
Arthur tensed not knowing if Rodor would hug Merlin or kill him. Despite his own feelings about the lies and duplicity, Merlin had saved his life several times. Besides he was a great and loyal servant.
"Arthur, this is between Merlin and King Rodor. Please," Gwen reminded him.
"Guinevere, Merlin is still my servant! I can't let him be killed even if he is a sorcerer or worse," Arthur argued.
"We can step in if we need to. For now, we watch," Gwen noted as they turned toward the developing situation.
Gawain had breathed a sigh of relief upon watching Mithian being remade a Princess. He surveyed the battlefield to see a united front as Amazons, Gauls, Camelot, Nemethians and sorcerers all side by side and waiting for the greater good. Maybe this day might be the start of something better!
"See you didn't screw this up," Britomart presumed nonchalantly.
"Me?" He chortled. "At least you managed to convince Elena to bring the Amazons." Still, even if he wouldn't say it, his eyes sparkled into hers.
"She knows her duty. So do I. And at least my King knows common sense. Milady never should have been stripped of that," she pointed out.
"Yeah well…maybe you might take some? Charging in against Radegund like that? I could've…."
She rolled her eyes. "You were about to be killed or worse." She glanced at a certain spot to make her point. Before she could continue, however, she saw Rodor leading Mithian toward Merlin. "What is this?"
"Bloody hell! This ain't the time for King Rodor to be putting Merlin down. I know he's a commoner and all but…." He stiffened.
"I trust my King. Just let it develop," she disagreed.
Merlin trembled as the royal duo approaching him. He clearly felt Mithian's anxiety through the link. He could see the seriousness in Rodor's face. He's going to remind me that I'm just a servant. That I can't have Mithian. He'll have Arthur kill me. He….
Merlin, stop already! Be strong and stand your ground! Kilgarrah lectured. If not for yourself then for Mithian's sake!
The Warlock rolled his eyes but made himself do so. He could almost feel everyone watching the developing scene. So not helping. He sucked in a deep breath and kneeled before the duo. "King Rodor, welcome once more to Camelot."
"Thank you, Merlin. Please rise," Rodor expressed while helping the younger man to his feet. "It has been quite a month. Has it not?"
"It has indeed, Your Highness. I am glad you…are well once more." Merlin strained his mind while thinking of something else to say. Then he added, "Thank you for restoring Princess Mithian to her place at your court. I know how much being at your side means to her."
"Kay and Meleagant were both wrong to do what they did to her. And to banish you all after saving the kingdom? Preposterous! Merlin, you have sacrificed much for your kingdom and mine. In Nemeth, the law speaks to how a commoner…even a peasant…can prove himself. If one achieves three quests on behalf of the Crown then they can be knighted and elevated to noble status. I count at least four such successful quests in the last fortnight alone on Nemeth's behalf. I am sure your king and friends will count dozens more. Besides there is the small matter of Princess Mithian's hand, is there not?"
Merlin kept his eyes toward the ground but nodded. "I love her, Majesty. Forgive me. It is not…."
"Stop, Merlin. Yes, for now, it is not your place. However I will set the precedent," Rodor turned to the gallery. "Would Britomart of Nemeth please step forward?"
Britomart set her jaw firmly. She gave Gawain's hand an anxious squeeze. Then she marched firmly across the grass toward her monarch. What is this? He'll censure me for not staying to help in the hospital! He'll send me back to the nunnery or worse! "Sire, as Merlin has said, it is good to see you back on your feet." She kneeled before him.
"Thank you. It is good to see you as well. While we could have used your healing talents back in Whitgate, I have come to understand that you have served us in other ways. Much as I said to Merlin, Britomart, the law says one must accomplish three tasks to be elevated in status. You assisted in retaking Whitgate from the Cawdorians. You rescued Arthur of Camelot and bested Queen Radegund of the Amazons. I only need a third task…."
"I would provide that proof if I may, King Rodor," Queen Elena strode forward. "Her third task was to facilitate our succession in respect to Amazon rules, customs and traditions. She showed a noble heart and devotion to us all. And she did go to recruit us, did she not? I would offer that."
"If I may, Sire," Ywain added. "Britomart assisted with the rescue of Merlin from the dungeon. During said task, she outdueled and dispatched several warriors in the process. I am sure Sir Gawain and Sir Mordred will agree with me."
"Indeed. Thank you, Queen Elena and Sir Ywain. So there are four tasks. It is fitting that those final piece come from the Amazon Queen as well as one of my knights. Unlike other men, I have no issue with female warriors. I know that you have longed to be a knight, Britomart. Do you still wish this?" Rodor continued.
"I do, Sire."
Rodor drew his sword. "Then do you swear to protect the innocent? Do you swear to serve others before yourself? Do you swear loyalty to your king and court? Will you stand tall in the face of adversity even if it means your death?"
Britomart without hesitation looked into his eyes and nodded. "I so swear, my King. Serving you and Nemeth is my greatest honor."
"And it is good to hear." He touched her right shoulder and then her left with the sword. "Then rise a knight and a healer, Lady Britomart. You are now a knight of Nemeth. Take your place with your brethren."
Gawain pumped his fist with pride. GO BRIT! Granted she'd be insufferable now but he didn't care….
Mithian beamed with pride. Despite the expectations of how a royal should carry herself, she allowed her friend a big smile and an embrace. "Congratulations, Lady Britomart."
"As I would say to you, Princess," Britomart replied just as warmly. After a second of allowing the true feelings to emerge, she stepped back into her role. "Now, as we have our present affair, we should prepare for battle."
"Indeed we should," Mithian concurred. "Thank you, Father, for allowing us that moment."
"It is a worthy thing for us all," Rodor noted sagely. "Wouldn't you agree, King Arthur?"
"Indeed but now is not the time. We should be focused on the siege not on this discussion," Arthur countered.
"It is all right. Camelot is more important," Merlin relented.
"Merlin! Please speak up!" Mithian insisted aloud worrying that he'd sacrifice their bond for duty's sake.
"Promise me, Arthur, that we will speak of this afterwards." Merlin turned to his lord. "We cannot continue on as we have for the past decade. I cannot keep hiding who and what I am. I do not wish to operate in the shadows any longer. Please."
Arthur frowned. He knew Merlin rarely made such public requests. And more rarely would he dare to challenge him in such a way. Worse to demand such a promise like this? "Merlin, I could have you whipped for this. You have no right to demand such from me."
"And you have no right to treat him as you do, Arthur Pendragon!" Mithian insisted. "And before you question my right to challenge you, let me remind you of your double standard! You insist on flouting the social order. You raise commoners to knight status. You married a servant yourself. And yet you will not raise your bravest, most devoted follower to his long overdue reward of service. And why? Because he's a sorcerer? Maybe because you don't want to lose him as a servant? Either way, it is hypocritical! Change and reform can be good things but not when they're performed in such ways! If you change for them, why not for sorcerers? We need that too! Merlin needs more now. You say you're his friend? Very well. Raise him to the status he merits. I know how you value his counsel. Enable him to have what he wants."
"And what about your desires, Princess Mithian? That would enable those too, I believe?" Arthur challenged.
"Have a care, Arthur," Rodor interceded. "She makes valid points. Merlin has more than proven his value to me. By Nemeth's law, he is worthy of Princess Mithian."
"By Camelot's law, he is a servant, King Rodor. He is still my servant," Arthur pointed out.
"Technically, Arthur, I am actually Meleagant's servant at the moment…." Merlin started.
"Shut up, Merlin. You're not helping," Arthur dismissed.
"Heed him well. You never learn, Arthur Pendragon," Queen Elena insisted fiercely. "Did you not hear what I told you in that cell? Your ego put you in there. You've learned nothing from that. In Amazon law, the worthy establish their place through deeds. Merlin prevented bloodshed for us all through his magic. I am grateful as are my sisters for his contribution. If you are not prepared to honor him appropriately, there are those of us who are! King Rodor has said as much. I have already offered Merlin and Princess Mithian a place. My sisters will stand with me on that."
"As would my father," Bors interjected.
"Arthur, all they want is a discussion! Please?" Gwen insisted. "We need their help!"
Arthur glared at Merlin. While he didn't want to lose his friend and servant, the situation was becoming increasingly intolerable. "Indeed it seems a discussion is warranted. No promises however. Now can we fight this battle?"
"To rid ourselves of Meleagant's threat, Arthur," Rodor declared. "Once you are back on the throne, this shall be settled." He rubbed Merlin's arm supportively. "Have faith, Merlin. I know your true worth. Just promise me something?"
"Yes, Your Highness?"
"Promise to protect Princess Mithian, honor and cherish her?"
Merlin beamed and nodded. "I will with every breath I have, King Rodor."
"Then that's all I can ask. Now we have a battle to wage and a kingdom to take back. Do me proud, Merlin." With that, Rodor returned to his knights' side and awaited word.
Queen Elena nodded supportively to Merlin as she and Matilda drew up their lines.
The battle it seemed was for far more than Camelot. It was for a future as well…..