Chapter 81 [Town Square—Fifteen Minutes Later]
As the sun had risen over the capital, the bad feelings toward Merlin's coronation and the royal marriage seemed to coalesce with it. Almost in contrast to the preparations within for the two council meetings, scheming and treason frothed over in a pot of poisonous rancor outside.
Within the crowd, several of Nemeth's remaining knights moved in relative obscurity. They acted as if on patrol. On the contrary, however, they sought out hiding places around the cordoned off square prior to the meetings. Their weapons bristled preparing to ambush the sorcerers before a spell could be uttered against them.
Lord Edwin, Lord Aethelred, Lord Rodrick and Master Wyngate slipped out of the side passage door from the dungeons proper. They'd spent much of the previous week and a half formulating the coup. They could not believe Rodor would support sorcery in his right mind. They hated the influence Camelot held over them through the Prince, Princess and the newest knights. Worse still watching the previous day's events made them more resolute to set things right.
Peasants and women in positions of influence? Sorcerers ruling?
They thought not. As Uther had done, they wanted to set things straight before the trend went any farther.
And so the scheme cooked toward its completion….
Lord Edwin squinted through the early morning sunlight toward the balcony and the meeting room beyond. He grumbled as to why the meeting would be taking place there instead of in Rodor's private chambers. "What madness is this?"
"I still say his daughter's coven is doing this. Filthy sorcerers!" Lord Aethelred hissed before spitting on the cobblestones to emphasize his point. "We know Mithian's peasant paramour has bewitched her and the King. Prince Kay saw through it! That's why he exiled them and the rest."
"King Rodor will not be swayed," Lord Rodrick noted anxiously. While he disagreed with the use of magic in the realm, he felt disconcerted by this treasonous scheming against the royal family. While they had not been at Camelot, he'd been informed of how Merlin had proven himself by Nemethian custom both for freedom and his place at court.
"I suspect his mind is poisoned by the combined magic from Morgana, the Princess and Merlin, I will say as much," Master Wyngate indicated. "Furthermore I shall cast doubt on the marriage's consummation."
"We outnumber them anyhow when it comes to a vote. We are four. They are three. Besides we can take back what's ours," Aethelred declared. "We shall offer Meleagant the throne! Perhaps he will say that he took the Princess for himself?"
"Better him than witches on the throne!" Edwin concurred.
Rodrick paled at their response. His eyes went wide in disbelief. They'd all served Rodor for decades through battle, court matters, judicial matters loyally. Now his ears ached with this turnabout of attitude. "Aethelred, Edwin and Master Wyngate, that is treason! It is madness!"
"If Rodor be bewitched and Merlin be the source, then they and Mithian must be removed for the kingdom's sake!" Edwin insisted.
A large shadow loomed over the area. The flapping of enormous wings broke the silence.
Kilgarrah alighted on the stones beside the four men. "Actually they are now more than three. You humans are so predictable. You take help and wait for our backs to be turned. Then you'd stab us."
"Monster, you have no right to judge us!" Aethelred spat.
"That is for King Rodor but I am a witness," Freya stepped into the courtyard through the mists. "As was the case with Master Kilgarrah, I overheard your plotting quite well, Gentlemen."
The Great Dragon's eyes glowed a menacing shade of crimson at the trio. "Be grateful I do not share your disregard for King Rodor's mental state. If I did judge you, I'd send you to the same fate as Mithian might have had." He sniggered rather smugly. "And your friends are being dealt with as we speak."
"Friends? Do you think we'd violate that truce? King Rodor wants a meeting. We shall meet with him fairly and by the law," Edwin stated.
"Lords, perhaps we shouldn't…." Rodrick hesitated.
"This demented creature and the witch lie. Uther Pendragon exterminated enough vermin such as them easily enough. Perhaps we shall do the same!" Aethelred denied while drawing his sword.
She snorted sarcastically. Her eyes glowed. She pointed with her right forefinger.
Aethelred's sword ripped itself from his hand clattering to the stones more than five yards away.
"Demented am I?" Kilgarrah snorted indelicately. "Perhaps I am. It seems you overestimate your resources. Even if you still had it, the sword cannot hurt me." Merlin, Mithian, stay in the castle and keep Rodor there. Rodor's council has set a trap for you.
Trap? What madness? Mithian demanded.
They think we're casting spells on your father, Merlin assumed.
Indeed they said as much, Young Warlock. Do not worry however, our friends have matters in hand, Kilgarrah assured them.
In the background, the sounds of skirmishing filled the area. Swords clanged against swords for several minutes.
"It seems that your friends are here after all," Kilgarrah ascertained ironically. "Pity them that we thought to bring a few of our own as well." He glanced down at the priestess. "Perhaps you might wish to take cover, Milady. We have this."
"If you need me," Freya noted before vanishing anew.
"At least she's gone. Good riddance! Now for…." Master Wyngate groused.
Malodius' roar echoed off of the granite, wood and thatch cutting off the physician in mid-sentence. He advanced slowly backing three cowering knights into the courtyard. His eyes flashed emerald. He growled sending chills up the spines of the trio.
"Ho! Filthy treason it is!" Ywain spat while disabling another insurgent and crossing swords with another.
"A disgrace indeed!" Galahad spat in disgust while knocking his comrade, Ranold, to the ground.
"Filthy prejudice indeed!" Hector groused while watching the back. Seeing two more traitors lurking in the shadows, he crossed swords with them.
"Nice to see some nobles live down to their breeding!" Tristan assumed.
"Some…not all," Isolde countered. She intercepted a blade swinging at her lover's back. "You really need to be more careful."
"And some would stand by you to the end!" Ywain interjected while knocking Tristan's would be assailant out with the hilt of his sword against the other's skull. He rolled his eyes. "Watch yourself rather than judge others, Tristan."
"Point taken," Tristan groused. "You were looking for a workout before breakfast!" He engaged another knight before knocking the sword out of the other's hand and holding his sword's point to the other's throat. "On your knees, Dog!" Seeing the remaining insurgents kneeled in defeat or lay unconscious on the cobblestones, he frowned. "You'd betray your King like this? Some would give a great deal to serve men like Rodor of Nemeth and Arthur of Camelot!"
"Indeed we would," Ywain agreed. He dragged two other unconscious knights into the courtyard before dropping them not far from the councilors. "Good morrow to you, Lord Councilors! Surrender your weapons."
"Sir Ywain, what are you doing? Certainly you cannot be….?" Aethelred queried in disbelief.
"Cannot be what? Defending magical beings? Have a care, Lord Aethelred. I remember the slurs against the Prince and Princess not to mention our other friends. Malodius has served Nemeth well for two generations. You insult our good friend, Kilgarrah, who gave shelter and counsel to us. Prince Kay is not here to defend you. Sorcery is now accepted." He raised his blade. "Drop your weapons. I will not ask again."
"It's your word against ours. A mere knight against members of the council?" Edwin scoffed.
"His and mine," Rodrick pointed out while handing his weapon handle first to Galahad. "I may disagree with this current thinking but I'm not willing to commit treason against King Rodor or his heirs. I'm sorry, Master Wyngate, Lords Edwin and Aethelred, but I will not stand with you." He dropped to his knees and bowed his head.
"I thank you for your admission, Lord Rodrick, and for not making this harder than it already is. I shall inform the King of your actions in that regard. As for you, Lord Edwin, I saw Lord Aethelred, Master Wyngate and you meet with these men at your estate in Goudinswich three days ago," Galahad discounted.
"When all four vanished at once on the following the Prince and Princess' arrival, it seemed suspicious," Ywain insisted. "As if I'd allow our lieges to undergo any further harm?" He looked up to Kilgarrah. "Perhaps you might watch them?"
"I'd be delighted. If they so much as twitch, I'd be tempted to roast them," Kilgarrah announced allowing a bit of smoke to escape out of the sides of his snout. It is safe now. Come out.
Less than a minute later, Gawain and Britomart emerged warily from the passage into the square proper with their swords drawn and on high alert. They ascertained that everything was under control before he whistled shrilly back in the direction which they'd come.
"Glad you agreed to keep watch, my Friends," Britomart expressed in appreciation. "I had my hands full with this oaf upstairs." She arched her eyebrow at her new husband.
"Who had their hands full with whom?" Gawain protested. "When does this meeting start anyhow?"
"Never for any Camelot sympathizer or magic sympathizer!" Aethelred snapped. "You aren't worthy of being on the council anyhow! And she's the maid!"
Gawain shook his head at her. "Easy, Brit. I've got this." He strode forward with a fierce look in his eye. "Seriously? Look, Stuffy, I'm the only one who cracks insults at Lady Britomart. All right? Don't insult my wife. Otherwise…." He pointed toward the Great Dragon. "We might pretend you're all mutton for dinner if you get my drift?"
"You don't talk to us like that!" Edwin sneered.
"And how is that?" Rodor challenged as he, Merlin, Mithian, Elaine and Gwen emerged from the passage followed lastly by Arthur and Lancelot. "Sir Gawain and Lady Britomart are knights of this realm and your fellow councilors. You will address them with respect! And you, Master Wyngate, my most trusted advisor and physician! You too?" He surveyed the entire area with a sad eye. "Will the madness never end?" He looked forlornly toward his daughter and son-in-law. "I am sorry you both have to see this on today of all days."
"We shall deal with it, Father," Mithian assured him. "May I do my duty?"
Rodor looked deeply into the eyes of the four men in front of him. Then he nodded. "Aye, Princess Mithian, do your duty in my name."
Mithian sighed and strode forward confidently. Her footfalls followed almost precisely the path she'd followed to the stake not even a fortnight earlier. She stopped in front of the trio. "It is in the name of our liege lord, King Rodor of Nemeth, that I, Princess Mithian, do charge you…."
"Take your charge and your bastard servant lover to the stake with you, Witch!" Edwin spat hitting the Princess in the face.
Merlin tensed but Rodor shook his head.
Mithian almost emotionlessly wiped the offending liquid from her cheek. Her eyes smoldered with rage but she would not allow herself to lose control. She took a calming breath and continued, "I, Princess Mithian, in the name of our sovereign liege lord, King Rodor of Nemeth, do charge you four, Lord Edwin, Lord Aethelred, Lord Roderick and Master Wyngate, with high treason against our majesty's person not to mention Prince Merlin and myself. You are to be imprisoned until your trial proceeds." She turned to Galahad, "Take them to the dungeon. I will require a word with King Meleagant later."
"As you wish, Princess," Galahad bowed low at the waist. "Come along peaceably." He drew his sword and nudged Edwin with its point perhaps in retaliation for the latter's spitting on the royal personage earlier. "Might I get some aid please?"
"I shall return momentarily," Ywain spoke up with a bow of his own. He drew his sword and supported Galahad as they marched the prisoners back through the door and into the passage toward the dungeon.
"We should do the same for these scoundrels as well," Rodor insisted with bile in his tone.
"Sire, might I oversee that effort?" Merlin requested. "It is not much but I wish to serve…."
"Yes, Prince Merlin, you may do so. You have served me already this morning by standing at my side out here. I would have thought your time with King Arthur would have taught you that." Rodor allowed the new Prince a warm smile. "Discharge your duty, my Son."
"I shall, Sire." Merlin bowed to Rodor. By the way, I was watching you too, Mithian.
I know. How do you think I got through it? Mithian grinned at her husband. "Go on and discharge your duty. We shall talk later."
"As you wish." Merlin kissed the back of his Princess' hand. Then he turned to the others. "Everyone take one prisoner each to the dungeon. I have the unconscious ones." His eyes glowed as he commanded, "Dh'èireas!"
The unconscious rebels floated in midair only to head toward the open passage door as per Merlin's motioned command.
In his wake, the other knights and Malodius escorted their arrested comrades and the other traitors toward their cells.
When the passage door had shut, Arthur cleared his throat. "I feel sorry that you all can't enjoy the occasion."
"As a host, I should be saying that to you both. I thank you for your support in light of this untimely revolt." Rodor exhaled sharply. "It seems that the opposition has deeper roots than I initially suspected."
"Still we shall be vigilant, Father, in all regards," Mithian vowed reverently. "Vigilant and compassionate."
"Well said, Mithian. Well said indeed," Rodor complimented. "It seems Merlin and you have another mission during your tour. Don't you? I know you both shall not disappoint me."
"We shall not," Mithian promised seriously. "Fortunately we are not alone." She smiled at Arthur and Gwen. "Thank you, Friends, for your support. I do have a request since Britomart could use some guidance and perhaps to ease Merlin's transition here."
Gwen sighed. "Arthur, perhaps we can ask Gaius if he'd stay here? As a sorcerer himself, he'd be valuable."
"He's valuable to us as well, Guinevere." Arthur frowned. He already felt the loss of Merlin as his chief manservant. Now he faced the loss of the esteemed court physician as well.
"Perhaps he could train Lady Britomart in the healing arts further? While I would need to select a healer to take Master Wyngate's place, I would appreciate someone of that skill here besides her," Rodor pointed out.
"Perhaps the High Priestess Freya might have a suggestion?" Kilgarrah offered. "The priestesses of Avalon are skilled in that regard. Perhaps Gaius might have some insight for one of their order as well."
"A noble idea indeed. My thanks, Great Dragon," Rodor accepted graciously. "I shall look forward to your advice on the Sorcerers' Council."
"As whatever help I can be to Merlin and Mithian, King Rodor, I shall serve," Kilgarrah agreed with a humble bow.
"We shall postpone our deliberations for another fortnight," Rodor decided. "I wish Prince Merlin and Princess Mithian to have their ceremonial tour of our provinces. I need to decide on three more council members however."
"Father, I'd propose Sir Ywain and Sir Galahad for two of those seats if I may?" Mithian suggested. "They are established nobles with good estates. The aristocracy respects them."
"Well put, Daughter. We shall indeed consider them." Rodor turned to Tristan and Isolde. "Perhaps you both might also consider staying?"
"We did not wish to bother you with our troubles, King Rodor," Isolde noted while trying to remain respectful.
"What trouble? You have aided my kingdom and Camelot. I have need for knights with your skill," Rodor assured them. "I am sure Prince Merlin and Princess Mithian would appreciate your presence among our numbers."
"I know Merlin will. I look forward to getting to know you both better as well, my Friends," Mithian agreed pleasantly.
"Tristan, the road's been so long. We can finally have a home and comrades securely. Please," Isolde requested.
Tristan sighed. Admittedly he'd been looking forward to getting back behind the wagon's reins once more. He'd craved the adventure and the uncertainty frankly. Still he also wanted to be with his beloved. He wanted to make her happy in all regards….
…besides he'd get a really great sword, armor and food too….
"All right," the former brigand concurred. "King Rodor, we accept your offer."
"Splendid. Once the prisoners are delivered to their cells, we shall meet in the throne room. We have council positions and you both to attend to. For now, come inside." Rodor sighed wondering how Nemeth would further repopulate its ranks of knights given this latest situation. "Great Dragon, my apologies."
"I understand." Kilgarrah bowed his head before taking off into the morning sky and vanishing over the nearby forests and hills toward the northeast.
It was a dire situation indeed…..
Chapter 82 [Four Hours Later]
The morning sped by rapidly for Nemeth's royal court. Heralds announced that, despite the attempted coup, all remained well. The visitors quickly offered their support of course as needed to secure Whitgate's military void. Rodor knighted Tristan and Isolde offering them the estate of Gunswold in exchange for their oaths of fealty. In addition Ywain, Galahad and Hector each accepted the vacated council seats and holdings.
The trial went fairly quickly for the coup's conspirators. Clear evidence and eye witness accounts denied any potential defense. With unanimous guilty verdicts for the accused, only the sentences remained in doubt.
Rodor, after hours of deliberation, pronounced death sentences for most of the prisoners. The rebellious knights would meet their end on the gallows. Master Wyngate, Aethelred and Edwin had appointments with the headsman.
Only due to Galahad's account and the newlyweds' request for clemency did Rodrick avoid the same fate. Instead Rodor stripped Rodrick of his rank, title and lands. He sent Rodrick to the furthest corner of the kingdom to grovel as a peasant and work the rockiest dirt for poor returns.
Rodrick prostrated himself and thanked the King for sparing him. He rose and stumbled forth from the room never to be seen in that assembly again.
Now, in terms of the coup, one other matter awaited…and that was for Merlin and Mithian to investigate….