Chapter 83 [Gaius' Chamber—Twenty Minutes Later]
At the other end of the castle, Gaius somberly considered his spare robes lying across the bed. He sighed heavily while folding his garb and setting it in the saddlebag. He cast a heavy glance toward his medical equipment and reference tome in the other leather sack.
His heart remained torn frankly between two priorities…two goals…two loyalties….
On the one hand, Camelot awaited his medical oversight much as it had for the previous quarter century. Many of the courtiers had come into the world under his eye. He'd tended their every malady, mended bruises, set broken arms and answered their questions. He'd advised Uther and Arthur both in private and on the council. He knew Arthur and Gwen both counted on him in those regards.
On the other hand, Gaius knew Merlin still needed him as well. Much as the warlock regarded him as a father figure, the physician considered him a son. He'd watched the younger man grow from the teenager…barely more than a boy frankly…to the man he was. He'd counselled the latter on the use of his abilities navigating Merlin's hazardous journey through the shoals at Uther's court. He taught Merlin the healer's craft allowing him to assist on cases…
…and now…now…he feared to leave the foreign capital. He knew this time would come from the minute Mithian had revealed her own magic. He anticipated that he'd have to leave Merlin in the midst of a snake pit in the name of duty. Even as he proudly watched as Rodor crowned Merlin as Prince and the hand fasting with Mithian, he knew it should mean a change and the end of things as they knew it.
Merlin was no longer a servant and his charge. He was Nemeth's Crown Prince, Mithian's husband, a knight and holder of his own estate. He served on his father-in-law's council. He'd be working with Talesin on his sorcery.
All of that should have remained would be to set the bags on his horse and follow Arthur's retinue back to Camelot. There his duties as advisor, physician and mentor would resume in earnest. Much as any parent would do, there's a time to let go. He frowned as his heart ached. Don't be silly. It's a hundred miles. Merlin and Mithian will be back.
An expectant knock came from the door.
"Now who?" Gaius secured his bag and set it on the floor. He ambled over and answered it to find Rodor, Arthur and Gwen waiting for him. "Your Highness, Milord, my Lady. Forgive me if I linger too long in my preparations. I will be ready in a few moments' time. Please come in." He bowed respectfully to the monarchs.
"Thank you, Gaius. It has been quite a morning indeed," Arthur informed him somberly. Heaviness weighed on his features.
"What is it, Sire? Is somebody ill?" Gaius instinctively grabbed his medical bag. Anxiety surged through him. "King Rodor, if I can be of service…."
Rodor nodded somberly. "Thank you, Gaius. Fortunately there are no serious maladies here although there might have been. Given that the word has circulated through the court already, I am surprised you have not heard."
"Heard what? Is it Prince Merlin?" Gaius dropped his bag almost in a panic. "Don't tell me he's in trouble."
"No. He and Princess Mithian are quite all right. Thank you for your concern." Rodor nodded to the visiting royals. "We should sit before I tell you the rest."
"Gaius, I would ask you to consider this carefully," Arthur added as they all did so.
The physician quirked his eyebrow rather demonstratively. He could almost feel the unease and insecurity in the room. "Then can I ask what have I done to offend?"
"Gaius, you have been a model guest and physician. It is not what you have done," Rodor assured him. "I see you haven't heard about this morning then?"
"I know your council and the sorcery council were supposed to meet early this morning. How did that go?" Gaius deduced. Seeing the royal heads bowing, he inquired, "Might I respectfully ask what happened?"
"My councilors and Master Wyngate attempted a coup. A dozen knights had secreted themselves around the square waiting for their opportunity," Rodor explained. "Fortunately Kilgarrah and Priestess Freya alerted us to stay in the castle. Meantime our remaining loyal knights assisted by Malodius, Tristan and Isolde dealt with them."
"Sire, are you and the Queen all right?" Gaius wondered.
"We're fine, Gaius. Thank you," Gwen assured him.
"Then you're needing a physician?" Gaius queried. "Sire, I am bound to King Arthur and Queen Guinevere."
Arthur exhaled sharply. "Gaius, you're needed here more. I really do not wish to lose your services however Nemeth needs a skilled physician. I do believe you'd be more comfortable here. I don't want your mind constantly wandering to here wondering how Merlin is doing. Besides, if we require your services, it is not such a long way between our capitals. Now is it?"
"I would value your services, Gaius. I would raise you to noble status. Furthermore I need to fill one more seat on my council. You would have everything Master Wyngate did. How about it?" Rodor offered.
Gaius nodded while ruminating over the positives and negatives of the situation. Still he had one question remaining, "Who would serve as Court Physician then? You do need someone knowledgeable, Sire."
"Fate, it seems, has seen to that," Arthur noted. "Queen Annis recommended Simon of Colchester to King Rodor this morning. He is quite skilled in the healing arts. Thanks to Priestess Freya, we spoke only minutes ago. He will be in Camelot within the next few days. I would gather this would grant you a potential opportunity? Perhaps when you return to retrieve your things, you might speak with him?"
"I would be delighted, Sire. Master Simon and I have met. Of course I know him by reputation. Thank you for making this easy for me," Gaius expressed with deep appreciation. He bowed to them all. "I wish to take the position, King Rodor."
"Splendid! You have my gratitude, Lord Gaius," Rodor declared while shaking the elderly man's hand. "I am glad the details worked out for everyone. King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, thank you for being so gracious to Prince Merlin, Lord Gaius and myself in this matter."
"They have both served us well. Why not offer them a measure of happiness? Their skills will assist in rebuilding your land. Besides if we have need…" Arthur started.
"You have only to let us know," King Rodor concurred as the two Kings shook hands on it.
Just then another knock came from the door.
"Gaius?" Merlin called. "Can we speak? I know you don't have long but…."
Gaius ambled over and opened the door to find Merlin and Mithian standing out there. "My Prince, with due respect, how many times have I told you not to linger outside? Get in here." He smirked savoring the moment before continuing, "Besides we have news for you both."
"News? And…" Merlin glanced at his former mentor strangely. "Why did you call me 'my Prince'?"
Mithian looked at her father's brighter expression. She chuckled and clapped her hands enthusiastically. "This is wonderful! Merlin, Gaius is staying!"
"He…what?" Merlin stared at the group. His jaw dropped as his head digested the fact. "Really?"
"Yes, Merlin. I am staying. I most certainly can't let you out of my sight. Now can I? With due respect to everyone," Gaius affirmed before embracing the Prince. A grin creased his face. Then he turned to the Princess. "And I am looking forward to getting to know you better, Princess Mithian."
"As am I, Gaius. My congratulations on your new position. After what happened, we could certainly not be in better hands," Mithian assessed while squeezing the older man's hands warmly. "I know the Prince is excited about this turn of events."
"I am. Still, Arthur, what about Camelot? I…." Merlin queried.
"Merlin, we have everything taken care of." Arthur assured him before letting off a rather sharp cough. "Besides seeing you with that gobstruck look on your face was worth it." He smiled at his former servant. "As I was explaining to Gaius, everything came together within the last few hours. After what happened this morning, Queen Annis offered King Rodor a replacement in Simon of Colchester. King Rodor, Gwen and I decided it would be best if Master Simon went to Camelot and Gaius stayed here."
"We know it's a sacrifice, Arthur. Thank you," Mithian expressed.
"It is what friends do for each other," Gwen assured them. She embraced the royal newlyweds and Gaius in turn.
"Now if we're decided, perhaps I might offer some refreshment? I would not have you start out now, my Friends. Please inform your knights that I am extending your stay one more day. Would that be suitable?" Rodor invited.
"It is indeed. My thanks," Arthur accepted.
"Then we should dine," Rodor bade leading them from the chamber and toward the waiting meal at hand….