Chapter 6
The day of the much awaited, dreaded, and anticipated council meeting finally arrived. I took Merlin's punctual arrival at work that morning as an indicator of his nerves. I appreciated his efforts in making himself presentable. He was again wearing his new clothes and his hair was tidy. I got the impression that he was making this effort to show support for me. I hoped being clean and comely would work it's way into becoming a habit rather than a special effort for special occasions. At least his appearance would serve my plans for the day.
I was determined that things would go differently this time in regards to his comfort. I had toyed with the idea of sending him off on an errand and letting him escape the drama but knew I couldn't. This was his fight too. Making him bite his nails off in a far off corner while waiting for news just wouldn't be right, so I deliberately stacked his arms with several books, a few parchment rolls and my thick sheaf of notes and bade him attend me.
We entered and as I took my seat, Merlin piled all the items from his arms onto the table in front of me then headed off to pick up that ridiculous wine jug.
"What are you doing?" I asked just loudly enough to draw the attention of the men who were now taking their seats and shuffling their papers. I was careful to balance my tone between exasperation and respect.
He gave me a funny look.
"I was just getting the wine, Sire."
"Someone else can do that. I need you here." I shoved the chair beside me. "Someone's got to keep track of things and have them ready when I need them. I can't waste time shuffling through it all."
He looked highly uncomfortable as he lowered himself into the chair, as though he feared Guinevere's pin cushion had been left upon the seat.
"Sire," someone said with the sort of deference that always made me want to cringe inside.
"Yes, Lord Lindr?"
"Surely a scribe should be called for such duties. Someone who is literate."
"Merlin is perfectly proficient in reading and writing and has been functioning as my secretary for years. No need to concern yourself on that account, thank you."
They all turned new eyes to the well-groomed, better-clothed Merlin. I'm pretty sure my 'secretary' was also glad in that moment that he'd put extra effort into his appearance today.
It was perfect. He was seated at the table, by my side and none could now object. That was a massive step forward. I'd just have to make sure I "over prepared" for every council meeting until the arrangement became habit for him and a matter of fact for them all.
"Gentlemen, it's time for our thoughtful and thorough discussion. I believe we've had ample time to consider the matter of the kingdom's stance on magic. Thank you, Lord Geoffrey, for your efforts in assembling and disseminating the information that is vital to our discussion."
Geoffrey bowed his head in acknowledgement as the council members added their murmured thanks.
"I will open our meeting by asking each one of you to take five minutes for a short summation of your thoughts. The discussion will proceed afterwards. Lord Mellett, if you would begin?"
It was, not unexpectedly, a marathon meeting. After several hours, we adjourned for a lunch break and then resumed. At last, long after the torches and candles had been lit, we were reaching the point where they had all talked themselves hoarse. I believe we were all ready for a late dinner and early bed. Merlin looked limp with exhaustion. They all did. I'm sure I looked just fine. King, after all.
It seemed to me that, finally, there was nothing more to say. Of course, at the moment I thought that, Lord Fenmore spoke up. It was hard not to roll my eyes and order him to shut up. He'd been more outspoken than any other but brought little to the discussion besides paranoid speculation and insulting generalities.
"Lord Fenmore," I interrupted him. "May I ask if you have something new to contribute?"
"Not exactly new, my Lord," he began.
I interrupted again.
"You have had ample time to share your views, sir, as have we all. In fact, I think you've made them abundantly clear. I believe we will devote the remaining time to wrapping up matters rather than being drawn into unproductive conversation."
His jaw dropped in offense and he looked to his fellows for support. Finding none, he turned his sour expression on me, finally resigned.
"Gentlemen, we have carefully and fairly considered each of your concerns. I must say that I have not heard anything that would dissuade me from abolishing the law banning magic. I hope you have also reached the same conclusions that I have. Magic is not inherently corruptive and it is wrong to punish a person who has done no harm. I am fully prepared to take action now to free magic users from prosecution for using magic."
For the most part, the council members looked supportive although there were a couple who were obviously disgruntled but resigned.
"Copies will be sent out as soon as possible to every village. I will proclaim it to the people tomorrow."
Geoffrey pushed the prepared parchment toward me for my signature.
I inked the quill.
"Ah, Sire?"
I lifted an eyebrow and turned as all attention shifted to the man seated beside me.
"What is it, Merlin?" I couldn't believe he was interrupting this moment of glory.
"I'd like to .. I mean, before you sign, I have something to say."
The council was aghast if not outright outraged. "How dare he!" "A peasant speaking up in council?" "He's just a serving boy!"
I tried to read him. His eyes were apologetic and he looked torn. What could this be about?
I held up a hand to stem the tide of ranting by the offended nobility. "Peace, gentlemen. I will hear him." Admonishing him with my tone, I added, "I'm sure he has a very good reason for interrupting our esteemed council."
"Thank you, Sire. It's just, um, don't.. Don't you think there should be at least some regulation of magic?"
Okay. I admit it. That was the very last thing I expected to come out of his mouth. In comical juxtaposition, I was now outraged while many on the council were immediately charmed.
"What in heaven's name makes you say that, Merlin?"
"It's just.. in my, um, research, Sire, I've come across forms of magic that should not be allowed to be practiced under any condition."
I'm sure I must have been frowning because the council immediately leaped to his defense.
"The lad may have a point, Sire," said Ordwin.
"He is an educated young man, Sire. And he's been present for the entire discussion so he has a good understanding of the matter," said Mellet, "His opinion should not be lightly dismissed."
"Your Majesty, Gaius advised your father for years in fighting magical evils. As Gaius' apprentice, the young man no doubt has certain insights. I, for one, would like to hear more," said Lord Yeardley.
I noted that Merlin's status had suddenly risen from stupid peasant boy to educated young man of insight.
Regardless of the unexpected complication, I immediately knew that this was the best thing that could've happened. I put up some token resistance, further cementing their defense of him and positioning them as his allies.
"I don't know…"
"Young Merlin is bright and trustworthy, my Lord. I'm sure hearing what he has to say will not be a waste of time." Well, well, Leon. Adding the weight of the First Knight's regard to Merlin's stature. Hmmm. I got the feeling that he'd been carefully watching and taking note of my maneuvering all along.
"Very well. Let us hear what you have to say, Merlin."
He nodded respectfully and I could see that he was choosing his words with care, "I believe the king is right when he says that magic is a neutral force and does not corrupt. I too believe magic should be free. But I am aware of magical practices that are always used for dark purposes and I believe they should be forbidden."
He had a rapt audience.
"Magic operates in a delicate balance and there is a practice of bargaining a life for a life that often leads to the unpredictable loss of innocent lives. In other words, to save or create a life, another's life must be taken but there is no assurance that the one whose life was bargained will be the one taken."
The room was absolutely silent.
"Also, there is blood magic that controls victims by using a small sample of their blood, robbing them of control of themselves, basically reducing them to a helpless slave state and it can also be used to torture them horribly, usually to death."
After a moment of silence, I asked if there was anything more.
He rubbed his tired eyes. "Those are the only two that come to mind right now, my Lord. There may be more."
"Sire, perhaps, in view of this.." began Fenmore. I abruptly raised my hand for silence.
"Merlin, I ask you to make a clear distinction for me."
"Sire?"
"Is the magic used in these practices evil in and of itself or is it simply the fuel for these dark practices?"
"Magic never influences its use, Sire. It is only power."
I breathed a silent sigh of relief.
"Thank you for making that clear and thank you for bringing this information to our attention." Lord Yeardley raised a hand.
"Sire, I believe that the principles upon which you are basing your actions are correct. I urge you to sign the law freeing magic. I also believe that we must recognize our young friend's point. There must be firm restrictions set upon the use of dark magic. May I recommend that your servant or Gaius be present for consultation at future council meetings?"
"Sound counsel, Lord Yeardley. I thank you. It would definitely be a boon to have counsel from someone familiar with the practices of magic." I flashed a private smile at my secret warlock. "Are the wounded from Camlann still in need of Gaius' acute care, Merlin?"
"Less and less, Sire."
"Good! Then I will ask him to attend." I turned to face the council again, adding as casually as I could, "And, of course, Merlin will be here."
I pulled the parchment forward, re-inked my quill and, with a quick glance at Merlin's watery eyes, finally set my friend and my people free.