Chapter 8

[Mithian's Campsite]

Mithian tied her horse's reins to a tree. Resentment burned at her over Bernard's attitude. Concern kept her eyes fixed on Elaine. She rubbed her hands together. Chilled breath puffed from her lips. Disappointment soured her outlook. She wanted a break from politics. Her mind wanted downtime.

Priorities, however, called her back to the arena….

Her eyes narrowed at Bernard. He looked down on her. Arguments and insults continued in the meetings despite royal warnings. Prejudice and bigotry spewed from his mouth on Hardliners' behalf. He'd strode the line just keeping from Rodor's bad graces. With Treason's implications, she had him. His allies, Aredian and Uther, could not save him that time. Despite Life Debt, Last Chance had evaporated akin to Frost before Sol's warmth. Father does not have a choice this time! Count Bernard went behind his back. He brought in that snake, Aredian. He conspires with Uther. Distaste evoked a shudder and deep frown from her.

"The King will not touch me. He gives you too much ground." Bernard met her glare with his own. His hands struggled against the binding ropes. "I am still her father."

Ywain shoved him. "Show respect! She is our Princess! Traitor!"

Bernard curled his lip. His eyes narrowed. "I am the traitor? Says the one who favors bastard creatures!" He spat on Ywain's boots. "Know of who you speak, Knight! I am still your better!"

Indignation burned in Ywain's craw. He raised his hand and allowed it to linger there for several heartbeats.

Dare flared in Bernard's eyes. He knew well that Rodor would punish Ywain either way. Satisfaction would be his either way. "Go ahead. I will see you flogged or worse."

"Stop, Sir Ywain!" Mithian grabbed his hand. Her head shook at both men. "He is not worth it. The King will punish him. Do not force the King to punish you as well. It would break his heart and mine." Her eyebrow arched Ywain. "Please."

Malodius harunged from where he reclined beside Elaine and Britomart. He shook his maned head.

Ywain ground his teeth. "Very well, Princess." He relaxed his arm. "Pardon me. Thank you. I only wanted him to respect Malodius and you." He added a bow. "There is my own wife as well."

"Aye. I know. Everything happens in its proper time. I am sure Lady Laudine would tell you the same? Count Bernard tries to drag you down to his level. Do not let him." Mithian stepped away. "Thank you. We have to restrain ourselves. Watch him. Do not let him get to you. I have to see to Lady Elaine." She took in a composing breath. Mask of State reasserted itself on her face. She disregarded Bernard's odious presence. "How is your patent, Britomart?"

"I am almost finished, Milady." Britomart checked the cloths' knots and the wooden sticks against Elaine's leg. "I believe that should do it." A frown twisted her mouth. "I wish we had a wagon. She cannot ride on horseback in that state."

Elaine sulked. "Maybe there's something we can do? I cannot inconvenience the Princess!" She threw her hands in the air. "Stupid me! I had to twist my ankle." She bowed her head. Canary glinted in her eyes.

Rose's petals materialized. Akin to Blizzard, petals swirled about the area. Pink, red and white hues blinded them to everything else.

"YOU SEE? SHE'S A MENACE!" Bernard snapped.

"BE STILL, COUNT BERNARD!" Anger reddened Mithian's face. Her hand scooped up some petals. "Roses and nice ones as well." She smelled deeply of their scent. "Mmmm! I appreciate this, Lady Elaine. The stench was getting to me." She glared at the accused traitor. "You are most certainly not inconveniencing any of us. Josiane?"

"I can fly her back to Whitgate on my carpet. Master Wyngate will assist with her leg." Josiane beckoned her carpet over toward them. "We can back there very soon indeed. I can also bring Count Bernard as well."

"Princess, I agree with Princess Josiane. Perhaps you might accompany them? Britomart, Malodius and I can see to matters here." Ywain bowed again to Mithian and Josiane. "If that is acceptable?"

"I will not fly on that thing! Youwill not enchant me, Witch!" Bernard tugged at the ropes anew. "I will ride on a horse or die out here!" He backed away.

"You WILL ride on it, Count Bernard! I have done so. It is a means of transport! Nothing else!" Mithian pointed to it.

Josiane passed her hand through the air to Bernard's right. "Perhaps, you are right. I want you to relax." Scheme brewed in her mind. Lavender glow left a trail. Her touch changed air to valerian root. She turned and walked away. Her hand pulled her cloak over nose and mouth.

Suspicion poked at Bernard's mind. "You are up to something. You…you…" Valerian entered nostrils and mouth. Stress and exhaustion combined with mist. His eyelids weighed down. His legs felt heavy. "What? What…did you?"

"What I…did?" Josiane narrowed her eyes. "I just helped you to relax, Count Bernard."

A snort escaped from Mithian's muffled nose. She watched Bernard slump against a tree. Within a few heartbeats, snores rattled woods' silence. "Nicely done, Josiane. Help me to get him on the carpet. Britomart, can you help Elaine onto it please?"

"Of course, Milady." Britomart held out her hand to Elaine. "Lady Elaine, we can help you. It is safe."

It is indeed. Elaine of Astolat, Mithian of Whitgate, Malodius, I have need of you. The triple goddess stepped into view. Greetings, my Children.

Malodius bowed his front legs to her. Purrs escaped his mouth.

Elaine gasped. Her hands covered her mouth. "You are the triple goddess! My mother told me about you!" Respect guided her into a bow. "I cannot help. I…."

Do not underestimate your role, Elaine of Astolat. You both and Malodius are needed. Josiane of Alexandria, take Bernard of Astolat to Whitgate. Rodor has to judge his role in fostering the hate against you and other magical beings. Count Bernard has been contained. However, Prejudice's bitter weeds infest my garden. I will say more there. You will inform your sire upon your return. Prepare yourselves. The goddess waved her hands.

Mithian and Elaine disappeared into more mists.

"Milady!" Britomart jumped up. She rushed over toward the dissipating mists.

They are quite well. I will return them to Whitgate when everything is complete. The goddess vanished into the woods once more. Discussions awaited in her realm. Key matter loomed before them all.

"King Rodor." Ywain rubbed his forehead. "What will we tell him?" He looked overhead. "The sun will set soon. Princess, you should get Count Bernard back to Whitgate. The sun will set within a turn of the hourglass. His followers could be waiting for nightfall to attack."

"Aye. I will take that so-called Count to King Rodor. How I wish Edgar was with him." Rage seethed inside of Josiane. Memories of Uther's support of her beloved's rightful position heated her blood to near-boil. She dragged Bernard onto the carpet. "I will return to play my part in guarding the camp. Perhaps Sir Galahad might send some knights? I would assume King Rodor will not wish to leave that land unmanaged?" She nodded to Ywain and Britomart. Then, she willed the carpet to float upward and streak into the darkening gloom.

"I will get the others to help me cook and set up camp. Pardon me, Sir Ywain." Britomart bowed to him. Then, she hustled over toward the servants.

Ywain rubbed the back of his neck. Bernard's attitude chafed his patience. Hope held out for Rodor's final judgment toward the abusive father/negligent manor lord. He followed Britomart toward the camp. Instinct advised him to follow Josiane's observation where Bernard's men were concerned.

Perhaps Mithian failed in her desired hunt. She bagged another prize instead. Bigger strings, however, were attached….