Chapter 21 [Woods— Gedref/Camelot Border]

Aredian slowed his horse's pace. He cast wary looks in all directions. Defeat soured in his mouth. He'd wanted to bring Elaine to Uther. He'd root out the sorcerer at large in Camelot. Arthur and the knights would bring others to him. Examinations would drag confessions of one form or another. Then, they would have shared the pyre with Elaine.

Mithian stopped that scheme in its tracks…

Blasted girl! She has no idea of her proper place! His eyes narrowed. Opportunities with Bernard and the Nemethian nobles laid right in front of him. That fool, Appleby, allowed an open border and easy pickings. Provocation and retaliation would have denied Rodor any other means to defend his loyal landholder. Hardliners in Council and Nobility wanted Rodor to enforce the laws. Trial would have run its course. If not, Coup would see Hardliner King in Rodor's place who would do so. The King would have had to eliminate that bastard sorcerer! Whether it was Rodor or not! As if their sorcerous allies are any better? "BAH!" He pulled up on the reins. "This seems as good of a place to stop as any." He dismounted from the saddle and tied the reins to a tree branch. Fog obscured the Camelot Road.

Pursuit, it seemed, wasn't coming…

They did not want to provoke Uther. Pity. I'd like that war. He'd bring Rodor to heel if those ingrate traitors did not. Then, I could deal with that so-called Princess and that lion. Let Uther chain it up with the Dragon. Then, he'd force Princess Mithian to marry Prince Arthur and submit! Aredian ran his hand inside of the saddle bag. His fingertips brushed across Torture's implements therein. Belladonna eyedrops induced illusions. Other herbs brought delusions. Management brought his desired effect. Prepared Witnesses raved. Testimony would convince. Ruler would indict and pass sentence. Witches burned. "Uther's sorcerer will come to me. I will find that one and his or her accomplices soon enough." Memoria recalled his encounter with Gaius at Astolat a decade earlier. Stare Down denied him his prey…

…the mystery of that back room…or not….

Research turned up several leads within Camelot. Deduction had narrowed the field to one target. Said person held a position within the royal household. In fact, he served the Prince. He accompanied Arthur everywhere whether mundane or even onto battlefields. Mysterious circumstances followed Prince and Servant about those places. Monsters appeared only to be dealt with sudden efficiency. Said servant had gone to Nemeth. Injury came at Shalott. Grievous wound nearly cost him the left arm and life as well. Said servant was Gaius' ward….

…the servant…the boy Merlin….

Cruel smile spread across his face. Predator's glint sparked in his eyes. Satisfaction buoyed him up. Uther's invitation granted access. Oh, he'd find the 'smoke' sorcerer sure enough. Still, Merlin sat right in his sights. Strategy had a perfect case set up. Uther would come around sure enough. With Father's help, Arthur and the Ward, Lady Morgana, would offer little resistance. Morgana herself would bear investigation. Guilt would follow. Pyre would claim them all.

Vengeance would be his….

Tomorrow, I will be there. Then, we shall see who evades who! Gaius, I will have you as well! He pulled a blanket down from the saddle. Long ride exacted its toll. However, a few hours' rest and a meal would refresh him. He set the blanket atop the ground. He stretched his arms overhead to stir their circulation.

Well, well…look at what stumbles out of the fog. It has been *such* a long time, Aredian! A female voice cackled in his mind. Sarcasm and Menace dripped from its tone.

He stiffened. Telepathy reeked of sorcery. His hand closed about his sword's hilt. He drew the blade from its scabbard. "COME OUT! I KNOW YOU ARE HERE, WITCH! ENOUGH GAMES!" He glared in a complete circle.

Biting Chill's breeze and Owls' hoots answered him. Fog's moisture dampened his hair and cloak alike. Humidity limited his line of sight. Skin reddened. Chill induced shivers. He ground his teeth and glared all around.

His horse reared. Neigh cut into his ears. Reins came untied. Fear sent said horse galloping into the mist. Within a dozen heartbeats, his mount had left him alone.

"COME BACK!" He curled his lip. He grabbed for his blanket. "I'll have to walk for it!" Challenge unsettled him. Familiarity taunted him. The voice beckoned from past encounter. Still, he could not remember. "WHO ARE YOU? COME OUT!"

*GASP!* The mighty Aredian does not remember? Say it is not so! And with no horse! I would think that would jar your memory! With your sharp mind for accounts, you do not remember? My! My! How you slip! Well, I remember you *quite well*. Nimue sauntered from Fog's blind. Breeze ruffled baggy sleeves. As does the triple goddess. Tonight is your reckoning. Baiting smirk and raised eyebrow enticed and taunted him forward.

Surprise widened his eyes. "YOU?" Eyebrow arched at her. Reports noted her disappearance. Rumor suggested her death. Still, Opportunity and Bounty beckoned with her presence as well. "Your false goddess! HAH! You sound like that crying girl in the forest! Nothing was done!" Snigger spewed from his lips. "Not dead as I heard! The boy slips!" He raised his sword overhead. "Uther will reward me for your head!"

"The goddess heard the girl. Why do you think the Princess and her allies came?" Her eyes rolled at him. Canary glinted in her eyes. "So sure, are you?" Her finger flicked at him.Spell wrenched his sword out of hand. "CADAL!" Canary glowed in her eyes anew. Gloating spiced her spell. Hand motioned anew. "Time for your service!"

Grimace contorted his face. "NAY!" Heaviness weighed on his limbs. Back stiffened. Yawn betrayed from his mouth. His feet stumbled. Unceremonious Splat marked his fall into the mud. Sleep claimed him at that point.

"So sure." Snicker wafted from the corner of her mouth. Irony sparked in her eye. "The hunter is now the caged prey."

Bring him to me, Nimue. Time grows short! the goddess commanded.

Nimue bowed her head. Aye, Milady. Akin to Child denied her game, she kicked at the dirt underfoot. She waved toward the mist all around. She patted his shoulder. "You will love what comes next." Then, she allowed Mists to flow over them. Within heartbeats' time, they disappeared from the scene.

Bigger game had commenced….