Chapter 5 [Camelot—Late Afternoon]
Activity buzzed about the city. Merchants, reeves and artisans offered goods from their booths. Hammers rang out on anvils. Servants bore water back from Upper Town's pump for Citadel's needs. Others arranged streamers and flowers around the plaza.
In the citadel, preparations were underway….
Visits…state and emergency…awaited….
[Council Chamber]
[A/N: Yes, this is *really* different.]
Uther's fingers tapped Frustation's tune across the throne's armrests. His lip curled. Impatience sharpened his tone. Diplomatic negotiations passed back and forth between Camelot and Tintagel. Favorable factors aligned for their alliance's continuation. Friendship and Comradery in Arms bound Uther with King Ruthbert. Each wanted Sorcery's elimination. Arthur and Prince Accolon fought together in battle and under Melee's banners. And then, Morgana remained a consideration.
Morgana….
A smile cracked across Concern-drawn face. Memoria reminded him of Interest and Warmth between Ruthbert's son and his ward. Children's smiles and play. Friendship's letters exchanged between realms. Tours under royal watch of each other's kingdoms. Accolon's requests for greetings carried by Arthur. Recent Flirtation with Morgana proved ceremonial.
Uther knew better….
"A smile, Father? That is a good thing." Arthur observed him from the doorway. "Pardon me. The door was open." He walked into the chamber. He and the Knights searched the Lower Town. Interrogation raked the usual suspects. Efforts rifled living quarters and turned everything upside down to no avail.
Uther stood. He strode toward the table. "I was thinking of Morgana, Arthur. I believe I have an alliance for her." He raised a gilt goblet in Toast's well wishing. Satisfaction eased his mood. Pride lit up in his eyes.
"Prince Accolon." Approval prompted a nod from Arthur. "That will make Morgana very happy, Father. King Ruthbert is a worthy ally. Accolon fought well in Hispania."
"Aye. He did indeed." Uther drank a mouthful from the goblet. "That is an excellent assessment, Arthur. Certainly, he and you can continue King Ruthbert's and my policies. We must be ever watchful." He set the goblet down. "It will not set well." His eyes narrowed. "I pray that the Witchfinder will seek out the responsible parties."
Incredulity raised an eyebrow. "Father, surely you do not mean…?"
Uther sucked in a terse breath. "Aye, Arthur. That is precisely who I mean! I will not allow magic and sorcery to take root in Camelot once again. It was hard enough to cleanse the first time." He turned toward the window. "I heard Aredian was heading west. I sent Sir Mortimer with my request for his services."
"Sir Mortimer will find him if anyone can, Father." Arthur considered his father anew. Gossip and Rumor floated about the citadel and town. Memoria reminded him of Shalott and Uther's imposed sentence on Lady Reyna from a decade earlier. Discomfort shot a shudder through him. "That man is a fanatic."
Uther shook his head. "Perhaps." His eyebrow flicked upward. "His methods have proved useful enough in the past. We found that sorcerer who affected the battle at Shalott, did we not? I would say it was a good thing." A shrug punctuated the point. "Especially since it showed Rodor who is most powerful."
Arthur averted his eyes. He understood Magic's potential for misuse. He carried out Uther's orders to the letter. He'd lectured Merlin among others on its evils. "Aye, Father." Still, he disagreed on Nemeth. He failed to see the need for antagonism.
"Perhaps I will ask Ruthbert to intervene with Rodor is concerned? His daughter still remains unmarried. It represents an opportunity for Camelot." Uther allowed a silence to linger. He turned to Arthur. "You are unmarried as well."
"I am. I wait for the right woman. She has yet to present herself to me, Father." Protests raged in Arthur's heart. However, he kept a straight face. Heart and Mind, however, floated from the room…
…but to Morgana's chamber and a certain chambermaid rather than Whitgate….
Sharp cough shot from Uther. "You need not concern yourself with that, Arthur. Leave that to me. Your marriage is a state matter. Surely, you understand the situation? Look to Morgana and Accolon. Their marriage meets every established criteria. It will cement an alliance between Camelot and Nemeth for a generation. It will end the strife within Tintagel over the throne. We agree on policies. King Ruthbert has other alliances across the seas that can benefit us. The fact that Morgana and Accolon care for each other is a bonus. I am happy for them. Even if they hated each other, the marriage would still occur." He shook his head. "Marriages for us concern duty not love. Think on that well, Arthur." He smiled. "King Ruthbert, in fact, has agreed to speak with King Rodor on our behalf. Prince Accolon and Princess Mithian are still friends despite their failed engagement. He could convince her of the benefits in a Nemeth-Camelot marriage."
As if I'd ever marry someone that I do not love? Not likely! Rebellion and Skepticism raised Arthur's eyebrow. "That is all well and good, Father. There is one problem. King Rodor would never agree to it."
Uther narrowed his eyes. "It will happen. King Rodor understands Cawdor's and Mercia's respective threats. King Ruthbert favors Camelot over Nemeth. Even Rodor will cave to such political realities. Hold yourself in readiness, Arthur. Your marriage will resolve our shared border. I aim to control the Gedref. Besides, Camelot cannot allow a haven for sorcerers and creatures so close to our borders." Disgust contorted his face. He raised his hand. "Make sure that everything is in order. I want Tintagel and Nemeth to see Camelot at our very best. Aredian will insure they understand how magic is to be regarded. You may go."
Arthur fumed. "I will start preparations." He nodded and headed down the passage. Protests rode from every heartbeat. He ground his teeth. Edict infuriated him.
Time for counsel….