Chapter 6 [Physician's Chambers—A Quarter of an Hourglass Turn Earlier]
[A/N: I'm moving Freya's appearance before 'the Witchfinder'. By the way, the deal with Shalott, Nemeth and the battle with Cawdor is referred to in many of my fanfics. I've never written it but it's in my mind. Anyhow, here goes….]
Merlin stood the old broom back in its corner. Consternation jumbled his thoughts up. Mourning continued to drown his heart. His mind wandered. Instinct and Repetition guided him through the household's daily tasks. Still, Effort sank to perhaps half of his normal output….
….People, needless to say, noticed….
Reactions spanned the gambit. Gwen and Morgana offered comfort, support, and patience. Support alternated with discipline for Gaius. George pressed over inconsequential polish and brown nosing. Kitchen staff harped on every portion and appearance. Audrey strained his last nerve. Trailside cooking lacked the usual spice and technique. Untucked beds and reeking chamber pots marred Arthur's chamber. Royal bellows of "IDIOT!" echoed off of passages' granite walls.
He rubbed his forehead. Malaise and Distraction ate at him. Why did she have to tell Uther? WHY? I mean *really*? He shook his head. Gaius is really scared about that Aredian! He's not saying anything. I've never heard Uther or Arthur talking about him. He rubbed the back of his neck. Uther cannot stop himself! His bounty hunter caged Freya. Instead of helping her, he treated her like some slave at the block! Indignation stewed in his gut. Who else would deal with Cornelius Segan, the fake Queen Catrina and help to rescue Gwen from her kidnappers? Who else could pull Victory from Defeat on Arthur's behalf? Who else would be stupid enough to go up against King Meleagant of Cawdor without armor?
On cue, Pain stabbed through his left shoulder.
Yeah. Idiot. That's me. At least I hid everything. His eyes rolled. Stiffness and aches nagged at the shoulder. The arm raised overhead albeit with effort. Too bad George couldn't be adequate at anything but polishing. I really could use the rest. Good luck getting that from Arthur and Gaius. If it wasn't for Uther ordering me to stay here, I'd go and visit Mother. "I wish Gaius would've made up more of that paste before he left. Hope he's back by tomorrow."
A sharp knocking came from the door.
Now who? He forced himself to his feet. Gaius really wanted the apparatus cleaned. I already cleaned out that Witchfinder's chamber. He shook that notion off. That Aredian's the last person we need right now! He shuffled to the door and opened it. "Morgana?" Instinct prompted a bow.
Morgana cleared her throat. She looked up and down the passage. "Thank you, Merlin. May I come in?"
"Of course." He stepped to the side and allowed her inside. Questions bubbled up in his mind. Aredian's very mention had jarred her in the throne room. Visions interrupted her sleep. Gwen's and her ordeal shook her loyalty to Uther. "Sorry. Gaius left for the provinces. Guess there's the plague." A tentative glance. "If you wait, I can try and get you more of those sleeping powders?"
"Thank you, Merlin." She shook his offer off. Her eyebrow raised. "I know you're a friend. I am grateful for your help in rescuing Gwen. Even if Arthur will not say so." She motioned toward his left shoulder. "How much of our last expedition to Nemeth do you remember?"
Merlin offered her a shrug. Memoria recalled most of that expedition. He recalled the battle and Meleagant's ambush of Prince Kay. Even if he didn't see it, Lady Reyna's execution still cut at him. Dinner later proved especially difficult. Diplomatic chasm separated Uther and Rodor to be polite. Elaine's pain and Bernard's attitude proved especially hard to take. "It's all a blur really. I remember Uther sending Arthur with the knights. Meleagant and Cenred allied against Nemeth. We were there. So were the Amazons. Arthur led the knights in. Gaius told me to keep my head down." His eyes rolled. "I helped defend the wagons. A Cawdorian sword wounded me. I was in bed for a long time. The noblewoman helping me disappeared. After that…" The frown tightened on his face. "There was that dinner in King Rodor's hall. That girl…she was so sad. I tried to help her…"
"The Lady Elaine." She nodded. "Merlin, you were so kind to her that day. Aye you helped her." Her eyes narrowed. "Uther told Arthur to send you away. He was so heartless! But Gwen, Princess Mithian's servant and I appreciated it. Did Arthur tell you that Princess Mithian expressed the same to us?" Her eyebrow quirked. Teasing and a jab sparked in her eyes.
"Really? Must've slipped Arthur's mind." His eyes met hers. "I know it is not my place. I overheard talk about Princess Mithian. It is not very nice. Speaking as a servant, she treated her maid—that red haired woman—very well. I just picked some flowers at Astolat before coming back to Whitgate, Morgana. One of Count Bernard's servants told me those were the Lady Elaine's favorite."
"Aye. She seemed to like them very much." Morgana looked him over again. Insight detected Evasion's part in his response. "Aye. She sniffed them for much of the meal. You are quite fortunate, Merlin."
"Her mother helped me." He sucked in a terse breath. "Gaius told me she used magic to save my arm." He bowed his head. "I have my arm. Because of me, Lady Reyna went through what she did. I know magic's evil, Morgana. But it helped me." He squirmed. Necessity's lie and facetiousness required effort. Moreover, he noted her intent attention.
"I know the King believes that, Merlin. I think it is in how it is used. It is like any weapon. No more. No less." She offered a tacit nod. "I know the walls have ears. I respect that. Gratitude, however, is a necessary thing as well. It is hardly a crime to be grateful for help. At least you did not have to endure Lady Reyna's mockery of a trial. That man, Aredian, that the King mentioned earlier? He rigged the entire thing! He and Uther forced Rodor to pronounce sentence! Why?" She threw her hands up in the air. "Because she used magic? They wanted the sorcerer who turned the battle around! It certainly was not her!" Crimson darkened her face. Exasperation and indignation sharpened her tone. "Nay, Merlin. Arthur did not express such things." She brought out a folded parchment. "Uther forbade him from justifying your efforts in the dining hall. The Princess, therefore, gave this to me." She opened it. "This is what she said….
Lady Morgana,
Thank you for your courtesy and respect during this difficult time. King Rodor and I may have our issues with Camelot. They are certainly not with your maid, Guinevere, or Prince Arthur's servant, Merlin. In fact, I wish to express appreciation to Merlin for his kindness. The King and I know how he risked King Uther's wrath to support Lady Elaine in her sorrow. His kindness and yours are lights in this dark hour.
Prince Arthur and King Uther will not allow King Rodor or me to tell Merlin. Therefore, I must seek a favor. Can you let Merlin know that he is not to blame for Lady Reyna's death? She chose to follow the triple goddess' path and service. She would never have let a fly or a mouse suffer around that estate. It was her choice and duty to heal Merlin. It was King Uther's crass betrayal and the butcher, Aredian, which brought about the miscarriage of justice. King Rodor himself expressed thanks. Queen Radegund adds her appreciation and respect. I express my thanks as well for his valor, bravery, and good will in the face of such troubles.
If ever he or you have need, Lady, the gates of Nemeth are open. We remember your service always and will hold you as friends in spite of what has happened.
Blessings on you, Guinevere, Master Gaius and Merlin. Take care.
On Behalf of Rodor, King of Nemeth, Radegund, Queen of the Amazons and myself….
Mithian, Crown Princess of Nemeth"
He stared at her. "She really wrote that? I was in bed for most of that time. King Rodor and she were really upset." Grimace twisted at his mouth. "I thought the King would throw me in the dungeon for trying to be kind."
"Arthur and Gaius would have seen to your release. I would have spoken up." A playful shrug raised and lowered her shoulders anew. "Besides, if word had reached Nemeth or Amazonia, Uther would have invited more issues for Camelot. Despite the Knights of Camelot, he will avoid trouble. So, Merlin, you have the respect of Queen Radegund, Princess Mithian and King Rodor? I know Prince Accolon of Tintagel holds your service in high esteem as well." A nod bobbed her head up and down. "I'd tell Uther to make you a diplomat."
He shook his head. "I wish to stay by Arthur's side. Just like Gwen stays by yours. We serve." His bow punctuated that notion. He squirmed. I am just a servant. Why would King Rodor or she care? Gaius told me that only King Rodor, his High Chancellor and he know about what happened with Meleagant. Gaius said they'd keep my secret. Paranoia, however, stabbed a cold shudder through him. What if Aredian figures it out? He and Uther will try to make an example out of me!
Calm yourself, Merlin. Your fretting is giving me a headache!
He fought to keep a straight face. Suspicions already led him to her magical potential. Her visions and dreams evoked drastic measures from Gaius and him.
"Merlin, did you hear someone?" She furrowed her brow. Panic pushed her back toward the passage. "That voice! I know it from somewhere. I know I have heard it."
"Voice?" Merlin raised an eyebrow. "I did not hear anything."
She narrowed her eyes. "Merlin, I know when you're lying to me. I know there is more to what happened in Nemeth than what Uther and Arthur believe. Rodor wishes for you to keep it to yourself. I can understand that. On the other hand, I heard that voice loud and clear. It was addressing YOU. MERLIN!" Her frown twisted in on itself. "Care to rethink your answer?"
His mind muddled through the situation. She had overheard Kilgarrah's telepathic complaint. Worse, she heard the Great Dragon address him specifically. She heard you.
She…WHAT?
A gasp escaped her mouth. "MERLIN!" Shock and Amazement froze her in place. Her mind spun through memories and events with them at court and elsewhere. She pushed the door shut. Her eyes wouldn't leave him. "You're the one! You're the sorcerer!"
"Me? A sorcerer? What? I…." He attempted to laugh it off. "Morgana, I'm too clumsy and…."
She folded her arms across her chest. "I know better than that, Merlin. Now it all makes sense. Now…."
THIS HAS GONE ON LONG ENOUGH! A commanding female voice boomed in their minds.
"I heard that!" Now he looked all around the chamber as well.
"Whoever that is just spoke in our minds. And…" Morgana pointed to the corner. "Merlin! Where's that coming from?"
"Where's what…?" As he turned, Mists enveloped them both. Within a heartbeat, they'd vanished from view.
Intervention, it seems, was deemed necessary….