Chapter 31 [Whitgate—Citadel's Plaza]
Mithian drew her cloak closely about herself. Chill and biting breeze rustled her hair. Cheeks reddened. Breath hung in frozen puffs all around. Her eyes remained fixed on the southwestern woods. Pride and Exultation warmed her heart. Mask of State demanded a solemn outlook from the Princess. The inner woman cheered and jumped up and down.
Merlin had succeeded. Kilgarrah and he were free….
Her eyes scanned the plaza. Nemeth's knights stood in Reception's formation. Galahad oversaw formation and military protocol. Candles and mourners dropped back to allow space. Two knights flanked the waiting pyre. Elaine watched from upstairs window. Britomart waited with Gawain, Lancelot and Percival a step below her. Blumenwald and Rodor stood to her left.
"Patience, Daughter. It will be soon." Rodor patted her hand. Warm smile creased his face. His eyes twinkled at her. "I know how impatient you can be."
"I worry. I also wish the best for our friend. Kilgarrah's free at long last! Merlin's on his way back here. He has his third task in hand. I may have my Prince at last!" She bit her lip. Shooting star shot across Nocturne's backdrop. Aurora lit up the entire sky in Emerald and Magenta hues. Awe and Admiration widened her eyes and dropped her jaw. Merlin, can you see this?
I am above the trees and it's right overhead! This is AMAZING! Merlin retorted. We are over Gedref now! I do not know how long until we are there.
He is coming! HE DID IT! She gazed up into Sky's wonders. Colors cascaded and renewed. Joy's tears welled in her eyes. Giddy smile spread across her face.
Signals stirred everyone back to attention. Deep Roar hallmarked others' approach. Bells tolled and proclaimed their presence. Eyes widened. Jaws slackened. They watched as Kilgarrah and Josiane descended through the multicolored display. Within heartbeats, Tapestry's heroes came back to life. Fingers pointed skyward. Gasps punctuated that moment as well as the previous one.
Merlin…former Camelot servant…unnamed Hero of Shalott…now a Dragon Lord too…now taking his place in Nemeth's lore…and riding toward his Princess and her court….
"Remember to bow to Rodor, Merlin. There is more than just the Princess," Kilgarrah snarked. Knowing chuckle jabbed further still. Memoria guided him over the Lower and Upper Towns' respective spire and dividing arch.
Merlin rolled his eyes. He looked over the assembled host awaiting them below. Disbelief elicited a headshake from him. "They are out here now?" He braced himself for their descent.
"SWORDS RAISED! WELCOME POSITION!" Galahad unsheathed his blade.
Kilgarrah alighted on the cobbled stones underfoot. Memoria affirmed their surroundings to him. "They wish to welcome us, Merlin. It seems they accept us. It is quite a change from Camelot." He bowed his head. "King Rodor, Princess Mithian, thank you."
"Kilgarrah the Great Dragon!" Rodor grinned. "It does my heart well to see you free once more! Welcome, my Friend! Welcome back to Nemeth! Welcome back, Merlin!" He descended the stairs toward the plaza's cobblestones. "Thank you, Princess Josiane! Thank you, Malodius! You all have done a wonderous service on behalf of our kingdom and friend!"
"It was our pleasure, King Rodor." Josiane nodded to Rodor. "I have learned from our mission. I have made a friend today." She bowed to Kilgarrah.
Kilgarrah bowed his head to Josiane as well. "As I have you. I appreciate that. Perhaps you might serve as an example to others in that regard? We can all co-exist. I am glad to be free. You helped in that regard. I thank you."
Well spoken, Dragon, Malodius chimed in.
Merlin climbed down Kilgarrah's leg. Wonder filled his mind. He waited until his feet rested on the cobbles to assess everything. Conquering heroes and visiting royals merited such greetings. Inferiority bit at his resolve. Conspicuousness prompted Embarrassment. He patted Kilgarrah's leg. "Thank you. Welcome for what it's worth."
"Thank you, Merlin." Kilgarrah nodded to him. "Now, I believe King Rodor and Princess Mithian wish to speak with you as well." He looked to the waiting Rodor.
"They have to speak with King Accolon though. I am still his subject." Merlin scratched his head. Questions peppered his mind. He struggled to understand Politics' machinations and twists. Through his newfound bond with Kilgarrah, he stood as Dragon Lord. Still, Servant and Tintagel's subject he remained until Accolon and Morgana freed him. He bowed to Rodor. "Your Majesty. Thank you for your support in freeing Kilgarrah."
Rodor nodded. Merlin's humility pleased him. "It is our pleasure, Merlin. Thank you for freeing our brother in arms. Kilgarrah and you are now friends of Nemeth. You have affirmed a great deal. You have accomplished your third task. By birth and by deed, you have met Capability Laws' standard. King Accolon agrees. And he has given us and you a generous opportunity." He beckoned Mithian to his side. "I will allow Princess Mithian to reveal that to you." He stepped to the side.
Mithian sucked in a composing breath. Her heart pounded. Triumph sparkled in her eyes. Her smile threatened to push at her ears. "Thank you, Sire." Consideration took in Merlin. "Merlin, you have pulled off yet another heroic feat on Nemeth's behalf today. You have honored us a great deal. You have our gratitude." Trembles and Nerves unsettled her for a heartbeat. Then, she straightened herself and resumed, "King Accolon has given your service to Nemeth. You are now King Rodor's subject. You have earned your freedom. You hold your father's mantle as Dragon Lord. His knighthood also passes to you. Britannia and we await your further service to us." She took Merlin's hands in hers. "I have my own request of you. I have requested this of King Rodor. He has agreed to this matter. Merlin, I will admit that you are unique. Your heart is good. Your sense of duty and purpose drive you to help others. You inspire people of all classes to look beyond themselves. I have met with several suitors for greater duty's sake. None save Prince now King Accolon have come close to meeting Nemeth's needs. King Accolon, Queen Morgana, King Rodor and I know that you are of that quality. You will grow. You will develop in your new role and to our kingdom. I wish that growth to be as a member of our family." She bit her lip. "I want you to serve with me. I want to grow alongside you as well. I want you as partner, friend, husband, and my Prince. Your mother, Lady Hunith, is hereby invited to live in the royal household as well." She gazed deeply into his eyes. "What say you?"
Merlin stared at her. His heart raced. Wishes met their objective. Transition seemed to blur everything around them. "You want…me?" Granted, Mourning still lingered over Freya's death. Yet, Mithian's presence lifted his spirits.
"Aye, Merlin. Camelot's oversight does not apply here. Your service is recognized. Your sacrifice is duly noted. I respect and care for you. You are not just a prize or asset. I care as Princess and a woman. I believe you to be perfect for Nemeth and for me." Mithian raised his hands. Hope lit up in her eyes. "I could make this a political match. I could insist on such things. There is some of that. There is also admiration and respect. I admire your father's deeds. I love your heart. Merlin…" Pleading entered her eyes next. "Please."
Merlin gazed into her eyes. Warmth flowed back and forth across their link. Purpose and Security washed aside all objections. "I can serve. I want to learn more about you and this kingdom. Aye." He moved her right hand toward his mouth. Lips whispered Amor's sweetest notes across those knuckles.
Mithian tugged him to his feet. "Thank you, Merlin. There is one more matter to finalize our engagement. That is for King Rodor. Merlin, bow before our King." Respect pressed her nod yet again.
"Thank you." Rodor set his hands on her shoulders. "You deserve this moment, Daughter. Now, I seek to finalize this engagement." He turned to Merlin. "Well, Merlin. We are here. It is an ascension years in the making. You are worthy of this honor. Are you ready?"
"Aye, Your Highness." Merlin kneeled anew. He bowed his head. Nerves ate at him. Disbelief overwhelmed him anew. "I am ready."
Rodor drew his sword from its scabbard. "This, Merlin, was your father's sword. Sir Balinor used it in service to Nemeth. I can think of no better sword to use for this task than this one. Merlin of Ealdor, do you swear your fealty to Nemeth? Will you put your loyalty to your King, Princess and Realm? Will you protect your King, Princess and Realm even if it means your death."
"Aye, Sire. I do swear to protect you, Princess Mithian and our kingdom. I swear to serve faithfully alongside any and all companions of Nemeth." Merlin nodded. Respect warmed him and punctuated his reply. Uther, you gave me away. I hope Prince Arthur is all right. This is my task and duty now. I can watch everything from here. I have security. Mother can be comfortable. My magic is accepted. I have my Princess and….
Oh? Who has who? Snark interjected from Mithian over the link. Mischief sparked in her eyes. I know what you meant. She lingered in that heartbeat. Desire burned within her.
"Thank you. I hold your vow." Rodor tapped each of Merlin's shoulders with the sword. "You are now free and my subject, Sir Merlin. Rise a knight." He sheathed the sword. He watched Merlin do so. "You will be crowned Prince on the morrow. Then, you will be joined with Princess Mithian. Congratulations."
"Thank you, Sire." Merlin bowed once more to Rodor. He raised Mithian's hand and kissed it anew. "Milady, once more thank you."
Crimson flushed Mithian's cheeks. Euphoria lifted her spirits off the ground. "You are welcome, Sir Merlin. Thank you. I can assure you. We appreciate you. Now come. I believe there is some dinner awaiting us. Besides, you have new companions to meet as well."
"I believe, Lady, that he knows some of us already." Lancelot bowed to them both. "Good evening, Sir Merlin. It has been a while."
Merlin grinned. "Lancelot!" He embraced his friend. "We did not know what happened. I watched you leave but…."
"It is a long story, Merlin. We are here now. You are finally going to take credit for what you do. Appreciate what King Rodor and Princess Mithian are going to offer you. You deserve it." Lancelot looked at him pointedly. "We'll take our vows tomorrow. This is your day. Enjoy it."
"As if I'd let Merlin think anything else?" Mithian nodded to Lancelot. "Well spoken, Sirrah. You have my thanks. We have dinner to eat." She took Merlin's hand. "Follow me." She led him back into the Citadel.
Who would have thought? Merlin a knight? And a Prince too. May you have everything, Merlin. You deserve it! Lancelot bowed to Mithian and Rodor once more. Then, he followed them into the citadel proper.
Life had opened yet another door….