Chapter 12 [Whitgate—Council Chamber]

Merlin blinked. Disorientation left him disconnected from his surroundings. His feet floated. Shadows shifted. His hands groped in front of him.

Merlin? Merlin, where are you? What is this? This? Mithian's voice echoed…not in his ears…but through his mind. Her fingers grabbed onto and tugged on his sleeve.

Princess? What's going on? I'm hearing you in my mind. He reached toward the grabbing sensation. His hand brushed over her riding top's sleeve. Emotions…Panic…bombarded him. "It's…." His eyes adjusted. They blurred back into focus. "Everything's a blur."

"Aye." She took a calming breath. "Why did I hear you just now in my head? I felt your emotions. I have never done that before." Something else brushed up against her left leg. "Merlin, you are on my right. Who's on my left?"

Malodius purred at them. He rubbed up against her.

Malodius seems to be on your left, Princess Mithian. It has been a long time, a voice chimed in her head.

I heard that! She groped around herself. "Who's there now?" The blurs focused in gradual fashion. Features came into focus. Shapes defined themselves. Her eyes rested on Malodius. "You do not speak. So who?"

You heard me, Princess. We last met when you were but a baby in your mother's arms. I am Kilgarrah, the Great Dragon. It seems that being around Merlin has opened your mind. I am trapped in a cave beneath Camelot. Uther imprisons me here, Kilgarrah introduced himself.

"You are alive! I am sorry! We thought you were dead!" Apology and Lament dampened her outlook. She noticed Rodor's council chamber all around themselves. "We are back in Father's citadel!" Her hand brushed across the oak table's top. She patted Malodius' head.

I would appreciate your father's assistance, Princess. It has been so long. Merlin's friendship is valuable. I would like my freedom, however.

I cannot free you. I would if I could! Merlin threw his hands up in the air. Exasperation burned at him. "There is a chain and shackle around one of his feet. It is forged from massive iron links. We'd need powerful magic to break through them."

"Iron holds Kilgarrah? Magic can free him." Mithian narrowed her eyes. "If Princess Josiane were to get down there, she could free him with her blade or by turning the iron into something else. We just need to get her down there."

"We can deal with Aredian first. Then, we can free him. He has been down there too long as it is." Merlin looked to the ceiling. We need to figure out how to get our friend down there. She can free you. I don't want you hurting anyone.

No promises of that, Merlin. I think we have made enough promises. Kilgarrah ground his fangs. Resentment from Years' Long imprisonment fumed within himself.

I believe we can speak to Uther on your behalf, Kilgarrah. Father holds you in high esteem. We cannot give up. You are a better being than slaughtering innocents. Have patience. Know that we care, Mithian implored.

I can feel your compassion. Remind King Rodor of the life debt. He will understand. Thank you, Princess. Merlin…. Kilgarrah went silent at that point.

"Follow me, Merlin. I…." Mithian started to head for the door. Necessity dictated their audience with Rodor in short order. Diplomacy and Urgency pressed for quick resolution. Nobody needed a repeat from the plaza outside.

Elaine appeared across the chamber. Blank eyes stared at the surroundings. "It was so bright! Now, it is so dark! Why can I not see anything?"

"It is all right, Lady Elaine." He rushed to her side. His eyes found Mithian's. "She should be there as well. We can let King Rodor know about Aredian."

"And Count Bernard as well." Mithian motioned toward Elaine. "Lady Elaine, take a deep breath. Your eyes will adjust." She supported the other woman. "Father can wait. She needs to get herself together."

He took a step back. Admiration took in Mithian's consideration for Elaine. Newfound Empathy picked up on emotions about himself. Mithian's warmth drew him toward her akin to Moth and a warm light. Elaine's pain, however, screamed out at him. Simultaneous cascades/collisions jarred his sensibilities. Impacts jarred and broke through Mourning's cocoon. For the first time since Freya's death, Feelings cane back online again.

"Merlin?" Mithian turned back toward him. Concern jerked her attention away from Elaine. "Merlin, are you all right?" She rubbed his arm. "You have not lost your wits. Have you?"

"Huh? I…" Her touch restored his awareness. Her presence soothed and calmed him. "Princess? Oh, pardon me. I…" He rubbed his forehead again. "All of this telepathy and now the emotions…it's giving me a headache." His eyes drifted up toward hers….

…and in them, Reflection and Purpose awaited….

"Master Wyngate can help us with that. Come. Father awaits us." Mithian offered her hand. "You can walk?"

Somehow his eyes didn't roll at her. "Aye. I can." He started toward the door.

"Princess? Where is Father? How are we back here again? I thought we were going back to the camp?" Elaine pressed.

"The goddess wanted us to be here. Come. Father awaits. We have to tell him about Aredian and Count Bernard." Mithian walked past Merlin and out into the passage. Implications now clashed and collided in her mind as well. A serious discussion awaited.

Present and future seemed in flux…