Chapter 27 [Throne Chamber—A Twelfth of the Hourglass Later]
[A/N: Okay…well, Gawain's about to talk about his parentage. I had to create a new Mom's name apart from traditional lore. (In there, Morgause—yes that Morgause—is his mother. LOL!) Wish the BBC Writers would've paid more attention to the details at times.)]
Rodor brooded on his throne. He cancelled the royal court on that afternoon. His focus lay with immediate issues instead. Count Bernard stewed in the dungeon. Elaine rested in a guest chamber. Aredian remained at large. Necessity demanded an explanation from Uther. War rattled its saber within the scabbard anew. And then Sir Balinor's return turned everything upside down….
…Balinor….
Why did you not let Father confront Uther by diplomatic means? Certainly, Bors and Radegund would have supported our numbers without question! But of course, you would not hear of it. You'd sacrifice yourself for everything and everyone. You barely knew your son. Ah, my Friend! Aredian's shadow falls across Merlin yet again. Now that I know the truth, I will keep him safe. Princess Mithan, it seems, has ideas of her own. Rodor ground his teeth. Merlin's standing should be a fait accompli. Hereditary nobility tied Merlin to knighthood. Capability Laws allowed for Merlin's elevation in Camelot. Several realms owed Balinor and Merlin life debts.
Blumenwald set his quill down. "The preparations for tomorrow are complete, Sire. We simply have to bring Sir Balinor's body downstairs. Sir Galahad will arrange for an honor guard to do so."
"Aye. Thank you, Lord Blumenwald. You are thorough as always." Rodor rubbed his forehead. "Why did Sir Balinor have to hide?" He shook his head. "OUTRAGEOUS!" His fist slammed into the armrest. "Uther Pendragon is like a rabid dog! He gorges himself and then he salivates for more! He violated several kingdoms' boundaries for his Purge! And now, Merlin worries for his own skin! After everything he has done? I cannot believe he is still a servant!" He ground his teeth.
"Perhaps you could negotiate for him? If I may suggest, Sire? Merlin is a servant. King Uther would give him little regard." Blumenwald quivered slightly. Rodor's rage intimidated him. Rarely did the King show such displays.
"He will suspect something." Rodor's fingers tap danced a terse melody across the traumatized arm rest. Strategies worked through his mind. "Something will need to be done. You have noticed Princess Mithian around him?"
Blumenwald nodded. "I have, Sire. I can scarcely believe it. I mean no offense to the Princess of course. Other than Prince Accolon, she has shown little interest in potential matches for her hand. At least, Merlin is his father's son. He saved the kingdom and then nearly died for Prince Kay. He nearly killed himself for his duty." He shook his head.
Rodor allowed himself a chuckle. "Aye. I do. He is Sir Balinor's son all right. Even then, he showed his iron against Uther on that day. I never thought I would see that look in her eyes. She desires him. I would say the goddess is at work here. If Merlin were free of Camelot, I would grant the marriage."
A knock came from the door.
"A moment, Sire." Blumenwald opened the door. "Sir Galahad?"
"Lord Blumenwald, pardon my interruption of the King's privacy. An urgent matter has come to my attention. I believe King Rodor will wish to see it for himself. Might we enter please?" Galahad bowed before Blumenwald.
"Let him enter, Lord Blumenwald. Sir Galahad has a good mind for protocols." Rodor motioned Galahad forward. He watched Galahad lead Percival, Gawain, Lancelot and Britomart into his presence. In unison, he saw their bow and curtsey. "Well now! Guests on such a night! Welcome back, Percival! I am sure Lady Blancheflor will be delighted by your return. We heard glad tidings from King Bors on your behalf. Given today's sorrowful circumstances, you are most welcome! Lancelot, your service is known to us. Even if King Uther did not appreciate your service against the griffin, we know of the incident. Britomart, thank you for your service. Princess Mithian told me you were leading everyone back here. And, Gawain, I would welcome you as well. You will pardon me. One of our most distinguished heroes passed away three turns of the hourglass ago. You saw his pyre awaiting First Light on the morrow." He raised a goblet to his lips. Wine broke Thirst's parch.
"We thank you for welcoming us, Sire." Percival bowed again. "I know of Sir Balinor's service of course from the old legends. I apologize. We could not keep him alive."
"That is hardly your fault, Percival. Princess Josiane and Princess Mithian saw him back here. He and I spoke before his passing. I was able to grant him grace and our royal love. He knows our gratitude for his selfless sacrifice on our behalf. His son and he met tonight. Apparently, that one was right under our noses all along." Rodor took a deep breath. "No matter. His mantle has been passed on. Now, what is your urgent matter, Sir Galahad?"
"It is more good news, Sire." Galahad bowed again. "Sir Balinor's son is not the only one to return to us today. Gawain?" Expectation cast a firm look toward Gawain.
"Yeah." Gawain released a deep breath. His feet trudged forward. "Your Worship?" He bowed to Rodor. "Thanks. I just heard about my father."
"Father?" Rodor stiffened. Impatience sharpened his tone. "Sir Galahad, you said this was urgent. Certainly, we can assist Gawain with his quest after the funeral tomorrow? Sir Balinor deserves our attention tonight." Frown darkened his face.
Galahad paled. "Pardon me, Sire. You know of my personal admiration for Sir Balinor in feats and personage. The honor guard stands prepared to do our duty. Especially tonight, I would not trouble you with a trivial matter. Gawain revealed an important matter to Sir Roland, Sir Richard and me outside. He has a key tie to Nemeth. I have checked his credential. He has the proper crest. I would request Lord Blumenwald's confirmation." His throat cleared. Disbelief still forced his hesitation. "He is Sir Robert's son."
"Sir Robert?" Rodor sat straight up in his throne. Galahad's assertion seized his attention. "As in Sir Robert d' Arbourne of Cawdor? What is this credential?"
"He refers to Gawain's pendant, Sire," Percival clarified.
Rodor mulled that notion over in his mind. Wonder pressed many questions and thoughts on him. "Lord Blumenwald, you know the crest. Can you look at it please?" He pointed toward Gawain. "Gawain, if you could let my High Chancellor look at your crest? Sir Robert brought it with him of course before the Battle of Etranburg. He fought in gallant fashion. I am proud to have led him into battle on that day. It is distressing that he departed soon after. We heard nothing further from him."
Gawain took the necklace off. He set it in Blumenwald's hands with care. "Take it easy with that. That was my Mom's. Dad gave it to her." Uncharacteristic reverence bowed his head. His eyes remained fixed on the chancellor and his necklace.
"Certainly. I need to look at the crest on it." Blumenwald examined the pendant in question. Age's wear and scuffs marred its appearance. Family symbols, however, stood out in unmistakable fashion. "Indeed so! Put out your hand please." He set the necklace and pendant back into Gawain's outstretched palm. "Thank you." He turned back toward Rodor and Galahad. "Sire, it is as Sir Galahad said. Gawain has the necessary crest. Sir Robert listed his wife, a son and a daughter. Your name matches that of his son. I have to ask what are your mother's and sister's names?"
"My sister was Soredamors. Mom's name was Lady Morgause. That is before Meleagant's uncle kicked us off of Dad's manor. He died of a bad leg wound. Sorie…Soredamors let herself be sold and taken away to keep slavers away from Mom and me. Mom got sick. She died. I'm it." Gawain threw his hands up in the air. "Big Red won't leave me alone either. They jumped me. Balinor had my back." He rubbed the back of his neck. "He took a sword strike for me."
Rodor looked to Galahad and then to Blumenwald. "That is just like Sir Balinor, Gawain. His sense of honor and sacrifice was his top priority always. You will hear more about that tomorrow. Perhaps you might do us a favor? Would you agree to serve as a member of his honor guard? You would carry his bier outside."
"I'll do it. I owe him that much." Gawain looked to Galahad. "Just let me know what I need to do."
"Aye. Thank you, Gawain," Galahad accepted. "I will show you where the Physicians' Chamber is. You will need to awaken an hour prior to First Light."
"I will make sure he is awake, Sir Galahad." Britomart arched her eyebrow at Gawain. Before she could say anything else, the door opened again. "Milady!" She curtseyed again.
Mithian poked her head into the chamber. "Sire? Pardon me. King Accolon and I need to see you. I…."
"Daughter, you two should join us! We have more splendid news! King Accolon, you as well." Rodor beckoned them both inside. "I thought you were with Sir Balinor?"
"I was! Father, King Accolon has solved our problem with Merlin!" Excitement gushed over inside of Mithian. She held the scroll up in the air.
"Merlin?" Lancelot turned abruptly toward her. "You mean Merlin? Prince Arthur of Camelot's servant?" Concern pushed to know more. "King Accolon? Forgive me. Did something happen to King Ruthbert?" He bowed to them both.
"It is all right, Princess." Accolon strode toward Lancelot. "Lancelot is a skilled warrior on the battlefield. King Uther rejected him for Camelot's service. Quite the shame really. He served King Bors and my father well at various times. He, Percival, Gawain and I fought together across the Eastern Sea. I'd take any of them for Tintagel's knights. As for my father, Lancelot, aye, the King passed through the Veil. I am now King. Lord Geoffrey of Monmouth married Morgana Pendragon and me earlier today. King Uther, it seems, wishes to have new servants in the royal household. As a wedding gift, he sent Merlin and Guinevere to serve us in Tintagel. Lady Morgana suggested that Merlin come here instead. Given his shared accomplishments both here and in Camelot, I agree. Furthermore, King Rodor, I can attest to his accomplishments toward noble status. He is on a mission for all of us right now."
"Mission?" Rodor stood up on the dais. "What would that be, King Accolon? I was not informed."
"Sir Balinor's last wish to Merlin was to free Kilgarrah the Great Dragon from his prison. King Uther chained him under Camelot's citadel. Merlin, Princess Josiane and Malodius go to free him. Merlin has to be there. He has to bond with Kilgarrah." Accolon exchanged looks with Mithian. Then, his eyes returned to Rodor's. "Lady Morgana is in the citadel. The triple goddess is watching."
"Aredian could be there as well," Rodor pointed out. "So, Merlin has inherited the talent?"
"Merlin was already communicating with Kilgarrah. This will complete the process. When he returns, King Rodor, I am presenting him to you for your service. I believe you can find a proper role for him?" Accolon clarified. "Princess Mithian has my scroll recording that transfer of service to you."
"And we accept your generous gift, King Accolon. Thank you. Congratulations on your marriage. Perhaps when this is over, we can celebrate?" Rodor motioned for the grant scroll. "Princess Mithian, I would like to see that?"
"Aye, Sire." Mithian presented the scroll to him. "It is as King Accolon says." She took a step back toward the others.
"Let us see then. Shall we?" Rodor unrolled the parchment. Message therein met with his approval. "Indeed so! Lord Blumenwald, Daughter, I believe we shall have some new knights to induct into our service. Meantime, I will have a proposition for Merlin as well." He rolled the scroll back up and handed it to Blumenwald. "See that this is archived. King Accolon, I was about to invite the others to dinner. You are invited of course."
"Thank you, King Rodor. Perhaps another time? Lady Morgana and King Uther await me in Camelot's citadel. I wish to be there in case Merlin and the others need assistance." Accolon bowed his head. "Have a good meal. Lady Morgana and I are glad to be of service." Canary glinted in his eyes. He waved his hands. Mists swept him away from there.
"That's some trick. Wish people knew about it." Gawain whistled.
"It is a closely guarded skill. I have heard stories. Lancelot, Lady Elaine is going to need assistance coming to dinner. I believe you both know each other? Sir Galahad, can you show him where that is?"
Lancelot nodded. Memoria recalled Elaine's intervention on his previous visit. "Aye. She helped me with my leg. Is she all right?" Friendship's warmth eased his mood in that heartbeat.
"I shall indeed, Sire! Follow me, Lancelot." Galahad bowed to Rodor and then Mithian. "Lady Elaine has been through a great deal. She could use a friend." Then, he led Lancelot toward the passage in question.
"I believe that is our cue." Rodor led the group toward the passage beyond the door.
Mithian lingered behind. Her eyes drifted toward the window. Worry pressed at her heart. Somewhere in Camelot, Merlin pursued his course. Aredian, in the meantime, lurked close by. Lady, watch over Merlin and the others! She bit her lip. Then, she hustled after the others.
Perhaps Worries persisted. Duty's show, however, had to go on….