Chapter 25
Mithian stepped out from behind Merlin. Familiarity relaxed her with Accolon. Friendship's journey saw them from childhood to teenage years. Despite Engagement's failed negotiations, their personal alliance endured. "Your Highness, I believe Merlin asked a question?" Respect prompted a royal nod.
Accolon sucked in a heavy breath. "Aye. That is a question indeed." Almost playful smile spread across his face. "King Uther and I have finished negotiations. Lord Geoffrey married Lady Morgana and me. There were land grants. Of greater importance, Uther granted us two new servants. Guinevere and Merlin are coming with us to Tintagel." Chuckle escaped from his mouth. "At least that is what Uther thinks." He shook his head.
"Wait!" Merlin stiffened. "You mean King Uther gave Gwen and me to you? As in for good?" His mind spun. He knew Uther tired of Arthur's manner. Formality wanted its due. George suited traditional (re: stiff-arsed) purpose. Morgana wanted her chambermaid/best friend with her. "Surely, Prince Arthur and Gaius…."
Accolon sniffed. "Merlin, King Uther is only interested in what suits Camelot's interests. That means his interests." Indignant scoff gruffly cleared his throat. "He sacrificed his wife for a male heir. He supported my father's coup against Gorlois. He took Queen Vivanne and split Tintagel in the process. Morgana and I are the two heirs to Tintagel's throne. She and Prince Arthur are the two heirs to Camelot's throne. Our marriage reunifies the kingdom. Our love will heal." He brought out a rolled-up parchment.
"Congratulations, Milord. I know…how long Lady Morgana and you have loved each other." Mithian sucked in a heavy breath. Failed negotiation weighed on her. Engagement after engagement sank in Rejection's riptide. Sneers and cracks of 'Prince in Petticoats' and 'Tomboy Princess' stung her ears. "Merlin, I…I know you will serve King Accolon and Queen Morgana well." Hope evaporated. She bowed her head. Promise faded before her eyes.
Fate, it seemed, played yet another joke at her expense….
"Princess, I…" Merlin's mind weighed the transfer's implications. Accolon and Morgana accepted his magic. He knew several servants in Accolon's royal household. Gwen and he got along well with them. Still, the move blocked his and Gwen's desired paths. Amor drew Gwen closer and closer still with Arthur. Consideration brought Arthur and Gaius to mind in Camelot.
Arthur's voice echoed in his ears, "Merlin, he's the King. He can do whatever he wants!"
Uther wants Gwen and me away from him. Merlin shook his head. Everything turned upside down. Despite aforementioned advantages, his eyes drifted away from Accolon. "I'm sorry, Sire. I….I…" He bowed to his new King. Words failed him. Regret pushed through Mourning. Transition resonated through his being.
"Sorry for what?" Accolon's brow furrowed. "You bow. You show respect. Lady Morgana has only the best things to say about your service, Merlin. You forget…I am a telepath as well. I have felt what I needed to. I have eyes, Merlin. So does Lady Morgana. We both know. Besides, I did say that the love between her and me would heal all. Did I not?" His hand raised the scroll. "Princess, this is for King Rodor and you. Merlin, turn right and bow." He handed the scroll to her.
Mithian narrowed her eyes. She accepted the parchment roll. Her eyebrow arched. "I will let King Rodor open this, Sire. Merlin knows to bow to me. Why would…?" Her eyes met Merlin's. Realization dawned on her. "You are? Merlin?" Akin to Child on Solstice Morn, she unsealed the scroll. Impatient hand pulled it open. Wonder and Disbelief widened her eyes. A hand clapped over her mouth. "Sire, I…I…"
Warm smile spread across Accolon's face. "I see you are pleased." A warm chuckle came from his lips. "Lady Morgana and I thought as much. Princess, we have been friends since childhood. Your situation pains me. I am joined permanently. I thought perhaps a capable man for the household and Nemeth might be in order?"
"Princess Mithian? What is it?" Merlin felt Emotions' rollercoaster fall and rise within a dozen heartbeats. Her mood swing stunned him to say the least. "Capable…?"
She sucked in a deep breath. "Speaking for myself, Milord, thank you. I cannot see King Rodor objecting in any way to your generosity." Her smile spread across her face. "Britomart would be pleased." Satisfaction sparkled in her eyes. Mirth and Teasing spiced her tone, "I do hope you like it right here, Merlin. You seem to be quite the vagabond today."
Merlin rubbed the back of his neck. "So, I'm not going to Tintagel? I thought….?" His mind worked through Accolon's machinations.
Accolon shook his head. "Nay, Merlin. Well…that was the goddess' plan at first. Aredian's return to Camelot forced certain considerations. You are no longer safe there. Sir Balinor's reemergence and death has changed other matters. And then…" His hand stifled a cough. "Then, there is the matter of your status. Prince Arthur refuses to raise you up to noble status despite your many feats on Camelot's behalf. Tintagel, however, has no such issue with you. You saved my life and preserved our forces at Shalott and at Hampton Castle. Morgana has extolled your extraordinary accomplishments at length. Furthermore, King Lyfrank's grant of knighthood and hereditary nobility to Sir Balinor descends to you. I count two deeds at Shalott in that regard. The victory and saving Prince Kay's life are those deeds. You are one deed short that way…"
She shook her head. "Sire, you may wish to raise those qualifications with King Rodor. He would appreciate them, I am sure. Merlin has a place here without doubt. Sir Balinor's mantle as knight and Dragon Lord passes to Merlin."
"That is what I think as well." Accolon rubbed his chin. "There is but one remaining task ahead of you, Merlin. Kilgarrah is to be freed. That, Dragon Lord, is your task. You must establish your bond with him. He must understand Vengeance is not for him. The goddess works to ease Camelot and Britannia into the whole. You will not be alone, however, in that regard." His hand waved toward the corner anew.
Mists appeared anew. Josiane streaked through them and into the chamber. "Greetings, my Friends! It seems my god and your goddess wish for me to expand my horizons. Merlin, time is of the essence. Our mission awaits." She allowed her carpet to touch down on the stones. "Get on. We should depart."
"Princess? Sire?" Respect forced Merlin's hesitation for a few heartbeats. Kilgarrah's freedom remained a high priority. New Mistress and King, however, merited regard as well.
"Aye, Merlin. Father wishes for Kilgarrah to be free." Mischief glinted in her eye. "Besides, if a certain Sorcerer-Dragon Lord…I would not know who that would be…were to do so, it could be considered a third task. King Rodor owes Kilgarrah a life debt as well." She pointed toward Josiane. "Go on. Bring our ally home. Malodius, can you accompany Merlin and Princess Josiane?"
Malodius bowed to her. Then, he loped across the chamber and onto the carpet. He hrunghed at Merlin.
Merlin nodded. "I will return, Princess. I would not leave Britomart alone in your service." He bowed to her. "Sire." He added a bow to Accolon.
"Merlin, I suspect that will not be a problem." Mithian added a snort for good measure. "Go on. Nemeth awaits your successful return."
"I will do my best." Merlin raised her hand. His eyes met Mithian's. His lips whispered across her knuckles. "Thank you for your faith."
Unexpected breeze rustled her chocolate locks. Faerie dust glittered in Mithian's eyes. "Always." Her heart skipped a beat. "Thank you for your respect, M…Merlin." Restraint kept 'My Prince' back (in spite of everyone but Josiane) knowing her intention. She watched him step onto the carpet. Nerves batted about in her stomach. Come back to me….my Prince.
Malodius roared. He looked to Merlin. He bowed his head.
"I believe you are correct, my Friend." Josiane ruffled Malodius' mane. "We shall return, Princess Mithian." She nodded to Mithian. Her eyes twinkled at Merlin. Approval prompted a nudge for Merlin. She turned the carpet around in mid-air. Then, they disappeared into the mists bound for Camelot and Task ahead.
Mithian bit her lip. Anxiety welled up inside of herself. "Sire? What?"
"You have made my case for me, Princess." Accolon bowed to her. "Do not worry. Morgana and I are in the citadel. Have faith. Perhaps we might speak to your father? Then, I must return to Camelot."
Mithian studied the grant once more. Friendship's document granted her greatest gift. "Aye! Wait until Father sees this!" She pumped her fists to the sky. Gratitude's tears welled up in her eyes. Thank you, goddess! She sucked in a deep breath. "Sir Balinor, thank you again. Merlin is in good hands. That I promise you! Come, Sire!" She hustled from the chamber. She motioned to the security knights. Then, she led them toward the Throne Chamber.
Start spreading the news. Merlin's there to stay….