Chapter 10 [Dreamscape]

[A/N: Those folks who've read "Refuge" and my Divides Crossed series know this place.]

Unlike Autumn's barren and chill, Sol brushed Meadow's waving grasses. Puffy clouds raced across royal blue backdrop overhead. Summer's breeze billowed through trees' leaf-laden canopies. Gentle stream meandered between its banks.

Pristine area stood ready for its guests…

Dissipating mists dropped the goddess' intended audience in the meadow's midst. Accolon regained his bearings first. Weather and Friends surprised him to say the least. "Princess Mithian? Malodius?"

"Prince Accolon? I was led to believe you were in Gaul." Mithian raised an eyebrow. "King Bors was victorious?" She held out her hand.

"Emperor Doun remains a threat to the East. His allies across the Roman Sea support his forces." Accolon patted Malodius' head. "They still want Princess Josiane dead."

Malodius snarled. Threats stiffened his resolve. Emerald flashed in his eyes. Claws had rent German chain mail decades earlier.

"I understand, my Friend." Accolon bowed his head. "I only offer warning."

"Princess Josiane? Why?" Elaine pretzeled. "Father talks against her. She seems so nice." She turned to Mithian. "Princess? Why does everyone hate her?"

Mithian narrowed her eyes. "Princess Josiane is the rightful Sultana of Egypt. She is an exile. The usurper Mustafa holds her throne. The Eastern Roman Emperor, Alexander, and his brother, Alys, want her dead as well. Her mother languishes in Constantinople."

"She has a half-brother, Cligés. He and I have a common situation. The Cailleach has claimed Emperor Alexander and my father." Accolon nodded to Elaine. "I am sorry. I am afraid we have not met. Princess?"

"My apologies. She is Lady Elaine of Astolat. You know her father, Count Bernard. Lady Elaine, Prince Accolon of Tintagel." Mithian caught herself after the introduction. "Wait. Why did we not hear anything about your father's passing? Does that mean…?"

"Actually, I am now Tintagel's King. My coronation happened two days ago. I need to apologize as well. We did not have a formal coronation. King Rodor and we should speak on certain matters, Princess." Accolon sucked in a deep breath. "I would like Gorlois' treaties with Nemeth renewed. Be careful of Camelot. Uther seeks your hand for Prince Arthur's."

"Father and you should speak then. I believe you will find him in agreement." Sharp snort escaped Mithian's nose. "As for Uther, does he really think we would agree to that? Does he think we have forgotten?" Her expression darkened. "Never. Father would never consent to such a thing. You know me better than that, Sire." Her frown curled in on itself. "I know he and you are friends. I appreciate your warning." Her eyebrow raised. "Uther would expect me to go along with his genocidal Purge. Never."

"Aye. I do wish you could find someone suited to you, Princess." Accolon rubbed the back of his neck. "I have my own wish at hand. I go to Camelot for that purpose." His face brightened.

Mithian clapped her hands. "Can it be? Uther has finally consented to your place with the Lady Morgana? Aye. I wish you success. Now, perhaps, a suitable man will fall out of the sky? I fear no man wants me as a partner." Downcast sigh escaped her lips. Disappointment sagged even her practiced Face of State.

Accolon raised Mithian's hand. His lips whispered Reassurance's balm across her knuckles. "It will happen. I…." Magical energy surge strummed Accolon's senses. "Now what?"

Malodius roared. His eyes followed Accolon's. Merlin? Lady! Can we save him?

"Is that someone up there? I…" Mithian's eyes went wide. "He's falling! However, did he…?" Desperation forced her to look around.

Alas, Reader! Nothing lay at hand or close by!

If Princess Josiane were here, she'd catch him with her carpet! Memoria recalled Accolon's secret. Forgive me, Sire. Can you…?"

Canary flashed in Accolon's eyes. "Aye. I have him….and…" He watched the falling one's approach. Recognition registered in his mind. "Merlin? It cannot be! What magic pushes him into free fall? My spell had no effect!"

"Merlin? As in Prince Arthur's servant?" Mithian narrowed her eyes. Concern and Worry nudged at her heart. Granted, Merlin's service to Nemeth proved exemplary. Kindness and fortitude toward Elaine merit special consideration. Rodor admired Merlin as well. Wishes that Merlin could serve in Whitgate alongside Britomart had arisen….

…good luck with that…

"It seems to be, Milady." Accolon pointed toward Merlin. "I can slow him down." His eyes flashed again. "Goddess, stand with us!"

Merlin's freefall decelerated. Still, Pace threatened Crippling or Fatal Impact with meadow below. Morgana's unintended energies defied Accolon's spell.

Elaine sucked in a mournful breath. Her fingers slid into her pocket. Fingertips slid across parchment with Sympathy's dried flower therein. He helped me…He endured the wrath of that awful King for me! She raised her face skyward. Why can't I…control…it. Nay! Concentration knitted her brow. Her teeth ground against each other. Sweat beaded in her face. Lady! HELP ME PLEASE!

As you have asked, Child, in my name and to help another, so shall I help! The goddess interjected.

Elaine jerked. Energy flooded into her. Glow surrounded her. "AHH!"

Malodius loped to Elaine's side. He whined at her. His paw rubbed her arm.

"Lady Elaine?" Panic flared inside of Mithian. "Not now! Sire, she cannot control her magic!"

I am helping her, Mithian of Nemeth. Support her now. Accolon of Tintagel, keep up your efforts.

I…I can do this too, Milady! Elaine narrowed her eyes. Her hands edged upward. "Float mar itaeg!" Canary flashed therein. Energies flowed from her fingers.

Elaine's efforts combined with Accolon's. Together, dual spells negated Merlin's velocity. Her spell negated Gravity's claim on his falling body. As with Feather, Merlin floated on warm breeze. Fall turned to drift. Descent slowed to a crawl. Distance shortened. Odds shifted.

Strain, however, overwhelmed Elaine's capabilities. Her magic gave out. "AHH! I…MERLIN! SORRY!" Tears dribbled down her cheeks. Regret weighed down on her.

Spell dropped. Gravity tugged at Merlin anew. He fell into Brook's rushing water. Cool impact pulled him back to his senses. "Huh? What? I…?" He spat mud and water from his mouth.

"Stay with Lady Elaine, Sire." Mithian hustled toward the riverbank. Unlike others, she valued servants. Moreover, Merlin held Nemeth's respect. He held her respect. Sacrifice, Bravery, Duty and Compassion magnified Merlin's presence to her at least. If only he had all three of the required acts! He could be freed! He could be raised up! He….

Her heart skipped a beat. Warmth rushed up her spine.

Stop! He is a servant…Prince Arthur's servant! Merlin's bound to Camelot. Denial attempted to shrug those feelings off. Duty to King and Realm. Social status. Obligation to Crown. Britannia's stability. Merlin. See to him. Last thing we need is another incident with Uther!

Heart, however, skipped a beat. Cupid proved a better hunter than her it seemed….

Her feet skidded to a halt along the riverbank's very edge. Relief eased her mood. "Merlin?"

Merlin stood slowly. Water and mud soaked his clothes. Arms and legs moved normally at least. His neckerchief wiped his eyes clear. "Now…where am I? What?" He regarded Princess Mithian. "Princess Mithian? What? Where's Morgana? Last she and I both knew, we were in Camelot." He took in the meadow around them.

"We appear to be in some meadow, Merlin. You do amaze. Not many could survive a fall like that." Mithian arched an eyebrow at him. Impetuous smirk spread across her face. She offered her hand. "Let me help you out of there."

"Thanks." Merlin took her hand. He climbed/was tugged up onto the riverbank. "Where did those mists take us?" He stepped away from her. "It's almost like summer." He bowed. "My apologies, Princess."

"Thank you, Merlin. I believe a fall like that allows you some leniency." A playful snort escaped Mithian's lips. "The triple goddess brought Lady Elaine, Malodius and me here. She brought King Accolon here as well. He will want to know more about Lady Morgana." She looked him over. "You seem none the worse for wear. What happened?"

Deliberations ran through Merlin's head. How much should I tell her? "Princess, something happened in those mists. It knocked me off my feet. Last thing I knew, I was falling into a bright light." Merlin added a shrug to further sell the point.

Mithian remained unconvinced. Instinct deduced that he was holding something back from her. Once again, her eyes drifted toward his left shoulder and the wound under his jacket and shirt. I know we owe him for defending the baggage train. There's something else. What could it be?

"Something wrong?" Merlin kept a straight face. Defensiveness kicked in over her interest in the left shoulder and the scar. Still, he refused to take her bait or engage in that conversation.

She filed the notion for later consideration. She understood that Loyalty remained paramount. Despite her own standing, Morgana remained Uther's ward. As such, she was his de facto mistress. "Very well. Let's join the others." She led him toward the spot. They could see Accolon getting back up from his knees. Morgana embraced Accolon. "I take it we have congratulations to express?"

"Aye! Morgana agreed! She agreed." Joy brightened Accolon's face.

"Of course, I agreed!" Morgana put her hand on Accolon's right arm. "We have cared for each other since we were children. Why would I not?" Her smile spread across her face. "I see Merlin's all right. He disappeared as we were being brought here." She decided not to say anything about his magic…at least for that particular point in time.

"Thanks to King Accolon and Lady Elaine." Merlin bowed to Accolon and Elaine. "Your Highness."

"Thank you, Merlin." Accolon motioned for Merlin to stand. "It's good to see you as well. I believe we're even." He shook his head. "I'm going to have to talk with King Uther and Prince Arthur. I cannot believe you're still a servant." A chuckle came from his mouth.

"Merlin is very loyal and serves at Arthur's side." Morgana raised an eyebrow. "Uther and Arthur will never raise Merlin up. I know he's there with Arthur and the knights on expeditions. He fights more than most servants. But….?" Doubt and questions glimmered in her eyes and tone. Is this about his magic? She turned toward Merlin. Realization dawned on her. He's used it to help Uther and Arthur! Right under their noses! Her hand stifled a cough.

Accolon patted Morgana's hand. "There's a great deal about Merlin that you don't know. With his permission of course."

"Father and I would have him as a servant and free man, Sire, if we could," Mithian chimed in. Once again, her eyes focused on his shoulder. "Nemeth owes Merlin a great debt."

"Great debt?" Morgana looked at Merlin. "You mean his shoulder?"

Merlin squirmed. Discomfort unsettled him. Anticipation conceived Gaius' next lecture in his mind's eye. Morgana had to find out when we were in those mists. Did King Accolon find out at Shalott? Princess Mithian's pushing to find out. He ground his teeth. "Maybe we might think of what we can do to get out of here instead?"

I would agree! The goddess appeared in their midst once more.

Seemed the main point was about to come up….