Author's note : Hello, everyone. Thanks for your continuous support. Your reviews are truly helpful and it means so much to me. Also thanks to those who have follwed and favourited this story. I am truly grateful.
Anyway, let's get on with the story and see what our young warlock is doing on his first day in office as the king of Elmet.
Chapter 14
The Elder Council
After the coronation, Merlin had no chance to talk to Freya. Instead Uriel grabbed his hand and almost began to drag him towards the center of the city. Merlin looked back and saw his mother and Aithusa was following too with Iseldir and Alator hot on their heels.
" Whoa ! Slow down, Uriel. Where are we going ? " Merlin asked.
" There's one place I want you to see before you and Lady Hunith can have some rest. " Uriel said through his breath. He was bursting with excitement.
" But where ? " Merlin asked. Exasperation was clear in his voice.
" You'll see soon enough. "
They continued jogging through the city until they came at the very center of the city where the imposing white tower stood which was circled by a beautiful garden.
Now that Merlin was close, he could clearly see how tall it was ! The tower was truly magnificent. It was almost five times taller than the tallest tower in Camelot. And it's shining marble stone made even Aithusa's scale look dull and grey.
Various designs and symbols were adorning it's wall which were carved out of stone. Merlin looked up and he could hardly see the tower's top.
In a word, the tower was the most beautiful structure he had ever seen. It was a piece of art and beauty as well as a symbol of power and strength. And Merlin couldn't help but keep staring at it.
" Ahem. " Uriel coughed.
Merlin looked at his right and saw Uriel standing right beside him with a hint of amusement in his eyes.
" Have you finished praising the beauty of the white gold tower and the royal garden ? We have much more important things to see inside . " Uriel said.
Iseldir and Alator nodded in agreement.
" Let's get in then. " Merlin said. He was also becoming excited to see what was so important for him and his mother to see. " So, wordlessly they approached the tower.
Two Catha priests were guarding the huge stone entrance to the tower. Seeing Uriel and his company, they moved to the side giving both Merlin and Hunith a respective nod.
Merlin was becoming more and more uncomfortable seeing every people bowing at him. To be honest, he hated it. He wanted to be his people's servant and friend. Not their lord. ' I need to do something about this bowing , otherwise I will go mad. ' Merlin thought to himsef.
His thoughts were cut short when the entrance opened and all of them went inside.
Merlin found himself standing in a hallway which was equally elegent and beautiful like the outerior of the tower. Mosaics and reliefs were carved onto the wall. And sunlight was pouring into the hallway.
Merlin looked up to see where the sunlight was coming from. His mouth fell open when he looked up. He saw no celling. Instead he saw a blue sky with a radiant sun. He looked at Uriel . Uriel grinned and mouthed ' Magic ' .
Uriel then signaled all of them to follow him. They came near a staircase which went downwards. Uriel began to descend and urged them to do the same. All of them obliged.
The stair was so spacious that Aithusa had no problem in descending. When they reached at the bottom of the stairs, they found themselves in a circular room lit by bright blue light.
Merlin looked around and saw several tombstones made of white marble. He instantly realized that he was in a crypt.
" Welcome to Necropolis. The final resting place of our past kings' bodies... except me. " Uriel said and gave a chuckle.
Merlin didn't smile as he found the place a little creepy. He wasn't enjoying the visit and couldn't understand why Uriel brought all of them here. What's so important ? The visit could've been waited.
Uriel perhaps sensed Merlin's confusion as he said, " Come. Follow me. The thing that I wanted you to show is this way. " All of them followed Uriel as he led to the wall opposite to the staircase.
When Merlin came closer to the wall, he saw numerous names were glowing on it. And above all of those names, another set of words was shining with golden light.
The Royal House Of Ignotus
Before Merlin could say anything, Uriel said, " This is the family tree of Ignotus house hold. When I was first appointed as one of the Mall'aka, I came here and found your name. " He pointed at the middle of the wall and Merlin saw his name glowing blue, while his mother's name was glowing above his.
" But how did my name appear on this wall? Nobody knew me or my mother was one of the Ignotus line. Not even the Druids knew that. " Merlin said .
" Magic, Merlin. It's all ancient magic. " Uriel said.
" Would you care to explain with a few more details ? " Hunith asked.
" Of course, my lady. Would you please do the honor, Iseldir ? You are much more proficient in history than I am. " Uriel said.
Iseldir nodded and came forward. " You see, my lady, almost a thousand years ago, the kingdom of Elmet was founded by Reman Ignotus, the first king of Elmet. He was a very skilled sorcerer and he was the one who enchanted this wall and transformed it into his family tree.
From then on, when any of his descendents came into the realm of the living , their name showed up on this wall. While they lived, their names glowed silver. When they died, their name became red. And the current monarchs' names glow blue. And that includes the king, queen, queen-mother and the crown prince."
Iseldir stopped and Uriel asked, " Is now everything clear to you ? "
Merlin nodded and said, " You brought me here to erase my doubts. "
" Yes, young king. When I first met you, I told you that I saw proof that you are an Ignotus. I saw that proof here. Your name was glowing silver along with your mother's. And that's how I knew that my forefathers' line still lives. " Uriel said.
" Do you have any more doubts ? "
" No. " Merlin said.
" But you still have questions, haven't you ? " Uriel asked.
" Yeah. Just one. "
" Then say it, young king. "
" Why is your name glowing yellow ? " Merlin asked.
" That's because I was dead and was resurrected. " Uriel explained.
Merlin just nodded. ' I need some time to take all these information in. ' He thought.
" Okaay. Now that everything is explained, I believe that Merlin, Aithusa and Hunith needs some rest. " Iseldir cut in and Merlin sensed that he wasn't liking this detour either.
" I can't argue with that. I need time to take in all these things. And besides, Merlin surely could use a bath. " Hunith said.
Merlin chuckled and said, " I couldn't agree more. "
" Then follow me. I will take you to the royal palace, " Iseldir said.
Hearing this, Merlin stopped in the midway.
" Wait. You are taking me where ? " Merlin said almost fearfully.
" To the palace at the upper level of the white gold tower , of course. You know, where the royalty lives. It's luxurious. You're going to like it. " Uriel said with a joking tone.
" I AM NOT GOING TO LIVE IN THE PALACE. " Merlin yelled suddenly.
" Ok. Ok. Calm down. There's no need to throw a tantrum. " Uriel said.
" Let's just get out of Necropolis, at first. " Alator said.
Iseldir and Uriel nodded. Then, all of them ascended the stairs and came bacck to the entrance hallway.
" Now that we're out of that creepy place, no offence to the Ignotuses. " Iseldir said sounding almost relieved.
" We should hear out what Merlin has to say. " Alator completed the Druid leader's sentence.
" Yeah. Why don't you want to live in the place, Merlin? I am a little confused now. " Uriel interrogated.
" I can give you hundred reasons but I will say this that neither me or my mother is accustomed to royal luxury. And... " Merlin stopped and looked at his mother. She smiled and nodded at him.
" We both like to lead a simple life not a luxurious one. We both discussed it before living Ealdor. Besides, I can't imagine serving the people if I live waaay above them. " Merlin stopped there but hastily added. " I think that clears your confusion. "
Uriel beamed a smile and said, " Well said, young king. You and your mother are both wise. However, if you don't live in the palace. Then we'll have to find you a new accomodation. For the time being, you can stay in Alator's house. What say you , Alator ? "
" I have no problem. But I think Emrys will enjoy staying at Iseldir's house more than mine. " Alator said mysteriously and Merlin couldn't understand what the high Priest meant.
Uriel gave a mischevious smile. " You're right, Alator. Iseldir , do you have any objections ? "
" No. I would be happy to be Emrys' host. I am sure my daughter would be happy too. " Iseldir said smilingly.
" Then it's settled. The royal family will stay at your your house while Aithusa can live at the Dragon's clearing. " Uriel said.
" Come, young dragon. I will show you to your new residence. You will like it. " Alator said to Aithusa.
But Aithusa was reluctent to go at first. However, after a lengthy telepathic conversation, Merlin persuaded the white dragon.
Finally, Aithusa nodded in agreement and began to follow Alator while Merlin and Hunith began to follow Iseldir.
And Merlin stil didn't know why would he like Iseldir's house more than Alator's. "
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
While walking through the residential district of the city with Iseldir, Merlin noticed that all of the buildings were made of stone and all of them were identical. Merlin wondered why would he enjoy staying at Iseldir's house more than any other's.
His question was soon answered when they reached their destination.
Iseldir stopped in front of a house made of grey stones. It was a moderate sized house and there was a Druid symbol painted on the door of the house.
But all of Merlin's thoughts were cut short when Iseldir knocked and a pale skinned young woman opened the door.
It was Freya.
" Father, where have you been ? You just disappeared after the coronation. We were worr... " Freya stopped in the midway when her eyes fell on Merlin.
Merlin gave her a smile. She smiled back. And to Merlin, her smile was the most beautiful thing in the world.
Her chocolate brown eyes were twinkling with joy. And Merlin lost himself into the immense deepness of those brown orbs. Her dark brown hair, her milky skin, her kind and sweet smile took Merlin back six years ago when he first saw this woman.
Back then, she was just a girl who was scared and lost. Who thought herself as a monster. But behind that shy and afraid girl, Merlin discovered another person. A person who was kind. A person who was desperate. A person who wanted a family. A person who wanted to fit in. A person whom reminded Merlin of himself.
A person with whom Merlin fell in love.
Now that he looks at the same girl, she looked more happy and full of life. She looked radiant and beautiful.
' Get a grip of yourself, Merlin. Don't act like a teenager. You will have plenty of time to express your feelings. ' Merlin thought to himself.
" Ahem. " Iseldir coughed.
Merlin almost jumped. So did Freya.
Merlin looked around like a startled deer and saw Uriel trying his hardest to stop his laughter but failing miserably. Both Merlin and Freya' face became red as a cherry. Fortunately, Merlin's mother came into the rescue.
" Would you please introduce me with this fine lady ? " Hunith said to Iseldir with a pleasent smile.
" Of course, My la... "
" Please. Call me Hunith. Those titles don't suit me. " Hunith insisted.
" As you wish, your maj..." Iseldir was cut off by an accuing glare of Hunith.
" Sorry. It's just unusual. I'll try my best, Hunith. "
" That's what I ask for. Now please continue. I am very eager to know who this angel is. " Hunith said.
Iseldir walked towards Freya and holding her hand he said, " This is Freya. My surrogate daughter. "
" So you are the infamous Freya. Merlin's told me a lot about you. " Hearing his mother's words Merlin blushed again.
" In fact, I think he's infatuated with you. " Hunith continued. This time Freya blushed too.
" Motheeer! " Merlin whined.
" What ? "
" Can't this wait ? " Merlin asked. His eyes were almost pleading.
" Yes. I think you are right. I need to rest and you need a bath. " Hunith said.
" Let's get in there, shall we ? " Iseldir entered the house with Freya and Merlin, Hunith and Uriel followed.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Even the bathing style in Elmet was different than Camelot. In Camelot, everyone usually used an iron tub to bath. But here in Elmet, every house had it's own bath chamber.
Merlin was fascinated to see that the stone bath tub fixed in the middle of the chamber was a magical thing. It became filled with water as soon as he stripped himself and sat in it. He was going to use magic to heat up the water. But he didn't have to as soon the temperature of the water rose to a comfortable level.
The warm water soothed the warlock's mind and he relaxed . After staying in the tub for almost half an hour, he felt rejuvenated. He cleaned himself throughly. And after drying himself, he got himself dressed.
Iseldir gave him a new set of clothes. He wanted to give him a royal outfit but Merlin refused saying that he always wore simple clothes and he was planning to do it for his whole life.
So, Iseldir gave him a purple tunic, a black leather trouser, a pair of black leather boots, and surprisingly a red neckerchief. The clothes were almost like the same he wore in Camelot only these were made of finer materials.
When he came out of the bath chamber, he found Freya waiting for him outside.
" Well, you look handsome. " Freya said smilingly.
Merlin came closer to Freya and looked at her eyes. They were so full of life and love.
" You look breath-taking too. " And before Freya could say anything, Merlin crashed his lips against Freya's. And soon they lost themselves in each other's presence. Feeling each other's touch and smelling each other's scent.
When they broke apart, both were smiling.
" The neckerchief was your idea, wasn't it? " Merlin asked.
" You always look cuter when you wear one. " Freya said.
" Hey ! Cute is a word for boys not for men. " Merlin said with a fake hurt expression.
" Okay. Okay. You look more handsome when you wear one. Happy ? "
Merlin just smiled in answer. He felt much more alive in presence of Freya.
" It's good to have you back, Merlin. " Freya said.
" It's good to see you too. " Merlin said back.
" Come. Food is ready. Everyone is waiting for you. They are in the dining hall. "
" Let's go then, my lady. " Merlin gave her a short bow.
" After you, my lord. " Freya curtsied him.
Merlin entered the dining hall with Freya and found Alator, Uriel, Iseldir and his mother sitting around the dining table which was also made of stone.
" You took your time, didn't you ? " Uriel gave Merlin a mischevious smile.
" What do you mean ? " Merlin asked.
Uriel was going to answer but Iseldir cut in.
" Ah, Emrys. Please come join us. We were waiting for you. "
Merlin took a seat and said, " Iseldir, please call me Merlin. I always preferred the name my mother given to me. But I am not forcing you. I am just asking. " Then he looked at Alator and said, " The same goes to you too, Alator. "
Iseldir said, " If you wish that, we Druids will call you in your birth name from now on. "
" My people and me will also do as you wish. " Alator said.
" Thank you. " Merlin said.
They began eating. After the meal was finished, Iseldir asked, " So what are you planning to do at the first day of your reign ? "
Merlin straightened up. He hung his head down for a while and then looked up.
" I am planning for a meeting with all the Druid and Catha leaders. "
" You are planning to call an elder council ? " Uriel asked.
" What council ? " Merlin asked confusingly.
" An elder council. Where all the Druid and Catha leader meets. It never happened in almost four centuries. The council was last called during the reign of king Roran Ignotus, grandfather of King Uriel. " Iseldir explained.
" Then I think it's high time we called an elder council again. " Merlin said.
" All of the Catha leaders are here. I can inform them about the council easily. They came with my apprentice after Helva was attacked by Morgana. " Alator said.
" Morgana attacked Helva ? " Merlin asked.
" Yes, she wanted to know about Emrys' identity. "
" When did she do that ? " Merlin asked again.
" About a week ago. " Alator answered.
" That's strange. She should've known my secret identity by then. Mordred must have told her. " Merlin said frowning his brow.
" We were also wondering that. Maybe Morgana didn't trust him fully. " Iseldir said.
Merlin heaved a sigh and said, " I feel so sorry for him. He was so young. He had his entire life before him but I ruined it. " He hung his head low in defeat.
Hunith put a comforting hand on her son's shoulder. " Don't be so sad. Uriel told me how broken you were when you heard about Mordred's death. What's done is done. I don't know how you ruined the Druid boy's life. And I don't believe you are totally responsible for it. You are far better than that. But You have a new chance here. Use it and redeem yourself. "
Merlin looked up. His face was still sad and solemn. " Thanks mother. I will try my best. "
He looked at Iseldir and said, " What about the Druid leaders ? "
Iseldir said, " Before the great purge, there were almost fifty Druid tribes scattered across Albion. But Uther and her allies massacarred almost twenty tribes. My parents also died in the purge. " The Druid leader's face morphed into sadness and anguish.
Freya took her surrogate father's hand and squizzed it.
Merlin winced hearing Iseldir's words. He always heard about Uther's genocide. But to hear it from a victim was another matter entirely. His mind went back to the forest of Ascetir seven years ago. Aglain's tribe was butchered that day. And he did nothing. He ran like a coward. He felt ashamed of himself.
But there was no use for crying over spilled milk. Like his mother said, he had a chance here and he would try his best to redeem himself. He would no longer be a slave of destiny. From now on, he would be the maker of his own destiny.
Meanwhile Iseldir started speaking again. " Now there's only twenty six tribes left . Twenty of them lived in southern Albion. All of them are here in Elmet. I'll inform the tribes' leaders about the council. "
" And the remaining six tribes ? " Merlin asked.
" They are in the northern Albion. They are trying to come here when they sensed that the time of Elmet's rising is coming. But unfortunately... " Iseldir stopped there.
" But unfortunately what ? " Merlin asked anxiously dreading what the answer would be.
" Unfortunately, Amatan soldiers are blocking their way. Last I heard all of the tribes were trapped near the Jerall mountains in the kingdom of Amata. They couldn't move out because of the increasing presence of Amatan soldiers after the coronation of their new king. " Iseldir said with a sad tone.
" Who is the current king of Amata ? " Merlin asked.
" The former king Sarrum's son, Sauron. We heard that he is more ruthless against magic than his father ever was. " Alator said.
" Then we have no time no time to lose. Gather all of the present leader of the Druids. Also all of those who has expertise in medical knowledge. " Merlin said hastily.
" Why are telling to gather the physicians ? " Uriel asked.
" Because we are going to rescue them. And They need all the helps we can get. " Merlin said confidently.
" You mean you are planning to infiltrate Amata ? That's too risky. " Iseldir said.
" I can't cower behind the walls of Arcaenia while my people starve to death in Amata. It's time I take matters into my own hand. " Merlin said firmly.
" So says the king. " Uriel cheered.
" You also should call the masters of the academy. " Freya said suddenly.
" The academy ? "
" Oh. I forgot to tell you about that. It's in the learning ground. It was founded by King Reman's son, Juliek Ignotus. It's a place where people can learn about magic in a safe environment. " Uriel said while scratching the back of his head.
" You mean a place to study magic freely ? " Merlin's eyes were gleaming with joy.
" Yes. " Uriel gave a short answer.
" Brilliant. Yes, of course you should call the masters of the councils. But I suspect most of them are leaders anyway. " Merlin said.
" Not all of them are leaders. " Freya said in a mysterious tone.
" Call them anyway. I like to inform them about the rescue mission wheather they are leaders or not. "
" Very well, then. We'll start informing the people. It might take a while. Why don't you go and get some rest ? Aithusa is taking a nap. bYou should take one too. " Alator suggested.
" I think he's right. You need some rest too. " Hunith said.
" But I am full of energy... Alright. Alright. I will go and take a nap. " Merlin agreed when his mother shot him a glare.
" I'll show you to your room. Follow me. " Freya exited the dining hall and Merlin followed him.
Freya took him to another room and showed his bed.
She gave a Merlin a soft kiss on the cheek and exited the room before Merlin could say anything.
Merlin dreaded that the bed would be made of stone too like most of the objects of Elmet but he found the bed very comfy and soon he fell into a deep sleep with a determination in his mind that from now on , he would try his hardest to change the magical community for the better.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I am so sorry for the late update. But I warned you thaat update won't be frequent for a few days. Just bear with me for a few months. Life's been very hectic recently. Anyway, please leave a review. They just make my day. -
Assassin of Syria.