Chapter 5 [Rodor's Throne Chamber—A Quarter Turn of the Hourglass Later]

Rodor leaned forward on his throne. Allied triumph ensured Nemeth's continued survival. He, Kay, and Mithian remained on their respective thrones. Potential conquerors marched north with their tails between their legs. Outreach endeavored to assist in rebuilding efforts. Celebration should be in the air…

…pity Uther lusted for his pound of flesh…

Rodor bowed his head. Despite Victory, Uther's Betrayal and pushing on Royal Prerogative cut into his standing. Prejudice pushed for Reyna's execution. Hardliners pushed against tolerance and reform. Pro-Tolerance voices shoved right back. Factions split Royal Council and Populace. Civil war and Revolt simmered everywhere. I hope you are proud of yourself, Uther! He rubbed his forehead. Conscience nagged him. "We should keep our knights close, Lord Blumenwald."

A nod bobbed the dark-haired High Chancellor's head. "I have spoken to Sir Rothhelm, Sire. He and Sir Galahad see to it. If I may, we should also make sure that the convoys are guarded as well."

"Aye. That is a concern. Thank you." Rodor rubbed his chin. "Instruct Michael to make his best possible feast for Lady Reyna. She deserves as much."

"I believe she does not eat meat. I will speak with her. She spends time with Lady Elaine. That was her wish." Blumenwald stopped himself at that point. At least Uther granted it. What a travesty! This is Nemeth not Camelot! Consideration took in Rodor's depression. Pity moved his heart for his sovereign and long-time friend.

"Is there any word from Britomart or the Amazons?" Rodor took a heavy draught from his goblet. His eyes met Blumenwald's again.

"None yet. Queen Radegund will be meeting with us. Perhaps she has heard something? I know she searches still. Malodius went with her," Blumenwald reported.

"He knows as we do, Lord Blumenwald." Rodor shook his head. "The hooded man singlehandedly saved Britannia. Uther and his persecuting dog would throw him to the flames along with Lady Reyna."

"There are rules. There are reasons why you are where you are." Aredian slithered into the chamber. He offered but a half-hearted bow. Disdain narrowed his eyes.

"HOW DARE YOU? HE IS THE KING! YOU WILL RESPECT HIM!" Blumenwald set his parchment ledger down. He stalked over to Aredian. "You are but a wolf preying on innocents. May you choke on that one day!"

"Well now! The hanger on has a spine after all? You favor them, Lord Blumenwald?" Amusement raised Aredian's eyebrow. "Why? Perhaps you are one yourself? Perhaps we should…?" Aspersions attempted their taint yet again.

Indignity's storm frothed in Blumenwald's eyes. "I am no sorcerer. That is how you taint and slander those who oppose you and those like you! It is not the sorcery itself! It is how it is used!" Blumenwald curled his lip. "A sword can be misused! Even interrogations can be misdirected! Agendas should never drive such things! Your bag of tricks! I am sure if we really look, we'd find evidence of ABUSE!"

"Well spoken, my Friend." Rodor got up from his throne. "I may have to endure your presence, Aredian, because of King Uther. You stir up unrest and civil war! Because of Camelot's obsession!" He shook his head. "You might wish to be packed by sunrise. Once your distasteful affair has run its course, you are banished from Nemeth! You will have until Midday to leave Whitgate. Be warned, Butcher, if you return, it will be on pain of death!"

Aredian scoffed. "We shall see." Unexpected shove pushed him to the ground.

"Show respect, you Dog!" Radegund set her boot firmly in Aredian's back. She pressed down hard. "King Rodor rules this land still! Be fortunate that too many of my sisters sacrificed themselves for our friendship! I just lectured your master and his son on such matters! Lord Blumenwald, I agree as well with you." She offered a nod. "That is why I shelter sorcerers in my realms. Do not seek them out. You wish examples? Uther wants his sport, does he? I warn you, Aredian. If you trespass into Amazonia, you will be the sport. Lady Reyna of Astolat is my friend. I offered sanctuary and asylum to her. She declined. She does not want more war and bloodshed. She offers her life for DUTY! FOR BRITANNIA!"

"Tintagel supports you, Aredian. King Ruthbert, however, would never allow you to speak to a sitting King in this fashion!" A blonde-haired teenager edged into the throne room. "King Rodor, pardon me." He bowed.

"Thank you, Prince Accolon. A nod would suffice but your respect is appreciated." Rodor motioned with his hand. "Queen Radegund, if you please? I believe the point has been made? Remember, Lady Reyna's request."

Radegund backed away. "For Lady Reyna, Prince Accolon, and you, Good King." She nodded to him. Her hand clapped against her chest.

"Get out of my sight, Aredian!" Rodor pointed to the passage. "GO!"

"This is not over." Aredian narrowed his eyes. He smoothed his clothes. "I have those here who will protect me."

"They'd be committing treason against our King and Nemeth, Aredian. Your bloodlust incites further conflict. King Rodor has pronounced sentence. GO!" Blumenwald pointed to the door.

"Prince Accolon, see him out. Then, close the door. I would speak to you of Tintagel without this snake in our midst." Rodor motioned toward the passage.

"As you wish, Sire." Accolon seized Aredian by the arm. "King Ruthbert and King Uther offer you sanctuary, Aredian. I suggest you take it for everyone's sake." Mask of State restrained his own feelings toward the impudent Witchfinder. He led the other man into the passage. Then, he shut the doors. "What my father sees in that man, I will never understand. Shall I secure it?"

"While we discuss our business, aye." Rodor nodded. "Princess Mithian will be here shortly. She and Lady Morgana accompanied Lady Elaine to her mother's side. Before I ask anything else, how are your father's knights?"

"They are as well as can be expected. Thank you." Accolon bowed. "I have been out with Sirs Galahad and Ywain to honor your fallen knights and Queen Radegund's sisters." He bowed to her as well. "Pardon me. I know your sisters do not like men…"

She shook that sentiment off. "I have no problem with men who show respect, Prince. You, however, do so. As I pointed out to Prince Arthur of Camelot, men who stand with us and shed blood with us are our friends. You did so. So did Camelot's servant, Merlin." She sucked in a deep breath.

Accolon stifled a cough with his fist. "So, that was Merlin out there? I thought as much! Pity he was nowhere near the rear wagons. I am sorry that my skills are not strong enough to help him." He shook his head. "Nor were my efforts to sway my father where Nemeth's concerned. I hope for the best where Princess Mithian is concerned. I appreciate King Rodor's continued regard and friendship despite our failed negotiations."

"You have done nothing to deserve anything else." Rodor exhaled a deep breath. A look at Blumenwald met another from his High Chancellor. Defensiveness stiffened him. "Are you certain you did not, Prince Accolon?"

"Nay. I saw him earn your favor on two occasions. I could not reach Prince Kay's side in time. I saw him take the certain fatal blow from Meleagant's sword. That earthquake spell could not be missed by any of us." Accolon sucked in a deep breath. "I need a promise from all of you. My father cannot know what I need to show you. He would exile me for sure."

"As long as it does not betray the Amazon Sisterhood, of course, Prince." She nodded to him. "Even so, you would be safe in my lands."

"As you would be here, Prince Accolon. Still, exile? For what? King Ruthbert, despite his stance on magic, is a man of sound mind!" Rodor nodded. "I am sure it will be all right."

Rodor set his jaw. He held his hand out. "Flora!" Canary flashed through his eyes.

Rose petals cascaded from his hand to the hard floor.

"You have magic." A smile spread across her face. "That is why you understand. Of course, you have our secrecy and protection." She put her hand out. "Pardon me but your sire is a fool. He listens to Uther too much."

"He and I quarrel about that. I still wish to respect him, Milady." Accolon clasped hands and arms with her. "You honor me."

"You honor us with your sword. So did Merlin. Pity Uther does not care. He views Merlin as expendable. If Uther knew about the young man's magic, he'd burn next to Reyna on the morrow." She ground her teeth. "Foolishness!"

"I agree." Rodor embraced Accolon. "Lord Blumenwald and I have your secret as well, Prince Accolon. Your fears are understandable. Your caution shows maturity beyond your years. Once again, I wish your father had negotiated better with me. Thank you for your regard where Princess Mithian is concerned. I know she still considers you a friend. If you need shelter, you have but to come here. I will grant sanctuary to you. Merlin…you saw…?"

"Meleagant sought to kill Prince Kay. Merlin stepped between them. The sword struck his unarmored arm." Accolon shook his head. "He saved us all. King Uther would wish him dead rather than rewarded? Pardon me, but that is insanity itself."

Rodor nodded. "I see. So…he was the hooded man." Realization dawned on him. "And where is he now? Count Bernard, Aredian, and Camelot's knights scoured the Isle of Shalott. They found only the man's blood on the sheets. Lady Reyna will not give up his name. Those are two feats. He is one short of being raised up." He sucked in another deep breath.

"We could bring him into the royal household, Sire. If I may, I have heard Britomart speak highly of his service," Blumenwald put forward. "He could at least have time to recover here."

"If it was not for her magic, Merlin would be dead. I brought proof of his bravery." She brought the sword and shield. "Perhaps your hall downstairs could use some new items? I lent Merlin the shield. He is not the most skilled warrior. He was more than good enough in that battle." She held up the bloodied neckerchief. "This is his as well. His shoulder's blood soaks it from that defensive wound. My healer, Elena, and Britomart are with him. My sisters guard the location as does your lion."

"That is where Malodius is?" Rodor took the neckerchief from her. "That would make sense. Thank you for informing me." He held up the bloodied fabric to the light. "And yet…Uther does not make him a knight? Curious. One of us should take him off of Camelot's hands, Good Queen."

"Aye. King Uther and Prince Arthur would not shelter him if they knew his secret. With respect, Sire, it would be quite the contrary." Blumenwald shook his head.

"I have not told you his greatest secret. Chancellor, you know crests and seals?" She reached into a small pouch. "If I am correct, this would elevate the young man on its own." She brought out a thin piece of leather. A metal piece hung at its bottom. "Consider this." She gave it to Blumenwald.

"Thank you, Milady." Blumenwald accepted it. He noted Emerald Dragon Rampant across the metal's face. His jaw slackened. "Are you sure? You found this on him? On Merlin?"

"Aye. Is that what I believe it to be?" She rubbed her chin. "Uther would burn the boy for sure if he knew."

"Look, Sire!" Blumenwald rushed the medal over to Rodor. "It is unbelievable! It is Sir Balinor's!" Restraint somehow kept from sticking it right in his sovereign's face.

Rodor took the medal. A heartbeat's consideration affirmed that fact for himself. "So! Prince Arthur's servant is Sir Balinor's son. Well now! I believe we do have a place for him. Pity he has no dragon."

"The Great Dragon lives, King Rodor. Kilgarrah was imprisoned by King Uther beneath Camelot's citadel." Accolon shook his head. "If I could, I would see him free. Alas! My skills are not good enough. My father would not support that either."

"Nay. He would not." Rodor squeezed the medal in his hand. "I owe his father and Kilgarrah my life. Prince Kay now owes Merlin his life. We owe him the victory. And then this." He looked at the others. "We keep this secret. I will ask for Merlin's service." He saw the others nod..

And thus, Accords were set. Pity it might not have mattered….