Chapter 21 [An Hourglass and a Half Later—Outside of the Citadel]

Radegund dismounted in front of the citadel. Disgust burned at her over Arthur's attitude in regards to Merlin. Even when the Boy-Prince shows concern, he ruins it with hatred and impatience! Does he not understand how fortunate Merlin is? That young man should be dead! And to have his arm still as well? The goddess works miracles. "Dismount, Sisters! Be alert!" She patted her horse's flank. Her eyes met the other Amazons' around her.

Matilda waved to them. "My Queen!" She descended the stairs in rapid yet controlled strides. She bowed to Radegund. "Tension brews within the citadel."

A dark frown twisted at Radegund's mouth. "Uther has no idea what his malice does. Those who oppose Rodor's policies?"

"Aye. Those men talk. The son sides with them," Matilda reported.

"Another one like the Young Pendragon? At least Prince Arthur respects his sire in public anyhow. This land is like a forest during the dry season. Their revolt could set it all ablaze. That demon, Aredian, could do that on his own. Meantime, Elena and our sister in spirit, Britomart, did their work well." Radegund pointed out Elena and Britomart getting off the horses in question.

"The boy, Merlin, brought about reaction in the throne chamber. Several of the court's men did not like their own lion-creature. King Uther is not pleased. He would push the boy to the breaking point." Matilda shook her head.

"I gathered as much. Not that Merlin would stop serving that Boy-Prince in any event. I commend him for his sense of duty. It may kill him yet." Radegund turned back toward the two healers. "Thank you, Britomart, for your service. I am sure King Rodor and Princess Mithian await you? I would like a favor as you do so. Can you keep an eye on the boy, Merlin? I fear his masters may push him beyond his endurance tonight. Speak with your King and Princess first. I would not come between you and them."

"King Rodor and Milady would ask me to do the same, Queen Radegund. I will. Pardon me. I have to change my clothes and prepare for that meal's service. I will see you in there?" Britomart curtseyed. Then, she hustled up the stairs and into the citadel.

Pity. I'd ask Rodor for her service for the tribe as well. She would make a fine warrior. Radegund saw Elena bow to her. "Elena, you heard my request of Britomart? I would ask you to do the same, Sister. You know the signs and what to look for. I will be in there with you."

"Aye, my Queen. Perhaps Gaius might support us as well?" Elena bit her lip. Merlin will kill himself yet in there. She heard the Camelot contingent's hoof beats echoing up from the Lower Town. "They come. I should prepare as well." She bowed.

"Aye. You should. My thanks." Radegund motioned toward the door. "I will deal with the Prince and Camelot's knights." She turned back toward the arch. "Matilda, we will not start a fight here. There is enough sorrow today." Her eyes flitted ever so briefly toward Stake's remnants. She walked out a dozen steps onto the cobblestones. How odd. Rodor of Nemeth is usually not so lax with his security."

"With respect, Sir Ywain is right inside the doors, my Queen," Matilda pointed out.

"I stand corrected then." Radegund nodded to her. She ascertained Arthur, Gaius, and the remaining knights riding toward them. "It took them long enough. The wagon and Gaius must have slowed them. Steady, Sisters!" She watched the party come to a stop. "Prince Arthur, we have waited for you."

Arthur shook his head. "Queen Radegund." He nodded to her. Respect and Diplomacy urged restraint in that instance. "At least the trail was clear. Thank you for…seeing to that."

"You are most welcome. We should work together on such matters." Radegund started up the stairs. "Dinner, I believe, will be soon. We should wash before we eat. Until dinner then." She turned and headed into the citadel. She spied Ywain watching from inside the door. "Sir Ywain I believe?"

"Aye, Queen Radegund. Thank you for your assistance." Ywain bowed to her. "I saw you and your sisters arrive. The Prince and his knights are outside right now."

"They are. I pray they do not seek more mischief. By the way, how is Lady Laudine? Is she well?" She glanced back out the door again. Camelot's mood set her own on edge. She paid attention to Ywain but kept her own guard up as well.

"She is. Thank you, Lady. She sends her greetings from the Fountain." He mulled over his next visit in that regard. With the brewing trouble, that may be a while yet!

"I appreciate that. She is a fine woman, Sir Ywain. Be sure to regard her as much. Visits are a good thing after all." Radegund looked him right in the eye. Then, she walked past and toward her quarters.

I hope Laudine understands. As soon as possible, I should ask for time to go and see her. Ywain mulled over such things. Details for later to be sure. At the moment, Security dominated his thoughts. He noticed Arthur and Gaius entering the area. "Prince Arthur? Master Gaius?" He bowed to them.

"Ah, Ywain! Has there been word? My servant, Merlin, and that lion beast rode off. We tried to stop them but that thing went right through our numbers." Arthur's eyes narrowed. He knew Ywain rode with Malodius. Frankly, however, he did not care to be honest. He'd wanted to talk with Merlin. Defiance of Princes and royal orders were not something he took lying down to be honest. He'd talk with Uther as well before approaching Rodor or Mithian.

Restraint and Resolve held Ywain's peace. Arthur's insults toward his friend stung. Still, Protocol demanded he turn the other cheek. He ground his teeth. "Thing, Sire? Oh, you mean Malodius? He follows King Rodor's orders and his own instincts. I do my duty. So does he. I would not say any more than that. If you will excuse me? I have my rounds." Ywain bowed again. "Master Gaius, I believe Master Wyngate took Merlin to the Physician's Chambers? Did you need directions up there?"

"Thank you, Sir Ywain. I know the way." Gaius watched Ywain leave. He detected Arthur's and Uther's combined fuses burning at a considerable rate. I wish they could have left this morning. Wyngate can provide a place for me to sleep. Merlin will require extra time to heal before he can travel. Moreover, Arthur's attitude and Ywain's nervousness confirmed his thinking in that regard. "Sire? I would see Wyngate about Merlin. If that is all right?"

"Aye. Of course. Tell Merlin I expect him at the dinner. I have had my fill of George overfilling wine goblets!" Arthur's eyes rolled on that thought. "I should change and see the King first." He headed up the stairs and toward the guest chambers. He watched Ywain pass by Leon and the other knights and head back outside. He cares for that thing? Really? He shook his head on that note.

Gaius shook his head. Tension practically crackled in the air. Answers and an update would hopefully be waiting in the Physician's Chambers.

Changes, however, was afoot as we shall see….