Chapter 8 [Whitgate—Two Turns of the Hourglass Following his Meeting with Rodor and the Others]
Accolon hustled down the passage. Priorities seemed mixed at best. Somber Resignation weighed on his mind and heart over Reyna's impending sacrifice. Merlin's status weighed on his mind. Prejudice stank in his craw. Attitudes burned at him. Still, goddess and his heart pushed him forward.
Ruthbert and Uther spoke on other matters. Still, Politics would prove a welcome diversion. Uther would welcome a good example for Arthur. This matter loomed large for both kingdoms. Consideration, even if it came later, would be a welcome one.
I know better than to question my Lady. Still, should we not show greater regard for Lady Reyna? I would not cheapen her death with such matters. Regret threatened to undermine Composure and Purpose in his mission. He stopped. Pardon me. I do not mean to question you.
You show me due regard. You respect Reyna of Astolat. Your feelings for Morgana Pendragon are well known to me. I wish for her and you to be together. She does not need to be in Camelot for the coming storm. Reyna understands. This is for the future. Much as with the missing servant…the one called Merlin, the goddess assured him.
Merlin? He lives? Praise be! Accolon brightened up.
Aye. He has been healed. I caution you. He presses himself to return and serve the Pendragons. Watch him. The spells require time to fully take effect. If he presses himself in the next four solar cycles, he could undo everything. Keep watch. The Young Pendragon will demand.
Accolon nodded. He will. I will keep watch. Thank you, Lady. Please accept my prayers for Lady Reyna.
I have heard. I know your heart, Accolon of Tintagel. Thank you. Now, go to your father and Uther Pendragon. Our purpose must be met. With that, the goddess went silent.
Our purpose. Accolon composed himself anew. He turned a corner. His boots echoed off of Granite's floor underfoot. In a few more heartbeats, he stopped before Uther's chamber door. "Sir Matthew! Sir Harold! Greetings!"
The two knights bowed to him. The lefthand one answered, "Your Highness! What can we do for you? Your father is still inside with King Uther."
"So, I understand. Thank you, Sir Matthew." Accolon sucked in a composing breath. Respect prompted a nod for the loyal knights. "I know they are very busy with pressing matters of state. I would present a matter that has come to my attention. I would talk with both Kings."
The two knights glanced back at the closed door. Orders instructed that no disturbances could come through that door. On the other hand, Royal Prerogative backed Accolon's request. Harold motioned to Matthew. Then, he rapped on the door. "Sire? Pardon us!"
Locks unfastened. Uther flung the door open. Impatience and Ill Mood narrowed his eyes. "What is it? King Ruthbert and I ordered we were not to be disturbed! We…." He noted Accolon standing there. "Prince Accolon?"
"Pardon them and me, Sire." Accolon nodded to Uther. "Thank you for your indulgence. I understand your time is precious. I had a matter to discuss with King Ruthbert and you together. It is a matter of state and diplomacy."
"A matter…?" Accolon's proposal puzzled Uther. Still, he knew the Prince wouldn't bother them unless it was a key matter. "Please! That will be fine. He and I are at good point for such matters in any event." He led Accolon into the chamber and closed the door behind them.
"Thank you, my lord." Accolon stifled his own feelings about ongoing events. Focus remained on his overall purpose. "I appreciate this. I am sure you will not be disappointed." He looked at his father. "Sire." He offered another nod.
"I am sure." Uther clapped Accolon's shoulder. His face brightened. "You have a sensible mind about you. Whatever it is, I am sure we can reach an understanding. Ruthbert, it seems Prince Accolon has something to say to us both?"
"Accolon?" A heavy-set rouge and white-haired man rose to his feet. "Is everything all right? They said you were talking with those Amazons and King Rodor!" Potential issues spun through his head. "We do not need a war. I know Princess Mithian and you are still friends. You should take care with that. I know you still have feelings…."
"Actually, Sire, that is why I wished to speak with King Uther and you together." Accolon put his hands behind his back. His throat cleared. Nerves batted about in his stomach. "Pardon me. I give the matter due reverence. I know the circumstances with King Rodor and all…."
Ruthbert's hand made a batting motion in the air. "He favors that witch. We will deal with her in the morning." Triumph gleamed in his eyes. "Perhaps, you have met someone? Oh how I hope…!"
Accolon nodded. "Aye, Sire. I spoke with Lady Morgana. You know how we have been friends since childhood? I wish to ask King Uther and you about her. Perhaps…?" He bowed to Uther. "Forgive my impudence. I…."
"Impudence?" Warmth and Acceptance sparkled in Uther's eyes. He assessed Accolon. Ruthbert stood as a worthy ally. Tintagel and Camelot remained good neighbors. Accolon fought well in Melee and Tournament alike. His sword proved worthy at Shalott. "This is excellent news indeed!"
"Aye!" Ruthbert embraced Accolon. "This is a truly welcome arrangement! Perhaps, Uther, we might work something out? I know it will not be finished today but…."
"It is a small matter. I know you wish that land south of the Meridoc River. Perhaps that and a thousand pounds for support? We can reaffirm our trade privileges?" Uther held his hand out.
Surprise stiffened Ruthbert. He shook Uther's hand. "Aye! Lady Morgana's hand with Accolon's will stop the civil unrest! At last! Oh, my Son! I am so glad! I am sorry that King Rodor and I could not come to a suitable arrangement for Princess Mithian's hand. This at least will be good news to present to the court." A shrug dispensed with Memoria's bad tidings. Negotiations in that case soured over his and Rodor's respective outlooks.
"Indeed so! Prince Arthur will be delighted as well. I know he and you are good friends, Prince Accolon. On top of victory and dealing with this witch, I thought I could not have more reason to celebrate. You have certainly done so. Well done! I am glad you disturbed us for this matter. Thank you." Uther nodded. "There is but a small matter of drafting the marriage agreement." He headed for the door.
"Lady Morgana is an excellent choice! Splendid thinking!" Ruthbert picked up the wine bottle. "I believe this deserves a toast!"
"Indeed so!" Uther returned to the table. Raefgad would be there presently. He sized up the goblet. "A toast to better days and stronger foundations for Camelot and Tintagel alike!"
"Hear! Hear!" Ruthbert touched goblets with Uther and then Accolon. "We will celebrate."
"Aye, Sire and Milord! We should celebrate. To love and diplomacy meeting a common road!" Accolon touched both Kings' goblets with his. Then, he took a draught from his. His heart rejoiced. Still, Lament and Mourning for the coming sacrifice remained on his mind.
Silver lining and Hope within Acrid Cloud….
