Chapter 12 [A Tenth of the Hourglass Earlier—Accolon's Chamber]
Accolon drank from his goblet. Emotions juxtaposed with each other. Reverence and Respect urged due consideration on Reyna's behalf. Satisfaction, however, eased his mind. Diplomacy ran its course. Uther and Ruthbert concluded negotiations within two turns of the hourglass. Mithian's acceptance and support showed her quality yet again. Morgana accepted him transforming political match to Amor's masterpiece. He shook his head.
The goddess' fingerprints lay all over the matter.
Thank you, Lady. I could not wish for anyone better than Morgana. Your wisdom has seen me to the best possible path. How I wish you could bless Mithian with a suitable partner of her own. He took a heavy draught. His eyes gazed out the window toward the east and Shalott. What of Merlin and the others? If there is nothing by tomorrow night, I will ask King Rodor for knights to ride with. We cannot simply throw Merlin away like so much rubbish!
You are most welcome. Morgana Pendragon and you serve my ends. As long as you do so, why should I not see to your happiness? I would advise you, however, to take care, Accolon of Tintagel. You must respect your appearance and how others will receive your request. Rodor and Mithian will accept it of course. Her concern for the servant, Britomart, occupies her thoughts. Arthur of Camelot will not say anything, but he wants to search for his servant, the goddess noted.
Of course, Lady. I did not mean to be impertinent. Accolon bowed toward the voice.
I know that, Child. Thank you. Do not worry about the servants or Mithian of Nemeth. Already they proceed down their respective paths. Maintain your reserve. Speaking of Mithian of Nemeth, I need you to go to her sire's and her side. She will need your support.
He set the goblet down on a nightstand. Not a grain of the hourglass later, Distress' psychic backlash slammed into his senses. He ground his teeth. He braced himself.
Mithian's scream threatened to swamp him…and then came her magic's emergence….
She's a sorceress? Of all the days for this to happen. First, Morgana and now Mithian? Worry about his father, Uther, and Aredian ate at him. He rushed out of his chamber. Friendship pressed him into a dead sprint down the passage and down two flights of stairs. Much like rushing into Storm's gale winds, he forced himself down the remaining way to the dining hall. You felt her presence. I thought she might be a sensitive. Perhaps a secret Dragon Lady or the like…. Potential Ramifications exploded through his mind.
Then, all quieted down….
Everything is all right now? He sucked in a couple of composing breaths. Princess Mithian? Princess, I am right outside. Open the door. He motioned a few servants away. He waited. Her aura drew closer to him.
Mithian edged the door open. Heaviness weighed on her eyes and face. Hair lay disheveled. Labored breaths puffed from her mouth. "Prince Accolon?" Her eyes rolled at herself. "You…know." She opened the door still further. Trembles shook her hand and the door. "Come…come in please. Thank you. Father and I…."
"Mithian? Who is it?" Rodor called from within the chamber.
Accolon eased past her. Understanding and Experience grasped the situation. Rumors and Inuendo would soon travel along Passages' stones toward unwanted ears. Whispers would follow Agendas. Aredian's gluttony would seek to feed yet again in spite of banishment. "I am early it seems." He watched her close the door. "King Rodor, are you all right, Sire?" He nodded to the elder man.
"It is all right, Sire." She walked back toward them with efforted steps. "Apologies, Prince Accolon. I did not mean to disturb your evening. We have enough to deal with." She pulled out a chair. "I have to sit down."
"I believe you should, Lady." Accolon helped her into the chair. He glanced toward Rodor. "Sire, I have a favor to ask. I have a secret of my own. Can I trust you with it?"
She cleared her throat. "I believe I know what it is, Father. Trust him if you would." She squeezed Accolon's hand. "Thank you. I know you should be speaking with your father and King Uther."
"It is done, Princess. Once again, thank you for your support. I know it is not an easy thing. We are your friends." Accolon sucked in a deep breath. He looked back toward Rodor.
"I have kept your counsel since you were a boy, Prince Accolon." Rodor sized up the younger man. Urgency seemed to be around him and Mithian both. "Did something happen earlier? Do I need to know? You are safe here of course."
"Thank you, Sire." Spilled water and wine drew Accolon's attention. "Watch." He raised his hand. "Uisge glan agus fion!" Canary flashed through his eyes. Spell's energies swept from him across the chamber.
Sparkling energies and accompanying flash vaporized the stains.
"And this." Accolon took note of the table. "Ath-shuidhich am bòrd!" Canary flashed again in his eyes.
Sparkling energy danced over Table's disheveled top. Goblets and silverware reversed their earlier flights. As if on their own accord, they resettled into previous positions. Tablecloth smoothed itself. Chairs eased themselves back into position.
"You have magic as well." Rodor nodded to himself. "No wonder you asked me in such a guarded manner. Of course!" He inspected the restored area. Nary a trace of Mithian's outburst remained. Instead, everything had returned to their previous positions.
"Thank you, Prince." Mithian bowed her head. Appreciation overwhelmed her. "We should not offer Camelot any further grist to grind in their mill. Once again, your consideration is welcome."
"Once again?" Rodor raised an eyebrow at her observation. "Again, is there something else I should know about?"
"It is my pleasure to help, Princess Mithian. You helped me earlier this afternoon. We are friends. Are we not? That is what friends do for one another." Accolon leaned against the wall. "I forget how much that takes out of me. By the way, King Rodor, my father and King Uther will have news I am sure. They concluded an engagement agreement for Lady Morgana Pendragon and myself only a few hours ago. The goddess herself prompted me to bring that to them and Lady Morgana today. Lady Morgana and I wanted to tell Princess Mithian ourselves. She deserves that kind of due consideration we think."
"Thank you for that once again. As Lady Reyna said, I am the Lady of Nemeth. Besides you, Sire, I am responsible for our people and kingdom. That comes first. I have been told to have patience. You said as much earlier." Several more breaths composed her anew. "I am a mess once again." She shook her head.
"I'd have issue with that, Prince Accolon, given tomorrow's tragedy. Still, if the goddess commanded you to do so, she wants the best. I can only presume that much. I know how Lady Morgana and you have felt about each other since childhood. I also know how much Princess Mithian and you treasure your friendship despite what happened between your father and me. In this case, I offer you my congratulations and blessings. You also have my thanks for being so considerate of Princess Mithian's feelings. Thank you." Rodor offered his hand.
"Thank you." Accolon shook his hand. "I cannot go against my father publicly, Sire. However, well…." He motioned toward her. "Morgana and I offered Princess Mithian aid if the hardliners rise up. My father may not approve. We can do what we can."
"Aye. You have more consideration of him then Prince Kay has for me at the moment. King Ruthbert should be proud. Thank you for the offer as well." Rodor squeezed her hand. "Other than the kingdom, she and her brother are the most precious parts of my life. I know what that offer could mean. A piece of advice if I may to you both and you as well, Daughter?"
"That would be appreciated, Father." She nodded to him.
"I would contact King Bors. He would keep you all safe." Rodor tapped his fingers on the table. "The hardliners do a great deal of damage. I wish King Uther would understand the damage his policies do."
"My father's reign continues to split Tintagel's people into factions, Sire. Lady Morgana and I hope to reunify Tintagel with our marriage. That and the fact we love each other should be something to build upon. Believe me. I respect Lady Reyna's fortitude and sacrifice. I wish we could take Lady Elaine to Tintagel with us. I fear for her with her father." Accolon took a breath. He kept an eye on the door.
"We all share that fear." Rodor looked Accolon over again. "I hope Lady Morgana realizes how fortunate she is. Once again, Prince, you impress me. Thank you for your regard in all matters. I wish Prince Kay would listen to you rather than King Uther and Camelot." Lament shook his head anew. "That remains between us, Prince Accolon. Am I clear?" Rodor cleared his throat.
"Aye. I appreciate your confidence, Sire." Accolon nodded to Rodor. "I try to walk that fine diplomatic line. The battle was enough for me." His eyes drifted toward the east and Shalott anew.
Rodor's eyes followed Accolon's across forests and woods. Hopes pinned themselves on a certain Warlock's survival out there. He knew Radegund had ridden away a few turns of the hourglass earlier. He gripped a certain bloodied kerchief in his pocket.
Possible futures…tragic present…road diverged on those events….