Chapter 35 [Dining Chamber]

Gwen looked about the dining area. She set goblets and utensils in their places. Tablecloth lay smooth with nary a wrinkle. Fresh candles awaited flames in Candelabra's holders. Wine sat in its pitchers on a side table. An emerald bottle accompanied those pitchers. Necessity required Merlin to rest and heal following his ordeal. Britomart's and Elaine's respective absences raised questions for her. George remained nowhere to be seen.

Rumor, it seemed, was having a field day….

Where is everyone? She scratched her head. King Rodor and King Uther have no servants right now? That seems hardly possible! I know I am to go with Lady Morgana to Tintagel on the morrow. Sadness and Lament weighed on her heart. I will do the best I can manage for everyone!

Arthur stalked into the chamber. Everything fell further and further apart. Uther's actions exacerbated Rodor's opposition to Camelot's outlook. Aborted Rebellion left Nemeth without her Crown Prince or Royal Council. Camelot's most experienced knights lay wounded or buried from the battle. Merlin had nearly died several times. Worse still, Merlin's status as sorcerer and Dragon Lord tainted him. How can Merlin be a sorcerer? He can barely keep from tripping over a chamber pot much less casting complex spells. Yet there he was! Somehow that woman freed the Dragon. Merlin talked with it. He has been talking with it all along? His eyes narrowed. His mind twisted in knots. His mouth twisted into a frown.

"Prince Arthur?" Gwen cleared her throat. She curtseyed to him. She discerned Consternation's hold across his face and thoughts. Her eyes looked around for any observers. Seeing none, she stepped toward him. "I would ask if you are all right. With respect, we both know the answer already." Her throat cleared. "My apologies about how everything looks. Where are the other servants?"

He rubbed the back of his neck. His heart skipped a beat. His breath caught in his throat. His mind eased. Worldly Troubles lessened in their impact. "This citadel has gone completely mad. George waits on my father. Britomart and Elena are sealed into the Physician's Chambers with Gaius and that Witch's daughter." He shook his head. "Morgana goes to Tintagel with Prince Accolon. You are to go with her. And Merlin? I do not know what to think!" He glared around the chamber. "What? Where are the other servants? You would think there would be others?"

On cue, two other Nemethian servants rushed into the area. Each carried two covered plates in their hands. They bowed to Arthur. They set the plates on the table. Then, they walked back out into the chamber anew.

"Pardon me. I should help them…" Gwen started her curtsey. She started to turn.

"Nay! My father will not be here." His hand touched her arm. "I know you are not Camelot's servant any longer. I…well…"

"Sire?" Her eyebrow rose. "With respect, Prince Accolon and Morgana expect me to help them. Even if King Uther is not here, we cannot…" Anxiety had her looking all around them.

"Gwen, I think I have a say still for tonight." Lament sagged across his heart. Inequities screamed out at him. "Maybe Morgana can talk to King Ruthbert and Prince Accolon." Arthur bowed his head.

"Well now! I suspected that something was going on between you two." Morgana watched them from the doorway. "It is a good thing Prince Accolon and I are out here and not the King." She walked into the chamber.

"Morgana has raised the matter to me." Accolon regarded Gwen. "You have the one feat at Ealdor. I can try and put that to King Ruthbert. You would still need two more. Patience. I know you are not happy with Merlin right now, Arthur. He has done you both a favor however."

"Really? And what has that idiot done now?" A sharp snort escaped Arthur's lips.

"Merlin's actually a hero, Prince Arthur. Consider that. Even if Prince Kay could care less, Merlin did save his life. A servant can be raised to noble status. Merlin has earned that by deed and birthright. Do yourself a favor. Curb the insults tonight. He will be here as a guest along with the rest of us." Accolon strolled into the chamber. He regarded her handiwork. Approval prompted a nod. "My compliments, Gwen. You have done a splendid job. Not that I would have doubted your ability in that regard."

"Thank you, Sire." Gwen curtseyed to Accolon. "Can I get you something?"

"I think we are all right for now, Gwen. Thank you." Morgana peered out into the passage. She noted Merlin and Mithian's approach at that point. "They are coming. Arthur, please restrain yourself. Seems Merlin's been busy."

"Busy?" Arthur shook his head at that thought. "I am afraid to ask at what." Granted, he knew well of Merlin's capability at running a household. "Princess Mithian probably…."

"I probably could what, Prince Arthur?" Mithian maintained a calm façade. Respect prompted the royal nod for him, Accolon, and Morgana. "It has been a busy day as you know." She walked about the chamber. "Where are Cassandra and Michael? I thought King Rodor requested them to stand in for Britomart given our state of affairs?" She saw Radigund and Josiane coming from the stairs in the opposite direction. "What news? I apologize, Milady and Princess. Our servants seem not to be here."

"Actually, Princess Mithian, they brought the covered plates. I think they went to get the rest of them? They did not ask me to help them. Pardon me, Princess." Gwen bowed her head.

"Thank you, Gwen. I appreciate your telling me that. Queen Radigund, Princess Josiane, welcome! I believe we are waiting for King Rodor, Prince Kay, and King Uther." Mithian nodded to Radigund and Josiane.

"My father is being served in his chambers. He did not wish to join us tonight." Arthur looked over Merlin. "Your jacket looks as good as new. Magic?"

"Actually, Sire, aye. It is." Merlin bowed to Arthur. "Pardon me, Prince Accolon, Lady Morgana. Queen Radigund, I meant no offense." He added another such gesture to the others as well. "I managed to fix my jacket and tunic for dinner. I have done the same in the past for your clothes as well…and your armor…and the floor…and…."

Arthur put up his hand. "I get the point, Merlin." His eyes rolled. "Thankfully, my father is not here to hear that. You really used to do those things right under our noses?"

"Yeah, I did." Merlin cleared his throat. "I could tell you about every one of them….?"

"Nay, Merlin. It's all right," Arthur declined. Sour Taste burned in his mouth and throat.

"He should, Prince Arthur. You might come to understand that magic has its uses much as a sword or crossbow do." Radigund narrowed her eyes at him. "Pity your father did not elevate Merlin to a knight or advisor. I have known of Merlin's worth for several seasons now. So have Prince Accolon and Princess Josiane. Malodius guards us outside."

"I have seen good and bad uses of all weapons and techniques, my Friends." Josiane rubbed Merlin's arm. "I believe you are wise in spite of your deception, Merlin."

"In some ways. In other ways, my loyalty is not an act." Merlin nodded to Arthur once again.

"We know that, Merlin. So, the rumors are true then? You really use magic?" Gwen swallowed hard. She'd taken in what the others had said around herself. Memoria recalled his words to her from the stocks. "I am more than I seem." "So, this is the secret you talked about that day at the stocks?"

"Yeah. It is. I…" Merlin stopped. "Sire?" He bowed toward the door.

The others noted Rodor as well. They nodded or bowed as appropriate.

Dinner was about to begin….