Chapter 39

Dinner ran its course. Somber outlooks dampened attempts at conversation. Within a sixth of the hourglass, Radigund, Accolon, and Morgana retired to their chambers. Gwen worked with her Nemethian counterparts to clear the table and clean the chamber.

Rodor, Mithian, Merlin, Josiane, and Blumenwald had other matters at hand….

[Council Chamber—Half of an Hourglass Turn Later]

Rodor allowed the others to take their seats. Details weighed heavily on his mind. Preferences would allow Merlin to ease into Nemethian politics and the court. Galahad, Ywain, Josiane, and Lancelot could assess Merlin's skill with the blade. Hunith needed to be brought to Whitgate in short order for her own protection. Interest perked within Mithian toward Merlin. Obvious Bond had formed between them. She and Merlin seemed to cast frequent looks to one another. Magic manifested within her. Will they accept what I have to ask? How will Master Gaius react? They are close. I wish I could ask Master Gaius to come. I do not trust Uther enough to ask Sister Nimue to take the spell off of the door. I will not allow Lady Elaine to come to any more harm. Poor girl! He shook his head.

"Sire?" Mithian placed her hand on his arm. "Do you need some air? Perhaps I can do something?" She bit her lip. Situation frankly spun her mind to be honest. Granted, Queen Taene's death only six months earlier had thrust her into a similar position. "Lord Blumenwald? Pardon me…."

"It is for the King, Milady." Blumenwald bowed to her. "Sire?" As with Mithian, he knew Exhaustion and Tension wore away at Rodor's stamina. Despite his objections, Appreciation gentled his disagreement. Experience noted her inquiry's context. He understood that Respect not Ambition guided her in that heartbeat.

Rodor patted Mithian's left hand. "I appreciate your concern, Daughter. You are always more aware of the kingdom's and my needs. I would ask the same of you at this point." He regarded her. Pride warmed his heart. "Pity Kay lacked such sense or discipline." Failure sagged down across his heart. "I allowed him too much time around Camelot. I wish I had known about Sir Merlin or Lady Morgana to be honest. Uther's madness corrupted him. Count Bernard and the others…I cannot believe they supported him in that regard. I am glad your mother cannot see this."

Merlin stifled potential responses. Despite the sacking, Loyalty harkened to Arthur's defense. Prejudice, however, lashed out against Magic of any kind. Mordred the Druid Boy, Tom, and Gwen all came to mind in that regard. How could I have said anything? He would not have listened to Gaius or me. Even when I saved his life, he did not care! Queen Taene's heritage drove Prince Kay to the breaking point. Princess Mithian has magic. Gaius would have told me not to get involved. He'd have watched Prince Kay to make sure his magic was not manifesting itself. Maybe Morgana might have helped him? He mulled over the no-win situation in that case.

Merlin, I doubt very much that you could have swayed the Prince. Uther brought him down to the cave several times. That one gloated over my imprisonment. It is a shame when anyone turns their back on their own kind for duty. I do not suppose we know anyone like *that*? Kilgarrah snarked.

Merlin had little choice, Dragon. If he had spoken up in front of Uther Pendragon or the Prince, they would have killed him for it. Look at how they treat Merlin now. Camelot looks down on creatures like us, Malodius disagreed.

Mithian rubbed her forehead. Who is that? She looked about the chamber. Kilgarrah? Who are you speaking to? Merlin?

She heard you, Great One, Kilgarrah noted.

So, she did. Malodius snarled to himself. I did not think her sensitivity had reached that point. He batted at the door. Merlin, can you open the door please? I need to come in.

Okay. Princess Josiane and I can watch the door. Merlin opened the door. He watched Malodius march in. How did she…? He noticed Mithian's brow rise. He ground his teeth. Sorry.

Who are you apologizing to, Merlin? You…. Mithian watched Malodius look at him. Then, she watched him bow toward Rodor and her. He is a mute. He cannot…! Can he? Her eyes narrowed. Malodius?

Aye, Princess. You did hear me. Malodius straightened himself. I speak telepathically. Otherwise, I communicate like any other lion. I did not expect your telepathy to be so developed. I always knew of your sensitivity. The magic in you was not like this before. It seems that Merlin has sparked development in all regards.

"Princess Mithian?" Josiane stepped forward. She looked to Merlin and then her again.

Why did you never let us know that you can speak like this? Your experience is invaluable! Mithian stroked Malodius' mane. Father and I can use your wisdom even if such matters remain confidential between Merlin and us. Does Sir Ywain know?

Nay. He does not. Malodius mulled over that thought. Despite and perhaps because of youth and relative inexperience, her insight stunned him. Once again, Sensitivity allowed Mithian a viewpoint. Daughter's Experience knew her father's mind on such things. Very well. I hope to keep this between us. Lord Blumenwald and Princess Josiane, I can trust.

Thank you, Good Lion. I wish you had told us sooner. Come. Mithian led Malodius toward Rodor. "Father?"

"Hmm?" Rodor looked up from his reverie. "Oh! Mithian, forgive me. I had a great deal to think about. Why is Malodius in here? I had him guarding the door." He surveyed the chamber. "Sir Merlin, can you come here?"

"Aye." Merlin exchanged looks with Josiane. "Guess you are watching the door?"

"I have it, Merlin." Josiane motioned toward the King. "He waits for you." She stepped toward the door. "Go on."

Merlin bowed to her. Then, he strode toward the table and the others. I hope this is the right thing to do. Given how everything else is going, who knows what the right thing is anymore? "Sire? Princess?" He bowed to them both.

"Father. I just made a discovery." Mithian raised an eyebrow at Malodius. "Can we have the confidence of everyone please?" Her eyes met Blumenwald's and then Josiane's.

Rodor rubbed his chin. "That is a curious request, Mithian. Of course! I trust you. Sir Merlin? Do you know of this?"

"Aye, Sire. I do." Merlin glanced at Malodius. "I found out earlier today."

It is all right, Merlin. Malodius bowed his head. King Rodor, it is time. I have always understood. I never spoke to you.

Josiane blinked. "By the Prophet! You can speak?"

Rodor froze. Surprise widened his eyes. "I heard an unfamiliar voice in my head! I…" Realization pierced through the day's fog. "Daughter? Who? I…"

"It is Malodius, Father. It seems our friend can speak after all." Amusement pushed a slight chuckle from Mithian's mouth. Mirth's twinkle danced in her eye. "It seems the day has no end to its surprises!"

"He…can?" Blumenwald dropped his quill. He regarded the lion in a new light. "Sire? We have known Malodius for decades. He has never come forward until now."

"That is a question." Rodor turned back toward Malodius. "So, you speak with your mind? Father, Grandfather, and I would have understood. Why do you come forward now?"

I have tried to be careful. I wish to serve my King. It is easier for everyone to think of me as a silent mute. I have listened. I have kept watch. Kilgarrah and I have spoken. I have always understood. I do my duty. I just do not speak. I did not want to stir up opposition to you. Uther of Camelot has done that on his own. Malodius bowed to the throne.

"He has indeed." Rodor looked Malodius in the eye. Wisdom supported the expressed points. He understood the comment's context. The attempted coup brought that to mind better than anything else. "It is a pity I cannot simply put you on the Royal Council."

"With respect, Sire, why can we not have Malodius on the Council?" Mithian looked to Merlin, Josiane, and then Blumenwald in turn.

Rodor rubbed his chin. Mithian's suggestion held merit. Malodius' knowledge of the court and experience spanned almost a century. "Lord Blumenwald?"

"Sire, there is nothing that says Malodius cannot be on the Council. In fact, given our current state of affairs, I would encourage that. It is up to how public he wishes to be." Blumenwald looked to Malodius. "Well, Malodius?"

I can communicate with anyone specifically if I wish. Perhaps we might select someone who can deal with my presence? Sir Ywain would be a worthy choice. I wish I knew Sir Lancelot better, Malodius pointed out.

"Lancelot and I are friends. He stood with me against a griffin," Merlin chimed in. Enthusiasm perked his spirits up. He and Lancelot could adjust together. "Maybe Sir Ywain can speak to him?"

"Aye. He could indeed. Perhaps though, Malodius might speak with Ywain first? That is an idea. I will dispatch riders to Riversmore as well. Lady Blancheflor is Aethelwald's heiress. She has great wisdom. I trust her words and judgment. Her loyalty is not in doubt." Rodor motioned to Blumenwald. "We should dispatch a messenger to Riversmore after Camelot's departure."

"Aye, Sire. Sir Galahad will know them. As I recall, Lady Blancheflor is sympathetic to magic. She knows Malodius?" Mithian recalled.

"Aye she does." Rodor walked over to Malodius. His hand patted the latter's head. Approval shone in his eyes. "Very well, Master Lion. I would welcome your counsel."

Thank you, King Rodor. Malodius bowed.

"Now we have the other question to consider." Rodor turned to Merlin and Mithian.

Seemed that everything was coming out….