Chapter 23 [Dining Hall—Half of an Hourglass Turn Afterwards]
Britomart walked around the table. Place settings, floor's cleanliness, and arrangements met with her approval. Mithian's directive urged her to double down on usual standards. Elena and she checked on Radegund's meal. She'd sent Gwen to get Merlin. Gaius and she talked about Merlin…
Merlin…
I cannot question King Uther and Prince Arthur but *why* can they *not* understand that Merlin should not be doing this? He is lucky to still have his left arm intact! If not for Malodius and that magic mist, he would still be out there in the woods. I just hope he makes it through this dinner. Then, Masters Gaius and Wyngate can push him back to his chambers.
"Britomart? Everything looks great!" Merlin efforted himself into the chamber. He watched Gwen walk over toward the wine and water pitchers. "Michael said you had already brought the King's and Prince's food up here."
"Merlin, I am trying to keep your exertion to a minimum." Britomart rubbed her forehead. "Pardon me. I watched you almost die two days ago. I do not want a repeat issue here." She saw Gaius meandering toward them. "I think Master Gaius wants to talk with you."
"Indeed! Merlin!" Gaius grabbed onto Merlin. "What happened? We were going to bring you back and you vanished."
"Malodius and I were swallowed up in that magic mist. Next thing I knew, we were in the plaza outside." Merlin returned the embrace. His left shoulder balked at being pressed against Gaius' chest. "Master Wyngate was able to look at me."
"Aye. He told me that he gave you some herbal liniment for your shoulder. Frankly, Merlin, I agree with Britomart and him. I am sure the Amazon healer, Elena, would say the same. Do not think I missed your reaction when your shoulder squeezed up against me." Gaius looked Merlin over. "I am telling the King that you need to stay here until you are strong enough to travel."
"Gaius! Arthur needs me! The King…" Merlin started.
The Eyebrow raised. "Perhaps some time will allow King Uther to cool off. Your disappearance did not help matters. I heard how you showed up with Sir Ywain's lion earlier today. Your arm's wondrous healing involves magic. None of this helps us." Grim expression deepened the frown and furrowed his brow further (if that was possible). "The court is in a state of transition frankly. Did Gwen tell you?"
"Aye. She is going to Tintagel with Morgana and Accolon. It will be good for her. Her brother, Elyan, has not been in Camelot for years. Her father's death is still painful for her. The King desires changes in Merlin." Gaius shook his head. "I told you to be careful. Nemeth is grateful for what you did for Prince Kay. I hate to say this, but King Rodor tolerates magic. After what happened at Shalott, Uther will be more suspicious and alert than ever. It will be more challenging for us in Camelot."
"Prince Arthur needs me, Gaius." Merlin watched Bernard and Elaine enter the chamber. "I wish I could do more for Lady Elaine. That cannot be easy."
"Merlin. Stay clear of them. I know you want to help. It is not a good idea." Gaius rubbed the back of his neck. "We can talk later. I should get to my chair. You need to get ready to start serving." He patted Merlin's arm. "It is good to see you in one piece." He started toward his place at the table.
More challenging? That is all we need! Deep sigh escaped Merlin's lips. A tapping on the arm stirred his attention. He jumped.
"Do you always think so deeply, Merlin?" Mithian considered him. She'd changed into a powder-blue gown with a white waist strip and matching trim edging the skirt's seam and cuffs. "Britomart spoke to you?"
"Aye, Princess. Thank you for lending me the jacket." Merlin bowed to her. Shoulder's jab took his breath for a heartbeat. "Pardon me. I…"
Surprise raised an eyebrow. Sniff pushed through her nostrils. "You are welcome. It looks better than the other one. And I believe you are allowed a few heartbeats to do one's duty." She caught his reaction as well. Doubt questioned his state of health at that point. "Merlin, Father and I agree with the others. If your shoulder bothers you, let Britomart or Elena know. We can have one of our servants take over for you."
Merlin nodded. "Thank you. Prince Arthur and my King want me to do that. I appreciate your thinking of me. Pardon me." He noted Arthur's and Uther's entrance. He bowed again. He made his way across the chamber toward Uther and Arthur. "Sire? Prince Arthur?" He pulled their chairs out. Then, he bowed.
"Thank you, Merlin." Arthur took his seat. He glanced toward Uther. Their just-completed conversation remained very much in his mind. Merlin's affinity toward Malodius raised eyebrows. The Amazons', Accolon's and now, Princess Mithian's interest in Merlin prompted still more questions. "No wine?"
Merlin nodded. His eye bounced back and forth between Uther and Arthur. "I wanted to pour it fresh for you, Sire." He filled a goblet and handed it to him. "I think you'd like that better."
"Aye." Arthur nodded. Relief eased his mindset. At least he didn't have to watch not to slosh wine on his sleeve. He motioned toward Uther.
"Sire, wine or water tonight?" Merlin held up the pitcher.
"Wine will be fine." Uther raised an eyebrow at Merlin's shoulder and arm. "I still cannot believe you really took that wound. Incredible." He watched Merlin pour out his goblet. "Impossible actually. You should be dead."
"Supplies and treasures are important, Milord." Merlin's eye met Gaius' across the room. He recognized Uther's fishing expedition of course. "We have our duty."
"Aye." Uther conceded a nod on that front. "I certainly cannot fault you for that. There are reasons for my concern." His eyes burned into Merlin's. "We will speak on such matters. Now is not the time." He cleared his throat. He noted reactions about the chamber. "I believe others are waiting."
"Aye, Sire." Merlin bowed again. Then, he set the wine pitcher back on its place. He is in a worse mood than we thought. Reasons for his concern? Thoughts of a possible Aredian ambush back in Camelot buffeted his thoughts. Gaius' earlier words echoed in his mind.
"Thank you." Arthur narrowed his eyes at his father. Do we need this now?
What was that about? Merlin did not say anything out of line. Suspicion darkened Gaius' thinking in that regard. Worry distracted him. His eyes drifted toward Mithian. She seems very interested. Curious.
"Indeed not." Rodor appeared at the chamber's door with Accolon and Morgana. "I am glad everyone is here! We have a great deal to be thankful for." He watched Respect's prompting everyone to stand and greet him. "Sit and be welcome. Thank you." Past and Current Issues remained buried in the very back of his mind. Cheer attempted to lighten the situation. "Count Bernard and Lady Elaine, again, my condolences."
Bernard nodded but said nothing else. Counselors' reports filled him in on previous events. He watched Merlin doing his service in the chamber. Suspicions darkened his mind as well. That had to be magic! I wonder if Rodor means to replace Prince Kay with that peasant? It would figure!
"Th…Thank you, Sire." Elaine expressed. Sobs caught in her throat. She dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. Shock numbed her. Everything seemed broken. Reality lay shattered akin to Dropped Dish against the stone floor. A small vial of Reyna's ashes lay in her pocket. Willpower kept her hand from touching it lest Bernard take that from her too. Mushroom-Induced Nausea unsettled her stomach.
"You are most welcome." Bernard's attitude grated on Rodor. Still, for Elaine's sake, he allowed it to pass. His eyes noted Kay's empty chair at the front of the table. And he ignores my summons now? Really? He pressed on toward the front of the table. His eyes alighted on Merlin doing his work. Uther's regard (or lack thereof) came across in crystal clear fashion. Merlin saves us all. He cannot even come forward. What a shame!
"Thank you, Sire." Morgana nodded to Rodor and then to Uther. She waited for Merlin to pull their chairs out. "Wine please, Gwen? Thank you, Merlin."
Merlin nodded. "Can I get you some wine, Prince Accolon?" He bowed to them.
"I would like that. Thank you, Merlin." Accolon tapped his fingers on the table. Granted, he and Morgana prepared to leave two days hence for Tintagel. However, Sentiments troubled him about the citadel. Kay's absence set off Alarm's bells in his mind. Contingencies for Mithian and Rodor arose once more in his mind. He openly defies his father now? I know he is displeased over being sent to Gaul. He accepted the goblet from Merlin. "How is your arm?"
"It is stiff but all right, Prince Accolon. Thank you." Merlin kept one eye on Uther. Nerves continued to flare within himself. "Congratulations once again to Lady Morgana and you."
"Thank you. I appreciate that." Accolon noted Bernard's dirty look. "Something the matter, Count?"
"The servant talks more than he should. I do not recall him being a guest." Disdain sniffed at Accolon and Merlin both. "BOY!" He banged his goblet on the table. He shook off Britomart's attempt to serve him. "I want him! Let him know HIS PLACE!"
"COUNT BERNARD, ENOUGH!" Rodor glared at the recalcitrant count. "SHOW COURTESY! HE ONLY CONGRATULATED HIS LADY AND HER FIANCÈ! PRINCE ACCOLON SHOWED EQUAL COURTESY! Britomart, please serve Count Bernard. Merlin, I believe has his own duties."
Mithian considered Merlin again. Pity moved her in that heartbeat. His forbearance impressed her. Complaints never crossed his lips. Can Do Attitude, on the other hand, kept him about Duty's course. She discerned his shoulder's issues. Uther's attitude toward the developing matter troubled her. How does he deserve such treatment? Honestly! She shook her head at Bernard's crassness.
"Pardon me." Merlin bowed again to Accolon and Morgana. His eyes met Gwen's. "Your Highness? I have something for the Lady Elaine. If I may?"
Gaius frowned. Merlin, be careful! The Eyebrow arched. He noted Uther's and Bernard's responses in that regard.
"Please! I would welcome something positive. Count Bernard, I know what it is. I approve." Rodor motioned toward Elaine. His eyes met Bernard's. Do not make a scene!
Elaine jerked her head up. Her eyes went wide.
"Thank you, Sire." Merlin bowed to Rodor. Then, he made his way to Elaine. "Milady." He bowed to her. "I found these on my way back here. I hear they're your favorite." He brought the lilacs out. "I hope they can comfort you, Lady Elaine."
"For…me?" A surprised gasp escaped Elaine's mouth. "Mother's lilacs from the east woods! I…You thought of that? I heard about your arm. You nearly die and you still take the time for me?" She held her hands out.
"Aye. We should help each other." Merlin set the cut flowers into Elaine's hands. Then, he stepped back and bowed his head again. "Milady, I will pray for you."
"Thank…thank you." Gratitude lightened Elaine's heart for a few heartbeats. Lilacs' scent eased her mindset. She closed her eyes. Tears streaked her face. "Thank you, Sire and Princess."
"Merlin is very helpful that way, Lady Elaine." Arthur nodded at Merlin. The latter's move eased tensions. His eyes drifted toward Gwen for a brief heartbeat. Lament sagged across his heart for Gwen's impending departure.
"Too helpful." Uther narrowed his eyes. Despite Good Intention, Merlin's gesture grated on him. Reyna's burning meant to impress certain lessons on Elaine. Anger smoldered within him.
"I do not appreciate my wife's flowers being cut by the likes of you!" Bernard hissed. "Sire, you allow this?" He snatched the flowers away from Elaine. "This is thievery!" He shoved Merlin into the wall hard. "I will show you!"
Merlin tried to twist his left arm away. His afflicted shoulder met the wall flush. Impact shattered Spell's effectiveness. "AH!" He grabbed the shoulder. Pain seared his arm, and body. He slumped toward the floor.
"MERLIN!" Britomart rushed toward him. She rolled him onto his back. "Easy." She pulled his coat and shirt's collar back. "Nay!" She bowed her head. "Master Gaius!"
Purple and Black Bruises formed anew in that place.
"The bruises form again! There could be internal bleeding! Master Gaius, can you help me? Sire? Milady?" Britomart looked to others around the table.
"My word!" Gaius hustled past Arthur and Uther toward Merlin's side. Fears compounded upon one another over Spell's recoil and Relapse's consequences. "Merlin."
"Gaius, do…don't. Don't get in trouble over me." Merlin tried to get up.
"Just stay right there! Honestly!" Gaius looked toward Uther, Arthur, and then Rodor. "I agree with Britomart, King Rodor. The impact traumatized the wound once again."
"Why, Father? He was just being nice!" Elaine buried her face in her handkerchief. Sobs choked off her voice.
"Leave the boy there." Bernard scoffed. "You do not question me! Your mother knew what she did! Deal with that!"
"ENOUGH! AYE! I ALLOW IT! BERNARD, SILENCE!" Rodor slapped his hand on the table. He stood up. "Merlin was considerate of Lady Elaine's feelings! He asked our permission since this is our table beforehand. Britomart?"
"The wound is getting worse. We should get him to Master Wyngate! With your leave." Britomart bowed her head again.
"Of course! Whatever he needs!" Rodor got up from his place. "Please continue. I have lost my appetite." He threw his napkin down beside the plate.
"Sire, I can go with Britomart. Perhaps I can oversee matters there? I am sure Britomart and Master Gaius can handle matters. I would like to watch over things for myself." Mithian placed her hand on his.
"Go with them, Arthur." Uther motioned toward Merlin.
"Aye, Sire." Arthur nodded to him. "King Rodor?"
"Aye. I have our guests. That is a good point. Go with them." Rodor walked back toward Merlin's fallen form. "Foolishness!" He picked up the discarded flowers. "These are yours, Lady Elaine. A gesture such as that should be rewarded for its proper intent."
"Thank you, Sire." Elaine grasped the lilacs. She held them closely to her chest. Mother's love warmed her in that heartbeat.
What was that about roads paved with good intentions?