Chapter 53 [Merlin's Chamber—Later that Night]
Merlin paced about his chamber. He sucked in a deep breath. So much is going on. How could Prince Kay rebel against the King? Arthur would *never* do that. He shook his head. Glad I am not the King having to write to that Count or Whatever over in Gaul. Lady Reyna died this morning. Those hardliners still want more blood? He sucked in a sharp breath. Now, Uther and Arthur know about my magic. I cannot believe that I am a Dragon Lord. And a noble too?
A knock came from the door.
He walked over to it. "Aye?"
"Merlin, it's me!" Gaius called through it.
Merlin sucked in a deep breath. Here comes the lecture. He opened the door and stepped aside. "Lancelot!" His face brightened.
Lancelot grinned. "It is great to see you again, Merlin!" He embraced his friend. "You are still stirring things up. Congratulations! I believe you are in a better place."
"That is to be determined, Lancelot." Gaius raised the Eyebrow."Get the door if you would? I am just glad that Merlin's all right." He looked Merlin over. "All things considered, you are doing very well, Merlin. We were extremely fortunate earlier."
Lancelot closed the door. "Gaius, King Rodor's aware of it. As soon as we can, I'd like to get Lady Elaine back to Astolat. She needs her rest. Besides, I need to see this estate for myself." He ran his hand over the back of his neck. "I cannot believe that. I am going to be a Count. I have responsibilities."
"I am glad to hear you say that, Lancelot. Merlin needs to be reminded of such things." Gaius shook his head. "Merlin, you just had to fly in with Kilgarrah. Didn't you? Do you know you just about started a war?"
"And Uther did not do that by burning Lady Reyna? Gaius, Kilgarrah requested that! King Rodor granted Kilgarrah sanctuary here! He earned it through his service just like Malodius and my father did!" Merlin threw his hands up in the air.
"Merlin…" Gaius rubbed his forehead. "I do not disagree that those things are earned. Still, we have to live in the real world! Uther and those who are opposed to magic will keep trying! You have to deal with them!"
"Gaius. With respect…." Lancelot sighed. "I am not about to let Lady Elaine be treated like that anymore. Granted, Merlin shouldn't have done what he did for me back in Camelot. There's talk of revising the Sorcerers' Code.It's like that Knights' Code! People can see that sorcerers can't just use magic for evil!"
"I would like to believe that. I will wait and see what comes out of the council. That may prove to be King Rodor's saving grace. Are you planning to tell the King about that, Merlin?" Gaius looked Merlin over. He noted the furrowing brow. "You have, haven't you?"
"It came out earlier. Princess Mithian, King Rodor, Lord Blumenwald and I talked about it. They spoke about authenticity and how people have to trust documents to trust rulers. I promised not to do it anymore. As if Lancelot's banishment wasn't enough in that regard. My fulfilling a debt to Lancelot and I guess Father's service helped. Being honest with them was a good thing," Merlin explained.
"Yet another fortunate turn for you, Merlin. Sometimes I wonder how you keep your head on your shoulders." Gaius nodded. "We have a new King to serve. You will be a Prince. You have your knighthood and the Princess to consider. Remember though, we are not in Camelot. You are now in the open. You will have to learn how to deal with such things."
Another knock came from the door.
Merlin? Can you open the door please? Mithian requested.
Merlin broke off the conversation. "I am learning about these things." He opened the door. "Princess." He lifted her hand and kissed it. "Sorry. Gaius, Lancelot and I were talking."
"Discretion is a good thing, my Prince." Mithian walked into the chamber. "I hope you will be ready to move in a few days? We will be in Prince Kay's chamber." She looked about the area.
"This is really nice for me. You mean there's bigger?" Merlin sized up his chamber. "This is about the size of Prince Arthur's chamber back in Camelot."
Mithian snorted. "Prince Kay's chamber is bigger. Merlin, this is a guest chamber. You are to be Crown Prince. Father wants us in a suitable place. Your humility, once again, does you justice. I am glad you consider such things. We will make sure Lady Hunith will enjoy her time here at court as well."
"Hunith is coming, Milady?" Gaius cleared his throat.
"Aye, Master Gaius. She will be my Mother-in-Law and the Prince's mother. I would not have her freezing in some hovel. Neither she nor Merlin should ever have had to suffer such things! I would treat her like the lady that she is." Mithian nodded to Merlin. "She is our family, Merlin. She should be treated accordingly."
Merlin's heart warmed at her sentiments. "Mother will never believe it. She has no idea that Father was a Dragon Lord or a knight. She only knew him as a traveler."
"Well, we shall have to show her. When she comes, Father and I will take you down to the Hall of Heroes. She can see for herself. By the way, we all are needed. Priestess Morgause?"
"Aye, Princess?" Morgause moved into view in the doorway. She regarded them all. "Prince-Elect Merlin." She nodded to him. "Gaius. I am told you helped me?"
Gaius nodded. "If you are who I believe you to be, I helped to smuggle you out of Camelot as an infant. You survived I see." He nodded to her. "What is going on?"
"The goddess requires our presence. There are matters to be discussed. She will let us know her thoughts on certain matters. Lancelot, Lady Elaine is already there waiting for us. I thank you for your regard for her well being." Morgause waved her hands.
"That, Priestess, is my pleasure." Lancelot bowed to Morgause. His heart warmed at the thought of Elaine.
"As it should be, Sir Lancelot. As her friend, I appreciate that as well." Mithian nodded to her.
"On that note, we should be going." Morgause waved her hands. Within a few heartbeats, the spell's magic swept them away toward their next point.
Discussions here and there…Details to be decided….