Chapter 56 [Council Chamber—Whitgate]

Merlin adjusted the Prince's crown on his head. His mind spun over the court's details. Diplomacy, Policy, Finances and Legal Matters befuddled him. How do Uther and Arthur do this? How do Rodor and Mithian deal with it?

Through a great deal of practice and patience, my Prince. Not everything is learned overnight. I still need to ask Lord Blumenwald and Father questions about certain things. It is all right not to know everything at once. Mithian drank from her water goblet.

Malodius lifted an eyebrow at Merlin.

I can hope so. Merlin leaned back in his chair. Insecurity ate at him. I guess I can help you later with your magic?

Now see? There is something else I need help with. Mithian smiled at him. We all have something to offer, Merlin. Just give yourself time. All right? Look around us. Master Gaius, Lord Blumenwald and Father all bring experience. Princess Josiane, Lady Blancheflor and I are still learning. Count Lancelot, Countess Elaine and you will learn as well. She turned to Rodor. A royal nod let the King know her attention remained on him.

Rodor cleared his throat. "Good afternoon. Thank you all." He looked at his new counselors. "I know I do not have to tell you about the last fortnight. I do not think Nemeth has seen more upheaval in the last two centuries as it has at this point. I see many new faces on this council. I believe we can all help each other in one way or another. "Master Gaius, Princess Josiane, Lady Blancheflor, I believe your experience can be very beneficial. Count Lancelot and Countess Elaine, I think you will bring a great deal to the discussion. Prince Merlin, look at your experience along with Master Gaius' on the Sorcerer's Code. We have a great many issues ahead of us. We have to look at our knights' numbers. Prince Merlin and Princess Mithian have their royal progress to plan and undertake. We should plan a new land survey."

"Sire, if I may? I would add the changing of roles," Lady Blancheflor interjected. "In some cases, a reeve could be running the estate while we serve here."

"Indeed. Thank you." Rodor nodded. "Lord Blumenwald and I will be discussing such matters. We shall bring such matters to our common attention. Master Gaius, what is the state of our medical services?"

Gaius stood. "With thanks to Nimue, Sire, I have all of my medical tomes are in the Physician's Quarters. I have turned Master Wyngate's former bedchamber into a hospice area. I wish additional places for such matters. Britomart is quite skilled as a healer. I must say surprisingly so. Having two of us and the midwives does help. I would be interested in seeing the survey results. Perhaps we can have medical services in other villages?"

"I would agree. Perhaps we can work with the priestesses in this regard?" Blancheflor offered. "Look at what Lady Reyna accomplished in the area around Shalott. Their service has accomplished a great deal around Riversmore. Perhaps if people see that magic has that good as well as evil, they might not support the hardliners?"

Gaius nodded. "Indeed so."

"We shall make it so!" Rodor looked to Mithian. "Daughter, you and Prince Merlin should keep an eye out for such opportunities during your progress. The surveyors will go out later. Still, we should reach out to the people."

"If anyone needs it, Gaius has taught me some. I can help, Sire." Merlin glanced at Gaius and then back to Rodor.

"Indeed, you can, Prince Merlin. Perhaps you might want to have Britomart accompany you on the progress?" Gaius muddled over that thought in his mind. What is this progress? Is it safe?

"Sorry, Sire. What is this progress?" Merlin raised an eyebrow at that notion.

"Newly married Crown Princes and Crown Princesses traditionally make a royal progress around the kingdom, my Prince," Mithian clarified. "We do exactly what you just suggested. We greet the people. We listen to their needs. But we get to see them on their level. They are our people."

"Well put." Rodor nodded. "I believe, Prince Merlin, you will do just fine in that regard. There are certain places I would have you take care in. Still, we should be caring for our subjects. They deserve no less. We also make diplomatic stops along the way. I believe Tintagel and Caerveron will be welcome stops. Queen Radigund has invited you both to visit the Amazons. Queen Vivian looks forward to hosting you both. I would stay clear of Camelot, Mercia and the border with Cawdor."

"Riversmore is safe enough. Sir Percival and I will make sure of that," Blanchefleur vowed. "The people should see them especially along the invaders' route."

"I wish I could speak with Count Boeve. Hampton would be nice to visit. It is still Camelot's land." Josiane drank from her mead. "That is a hostile place." She shook her head on that point.

"Aye. It does. We should be aware. One day, we can hope for better things. Perhaps, Count Lancelot and Countess Elaine, you might accompany them as well? I believe your reeve can keep matters going on Astolat for now?" Rodor presumed.

"I believe so, Sire. I fear I am not my father. I will have to rely on my man's knowledge and wisdom in that regard." Elaine bowed her head. "I can help with some healing as well. Mother taught me some."

"That would be welcome. I would like your company." Mithian smiled for Elaine's benefit. "Besides we can speak on certain matters of state at times during the trip."
Rodor cleared his throat. "Daughter."

"I know! I know it is a honeymoon for Prince Merlin and me. We can keep it to certain points." Mithian shrugged.

"We do have to have places where you can hunt too," Merlin interjected.

"Why my Prince! You remembered that." Mithian smirked. Her eyes twinkled at him. "I believe you will have a fishing spear as well?"

"I will. I like to catch breakfast." Merlin smiled back. "And maybe there could be some game or fowl for dinner?"

"If I have my way, aye. I'd never let you go hungry, my Prince. Besides, I can also work on my magic?" Mithian rubbed her forehead. "That is where you are far ahead of me."

"We can do that. As you told me, you should be patient. I can help you that way." Merlin nodded to her.

"That is a noble sentiment. Very well. On that note, I believe we have what we need. We will convene again after the progress returns. I believe our meal awaits. Thank you." Rodor stood. "Follow me." He strode from the chamber.

See, Merlin? I told you that you would be all right in that regard. Of course, we still have the rough edges to work on. Mithian squeezed his hand.

Merlin sighed. He wondered if he'd ever get rid of those edges…then again would she want him to?

That was the question….