Chapter 45 [Quarter Turn of the Hourglass Later—Out in Front of the Citadel]

Arthur meandered out of the citadel. Change befuddled him. Nemeth's attitude burned at him to be honest. Did Camelot not come here to assist their neighbor in their time of need? Cordiality and Politics had guided Uther and Radigund through their relations in the past. Now, Betrayal stabbed Camelot from behind. Insults rained down on them in these halls. Accusations flew both ways. Uther's ill conceived message only exacerbated Old Religion's animosity. Worse, Traitors within Camelot's own walls stepped into the light. Their raid freed Kilgarrah and spat on everything.

Merlin….

He sniffed. Indignity burned in his craw. Had he not trained Merlin up from being a rustic bumpkin to a serious…well maybe if he had not tripped over every chamber pot…chamberlain. And fighting? Understatement had its joke over Merlin's fighting skills at the start. At least, the situation would seem so. Appearance, however, did not always reflect Reality's true nature…

…This seemed to be one of those times…

He was acting the whole time! Merlin was a sorcerer using me! Father wants him dead. Arthur shook that thought off. Life Debts and Companionship stung worse for those reasons. Still, with Merlin effectively banished, he could resolve to take greater care. Father would tell me to be more vigilant. He is right about that. Morgana is taking sides against him now. I cannot believe King Ruthbert and Prince Accolon. They should be siding with us if anyone does! Does King Rodor want a war? Well, Merlin can play with his plants and do what he wants here. Maybe he and that fire haired servant will marry and keep Princess Mithian happy? She will end up an old spinster at this rate. And what will Nemeth do? The Princess cannot inherit in her own right thanks to their own laws. Prince Kay's a traitor against his own father. The rest of their Royal Council has turned against King Rodor and the Princess. Count Bernard is not the only one who agrees with Camelot on these matters. Sooner or later, there will be a coup for real. It will succeed. I hope they do not expect us to help them. Not with their attitudes.

"We are ready, Prince Arthur." Leon bowed to him. He motioned toward the remaining knights, servants, and riderless horses. "The kitchens provided food. Michael, at least, saw to that." He exhaled a sharp breath. Still, he stifled the rest of his response.

"Michael? You mean our head cook? He left as well?" Arthur ground his teeth. "Father did not tell me." Attrition wore on him too. "I hate to say this but the sooner we are gone, the better." He shook his head. "Everyone's leaving." Morgana's taking Gwen. His mood sank still further.

"I am not leaving, Sire!" George waited behind Arthur. He held up a full water skin. "Do you need a drink before we start out?" He tried to seem happy for everyone's sake.

"George, are my bags on the horse?" Arthur strained to hold his patience. He and Leon exchanged looks. Then, he stepped toward George. He is going to drive me to drink as it is!

"Aye! I just finished. All right. The water will be ready when you need it on the trail, Sire." George quirked an eyebrow. He did not ignore those *peasants* like this! HRUMPH! He scurried back toward the horse in question.

"How I wish Merlin did not have magic. Maybe Gwen or another servant could have a brain? Merlin would never be like that!" At least when he was not being an idiot. How much of that was real and how much was an act? "I am going to end up killing George." Arthur threw his hands up in the air. Scowl deepened and darkened.

Uther stalked out the door next. Farewells had come between Morgana and him a turn of the hourglass earlier. He'd requested that she and Gwen remain in her quarters. Expedition had proven costly indeed. Casualties decimated the knights' numbers. Civil Unrest brewed under his boots. Kay's suicide ruined his opportunity to control the Gedref and Nemeth. Rather than quell Sorcery's foothold, Reyna's execution stiffened rather than broke Resistance's collective backs. Despite his losses, Rodor dug in as well. And then, Arthur's traitorous former servant kept local hopes away. He turned to Accolon. "I regret our host's most unfortunate scene, Prince Accolon. I look forward to being at your ceremony in a fortnight's time."

"We shall look forward to having you there, Your Highness." Accolon nodded to Uther. "Father will make sure everything is ready for you. Thank you again for this favor."

"Your father and I know of your quality, Prince Accolon. Your marriage will heal Tintagel's wounds. Thank you for your continued support during this experience. It speaks well to your experience and outlook. I am sure your father is very proud. If I might request a favor of King Ruthbert and you?" Uther returned the nod. Accolon's attitude eased his mood. Gratitude and Loyalty deserved encouragement. An example for Arthur should be laid down.

"If we can, Sire. I can propose it to King Ruthbert. He will decide of course. I mean no disrespect." Accolon paid close attention. He could almost hear Uther's mind churning out its plan. Now what does he want?

"I understand full well. You respect your father's prerogative as you should." Uther cleared his throat. "I believe he will have no objections. Lady Morgana may not want to do so. It would be in Tintagel's and Camelot's long-term interests. There is her maid servant. Unfortunately, it seems Prince Arthur has developed feelings for her." His hand stifled a cough. "I wish for you to find her an appropriate marriage. It does not necessarily mean the end of her service. Rather, Lady Morgana can still have her servant. I can find Prince Arthur a suitable marriage. Even, as much as I hate to admit it, it would help King Rodor as well. We can have peace of mind."

Arthur ground his teeth. Why does Father not understand? I will not marry someone other than the woman I love! He nodded to Accolon. Then, he turned his attention toward Rodor and Mithian who waited for them at the door upstairs.

"Aye. He considers marriages for Sir Lancelot. Aye. I have heard him speak of Guinevere during our travels. It would be a favor to all of us to make sure she is with the right person. I will look into that with King Ruthbert. Sire." Accolon stepped back and bowed. "May you have a pleasant journey."

"And the same to Lady Morgana and you. Mind yourself in here, Prince Accolon. Rodor's intentions could poison your mind against all reason." Uther noted Rodor's and Mithian's emergence into view. "Thank you for your consideration."

"And you, Sire." Accolon nodded once again. "If you will pardon me, I will speak with Lady Morgana. Perhaps I can suggest potential options?" He retreated up the stairs. "Sire. Princess." He offered a nod to them. Then, he disappeared into the citadel. He wishes to keep Arthur and Guinevere apart. We shall see what the goddess says about her path.

Confrontation was about to billow up….