Chapter 52 [Somewhere Else]
The goddess observed everything within her citadel. Mists billowed between there and the outer world. Her priests and priestesses came and went in her service. Lament sagged on her spirits and dragged on her heart. Uther Pendragon does a great deal of damage in the name of his self-righteous pride! She scoffed. Her hand passed over the mists.
Camelot's image appeared. Uther, Arthur, the knights and their entourage looked about the courtyard outside of their citadel. Castellans and passersby dropped their baskets and wares. Servants spilled water buckets. Uther bellowed orders to everyone around himself in an attempt to maintain Control's illusion.
Aye, Uther. Do try to seem like you are in control. You cannot even accept a favor when it is granted to you. Can you? She raised an eyebrow. Bigot. Still, you sow the seeds of intolerance. I could not allow you to stir up dissension in Nemeth as you did in Tintagel a generation ago. A standoff would have done so as well. At least now, you are safe. Remember I could have arranged for you and your people to have an unfortunate accident. I am not such a being. I had you in my hands. I could have done so. She focused in on a certain brown-haired man with a mustache. Aye you. Petty thief. You have a role to play at some point. Your greed will prove Uther's undoing. She looked to the side. Nimue? What news?
Nimue kneeled. "Kay of Nemeth killed himself. The traitors are to be dealt with at sunrise in Nemeth. Accolon of Nemeth's and Merlin's marriages are set to happen."
I know of these things. Thank you, Child, for your attention, however. Ruthbert of Tintagel and Uther Pendragon are thorns in my side. So is Meleagant of Cawdor although he will not be so for a time at least. Pity. I hoped that Bors of Gaul would speak with Kay on our behalf at least toward coexistence. The goddess peered closer at the image. Now I would have to appeal to the Younger Pendragon directly.
Nimue forced a bow. Granted, she'd wish Camelot razed to the ground with Uther's defeat. "With respect. That one listens to his father's diatribe. He has known nothing else. I wish Arthur was more like Accolon in that way."
And yet, Arthur has seen another side. He is torn. The goddess focused on Arthur. He endeavors to remain loyal to his sire. Yet he questions what happened in Nemeth. He knows Emrys' roles. Now, the Boy Prince tries to bring his father's hatred together with Emrys' example. Wait until he discovers Morgana's true role. And that of Mithian of Nemeth. She looked in on Uther. I believe Uther will have issues arranging for an alliance. Do the others know about tonight?
"We have spoken to the others. They will be there. I hope Merlin takes this seriously." Nimue sniffed. She recalled several times when Merlin turned his back on her and the rest of their magical brethren for Camelot's sake.
Emrys is aware that his role is different. You forget, Nimue. He is now Rodor of Nemeth's subject. He is betrothed to Mithian. His thinking is torn as well. Still, Reyna of Astolat's death made an impression on him. Kay of Nemeth's ingratitude may have grated on him. Nemeth's acceptance of who and what he is pulls him there. He has accepted his mantle as Dragon Lord. Her view shifted to the dining chamber in Whitgate. You see? Emrys is a part of something forming there. That will keep his mind moving forward. He will be crucial in bringing the Young Pendragon's mind to the turning point. And there is another I believe that can help us. Beatrice of Brittany, come….
"The one who was supposed to be for Kay of Nemeth?" Nimue pondered that fact.
Aye. She was to help the young man to accept magic and his heritage. Now, his unfortunate demise leaves her available. She and the Young Pendragon have met. It has been several years. And best of all, I do not believe she will not need love spells or base manipulation. Uther will have his proper marriage. The goddess felt another distortion. I believe we will see….
A tall elegant young woman stepped out of the shadows. Golden strands cascaded from her head, over robe's hood and down her back. Her blue eyes sparkled in the torchlight. Serenity's mask kept Relief's and Frustration's assaults at bay. "I am here, Mother." She curtseyed. "Forgive me. I did not mean to make you wait."
You did not, my Child. Thank you for your courtesy. The goddess regarded her. Beatrice, this is Nimue. She is your sister priestess. Both of you will be essential in the time to come.
"Sister." Nimue nodded to Beatrice. "I just came from Nemeth. Your sire and you came up in discussion there."
Beatrice nodded in response. "It is good to know that King Rodor has me in mind. It has been a long time. I await Prince Kay's arrival." She let out a long sigh. "How I wish he was more like Queen Taene or Princess Mithian. I will be glad to be her sister. I do my duty and will try to soften his heart. I wait for his arrival. Father hopes it will be soon." Her heart ached. "Forgive me. My heart strays from its purpose."
Matters have changed, Child. Kay of Nemeth is no longer your consideration. You will see Rodor and Mithian soon. The goddess raised an eyebrow. Share your concern. I believe I know what it is.
"Mother, there is another that I would be with. I know his father has twisted his mind against us. He is strong and brave. He believes that all men are equal. I wish he could see that we are not so bad! We can bring good to all." Beatrice shook her head. "I…look in…on him from time to time. I am being foolish! His father would never consider me for his hand."
"That sounds like Arthur Pendragon." Nimue lifted an eyebrow. She peered over at the goddess.
Embarrassment's crimson streaked Beatrice's cheeks. "Forgive me! I express love when I should think of duty." She curtseyed again.
The two can co-exist. You should speak with Accolon of Tintagel and Morgana Pendragon. They have both together. As long as you serve me, I can allow such things. The goddess nodded. And that is your mission. You are to be at Arthur Pendragon's side as his Princess. You can perhaps soften and sway views of our kind with those people. It will not be easy. There is much risk. I can grant you that heart's desire.
"I will, Mother. I will have to take care with King Uther. There are also those of like minds around him. I have observed such issues in Whitgate as well," Beatrice presumed.
A coup was attempted against Rodor and Mithian earlier tonight. It failed. Kay of Nemeth thought he could follow Uther's example. Accolon and Queen Radigund discovered the rebellion. Rodor seeks unity amongst his own people. Morgana and Accolon will marry and reunify Tintagel's factions. You are to work toward the same with Camelot. I know you care for Arthur. However, you should not let your feelings get ahead of your duty. Am I clear? The goddess turned to Beatrice.
"I understand. Sister Nimue has told me of the gathering. Shall Father and I be there?" Beatrice thought on this state of affairs.
Aye. I was to bring the Young Pendragon. I believe your presence and your sire's will better suit all concerned. Inform him of the gathering. Then, we shall speak later. You should know of your allies. Thank you, Child. The goddess nodded.
"Thank you." Beatrice bowed. "It is good to meet you, Sister. Mother, will Sister Morgause be there? I met her some time ago."
It can be arranged. Thank you for bringing her to my attention. Given her ties to Camelot and to Morgana Pendragon, I would have her there as well. Return to your place, the goddess nodded to her. Go in peace.
The goddess watched into the mists. How things did shift. She tried to maintain control….