Chapter 9: A/N I do not own Merlin! Enjoy! I know that Mstivoj was closer to the 11th century than the 6th, but I really couldn't find anyone easily enough to fit the description without having to do too much research. Just some background, Mstivoj was the maternal grandfather of Sven Forkbeard(King of denmark from 986-1014) and was pictured as a cruel, bloodthirsty and extremely brutal pagan who ravaged Hamburg and practically exterminated Christianity from the Elbe (Adam of Bremen). So he was germanic-well scandinvaian but whatever- and cruel pagan. Attila was around mid 5th century I think, but the movies I've seen paint him as ruthless, and there was one where he went to France and Italy, so I'm just using him as a reference to the brutality. Again, this is probably extremely historically inaccurate. If I was just working on this, or was a history major might be easier, but I'm a chemistry major, so in my free time is when I write. Just want to clarify, Historically inaccurate, most likely, I do not own Merlin, and no italics is because Uther has a translator, so what Cassie says, Cador translates and Uther hears in English while they're in the throne room. After they leave it's back to normal.
Arthur escorted the three women down to the throne room for the audience with the King, slowly because of the walking stick Cassie relied on. They passed many corridors and turns before they reached the throne room, Cassie staring ini fascination at the citadel. She'd been in many palaces before, but this citadel was something else, she felt as if it was humming with life.
The herald announced their presence as the guards opened the doors to the throne room. Prince Arthur marched-well as much as the crutch allowed-Cassie down the aisle in front of the King.
"Su Majestad." Cassie said respectfully, bowing low.
"You have been brought in front of me on a matter of security. Seeing as neither my Court Physician nor my councilman could tell me, you are here to tell me yourself." Uther stated in his most authoritative voice. "Do you understand me?" Uther asked.
Cassie just acknowledged with a confused expression and looked to the King's left where said men stood. At this, Uther ordered Lord Cador to translate for him.
"As you wish, my Lord. I will answer your questions." Cassie responded and Cador translated.
"Where are you from?"
"Reccopolis, in Hispania. Far inland, my Lord."
"Why did you come here?"
"There was nothing there for me anymore. It was sacked by a group of heretics led by Mstivoj who slaughtered my family, and practically the whole city. He's got others throughout the land, attacking whoever they wanted to. We'd heard about them attacking Toulouse."
"Yes, my Lord. I have heard of this man in my travels to Rome. They say he rivals Atilla the Hun in everything but appearance." Lord Cador confirmed for the King.
"Yes, but why not to another Kingdom in Hispania? Surely they have ways to defend."
"The heretics are everywhere, my Lord. Even if I were to go to Celtiberia, they would be too close. I needed to put distance, keep the memories away through distance. As the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind. That's what I was thinking when I left." Cassie told him.
"What do you know of Caerleon?"
"I don't, my Lord. I know that I landed on the eastern coast and rode inland for about two weeks before your Knights found me, Su majestad."
"Gaius."
"My Lord?"
"She can stay, if you vouch for her. And she will not roam the castle unattended for now. That is all. Arthur, Morgana." Uther dismissed all but his son and his ward.
"I don't want to hear of you being alone unsupervised with that girl, Morgana. I still don't believe her. She may not be a spy from Caerleon, but that does not mean that she was not sent from Hispania. Those damn visigoths look to conquer all. Arthur, keep a wary eye on her, and assign a rotation to watch her."
"Yes, Father. I will see to it that there is a knight with her at all times" Arthur nodded.
"Morgana, am I understood. If you do meet with her again, it will be outside, where knights and guards can better protect you. You are my ward, after all. Gorlois would have wanted you protected in the best manner possible."
"Yes, my Lord." Morgana said with a curtsy.
Gaius and Cassie were making their way up to the physicians chamber slowly when Gwen caught up.
"Good that Uther allowed her to stay, eh Gaius. She makes a good apprentice."
"Yes, my dear. Was there something else? No just wanted to say that I'm happy you're staying, Cassie. And that Morgana wants to know if you'd like to tour the grounds tomorrow morning?"
"I would love to! Tell Morgana that I'll see her bright and early!"
A/N I went back to edit earlier chapters and somehow managed to delete them. there's no major changes. just a reference to a necklace that will be important later on. also combined chapter 8 and 9 into one so... Read, Review and, if you like, please let me know. Also, I was wondering if I should make just one massive fic or break it up in books, like it seems to be going very slowly to Merlin getting here, and I have a feeling it will go just as slowly once he does. Any thoughts?