Chapter 3 [Reyna's Cell, Royal Dungeon]

At Passage's far end, a nondescript oak door barred entry or exit to passersby. Rune-carved lock kept it from Sorcery's opening. Two Camelot knights stood guard on either side. They scrutinized every visitor. They kept careful watch.

Uther and Aredian wouldn't be denied their example or point….

Sol's rays streaked through the tiny window. A small stool and table sat in the corner. Lumpy straw mattress sat on a hay pile. A depressed woman sat against the wall. Far-Gone Expression glassed over her reddened eyes. Tears marred her gown and skirt. Torture's bruises marred her once-fine hands and arms. Dirt and Oil glistened and matted down her cropped brown hair. Dried tears streaked her cheeks. Betrayal seared her heart. Purpose, however, steeled her for the inevitable conclusion.

Gaius wrapped her hands. Pity and Lament jerked at his heart. Purge had gorged itself on victims such as her. Remorse or Quarter? None expected or given. He'd helped a few such people out of Camelot. Still, for that reason and to satisfy Aredian, Uther enacted the extra precautions. In his mind's eye, Merlin or even himself could sit in her place….

…in truth, Merlin's actions exposed her. Helping him put her in that place….

Guilt stabbed down hard on his mind. Surely, King Rodor can figure something out! Where are those sorceresses? Surely, there is another beside Nimue. He shook his head. "How is that, Lady Reyna? I can tie it looser."

Reyna cleared her throat. "Nay, Master Gaius. Thank you." She jerked herself from Meditation's grasp. "It will matter little by tomorrow in any event." Her eyes took in his handiwork. "These hands will not heal any more in any event, I fear. Soon, I will perform my last service to her." She noted his eyes. "It will be all right."

"Lady, I am sorry. Thank you. I…" His tongue grew heavy. Loyalty and Common Sense reminded him that even those walls (and the guards) had ears. Word could get back to Uther. Priority lay with Merlin in any event. How is he? Can Britomart and Elena heal him?

Wistful smile creased her face. "My service protects something more important, Master Gaius. I am content. Pain will have its time." A nod bobbed her head up and down. "Aye. It shall. But then, it will be over. I have helped as many as I could. I did what I could. It is for others to take their turn." Her eyes cleared.

He looked around. "Aye. If they get by the Purge."

Snort escaped her nostrils. "Uther's diatribe will not last forever. It is but a test of faith." Disapproval stabbed through her eyes into his. "You have certainly failed enough. She knows." She rasped in a heavy breath. "But it is not for me to judge you. Please…please let him know that he is not at fault for my fate. He is a hero to Nemeth…as his father was."

"His…father?" Gaius stiffened. Revelation jarred his mind. "Lady." He leaned close to her ear. His hand and rag wiped her brow. "He has no father."

Mirth elicited a giggle. "Of course, he does! The elder was here…right here…in this very citadel! I will say no more than that. Your concern, for all of your other faults, is well taken. Water please?"

"Of course." Gaius poured water into a small wooden cup. "I could put hemlock or nightshade into it. You would go to sleep and never wake up again."

"Tempting." She shook that offer off. "Nay. My death means a great deal more in the greater scheme of things." Deeper breath still punctuated that thought. She accepted the cup. "She has requested that I not numb myself to the ordeal. Uther Pendragon has sown this patch. His bitter harvest, I fear, will choke him. I play but a small part. So do you. So do we all." Satisfaction sparkled in her eye. "My dear husband squanders my family's inheritance. His prejudice and bias mirror Uther's, I fear. I worry only for my dear Elaine. She will suffer. I can do nothing about that."

"I can have Master Wyngate speak to the King. Perhaps Lady Elaine could be at court?" Gaius proposed.

"Bernard would never allow that. Our sorcery is too much of an embarrassment, you see. He and Lord Aethelwald wish to impress the hardliners." She shook her head. "He took a blow on King Rodor's behalf. He sired my little ray of sunshine. Beyond that, he is of little use." She took a mouthful from the cup. "Thank you. Watch over your charge. He has a role to play in this."

"He…does? He has his…!" Gaius started before her hand stifled his response.

Her eyebrow raised at him. Disapproval elicited a headshake. "Destiny is but a strange thing. It is like a river, Master Gaius. It flows along its designated path. All remains as is. I am like a tree shading it. We each have our purpose. My death, however, is akin to an axe cutting it down. That tree will partially dam that river now. A decision has been made. A divergence and a new way will guide that river now. A new valley will bloom from its water. It seems his last visit to the holy isle had an impact after all." Her eyes shifted toward the door. "We have guests."

Divergence? Merlin cannot leave now! Camelot needs him! Prince Arthur would not know what to do with himself! Gaius shook his head. He stood up. "I see. I will let them have their time then, Lady. Is there anything else?"

"Nay. Thank you for your service, Master Gaius. Remember, do not seek to interfere in our Lady's workings. I die content so that he may press on. That is not for you or anyone else to impede. You may go." She motioned toward the door.

Gaius bowed. "Then, may you know peace. Be blessed, Lady Reyna." His ears picked up on the safeguards' unlocking outside. He collected his bag and shuffled toward the door. Regret panged in his heart anew for Merlin's and his role in this circumstance. He watched the door open. "Lady Morgana, Princess Mithian, Lady Elaine." Respect prompted a bow.

"Master Gaius, how…how is Mama?" Elaine looked at Reyna's tattered appearance. Doubts and questions filled her. Her eyes looked toward Mithian and Morgana in turn.

"I tended to her, Lady Elaine. She is as well as can be." Gaius forced a smile for Elaine's benefit. "She is a strong woman. Be proud of her. I will let you all speak."

"Thank you, Gaius." Morgana nodded. "Be sure to tell both kings of that." Bile burned in her stomach anew. Doubt cropped up again. Once more, Memoria recalled Tom's death and Gwen's tears. Murderous hate flared in her once again. "Elaine, she is right there. Go on."

Elaine rushed across the chamber. She threw her arms around Reyna's midsection. "Mama! Oh! Praise be!" Her kisses showered Reyna's hands and cheeks.

Reyna brightened. "My precious!" Her lips pressed Warmth's imprint on Elaine's forehead. "I knew you'd come." She touched forehead to Elaine's. "I wish I had more to offer you."

"Mama! I'm just happy to be with you!" Elaine pulled her mother closer to herself. Comfort eased her pain. "King Rodor said I could stay with you for a while. Would that not be nice?"

"Aye. That was my request of him." Reyna studied Morgana and Mithian with care. Emotions crackled about them. "We should be grateful for everything, my Sweet. Lady Morgana, thank you. I heard you convinced King Uther."

"Of course, Milady." Morgana bowed to the prisoner. She stifled her inner volatility. "Princess Mithian and I did what we could."

"I have no doubt that you both worked toward that end." Reyna forced herself to her feet. She curtseyed with effort. "Milady, thank you as well."

"Father and I…." Lament shut off Mithian's voice. Shame burned at her and on Rodor's behalf. "Lady Morgana agreed to escort me. We are being watched."

Morgana rolled her eyes. "Princess, I am sorry. I…."

"It is not you, Lady Morgana. Nor is it Princess Mithian. Nor her father. I know King Rodor's heart is good. You, I worry about." Reyna looked to Mithian. "Please take Elaine into the passage. I require a little time with each of you in turn. When I am done speaking to Lady Morgana, Milady, I'd need you to listen as well. What I have to say to each of you is important." Purpose set her eyes. "Elaine, go with the Princess. I am not sending you away. Lady Morgana, Princess Mithian and I need to speak on certain things. I promise. When they are done, we will have our time. All right?"

"We will bring you right back in, Lady." Mithian squeezed Elaine's hand. "We will be right outside, Milady. Come along, Elaine. Maybe you can tell me what you'd like for dinner?"

"I'd go without eating to be with her, Milady." Elaine looked back at Reyna. Despite Evasions, Emotions crackled about the room. Regret and Shame weighed on her from Mithian. Fear, however, chilled her with Morgana. Premonition pushed her. Under Pleasant Exterior, Darkness took root. Resentment, Anger, and Vengeance flared in combined tempest within Morgana.

Reyna motioned for Elaine to follow. Much as with her daughter, she discerned Morgana's emotions. Potential futures revealed issues and pitfalls. She waited for the door to close. "The guards know I will not harm you."

"Of course, you would not! A healer like yourself?" Morgana stared at her. Incredulity deadened her mind. A frown spread across her face. "You have done more to help people. I wish King Uther would understand!"

"He only sees my magic as evil." Reyna looked into her eyes. Do not prove that to be the case, Child. She shook her head. "I have seen a great deal. I have seen you. Control your rage and anger. Others will seek to fan those flames and shape them to their ends. You have a greater destiny than Camelot. Anger toward the Pendragon will only fester and destroy. It would be your downfall. Look toward your father's lands. Make peace not war. When the time is right, your future will lie there not with Camelot. But, as with all things, the choice is yours. She drank from her cup. "Your sleep is uneasy, Lady. I know. I imagine Master Gaius tries to deal with it?"

"Aye. He does not know. I wanted to talk to you. Perhaps you can help me? I know you have no reason to do so. I would understand." Morgana squeezed Reyna's hand. "I would understand these dreams and nightmares."

"I am sure you would. Do not fight it." Reyna's eyebrow arched at her. Her eyes rested on the door and potential eavesdroppers outside. It is but the first signs of your magic. You are a sorceress.

Morgana narrowed her eyes. Protests bubbled up in her mind. Denials formed. Worries and fears shoved her up against the wall. Is that why I hear you?

Aye. Gaius suspects. That is why he gives you the sleeping powders. He protects you from the King's rage. Take it as such. Bide your time. Take care with your magic. I could not teach Elaine. She will suffer from my oversight, I fear. Aredian could hunt you as well. Not a word in Camelot. My end is a lesson. Duty demands a price from each of us. Have faith in the triple goddess, Lady Morgana. Be patient. Reyna took another draught.

"Can I refill your cup, Lady?" Morgana held the pitcher up.

"Aye. Thank you." Reyna allowed Morgana to refill the cup. "Heed my words, Lady Morgana. Others' ways intertwine with yours. Harmony is a necessary thing. I accept my fate. Know that everything will happen in its proper season. Now, can you stay with Elaine please? I need to speak with Milady."

Morgana nodded. Revelations and emerging talents floored her to be honest. She knew something had happened. I am really a sorceress? Uther would never accept me! Gwen would be horrified. She raised Reyna's bandaged hand. "I appreciate your insight. I'll try."

"That is all any of us can do, Lady Morgana. Be blessed." Reyna's broken fingers managed a touch across Morgana's fingers. "Go on. Be strong." She watched Morgana depart the area. Lady, be with Morgana Pendragon. Darkness clouds her way. As she goes, so does Merlin. So do Princess Mithian and Nemeth. Prayer bowed her head. Uther's hate festers and infests with its poison. Help them!

"Lady Reyna?"

Reyna raised her eyes. "My Lady, thank you for coming back in." She bowed. "Thank you for being so kind to Elaine. I fear for her."

"The King and I will do what we can, Lady Reyna. I fear Count Bernard will be difficult." Mithian sucked in a burning breath. "King Uther is having us watched. He fears we will help you escape."

"He remembers Sir Balinor's escape from his hate." Reyna shook her head. "That man! He will not accept what his wishes have done." Rueful sniff pushed from her nostrils. "That is why he allows Elaine to stay with me. She is a hostage to keep me here. As if I'd abandon her?"

"Nay. Thank you for your service to Nemeth, Lady Reyna. If Queen Taene was here, she'd…" Mithian started.

"It is better she is not. I know of her pain. Hers was a good heart. Your father is a good man. I bear none of you ill. Watch your brother with care. Prince Kay has evaded the Cailleach by the thinnest of hairs. His luck will run out. Nemeth's fortunes lie with you, Princess. Have patience and forbearance. You are the Lady of the People already. They know this. Your words to the Prince echoed to our ears. King Rodor will need you."

"Already I am laughed at by potential suitors. I…." Mithian started. "I cannot inherit by myself."

Reyna shook her head. "You will not have to. There is someone who will rule with you. He has appeared. It is for you to recognize him." A smile cracked her features anew.

"There is?" Amazement and Disbelief questioned Reyna's prophecy. Hope warmed her. "I will be there for the King of course! It is not Prince Arthur? Is it? He is a good man but…." Grimace contorted her face.

"Nay. I cannot say. Patience. Look after our people, Princess. Keep your servant, Britomart, close by. She will be your trusted eyes and ears. Look in on Elaine when you can." Reyna's hand stifled a cough. "Be strong. Be an open ear to Lady Morgana. She will need friends in the coming time. She would be a good friend for you as well, Milady."

"I will. Be blessed, Lady Reyna. Thank you." Mithian raised Reyna's hand. Gratitude prompted a kiss across the bandaged knuckles.

"It is my duty and pleasure. Be blessed as well. Look for the one." Reyna bowed again. "Now, send my love back to me. I am sure the King needs you at his side."

"Aye." Mithian assessed Reyna yet again. Despite Imminent Doom, Serenity cloaked the condemned woman. Purpose steeled her strength and will. If only I could have Lady Reyna's strength! She walked up to the door and knocked on it. If this miscarriage of justice doesn't sicken me to death first!

"Is…Is Mama all right, Milady?" Elaine stuck her head in the door. "Pardon me. I…"

"Why should you apologize for wanting to see your mother, Lady Elaine? That is a marvelous thing! King Rodor agrees! Go on to her now. Everything will be all right." Mithian pointed toward Reyna. "Your love is an inspiration."

"Thank you!" Elaine rushed back to her mother's side.

Mithian nodded. She watched Reyna and Elaine for a few heartbeats. Then, she walked out into the passage. "Thank you, Good Knights. Lady Morgana, I believe dinner is about to be served?"

"Aye." Morgana still mulled over Reyna's prophecy. "I need to think. Thank you, Princess."

"Thank you as well, Lady Morgana. I appreciate you as well. Come. I would check on King Rodor." Mithian led Morgana out of the passage and back up the stairs.

Events meantime progressed on….