[A/N: Happy Thanksgiving!]
Chapter 16 [Severn Crossing]
Nemeth's main contingent pressed toward the river's rushing waters. Vigilance kept the emerald knights on high alert. Six knights rode ahead of Rodor and Taene to scout the road and crossing ahead. Four others rode behind them. Their eyes swept over the entire area. Mithian's and Kay's contingent were supposed to meet them there.
Malodius trudged through brush and between trees. Stealth assisted in his mission to protect the entourage. Cover enabled him to get around Camelot's issues. A low growl came from his mouth. Despite Truce's promises, something ahead burned at his senses.
Tensions remained high….
Taene rubbed her stomach. Sharp pains stabbed through her. Numbness and Chills twitched at her arms and upper back. She could barely hang on in the saddle. She wanted to push on for Camelot at a faster rate. Ginger failed to ease Nausea's discomfort. She narrowed her eyes. "I told you. I am fine."
"I'm still asking Master Gaius to look at you. Britomart will speak with him." Rodor shook his head. Master Wyngate, in spite of all of his knowledge, failed to diagnose her ailment. Symptoms grew worse. Hopes lay with Gaius' skill and experience. Worry occupied his mind and heart. Negotiations held promise. Results, however, remained far from assured. Personalities could serve as roadblocks in their own right. Trust remained low.
Disaster remained a likely outcome….
"We should be preparing to deal with Meleagant and Uther. My situation should not distract us. Nemeth and our subjects are our priority." She sat up straight and tall in her saddle. "I hope that Kay keeps his head in Camelot. I worry for him."
Rodor nodded. "This will be his last visit here. The scene over Mithian's last grant proved the final straw for me. I want him to be more involved back in Whitgate. He cannot simply brush off our responsibilities. He can follow Mithian's example. If there is one upside to this expedition, Prince Arthur can provide a worthy example for him in certain regards. He has to learn to be more than a soldier. His focus should be at court and not on dreams beyond our borders. I fear for Nemeth after we are gone." He pressed ahead. "Sir Galahad?"
"Aye, Sire?" Galahad dropped back to ride astride Rodor and Taene. Concern creased his brow. "If I may, Sirs Reginald and Yates are about to cross the river ahead of us. I was just at the shore. There was no sign of our other knights. It is too quiet for my liking, Sire and Milady."
"Surely King Uther would maintain security?" She put her hand in front of her mouth. Grating coughs still put everyone on edge. "Apologies, Sir Galahad. Please continue."
Galahad averted his eyes from her. "I would recommend staying on this side of the river for now. Until we do cross the Severn, we stand on Nemeth's and Camelot's shared ground. Malodius can help us here." He bowed in the saddle. "I do not want to tell you what to do."
Rodor held his hand up. "Nay. You offer your observations. We should not simply rush across and into danger. We should keep our options. I do not trust Meleagant to keep his word. Uther, for all of his bile, can be trusted in regard to our negotiations. Ride along this side of the river. Meantime, we can rest here."
A whistle pierced the air. Reginald and Yates galloped back toward the main group. Panic widened their eyes. Glances continued over their shoulders. "SIRE! MILADY! CAWDOR IS THERE!"
"Cawdor is…there. Of course, King Meleagant is!" She coughed into her hand. "We…"
Cawdor's knights spilled forth from the trees on the adjacent shore. Much as with Kay's and Mithian's contingent, their numbers threatened to overwhelm Rodor's group. Men on horseback crossed the rushing waters with impunity.
"Knights!" Galahad drew his sword. "Defend the King and Queen! Ywain! Stay with me!" He crossed swords with a particularly tall counterpart.
Malodius roared. He sprinted off toward the river. His emerald eyes narrowed. Claws extended from his paws. He scattered the oncoming knights akin to Pins in future alley. Claws rent chain mail. Fallen horses pinned their riders underneath themselves. Swords bounced off of his magical hide. Within a dozen heartbeats, his fight had run its course. He stomped back over toward the others.
Galahad knocked his adversary's sword away from him. He held his own blade to the other's throat. "Now, Sirrah, I believe my King and Queen would like some answers. What is this? What have you done with our comrades, Princess Mithian and Prince Kay?" Purpose stabbed from his eyes.
"I believe those are all good questions, Good Knights. What is King Meleagant's aim in this matter? We mean him no harm. We are here simply to negotiate," Rodor insisted.
"You are alone. I would do what Sir Galahad suggests," Ywain chimed in. He glanced down at Malodius. "Finished already with them?"
Malodius growled. Impatience flicked his tail. His ears lay down flat. His eyes went back toward the river again.
Who knew what surprises awaited?